TRAVEL GUIDE: A WEEKEND TRIP TO BEAUMONT

As someone that was born and raised in Houston, I’ve always known that I-10 East leads to Beaumont, and during my early driving years, I knew that was the way that I needed to take to get to my father and grandparent’s house. However, it wasn't until my brother decided to make Lamar University his school of choice that I ever truly visited this gem of a city that is truly “up the street.”

While I have five siblings in total when you count my step-siblings, my only biological brother, Rodney, is exactly three years and 5 days younger than me, so when he made his college decision, I was already a couple of years into my own college journey mixed with a lot of cheap booze and college parties in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Siblings from Left to Right:

Dexter, Rodney, Carrington, ME, Yaminco, Keairra, Summer (Sister-in-Law)

The first time that we ever discussed how/why he ended up at Lamar University in Beaumont, of all places, was on our weekend trip to revisit his alma mater and enjoy the city for Juneteenth, a now federal holiday that celebrates the day that black slaves in Texas found out they were free and had been free since 1865. While his answer might be comical to most and brutally honest to others, it was simple:

“Lamar had new dorms.”

Unless you were in the car with my family the fateful day at the end of the summer in 2003 that I was dropped off at Southern A&M University and behind me when I opened the door to my freshman suite in “historic” Boley Hall that boasted a hole big enough to crawl-in, a smell that I’m still to this day trying to identify, and dorms that had probably been standing as long as the school, I understood in my soul why that one thing was enough to seal the deal. And so in August of 2005, he made Lamar University his home for the next four years, complete with enough memories, life lessons, and nostalgia to last a lifetime.

Fun Fact: My brother and his roommates were the first tenants to stay in apartment 313, off-campus apartments that were located near Lamar University. This was their first real apartment, and let’s just say, it was party central.

In all transparency, I have not been to Beaumont since my brother’s graduation, but I was excited to collaborate with Visit Beaumont to give fresh eyes to the city that I knew very little about outside of Lamar University and White House Wednesday, a standing weekly epic college party curated by my brother and his friends, that was so legendary that I would receive calls in Louisiana from friends to help them find the little white house near the campus. It's always enlightening to view cities from the lenses of the people that have called it home at one point or another, so of course, I invited Rodney along for the ride to revisit Beaumont old and new.

For years, I’ve heard about John’s Seafood and their salt and pepper chicken, so of course, it was the first stop on the list on our arrival to the city. And while it might not fit your definition of fine-dining, it lived up to its reputation and reminded me of Timmy Chan’s, a Houston legend for fried chicken wings and fried rice.

According to my brother, salt and pepper chicken is a Beaumont staple and the best options can be found at John’s or Kickin Chicken.

Fun Fact: One of the things that almost all of my siblings have in common is that they worked at Target during college. That wasn’t my ministry, but I definitely remember the nights pulling up on my brother at work on my way home from college when he worked at this Target in Beaumont. Needless to say, our first day in Beaumont was spent taking a walk down memory lane that included a quick tour of Lamar University, his first apartment, “his” Target, and a drive past the new and renovated White House. Unfortunately, the original was destroyed during Hurricane Ike and had to be demolished and rebuilt a few years ago.

In typical sibling fashion with a splash of Kanye, I allowed him to show his wife, Whitney, and I, “his” Beaumont, but I knew from stalking Visit Beaumont’s Instagram page and website that Beaumont has grown and evolved tremendously since he called it home as a college student. That night and Day 2 were my time to shine, and as a travel blogger and travel company owner, I have a niche for locating gems in any city. Before embarking on any trip, I create a travel itinerary using my wanderlust planner, and I had more than a handful of gems that I knew I wanted to try and visit over the weekend. After visiting with some friends, I took Rodney and Whitney to dinner at Ko Korean, a Korean BBQ gem located next to Beaumont’s only rooftop bar, Pour09. The food at Ko Korean was delicious, and the decor created the perfect dinner vibes.

The next day, we were able to see the true evolution of the city of Beaumont on our city tour with the Spindletop Cruisers. You can click here to view their cycling tour options, and I recommend trying one of evening rides.

Beaumont had truly evolved since my brother’s college graduation in 2009, and in discussing the three biggest changes that have occurred since he left, we identified the key changes below:

-Lamar University has grown and expanded substantially since his graduation.

-There are many MORE things to do and places to go in Beaumont.

-Beaumont politics have become more diverse, and there are more younger black people in office than ever before Beaumont’s history. During our stay in Beaumont, the city even elected its first black female mayor.

The finale of my Beaumont trip was Sunday brunch at Suga’s, and we truly had a good Southern style meal complete with live music. I’m looking forward to my next trip to Beaumont, and you can checkout my Beaumont reels with additional gems by clicking here.

This post was a collaboration with Visit Beaumont, however, all opinions expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

TRAVEL GUIDE: AIRBNB

As vacation season looms around the corner, I have had many travelers inquire about using Airbnb in lieu of pricey hotels with limited amenities and outrageous parking costs.  For those of you unfamiliar with Airbnb, it is a site where property owners can post their lodgings for travelers around the world to rent.  While Airbnb boasts about its unique rentals, such as treehouse properties, it has pretty much any size accommodations from a bedroom in someone’s home to villa sized houses to accommodate large families and/or groups of friends.  Airbnb definitely has its perks and is my preferred lodging type for international trips outside of the Caribbean, however, as with any service, travelers must be mindful of some nuances that could be the difference between a dream vacation and a trip from hell.  Here are some tips to help make your Airbnb experience a success.

Scroll to the bottom of the post for my Houston Airbnb recommendations.

Location

If you are not familiar with the different neighborhoods in the city where you plan to vacay, please make sure to do your research.  The last thing that you want is to be stuck in the suburbs, far outside of the center of the city and away from tourist attractions, or even worse, smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood only fit for The First 48.  You’d be surprised how many pricey residences are being placed in “redeveloping” areas which probably won’t fit the vision of your ideal vacation.  As the popular adage goes, “Location, location, location.”  Also, be mindful of your preferred mode of transportation whether rental car or city transit, because Uber and taxi fees can add up if you’ve choose a residence without taking location into consideration.

Amenities

You’re in Paris, it’s the peak of the summer, the temperature has been consistently at 90 degrees, and as you go to adjust the thermostat in your AirBnb apartment, it hits you, the amenity box that said air conditioning wasn’t checked for your listing.  That, unfortunately, is a true story, and it happened to me.  Depending on where you live, there are some amenities that we take for granted, like central air.  And while AirBnb requires hosts to list their rental’s available amenities, make sure that you have an idea of what amenities are important to you and VERIFY that your listing meets those expectations.  Don’t assume.  Some of the most popular amenities that you probably want to look for are:

Wireless Internet

24 Hr Check-In

Air Conditioning and/or Heat

Cable TV

Washer AND Dryer (I will save the clothes line story for another day)

Reviews

In the same way that we rely on Trip Advisor or some other trusty review site (or at least you should before booking any unfamiliar accommodation), AirBnb allows travelers to leave reviews on their host’s property after their stay.    While all properties may not have reviews, either due to being a recent listing or being the unlucky host of unreviewing guests, to be on the safe side, stick to properties that have multiple reviews.  And for my really skeptical travelers, you can even filter your rental property search results to only show rentals with a Superhost.  What is a Superhost?  A Superhost is a property lister that responds to guest quickly, has a 90% guest response rate or higher,  at least 80% of 5-star reviews, and a limited number of confirmed cancelled reservations.  The reviews are the perfect place to not only find out whether your host keeps clean, guest friendly accommodations, but some even go as far as to be able to offer you information about preferred nearby attractions and/or restaurants, hints about the easiest methods of travel (especially in cities where public transit is popular), or maybe even a warning about the pesky wireless internet in that lodging being consistently inconsistent.  Reviews are your friends, use them.

Special Conditions

I kid you not, some hosts have strange requests that you would think would scare away any traveler from staying in their rental.  However, you have to remember, that some of these listings are people’s actual home away from homes, and it’s only fair to ask that you respect their rules, in the same way that you expect your house guest to respect your own.  Some of the requests are minimal, like don’t wash after 10pm because it disturbs the neighbors or keep the music and noise down, but some of the special conditions can be a little more “tricky” for lack of a better word. For instance, in the rental where we stayed in Venice, the main bathroom had been remodeled using a specially treated bamboo, and the hosts left implicit instructions to be sure to not get the walls or floor wet when you showered.  And many of the reviewers complained about this being quite the feat, due to the small size of the tub.  Honestly, I went back and forth with my traveler companions before choosing this residence, and when we compared the affordable price and 3 bedrooms to the $600 per night hotels in Venice, we decided the pros outweighed the cons.  Now, I will be honest and say that in order to not wet the bathroom floor or walls in this particular residence, we had to take something that was not quite a shower nor quite a bath and more like a mix between the 2, but hey, we saved $400 a night, so I take it.

Overall

Do I recommend Airbnb?  Yes, yes, and yes, but with all things, there can be some drawbacks.  While these tips should help you to make a well-informed Airbnb decision, don’t be afraid to ask the hosts any questions that you may have “before” you book.  Most hosts respond within 24-48 hours, and if they don’t, you may be dodging a bullet anyway.  On my trip to Europe, we stayed in approximately 4-6 Airbnb residences, and each residence was not only exactly as pictured and described, but each host was helpful when it came to knowing how and where to catch public transit and choosing local restaurants that fit our preferences.  In one of my favorite accommodations in Florence, Italy the hosts even went as far as to book our restaurant reservations for us the entire duration of our stay, and most hosts usually have some kind of special treat to welcome you to their rental.  And while I prefer all-inclusive resort for my island vacations, for my non-beach travels, Airbnb is becoming my preferred accommodation choice, especially when traveling with a group larger than 2.  Why stick to a hotel room when you can get a three bedroom rental with a full kitchen and free parking for a fraction of the cost?  If you’re hesitant or have any questions about using Airbnb, please feel free to comment below, and I will be more than happy to answer your inquiry.

As an added bonus, please click the links below to access some of my favorites Airbnb in Houston:

Chic Loft in the Heights

Modern 2BR near Downtown/Med Center

East Downtown Containers

The Peace of Mind

The Aspiration

Exceed OK Properties (Multiple Units)

P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation and/or choosing the perfect AirBnb space to fit your needs, click here.

TRAVEL GUIDE: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Las Vegas is a place that I try to visit at least twice a year, however, like many travel enthusiasts, my trips have been few, far, and in between the past 12 months. So when my girls suggested Spring Break in Vegas, I was super excited, and even managed to snag a flight deal on Expedia.

Get Las Vegas Scavenger Hunt

While Vegas has always been one of my favorite cities, my travel companions admitted that they had either never been to Vegas and/or been to Vegas and didn’t love it, to say the least. Usually, I’m a party all night and wake up in the afternoon to do it all again the next day Vegas visitor, but being that COVID is still alive and well, I had to get creative to show my girls a good time. Vegas is a city with such a variety of activities that it’s perfect for any type of trip from a family trip to a Hangover style weekend with your friends. Click here to get my handy Wanderlust Planner to map out your trip from start to finish. Below are some of my favorite Vegas gems to include on your next trip to Sin City:

Visit the Bellagio.

The Bellagio fountains are one of the most popular tourist attractions on the strip, and as many times as I’ve watched the different shows, this is still one of my highlights each and every time that I am in Vegas.  The fountains come to life every 30 minutes, Monday through Saturday, from 3pm to 8pm, and every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight.  On Sundays, the show starts at 11am and plays every 30 minutes until 7pm, and every 15 minutes from 7pm until midnight.  You can view the schedule by clicking here.

Another one of my favorite attractions at the Bellagio is their conservatory and botanical garden.  Seasonally, the atrium in the Bellagio is transformed into a 14,000 square foot floral playground fit for one of the scenes in your favorite fairy tale.

Get Las Vegas Scavenger Hunt

Eat, Eat, Eat.

In my opinion, Vegas is one of the foodie capitals of the world, especially if you know where to look.  One of my favorite hidden gems is Secret Pizza on the third floor of the Cosmopolitan Hotel.  Don’t look for any signs to lead you to your destination, just ride the escalator up and look for the long line that appears out of a seemingly inconspicuous hallway. And according to one of my Vegas Uber drivers, the founding chef, Chris Vaughn, has been repeatedly ranked one of the top pizza chefs in the world.

And if you’re a true foodie or just looking to check out some of the best food in Vegas, click here to check out the Vegas food tours offered by Lip Smacking Foodie Tours.

See a show.

On my very first trip to Las Vegas, which seems like decades ago, my friends and I bought tickets to see Peepshow, starring Playboy’s own Holly Madison.  According to Wikipedia, the contract for this burlesque show expired in 2009, so you don’t have to do much math to figure out that was quite a while back.  However, since then I have seen everything from comedy shows to concerts, and I have yet to be disappointed.  Don’t judge me, but I still plan to spend the gazillion dollars to see Celine Dion perform at Caesar’s before her residency contract expires.

View the strip from the sky.

A helicopter ride has been on my bucket list for years, but I’ve always been terrified. In order to ease my way up to the longer and more scenic ride to the Grand Canyon, I opted to take the 8-12 minute night ride over the Vegas strip. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Take a Uber to Fremont St.

If your only Vegas experiences have taken place on the main strip, you have been depriving yourself and your wallet of the hidden gems of Fremont St.  Before the strip came into existence, Fremont St was the face of Las Vegas and home to the city’s first casinos.  And if gambling is your thing, trust me when I say that you have a much better chance of winning on Fremont St versus one of the fancy hotels on the main drag.  And thanks to the Fremont Experience, the already numerous bars and restaurants have been increased, you can zip line down the street, and did I mention that’s where you can find a light show on the world’s largest screen.

Sidenote: In order to treat my friends to some of the best food in Las Vegas and visit Freemont St, we opted for this tour. Downtown Las Vegas is truly a gem, and a visit to the Container Park needs to be on everyone’s Vegas itinerary. Tom, our guide from Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, was super knowledgeable about the Vegas food scene and made sure that the pescatarian in our group was accommodated at every restaurant.

You can find all types of entertainment in Downtown Vegas from live music, to vendors selling custom goods, to …..

Stay in a 5-Star Hotel.

One of my guilty pleasures is my love for posh hotels with luxe amenities.  The best part about Las Vegas is that you can usually get great rates on 5-star hotels, since they know that they will just pick up your extra cash in the club, at the bar, from the on-site restaurants, or at one of the many slot machines or tables you have to walk by to enter and exit every hotel on the strip.

While I’ve stayed at almost every luxury hotel on the Vegas strip from Caesar’s Palace to the Venetian, my last trip to Vegas we stayed at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. The Cosmopolitan gives Sex in the City vibes at every turn and is the perfect hotel for a girl’s trip.

Fun Fact: The Cosmopolitan Hotel is one of the pioneers of the hidden food and bar scene in Vegas, restaurants, bars, and/or menu items that are on a IYKYK basis and are not listed on the hotel website and/or directory. Click here to find out about the flowers in the picture gallery below and to see some of my favorite finds in the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

Planning a trip to the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas?!? Click here for our custom Cosmopolitan Scavenger Hunt.

Go skydiving.

This still remains on my bucket list, but one day I will take the plunge, literally and figuratively, over the Grand Canyon on one of my Vegas stays. In the meantime, this excursion is more my speed.

Explore the Mob Museum.

The Mob Museum is truly one of the most unique museums in the US, and Vegas is the perfect city for a museum filled with scandal, gangsters, and a speakeasy that requires a secret code.

Just as an FYI, this museum has happy hour pricing, which means you can save $10 on your admission by visiting after 5:00pm on weekdays.

Go see the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon.

Like a watercolor painting brought to life, the magnificent cliffs of the Grand Canyon loom, bold, brilliant, and beautiful.  For a split second, I forget about my fear of heights, until I take a peek over the edge of the nearest cliff, longing to see the plains below, or at least the muddy waters of the Colorado River.  Dizziness, nausea, and the fear of plunging over the edge, quickly send an alarming reminder.  As I let my camera be my eyes to capture the depths, I take in all the beauty.  If I ever questioned whether there was a God, the Grand Canyon sends a swift, yet powerful, reminder of the perfection of HIS creations.

Approximately three hours from the bustling Las Vegas strip stands this magnificent creation, formed by time and evolution.  Named one of the seven wonders of the natural world, visitors have the opportunity to view the various gorges from land, air, or water.  With a sanctity and tranquility guarded ferociously  by the Hualapai Indians, the only way to tour this mammoth site, is through the purchase of a tour either on location or from an outside vendor.

You can either book a tour to the West Rim or take the longer, more scenic view of the South Rim. For those that choose the West Rim, which is best for those with minimal time in their schedule, and the route that I chose, there’s even a brief stop at the Hoover Dam and optional paid access to the Skywalk. And for my adventure enthusiast, you can enhance your experience and view the Grand Canyon by helicopter and boat by clicking here.

Shop.

It doesn’t matter if your taste and wallets are on a Forever 21 budget or a Chanel budget, there is plenty of shopping up and down the Vegas strip and an outlet not far away where you can shop until your credit cards stop swiping.

Ride a roller coaster.

Since I’m not a roller coaster enthusiast, but am more of a wait at the exit kind of gal, the only thing I can tell you about this horrifying experience is that it is located on top of the New York, New York hotel.  And for those of you that suffer from weak knees and self-diagnosed heart problems when it comes to mechanically engineered machines designed with drops and loops, there’s a cute little arcade where you can wait for your friends to finish defying death.  Issa “no” for me.

Get Las Vegas Scavenger Hunt

Visit Paris, Italy, and New York. 

Just in case your budget hasn’t extended past domestic travel, don’t worry, many of the hotels on the Vegas strip are fashioned after some of the world’s most beautiful cities.  You can visit Rome via Caesar’s Palace, Venice at the Venetian and the Palazzo, and Paris and New York at the hotels bearing their namesakes.  You can even take a gondola ride through the Venetian and Palazzo to really maximize your Italian experience.

Pose with your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussaud’s.

Did I ever tell y’all about that time I took a pic in the oval office while interning for President Obama?

Click here to get my handy Wanderlust Planner to map out your trip from start to finish.

Get your Explorer City Pass by clicking here.

Get Las Vegas Scavenger Hunt

P.S.  If you would like assistance booking your next trip, click here.

Don’t forget, we have also created the ultimate travel planner to plan out your next best vacation and store your travel details and memories. Click here to purchase now.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

TRAVEL GUIDE: PORTLAND AND THE OREGON COAST

Before I begin to talk about Portland and the Oregon Coast, I have to first tell the story of how I met my friend Zeycan (pronounced Zey-John, it’s Turkish).  There are some people that God hand selects to be in your life, and I honestly feel like Zey was a hand-selected gift from God.  I will tell anyone that 2015 was one of the toughest years of my life to date, but 2015 started off a blast.  I was in Vegas, with one of my best friends from college, and we were living dreams.  As part of our New Years Eve ticket package, we received free tickets to an indoor pool party at the Marque in the Cosmopolitan.  While we should have known that the free ticket incentive with the Vueve Clicquot open bar and buffet were too good to be true, little did we know that everyone that had bought tickets to most of the NYE parties had received that same offer.  Needless to say, we ended up at the front of a never-ending line that was being held until what seemed like after the buffet and open bar had ended.  The tickets had only been $15 to purchase, so imagine our disgust, standing in line for what seemed like hours pissed because we could have just bought tickets.

As we stood in line (wearing swimsuits underneath our winter wear), debating whether to leave and party elsewhere, I see this girl step into the line and ask someone  a question.  Somehow our eyes locked, and she came over and explained that she had a ticket to giveaway and that if there were only 2 of us, we could walk in with her since they had decided to buy a section.  Did I mention that we were supposed to be in group of 4, but the other half of our crew had decided to come later that day?  God.  And now that I think about it, that’s just like Zey, she decided to give the ticket away versus just sticking it in her purse and going straight into the club.That day we drunk and partied Vegas style, and typical to current day etiquette, we exchanged numbers to send each other photos back and forth all day and followed each other on social media.

I would sometimes talk to Zey via social media, and it was evident through her posts that she was a woman of faith.  I can be honest and admit that while I prayed sometimes and was a dedicated CME (Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Easter) church-goer, I was also the type of Christian that questioned the bible.  I couldn’t understand how and why so many people would place their faith in this “book” that had been written and put together by man.  And reading The DaVinci code didn’t help.

But when times get hard, and all of our human whims fail, it is in those moments that we learn to lean on God, and in order to lean on God, you learn to turn to the bible for validation and confirmation. As I begin my transition to becoming a believer and coping with my pain, I began to find relevance and solace in Zey’s post.  I also realized that we shared a common pain, matters of the heart.  Even though our struggles were packaged differently, it was through them that we have formed a beautiful friendship sealed in prayer.  So, when she told me that Portland was only a short commute from Seattle, I knew that I couldn’t come to the Pacific Northwest and not visit one of what has become one of my closest friends.  After spending a couple of days in Seattle, I boarded Amtrak to Portland.

That trip to Portland was my first trip, and Portland has become one of my favorite domestic travel destinations. Since Portland is known for their food trucks, all you have to do is pick your poison, and Trap Kitchen is one of my absolute favorite black-owned gems in Portland.  

While the black population in Portland is not very large, it is the home of some trailblazing black-owned businesses like ReLeaf Dispensary and Abbey Creek Winery.

(You can check out my interviews with these three Portland black owned businesses on our Instagram)

Since Portland has become one of my favorite domestic travel destinations, I have had the opportunity to bring many groups of friends to this city that has become almost like a second home. And I take my duty as the unofficial travel guide super serious. A short drive away from Portland’s city center is Multnomah Falls, the second highest waterfall in the United States, and most visited recreation site in the Pacific Northwest.

Multnomah is a great gem to visit on a trip to Portland, but one of my absolute favorite places in the world is the Oregon Coast, which is about 1.5-2 hours away from Portland.  On my Amtrak train ride, one of the other passengers told me about a hidden gem called Oswald State Park. Short Sands Beach in Oswald State Park is mesmerizingly beautiful and secluded, and it is only about 5 miles from the infamous Cannon Beach.

Note: Since writing this blog, I have visited Portland a few times, and I recommend these excursions:

Willamette Jetboats

PDX Bike Tour

My Oregon visits also include a trip to the coast in the middle of what was supposed to be a record breaking storm. You can click here to read about that adventure, as well. And you can’t visit Portland without trying VooDoo Doughnuts and Powell’s City of Books.

Oregon Coast Restaurant Highlight

Since neither of us were familiar with dining on the Coast, on my first visit to Oregon, Zey and I solicited Yelp to aid in our dining decisions.  The first restaurant that we visited was closed, so we ended up at the next best selection, Castaways Tiny Tiki Hut.  Since I’m from the South, I’m often skeptical of restaurants that boast about their Creole cuisine, but with a 4.5 star review and a growling stomach, I was willing to try it.  In reading the Yelp reviews, we knew that we had to try the crab fritters that almost every review stated were one of the best things on the menu.  And they did not disappoint.  Imagine crab cakes rolled into balls, lightly battered, and fried before being plated in a fruity sauce.  My mouth is watering even thinking about them, and again, I was too hungry to get a good picture.  Yikes, that seems to be a reoccurring theme!  One of the unique things about the dishes at Castaways was their use of fruit in common Cajun dishes.  Jambalaya with peaches imbedded and curry with blueberries. The flavors were tantalizing, and I’m honestly looking forward to playing with incorporating fruit into some of my dishes.

On my last trip to the Coast with friends, the owner of Castaways asked them whether they were locals or just visiting the area. When they said that they were visiting from Houston, he pointed to me and said, “But she lives in Oregon right?!? I’ve seen her several times." Long story short, I am a creature of habit.

P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation, click here.

Don’t forget, we have also created the ultimate travel planner to plan out your next best vacation and store your travel details and memories. Click here to purchase now.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

TRAVEL GUIDE: SAN FRANCISCO IN 48 HOURS

Imagine being in a deep sleep, and then receiving a phone call in the middle of the night asking if you want to come to San Francisco when you woke up. If you know me, you know the answer was not only, “Yes,” but “Hell yes.” So, I set my alarm for an early morning wake up call to at least make sure I woke up in enough time to pack a bag and pick up any last minute essentials before heading to the airport.

As much as I have travelled, this was my first trip to the Bay Area, and over an 8 hour span, I decided to tackle all of the major touristy attractions to make my trip well worth it. I mean, my original weekend plans involved laundry and a feather duster, so a weekend trip to San Francisco trumps that any day.

Click here to get your San Francisco city pass for discounts and/or entry to some of the most popular attractions.

Here are my five things to see and/or do for all of my San Francisco newbies:

Take a picture on the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps.

Disclaimer: Both the GPS systems of my Uber driver and myself seemed to be on a circular, scenic tour of San Francisco, and we had a hard time getting to this location. We finally found a nice neighborhood security officer to lead us to our destination.

However, in the process, I found a little known set of tiled steps called the Hidden Garden, and they were just as spectacular as their more Instagrammed counterpart.

Relive your childhood at the Painted Ladies.

If you were alive in the era of Full House, then these houses should look really familiar to you? And while you’re there, there’s a nice park across the street to sit and enjoy the weather.

Stroll down the Wharf and enjoy some hot steamy clam or crab chowder.

There are many great spots to get the perfect chowder all around San Francisco, and on this trip, I was able to enjoy a steamy bowl at Pier Market Seafood. Let’s just say yum!

Walk down the most crooked street in the world.

With my self-diagnosed vertigo, I was nervous to even walk down Lombard street, but I made the trek and watched the cars ease their way on down this infamous street.

Visit Alcatraz, the notorious prison and former home to some of the country’s most dangerous criminals.

This tour has one of the best self-guided audio guides that I’ve ever had the chance to experience. From listening to prisoners recount their days to being led into the hole, home to the worst and mostly deadly offenders, I’m convinced this is something that will make it back on my list to revisit in the future.

You can click here for a tour that combines Alcatraz and a San Fran city tour.

Have you been to San Francisco? What are your favorite things to do and places to eat?

Click here to get your San Francisco city pass for discounts and/or entry to some of the most popular attractions.

P.S.  If you would like assistance booking your next trip, click here.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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TRAVEL GUIDE: CRUISING FOR NEWBIES

For the past five years, we have taken group trips to celebrate my younger brother’s birthday. Last year, our trip was almost marred in tragedy, after a snow mobile accident resulted in him being life flighted to Denver with bleeding on the brain and his girlfriend at the time with a broken elbow and hip. We learned a lot that trip about taking unnecessary risks, but instead of ending the birthday trip annual vacations, we just took heed of the lessons learned last December for all future travels.

This year, the plan was to travel to Puerto Rico. But when Hurricane Irma followed by Hurricane Maria hit the island in September, leaving many areas devastated and without power, we knew that our travel plans would have to be changed. For a while we waited with hopefulness that the state of emergency declared would clear, that the government would rally for the speedy restoration of Puerto Rico like the Southern states had rallied for Houston, and that Puerto Rico would be back operational before our trip, however, three months later, Puerto Rico is still trying to recover from the devastation caused to an infrastructure that was already fragile before the wind and rain ravished the island.

So, what do you do in Houston when you need a quick and affordable trip to a tropical paradise?!? You call up your favorite travel agent and book a cruise from the Port of Galveston, which is only about 45 minute away. And being that my grandmother celebrated her 82nd birthday a few days after my brother, we knew that a cruise was the perfect way to include her on this vacation, as well.

It’s been almost 4 years or maybe even longer since my last cruise, so of course, I had to consult my traveler’s bible aka Pinterest for tips to make the most of this trip. However, while perusing Pinterest for shopping lists and travel tips, I noticed that comprehensive travel guides for cruises were in short supply.

And let me also be honest and say that I didn’t start preparing for my trip until the week of departure. Between celebrating my own birthday along with the Thanksgiving holiday, studying for my upcoming Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Exam, and balancing end of the year work stressors, I was still running around the day of my trip trying to get last minute things done like a pedicure and restocking travel toiletries.

Our 4 day cruise to Cozumel ended up being the perfect reprieve from real life and just the right balance of fun, sleep, and sun sprinkled with a mild case of gluttony.

Here is my comprehensive guide to help those new to cruising get the most of out your trip:

BEFORE THE CRUISE:

As I previously stated, I had minimal time to prepare for this trip, and there are a handful of things that I’m glad I knew or wished I would have known before showing up at the port on departure day.

Contact your cruise line and inquire about special themed nights.

Unless you usually come on vacations already prepared with afro wigs and bell-bottoms for a night of partying in Boogie Wonderland or ugly Christmas sweaters for a festive fete, it might be a good idea to call your cruise line and inquire about any themed events.  While even short cruises usually have a Captain’s Ball, where you can party with the captain and crew in your black tie attire, there are usually a couple of additional themed nights to enjoy with your travel companion(s).

When applicable, pack for dual seasons.

So, I’m going to blame my lack of sleep for being genuinely perplexed when my brother asked me whether I was bringing a jacket and warm clothes aboard the ship.  As I looked down in my half-packed bag, at 1:30am the morning/night before my cruise, I realized that I had not taken into consideration that the weather would not be warm until we reached the Caribbean waters.  Luckily, that question was asked in enough time for me to throw a jacket in my bag, because the wind gusts on the upper decks of the ships on our first and last nights reminded me that it was Winter.

BYOB (Bring your own booze).

One of the most expensive items on your cruise are the overpriced drinks available at one of the many bars or dining rooms.  But don’t fret, most cruise lines allow guests to bring a limited supply of wine on board.  For Royal Caribbean, the limit is 2 (750ml) bottles per stateroom.

Tip:  Signature daily drinks usually come in fancy souvenir cups which raise the price.  You can ask for the same cocktail in a regular glass and save a few $$$.  I mean, how often will you use that fancy souvenir glass when you get back home anyway?!?

Plan to arrive for check-in early or late(ish).

The check-in process for cruises can be extremely long, especially when the bulk of the two-thousand plus men, women, and children, are gathered by the masses to begin their tropical vacation.  The best times for the shortest lines are either first thing in the morning when boarding begins or in the last couple of hours before boarding ends. When you checkin for your cruise, pay attention to boarding times and plan accordingly.

Tip:  Your stateroom may not be ready until a couple of hours after departure.  Be sure and pack any outfits you would like to change into within your first hours of being onboard like swimwear and any other important items like prescriptions, etc.

Be weather conscious.

The Monday before my cruise departed that Thursday, I remember checking the weather and seeing that it would most likely rain on our day in Cozumel.  But somehow between Monday and my Thursday departure day, I forgot.  Needless to say, our travel group ended up braving torrential downpours (until we found some cheap ponchos) to make the most of our limited time docked in Cozumel.

DURING THE CRUISE

Plan your day at the beginning of the day.

Each day while on your cruise, your attentive cabin attendants will distribute a daily schedule.  Let me first say, there has to be a million things going on each day, whether it’s trivia, bingo, dance classes, liquor tasting, games, etc.  The easiest way to make the most of your time is to plan out your day at the beginning of your morning (or afternoon if you like to sleep like me).  Almost every activity on our cruise started on time, so don’t spread yourself so thin that you spend more time running all over the ship than actually enjoying your trip.

Eat, eat, and eat some more.

For most people, the best part of cruise vacations is that the food is usually good and plentiful.  Whether its the main dining hall, the buffet, or one of the specialty dining restaurants on board, there is always a large variety of delicious food to eat.  There is something about vacations that make people a little more adventurous, and even though I’m one of the pickiest food consumers alive, the garlic butter escargot served in the main dining room became a family favorite.

Tip: You can order multiples appetizers and entrees in the main dining room for FREE.  Don’t be afraid to try the many dishes, you paid for it.

Watch a show, laugh at some jokes, and don’t be afraid to show off your latest line dances on the main deck.

Whether he was impersonating the lead singer of the Village People, costume and all, teaching cruise goers the choreographed routine to Thriller for a finale performance, or leading the love train through the center of the ship, our cruise director, Steve, was charismatic, full of energy, and the perfect host of every social event on the Vision of the Seas.  It was obvious that every entertainment detail had been thought out in its entirety, from the hilarious comedy of John Knight to the broadway worthy performances filled with talented dancers and vocalists, the on-board entertainment is probably the next best perk to the food.

Allow your kids to live their best lives.

As a single woman without any kids, I’m always leery of vacations where the ratio to little people versus adult people is significantly inproportiante.  I can’t say it’s ideal to be sipping my cosmo by the pool while a toddler is splashing my novel.  Cruises, however, are perfect for family vacations, and there is a whole deck or area, on most ships, solely dedicated to your bundles of joy.  The Vision of the Seas had an arcade, nursery, and teen center to keep your little ones busy.

Stock up on your favorites liquors.

My favorite liquor, Sheridan, is not available in the States, so of course, I look forward to international duty-free shopping to stock my bar.  Whether it’s your favorite vodka, cognac, or speciality liquor, you can usually find just about everything on board your ship or at a docking port for a value price.  And most cruises offer liquor tasting in their duty free shops to help you find liquors that are worth being added to your repertoire.

Tip: Make sure you are familiar with customs taxes and limits to make sure you get all your booze back to your residence without hefty fees.

Don’t miss the boat.

This sounds like common sense, but most cruise personnel can tell you that it’s not uncommon for there to be at least a couple of stragglers that consume too much tequila and have to fly home at their own expense.  If you cruise ships says that you will be in Cozumel from 8am-5pm, that means you will be in Cozumel until 5:00pm.  On the way off boat, you card is scanned not to wait on you or call your cell phone in case you’re late, but so that cruise officials will know that Tonia and her little friends didn’t make it back from Margaritaville.  One of the easiest ways to make sure that you’re on time is to book a guided excursion, but since most of us had frequented Mexico enough to have done all the touristy stuff, we just all kept an eye on the time.  After about 6 rounds of tequila shots, I’m sure they were very blurry eyes, but hey, we made it.  I watched one man have to get carried back to the boat, by his parents of all people, but hey, he made it.

Keep track of the expenses on your onboard account.

Between drink purchases by the pool and shopping in the duty free shops, it’s easy to run up a large tab that has to be paid before you depart back to your regular life.  Either keep track of your purchases through keeping your receipts, or you can check your balances at guest services each day.  I don’t think there’s a dishwashing option, so make sure that you only spend within your means.

Tip: Some cruise lines charge a daily fee to your onboard account.  Our fee was $13.50 per day, making my tab already over $50, before I even started adding cocktails and Cokes. Yes, even soft drinks cost on your cruise.

AFTER THE CRUISE

Complete the survey.

At the end of your cruise, you will be emailed a survey on various aspects of your cruise, including but not limited to cleanliness and service.  If you had great cabin attendants or servers at dinner, the survey is your time to acknowledge their hard work and dedication to making your cruise memorable.

Have you been on a cruise?  What tips would you give to newbies, and what are some of your favorite ports?  We look forward to reading your advice and suggestions in the comments below.

P.S.  If you would like assistance booking your next trip, click here.

TRAVEL GUIDE: RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

Stay.

30th birthdays are always a celebration, and this past weekend, I was able to embark on a trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico with a group of girlfriends to celebrate one of my college roommates 30th birthday.  Being that we live all over the US, it’s always a rare treat to be in the same city for multiple days.  And while I have been to Cozumel on a Carnival cruise, this was my first inland trip to Mexico.

Sidenote: Since this trip, I’ve added Cabo to my list, and it has become my favorite city to visit in Mexico. You can read about my trip to Cabo by clicking here or book your room at Secrets Los Cabos by clicking here.

After reading reviews and perusing through several destinations and resorts in Mexico, we opted for the fairly new and renovated El Dorado Seaside Suites, an adult only, all-inclusive resort near Tulum.  From the private infinity pools, modern decor, expansive bathrooms in each suite to the swing bar and fancy restaurants, and 24 hours room service with bomb ass quesadillas, this resort was one of the better all-inclusives of which I have stayed.  In every building, guests were greeted with champagne, and the resort itself was just the right size for walking, if you didn’t want to wait on the shuttle.  The beach near our resort was still under construction, as much of this resort was built on coral reef (great for snorkeling, not so fun for distance swimming), however, the finished beach had a great bar and impeccable service that kept beach patrons with a fresh drink in their hands, even though I was drinking Mexican Cokes like water.  We were also connected to a nude beach, but due to time constraints, we didn’t make it over to that side.  Not saying I’m a nudist, but I am saying I might have went and took a little peeky peek.  And I can’t help but to mention the way that we walked into almost every club on the resort and took over the DJ booth and the dance floor.

Don’t forget, we have also created the ultimate travel planner to plan out your next best vacation and store your travel details and memories. Click here to purchase now.

Note: Riviera Maya has become one of my favorite quick and cheap getaway destinations, and while El Dorado Seaside Suites was a great resort, I have fallen in love with the Secrets and Breathless chain of hotels. From the service to the amenities, you can’t go wrong with any AM Resort, and you can check prices and book your room directly from my website by clicking here.

Play.

Similar to my planning for any trip, I set up a board on Pinterest and mapped out the must-see/must-do things in and near Riviera Maya.  Usually, I create a list and if it is too lengthy, I consult the locals on arrival to help narrow it down.  The list for this trip was fairly short though, as there were only 2 main attractions that kept popping up, Chichen Itza and Xcaret.  So, I shot my suggestions over to our group message, we voted, and the majority of the group decided to also purchase tickets to these attractions.  

Xcaret.

Note: There are two other excursions that I highly recommend, especially if you are an adrenaline junkie, like myself. You can zip line, ride ATVS, and swim in a cenote at Extreme Adventure Eco Park or up the anti at Xplor with swimming in underground caves and driving amphibious vehicles through the jungle terrain.

Since our arrival to the resort was marred with the news of the death of music icon, Prince, we spent most of it at the bar or in our private infinity pools swimming under the influence.  There’s nothing like being the bearer of bad news to the other vacationers that had been disconnected from the media, while coercing them into purple shots.  I mean, it was an all inclusive, drink to you can’t drink anymore.  And I must be honest and admit, I didn’t get to fully enjoy the grand splendor of our resort or our suite until the next day due to my level of alcohol consumption that first night. #RIPPrince

For relaxation purposes, we decided to plan our excursions in the middle of our trip, leaving room for 2 resort days.  In hindsight though, I wish that we would have stayed an extra day or 2.  I feel like I didn’t get to enjoy enough of the resort, sober at least.  On our first excursion day, we embarked on a journey to Mexico’s premiere adventure park, Xcaret.  Now, let me be honest, in the same way that I kept referring Chi-ch-en Itza as Chicken Itza, in my mind, Xcaret was a water park.  Yeah, I mean water park like Splashtown or WaterWorld (if you’re from Houston and old enough to remember).  Yet, on arrival and entrance I quickly found out the meaning of “adventure-park.”  Xcaret offered everything from snorkeling, to swimming with dolphins and sharks, underwater fish watching, jaguar and puma exhibitions, cenote tours, a recreated Mayan city and Mexican cemetery, along with a host of other “adventurous” activities.  The way our sleep was set up, we didn’t get there until the afternoon, but it was easy to see how a whole day could be spent at Xcaret.  One of the highlights of the park is their award winning night show, Mexico Espectacular, which details Mexico’s history from Mayan times to today.  One of the most powerful parts of the show was seeing Mayan warriors being converted to Christianity.  While we were too tired  to enjoy the show in all of its glory, we realized the next day on our tour of Chichen Itza how many of the shows historical references we were able to connect to our tour.

Being that I graduated with a Bachelors in History and its on my bucket list to see the 7 Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza was a must see, even though there was much group debate about going to Tulum instead. However, after reading the reviews and debating life experiences, we chose Chichen.  I was leery of the trip, due to reviews from my brother about the long drive, however, we all packed good books and a couple of snacks and set out on our 12-hour excursion.  I’m convinced that I have a case of car narcolypse, so true to my fashion, I slept most of the way to Chichen Itza.

I’ve always had a sick fascination with gory historic events and unexplained phenomenons, and the visit to Chichen Itza combined components of both.  As the brutal sun took its time trying to convince us to strip out of our clothes and try our luck in the Sacred Cenote, we embarked on a tour of one of the most popular Mayan cities of all times.  From viewing Chichen Itza, and learning that it was actually a temple and calendar used to keep track of the days and seasons, viewing the sacrificial statues, the Wall of Skulls, their sports colosseum where participants fought to their deaths, literally and figuratively, to the Sacred Cenote, an underground river where humans dead and alive were sacrificed to the Mayan water God, Chaac, I can see why Chichen Itza it designated as a world heritage site. For 3000 years, a civilization thrived, only to be reduced to myth and speculation. Included in the tour to Chichen Itza, we also had the oppurtunity to wander through Valladolid to view the colonial landmarks and to have lunch and swim in one of the most famous cenotes, Ik Kil.

Ik Kil.

Chichen Itza.

For those travelers that prefer a low key trip with shopping, purchasing souvenirs, and enjoying food outside of the resort, I definitely recommend heading to 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Whether you’re in the market for some authentic Mexican vanilla to up the anti with your baked goods, perusing the racks at Zara and other high end shops, or bar hopping to find your favorite haunt, 5th Avenue is the place to be.

As the members of our college crew enter their 30s, I realize that it won’t be too long before our girls’ trips become family trips.  I’m cherishing each and every one of these moments, even though the family additions will be welcomed additions.

Valladolid.

 Restaurant Highlight- Yo Amo Tacos

Let me first say, I might be the only Texan alive that doesn’t really like Mexican food, unless Taco Bell counts.  But I have started to dabble in rice and beans and love tacos.  Yo Amo Tacos, located on 5th Avenue, offered a large selection of tacos and authentic Mexican cuisine, and not one of our crew of 6 had any complaints.  Between the lively patrons and savory tacos, Yo Amo is a must visit the next time you’re near Playa Del Carmen.

P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation, click here.

Don’t forget, we have also created the ultimate travel planner to plan out your next best vacation and store your travel details and memories. Click here to purchase now.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

TRAVEL GUIDE: LOS CABOS, MEXICO

With a sea once dubbed the Aquarium of the World, by famed explorer Jacques Cousteau, Cabo has remained a vibrant city filled with a plethora of activities to cater to travelers.  This tropical oasis, popular among spring breakers and A-list travelers alike, hosts a variety of activites from water-sports to partying on Skid Row that rivals Bourbon Street in New Orleans.  While most travelers know to visit El Arco (The Arch), Lover’s and Divorce Beach, and to party at Cabo Wabo, below are 4 must-do things to add to your itinerary on your next trip to Cabo San Lucas:

Stay in a 5 Star Hotel

As a popular tourist location once frequented in high numbers by celebrity travelers,  Cabo San Lucas offers a vast array of trendy resorts.  Anytime that I visit locations that offer all-inclusive living, I aim for resorts with the best amenities and dining options.  One of the resorts that I recommend in Cabo is the Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos.  Ranked one of the Top 50 best golf resorts in the world, this resort also has one of the only seven wine spas in the world, SOMMA. Grand Fiesta has one of the few swimmable beaches in the area on the resort, as Cabo beaches are known for strong currents and rip tides rendering most of their beaches dangerous to swimmers.  From the beautiful views to the attentive staff and lively entertainment, this will be a resort that I frequent on my trips back to Cabo.

Another luxury hotel that I recommend in Los Cabos is the Secrets Puerto Los Cabos, which you can book directly by clicking here.

Tip: If you’re partying by the pool in Cabo, order a round of mini-beer shots.

Rent a Yacht

For almost the same price as a day excursion on a party boat, Cabo vacationers can rent a private yacht with open bar to sail the Sea of Cortez and view not only the marina, but also the infamous El Arco and Lover’s and Divorce Beach. From a seasick traveler in our party to one that indulged to much in the open bar, our captain and first mate, Javier and Marco, were there to cater to all of our needs.  There are not to many places where you can rent a private yacht at an affordable rate, so this is definitely something to take advantage of on your trip to Cabo.

Tip: In order to get assistance planning your day on a yacht, simply click here.

Go Whale Watching

From December to April, Cabo San Lucas is know for the vast amount of humpback whales that come back to the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean to mate before starting their migration to cooler waters.  Whale watching has been on my bucket list for a few years, so I was stoked to learn that my trip to Cabo coincided with whale watching season.  In researching the various companies that offered whale watching tours in the area, I decided on Whale Watch Cabo for various reasons.  Founded by Janneke, Miguel Angel, and Peter, to fulfill a lifelong dream of providing a safe, educational, and responsible way to encounter whales, Whale Watch Cabo is still the only dedicated whale watch company in Cabo San Lucas.  Voted #1 on Trip  Advisor for their small group tours since 2010, these eco-friendly tours are led by a knowledgable guide, such as my guide, Paola, who was an oceonagrapher, and guarantee a whale sighting or your next tour is free.  Our tour began with a short tour of the Sea of Cortez to get some touristy shots of El Arco, Scooby Doo Rock, Neptune’s Finger, etc, before we shot across the water for some all eyes on deck whale watching.  Not only did we get to see a handful of whales taking a final breath before their deep plunges, towards the very end of our tour, we had the pleasure of witnessing a mother and her calf breach repeatedly, leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime.  Whale Watch Cabo offers a variety of different tours, including their highly recommended Zodiac Tour, that can cover more distance in a shorter span of time.

And if you’re in the mood for a tour that includes breakfast while whale watching, click here.

Don’t forget, we have also created the ultimate travel planner to plan out your next best vacation and store your travel details and memories. Click here to purchase now.

Tip: Unless you absolutely love photography, one of the perks of booking a tour with Whale Watch Cabo, is that your guide also doubles as a photographer and will inbox pictures from your tour via DropBox, free of charge.

Dine with a View

Cabo is one of those picturesque places fit for a romance novel, contributing to an influx in restaurants with unparalleled views.  Even if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, I always recommend dining off the resort at least one night of your stay, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.  While I recommend at least trying a sunset dinner cruise on one your nights in Cabo, below are some of the top options for restaurants with a view:

• El Farallon

• Hacienda Cocina y Cantina 

• Cocina del Mar at Esperanza

Tip: Always consult a local when looking to find the best, authentic cuisine while on vacation.

P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation, click here.

Are you visiting Cancun/Riviera Maya or Cozumel in the near future? Make sure you check out my travel guides to maximize those trips, as well.

Don’t forget, we have also created the ultimate travel planner to plan out your next best vacation and store your travel details and memories. Click here to purchase now.

Disclaimer: While some of the companies in this post paid for my use of their services, all of the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I would never endorse a company that I would not recommend or use again. Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

TRAVEL GUIDE: EAT, PLAY, STAY IN MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA

When I first visited Jamaica for my 30th birthday, it was understood that the only thing I was concerned about was jumping down a waterfall or 2, drinking Red Stripes for breakfast, and eating oxtails in the city. Let’s just say, mission accomplished and exceeded in all of areas mentioned above. And while I was able to scratch those things off of my bucket list, I also walked away from Jamaica with a newfound respect for the culture, the people, and the land. My first trip to Jamaica was centered around Ocho Rios, because I’d always been advised it was the better option to the more touristy Montego Bay, however, when it came to finding a luxury all-inclusive room to accommodate three guests, the better options were in MoBay (the local name for Montego Bay).

Out of the group of 3, there was one Jamaica newbie, so in order to create a trip filled with new experiences for us all, I made sure to peruse blogs, Pinterest, and tour sites for the best off-resort excursions.

Don’t forget, we have also created the ultimate travel planner to plan out your next best vacation and store your travel details and memories. Click here to purchase now.

My only regret from this entire stay was not being able to stay longer. This trip was a reminder of everything that I loved about Jamaica, from the people to the food, and we even left with a new adopted uncle in the form of our driver, Dean. Our respect for Uncle Dean might have been the only thing that kept our party animal sides in check when the cocktails and shots started flowing like the water down Dunn’s River Falls while at Rick’s Cafe.

Here is my comprehensive guide to enjoying Montego Bay on your next visit to Jamaica.

Eat

It goes without saying that one of the best things in Jamaica, next to the people, is the food. On vacation, God removes gluttiny as a sin, and encourages you to eat as much as want, whenever you want. Well actually, I’m sure that I made that up, so don’t quote me at the pearly gates, but that’s definitely my rule of thumb. Just in case you’ve either been under a rock or are far removed from anything that resembles Jamaican culture, I’m listing some of the staples below:

• Jerk Anything (but start with the chicken)

• Oxtails

• Rice and Peas

• Beef Patties

• Curry Goat

• Coco Bread

• Fried Plantains

• Callaloo

• Rum Cake

• Rum Punch

• Blue Mountain Coffee

There are to many traditional foods to name, but the list above should leave you off to a good start. And if you’re a lover of spice, try the Jamaican pepper sauce made with scotch bonnet peppers. Yum!

The best place to try authentic Jamaican food is in town or by suggestion of the locals, so I’ve listed and linked some favorites below:

Scotchies

The Pork Pit

The Pelican Grill

And just in case, you decide to try your hand at making some jerk delicacies when you return back home, pick up these seasonings either in town or at the airport.

Play

Since this was not my first trip to Jamaica, I had already knocked some of the popular touristy things out like Dunn’s River Falls and the Bob Marley tour in Nine Mile. You can read about those by clicking here. This trip we were torn between a day in Negril and a trip to Kingston for the extended Bob Marley tour, where Negril won by a hairline fracture (only because I wanted to cliff dive).

Negril is most famous for two things: Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Cafe. Even though it took almost 2 hours to get there from our hotel in Trelawny, the day spent in Negril might have been one of the best days on vacation in my life. Seven Mile Beach is breathtaking, even though the hagglers can be overwhelming, but between the authentic jerk chicken and pork being grilled on the beach, that according to Uncle Dean is some of the best in all of Jamaica, and the free cream rum tasting at the gift shops, you can haggle me for my last $2 any day.

And Rick’s Cafe. I really want to write a soliloquy about the romanticism of the sunset, the water that is an emerald blue like nothing I’ve seen yet on this planet, the DJ that must have a part time residency learning the hits in the States, the lobster that we ate like someone was going to steal it from us, and the rum punches and test tube shots that made cliff diving from the highest point seem like a good idea… But instead, I will just tell you, go to Ricks and thanks me later. And if you can swim, cliff dive. #TheEnd

Sidenote: Imagine our surprise when Mike Epps walked in to enjoy Rick’s on a random Tuesday with the rest of us.

Our day in Negril was perfect, but there’s another excursion that I added onto the itinerary as a surprise to my girls for letting me drag them across the Caribbean more than once. Jamaica is one of only five places in the world that has a bioluminescent bay, which is essentially a body of water that lights up with millions of microorganisms to the touch. The only way that the glow of the water can be captured is with a specialized camera, so even our fancy new IPhones didn’t do the trick, but the sunset dip in the dark lagoon surrounded by glowing microorganisms was one pretty dope experience that will forever be committed to memory.

Our tour to Luminous Lagoon can be found by clicking here, but for any other tour or transportation needs in and/or around the Montego Bay Area, I recommend my Uncle Dean. He’s a preferred driver for Riu properties, so if you’re staying at one of them, even better, but if not, he can be reached via What’s App at (1-876-394-1171). You can tell him that one of his nieces from Houston sent you.

Note: US Dollars are widely accepted in Jamaica preventing the dreaded currency exchange.

Stay

There are 2 things that determine whether a resort is perfect in my eyes, besides visual aesthetics, and those things are food and service. Melia Braco’s Village, almost 5 star overall customer reviews on Trip Advisor was solidified from the moment that we stepped foot on the resort.

Since we had been traveling since early morning, after dropping off our luggage, the only thing on our minds was the nearest place to fill our rumbling stomachs (and maybe grab a rum punch or 2). If you’ve been to multiple all-inclusive resorts, then you probably know that the lunch food by the pool can be either hit or miss, but let me tell you about my first meal. Imagine jerk snapper covered in sautéed greens, onions, and bell peppers before being grilled in a foil pack and served to your table hot and ready to enjoy. This was the first of many great meals, including hibachi good enough to put Benihana’s out of business.

Our resort was filled with many amenities, including it’s very own complimentary adventure park with zip-lining and an obstacle course. And let me not forget the many photographic areas, like this little hut that just screamed Jamaica.

Confession: I’ve realized that I might need to start writing in some travel picture time into each day, because my camera is often replaced by a cocktail or plate of food within the first few hours of any trip. Hence, the lack of shots around the resort.

Would I recommend Melia Braco Village for your next trip to Jamaica? Yes, BUT that’s only if your sole purpose is enjoying the resort and the food. I could talk about the food, amenities, and great service all day, however, since our resort was situated in Trelawny, about 30-45 minutes outside of Montego Bay, cabs were pricey and hard to come by, preventing us from getting to enjoy the nightlife as much as we would have preferred on this trip.

On my next trip to Jamaica, I’m sure I will be staying at one the Secrets Resorts or Breathless, which can be booked directly from my website by clicking here.

Have you been to Jamaica? What were some of your favorite food and local spots?

P.S.  If you would like assistance booking your next trip, click here.

Don’t forget, we have also created the ultimate travel planner to plan out your next best vacation and store your travel details and memories. Click here to purchase now.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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TRAVEL GUIDE: 5 THINGS TO DO IN COSTA RICA (MINUS THE BEACH)

In mid-October, the brilliant plan was proposed to book an impromptu birthday trip to Costa Rica for the first weekend in November. I’m not usually a last minute trip planner, but all that it took was finding the Nayara Hotel to jumpstart my vacation fingers.

Even though flights were ridiculously high, being that I’ve seen them as cheap as $250 RT from Houston to San Jose, work stressors pushed this trip to the top of my self care necessity list. However, I realized fast that choosing the Nayara Resort meant nixing any plans of sunbathing on the beach.

The Nayara Resort is located in the Arenal area, meaning that the nearest beach is more than 3 hours away. However, instead of changing resorts, I opted to make do with hot springs and jungle views.

Don’t forget, we have also created the ultimate travel planner to plan out your next best vacation and store your travel details and memories. Click here to purchase now.

Picture courtesy of Nayara Hotels

Being that this was my first time visiting Costa Rica, I was honestly oblivious to the long commutes required to get to some of the best beaches and/or attractions. And if it wasn’t for my obsession with Nayara, I probably would have opted for a ocean view room at a Secrets Resort. But I’ve learned through my travels that almost every destination has its gems, and below are some tips to enjoying Costa Rica outside of the beach:

1) Don’t skimp on your resort.

The best part of my stay in Costa Rica was the lavishness of my villa at Nayara. Between the views of the Arenal volcano from my balcony and the exceptional service, I could have easily stayed several weeks. Initially, it was a disappointment to not be able to get one of the Spring Villas, that came with your own pool filled with water from the hot springs, but I got over it the moment that I stepped foot into my Rainforest Villa. One of the best perks of staying at Nayara was the nightly turndown service. Imagine walking back into your room after a delicious multi-course dinner and several drinks to a newly made bed, all of your windows covered, and cookies and chocolates for a midnight snack. Even though the resort has 85 villas, each one was secluded enough for ultimate privacy, allowing me to experience my first outdoor shower without being worried about any peepers.

Picture courtesy of Nayara Hotels

And yet, while the resort was large enough for privacy, it was still very walkable (even though I opted to call for a golf cart to get from from destination to destination). The staff was dedicated to making sure that your experience was perfect down to the last detail, and a couple of times, the owners could be spotted walking around the common areas just to check on resort guests.

Yes, I know that Costa Rica is a popular budget getaway, and I’m all for minimizing vacations expenses, however, the Nayara is one resort worth being add to your bucket list.

2) Hike through the jungle.

Just two days before I was scheduled to leave for my trip, I was rear ended by another driver leaving me with a sore back to take on vacation. This accident nixed any plans of doing any strenuous activities, but it didn’t alleviate being able to see the jungle from the Arenal hanging bridges.

3) Rejuvenate in the hot springs.

The most recommended hot springs near Arenal are at Tabacon, but since I waited until the last minute, Tabacon had already reached their 100 guest capacity before I was able to book my slot. So instead, I went to Ecotermales, a family owned hot springs in the area. Both Tabacon and Ecotermales are the closest hot springs to the Arenal Volcano and the only 2 fed directly from the natural source.

The natural waters of the hot springs are said to be rich in minerals and great for rejuvenation, stress reduction, detoxifying your body, and relief from some medical ailments like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

You are only advised to stay in the hot springs in 15 minute increments to avoid dehydration, and there are refreshing drinks available steps away. The buffet style dinner was also pretty tasty and filled with authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Tabacon will be my first stop on my next visit, but Ecotermales was a great option as well.

And if you’re less of a stickler when it comes to your hot springs water source, there are a handful of others to choose from with different amenity options.

4) Eat like the locals.

When I started this trip, my back hurt because of my car accident, but by the end of the weekend, I’m sure it was because of the amount of food that I consumed each day and having to carry my bigger stomach around.

My favorite dish of the trip was a black bean soup that was made on the resort. There are times when my food choices are limited due to my picky eating, but on this trip, it only took one meal to open up my palates. The fruits and vegetables were also all extremely fresh, since most of the produce is grown in and around the area.

Sidenote: There seems to be a heavy Italian influence in Costa Rica, because there had to be a pizzeria every few feet. And according to a couple that I met at the resort, the pizza was amazing.

5) Channel your inner adventurista. 

Costa Rica is a place where the jungle and wild life thrive, but there are many “safe” adventures that can be had in the midst of your travels. The word safe is emphasized due to the number of tourists that have substained injuries by playing off the beaten path.

While I was on my trip this weekend, a group of tourists and their guide were injured hiking on an unapproved route near the Arenal volcano. The terrain near the volcano can be dangerous and unstable making even rescue attempts difficult for those that might find themselves in a bad situation. My brother and his girlfriend at the time were involved in a life-threatening snow mobile accident last winter, and that can be one of the scariest experiences ever. You can click here to read more about that adventure. And let me not get started on the Costa Rican wildlife …. Jumping vipers or Terciopelos anyone?!?

However, there are many tour companies that have capitalized on the growing tourism in Costa Rica for a variety of thrill packed adventures like zip-lining, white water rafting, ATV riding, waterfall climbing, etc, in approved areas.

Costa Rica is an amazing place that stayed on my bucket list for far too long, and I’m looking forward to going back. Have you been to Costa Rica? What are some of your favorite gems?

P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation, click here.

Don’t forget, we have also created the ultimate travel planner to plan out your next best vacation and store your travel details and memories. Click here to purchase now.

TRAVEL GUIDE: SOUTH AFRICA

While many of us are familiar with the term “apartheid” and Nelson Mandela, it was not until my trip to South Africa that I was able to get a firsthand account of this racial divide that had such a profound impact on South African history and culture. Ironically, I had purchased Trevor Noah's Born a Crime months before my trip, however, I didn’t get a chance to read it until I got back to the States. Simply reading this book would have given me some of the background knowledge and terminology to improve my cultural context. For example, when I heard the term “colored” used in South Africa, I was automatically transported to images of the segregated South, however, the term “colored” refers to lighter skinned Africans of mixed heritage. I am a black woman that lives in America, so I am not unfamiliar with racism, but the systematic divisions of apartheid were chilling, knowing that this dark time in history ended as recent as 1994.

Johannesburg was filled with stark reminders of the apartheid era, and there were countless times that my sisters and I were advised to remain inside of most buildings during tours and to not peruse the city streets due to the threats of muggings and/or harm. And while Cape Town on the surface gave the impression of prosperity and the good life, it only took a quick drive out of the touristy areas to “smash and grab” territory to remind you that the economic impacts of apartheid are still thriving in many townships.

Johannesburg and Cape Town are both filled with a seemingly endless amount of rich and powerful history, and my trip only scratched the surface. However, I have outlined some of the activities and/or tours that I would recommend for each city below.

Johannesburg

Take a city tour.

One of the best ways to see the top sites in any city, especially if you’re on a limited schedule, is by spending a day or two on the hop-on hop-off bus. Instead of spending your day piecing together your own itinerary and trying to figure out the best methods of transportation, you can buy a ticket for the bus route of your choice and depart the bus at any time to visit those must-see locations on your list. And being that I am a self-proclaimed historian, one of my favorite things about the Hop-On Hop-Off bus is that as it cruises through the city, you are given free headphones to listen to historical facts about the city. Below are pictures of some of my favorite stops:

World of Beer.

World of Beer Exhibit.

Apartheid Museum with my sisters.

One of my biggest regrets was not having enough time to fully immerse myself in the history at the Apartheid Museum and/or not paying additional money for a guided tour.  If I was to go back to Johannesburg, I would definitely add space into my itinerary for this tour.

Visit Mandela House in Soweto.

Soweto is one of the most historic black townships in South Africa and was home to Nelson Mandela and many other South African advocates and popular figures.  For $5 US, you can walk through Mandela House and continue your trek through Soweto to get a taste of authentic “Jo-Berg” culture. 

Grab lunch at the original Nandos.

Take a safari.

Kruger National Park is one of the most popular (and expensive) locations for an authentic South African safari, but for those of you with limited time, you can also take a trip to the Lion Park.

See Johannesburg from the observation deck of the Carlton Centre, the tallest building in Africa.

Cape Town

The five days that we spent in Cape Town was not nearly enough time to scratch the surface of this beautiful port city flanked by views of the infamous Table Mountain.  From the Cape of Good Hope to the wineries of Stellenbosch, there were so many places to go and things to see in and around Cape Town. 

Ride the Hop-on Hop-off bus up to Table Mountain.

One of the things to note when visiting South Africa is that it is Winter when the States are celebrating Summer.  While the temperatures were not brutally cold, riding up to Table Mountain versus hiking, all while getting a tour of the city and nearby beaches, is a must add to your itinerary. Click here to secure your seat.

Visit Robben Island.

Robben Island is probably one of the most popular attractions for tourists visiting Cape Town and is home to the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela would serve a large portion of his prison sentence.  And being that this tour is so popular, I recommend booking in advance to secure your spot on one of the outgoing ferries.  Unfortunately,  the waters were so choppy on the day of our tour to Robben Island that all ferries were cancelled, and being that our itinerary was super tight, we didn't have the time to move this tour to another day. 

Hike Table Mountain.

For adventure and fitness enthusiast, a trip to Cape Town is not complete without hiking Table Mountain.  Being that the weather and terrain can be unpredictable, it is always advised to hike with a knowledgable guide.  You can click here to book a private hiking tour.

Visit Stellenbosch (or any of the other Winelands).

Cape Town is surrounded by wineries, and the day that we spent in Stellenbosch was one of the best days of the entire trip.  There are many ways to visit the wineries from Cape Town, such as the wine tram, the vine hopper bus, group tours, private tours, etc.  And there is a winery for every wine connoisseur. JC Le Roux and Mulderbosch made the top of our favorites list. 

Jc Le Roux (Try the Le Domaine).

Mulderbosch Pizza.

Mulderbosch Burger.

Sidenote:  If you have time for dinner while visiting the Winelands, The Tasting Room is highly recommended. 

Take the drive to Boulder Beach and The Cape of Good Hope.

Chapman’s Peak.

Boulder’s Beach.

Cape of Good Hope.

Chapman’s Peak.

Eat seafood near the beach at Camps Bay.

Visit the townships.

Cape Town is home to Langa, one of the oldest townships and Khayelitsha, one of the largest and fastest growing townships in Cape Town. You can click here to safely visit these townships and others with a guide.

Khayelitsha.

Shop and Dine at the VA Waterfront.

“Where the city meets the sea”

One of the perks of traveling to South Africa, especially is you are from the US, is that your $ go very far. We were able to dine and live the luxe lifestyle on a minimal budget, whether shopping for trendy new outfits or fine dining at one of the many restaurants on and/or near the waterfront.

Sidenote: The Ocean Basket became one of our favorite chain eateries while in Capetown, and there was even a location in the airport for us to enjoy while waiting for our flight to depart.

Pose for pictures in the Bo-Kaap.

The Bo-Kaap, one of the most photographed areas in Cape Town, was previously home to slaves that expressed their love for color through the painting of their homes due to a law that prevented them from wearing colorful clothing.  Like many black neighborhoods that have become prime real estate, gentrification is threatening to push out homeowners to make way for new real estate ventures by either buying out residences and/or increasing taxes to a point of in-affordibility for most home owners in that area.  This has prompted several protests, causing many tour companies to remove the Bo-Kaap from its list of safe sites for tourists.  However, we decided to chance it, and asked a couple of homeowners for permission to take pictures in front of their historical homes. 

I would love to visit Cape Town during the summer and enjoy their thriving nightlife, and I can now see why many celebrities like Will Smith own homes in his beautiful city.  Have you been to South Africa?  And if so, what are some of your favorite things to do, see, or eat while there?

P.S.  If you would like assistance booking your next trip, click here. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

TRAVEL GUIDE: TIPS BEFORE THAILAND

As with any trip, the best lessons are learned through trial and error. Below are some tips to help make your trip to Thailand as smooth as possible:

1) Trip Advisor is the traveler’s bible.

One lesson that I learned real fast in Phuket is that a 4 star hotel can be equivalent to a Motel 6 in the States. You may be planning on spending most of your time in the city or on the beach, but before you book a hotel at that great rate, check the reviews and make sure that you will have basic amenities like hot water, air conditioning, and wifi.

2) Be prepared for tummy troubles, just in case.

In all honesty, I was scared shitless, no pun intended, about my trip being ruined because I was sick to my stomach due to the horrible traveler tales I’ve heard from people that had visited before me. It is not uncommon for your body to have an adverse reaction to all of the rich and flavorful foods that Thailand and similar countries have to offer. In Bali, they even have a name for the phenomenon that occurs from eating their exotic foods, Bali Belly. We all know the old adage, you get what you pay for, so decide very wisely if that $2 US Pad Thai is worth the tummy troubles that might accompany it on the backend, pun intended.  Before I left Houston, I stocked up on Imodium, and everything else I could think of just in case. Happily, I didn’t get sick at all,  but if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.

3) Ladies, don’t leave home without toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

It was very American of me to think that toilet paper was standard in restrooms all across the world.  Let’s just say it took one hole in the ground restroom experience (yes, I mean a real, hole in the ground) for me to learn this lesson really fast.  Also, pay close attention to whether the restrooms that you use are toilet paper in or toilet paper out, as most of the drainage systems in Thailand were not set up to properly dissolve toilet paper.

4) Don’t lose your departure ticket.

You don’t need a Visa to visit Thailand, however, you will need the exit ticket you receive on arrival to be able to depart the country. I’m not sure what happens if you lose it, but I’m pretty sure it’s something that’s undesirable like a fee and/or extended security process.

5) If you want to play with elephants, visit a sanctuary versus a trekking camp.

By no means am I an animal activist, but there was something about seeing such mild animals chained to trees and beaten with sticks that prompted some additional research.

Even though I paid for Elephant Trekking as part of my package, I kindly opted out after doing my research and will make plans to visit the sanctuary in Shanghai instead where you can bathe, feed, and interact with elephants that have been rescued from trekking camps.

6) Don’t be afraid to negotiate with vendors.

I literally watched my friend buy a pair of Hay Ban (not Ray) sunglasses that started at 950 Baht and dropped down to 200. Your goal is not to commit highway robbery, but never go with the first price, especially since it’s not like you probably need the stuff you’re buying anyway.  The goal is not to scam the vendors out of making a dollar, but definitely, don’t let them scam you either.  The rule of thumb is that the real price for a street vendor item is usually 25-50% lower than the first price asked.

7) Don’t get scammed.

Even though there are some really nice people in Thailand, the honest truth is that most services come with a price.  When it comes to advice and finding cheaper pricing, check with your hotel or hostel, before you go with a random stranger on the street, especially if they are the ones offering.

8) Don’t drink the water.

I learned this tough lesson the tough way in Mexico, so I was already prepared by the time I reached Thailand. For the most part, most restaurants and your hotel will have bottled water, but just in case someone brings you a glass, kindly decline unless you want to be a victim of number 2.

9) Respect the customs.

In many of the temples and religious buildings, you may be required to cover certain parts of your body.  My advice, be like Nike, and “Just do it.”  I’m not going to lie, I was confused at the penis paraphernalia and sex propaganda on every corner with religious expectations on the next, however, my goal when I travel is to follow the rules and make it back home.  And while this was not something that affected me directly while on my trip to Phuket, I read various blogs and articles that stressed the importance of never touching a Thai person on their head, as it is deemed a sacred part of the body, or point your toes at a religious image, particularly of Buddha, or images of the King.

10) Enjoy your vacation.

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this, but just in case, smile, unplug, and enjoy your vacay. You deserved it.

Read all about my trip to Thailand and things you must do by clicking here.

Be sure to read our blog on making the perfect itinerary here.

 P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation, click here.

TRAVEL GUIDE: WHEN TERROR STRIKES

One week after booking my flight to Istanbul, Turkey, the unthinkable happened. Suicide bombers armed with assault rifles led an attack that would end in 42 lives being taken in a myriad of gunfire and explosions, while countless others hid for their lives and prayed for their safety. As I watched the events unfold on CNN, my heart dropped. I was due to go to Istanbul in less than three weeks, one of my closest friends was in Istanbul in the midst of a terror attack, and my ticket was non-refundable.

With many people across the world, I watched the aftermath in awe and in utter shock and despair, finding out later that my friend had barely escaped the airport an hour before the first blast. Thank God for parents with a sense of discernment, because it was only a text from her Dad to come to his office instead of waiting for the arrival of another friend that was the reason she had not still been at the airport. While terror attacks are becoming all too frequent and increasingly bold, this one hit too close to home. If it had not been for my standing 4th of July trip to New Orleans pushing my Turkey excursion back to mid-July, I could have been a casualty in that war of terror.

Amidst the devastation of one of the world’s most secure airports being victim to an atrocity of this magnitude, within 24 hours, with blood stains and shattered glass remaining as remnants of an incident that the world would not soon forget, the airport was back up and running. Eventually, the frantic text from close friends and family bearing warnings about my safety begin to fade, and for a brief moment in time, life returned to normal.

And then, it happened. On July 15th, 2016, news stations around the world began to broadcast the coup d’etat in Istanbul that would end in the deaths of an estimated 194 people, with over 1100 reported injuries. Again, my heart sank into my stomach, as I once again checked on the safety of my friend and her family, and begin to try and scramble to make alternate travel arrangements.

With a flight scheduled to depart in less than 48 hours, a ticket office closed for the weekend, and a bank that couldn’t issue a refund on a non-refundable ticket due to policy regulations, I was left with the decision: Do I still travel to Istanbul in light of all of the travel warnings, flight detours and cancellations, in the midst of an impending war?

My thoughts ran rampant, frequently interrupted by calls and texts, this time forbidding my travel. For hours, even after the failed coup attempt had ended and another terror attack replaced it in France, I watched continuous news coverage of a country seemingly in shambles, followed by the public persecutions of those deemed responsible, guilty without trial. My brain said, “You know that the media comes to over sensationalize and instill fear,” but my conscience said, “If you go, how will your family sleep worried about your safety?” As my brain and heart played the game of wits, I waited for my sense of discernment to kick into gear, for that lump in my stomach and dread in my soul to appear and seal my decision….but both remained elusive.

On Sunday, July 17th , I boarded Lufthansa Flight LH 1300 headed to Frankfurt, Germany, without a clear destination in mind. I said my prayers, told my family I loved them, and made peace with my decision to proceed with my travels. This trip had been planned as my last hurrah before summer vacation came to an end, and my celebration trip for a job promotion that had been years in the making. In order to protect my sanity and calm, I decided to tune into the real news coverage, Twitter. Whereas the media continued to run coverage of a nation in peril and airports absent of security, I was able to read numerous tweets of those that were flying safely from Istanbul to their desired destinations. As I stood in line, waiting to board my flight, inquiries about my final destination were met with blank stares and eyes filled with compassion. I never thought I would have to justify my travel decision to a woman headed to of all places, Egypt, a place with a travel warning list more extensive than multiple countries combined.

With the exception of the great food and even better wine, my flight to Frankfurt was nothing more than the norm on the surface. But internally, I was torn, not because I was afraid, but because I knew that back in the States my family and friends were awake and waiting on word of either my decision to stay in Germany or my “safe” arrival in Istanbul. Being a woman of faith, my prayer for the 48 hours leading to my departure had been the same, “Lord, in the midst of chaos, allow my sense of discernment to prevail against all evil. Guide my footsteps and please don’t allow the battle between my mind and heart to lead me astray.”

And 3 hours later, I boarded my flight to Istanbul.  When I think about the day that I spent soaking up the rays of the sun on my friend’s family yacht while enjoying sporadic plunges in the warm waters of the Poyrazköy Plajı, the overnight trip to Cappadocia where I was able to cross Hot Air Balloon ride off my bucket list, right next to a private ATV ride through valleys and fairy chimneys and an overnight stay in a cave hotel, nights of fine dining and Turkish tea, unforgettable conversations with beautifully, diverse people, all in the midst of the the inexplicable feeling of fear that permeated the air knowing that I was only getting to enjoy the calm before the storm, I walked away a renewed woman, a woman with a sense of purpose, a woman with a newfound understanding of the word “free.”

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

While the common consensus amongst my family and friends was for my trip to be relocated to Germany, while on my vacation in Istanbul, Germany too fell victim to 2 terror attacks of their own, both ending in mass casualties. And I realized, the only guarantee in life is that tomorrow isn’t promised. You have to “make the decision” to not live in fear, to really believe that the same God you pray to protect you in the States will not turn his back on you in another country. I made the decision to LIVE without any regrets.

It would be naive to pretend that the terror attacks occurring all over the world, and increasingly in Europe, should not be a valid concern for travellers. ISIS is real, civil unrest is real, and innocent people are often the casualties. Even if I would have opted to remain in Germany versus continue to Istanbul, there is a chance that I could have fell victim to one of their atrocities as well. However, I’ve made the decision to not let the ways of the world stop my travels.

I don’t regret my decision to visit Istanbul, and I’m looking forward to it becoming a place that I visit repeatedly throughout the course of my lifetime. A place surrounded by beautiful seas, rich in customs and traditions, architecturally designed masterpieces, delicious cuisine to satisfy any palate, and some of the best dressed women I have seen on any of my travels. The fashion scene in Istanbul could give Paris and New York a run for their money on any day. If nothing else, the rapid decline of democratic politics in Turkey should be a lesson to many “free” nations around the world.

Contrary to popular belief, women’s suffrage was achieved in Turkey in the 1930’s, long before many other European nations. And while most Turkish citizens identify themselves as Muslim, it wasn’t until the last few years that the number of women in burqas has increased drastically, even though they are still nowhere near the majority. Yet, many can see the country slowly changing to reflect traditional Muslim views under self proclaimed President Eragon. Let this be a lesson on the importance of voting and the drastic changes that can take place under the rule of an elected official.

For me, travel has been and will always be a fixture of my life. Travel often tests your tenacity, your endurance, your character, your views about life. It teaches you to take nothing for granted. Don’t be afraid to LIVE, just proceed with caution, as you do most other things in life.

Tips for Traveling in Times in Terror

• Rely on more than one news source to find the most up to date information on your travel destination, including but not limited to, state and government websites, social media, airline customer service, etc. I’m sure that I called Lufthansa 45 times in 48 hours scared that I would end up stuck in some third world country without an alternate route back to the States if I decided to proceed with my travel, thanks to the fear instilled by local and national media.

• Purchase tickets that are refundable or invest in travel insurance for pricier tickets. I had to choose between taking an $1100 loss or travelling into the unknown. It helped that I had a friend in Istanbul that was able to give up to date information and that there were several Tweets contradicting media coverage, but I would have liked to have had the option of a refund in case I opted to not go.

• Listen to your gut. There’s a reason that we have a sense of discernment.

• Be a smart traveller and not a gullible tourist. Even though Turkish flags and photos bearing Eragon’s face were available on every corner for protesters, I knew to stay out of certain areas and far away from the late night madness and mayhem. It was advised for tourists and residents to stay out of high traffic, popular areas, so I did. I’m all for authentic travelling, but it would have been hard to explain to my family that I got caught up in a bomb while participating at a protest. There were some areas that I was unable to see on this trip, but every city has their hidden jewels that can be just as enjoyable.

• Know your rights and/or lack thereof. From the anti-Eragon journalist I met that couldn’t sleep at night for fear of being arrested and jailed without trial to the Iranian girl that I met in Cappadocia that couldn’t attend college in her home country because she was not Muslim, even though she had one of the highest averages in her school, I learned what it truly meant to have limited rights. While I was in Turkey, a State of Emergency was declared, giving military officials the lawful right to search ANYONE without cause outside of this person is non-Muslim and looks like one of the intellectuals that would challenge government law. A search and seize that usually began and ended with a scroll of the “suspects” Facebook feed for anti-government sentiments and could end in their arrest. When in another country, abide by their rules and customs. Extradition is a privilege, regardless of how small your crime may seem, and there’s not a guarantee you will be able to get off with a slap on the wrist. Ask DJ Esco.

“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson

TRAVEL GUIDE: WHEN ACCIDENTS OCCUR

We went up the mountain as 11, fearless and full of adrenaline, celebrating another year of life in the Colorado mountains. Throwing off our helmets and goggles, talks of the exhilarating ride filled the air. And then we noticed, there were only 9 of us, our guides were in a huddle, and the whispers of an accident began to permeate the air. The feeling of dread that had begun to manifest in my stomach turned into nausea, and I knew before the dreaded words were spoken that there had been accident and my brother, the birthday boy, was one of those involved.

I can remember the feeling of my heart in the pit of my stomach, my tears freezing to my face, and the bits and pieces of the hushed conversation between the guides.

Ambulance. 30 feet fall. Concussion. Pretty bad.

This was our 4th year jetsetting across the country to celebrate our birthdays together. Trips filled of countless excursions, waterfall plunges, jumping in the ocean, partying into the morning…. I had been in Colorado for less than 24 hours, and instead of the surprise party that we had planned at the Breckenbridge Distillery, my brother was being prepared for a flight for life ride to a more equipped hospital in Denver due to a bleed on the brain, while his girlfriend lay nearby in agony suffering from a broken elbow and fractured tailbone and pelvis.

This was not our first trip or first excursion by a long shot. We’ve travelled the world, but here we were, thousands of miles away from family praying for the best and learning to deal with the rest. Everyone has heard the stories about tragedies happening while on vacation, but until that moment, I had never fathomed having to call my mother and tell her that she needed to be on the next flight to Denver because the doctors said that my brother’s prognosis was grim.

When getting ready for a vacation, we think about the clothes that we need to pack, our accommodations, transportation, and excursions, but we rarely plan for tragedy. By the grace of God, my brother and his girlfriend both made full recoveries, but this incident reminded me to not take life for granted and that tomorrow isn’t promised. While I am and always will be an advocate for travel, based on my experience, I’ve listed some tips for all travelers just in case an accident occurs:

1. Always carry your insurance card on vacation and be aware of your international coverage. While some countries have universal health care, unless you are a citizen you might not qualify for coverage, however, some policies have provisions in place that will cover portions of your medical care internationally.

2. Like your mama probably told you a long time ago, always carry extra underwear. I might have been competing in the same clothes challenge the extra days I spent in Denver, but my underclothes were clean and plentiful.

3. Before signing any waivers on excursions, read them thoroughly and inquire about accidental clauses and coverage. Most waivers state that you are solely responsible for any accidents and that the company will not be held liable.

4. Be mindful of weather inclinations and go with your gut. If the weather is adverse to your excursion, remember that your safety comes first. In our case, almost every snow mobile rental company was closed due to a lack of snow, with the exception of the company where we purchased our tours. That should have been a red flag, but there is something about vacation that replaces logical thinking.   And due to the waivers that we have signed, the company was not held liable for the accident or responsible for the $200,000 in accumulated medical bills.

5. If an accident occurs, if possible, ask to report immediately to the accident scene and take pictures. Since my brother and his girlfriend have limited memory about the accident, we had to attempt to answer questions about the cause of the accident, aftermath, etc, but none of us witnessed or reviewed the scene of the crash.   This may not always be feasible, but there were enough of us to divide and conquer, and you never know when you may need that information for legal purposes.

6. Reschedule flights IMMEDIATELY. Most airline companies require that flights be cancelled before scheduled departure to avoid fees and penalties, even in the instance of an accident.

7. Always travel with extra $$$. A weekend trip turned into a week long trip, and without extra emergency cash, I wouldn’t have been able to pay for necessities such as a hotel stay, rental car extension, food, etc.

Have you ever had an accident occur on vacation?  And if so, what tips can you share for travelers?

P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation, click here.

TRAVEL GUIDE: VANCOUVER, CANADA IN 24 HOURS

I’m one of those travelers that believes in maximizing their vacations.  If I can reach another major city in a short commute, I will usually map out a way to get there whether it’s by plane, train, or automobile.  Thank God for great friends that were willing to take away time from their busy schedule to take me on my escapades.

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”  -Tim Cahill

So, on my visit to Seattle, my friend, Chalon, and I boarded into her vehicle and took the 2 hour drive to Vancouver.  One of the things on my bucket list is to fill up my passport before it expires in 2020, and I was told that it was the norm when entering Canada for them to not want to give you a stamp.  However, we ended up with a nice customs agent that was willing to help me to get one step closer to my goal.

The drive through Vancouver was scenic, to say the least. And one of the things that I found interesting were the electrical lines that ran throughout the city, giving the city buses the option to  run on electricity in lieu of gas.

The night before we headed to Vancouver, we had sat and compiled a list of must see places.  It was a turnaround trip, and since I don’t know the next time I will be in Vancouver, I planned to use my time wisely. You can skim time off your planning by clicking here to book a pre-planned Vancouver City Tour or securing a spot on the hop-on hop-off bus.

Travel Tip:

Unless you are going to be in a place for an extended period of time, create either an itinerary or list of tourist destinations you would like to visit.  You may not be able to hit everything on your itinerary, but it is wise to have some kind of guide to maximize your time.  And if you’re really detailed, you can even go a step further and map out your destinations proximity to each other so that you’re not driving in circles all over the city.  (Or spend a day on one of the Hop On-Hop Off buses that are available in most touristy cities)

Similar to Seattle and Portland, Vancouver was rainy and grey, but we still managed to make the most of our day.  While the only pictures that I was able to take before the rain began were at Stanley Park, I was able to visit Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood and a national historic site.  With gas lanterns on every corner (even though I’m sure they’re solar powered or electric now) and Victorian style architecture,  driving through Gastown felt like a blast from the past.  Due to the weather, we didn’t get to walk down the cobblestone streets or eat at any of the vintage restaurants, but I’m glad that we at least were able to check it off our list.

After strolling through Stanley Park and driving through Gastown, we drove by Kitsilano Beach and the English Bay, and ended our tours taking in sites of Downtown.  We debated going to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, however, after factoring in the wind and rain, we nixed that plan.   There are some places I’ve been to like London, where you still feel like you’re in the States, but Vancouver felt very “Canadian” and the British influence was evident in the architecture.  Our day trip might have been marred by rain and wind, but it was worth the short drive (and I got another stamp).

Restaurant Highlight

It’s always valuable to have friends that live all over the world, and on my trip to London last summer, one of my traveling companions had a best friend willing to show us around.  These friends are your guides to not only must see attractions, but also the best restaurants to satisfy your palates.  It was in London that I first tried Nandos, a restaurants known for their savory grilled “peri-peri” flamed chicken and signature sauces (their Sangria is life too btw).  Chalon and I had both decided to save our appetites until we reached Vancouver, and imagine my surprise and delight when one of the first restaurants we came across was Nandos.  She had never eaten there, and I just recently found out that they’re only on the East Coast in the States.  Needless to say, we tore that chicken up, and the only thing that stopped us from polishing the bones was the fact that we both have bottom braces.  It does not come as a surprise that Nando’s is one of Rihanna’s favorite restaurants, and the best thing is that the food is fairly cheap.  If you’re ever in a city that has one, make sure it makes it onto your itinerary.

P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation, click here.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

TRAVEL GUIDE: A WEEKEND IN ATLANTA, GA

Atlanta, a city with as many historical sites as posh clubs filled with A-List entertainers.  I’m sure that I would need both hands to count the number of times that I have been to Atlanta, but I recently realized that I’ve never been to Atlanta as a tourist.  So, while I was in Atlanta this weekend for the African American on the Move Book Club Awards, I decided to use my limited free time to visit some of Atlanta’s most popular tourist spots.

My plane touched down in Atlanta around 3pm on a blazing sunny Friday.  With temperatures near the 100s and only about an hour to spare before having to get dressed for my first event of the weekend, I decided to take a stroll down Peachtree Avenue.  Yes, I took a walk instead of rushing to get dressed, it’s the procrastinator in my blood.  Truth be told, I have somewhat of a obession with walking cities, being that between Houston’s humid weather and spread out locations, walking is usually not a feasible option.  One of the determining factors of choosing a hotel in Buckhead was being walking distance from Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza and only a short commute from Buckhead’s MARTA station.  I used that to my full advantage on my limited schedule to be able to squeeze in my touristy travels in the midst of a weekend filled with award festivities.  And let me not forget to mention that Uber was also my best friend.  Unlike the higher fares that can be found in Houston, with the exception of my ride to Elizabeth Baptist Church, all of my rides around the city were less than $10 and even cheaper when I opted to use the pool option.

After my walk down Buckhead to scope out potential dinner restaurants, I spent a lovely evening at The Secrets movie screening with the movie cast and bestselling and aspiring authors discussing our literary chronicles.

Saturday, in order to make the most of my day, I awoke early to hit some of the most popular tourist spots on my list.  With one of my closest friends as my guide, I was able to tour the Martin Luther King memorial, where both him and Coretta are interned, visit his childhood home, and walk through the Ebenezer Baptist Church where King was associate pastor until his assassination.   Almost immediately around the corner, is the infamous Jackson Street Bridge, where I was able to get an amazing shot of the Atlanta Downtown Skyline.  We ended the day at Lenox Mall and Wet Willies enjoying daiquiris before heading back to my hotel to get me dressed for the AAMBC Awards.

With Sunday being my last full day in Atlanta, I started off the morning at Elizabeth Baptist Church to celebrate the pastoral anniversary of Pastor Craig Oliver.  Even though it crossed my mind to get some extra sleep, God has been too good to me for me to miss church in a city filled with so many phenomenal pastors.  After a quick change back at my hotel room from my dressy church attire to jeans and a t-shirt, I headed over to the World of Coca Cola to be enlightened with a brief history surrounding my favorite beverage accompanied with a sampling of Coca Cola beverages from all over the world.  I’m convinced that they are still putting the Coke in Coca Cola, because I swear I have been addicted for most of my life.  Let me not tell y’all that one of my favorite parts of visiting Mexico were the Mexican Cokes that were restocked in our refrigerator each morning.  Right outside of Coca Cola is the beautiful, scenic Centennial Park through which I strolled on my way to CNN.  Due to my limited schedule, I didn’t get to take the official CNN tour, but I was able to walk through the building before heading to brunch.  Sadly, I happened to be on vacation as another sadistic loser made history by shooting up a club in Orlando, and as I walked through the CNN building, I can’t explain the solemn silence that lingered in the air as people sat in the food court with their eyes glued to the news screens.

For a guided bus tour of Atlanta, click here.

It was bittersweet packing to head back to Houston from Atlanta, and being that I hadn’t seen my high school best friend, Victoria, in over a year, we decided to end my trip with dinner at Scales 925, rapper TI’s (now closed) restaurant.  While the ambiance of the restaurant was sophisticated and elegant, we were so engulfed in our cocktails that we allowed the kitchen to close and ended up eating at Twin Peaks.  I can’t say I was sad about it.  I’m a sports bar girl at heart.  I didn’t get to enjoy the Atlanta club scene this trip, but I still think this was one of best trips to Atlanta, yet.

Restaurant Highlight

Being that I have a sister that graduated from Spelman and a host of friends that live and have lived in Atlanta, I was blessed with a list of restaurants to fit my palates for any given night of the weekend.  After leaving the awards show, I was famished, and being that it was such a great night, I was looking forward to a fancy dinner.  Even though my Uber driver was appalled that I would be dining alone (and even volunteered to join me), I decided to dine at JCT Kitchen and Bar.  Since I was in the mood for some good Southern comfort food, I couldn’t resist trying their Georgia Trout with a side of greens and house hot sauce.  I would like to think I am well-versed in my Southern comfort food, and between the ambiance, good service, and delicious cuisine, JCT has made the must visit list on future trips to Atlanta.

P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation, click here.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

TRAVEL GUIDE: SAN ANTONIO, TX

The true test of friendships is not how much or how often you turn up together, but how fast you mobilize and gather the troops when some ish hits the fan. I’ve had most of the same friends for close to or over a decade, but even in my new relationships, it amazes me how God has placed so many women (and men) around me with like minds and connected souls. So, when one of my kindred spirits hurt, I hurt, and immediately channel my inner Olivia Pope.

One of the best things about living in Houston is being so close to some popular getaway cities, like San Antonio and Austin, for impromptu road trips and hotel sleepovers. San Antonio is honestly one of my favorite cities for overnight trips, because it is filled with so many things to do, making it the perfect place to indulge in adult beverages and forget about the woes of life.

I’m going to be honest and admit that when life gets hard, my suggestion is always to pack a bag and book a flight, but on short notice, we opted for a room at one of my favorite San Antonio hotels, Hotel Contessa on the Riverwalk. And being that I am the designated trip planner, in all of my friend circles, I set to put together the perfect itinerary with just the right amount of libations to make this trip purposefully lit.

Here are 8 things that you must include on your itinerary for your next quickie trip to San Antonio:

Stay in a Swanky Hotel

Being that San Antonio is a place frequented by tourists and is known for its infamous Riverwalk, there are enough hotels to fit the preferences of even the pickiest travelers. On this trip, I chose Hotel Contessa, mostly because of its swimming pool, however, one of my other top picks is Hotel Valencia, which is also on the Riverwalk. Since I I prefer to stay in areas where I can walk to most attractions or places of interest, I recommend being centrally located, but there are several great hotels all over the city. It helps to have your itinerary mapped out, so that you can minimize your driving while on such a short trip.

Enjoy Brunch

Whether it’s a triple berry, mango,  white peach, or mini mimosa, Mimi’s Cafe has them all. While this was our pick on this getaway, San Antonio has enough brunch options to satisfy the pickiest food critic. Below are some of the top picks according to Trip Advisor:

Ann Marie’s Carriage House Bistro 

Madhatter’s Tea House and Cafe

Cappy’s Restaurant 

Max’s Wine Dive

Pancake Joe’s

The Guenther House 

The Magnolia Pancake Haus

Mimosa Restaurant and Lounge

Be a Tourist

The Riverwalk. The Alamo. Madame Toussaids. Schlitterbahn. Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The list goes on and on. San Antonio is filled with so many gems to explore at your leisure, and it will definitely take more than one trip to see them all.

Take a Safari

While this remains one of the few things on my San Antonio bucket list that I’ve not yet been able to cross off, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers visitors the opportunity to take an African safari from the comforts of their vehicles from 9-6pm daily. On top of being able to view over 500 animals, the ranch also has a Restaurant, sweet shop, trading post, walk-a-bout and petting barnyard to cater to the needs of all age groups.

Visit the Brewstillery

For $10, you can get 2 tours for 1, at the Ranger Creek Brewing and Distillery. On select days from 2-4pm, visitors are walked through Ranger Creek’s process of making beer and bourbon along with select tastings of some of their best-selling concoctions. Click here to check out their events calendar, and if you have a thing for libation tours and tastings, check out our blog on visiting Messina Hof.

Shop Til’ You Drop

A short commute away from San Antonio are the San Marcos outlets. As a recovering shopaholic, I try to stay away, but for those that are down to swipe a card or two, the San Marcos Outlets are filled with your favorite brand names, including high end designers like Gucci and Prada.

Visit the Tower of Americas Happy Hour

$6 Martinis with one of the best views of San Antonio in the entire city. *Drops mic

Eat Dinner on the Riverwalk

There are great dining options all over the city of San Antonio, but I personally love people watching on the Riverwalk. Even though the Riverwalk can be considered somewhat of a tourist trap, you can still find great food, a table with a view, and yummy margaritas to sip while you chat with your companions and watch the eclectic mixtures of tourists.

P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation, click here.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

TRAVEL GUIDE: THE EUROPEAN TRAVELER

“Not all those who wander are lost.” -J.R.R. Tolkien

Even though I’ve always been an avid traveler, in the summer of 2015,  I decided to embark on an 18 day journey across Europe before the celebration of my 30th birthday.  You can read about how I planned my trip by clicking here. Below are some of my best memories and thoughts of each city.

London

I think I’ve found my new home away from home.  London was similar to big cities in “America”, but the people, food, and culture were absolutely amazing! From visiting Buckingham palace, to purchasing tea at Fortnum and Mason, to eating at Nandos (Rihanna’s favorite restaurant), London is a unique mix of the historic with the modern (and everyone speaks English).  Even though I flew through pounds like I had a press in my backpack,  I can’t wait to visit again.  And I’m sure it will be sooner rather than later.  One of the most memorable moments from London was being able to stand outside of the gate of the late Amy Winehouse’s home in Camden.  Amy will always remain one of my favs that gained her wings well before we were ready to see her go, and the tribute from her fans in front of her apartment touched my heart to its core.  I had intentions to see her recently released biopic in London before our departure, but unfortunately, time was not on our side. You can visit Stonehenge and Bath by clicking here.

Paris

Before the start of this trip, I knew that Paris would steal my heart, but it did nothing of the sort.  While the sights were breathtaking and the food delicious, the anti-American and anti-hygienic people of the city left a lot to be desired. From the rancid smells to the lack of participating English speaking French people, I’m not sure that Paris will make it back on my wanderlust list.  However, there was one highlight that made my trip to Paris well worth it.  Versailles.  As a Marie Antoinette fanatic, I was more than stoked to walk the halls of the historic, yet still breathtaking Versailles, even though we only had 30 minutes to navigate due to a time restricted tour and crowd at capacity.  I can’t wait to go back and revisit on a less crowded day and view it in all of its splendor.

Cognac

“Every cognac is a brandy, but not every brandy is a cognac.”

From the moment I discovered that all cognac comes from a small town outside of Paris (or else it is brandy and not cognac), I knew that this was one place that I had to visit.  And where Paris lacked in American enthusiasm, Cognac opened its warm arms and grasped a place in my heart.  Jayne, our experienced tour guide, arranged informative tours and cognac sampling at Courvoisier, Remy Martin, and Camus (Hennessy is closed for renovations), three of the world’s top 5 cognacs, and we embarked on a journey of cognac 101.  I’m not sure whether my extreme happiness at the end of this tour was dedicated to my cognac consumption or excitement in finally meeting some nice people in France, but I look forward to one day revisiting with my brothers and/or male counterpart. I recommend using Cognac Tours to arrange your ideal experience with a knowledgeable guide. You can tell them that Tonia from Texas sent you. And while I didn’t get a chance to visit Champagne country, this tour is definitely on my wish list, click here.

Venice

It was hot, and I got lost ALOT, but the food was amazing. And you can’t go to Venice without a gondola experience.

Florence

I think I’ve found my favorite European city thus far.  From the people, to discovering Tuscan steak, to the picturesque landscape and the natural beauty of structures that have survived the test of time, Florence stole my heart.  And while discussing Florence, I must talk about 2 noteworthy experiences.  On our first night in Florence, we partook in a lovely feast in the Tuscan hills.  This entire European trip has been filled with various tours from many different companies, but this one stole the show.  We were treated to a 4 course meal with 4 wine selections, and both the chef and host were extremely personable and entertaining.  Personally, I think that the host had been sipping some “vino” himself, but hey, what’s Italy without a little wine.  It was at this beautiful farmhouse in the hills that we discovered the Tuscan peoples love for steak and the beginning of the end for my delight in American cuisine.

Note: The Tuscan Dinner Experience that is described in this blog is no longer available, but you can click here to find a comparable option.

What this tour overcompensated for in good cheer and delicious cuisine, our second tour in Tuscany almost sent me packing.  Since every Chianti daytime wine tour was sold out, I found a tour that involved an easy-medium walk of Florence and included a wine tasting at an exclusive Tuscan villa in the hills.  When the tour guide showed up in full workout gear with us being the only three patrons, I should have known that we were in deep trouble.  We shall call this tour the “Death Walk.”  After hiking up 140 steps (no exaggeration) and up the Tuscan hills through winding roads that often required us to clutch the wall to prevent becoming road kill, we finally made it to the villa.  While the villa was just as beautiful as described and the wine and food pairing were superb,  we definitely caught a taxi back home.  Easy-medium walk my ass. You can click here to find an easier tour with a similar tasting and villa experience.

Rome

How does the old adage go?  When in Rome, do what the Romans do….  If that involves eating a lot of pizza, doing a lot of drinking, becoming a Gelato connessieur, and being one hell of a foot soldier, call me Roman.  There were so many architectural marvels in Rome, with the Colosseum being the one that stopped my heart.  Standing outside this majestic structure, I could hear the crowd cheers as the gladiators fought to their deaths.  Like really, I’m serious!  But even with all of the marvel that the Colosseum had to offer, I’m sure that my favorite would have been the Trevi Fountain.  And I say would have been, because of course, it is still under construction.  However, I still made my wish.  *shrugs

Colosseum.

Vatican.

Pompeii

While our first day in Rome was spent sight seeing, day 2 was dedicated to seeing the ruins of the once glamorous city known as Pompeii.  I think that the only city that intrigues me more than Pompeii, would be the city of Atlantis (whether mythical or not).  Needless to say, our tour of Pompeii was not only informative, but hilarious.  Not only was Pompeii a city of fine architecture and riches, but also a city of brothels where gay sex was the norm.  And to think, our society likes to think that we are in the end of days.  The sins of man haven’t changed, just the way in which they are cloaked.  Let that sink in for a moment, it’s deep, I know.

Pompeii.

Athens

Let me start off by saying, our stay in Athens was rough.  It is a shame that our stay in this marvel of a city had to be marred by a traveler’s worst nightmare… Lost luggage.  In the matter of a one way flight via Vueling Airlines, you can go from being best dressed to struggling choosing supermarket panties and deciding how to recycle today’s outfit for tomorrow.  I spent my first day in Athens trying to keep the group’s spirits up and trying not to succumb to the fear of our luggage being forever lost in oblivion.  However, we eventually sucked it up, hand washed our drawers, and handled it like some champs.

Since a day was wasted wallowing in our feelings, my time in Athens was minimal.  However, I did get to marvel at the city view from the top of the Acropolis (after almost sliding to my death due to the lack of grip on my converse and muscles in my legs) and find my favorite restaurant of the entire trip, Agora.  I’m not usually big on repeating restaurants, especially in a new city, but the staff and food was so good, that we made it a point to return the second night.  And the free fruit, ice cream, and shots at the end of each meal, only sealed the deal.

Click here for a half-day tour of Athens.

Let me not forget to add that we were also able to find some good deals on clothes at the mall in Athens.  Due to the $50s per day we were given for each day our luggage were lost, we were able to find some steals to hold us over for a few days.  I spent $100 and was able to replace most of my necessary toiletries and get 2 swimsuits, 2 pairs of sandals, 3 dresses, 2 shirts, and a skirt thanks to the end of summer/recession sale at H&M.  Won’t he do it!

#VuelingSucks

Mykonos

If there was one place I wish I could have experienced in my early 20’s, it would have to be the Mykonos, my second favorite place of the entire trip.  The beaches were beautiful, the people were friendly, and the party scene rivaled anything I’ve encountered in the past 29 years (and I like to party).  From champagne showers to gorgeous Italian men that clearly liked black women, Mykonos owes me nothing (but a new liver).  If only for one city this trip, I was able to be my usual “free spirit with a wild heart” self and just live, live like no one was watching. We drank, we partied, and we drank some more.  And it was in Mykonos that we became one of the few Vueling customers to ever recover their lost luggage.  Perfect ending, right?

Crete

From the Mykonos, we traveled via ferry to the largest island in Greece, Crete.  While we arrived in Heraklion, I opted for our group to stay in a small village about 20 minutes from the city known as Archanes.  Crete was the portion of our trip where we could just let our hair down, rest our tired toes, and just chill and marvel in the beauty of our travels.  And that is exactly what we did.  Within 24 hours of arriving in Archanes, we had become one with the locals, including one of the only two taxi drivers, Katerina.  If you’re ever in Archanes and need a driver, call her (0030)6944-232224.

In Archanes, life takes place in the city’s square, which was a short trot down the hill from our residence house.  In the square, you could find your restaurants and bars and mingle with the city “folks.”  And at the end of each meal, they resumed the tradition of not allowing us to leave without enjoying complimentary shots, fresh fruit, and dessert.

Michael and I.

Santorini

I’ve always said that my perfect honeymoon destination was going to be Bora Bora… Well, that was before we took a day trip to Santorini.  Santorini was everything that every picture has every shown, and it was the epitome of the beauty of Greece and all of its marvels.  From the white buildings, to the blue beaches, to the rolling cliffs, my only regret is only being able to spend one day enjoying it’s beauty.

Instead of opting for a traditional tour, I was able to talk my traveling compadres into renting ATVS to tour the island like some bosses.  Until you’ve zipped through cliffs without barriers at high rates of speed without a map or care in the world, I’m going to venture to say maybe you haven’t lived.  Before this trip, I might have been the ride on an ATV behind her man kind of girl, but thanks to this trip, I’m now the get your own and meet my ass at the top kind of woman.  Hell of a difference….

Epic Fail.

End Notes

I started this 18 day “sabbatical” with a heavy heart and a wounded spirit with a slight vendetta with God.  So many doors have recently been closed in my face, without rhyme or reason, and I was beginning to doubt my purpose, or whether I even served a purpose.  I came to Europe looking for my muse…  the potion to heal my wounded heart and ego.  And I left with so much more… Not only did I find my muse, but a renewed lust for life, and a better understanding of why sometimes God has to make you uncomfortable to allow your true purpose to shine through.  I’m back focused, and all I can say is thank you God.  Thank you for the traveling grace, thank you for the trials, and thank you for putting me on the right track to finding myself.

P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation, click here.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

TRAVEL GUIDE: CHICAGO, IL

The first time I went to Chicago, I ended up back in Houston job searching and packing for a move to the Windy City. While the media likes to speak of Chicago’s murder rate and failing education system, the perfect summer weather, walking downtown, rooftop bars, and blue water beach often go unnoticed and unmentioned. But all that you have to do is look at the hashtag #summertimeChi to catch a glimpse of the Chicago that seems to be a secret from anyone that has yet to experience it.

Now, I’m not going to pretend that Chicago is all white picket fences and sunny skies, the gritty streets can sometimes be as hard as the harsh winters, but as with anywhere, your common sense should always prevail over your desire for adventure. Being that one of my friends is from Chicago, this trip I had the opportunity to actually spend a significant amount of my time on the West Side of Chicago. Yet, even with a glimpse into what is considered one of the roughest places in America, I still came home with a renewed interest in my Chicago job hunt and with the desire to pack my things and move, while I’m still unmarried and childless. 

I have never met anyone that has visited Chicago and not wanted to make it a place that they revisit frequently. My advice is to get a room near the Magnificent Mile or Downtown, due to their proximity to most of the popular eateries and tourist attractions, maximizing your time and inner city travel funds. The Tremont and Raffaello are 2 of my top picks for hotels on the Magnificent Mile that can usually be found at affordable rates, and if you plan on being a tourist, don’t forget to get a city pass for access and discounts to some of the cities most popular attractions. Gas and parking costs can be pricey in Chicago, making Uber, public transit, and walking more viable options than commuting across the city.

Below are a handful of things to make sure you add to your itinerary on your visit to Chicago:

Take a stroll down the Magnificent Mile

From Forever 21 to Gucci, the Magnificent Mile runs down Michigan Ave and is filled with stores, restaurants, and attractions.

Go to Millennium Park and take a photo in front of The Bean

The infamous Bean in Millenium Park has to be one of Chicago’s biggest tourist magnets. Go ahead and get your perfect shot. It’s very social media appropriate.

Indulge in the beauty of the Navy Pier

This trip was my first time visiting the Navy Pier, and I hate that I somehow missed it on my past visits. It’s the perfect place to just relax and unwind and maybe catch a bite at one of the restaurants while enjoying the view.

Go all the way up the Willis Tower

Even though the Willis Tower is still often referred to by its previous name, The Sears Tower, it was once the tallest building in the United States. After holding this title for 25 years, it was dropped down to second place following a new building at the World Trade Center site. For a fee, you can buy tickets to visit their Sky Deck for a view of Chicago from over 1300 feet in the air or book a lunch or dinner tour.

Channel your inner child at the FREE Lincoln Park Zoo

Being from Houston, I didn’t even know that zoo and free could be in the same sentence. Not only is the Lincoln Park Zoo ranked as one the best zoos in the world, but it’s also free to to the public. One of the best moments from my most recent trip to Chicago was having a family picnic on the grassy area near the zoo, something the kids with us have never experienced, and simply enjoying nature for a few minutes before our excursion through the zoo.

Take a 360 view from the John Hancock Center

Chicago seems to have an affinity for skyscrapers, and the John Hancock building  is no exceptions. In conjunction with offering 360 views from their observation deck, you can also heighten your sense of adventure, literally and figuratively, with their adrenaline pumping tilt experience. Imagine being 94 floors up and then being tilted over Michigan Avenue in a glass encasing. Horrifying right?!? Well, let’s just say I did it once, and while I found it electrifying, I only need to feel close to death once.

Eat Chicago Staples

Chicago is a city from a foodie’s dreams. From deep dish pizza to gourmet hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, make sure you save up your calories. And if you want to see what all of the buzz is about stop by Giordanos, Portillos, and Home Run Inn. Remember, calories don’t matter in Chicago. Resume your diet when you get back home. This Chicago food tour is another great option for foodies.

Visit a Rooftop Bar

There are 2 cities that should be in the record books for the best rooftop bars, DC, and of course, Chicago. One of our days was spent simply rooftop hopping, and there was not one that let us down. From the signature cocktails to the banging DJs, here are some of my favorite Chicago rooftop bars:

Joy District

Apogee

Cindy’s

ROOF on the Wit

A specialty cocktail from Apogee

Sidenote: And if you’re looking for a beach party, go ahead and add Castaways to your list.

Attend a Basketball or Baseball Game

Whether it’s the Chicago Bulls, Cubs, or White Sox, if you have time and the season prevails, catch a game for any of these legendary teams. And if basketball or baseball are not your thing, or you’re just loyal to your home team, at least take a drive by the stadiums.

Sidenote: The Michael Jordan statue has been moved inside of the United Center, so it’s not as easy to snap a quick photo in front of this legend anymore.

See a show at the Chicago Theatre

Built in 1921, this legendary theatre, once dubbed the “Wonder Theatre of the World, still hosts a variety of different shows, from traditional theater to comedy. Click here to check out their calendar of events.

Go to the beach

When I tell people that Chicago has a real beach, I’m often met with either a blank stare or a “yeah right” face. But just in case you don’t believe me, here you go. So grab your swimsuit, and take a plunge into the frigid water.

This picture was taken from timeout.com.

Take a river cruise

The view from land is great and all, but the view from the water is even better. As you cruise the Chicago River, you will be given a brief run-down of Chicago’s colorful history. Click here to secure your spot on the highly recommended Chicago architecture river cruise.

Fun Fact: For St. Patty’s Day the Chicago River is dyed green. Being this is my favorite holiday, I’m still sad I haven’t had a chance to make it to join in the festivities yet.

Feast at the Taste of Chicago

Every year, Chicago hosts the Taste of Chicago, showcasing some of their best restaurants and city staples. This was my first time going, and the food was sooooo good. It was also my first time tasting an Italian Beef sandwich. I’ve been to many festivals, and the best thing about this festival is that it wasn’t overpriced. For $20, I received 28 tickets, and even though I ate like it was my last supper, I still walked away with leftover tickets (which I donated to the family pot for a huge funnel cake). Another options for foodies is embarking on a Chicago food tour.

And last but not least, if you will be in Chicago for several days and want discount pricing on some of the popular tourist locations and skip the line access, consider purchasing the Chicago City Pass or securing a spot on the Chicago hop-on hop-off bus.

P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation, click here.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

TRAVEL GUIDE: NEW ORLEANS- THE OFF BOURBON EDITION

In my head, I am an honorary New Orleans resident. At one point, after graduating college, I was in New Orleans every month simply catching up with old friends and enjoying one of the few cities that has a piece of my heart. When you graduated from a college about an hour away from one of the most famous cities in the world, and had college roommates that call it home, it’s almost impossible for it not to become a second city of residence. While most travelers to New Orleans visit the infamous Bourbon St, there is so much more to see and love in this lively city. While I recommend securing your seat on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus, especially if you are New Orleans first timer, below are some of my favs to enjoying New Orleans, off of Bourbon St:

Eat Like It’s a Cheat Day

It’s no secret that New Orleans is the type of city that lives in a foodie’s dreams. But being that there are so many choices, I’ve narrowed down the list to a few of my favorites.  Since these locations are not on Bourbon Street, hail an Uber (using my code if it’s your first ride: ANTHONIAO) and go indulge in calorie overload.  Simply click the name to peruse these choices to find the ones that match your palate needs.

Breakfast/Brunch

The Ruby Slipper Cafe

Surrey’s Cafe and Juice Bar

The Trolley Stop

Russell Marina Grill

Another Broken Egg

Lunch/Dinner

Port of Call

Superior Seafood

Basin

Trenasse

Tableu

Compere Lapin Balise

Zea Rotisserie and Grill

Happy Hour

Victory

Skip the Line at Cafe Du Monde

If it’s your first time going to New Orleans, by all means, stand in line and enjoy the powdered sugar covered pastries that tourists can’t seem to get enough of, BUT remember to not drink the cup of water that comes with your treats, as it is solely given to clean your hands, and don’t wear black, unless you want to leave looking like a 2 year old that just got into a bag of flour. But if you’ve already done the Cafe Du Monde thing and just want some beignets equally as delicious, go a little further down the sidewalk to New Orleans Famous Beignets. The line is usually non-existent and you can still get the same “quality” people watching from one of the tables on their outside patio. You’ll thank me later.

Take a Tour

If you watched American Horror Story’s third season, Coven, which was set in New Orleans, you were probably prompted to do some research on the real characters behind the actors like the infamous, Marie Laveau. New Orleans is filled with enough spooky ghost stories and voodoo legends to create a booming tourist industry. As you walk through the French Quarters, take a stop at one of the tour vendors and book a tour of your choice. If ghosts and creepy old houses are not your thing, ask about a swamp tour, drunk history tour, steamboat cruise tour, or anything else that might spark your interests. You can click the links below to access some of my favorite New Orleans tours:

Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

Small Group Swamp Tour by Airboat

Food and History Tour

New Orleans City Tour: Katrina, Garden District, French Quarter, Graveyard

City of the Dead Cemetery Tour

Cocktail History Walking Tour

Night Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour

Hang out at Harrahs after the Club

The millennial locals will probably be mad at me for sharing this tip, but after the clubs close, Harrahs has become a popular hangout for those that are not yet ready to call it a night. For a few pennies, literally, you can sit at one of the slot machines and indulge in the complimentary drinks, or simply hang out and people watch with some of your friends.

Take a Stroll through Jackson Square

This historic national landmark is cited as the place where Louisiana was made a US territory before the signing of the Louisiana Purchase. Today, Jackson Square is filled with local painters, artists, and musicians showing off their talents and selling their goods to ogling tourists. This park is the perfect place to nurse a drink or beignet while people watching and taking in the greenery.

Eat at the Popeyes on Canal

Maybe I made this up, maybe it true, but I would put money on endorsing the Popeyes on Canal, the original Popeyes, as having the best fried chicken in the world (even at 4am when you’re just leaving the club). Don’t let the long line detour you, because the servers and cashiers have efficiency down to a science and will have you walking the quarters chomping your chicken in no time, greasy lips and all.

Visit Celebration Rum Distillery

Who would have ever guessed that New Orleans produces one the highest rated rums in the US? Since I’m frequently in New Orleans, I’m always looking for new things to try and do, so when a close friend suggested visiting Celebration Distillery, I was all for it. For $15, you can take a 45 minute tour of the facility and sample some of their award winning rums. And let me not forget the welcome cocktail you are presented with on your arrival. For those that are without a vehicle in New Orleans, Celebration even offers a complimentary shuttle to their facility that leaves from the French Market at different intervals throughout the day.

Go Urban Kayaking 

In real life, I’m not very athletic, but there’s something about the lure of  kayaking that always lands me ill-advisedly in a boat with a paddle in my hand. As a alternative to walking and bus tours, Kayak-iti-Yat offers adventure enthusiast the oppurtunity to explore New Orleans via the city’s vast waterway systems.

Compete in the Tchoupitoulas Barathon

6 miles. 6 bars. 6 beers. When I first signed up for this very untraditional race, I didn’t know what to expect. I can’t run 6 miles on a regular day, so I don’t know what made me think it was a good idea to sign up for 6 miles semi-inebriated. From men dressed in tutus to all types of festive attire, we took the New Orleans streets half jogging, half walking, chugging beers and taking shots for the esteemed title of Barathon Champion. This annual race always takes place 2 Fridays after Jazz Fest and continues to get better and better with each passing year. I’m not going to lie, I ended up sleep at a sushi dinner table after I completed the race, but hey, I finished it before it finished me.

Shop at the Farmer’s and French Market

Gather your coins and support local vendors as they sell everything from handmade goods and souvenirs to fresh fruits and vegetables. And if you’re a crawfish connoisseur like myself, pick up a pound or three from the farmer’s market, already boiled and seasoned to perfection.

What are some of your favorite off-Bourbon places in New Orleans? Please share in the comments.

P.S. If you would like help planning your next vacation, click here.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.