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Ready to soak up the sun in one of Southwest’s newest destinations? If you’re searching for the quintessential California getaway, look no further than Palm Springs! With the perfect balance of outdoor adventure, delicious food, mid-century modern architecture, and limitless options for ultimate relaxation, there’s no better place to escape! Here’s a quick rundown from well-seasoned traveler Shem Hooda of what to pack, where to stay, and all the best things to see, eat and do:    Vacation Essentials:  Swimsuit  Sunscreen  Sunglasses  Hat  Mask & Hand sanitizer    Where to Stay: The Saguaro Palm Springs  Parker Palm Springs   La Serena Villas Palm Springs       Go explore: Palm Canyon: Take a little hike along more than 60 miles of hiking trails in the Indian Canyons on ancestral land within the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation in Palm Springs. Jeep Tour in the San Andreas Fault: Explore the canyons from the ground in an open-air jeep. These tours are available for people ages three and older, so they are perfect for families!   Let’s play: Escena Golf Club: Palm Springs is known for its lush golf courses, so hit the links at one of the destination’s best! Book your tee time and enjoy the year-round sunny weather. Power Yoga Palm Springs has been guiding yoga in the desert for over a decade. Owned and operated by local entrepreneur Kim Funkey, Power Yoga is the oasis of the desert, a space where you can find the sweet balance of sweat and serenity. Classes range from gentle and beginner yoga, to an upbeat power/ vinyasa flow, soundbaths, workshops, and different virtual offerings. Follow them on social media to keep updated on offerings. @poweryogapalmsprings  Saguaro Palm Springs: Truly a Palm Springs landmark, this hotel is painted in 14 colors of indigenous flowers of the Colorado Desert. One of the most Instagrammed hotels in the world and known for its pool parties on weekends and during the Coachella Music & Arts Festival, the Saguaro is a must-see spot in Palm Springs. Its Mexican cantina, El Jefe, is best known for its tacos, Taco Tuesday and Taco Thursday promotions, margaritas, a large selection of tequilas and mescals SHAG the Store: Check out the work of fine artist Shag (Josh Agle), whose unique midcentury style is showcased at this shop. Be sure to purchase a print of merchandise to take home with you!  ACE Hotel & Swim Club: Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a 173 room hotel, spa, and resort located in Palm Springs, CA. It's on the grounds of a re-imagined and renovated mid-century modern motel, within walking distance of downtown and close to Joshua Tree National Park, the Salton Sea, and Indian Canyons. There are outdoor spa services, as well as room service, free wi-fi, a gym, and large, unique event spaces for meetings, weddings, and parties. Other Ideas: Rent a bike and explore downtown’s restaurants, boutiques & art galleries  Discover Desert X  Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park    Grab a Bite: Palm Springs boasts an amazing culinary scene, with restaurants that showcase a variety of cuisines. Grab a table at FARM and savor dishes inspired by owner Liz Ostoich’s trip to the south of France. Rooster and the Pig is a Vietnamese-American restaurant that offers diners dishes like Vietnamese crispy rolls, lemongrass wings, fresh rice paper rolls, and different noodle bowl entrees.  LULU California Bistro is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors and features one of the largest menus in Palm Springs for all-day dining. LULU is famous for its meatloaf, avocado tuna tower, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, salads, and much more including an extensive selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Be sure to order the mile-high pink cotton candy! Other Ideas:  Brunch at Norma’s inside Parker Palm Springs  Happy Hour at Azucar Palm Springs inside La Serena Villas   Dinner at Birba  Ice Cream at Kreem    Take it all in:   Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: View the destination from above! The tramway runs along ten miles and gives a bird’s eye view of the landscape below. Palm Springs is known for its beautiful architecture, and a great way to enjoy the midcentury modern design is through a tour with the Palm Springs Mod Squad. They offer a variety of tours, so check it out and book your tour now. Moorten Botanical Garden: This Palm Springs landmark is a must-see during any visit. Explore the gardens at this living museum, and tour the world’s first Cactarium – a word coined by The Moorten family! Inspired to visit Palm Springs? Visit Southwest.com to explore our flight schedule and to book your next trip now!   A special thanks to Visit Greater Palm Springs for their recommendations on things to see, do, and eat in Greater Palm Springs!!    Please check local restrictions and safety protocols before planning a trip, and remember to wear a mask.   You can view more of Shem Hoda’s (@sugarandstamps) Palm Springs adventure by visiting her Instagram.   *Shem Hooda is a Southwest Storyteller whose trip was paid for by Southwest Airlines. ... View more

Kauai is known for its lush rainforests and raging waterfalls that attract people to this northern island. The island often referred to as “The Garden Isle” intrigues visitors largely due to the fact that Kauai has stayed rather undeveloped compared to the other islands that make up Hawaii. This allows visitors the chance to see the beautiful nature that makes up the island while still respecting the land. Offering plenty of outdoor adventures, Kauai is a great place to unplug and enjoy your vacation.     On your trip, stop by the untouched Na Pali Coast and go snorkeling in the clear water. For hiking, visit Waimea Canyon to see panoramic views of Kauai. Kauai also offers beautiful beaches like Hanakapiai Beach that has glistening, gold sand is often a haven for experienced surfers. And always remember to treat yourself at the end of each day with some shaved ice at Uncle’s! Kauai has a lot to offer from its breathtaking views to its delicious shaved ice—here are a few must-see spots when visiting!     Let’s Play Na Pali Coast—Translated to: “The Cliffs,” Na Pali Coast offers 15 miles of coastline on the northwest shore of Kauai. Not easily accessible, visitors can choose a few different routes to reach the beautiful Na Pali coast. The most accessible way to get to the coast is by taking a boat. Once there, visitors can snorkel and take in the beauty of the Na Pali Coast! Waikapalae Wet Cave—Did you know that a handful of scenes in Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed in this exact cave? Although the water is freezing and it is not advised to swim, Waikapalae has a surprise factor that makes up for it. If the sun is shining at the right angle, the water will give off a beautiful blue glow. This is created from the reflection off of the sun and draws in visitors to stop by the cave. Hanakapiai Beach—Definitely worth the two-mile hike over, Hanakapiai Beach and Waterfalls does not disappoint. Only open in the spring and summer months, Hanakapiai Beach is filled with golden, thick sand for you to set up a picnic or layout in the sun. There are also several sea caves open for exploring. In the winter, the ocean takes out all the sand and isn’t returned until the spring. Reservations are required, so be sure to check out while https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/haena-state-park/ planning your trip.   Take It All In Waimea Canyon—You can’t beat the views of Kauai from Waimea Canyon! Take a drive up Waimea Canyon Drive to stop at the lower point and main Waimea Canyon Overlook, which offers panoramic views of Kauai. From here, there are many hiking trails open for exploring the canyon. Admission is free and it is open daily during daylight hours. Opeakaa Falls—Located in Wailua, this 151-foot fall spans 40 feet and flows throughout the year. Opaeka’a Falls can be viewed from an overlook off of Kuamoo Road. Since Kauai is known for its waterfalls, Opeakaa Falls shows immense beauty and is something you won’t want to miss seeing on the island. Kilauea Lighthouse—Open Tuesday to Saturday, The Kilauea Lighthouse offers views of the northern coastline and the deep-blue Pacific Ocean making it a great spot for photos! The lighthouse is also part of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge which is a sanctuary for seabirds. From December through March you may also get to see the humpback whales that migrate over to the beautiful coasts of Hawaii.   Grab a Bite—Uncle’s Shave Ice Located in The Shops at Kukui’ula, Uncle’s Shave Ice offers more than 25 shave ice flavors as well as smoothies to their customers! Its proximity to the beach makes it a must-visit spot for visitors to cool off and grab a sweet treat. ... View more

Hawaii Island is the biggest of all of the islands in the archipelago of Hawaii and is referred to as “The Big Island.” There are three active volcanoes on the island, and when you visit, it will be an experience you’re sure to enjoy.   Because the Island of Hawaii is so big, it offers an interesting range of environments, with sunny beaches, snowcapped mountains, and rainforests. Visitors are sure to find something they love here with the chance to have a quaint, laid back beach vacation or an adventurous experience, immersed in nature.     Explore Paradise Copters Circle Island Experience – This experience gives you the chance to see the Big Island from above. There are so many things to see and a bird’s eye view is the best way to do that. During the tour, you can see five volcanoes on the island—three of which are active—waterfalls, valleys, lava flow, rainforests, and more.   Let’s Play Kokoleka Lani Farm – Here’s your chance to see how coffee and chocolate are made, from the cacao tree to slicing open the pod to the beans we know. Sample some culinary delights including chocolate fondue with fresh island fruit and the different forms of cacao. Chocolate and coffee? Yes, please! Hawaii Forest & Trails Kohala Waterfalls Adventure – This tour takes you on a beautiful and relaxing adventure. Swim under the falls, have a private picnic, walk through a nature preserve, and experience an ancient Hawaiian agriculture site. Be sure to bring a camera because the views are truly awe-inspiring. Snorkeling with Jack’s Diving Locker – There is plenty of the sea to explore; you just have to dive right in. With the clear waters that surround Hawaii, the number of species you’ll see are limitless. This includes coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, dolphins, and mantas.   Take It All In Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden – Hawaii is home to plenty of beautiful flora and fauna and this natural greenhouse makes for the perfect environment for them to thrive. There are 2,000 different species that grow in this garden. Explore the 40 acres and take in the tropical backdrop to a perfect day.   Grab a Bite Royal Kona Hotel – This hotel offers the chance to see live Hawaiian music through their Hawaiian music series. The hotel also presents Voyagers of the Pacific Luau that displays Polynesian song, dance, and a fire walk. This hotel celebrates the Hawaiian culture and brings you a little closer to experiencing it. ... View more

One of the many ways Southwest Airlines shows our Heart is by investing in the future generations and encouraging these up and coming leaders to soar to new heights.   Since 2017, Southwest has partnered with GenHERation to provide unique learning and mentorship opportunities for young women around the country. GenHERation connects young women in high school and college to companies that promote the development of female leadership. In celebration of the International Day of the Girl, Southwest teamed up with GenHERation to invite one young woman to experience a day in the field learning more about the aviation career of her dreams.     Maddie, a member of GenHERation since 2016, is an aspiring pilot and had the opportunity to connect with Oakland-based Southwest Captain Himani Williams. Himani has been part of the Southwest Family since 2005. She offered to show Maddie what it’s like to be a Pilot at Southwest, which included exploring Inflight Operations, training in the flight simulators, and visiting with the Tech Ops Team in the Dallas hangar.   Creating moments of empowerment and inspiration is at Heart of what we do at Southwest. By providing Maddie with the tools and skills to be successful, we know that she will take flight in no time! ... View more

In 2017, we announced our partnership with Mexican fashion designer Carla Fernández. To create these incredible products, Carla Fernández worked with artisans in seven different communities throughout Mexico who specialize in creating textile and embroidery designs and handcrafts that preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Carla Fernández brand’s work combines centuries-old techniques and long-standing traditions in the creation of their designs.     Southwest Airlines is proud to celebrate LUV Seat: Mexico during Hispanic Heritage Month and all throughout the year as a part of our Repurpose with Purpose program. Through this impactful program, indigenous artisans have been able to incorporate their trades into the designs to create some incredible pieces while learning essential economic development skills through entrepreneurial training programs. Carla Fernández works closely with the artisans, who are compensated, as they learn how to develop new products and skills.   Stay tuned to swa.is/LUVLeather for future updates, product details, and to learn more about our Repurpose with Purpose Program.     ... View more

At Southwest, patriotism runs deep and we’re proud of the more than 7,500 veterans who we have the honor to also call our Cohearts. For Emily Estapa, the Director of the Network Operations Control Network, a life in aviation was always in the cards.     The daughter of a retired U.S. Airforce member turned airline Pilot, Emily always wanted a career that would allow her to serve our great country and be around airplanes. Emily fulfilled this dream when she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and then later joined the Southwest Family.   Thank you, Emily, and all veterans around the world for your courage and service to our country!     ... View more

This Women’s History Month, we’re excited to spotlight incredible women like Sunny Nadolsky.   As a Company that created the word “Transfarency,” it’s not hard to guess why Sunny Nadolsky, Founder and CEO of Medibookr, was chosen as the inaugural winner for the 2016 Southwest Airlines “Soar to Success” Business Pitch Competition.       Last fall, Southwest Airlines teamed up with the Addison Treehouse and invited female and minority entrepreneurs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to pitch their business ideas for the chance to win a year of business travel on Southwest Airlines to further grow their business.  Sunny was chosen as the “Soar to Success” winner for creating Medibookr, an online platform allowing patients to compare pricing for medical imaging services.  As the winner, Sunny received 12 months of complimentary business travel for her company, and has begun her travel in an effort to further expand her business. Sunny will use her Southwest flights to reach patients and Medibookr customers, and will share her business travel with us as she goes.    Similar to Southwest’s desire to democratize the skies and provide affordable travel to Customers, Sunny aims to democratize health care by providing information on local procedures and by remaining transparent, convenient, and efficient. Thank you, Sunny, for the tremendous work you’re doing.  We’re honored to work with incredible women like Sunny who are making history in their own lives and saving patients’ time, money, and even their lives.   ... View more

Southwest Airlines is gearing up for the biggest game of the week … Puppy Bowl! Before our furry friends competed in the battle for cuteness at Puppy Bowl, we got to spend some time with them at Houston (Hobby) airport. Several Employees from all different Departments participated, and we took turns being handlers and cheer teams.   Five lovable puppies from Citizens for Animal Protection, a Houston shelter, came to play! All of them will be available for adoption on Big Game Sunday, oh my, we were tempted! All five pups are from the same family. They are all brothers and sisters and are too cute! They became very relaxed as we played, cuddled, and reassured these eight-week-old four-legged Stars!    I was assigned to a little pup name Henry, and he was so cute in his little referee shirt! He led the pack … at least he was supposed to!   Team Houston appreciated the opportunity to be behind-the-scenes for this shoot. It was a great experience and we had so much fun!     Be sure to tune in to Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet on Big Game Sunday, at 3p EST. Go Team Ruff and Team Fluff!   ... View more