Travel is a luxury and we all need a little down time. Californians have the distinct advantage of living in a state where there are national parks, sophisticated cities, deserts, Disneyland, and everything in between. For flying Southwest Airlines is my favorite, great fares, egalitarian seating, and for most fares you can make changes without a penalty.

They have several destinations in Southern and Northern California and a stop in Reno for the Lake Tahoe area. Lake Tahoe is a bargain during the spring and summers when non skiers can enjoy the beautiful lake, bike and hike the mountains.  Take the North Lake Express into town or if you wish rent a car (try fatwallet.com for good rates).

Now for the trains. Amtrak has great routes and prices throughout the state.  They have all kinds of specials so look for deals on their site. And remember, you can board a train with your shampoo and not have to go through security. Sit back, enjoy the scenery, pack a lunch, and arrive refreshed. There are bus connections from most stations.  While train travel does take longer, remember at the airport you have to arrive 2 hours early, wait in line, and sit on the tarmac while your plane waits for clearance. Train travel takes the same amount of time and you can relax the whole way.

Now as a Los Angelena, it is hard to separate me from my car. And what could be better then knowing you can leave anytime, stop anywhere, and come home anytime. With music or a book on CD (get them from your library), even four hour stretches on the freeway become pleasurable. This is the type of vacation where you can follow your whims, make reservations from the road, and check out yard sales, festivals, and diners. Find the lowest gas prices with GasBuddy.com, pack snacks and water, make sure your phone is charged, and your car is ready for the road.

Travel divas, let me know your favorite California destinations, deals on hotels, spas, and attractions.

This is the last official weekend for Cash For Appliances from the state of California  however please check the site to see if they are continuing till the funds are depleted. According to the site there are still funds available for rebates. These are the rules from their website:

Must be a California resident with a valid street address. Post office box addresses do not qualify.
Must purchase a new California eligible appliance to replace an existing model. A list of eligible appliances is available at: www.Cash4Appliances.org/products/.
Make purchase during rebate period of April 22, 2010 to May 23, 2010, from a California retailer. No out-of-state or internet purchases. (Note: This is a first-come, first-server program. Funds may run out before the program ends on May 23rd. The sooner the rebate is turned in the better.)
Must recycle the existing, inefficient appliance through a California Certified Recycler. Recycling services may also be provided by Platinum retailers, utility-buy back programs, and your city or county governments.
Consumers can receive one rebate for each type of appliance. Separate rebate and recycling forms are required for each rebate.
The appliance must be installed (hooked up) before submitting the rebate claim. The consumer, if asked, must allow access for an inspector to verify installations.
Must submit a completed rebate application within 30 days of the date of purchase that includes proof of residency, purchase and recycling.
The complete rebate application must include ALL of the following:
1.Completed and signed rebate application form with all required consumer, retailer and appliance information (brand, model & serial number)
2.Completed and signed proof of recycling form with all required consumer, recycler or hauler, and replaced appliance information
3.Copy of the sales receipt for the purchased appliance
4.Copy of the consumer’s most recent utility bill dated 60 days or less (to prove residency)
5.The original, bright yellow EnergyGuide label from the purchased appliance