Nature is healing: Scotland & Italy



Having friends who live in Europe and fall in love over there sure has its perks…I mean who can RSVP “no” to a wedding at a castle in Ireland (the same place the Beckhams got married nonetheless). With that being said, it made for the perfect excuse to find some unexplored European territory for myself. I was craving nature, to say the least, and if you’re looking for an active trip, you should surely stop by some of the places I went – they were unbelievable.

Scotland (Google Maps )

Part 1: Edinburgh

When you’re in Edinburgh you almost feel like you’re in a real life fairy tale. Castles, chapels, Harry Potter, and some of the most magnificent history and landscapes. Not to mention a fantastic culinary scene.

Activities and places I loved:

Circus Lane: a beautiful street to walk down in a quaint neighborhood

Dean’s Village: A picturesque walkway with a gorgeous stream running through. Incredibly tranquil

Edinburgh Castle: Need I say more? Built on a dormant volcano and so cool!

Arthurs Seat: Nice hike (actual hike) up to have amazing views of the city

Calton Hill: A hill with city skyline views and classic monuments

Palace of Holyroodhouse: A palace with stunning gardens and architecture

If you happen to be there in August, don’t miss the military tattoo!

Food (because girls gotta eat!)

Signet: The spot to go for high tea

Queens Arms: Fish and chips are a must – pub type vibes

Azile: fantastic Michelin star with low key airey vibes

Dishoom: This one doesn’t need explaining…IYKYK

The Dome: Go for high tea

Lady Libertine: Good for tapas and cocktails

Timberyard: A restaurant I was hoping to go but couldn’t get in so hoping someone else can get a Ressie and let me know how it is!

The Devil’s Advocate

Bars:

The World’s End

Tolbooth Tavern

The Royal Oak

Captains bar

The Last Drop

Ensign Ewart

Thistle Street Bar

The Queen’s Arms (amazing pot pie and live music)

Panda and Sons (speakeasy)

Part 2: The Highlands

Since I was limited on time, I did a guided tour which isn’t my ideal but I don’t know how to drive on the other side of the road and the drive to the Highlands is dicey even if I did. If you don’t know what the Highlands are, it's a mountainous region in northwest Scotland that's known for its stunning scenery, remote towns and villages, and cultural heritage. Not to mention, this is home to the infamous Loch Ness monster. At certain times during the year, you can also catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

I wanted to go the Isle of the Sky and found a 3 day tour, which if you’re tight on time, I highly recommend. We stopped at Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe, Quiraing Mountain Pass (my favorite!),

The Old Man of Storr, Five Sisters of Kintail and Loch Ness. Simply just driving and looking out the window was astonishing. So incredibly peaceful and unlike anything I had ever seen before.

Italy

Part 1: Val Gardena (Dolomites), Italy

I had been dreaming of going hiking in the Dolomites (a mountain range in Northeastern Italy) for some time, but knew that I would need more than just a few days and fortunately I had a break from work to do this. I flew into Venice and rented a car (recommend an automatic) and headed out on the windy drive through the mountains to Val Gardena. I stopped no less than 10x to take pictures along the drive to Val Gardena. This is an area that appeals to people who not only love hiking but is also a large hub for cyclists.

Most “hotels” are bed and breakfasts which is great if you're getting up early to hike so you can fuel with some coffee and food before setting out. We stayed at Garni Hotel Bel Vert and it was perfect! Also, I should probably mention that a moderate hike is really hard by US standards :D

When we planned our trip to the Dolomites, we wanted a variety of different hikes. In Val Gardena, we opted for Sass da Ciampac and Lake Crespëina and Duanei – Seceda. Both hard, long, yet beautiful hikes. What is neat about hiking in the Dolomites is that they have little huts called refugios where you can stop to rest, eat or drink …or even stay overnight if you’re doing a multi-day trek. I highly recommend breaking in your hiking boots before you hike otherwise you'll end up with the world's largest blisters like mine. Walking poles can also be useful on these hikes as there is often unsteady ground.

As a means to break up our hikes, we took 1 day off and went paragliding. This was one of the most spectacular and beautiful things I have done. I felt VERY safe and what an amazing way to see the surrounding area.

Part 2: Cortina (Dolomites), Italy

Home of the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina is a busting chic luxury city where you can do it all. We stayed at Hotel Menardi which was nice as we had a walking path into town we could take and avoided driving/parking since it is a busy spot. Cortina is home to Lake Sorapis, an ice-blue lake you can hike to and a main attraction. If you do this hike, get there early to avoid people – it will make the trek much more enjoyable. The other hike we did was Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Trail which has a starkly different landscape but beautiful rock formations and another iconic hike in the Dolomites.

To help with your planning, I compiled all the research for hikes and food in the Dolomites here as there are endless options to choose from. The Dolomites will be your spot if you’re ready to have an active vacation!










































The Return of The Travel Bug: Paris, France

It had been over two years since I went to a different country (unless Cabo San Lucas, MX counts…). Having something you are so passionate about (traveling) get stripped away from you is indescribable. Thanks to Netflix, I binge watched Emily in Paris during COVID. For those of you who don’t know me, I hardly watch TV, so the fact I watched this show all in a day more or less says a lot.

I never had the desire to travel to Paris. I always thought the French would be rude since I didn’t speak it and I would say to people “the Eiffel tower isn’t going anywhere, so I am only going to adventurous places.” Little did I know I would fall in love with Paris and I was very wrong about the city and the people. I spent a week in Paris, France, and feel like I could’ve spent a lifetime. The food, the people, the shopping, the architecture… I don’t even know where to begin. Here’s a snapshot of my highlights and some recommendations if you ever plan to go!

I went to Paris in search of Alfie (sexiest main character in Emily in Paris – who I actually did run into IRL at Hotel Costes and freaked out), but since he was busy with Paris Fashion Week, I landed on searching for the best croissant. Stop by La Maison d’Isabelle if you want a buttery flakey croissant that has been voted on of the best multiple years in a row.

Next up on the dessert train…ice cream. In the heat of summer, theres only one way to cool down since cold brew isn’t a thing and Berthillon did not disappoint. I tried pineapple basil gelato and needless to say I was riding high.

Since I found my way into all the patisseries, walking around and sightseeing was a must so that I didn’t return to the US looking like a croissant…and lets be real, Paris has no shortage of sights to see.

There are some sights that I think you should do a tour and some that I think you can gaze in awe from the outside. I went up both the Eiffel Tower (equivalent of Times Square SOS!) and Arc de Triomphe. I think you can skip a tour, and in the case of the Eiffel Tower, head to Champs de Mars for a picnic or Trocadero Gardens. Bring a blanket, baguette, champagne and voila! Also, potential unpopular opinion but I enjoyed walking/biking/drinking along the Seine rather than the river cruise on it!

Also, ICYMI, the Notre Dame cathedral is under reconstruction since there was a fire in 2019 that broke out and unfortunately it wont reopen until 2024 when the Olympics are in Paris. But, nevertheless another beautiful site to walk around and right next to it is Saint Chappelle, which is a Ornate, 13th-century, Gothic chapel with amazing stained-glass windows of biblical scenes. This one is worth a quick trip inside to see the stories along the stained glass windows.

A quick 15 minute walk away from the Notre Dame Cathedral are the Luxembourg Gardens which are stunning and full or both locals and tourists. There are chairs and benches around to take a load off your feet from walking around. One of my favorite spots I went in Paris – the greenery really is something else.

If you are planning to go to the Louvre, I recommend a small private tour. The museum is massive and I promise you there is more to see than the Mona Lisa in there. It’s the most visited art museum in the world, and having a guide to point out various paintings, sculptures and educate you on the history of the Lourve is fascinating and worth it. P.S. seeing the Mona Lisa feels like you’re at a mini Coachella…so mentally prepare yourself!

As for other things to do, well that involves walking and shopping! Hit up Le Merais (shopping), Montmartre (top hit but skip La Maison Rose), Marché aux Enfants Rouge (biggest closed market), Saint Germain, Champs de Elysee, Seine River, Avenue Montaigne (Shopping – don’t miss Dior), and Rue Saint-Honore (Shopping). If you are going to do some designer shopping – make an appointment with the store since there are usually lines and definitely bring your passport otherwise they wont give you the VAT refund slip.

Now, when it comes to food, there are actually endless options in Paris…after all, the Michelin star did originate in France in 1926. The last time I checked, there were over 115 Michelin star restaurants in Paris ALONE in 2020. That’s a lot of amazing food options.

Food recommendations (where do I start…)

Le Christine (great tasting menu)

Ober Momma or Pink Momma (pizza up to par with NYC)

Contraste (lunch tasting menu – great décor)

Korus (one of my favorite tasting menus)

L’Avenue (amazing people watching post shopping)

LouLou (next to the Lourve – great for lunch)

L'As du Fallafe (Bomb Israeli food in Le Marais)

Café de Flore (café)

Les Deux Magots (café)

Francois Felix (one of my fave café/dinner spots with live music)

Café Antonia (beautiful hotel with high tea – do not miss)

Chez Alain Miam Miam (DO NOT MISS - best sandwich ever and worth the wait)

I have more recommendations – if you have a specific ask let me know and I can help!

Bars/Drinks:

Hotel Costes

Le Bar

Little Red Door

Candeleria

No Entry

Bisou.

Cheval Blanc (Rooftop)

Hotel Plaza Athenee

Le Duc des Lombards

Tips:

Bike or Scooter around – it was one of the most efficient and prettiest ways to see the city

Download ‘FreeNow’ if you want a cab/uber – it’s better and faster

Buy designer stuff in Paris – the Euro to USD is almost 1:1 and you can get a VAT refund

Watch your belongings

Make reservations

Buy Skip the line tickets

Wear deodorant

HAVE FUN!



Tropic Like It's Hot - The Philippines

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First and foremost, it’s clear that life has grabbed me by the horns and thrown me around a bit since I haven’t taken an extended personal vacation or written on my blog in far too long. Needless to say, I realized it was time for an extended break far away from strong cell service and WiFi networks to disconnect from work and remind myself what is out there in this world.

To be quite honest, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into heading to the Philippines, but it was surely a destination I will never forget which I will tell more about below. In order to get to experience the most pristine waters surrounded by jagged limestone formations with bright green trees on them and bustling marine life, you need to mentally prepare travel on multiple modes of transportation across many miles.

I was fortunate enough to spend a little over 2 weeks in the Philippines. Since it’s not to easiest place to travel to, nor predict weather/mode of transport wise, my girlfriends and I opted for the ‘less is more’ route. Oh, one last thing before I dive in… If you’re a foodie and looking to have mouth-watering meals when you travel, the Philippines cuisine was pretty sub-par, so don’t plan to go there for the food.

First Stop: Coron

Getting there: Plane from Manila to Busuanga

Days Needed: 2 - 3 days

Accommodation: Hop Hostel (Rating: 8/10) - great roof views, clean, great location & had good breakfast options

Food Recommendations: Summer Café and Bar, Full Lotus, Hop Hostel, Hermanos Tapas, Altrove Coron

I didn’t know anything about Coron except the fact that it is famous for shipwreck diving. Since I had such a blast scuba diving in Belize, I knew I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to see some shipwrecks. On my first day, I signed up for a diving trip that stopped at Barracuda Lake, Morazaan Maru wreck, ad Olympia Maru wreck. I went with Corto Divers, and I felt very safe and even lucked out with a personal guide. Did I mention it was about ¼ the cost of diving in Belize? The lake and the wrecks were very different, with the lake being over 100 degrees Fahrenheit under water the deeper we got. Too hot. But, I will say there was some extremely exhilarating about scuba diving through Japanese ship masts and seeing coral life now live on vessels shot down by the U.S. Army in the 1940’s.

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Given that I only had 2 full days in Coron, I wanted to make sure I could see as much as possible for the island hopping tours available. For my second day, I opted for the Island Super Ultimate Tour, which was a great way to tackle all the sights in one go and took up a full day. The tour stopped at Barracuda Lake, Kayangan Lake, Siete Pecados, Banol Beach, Skeleton Wreck, CYC Beach, Malwawey Reef, and Twin Lagoons. Every single stop: breathtaking.

I wouldn’t spend more than 3 full days in Coron since it’s an island that doesn’t have clean beaches without traveling by boat and is quite small. As for sunset views, make sure you check out Mt. Tapyas hike or head up to Hop Hostel’s roof.

Second Stop: El Nido

Getting there: Ferry from Coron (be prepared for potential ferry debacles)

Days Needed: 5+ days

Accommodation: Output Hostel (Rating: 5/10) – crazy young party hostel, bad outlets (sounds dumb, but is important if you think about it), poor food and the only real perk is the location had amazing sunset views

Food Recommendations: Happiness Beach Bar, Altrove El Nido, The Nesting Table, Big Bad Thai Bistro and Bar, Bella Vita, Sava Beach Bar, Marimegmeg Beach Bar, The Birdhouse

Tour A, B, C or D? Do I go in order? Or…? After going on Tour A and Tour C (two of the most popular), it’s hard to believe that you could really go wrong with any one of them. The tours are consistent across all providers and you end up with a 9-4 boat day with lunch provided and snorkel masks. They will charge you to rent water shoes, which you will need on any boat tour in the Philippines given the jagged rocks. I will say that doing all four boat tours would feel like a bit of overkill, and 2 was the perfect amount mixed in with beach and island exploration days. Tour A destinations are Three Lagoons at Miniloc Island (Big Lagoon is SPECTACULAR), Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach with Tour C going to Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Talisay Beach. It’s hard to have a bad time on the boat tours and you most definitely will get all the most breathtaking photos you could ever imagine.

After one to many cocktails during a night out at Pukka Bar, I needed a day of R&R, and there was no better place to do this than Nacpan Beach. While not the easiest or quickest place to go to from town, it was well worth it. The ride from El Nido town is about 45 minutes in a tricycle (we paid the driver to stay all day which I recommend. It should be around 500 pesos each way.) As the WORLD’s 10th best beach, this destination did not disappoint. Water so clear you can see straight to your feet, and plenty of tasty coconuts to go around. Did I mention it’s empty and you can get an hour massage for $6 USD? The sunsets from Nacpan Beach are like something I’ve never seen before, and if you have the chance to stay here and wake up to a sunrise, I have heard that’s quite jaw dropping as well.

el nido sunset.jpeg

In dire need of changing the color of my corporate skin tone from printer paper white to golden, I opted for another local beach day at Las Cabanas Beach which is spectacular. Very loungy vibes at local beach bars where you can get your swing picture with a daiquiri in hand. The sunsets from this beach are also amazing and if you’re feeling super adventurous, you can do the zipline for $10USD, which I highly recommend because you feel like you have the aerial view of a drone over one of the prettiest places in the world.

Falls Siquijor.jpeg

Third Stop: San Juan (Siquijor)

Getting there: Flight from El Nido to Bohol then ferry to Siquijor

Days Needed: 3+ days

Accommodation: Tequila Sunset Air B & B (Rating: 9/10) Kel manages the property and is a super laid back Aussie who was extremely helpful, the accommodations were spacious and right on the water.

Food Recommendations: Coco Grove, Baha Bar (Live Music!), Luka Loco

Seashells+Siquijor.jpg

Siquijor felt like a jungle island, filled with moquitos, marine life, and of course many waterfalls. Given that one of the full days I was there was Christmas, I decided to head to Paliton Beach, which was beautiful and had some of the nicest locals. Beware of sea urchins here since the water is filled with marine life that you may not be able to see. For the second full day in Siquijor (and once again due to limited time), I did an island tour which stopped at the famous Balete Tree, The Cantabon Cave, Saladoong Beach and my favorite of all, Cambuguhuay Falls. The island is small and it’s quite easy to get an open air van to drive you around the island, but whatever you do, do not miss Cambugahay Falls – it’s some of the brightest and freshest water I have ever jumped in (for a small fee you can jump off the rope swings into the water!). For the ultimate sunset, head to Coco Grove and snag the sunset IG from one of their hammocks on the beach.

Final thoughts and tips

Don’t forget to pack bug spray, water shoes (no joke), Immodium, and protein bars. Overall, the Philippines is amazing and breathtaking. I have traveled to over 35 countries, including the Maldives. While the Philippines are not the easiest and quickest place to travel around, the environmentally friendly Filipinos know how to keep their islands clean which makes every mile worth it.

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What the pho should I do in Vietnam?

I spent the last three weeks in Vietnam, and needless to say I had the time of my life. Vietnam just moved into the top 5 ranking of favorite countries I have ever visited (and I’ve been to over 35 countries, so that says a lot). 

From North to South:

Hanoi – Hanoi is an extremely busy city, with tons of organized chaos. I personally didn’t love it, but Hanoi serves as a great hub to travel to places like Sapa or Halong Bay. I wouldn’t spend more than 2 days here. I did a motorbike food tour with Hanoi Street Food Tours and it was great. Also, I stayed at a mix of hostels and hotels and if you're looking for an inexpensive, yet amazing hotel, check out the Essence Hotel. If you want a quick massage, I got mine at Midori Spa, where they employ blind masseuses- it was one of the best massages on my life and I love the mission.

Sapa – Sapa is a 6 hour journey from Hanoi (you can take a bus, train, or a private car)… there are no flights so don’t even try. I will say the long journey on rough roads was 100% worth it. Sapa is one of the most beautiful places I think I have ever been in my life. Most people do homestays that are outside of Sapa town (which is very touristy). I found a homestay, Mama Duck Homestay, through a blog, and I stayed with Hong who was incredible She was more expensive than many of the other homestays, but I felt like I had a more meaningful experience and as though I was truly a part of her family.  I also wasn’t sleeping on a 1 inch mattress on the floor... I had a proper cushy bed.  She took me on her motorbike where other tourists don’t go and introduced me to foods that I would’ve never otherwise known. I did an herbal bath, a mountain trek (which was no joke), learned to make spring rolls, and even met her parents. If you have the time, go to Sapa. I did 2 full days and one half day and I could’ve easily spent another day there exploring or just hanging with Hong and her family (I was sad to say bye).

Halong Bay – Halong Bay is a UNESCO Word Heritage Site and shouldn’t be missed if you’re in Vietnam. I know many people who do day trips, but I did 3 days and 2 nights and feel like I had a very different experience. Halong Bay looks like something out of a movie scene. I did a trip through a hostel here, but I am not going to lie, I felt old AF. Needless to say, I loved the itinerary, which included lots of swimming, kayaking and trekking to a lookout point. I’ve heard about several scams in Halong Bay, so make sure you choose your tour provider wisely if you’re going that route.

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park -  From Hanoi, I took a flight to Dong Hoi to go on a caving expedition (Dong Hoi Airport is a 45 min taxi from Phong Nha Ke Bang National park). I used Oxalis and did a 2-day -1-night expedition in the Hang Va cave. I am a very daring person, and I will say for the first time in a while I was scared at certain points. We set out in the park first off by trekking through the jungle, then wading through dark cave water, and climbing over several sharp rocks. We had the chance to go swimming in the cleanest cave water and then spend the night playing card games at the campsite. We repelled in and out of caves and rock climbed and I will say I HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE. If you can’t handle not showering or bugs then this is not for you. It’s on the pricier side, but I didn’t mind because I only left with 1 cut on my knee and it could've been much worse.

Hue - After caving I took the local train to Hue (someone will be sitting in your seat if you do this, but it was $8 for a 3-hour train ride). I spent one day in Hue and I was not a fan of the city at all. It was the first time everyone was pestering me and I just got over it. The attractions in this city are super spread out so be prepared for that. I was excited to leave Hue and head to Hoi An through the Hai Van pass, which I 100% recommend doing (I used Hue Adventures).  You ride on a back of a motorbike though a mountain pass that overlooks the seaside and it’s really something else. The cost of the motorbike tour from Hue to Hoi An was $45 and included lunch. It was very memorable and if you can do this you should.

Hoi An – Hoi An stole my heart. The beaches were perfect, the town was perfect, the shopping was great, and it's slower and quieter compared to some of the other towns in Vietnam. This is the perfect city to relax in. I decided to stay at the Little Hoi An Beach Boutique (such a great stay) which was outside of the ancient town and next to the beach. I wanted to be walking distance to the beach, so that’s why I chose this hotel, but I did have to take a shuttle in to town every day (though this didn’t bother me it may brother some). Hoi An is romantic and the city where if you want clothes made, custom tailors line the streets. I went to Peace Tailor and I recommend asking for Bi. There’s street food everywhere that’s amazing, but you can’t leave Hoi An without trying Cao Lao or White Rose (both particular foods to the region). If you want to” splurge” on dinner (aka $10 - $15 per person), check out Morning Glory . I had 4 days in Hoi An and absolutely could have spent a week here.

Ho Chi Minh City – Ho Chi Minh is a great place to really soak up the historical aspects of Vietnam, especially the Vietnam War. Must dos include the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels (actual tunnels you can go through from the war). I also went to the Mekong Delta but felt like it was very similar to Thailand’s market (if you’ve done that) and I would’ve rather had 1 more day in Hoi An.  If you’re looking for food in HCMC, then head to Banh Mi 37. IT WAS INSANELY AMAZING or if you want something a little nicer then you can eat at the Secret Garden (it’s a rooftop restaurant and beautiful). I got my nails done in HCMC too at Ori Nails and massages multiple times at Miu Miu Spa. Depending on the amount of excursions that you want to do in HCMC, you can spend anywhere from 2-4 days here. If you have the chance, try and make it out of District 1 to see some of the other areas!

There are several other amazing cities in Vietnam that I heard about but didn’t get the opportunity to go to which include Nihn Binh, Da Lat, Phu Quoc Islands, Nha Trang and more. Needless to say, there’s endless amounts of fun, food and shopping in Vietnam. It will not disappoint.

Go Slow in Caye Caulker, Belize

Go Slow...

That’s the motto if you’re hanging around the breathtaking island of Caye Caulker.

Caye Caulker is just a quick 45 minute ferry ride away from Belize City. When you arrive at the ferry dock, you’ll notice buildings painted with vibrant colors, the smell of the fresh ocean air, and green lush all around.  Take a deep breath and let the immediate feeling relaxation sink in.

Sunrise in Belize

Once you grab your luggage from the ferry station, you’ll realize that there are no cars on the island of Caye Caulker… golf carts, beach cruisers, and walking are the main modes of transportation on the island (you can rent bikes for as cheap as $5 USD/day).

You will immediately fall in love with the island of Caye Caulker. After stressful days in the office, there is no better escape and place to recuperate than this quaint island. The locals are genuinely nice (they’ll chat with you and know you within a matter of 24 hours) and care about your well-being. As a solo female traveler, I never once felt unsafe.  Worried about the language barrier? Well, fun fact, the Belizean’s speak English, though you’ll often hear them speaking in Creole.

Although the island is small, it is bustling with endless activities, flavorful local dishes, and plenty of other solo travelers and vacationers looking to relax.

Activities

Snorkeling:  The diving and snorkeling is UNBELIZABLE (I did both)! I went snorkeling with Caye Caulker Reef Friendly tours (Amado doesn’t feed the sharks/hold them like others), and had an amazing experience. We did three stops around Hol Chan Marine Reserve, including the infamous Shark Ray Alley, which is bustling with nurse sharks and sting rays everywhere. The full day trip was $80 USD and included a homemade lunch, snorkel gear, and endless rum punch.

Diving: I decided that I couldn’t make my way all the way down to Belize without diving the Blue Hole. I chose Frenchie’s Diving Services, which comprised of the most amazing staff and experience for diving in Belize (breakfast, lunch, gear was all included in the $300 USD cost). The Blue Hole diving trip is a full day tour (leaving at around 6am and returning at 4pm), and includes the Blue Hole, and two other dive spots along the Lighthouse Reef. If you’re not familiar with the Blue Hole, I want to call out that it is not a reef (it’s a sinkhole), and therefore isn’t full of marine life like the other reefs you visit. At the reefs we dove, I saw sharks, eels, vibrant coral, puffer fish, tiger fish, dolphins, and so much more! Most importantly, the Frenchie's dive crew made me feel safe and comfortable on my deepest dive of 90 ft., and I highly recommend scuba diving in Belize and using Frenchie's Diving if you have the chance.

Water Sports: You name it, Caye Caulker has it. There’s everything from kayaking, SUPing, jet skiing, and kite surfing if you’re the adventure guru and want to explore the island from the water.

Beach/Relax: If you want your trip to involve minimal movement, relax on the sand at the Split, which is the place to be. The Split was formed when a devastating hurricane split the island of Caye Caulker in half. Get a massage on the beach ($35 USD for an hour massage), suck down a Belikin Beer from the Lazy Lizard  and enjoy island life with some Reggae music playing in the background.  If you want to check out a posh beach, swim across the Split or take the water taxi to Koko King, which is a new resort that opened very recently on the other half of Caye Caulker with a beautiful beach and great vibes.

The Split

Food

The food on Caye Caulker is delicious, inexpensive and fresh (tons of seafood – think lobster, ceviche, snapper). There's a variety options, but the local Caribbean, Mexican, and African inspired dishes are to die for. You’ll often walk down the sandy road and get hungry due to the open grills that many of the locals use to cook the dishes they serve in their restaurants. Here are my top 3 suggestions in the breakfast, lunch, and dinner categories.

Breakfast:  Amore y Café – Go here for the best iced coffee; Errolyns House of Fry Jacks – A Belizean staple; Caribbean Colors Art Cafe 

Lunch: Kareems BBQ - The jerk chicken WILL sell out and it’s beyond flavorful and mouthwatering. A MUST TRY!; The Happy Lobster; Chef Juan’s Kitchen & Pastries

Dinner: The Little Kitchen – The restaurant is tucked far away, but amazing fresh lobster for very cheap, among other fresh menu choices; Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen – Great for a sunset dinner; Habanero’s (renamed Hibiscus) – High end, but fantastic food

Nightlife

Almost all the restaurants and bars on the island have Happy Hours, so take advantage of the $2 USD rum punch or panty ripper if that’s down your alley. Since the island is small, there aren’t a ton of places to go out, so you’ll catch most people starting the night out at the Barrier Reef Sports Bar, and after a few cocktails, making their way south towards I&I Reggae Bar to dance the night away.

Finally...

GO SLOW in Caye Caulker. Seriously, take your time. The locals will call you out if you’re walking too fast or look like you’re in a rush. This island and its people will make you feel at home and fellow travelers you encounter on the island will make this trip worthwhile. 

Mykonos 101

Mykonos Island... The perfect combo of beaches, partying and amazing food

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Accommodation

I want to emphasize that the location of where you stay in Mykonos is really important given the issues around logistics on the island (which I will elaborate on). During my stay in Mykonos, I split my time between Mykonos Town and a 5 star resort that was secluded from everything. One key thing is if you stay in Mykonos town, it becomes closed off to pedestrians at a certain point, so get ready to carry your luggage down the narrow streets full of pedestrians.

We stayed at the Fresh Boutique Hotel,which had the perfect location in town, right next to top food places like Avra and Interni and nightlife locations like Void and Scandinavian Bar. Mykonos town has quaint streets and beautiful décor, along with some great shopping. The second half of our stay in Mykonos was at the Anax Resort and Spa, secluded on the cliff side and has only been open for 2 years now, which is no surprise by the décor, service and top-notch amenities throughout the resort.

Transportation

Transportation in Mykonos is an absolute disaster. Yes I read online that there are only 30 taxis, but no one gave me advice on the best way to get around. If you are not drinking, I would recommend getting an ATV, which allows you the freedom to get wherever you want whenever you want. I caution you though, people are crazy in Mykonos and definitely be smart about driving on one – it can be dangerous. Make sure you get at least 150cc, otherwise you’ll be crawling up the hills.

We rented an ATV our first day after waiting 30 minutes at the Taxi stand with no sign of a taxi. Getting a taxi in a short period of time is all luck in my opinion, and if you have reservations anywhere, it’s not worth risking and ruining your trip standing by a taxi stand the entire time. Mykonos also has this sneaky system of “private transfers,” (aka expensive taxi) and they linger outside the clubs/restaurants – they are definitely a last resort and can be a saving grace to get home so you’re not stranded outside the club at night (buyer beware they are pricey).  Mentally prepare yourself and plan accordingly for transportation in Mykonos.

Food & Beach Bars

Dinner at Interni is no joke

Dinner at Interni is no joke

I ate my way through Greece, and I recommend that you do too. The food is fresh and amazing, and if you love seafood and Greek salads, then you’re in the right spot. If you want to go to some of the best food places in Mykonos, I highly encourage that you make reservation. Like many other European cultures, lunch doesn’t happen until around 4pm and dinner isn’t until 10pm and likewise clubs thereafter. Most of the beach lounges have restaurants attached to them, where you can have beds reserved to lay out and then go eat at the restaurant and return to soaking up the sun. I didn’t have one bad meal in Greece, so I'll highlight below some of my favorite places in Mykonos.

Alemagou: I missed Iza Goulart and Alessandra Ambrosio here but one day. This is a hippie, chic day beach club and food spot. This part of the island can get windy, so check the weather before you go. The food is good and the location is hidden which is rad, but make reservations.

Alemagou during the day

Alemagou during the day

Interni: This restaurant is in Mykonos town and has the coolest vibes inside – all white décor with overarching bougainvilleas. Cocktails are over 15 euro each, but they are crafty and yummy. Don’t be surprised if by midnight you have 60 year olds turning up and grabbing you to dance. Overpriced spot, but you’re paying for ambiance and a good time and it’s absolutely worth it.

Nammos calm before the storm

Nammos calm before the storm

Nammos: Nammos is definitely one of the “sceniest” places I have ever been, with everyone rolling in on their yachts and ordering more magnum bottles of rose than I’ve ever seen. This is a beach club and a restaurant. Note that there are politics related to where your beach lounges are, and it’ll cost you whopping 60 euro per beach bed, but the water is calm and clear for you to see right down to the bottom. 1pm it’ll be nice and quiet and by around 4 o’clock the yacht moms will be commandeering the tables dancing on them and having champagne showers. You might spot a VS model or pro athlete here, and I feel like Nammos is a place that shouldn’t be missed if you go to Mykonos. The 5 star restaurant attached has fresh seafood and prime time people watching. Make reservations for beds and the restaurant.

Sea Satin: Sea Satin, which is located in Mykonos Town, looked like a nice candlelit seafood dinner place when I arrived at 10pm, but after about 1 hour of being there for dinner, people were dancing on the tables the waiters were giving free shots. The food was excellent (expensive of course), but you pick out your dinner – fish, shrimp etc. and they cook it fresh family style. Don’t order King Crab Legs – they are frozen from Alaska.

Scorpios: Another “sceney” and expensive place with lots of older, yet very attractive and wealthy, people eating, drinking and dancing. Scorpios is a beach lounge in the day and then turns into a dinner and club/lounge (that closes at 1am!) at night. The setting is absolutely STUNNING and the food is quite amazing. This place is massive and has a hippie, bohemian vibe to it, almost like Coachella. Get the hummus- you won’t be disappointed.

Scorpios dinner at sunset

Scorpios dinner at sunset

Spilia: Spilia is a tucked away, romantic and tiny restaurant built in to the cliff side near Agia Anna. This place is not sceney and not turning up quite like the other places I’ve talked about so far. The views are amazing and so is the food. They are known for their Uni, so if this is your thing then you should definitely order it. We also ordered the sun dried octopus which you can see is fresh when you walk up and it was to die for. Spilia is a must do if you are in Mykonos.  

Looking for late night food? Try Souvlaki Story in Mykonos Town or one of the many crepe places to satisfy your sweet tooth.

There are several great beach bars and restaurants in Mykonos (Avra, Panormos, Solymar, Kalua etc.), and while expensive, they are fun and have good food. I didn’t highlight all spots out there to go to, but these are just some of my favorites. And if you still have enough energy after day partying then head to Cavo Paradiso, Scandanavian Bar, Carpice, Void, Paradise club, or one of the many more places to watch a Mykonos sunrise.

Mykonos Town sunset

Mykonos Town sunset

Next stop… Santorini!

The Windy City

With the Trojans playing the Fighting Irish in South Bend, Indiana, it was a no-brainer that I would spend a few days in the Windy City of Chicago. I want to share with you my top 5 favorite things I did while I was in Chicago! Check them out if you ever get the chance to visit!

Notre Dame USC

1. Millennium Park

Fun fact: “The Cloud Gate aims to evoke immateriality and the spiritual through the shine and reflectivity of its surface.”

This vast green space is situated between beautiful Lake Michigan and the tall skyscrapers of downtown Chicago. Many of you may know it as home to the Bean (which is actually technically named Cloud Gate) or the Crown Fountain. What I love about this park is there are many different areas to please people of any age. There’s a playground for families to take their children, or the Lurie Garden Boardwalk for a couple to spend the afternoon together. Millennium Park hosts free concerts in the summer and is a must see in Chicago.

2.  The Signature Lounge – 96th Floor of the John Hancock Building

If you’re like me, you always want to get a bang for your buck when traveling. So, instead of spending $19 to go to the John Hancock building observation deck, I went to the Signature Lounge and paid $15 for a drink and the same view (2 floors higher!). It only takes 40 seconds in the elevator to arrive at the lounge and on a windy day (like when I was there), you will feel the building sway. Don’t be alarmed though, the 5 million pounds of aluminum used for the building will keep you safe. P.S. if you happen to be a woman make sure you bring your camera to the bathroom because there’s a spectacular panoramic view of Chicago.

3. Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Fun Fact: The Chicago River flows backwards. Oh and on St. Patrick’s Day, the Plumbers Union dyes it a bright shade of Irish green.

I am not a huge fan of history, but I do love architecture and Chicago definitely has a lot of it. The river cruise, usually about 1 hour - 1.5 hours, teaches you about the design and history of the residential and commercial buildings in Chicago. You will learn and see the various styles of architecture and get some of the best views of the Chicago skyline. Make sure you dress warm if you are going in the fall or winter since it can get chilly on the boat. Don’t worry, the boats have concession stands where you can buy snacks or an Irish coffee.

4. Navy Pier

My experience at Navy Pier was probably different than most peoples since mine involved the USC Marching Band and hundreds of USC fans and alumni. Regardless, Navy Pier is an iconic spot in Chicago and the city’s number one attraction. Navy Pier is home to many attractions with everything from mini-golf and an IMAX theater to a 15-story ferris wheel which was modeled after the ferris wheel at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Did you ever wonder how the pier got its name? The pier was renamed from Municipal Pier to Navy Pier in 1927 in honor of World War I veterans, and actually came to serve as a naval training facility during World War II.

5. Deep Dish Pizza

You can’t come to Chicago and leave without trying a deep-dish pizza.  The most famous deep-dish pizza restaurant, with multiple locations, is Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. While there are many places in the city to get deep-dish pizza, you probably want to go somewhere where the locals would also eat, so check out these top 5 spots for some pie! I recommend wearing your stretchy jeans for this glorious occasion and then walking off the amazing crust on Michigan Ave.