Slay All Summer! Must-Have Products for the Ultimate It Girl Traveler
As the temperature rises and wanderlust sets in, it's time to prepare for your summer adventures in style. Whether you're jet-setting to exotic locales or exploring hidden gems closer to home, being an It Girl traveler means packing the perfect combination of fashion, beauty, books, and travel accessories. In this guide, I'll share my top picks for essential products to elevate your summer travels and ensure you're always ready for that Instagram-worthy moment.
Fashion Essentials:
Versatile Sun Hat: Shield yourself from the sun in style with a chic wide-brimmed sun hat. Opt for a neutral shade like beige or black to effortlessly complement any outfit, whether you're lounging by the pool or exploring a bustling city.
Flowy Maxi Dress: Embrace effortless elegance with a flowy maxi dress that's as comfortable as it is fashionable. Choose lightweight fabrics and vibrant prints to capture the essence of summer while staying cool and comfortable all day long.
Statement Sunglasses: Make a statement with a pair of oversized sunglasses that exude glamour and sophistication. Look for on-trend frames like cat-eye or aviator styles to add a touch of personality to your summer ensemble.
Stylish Swimwear: Elevate your poolside look with a swimsuit that combines fashion and function. Whether you prefer a classic one-piece or a trendy bikini, opt for flattering silhouettes and vibrant colors to turn heads wherever you go.
Beauty Essentials:
Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with a high-quality sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection. Look for lightweight formulas that won't feel greasy or heavy on your skin, and don't forget to reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. Opt for a reef-safe formula if you're headed to a beach destination.
Hydrating Facial Mist: Stay refreshed and rejuvenated on the go with a hydrating facial mist that provides an instant burst of moisture. Choose a formula infused with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or rose water to keep your skin glowing all summer long.
Makeup Multitaskers: Look for products that do double duty. A tinted moisturizer provides light coverage and hydration, while a cream blush can also be used on your lips for a dewy flush.
Books & Technology
Journal: Capture your travel memories and reflections in a stylish journal that reflects your personal style. Use it to jot down your favorite moments, document new experiences, and express your thoughts and emotions as you embark on your summer adventures.
Language Phrasebook: Immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the people you meet by learning key phrases and expressions in the local language. A compact language phrasebook is an essential tool for navigating unfamiliar territory and making meaningful connections with locals.
Portable Charger: Keep your devices powered up and ready for action with a portable charger that's compact and lightweight enough to carry with you everywhere. Whether you're snapping photos, navigating with GPS, or staying connected with loved ones, a reliable portable charger is a travel essential you won't want to be without.
Noise Cancelling Headphones: these are an essential for getting through a long flight or train ride!
Don’t Forget - Safety First! Other Travel Accessories:
Carbon Monoxide Detector: Unfortunately not every hotel or AirBnB has these, and the results can be tragic. There have been several cases of tourists dying from carbon monoxide poisoning, even at high end resorts. Grab an affordable travel friendly option to keep your safety in your own hands!
Personal Safety Alarm: Stay prepared for any situation with a personal safety alarm that emits a loud, attention-grabbing sound to deter potential threats and attract help in emergencies. Compact and easy to carry, a safety alarm provides added peace of mind for solo female travelers exploring unfamiliar destinations.
Self-Defense Keychain: Equip yourself with a self-defense keychain that doubles as a discreet weapon to protect yourself in threatening situations. Choose a compact and lightweight design that fits comfortably in your hand and can be easily deployed if needed.
RFID Blocking Wallet: Protect your sensitive information and prevent identity theft with an RFID blocking wallet that shields your credit cards, passports, and other electronic devices from unauthorized scanning. Stylish and functional, an RFID blocking wallet is an essential accessory for safeguarding your personal data while traveling solo.
Portable Door Lock: Enhance your safety and security in accommodations with a portable door lock that provides an additional layer of protection against intruders. Easy to install and remove, a portable door lock offers peace of mind and reassurance for solo female travelers staying in hotels, hostels, or vacation rentals.
With these essential products in your arsenal, you'll be well-equipped to embark on the ultimate It Girl travel experience this summer. From chic fashion pieces and beauty essentials to captivating books and practical travel accessories, these must-have items will ensure you're always ready for whatever adventures come your way. So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of wanderlust, and get ready to make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Safe travels!
How to Explore Lebanon: Safety Tips You Need Before You Plan Your Trip
So it has been a long time since I’ve done a Lebanon update here, but I hope you have been following my adventures on Instagram and TikTok. By the time I’m posting this, I am back in the U.S after spending 2 years in Lebanon, and the experience is equal parts relaxing and overwhelming.
Lebanon has been an incredible place to live the past 2 years, and the feeling of leaving is bittersweet. Its not the most obvious choice for tourists and there is a lot of misinformation about Lebanon, but it’s such an incredible country it really should be on everyone’s list.
Keep reading for some of the most important things you need to know if you want to plan a trip to Lebanon!
How to Explore Lebanon:
Safety Tips You Need Before You Plan Your Trip
What is Lebanon really like right now?
Lebanon is currently facing a severe economic crisis of historic proportions. The country's once stable banking system collapsed, causing a dramatic depreciation of the local currency and skyrocketing inflation, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. People have had their savings trapped in banks due to limits on how much can be withdrawn, and many have resorted to arming themselves and holding banks hostage to demand their savings.
Even basic necessities like electricity and fuel are in shortage, and people are forced to rely on expensive private generators or spend most of their day with no power, no refrigeration, no AC in the summer or heating in the winter. All of this was exacerbated by the devastating port explosion that occurred in 2020.
The port explosion of 2020 caused immense damage to Beirut's port area and nearby neighborhoods, leaving scars that are still visible today. The rebuilding process is ongoing and I’m astonished and inspired every day by the resilience of the Lebanese people.
But despite the challenges, Lebanon offers a whole different world. Even amidst the economic crisis, you'll find a vibrant and stylish lifestyle and some incredibly high end experiences you will never forget. . The city is buzzing with trendy cafes, eclectic art scenes, and a nightlife that knows no bounds. Lebanon continues to captivate international tourists and its easy to see why. From the ancient ruins of Baalbek to the stunning coastline of Byblos, this country boasts a rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Tourists still flock here to explore the diverse culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
Is Lebanon safe to travel to?
I am someone who generally speaking pays attention to travel advisories and right now the U.S Department of State has Lebanon on a Level 3 travel advisory. They mention specific areas of Lebanon to avoid and detail the reasons why, so while I live here, I do avoid the areas highlighted because I want to exercise caution. I recommend every traveler check with their embassy or consulate for their guidance on safety.
But I do feel safer and more comfortable here as a woman than I have in several other countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco. In most of the country you can wear whatever you want, there is no street harassment and people are genuinely friendly and helpful to tourists. There really isn’t a scammy culture here, so in that sense it is really easy to relax and enjoy your time as a tourist.
For black travelers in particular, your experience may vary. I was mostly treated well and really don’t have any racist horror stories, but I know that is not the case for many of my friends, especially darker skin travelers or people that are African, not American. There are a lot of African migrant workers that come as domestic helpers in Lebanon, and a lot of those people, mostly women, suffer discrimination and mistreatment and are treated like second class citizens. That kind of sentiment can carry over and impact tourists, but for the most part I was safe and free from harassment, and all my African American friends and family that visited said the same thing. You definitely will draw some attention, but not necessarily in a negative way, but there are just not a lot of black tourists here, so you’ll stand out. If that makes you nervous, you can definitely hire a tour guide or driver and I’ll leave some links below that may help!
What’s the deal with the money?
As I mentioned earlier, the collapse of the banking system caused the Lebanese lira to become completely devalued. The bank rate was pegged to the dollar at 1515 to $1, but as the economy collapsed an almost universally used parallel market emerged. When I moved here in 2021 the parallel market rate was $1 to $17,000 and as I’m filming this video its now $1 to $93,000. The local currency has lost over 90% of it’s value and people that depend on Lebanese lira or get paid in lira are truly suffering.
This won’t impact you much as a tourist because you are coming in with foreign currency and probably won’t even need to change money. Almost every restaurant, grocery store, beach, site, like literally anywhere you will go will have prices in US dollars, so if you are coming as a tourist just bring plenty of cash in small bills and be careful using credit cards. They are not accepted everywhere, some may charge exorbitant fees or even the bank rate making you pay 10 times more. And if you run out of money on your trip, you can always look for an OMT or Western Union and have someone send you some cash.
What should be on my Lebanon itinerary?
The amazing thing about Lebanon is anything you can think of, you can do here! In summer it’s all about the beaches! Private beach clubs or public beaches are amazing, and there are plenty of sunset bars by the sea or in the mountains that have incredible views, plus there is world-class hiking if that is your thing. Don’t miss Batroun and Byblos, two of the oldest inhabited cities and both beautiful places to explore.
If you’re coming in winter, don’t miss ski season! The mountains are stunning and you will have a blast skiing, snowboarding and staying in the cute winter chalets dotting the mountains. If you’re here in Spring you may get lucky and find the perfect weather combination for you to ski and the morning and hit the beach in the afternoon!
Lebanon also has a ton of museums, art galleries, and cultural events, like the Byblos Tango Festival, Beitadine Festival, Balbeck Music Festival, Beirut Chants Classical Music festival and more. And whatever you do, don’t miss the chance to eat all the Lebanese food you can, it is off the charts delicious. I think that is the thing I’m going to miss most about life here to be honest.
Hopefully this post will help you plan a trip to Lebanon if you’ve been curious about visiting. And be sure to check out my playlists on TikTok and YouTube all about life in Lebanon and the best places to visit.
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4 Unexpected Things to Know Before Traveling to Jordan
2023 is off to a beautiful start!
I just came back from a long trip with my husband where we spent time in the Maldives, Dubai, and Jordan. Yes the trip was as incredible as it sounds! However, while I did have an amazing time, it would be completely dishonest to pretend like everything absolutely perfect on social media.
Influencers have a way of making everything a highlight reel, and that is not what I want my social media platforms to become. I decided to write this post in the spirit of always being transparent my readers to let you guys know some of the drawbacks of travel in Jordan.
While there is a lot to love about Jordan, from the incredible historic sites to the warm hospitality, there were a few things that worked my nerves on the 5 days I spent traveling in Jordan.
So keep reading for a few of the things that I HATED about Jordan!
4 Things You Need to Know Before Booking a Trip to Jordan
There are a lot of security screenings in Amman, Jordan
One of the most annoying things about my trip to Jordan was the constant and borderline invasive security screenings. We stayed at a Hilton and did most of our meals and evenings out at other hotels because of the limited availability of alcohol. Jordan is a Muslim country, so you usually can’t find alcohol at every restaurant, unless it’s in a hotel or maybe one of the bigger international style restaurants.
But every time you enter a hotel you are subjected to a thorough screening, almost like an airport! The taxi you pull up in will go through a vehicle check, in which a guard carefully inspects the outside, underneath the car, and sometimes the trunk and hood, presumably looking for explosives. Then once you get out of the car and enter the hotel, they make you put your bags and things through a scanner while you walk through a metal detector. That is also sometimes followed by a frisk/pat down, but if you are female, they will escort you behind a privacy curtain.
While I understand they do all this for the safety of their staff and guests it can still be annoying for the average tourist but was extremely triggering for me as a black traveler. There was once after I was taken behind the curtain for a pat down my husband and I decided to linger around and see if they were doing the same thing to the next few people that walked in behind us and they did. So even though there was no discrimination or profiling at play, it still just changes your vibe and puts those kinds of thoughts in your head.
Be prepared for the screenings if you are dining out in Amman, or just try to avoid restaurants that are in hotels if it makes you really uncomfortable.
Jordan is pretty conservative
While Jordan is more progressive than many other nations in the Middle East, there are still a lot of conservative practices that you need to be aware of and it can be a little grating when you are just trying to enjoy your vacation, especially if you are single and traveling in Jordan.
First of all in Jordan, sleeping with any unmarried member of the opposite sex is considered adultery, which is punishable by up to three years in prison, and yes unlike in Bali, that law also applies to foreigners. Same sex couples should also exercise more caution. Homosexuality was decriminalized in Jordan in 1951, so while it is legal, it’s not exactly culturally or socially embraced. Public displays of affection between members of the same gender might be considered a disruption of the public peace and could also be prosecuted, even if you are legally married in your home country.
These things will of course be more loosely enforced or ignored if you stay at a Western chain hotel, like a Marriott or Hilton, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip, and avoid boutique hotels or family owned properties.
I was traveling with my husband, and we made sure to have a copy of our marriage certificate just in case, and we generally avoided any public displays off affection, which was hard because we are a pretty lovey dovey couple. But we just wanted to travel with ease avoid uncomfortable stares and judgmental eyes.
Jordan has extremely high prices
Jordan is expensive! I mean the currency is strong with 1 JOD being equal to about $1.40, so the exchange does not work in your favor. On top of that the prices are high enough to just not make any damn sense.
It was extremely frustrating to see premium, almost luxury prices on the most basic things, like a dusty hotel and mediocre food, just because that is what is available and what they can get away with.If you are planning your trip to Jordan keep that in mind, save accordingly and lower your expectations.
The food was decent in Amman once you get into the international fine dining scene, but it will be mediocre at best near Petra and Wadi Rum, and yet you will somehow be spending comparable amounts of money.
There are tourist traps everywhere in Jordan
Millions of people travel to Jordan to see sights like the Dead Sea, Petra, and go glamping in Wadi Rum, so you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that there are tourist traps literally everywhere. Petra was the worst offender.
We spent 2 days in Petra, once on our own and once with a guide we hired through Viator. When we were by ourselves, the second we stepped foot through the entrance we were basically bombarded with a series of aggressive vendors pushing everything from “secret Bedouin tours” to camel rides – even though no one really rides a camel in Petra, it’s basically just for a photo opp in front of the treasury.
It was infinitely less stressful to go with a guide because all the other vendors didn’t really approach us when we were with the guide. But if you want to get to the viral Instagram photo spot with a view from above the treasury, you do have to hire a local Bedouin guide. A Jordanian tour guide cannot take you – it has to be one of the Bedouins. Same for the mules that are hired to take people all the way up to the Monastery. So you might end up paying for a guide for a day, then also spending money with the Bedouins to get to certain spots.
I of course had to get the photos from the viewpoint, so our Jordanian tour guide helped us negotiate the price. The original as was 20 JOD, but we got it down to 10 JOD and while the climb up and down was pretty treacherous, the view really is lovely and the mint tea they served was amazing.
Overall it was really fun, but it can be an unanticipated expense and also make you feel vulnerable if you are traveling without a guide that can help you, because you really never know what is a scam or not. And be sure to be polite to the Bedouins! Our guide was super sweet to us, but I saw a few tourists getting cursed out and threatened for offending them, and if you think you’re going to involve the police, don’t bother. They will not be on your side!
Overall I enjoyed my trip, but these 4 factors definitely added some stress to the experience. Be prepared for what you may encounter on your trip to Jordan! And if you want to see more of my Jordan Travel Tips, check out my Jordan Vlog and Subscribe to my YouTube channel!
4 Things You Need to Know Before Booking a Trip to Jordan
Jordan is a conservative country
There are a lot of security screenings in Amman, Jordan
Jordan has extremely high prices and a strong currency so is an expensive destination
There are tourist traps everywhere in Jordan
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6 Essential Safety Tips to You Need Before Your Next Trip
Have you ever taken a solo trip? There are loads of safety precautions one must take when traveling alone, but you also can’t forget to stay safe when traveling with a partner or group of friends. Since I am someone who travels so much, I spend a good deal of time focusing on how to stay as safe as possible when traveling. I have learned a lot from my various trips abroad, either solo, with my friends, or with my husband, so keep reading for some of my top safety tips for travelers!
6 Essential Safety Tips to You Need Before Your Next Trip
Travel with a portable carbon monoxide detector
Carbon monoxide detectors are a home essential, but this year there have been several stories reported of people being found dead in their hotels or AirBnBs due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
For a while I just assumed that including a carbon monoxide detector was standard practice, but unfortunately it is not. Definitely get in the habit of double checking with your hotel or AirBnB host that there are functioning carbon monoxide detectors before you finalize your booking, and pack your own portable carbon monoxide detector. I just picked up one of these on Amazon, but there are dozens of options you can choose from. It doesn’t really matter the brand, just look for something small and easy to pack that also includes a backup battery in case of a power outage.
Don’t forget a door jam or additional lock
So story time, I was in New York for a family gathering and we all booked blocks of rooms at a chain hotel, like a Marriot or Holiday Inn. I was coming back to my room and when I walked in one of my cousins was just in the room chilling.
I was fully expecting her to be there so no big deal, but I asked her how she got the key. And she said she just asked reception for the key to room number whatever and they just gave it to her. They didn’t ask for ID, they didn’t even verify that I had added her name to my room reservation ya’ll! So naturally I went down there and barked at the manager loud enough for several other guests in the line to check in to hear me.
But unfortunately this kind of stuff happens all too often. While a door jam can’t protect you from someone coming into your room when you are not there, it can at least keep you safe once you are inside. I use this one which will block a door from opening fully and it also lets out an extremely loud alarm if the door is even cracked. You can get one for a hotel room and extras for when you stay in an AirBnB with multiple points of entry.
Choose your travel partners carefully
I could not make this video without discussing the tragic case of Shanquella Robinson who was allegedly murdered on a group trip to Cabo at the hands of people she thought were her friends. I cannot imagine what her family is going through.
And her case is not the only one of its kind. In the past year there have actually been several stories of people allegedly being murdered by their travel partner, be it a spouse or a friend. Of course there is no way to predict if someone you love will hurt you and victims should never be blamed for the things that happen to them. But all I can say is if you get invited on a trip with someone you have had a rocky relationship with, give it a second thought and trust your instincts and make sure people at home have a little bit of background on the situation in case shit really does hit the fan.
Pre-arrange airport transportation
Whenever I travel alone I always book an airport transfer with a driver meet and greet. That means that the driver will be waiting for you inside the airport holding a sign with your name on it. As a female solo traveler one of the times you are most vulnerable is when you land alone at the airport and are trying to make it to your hotel. Having that driver meet and greet is an extra layer of security to make sure you aren’t wandering around and potentially hopping in an unauthorized taxi with someone pretending to be a taxi or Uber driver.
This may seem like a luxury, but it’s actually not as expensive as it might seem. I usually look for these on Viator or Booking.com and when reserved in advance they are around the same price as a normal taxi would be. There are also usually options for a shared shuttle service which will pick up multiple travelers and drop them at their respective hotels, which is a great way to get the secure pickup but also save on the cost.
This is a great option if you have time to spare in your itinerary, since these pickups take longer since you are waiting for more passengers to pick up then making multiple drop off stops and the order is determined by the driver. If you are someone who plans to save money by using public transportation, just be sure you know how to find it from the airport and how to make your way to the hotel from where the bus or metro lets you off. Try to identify a cafe or store that would be a safe place to stop inside if you need a few minutes to figure out walking directions or wait for an Uber to your final destination. And do not use this option at night!
Share your itinerary with someone at home
Always make sure someone at home knows where you are and knows how to find you in case something happens. That means making sure they know where you are staying and how to contact the hotel or AirBnB host, what time you were supposed to be landing and departing, and any important details. Unfortunately emergencies happen, and if your friends or family know you were supposed to land and whatever time and check into your hotel a few hours later and they don’t hear from you, they need to have this info to alert the authorities.
Send even a loose itinerary to your friends/family and check in periodically to update them.
Have an emergency plan
Do you know what number to call if you need the police? Hint, it’s probably not 911!
Before you land, save emergency phone numbers for your destination, as well as the phone number to your local embassy or consulate. Keep cash on hand in the local currency, and be sure to learn local warning systems, evacuation routes, and shelters, especially if you are going to a place that is prone to natural disasters.
I also recommend enrolling in STEP, a US government program that will make sure you receive important information from your local embassy about safety conditions in the country you’re traveling to, helps the embassy contact you in an emergency, like a natural disaster or civil unrest, and helps family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency. No the government is not going to use it to track you, spy on you or whatever you may be paranoid about, it is literally just a tool to help you in the event of an emergency abroad.
Hopefully these tips will help you and your loved ones stay safe when you are traveling! Let me know in the comments if you have more tips to share. And if you found this post helpful and think it will help your friends, go ahead and send it to someone that you think will find it useful.
6 Essential Safety Tips to You Need Before Your Next Trip
Travel with a portable carbon monoxide detector
Don’t forget a door jam or additional lock
Choose your travel partners carefully
Pre-arrange airport transportation
Share your itinerary with someone at home
Have an emergency plan
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