Bi-weekly podcast
California Travel on Any Budget
51min
4 days ago
Discover how you can go high or low at California hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets
California Travel on Any Budget
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks to three Golden State insiders who want to help you get the most out of your next trip to the state—no matter your budget.
First, Johnson chats with Nina Ruggiero, Senior Editorial Director at Travel + Leisure. Ruggiero starts off by sharing the latest lodging travel trends and what she looks for in a great hotel. “Yes, you want a nice hotel, but you want to feel like you're actually in the destination that you're in,” she explains. Ruggiero then dives deep on her top picks for both high-end lodgings and wallet-conscious accommodations in West Hollywood, the Central Coast, Laguna Beach, and Palm Springs.
Next, Johnson is joined by Farley Elliott, Southern California Bureau Chief at SFGate. Farley breaks down the best splurge-worthy dining spots in San Diego and offers up some wallet-friendly finds that still pack a punch. “If you’re on a budget, I think most corner taco shops that you stop into [in San Diego] are going to treat you pretty right,” notes Elliott. He also delves into Michelin-starred cuisine and other high-end spots in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Santa Barbara.
Finally, Johnson sits down with Carrie Cramer, an award-winning celebrity stylist and personal shopper. Cramer shares how to navigate California’s shopping scene, from the high-end boutiques of Rodeo Drive and South Coast Plaza to local gems in Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Francisco.
GUESTS
Nina Ruggiero, Senior Editorial Director at Travel + Leisure
Farley Elliott, Southern California Bureau Chief at SFGate
Carrie Cramer, celebrity stylist and personal shopper
RESOURCES
Nina Ruggiero is the Senior Editorial Director at Travel + Leisure and the co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for aspiring travel journalists.
Farley Elliott is the Southern California Bureau Chief at SFGate.
California Questionnaire: William Bradley
Carrie Cramer is an award-winning wardrobe stylist and personal shopper to the stars.
ABOUT THE HOST
Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.
OUR TEAM
Host, Soterios Johnson
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Aaron Taos
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