My Travels

My "annual" trip to SLO was canceled due to the pandemic. Instead the Santa Maria tourism board decided to copy SLO’s promotion and created their own visit Santa Maria campaign. Of course, I think there were concerns for the city if anyone would use the $100 visa gift card within city limits. It was a fair issue as I wandered around the area but not necessarily stayed in city limits. But ultimately, I would think that at least the hotels would benefit and that was good as well.  I checked into the Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Maria and was glad to see I was upgraded to a studio. I had noticed earlier in the day that the rates dropped by $6 per night but I wasn’t willing to try to get the cheaper rate at the front desk. The agent did tell me that the city promotion was finished within 48 hours of announcement and that they had a very good month of January because of it. Made me feel good to have submitted my request as quickly as I did.  Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa M

I had booked this trip a year earlier hoping that the pandemic would have resided. Unfortunately, a lot of the country is still in lockdown and my brother was not able to join me on this trip. Timing wise, I was able to luck into the biggest snow dumps of the season.  Salt Lake International Airport is undergoing renovations and the first phase has opened. Fun fact, the airport turned 100 in December 2020. Upon arrival, I thought the airport looked different but given my lack of travel recently and the lateness of my arrival, I chalked it up to tired eyes. One of the newest upgrades I noticed was the oversized baggage claim. In the past, it would be chucked out through a garage style opening. Now, there are upright luggage totes that can accommodate oversized luggage. It is more efficient as it allows you to see what was dispensed AND at a higher volume. Since I was snowboarding solo, I opted to fly in late at night and stay at the  Fairfield Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport  h