-
What to Expect When You Arrive in Aruba
You’re planning your trip to Aruba and can already imagine your arrival. The anticipation of getting your Aruban passport stamp, being whisked away on a lush drive with views of palm trees and pregaming for some wild beach nights with the locals. Well, that imagery wouldn’t be accurate. How about scanning your passport through a self-serve kiosk and stepping out onto a bumpy terrain of cactuses? Aruba isn’t like any other island I have visited thus far. It is a laid-back desert island that is fitting for adventurous travelers. Here’s what you should know before visiting Aruba. Immigration To ensure a smooth visit to Aruba, complete Aruba’s Official Embarkation-Disembarkation card…
-
Discovering Havana, Cuba
There's no place in the world like Cuba... Our first visit to Havana in 2018 was a magical one. Join me on a balanced trip of exploring tourists sites and partying with the locals!
-
Can you Feel a Sedona Vortex?
There’s a spiritual haven in the United States that saves you from having to go to ayahuasca quests in Peru or yoga retreats in India. It’s just as otherworldly as faraway lands on other continents, yet only a five-hour flight from my home state of Maryland. I was flying to Tempe, Arizona for my graduation but figured it was only right to stop by Sedona the day before as a pre-graduation treat. Better yet, a visit to one of Sedona’s famous energy vortexes would at least dissipate the nerves I was feeling for my big day. Well, the scenery of this land did just that without even stepping foot into…
-
A Day in Key West
Tourists in the US typically gravitate towards rugged landscapes like grand canyons, or crowded cities such as New York. Massive cliffs and towering skyscrapers are breathtaking but there’s more to see here! Key West, the southernmost part of the continental United States, is a tropical gem of the country. This island city offers a vibrant culture, history, and art in a lush setting. While eastward, paddle through salt pond tours, and in the west watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. On its southernmost point, you’ll reach the edge of the country where Cuba is just 90 miles away. But don’t let the mojitos fool you, you’re still in…
-
A Quick Dip in Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll locate this sanctuary on Big Pine Key just an hour north of Key West. The park offers many ways to explore Florida’s natural beauty by offering endless activities and amenities. You don’t just have to enjoy the water activities, there’s birding, camping, and stargazing too. Upon driving in there’ll be three beaches to choose from. Loggerhead features shallow calm water, Calusa presents scenic picnic pavilions along its bay, and Sandspur offers the biggest beach on the island. If you’re just interested in a calm swim like I was Loggerhead is your best choice. Stepping onto Loggerhead’s shore is serene.…
-
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: Exploring the Maritime History of Florida and the Caribbean
Key West’s present day is decorated with bars, restaurants, street performers, and tourists worldwide. But it wasn’t always this paradise that snowbirds flock to. It was once plagued with slavery, and colonizers during the Colonial period. Being closer to the Caribbean Islands, it endured piracy that plagued nearby islands such as The Bahamas and Jamaica. Throughout this historical time slavery, plantation economy, and piracy were interconnected through attacks on treasure ships and ports. Centuries later Florida maintains a connection to the Caribbean as natives seek refuge from political instability and poverty. A visit to the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum presents these tumultuous times through exhibits of treasure, ships, slavery, and…
-
Kayaking in Sombrero Beach
Florida is the only state to border the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. This sunshine state is almost completely surrounded by water so there’s no surprise to the abundance of kayak shops around. The shops in Marathon, Florida will most likely suggest Sombrero Beach. You’ll just have to state the number of hours you plan on kayaking, sign your waivers, and they’ll drop off and pick up the kayaks for you. Pulling into Sombrero Beach set the perfect scene for a laid-back beach day. It’s not a crowded spring break haven nor is it desolate. The beach is complete with a park and picnic area sparse with a…
-
Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman
Tales of a Female Nomad follows Rita Gelman through a series of transformative adventures around the world. Here’s why I think you’ll be inspired by it. Summary: Rita’s current life opposes the life she’d prefer. She’s an informal and venturesome woman caged in a stuffy L.A. marriage. As the stability of her marriage drifts behind she allows her curiosity to lead her to a more authentic future. Through her initial solo travels, she’s able to discover who she is when she’s not beside her husband. She fulfills her new desires as an Anthropology grad student and finds herself completing her dissertation in Mexico all while dreading her looming divorce. Rita’s catalytic…
-
Discovering Dolphins: A Hidden Oasis in the Florida Keys.
Driving down the Florida Keys can be a bit monotone. You drive for miles seeing nothing but blue ripples of water sway along the long connecting bridges. The modern construction of Miami is long gone as the scenery shifts to quaint motels and old shopping centers. Nevertheless, a random quirky shop with giant motifs or romantic gazebos along turquoise waters beckons curious tourists to scope its picture-friendly display. This year on our drive down the keys Carlos and I couldn’t miss The Dolphin Research Center. A giant dolphin figure stood tall amongst the houses and palm trees that lined up along the road. It inevitably persuaded us to experience sensational…
-
The First Restaurant I Visit Every Time I Land In Miami
The best restaurant in Miami to introduce yourself to Cuban cuisine. There’s nothing worse than being hangry while traveling. My two-and-a-half-hour flight from DC to Miami sounds bearable, but it’s not just those couple of hours one has to bear through. There’s waking up early to arrive two hours before boarding, getting through the dreaded TSA, and finally arriving but then having to deal with long car rental lines. By the time my boyfriend and I get into our rental, we have one thing on our mind; Food. And not just any food, Versailles food. Versailles is a cultural landmark that sits proudly on Calle Ocho with a giant sign…
