Trip Planning in 2021

When was the last time you took a vacation? Research shows that travel is profoundly beneficial to our mental health and productivity—and according to Expedia's annual Vacation Deprivation study, Americans are not taking nearly enough vacation. Compounding matters, researchers noted that 60 percent of respondents canceled or postponed their travel plans in 2020.

January 26 is National Plan for Vacation Day, and even if you’re expecting to travel later in 2021, there's no time like the present to start dreaming up your next getaway. This episode of the California Now Podcast can help you get started: Host Soterios Johnson first talks to Expedia Vice President of Customer Marketing Nathan Lump about the many benefits of travel, including the joys of travel planning. Next, Johnson connects with Condé Nast Traveler West Coast Editor Rebecca Misner to discuss the latest travel trends, including “slow travel” and splurge-filled adventures. The third guest is author and illustrator Chandler O'Leary, who shares the many joys of road-tripping up and down the state.

Guests

Nathan Lump, Vice President of Customer Marketing, Expedia

Condé Nast Traveler West Coast Editor Rebecca Misner

Author and illustrator Chandler O'Leary

Resources

Expedia VP of Customer Marketing Nathan Lump points out that both planning and taking a trip is good for you.

Expedia Vacation Deprivation Study

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Desert Blooms

San Diego

Condé Nast Traveler West Coast Editor Rebecca Misner says that many adventurers are planning an extended escape this year.

Santa Barbara

Channel Islands National Park

Mendocino

Alexander Wine Valley

The Lost Coast

Ferndale

Eureka

Barrio Logan

La Jolla

Laguna Beach

Coronado

Ojai

Carmel

Monterey

Marin County

Joshua Tree National Park

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

There is no substitute for a scenic road trip in California, according to Chandler O'Leary, author and illustrator of The Best Coast, A Road Trip Atlas.

Venice

Jenner

Newport Beach

Point Reyes

Fort Bragg

Highway 99

Dunsmuir

Shasta Lake

Central Valley

Fresno

Bakersfield

Atascadero

Sacramento

Palm Springs

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

About the Host

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis in 2016. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson will use the California Now Podcast platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.