Tag Archives: travel

How To Pass Your Permit Test

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Turning 16 years old can be a checkpoint or a milestone in some people’s lives. After all, many changes come along with turning 16. For example, permit life. It’s a time when many teens are working hard to get their license by driving with instructors, parents, etc. If you’re 16-17 years old, it is guaranteed that you have heard people in your grade begin talking about getting their permit/license or practicing for their license. However, before getting a license, it is required to get a permit first by passing a permit test. Some people may be confident in taking the permit test, and some people may not. When I took my permit test, I was extremely anxious and worried that I had waited all that time in line for nothing, but don’t worry. Here are some tips that I can give as a teen who passed the permit test on the first try with 45/47 correct. 

Study the Handbook

This is the most important thing you need to pass your permit test. This is your study guide—your golden ticket. If you just study the handbook, it’s almost certain that you’re going to pass. This is because the handbook is basically what you’re being tested on for the permit test. The handbook covers the basic rules of driving and the things you need to know before driving really well. If you study the handbook well, you don’t need to do anything else, and you can do well. You can find the handbook on the DMV website and download it as a PDF. You can also find audio readings online that you can listen to as you are reading.

Practice Quizzes/Tests

Take as many practice quizzes as you can. When I was studying for my permit test, I did lots of practice quizzes and practice permit tests, and these helped a lot. Before I started studying, I took a practice test to see where I was at and took note of what I got right and wrong. Then each time I studied, I did practice tests and quizzes along with it. There are many of these online. Just search up “DMV Practice Test/Quiz,” and just take as many tests as necessary. You can even download apps from the App Store. For me, I used this app called “DMV Practice Test” with a green logo and a car. The app also had the handbook, which I thought was useful. Then it had a section of practice quizzes and a section of practice tests. These were so helpful, and they helped me pass the permit test. 

Although these tips are useful, it is also crucial to get good sleep and eat well before the permit test, especially if you are really waiting in line. It is hard to focus when you are tired, and it makes it way easier for your brain to work during the test. But remember, even if you fail the permit test, you can always try again, and you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself. Trust me, don’t stress too much; you’ll be fine. Good luck!

Greece Summer Vacation

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During my summer 2025 vacation, I had the opportunity to travel to Greece with my family. Out of all the countries I’ve ever been to before, including Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Mexico, I would rate Greece as my favorite. Listed below are the four different islands I went to.

Athens (5 days)

Athens had the most attractions Greece had to offer. From ancient ruins to countless museums, I’d say if you want to take in as much history as you can from Greece, you should go to Athens. My favorite site we visited was definitely Acropolis. For some background, Acropolis is an ancient archaeological site where Greeks settled and proudly defended Athens. There are many columned buildings, like the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its Porch of Caryatids, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Moreover, there were ancient theatres that were used for music, oratory, and poetic performances. These include the Theatre of Dionysus, birthplace of Greek theatre, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Additionally, before taking the two hour drive to the Temple of Zeus, our taxi driver took us to my favorite restaurant in Athens, Labros. They had the best souvlaki, fries, meatballs, and Greek salad I had eaten in my whole trip. I highly recommend going there if you plan on taking a trip to Athens!

Mykonos (3 days)

Mykonos, known for being one of Greece’s “party islands” was my favorite island we went to. Our hotel, the Nissaki Boutique Hotel, had a jaw dropping ocean view with many party yachts anchored in the water. This alone made my Mykonos experience one hundred times better. Moreover, the island’s vibe was completely unmatched. Strolling through Mykonos town, petting the cats, and having delicious gelato was so different from visiting museums in Athens. Additionally, I took a day trip to Delos, an ancient sacred island known for being the legendary birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis. In its day, Delos was a thriving commercial and trading center in the Hellenistic period, with its original stones and houses still standing. I thoroughly enjoyed Delos and would recommend taking a day trip there if you are in Mykonos!

Santorini (3 days)

In Santorini, I went to its two main towns, Fira and Oia. One takeaway I have from Fira and Oia is that it’s like a hike. To see the different parts of the town, you must go up many hills and stairs, but once you do, it is so worth it. The sunsets and ocean views at the tips of these towns were breathtaking, and I did not regret the sore legs! I loved exploring these towns and I know you will too!

Crete (4 days)

I spent my last four days of my Greece trip in Crete, and I definitely believe that was too much time. Due to Crete being the biggest island in Greece, many of its attractions were spaced out. My family and I did not find this out until arriving there, so many of the attractions we planned to see and put time towards were not visited. I really enjoyed walking on Crete’s black-sand beaches and swimming in its clear green waters. Overall, I’d say Crete was a beautiful island and I liked its beaches the best.

I hope after reading this blog you plan a trip to Greece! 

– Sophia B.

Fort McHenry: A Journey Through American History

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Last December I had the chance to visit Fort McHenry, and even though my visit was brief, it was an experience that taught me more than I anticipated. As a high school student who took US History two years ago and will retake it this coming year, I wanted to explore historical sites to deepen my understanding of our nation’s history, understand and remember it. Fort McHenry was a perfect place to start my US history for this coming year.
When we arrived at Fort McHenry, we bought the tickets, which were just fifteen dollars for adults, and if you’re under sixteen, it’s free. Also, if you have a Nation Park membership, you can visit.
Walking through the fort, I was struck by how much I didn’t know despite having studied the War of 1812 in class. When I saw the grand American flag flying over the fort, I was reminded of our national anthem, “O! say can you see…” and how this sight inspired the author Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Seeing the flag in person and understanding the historical context made the anthem’s words more meaningful.
The star-shaped fortress design was the key to the defense against the enemy during the British battle.
As I walked along the fort’s walls and explored its various sections, I could almost picture the scenes of the battles from the 19th century and see the courageous defenders and the intensity of the war.
One of the highlights of my visit was the Star-Spangled Banner Exhibit.
I learned about the history through reading, but the exhibit provided incredible insights into the creation of our national anthem, and the critical role Fort McHenry played helped me in deeper knowing, not just reading from text. I learned details about Francis Scott Key’s experience that I hadn’t read in textbooks. We attended exhibits that showed the roles forts played in the Civil War and World Wars and their ongoing importance throughout American history.
Another program visitors can participate in is ranger-led. It’s where rangers share stories and knowledge about the fort, which makes history come alive for visitors.
We had a walking tour along the bay, which reminded us how history is interwoven into our daily lives, and the natural landscapes of the fort were very relaxing.
Visiting Fort McHenry was more than just a field trip; I appreciated the historical facts we learned, and the hands-on exhibition confirmed the US history I read or learned in school. It gave me a deep understanding of US history.
I highly recommend visiting Fort McHenry. It’s a place where history comes alive. It offers a personal connection to the stories we often learn about in class. It is also close to Baltimore Harbor, so you’ll have another great place to explore and good food.
Happy exploring!
Bella H.

A Guide to Yosemite

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Last summer I had the privilege to visit Yosemite National Park. My family loves to travel to national parks during the summer. This year, we decided to go to Yosemite, since the last time we went was 2010. Though I have been to many national parks, I can say that Yosemite is one of my top 5 favorite parks. Below, you’ll find a guide on where to stay and what to do!

Accommodations

  • Camp Curry Village – My family stayed here because the lodge is very hard to reserve. If you enjoy hiking and are outdoorsy, Camp Curry is a great way to stay in the park for a cheaper price.
  • Yosemite Valley Lodge – This accommodation is very comfortable and has many food options within the lodge. If you’re looking to stay in a small condo, this is the place to be. Make sure to reserve a year in advance to guarantee a spot.
  • The Ahwahnee – Built in the 1920s, The Ahwahnee boasts of a convenient location, stunning views, and remarkable architecture. The Ahwahnee is very luxurious and is definitely the most expensive stay in Yosemite. Come to this accommodation if you would like a relaxing getaway.

Hikes

  • Half Dome – (14-16 miles roundtrip) Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most famous hikes. This hike goes to the top of Half Dome, where you are met with an unobstructed view. Half Dome requires a permit and is extremely difficult but rewarding.
  • Upper Yosemite Falls – (7.4 miles roundtrip) Upper Yosemite Falls is a great alternative to Half Dome. However, this hike is very tedious and there isn’t much shade at the last stretch going up. Make sure to bring plenty of water!
  • Cooks Meadow – (1 mile loop) Cooks Meadow is a great place to walk and run. This scenic route is great for families with young children.
  • Vernal Falls – (8 miles roundtrip) This hike follows the Mist Trail and leads up to Vernal Falls. I haven’t personally done it, but one of my close friends raved about this hike.
  • Mirror Lake – Mirror Lake is an amazing place to run to. I started at the Yosemite Falls Lodge and it was 5 miles roundtrip. Mirror Lake is also accessible by bikes and cars; it is another family-friendly place to visit.

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Rafting
  • Running
  • Camping

Lookouts

  • Glacier Point
  • Tunnel View
  • Taft Point

Places to visit in Kauai, Hawaii

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Kauai is one of 137 islands in the state of Hawaii. Also known as the Garden Island, Kauai is revered for its lush landscape with steep cliffs that meet aqua-blue water. I had the privilege of visiting this island last June for about a week. Prior to going on this vacation, I researched this island and found it to be extremely helpful when wondering what to do or see. When going to Hawaii, most people flock to Oahu; and while this island is pretty and has amazing food, Kauai is remote and prettier (in my opinion). Below are places and things to do if visiting Kauai.

Beaches

  1. Tunnels Beach – This was my favorite beach on my visit to Kauai. If you are looking for a place to snorkel, Tunnels is the place to go. At Tunnels, the coral was huge and there was a large variety of sea life. The best part of this beach is the view of the mountains in the background with the beach at your feet.
  2. Anini Beach – Located in the northern part of Kauai, Anini Beach is known for being a family-friendly beach. The water at this beach remains shallow for about 30 feet out. However, the best part about this beach was the amount of turtles. When I was snorkeling, I believe I saw turtles 15-20 times. Another pro about this beach is that there is a lot of shade so beach umbrellas aren’t needed.
  3. Hanalei Bay – Hanalei Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Kauai to visit–and for good reason. At this beach, you are surrounded by panoramic views of golden-sand beaches and a range of mountains. Also, there is a pier that you can jump off of for fun.
  4. Poipu Beach – This is another family-friendly beach on the south shore of Kauai. Poipu Beach is great for snorkeling and relaxing. A con of this beach is that it is always crowded. However, if you are in the area of Poipu, stop by this beach.

Hikes/Other Activities

  1. Kalalau Trail – Hiking is a major activity that you HAVE to do in Kauai. This particular trail stretches 22 miles in length (you have to have a permit to do all of it). I only hiked to Hanakāpīʻai Beach which was 4 miles round-trip. This hike was so beautiful and the views along the coast were gorgeous. After the beach, you can hike to Hanakāpīʻai Falls (8 miles roundtrip). Overall, Kalalau Trail is a must-do when visiting Kauai.
  2. Waimea Canyon – Waimea Canyon is named the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and was formed from the collapse of a volcano. The unique terrain of this canyon is an attraction you should see. I believe that you can hike this, but my family and I just drove to different lookouts to see the Canyon.
  3. Lydgate Farms Chocolate Tour – As a chocolate fanatic, I was so excited to visit this Chocolate Farm. While you can book a tour to explore the farm, I just went to the gift shop. At the gift shop, an employee gives you a chocolate lecture where you learn about the origins of the cacao and try the products. I’ve tried a bunch of chocolate in my life and I can confidently say this was the best chocolate I’ve ever had. Lydgate Farms makes their chocolate in small batches which was evident considering how delicious the chocolate was.
  4. Na Pali Coast Boat Tour – Last but not least, you NEED to go on a Boat Tour (or helicopter tour) to see the Na Pali coast. I would recommend going with the company Captain Andy’s and booking the “Na Pali Raft Day Expedition.” On this boat tour, we went through sea caves, snorkeled, ate lunch at an ancient fishing town, and saw the Na Pali coast. This was hands down my favorite memory from the trip. The Na Pali coast is breathtaking and the water was the color of blue Gatorade. In addition to doing cool activities on this tour, you’ll learn much about the history of Kauai and its people.

Places to Eat

  1. Wishing Well Shave Ice
  2. Kenji Burger
  3. Wailua Drive-In

Photos

Tunnels Beach

Na Pali Coast

Wishing Well Shave Ice

Prague, Czechia

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Prague Old Town Square; Image from Arch Journey, https://archjourney.org/projects/old-town-square/

Prague is a vibrant city in eastern Europe that has a wide range of unique experiences and sights like no other. Recently, as a part of a trip to Europe, I spent two days exploring what this city has to offer. Known as “The Golden City” or the “Heart of Europe” to some, this city was truly a unique experience.

Prague is famously known for its Old Town district, centered around a bustling market square with local produce and other products, as well as most famously, an intricate astronomical clock tower containing an intricate timepiece distinct to the city. Installed in 1410, this clock is the subject of a local legend. It is rumored that if the clock is neglected or stops running, the city will suffer. Keeping with this legend, the centuries-old clock is remarkably well-preserved and still runs perfectly, restored most recently in 2022.

Prague is also known for its architecture in the baroque style, as evident by the Charles bridge, which I visited on my second day in Prague. This city is known for its unique classic architecture, as I witnessed when I visited Prague Castle, a massive complex of historical buildings that includes the castle itself, as well as the St. Vitus Cathedral.

Overall, visiting Prague was a unique and wonderful experience, and I would definitely recommend visiting this city in a trip to Europe. The unique architecture, culture, and atmosphere is definitely something I have never seen in the United States before. Travelling the world outside of the U.S is definitely a great way to widen one’s understanding of the unique cultures and ways of living across the globe.

Image Sources:

Left: Charles Bridge, Sergey Ashmarin, 2007, Wikimedia Commons

Right: Prague Astronomical Clock, Steve Collis, 2012, Wikimedia Commons

Books about travel to Prague are available to download for free from Libby.

My Cruise Vacation 

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While on summer break, my family and I wanted to do something fun and exciting. After much thought, we decided we wanted to go on a cruise ship. The cruise ship we ended up going on was called the Carnival Firenze. The ship had an Italian theme, which included plenty of Italian art. The cruise ship lasted from July 21st to July 25th for a total of four days. In those four days, the cruise went to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. We were also able to explore much of the ship and experience most of its activities in those four days.

When we first stepped on board the ship we headed toward our muster station where they told us what to do in an emergency. Right after that, we went to our room which had a total of three beds, two bathrooms, and a television that had thirty-five different channels and a selection of free movies and some that you can buy. For the rest of the day, we explored the ship and did activities such as watching a show called Dear Future Husband and going on a ropes course. When I woke up the next day we were at Catalina where we just walked around and went shopping for most of the day. The next day we were in Ensenada. While in Ensenada we were on a tour that went to the second-largest blowhole in the world called La Bufadora and went to La Riviera, which is a historical place where celebrities would go to gamble. The next day was a day at sea. While at sea for the entire day, we played mini golf at the Sports Square, watched a gameshow that you could participate in called Deal or No Deal, and played a whole bunch of trivia games. On the final day, we ate breakfast at a restaurant called Michelangelo’s and then got off the ship. 

I had a ton of fun while on this cruise. They did a great job with entertaining guests. I highly recommend it for your next family vacation. I particularly liked the shows they put on such as an interactive Deal or No Deal game show and the constant trivia games, which include superheroes, movies, and music trivia, that anybody could participate in. Every worker on the ship was friendly and nice, which added to the overall enjoyment. The cruise also included a great selection of food options such as Guy’s Burger Joint and a buffet with a variety of food called the Lido Marketplace. Every meal I had didn’t disappoint since all of the food I had was very tasty and high quality even though most of it is free and included with the cruise. The two destinations we went to were also intriguing to me. Even though we didn’t do much at Catalina it was still nice to walk around and explore the island. Going on a tour in Ensenada was much fun since I learned about some history and saw many things that are new to me such as a blowhole.

In conclusion, the Carnival Firenze was a great experience and I recommend it to families who can afford it. The cruise has lots of activities to enjoy with your family. Some of these activities include going into some souvenir stores and listening to music played by many professionals for hours each day. The cruise ship even has multiple restaurants that provide free food such as a restaurant called the Medici where my family and I ate dinner every night. Once you leave the cruise you’ll be thinking about all of the memories you’ve made and you’ll miss being on the ship.

-Matthew R.

Lisbon Summer Vacation

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This summer, my family and I went to visit Lisbon. Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in the world. Its history is rich, and the city is filled with enriching museums and dazzling churches. The city is home to brightly colored buildings and the iconic Portuguese tiles that line the charming streets. 

My family and I spent a week in Lisbon, traveling from LAX to Montreal and then to Lisbon. We stayed at the Hotel NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade, located on the famous Avenida da Liberdade. The hotel offered a beautiful view of the city, including St. George’s Castle and the vibrant buildings. After unpacking, we explored the city center and enjoyed a delicious meal at McDonald’s. We then dined at Rubro, a restaurant that I would rate 9/10 for its filet steak and fries.

On the second day, we visited Belem, a historic district in Lisbon, where we saw the Marques de Pombal statue, the Estrela basilica, and the Empire Square Garden. We also visited the Jeronimos Monastery, famous for its intricate architecture and the resting place of Vasco da Gama. The Church of St. Maria of Belem was also a visit. We then visited the Monument of Discovery, where we took photos of the Tagus River and Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. We also visited the Belem Tower, which was closed by the time we arrived. After sightseeing, we returned to the hotel for dinner at a restaurant that served Fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre with a melancholic essence.

On the third day, we visited the Royal Jewelry Museum and the Royal Palace Museum, where we observed the royal palace’s unique rooms and tasks. We then took a hop on hop off bus to Lisbon, visiting the historic Águas Livres Aqueduct, the national park (Parque das Nações), and the National Tile Museum. The tile museum showcased detailed tiles, primarily blue and white, influenced by the Qing Dynasty. We then visited St. George’s Castle, built in the 12th century. We ended the night with dinner at a small restaurant called Taberna Anti Dantas, where we enjoyed sea bass.

On the fourth day, we visited the Lisbon Earthquake Museum, where we reenacted the 1755 devastating earthquake. We had lunch at Pastéis de Belém, a pastry shop known for their famous cream tart, Pastel de Nata. We also visited the National Museum of Ancient Art, which took about 3 hours to explore. We also took the Santa Justa lift to enjoy the stunning view of Lisbon. Lastly we ate dinner at Cafe Niccola, where I had a salmon filet with roasted potatoes.

If you are looking to take a vacation, I highly recommend looking into traveling to Portugal, as I enjoyed my stay heavily!

Travel books about Portugal are available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. They are also available to download for free from Libby.

Marrakesh, Morocco

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Image from https://dunesdeserts.com/en/top-7-things-to-do-in-jemaa-el-fna/

Marrakesh is a vibrant tourist attraction that differs from many other cities worldwide. I spent 6 days in the city in early June and explored its unique culture. Marrakesh is known as the “Red City” due to all of its buildings being red, a distinctive aspect of the city that does not exist anywhere else. The Marrakesh experience greatly differs from other wealthy countries, such as the United States, but is equally enjoyable.

The Big Square, also known as Jemaa el-Fnaa, is the main tourist attraction in the city. It is famous for representing Moroccan traditions and having vibrant street performances throughout the day. Many small shops are close together, unlike anything in the United States. At nighttime, the lights and colors are a spectacular view, my favorite part of the trip. Since Morocco is a developing country, the city is a bit cluttered and dirty at times, including in The Big Square. However, this only gives a different experience to give tourists a new perspective on the world.

To conclude, Marrakesh is a wonderful city to visit and I would highly recommend it. Its lively environment and rich history make it a unique place for tourists. The Moroccan culture, building style, and stray cats are aspects I have never seen before in a country. Traveling helps visitors understand different ways of life in certain areas, and the Moroccan way of life is no short of astonishing.

Reasons Why You Should Chose Philippines For Your Next Vacation Destination

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https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/ultimate-guides/boracay-white-beach-guide

Imagine letting go of all your stress and letting yourself get engulfed in the feeling of relaxation as the sun beams its violent rays. I can guarantee you that this is one of the feelings you will experience in the beautiful country of the Philippines. The Philippines is a country located in Southeast Asia with a population of approximately 106.7 million people, and it is especially known for its breathtaking tropical beaches that draw in visitors worldwide, especially during the summer. You should consider going to the Philippines for your next vacation because of its popular tropical beaches, its dangerous but mesmerizing volcanoes, and its friendly citizens. 

One of the reasons why you should travel to this beautiful country of the Philippines for your next vacation is because of its very well-known tropical beaches. Because the Philippines is an archipelago, it consists of more than 7,000 islands, resulting in a vast variety of beaches in the Philippines. The Philippines has over a hundred beaches that all capture the beauty of the country. Many of these beaches have scorching sand due to the summer heat of the Philippines, but it is very soft to the touch. Not to mention, the oceans of these beaches are mesmerizing just by themselves. The beautiful teal and turquoise color of the shallow ocean as it transitions into a deep blue as the ocean gets less shallow is just a great sight to see. Some examples of these beaches are White Beach in Boracay, Nacpan Beach in El Nido, Palawan, Alona Beach in Nohol, and many more. 

Adding on, consider adding the Philippines to your next vacation destination because of the volcanoes there. The Philippines lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is where most volcanoes are, which is why there are countless volcanoes in the Philippines. Although harmful and dangerous, the volcanoes of the Philippines are a sight to see. One of the most popular volcanoes in the world and the most famous volcano in the Philippines is Mount Mayon in Luzon. Since this fury-active volcano is dangerous to be near, you could stay at a hotel near Mount Mayon and still be able to take in the sights of this marvelous volcano.

Lastly, you should visit the Philippines because the people there are very friendly! Despite most Filipinos not being able to communicate with tourists because of the different languages, they still show their hospitality and kindness. The people of the Philippines are very sweet and very festive, whether in the Philippines or not. Filipinos are very full of love, and they are mostly very joyful. Even if they are not living the best life, they try to make the most of what they have and remain hopeful. It is unlikely that you will have a bad experience with the people of the Philippines during your vacation. 

In conclusion, you should keep the Philippines in mind for the next time you go on vacation. The beautiful tropical beaches of the Philippines are like magnets that attract people worldwide, and the various volcanoes in the Philippines are very dangerous but also alluring, just making the Philippines very beautiful. The people of the Philippines are so kind and warm-hearted that they make the Philippines more beautiful than it already is. Thus, you should go to the Philippines, or at least consider it for your next vacation.

Books about the Philippines are available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. They are also available to download for free from Libby.