Welcome to SimplySam.co!
Hey, I’m Sam! I’m a Taiwanese American living in Long Beach with my dog Maddie. This blog is focused on travel, wellness, and dogs.
I Visited All Eleven Hangar 18 Climbing Locations – Here’s a Quick Review of Each One!
I will spare you a long-winded story about how I got into climbing and jump right into a review of each location I’ve been to. Please note that I (5’3″ female) climb mostly V3-V4s – I can do most V3s, some of the easier V4s, and only a small handful of the easiest V5s. For…
Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Review – The Best Personal Item For Traveling!
If you’re struggling to find the personal item that works for you and your travels, look no further – I’m here to advocate for Cotopaxi’s Allpa 28L backpack. I had a layover in Atlanta’s international airport without my usual carry-on. Normally I bring along my Lo & Sons weekender duffel as my personal item but…
How I Packed For a 6 Day Hawaiian Trip With Just a Personal Item
Cheap flights to Hawaii mean spontaneous bookings and no carry-ons via United Airline’s Basic Economy ticket restrictions. My parents and I each took a personal item to Oahu and I will show how I was able to pack for a 6 day trip with my Cotopaxi Allpa 28L backpack. All of our bags fit into…
9 Hawaiian Highlights in Oahu
Oahu is the 3rd and most recent Hawaiian island I’ve visited. I did a bunch of research before my trip, and came up with these 9 highlights that you must visit and check out next time you’re there! Tantalus Lookout Located at Puu Ualakaa State Park, you’ll get clear views of Honolulu and Diamond Head…
Dog-Friendly Arizona Road Trip!
I love road trips with my parents because it means my dog Maddie gets to tag along and I don’t need to drive! Our itinerary is pretty specific to certain areas, but you can definitely consider pieces of our trip to add to your own. We did a 5 night, 6 days trip from LA…
How I Retrained My Housetrained Dog to Pee on Fake Grass
Housetraining a puppy is hard work. But what about retraining an older dog (mine is 7 y.o.) to go on fake grass you’ve set up indoors or on your balcony? I’d say it can be harder, but it’s doable! Here’s what I did to train my girl to pee on a patch of fake grass…
1 Dog-Friendly Day in Yosemite National Park!
Most national parks aren’t dog friendly, and for good reason. These parks are there to protect wildlife, and dogs’ barking and marking can disrupt the ecosystem built there. Native animals can be vulnerable to diseases some dogs can carry as well. So if you stumble across a pet-friendly national park, dogs are usually allowed only…
My Top Travel To-Do’s in Any City
Time and time again, I find myself repeating the same types of activities whenever I travel to a different city. Whether it’s tasting the local food at a market or renting a bike to see more of what the city has to offer, these are my favorite travel to-do’s! Visit a Food Hall or Market…
One-Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park
I can hardly believe it took me nearly my whole life of living in SoCal to make it out to Joshua Tree. Only last year I got out to Death Valley National Park! I am such a loser. Anyways! Here is a quick and easy guide for a day trip itinerary to Joshua Tree. It’s…
Valley of Fire State Park Day Trip
This state park is as cool (or flaming) as its name. Just a little over an hour away from the Strip, the Valley of Fire State Park makes for a great day trip that is dog friendly and is packed with attractions and hikes. Be prepared to pay a $10 entrance fee, and you may…