Summer Adventures 2022

After three years, I finally made it back to Europe! This trip was two weeks and started in Croatia, led to Paris, and ended in the Champagne region of France! It was absolutely incredible to get back to Europe and experience new cultures.

We also left the day Roe was overturned, so it was honestly a really emotional time and I was happy (and privileged) to leave the country. The state of America also came up quite a bit while we were abroad and I tried my best to answer questions thoughtfully as well as listen to the concerns of others about the United States. What does this have to do with travel tips? EVERYTHING. Travel is a privilege. Experiencing other cultures, meeting people who live life so differently than I do is WHY I do this. The more you can travel and experience other cultures, the more empathy and compassion you have for others. I am beyond lucky to get to do this. It matters to me to come back better for it (and to be a good human while I’m there). You are a GUEST, act like it.

Let’s talk some brief general travel tips!

Planning

I’m a planner for work and by nature. If I’m spending the money and time to fly across the world, I’m doing it right. We usually start planning about 6 months in advance. This allows us a better chance at finding reasonable flights, places to stay and get reservations at the restaurants we want to go to. Especially in a post Covid world (LOL, post covid…right!) where gas is expensive, everyone is traveling and others are planning up to a year in advance, having your shit together matters. Sure, you can wing it, but I know the things I want to see and do and I’m not willing to miss them, so I don’t take that chance.

Flights

• Fly the airlines you have status with if you can. It might be a tad more expensive, but it’s worth it in the long run

• Skyscanner is a great resource if you’re flexible and able to do some research

• The Points Guy gives awesome tips/tricks/reviews for flying abroad

• If you only have enough money to upgrade one way, upgrade your flight home. That’s when you’re more likely to be exhausted and ready to get home in comfort.

• If you can’t afford to upgrade from economy at all, find the rows that don’t have anyone in front of you and snag the aisle seat (this is why you book in advance, get the best seats!)

• Fly in the morning if you can, morning flights are less likely to be canceled and usually on time. Before 10AM is morning

Accommodations

• I don’t stay in Air Bnb’s in the US, they’re usually where all the issues you’re seeing in the news occur

• Air BnB’s abroad are fine but I look for folks with 4.8 stars or more and are super hosts or I don’t consider it. Read the reviews!

• I'‘m a Marriott rewards member who saves their points. We were able to stay 3 nights free at a stunning resort in Dubrovnik (ocean view balcony room!) because of that. Use. Your. Points.

• Stay places that provide you walk able access to the city you’re staying in.

Restaurants

• Now that restaurants are open again, they book fast! Make reservations for every dinner. We even made some breakfast reservations and I’m glad we did

• Do your research. Ask friends, check TripAdvisor, browse the blogger sites. The best restaurants book fast. And I’m not just talking the high end ones.

• Be specific in your reservation. Ask for a table outdoors, with a view and then tip well when you get it

Activities

• I love tours. I love boat tours, tours to National Parks, wine tours, all the things! Book them early and be strategic. Leave time between tour days for wandering the city or lounging on the beach

• TripAdvisor has awesome tours with reviews and you know you’re booking with a reliable company

• Read the reviews! Make sure they talk about locals running these tours so you’re getting really awesome info and the best experience possible

• Bring cash to tip. I cannot emphasize this enough. Do not be the jerk who doesn’t tip!

Summer 2022 Trip Details

Croatia

Some basics:

• Croatia is SO inexpensive. It will be on the Euro soon though so that won’t last long!

• Dubrovnik was by far my favorite city. It felt more idyllic, clean and historic! Split felt really dirty, crowded, and touristy

Dubrovnik

Where we Stayed: Sheraton Dubrovnik (used points, we had a Twin sea view)

• This property was 15 minutes by car from town, so it wasn’t walk able but it was less touristy, stunning and we were able to walk around some smaller villages that were clearly local. It was absolutely perfect to be able to easily access other areas of the city quickly and then retreat back to our quiet resort after

• Splurge for the sea view, it’s stunning

• The spa is WAY less expensive than in the US. I paid $90 for an hour and a half massage and it was easily the best massage of my life

Where we ate: Restaurant Marinero, Panorama Restaurant, Orsan at the Yacht Club, Konoba Bocana

• Everywhere we ate was incredible. Not a bad meal.

• Panorama has the best views ever, take the cable car and go for brunch EARLY. Get the first reservation you can and go enjoy coffee and a meal for hours

What we did: Pool day, spa day, Old Town exploring day! We tried to rent a small boat for the day by the hotel but didn’t reserve in advance so we lost out!

Split

Where we Stayed: This Air BnB. Highly recommend! It was walking distance to everything but wasn’t IN old town where it’s loud. HUGE size and the host was wonderful.

• Don’t stay in the city center, it’s more expensive and super loud/chaotic

• Everything is walk-able from where we stayed

• If you’re there in later summer, ensure your place has AC or it’s unbearable!

Where we ate: Dvor (Michelin Star), Portofino, Bajamonti, Ma Toni, Kat’s Kitchen, Ciri Biri Bella (also a hostel if that’s your vibe!)

• The best and cutest breakfast place was Ciri Biri Bella (we ate there twice!)

• Dvor was amazing, great views, amazing staff but they were out of quite a few menu items when we went, so the experience wasn’t as good as it could have been

• Portofino is the cutest little spot in between two buildings and was SUCH a romantic little setting

What we did: Plitvice Lake Tour, Speedboat Tour, Gooster Beach Club

• Full transparency, if we didn’t have such fun excursions planned, we would have left Split early. It was not an interesting city for us at all

• Plitvices has been on my bucket lit forever so I was beyond happy we did this. it is a LONG day so if it’s not on your bucket list and you don’t like walking or nature, it’s not for you!

• The boat tour was hands down the most fun we had the entire trip. The guides we had were incredibly fun and knowledgeable and the islands were stunning. Bring water shoes, the beaches are all SO painfully rocky

• Gooster is outside of town at Le Meridian and is not a party spot at all. It’s more for relaxing, lounging and getting sun. It was exactly what we wanted and super inexpensive to reserve beds with towels ($40 for the day)

France

Some Basics:

• France is notoriously expensive

• Paris is busy and restaurants require reservations because they’re so small!

Paris

This wasn’t my first time in Paris and we were there for such a short time, we did a TON of walking! We also met up with friends for drinks. Paris in July is beyond crowded. It didn’t interfere with the experience for us, but if you’re crowd adverse, it’s not a good time for you to go!

Where we stayed: This Air Bnb. I cannot recommend it enough. The location is PRIME in the middle of restaurants and shops and easy access to the rest of the city. It is also hidden so it’s quiet inside. The actual apartment is HUGE by Paris standards and extremely comfortable. No AC but the place stayed beyond comfortable and cool and the shower was enormous (which we know is rare in Paris!).

Note: It’s located on a street with sex shops so if you’re conservative, IDK, that might bother you. Please keep in mind, sex in Paris is not taboo or like how we treat it in the US. It was an awesome location and the hosts were AMAZING.

Where we ate: Pink Mamma, Seine Dinner Cruise, HollyBelly

• Pink Mamma is a big “Instagram” spot. It’s the spot to go for cute photos and the line was out the door the entire time we were there. The food was DIVINE (drinks too!) but the service was atrocious. Truly nothing special and I don’t recommend it. There’s plenty of other places to have a better experience in Paris

• HollyBelly is so cute and has the most delicious food! I would definitely go again

What we did: Seine Dinner Cruise, Walked 18 miles around the city!

• The Seine dinner cruise might sound touristy, but locals actually recommend it too. It’s a great way to hit the hot spots from a different viewpoint. There was also a live singer, great food, and decent wine! Highly recommend it!

• When I say we walked the whole city, I mean it! We got in 18 miles because it was our only real day in the city. It was fun to explore shops and see the sights, but definitely prefer to have time to explore more leisurely.

• I recommend going to Luxembourg Gardens with some bread and wine and a book and people watching if you have half a day to do so

The Champagne Region

This was my second time doing a French wine region and did not disappoint. We stayed in Reim (pronounced Ranse), which is the largest city in the region. It has all of the gorgeous French architecture but is small, clean and very idyllic. It’s super easy to navigate and easy to access if you chose to just take the high speed train from Paris for the day.

Where we stayed: This perfect Air BnB. This location was perfection. Literally across from the train station and just a short walk to downtown. Between the train station and this building is also a gorgeous park we hung out in during the day. The host was the sweetest and most accommodating woman and the actual apartment was so cute!

Where we ate: Le Jardin (Michelin Star)

• We stayed here only two nights and tbh, the other two places we ate were just ok so I haven’t listed them

• Le Jardin was pure magic. Easily one of my favorite places we are on the trip. Divine food, gorgeous garden setting. Walk around the French Estate that’s also a hotel before dinner!

What we did: This wine tour

• This was SO much fun! Our guide was a born and bred local who knew his stuff and made the day FUN.

• You definitely get large tastings but also you learn a lot about how to select good champagne and a lot about the history of the region. Truly a really cool experience.

• Choose a tour that shows you local smaller champagne houses as well as a big one. I loved the smaller houses a lot more!

Final Thoughts

We really crushed this trip from a planning perspective. Having reservations, planning out activities as well as down time was truly the best way to go. I really enjoyed that we were able to see and do everything we wanted without feeling rushed or exhausted. There’s nothing that I wish I had seen that we missed. And although I said I didn’t like Split, I’m really glad we went because the excursions we went on were a must do!

Next up? Wait and see…I’ve got some things in the works!

Solo Adventures

I’ve always wanted to travel abroad alone and never actually done it. It was always significantly cheaper and easier to travel with someone else, so that’s what I’ve done.

But now - in a short week - I’m heading off on a beach retreat all by myself. And I’m beyond excited for the adventure.

Traveling alone as a woman is tricky. It’s being extra mindful of safety and doing the research to make sure wherever we go, we are super aware. I can’t just show up in a country with no advance planning.

I’ve always been someone who plans ahead and is very good at finding my own way. I think because I traveled a lot on my own for work I got really used to having to figure out everything. When we travel abroad, I’m the one you can count on to know where to go, what areas to avoid, where to eat, where to closest embassy is — I am always prepared.

So traveling abroad is really just another normal trip for me. Nevertheless, I am excited to take this next step. It builds my confidence to know that I can do hard things. That I can find my own way.

Ultimately it makes me a better me and makes my life more fulfilling.

The more you do things on your own, the more you truly grow and become your best you. My best advice to women in 2021 is to be your own lifeline. Have strong connections to the people that make you happy, but build skills so at the end of the day — you truly know you are connected to people because you want to be, not because you need to be. It makes you a better friend, partner, employee — it makes you better in every single aspect of life.

It’s ok to rely on others. It’s ok to ask for help. It’s ok to pay someone to do the jobs you don’t want to do. But at the end of the day, be confident that you don’t have to do those things, you’re choosing to.

Self reliance is the best thing I ever did for myself. It’s molded me into one confident and badass woman. And every step I can take to grow that feeling, you bet I’ll be doing it.

Bon Voyage Sequins!

A Lady of European Leisure, Part Deux

Well, against my better judgment, I have arrived back in America after two weeks abroad. I was able to completely log off work and enjoy two weeks exploring Spain, France, and Portugal. This piece is for all the women tagging adventure on their Instagram pages and linking hands with their boyfriends to get that golden social media photo opp. JK, this one is not for you. When I travel, I don’t even pack makeup, let alone that super cute floppy hat and white billowing boho chic dress.

This blog is for the true traveler. It’s for the folks looking to immerse themselves in culture and eat their weight in tapas while guzzling Port wine at 9AM on a Tuesday.

Let’s get down to business.

Barcelona

Where to stay: Gothic Quarter, it’s historic, inexpensive and easy to walk everywhere.

Where to eat & drink: Elsa Y Fred (Brunch), Viana (Dinner), Brunch & Cake (Brunch)

Where to explore: Obviously La Sagrada Familia (book a morning tour online when its less crowded), Walk to the other Gaudi designed buildings as well (we didn’t do tours), Park Guell (Make reservations for a morning tour online), Beach (grab some wine and snacks and go do the walk from the marina along the beach)

Key takeaway: I loved the historical buildings and truly unique architecture of Gaudi. The rest of my group didn’t love the city because it was crowded and it can feel a bit dirty (lots of graffiti) but I really enjoyed both the people and wandering the Gothic Quarter.

Bordeaux

Where to stay: City center. It’s very walk-able and easy to navigate.

Where to eat & drink: Kuro Espresso Bar (Breakfast/Coffee), Lou Lou (Dinner)

Where to explore: Wine tasting! Pay the $50 at the tourism office to take a bus out to the Chateau’s and see wine country. The wine pours are terrible but the history and sights are well worth the cost. Go to the mirror fountain outside of the palace for the best IG photos, the public garden for traditional Parisian walks (bring wine and a baguette and people watch!), and walk the bridges!

Key takeaway: Sleepy French town that I adored. It’s less of a hustle than Paris but all of the French charm. It’s also significantly cheaper than other French cities and deeply rooted in French history!

Lisbon

Where to stay: Alfama Disctrict (Historical city center). It was super loud because of festival season, but it was also where all the action was. Easy to walk all over town and very close to train stations.

Where to eat & drink: I didn’t love the food I ate here except Time Out Market. We ate at the restaurant upstairs and it was divine!

Where to explore: Time Out Market, Sintra day trip, walk along the waterfront, Bellem Tower

Key takeaway: This was personally my least favorite city. It felt a bit touristy and crowded. I really enjoyed Sintra, it was stunning, but Lisbon was too much of a big bustling city for me overall.

Horta

Where to stay: We stayed by the bay (literally across the street) and it was perfect. We felt like locals because we were away from the main marina. However, this tiny island feels very quiet overall so you’re really not going to be anywhere that’s bustling. Everything is easily walk-able in Horta but on the rest of the island you can call a cab or rent a car.

Where to eat & drink: Very limited but Genuino Restaurante for dinner (the owner is a two time solo trip around the world sailor), A Padaria for pastries and coffee (Coffee was 40 cents!), Peter Cafe Sport for lunch (order the special of the day whatever it is and try the gin!)

Where to explore: The beach! We were on the beach and because it’s such a small island, we had it entirely to ourselves! Private beach feel, not the prices! Also do a whale watching trip, we saw so many cool animals and being on the water was amazing.

Key takeaway: My family originated here so I thoroughly enjoyed making the trek here from the mainland. It is about 2 and a half hours of flying to get to, but well worth it if you love sleepy towns with a gorgeous island feel. I’d love to go back and explore more of the Azores.

Porto

Where to stay: We stayed up near the University. It was quiet, super comfy in the three story Air BnB we shared and easy to walk all over the city because it was so centrally located.

Where to eat & drink: Make reservations wherever you go! Hotel Dom Henrique (17 Degrees Bar & Restaurant). If you can eat and finish at sunset, you'll maximize views. It overlooks the entire city and even across the river. The service is incredible and you have to dress a little 'nicer' aka a sundress is fine, but the food was incredible and the views are the best in the city. It's more expensive but honestly not crazy, the steak was $30. For brunch, hit up Zenith Brunch, it's more Americanized in what it serves but it's SO cute and the food is divine. It is ALWAYS busy so be prepared to wait a little (15-20 min max). They also have a great HH for delicious strawberry mojitos that we loved. Go to Base (located next to the Harry Potter bookstore on top of a building in a park for casual outdoor drinks. Drinks are expensive because it's a total hot spot outdoor bar for the 20's crowd, but it's so cool for people watching in the sunshine. Another dinner I LOVED was Brasao Aliados for dinner.

Where to explore: Take a river cruise of the six bridges (It’s about an hour), Go on a Douro Valley Wine Tour (this was sincerely my favorite part of the entire two weeks!!), check out Livaria Lello (pay the 20 Euro to skip the line and go before it gets crowded), Cristal Palace Gardens, Shop at Almada 13

Key takeaway: I am obsessed with Porto! It’s such a clean city with plenty to do but also not overwhelming. The food and people were both really awesome and it felt like I was able to explore without becoming overwhelmed by a bustling city.

Combined stats

I’d say Porto was my favorite city. It’s not consumed by tourism yet, really easy to wander around, inexpensive, and I had the opportunity to truly relax. I’m a big fan of getting into cities before they become the next best thing. Prime example, I wanted to go to Iceland but it became such a thing, I’m out for at least another 5 years. Porto is right on the verge of being the next big thing so my advice is to go now! I also really enjoyed the Azores because my family roots are there and it’s so not touristy at all.

As always, I’m coming back humbled, grateful and excited about the world. There’s nothing like exploring a new culture to remind you how small you are in the overall ecosystem. It’s also a great way to remind yourself we are all different and thank the sweet glitter gods for that!

OOO

I am currently on the tail end of a two week vacation in Europe. I’m OOO, truly, madly, deeply, OOO. I’m not checking emails, I’m not answering pings, I am logged off and logged into my best me.

My entire adult life I have worked to this point.

I’d vacationed before but never had the balance nor support of my organization to truly log off. Sure, last year I was transitioning roles so there was literally no work for me to do - but had I not been in that weird limbo, I’d have been expected to be somewhat logged on.

But I’m on day 14 of being totally, completely, blissfully OOO.

I’ve traveled all over three countries, eaten all of the food, had all of the wine, and spent time being fully present in the culture I’ve immersed myself in.

And it has me thinking.

Why wait to disappear to Europe to go OOO?

Truly, if my company is providing a supportive environment - and it is - why shouldn’t I log off more?

So I’m going to.

Upon my return, I’m going to make a conscious effort to log off and go OOO whenever possible. Friday at 5, don’t call, don’t write, I’m turning work off.

Work is all consuming when you let it. The truth is, most of us aren’t saving lives. We have the ability to set a standard and say no, I’m taking this time to be fully present in my life and what that entails right now. Do so.

Stop complaining about it and do it. If your current career path doesn’t allow for that, grind until it does. Find the right fit for you because it does exist.

Work is amazing and I’m really thankful that I feel what I do does impact the world, but at the end of this whole life cycle, I want to be able to remember the moments I was OOO. I want to remember eating, drinking, laughing, smiling with the people who are most important to me.

I was to be so wrapped up in my OOO experience that on my death bed, I can physically sense every amazing experience I’ve been lucky enough to have.

What do you want to remember?

Global Lady of Leisure: A Recap

Well, Europe came and went and I am now back to my peasant life of the 9-5 job in Dallas. Obviously the trip was incredible. As if we had any doubts. Here's my recap for all you global travelers out there:

Remember, my travel style is local. It's not important to me to eat at super fancy restaurants. My goals are to immerse myself in the culture as much as possible! 

Paris

When I first got to Paris, I thought it was super overrated. It's a bit dirty on the outskirts and sort of chaotic. But the more time I spent there, the more I fell in love. We stayed in the heart of Paris, near Notre Dame. And at its core, Paris is far from dirty. It's certainly busy, but in a way that gives you energy. 

Must See: Notre Dame, Luxemborg Gardens (take a bottle of wine and a baguette!), Louvre 

Overrated: Eiffel Tower (go see the park, but honestly waiting in line and going up wasn't impressive), Love Bridge (they're starting to remove all the locks)

Where to Stay: Air BnB. It's the best way to live like a local and explore the city. I'm obsessed with where we stayed and would absolutely stay there again.

Where to Eat: Le Lutece, Le Paradis de Fruit, Le Petit Medicis

Monaco/Monte Carlo

I absolutely loved Monaco/Monte Carlo. My favorite meal of the trip was in this tiny little sunken restaurant in an alley in Monaco. It's a very clean area of Europe and we arrived right after the Grand Prix so we got to see all the cool setup without the crowds.

Must See: Monte Carlo Casino, Palace at Monaco. Walk from Monaco to Monte Carlo and back. It's hilly, but gorgeous and gives you the full views. 

Overrated: Monte Carlo Casino. It's not the same glitz and glam it used to be. Go see it, snap the photo, but other than that, it's not worth your time. Aquarium of Monaco. I'm from California so I've gone to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium many times. Nothing else compares. Wasn't worth the $16.

Where to Stay: We stayed at a Marriott a block outside of Monaco. If you have points, I highly recommend using them here and springing for the ocean view. It was nice to have a normal sized shower and A/C at a hotel. 

Where to Eat: The best pasta I had on the entire trip was at La Taverneta. 

Nice

Surprisingly Nice was my favorite stop of the trip. We stayed here as a last minute sort of pit stop and ended up falling in love with the beach, the food, and the town square. If I could do the trip over again I'd dedicate at least 4 days here.

Must See: The town square area where the farmer's market is and the majority of the local restaurants is stunning. Just go walk around here and if you're staying longer than 2 days, go to the market for the best fresh fruits, veggies, cheese, and fish and cook yourself a local meal.

Overrated: The main strip of restaurants right before old town are so awful and really touristy. Walk on by this area directly to old town. 

Where to Stay: Highly recommend the Air BnB we stayed in. 2 blocks from the private beach we loved and in a super safe building/area. 

Where to Eat: Di Piu (huge portions, really good food), Bistro DiAntoine, Farmer's Market! 

Amalfi Coast

Everything here looks as it does on Pinterest. Seriously. My favorite village was Positano hands down but I also really enjoyed where we stayed in Amalfi itself. They're all sleepy coastal towns with cobblestone roads and breathtaking views. It was also significantly less expensive here than France. 

Must See: Hike to Ravello (extremely difficult, we didn't make the entire 6.5 miles, but the views are incredible and its quiet), Positano, Do a boat trip around the area (best part of the trip)

Overrated: Capri, Salerno

Where to Stay: Air BnB is significantly cheaper than any hotel. The one we stayed at was the perfect location, it was huge by European standards and had one incredible patio. I'd stay in Positano if I were to do it again. 

Where to Eat: Il Tari, Lo Smeraldino, Stella Maris, Restaurant Marina Grande 

Rome

Rome is incredible. As a history nerd, I couldn't get enough of the history of everything around us. You literally see the modern world built on ancient Rome. It's an incredible place to go if you love to learn. Not to mention the food is divine and its the easiest city to navigate. 

Must See: Colosseum, Cesar's Compound, honestly just walk everywhere you can

Overrated: Trevi fountain

Where to Stay: Hotels here are insane expensive, again, do Air BnB. The place we stayed was HUGE and had an incredible private patio. It was also super cheap for what we got. Amenities were decent and service was just OK. The location was great though, I'd stay again purely for the size, patio and location.

Where to Eat: We got lucky and got into this tiny restaurant off an alley that is literally booked for weeks straight. Plan in advance and get reservations to Osteria Barberini. Hands down best service we ever had on the trip and the food is to die for. Very fresh and very local. 

Tips for Overall Travel

My number one tip, research. I'm a planner by nature. I was lucky enough to travel with one of my best friends who had previously planned a similar trip so she knew a lot as well. Basically, you're not going to Vegas. Understand that traveling abroad is an undertaking so educate yourself as much as possible so that when you're there, you have time to enjoy.  

Transportation: Norwegian Air. Buy the regular peasant class and bid for an upgrade. In Europe fly EasyJet. It's cheap, it's easy, and its comfortable. The train is also an awesome way to get around Italy and wasn't too difficult to navigate. Otherwise, walk as much as you possibly can in the cities you stay in. It's the best way to see the sights as a local. 

Lodging: Air BnB is so easy in Europe and the best way to live like a local. You often find really good local tips where to eat and what to do when you ask your hosts. You also get to meet locals this way! 

Finances: Get Euros in advance. Most places take card, but you really would do better to have Euros just in case. It also makes you stand out less! Please do not try to split bills either if eating with others. It’s rude. Also, nobody tips in Europe. If you do for exceptional service, it’s more like 10%. 

Packing: I did everything in a carry on. Highly advise doing this to make it easier to get around. Most places have a washing machine you can use as well for free. I'm not a backpacking girl so some of you may be able to do a big backpack for this trip, but I'm a hard case roller bag kind of girl.

Language: Learn the basic phrases for whatever countries you go to. It's important to respect the culture and country you're visiting. Please don't be like our President and make us look like asshole Americans. Learn please, thank you, and basic travel phrases like where's the bathroom and how to ask for water. 

Bottom line? Epic trip. Can't wait to keep adventuring. Stay tuned for what's next, we are thinking a yacht trip!

European Lady of Leisure

This post is for me.  I'm going to Europe shortly for two weeks with one of my childhood best babes and I want to know where to go, what to see, what to do, what to eat/drink!  

Here's the route:

Paris, Monaco/Monte Carlo, Nice, Naples, Almafi Coast, Capri, Rome

Now let me tell you about my travel style:

• Low Key: I'm packing a carry on and that's it!  
• Foodie (And Wino): I love to eat and I love me some good wines.  But I'm a simple gal.  I don't need 5-star dining.  I want to eat and drink local and really prefer the places that have history.
• Adventurer: I love to be outdoors and adventure.  I want to hike and wine taste, enjoy the beach - everything! 
• Culture Seeker: I love to learn about the culture and people wherever I go.  I'm not a fancy resort stay on the tour type of girl.  

Alright my sequins, give me your best advice on what to do and not do and what's worth the money versus what's not!

This is my first big adult adventure into Europe so I'm looking forward to the journey and culture it's going to provide.

And may I say, if you ever get the opportunity to travel with your best friend(s) to a new place - take it.  Sure, Cabo and Vegas are lovely, but we are grown now.  Get out and explore the world and learn about places that you know nothing about.  Being cultured is how we learn to appreciate and value each other a whole lot more.  Save your money and spend in on the experiences that shape you.

Wild Heart

For the first 26 years of my life I lived in California.  I briefly spent about a year and a half in Los Angeles but for the majority of those 26 years I lived within 40 minutes of my hometown.  I had traveled a ton and experienced different cultures thanks to my parents, but I had never drifted far from my comfort zone.  

Then, in 2012, at the age of 26 - I took a risk and moved to Colorado.  I knew nobody, had only been once, and literally saw my apartment for the first time the day I moved in.  Talk about a 180.  I went from complete familiarity to wildly out of my comfort zone.  

And ever since - I've been addicted to that lifestyle. I've lived in 4 states since I moved to Colorado and I don't know if Ill ever stop.  I've grown this wild heart that gets joy from new opportunities and experiences.  The uncertainty of future adventures makes my blood pump in the very best way.

The way I choose to keep moving is often confusing for other people.  They assume I'm running from something or unable to find joy.  But for me, seeing people stand still is confusing.  With so much to see and so many places to go - how could you ever stick two feet in the ground and claim stake?  If there's one thing I've learned on my journey, it's to not pay much mind to the opinions of those who don't understand my lifestyle.  

Will I ever stop feeling the need to move on?  Probably.  I think when I find somewhere that feels right, in a job that feels good to go to everyday, when I finally find a heart that matches my beat, I'll stay put.  But until all those stars align, good luck keeping up.

Mover and Shaker

I've moved a lot in the past 5+ years.  Once I got that first taste of being able to truly chase the dream, I've never stopped.  For me, knowing that I'm never stuck, that I can up and change my situation at any time is the most freeing thing I could ever know.

And that lifestyle has also been a trade off.  I've had a lot of people tell me that I'll be single forever until I settle down in one place.  Sure, I can see your point, men might not want to invest in someone who is ready to leave at any given time.  But I also know that the right man understands my need to keep dreaming and is open to the adventure that brings with it.

I've said it before, and I'll say it forevermore - being single forever is not the worst thing that could ever happen to me.  That being said - I don't think I'm going to be single for the rest of my life.  I think had I not followed my dreams, risked it all to become who I am today - I would never find success in a relationship because I would not have grown and discovered this me as I am today.

However - I know a lot of women who live a similar lifestyle that I do because of their jobs, their passion for travel, whatever the reason - you're in your mid 20's to mid 30's and single because of dream chasing and there's a stigma behind it.  It's the women who get asked why we are single and 30.  People tell us that we travel/move too much and need to settle down, stay in one place, be more active in our dating lives.  

Finding a partner is a wonderful thing.  Love and marriage and forever are absolutely something I want.  But compromising myself, my dreams, my growth - to find this person is not something I want.  And I don't think my teammate is not going to find me because I prioritize becoming a better person.  

At the end of the day - my need to continue to grow and experience life is greater than my need to stick around and find the one.  It's certainly not a life for everyone, but for me, it's the only life I ever want to live.  My biggest regret in life would not be failing to find a partner.  My greatest regret would be sacrificing who I am for a partner.

Travel is a Drug.

Whether I'm traveling for work or for play - I feel alive once I step off that airplane into a new city.  I could be in Kansas City or Belize City, I love the feeling of the unknown and the unfamiliar.  Travel gives me an opportunity to learn, explore, and grow - and each and every time - I get all the feels.

I've been all over this great country of ours.  From Sacramento to NYC to Milwaukee, Nashville, Laramie, and everywhere in between.  I love learning about the culture and community that makes America such a diverse nation.  I eat local, I drink local, I hike local - I live local. 

And recently - I've gotten back to taking my travel high global.  I've spent time all over Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.  But shockingly - I've never been anywhere else!  Not Europe, not Asia, not Africa!  And it's about time that changes. 

America is amazing - I love America so very much - but I need to learn to be a citizen of the world.  And as someone who values the differences each culture provides this giant melting pot - I can't wait to grow my knowledge of the people around me.

Traveling gives me a high nothing else provides.  I get butterflies when I'm about to go somewhere I've never been before.  I am humbled by the people I meet, the food I taste, the museums I explore.  And as long as I live, the greatest gift I'll ever give myself, is the ability to travel.

Next up? Europe.  I've got a really good feeling it's going to become my next addiction...

#SparkleOn

Locally Sourced

As I get older, and more or less wiser (mostly less) - I'm finding it more important to me to spend my money traveling.  Shoes and handbags are great - but the rush I get from being able to explore new places is irreplaceable.  And the more I travel, the more I learn the best way to spend my time and money on these trips.  

I'll preface this with: my type of travel is the kind of adventure that allows me to immerse myself in the local culture.  I believe that wherever I go, I'm a guest.  And as such, its my responsibility to do as the locals do.  Not only does that afford me the most authentic experience, it makes me a better visitor to that world.  I highly advise when you travel, you adopt the same viewpoint so that we can do our best to both respect and preserve the customs and traditions of the world around us.

Going local is easy.  It requires a bit more research and planning, but it's worth it for the end result.  And don't just think local for out of country travel.  These strategies apply to places right in your own backyard.  In fact - I highly recommend going local in your own country so that you can be a better local for the rest of the world who comes to see you!

Stay local

Check out local places to stay.  Choose a local inn, BnB, or utilize Air BnB.  Not only does this help the local economy but it affords you a great starting point for going local.  The people running these places are either locals or ex pats and can give you tips and tricks as far as where to eat, explore, how to travel, where is safe, where you should avoid, and so much more.  Hotels are of course easier to book, provide more of our usual comforts, and of course are the go to - but they're not setting you up for local success.  Stay local and build a relationship with the people at that property.  When you do that - you're starting the trip off 10 steps ahead of the folks that choose big chain hotels.  

Travel local

Check out local transportation.  Again, a great place to find out what's affordable and safe is by asking the locals at the property you're staying with.  For example, the subway in NYC (which is so confusing to me) is the best way to travel cheaply and effectively.  When I go to Belize next month, the easiest way to travel between islands are the water ferries.  Don't just rely on cabs and car services.  When you can walk, take public transportation or ride share, DO IT.  Listen to conversations, notice where people go, talk to people and find out what true locals do.

Eat Local

Eating is the best part of traveling.  Don't you dare visit a chain restaurant.  Ever.  Not once.  Continue the pattern of talking to locals and find out where they eat.  Go there.  Whatever that city/country is famous for making, find the best spot for it and eat there.  Food is the heart of a culture.  It's where families and friend share the most important moments of their lives.  It's almost a ritual thing.  Do your best research here and truly make it an experience.  

Experience Local

Go to the local bar.  Attend a local show.  Head out to a local ball game.  Hike the local trail.  Don't spend your time at amusement parks or movie theaters.  Don't go somewhere for the Instagram photo.  Go somewhere for the history, the culture - find out what the locals do.  Certainly don't miss Machu Pichu or the Statue of Liberty but maybe don't hit up Six Flags or stand in line for 4 hours for a donut.  Have a picnic at Washington Park in Denver.  Eat at Le Sel in Nashville. Stay with ex pats in a hut in Belize.  

Traveling local means immersing yourself into the culture of whatever city/country you're visiting.  Be open to whatever that means.  Try the food, hike the mountain, have beers with the locals.  Go in with the mindset to learn, explore, and be a guest.  Think of traveling local as being a student of the world.  And being a representative of wherever you come from.  That means being respectful, open minded, and above all - leaving the space better than when you arrived.

Happy travels my local Sequins!