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You may have noticed that my previous post was about travelling without a definite agenda. This post was in response to planning for a spur-of-the-moment trip with my little sister this past weekend. We had originally  wanted to go to Orlando Florida. Everything we planned for the weekend therefore dealt with Universal Studios Orlando, Disney World, or some other Florida-esque activity. Luckily we had also packed for the pool/beach as well since our adventure took a turn for the unexpected immediately upon departure. To tell her side of the vacation, here is my little sister Sena: Our 36 Hour Adventure in Mexico

Our 36 Hour Adventure in Mexico by Sena

Our adventure started on a Wednesday, two days before leaving. I was sitting in my biology lecture at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, when my phone buzzed. I looked down and I received a text from Melissa, asking me what I was doing this weekend. Thinking that she would want me to visit her in New York, I responded “absolutely nothing” to which she replied right away, “we should fly somewhere.” I was all for this idea, so we began looking up flights to places warm that we can lay in the sun. We immediately came up with Florida, and decided we should go to Orlando and spend our one available day at Universal Studios or Disney world. Melissa reserved tickets, my mom works for an airline, and I began to pack for Florida.

The trickiest part about flying anywhere from Rhode Island is having to fly to a  hub where there are flights that go to all over the country. The Providence airport is very small, with only 20 gates, while the New Jersey airport has three terminals, with 80 gates each. There were three available flights to New Jersey from Providence, and they are always packed, so I was very nervous about getting on the flight. I arrived to the airport two hours early, so I would make sure that I was first on the standby list, to find out that I was third! That wasn’t a good start. Then, as people started rolling in to get on the plane, the airline App said that all the seats were full and that every one had already checked in.

I began to realize I wasn’t going to be able to make the first flight, so I asked the ticket counter to put me on the standby list for the next flight. So I was sitting in the airport, eating some chicken fingers when a bunch of people began pooling around me. They made everyone get off the plane because there was weather problems. After an hour, everyone boarded again, and a man went around asking for a Sean Smith. He was just walking around asking people if they were boarding the flight to Newark, because there were people missing, and so I took my opportunity. I asked him if I could get on the flight, and he just shrugged and said “sure.” I ran on and sat down in the only available seat, the one in the farthest back corner.

The flight itself was so bumpy I nearly threw up, but all that mattered was that I got to New Jersey and got to see my sister. When I got to New Jersey, Melissa and I began to realize that all the flights to Florida were packed full, so we weren’t going to be able to find any empty seats to take on standby. we started looking for flights to elsewhere, such as Texas, South Carolina, and even Puerto Rico. We reserved tickets to San Juan, Puerto Rico (a 5 hour flight) when we came across a promising flight to Cancun, Mexico. There were 20 available seats on the flight, and so we changed our tickets and made it on the plane. We were on our way to Mexico!

After a four hour flight with us just laughing our butts of with the fact we were actually going to Mexico for free, we arrived. We went through customs with no problem because all we had were our backpacks, and we made it to our hotel that our dad booked while we were on the plane. It was around midnight by then, and Melissa and I were spent, so we went to bed right as soon as we arrived. !Bienvenidos a Mexico! We woke up the next morning very early, Melissa worked out while I slept in. we had desayuno in the hotel restaurant, and they had so much interesting food options there! They had coffee and hot chocolate Mexican style served in a ceramic jug, and frijoles and peppers. It was so delicious. We then asked the front desk for suggestions as to what we should do on our one day in Mexico. He said for us to take a two hour taxi ride to a city called Tulum. It was beautiful, and so much fun, but Melissa and I were not about to ride a taxi for two hours.

We decided to ask our taxi driver, Martin for the closest beach, and he took us to a beach called la Playa Delfines. It was so beautiful right when we got there, the water was turquoise blue, the sand was nearly white, and it was nearly empty because it was only 10 am! Melissa and I were so excited to be there. After walking down the beach for 45 minutes, we came across a resort in which we bought some sunscreen from the store, and some bottled water (we couldn’t drink any of the tap water there because it wasn’t advised) We laid at the hotel’s pool and got some sun. It felt so nice to be there. We got lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, and walked down the beach again. We swam in the ocean for about an hour (it was so beautiful) and then walked back to where we called our taxi driver and we went back to our hotel, spent. It was such a long day on the beach, but it was so beautiful and fun.

At the hotel, we began to realize how much sun we got (even though we applied sunscreen SPF 50 three times that day) We were so pale when we got there, now we were lobsters! We relaxed by the pool, ate dinner, then went to bed around 9pm. We woke up at 7am, ate breakfast, and just relaxed by the pool until 10am when we went to the airport to catch the 12pm flight we reserved. We got on that flight easily, then we had a problem. It was already 4pm, and there was only one flight to Providence at 9pm! It was full too! So Melissa and I hatched a plan. We would fly to Albany, and i would take her car and drive back to Providence, a 3 hour drive. I was tired, but I had to do it because I had hockey practice the next morning. I played my favorite songs, drove from 9pm to midnight, and I got back in to Providence exhausted and ready to lift at 7:45 the next morning.

It is a trip I will always remember, and I am so excited for more adventures to come!

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.”  Lewis Carroll

Travelling provides the opportunity to broaden horizons, meet wonderful humans, and experience gloriously unexpected events. Travelling can also make you want to tear your own hair out. For the more adventurous souls who thrive off of spontaneity, all the way to the meticulous planners of the world: planning ahead of time is crucial for ensuring that you make the most of your time on this earth.  So what do you do if you are in a situation where you don’t know where you are going? What if you have no clue what you are doing but you know that you need to leave ASAP? Let loose your hair and add a little spice in your life! Some of the best vacations I have ever had are due to last minute travel plans, and there is no reason why you should be intimidated of a potentially life-changing trip! Here are some tips that will help you along your way!

Narrow Down Your Options

Congratulations!! You are taking your well-deserved time and doing something to better yourself!! Spur of the moment travelling is a beautiful thing, and you are about to go on an adventure! The first thing you should do is try to figure out where you would like to go. base your destination around the resources that are available to you. Here are some important questions that will help you decide:

-How much time do you have for this trip? One day, a weekend, a whole week, longer??

-What is your budget for the trip? This will help you determine your mode of transportation and what activities you would like to do.

-What is the most adventurous activity that you would like to do? Set your expectation now. This creates a hard outline for you that separates downhill skiing from lounging on the beach.

Locate Sleeping and Eating Accommodations

Now that you have an idea where you would like to go, and what you would like to do, it is time to decide where you would like to sleep and what you would like to eat. There are numerous methods for locating sleeping quarters ranging from camping, sleeping in a hostel, all the way to sleeping in a luxury hotel. Base your decision on monetary reasons and your level of desired comfort. There are plenty of fantastic deals out there too so don’t be afraid to poke around at all of the options. Who know, AirBnB might even be the best fit for you!

Having access to nutritious food and clean water is a basic need for human survival. Be sure to pack snacks for the road, or food if you are camping. Otherwise scope out restaurants and grocery stores near you for other options. It never hurts to draft a list of potential places to eat (to help indecisive people).

Pack Light

Lugging a heavy suitcase around an airport… for several hours…. deciding between flights… NO. Avoid this situation and only pack the essentials. Day clothes, travel documents, active clothes (can be the same as day clothes), PJ’s, socks, a jacket, undergarments, shoes, toiletries (and feminine products), chargers, electronics, and any necessary medications. These are the items that you will absolutely need. Should you bring those gorgeous heels and party dress in case you decide to go clubbing? NO. Only bring items that you KNOW you will need. If you are still a little unsure as to what you should bring on a trip please continue to the next tip!

…But Not Too Light

There is a fine line between over-packing and under packing. If I had to choose between the two, however, over-packing is always better. This is especially the case if your destination is up in the air since you don’t know what climate to pack for: wind, rain, heat, sleet, snow, cold… Now add activities into the mix. Now don’t worry if this variability scares you. It is perfectly natural to feel intimidated by this daunting task.

After you have decided your destination and the activities that you would like to participate in: PLAN  YOUR PACKING AROUND  YOUR ITINERARY. If you are going skiing in Vermont in the middle of January.. you probably should not pack flip flops and shorts. If you are going to Ecuador, really any time of the year, leave your parka at home! Always remember to take fluids, explosives, and other banned items out of your luggage/carry-on before getting to the airport! The TSA will not give you back your antique pocket knife (here I am speaking from experience). On the other hand, make sure you pack the critical items. Your best friend in these situations are finding light-weight versatile items. I will give you a list of my favorites below:

-Micro-fiber Towel: perfect for the beach, after the sauna, cleaning ski goggles, PLUS they are light weight, and dry quickly.

-Tablet: Laptop, E-Reader, phone-charger, atlas all in one compact package.

-Knit Hat: This might sound weird but I always travel with a knit hat. It keeps you cozy on a plane, can be used as a sleeping eye mask, you can roll it up to use as a pillow, or you can use it as a little bag to separate items in your bag.

-Blanket Scarf: Versatile fashion item that can dress up or dress down an outfit, and you can use it to stay warm!

-First Aid Kit: A necessary item for any cut, scrape, ache, or pain. There are extremely clever method for packaging first aid kits if you do a little background research. Here is a link to one of my favorites: packaged in an Altoid’s mint container.

 

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2015/03/5-diy-mini-emergency-kits.html

 

As always please feel free to ask any questions and share your own experiences! Happy travels!!

 

 

 

 

Whether you live in Albany, or are visiting for a vacation, this city offers an abundance of history and exciting events! If you are looking for some adventure ideas please look no further than this comprehensive list! As always, please feel free to comment below with your own adventure ideas.

• State Capitol Building: This is be far one of my favorite attractions in Albany. The gorgeous capitol building is the most expensive capitol building in the country! Evidence of its extravagance is everywhere as well; the carvings adorning every foot of the building, stained glass windows that were restored in 2012, and centuries of history displayed in the hallways. I will refrain from spoiling all of the surprises that you will get see! Friendly tour guides are available three times a day FOR FREE! Or if you want to go on a self-guided tour, the building is open to the public from 0700-1900hrs on the weekdays. As a heads up: metal detectors are at the entrances since this is a state government workplace. Leave all weapons at home (even pocket knifes). Have a blast and feel free to visit their website for more information: http://assembly.state.ny.us/Tour/
• New York State Museum: Located in the heart of downtown Albany, the New York State Museum is attached to the Egg and State Capitol building by a network of cozy underground tunnels. The tunnels themselves host plenty of events (children’s dance competitions, cultural art galleries) and provide warmth and shelter from the cold Albany weather. The New York State Museum is filled with excitement. The gallery on the first floor changes often and always contains something to spark your imagination! A visit here will expand your knowledge of the native species of New York, the geological makeup of the different counties, a 9/11 exhibit, and a working old-style carousel that you can ride on! I have never had a bad visit here. Check out their website at http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/
• The Egg: The last portion of Empire Plaza that I will talk about here- the Egg is the place to go for concerts. The bands that play here are always unique, and will be sure to play a great show. The Egg is an iconic building with regards to Albany’s skyline. Please visit their website for information about upcoming events! http://www.theegg.org/
• Lark Street: Lark street is dubbed “The heart of Albany” as this street contains numerous local restaurants, shops, and bars. LAX, Bombers Burrito Bar, Rain (Chinese Food), Stacks Espresso Bar, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, Shogun (DELICIOUS SUSHI), and many other stores line this street. The Row houses, and cobblestone give this road a quaint look, while the people and city life is bustling around. Even window shopping is wonderful!
• Cider Belly Doughnuts: YUM. Prices are reasonable and the doughnuts are life changing.
• Washington Park: This is the venue for many exciting events such as Tulip Festival, Working out on the Green, Santa’s Workshop, and weekly heritage and athletic events. Worst case if there are no events, a walk through the amazing artwork, flowers, and the pond is gorgeous. A full list of the upcoming events can be found on their website: washingtonpark.org

I hope you enjoyed reading this, and please comment if you have any other adventures that people would enjoy partaking in!

Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and for some of you the holiday entails making the trip to you family home. Whether you are planning on flying, driving, or bussing to your destination, you should always have some form of entertainment to pass the time. Airports are especially busy during this time of year, so plan ahead and save yourself from the boredom from all the inevitable waiting time.

Here are my top five tips for keeping active and stimulated while travelling for a weekend:

1. Songs for Days: Specially crafted playlists have the ability to be A Major (hehe) mood booster. Spend some time in creating your ideal playlist(s) with songs that will last at lest 2x your expected travel duration. For instance: If I am flying home on a 3 hour flight, I will make sure to have at least 6 hours of my favorite songs prepared on my phone. These playlists should be easily accessible to you, and preferable pre-downloaded so you do not have to use data when there is no access to WiFi. Have a spread of genres available as well so you have dance songs to listen to while alone in the Detroit airport after missing your flight (which was terrifying), and Christmas songs for every other occasion. Maybe even throw in a chill, country, or classical playlist to help you fall asleep or relax if you are an anxious traveler.
2. Books books books: Hard cover, paperback, or kindle books are all lightweight options for hours of entertainment. A great novel transports you to another world without the hassle of leaving your seat, with the added benefit of keeping your ears free. I find that books are the best way to pass the time while waiting for gate information since you still have the ability to hear announcements over the speakers. It only took one missed flight due to loud music for me to switch over to reading versus watching movies on my phone (this happens to be the reason why I had to sleep overnight in the Detroit airport).
3. Puzzles: What person doesn’t like puzzles?? Crossword puzzles, Sudoku’s, card games, Trivia, mini-games… Apps exist for any possible puzzle you can think of. I happen to adore crossword puzzles, and will print out several if I know I am travelling. These puzzles are a great way to pass the time, boost your brain power, and make new friends. Imagine you are in the front seat of a little puddle jumper. The plane has been in the air for under 20 minutes of a 2 hour ride, and already the person sitting next to you is visibly nervous. Every bout of turbulence elicits an anxious yelp, and you can see the sweat beading on his brow. This man looks like he is about to pass out from fear… what do you do? In this scenario I could tell that the man sitting next to me was causing other passengers on the plane to start to become anxious. I wanted to help out the flight attendant and quell the growing fear so I turned to the man and asked him for help on a tricky crossword clue. He eagerly assisted and immediately forgot about his nervousness. The entire atmosphere of the plane changed after that and we had chugged through two whole Wednesday NYT puzzles by the time we landed. After debarking I was thanked by the flight attendant, the nervous man, and two other passengers that were on the plane. It was an amazing experience  seeing how large of an impact that asking one question had.
4. Notebook: Writing stimulates your brain and provides an outlet for all thoughts that pop into your head. Write down stories, ideas for inventions, business schemes, shopping lists, or poetry. At this point you should already have you itinerary planned out, but you could also use this time to look up possible fun activities at your destination. Be productive with your time while keeping entertained. Drawing has a similar impact and allows you to express your creativity. If you are travelling with a companion a notebook provides you with endless tic-tac-toe, hangman, and other games.
5. Hobby: Knitting, crocheting, movies, stock trading, social media, sports, online forums…. If you have a hobby then be sure to use it! Travelling is a great time to pick up a hobby as well if you don’t have one. Pinterest, Robinhood, Letgo, Poshmark, Instagram, Reddit, Imgur…. pick an app and explore! Use your talents to create!

 

Whatever you decide to bring along with you on your journey will definitely influence how enjoyable your trip is. As always, pack light, love the little things, and stay smart for every situation you are in. A little bit of common sense can go a long way, and situational awareness is especially important when you are in a crowded environment. As a favor to yourself, your items, and the future of your trip: act like you know what you are doing and avoid risky circumstances.

 

As you are aware, cultural shifts within our society change frequently. Whether it be a new fashion or music genre, all of these changes play a huge role on the way we all act. I tend to go with the flow for most of the fads and cultural norms (not getting into a heated political discussion), but there is one little norm that I cannot stand.

“Oh, sorry, I guess I am just awkward.”

NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT.

No, you are not “just awkward”, and please stop using this as an excuse because you aren’t taking the time to think of a reasonable action/response etc. BAH. I have no clue how our society accepted being “awkward” as a normal part of everyday life, but  it is nothing more than downright lazy.

You might be asking yourself now, “Great rant, I totally agree…How on earth does this pertain to travelling?”. Well, from my experience, any trip can be awesome independent from the destination. A great trip is built upon research, effort, a little bit of luck, and a positive attitude. A positive attitude can get you anywhere in life, and it can turn the worst situations into fantastic ones. Being “awkward” does not mix well with a positive attitude. The excuse of “I am an awkward person” shows no research, no effort, no confidence, and no positive attitude!!! Buck up, have a little confidence, and STRUT into travelling as a prepared adult. Explore our beautiful world like a local, and ACT LIKE A LOCAL. Worst case, people will at least recognize when you are putting effort into something, or when you are confident in something (this will help you meet new people and deter those with ill intentions). Any effort is worth wayyyyy more than a measly cop-out.

As always, stay safe and I hope that this post helped you out! Please feel free to comment below with your opinions and stories!

No matter if you are flying, driving or even walking to your destination, packing light is extremely important for all trips. Being prepared is yet another important aspect for all trips, yet balancing out packing light with being prepared is tricky. Practice makes perfect, and I cannot stress enough how important researching and planning ahead are for the fate of your travels. Now, this may seem like a daunting task, but let me reassure you and set you on the right path with a few tips!

1. Do your research. I mean it. Everything you should pack depends on where you are going, what you are planning on doing, and what you absolutely need. If you are going somewhere cooler for some winter hiking you may want to forgo bringing the shorts and tank tops. On the flip side, if you are going for a ride on a camel through the desert, skip the parka. Most often you will have some sort of idea where you are going so try to plan accordingly! If you are going on a multiple week excursion spanning several climate zones and terrains I would recommend finding necessary items that are also versatile. We will go into this more in the next tip…
2. Versatile items are your friends. As previously stated this point can knock some streamline the majority of your bag, and cut down on bulk. With regards to clothing this means to pack items that you can layer, pair with other clothing, are easy to clean, are easy to pack, and that you will wear more than once. A plain black V-neck shirt can be worn as pajamas but it can also be paired with a scarf and jeans for a chic travel look. Leave your stiletto heels at home, and instead opt for a comfortable sandal that is cute, yet capable of taking care of your feet for long treks.
3. Entertainment. Before embarking on your journey be sure to create playlists that you can listen to in your down-time. Use Xfinity or another streaming app to download a movie or workout videos. Pack a slim Kindle with new or favorite books for you to read. Anything to keep you occupied and alert while on the move.

I hope that these tips were able to help you out even a little bit. Please let me know what you think and I look forward to next time!

 

BUMMERRR. Your trip that you have been planning fell through. Whether that be due to a friend bailing, a family emergency or having to work… the outcome is the same: Your vacation is in jeopardy!

 

The worst thing you could do is despair. Sulking and sitting at home will just make the matters worse, but what other choice do you have?? The world is your oyster, and your reaction will highly depend on the nature of the cancellation. If a family member or close friend is on their death bed I would highly recommend that you spend your precious time with them. Time spent with loved ones is always important.

This post is meant for the other 80% of last minute mishaps: a big project came up at work that you need to stay home for; you are having a hard time finding a baby-sitter; the hotel you booked is overrun with protestors and they kicked you out of your room… No matter what just remember that this world is filled with myriad possibilities for you. The most important thing to remember is that everything will turn out ok in the long run, and you should not let a little hiccup get in the way of making memories. Here are a couple tips and tricks for some potential problems you could be experiencing:

• Overbooked plane ride: Usually airline companies will try to overfill a certain flight because they are expecting a portion of those passengers to not show up for their flight. It is a great way for they to make money and to maximize the capacity of the plane itself. There are times where you will run into the issue of having too many people show up for a flight… uh oh… the gate attendant just offered a $500 voucher for a passenger to change flights… HELLO! This is opportunity knocking. If you have flexible travel arrangements then go for the voucher! You will be put on a later flight for no extra fee and you just made $500. If you have stricter deadlines then just wait until someone else takes the voucher and you will still catch your flight. No harm done.
• Missed flight/Missed Connection: Hmm this one is a little more tough if you have tight travel plans. Your best bet would be to speak with a gate agent to see what other flights are headed to your destination. The airline workers are extremely accommodating if you missed your flight due to causes out of your control.  You would be surprised how helpful they are when you ask nicely, so just remember your manners. They are people too! Worst case here is that you are delayed several hours until they can put you on another plane. Now you have more hours to potentially explore a new city! Hipmunk.com,  theflightdeal.com, and skiplagged.com are three sites that can help you get where you are going.
  • Note: Skiplagged.com is a very cool site that factors in flights with a “hidden city” as a layover. For instance if you were trying to get to San Fran (SFO) from Newark (EWR) but the flights are pricey or tedious, skiplagged will find a flight to Juneau with a layover in SFO. Prices tend to decrease and you now have a direct flight to SFO! Just keep in mind that any bags that are checked will still end up in Juneau… so this type of travel is best for those with little baggage.
• Hotel Cancellation: FIND A NEW ONE. If all of the hotels are booked then airbnb.com is also a great way to rent out someone’s real home. These accommodations are generally cheaper than a hotel, but form my experience with them, are just as hospitable. Camping, hostels, and sleeping in your car are other options… depending on your preferences.
• Friend Bailing Last Minute: Well there is no way to predict who will flake on you last minute. This is a huge bummer especially if you had everything planned out. This situation all depends one who dropped out, and who is still going. If it was a third-wheel kind of trip, and one member of the happy couple can no longer go.. you may want to consider awkwardness into the equation before you decide on the fate of your vacation. You can always move it to another date. Lets say you and your significant other were planning a trip abroad for a week but one person can no longer go. Do not fret! There is no time like the present to learn to travel alone! Sushi will still taste like sushi, the sights will still be glorious, and you will have the rare opportunity to meet extraordinary new people! I am all for travelling alone: I have met a number of awesome humans while travelling alone. *Do your research beforehand, be vigilant of your surroundings, and stay safe*

Wow with so many things that could go wrong it seems impossible to actually take the time to travel. It is up to you to make your trip happen, and it is up to you to have fun on that trip! I would love to hear any stories that you might have about a cancelled trip, salvaged vacation, or a close call! Please let me know your thoughts on the post and I hope that this has helped you out!

What is your perfect day?

No matter what you are envisioning, I want you to embrace it. Here is a snapshot into my perfect day!

A slight breeze gently rolling across the water. The hot sun shining down from a partially cloudy sky. Waves created from the wake of other boats gently rocking the pontoon. Some summertime music playing quietly in the background. Friends and family playing on the water: jet skiing, tubing, water skiing, knee-boarding, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, or just sun bathing. The air is in the balmy 80’s and the water is in the 60’s but the temperature doesn’t matter. You know the sun will dry you off any way if you get too cold. Plus there is a fluffy towel waiting for you just in case you want to dry off quickly.

Growing up on a lake definitely spoiled me, but there is no better place on this planet in my mind. Lakes are a fun summer destination that bring people together. I have had some of my deepest conversations while on a boat.

Please tell me about your ideal place below and let me know what you think!

For this post of WIMTB I will be specifically talking about my top five favorite products from my makeup bag! These are the five things that I will never leave home without. Andddddd drumroll please!

1. Deodorant: There is nothing worse than being jam-packed in an enclosed area… and someone else around you has a STANK that could gag Oscar the Grouch. For reals though…. do NOT be that person. Everyone hates that person. Bring deodorant with you no matter what. I am allergic to women’s deo, but I would rather smell like a man than BO any day of the week.
2. BB Cream: Whether you are travelling to a cooler climate, or to a tropical climate, BB cream has your back (or face). It can be used as a basic, and sheer foundation, or can be applied in layers to cover up a stubborn blemish. It washes off with soap and warm water, and does not clog my pores.
3. Travel Toothpaste: None of that wintergreen crap. I am talking about a lovely crisp minty flavored toothpaste that revitalizes your breath and your smile! Bringing up the example from before: NO ONE LIKES HALITOSIS EITHER. Keep your mouth clean and feeling great! You may also want to bring a toothbrush….
4. Waterproof mascara: Even the slight addition of mascara can make you look more awake. Moving away from the obvious beauty reasons for carrying mascara, looking awake is very important for a travelling female. Its sad to think about but “Hi! I am a tired female tourist!” puts a big ole target right on your back for muggers and other wrong-doers. Help me to help you: be observant and look awake!!!
5. Red Lip Color: Lipstick, matte lip stain, lip gloss…. any type of lip product will work! It all depends on the type of climate you are expecting. You can really never go wrong with a lip stain, but for some added moisture in the drier climates try some stained lip balm! I absolutely adore Mary Kay crème lip sticks because of how versatile they are. They come in a variety of gorgeous colors and make your lips feel silky smooth. Be sure to pick a color that is correct for your skin tone! (I LOVE Spice N’ Nice) Red lips are easy to pull off, highly in fashion around European cities, AND add on to that all important aura of being a strong independent woman.

   

I hope that this has helped you pack for your next trip! Stay safe in your travels and be sure to comment below with your thoughts!!

Tropical climate, friendly people, and delicious food. This past January I was lucky enough to go on a cruise with my boyfriend and his family to the Caribbean. We sailed out of Miami and visited gorgeous tropical islands that I had only researched before! The water was incredibly warm and a glorious shade of azul. That vacation I did become a snorkeling adventurer. AND LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. Between enjoying the sunshine, to helping my ginger man slather on the SPF 100, this vacation was amazing.

One place in particular that we made it to was Puerto Rico. Since it was a cruise our time on the island was limited but those precious hours there were well worth it! Full of culture and friendly people, Puerto Rico has much to offer even those who will be there a short period of time. The majority of our time was spent exploring the castle of El Morro. It is located right on the “prong” of Puerto Rico, and the views them self made the excursion worth while.

 

The castle was a major fort in protecting Puerto Rico throughout history from multiple attacks by pirates, invading countries, and was even used to defend the island in WWII. This jewel of a landmark is chocked full of salty ocean breezes, stunning views, creepy damp passageways, insightful history about the colony, and steep stairs. If you are ever in Puerto Rico, and have a limited amount of time to spend, I would highly recommend this as a stop. For a small entrance fee (since it is a National landmark) you too can experience this beautiful castle in all of its glory.

Like always please comment and share your stories about Puerto Rico, or with any story ideas you would like to read about!