https://youtu.be/jTkPVsNgthY
Category: #TBT Travel
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You Asked! Here’s My 5 Year Bucketlist!
So, if you’re like me, you’re the type of person who dreams of where they are headed to next while they are still either on vacation or returning from vacation. Part of it is because of never ending wanderlust as your travel bucketlist is longer than possible to actually visit even if you lived and traveled until you reach 100 years of age. The other part of it is everything you learn from the other wonderful wanderlusters who you’re surrounded by while on vacation. For example, earlier this month we were in Bali, Indonesia, and met a group of friends who were all headed to Japan. While Japan was somewhere on my list of places to go, it quickly inched up a few spots once I learned about some of the cool activities they had planned – yes Mario Kart in Tokyo, I’m looking at you. So we will be traveling to Japan with a few friends next summer and yes that idea was framed while we were drinking in Gili Trawangan. Just another plug to always talk to people when you’re traveling as they usually give awesome tips of places to go, and things to do, that you may not have heard about back home. Anyhoo – some of ya’ll have asked me where I’m dying to go next so here’s a quick list of 5 spots that I NEED to see in the next 4-5 years. And I’m sorry, but I don’t have pictures because I haven’t gone to these locations, and I only post pictures on my site that were taken by me or my husband (best travel partner ever!)
- South Africa and Kenya/Nairobi/Tanzania – This is certainly number one on my list of destinations, and I will be going 2020 (barring any crazy setbacks). I’m not sure I need to (or can articulately) explain why but I’ll try… first off, the culture and history of South Africa is amazing, and when I say amazing, I don’t necessarily mean awesome, but rather intense and full of history. I am one of those folks that need to know the history of a place, and it’s people before I can take part in other activities. Thus, I’m looking forward to seeing sites like where the Zulus held their forces, and where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, among other cultural spots. I’m also excited to check out the sharks near Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, and enjoy the amazing culinary delights the city has to offer. Then, comes the safari – this is why I have listed 3 countries (though there are a couple of of more in the mix as well). Depending on the migration season (which has fluctuated greatly the last couple of decades due to climate change), we may choose any of the countries listed above to see wild elephants, lions, gazelles, and rhinos. Overall, the trip would be no less than 14 days long, and I want to choose a wildlife tour operator that assists in the preservation of animal habitat, even if that means paying a few more dollars for the reservation – hence why this is designed for 2020, I need to save up a bit 😉
- Brazil – I keep hearing that Brazil is THE place to be for New Year’s and of course, Carnival. I’m not sure I’m quite ready for Carnival yet – I think I may check out Trinidad first just to get my feet wet, but in the interim, I do want to see what Brazil is all about. I have heard tons about the Afro-Portugese culture, so I definitely want to learn more the people, who they are, what they eat, and what type of music they like. Then of course, I need to see Christ the Reedemer, check out the Bairro of Copacabana (supposedly this is the spot to be on New Year’s – especially the hotels that overlook the beach which apparently go all out for the festivities without getting all sandy), Ipanema, Iguazu Falls (border w/ Argentina), and take a tour of the Amazon where I stay on a river boat for a couple of days. Granted, I’m petrified about that last part, especially because it feels like every action movie from the ‘90s set in the jungle was centered around anacondas or piranhas, but, what can I say? I’m a risk-taker… Again, I’ll probably carve out about 2 weeks to accomplish this, especially as it appears to be a bit of hike to Iguazu Falls.
- Easter Island – Random right? You were probably expecting me to say the Galapagos, which are on my list, but not extremely high for some reason. Anyways, I digress. Easter Island is on my list because I’m fascinated by the mysticism of the statutes (moai). To date, no one can sort out how the moais that line the island were placed there (or why), given the lack of machinery available at the time. I’m the kind of person that neeeeeeds to see this (History + Myth = Paradise). I also want to see Anakena Beach, Kakenga Cave, and see the Milky Way from a location that doesn’t have much competing light. I’d say this trip will warrant about a week – as I have to fly into Chile (and fly into Easter Island from Santiago).
- Prague – I’ve seen a few countries in Europe, and so far my faves are the ones that I expected the least (Luxembourg and Spain). I say this because I thought Italy would be my fave given my affinity for Italian food, and though quite lovely, the charm of Barcelona and Luxembourg are something I can’t over-emphasize! Ok, I’m focused again…I have Prague on my list as I keep hearing how charming and historical it is, without being overly commercialized. I think the addition of the castles that I read about simply make it a country out of a storybook. I’m pretty sure I’ll visit this spot in conjunction with others (ie: Hungary, Northern Germany, Austria, etc.), and opt for Nov/Dec so we can check out the Christmas markets which look to be out of this world. We were in Germany in October and they were already preparing for Christmas – can you imagine the festivities in late November or December? Cold…yes, but magical? Also Yes!!
- Seychelles – because, well, why not? Literally just type this country into Google Images and you will see that it looks magnificent. From secret waterfalls to gorgeous vistas and snorkeling, this place reminds me of what I enjoyed about Bora Bora. I’m not sure if I’m right, so I guess I need to go see so I can check it out. Apply the same logic for the Maldives, and press repeat. I’ll prob spend about a week in either country, and a week in the countries that lead to these islands (ie: African countries for Seychelles, India for the Maldives).
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Everything You Need To Eat and Visit in Grand Cayman!
The Cayman Islands don’t often get a lot of love from folks, other than from Wall Street financiers of course, haha. But, that’s a shame. It’s certainly not flashy nor full of tons of activities as with other islands such as the Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, or Jamaica, however, there is plenty to keep you smiling during your vacation.
I’ve probably visited Cayman about 6-7 times as my husband used to attend St. Matthew’s University, located in West Bay, Cayman Islands. What initially attracted us to the island may appeal to you as well: a) it had the best infrastructure of any Caribbean island I’ve visited (and this has only improved over the last 2 years), b) it has great food, and c) its calm. I know this sounds crazy but sometimes I feel more tired after a great vacation because I’m busy taking in every single activity a place offers (ie: ziplining, rafting, hiking, etc.). Sometimes, I just want to relax and read a book, but feel compelled to partake in too many activities to really take in some quiet time. Fortunately, Cayman offers a more relaxed environment, while still looking a lot like paradise.
So, here are my ideas for what to see and do for your chill trip to Cayman:
1) 7 mile beach – home to some of the clearest, calmest waters you’ll ever see. This stretch of beach isn’t in fact 7 miles (closer to 5.5), but you’ll have plenty of space to chill, relax, and read a book. Along this stretch, there are a few hotels that offer beachfront eating, and as you get closer to Georgetown, there are activities available such as jet-skiing or glass bottom boat trips. The last time we visited, we went to the Royal Palms Beach Club, which is situated along 7 mile beach. We rented one of their private poolside cabanas, and truly had a ball. We went on a Sunday afternoon, which is when they have an adult only pool party, with drink specials and cool vibes. I was able to enjoy my book in the morning, eat at their beach side restaurant for lunch, and then enjoy their pool party by late afternoon. Great choice if you’re in town on a Sunday.
2) Rum Point – if you’re staying along 7 mile beach, you’ll need to rent a moped/car, or hire an uber to get here, but again, it’s worth it. Somehow, it’s a more calming enclave than 7 mile beach (which I didn’t realize was possible). When you reach Rum Point, you’ll see plenty of lounge chairs and hammocks, and even a volleyball net set up under ons of trees providing glorious shade. There’s a restaurant that serves basic bar type food (burgers, fried fish, fries, etc.), and rum based drinks (I came prepared w/ my own rum!). In front of all of the beach chairs is a bay type area where you can go kayaking, or jetskiing, or just relax and play in the water. Again, its an extremely calm place, that offers peace and serenity, and light water activities if you so desire.
3) Stingray City – anytime I travel to an island, I try to get out on the water to see what the landscape looks like from water. Cayman doesn’t really have great views from the water, but what it lacks in topography, it makes up for with a trip to Stingray City. It’s located along the Northern Sound in Cayman, and is made up of a series of sand bars. You can hire a private boat tour operator to take you (or travel along with 7-8 other people on a shared tour), but I’d highly recommend taking an early morning tour if you desire to beat the crowds. It has become a hugely popular attraction, so if you go there early afternoon, it’d probably be so crowded that you won’t even be able to swim around the sandbar once you reach it. Otherwise, it’s cool to see these large, magnificent creatures up close (and a bit scary as Steve Irwin is still in my thoughts). It is also amazing to see how quickly kids get acclimated to the environment. From what I see, they are at first a little nervous as the stingrays here are quite large, but once someone shows them its safe, they usually have more fun than the adults, so I’d say its a kid friendly attraction as well.
4) Cayman Turtle Centre – in the theme of kid friendly attractions, I had to include the turtle farm. Greg and I went while he was in medical school, and it was just a cool, different thing to do. There’s a lagoon that houses an alligator, areas where you can touch turtles that are being rehabilitated, an aquarium-like tank that houses sharks, and a lagoon where you can actually snorkel among turtles.
5) Hell Point – this is a quick pitstop, but cool nonetheless. It’s essentially a field of limestone deposits that remind you, of well, Hell (from movies, lol). You’d only spend mayb 3-4 min here, just enough to take a pic and maybe grab a postcard to mail out, from Hell.
6) Camana Bay – this is a new shopping/restaurant complex that houses a bit of everything, restaurants, shopping, and even a movie theater. We tried a couple of restaurants in the area, and were happy, but truly appreciated the fact that it’s waterside. Again, very calm and chill spot, much like the rest of Cayman.
You all know about my love affair with food, so here’s where to eat:
1) Copper Falls Steakhouse – this is my favorite steakhouse in the world. Yes…i said the world. First off, they cook your steaks perfectly to your tasting – none of that undercooking that you hear other restaurants do to prevent waste. Secondly, I appreciate their side items (they actually have linguine and mac and cheese as options which ties into my Italian loving). Third, their lobster bisque is…everything. Lastly, you need to ask for their homemade steak sauce. It is comprised of a bit of steak juice, onion, and a whole lot more, and its DELICIOUS. The last time we visited there, we paid them $20 to give us a bit to take home they don’t officially sell their sauce unfortunately). If you make reservations, you’ll be in great shape. I keep forgetting to take pictures because I chow down pretty quickly when I visit.
2) Ristorante Ragazzi – top 5 fave Italian restaurants of all time (and yes I’ve been all through Italy). I know, who thinks about Cayman and great Italian, right? First off, their service was impeccable – our waitress took a lot of time explaining the dishes, and even asked the kitchen to split both of our entrees as we offhandedly advised her that we were splitting both entrees so we each had an opportunity to try everything. Secondly, you can tell that their chef took some time when creating their dishes – Greg loved their Penne Lobster, and I was in love with the Orechiette. The flavors were deep and melded together perfectly. I also like that the restaurant was very unassuming – they didn’t take themselves too seriously, though they did make you feel special. Would highly recommend.
3) Coconut Joes – this is on the list because of how chill it is and how great their drinks are. They used to have the best rice bowls on the island, but according to a waitress, they stopped selling those years ago. Fortunately, they still sell great wings and ribs, and if you dine there while there’s a popular sports game on, you’ll be treated to HUGE tvs situated up on the restaurant wall. It’s a true local spot that’s great for chill food (though I can’t recommend it for breakfast).
4) Eats Cafe – first off, let me say that I really want to try West Bay Diner. Every time I have gone to Cayman, something prevented me from trying it, but its on my to-do list. Now that I got that out of the way, I like Eats – but let me preface this – its no frills, and doesn’t have a per se shtick (it’s not waterfront, or have a key item you MUST have). So why do I recommend it? I like normal pancakes or waffles when I travel. I’m pretty American in this way…I just want chill waffles, with eggs, and bacon, and not pay an arm or a leg for it. I’ve tried a few spots and this had the best chill American breakfast that I had on the island, and they play Motown music in the background as you dine.
5) Decker’s – you need to come here for their All You Can Eat Lobster nights (Tuesdays and Saturdays). Their food is fresh and delicious, and not over-priced, which I have found at a few other spots. Just be mindful that they close down during certain times of the year (like Westbay Diner), but otherwise, this is a great bet if you’re hungry for seafood!
Things to keep in mind while you’re on the island:
- They drive on the left side of the road. It’s important to note, as many of the places I
mentioned above will require access to transportation (though there are buses on the island as well), especially Rum Point.
2) It’s on the more expensive side – you won’t find great pricing or deals as you would on other islands. I recall once going to KFC during Greg’s med school days, and they wanted to charge $20 for chicken. We laughed ourselves out of the store. Now that we are working, the pricing isn’t as jarring, but still, don’t think you’re going to get a deal on food or drinks while you’re in town. Generally, expect Florida – NY type pricing, depending on what restaurant you go to.
3) Stay chill – they don’t have awesome mottos that you hear everywhere like you do in Costa Rica or Jamaica, but the island is very calm, some may even say – too calm. You don’t hear people honking on horns or yelling in the street, and we literally have circle the entire island tons of times. One thing that we love doing is going off the side of the road on our way to/from Rum Point, and finding a private spot on the beach to chill and drink some rum, and literally, no one bothers you. As I’ve said throughout the entire post, Cayman is extremely chill, and the perfect place to visit if you want to eat well, read a book, and enjoy the sunshine, and if you live in Florida, take advantage of Southwest’s $59 deals. Enjoy!!
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Finally, Spring is Here and Travel Season is Amongst Us!!
I love traveling in May – its starting to warm up in most parts of the United States, and the crowds are not as bad as you’ll find from late June to mid-August, once school is out of session. Most of all – people become happier in May, especially up North, where they can feel summer sunshine and smell backyard barbeques right around the corner. So, this week, I’ve decided to share with you my picks for where you should visit this late Spring – if you don’t already subscribe to Jetblue or Southwest airlines, you should, as they regularly have spring and summer deals from major airports. Last year, we flew from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Cayman for $59 each way via Southwest! Ok, I’ve digressed… Here are my top 5 picks:
San Diego, CA – It’s no secret, that I love California. Who doesn’t love a state that offers the beach, city life, mountain hiking, and skiing?! San Diego is leading as my favorite city in California as it has gorgeous landscapes (La Jolla I’m thinking about you), chill vibes, and great food. Seriously, there are hundreds of restaurants that offer great Italian (and not only in the Little Italy area), seafood, Mexican, and of course, bakeries!! May is great as you don’t have to contend with crazy summer crowds, but the temperature is still between 60 and 70 degrees, on average. The bad thing – it rains more in May than in most months, so you may have to deal with cloudy skies, and short bursts of rain, so it’s less likely you’ll be chilling at the beach. However, that does mean more time to take in the sites of La Jolla (or go kayaking through the bay to sea the seals – I was HORRIBLE at it, but everyone else was great), or visiting the San Diego Zoo, or going on a cool bar crawl through the Gaslamp district. I can only imagine celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Old Town, or enjoying a delicious Memorial Day brunch by the bay side <- wait, I actually did do that once, and it was pretty darn fantastic!!
Boston, MA – maybe not so much in May, but come June/July, this city’s aura becomes infectious. Boston is an amazingly walkable city, teeming with history. For starters, you have the Freedom Trail, which is about a 2.5 mile route that covers several historical sites, including Paul Revere’s house, and the site of the Boston massacre. And you guessed it, these sites are better seen on foot, so its best to visit with warm weather. I also fell in love with Faneuil Hall – not only is it also part of our nation’s history (i don’t think any part of this City isn’t full of history, LOL), but today, it consists of tons of restaurants and shops, and even a museum. It’s also cool to check out the Boston Harbor (take an amphibious tour to truly see everything), maybe go see the Red Sox (though I can’t vouch for the team, as an avid Yankees fan, though their stadium is historic!), Harvard University (Cambridge is a fun town full of restaurants like my personal fave Wagamama’s, and shops), and eat in Little Italy, which as you guessed it is home to quite a few delicious restaurants. Boston brings to life all of those history tidbits you may have forgotten (or ignored) from high school history class.
New Orleans, LA – no, its not during Mardi Gras, but for me, that’s why I like visiting this time of year! New Orleans was built on top of and surrounding a swamp, so you don’t really want to visit in June or July where the temperatures soar above anything comfortable, haha. But in May, you have warm weather during the day, and cooler temperatures at night, which is absolute perfection. Then you have the cuisine in New Orleans (are you seeing a trend in the cities I’ve chosen thus far?!)…who doesn’t love great cajun food + beignets?! In fact, my last trip to New Orleans affected my brain and taste buds so much that I went looking for beignets while in NYC (and I found them…but that’s another story)! There’s a lot to do in New Orleans aside from partaking in the awesome drink scene – you must try the Hurricane from Pat O’Briens and the Hand Grenade from Tropical Isle (get it frozen), and I’m still on the search for more options! For starters, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the Whitney plantation. It’s the only plantation in New Orleans that centers on what actually occurred there – slavery, as opposed to the balls that may have occurred in the Manor. Their tour includes a visit to the slave quarters, the holding cell they kept slaves in awaiting auction, the kitchen used by the slaves to make dinner, and tons of real slave accounts from their time in bondage. This plantation prides itself on capturing the true stories as told by the slaves themselves, rather than a historian or writer’s account of what they may have seen or been told. If you want to truly see and feel what really occurred on a plantation, then this is the place for you. I also took a bike tour through New Orleans and a Voodoo walking tour. I learned a lot on both tours from the history of the French and Spanish occupation(s), as well as how the Africans helped to shape the city’s future. So, for those who love history and great cuisine – this city, who is currently celebrating its 300 year anniversary, is the one for you to visit this spring.
Lisbon, Portugal – the first city on the list that I haven’t been to yet, but it doesn’t mean that its not on my radar. Lisbon’s weather is perfect in May, and you don’t have the crazy summer tourists quite yet. Lisbon is somehow still staying under the radar as it loses folks to the flashier and more popular European cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, and London. Why is it on my list? From what I see, it’s gorgeous, calm, full of history and great seafood, and is a gateway to some other awesome sites like the Azores and Algarve regions, respectively. I also hear that a great majority of folks speak English (which is a plus for tourists like me who only learned one foreign language in high school, lol). I do plan on visiting Portugal, hopefully in the next year, and when I do, expect a nice long write-up.
Bali, Indonesia – ok, I know this one first hand, because I recently booked my first trip to Indonesia for this upcoming June. Why is it awesome this time of year? Well, for starters, its not monsoon season, haha. Another theme you may have noticed during my posts – I am not a lover of rain…I respect the need for it, but when I travel, I want non-stop sunshine. Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, etc., all enjoy pretty warm weather year-round, so they characterize their weather around rain. May in Indonesia is dry season, but its prior to when the throngs of tourists visit, so expect cheaper flights and hotel pricing. What got my attention? 5 star resorts for as low as $80/night. And you know those awesome over-water bungalows that you see in Bora Bora? Those will cost upwards of $900/night, but in Malaysia you can stay at one for only $300/night. The most expensive part is the flight (subscribe to Qatar Airways and Emirates for deals), but once you arrive, you’ll be met with gracious folks, cheap but delicious food, and great scenery. I literally can’t wait, and you shouldn’t either!
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About to Head to…Costa Rica
So much goes into planning a trip (well). If you read my last post, http://www.lketravels.com/book-dream-trip-without-assistance-travel-agent/, you saw that firsthand as I outlined my process from choosing the best time to visit your intended vacay spot, to figuring out the overall logistics for your trip. This upcoming weekend, I’m headed to Costa Rica for 8 days, and I cannot friggin’ wait!! I’m mostly excited, and just a little bit nervous, as everyone I’ve talked to has expressed surprise and concern over our plans to rent a car and do a mini road trip. But you know we can’t ever resist the chance of seeing a country on our own…
Now, this is not our first time renting a car “somewhat” in the region…we rented a car in the Playa del Carmen and Tulum area of Mexico, and found navigating the area fairly easy and straightforward. However, there’s one word that keeps coming up with Costa Rica that is making me a bit nervous – mudslides. However, that’s why we chose to visit during the dry season, so hopefully we’ll be covered. From what I hear, Costa Rica also doesn’t yet have the same level of infrastructure, but that’s where the adventure begins, right? Besides, my spanish is así así, so hopefully we’ll get around with a little help from the locals.
Once we pick up our car from the airport, our plans include the following:
*Head to Jaco to see the sunset at local spot I found
*Manuel Antonio beach crawl
*Go white water rafting in the Pacuare River
*Zipline + La Fortuna Waterfall tour (Canopy rainforest)
*Hanging Bridges
*Zorbing
*Local thermal spa + resort thermal spa (so I can write about the difference)
*Ziplining (Cloud rainforest)
*Chocolate farm tour
*Montezuma waterfalls
*Montezuma/Santa Teresa beach crawl
*Tortuga Island
*Explore San Jose
Our accommodations includes a mix of airbnb, glamping, and resort stays. And yes, I have some of the restaurants already planned out – I literally can’t help myself, haha. As you’ll see, I have not included any of the actual details yet, because if the experience with a particular tour operator isn’t favorable then I don’t want to knock them later (I’ll just extract them from my assessment), but if it is favorable, I will ensure I post a follow up article about exactly what we did, which tour operator/park we went to for each activity, and any tips I learn along the way.
If you’re interested in any of the above activities, check out my future post where I delve into my trip in greater detail. Until then, please wish us luck and safe travels!
Oh, and in case you’re wondering where that photo came from, I took a picture of Costa Rica off one of my globes at home. You know I have a policy against posting any pics that neither Greg or I took ourselves!
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6 Travel Tips That I Wish Someone Had Given Me When I First Got My Passport…
Almost everyone I know is going somewhere awesome this year! 2018 will hopefully be the year of experiences/memories – as I know of folks traveling to Costa Rica, Italy, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Iceland, Japan, etc. I absolutely love that the travel bug is spreading almost as quickly as the flu, and it got me thinking…are there any tips that I could share with my friends/readers, and provide information that I wish someone may have told me when I first started to travel? Ummm…yes!!! So, no more intro – here are my top 6 tips that I wish someone would have told me the first time I traveled abroad:
1)Skip the currency exchange – If possible, open an account with a bank like TD that doesn’t charge foreign transaction or ATM fees. Aside from the obvious (did you read when I said no fees?), there’s another reason this is critical. Gone are the days where you need to stop off at the currency exchange upon landing, or make a visit to your local bank to exchange funds in advance of your trip. If you have any account which doesn’t charge you ATM fees for using an ATM not associated with your bank, then you can literally use any ATM in the country you’re visiting and extract local currency. You don’t have to worry about fees anymore or long lines at the teller – just take out money as you usually would back home, and head out to your next destination. We’ve been doing this solidly for about 4 years now, and I swear by this. Just be mindful that often the accounts that don’t charge ATM fees will require you to keep a certain $$ threshold in your account.
2)Always do a 5 min research session – you’d be surprised how American we all are, haha. What this means is, even in countries like the UK or Australia, where they speak English, their customs can differ drastically from what we’re used to. This includes everything from what we wear, to what we say, and what we eat. For example, in England, you won’t catch most folks wearing sweats and shopping – it’s a very American thing to do. Typically, citizens from other countries dress up more formally than we do here, so if you’re looking to fit in, you may want to include some nice tops to dress up your jeans. It’s also important to know some of the local lingo so you or the person you’re speaking to, doesn’t get unnecessarily offended. Do you know that “fag” means cigarette in London? Or that “entree” means appetizer in Australia? Just do 5 min, to ensure you don’t make a huge gaffe, and you’ll be thankful.
3)Bounce around – ok, this is merely a preference thing, but please don’t only visit Paris if you have a week to kill. Sure, large(r) cities like Munich, Paris, and Barcelona have become popular because they have a lot to offer, so it certainly makes sense to spend a great deal of time there, but all of your time? No… Often times some of the most beautiful, pristine, and natural parts of the country are just outside of the major city centers. These are the areas that experience less tourism, and thus you will often be rewarded with more authentic experiences. I am not saying that you won’t find a great beer in Munich, or croissant in Paris, but overall, you will find some of the best overall restaurants for a local feel and neighborhood folks in the countryside, or just lesser known cities (or even countries). I’ll give you an example – Luxembourg is not necessarily a hot spot for visitors – when I told friends I was going there last year, I got a lot of “deer in headlight” looks…but it was one of the highlights of my trip to Europe. The area had an extremely local feel because it wasn’t over-commercialized. I was also rewarded with the best madeleines and italian food that I have ever had…and I mean ever. Don’t only stick to what you see on Instagram – create your own journey…I promise you your memories will thank you.
4)You won’t be able to do everything – and it’s ok! Due to rain, crowds, unplanned strikes (very popular in Italy and France), or holidays that you may not have known about (this happened to us in Germany), certain sites, restaurants, or driving routes may be closed while you’re in town. Don’t get discouraged – this happens more than you’d think, esp if you start to stretch your boundaries a bit, and don’t take pre-selected vacations through your travel agent. When we were planning our road trip, we mapped it all via Google maps, then did a quick news search to see if there were any cities/towns we should avoid. Then, about a week before our trip, we looked up the weather to see if it was going to be too cold/cloudy/rainy to do some of the activities that we were planning. Sure enough, it was going to rain for a few days, so we simply altered our route so we could do indoor activities (ie: thermal baths) on a rainy day, and ski lifts on the more beautiful days. Unfortunately, we missed the fact that Germany closes down essentially, the day after Halloween, so a restaurant I was interested in trying was closed – but roll with the punches! We found a local tavern that sold great food/drinks and we were able to mingle with the non-English speaking local town people, and have an incredible time! You never know where your next amazing experience will come from, so have a wonderful time and go with whatever comes up next!
5)Don’t bank on “doing nothing” – Ok, I know some of my friends have kids, so I understand that “doing nothing” may be exactly what you want to do while on vacation, LOL! But for the rest of you…you may think, ok, I’ll get tix to the Bahamas and then do nothing for 5 days. From experience, I just want to say, I highly doubt this will happen. Most folks will get bored after just 1 day on the beach reading a book. Again, this is not for everyone…but on average, we need a bit more to entertain us. For this reason, I implore you to always book an activity (not through the hotel but directly through a tour operator), or have back up sites that you’d like to see in case the opportunity arises. I’ve even been on trips with other couples who originally just wanted to relax, and by day 2, they get antsy and start asking for suggestions – luckily I was prepared! So put aside any feelings of – I just want to read this book and drink margaritas. You very well may want to – but not for longer than 1 -2 days.
6)Souvenirs are usually a waste of money – Unless I have a friend that I know wants some cubicle decor, or is a collector of shot glasses, then don’t waste your money! When we first started traveling, we thought we’d get something authentic from every country we visited – and eventually we stopped. It was just too much. Again, nothing with me is absolute – when I travel to certain more exotic countries I may want to pick up a handmade item like a rug from Turkey or a mask from Kenya because they truly specialize in something that I can’t get back home. But a mug from Mexico or a t-shirt in the Bahamas? You’re better off getting these types of items off Amazon – you’ll pay less, and your friends will still be able to see that you’ve been to Nassau.
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7 Bucketlist Spots to Celebrate New Year’s Eve (No, NYC Didn’t Make the List)
I learned years ago that New Year’s Eve celebrations will never match what I dream of in my head. In all fairness, this is partly because I have an amazing imagination – think Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory, but instead of chocolate fountains, I picture delicious rum cocktails, and cake…lots of cake, with awesome music, and minimal crowds (enough for it to be a good party, but not cray). When I find this oasis, I doubt I’ll be writing about it…but until then, here are a few spots that I’ve either heard about through close friends, or visited first hand and can vouch for being great NYE destinations. Oh, and I know you’re wondering why New York, and Vegas didn’t make the list – I limited this blog to international spots only. Also, all New Yorkers know you don’t spend NYE in the City…we don’t like to wear diapers while waiting for a ball to drop in freezing temps…
- Sydney, Australia – the fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour is world famous – for good reason! Between staying at one of the many hotels that line the harbour, or taking an awesome cruise through the harbour, anyone can take in great views of the fireworks display while getting their party on. You can even party right in the middle of the harbour by taking a ferry to Clark or Shark Island, which both offer refreshments, and amazing views. Sydney also puts on an acrobatic water show and the Harbour of Lights, where more than 50 boats, decorated with lights, line the harbour. From what I’ve heard there’s even an ancient Aboriginal smoking ceremony, that is designed to cleanse the harbour of negative spirits. Best part?? The weather! Sydney averages between 73-77 degrees in December, so if you live in the U.S., you can escape the cold, and head to where it’s warm, and fun!
- Edinburgh, Scotland – Do you have what it takes to party non-stop for 3 days? Not sure I do…but I am sure going to try, LOL. Locals call this festival Hogmanay (means: last day of the year). The party starts on December 30th, when a group of revelers carrying torches, march from Parliament Square to Carlton Hill for the first fireworks display. On the following day, the streets are filled with parades, parties and music festivals. At midnight, 4.5 tons of fireworks are let off over Edinburgh Castle, and everyone in the streets sign Auld Lang Syne. I don’t know about you, but this seems like a necessity of life, to me.
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – You don’t have to just travel to Brazil during Carnival to have a good time! NYE brings the second largest party to Rio, at Copacabana Beach, where party goers wear all white (supposed to be good luck), at this all night party called Reveillon. There’s oceanfront musical performances, dancing, drinking, and of course, fireworks. At midnight, the sea goddess, Yemanja is honored, as “the less intoxicated” partiers remember to throw flowers into the ocean. For a less raucous time, many of the hotels that line the strip also offer great rooftop parties that overlook Copacabana Beach, so you can watch the party from above, while sipping on champagne, and eating fresh seafood. I will be going in the next 2 years, to um…do research for everyone…You’re welcome, haha.
- Hong Kong, China – This skyline is gorgeous on a normal day. Can you imagine how it looks when it is covered with fireworks? Similar to as in Sydney, this NYE celebration centers around water – Victoria Harbour. This city offers rooftop parties and harbour cruises that all offer beautiful views over the harbour – but the best part is that the night culminates with pyrotechnic dragon dancing through the city skyline.
- Reykjavic, Iceland – Ok, so we’re back in the cold climate for this one, but it is for a good reason, I promise! Don’t you want to go somewhere that starts off NYE celebrations with bonfires? I do. Locals claim the bonfires date back to the Middle Ages, where fishermen believed the fire helped to burn away the previous year’s negativity. Then, similar to NY in the 90’s, everyone sets off their own fireworks display while waiting for midnight to come. Then, the true party begins…as clubs and lounges are open until upwards of 5am. And these folks, loooove to party. Don’t worry, you can cure your hangover, as there’s only about 4 hours of daylight in Iceland this time of year, so it’ll be dark when you wake up for lunch, haha…
- Cape Town, South Africa – Don’t you just love coastal cities? Le sigh… Many folks head to the Victoria and Albert Waterfront where there’s a concert and fireworks for party goers to enjoy. But, if you’re similar to me, and like to avoid heavy crowds, while still having fun, head to Table Mountain, which still offers amazing views of the fireworks, while having considerably less people around to obstruct your view. The following day, the place to be is on the beach, where everyone comes to enjoy the sun, and watch the Minstrel Carnival Parade that dances through the Downtown area. This tradition dates back to the 19th century and has been going strong ever since.
- Valparaiso, Chile – I know what you’re thinking…this woman has a thing for multi-day, water centered celebrations, and I’d say: #guilty. Its firework display lasts for almost half an hour, over Chile’s oldest port city. Its another 3 day celebration on the beach, and in the streets, as over 1 million folks party until 5am celebrating the new year. Similar to as in Rio, plenty of hotels offer breathtaking views of the beach and port from their rooftop bars and restaurants, so you don’t have to be in the mix of things if you choose not to. Head to this spot for a more low-key, off the radar, but still popular place to celebrate NYE!
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My 7 Favorite Travel Apps
Anyone people-watching at a mall or while sitting in a restaurant can see that we have become attached (closer to obsessed, but I’m being nice) to our phones. Admittedly, it’s mostly for good reason – we want to stay in contact with loved ones, or check out the latest football score (I LOVE fantasy football!!), or check out apps like Instagram or Facebook. While traveling, this phone obsession may come in handy as there are a host of apps that I use when planning a trip or once I’m traveling that has proven to be quite helpful. I don’t get paid by, well, anyone, so I have no biases here; these are just my proven favorites. If you use an app that I have not listed – please share with us 🙂 I am always looking for something cool! Of course, there are apps for companies like Uber/Lyft, Airbnb, and Yelp, but given the popularity of those sites, I’ve decided to focus on other sites.
1)Skiplagged – Major shout out to my cousin Miko for putting me onto this one. Sometimes you may not have a destination in mind, but you know where you plan to leave from, and what your travel dates are. This app provides you with a list of prices for possible travel destinations from your home airport, once you indicate what your travel dates are. It’s amazing, because you may not even have a destination in mind, but if a city only costs $99 round-trip to travel to, you may give it a whirl, right? Essentially this app is perfect for those that have severe wanderlust, and down to try anything. This way, you don’t have to look up specific cities for an upcoming trip – you get to see all of your options!
2)Travelzoo – I love this site, and have subscribed to them for close to 10 years now. First, you list your home city, then they email you special deals for your city, including dining/massages, etc. It’s essentially like a groupon – but geared towards travel/experiences. Every week they publish a top 20 deal where they list the 20 best travel deals they found that week. These deals are usually amazing – I’ve seen trips to Alaska, last minute cruises, trips to the Great Wall of China, African safaris, etc. If you download the app, they send this list directly to your phone every Wednesday – definitely worth it! During the week, you can look up your city, or any U.S. city for that matter, and see deals specifically geared for that city. Most recently I received a massage valued at $365 for $115 – you can’t go wrong with this site.
3)ITA – This is software engineered by the brainiacs at Google. We use it before booking any flight…ever. This works best when you know your travel plans (ie: departure/arrival city and times), unlike with Skiplagged. It compiles the best pricing for airline tickets based on the information you provided. Based on what I’ve seen over the past couple of years using this site, it works better than Kayak, Expedia, Priceline, etc. I’m not sure how it works exactly, but you will become aware of the best pricing for airline tickets. You can also access this search engine on your computer too. You’re welcome in advance, haha.
4)Airline Apps (Jetblue/AA/Delta) – this may seem like an obvious one, but you’d be surprised how infrequently I see folks using their phone when scanning their boarding pass. Most airlines, particularly the 3 I mentioned above, have quite comprehensive phone applications. They permit you to check in, change your seat, and perhaps most importantly, will update you with any changes to the gate, or time of departure. I can’t tell you how often I will receive an update via the Jetblue app, which has helped me at the airport, before this news travels to the rest of the passengers (particularly with gate changes). Also, once you check in via the app, your boarding pass is on your phone, and you can go through TSA, and eventually onto your flight, without needing to stop off at a kiosk or gate agent for a paper copy. Between the ease of not having to keep track of that slippery paper boarding pass, and the added benefit of having travel updates on my phone in real time, I always check in via an airline app, whenever possible.
5)Mobile Passport – You all know that I’m in love with the GOES program. However, unfortunately it’s not available at all ports of re-entry into the United States. This is where mobile passport comes in handy. One prime example? You go on an awesome cruise, and return to the Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Unfortunately, they are not yet set up for the GOES kiosk. If you’re like me, you still want to avoid those crazy long lines – this is where mobile passport comes in handy. You need to spend about 5-7 min before you disembark, and put in your passport and travel info into the app for your particular trip. Once you get to customs – you’ll breeze on through with shorter security lines, and an abbreviated customs interview. It is definitely worth it to keep this app on your phone if you want to avoid crowds.
6)Royal Caribbean – I know it’s a large company, so you’re wondering why I’m including it. Well, it deserves a spot because it’s such a great app! I used it on my most recent cruise on Allure of the Seas, and it basically takes the place of the daily Cruise Compass that is left on your bed every night. The app provides you with the time/location of every event, and you can even add them onto your personal calendar so you don’t forget to make that comedy headliner! The app also tracks your luggage during embarkation, and permits you to book dinner reservations and shore excursions. From what I understand, the company made further enhancements since I cruised with them – most notably, you can now order alcoholic beverages via the app, and the waitstaff will triangulate your position so that it’s delivered right to you, plus you can now instant message your friends/family traveling with you – and you won’t need an internet plan. No more spotty walkie talkie conversations!! Apparently, this app will also replace the in-person check in process. I have not experienced this myself yet – but I am very excited about the prospect.
7)Google Maps – I know, it’s another global, multi-billion company, so they don’t need the shout out here…however, you need this info. As I indicated in another post, Travel Tips: 5 Items I Never Travel Internationally Without: http://www.lketravels.com/travel-tips-5-items-never-travel-internationally-without/, I always download my travel destination from Google Maps prior to my trip. Before you leave, download the map for let’s say the Cayman Islands. Then save the locations that you’re interested in. When you travel to your destination, pull up google maps, and you’ll be able to navigate to your previously saved locations. Even if you go off script, you can see the outlay of your city, without using wifi, provided you have gps capabilities. This has saved us quite a bit, particularly in cities like Phuket, where English is not widely spoken, so it would be difficult to get directions. If we travel somewhere that requires a passport, we are downloading the map off-line – no thinking required!!
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Lonely While Traveling? Here’s How to Make Quick Friends!
Let’s face it – we are social creatures. We enjoy making memories more than we love material things, which is why every major U.S. holiday centers around laughing/drinking/eating/celebrating with loved ones – so don’t think that it has to be different when you travel!!
You’d be surprised by how friendly people are when you travel. Automatically, people you encounter will consider you a like-minded, open-hearted person, because you ventured outside of the continental United States. That may change if you start to discuss U.S. politics, haha, but aside from that, people from other countries tend to gravitate to Americans. They stay fascinated by our culture, particularly as many of the countries that I have travelled to still watch a majority of movies and tv shows made in Hollywood! They grow up listening to our music and watching Hawaii Five-O, and they want to share this with you – and ask you questions about what real American culture consists of. By way of example, I remember staying at a hostel in Australia, where we had a neighboring room full of Israeli gentlemen – we ended up singing Boyz II Men songs all night – American culture has truly permeated much of the world!! So here’s my advice if you want to lose sleep so you too can enjoy a sing off with some talented foreigners :-):
1)Sign up for excursions with cool groups – sometimes I look to have private travel experiences, but there are other times where I seek camaraderie with young, like-minded, adventurous travelers who want to have a blast while on vacation. This has two results that work to your favor:
a)Not only do they make the experience more fun, but they often share stories of other places they’ve gone that you may not have considered. Citizens from countries like Sweden, Germany, and Australia, to name a few, generally have more paid time leave than Americans. Thus, the world is literally their oyster. The more adventurous ones have the time to see places that we may not have even heard of. I like to think of them as weaning out the bad from the good for me, so i don’t have to waste valuable PTO on somewhere that is overrated For example, I met a German girl while in Thailand who had been traveling through Thailand for over a month. She was able to knock some items off of our list, leaving only the best places on our to-do list!! You don’t know, what you don’t know, right? So I always make sure I have my phone or a small notepad/pen, so I can jot down local spots that don’t appear on the more mainstream travel websites.
b)The folks on these awesome excursions usually want to be your best friend for the duration of the excursion. I don’t literally mean besties, but they encourage you to stretch yourself and truly enjoy the experience. Remember the German girl I mentioned above? Well, her name was Lauren too, and she decided that anyone named Lauren had to hook arms and jump off a boat in Koh Phi Phi – not something that would immediately come to my mind on my own, but here I am 2 years later writing about it, because it was an exhilarating experience – shout out to Bob’s Booze Cruise in Koh Phi Phi for organizing such a great day! Afterwards we continued to bond over drinks at the neighborhood bar, while checking out our photos from the day plastered on the wall. There are many opportunities like this, world-wide, but you have to look for them. There are certain agencies like G Travels and Cool Dingo Tours that cater to folks from 18-39 who want a fun, adventure-filled experience. Even if you’re on the higher end of that, as I’ve been finding myself lately – don’t be scared – just go for it!!
2)Poll the locals. Again, this depends on what type of experience you’re looking for, but generally, I have always found that people love to talk to the Americans. I’ve been to Australia a couple of times, and the moment they learn that I am not Aboriginal, but rather a Black American, I become an instant celeb. They want you to show them the latest dance moves, music, fashion, and of course, show off that awesome accent, haha. Even if you go to your hotel bar, if you start drinking and having a good time (in a respectable way), it’s magnetic. Often times, I’ll turn to the person next to me, and ask them to participate in a non-official poll about their country (fave restaurant/bar/park/attraction). I’ve never had someone turn me down yet! They are often eager to share their love for their city/country with you, and in turn they want to learn more about where I’m from, which leads to an engaging conversation. Oh and remember that no matter how cozy you get with your new friend, or how easy the conversation is, keep the custom of the country you’re visiting in your mind at all times! I posted a photo below of a pic I took with “new friends” while at a Bedouin camp outside of Dubai. We had a great time talking all night, but as you see, my arms are not touching the back of my new friend, as I did not want him to feel uncomfortable with female contact. Just an FYI 🙂
3)Poll the expats. Ok, so maybe you have had enough sake or bratwurst, and want a good ole fashioned burger. If you’ve been traveling for over a week, it’s not uncommon to miss the type of cuisine you eat at home. Sometimes we’ll head to an expat spot, just so we can hear a dose of American music with a burger – Bangkok had just the spot. Everyone speaks English, and the “locals” give you the lay of the land, from an American perspective. Some expats have lived abroad for as many as 10 or even 20 years, so they have become experts in the own right. They are also eager for you to experience everything their new country has to offer, only there won’t be any language barrier in receiving the info, and you can bond over their old haunts in the U.S. (everyone loves a New Yorker, what can i say?)… After you bonded over how horribly crowded Times Square is, they’ll be excited to point you to the awesome local beach or bar where the locals won’t short change you with cheap alcohol. This has been something that I’ve done in many of the countries that I have visited and I swear by it. Then, when you speak with the locals, they will be impressed by the knowledge you picked up when hanging with the expats – it becomes an information circle, and they’ll let you in on even cooler activities. Again, go for it!!
4)Chill out by the pool or fireplace – so of course this depends on the climate of your destination, but I’ve found either of these spots to be key when meeting new folks. When people are warm, they want to cool down poolside, with some Mai Tais. After a long day of skiing, nothing is more comforting than warming up by the fireplace with a Bailey’s. Again, people love to share awesome experiences, so if open up, and tell them how awesome your run was down the slope, I bet they will to – they won’t be able to help it. In short, go where the fun folks unwind, and you’ll pick up some fast friends!!
The advice above is helpful for those who want to meet others and share experiences while traveling. This is not mandatory – but it certainly does add to the experience, as you’ll be moved to stretch your own boundaries, and may pick up some knowledge that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. And remember….keep a smile on your face, they’re contagious 🙂
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Tired of Political Talk (Or Dry Stuffing) During Thanksgiving? Try These Travel Alternatives for Thanksgiving 2018!
I know some of us are excited about eating from a table full of goodies – stuffing, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, collard green, ham, turkey, and pie – just to name a few, haha. Or maybe you love Thanksgiving because the day is full of family, laughter, and making memories, oh and football (As a fantasy football junkie, my eyes are glued to the screen).
Or perhaps Thanksgiving is a holiday that either fills you with anxiety (no one wants to discuss North Korea while buttering the cornbread), or due to logistics, you unfortunately can’t fly or drive to wherever you call home. There are many reasons why you may not want, or be able to, enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with your family or friends, and that’s where I come in. You may be surprised by how many options you have, especially in recent years as more places try to cater to Thanksgiving expatriates ← not sure if that is actually a coined term, but just roll with me. So here’s your list, and include me in your list of thanks as your nephew begins to throw pieces of macaroni in your hair 😉
1)Park City, Utah – this ski resort city is home to many hotels that cater to Thanksgiving activities, so not only will you not miss some of your own holiday traditions, like playing flag football or eating too much at many of the buffets offered by the regional hotels, but you may adopt new activities. One example is Montage Deer Valley, which hosts an annual Turkey Shoot where you can learn archery! They also have Christmas events available immediately after Thanksgiving, such as cookie decorating and a Christmas tree lighting – which is an awesome way to get into the Christmas spirit, rather than waiting in line at one of the big box stores for that 55 inch tv you had your eyes on. Oh, and of course there’s awesome skiing here too – which should go without saying, but since this is a blog, I kinda have to say it.
2)Europe – I can’t limit this to just Germany or Paris, etc. Sure, they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving across the pond, but maybe you’re trying to avoid the carbs this year. If that is the case, you can fly/stay in Europe for really affordable prices. The high season for many European countries are during the summer or in December when the Christmas markets attract tons (and tons) of visitors. Our Thanksgiving holiday happens to fall on that shoulder period right before the hordes of Christmas visitors flock to the Christmas markets, especially popular in Germany, so that means you’ll be with the locals. Many of the Christmas markets open between the 2nd and 3rd week in November. If you can survive the cold weather (prepare for 30 – 40 degrees), then you’ll be able to stroll along some Christmas markets dating back centuries, picking up amazing Christmas ornaments along the way, drink great-tasting wine, and eat ridiculously tasty pastries and other local faves, among local visitors. And did I mention hotels and flights are amongst the least expensive this time of year (this does not extend to Dec, so your window of opportunity is short)? The Christmas Fair in Budapest certainly rivals any of the Black Friday plans you have…What are you waiting for?? Go…
3)Hawaii – maybe you wish to stay warm, and be an ocean away from anyone causing you anxiety (bosses, inlaws, certain political figures)…if so, this may be the destination for you! Many Hawaiian hotels offer locally themed Thanksgiving buffets (Hawaii is a state afterall, so they celebrate this awesome holiday as well, unlike in Europe). You won’t likely find cornbread and stuffing here, but rather local faves along the lines of pork dishes, local fish specialties, and Asian-inspired dishes like ramen bowls, and spring rolls. Then you can sit back and enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer without the horrible crowds often found during the summer or winter months. Whether you try surfing, taking a hike through a rainforest, or up a volcano, or just wish to lounge on a beach, this possible Thanksgiving destination will set you in an awesome mood just in time for the cold(er) weather December brings.
4)New Orleans – this city gets a special shout out because as with everything else, New Orleans does everything differently – they are afterall, the mastermind behind turdunken (turkey stuffed with chicken and duck). Sure, they also serve turkey with rice and gravy, but its done cajun style along with po boys, crawfish specialities, and fried turkey, which is a popular staple. You can also make your way to the Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade, which ends at the French Market, where Santa sits waiting take family pictures! The next day, venture out to City Park for the Celebration at the Oaks, where there are literally tons of light displays, mostly on, you guessed it, oak trees, which will set your mood just right for Christmas!
5)Take a cruise – ya’ll know I love cruising, so this recommendation shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Thanksgiving has, for some, become a day where you are perfectly ok with being as gluttonous as possible – so can you imagine being on a cruise which specializes in offering too much food on a normal day at sea?? All cruises that offer a Thanksgiving day sailing includes both buffet and dining room menus that feature turkey, with all the usual accompaniments. Also, many cruise companies know how important American football is to the tradition of Thanksgiving, so many set up large screens so you can watch the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys play their opponent. Further, some of the ports of call that are used to passengers on Thanksgiving weekend have developed their own version of Black Friday or Viernes Negro, with sales that rival those state side. Sure, many of the ports of call don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but many do partake in Christmas activities, which start around Thanksgiving weekend. Again, in some ways its the best of both worlds, warm weather and tropical drinks along with turkey, and new friends.
Ultimately, there’s nothing like spending Thanksgiving with your family or close friends. Sure, I love the food (I think I’ve made that apparent already), but nothing is quite like the feeling of being surrounded by your loved ones, laughing, and taking part in traditions that are time cherished. However, that’s not always an option, for many of the reasons I noted above, and if that is the case, you should definitely check out the options I provided. Regardless of where you find yourself on Thursday, I want to wish each and every one of you an amazingly happy and healthy Thanksgiving!!