I recently had the amazing opportunity to take part in an educational trip to San Francisco and Yosemite Mariposa County, travelling with United Airlines.
This experience was more than just a famil – it reminded me exactly why I love what I do.
From the busy streets of Chinatown and the excitement of Fleet Week to the peaceful beauty of Yosemite National Park, every moment gave me valuable insights I can now share confidently with my clients.
Above: Lauren (fourth from the right)
My journey began with a United Airlines flight from Sydney to San Francisco and I was immediately impressed by the service. The crew were friendly, professional and went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable.
The modern cabin design and extra space in Economy Plus made the long-haul flight relaxing, especially for someone who is not a confident flyer. The in-flight entertainment offered plenty of choices and the meals were excellent.
Arriving in San Francisco, I was instantly taken by the city’s skyline, rolling hills and fresh bay air. I was also pleasantly surprised by how clean the city was.
A real highlight was the Chinatown Food Walking Tour – an unforgettable cultural and culinary experience. Our local guide led us through lively streets and hidden alleys filled with red lanterns, herbal shops and traditional bakeries.
I tried everything from dumplings to Peking duck and learned about the important role Chinese immigration played in shaping San Francisco’s history.
My visit also lined up perfectly with Fleet Week, one of the city’s biggest annual events. The atmosphere along the waterfront was electric – live music, ship tours and aerial shows filled the bay area with excitement.
Watching jets soar over the Golden Gate Bridge was awesome…it is amazing how talented these pilots are.
After the buzz of the city, we travelled inland to Yosemite Mariposa County. The drive itself was scenic and relaxing, with views of rolling hills and charming small towns along the way.
Entering Yosemite National Park completely blew me away. Photos simply don’t do it justice.
The scale of the cliffs, waterfalls and forests is unbelievable – it’s the kind of place that makes you stop and just take it all in. Despite other visitors, the park felt peaceful and never crowded.
Outside the park, Mariposa County was full of character, with boutique lodges, cosy cafés and the historic Gold Rush town of Mariposa.
We stayed at Tenaya at Yosemite, a beautiful mountain resort just 20 minutes from the park’s southern entrance. With a range of accommodation options, it’s an excellent choice for anyone visiting Yosemite.
This trip gave me much more than great memories. It gave me first-hand knowledge and confidence to create even better itineraries for my clients.
I now have a deeper understanding of how to combine the excitement of city life with the calm of nature and how United Airlines provides a smooth, reliable link between Australia and California.
I can’t wait to share this experience with my clients and help them plan their own unforgettable journeys through San Francisco, Yosemite Mariposa County and beyond.
