I didn’t plan on making a post about this, but folks keep inquiring about my travel style. I thought I would take the time to pass on some pointers on how to slay on your vaca.
Tips for travel style.
See my fashion style tips below.
Dress for what works for your body type. The most attractive thing is to be comfortable and confident. Pack clothes with you that you know fit correctly. Make sure you try all those new outfits on before you takeoff. Don’t be afraid to use that sewing kit in the hotel bathroom if needed.
Invest in a color wheel. If you never took an art class a color wheel is a great start to learn your primary colors, contrasting colors, color groups, etc. Knowing which colors go together make it so much easier to pack and coordinate.
Do your research. Research on social media and online about the aesthetics of the place you plan to visit. A simple Pinterest search can help you match your wardrobe with your travel vibe.
A Fashion board/ Style guide. You can easily create a fashion board online to visualize your intended outfits for your trip. You can also find other created fashion boards on places like Pinterest and Nordstrom to make things easier.
Use your fashion accessories to assist. Use one main accessory you plan to bring with you such as a coat or handbag and coordinate your wardrobe. (See my Paris Fashion Book)
Walk around. There is literally color and some undiscovered gems wherever you go. Don’t be afraid to walk around and wonder. You may find some picturesque points to see and photograph.
Support system. Make sure you bring the right undergarments with you. Whether that be the proper support undergarments, boob tape, etc.
Right accessories. Not only should your clothes be coordinated but make sure you pay attention to your accessories. Your handbag, scarf, jewelry and/or glasses can enhance an outfit even more.
What happens in Vegas will not be staying in Vegas this time. This month I had the pleasure to finally get to Las Vegas to see Usher for his Las Vegas residency. I had been putting off this venture for way too long, but I am finally glad I took the time to see U-S-HER- R-A-YM-OND. It was worth the quick journey and expense for an unforgettable experience. I am thankful for the day I had in the desert. To me it was the perfect amount of time to spend in Vegas.
To be honest, I am not the biggest fan of Las Vegas. After the infinite trips for conferences, birthday celebrations, vacations, etc, I am over Sin City. Las Vegas was cute in my 20s and 30s when I enjoyed walking and shopping down the strip. I also enjoyed the overpriced meals and clubs, but those days are over. I have been on this earth for 40 years and if I didn’t have to set foot in Vegas again, I wouldn’t be mad.
Speaking of 40s, my generation grew up on 90s/00s R&B and Usher was a huge part in that. I am not going to discredit this man because his talent is in no way the reason I delayed my viewing of his show in Vegas. I had plans on going last year, but my schedule was too packed to make the venture to this icon’s show on the strip. In May this year, I made time for Vegas and just so happened to see Usher. Lovers & Friends weekend was a great day filled with R&B and Hip Hop acts. This celebration included Usher, but it was a small portion compared to a Vegas residency. I then made the decision I had to come back before the tour ended.
24 hours in Vegas was the perfect amount of time to enjoy some great history, sites and music. My quick trip was exactly what I needed to get the feels of a vacation, but still be able to enjoy my weekend at home. I am glad that this trip provided a lot of firsts but not lasts. This was my first time getting to visit Cafe Lola. Cafe Lola is a group of fabulous women owned cafes in the Las Vegas area that are super stylish and filled with great food and drinks. This visit was the first time I was able to see the long awaited Seven Magic Mountains and the Hoover Dam. The vivid art instillation and man made creation have been on my radar for way too long and worth the tour. Mr. Las Vegas was a great all encompassing tour in just the right amount of time. Lastly this was my first time staying off the strip and I honestly enjoyed it more than my other past accommodations.
Usher’s show is most definitely worth the hype. It brought back so many pleasant adolescent memories. The music and vibes from Usher’s show were incredible. I didn’t sit down once the show started. Usher may be in his 40s as well, but he hasn’t aged a drop. He still has the moves and is worth every dime of the experience.
8:30 AM Took rideshare from the airport to Cesar Forum Shops for Breakfast.
Some quick window shopping, then
9:30 AM Breakfast at the super adorable and delicious Cafe Lola.
I took my time and savored my breakfast and the ambiance. After I then walked down the strip to CVS to pick up some water and snack for my afternoon tour.
12:30 PM Our tour guide from picked us up from our designated pickup point on the strip.
1:00 PM Arrival at Seven Magic Mountains. This colorful art installation is located right outside of Vegas and is a must see if you can.
2:00 PMHemenway Valley Park a cute stop to check out some desert big horn sheep that roam around naturally.
2:30 PM Lake Mead. I had to check out the water reserve that supplies H2O for CA, NV and 5 other states. After seeing the low levels in person, I’m even more water conscious than before.
3:00 PM Hoover Dam. This architectural wonder is absolutely amazing to see face to face. You get a chance to walk across the Colorado River into CO.
The connection between France and Japan started quite some time ago with what is called “Japonisme”, which is the influence of Japanese fine arts, fashion, aesthetics on French artists and writers in the 19th century.
Little Tokyo is located on a small triangle formed around the rue Sainte-Anne enclosed by the avenue de l’Opéra, the rue de Richelieu, and past the rue des Petits-Champs.
Rue Sainte-Anne is home to dozens of delicious Japanese restaurants and shops.
I have traveled around the world and back again. I have been to six out of the seven continents and I have enjoyed every experience. Throughout all these adventures there have been a plethora of cuisines on my palate. From street food to fine dining, food is a huge part of the travel story.
As a self proclaimed solo traveler expert I am safe to say that I have thankfully not experienced any illnesses while overseas. I always come fully prepared with my homemade first aid kit, up to date skills/ emergency contacts and insurance for any emergencies. For those who have had the unfortunate incidence of getting sick away from home, it is not a pleasant nor convenient experience. The majority of travelers who get sick are associated with some sort of food borne disease.
Food poisoning is more common than people think it can be, especially when visiting a new country. There are some ways to combat the risk of catching a food bug, so you can truly enjoy the food and entire travel experience without suffering. I have compiled a helpful list of my recommendations for reducing your risk of a food borne travel illness below.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Food Poisoning Internationally
Hand washing- Hand washing is ALWAYS the number one rule when it comes to reducing your risk of getting sick. When traveling make sure to are continually washing your hands throughout the day and before you eat/ drink. If you are eat out in the streets and local establishments, make sure there is accessible water for food preparers to be washing their hands regularly as well.
Early street food- Most countries rely on fresh food markets to meet the demand of restaurants and food stalls. Food markets start early in the AM which means that the earlier you get to eat it from the streets the probability of it being fresh is very high. Fresh food is always best to reduce your risk of food borne illness.
Less meat and raw foods- New research suggests thatfood poisoning is less common for vegans and vegetarians due to the interplay between bacteria, meat and increased fiber consumption which protects the gut. Raw food is considered high risk for bacteria consumption. Try cutting back on your animal proteins to decrease your risk of getting sick.
Staying active– Regular moderate exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of infection compared to a sedentary lifestyle. Get moving whether you are at home or on vacation.
Staying hydrated-Make sure when you are traveling you drink plenty of SAFE water to help flush out your body and keep your immune system top notch. Check the CDC before you travel to know if the water is safe to drink where you are going.
Limiting alcohol consumption- Consuming too much alcohol can affect the stomach lining, causing inflammation, and reduce the ability for the stomach to repair damage. Alcohol also affects how the stomach empties and alters the amount of acid that is produced. If the stomach is not able to empty properly it can increase the chance of illness.
Look online- When I travel I still try and find as much information as I can about where I’m going to eat online. A simple Google search usually can provide quick reviews about safety and cleanliness of eateries.
Probiotics- Studies are still out on whether they may strengthen your gut to protect you from future foodborne illness, but studies suggest that some probiotics may help shorten a bout of diarrhea if you do happen to get sick.
*These recommendations solely represent my personal research an opinion and in no way represent the opinions of medical associations, corporations, organizations and brands I’m affiliated with.
I have honestly been to my fair share of vintage shops in Paris. Being the fashion capital of the world, gives Paris an advantage of variety when it comes to clothing and shops. There are vintage clothing stores in every arrondissement in the French capital. Some of these second hands shops are worth visiting and some are not.
Good Parisian vintage stores can be like finding a gem in a sandstorm. With the popularity of Paris and “vintage” fashion for so many reasons, some of these shops can be overpriced, overwhelming and picked through.
Before I move on, let me just give further information on the differentiation of vintage shops. There are consignment shops and there are second hand shops aka thrift stores. Consignment shops are vintage stores that have already been sorted through, organized and collected by the shop for style and mark up. Second hand stores are vintage shops where donated clothes are not necessarily sorted through or organized and are usually sold lower than market price.
What I have noticed in Paris is because it is a known fashion capital, there are a lot of “vintage” stores. What I have also observed is that many of the stores are labeled as “second-hand” stores, but they are in fact consignment shops. The reason I say this is because the stores can be very aesthetically pleasing, but the clothes are very over priced for my taste.
In the States, when I venture to a thrift/ second hand store, I’m expecting clothing prices to be as low as possible. I don’t anticipate paying more than $20 for a decent article of clothing. In Paris, second hand store clothing prices can be anywhere from €10- infinity and beyond. For consignment shops, the prices are astronomical in my opinion. My favorite rainbow wool blazer that I purchased at a thrift store for $6 would cost me over €100 at a Parisian consignment shop, so be aware. It takes some time and patience sorting through used clothing to truly find a deal, even more so in Paris.
During my latest visit to my favorite city, I perused some consignment and second hand shops trying to replace a lost broach of mine. I enjoyed visiting some of my favorite shops and decided to pass on the experience and information to you.
I have compiled below a list of my favorite vintage shops in Paris. I share my wheres and whys to visit each shop.
I hope when you get a chance to visit Paris you get the opportunity to do some non touristy shopping and get your hands on some great recycled fashion finds.
Fiji is a land made of up of more than 300 tropical islands. It inhabits the South Pacific Ocean and has some of the best resorts worldwide. Fiji also offers unforgettable snorkeling / scuba adventures, great nature parks, breath taking beaches and much more. With so much land and islands to explore, choosing the best time to visit is essential to guarantee a great time. No matter the time of the year Fiji is a beautiful nation to visit and experience at least once. Here are some things to consider before booking your next vacation.
1. “Fijian Winter.”
Many consider best time to visit Fiji is during the dry season, between the months of May and September; this is known as Fijian Winter. Since Fiji is a tropical climate, it remains warm and humid year round. The average temperature in Fiji is 77°F (25°C). During the summer months (December and January) the temperature can average above 86°F (30°C), not taking humidity into consideration. During Fijian Winter the climate is less humid and slightly cooler making it a pristine time to explore. Since this time is considered ideal for travel, you can expect more tourists and higher prices during your trip. This time is also considered winter break for many Australians and New Zealanders so expect more families during your stay.
November through April constitutes Fiji’s typhoon season. During this time of year, you are more likely to run into warmer days and daily storms. Although the weather during this time is not ideal, if you are looking for a travel bargain this is the time go. Many airlines and hotels are looking to fill empty spots so you are more likely to get discounts on your flight or accommodations during your stay. Also are you not only able to get more for you money during this time of the year, you are more likely able to take advantage of the less crowded, secluded beaches. There are less people visiting the many islands of Fiji during this time so it can feel almost like your own private island.
Some events to check out during this time: New Year’s Day, Holi (February /March), Easter (March/ April).
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is a very celebrated tradition in Fiji. With approximately half of the population of Indian descent this celebration is celebrated by both Hindi and non-Hindi. The five day celebration is observed every year in early autumn after the conclusion of the summer harvest and coincides with the new moon. This celebration is considered one of Fiji’s major festivals and is displayed with fireworks; homes and businesses light up and fill with gatherings and course amazing food. Diwali is very festive time in Fiji and one the most important holidays to witness.
This is a public holiday that celebrates the anniversary of Fiji’s independence from British colonial rule in 1970. This holiday includes a week of festivities centered on Fijian and Indian cultures that concludes on October 10th. This holiday includes celebrations expressing the countries diversity including parades, street parties, traditional dances, and singing performances. Most local cities and towns have their own unique way to remember this important day.
Fiji has something amazing to offer everyone any time of the year.
One of the many reasons I love Paris is it is a land of four seasons. Paris has the complete spectrum of seasons: summer, spring, fall and winter. The latter two seasons provide less crowds with colder days. Although Paris has its four seasons, it also has its share of showers.
It rains approximately ⅓ of the year in Paris and its distributed evenly throughout the year. This means that there is a chance no matter when you decide to visit you may encounter some measurable precipitation. Thankfully the city of lights offer plenty of favorable things to keep you happy and dry.
I decided to bring you some indoor activities to enjoy if you get to experience a rainy Parisian day.
I also recommend bringing along a functional umbrella on your Parisian journey. Many hotels provide them for you to use during your stay if you don’t want to pack one with you.
How to spend a rainy day in Paris
Rainy Day Activities for Paris
SHOPPING– Paris is a fashion capital. Why not spend a day putting a dent in your wallet indoors. My favorite places to shop if I’m not checking out thrift or vintage stores is Galleries Lafayette and Samaritaine. They both are not only full of great brands but also aesthetically pleasing and features cafes to sit back and relax.
Visit a MUSEUM– Paris is known as the museum capital of the world. One of the reason I don’t have an itinerary when I travel to Paris is like to check out the new museum exhibits in town. There are so many choices to museums to choose from. YSL, Palais Galliera and La Gallerie Dior are a few of my fashion favs.
Grab a HOT CHOCOLATE– Paris hot chocolate is famous for being super rich and perfect for a rainy day. The best places to enjoy this scrumptious chocolate treat in the city are Angelina, Les Deux Magots, Jacques Genin and Un Dimanche à Paris.
Take a COOKING CLASS– I’ve shared before that I take a cooking class every time I visit Paris. Paris is a cuisine capital and I just so happen to enjoy spending time in the kitchen. Check out La Cuisine Paris for the best cooking classes in Paris.
Visit a BOOKSTORE– I have shared my love for reading with your before. Being around books just provide me a sense of comfort. Spending time in a Parisian bookstore on a rainy day is a great way to stay warm, comfy and learn something in the mean time. Parisian bookstore are aesthetically pleasing and peaceful. My favorite Bookstores to visit in Paris are Librairie Galignani (The oldest bookstore in Paris and located right next to Angelina), Librairie Gallimard and Shakespeare and Co.
I honestly don’t have a budget when I plan a trip to Paris. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have ways I save on my trip.
Here is some ways I save money when I travel to Paris.
(This is not an ad. I am not getting paid for any of this info.)
Jardin des Tuileries
🗓️ 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭.
There is a reason why Paris in the fall is my favorite time to visit. It’s technically off season for travelers, so I can usually find more affordable flights from September-December in Paris if I book early. I try to book my flight to Paris at least three months in advance to save the most coins. I always track my flights on Google Flights and the Hopper app.
💳 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝.
When I book my airline flights for my yearly travels, I buy them on all the same credit card and pay it off. I rack up thousands of points doing so without interest. I use those points and save hundreds when I book my flight to Paris.
I have an Amex Platinum credit card which comes with tons of travel perks such as 5x points on hotel bookings, $200 hotel travel credit, travel lounge access, travel insurance and more.
🏨 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞.
If I’m not booking my flights through my travel credit card website for more points, then I book them on Booking.com. I have booked so many hotels through Booking.com this year that I automatically save 10% of my future hotel stays and free breakfast at certain hotels.
🤑
*This year Booking.com even paid for my transport from CDG to my hotel in Paris saving me $100USD. It pays (LESS) to book consistently.
I also save money during my Paris travels by walking the city or using public transportation/ Metro as much as I can.
I love a good BOGO deal. I’m always looking for ways to save some coins, especially when it comes to travel. I normally get an opportunity to BOGO during my trips while enjoying my extended layovers or stopover programs. Now don’t get it confused, I spend and splurge for luxurious items when the feeling is warranted. That includes my travels as well. The best of both worlds is being able to get the luxurious treatment at a steal.
As I have mentioned in my previous post, when I visit Paris yearly I usually don’t have an itinerary planned. I may have one or two items to check off my yearly trip, but for the majority of the time I go where the Parisian spirit leads me. During my previous recent trips to the French capital, I have had the pleasure to explore other regions outside the city. I have ventured to Champagne and Bordeaux to taste the French fruits of labor. Both experiences were truly sumptuous and have encouraged me to venture elsewhere.
This year I made to decision to visit another country during my week in Paris. I came to this conclusion after booking my flight with a connection in the UK. Europe is conveniently accessible using the train system. In the past, I took a trip from Paris to London and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I looked online to see which country was the closest to travel to from Paris. Brussels, Belgium popped up on my screen and I promptly finalized my sparse itinerary for my European adventure.
I booked my train ticket to Brussels and return trip in advance and was able to save on my travels. For less than an additional $200, I was able to take the train to Brussels for the day. A quick 1.5 hour ride from Paris and I found myself in Belgium. I had ample time to purposely get lost in the city. I literally walked the entire day to best see Brussels. I ate delicious Belgian waffles, authentic frites and scrumptious chocolate. I safely returned to Paris with a full and satisfied stomach.
I had a wonderful time during my day trip to Brussels. I decided to share the highlights and helpful hints from my most recent adventure.
I hope you get a chance to visit and appreciate Brussels as much as I do.
