We had so much fun talking travel with our Jauntsetter of the Week, Louise, that we weren't surprised when it turned out that one of her recent trips was a West Coast roadtrip involving stops at the Madonna Inn and Big Sur. 

Another featured Jauntsetter, Kelley, had recommended the Madonna Inn as a fantastic hotel to check out in California. And we wrote about Big Sur just a few months ago as a Trip Pick of The Week - one of our favorite easy jaunts from San Francisco or LA.

Keep reading for Louise's unique take on where to go and what to do on a California roadtrip - she's got some fantastic tips on thrift shop stops and camping spots. And also make sure to check out her fantastic blog, where she documented her adventure (plus many others) with colorful photographs that you're sure to enjoy.

And finally, a big thank you to Louise for being a Jauntsetter of the Week and sharing her thoughts on travel. 

xo,

your jauntsetter team

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The last vacation I really loved was a ten day roadtrip from Los Angeles to Big Sur and back, with stops in San Louis Obispo and Ventura. Some buddies from college were getting married in L.A., so my best friend and I decided that a trip up the coast with our boyfriends would be a great add-on to the destination wedding. The four of us stayed in a super budget and not-so-nice Comfort Inn in downtown LA. to compensate for the money we would spend elsewhere. After three days there we packed up the SUV and drove up to San Louis Obispo. 

At the last minute another couple who came out from New York for the wedding decided to join us, so the six of us travelled up the coast all day, stopping to swim and take pictures. Before we left our Comfort Inn, we booked a room at the Madonna Inn for that night. Upon arrival, we got a call from another buddy who had snuck out of the city for a western voyage, so she came and met us. We were able to fit all seven of us in the room (with one couple on an Aerobed). The Madonna Inn is a very special hotel: overflowing with kitsch and themed rooms and a gorgeous pool. I highly recommend a stay there on the way up to Big Sur. 

As for Big Sur itself, some L.A. based buddies recommended Fernwood Campgrounds. We didn't have enough gear for all of us to stay in tents, so four of us rented a cabin (which turned out to be a trailer with wooden siding) that a nice sized kitchen, while our other three friends camped out by the river. It ended up being the best of both worlds - we got amenities like a private shower and boiling water as well as a beautiful campsite for late night cocktails. 

On the way back down the four original members of our traveling posse decided to stop in Ventura. We found a super '60s motel right on the water for super cheap and made the town our own for our last two days. If any jauntsetters are thrifters, Ventura is a stop you are going to want to make; there are three or four amazing thrift stores right on Main Street. Definitely worth checking out.