WHY NOT JOSHUA TREE!

So, Why not Joshua Tree is what I can honestly say now!
​Are you like me, and is envious of your friends and other people seeing them go on these trips to god knows where and wonder how they can afford to do these things and still eat, pay bills, or just simply live? Even saving money to go on vacation is hard. There are so many of us that love the idea of traveling but don't possess the financial means to do so. Personally, I’ve always wanted to go to Tahiti in the French Polynesian for years. The crystal blue water, villa resorts over the clear blue water, and the island Locals look so inviting. But, after seeing airline ticket prices I realized that Tahiti will remain a distant dream for me for the time being. In the meantime, life will afford me the comfort of traveling locally.
Mini vacations or Mini-cations can be much more beneficial in so many other ways opposed to going away on a vacation. If you live in a state that is a vacation destination all in itself, you have many options available. Me living so close to the ocean, I decided to go to the desert to Joshua Tree with my bestie for his birthday, and before you turn your nose up at the idea of a hot dry desert in the middle of July here are some amazing reasons why everyone should go to Joshua Tree at least once just hear me out!

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It's Cost Effective!

Depending on where you travel and what time of year, plane tickets with the associated fees can get really expensive. Don't let me get started with the airports and all the headaches affiliated with air travel.  Joshua Tree is about a two and a half-hour drive from Southern California and all you need is an air-conditioned vehicle and some good music. Once you get out of the cities and into the rural areas the landscape is beautiful. 

The Aesthetic Airbnb's

The low costing Airbnb we chose was perfect, it was genuinely an oasis in the desert. There were a few places we could have chosen, but our place had central air conditioning, fire pit out back and a killer album collection. We did not spend more than $150 each for the whole trip, with food included. During the day we explored the house and at night we sat out under the stars next to a fire pit while listening to Fleetwood mac, and old school albums and drinking cocktails. The place we stayed can be found on Airbnb's site Hi-fi homestead.

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Silence and Nature

Whether you're like me and enjoy your silence or like my best friend who enjoys the noise, you will appreciate just getting away from the city, even if it's just for a day. With the noise of the city, I know at times life is so loud that we do not have time to think or be alone with our thoughts and nature. Once the sun begins to set, Joshua Tree is perfect for just getting away to mentally detox and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Starlit Night Sky

I was raised in a small city in Kern County and I definitely have had the pleasure of marveling at the beautiful night sky, I just forgot how the sky is supposed to look after living in the city. Everyone should have the pleasure of seeing a city-light free sky at least once in their lifetime to see the endless sky at night you can truly appreciate our world and place in the universe.

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Joshua Tree’s Attractions

Although we did not do too much exploring during the day due to the 109-degree weather, the Joshua Tree National park is extraordinary once the sun began to set. The different types of cacti and wildflowers make the desert look majestic and not so bland and dry. The park is nothing short of empty, having hundreds of native animals it’s amazing how they have learned to adapt in such dry conditions. Because of the park’s beauty in the day as well as the night, visitors are allowed to stay all night if need be. You can find the visitor center hours at Joshua tree visiting hours. ​

Nearby Outdoor Attractions

Just a short 20 min drive away in Palm Springs is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car that travels two miles up to the top of Mount San Jacinto State Park. It is definitely something that everyone should experience at least once. I'm not going to lie when I tell you that I wasn't scared to death traveling two miles to the top of a mountain in a rotating glass tram, but when I saw that small kids and older people were going up I got the courage to do it sweaty palms and all. The views on the top of the mountain are indescribable. The experience can only be described as peaceful, especially once you see the breathtaking views of the world at the top. You see what seems hundreds of miles away and the sky is endless up there. Although at the bottom of the mountain it was a 111-degree desert, at the top there was a cool 84-degree forest which made our hike bearable.

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I was actually surprised by the fun we had in those two days in the desert. Joshua Tree in July surpassed my expectations. We even stopped at a local casino for brunch. I have only driven through the desert cities never stopping to enjoy the view. Although Joshua Tree may look boring, I'm sure you can find your oasis in the desert.