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Looking for something new to add to your library? Check out the descriptions for these
unique travel podcasts.
1. Black Women Travel Podcast
Black Women Travel Podcast shares the stories of Black women who dreamed to make travel a priority. This community of bold women from all over the world have varied travel stories including short-term travelers based in a country, to long-term travelers living as digital nomads or working abroad. Listen in to hear how they’re able to use travel as a means to connect with themselves and others.
2. Melanin and Miles
Melanin and Miles is the weekly travel podcast for millennial and gen-z black women that explores being a woman of color while traveling, affordable travel advice, bucket list travel destinations, funny travel stories and interviews with popular travel influencers. Melanin & Miles is co-hosted by Joi Wade and Janelle Layton, two black girls in their 20’s who have traveled to over 25 countries and 5 continents and love exploring new cultures.
3. Nomads At The Intersections
Host Noami Grevemberg and co-host Anaïs Monique dive deep into stories and weave through the challenges, journeys and inspirations of the diverse voices who, often go unheard. Noami is a Black woman and a nomad who has been living in her campervan since 2016. She started Diversify Vanlife in 2019 in response to the lack of representation of BIPOC in the road travel community. In this show, you’ll hear from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and other underrepresented travelers at the many crossroads of the modern nomadic movement.
4. Black Girl World Traveller
Traveling is hard. Traveling as a woman is harder. Traveling as a black woman is unique! Black Girl World Traveller discusses everything related to solo black female travel, financing travels, being black and abroad, and everything in between.
5. The Black Girl Abroad
The World is your oyster and The Black Girl Abroad is your tour guide. Join host, LaQuisha N. as she discusses EVERYTHING International {career, lifestyle, and travel}. Together you’ll explore how stepping out of comfort zones and taking leaps of faith are the blueprint to living your best life. Do you want to be STAMPED & CULTURED? … Well, this is the Podcast for you. Let’s Go!
6. On She Goes
On She Goes; a travel & lifestyle podcast made for women of color, by women of color. The goal of On She Goes is to uplift the voices of ALL women of color, and to encourage women of color to travel more confidently, more adventurously and more often.
The On She Goes crew discusses a range of topics from, Traveling while Black, Representation in Mainstream Media, The Great Outdoors, Getting Paid to Travel, Politics, Transracial Adoption, Road Trips, Ancestry, Current Events and more.
7. Chronicles Abroad
Welcome to Chronicles Abroad, a podcast that uses travel to highlight stories of personal growth. Hosts Nubia and Frantzces were just two middle-aged, single, empty nesters who decided to start a podcast about living, working and traveling abroad. Each week they spotlight the stories of courageous world travelers, creative wanderers and digital nomads who share their incredible experiences of the world through their eyes.
8. The Offbeat Life
The Offbeat Life Podcast interviews fearless individuals who ditched the norm in order to become Location Independent. We discuss finding purpose, defining moments that led them to change their lives, overcoming setbacks, how they create income from their passions while working online and becoming remote entrepreneurs.
Which one will you download?
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Food, tastebud tingling food. One of the best parts about traveling to different places. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction that comes with finding the best pizza in Naples, the quirkiest tapas lounge in Barcelona, or the spiciest jerk chicken in Jamaica.
But how can you satisfy your wanderlust and inner foodie at the same time?
We’ve got a few tricks that’ll help you turn any trip into a foodie adventure!
Find the signature dish. Most places have a local cuisine or signature dish they’re known for. Do a quick Google search before you head out to eat and find out what dishes you can’t miss.
Ask for directions. Sorry, men, we know you hate doing this, but think about it: Who’s going to know where the best food in any location is? That’s right, the people who live there. Find a friendly local and ask them where their favorite foods are found. Take notes, they probably have a few places to recommend.
Be brave but trust your gut. Has your new local friend directed you to somewhere that looks like it might not pass a health and safety inspection? Have a closer look. If it’s fully nasty and you’re worried about getting sick, fine, leave it. But if it’s just a bit run down or mom-and-pop style, give it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised!
Research local food blogs and websites. Check out local food blogs, websites, and food-focused social media accounts for recommendations and hidden culinary gems in your destination. These sources provide great tips and information from food enthusiasts who have explored the local food scene extensively.
Take a cooking class or food tour. Immerse yourself in the local food culture by participating in a cooking class or joining a food tour. This hands-on experience allows you to learn about traditional cooking techniques, local ingredients, and even prepare your own authentic dishes.
Try new things. Whether it’s escargot or a new weird flavor of ice cream (queso ice cream, anyone?), be daring and try things you wouldn’t normally have. If nothing else, you’ll have a good story to tell about that one time you ate fried locust from a street food vendor in Thailand.
Find pairing experiences. Do a bit of research beforehand and see if anyone offers experiences that pair local cuisine with local drinks. Think wine tastings with a meal included, or perhaps a fixed menu at an upscale restaurant where they pair each dish with a different type of wine.
Make reservations… but be spontaneous too. Obviously, you don’t want to miss the chance to dine at the Michelin-star restaurant everyone’s been saying you absolutely must try – so get that booking taken care of. But also give yourself a chance to explore for some meals and see where your fancy takes you. You might discover a new hidden gem!
Don’t be afraid of street food. Carts or vans, or just someone selling off a blanket on the side of the road – street food comes in all varieties (and we all know the best tacos come out of food vans, right?). On the street is where you can find some of the most authentic snacks in any area – just pace yourself. Don’t stuff yourself on chicken satay – leave room for any other treats you might come across!
When you’re a dedicated foodie, every trip is a chance to taste something new. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to becoming a well-seasoned food traveler in no time! There’s a whole world of mouthwatering food out there – be sure to sample as much of it as you can!
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There’s nothing quite like a girls’ trip. No responsibilities, no men or kids to look after, just you and your besties, letting your hair down and spending quality time together. But not just any destination will do for your girls – if you love travel as much as we do, you want something special, magical, a trip you and your squad will be telling stories about for years to come. Well, we’ve got the perfect place for your next girls’ trip. Ladies and, well, ladies, it’s time to go to Cuba.
Travel to Cuba might sound a bit intimidating, and there are a few important things to know before you go, so let’s get that out of the way first:
Visa and Passport – You will need a visa to travel to Cuba, and your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months after your intended arrival date. Visas can be obtained at a Cuban embassy, or often through the airline you’ll be traveling with. Always do your research beforehand!
Money – Ladies, deep breath: you’re going to need to create a budget and stick to it, as you’re going to have to bring all your money with you. US credit and debit cards generally won’t work in Cuba, and the exchange rate at the local banks is very high, so you’ll want to take your cash with you.
Safety – You’re probably wondering if Cuba is safe for a group of gorgeous ladies like you and your besties, and the answer is yes! Just use common sense, don’t flash your cash (might be a good idea to invest in a money belt, just to play it safe), and don’t do anything crazy, and you’ll be fine. It’s probably a good idea to hire a guide too.
Ok, now that the boring bit is out of the way, let’s talk about the beautiful experiences that await you and your girls in Cuba!
Roll your own – Who says cigars are just for the boys? Sign up for a tour of a genuine Cuban cigar factory and learn how these legendary treats are made. Try rolling one yourself, and be sure to sample the results!
Feeling thirsty? – You can’t come to Cuba and not try the rum. Many bars offer rum tastings, and you can kick it up a notch by finding one that does a rum and cigar pairing. Nothing beats a Cuban cigar and a punchy rum cocktail with your besties. A true taste of Cuba!
Hit the dance floor – After all that rum, you’ll be ready for some dancing! Look for bars that offer dance lessons. You and your girls can learn the salsa, rumba, tango, and other spicy, sexy, sassy Latin dances that get your hips shaking! Show off your moves and dance all night long!
Cruise in style – The only thing better than exploring the vibrant streets of Havana is doing it in a classic car. Various companies offer different car tours that will take you around the iconic, colorful streets of Havana in style, just like you and your besties deserve.
Beautiful beaches – After all the rum, dancing, and exploring, you all deserve some relaxation. Head to Varadero for breathtaking stretches of sugary white sand beaches, quirky cafes, and laid-back vibes.
Mouthwatering food – We’ve saved the best for last because the food in Cuba is unreal. Tantalizing meat stews, fried plantains, and mojo dip (that’s garlic, onion, olive oil, citrus, and herbs), aromatic arroz con pollo (rice and chicken mixed up with all sorts of delicious herbs and spices), or the simple medianoche, the iconic Cuban sandwich of ham, swiss, and mustard served panini-style… we’re getting hungry just thinking about it.
As you can tell, we love Cuba, and we know you will too. And to make it even easier to travel to this fantastic place, instead of dealing with visas, exchange rates, and finding a guide all on your own, why not let an experienced travel company handle it all for you? Get in touch today and let’s make your dream Cuba girls’ trip a reality.
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Imagine relaxing on a beach and tanning in 75-degree weather in December! If you’re looking to try something different, maybe celebrating Christmas in Cancun is for you.
All the wonderful delights of Cancun that exist the rest of the year are still very present during Christmas. You can enjoy the beaches, bars, restaurants, shops, spas, and ocean activities, while also experiencing a culture deeply connected to Catholicism, Christianity, and of course, Christmas.
The Weather
A white Christmas sounds great and all, but the truth is a white Christmas is more of a hassle than anything. I mean, do you really want to be shoveling on top of everything else? If you head to Cancun, you’ll wake up to temperatures in the 70s. Not only can you ditch the gloves and Ugg boots, but you can pull those bikinis and sandals out of storage.
What About Christmas Dinner?
If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, you don’t have to worry about food. In fact, most resorts will put together a special menu to help you celebrate the Holiday. If you’re not staying at an all-inclusive resort, most restaurants will open on Christmas day. This holiday season, try letting someone wait on you rather than slaving over a hot stove for days. You’ll have the pleasure of rest and relaxation as well as traditional Mexican, American, Italian, and other cultural cuisines.
Will I Miss Christmas Decorations?
Not to worry. Most hotels and resorts have decorations such as Christmas trees adorned with elaborate ornaments, fake snow, sparkling lights and even Santa stations where the kids can meet and take pictures with Santa and all the elves. Many buildings in the city are lit up with bright and vibrant lights creating a sparkling, lively element.
If you venture out, you’ll find fun and exciting performances in the Kukulkan Plaza, candlelight processions and parties, and Nativity scenes. Many of the beautiful Nativity scenes feature real people and are considered Nativity plays. On the night of December 24th…a baby Jesus is added to the scene representing his birth.
Will There Be Eggnog?
Ummmm, Of Course! Your Mexican hosts will do all they can to give you the comforts of home. You’ll be able to enjoy a glass of eggnog, but while you’re in Mexico, why not try one of their traditional drinks like Ponche con Piquete. Ponche con Piquete is a hot holiday alcoholic beverage made of tequila or brandy, seasonal fruits, and cinnamon sticks.
What About the New Travel Requirements
Mexico has not changed its policy. You do not need to present a negative Covid-19 test to travel to Mexico. However, you will need to take a test to return to the United States. The timing of the test will depend on your vaccination status. You can coordinate your test with your resort when you check-in.
If you’re not staying at an All-Inclusive resort, you will need to arrange your own test. Don’t let that deter you. There are plenty of testing options out there. The most popular testing sites are;
- CostaMed
- Amerimed Clinic
- Hospiten
- Cancun Airport (Should be used as a last resort as availability is limited.)
Spending the Christmas holiday in another country could be such a wonderful experience. While in Cancun, you can combine all your family traditions of a meaningful Christmas with new and exciting activities that a tropical destination offers creating incredible memories for a lifetime!
Eat, drink and most of all, be MERRY!
Travel Tips, Uncategorized
Many travelers are opting for road trips instead of international, plane travel. Road trips offer less crowds, less risk, and more flexibility. But how do you go about planning? Follow these tips to get started.
1. Get inspired and choose a destination
The first step to any major road trip is to create a plan. Start by figuring out your ultimate destination. Look into potential attractions you’ll encounter on your way.
Find it on the map and pour over inspiring photos on social media.
Start by identifying how long you can spend on your road trip. Then decide how long it would take you to get to your goal destination. Once you have that mapped out, you’ll know how long you can spend stopping and visiting other attractions.
For example: Figure out how long it will take you to drive to Vegas subtract that from the time you have to spend on your road trip. The time leftover can be spent on other attractions such as the Grand Canyon or The Lincoln Park Zoo.
2. Bring Sanitizer and extra masks
Bring disinfecting wipes, Lysol spray, gloves, extra masks, and plenty of hand sanitizer. Prep a “bathroom bag” containing toilet paper, gloves, wipes, toilet seat covers, and hand sanitizer in case you need to run into a public restroom. Take this bag with you into your hotel rooms and create your very own sanitized bubble.
3. Consider renting a vehicle
Some vehicles simply are not made for long trips. Cars that are especially suited for road trips are convertibles, sports cars, small crossover SUVs, and other cars that get excellent gas mileage. Try to get a roomy vehicle if you’re traveling with a lot of people. You can even consider traveling in a campervan to cut down on the cost of booking a hotel.
4. Check Your Vehicle
If you’ve decided that taking your own vehicle is the best option, consider having your mechanic check your car’s fluid levels, brakes, tires, and anything else that could cause issues on the road. Be sure your spare tire is fully inflated and that you have jumper cables and extra wiper fluid.
5. Join a roadside rescue service
If heaven forbid you end up stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, having roadside assistance programmed in your phone along with the app of a company such as AAA will go a long way.
6. Bring Entertainment and Snacks
Download a movie or tv show, pack an e-reader, and bring an external battery. Find an activity that you enjoy passing the time with, like embroidery, coloring, or even a card game. Consider packing a cooler to cut down on the cost of buying snacks.
While you may not be ready for international travel, there are still some options to get away.
You may encounter some unique state to state circumstances such as vaccination rules, masking requirements, or entertainment options. Still, you can have an unbelievable road trip this year with the right amount of planning and research. And hopefully soon, you’ll be ready for international travel.
