People from around the world are trying to wiggle their way into the Golden State.
Sure, we might not have the best public transport, the cost of living is inflated, and there's no such things as "perfect" .... but California comes pretty damn close.
As a girl who has lived on four continents, and continues to travel for a living; here's why California will always be "home."
1. There's No Love Like California Humps
Something about majestic geography stimulates the spirit.
From hills to mountains, there's a "range" of landscape selections.
Fancy biking, snowboarding, skiing, lakes, hikes, valleys, camping, and panoramic views?
It's not the Maldives, but it's your backyard. A quick drive (or jog) and you can surf, sail, swim, and soak in the Sunshine State.
Like Lil Wayne, "life's a beach and we're just playing in the sand."
3. It's Bustling with Nightlife and Activities
Yeah sure... sometimes you just want to watch Netflix or catch up on a book.
However, whenever you're ready to experience California, California is ready for you.
From night clubs to film festivals; concerts and conventions; the myriad of dining; and special sporting events in Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Diego, and San Francisco - - there's always something to do.
4. We're Bridging the Gap Between Dreaming and Doing
Hollywood to Silicon Valley.
Not everyone is going to "make it." The actress, the model, the writer, the director, the entrepreneur, the small business owner. The one climbing up the corporate ladder for another competitive role.
Whatever your passions, your aspirations, your vision for five years from now - California is a place for #MakingDreamsIntoGoals. The network is there, as are several strong university communities with alumnus who never left the Cali cities. Creative talent, corporate talent, the athletes, and occupational prospects... the most coveted of positions are never easily attained... but you'll fine people striving for them. And who doesn't love to be circled by ambition?
Have you tried living somewhere with harsh seasons? Mother nature has gone and spoiled us!
A key note of advice: appreciate California for its glorious appeal to lifestyle... but don't get too comfortable. There's a whole world out there to see!
This post is a little more personal, here's why:
After traveling in Spain post-graduation in June 2012 ... I decided I wanted to take a "break" in my career to travel for a year before "settling." I bought a one-way ticket to Australia and traveled the world while working as a free-lancer. Two years later, I will now be basing myself out of Los Angeles. I'll continue to travel and build my company, but I'll be spending a lot more time in Southern California; and guess what? I think that's absolutely wonderful.
Catch me if you can :) x Steph
Featured photos by Ty Schmitt and Sean Ensch. Follow Ty on Facebook and Instagram. Follow Sean on Facebook and Instagram.
Photo of me sailing in Oceanside by Tyson Mayr, the Naked Traveller.
Join Thousands of Travelers.
#TravelBreak to be featured
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
