Does your dream trip include the beach?

Traveling around the world since March of 2016, here are my top beaches!

1. Bodega Dunes Beach in Bodega Bay, California. This is one of the first places I met the ocean. It was my 16th birthday and I found a sand dollar. This sandy beach and its dunes will always hold a piece of my heart. Grab a crab sandwich at Fisherman’s Cove and spend the afternoon collecting shells.
2. Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Bondi Beach is like a movie. The beach and the humans lounging on it are a site for sore eyes. The lifeguards are reminiscent of the famous series, Bondi Rescue, and the waves are a blast. Wander up the beach to Lush on Bondi for the perfect cocktail!
3. Brighton Beach in Brighton & Hove, England. This pebble beach is the definition of relaxation if you’re at one end and the definition of a party if you are at the other end. Read a book in the sun with a picnic OR enjoy Pimm’s and live music on the other end. Brighton Beach has it all.
4. Cala Grande Beach in Capri, Italy. This was a fun spot to lounge on a day trip to Capri. With just a couple hours on the island we parked it on the rocks and had a picnic. If you have loads of time, if you are staying on Capri, I would not recommend this beach. If you are cruising around the island, this is the perfect spot just a few feet from where your captain will drop you!
5. Coral Gardens Reef in Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos. This may be my favorite beach in the world. The white sand that is any Turks and Caicos beach coupled with the best snorkeling I have experienced, next to that of Hawaii near Captain Cook, is a slice of heaven. The cherry on top? After burning endless cals snorkeling, the cutest café, Somewhere Café and Lounge, awaits you with a fun cocktail, local music and a breath taking view.
6. Dillon Beach in Marin County, California. I have spent years visiting the California Coast and this is my favorite spot. Wander the beach looking for sand dollars, shells and star fish. This sunny spot stole my heart a couple years ago when my mom and I found starfish as the tide rolled out. The most stunning orange, pink and purple five pointed sea creatures I have ever laid eyes on!
7. Laguna Beach in Orange County, California. This is the classic California beach. It’s stunning. It’s full of tide pools. It’s picturesque.
8. Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia. I want to move there. That is all.
9. Marameo Beach Club in Sorrento, Italy. This is the place to go if you are willing to pay a small fee for a lounge chair and umbrella. You have a stunning view of the Amalfi Coast to take in, steps from the pier down to the water when you’ve had enough sun, and lounge side service. It’s a little slice of heaven. To top off a dreamy day at the beach, wander over to Bar Ruccio for seafood pasta and service that will leave you drooling.
10. Meeks Bay Resort in Tahoma, California. One of my favorite beaches is just thirty minutes from my house. Even after traveling the world this is one of my very favorites since I was a little girl. It provides a classic Lake Tahoe experience. This is the only beach in this list that is on a lake rather than ocean/ sea. Book yourself a trip to Tahoe, come see my home!
11. Ocean Beach in San Diego, California. If you’ve every found yourself California dreamin’ this is the place for you! It’s a bit less crowded than Mission which makes it absolutely perfect.
12. Panoramic Park in Deep Cove, British Columbia. The deep blue water will take your breath away as you enjoy Time Hortons on the shore. That is all.
13. Playa de San Juan in Alicante, Spain. I studied abroad in Alicante for a semester during my undergraduate career and this was a reprieve from the busy city life. I prefer this beach to the local Playa del Postiguet that is absolutely swarmed with tourists. Although it is a tram ride away, Playa de San Juan is worth the visit if you are exploring Costa Blanca!
14. Playa La Roda in Altea, Spain. This is the perfect spot for you if you are dying to try the European way: topless. It’s secluded, it’s stunning and you won’t be seeing anyone you know during your first nude escapade.
15. Positano Spiaggia in Positano, Italy. This is a must. If you ever find yourself on the Amalfi Coast, you must spend a day here. It’s crowded, it’s a pain to walk down the bazillion stairs, it’s blazing hot but it’s an experience you can’t leave Italy without. Plus, L’Incanto awaits you with delicious seafood and ice cold cocktails in the shade when you feel as if you are melting into the lounge chair!
16. Sant’Ambrogio in Sicily, Italy. Finding this beach was a mistake. Spending a couple days in Cefalù, my best friend and I were desperately trying to escape the crazy busy beach for a secluded haven and that is just what we found at Sant’Ambrogio. I did not enjoy Cefalù one bit which put a damper on Sicily as a whole, yet I would go back just to spend another day at this beach and have another amazing meal at Osteria Bacchus!
17. Seven Mile of Grand Cayman island. This beach is a classic. It can be found on nearly every single best beaches list. It’s exactly what you are thinking of when you think of your dream beach vacation. It’s picture perfect.
18. Starfish Point of Grand Cayman island. This is a unique place. You take a ferry and then wander a beautiful residential area to where the starfish lay on the floor of the sea. It’s surreal, everyone picking up the beautiful creatures, trying to capture the perfect photo. I prefer to lay on the beach and observe the mayhem of one cruise ship after the next coming to shore.
19. Spotts Beach of Grand Cayman island. Make sure you go early, that is all I have to say! If your intention is to swim with the turtles, you best be there on time, not a minute late. We were late, we learned the hard way. When you aren’t snorkeling, the chickens will keep you company on shore.
20. Teacapan. Somewhere in Mexico, there is a beautiful beach on which my oldest friend has a beach house. It’s the most magical getaway. If you ever have the chance to visit a friend’s “beach house,” drop everything and book the flight.

What is the one thing you can’t board a plane without?

A blanket scarf?

A favorite snack?

A sedative to survive the flight?

For me, it’s all the things.

My carry on has the same 10 things in it every single flight.

Going to the Caribbean? Same 10 things.

Going to London in the middle of winter? Same 10 things.

Going to a business conference? Same 10 things.

First: sour patch kids. I don’t think I have EVER boarded a plane without them. Funny, but true.

Second: my medication. I can’t risk it being stuck in my luggage, should the unthinkable happen and my luggage be left behind.

Third: my laptop. For obvious reasons.

Fourth: all of my charging cords. Again, no need to explain!

Fifth: a water bottle. I either purchase one at the coffee shop on the way to my gate or I fill the empty one I have brought with me through security.

Sixth: AirPods and iPad. There is not a plane ride in history I am not watching my show during the entirety of the flight whether it be Reno to Los Angeles or Reno to London.

Seventh: a change of clothes. This has been a recent addition to my carry on. Previous to January of 2018, I had a perfect track record. January of 2018 I was stuck in Miami over night on the way to Turks and Caicos. March of last year I was stuck in Los Angeles over night on the way to Sydney, Australia. Safe to say, a change of clothes in the carry on has become a carry on necessity.

Eighth: gum. I have never been one to feel ill on a plane, however, I always bring gum just in case I need a little mint to calm my stomach or help my ears to pop.

Ninth: glasses. I wear contacts so I always have my glasses in my carry on. I usually have sunglasses too.

Tenth: my journal. Within the last six months I have created a morning routine for myself that includes journaling. I like to think I will continue this routine when I am away just like I do when I am home.

Those are my essentials, what are yours?

I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude as I realize I was lucky enough to visit Italy in all its glory two summers ago. The truth is, it will never be the same. COVID-19 is changing the world as we know it, day by day, minute by minute.

What if the man who owned the restaurant in Rome and made Fettuccini Alfredo just for us after explaining it isn’t actually Italian doesn’t survive?

What if the “hot shot” Italian man who photo bombed my photo doesn’t survive?

What if the waiter who served us chilled white wine, rosé, prosecco, muscles, octopus and the most delicious seafood pasta every single night on the Amalfi Coast doesn’t survive?

What if his sweet mother who gave us a ride in her teeny tiny car, stuffed full of newspapers, when she picked her son up from his shift, doesn’t survive?

What if the sweet Italian man who taught us to make pizza in his beloved wood fired oven as he poured us one shot of Limoncello after the next doesn’t survive?

What if the vibrant woman at the bed and breakfast in Tuscany doesn’t survive?

What if the family who owned our most favorite spot in Florence doesn’t survive?

What if they are forced to permanently close their restaurant, Brandolino?

Florence would never be the same.

Italy would never be the same.

It hurts my heart to think of such a thing.

It hurts my heart to know that everyone who visits Italy post COVID-19 won’t experience the magical place that I did in July of 2018.

Share your favorite place you’ve traveled to in the comments!

January 1st, 2020

2020 vision. That’s what they all said.

3 months later

20/160.

That is, moderately impaired.

In another couple of weeks it will be 20/200 or worse.

That is, severe visual impairment.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has blinded 2020, one eye at a time.

In a time of global chaos and uncertainty, travel has become nothing but a dream.

An impossible dream, at that.

To cope with the temporary loss of a passion, set your sight on the future.

Later this year I plan to be on a plane to either France or Greece.

I will be celebrating the birthday I spent in quarantine and the graduation I didn’t get to have.

When this virus began to take over life as we know it, I immediately started looking at flights.

The only way I know how to survive a crisis is to look for gratitude.

I found gratitude in the cheapest flights to Europe I have ever laid eyes on.

Half the price I usually pay, a true blessing in disguise.

Perhaps it is my graduation present.

Ground yourself in a daily gratitude practice. It’s easy to find joy on a good day and it’s the habit that carries you through a bad day. Today, the seventh day I have been trapped inside the house, quarantined, I am grateful I can sleep in until 9 a.m. each morning during this time. I am grateful Rachel and Dave Hollis’ Morning Show brings me joy and lots of laughs. I am grateful I smiled ear to ear as I walked by each of my neighbors this morning on my five mile walk. I am grateful for the pink and yellow spring flowers brightening my Tuesday. I am grateful I learned to play NBA 2K with my brother. I am grateful I get to watch Suits in the middle of the day with my mama. I am grateful I had the time to bake Lemon-Butter Shortbread Cookies and lick the bowl. I am grateful, as Digital Marketing Manager of Camie Cragg Fitness, that we have gone digital during this pandemic. You too have countless moments of joy and gratitude to find each day, you just have to open your eyes.

Are you looking to start a travel blog but need some inspiration?

Are you looking to book a trip but need some inspo, tips and tricks?

Either way, in addition to my own, these 10 blogs will help you out.

Happy blogging; happy traveling.

1. The Blonde Abroad is a blog I appreciate because I am one of very few young women who have had the confidence to Travel Solo. It takes a lot of courage to get on the plane knowing you won’t be meeting your best friend when you land. It takes a lot of effort to step out of your comfort zone to make the lasting friendships that come from traveling solo. The Blonde Abroad does a fantastic job providing resources to young women looking to travel solo, in an aesthetically pleasing way.
2. The Poor Traveler provides a very detailed, budget friendly guide to traveling the world. However, the blog isn’t just a guide to help readers navigate budget, “poor” also depicts misfortune. The blogger duo is looking to help their audience avoid some first timer mistakes. If the shoe fits, wear it.
3. Dan Flying Solo is an inspiring blog sharing the story of a career change: corporate world turned blogger. If you dream of traveling the world as a full time job, this blog will captivate you!
4. A Broken Backpack caught my attention because Mel is Canadian and a Social Worker. I have family in Canada and my mom is a Social Worker. If you enjoy no filter, Mel is your girl!
5. The Blog Abroad has inspired my own thoughts about changes I would like to make to my blog to channel more of my personality in things like the “About Me” section. With the paragraph, “For those who don’t know me personally,  there’s still time to bail, I just want to welcome you into my world. I’m not your everyday travel blogger. I’m awkward. I’m sassy. And I sound like Beyonce in the shower. Hold your jealousy,” you can’t go wrong following Gloria for all of your travel blog inspo!
6. My Life’s A Movie caught my eye because of the bright photos and graphics on the Home Page, including the map with all of the countries visited. Alyssa’s blog will certainly influence the design of my own blog. Maybe she is the perfect inspiration for you too!
7. Travel Break is clean, sleek and high quality having been featured on The Huffington Post, CNN, Forbes and several other Media Sources. Great inspiration for serious travel bloggers.
8. Backpacker Banter is an all encompassing travel blog. From photos proving the beauty of a place to a guide to travel in Australia, Chris is a Brit looking to inspire others to see the world for themselves. Chris, like The Poor Traveler, has a section on budget, including his yearly spending.
9. Nomadic Boys is a guide to gay travel! I love this blog because I imagine it being difficult to navigate traveling as a gay couple with different cultural norms around the world. Such an insightful blog, thank you Nomadic Boys!
10. A Dangerous Business Travel Blog caught my eye because Amanda is a former journalist and I studied Journalism in my undergraduate career. I love that she emphasizes fitting travel into your existing lifestyle because that is exactly what I do in my own life! If you are looking to find a way to travel more, but have a busy life, Amanda is your girl!

Comment your favorite Travel Blog below!

Are you headed to the Caribbean for a tropical reprieve mid-March?

Here is my Grand Cayman itinerary, including all my favorite eats and drinks.

Day 1

Arrive midday and check in to your accommodations in West Bay. Relax, unpack and freshen up to walk to dinner at Calypso Grill. The Calypso Crabcakes are CLAWsome and so is the view!

Day 2

Wake up and relax in the poolside hammock before brunch. Head to the beach for the day. Wander up the beach to Calico Jacks Bar & Grill to grab a cocktail. Cherry bikini top and a piña colada in hand, life is good! Once sunned out and ready for dinner, muscles, garlic bread and cool white wine await you at Catch Restaurant & Lounge.

Day 3

Day 3, the day you finally start to really inch your way into vacation mode. Time to visit Starfish Point. Catch a cab to Camana Bay and then a ferry to Starfish Point. Hang with the five point cuties for the day. Wander back toward the ferry pick-up and have a cocktail at Kaibo. Hold off on food, Kaibo isn’t the move. Upon arriving back at Camana Bay pick a patio and wine and dine. Shop around and catch some live music to end the day.

Day 4

Start the day poolside at your accommodations. Wander to the beach midday, stopping at Calico’s for a snack before the beach. Stay for sunset.

Day 5

Today we are swimming with sea turtles at Spotts Beach. Be sure to get there early morning or you will miss them! Have a photoshoot on the pier. After a long day of snorkeling and lounging on the beach it’s time for a gorgeous meal and sunset on a patio. House Made Coconut Shrimp with Mango Chutney from Alfresco, a local hole in the wall, are to die for!

Day 6

Off to the famous Stingray City! I highly recommend Red Sail Sports. We went on 3-4 excursions with them and loved every single one. We did the Stingray Sandbar and Rum Point Sail from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Amazing experience and staff, Stingray City is an experience of a lifetime! When you return from an exhausting day of kissing Stingrays and drinking Prosecco on a luxury catamaran, catch a cab to The Cracked Conch for a fun view, snorkeling and sub par food and drink.

Day 7

Today is a beach day with a dinner cruise planned for the evening. Get your hair braided by the local woman wandering the beach, ride the banana boat, drink a piña colada and eat a shrimp cocktail from none other than Calico’s! Head home to get fancy for a night out with Red Sail Sports. Catamaran Ferry Service to Rum Point Beach BBQ is the evening we booked. It was fabulous, I 100% recommend this excursion while visiting Grand Cayman.

Day 8

After a late night, it’s time to spend the morning lounging at the pool before a spa day. Spa courtesy of the Westin; a massage, pedicure and facial always completes a beach vacation. Yoshi Sushi to top off the evening. I would give anything for that sushi at this very moment! Absolutely to die for!

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Day 9

Today it’s back to our new favorite spot, the Westin, for a beach day. Did we go eat lunch across the street at Yoshi Sushi again? Of, course! With no shame!

Day 10

On our second to last full day on the island we did our third Red Sail Sports excursion, Kittiwake and Reef Sail; hung out on the beach; and had the most fantastic Italian meal. It rivaled that of Italy itself! Ristorante Pappagallo is an absolute must while visiting Grand Cayman. Limoncello Tagliatelle and Maltagliati were two of our favorites.

Day 11

For our last day on the amazing Grand Cayman Islands, we opted for a beach day at the Westin and a Sunset Sail with Red Sail Sports. We met a family from Miami celebrating a birthday on the catamaran, ate burgers together and spent our last night out dancing with our new friends.

Book a trip to Grand Cayman, you won’t regret it!

Have you ever wondered how to make a three-day trip to a big city worth it? Here are my tips and tricks after spending a short weekend in Rome, Italy.

Day 1

Arrive mid morning around 9 a.m. to avoid jet lag.

Arrange an early check-in so you can grab a Taxi or an Uber from the airport, straight to your accommodations, for a quick change. Freshen up, grab the outfit you placed on top of all your other clothes so you don’t have to dig through your suitcase to find an outfit for the day and hit the streets of Rome.

Explore. Wander aimlessly down the river. Stop for gelato and a glass of wine.

Have dinner at the restaurant your friend recommended after studying in Rome for 6 months.

Power through, relying solely on adrenaline. Come bed time, after a glass of vino and a mound of homemade pasta, you will sleep like a baby and be ready for a day full of all things Rome.

Day 2

It’s your first full day. Book your tickets to the Vatican for the following day.

Make your way to the Colosseum and wander through the Roman Forum. Take the touristy pics.

Stop at the hole in the wall for deliciously creamy pesto on the way.

Walk. Walk everywhere. You won’t truly see the city and more importantly, you won’t find the creamy pesto, if you don’t. The day will fly by, just like that.

Wander back up the river on the way back to your Airbnb just outside the walls of Vatican City. Stop for pizza at Dar Poeta. This is by far the best pizza I have ever had; I would go back to Rome just for another bite of this pizza.

Continue wandering back up the river, exhausted after tens of thousands of steps in a single day. Take the photo with the Italian man when he photo bombs you. It’s a memory that will never fade.

Last stop for the night: lemon gelato.

Day 3

It’s your second and last full day in Rome. Off to the Vatican you go, in short shorts and a skimpy tank top because you didn’t know any better. Fall into the tourist trap that is overpriced scarves to cover your shoulders. It’s a memory, a photo and a laugh that will last a lifetime.

Stop at the cafe for overpriced, horrid refreshments. The Vatican is a long day. Absolutely stunning, but long.

Share a bottle of wine outside the city walls.

Wander down the river, back to the Trastevere neighborhood because you loved Dar Poeta so dang much.

Happen upon a local hole in the wall where the owner makes Alfredo special for you after informing you it isn’t actually Italian and you won’t find it on any menu in Italy. Bless that sweet Italian man!

Wander back up the river in the direction of Trevi Fountain and make a pit stop for your favorite lemon gelato. It’s bittersweet. Just like waking up the next morning at the crack of dawn to catch a train to Sorrento for the week.

Thank you Jackie for all of the amazing recommendations. When in Rome, comment your favorites here! X

Have you ever wondered how to select an Airbnb?

If an Airbnb listing does not hit the basics, I look no further.

For example, air conditioning, wifi and a personal bathroom are necessities, not luxuries.

3 Question To Ask

1. Do I want to rent a car?

No. I never “want” to rent a car. All I do at home is drive. I do not live within walking distance of a single thing. I certainly don’t want that while on vacation. I want to be within walking distance of all the things, especially delicious food and the beach.

Examples:

Turks and Caicos

I rented an Airbnb in Turtle Cove just a short walk from the white sand, a cutesy cafe with colorful fruit smoothies and the restaurant, Sharkbite, for cocktails with a fin-tastic view.

Rome

I booked an Airbnb right across the street from the Vatican.

Florence

I happened upon an artsy Airbnb just a few steps away from the Duomo. A few steps the opposite direction were countless bellissima Italian restaurants that served my staples: pasta and Prosecco.

2. Do I want to wake up with a view?

Yes. The answer to this question is always yes. I spend a lot more time in my cozy rental than I think I do or may be willing to admit.

Examples:

Turks and Caicos

Opening the curtains to see the yachts sail out for the day and wrapping up the day with a chilled glass of wine and a stunning sunset. This is the definition of winning, if you ask me.

Brighton

Grand Cayman Islands

Waking up, pouring a cup of steaming hot coffee and wandering out to the hammock, barefoot, without a care in the world. Glancing beyond the pool and spying a lizard creep up from the lagoon as the roosters “cock-a-doodle-doo.”

3. Is breakfast included?

All I have to say is, I love breakfast and so does my best friend who I travel with 90% of the time.

Examples:

Grand Cayman Islands

A family style breakfast on the screened porch where we made friends with the cutest English couple. Scrambles, fresh fruit, French toast, banana bread, all the things. We looked forward to brunch with our new British friends every single morning.

Tuscany

A gourmet frittata with goat cheese, onions and balsamic with a side of garden fresh plums made just for you by an Italian TV Chef. Does it get any better than this?

Netherlands

The cutest mama of two knocking on our door with a plate full of delicate, homemade crepes, topped with chocolate chips. Needless to say, in the dead of winter, we curled up under the cozy comforter, flicked on a rom-com and devoured the sweet treat.

Do yourself a favor, book yourself an Airbnb.

It’s more than a rental, it’s an experience.