Wen-Chia Tsai Parker

Teacher, Author, Illustrator, Designer and Architect


Anniversary getaway to Huntington Beach Hilton Waterfront Resort

Happy pre-anniversary! We decided to do a getaway to the Hilton Hotel in Huntington Beach aka the Waterfront Beach Resort for 2 days! We drove down from Los Angeles along the PCH, Pacific Coast Highway and enjoyed two days of fun in the sun! We explored the beach area, the pier and main street of Huntington Beach! We had a great time and best of all we used our Hilton Honor points so it was definitely budget friendly. We had a beautiful ocean front view of the Pacific Ocean and enjoyed the California sunset. We also had a some great cali fresh meals! This little getaway mid week was such a treat! Huntington Beach, California, known as “Surf City USA,” is a vibrant seaside city in Orange County celebrated for its long stretch of sandy beaches, mild climate, and world-renowned surfing conditions. The city boasts approximately 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline along the Pacific Ocean, drawing millions of visitors annually to its iconic Huntington Beach Pier, lively downtown, and numerous recreational amenities. Huntington Beach is also noted for its strong beach culture. With a population of nearly 200,000, it offers residents and visitors a mix of outdoor activities, excellent weather, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle, making it a central hub for Southern California tourism and surf culture. #california #beach #calilove #ocean #vacation #budgettravel Feel free to follow us as we continue to post our adventures and fun together. My you tube channel at @wenchiat


1st time in Cancun at Westin Lagunamar Resort

We stayed for a week at the Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun for a week during Spring Break 2025.  We love the location and the view of the Caribbean ocean!  

The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun is an upscale beachfront resort located in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The property features 580 modern villas, each equipped with a fully furnished kitchen or kitchenette, washer and dryer, and a private balcony with ocean views, making it ideal for families and longer stays. Guests enjoy direct access to a white-sand beach, multiple infinity-edge pools with waterslides, a kids’ club, mini-golf, tennis courts, and a well-equipped fitness center. On-site dining includes several restaurants and bars, along with a market and outdoor grills for self-catering. Unlike many Cancun hotels, it is not all-inclusive, allowing guests more flexibility in dining and activities. The resort is eco-certified and caters to both families and couples seeking a relaxing, amenity-rich getaway close to La Isla Shopping Mall.

We used our Marriott Vacation club points for the week stay and it was a great value.  We enjoyed the spacious room and cooked a few simple meals in our room, like scrambled eggs and ramen noodles and sandwiches.  The bed was very comfortable and the staff was friendly and helpful.  The downside was that room service was not included since we were not there for a full week, you have to book 7 nights to have a room tidy.  There is a washer and dryer in the unit so it was easy to do a load or two for our towels and clothes.  The food and drinks at the resort was pretty good and prices were about 20 to 30% less than what we usually pay in LA and Hawaii.  Also they gave us a discount card that we used at a few restaurants within walking distance in the area.  Also it was a short walk to a supermarket and xoxo convenience store that had great prices on fruit, snacks and beer.  Most exciting was how cheap the eggs were! Only about 30 pesos which is about $1.50.  The beach was a beautiful long stretch of white sand and clear crystal blue water, so it was easy to swim and relax and go for beach walks! We would love to go back to Cancun again and explore the neighboring towns!