The Big Island is the largest of all the islands that make up beautiful Hawaii. What draws people to visit here is the vastly diverse landscapes you can explore just on this one island alone. You have multi colored beaches such as green sand or even black sand beaches available to experience. You have volcanoes,…
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The roaring twenties are upon us! I can just feel it in the air- this year is going to be one of the best ever. The beginning of the year is always so exciting- dreaming about far-flung places that you want to visit, activities you want to do, and delicious things you want to eat.…
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Growing up on the West Coast of Florida, I was never the biggest fan of Miami to be honest. I found it to be overcrowded, loud, pretentious, and just too much sometimes. I’m not a big ‘club’ or stay up all night kind of gal and I always had this vision that that was all…
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Going on vacation can be as scary as it is exciting. Being away from the comforts of home increases anxiety, so for many, preparing as much as possible beforehand offers peace of mind. We are always hearing stories of others that have had disastrous holidays – from terrible weather and cancelled flights to lost…
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Being in your 20s is one of the most exciting times in your life (welp, just turned 30). The freedom of entering adulthood, coupled with the enthusiasm of having your whole life ahead of you, means it’s the perfect time to get out into the world and start exploring. The experiences you’ll gain from…
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If you are like me then that means you don’t always have the luxury of finding someone to travel with you. Most people don’t have the flexibility or even the desire to go to far away areas of the world. Most would rather say they’d love to travel than to take the initiative to make it…
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Vancouver is one of my favorite cities ever. Its a big, bustling city right on the water with one of the coolest parks around. Its every city lovers dream mixed with every nature lovers dream. It has culture, delicious food, and… BEER! I was blown away by all of their breweries and how good they were-…
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For years and years Japan has always been on my list of destinations I was dying to visit. I’ve always been drawn to the Japanese culture and how this country has kept their traditions so alive despite being so technologically advanced. I decided for my 30th birthday (yuck.) that I was going to go to…
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Sometimes when the travel bug hits you, it hits you hard. You feel this inner urge to go– and go right freaking now. Even if its for a long weekend, a week, or month it’s hard finding someone that can go with you! People have obligations in their life that they can’t neglect or…
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Ah, love. Sweet, romantic, head over heels love. What better way to celebrate being in love than going on an ultimate romantic trip for Valentines Day? Or say screw love and go on a Galentines Day trip! Don’t know where to go? Here are 14 of my favorite romantic places for you to visit! 1.…
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For about 2 years now, Antigua has been on my list of places to go. I was so fascinated with the colors, the vibrancy, the volcanoes, and the buildings of this historic town. I felt as though I had a strange connection with this beautiful place before I went, with every photo calling me there.…
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With the holidays right around the corner I’m always scrambling for last minute gift ideas for my loved ones! This year I decided to help you all out with your lists. First list is for those beautiful traveling ladies and second is for the handsome men in your life. Here’s what I recommend! 1.What…
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Pucón, Chile was my first stop on my week long Chilean adventure- and what a way to start. Driving through this picturesque town you wonder ‘Did my plane take me to Switzerland accidentally?’ with its alpine charm. Beautiful wooden buildings sit on the edge of enormous lakes with snow-capped volcanoes peaking above. Pucón Chile is…
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Oh Kyoto, you have my heart. This former capital of Japan is home to imperial palaces, picturesque Buddhist temples, perfectly manicured gardens, traditional geishas, and so much more. It was my first stop on my Japan trip and it was the perfect introduction to Japanese culture. It’s a blend of old meets new and traditional…
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Traveling throughout the Pacific Northwest was one of the coolest trips I’ve done. It’s an incredibly scenic area of the United States that I haven’t explored yet. Living in Florida means that I can get to Europe in almost the same about of travel time so up till now, I’ve opted to do that. I…
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This incredible area of Oregon is a wine lovers paradise. Endless rolling hills lined with rows of perfectly manicured vineyards and hazelnut trees. This beautiful area, to me, is the next Napa Valley. Willamette Valley is filled with some of the most delicious wine I’ve ever had, especially their Pinot Noirs. The area has a…
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Only have one day to spare in Seattle? No problem! I was only in Seattle for a day and covered some major ground. It’s an awesome city with great food, views, and fun! If you’re only in Seattle for the day, here’s what I recommend! Wake up bright and early at the very cool, hipster…
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Before visiting Vancouver I asked friends that I know had visited what they thought. They would gush about how beautiful, clean, and different Vancouver was than any other city. They would go on and on, building my hopes and expectations up higher than I like for them to be before visiting a new destination. More…
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The San Juan Islands are a magical archipelago off the coast of Washington. Before planning my trip out to the Pacific NW, and doing a tremendous amount of homework looking into where to go/see/do, I had never head of the San Juan Islands before. The moment I googled the San Juan Islands, my heart was…
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Looking for the perfect long weekend getaway? Make sure to put Long Island on your radar. It’s located only about an hour away from NYC, and yet you’ll feel like you’re worlds away. Here’s my recommendation to the ultimate long weekend! Head out Thursday to the incredible Oheka Castle to channel your inner Great Gatsby.…
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Located about 80 minutes away from Panama City lies a magical resort nestled among lush tropical gardens and a pristine beach. I pulled into the Spanish Colonial styled hotel and was instantly greeted with smile, picture perfect decor, and an open-air lobby. Eye-catching handicrafts from indigenous Panamanian tribes were used as the accessories in the…
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Casco Viejo is Panama City, Panama’s old town. Before going, I had NO idea what to expect. I thought it would probably be cute and have some cool areas in the Old Town that would be good to photograph which is the usual case for a city’s old town. The second I arrived I instantly…
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Bermuda was a place that I actually had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. The entire island was pristine, colorful, and incredibly gorgeous. The streets are lined with sherbet colored houses and establishments with friendly faces. Behind the building is the most magnificent blue waters I’ve ever seen. I was lucky enough…
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I gently rocked back and forth as my boat idled through the calm bay, mesmerized by the intricate architecture of the West Bay area in front of me. I watched as the desert sun set behind the skyscrapers that made up the Doha skyline in the distance. With every minute that passed the darkness of…
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As I walked through the doors flaked with smiling bellman and into the lobby of UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya I was immediately engulfed in impeccable design. Beautiful lanterns dangling high from the white washed vaulted ceilings, crisp white walls with dark wood floors, and a dark pintuck leather seating areas to swoon over immediately greeted me. I…
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Deep in the heart of Nicaragua on the Pacific coast lies a magical place surrounded by lush forest, wild nature, and untouched beauty. From the moment I saw this wellness resort online I knew I had to visit, and boy am I glad I did. I flew into the capital city of Managua and then…
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Bhutan was a country of my wildest dreams. It’s a kingdom filled with untouched beauty, picturesque monasteries atop snow capped mountains, rich traditions, and kind people. This country hasn’t been open to tourists for very long, keeping it from being degraded from tourism over the years and preserving their vibrant traditions. While visiting this tiny…
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I sat down to an outdoor unpretentious table brimming with a local Georgian supra (feast) amongst the picturesque landscape of the Caucasus Mountains. Long grass and wildflowers tickled my feet as I sipped on a glass of chilled Georgian white wine that could rival any well-known stateside vineyard. A crisp breeze circled around me as…
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Nepal to this day is still one of my favorite destinations. It’s definitely not a ‘destination’ most people would think to travel to which I understand, but this country has so much to offer. Many people travel here just to climb Everest and that’s ok… but if you were to take a week and explore…
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I emerged from my bus as though I was emerging from a spaceship that had just landed on Mars. Dramatic sandstone mountains and copper toned sand was as far as the eye could see. This incredibly ethereal desert was, besides seeing Petra, my favorite part of Jordan. The desert was begging for exploration, to which…
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Ahhhh Valentines Day- the day of love and romance. There’s no better way to spend it then with your love in a different country in the ultimate romantic setting. Show your loved one just how must you really love them by whisking them off to one of my top ten places! Move over flowers and…
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Svaneti, Georgia is one of the most magical places I’ve visited. Lush green grass, deep blue skies, snow capped mountains in the distance, old iconic Svaneti stacks, and unspoiled nature is what you will find here. The Svaneti region of Georgia is becoming a popular place to visit with people looking for outdoor adventure. The…
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So this is not at all a typical post for me because I’m definitely not a ‘fashion blogger’, nor do I claim to be. However, when I got invited to visit the incredible country of Jordan with my friends at My Jordan Journey the first thing I did was google what women wore there. I…
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I’ll be honest with you before I visited this amazing city I had never heard of it. After visiting, I can truly say that Doha Qatar is one of the coolest cities I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. The impressive skyline lights up at night and draws you in like a moth to a flame.…
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A new year means new opportunities for adventure! At the beginning of a year my mind races, wondering where all I’ll end up. I’ll scour through social media accounts for inspiration and make a list for the year of everywhere I’d like to visit. Sometimes I get to go and sometimes they get put on…
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It feels like last week I was writing about all that 2016 brought me, and yet somehow another year has come and gone. 2017 has been a whirlwind to say the least and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to experience some places that, to be honest, I never even thought of visiting. You never know where…
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Jordan might be one of the most incredible countries I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. I was fortunate enough to spend an epic week touring the country with my friends at My Jordan Journey who went above and beyond showing me all that their country has to offer. Every moment of the trip was nothing…
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Petra, the “Lost City”, has always been high on my bucket list. It’s an ancient city filled with mystery, history, and beauty. When my friends over at My Jordan Journey invited me to come see their amazing country I instantly jumped on the opportunity. I’m still over here for a few more days but I…
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I walked through the stately doors of the recently and exquisitely renovated historic Adelphi Hotel in downtown Saratoga Springs. After passing through the chic new age Victorian décor of the lobby I entered their renowned steakhouse, Salt & Char. I was immediately met with world class service and an impressively delicious feast comprising of only…
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When traveling, there’s no better way to capture the moment than by snapping an incredible picture or video. It’s something that, along with the memories, lasts a lifetime. I love looking back on old travel pictures reminiscing when it was taken. I find myself thinking about the adventure, the new friends made, and all…
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Istanbul is an incredibly large and amazing city. There’s an immense amount of rich history and culture that will blow you away from the moment you land. Beautiful tiled mosques, picturesque water views, and delicious food are everywhere. It’s a vibrant, bustling city that everyone should see and experience at least once. If you are…
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‘Indulge, Imbibe, Escape’ is the mantra for the recently opened and exquisitely renovated Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga Springs. This historical boutique hotel has been around in downtown Saratoga Springs for 140 years making it a well known landmark. Recently it has gone through a 5 year renovation, bringing every inch of this historical hotel back…
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You’re already fantasizing living in a Maldivian water bungalow for days. You want to bask at the country’s Sun Aqua Spa and spend some time snorkeling and swimming at Male’s highly touted beach. After some tanning, you‘re on your way to the capital’s abundant fish market, promising to treat yourself with South Asian cuisine too.…
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Georgia is one of the most unique countries I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. It might be a small country but it it’s landscape is vastly different in each region. From the dry wine region of Kakheti to the snow capped mountain Svaneti region there’s something for every kind of traveler. If you have the…
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Ok I’ll be honest with you, growing up in Florida when anyone mentions New York I can only think of New York City. I know it’s terrible… especially because New York State has so much to offer besides just the city! I recently had the chance to frolic around the Central New York and Capital-Saratoga…
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From the moment I pulled into the grandiose porte cochere I sensed I was somewhere some special. My door flung open and I was greeted with a warm, friendly smile helping me out of my car. “Welcome Ms. Blakely, please follow me.” He held open the large door for me as I entered. I was…
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Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is one of my favorite cities I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. It’s a destination where old meets new, age old traditions are still very much alive, and friendly locals are eager to please. Delicious food and wine is around every turn and so are ancient, intricate cathedrals. In parts…
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When my friends at Bugaboo reached out asking if I’d like to try out their new luggage system, I was very quick to say yes. Although I personally do not have any children, I recognized the name through friends that do have children, as Bugaboo is the ‘it’ stroller on the market. Only the ‘cool’…
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I climbed aboard an impeccably polished historical wooden boat that was located in what looked like a postcard of Amsterdam. It was a picture-perfect Spring day and the crisp blue sky was a stark contrast behind bridges filled with vibrant overflowing flower-filled railing planters, casual cool Dutch bikers, and iconic canal houses. I was…
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What’s packed inside your carry on for a long flight is so important. For starters, you’re stuck with whatever you have on you for the next couple of hours and trust me you want to be as comfortable as possible if you’re on a flight for hours on end. I feel like Mary Poppins when…
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Key West is rapidly becoming a hot destination for tourists all over the world and for good reason. It’s the southernmost point of the US, a beautiful island surrounded by pristine water, and filled with quaint charm. As Ernest Hemingway said “I want to get to Key West and away from it all” and that’s…
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St. John, the smallest of all of the US Virgin Islands, is in my opinion the most beautiful. Although it isn’t the easiest to get to (no airport on the island) it is only a 30 minute ferry ride from St. Thomas and worth every minute. It’s home to a lush national park covering almost 2/3…
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1. Check out the incredibly beautiful and iconic Grand Place 2. Stay at a swanky hotel with pictresque views. My favorite- NH Collection Grand Sablon 3. Eat way too much Belgium Chocolate at Pierre Marcolini 4. Go shopping at Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert 5. Drink Belgium beer till early in the morning (preferably at Delirium where they have…
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Amsterdam is an enigma in the most incredible way possible. It’s a destination where beauty, architecture, and sin live in perfect harmony. Every turn looks like a picture-perfect postcard filled with canals, vibrant overflowing flower-filled railing planters, and iconic canal houses. Delicious food is seemingly never-ending whether it’s incredibly decadent cheese, smothered street fries, or the most delicious…
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While staying at the amazing Ritz Carlton in St. Thomas, I came across an excursion that caught my eye- a sunset cruise over to the neighboring island of St. John. With ferry boats stopping around 6 pm I’ve never had the opportunity to have dinner on the small island and with the help of the…
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Lviv is a city I was not expecting to find in Ukraine. Upon arriving I discovered it full of cobblestone streets, ornate architecture, picturesque cablecars, and beautiful patina domed bell towers. The beauty of this place felt as though I’ve stepped back in time to the golden days in Paris; long before it was overrun…
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Hops & Fishing in FLORIDA Dads who prefer a fresh catch alongside their hops can head south to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. With it’s craft breweries and local beer trails, as well as some of the greatest areas in Florida for saltwater fly-fishing and light-tackle fishing, the oceanside locale provides the ultimate…
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Vacation planning is simple when you choose to stay at a luxury resort. While you can naturally look forward to relaxing your days away in total comfort, it is also important to choose a resort that offers you the most options for filling your time with new experiences that nurture your spirit. For your next…
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Gili Trawangan is a small island off the coast of Lombok and Bali. It is an eco-friendly island where no cars or motorbikes are allowed. It’s small, walkable, and so much fun. If you are ever in Bali or Lombok heading to Gili Trawangan is a must! Here’s 10 things you must do while on…
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I walked into the lobby of the Grand Solmar Land’s End and was immediately blown away. Colorful Mexican tiled fountains, a cozy chic open air lobby, and friendly staff made me instantly feel as if I was in someones private high end Hacienda as opposed to a hotel. After being greeted with a cocktail I…
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I’ll be honest… Cinco de Mayo might be one of my all time favorite holidays. Not only do I absolutely LOVE Mexico but I also love tacos, tequila, and just anything Mexican. Celebrating the holiday gives me an excuse to consume a questionable amount of margaritas and tacos without any guilt! However, as much as…
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The hardest part of going on your first International trip is always the thought of being stuck on a plane for hours on end. It can seem daunting but with these tips you can tackle your first long haul flight with ease and comfort. “Life is a journey, not a destination” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Eye…
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You’re sitting at your computer and in one click your life seems instantly better. Your heart flutters as you see those four magical words flash across the screen: your flight is booked. It’s real now and happiness permeates your soul. Now comes one of the best parts; planning. You spend countless mindless hours happily scouring…
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Santorini is without a doubt on just about everyone’s bucklist and for good reason. It’s a magical destination perfectly situated high above the indigo blue water of the caldera. The terracing of the traditional Greek white washed buildings make for the perfect pictures. I was lucky enough to visit a few years back and I absolutely…
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Ok, I’ll say it…. trips are WAY more fun with your best friend than your significant other. Sorry, it’s true. Although romantic trips are fun and all, nothing beats letting your hair down with your bestie. I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the world with my best friends and I have some incredible…
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This vibrant Irish city is full of life, fun, and beer. Here’s what I recommend you do when visiting! Wander around the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral Have a pint (or 10) at the Guinness Factory Walk over the iconic Ha’Penny Bridge Visit the Long Room in the Library of Trinity College Visit the Jameson Distillery Spend all…
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Traveling Internationally can be overwhelming. Even when you’re an experienced traveler trying to remember everything can be hard. I’ve come up with a checklist to make the hardest part of traveling easier! Weeks before you go: » Check your passport expiration date. Some countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months after your…
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Wanting to Czech out (get it??) Prague anytime soon? Well, here is my top 10 things I recommend for you to do while exploring this beautiful city! 1. Explore the colorful Old Town Square during the day or at sunset (my favorite!). This square is filled with so much history and beauty you won’t want to…
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1. Spend your days getting lost in a picturesque rice paddy 2.Watch the sun set over Tanah Lot 3. Visit Besakih Temple (the ‘Mother Temple’ that is over 1,000 years old and the most sacred) and all other beautiful Temples that consume Bali 4. Make a ‘canang sari’- an offering made daily by the Balinese…
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For the third day in a row I arrived at Kathmandu airport’s domestic terminal at 6am, optimistic that this was going to be the magical day that my scenic Everest flight would take off, and not canceled due to weather like the two previous mornings. When booking my trip to Nepal, seeing Everest was a…
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Havana feels as if you’ve stepped back in time. From the moment you land you realize it, and you’re more than willing to embrace it’s authentically vintage vibe. This expansive city is vibrant, full of life, and packed with some of the most gorgeous architecture I’ve ever seen. Although much of the city’s buildings seem to be…
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Looking for the perfect hotel to woo the one you love in? Look no further…. I’ve come up with my top 5 hotels that I’ve personally stayed in and I know will spark all kinds of romance for this Valentines Day. Hotel B– Lima, Peru One & Only Ocean Club– Paradise Island, Bahamas Only YOU Boutique–…
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1. It’s NOT hard to visit if you’re an American! When booking your ticket (regular flights are available out of US cities now) you have 12 different reasons to choose from as to why you are visiting this beautiful country. To be honest, I was a little worried that I would be questioned about it when…
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Ahhh Winter. Cold, snowy, don’t ever want to leave your house Winter. It’s a wonderful time a year but lets be honest… towards January you’re starting to go a little stir crazy. You’re craving the warmth and going outside without having to put on 100 layers to avoid hypothermia. So many people in the US…
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Ahhhh the new year. A time for resolutions, new hopes for the year, and a list of places that you want to see. Most of us spend January dreaming of what the year has in store for us. What will happen? Where will I go?! Am I going to take that exotic vacation I’ve been…
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Wow, what an incredible year this has been. 2016 had it’s fair share of ups and downs but as I sit here reflecting over what all has happened over the past year my heart feels so full. To start, this passion project website was born in late February. It started as a small blog on…
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Best Seattle Getaways Explore the area’s beautiful beaches, back roads, islands, lakefronts and more. The Emerald City, as it is known is a spectacular destination for a weekend getaway. With its magnificent mountain views, breathtaking waterfront and cool urban vibe, you will find plenty to do in Seattle. Whether your idea of a perfect weekend…
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Whenever I travel, I love looking into the different accommodation options. More times than not, I find myself wanting to stay in an apartment as opposed to a hotel. When you stay in an apartment I find that you get a better feel for the city. I’ve stayed in beautiful airbnb’s around the world, and…
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One of the worst things that can happen when you’re traveling is getting sick. Even a pesky cold can really put a damper on your trip. After getting sick on way too many vacations I’ve learned a few tricks that has immensely helped me and will help you prevent any kind of sickness! Obviously sometimes…
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Dubai is a city of your wildest dreams. It’s modern, clean, safe, and gorgeous… basically it’s an oasis in the desert. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about visiting Dubai because I didn’t know what to expect. Most of my travels I like to experience places rich in culture and history, and…
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Any traveler, experienced or novice, knows that one of the worst things that can happen on an international vacation is having jet lag for days after. We’ve all been there and if it’s bad enough it can really affect the whole trip. By doing a few simple things it can REALLY help prevent any jet lag so that…
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So many times when I tell people where I’m going or where I’ve been I’m always greeted with a “Why?” I quickly respond, “Why not?” People live so much of their life being fearful of what could happen if they traveled somewhere that they never actually go anywhere, or do anything. They always…
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Picture this: you’re sitting at a café in Lisbon. Classic trolley cars are driving by on the cobblestoned lined streets while you watch, sipping some of the best red wine you’ve had in a while and devouring a plate of the most amazing tuna pate you could imagine. You get the bill and notice it…
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When you think of visiting Turkey, most people instantly think of going to Istanbul. Although Istanbul is amazing, there’s more to this beautiful country than just one city! I absolutely LOVED visiting the Bodrum Peninsula and think everyone should pay it a visit too. This peninsula is located on Turkey’s Southwest coast into the Aegean…
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So, this is a post that I think everyone really needs to read. Let’s face it: no matter if you’re going on an awesome vacation, coming back from an awesome vacation, or just going on a business trip, being in the airport sucks. People are stressed running to their gates, it’s always crowded, and the…
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A lot of times people ask me the same question “How do you pick where you’re going to go next?”. Well, as much as I’d love to say I’m super cool and just throw a dart at map, that’s not how it goes down. There’s a lot of planning and research that goes into every…
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·First, pick a weekend you can go! If you are flexible, try and have a few weekends available. Flight costs can vary from weekend to weekend. ·Find a flight Check Skyscanner.com to see what the cheapest flight is and to where! *Keep an open mind! Some of my favorite places are the ones I’ve never thought…
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