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High Desert Getaway: Cuyama Buckhorn

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Have you ever been driving down a lonely highway and noticed an old roadside motel? One that probably has a few stories to tell? These throwbacks to another time were usually built in places that were no one’s destination; they were just a necessary stop after a long day of travel. But at least one motel in Santa Barbara County’s high desert between Bakersfield and the coast is changing that perception.

The Cuyama Buckhorn was built in the 1950s when the community of New Cuyama was a booming oil town. In 2018 Ferial Sadeghian and Jeff Vance, partners in the West Hollywood–based architectural firm iDGroup, purchased the Buckhorn, and its transformation into a funky destination motel began. 

The result is a creative mix of traditional western and mid-century design, with a splash of contemporary thrown in. The attention to detail in every room and throughout the motel grounds is stunning.

You can find families, couples, or people traveling alone occupying the 21 rooms at the Cuyama Buckhorn on any given weekend. The rooms have been stylishly remodeled and are spacious. Each has a small kitchenette area with a mini-fridge where you’ll find instant Verve coffee, Tea Pigs teabags, and s’more kits. All rooms have a large patio furnished with an outdoor table and chairs.

The grounds are designed with gatherings in mind. There are two fire ring areas where you will find inviting chairs. There is a Bocce Ball court, a pool table, lots of open seating areas, and a courtyard area covered in artificial turf where the kids can run. The pool is new but designed to fit in flawlessly with the mid-century roadside look of the place. Comfortable chaise lounges surround the pool, and there is a large jacuzzi and a sauna.

The motel has a cafe, restaurant, and bar. The bar is original and if the live-edge bar top could tell tales, the entertainment would never stop!

The food served at the Cuyama Buckhorn is locally sourced, including the beef for their incredible burgers, and reasonably priced. There are fresh pies made daily and chocolate chip cookies to make your mouth water.

The best part of Cuyama Buckhorn is the people. The staff and the guests all bring a sense of adventure and community. The staff goes out of their way to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. And while the guests may be there for different reasons, the setting seems to attract people looking for an experience and willing to be a part of that for others.

One evening during our stay, we sang songs around the firepit as a couple played their ukuleles. They were at the Cuyama to launch their hot air balloon the next morning and they warmly welcomed us to their jam session.  We met a young couple visiting from Los Angeles and by the end of our visit, we felt like old friends sharing recommendations on what to order and tips on where to hike.

The motel is a great home base for day trips to Carrizo Plain. The motel is also an excellent setting for a destination wedding. Or, make it a one or two-night stop when traveling to Monterey from southern California.

Post-pandemic entertainment is on the menu again at Cuyama including outdoor movies, live music, and a monthly BBQ held on the third Sunday of each month through October. Check the motel website for details on events.

While you can certainly couple your stay at Cuyama with winery visits and hiking excursions, the real lure is Cuyama Buckhorn itself. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy good food and drinks, and unwind. There is no need to plan anything more strenuous than a walk from your room to the pool. After two or three days of total downtime, you’ll be recharged, and who doesn’t need that occasionally?

TRICIA VLASAK is a mother, grandparent, and wife. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures. Tricia received a Silver Award for feature writing from Parenting Media Association in 2021.

Plan a trip your family won’t forget

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It is hard to believe that we haven’t been able to plan a summer vacation without worrying about staff shortages, canceled flights, mask rules, vaccinations, and restrictions regarding destinations, since the summer of 2019. Although some of that is still a concern, travel professionals say that this summer should finally be getting better for those who love to travel.

Expedia, in a poll of 12,000 people worldwide, found some interesting differences in summer travel plans for 2022 compared to past years. Although most Americans are sticking to domestic travel for now, with 37% planning international trips, there will be plenty of moving around going on. Two-thirds of Americans are planning “significant” trips in the next year. Apparently, people have realized how much they previously took the ability to travel freely for granted.

People take vacations for many reasons. But, for the first time, more travelers seek “richness and joy” from their travels. They want trips to feel special so they are seeking out adventures that are off the beaten path, with new cuisine and cultural experiences. They want to disconnect from devices – perhaps due to “Zoom fatigue” from two years of online meetings – and be more in the moment. Two years of mostly staying home, avoiding crowds, and home-schooling have made us all realize how much we’ve missed. We have a newfound appreciation for freedom and travel and realize that experiences are what matter the most.

START YOUR PLANNING

What are some things to think about for your summer travel? First, decide if you want to fly, drive, or use some other form of travel such as a train or ship.

There are definite advantages and disadvantages to every type of vacation.

THE FRIENDLY SKIES

As always, flying allows you more time to enjoy your destination. At this time, flights are still relatively inexpensive. And, of course, your destination options are unlimited when you fly. However, if you are trying to avoid exposure to large groups of people or don’t want to wear a mask for your entire trip, flying may not be the best choice. Staff shortages have created an issue with frequently canceled flights, fewer nonstop options, and more layovers. If you do choose to fly, travel insurance is smart. This allows for flexibility should your flight get changed or canceled altogether. Given the rapidly-changing Covid-19 regulations in many destinations and the increase and decrease in active cases in any given location, travel restrictions are always a possibility. It’s also smart to book rental cars with a “book now, pay later” option.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

If you plan to make an international trip, be sure to research your destination’s vaccine and testing regulations and schedule any necessary testing appointments. Check quarantine rules at your destination, and build that time into your trip. No one wants to spend six days of an eight-day vacation in quarantine. Also, keep in mind that passport renewals are taking longer.

CRUISING

Cruising will always be popular, and it’s no longer just for older adults. Young families and singles are discovering the joys of cruising: outstanding service, comfortable rooms, fantastic food, world-class entertainment, and access to some of the most beautiful places in the world. However, cruise ships have had a rough run for two years. Quarantines lasting longer than the original cruise and lockdowns requiring passengers to remain in their cabins have made traditional cruises less popular. Travelers motivated by the desire for adventure with less risk of illness are now turning to smaller boats, river cruises, or expedition-style cruises such as Viking or Silversea, which generally accommodate a few hundred guests rather than thousands. These cruises offer smaller crowds and more immersive experiences.

CAMPING AND RV’S

If you want to stay closer to home, maintain some social distance, and don’t require room service or luxury accommodations, camping is always a great choice. If you have a larger family and pets, RVing is the best way to travel. If you don’t have access to an RV, tent camping is an adventure in itself. Trust me when I say there is no better way to connect with your family than out in nature. Most remote campgrounds have poor cell service, which will force your kids (and your significant other) to be a bit more present. There is something about sleeping among giant redwoods or waking up to the sound of the surf that soothes the soul.

THE ALL AMERICAN ROAD TRIP

Finally, there is the road trip–one of my personal favorites. There is nothing quite like hitting a two-lane highway, exploring those “fly over” states, making the journey the vacation rather than choosing a destination. You are limited to as far as you can travel in the amount of time you have available. But some of the most incredible things to be seen are off far away from the freeway. My family rides Harleys, and we have traveled all over the U.S. and Canada on our bikes. I have photo books full of priceless memories made with my parents and my kids, exploring small towns and back roads, eating in local diners, and dancing to the local bands playing at street fairs. I still remember road trips in my dad’s Bronco, stopping to watch a field full of elk graze or wild horses drink from a stream. Those times together in a car, playing road games, laughing, and talking are something I will never forget.

Whatever you choose to do this summer, whether a weekend camping trip or a five-star cruise, make it all about the experience and adventure. Because the best memories have nothing to do with how much money you spend!

TRICIA VLASAK is a mother, grandparent, and wife. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures. Tricia received a Silver Award for feature writing from Parenting Media Association in 2021.

Kids and Road Trips

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With summer in full swing, there is still time for a family road trip. For me, road trips are both nostalgic and opportunities for new experiences with my family. Recently, we headed south to Los Angeles to visit relatives we have not seen since before the pandemic. I have learned lots of tips to have a successful family road trip.

In preparing for the trip, it is easy to cede the packing to mom. As a dad, if you are not doing the packing, I suggest you take charge of the in-car snacks. I have become responsible for the snack bag (with consultation, of course) and ensure a good mix of healthy and less healthy treats, salty and sweet ones, and novel snacks. To make the long car ride less tiresome, special, car-trip-only snacks help, even if they are junk. This time, it was special gummy candy, which was doled out in intervals for all to enjoy.

I also loaded up the tablet with movies and kid-appropriate TV shows. I am not a fan of the electronic babysitter, but on a long car trip, I don’t see much harm in providing my daughter with entertainment that she doesn’t usually watch. We also limited the amount of time watching the screen to after lunch so that there was an incentive for expected behavior. It worked, and there was far less whining as a result. Headphones are essential for happy parents, and I have found that the over-the-ear type is more comfortable for most kids.

I want my daughter to see the expanse of what California looks like outside of our area.  My wife and I are veterans of long car trips with our parents and recall many hours spent staring out the window. We talked about how the landscape of dry, yellow hills, oak trees, and stray cows was more of what California looks like than the beachy coastline where we live.  As we drove, I pointed out the neat rows of almond trees and the oil rigs in the middle of the state so that she would learn more about California. I showed her the California aqueduct and explained how the water travels south to supply the residents. We also talked about the range of temperature, given the summer heat.

As a kid, I remember being told to wait to use the bathroom until another exit or two (or more). I now do the opposite. We take advantage of the expected rest stops, stretch our legs, and feel the difference in the climate. I especially like this part of the road trip. On our coastline, summer often seems like a mythical creature. The intensity of the heat is a novelty (for a limited time). My wife and I both grew up in hot places, so it is reminiscent of our pasts. It is a new experience of hunting for the shady spot, keeping a drink handy, and being wary of metal playground equipment for our daughter. We also read the signs about the region’s history, learning how the Native Americans shaped the land and the animals seen in the area (including warnings of rattlesnakes).

In the past, I would have focused just on getting to the destinations. This time, we stayed in a reasonably-priced Santa Barbara hotel on the way home for two days. With the last year of being at home, we felt like the benefits of exploring somewhere new and mitigating risks by wearing masks were worth the detour. My family would accompany my father on sales trips he would take to the cities and towns up and down California as a child. While he was out drumming up business, my mother would take my sister and me to see what the town had to offer. We saw lots of historical sites, local museums, playgrounds, or just enjoyed the hotel pool. For my daughter, I want her to know the diversity of places and see the uniqueness of towns on the way. Knowing we were going to travel to Santa Barbara, I looked at what kid-friendly activities were there. I planned one major kid activity (the Zoo) and then left the other time open to figuring out something else to do. We ended up finding a great science museum that offered fun for all of us.

Once we returned to the hotel, we joined our daughter in the small pool to be her playmates. As a family, we rarely are in a pool together. Fun was had as we chased each other underwater, had splash fights, and I threw my daughter up in the air to land with cannonballs in the water. As a dad, I would hope my daughter would learn lot from the Zoo and science museum, but it is these activities that my daughter will remember–the playful, relaxed activities as a family.

For a successful road trip, you need to set aside the expectations of a rigid schedule and adopt the right attitude of exploring what you see along the way. Take the time to read the posted information, try new foods, and explore what is unique about your destination.  We don’t usually have to watch carefully for rattlesnakes at home, but we did on this trip.

Robert (Rob) S. Weisskirch, MSW, Ph.D., CFLE is a Professor of Human Development at California State University, Monterey Bay and is a Certified Family Life Educator. He and his wife are parents to a chatty, elementary school-aged daughter and reside in Marina.

How to Plan for a Future Vacation

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After a long year stuck at home, many people are dreaming about when they can travel once again. While counting down the days may feel like torture, planning and booking a vacation for later this year can give you something to look forward to.

Now may be the perfect time to start thinking about your next adventure. Consider these five tips for planning a future trip – even if you’re not certain exactly when you’ll take it.

1. Research Travel Restrictions. For any kind of travel, it’s important to make sure you’re up to date on any restrictions your potential destinations may have in place. Though the vaccine may help lessen restrictions in some places, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain updated guidance and travel warnings based on the risk level of certain areas, which can help you make decisions. Once you’ve booked travel plans, it is prudent to check in frequently as your trip approaches and prepare a backup plan.

2. Account for High Demand. Many hotels, vacation rentals and resorts may already be booked for summer in popular locations due to optimism around the vaccine, increased demand for domestic travel and families planning multiple trips this year. In fact, travelers are locking in private Vrbo vacation homes at top summer destinations earlier in 2021. Less than half of vacation homes in some locations are still available for July, which is a more than 25% increase in demand year-over-year. To better your odds of securing your desired travel dates, accommodations and activities, booking earlier can help off-set the increased demand.

“In years past, we’ve recommended families book their summer vacations by late April to stay ahead of the curve, but this year there are several reasons why families are eager and ready to book,” Vrbo President Jeff Hurst said. “These signs are telling us families should start looking for the perfect vacation home now before options become more limited.”

3. Take Advantage of Deals with Longer Stays. Many sectors of the travel industry offer special deals for reserving trips in advance, and some of the best deals can be found by bundling airfare and lodging or booking extended week- or month-long stays. These longer vacations can lead to fewer available dates to choose from, but some travel companies offer search filters that help travelers find discounts for staying longer periods of time.

4.  Opt for Flexible Booking. If you’re eager to plan a vacation right away, be sure to review and understand cancellation policies for your preferred accommodations, airline, and activities. Many have changed their policies due to the pandemic, so be sure to know how long you have to cancel or change dates without incurring additional fees or penalties. For example, when booking a vacation rental through Vrbo, where hosts set their cancellation terms, you can use the “free cancellation” filter to search for properties with flexible policies, some of which allow cancellations up to 14 days before check-in for a full refund.

5. Start Saving Now. While it may not be practical for everyone to save money amid uncertain times, setting even a small amount aside for your vacation can be worthwhile. Consider setting up a dedicated travel savings account or directing the change from each transaction made with your debit card to a separate account. Being able to periodically check the balance of the account can also help increase the excitement for your upcoming adventure.

Find more tips and start planning your next getaway at Vrbo.com.

RV 101: Planning a Family RV Vacation

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When your family goes on a camping vacation, not only do you have your own space, free of the worry about staying socially distant from others, but you also have the opportunity to find places that are sparsely populated. Gas prices are lower this summer, so that’s a big bonus when we are all watching our budget.

With COVID-19 concerns on everyone’s minds, travel restrictions to other countries, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring, it’s hard to plan a weekend getaway, let alone a family vacation. Many families, looking for alternatives, are looking to RV’s.

I’ve been camping in RVs for most of my life. When I was a kid, my parents had a camper that went on my dad’s pickup. As an adult, I have owned or driven everything from a 30-foot toy hauler I pulled with an F250, to a fifth-wheel trailer, to a Class C motorhome. Because my kids are grown, and I mostly camp with my dog now, I currently own a tiny travel trailer that I pull with my Jeep Wrangler.

If you are considering joining the ranks of RVers, consider this:

  • RV dealers have seen a spike in purchases, with most RV manufacturers seeing a 30% increase in sales over 2019.

  • Citing Coronavirus concerns, the RV Industry Association found that 20% of survey respondents are more interested in RV travel than they are in flying, tent camping, cruises, or home rentals via Airbnb or VRBO.

  • In a survey of RV owners, 40% said their level of use would remain the same. And 49% said they would be using their RVs more often this year.


THE BASICS

If you are thinking about purchasing an RV and have never owned or driven one before, there are several things to consider. Will you want a travel trailer or a motorhome? A travel trailer is generally less expensive and easier to maintain than a motorhome. Insurance is less costly, and there is more variety in the layout. You need to think about what you will tow it with. How many people will be sleeping in the trailer? What amenities are essential? Do you need a trailer with a generator? Do you have a tow vehicle with the capacity to tow the weight of the trailer you are interested in? For your vehicle and safety, I recommend selecting a trailer with a Gross Dry Vehicle Weight (GDVW) well below your tow vehicle’s towing capacity. Also, in many states, trailers over a specific weight require an electronic brake controller installed on the tow vehicle. You can find information on calculating how much your trailer weighs fully loaded online.

THINKING ABOUT BUYING?

If you plan on purchasing a motorhome, realize you will be making a hefty investment. The most basic new motorhomes start at about as much as I paid for my first home – around $70,000. Buying used is a good option for both motorhomes and travel trailers, as they tend to depreciate quite a bit, and great deals can be had. However, it’s smart to buy from a dealership that offers a warranty. Most importantly, research, research, research! There are too many options to discuss here, so look online at brand reviews, research floorplans, and join a Facebook RV group for excellent tips and information.

Something else to think about is what you plan to do when you get to your destination. This will help you decide if you want a travel trailer, which gives you the use of your tow vehicle once your trailer is unhooked. Or do you want to drive a motorhome, with your whole family comfortable and spread out, during the road trip? Remember that once you’re set up in your campsite, going anywhere will be more difficult, requiring you to unhook everything, find a parking space for an RV wherever you’re going, and eventually back in and re-level the coach when you return. Some people tow a smaller car behind the motorhome to solve this problem.

RENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

If buying is out of your budget or you want to give RVing a try before committing, renting is a good option. It will allow you to see if the RV lifestyle is for you, with a comparatively small investment. Several companies are comparable to AirBnB or VRBO, giving you the option to rent privately-owned RVs. Outdoorsy and RV Share are popular platforms, and both get good reviews. They work much like reserving a vacation home online. There are also larger corporate companies, such as El Monte RV and Cruise America. The advantage of corporate rentals is they are often slightly cheaper. However, the RVs are the equivalent of a well-used rental car: they’ve been beaten up quite a bit. They are usually not luxury models, meaning the inside is basic. Not to mention, they are like rolling billboards with their corporate advertising plastered across the side, announcing to everyone that you are a renter.

In contrast, by renting from an owner, you can access a wide variety of RVs at all levels of luxury. These RVs are privately owned and often used by the owner when not being rented out. They tend to be very well-maintained and often come equipped with everything you need to camp, i.e., linens, dishes, camp chairs, etc.

ADVICE FROM OWNERS

As an RV owner who has considered renting out my rig, I am part of an online group of owners. I asked them: What are some things you want renters to know about before renting an RV?

Here are some of their best tips:

  • Read your contract. The fine print is important. Also, if you know little about RVs, watch YouTube videos. You can learn how to dump the tanks, hook up at campsites, and even drive an RV – all on YouTube! Rentals will come with manuals, and the owners will do a walk-through, but it is a lot to take in. Coming in with some knowledge beforehand is invaluable. And be honest with the owner about your level of experience!

  • Carry a car seat. If you are renting a motor home, most states will require a small child to be in a car seat during travel. Don’t forget to bring your own.

  • Have realistic expectations. Many RVs are very luxurious, but they still aren’t a suite at the Four Seasons. They don’t have gourmet kitchens or two-door refrigerators. Also, RVs are made of wood and Styrofoam, for the most part. Driving down the road is like subjecting them to an earthquake every day. Roll with the flow and communicate with the owner. Almost anything can be fixed on the road.

  • Practice driving. Be comfortable pulling a trailer or driving a coach before taking your whole family on a winding road in the mountains.

  • Research insurance options thoroughly. Be sure you know exactly what is covered on your personal policy as well as on any additional policy you purchase.

  • If you are new to RVing, go small. Renting a 40-foot luxury coach for your first RV experience is inviting disaster. In a similar vein, start on three or four-day trips. Work up to that long road trip.

  • Expect to pay for mileage over a certain amount. The limit is usually 100 miles per day. Also expect to pay a hefty (refundable) deposit, generally between $500 and $2000, depending on the RV.


YOUR FIRST VACATION

Once you decide whether to buy or rent, it’s time to plan your vacation. Where will you go? How many miles per day will you want to drive? A lot of new RVers overestimate the number of miles per day they will drive. Keep in mind that you won’t be driving 70 MPH, and you may be on curvy mountain roads. You will also be stopping for gas more than you would in a car.

Will you need reservations at the campground you choose? Most federal and state campgrounds in desirable locations fill up months in advance (and several federal ones are closed at this time). You may have better luck finding a camping spot in a privately owned or membership campground such as KOA or Thousand Trails. There are many “first come, first served” campgrounds, but they do fill up in the summer. Check out gocampingamerica.com for help finding alternatives to public campgrounds. Another bonus of private campgrounds is that most have full hookups (electric, water, and sewer), which makes a huge difference in your comfort. It keeps you from having to use a public restroom.

Being an RVer is like being part of a big, fun-loving club. People are more than happy to share their experiences and information with you. Even when you are camping, if you have a problem, you can most likely solve it with a campground neighbor.

The biggest reward of vacationing in an RV is that it allows your family to return to the basics: campfires, board games, listening to music, and riding bikes. RVing is an outstanding option for relaxation and recreation during these times. Time preparing will help your family stay safe and have fun.

TRICIA VLASAK is a mother, grandparent, and wife. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on Jeep adventures.

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