Incredible Istanbul: How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Istanbul

We’re a quarter of the way through 2022 and I’m catching up to the travel that I’ve been missing! Hubby and I just finished a 2-week journey through Turkey, Greece, and Cairo and I have so much to share with you all. If you’ve been following me on Insta you’ve seen some of the pics, but I’m going to be sharing more in-depth tips about each destination right here on this blog.

We kicked off the trip in Istanbul, which is just a short 2-hour flight from our home in Beirut, Lebanon. I had been to Istanbul years ago when I lived in Milan, but that was a short business trip so I didn’t get much time to explore at my leisure. I had been looking forward to going back to really get a feel for Istanbul, the culture, the sights, and of course the food, so I was so excited for the opportunity to return.

I read a ton of travel blogs and advise on planning an Istanbul itinerary, but I didn’t want a jam-packed touristy itinerary that would leave us exhausted. Plus, Istanbul is gigantic and very spread out, so if you only have a limited amount of time in the city deciding what to do can be overwhelming.

Istanbul is one of those iconic, incredible cities which will leave you fascinated on each and every visit. It is the magical melting pot of East and West, full of enchanting cultural experiences everywhere you look. Istanbul will charm you with its Ottoman mosques, energetic bazaars, and beautiful tea house and coffee shops.

You could spend a week in Istanbul and still not get to experience all the city has to offer, but 3 days is just enough time to get a feel for the city.

I wanted to move at a more relaxed pace and fit in some activities I didn’t read about EVERYWHERE, so I skipped popular attractions like the Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Süleymaniye Mosque.

Keep reading for my balanced/lazy 3-day Istanbul itinerary and travel tips to get the most out of your experience!

Istanbul 3 Day Itinerary

Istanbul Itinerary Day 1

Start your morning early with a classic Turkish breakfast, before making your way over to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most famous monuments, with a unique and controversial history. It started as a Christian church built by Constantine the Great in 325 AD and stayed that way until 1453, when the Ottomans conquered Constantinople. Struck by the beauty of the structure, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror converted the church into his imperial mosque.

Facing the Hagia Sofia is the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. The Blue Mosque was built between 1609 – 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. The Sultan’s goal was to build a mosque that would rival the Hagia Sophia, which at the time was the most respected mosque.

From the outside, the Blue Mosque is exquisite, but the interior of Hagia Sophia is far superior. The Blue Mosque is also currently under construction, which distracts a little from the beauty, but it is still a sight to behold.

Insider Tips for Visiting a Mosque

• Visitors are welcome at any mosque in Istanbul, but non-Muslims should try to avoid prayer times, especially Fridays at 1pm

• Mornings are best for getting photos since there will be fewer crowds

• Women should dress conservatively (arms, legs and shoulders covered) and bring a head scarf to cover their hair as well.

• Shoes are not allowed inside, so you will have to leave them at the entrance

• No eating or drinking inside

• Avoid flash photography

• If people are inside worshipping, please show respect and keep your distance

After you’ve explored the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, head over to The Grand Bazaar for some shopping!

This Istanbul icon perfectly reflects the spirit of the city and no trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit. Be prepared – it’s enormous! You can lose yourself in the maze of alleys, and the sights, sounds, smells and vendors waving to you from every direction can cause serious sensory overload.

The Grand Bazaar was founded by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, and he wanted to concentrate trade of goods to protect against theft. The gates were always closed at night for everyone’s protection and the merchants shared the cost to have guards patrol the bazaar.

Insider Tips for Visiting a Bazaar

• Be aware of your belongings and watch out for pickpockets

• Vendors will offer you tea or sweets to come to their shop – politely decline if you are seriously not interested in buying anything

• Many vendors will offer shipping to the US, but I prefer not to use those services since you have little recourse if your goods never show up

• Most rugs can be folded up small enough to fit into your luggage

• Bazaars are usually built like a bowl, so as you walk in you are heading slightly downhill. If you get lost and can’t find your way out, just walk uphill and you will eventually find an exit.

After shopping to your heart’s content, drop off your goods at the hotel and enjoy a casual lunch. Anywhere you go will have doner kebab or grilled lamb, and it was always amazing!

Istanbul Itinerary Day 2

No trip to Istanbul is complete without experiencing a hammam. The Cağaloğlu Hamam is a historic hammam in Istanbul, Turkey. Finished in 1741, it is one of the last major hammams to be built in Istanbul during the Ottoman period, and was actually Listed in the book “1000 Places To See Before You Die.”

It’s one of the more expensive hammams in Istanbul, but in my experience, it was worth every penny. The treatment starts out with a relaxing steam, followed by a luxurious bath, and foam bubble massage. After the treatment you relax with some tea and Turkish snacks, and I left feeling like an absolute princess. After that we headed back to the hotel so I could do my hair and makeup, and the next stop on the list was a photo shoot.

Being a content creator means good photos are a must! But even if you aren’t a blogger you deserve to have some amazing shots to commemorate your trip. I booked a photo shoot at Taht Istanbul, an amazing photo studio that recreates some iconic Turkish settings – a rooftop, a floral feminine café, a royal palace bedroom, and a bazaar. You can book time to come in and take your own photos with a friend, or hire one of their pro photographers for a photo session. They also have dresses and costumes for rent, and offer photo editing. The pics were amazing, and it was a fun and unique addition to my Istanbul itinerary.

After that we grabbed appetizers and “drinks” at a nearby rooftop. The views were gorgeous, but as we learned none of the restaurants in the area served alcohol because of the proximity to the Süleymaniye Mosque.

After that it was time to head over to the Dolmabahçe Palace. Dolmabahçe is Turkey’s largest and most extravagant palace and Istanbul’s first European-style palace. The Palace was built in 1843 by Sultan Abdulmecit I and is lavishly decorated with tons of gold, stunning furnishings, and crystal everywhere. The grounds are immaculate, with stunning views of the Bosphorus through beautiful white gates.

Istanbul Itinerary Day 3

In the spirit of just doing something quirky and random in town, we discovered the Museum of Selfies pop up exhibit and had to check it out. It was full of various playful vignettes, from an emoji ball pit to an upside-down room. After that we did a leisurely walk, popped in and out of some cafes and souvenir shops, then went back to the hotel to unwind and get ready for our last dinner in town.

For a glamourous (but pricey) night out, don’t miss Sunset Bar & Grill. Sunset is one of the leading fine dining restaurants in Istanbul with drop dead views of the Bosphorus Bridge and Asian shoreline. Reservations are a must, and it’s worth it for celebrating a special occasion, or just dropping in for drinks and appetizers if you just want to check out the view.

Have you been to Istanbul? Let me know what you think about this itinerary, and check out more about each place we went to in my YouTube vlog!

Istanbul Insider Travel Tips

• Where to Stay in Istanbul

  • Everything is pretty spread out, but you’ll find great hotels near all the main tourists sites. We stayed at Alzer Hotel, a great boutique hotel with views of the Blue Mosque.

• Getting Around Istanbul

  • There is a tram and a public transportation system, but we only used Uber or Taxis.

• Be careful of pricing scams

  • A lot of Uber drivers will message you to negotiate the price and refuse to pick you up if you don’t agree.

  • Taxis tend to refuse to use the meter and will try to fix a VERY inflated price with you. Always insist they turn the meter on when you get in the car!

• Most drivers don’t speak a lot of English, so be ready to show them the Google map location of your destination

• Safety Tips Istanbul

  • I wouldn’t recommend Istanbul for female solo travelers, but it’s great with friends or a significant other

  • Dress on the conversative side

 Read more in Travel!

7 Tips for Traveling Light While Staying in Style

How to Plan The Perfect Post Quarantine Vacation

How to Travel More in 2022

9 Mistakes Not to Make in London

 Have you been traveling this year? I just came back from my 3rd trip to London, and after a few trips to London, I have seen how the city has changed over the years and have learned so much about how to have the best trip possible!  I wanted to share these travel tips that I hope will help as you start planning your trip. London is an incredible city, but there are some tips you need to know to best navigate your trip, so here are some tips I’ve learned in my various London experiences!

9 Mistakes Not to Make in London

Not Using the Tube

If you are from a city where driving is common, you’ll need to let that go and get on the tube! The tube is the most efficient way to get around London - it’s clean, it’s safe and it’s fast. London is pretty spread out and traffic can get fierce, so taking the tube can really make it faster to get around town. 

If you are coming to London, make sure you get an Oyster card. It has a small surcharge of 5 pounds, but it’s going to save you a lot of time! If you buy individual tickets every time you need to ride the tube, it will actually be more expensive, and you waste a lot more time waiting in lines every time you need to get a ticket. Get the card and start with around 20 pounds for a 3-4 day trip, then add more as you go if needed.  

And remember, you have to tap in when you get into a station and tap out when you leave a station – so do not be the annoying tourist fumbling in your bag looking for your Oyster card when it’s time to leave the station.

And one more note about the tube – there is usually no phone service! So, make sure you download your route or take screenshots because you won’t be able to refresh and check in while you are in transit. And if it’s a long ride, download some articles for offline reading.

Also don’t over rely on the Tube! A lot of the stations are pretty close together so if you look at the route on Google Maps, you may find that you can easily walk between stops and that will save you money. And you can also take buses in London, which are cheaper and give you the added benefit of actually seeing more of the city.

Only Looking at AirBnBs

Unless you are traveling with a big group, an AirBnB is not the move! I was traveling with 3 people and it was significantly cheaper getting 2 separate rooms at a hotel than trying to find a decent AirBnB in a good, convenient neighborhood. I have actually never seen AirBnBs as expensive as I saw in London, and while you can occasionally find a hotel sale or get a discount code, there are never discounts or sales on AirBnB. To give you an idea, AirBnBs with 3 separate beds because I am too old for bunking up on girls trips, in centrally located areas were topping $3,000 for a 4 night stay! But we booked 2 rooms at the Bailey’s Hotel Kensington for only $1700. It was literally only half. 

If you are planning a group trip of course the initial thought may be wanting to all stay together, but keep your options open to multiple hotel rooms or even a suite style or family style hotel room, because it may actually be cheaper. 

Not Using your Coins

The British pound is a strong currency, and while your change can pile up and be annoying weighing down your pockets or making your wallet bulge, make sure you accumulate and then use those coins! In London, a pocketful of coins can actually be enough to get you somewhere or get you something.  In the US a pocketful of change may at best buy you a cheap coffee, but in London it can actually buy you lunch, a drink or some souvenirs. 

It’s also  important to use up all your change while you’re in London, because you can’t exchange coins for other currency once you’re back home.  So make sure you use them as you are on your trip, or at least at the airport before you board your flight home. 

And you may find a coin donation box at the airport, so if you didn’t spend them consider donating. A lot of international flights will collect the coins and donate them to a charity, so if you didn’t get to spend them before getting to the airport, you can find a way to donate them, or keep them for a future trip to the UK! 

Only Doing Touristy Stuff

London is full of some amazing attractions, like the museums, the London Eye and of course all of the Harry Potter tours a Hogwarts fan could think of! 

But in my opinion one of the most appealing things about London is the simple neighborhood charm. London is full of busy bustling areas, but also has neighborhoods that are simply beautiful and are perfect for a casual walk through and of course photos!

Enjoy high tea, stroll through Notting Hill and admire the houses, if you are going in the Spring, check out the Wisteria that will be blooming everywhere, and just enjoy the beautiful scenery in all the quiet charming neighborhoods. Plus all of that is absolutely free, and London is not a cheap city!  

If you do want a lot of touristy stuff, remember it will add up to be hella expensive! Consider getting a London Pass. It covers entry into 80 of the tourist attractions in London, like the Tower of London, The Shard, Saint Paul’s Cathedral and more. 

A 3 day pass is around 109 pounds, but tickets to each site can be 20 to 30 pounds, so if you want to see a lot the London Pass is the best way to save. 

They also have periodic price drops and sales, so check the website frequently in the lead up to your trip, but don’t buy it too early because the price may drop. 

Not making reservations

In the weeks leading up to my trip I started seeing tons of articles and posts on Instagram about must try places in London, cutest cafes, speakeasies to die for and restaurants with the most scenic views. And in almost every case, reservations were required, and they started getting sold out closer to the trip! Be prepared to do some advanced planning and make those reservations! 

You usually can do so online, so don’t worry about making international calls.  

And be prepared to put down a credit card for your reservations! Every place I looked at required a credit card to hold the booking. No one actually charged in advance, but they all warn you that they will if you don’t cancel within a certain amount of time, and some will also charge a fee for changes to party size. Don’t let that deter you from going to the restaurants you want to go to though. 

The ones I went to that required early reservations with a credit card hold were well worth it! Just remember to cancel a day in advance, and be sure to get a cancellation confirmation via email, just so you don’t have any issues. 

Of course if you don’t care about going to particular restaurants or places that are Instagram friendly or with a great view, then it really doesn’t matter if you reserve in advance. There are thousands of restaurants in London to choose from, and you will surely be able to find places that take walk-ins. 

And if you are someone that prefers spontaneity and hates advance planning, don’t bother making reservations at places that require a card, because you run the risk of getting hit with multiple cancellation fees. 

 But if you are someone that has particular restaurants you want to try, do your planning and make your bookings!

Going inside the red phone booths

The red phone booths all over London are so cute and they make for the perfect photo ops! I have to admit, I took photos and videos and reels with them damn near every time I saw one! But do not make the mistake of going inside one because they are absolutely disgusting! 

I learned that on my first trip to London in my early 20s, and I still can’t get the smell out of my head, it was literally traumatizing. 

Unfortunately those incredibly cute phone booth are often used as urinals, especially by people leaving the bars and clubs late at night. They are literal cesspools, like actual toilets. Definitely get your cute pics outside the booths at a safe distance, like don’t even think about touching one or leaning on it! 

Bringing too much cash

This was hard for me because I live in Lebanon and it is almost 100% a cash economy, but in London a lot of restaurants and bars have moved to cashless systems, so they will only accept credit cards. We went to several places - usually the more trendy or bougie ones - that were credit cards only. Using cards can be convenient in so many different ways, but if you withdraw too much money from your travel budget that can really throw things off. It’s going to be tricky to find the balance, so try to think about your total travel budget for your trip and withdraw half in cash and plan to use cards for the rest. 

Just be sure to use a credit card that doesn’t charge a fee for international transactions because that will add up, especially if you have a long trip. 

Not Understanding British English

So obviously I’m American and English is my native language, but there are a lot of differences in American vs British English vocab and slang. So remember things like pounds and pence instead of dollars and cents, or quid instead of bucks.

 If you’re looking for the bathroom, that’s the loo or the toilet, it’s a lift not an elevator, and a bin not a trash can. If you are waiting for something you want to get in the queue not the line, and if someone asks “you alright” they are just using a common greeting like the way we would say “what’s up” or “how are you” without really wanting an in-depth answer. 

Also Subway or Metro is now only referred to as the Tube and shopping is a whole new set of vocabulary as well! Sweater = jumper, tank top = vest and so much more that I still have yet to master.

Watch a few YouTube videos for a quick and easy refresher on British slang and other intricacies of the language, especially if you plan on spending a few weeks in town and hanging out with locals. And definitely research the proper pronunciation of popular tourist sites that you will want to see because they are in many cases, not exactly phonetic!

Only Eating British food

Ok so if you are British please don’t be offended when I say that many travelers and myself included, do not exactly find local British food of any culinary interest. Yes fish and chips is good, and I could definitely go for some warm Shepard’s Pie on a cold rainy day, but in most cases British food will disappoint you. 

However London has incredible restaurants and a ton of options from various ethnicities, especially the countries they were busy colonizing. 

But the Indian, the Jamaican food and food from other parts of the Caribbean, even pan Asian and Filipino food will be top notch, so get ready to eat to your heart’s content!

And even though I just dissed British food, sorry not sorry, I do love a good afternoon tea. I’m usually team coffee, but I generally don’t drink it after around 1pm, and the hours of 2-4pm are absolutely perfect for tea. And even if you are like me and don’t love tea, the ritual and the experience is well worth it! 

British afternoon tea is stylish and elegant, the china is beautiful and the canapes and sweets are delightful. They can be pretty expensive, especially if you go to one of the places that offer boozy tea with champagne or prosecco, but there are affordable options.

 Look for places that offer a set menu instead of unlimited options, avoid anything that includes booze, or even look for restaurants that have a cream tea option, which is a smaller service than a traditional tea. So instead of getting the spread of sweets, canapes, tea sandwiches and all that jazz, you’ll get your tea and some pastries, like scones with fresh cream. 

If you want the tea experience without going overboard, or just want  a quick bite and some relaxation in between meals and activities, cream tea is the way to go. 

Hope these tips help and let me know in the comments if you want to learn more about London! If you have a city you’d like to learn more about feel free to share some ideas for the next stop in this series on mistakes not to make in various places! And shop some of my London looks below!

7 Tips for Traveling Light While Staying in Style

Whether we are traveling to a tropical island for beach hopping or spending the holidays in a snowy country, there is one dilemma that many of us have to face: how do we travel light while staying in style?

This concern has been quite a challenge for many travelers, in addition to the hassle of long-haul flights, heaving our luggage around, and jet lag. While bringing bigger suitcases can enable you to fit all your pre-planned outfits and achieve your OOTD photo goals, they won’t surely make your travel convenient. On the other hand, traveling light can make you feel more comfortable and mobile, but your wardrobe will be painfully limited.

There’s good news though! Traveling light without sacrificing style is possible—and the best way to do this is to learn how to pack smart. To help you with this, we have listed down the best packing hacks to organize the perfect capsule wardrobe for your next travel!

Traveling light and in style: best hacks

Here are some travel tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your suitcase space and style.

1. Pack separates

Instead of thinking of your outfit set per day, think of your clothes as separate pieces that can be mixed and matched. By packing separates, you get multiple looks out of each piece of clothing while saving suitcase space.

 If you think you are only going to wear a piece once, consider replacing it with another that can be worn multiple times and can be complemented by another piece of clothing. Bring clothing pieces that are versatile enough to pair with your other pieces and still look fashionable. Some great basics you can consider are denim skirt, wool coat, cardigan, little black dress, white turtleneck top, black skirt or pants, leather boots, and neutral-colored sneakers.

2. Stick with neutrals

Bring your neutral-colored clothing pieces but throw in some color to make it pop.

These neutral colors, which include white, black, navy, tan, and denim will tie your wardrobe together. With simplified color combos, it will be easier for you to mix and match pieces without compromising style.

If you want to keep it simple yet aesthetic, opt for a tri-color palette. For this, brown, yellow, and beige make a perfect combination as they complement each other. Yellow becomes the primary tone that will accentuate your style with brown and beige as supporting hues to spruce up your looks.

3. Wear your bulkiest pieces on the plane

Free up your suitcase space by wearing your bulkiest clothing pieces on board. If you’re traveling to a country with chilly weather, you can opt to wear your big wool jacket or trench coat, bobble hat, and chunky boots as well as carry your bulky items so you don’t have to worry about fitting them in your suitcase. Besides, you can delayer your clothes and shove them in the overhead bin to lighten your clothing load.

4. Minimize the shoes

Shoes, as we all know, are heavy and space-consuming. To keep your luggage load lighter, make sure to narrow your shoes down to one to three pairs on any trip, ideally, ones that balance aesthetics and functionality. Opt for lightweight shoes and those that serve multiple purposes like sneakers, flats, sandals, and loafers.

If you’re heading to countries like Europe, you’ll probably encounter cobblestoned streets that are lovely to stroll along. However, if you’re power walking, consider comfortable shoes to save your feet from fatigue. If you’re visiting beaches, opt for slippers or sandals that are durable and waterproof.

5. Accessorize the Right Way

Keep your accessories and makeup in sleek pouches that can double as evening bags to also save luggage space. Select only pieces of jewelry, hats, socks, and other accessories that will jazz up the clothing pairs you have in mind.

6. Pack the must-haves, not the nice-to-haves

Think long and hard about every item you wish to bring, and then eliminate anything you think won’t be functional and multipurpose. After all, quality is more important than quantity. By opting for the former, you also reduce your luggage load, making your travel more comfortable and convenient.

Pack only the pieces that you love, and need the most. If you don’t have much space, resist the urge to bring clothing for the sole purpose of “just in case” because you can always buy an extra piece of clothing in the stores. If you are on your cycle, consider also wearing period underwear for leak-proof protection while traveling.

7. Bring a multipurpose bag

Bags also take up much luggage space. To make your travel load lighter, make sure to bring a multipurpose bag that you can also wear on the plane. It can be a mini backpack, tote bag, sling bag, or handbag. To optimize your luggage space, bring a bag that can serve different purposes rather than bringing different kinds of bags that might only be used once.

Versatility is the key

To travel light, being versatile is a must.

The clothes, shoes, and accessories that you aim to insert into your suitcase should be as versatile as possible and can serve multiple functions throughout your trip. By doing this, you can have seamless and convenient travel while staying stylish. 

Hope these tips help you get and stay organized and stylish while traveling! Let me know in the comments what trips you’ve got coming up in 2022!

About the Contributor

Sophia Young recently quit a non-writing job to finally be able to tell stories and paint the world through her words. She loves talking about fashion and weddings and travel, but she can also easily kick ass with a thousand-word article about the latest marketing and business trends, finance-related topics, and can probably even whip up a nice heart-warming article about family life. She can totally go from fashion guru to your friendly neighborhood cat lady with mean budgeting skills and home tips real quick.

10 Tips to Survive a Couples Trip

Are you in a new relationship and getting ready to plan your first trip? This post is perfect for you! If you just started dating, are in a new relationships or situationship, or whatever you want to call it, specifically how you can get through your first trip together. 

Your first trip together can really be make or break for your relationship, so these tips will hopefully help it be a success, or help you realize you need to break up with him. And in this post I’m spilling the tea on planning, who pays, what to do, and how to manage expectations if it’s a new relationship and you do or do not want certain activities on the table.

Keep reading for 10 tips to survive your first couples trip!

Decide Who is Paying

So you are going to have to be honest with yourself and with your partner when talking about the money, and depending on your relationship and finances it can be a difficult conversation. Obviously I always prefer when a man pays, but that may not always be realistic unless you are dating men that are more wealthy and are also more generous. 

And do not confuse the two - just because has the money doesn’t mean he is going to be generous with spending it on you. My husband and I were international long distance when we first started dating, and he paid for several trips so we could see each other. And in each of those cases he made it very clear he was paying so there was no confusion. 

Once we established where we were going and when, he asked for my passport info so he could make the reservations and sent me the email confirmation so I would know it was done. There was never a conversation about what I was contributing or paying him back. So I think it’s safe to say that if your man hasn’t made it clear he intends to pay for the trip, then he probably isn’t planning to. So when you bring up the conversation, you can ask pretty simply - what should we budget for this trip, and plan something you can both afford. 

If you are both on similar budgets it should be easy to make a plan that will work for both of you. But if one person out earns the other, one has different financial obligations or whatever, there may need to be some compromise. And don’t assume that just because he makes more than you he is going to pay! If he doesn’t offer, have the grown up conversation and decide if you can even afford to travel and how much you can spend. 

Make Sure You Have Your Own Money

So even if you did establish he is going to pay for the trip, that doesn’t mean you show up with no money. You’re a grown up and you need to be prepared to handle some costs. 

You may want to offer to buy dinner or surprise him with a thoughtful souvenir. Or something could go wrong, like his credit cards could get hacked, you could get robbed, or he could just piss you off and make you want to dip. I recently posted a YouTube video on on being flewed out, and discussed this point as well. You need to be able to exercise your own autonomy, and having your own money allows you to do that. Make sure you have cash and credit cards that will work wherever you are going, just so you are prepared for everything. 

 Discuss A Budget in Advance

Discuss your budget in advance. If he is paying for it then you do not need to discuss the budget because it really is up to him. However if you guys have decided to split the cost of the trip, you need to consider how much you each can afford to spend. 

I remember a story trending on Reddit about a girl who was invited on vacation with her wealthy boyfriend and his family, but they expected her to contribute equally even though she was very low income and couldn’t afford it. That is completely unfair, and does not bode well for your relationship. Do not be that person, and if your man is acting like that person, dump him immediately and move on. Set a budget you can both afford, and plan your flights, accommodations and activities in advance to make sure you can both have fun within that budget. 

 Plan an Itinerary Based on Mutual Travel Styles

Speaking of activities, make sure you discuss an itinerary and consider each other’s travel styles. One of you may want to do more adventure activities that the other person isn’t interested in at all. One of you may want to do things that the other person really can’t afford. If you’re going on vacation together you should have some idea of each other’s interests, so do some research on different things to do in the destination and discuss some ideas. You also need to decide if you are even people that want to have a defined itinerary or just play it by ear, or a little bit of both. 

My husband could sit on the same beach for 7 days straight, I need more variety because I would be bored as hell. So we compromise when we travel and plan a balanced itinerary that we will both enjoy. And don’t be afraid to plan some time apart or do things exploring your separate interests. 

Be Prepared for Travel Related Mishaps

Number 5, understand that things will go wrong and be prepared for what that can mean. Travel can be fun and amazing, but can also be incredibly stressful. You could encounter anything from food poisoning, flight cancellations or even a natural disaster in the place you are visiting. And honestly, if something does go wrong it can really help you learn about each other in a way that you wouldn’t if everything was always perfect. It can also help you decide whether or not you even want to continue this relationship. 

Personally I have very low tolerance for men with tempers, and if I saw a man lose his shit at a slight inconvenience, berate a flight attendant for asking him to put a mask on, or anything ridiculous, obnoxious, or potentially violent, it’s a smooth no for me. And let’s say you do end up getting sick - does he care for you or go about his business and leave you to fend for yourself while he has fun? A trip together can be an amazing learning experience for you, and can either take your relationship to the next level or end it. It’s important to not expect things to be perfect, and to handle travel related mishaps without letting it ruin your trip. 

Establish Healthy Boundaries When Traveling As A Couple

Some people may believe otherwise, but just because you are on a trip with a man, and even if he pays for it, you are not obligated to have sex with him. 

Let me repeat, you are not obligated to have sex with him! You aren’t even obligated to share a hotel room with him if you aren’t sure you want to. It’s perfectly acceptable to maintain and enforce your own boundaries, whatever they may be. And you can also take note of how he handles you actually having some agency, which in a new relationship is incredibly important. Does he respect them or continuously push or disrespect you?

 Healthy Communication is Key

Communication is the foundation of really any healthy relationship. You guys should be in a place where you have healthy communications before you hop on a plane together, because if you can’t talk to each other at home, it’s going to be incredibly awkward when you’re together for a few days straight in a new city or country. 

Talk about what you want to do, any fears about travel in general or with him in particular.  Before you start planning a trip together you should be in a place where you feel comfortable and safe, are able to  have deep conversations, and express yourself, and feel like he listens and respects what you have to say. It doesn’t have to be deep soul-wrenching intense conversation, like if it is a new relationship you may not have fully opened up to each other in that way, or really been through anything crazy or unique together.

Decide How To Handle Social Media

Decide how you want to handle social media, in advance! You may have noticed that while I frequently travel with my husband, you have never seen him posted. We have a firm no social media policy, it works for us and makes sense. You may want to be posting pics of each other and he isn’t into it, or vice versa. Don’t automatically be offended or suspicious if he doesn’t want to post you. Some people may get in your head about it, but don’t let them, everyone has different attitudes about social media and he may have valid, not shady reasons for not putting you on his gram, or for letting you put him on yours. The key as I said above is communication! 

And obviously you want dope pics of yourself on your trip, but he may find playing Instagram boyfriend to be extremely annoying so be sensitive to that! He may be terrified of ending up on Influencers in the Wild, or just be a terrible photographer. I usually book an affordable photo shoot with a local pro to make sure I get great vacation pics and don’t make my husband go crazy. 

I usually use Snappr or AirBnB experiences, and plan my shoots for an hour or 2 early in the morning, like 8:30 or 9am, since the light will be softer and there are less crowds, and then we have the whole day to spend together. 

Don’t forget your snacks

This may sound silly but pack snacks! No one wants to get hangry on vacation and I feel like packing extra snacks isn’t something most men will think about. I always leave room in my purse for mini bags of chips or pretzels, bars, and jerky since they come in handy at the airport, but also on your trip. 

Not every hotel has vending machines, you may end up on a full day tour and need a bite to eat, or you may make the fatal mistake of not timing your meals around the hours most restaurants are open. For example, in most of Europe a lot of the restaurants close for a 3 hour block in between lunch and dinner, and if you didn’t eat before they closed, you’ll be left out starving or trying to find a McDonalds. So pack some snacks, and trust me he will thank you if you guys need them!

Make it a Short Weekend Trip

And finally, if this is your first trip together - make it a short one! We’re talking 3 day weekend max, preferably somewhere with a short direct flight. You may not have spent more than a day or 2 together, much less an entire week in a new environment. 

It can be intense and emotional, so a short trip is an easier way to warm up to how you travel together and the potential positives or shortcomings of your future relationship. If things go well you can happily start planning a longer itinerary for the future, if they go poorly, at least you didn’t waste too much time. 

And making it a short, easy trip will reduce some of the stress and pressure or potential for things to go wrong, like missing a flight due to a lot of connections, being bored on a long layover, or having to kill too much time if this trip starts to get awkward on day 2. 

If you have any more tips or a fun or interesting couples trip story, leave me a comment below! And happy planning!

How to Travel More in 2022

How the hell can you afford to travel so much! That is probably the question I get asked the most in person and on social media, so we’re going to answer that today! If you’ve been following me or reading this blog for a while, you know that I have traveled a ton, and lived in 2 different countries as an expat - first Milan, Italy and now currently Beirut, Lebanon. 

I have traveled to about 20 countries including Spain, Switzerland, Bermuda, Colombia, South Africa, and most recently Zanzibar! Before covid, I would usually do about 3 or 4 big trips a year plus a few smaller weekends in the US or Caribbean. Things obviously came to a complete halt in 2020 then very slowly picked back up, and I hope in 2022 I’ll be able to get back to my normal travel speed. 

So here are some of my tips to help you budget to travel more. If you are looking for short term hacks this is unfortunately not the blog for you, but keep reading if you are interested in changing your lifestyle to make your dream of frequent travel part of your reality. 

How to Travel More in 2022

Get Your Basic Finances in Order

So first and most obvious - make sure you have the disposable income that you can use to fund your travel. That means that you have stable employment, you are not struggling to pay off debt, and you have emergency savings. If you don’t have those things covered, then you need to focus on finding your financial footing before you start planning and paying for trips.  Even if you travel cheaply or on a budget, travel is still a luxury and financial responsibilities are more important.

So if you know you want to be able to have more financial freedom to travel more next year, spend the time now to take steps to work toward that goal. 

Consider a Career Change

Number 2, consider a career change. If you want to travel more, there are just some jobs or career paths that are more conducive to that lifestyle. Having a salaried job with a generous PTO policy will make it much easier to get those vacations in, as well as jobs that still allow remote work so you can work from anywhere. The one good thing that came out of the pandemic was how normalized remote work has become, so definitely take advantage of that! Many employers are much more willing to negotiate remote work or a hybrid half in the office half at home model than ever before. 

Again, a career shift will take time, which is why I said this video isn’t about quick little hacks, and it will take time to find a new job that will give you the pay and flexibility that you want, so keep that in mind. 

But if you want to be able to travel frequently as a lifestyle, this is kind of an essential part of it. 

Start Saying No More Often

Most people don’t have an unlimited amount of disposable income, so you need to decide what you are going to spend it on. If you say yes to every birthday dinner, party, girls night out, wedding, and whatever else, you are easily spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year that could be funding your next trip. 

Think about how much you can reasonably afford to spend on your social life without compromising your goal to save more for travel and stick to that. Even things like your beauty maintenance can be cut to help you pay for travel, if that is more important to you. So yes I traveled a lot, even before I moved abroad, but I almost never get my nails done, I have still never once had eyelash extensions, and I may set foot in a hair salon 3 times a year at most. 

Take a look at how you spend socializing, on beauty or other miscellaneous stuff like that, and think about what you can reprioritize to make more room in your budget for travel. 

Make it Part of Your Job or Side Hustle

Making travel part of your side hustle is a great way to travel more and save on travel. And I don’t mean becoming a travel influencer because that is a long and competitive journey that is not for everyone. 
But you could start a side business in hospitality consulting, team up with companies that host group trips and offer your services as an assistant or find conferences or events in your industry that you can travel to.  And if you are a content creator or aspiring influencer, there are a ton of ways you can work with brands for free or subsidized travel.  

I have been able to work with brands and tourism boards to go on sponsored trips, but I have also used my own personal travel to pitch brands for sponsored posts. 

For example, when I used to go to Miami Art Basel, I could never get a brand to cover the cost of my travel. But I could book my own travel and negotiate enough sponsored posts from fashion and beauty companies who wanted product placement at that big event, that I ended up getting my expenses covered and had a profit. 

Making travel part of your business also gives you the opportunity to deduct some of your travel expenses on your taxes, but the key here is they have to be deemed necessary and reasonable. 

So for example travel for a conference and staying 2 nights at the hotel where the event is held or somewhere nearby would probably be acceptable. Staying a week at a 5 star luxury resort probably would not be! But I am not an accountant or tax preparer so check with the experts on that one! 

Start a travel account

I recently started a separate travel savings account to make it easier to save for and fund my trips. Usually I would just use my normal bank account and one of my preferred credit cards for booking, but I want to travel more, especially small weekend trips around the Middle East so I decided to get more organized. 

I had a second savings account that I used when I was planning our destination wedding since it charged no fee for international wire transfers. 

Since the wedding is over, I decided to use that account as my travel account, and fund it with a small direct deposit every week just to keep it active and build my stash. It’s small for now, but with my regular contributions and interests that will accumulate I will definitely have enough to put towards travel in Spring and Summer.

I also like having a separate travel fund because it helps keep me from having travel related debt. So even though I use my credit cards for booking travel, I can always fully pay off my balance using my travel savings account. And I can also use that money for expenses when I’m on the trip, since I do have a debit card attached to it that doesn’t charge international fees. 

Plan Trips That Fit Your Lifestyle

This one is important, and don’t get caught up trying to compete with other people’s lifestyle! Not everyone can go on a 3 week long adventure through Europe in the summer, and that is nothing to feel bad about. You can start planning trips that make sense for you and where you are in your life. If you have a super tight budget, try traveling in an off-season to make it more affordable, or even taking road trips instead of flying everywhere. If you have limited time off and can’t take an extended international trip, think about domestic destinations or places that have easy direct flights that you can take in a quick weekend. 

Take Advantage of Credit Cards with Perks

I am not advocating building up credit card debt, so if you know you cannot use your credit card responsibly and pay that balance off in full, then ignore this tip and just skip to the next chapter. But I am a big fan of using credit card perks to finance travel. Almost every airline has a credit card that usually offers perks like free miles, free checked bags, and gives you more flexibility with booking and cancellations. My favorite card is the Delta SkyMiles, which gave me about 75k miles when I opened the account, which is already more than enough for a free trip. 

Plus it also gives you a free companion certificate every year, so every year I basically get a buy one get one free flight. Do some research on credit cards that might make sense for you, and remember to use them responsibly! 

Loyalty Pays Off

One approach to traveling frequently is to just always look for the cheapest or best deal, and the other is to focus on your preferred brands and build loyalty/status with them. I do a little bit of both, and can see that there are definitely perks to showing a brand a little loyalty.  I use Amex and my Delta card exclusively for booking travel, so I always have a ton of points and miles and my husband has status with both Hilton & Marriott, so his points come in handy for booking hotels. 

Before covid we planned to honeymoon in the South of France, and booked the entire week just on points! I’ve recently become a fan of Booking.com for hotels because I love their no prepayment and flexible cancellation policies, and their loyalty program gives me additional room discounts and room upgrades at check in.

Unfortunately there aren’t any Delta flights out of Beirut, so I’m either going to have to find a new preferred carrier while we are here, or stick to Skymiles partners that do serve this area. But the biggest perk of showing loyalty to an airline or hotel chain is not necessarily saving money, but just having more small perks and being treated better as a traveler, so that will make your overall experience a little better. 

Find a Travel Community

If you don’t have friends to travel with it can be a little harder or more expensive to travel more, just because you don’t have anyone to split expenses with and hotel or AirBnB costs can add up. 

And a lot of people, especially women, are afraid to travel alone. Facebook groups, Instagram group travel pages, and themed retreats are all great ways to find travel buddies or go on group trips without having to do all the legwork and planning yourself. 

Guided group trips tend to be more expensive because of the service they provide and of course because the organizers are taking a cut, but if you want the convenience and can spend the money enjoy it! 

And you can get to know people through those experiences that can become your future travel friends, if you find people you hit it off with and want to plan your next trip together. 

Consider a Move Abroad

Moving abroad does come with some big initial budgeting and planning, but living in a new country is one of the best ways to increase your opportunities to travel more frequently. 

I know expats who have moved to Portugal, which has some of the lowest cost of living in Western Europe, and I myself spent 3 years living in Italy and now I live in Beirut, Lebanon. Living in a new country opens up the opportunity to take amazing long weekend trips for a fraction of the price. 

From Italy I was taking cheap weekend trips by train or on low cost airlines for like 50 euro round trip. From Beirut I’m planning weekends to Morocco, Jordan, Turkey, and even all over Europe since there are many flights to major European cities for under $500 and it will only take about 4 or 5 hours to get there. 

If you are interested in moving abroad, check out some of my other videos on planning for your move abroad, and budgeting for that as well.  

Timing is Everything

Everyone was shopping on Black Friday and you wanna know what I bought - trips! There are unfortunately never airfare deals out of Beirut, so I wasn’t looking at anything like that, but there are always flight sales and specials from the US to almost anywhere. 

But since I can’t take advantage of those, I spent more time looking at hotels and other travel perks. I booked hotels for a week in Southeast Asia that were 50% off, and a few small European weekend trips because the hotels had free cancellation and did not require prepayment. Yes, I locked in unbelievable pricing at some luxury hotels and I don’t have to pay for it until I check-in. 

I also got some miles on my preferred airlines because they were 30% off and didn’t expire, so I can use them towards award travel pretty much anytime. 

If you are trying to travel more, taking advantage of fare sales is absolutely essential, but in many cases you do need to have the money ready at the time of booking, which goes back to my earlier point on maintaining your travel fund. I’m going to leave a few of my favorite places to book discounted fares in the description box as well. 

And remember a lot of cities and countries are going in and out of tourism lockdowns, but that can work to your advantage. 

These places will be trying to lure back tourists, and get high occupancy rates, so you may find that you have more flexibility or added perks to sweeten the deal. I think the hotels I booked for my upcoming Asia trip were all ridiculously cheap because the countries I’m visiting had such strict tourism restrictions for so long and they need to entice tourists to come back as soon as they can.  

Get Vaccinated

I know some of y'all are not going to want to hear this, but if you are still unvaccinated, travel is not going to be easy for you. Covid is still a serious problem and most countries that have reopened to tourism are only allowing vaccinated visitors. 

Even if you don’t care about public health, ending the pandemic, stopping the spread of a preventable disease, etc, you probably care about how the restrictions affect you. 

So if you have been vaccine hesitant but want more flexibility and freedom to travel, you’re probably going to have to get jabbed sooner than later, because most countries will continue to have restrictions on unvaccinated travelers. 

So that’s it, thank you so much for watching! I hope these tips help, and if you have any other travel tips I didn’t mention, let me know in the comments below! Are you planning to travel more this year?

So I Moved to Lebanon

It’s been ages since I posted, I know! Things have been pretty busy with everything going on, and it also prompted me to take a much needed digital break.

But in case you don’t follow me on Instagram or YouTube, here is what you missed!

I moved to Beirut, Lebanon.

Lebanon is a stunning country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a rich culture and history, incredible food, and beautiful scenery. It is unfortunately now suffering through multiple crises, from an economic crisis and hyperinflation to a shortage of essential goods, like fuel and basic medications. Despite the struggles, I have fallen in love with life here and all the potential this place has to offer.

Keep reading for some FAQ’s about my life as an expat in Lebanon.

What made you decide to move to Lebanon

This is the big one! The timing of the move was unexpected considering everything happening in the country, but we are making the best of it. The main reason for the move was a big job opportunity for my husband that we just couldn’t turn down. We are both people that love to travel and we have both lived abroad before, so this was a step that made sense for us, and I knew that we would likely move abroad together at some point in our relationship. Lebanon was not one of the places we imagined ourselves living, but we also knew that it would be an incredible experience for us both. We almost backtracked on the decision in the aftermath of the devastating port explosion on August 4th, 2020. We began to question whether we should still make the move, but we took a leap of faith and are overjoyed with our decision so far.

What are some things you love about Lebanon?

We moved over the summer, and it was the best time. The beaches are incredible and very few things beat watching the sunsets on the Mediterranean. I also love the Beirut beach club scene – they are all little private beach or pool clubs that have a different vibe – from pure relaxation to full blown parties. I have even fallen in love with nightlife again! In the US I stopped clubbing years ago, but it’s just a whole different ball game here. There is also a great beach scene, with private clubs that all have a different vibe.

Even the food and dining are remarkable, and even though I have never been a big fan of gin, the local distilleries have made me do a complete 180! I’ve only been here a few months I have already had so many unique experiences.

What about everything we hear on the news about Lebanon?

Well yea a lot of that is true.

It’s a long and complicated situation that cannot be adequately explained in this post, but conditions in the country began to rapidly deteriorate after the port explosion in 2020. Lebanon is currently experiencing one of the most devastating financial crisis ever seen.  The Lebanese Lira has lost 90% of its value, many local businesses no longer take credit cards because of the collapse of the banking system. The price for goods and services are in a constant state of fluctuation. The Lebanese government resigned in the wake of the port explosion last year, and the country has had severe infrastructure issues since then. There are shortages of everything from fuel to medications, constant blackouts and issues with plumping and water quality. Almost everyone relies on private fuel run generators for power which are extremely expensive considering wages in the country.

And as much as I love the super fresh food, things go bad fast and food poisoning/food borne illnesses are extremely common, especially in the summer.

The mood has gotten more and more tense as the economic issues worsen and no one can predict what will happen over the course of the next few months.  But all I can tell you is that we are safe and staying prepared.

So what’s next for this chapter in your life?

I’m not sure but am taking it day by day. The opportunity to move to a new country and the end of the year are the perfect time to really consider life’s changing directions and how to adjust. I have found myself moving more slowly and with more consideration, less focused on hustling and more focused just on living. But I am happily working in a new job and rebranding my business to more adequately reflect where I am in life right now.

And if you want to keep up, please follow me on Instagram @whereismalikah and on my brand-new YouTube channel for a look at this new chapter in my life and how it continues to evolve.

11 Things to Do Before You Move Abroad

So you may not know this, but I’m a serial expat. I just moved abroad for the second time and am happily settling into my new home here in Beirut, Lebanon. The first time I moved abroad was to Italy a few years ago, and I have definitely learned a lot from both of my international moves.

Organization is obviously a big step when it comes to your move, but there are plenty of other things you shouldn’t neglect. Keep reading for 11 Things to Do Before You Move Abroad

Start Downsizing Before You Move

If you know you are planning a big move, you need to start downsizing as soon as possible. It can be overwhelming, but the secret is getting through it bit by bit. I’m far from a minimalist, so trust me when I say I packed way more stuff than necessary.

You know I had to look cute, have my travel clothes, have my toiletries and all that! But I did strategically get rid of things that I knew would no longer fit my lifestyle. I may do a whole video later on what I kept vs what I tossed, but please do yourself a favor and start getting rid of stuff.

If you are planning early you can sell on Poshmark or LetGo and actually make some money, but if it’s the last minute just be prepared to donate or dump it! And unless you have friends or family you can leave stuff with, don’t bother putting stuff into long-term storage. It is such a waste of money and most likely you will come back home years later and throw the bulk of it away. 

Get Your Annual Health Check-Ups

Get all those medical check-ups done, and make sure you start a few months before you plan to leave. If you unfortunately do find out something is wrong, you need to have enough time to learn more, have follow up visits or get treatment, so don’t wait until the last minute! 

That means your annual physical, well women’s exam, eye doctor, ear doctor - get everything checked out and have a clean bill of health! 

And whatever your opinions on vaccines are , you should be aware of any required or recommended vaccines for the country you plan to move to and be informed of the risks you may encounter if you don’t want to get a vaccine that is recommended in that region. 

Stock Up on Medications/Medical Supplies

If you have any prescribed medications with monthly refills, talk to your provider about getting 6 months or even 12 months of refills to take with you. Depending on where you are moving to, you may want to bring a stash of over the counter stuff as well, like Tylenol, cold medicine, motion sickness meds, that kind of stuff, especially if you have strong brand preferences and don’t want to experiment with what you can get locally. 

And don’t forget contacts, or glasses if you wear them and retainers if need be. 

I did Smile Direct Club and made sure to get extra retainers to take with me. They take about 6 weeks to make, without shipping time, so I wanted to make sure I had extra sets on hand, because your teeth will start shifting like crazy real quick. I also have a shellfish allergy so picked up some extra Epi-Pens because anyone with allergies should always have one on hand! 

And ladies, don’t forget your birth control or Plan B! You don’t want to get caught out there needing to find that in a foreign country in the very short window you have

Shop for Country Specific Attire - especially formalwear

Most people are surprised to hear I hate shopping so this was hard for me! But I did need to pick up some new clothes and shoes that were more appropriate for where I’m moving, especially clothes for work. 

You should also have a few options for formalwear in case you get invited to something last minute and need something to wear. The US has amazing options for affordable evening wear, but that is really not the case in most parts of the world.

If I get invited to a wedding, cocktail party, or formal event here, I can always run to Macy’s, Nordstrom, or just order something from Rent the Runway and get it in 2 days. But you may not have that option depending on where you are moving to, so be prepared! 

Beauty Treatments & Touch Ups

Some countries are known for the beauty treatments you can get there, but you still may want to get polished up at your favorite place back home. I got microblading about a year and a half ago, so I made sure to get a touch-up so it would be fresh and stay in place longer. 

I also got a laser hair removal because you can’t get that done just anywhere and I wasn’t trying to experiment like that, especially because a lot of these places are not experienced with people of color and different skin tones. 

Back Up Your Vital records

This is going to be a long and annoying process, but you need to start keeping digital copies of any important documents. I had a ridiculous file cabinet with paperwork from years ago that needed to be organized, digitized and then shredded. 

It took a few days for me to get everything uploaded in the cloud, but now I have a digital record of anything I might need while living abroad. You may need paperwork for visa applications, leasing an apartment, opening a bank account, or any number of normal life scenarios that will arise when you move to a new country, and you don’t want to have to scramble around at the last minute to find stuff. 

And you definitely don’t want to lug pounds of old paper around with you every time you move! Not only is it incredibly annoying, but it’s also risky having your personal information so easily accessible. 

Check with Your Local Embassy

How many times have you guys traveled internationally? How many times did you check with the local Embassy or State Department Travel Advisory before planning your trip? Most people don’t! But get in the habit of reviewing security updates, especially if you are thinking about moving to a new country! That’s also the best way to get an covid related updates, like if you are staying in a country that suddenly imposes a curfew or quarantine, you may not hear it fast enough if you don’t check local news. 

Also check out the STEP program or any services that may be offered by the local embassy or consulate, in case you do need emergency assistance while abroad. I’m going to leave those links in the description box below for easy reference!

Get Travel Adaptors

This may seem super obvious, when I moved to Italy I definitely forgot one. And it was such an obvious thing that I assumed yea I packed a few, duh! So I land in Italy, make it to my apartment, try to charge my phone, and yea, nothing.

Had I realized that at the airport it probably would have been fine, but I ended up spending my first afternoon in a suburb of Bologna looking for a place to buy an adapter - and not speaking a word of Italian. Don’t be like me - have a travel adapter - preferably one or 2 in each bag! 

Get Local Currency in Advance

Yes, you can always exchange money when you land, but in the spirit of being prepared, do it a few days before! If you have time go to a currency exchange in your city before your departure since you’ll usually get a better rate. Or if you must do it before boarding your flight while at the airport. 

Just don’t land in a foreign country with no money, assuming you’ll be able to take money out of an ATM or exchange when you get there. Of course in most cases you will be able to do either, but I prefer to arrive in the country with a small emergency stash of local currency in cash! It really just needs to be enough to cover 2 meals and a taxi so don’t think you need to bring a ton. But you don’t want to put yourself in a stressful situation if you don’t have to. 

Pre book Your Transportation

Most of the time on vacation, I hop out of the airport and grab an Uber or regular taxi, but moving abroad is a whole different ball game. You’ll be exhausted and have a lot more stuff, so make your life easier by pre-arranging an airport pick-up. 

It doesn’t have to be a fancy luxury one,  but will be a huge convenience to not have to figure out how you are getting to your new home when you land. 

Buy Your Favorite DVD’s 

This one is kind of random but one thing I learned from living in Italy, and in my research for where we are moving to next. Streaming services can be unreliable, your streaming speed may be annoyingly slow, and most shows or movies have different licensing agreements, so they may not even be available in your new country. 

It’s a little old fashioned, but we picked up DVD copies of a few of the movies we can watch over and over again, just to have something on hand in case we have issues with streaming or are bored to death with the local shows. 

Hope these tips helped! If you are thinking about moving internationally, let me know in the comments, especially if you have more questions you want me to answer.

Why Jackson Hole is the Unique New Bachelorette Destination You Can't Miss

Are you a 2021 bride?

If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know that my husband and I postponed our destination wedding due to covid. We also got legally married in a beautiful private ceremony and I wouldn’t change that part for the world! We’re still hoping to have our delayed celebration later in 2021, so keep following me here and on Instagram for more on that journey.

While our wedding plans are still up in the air, I definitely wanted to have my bachelorette trip. The original plan was cancelled back in March when covid first hit, but since things have started to subside, the vaccine is being distributed, and most cities in the US open for travel without restrictions, I felt good about moving forward with my bachelorette trip. The original plan was to go to Sedona, but I decided that since my bachelorette trip was going to be in Feb, I should go all out with a winter theme.

I had been dying to go to Jackson, Wyoming for quite some time, so I decided there was no time like the present. Keep reading for more about my dream #SnowBunnyBach, in partnership with Got Your Bach!

Reasons to Visit Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a major ski destination and one of the most charming towns I’ve ever visited. In the Spring and Summer visitors flock to visit Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. But winter is when the town is covered in a thick blanket of snow and becomes a stunning winter wonderland. It’s no surprise why celebrities like Kanye West have been spending more time in Jackson. The scenery is drop dead gorgeous. there are plenty of world class restaurants, and so many activities to choose from you’ll never be bored.

Planning a Bachelorette in Jackson Hole

You guys know I love planning trips, but I decided to enlist a pro for my bachelorette. I’d been following Got Your Bach on Insta for while and I fell in love with their party planning style. After all the disappointment of having to postpone our wedding and original trip, my expectations for the do-over were higher. It also seemed unfair to put all that on the shoulders of my small bridal party, especially since we had all been impacted by covid in some way.

Got Your Bach is a full service bachelorette planner. They put together one of a kind itineraries based on your bachelorette style, dream destination, party size, and a whole host of other factors. You can be super involved as a bride like I was, or dedicate a member of your bridal party to lead the charge so you can still be surprised. They even make payment splitting a dream - no chasing people for Venmo requests involved at all. I loved working Got Your Bach and I can 100% say my trip would not have been as special without their expertise and amazing decor skills and custom swag!

Since no one in my group is a big ski person, we planned an itinerary around other Jackson Hole must- do activities. Check out our itinerary below!

Thursday

Day 1 everyone flew in and we decided to keep it a lazy day. We checked into the cutest AirBnB and spent the wandering around downtown Jackson. That night we had a pajama pizza party and rewatched Bridgerton on Netflix.

Friday

The next day we had a photo shoot with Abbie from Got Your Bach, who is also an amazing photographer! She took some great shots of me and my squad, and after that we headed over for brunch at Persephone, one of the best bakeries in Jackson, followed by a wine tasting at Jackson Hole Winery. We didn’t rent a car for our trip, but luckily one of my friends befriended her airport Uber driver, and we got him to give us a private driving tour of Grand Teton National Park. He drove us to one of the popular trails and waited about an hour while we explored. If you want to go deeper on the trail in the winter, make sure you stop in town to rent some snow shoes before embarking on the trail. We didn’t prep properly for this, but we made it a mile in our boots.

Saturday

On Saturday we relaxed at the house all morning, then headed out for an afternoon snowmobile adventure with Teton Tour Company. After a short drive and stop at their office to get our snow gear, we headed out on the 9 mile trail to Granite Hot Springs. This hot spring is only accessible via dog sled or snowmobile, so it feels super secluded, like an oasis in a winter wonderland. We didn’t get to spend a ton of time there, but it will definitely be on of the most memorable experiences of my life! Fair warning, when you get out of the hot spring it will be cold! Be prepared to mad dash back to the changing room and shiver until you get back into your gear!

Sunday

We had a bagel & mimosa brunch before checking out of our AirBnB. Our same Uber driver/private car contact took us on one last scenic drive past the Elk Refuge and towards a ranch where there were often buffalo sightings. No luck on the buffalo, but it was great to see some more of the Jackson scenery before heading back to the airport.

Hiring a Bachelorette Party Planner

If you are planning a bachelorette trip or bachelorette party, I highly recommend hiring a bachelorette planner, like Got Your Bach. The team made my creative vision come to life and the organization was as easy as possible. Obviously no group trip is without planning drama or flakiness, but they did an amazing job with everything they were tasked to do. They know all the bachelorette party tips and tricks to make your experience one for the bucket list.

Let me know if you’re planning any bachelorette events or group trips this year!

The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Sedona, Arizona

Have you been traveling since covid? I started taking small, socially distant trips since June – places like Catalina Island and Joshua Tree that were easy to get to and had plenty of low key, safe activities. I finally ventured to a place I had been dying to visit for almost a year – Sedona, Arizona! Sedona is a tiny but incredible town that made for the perfect escape. It’s an easy road trip from LA, or a quick flight to Phoenix. Even though it’s easy to get to, you’ll definitely want to make more than a weekend of it. There is SO MUCH to see in Sedona and the surrounding area you could easily fill a 7 Day Itinerary. However it’s not a trip that you should rush. The magic of Sedona lies in its vortexes – pockets of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration. These are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy, and many visitors feel inspired, recharged and uplifted after experiencing a vortex.   

You will definitely feel that distinct energy in the air, but only if you allow yourself the room to open up and absorb it. So take your time, pace yourself, and let Sedona work its magic. Here are my tips for can’t miss activities to add to your Sedona, Arizona itinerary!

Sedona Arizona Travel Tips

How to Get to Sedona

The closest airport to Sedona is in Phoenix, about 2 hours away. Don’t be confused with Airport Mesa! When I first started planning my trip I thought that was the airport to fly into, but spent days trying to figure out why there were never any flights available. Airport Mesa is a functioning airport, but it only serves private planes! So unless you have some deep pockets or major connections, you’ll be flying into Phoenix. And be prepared for major traffic depending on the time you land/arrive!

Getting Around Sedona Arizona without a Car

We decided not to do much driving locally, since the traffic can get crazy, parking is almost non-existent, and we both wanted to relax and have our fun! It took a bit of research to figure out how to navigate Sedona without a car. It’s a small town and none of the sites are terribly far apart, but the infrastructure isn’t the most efficient and there is almost zero public transportation.

You may also think Uber and Lyft work in Sedona, but they really don’t. Yes, the apps are functional, but try opening them to get a ride and you will almost always see NO CARS AVAILABLE. It will take some adjusting to calling a taxi service and carrying cash to pay for your ride, but you’ll get used to it! It will be just like the good old days before ride-sharing apps were even invented!

If you want to avoid driving, you can easily reserve a round-trip airport transfer for around $100-120 and get around with local taxi services. I used Bob’s Taxi and I-Ride, and both were pretty convenient and affordable. If you need an early morning pickup, like for a hike or something scheduled, give them a call the night before to reserve the pickup and provide an estimated time for when you’ll need your return. And for random stops around town, give them a call at least 30 minutes before you want to be picked up.

Another way to avoid driving in Sedona is to pick a hotel that offers some kind of shuttle service. We stayed at the Sky Rock Inn and their About Town shuttle ran every 30 minutes in a loop close to Uptown, where there are tons of shops, restaurants and galleries. That was a great way to easily pop into town for shopping, dinner or drinks without having to pay for a cab.

What to Do In Sedona Arizona

Sedona is full of activities for pretty much every type of traveler, so you will never be bored! We spent about 4 days in Sedona, and these are some of the activities that made the list!

Start with a Vortex Yoga Session

The first thing I wanted to do was clear my head, shake off the travel funk and get into a space of relaxation. I booked a Vortex Yoga session, which started with a gentle hike to the base of Cathedral Rock. The instructor led a simple yoga session with modifications and variations for all fitness levels, than you had the option to continue your hike on your own to the top of Cathedral Rock, or stay with the group for a guided meditation. The views were incredible and I experienced a sense of calm that stayed with me through the entire trip.

Hike to Devil’s Bridge Sedona

Devil’s Bridge had been on my hiking bucket list for a while, so I was not going to miss it! Devil’s Bridge is a large natural sandstone arch and it is definitely not for the faint of heart! The hike itself isn’t too bad. If you take the scenic route, it’s a beautiful trail with gradual elevation that eventually leads to the end of a dirt road that you follow straight. You can also take the dirt road all the way straight to the bridge, but the scenery isn’t really pretty. Also 4x4 vehicles drive down the road, so you’ll be navigating the occasional truck and the cloud of dust that comes with it. The road eventually leads to a pretty steep rock staircase, then scramble to the top which is the only challenging part of the hike. But the views of Devil’s Bridge are just stunning!

Be prepared to wait in a long line if you want a photo on the bridge. I got to the top of the bridge around 930am, and waited an hour! By the time I was heading down the line had doubled. I didn’t mind the wait because it was some much needed rest after the long hike and aggressive climb. People are really nice about taking photos of you when it’s your turn, so just chat someone up in line and show them how to work your device.

If this doesn’t sound like your thing, there are tons of gorgeous hikes in Sedona that don’t involve insane elevation, rock scrambling, and a walk across a bridge that’s at a 4,600 foot elevation! Do some research to find trails that are your speed, because there are plenty!

Explore the Sedona Vortexes

Sedona is full of vortexes, and if you can disconnect and tune in to the energy, it can truly be transformative. I felt the strongest energy at Cathedral Rock, and we had a beautiful visit to Chapel of the Holy Cross. Other vortexes in Sedona include the Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon. Take your time at each site to truly tune into the energy and feel its transformative effects. Don’t make these a rush stop on a crowded itinerary – you’ll be doing a disservice to yourself and these incredible places.

Plan an Affordable Spa Day

Wellness is the vibe in Sedona, so naturally the town is full of spas. A lot of them are at fancy resorts or fine hotels, which come with a pretty price tag! My friend really wanted to have some spa time, and I needed some pampering after my crazy Devil’s Bridge hike. We scoured Yelp and chatted with locals at our hotel, and eventually decided on a Couples Massage at Namti Spa. They had a special for a 1 hour couples massage for only $79 each, which was a fraction of what most of the hotels charged. The massages were incredible, and the spa was clean, well-maintained, and perfectly relaxing.

If you come here make a stop at Crystal Magic next door! There is a gift shop and center for Aura/Psychic readings, which is a very Sedona thing to do.

Shop Crafts and Locally Made Foods

I’m not a really big vacation shopper, but something about the charm of Sedona had me pulling out my card and swiping all over the place! The touristy looking shops are actually surprisingly good – you’ll find everything from locally made soaps and candles to crystals and spiritual guidebooks. We mostly wandered in and out of the shops in Uptown, picking up candles, a cute notebook and mug set, and a few boxes of prickly pear gummies. Make sure you leave some room in your budget and suitcase for the shopping you’ll want to do!

Indulge in the Sedona Food & Wine Scene

Take a break between shopping and hiking to stuff your belly! I seriously didn’t have one bad, or even mediocre meal in Sedona. Everything from the Mexican to the Italian was on point. Our hotel was near Uptown, so most of the places we ate were in that zone. 89 Agave had amazing fresh salads and Mexican classics and Pisa Lisa had the best pizza I’ve had in years –and coming from a New Yorker that lived in Italy that is a pretty big deal. For a really fun, unforgettable Western meal, don’t miss Cowboy Club! We split small plates since everything looked too amazing to pass up. Skip the restaurant dessert and get ice cream, sundaes, or fresh baked pie from Black Cow.

Arizona also has a burgeoning wine scene, so make sure you do some tours or tastings. We popped into The Art of Wine for an afternoon tasting, but if you have a full day, explore some local vineyards in the Verde Valley.

Take a Sedona Pink Jeep Tour

Sedona is known for its unique Red Rock formations and the best way to see them is either hiking them or taking them in on an off-roading adventure. Pink Jeep Tours is one of the most famous tour operators in Sedona, and they have several different tour options depending on how much time you have and what you want to see.  Just be prepared for a bumpy ride!

Hope these tips help you plan an amazing trip to Sedona! Let me know if you go and what you think. The city is just so magical it can’t be missed!

I Rented an Airstream in Joshua Tree for a Socially Distant Vacation. Here's What You Need to Know

California was made for exploring. Since I moved to LA, I’ve made it my mission to see as much of the Golden State as possible. From epic beaches to stunning wine country, traveling here has been amazing. One of the most unique destinations in Southern California is Joshua Tree. If you don’t know much about Joshua Tree, it’s a huge national park surrounded by a handful of eclectic towns in the middle of a vast wilderness. The park is named after the signature trees you’ll see all over the landscape, the native yucca brevifolia, and you will be stunned by the incredible natural beauty.

You can always drive through the park for a day and quickly take in the scenery, but there is something magical about an overnight stay. Keep reading for more of my weekend adventure in Joshua Tree and travel tips to make the most of your time there.

Joshua Tree Travel Tips

Glamping in Joshua Tree

Since Joshua Tree is such a unique place, why not have a unique stay? Of course there are plenty of hotels and traditional houses for rent on AirBnB, but we decided to rent an airstream instead. Airstream rentals have become super trendy since they are made for an intimate socially distant experience. While I’m not a camping kind of girl, I can totally get down with glamping. Joshua Tree really is the perfect glamping destination.

The AirBnB we rented is called The Land Yacht and was so charming! It even had an old fashioned pool so we could escape the heat. A lot of Airstreams rentals don’t have their own kitchen or bathroom, so make sure you read your listing carefully! Ours had all the amenities we needed to have a comfy stay. It’s also an Instagrammer’s dream if you are looking for a place to stay with amazing photo opps!

AirBnB has plenty of other options if you filter for “Unique Stays” - from traditional yurts to more rustic campers. Just be sure to adjust your expectations. The “glamping” out here is a few notches above traditional camping, but is not necessarily a luxury experience. The Airstream we rented was full of rustic, vintage charm, but it was definitely a low-key set up and not at all fancy!

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree

If an Airstream or glamping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options. There are plenty of rental homes in the area, and several boutique hotels and motels you can choose from. Look for anything close to the park so you can have plenty of time to explore without driving too far there and back. There are no big chains or fancy resorts in Joshua Tree, so keep that in mind if that’s how you usually travel.

And if Joshua Tree isn’t your main destination, consider staying in near by Palm Springs. You’ll have you choice of posh or relaxed hotels or vacation homes and can always drive down to Joshua Tree for the day.

What to do Near Joshua Tree

So what exactly do you do in Joshua Tree? We only stayed 2 days, and wanted to focus on disconnecting and taking in the scenery, so we kept our itinerary pretty light. If you have a longer trip or just really want to explore, here are some recommendations!

Shopping in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is a haven for vintage shoppers and anyone who loves an eclectic find. Do some thrifting at a collection of boutiques and quirky shops, like Starlite Courtyard, Hoof and the Horn, Pioneer Crossing, and BKB Ceramics.

You’ll also find Trailer Court Shops, a marketplace that sells everything from Mexican blankets, mid-century collectibles, figurative sculptures, and folk art.

Hiking in Joshua Tree

The beautiful desert in Joshua Tree National Park is perfect for the adventurous explorer. It is a dream destination for rock climbers, hikers, and campers . There is everything from a desert oasis to a gorgeous cactus garden, inside the national park. It would take days to fully explore the park, but we just picked a few select trails to hike on our half-day adventure.

Fair warning though - start early! The sun becomes nearly unbearable by 11 am, so you want to have your hike wrapped up by then.

Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree

I got my fair share of rock climbing on our Joshua Tree hikes, but if you want to get more in, check out Joshua Tree Rock Climbing. They offer beginner and intermediate climbing courses, and are a great way to get some exercise in on your weekend adventure.

Explore Pioneertown

We stopped in Pioneertown on our way into Joshua Tree and it was so worth it! Pioneertown was built in the 1940s as a live-in Wild West movie set and offered temporary housing for cast and crew. Lots of classic Westerns were filmed there, like The Cisco Kid and Judge Roy Bean.

If the weather permits, take a walk around the town. You’ll find charming dirt roads, realistic dummies, dynamite props, and loads of Western memorabilia. Be sure to stop at Pappy and Harriet’s for a BBQ meal you will not forget!

Stargazing in Joshua Tree

The stargazing at night was definitely a highlight of my experience. I’m a NY girl born and raised, so it’s rare for me to see the sky light up like that. We rented a pick up truck so we could lay out and watch the stars, but you can also spread out a sleeping bag.

Safety Tips for Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is a beautiful destination, but one where you should exercise caution. The national park is home to dangerous wildlife, like rattlesnakes and coyotes, and plenty of prickly bushes and cacti that can be painful if you stumble upon one.

There are also plenty of bees and red ants so be careful! Watch where you are going as you walk, and always keep your eyes scanning around you. Look down before you place your hands or feet anywhere, and listen carefully for sounds like swarms of bees or the buzz of a rattlesnake.

And NEVER climb into the trees! I’m sure you’ve seen people doing this for Instagram photos, but not only is it dangerous, it can damage the very fragile Joshua Trees. Exercise caution and travel respectfully.

Hope these tips help! What destinations are on your California bucket list?

How to Have the Perfect Weekend In Paso Robles!

Everyone is looking for ideas for where to go on a summer vacation. My husband and I have been doing a few small social distancing friendly vacations, focusing on local and domestic travel. It has been a tough 5 months since stay at home restrictions started, so we have been slowly and carefully giving ourselves a break. California has so many beautiful places to visit, especially if you are up for a road trip. From beaches, to wine country, to mountains, the options for social distancing vacations are pretty endless.

If you are trying to figure out where to go on a summer vacation, I highly suggest a weekend visit to Paso Robles! It’s a beautiful wine country region conveniently located between LA and San Francisco. The drive is a beautiful road trip, and there are tons of ways to have fun while still making it a social distancing vacation. Check out my tips for the perfect weekend in Paso Robles California!

How to Have the Perfect Weekend in Paso Robles

Where to Stay in Paso Robles

We stayed at the Allegretto Resort, a gorgeous Tuscan inspired property with its own vineyard. It’s pretty perfect for a wine country getaway! The rooms are spacious, and many of them feature their own patio. The resort also has a pool, spa, tasting room, and restaurant, so it’s perfect for the lazy traveler. They even have cute yellow bikes you can use for the day. The grounds are spacious, and dotted with gazebos and swings so you can lounge around the property while still social distancing on vacation. If you can only do domestic travel, it’s the perfect place to pretend you’re on vacation in Tuscany!  

If downtown Paso Robles is more your vibe, check out the Piccolo Hotel. It’s a very chic, modern boutique hotel and is walking distance to a ton of tasting rooms in downtown Paso Robles. We took Ubers between all of our tastings, but if you stay downtown you’ll have plenty of options to walk to. Downtown Paso Robles is also full of cute shops and galleries, but a lot of things are closed due to covid.

What to do in Paso Robles

The obvious thing to do after a road trip to Paso Robles is drink! After all, you are in wine country and there are award winning vineyards everywhere. There are so many gorgeous wineries to visit, from boutique tasting rooms to sprawling wine country estates. Because of social distancing guidelines, most wineries are appointment only, so you’ll have to be pretty organized when planning your trip.

And make sure you are safe! Have a designated driver for the day, plan to take Uber around, or schedule a wine tour that drives you around. There are plenty of wine shuttles and hop on hop off winery tours to choose from.

Paso Robles is also known for its natural hot springs and day spas. We didn’t have time to visit, but River Oak Hot Springs is one of the most highly rated to visit in Paso Robles.

Even though you are in wine country, you may want a break from drinking! Stop by the Estrella Warbird Museum, an aviation museum with a unique collection of military aircraft, military vehicles and memorabilia. 

Paso Robles is also a great midway point between several other amazing road trip opportunities. Take a break from vineyard hopping for a social distancing vacation day and drive around the area.  Plan a visit to Hearst Castle, the iconic landmark that’s less than an hour away. It’s currently closed due to covid, but keep an eye on their website for when they eventually reopen! Pismo Beach is another great mini road trip, that’s only about a 45 minute drive away.  Or hop over to Morro Rock or Atascadero for another social distancing vacation day.

Wineries to Visit in Paso Robles

We didn’t have a ton of time so didn’t get to visit too many wineries in Paso Robles. But there are so many to choose from! The first one we visited was the tasting room at the Allegretto Resort. The outdoor space was lovely and they gave us a generous pour of 5 of their varietals.

On my must visit list was Daou Family Estates. Almost all the tastings are by appointment only, so we were wait listed for one. I was psyched when they had a cancellation the day before and we got in! The grounds are like a wine country fantasy. Everything is so picturesque and the photo opps are to die for. Their tasting is a little expensive, and the food way overpriced! But it’s worth it for the scenery alone. We did the tasting than got a glass of rose and sipped it while wandering the property and snapping pictures. If you are planning a schedule, definitely give yourself about 3 hours here. You’ll want to enjoy your wine at a relaxed pace and check out the stunning scenery. If you are thinking about where to go for a summer vacation, don’t miss Daou!

We planned to go to Copia Family Vineyards, but cancelled the appointment when we got into Daou. I wished we would have been able to fit it in, because it looks like such a beautiful vineyard, but maybe next time! They have a vineyard estate and a downtown tasting room, so you have options if you want to add them to your wine country getaway.

And don’t miss Indigene Cellars! They are one of very few black owned wineries, and you know I’m all about supporting black owned businesses! The owner makes some very impressive reds, and they also have some really cute wine bottle candles that you can take home with you.

There are more wineries in Paso Robles than I can list, so do some browsing and see where you can get appointments. Very few places are allowing walk-ins because of covid, so you’ll need to do a bit more upfront planning to make it a successful social distancing summer vacation.

If you are wondering where to go for summer vacation, I highly recommend Paso Robles. Wine country escapes are always beautiful, but Paso Robles has a unique charm that is worth experiencing. Domestic travel will be on the rise this year, so if you are thinking about destinations definitely add Paso Robles to your list! It’s a beautiful region and perfect for a social distancing vacation. Hope these tips help you plan your Paso Robles road trip, and let me know what other destinations are on your list!

Summer 2020 Travel Tips You Need to Know Now!

Well summer is in full swing, though it may not feel like it! I’m used to spending my summer days at beaches, pool parties, BBQ’s and of course rooftop bars. Most of those things are no longer possible thanks to covid. This will be my first summer without having a real social life, much less any girl’s trips! I’ve been lucky enough to take some small local vacations with my husband, but I was really hoping to be able to get a girl’s trip in this summer. One of the things I miss most since we’ve been social distancing is the quality time with my friends.

I have been doing some research on summer travel destinations and where it might be safe to take a vacation, so I wanted to share some of my ideas. Please be sure to do your own research before planning any vacations right now. Health and safety come first! You also need to take into consideration your personal risk factors. If you feel confident and comfortable planning a summer trip, keep reading for my tips on how to enjoy a vacation this summer!

Is it Safe to Travel Right Now

Covid-19 is still on the rise in several areas in the US. The situation is changing every day, so be sure to check up to the minute news and alerts to be safe. I initially thought about focusing on domestic travel this year, but I am rethinking that strategy. As much as I wanted to go to Sedona this Spring and Miami in December, at the time I’m writing this post, Arizona and Florida are both covid hotspots.

If you want to plan a safe summer vacation, research destinations that have low levels of coronavirus and are also friendly to social distancing. A boutique hotel on a small strip of beach may be a better bet than a sprawling resort or a big city. AirBnB is also resuming service, so look for properties with great amenities and a hotel feel. Bonus points if they offer contactless check-in. If you are travelling, or really leaving your house for any reason, you are taking a risk. Be smart about how you plan and take all necessary, CDC recommended precautions! Being quarantined for months on end is hard, and I’m sure we are all starting to feel stir crazy. Give yourself a much needed break; just do so cautiously and responsibly.

Where Can Americans Go for Summer Vacation

International travel has largely been restricted since March, and things are finally starting to loosen up. But before you hop on a flight out of the country, do your research! While the EU is allowing travel to resume, visitors from the US are banned. When can Americans go to Europe? Who knows! But if you want the feel of a European vacation, consider Croatia. The Mediterranean country is stunning, cheaper than most of Western Europe, and currently welcoming Americans without requiring a quarantine period. Serbia is also allowing American tourists in, and as of now the country hasn’t listed any restrictions or quarantine guidelines.

Other countries that are welcoming tourists include Mexico, the Bahamas, Aruba, Belize, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Barbados. Barbados is actually pioneering a program to allow remote workers to stay for up to 1 year if you are looking to really get away! If you are looking to go somewhere more exotic or far-flung, Tanzania, the Maldives and Dubai are all set to reopen to tourists this month.

Regulations vary by country, so check local guidelines before booking. Some will require proof of a negative covid test, testing on arrival within the country, a period of quarantine, installing a contact tracing app on arrival, and more. If you aren’t comfortable with the rules, stay home!

Should I postpone travel until the Fall?

It’s unclear how the coronavirus will progress over the next few months. Things could be much better by Fall or much worse, especially with schools reopening. If you are nervous about summer travel, definitely hold off. You won’t have fun or be able to relax if you are terrified of everything. There will always be travel opportunities! Save the time, stress and money for next year. You could slowly save for a really nice bucket list trip to take in 2021 instead of throwing something together right now.

If you are getting antsy and can’t take the thought of another weekend trapped at home, there are still options! Road trips and camping (or glamping) are always a blast! Or you could rent a tiny cabin in the woods for a socially distant escape. Travel will continue to be more affordable than ever this year so you should have plenty of options.

Hopefully these tips help you plan a safe vacation and take a healthy break from quarantine! Just remember to monitor local guidelines and recommendations from the CDC, and continuously research your potential destination before traveling!

4 Things You Need to Know for the Ultimate Catalina Island Adventure!

I’m so happy to say I had my first post-quarantine vacation and it was amazing! I haven’t been anywhere since January, and all the trips I had planned for Spring/Summer (including my wedding) were cancelled due to covid. Since covid related restrictions on travel have been slowly easing up, I started thinking about local vacation ideas that I could take that would be safe and fun! I didn’t want to get caught up in any travel bans or restrictions on domestic or international flights. I’m still avoiding flights and long-haul travel, but I had the chance to visit California’s Catalina Island for a few days. If you haven’t heard of Catalina Island, add it to your travel bucket list immediately!

Catalina Island is off the Southern Coast of California, easily accessible by ferry from Long Beach. I partnered with The Catalina Island Company to get a taste of the best the island has to offer. Keep reading for my tips on everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Catalina Island!

Where is Catalina Island

Catalina Island or Santa Catalina Island is part of the Channel Islands of California archipelago, but is considered a part of LA County. It’s a small island, with only about 4,000 residents. Most of the action is in Avalon a sparkling town on the waterfront with gorgeous Italian Riviera vibes. You can get there in about an hour by ferry from Long Beach, and there is also ferry service from several other ports near Los Angeles. The ferry is running on a reduced schedule due to covid, so make sure you book reservations and show up early to ensure a good seat. You don’t want to miss the views when the boat pulls into the gorgeous harbor in Avalon!

What to do on Catalina Island

Catalina Island has something to offer for everyone, no matter your travel style. Whether you’re a beach babe who wants to lay out in the sun all day or a thrill seeker looking for an adventure, Catalina Island has something for you! We found a balance between both adventure and relaxation on our 2 night stay.

The first thing we did was rent golf carts to explore the island. Avalon is completely walkable, but you need a set of wheels to take in the scenery and explore up in the hills. Cars are allowed on the island but have restrictions and are limited so a gold cart is your best bet. The average cost to rent a golf cart that seats 4 people is $50 an hour and 2 hours is more than enough time to have a leisurely drive around the island, stopping for pics at the viewpoints.

On the next day we hopped on a Dolphin/Sea Lion Tour with Catalina Coastal Adventure. The company takes you on a scenic sail around the bay where you’ll have the chance to spot sea lions and dolphins. The views are incredible, and we saw tons of sea lions, seals, and a whole pod of dolphins! You don’t always see dolphins since they move around so much, but we got lucky and stumbled upon a whole group of them.

If you want a real adventure, check out Catalina Island’s Zip Line Eco Tour. You’ll zip line across 5 lines, going as fast as 35mph at 600 feet elevation! It was terrifying at first, but so much fun! The zip lining tour ends at Descansco Beach, so you can pop into the stylish Descansco Beach Club for beachfront cocktails.

Fair warning, packing in all these activities can cost a pretty penny! Catalina Island is a close trip to LA, but it’s definitely not a cheap one. Look for discounts and promos on Visit Catalina Island and on Instagram. We tried to go parasailing after finding a 50% code on Instagram, but the tour got cancelled due to the weather.

Where to Eat on Catalina Island

The food on Catalina Island did not disappoint. Descansco Beach had a great menu that was perfect for a day at the beach, and the island had plenty of fresh seafood, high quality steaks, and great casual dining.  We planned to go to Avalon Grille since it’s also one of the most popular restaurants on Catalina Island, but it was still closed due to coronavirus. Don’t miss the fresh catch at Bluewater Grill or the classic 50’s diner breakfast at Jack’s.  And Steve’s Steakhouse is a classic restaurant with great views.  

Best Times to go to Catalina Island

While Catalina Island is gorgeous year round, summer is definitely the best time to visit. I would suggest late summer, like July/August for the best weather all day. LA is known for the May Grey and June Gloom, and the sun didn’t come out until after 12 or 1 every day on Catalina Island. If you want longer days with brighter sun, definitely go in between late June-early September. That will help make sure you can have the most fun in the sun, especially for water based activities.

Hope these tips help! If you are planning a trip to Catalina Island let me know in the comments if you have any questions! Be sure to check on any changes to travel restrictions, coronavirus related executive orders, or guidance from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention before booking travel.     

And special thanks to The Catalina Island Company for sponsoring my trip!

How to Plan The Perfect Post Quarantine Vacation

What a year 2020 has shaped up to be! One of my first posts this year was a Travel Bucket List - all the best destinations to visit each season this year. Of course the plan was never to visit all of these countries and cities in 2020! However, it was more to provide guidance and inspiration based on the best times to travel and which destinations would be best to visit at which time.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 had other plans! The virus quickly became a pandemic, shutting down everyday activities and making travel impossible. Any vacations you may have planned are now probably up in the air, and many brides are being forced to cancel their weddings due to Covid. Of course, we will be able to travel again safely one day. But will we be able to take vacations this summer with the effects of coronavirus? The main thing to focus on is health and safety, so the decision to travel has to take that into account. You’ll need to consider the prevalence of cases in your city and the city you are thinking about traveling to, as well as what activities and dining are available.

I’m cautiously planning some travel for June and July 2020 and am unbelievably excited. Keep reading for some of my predictions on how covid will change travel for the rest of the year and how to I’m planning safely!

How Coronavirus Will Affect Summer and Fall Travel

Summer travel will be less frequent this year than average. From fears about safety, to limited resources due to the economic impact of covid, less people will be taking trips for sure. However, people that were lucky enough to stay in good health and maintain their finances may want to consider planning a trip. International travel will likely be risky until late Summer, and a lot of countries have said the borders will remain closed to Americans indefinitely.

Luckily for me, I’ve been planning to do more domestic travel! The only international trip I had planned was for our destination wedding, which has sadly been postponed. Now is a great time to start thinking about domestic destinations that are safe and fun to visit. Since I’m a West Coast girl now, I plan to spend time exploring more of California and neighboring states. Sedona is top of my list, and I’m also excited about wine country in Oregon, mountains in Utah, going back to Hawaii, and seeing Cabo and Puerto Vallerta on the Western Coast of Mexico.

When we get out of quarantine and can start traveling again, the most popular trips will definitely be those that are close to home. The great American road trip will become popular again, with people planning trips that are an easy, scenic drive away. If you are nervous about flying, a road trip is the perfect way to travel while still practicing social distancing. People may also be more open to vacation homes like AirBnB instead of traditional hotels, largely because hotels require a lot more daily interaction with staff. Safety is always a big thing to consider when traveling, especially as a woman. It will become even more important as we consider health as much as personal safety.

Things may settle down even more by Fall, making international travel more likely. European hot spots and beach destinations will be closing down for the season by then, so think of some fun, new locales to explore. It’s always lovely to catch the Fall foliage, and wine destinations from Napa to Tuscany are gorgeous in September. Do some research into what is seasonally appropriate, safe, and free from restrictions before you book!

Planning a Post Quarantine Vacation

I’m sure we are all dying to get out of quarantine and get back to having fun! It can be a little scary thinking about traveling again, which is why planning a trip during the coronavirus pandemic will require a lot more precautions. If you plan on flying, give yourself extra time at the airport. There will probably not be long lines, but there will be extra safety precautions. A lot of airport restaurants may be closed and food and beverage service on your flight will likely be limited. Plan to eat before your trip and pack plenty of snacks just in case. If you are thinking about taking a long-haul flight, call the airline in advance to inquire about how they are handling meals. If you don’t like their plans, you may want to switch to a different provider or plan a trip with a shorter, easier flight.

And no matter your destination, do your research to make sure you can enjoy your time when you land. If there are certain sites you have your heart set on seeing, make sure they will be open! Purchase tickets and make restaurant reservations in advance as well. A lot of places will be reducing capacity and taking measures to ensure social distancing, so you don’t want to miss out.

While a face mask may not be required to fly or enter certain establishments, I recommend packing a few and wearing them. A face mask can protect you and those around you from getting sick and it’s still important to remain cautious right now. They can be a little annoying, especially when it’s hot outside, but health and safety are paramount. Keep a few cute patterns and colors in rotation if you are worried about how they look!

How to Find Post Coronavirus Travel Deals

The travel industry is reeling from the months of coronavirus related travel restrictions. That means travel deals will be plentiful! Sign up for travel newsletters and alerts from your favorite airlines and hotel chains. They will be offering everything from deep discounts to bonus points that you can use later. Dollar Flight Club has a special Travel Stimulus Package deal, offering $10,000 in exclusive discounts with 40+ of the best travel & outdoor brands in the world. Sign up on their site before May 31st!

There will also be a lot more flexibility with changes and cancellations, so don’t be afraid to make some reservations now. Just double check the fine print before booking! Booking direct gives you more of an advantage than using a third party booking platform, so consider changing your approach to making reservations. And don’t forget your travel insurance!

Hope these tips help! Just remember to have fun and be safe!

Everything You Need to Know About the Coronavirus and Travel

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the coronavirus has been the top story on the news across the country. It’s been spreading over the past few months, with cases reported everywhere from Italy to Iran. Even though it seems to be slowing down in Asia where it originated, it’s creeping across Europe and the US, leaving thousands of people rightfully concerned. I have several trips planned that yet to be affected. However, I have been monitoring the situation pretty closely just in case, especially since my destination wedding is just a few months away!  

I’m also feeling really tempted to say virus be damned and start taking advantage of travel deals since every airline is slashing prices due to low demand! If you aren’t sure about what the coronavirus means for any upcoming trips, keep reading for some of my tips. Remember to do more in depth research especially about the locations you have in mind. Safety should always come first and I am definitely not a world health expert! 

Travel Precautions for Coronavirus

If you have decided to keep your scheduled travel plans, be a little extra cautious to protect your health. In addition to regularly washing your hands, avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes! If you are on a plane, sanitize all surfaces, especially before you eat. If you happen to be seated next to someone that is showing cold/flu-like symptoms, discretely ask the flight attendant to move you to a different seat. 

Changing a Trip Due to Coronavirus

If you had a trip planned to somewhere that has a large population affected with the coronavirus or is on lockdown, you may want to rethink your plans. Even if you were looking forward to it for months, it’s not worth it to compromise your health. Plus, most places that are severely affected won’t even be much fun to visit right now! Most airlines are being extremely flexible about cancellations, so it may not cost you anything to postpone your trip. Delta and United are both waiving cancellation/change fees, so you can easily push your trip to another time of year, or even choose a new destination. Hotels may be more or less flexible depending on the chain or booking site you used. If you are unclear on what you can do, contact customer service to review your options. 

 I also just learned that airlines will often refund you the difference in fare if the price of your flight drops after booking. It will be an airline credit not cash refund, but I definitely got back a few hundred dollars after the price of my flight to France fell! If you have booked a trip and plan to keep it, check the current base price. If it’s less than what you paid, call that airline’s customer service and ask what they can do.  

How to Take Advantage of Cheap Travel Due to Coronavirus

If you aren’t scared of the virus now is THE BEST time to book travel! Flights to some of the world’s most desirable locations are at record lows. And considering how easily you can cancel or change a ticket these days, booking a trip is pretty much risk free. Just pick dates a few months down the road in case the coronavirus situation continues to worsen. But I’ve definitely got my eye on some destinations for December/January! You should always purchase travel insurance anyway, but if you don’t make that a habit start doing so now. Also look for hotels that have free cancellation and don’t require pre-payment in case you need to cancel later. Booking.com is my go to site for hotel reservations precisely for that reason! 

Safe travels everyone! And check out my post on the top destinations of 2020 if you need a little more travel inspo!