The Life of Travel Be’s…

December 9, 2014December 9, 20145 Comments

Travel is like a sensuous dance choreographed to the different rhythms of life. In order to make the most of your trip, keep in mind the 10 Travel Be’s:

Riding an elephant has been on my bucket list for years! The ultimate experience is to interact with them in either Africa or India while they are in their element.

Be Inspired

Whether it be a beautiful beach photo on social media (i.e. Pinterest), a book or movie (i.e. Under the Tuscan Sun or Eat, Pray, Love), an inspirational travel quote, or a fabulous travel blog (*waves* “hi, y’all!”)…be inspired by things around you. It can be just the boost you need to encourage you to start planning your dream getaway.

Be Independent

Most people feel more comfortable traveling with at least 1 other person while others are a bit more adventurous and prefer to travel solo. Regardless of if you are with a group or on your own, be independent! This is your trip. Be selfish and make sure you see the places or do the things on your travel bucket list for that place. This doesn’t mean you stand up at breakfast and say “Alright, y’all…you are boring and I’m gonna have to jet and do my own thing because I will slit my wrists if I have to visit 1 more museum.”..then make a dramatic exit in a whirl of scarves and your phone cued up to “Flawless” by Beyoncé. I mean, you can do it but maybe save those dramatics for after dinner when there is mood lighting, k? Work out an itinerary with your travel partner(s) and figure out what the “must see/do” places & experiences are. Then figure out if you all want to do the same things. It’s okay if you don’t. Just carve out time where you part ways and have your own independent adventure to live the greatest experience you can dream of. Trust me, you don’t want to be on a plane flying home while giving your boo the side-eye because you gave up visiting the Eiffel Tower so he could walk around WWII battlegrounds.

Don't let this be you when your friend suggests a day of watching ESPN at the hotel when you're in Rome.

Don’t let this be you when your friend suggests a day of watching ESPN at the hotel when you’re in Vegas.

Be Adventurous

Explore the world…that’s what it’s there for! Being an explorer allows you to be bolder than you are at home. Immerse yourself in the culture, go whitewater rafting, go hot air ballooning over an African desert…whatever it is, make sure you take your sense of adventure and push yourself (at least a little bit) outside of your boundaries. Think of at least 1 day of your trip as an “adventure” and plan things that will allow you to have a “wow” experience.

My view from the sunrise hot air balloon ride over the desert of Dubai, UAE.

Be Innovative

I love traditional tours but always mix in something unique for each trip. While it’s a great idea to start each adventure by taking a Hop On/Hop Off bus tour to orient yourself with the city, make sure you book something fun & exciting too. It could be a spa getaway, an overnight camping trip in the desert, riding camels in the Sahara, sunrise hot air balloon ride, visiting the Harry Potter movie set…you name it. Museums are nice but make sure you give yourself time to do something that will allow you to truly experience the place you are visiting. If there is something you want to do and there is no formal organized “tour”, call up the place and ask them if you can have your own unique experience. Nine times out of 10, it will work and you will have an experience that most people will wish they had thought to do.

Research + proper planning = a fabulous trip!

Be Prepared

(Including the “baby be’s”: be safe, be knowledgeable) Research the place you are visiting. My travel boo is Rick Steves. Love him! His books are THE BEST! You need a game plan before you arrive (unless you are the type that just figures it out as you go…if that is you then know that we will never travel together because my nerves can’t take you). This will help you maximize your time, avoid tourist traps and focus on enjoying your trip. You may also want to go to the State Department’s website (www.osac.gov) and check out the country report for the place you are visiting. It gives you great info on crime and other concerns (i.e. privacy, health, etc).

Rocking the abaya in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Rocking the abaya & hijab in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Be Culturally Aware

I love being an American and am an unapologetic feminist. Even with all the struggles we have here in the U.S. when it comes to race, crime, poverty, etc…it’s one of the greatest countries on Earth. But, sometimes I don’t like some of the people that live here…case in point, the current state of affairs with black men being gunned down by police officers or vigilantes who suffer no repercussions from those illegal acts. Black lives matter. I am also very aware that I am afforded rights here that I wouldn’t be granted in some other places.

With that being said, be aware that each country has their own set of struggles & cultural sensitivities. Some are stronger than others. On a recent trip to Saudi Arabia, I made sure I wore traditional clothing [a black abaya (long cloak) and hijab (head scarf)] so that I would not run afoul of their religious laws nor make people feel uncomfortable. While it was a huge adjustment visiting a place where women don’t have as many rights as men, I tried to at least blend in physically since being submissive was a bit of a stretch for me (smile). When visiting other countries in the Middle East that don’t require the abaya, I made sure I was covered (long skirts/pants, long-sleeved blouses, etc). The last thing you need is unwanted attention or to be hassled by the religious police. Yes, it may be hot but you are a visitor in their country. And who wants visitors that don’t respect the house rules?

Be Open-Minded

The beautiful thing about this world is that it’s made up of so many different kinds of people (which is both a good thing and a bad thing). What is normal to you may seem absurd to someone else. That’s why it’s always a good idea to keep an open mind. For example, if you plan a trip to Amsterdam and know you have very strong views about drugs & sex then make sure you avoid the Red Light District. Please don’t tour the Red Light District wrapped in a cloak of judginess (is that a word? Spell-check says it isn’t but I kinda feel that it is…hmmm…too lazy to verify so I’m making an executive decision that it’s a word). Where was I? Oh, yeah, cloak of judginess…don’t walk the RLD pointing fingers at the people entering the coffeeshops or having impromptu prayer sessions for the sex workers. Know yourself and if you don’t think you can handle certain situations, avoid them. While drugs & prostitution are stigmatized and mostly illegal in the U.S., they aren’t in the Netherlands. Sex workers have unions and get benefits. Yeah, it’s weird to those of us not raised in a culture where it’s accepted as a daily part of life but I live by the motto, “if you like it, I love it.” and keep it moving.

Be Positive

This may be the hardest one for those that aren’t naturally a “glass half full” person. It takes work. My trick is to take a couple of deep breaths, fuss about it on Facebook complete with a full dramatic recap of what happened and a Meme (probably Kevin Hart). Make the “disaster” funny. Once you can laugh, you can start to get perspective. Being angry doesn’t help you fix the situation. Anger is a thief as it steals your good sense & happiness. Little issues become huge issues. Don’t be that person who has a meltdown because you ran out of gum. And, honestly, if things have gone horribly wrong…they can only get better, right?

I actually posted this to Facebook when my flight to Hong Kong was cancelled and I was told I'd have to sleep at the small regional airport I was at in Japan. Sigh...

I actually posted this to Facebook when my flight to Hong Kong was cancelled and I was told I’d have to sleep at the small regional airport I was stranded at in Japan. Luckily, I was able to sweet talk my way into a hotel about 45 minutes away.

Be Patient

Things go wrong. Flights are delayed or cancelled, that fabulous hotel that you booked actually looks like the Motel 6, or you can’t find anyone who speaks English. Trust me when I say that everything will work out. It always does. A little patience takes you a long way and can keep your dream vacation from turning into your worst nightmare. With so many travel apps and international calling plans, it’s easier than ever to get help.

Morning meditation with a yogi in Bali.

Be Kind

A smile goes a long way. It’s universal and understood in any culture. You don’t need to know the local language (but it helps if you at least learn a few key phrases like “hello”, “please” and “thank you”). I’ve had more people open up and share wonderful experiences with me just by being genuine and offering a pleasant smile. Plus, a smile makes you beautiful and who doesn’t want that?

I hope this list of Travel Be’s helps you to plan and enjoy your next fabulous vacation. Are there any Travel Be’s that I missed? Let me know!

Nikki’s Favorite Things: 2014 Fashion Accessories (Fall/Winter/Spring)

December 2, 2013December 8, 20144 Comments

With weight restrictions on checked luggage, it’s hard to travel light and be fashionable. I used to be the girl with 2 suitcases and a carry-on…for a 7 day trip. Why? Because I needed options and apparently thought I’d be doing outfit changes every few hours like Scarlett (of the O’Hara clan). So young. So naive. Now that I am wearing my Big Girl Panties, I’ve learned that all I need is one suitcase and a backpack.

It was hard in the beginning but you learn the critical items you need…and where to find a laundromat. The last thing you want to deal with while traveling to different countries is a lot of luggage. Most metro systems in European cities do not have escalators or elevators so you are stuck carrying your suitcase up and down steps. By the time you finally reach your destination, you are cursing the name Louboutin and wondering why in the world you needed to bring 5 pair of stilettos when you can’t walk in them on cobbled streets. The struggle is real.

With space limitations, you have to figure out how to make 1 outfit work more than once. How do I accomplish this? With my favorite fashion accessory…SCARVES! I like to wear a lot of black because ~~I have put on quite a few pounds~~ it’s fashionable. Wearing black also allows you to accessorize with lots of different colors. While I love to shop for scarves in the cities I visit, I always bring a few with me from home to be safe.

Forget the big chain retail stores and support small businesses. I love Etsy! How I got addicted to the app is baffling to me. All I know is that I browse the online shops at least 3 times a week looking for unique accessories that I won’t see on 10 other women at the airport. The items I highlight below were all purchased by me with no compensation from the owners. This is just my opinion and recommendation of fabulous shops that you might want to check out on Etsy.

Right now, my favorite shops are:

DottieQ — She has a collection of amazingly funky knit scarves in a vast array of colors, offers super fast shipping and is a dream to buy from! I love this rope scarf!!

This rope scarf is everything to me!!!

Bo Peep’s Bonnets – I am in LOVE with the Chunky Knit Cowls I purchased from her. She is super responsive and offers a great selection of colors. Can’t wait for my slouchy hat to arrive so I can wear it on my trip to Iceland in January!

This modern take on “Little Red Riding Hood” is fab.u.lous!

Scarf Arts – This store has a huge collection of beautiful silk scarves in lovely solids & prints. The scarves are super soft and wash really well. This (and a pink print) are my “go to” scarves year round! You can dress it up or down.

This scarf is amazing! I can wear it all seasons and get tons of compliments!

Zojanka – The designer/craftsman is located in Poland and she has a ton of funky/edgy scarves like the one pictured below. I love that I can wear the bracelet alone or as part of the scarf! Multi-purpose and great for travel!!

In LOVE! This linen scarf comes with a gladiator-style bracelet that gives it a little edge. I’ve not seen anyone else with this type of scarf since I’ve worn it.

Verbosity – This shop specializes in upcycled t-shirt scarves. Originally, I had ordered a custom-made scarf representing my college alma mater, Indiana University. Then, I saw she had a Star Wars scarf and was like, “I need this in my life immediately.”

Love this fabulous Star Wars scarf by Verbosity. Rocked it in London during a trip in March 2013. The Force was strong with me that day 🙂

Trouble Finding Your Passion? Start a Bucket List!

December 1, 2013December 8, 20148 Comments

What are you passionate about? Not sure? Create a “Bucket List” that includes things you’ve always wanted to try or do. You never know…one of those items may be what you are destined to do with your life!

Too many people wait until a certain time in their lives before they start pursuing their dreams. Why do they wait? There are various reasons: “I want to wait until I get married”; “I want to wait until my kids are grown”; “I will do it when I retire”, etc. Sometimes these “reasons” are really excuses. START LIVING NOW! Don’t wait until a certain event or milestone happens. We never know when our last day on Earth will be. Why not make the most of the time you have?

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Single? Do not wait until you find that special someone. Fill your life up with things YOU want to do in the meantime. That means you’ll bring some fabulous stories to your next relationship.

Have children? Don’t wait until your kids are grown. Inspire them to want to live a fulfilling life as they observe you pursuing your dreams and taking chances.

Don’t wait until you retire! In this economy, who knows when that will be! Start your bucket list now so you can have an awesome retirement filled with things you love to do and places you want to visit.

The great thing about a bucket list is that it helps you to visualize what you want to do and take action when opportunities arise. Groupon and Living Social have deals everyday! This is how I fulfilled my dreams of skydiving, race car driving…and in January, a trip to Iceland! Best part? I am able to achieve my goals on a shoestring budget!

I am a long ways off from retirement and still waiting to meet Mr. Right. But, you know what? I’m happy! Everything isn’t perfect. There are times when I feel like I’ve failed at life…especially when others make insensitive comments. However, instead of ~~punching them in the throat~~ taking it personal, I force myself to remember all of the things I’ve accomplished from my bucket list. I didn’t get here overnight. In fact, it wasn’t until my recent trip to Bali (another bucket list item) where I learned how to meditate properly and use yoga to control my mood. And you know what? My imperfect life is pretty fulfilling as I’m living, learning, dreaming and exploring!

So…join me in making an awesome bucket list! I promise that you will love the feeling of trying new things. Some you may enjoy…others you may not. That’s the beauty of bucket lists. It’s like shopping for dreams 🙂

Need inspiration? I’m addicted to the free iPad app “iWish” which provides inspiration in the form of photos, quotes & maps as well as allowing you to create your bucket list electronically. I also recommend Bucket List Living Magazine. Follow the directions below and use the coupon code “3free” for a free 3 month subscription. Let’s start living the dream!

What’s been on my bucket list?

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How to Use the Bucket List Living Magazine Coupon

Go to “App Store Downloads on iTunes”. Search for Bucket List Living Magazine.
Download the free app by tapping the FREE button.
Tap the INSTALL APP button. You will then enter your Apple ID Password and click OK.
When the magazine app is finished installing tap the OPEN button.
Permission to send new issues and push notifications from Bucket List Living Magazine is requested. Choose OK.
Tap the SUBSCRIBE button and then the CURRENT SUBSCRIBERS button.
Enter the coupon code into the account number box and tap the CONTINUE button. After you enter the code you will receive a notification that you have subscribed successfully. Tap CLOSE. (The current issue should begin downloading in the background.)
A VIEW button will appear below the current issue, tap it to begin enjoying the magazine.
You will have access to any issue published during the trial subscription period. At the end of the trial period you will retain access to any issue downloaded during the trial period but will be required to pay for any subsequent issues.

Germs on a Plane

September 12, 2013December 8, 20143 Comments

I recently read a fascinating & insightful article, Just Plane Nasty: 5 Places Where Germs Thrive on a Commercial Flight by Microbiologist and Director of Global Service Care at Reckitt Benckiser Inc., Joe Rubino. In this article, he discusses the top 5 dirtiest places on a plane. And for those of us that travel, it is eye-opening. I will never board another plane without sanitizer! Here’s a quick recap:

Bathrooms: I’m sure everybody knows this. I never touch anything in a public restroom without paper towels and always use Purell after I leave. I’m amazed at how many folks wash their hands then touch the door handle. Too many people have subjective definitions of cleanliness for me to touch bare surfaces.
Touch Screens: Imagine how many fingers have touched that screen before you decided you wanted to play trivia on your flight to El Paso?
Tray Tables: All I had to read was the example of folks using it as an impromptu changing table. Ewwww!
Blankets/Pillows: Blankets and pillows are reused multiple times before they are sent off to be washed. This quote from Rubino says it all, “A saliva-filled pillow can perhaps cause the spread of a cold or flu, especially if there is more than saliva on it, such as respiratory secretions and mucus.”
Seat Pockets: How many times have you used the seat pocket to hold trash? It’s easy to do. What I found most interesting was the article speaking to the fact that some people lick their fingers when turning pages of the magazines provided. Uh uh. No. My mind cannot deal with that. Right now, I’m ordering a vat of disinfectant to soak my fingers. I’m done with Sky Mall!

What does the article recommend? Traveling with lots of Lysol® Disinfectant Wipes (or their travel-sized spray). I highly recommend you read the article in its entirety. It’s very informative in explaining where germs live & how you can decrease your chances of catching a cold or the flu while travelling. Lots of things to be mindful of. Also, please check out the other articles on the Priority One Jet’s blog. Very interesting reads!

Essentials for Stress Free Travel

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If you have read my blog post on What to Wear When Travelling Abroad, then you know I am a sucker for travel accessories…seriously. Magellan’s? Yep. ExOfficio? I should have stock. Is it all necessary? Nope. But, with the right essentials, your trip can go from stressful to stress free! To help you save a little time & money, I’m going to tell you my favorite travel finds. I have not been paid to endorse any products. With the exception of one item (which was provided to me free of charge to use & review), all products I list below were paid for by me.

Packing Essentials:

La Fresh wipes

La Fresh Travel Wipes – Okay, these little packets are genius! La Fresh wipes can easily fit into your cosmetic bag & your purse while on the road. There are several “collections” but I like the Travel Wipes for Her collection that includes make-up remover wipes, anti-bacterial wipes, nail polish remover pads, hydrating lotion wipes, female hygiene & lens cleaning wipes. I even bought the canine wipes for my dog! You can buy them here.
Packing cubes – I never travel without my packing cubes from Magellan’s. I’ve used the Stow-Away Collection since 2010 and love it! I had tried many different combinations to pack as much into my suitcase and keep clothes wrinkle-free. That is tough. And when the airlines started charging baggage fees, it became necessary to pack smarter. So, as I was browsing through the Magellan’s catalog, I came across these packing cubes and thought I’d give it a try…and it was worth the money. I use these cubes even for overnight trips because it allows me to organize everything in compartments and the Stow-Away Cinch Folders help to prevent wrinkles.
Travel-size Febreeze, Downy Wrinkle-Release, & Lint Brush– I do not travel without these 3 items. Especially if you plan to wear an article of clothing more than once. I like to spray the Febreeze in my shoes and on my coat after each day of travel. While the packing cubes help with wrinkles, it doesn’t prevent them. The Downy Wrinkle-Release is my insurance that I have a way to get rid of wrinkles if I happen to be staying at a hotel that doesn’t have irons/ironing boards (that has happened too many times to mention). A small lint brush is insurance as well. You never know when you will need it. For example, during a trip to London back in 2008, I decided to buy a travel blanket for the flight. It seemed like such a great idea because it was heavier than the standard tissue blankets that they normally give you in coach. I was wearing a black cotton ensemble with a black wool coat. It wasn’t until I landed that I realized I was covered in green fur from the travel blanket (that I had washed thinking it would prevent this type of thing). So, I ended up spending the first evening in London at Tesco’s buying masking tape to remove the fur since I couldn’t find a lint brush. While you may never use it, I figure it is less stressful to have it than to spend your vacation looking for duct tape. You can pick up these items at your local grocery store, Target, Wal-Mart or drug store/pharmacy.
Laundry Bag – I used to put my dirty clothes in the plastic laundry bags provided by the hotels. But, as I started taking trips that had me at multiple hotels in different cities, I felt like the plastic bags weren’t going to keep my suitcase “fresh”. So, I got the Magellan’s Bed Bug Laundry Bag in 2011. I like that it is lined on the inside so it doesn’t matter if you need to pack wet clothes & it contains any odors. This laundry bag folds up small so it doesn’t take up much room in the beginning and I’ve been able to put 2 weeks worth of clothes inside.
Disposable panties & cloths – On a trip to Morocco in 2012, I packed disposable underwear and InstaCloths. It was my first time using either but as we were limited to one medium-sized bag for 10 days, I thought throwing out underwear during the trip would make room for all of my purchases. The disposable underwear worked pretty well. I even hand washed them once and they held together & were dry within a couple of hours. While they are not sexy, they are comfortable in a “granny panty” way. The InstaCloths worked well as a face towel for me and lasted several days (plus they start out the size of a nickel and expand into a full-size wash cloth once you add water). I didn’t use it as a wash cloth but my Mom did and said it didn’t last that long. So, I only recommend it for washing your face & removing make-up.
Adaptors – When travelling out of the country, I always use Brookstone’s 6-Piece Adapter Kit with Snap-On Plugs. It’s a lightweight set of interchangeable adaptors that work for most countries. I’ve not had any issues with this since I started using it in 2010.
Collapsible tote – One of the very best items you can pack on international trips! I got mine from Samsonite back in 2008. It folds up nice & neat and lays flat at the bottom of my suitcase. Then, while I’m travelling and buying souvenirs, I don’t have to worry about fitting it into my suitcase as I can use my tote as a carry on during my flight back.

My pink & green collapsible tote! A must-have travel item.

Looking Fab & Safe on the Road: I go into detail about what to wear when travelling overseas in the blog post linked above so I won’t cover the same material here. However, I do want to include a few more items that I’ve fallen in love with since I wrote that article.

Jersey fabric – This is the “must have” fabric to wear en-route to your destination. It is wrinkle-free and there are so many stylish outfits made of this fabric that you will look fresh & fabulous even stepping off a plane 10 hours later. I usually shop at White House Black Market, Magellan’s or Travel Smith.
Yoga active wear – If you are looking to travel in comfort, I suggest yoga pants, a cute tank top & cardigan. This is usually my go-to outfit for international flights as I like to be comfortable & it allows me to layer. I usually purchase my favorite items at Athleta & Old Navy.
ExOfficio Sweater Jacket – I absolutely love this waterproof jacket! It is so soft & very warm! I wore it in December while in Europe and felt completely warm & toasty. It packs up very small and converts into a neck roll if you want to bring it on the plane with you. I also love that it’s stylish as well & has a lot of safety pockets where you can store your money, keys & phone without worrying about being pick-pocketed.
Clarks shoes – I must admit…Clarks makes a great shoe that keeps your feet cushioned from the harsh cobblestones you encounter while sightseeing in Europe. You can be on your feet all day in these stylish shoes. A couple of my favorites are the Wave.Cruise Mary Jane shoe that can be worn both casual & dressy; and the Haley Falcon which seems to replace the black Privo that I have worn. I like that it molds to your foot while providing great cushion to your soles.
FreestyleXtreme – This is the only item that I have received for free. A representative from FreestyleXtreme contacted me after reading my article referenced above. She asked if I would review an item from their company (which offers a wide range of clothing & accessories for men and women). I have been trying to find a stylish flip-flop to wear on cobblestones so I thought I’d try the Volcom Black Happy Me shoe. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I’ve worn them for the past couple of weeks and am in love! They are so comfortable & cute! I like that they don’t “flap” against the bottom of my foot making a loud sound as I walk. Also, the cushion is pretty solid since I can walk around in them for hours and not experience foot fatigue. I’m excited to take them to Italy & try them out on the cobblestones!

Volcom Black Be Happy flip-flop from FreestyleXtreme.

Go-To Gadgets: I like to travel light…which means I rely heavily on my iPad (and more recently my new Macbook Air). The following 3 items make travelling with my electronics simple.

My fabulous Erin Condren iPad Folio along with a delicious mimosa & travel guides!

iPad Folio – I love products from Erin Condren. You can purchase personalized stationary, life planners, cards & iPad folios. Mine has my name & an inspirational quote on the front with a picture of my dog on the inside. It’s nice to have reminders of home while on the road!
Apple adaptors – I have an iPad 2 and when I decided to stop travelling with a laptop, I needed a way to transfer pictures from my camera & iPhone to my iPad…which is where the Apple iPad Digital Camera Connector Kit comes in. You can plug the adaptor into your iPhone to easily transfer pictures or plug your SD card into the adaptor and load your favorite photos from your camera onto your iPad.
Power Up – I use my iPhone a lot while I’m on the road…between taking pictures & responding to emails/texts, the battery doesn’t last long. Getting to a power outlet is not always possible so I started travelling with extra power-up packs. I’ve tested out quite a few items so far and there are 2 that I prefer: The first one is the 2600 mAh Universal Power Bank Charger that I purchased from Nomorerack on sale. The second is the Portable Travel Charger from Fat Cat Power. Both work pretty well and charge my phone fully. They don’t take a lot of time to charge & both are small enough to fit in my purse without taking up valuable space.

What are your favorite travel essentials? Is there anything I am missing out on? Let me know!

Scintillating Sicily (In The Godfather’s Footsteps)

February 27, 2013December 8, 20147 Comments

Buon giorno di Sicily! I have to say that while I was excited to visit Sicily to do the tour of The Godfather trilogy filming locations, I didn’t expect the island to be so visually stunning. I think this may be the prettiest place I’ve been so far. Sicily is a cross between Tuscany and the French Riviera.

I love “The Godfather”. I own the trilogy on DVD and can quote most of the lines in the movie. I’m not even sure when this love affair started but it’s one of my favorites (along with What’s Love Got to do With It). Wait, I just realized that I love violent movies…hmmm. And here I’ve been thinking I’m a RomCom kinda girl.

Anyway, when I saw there was a tour of The Godfather filming locations in Sicily, I jumped at the opportunity and the tour did not disappoint. If you haven’t seen the movies then stop reading this post and go watch it now. I’ll wait…

…

While the film states that the Corleone family was originally from the town of the same name in Sicily, the movie was not actually filmed in that town (it was too developed for the scenes that were to be shot). So, Francis Ford Coppola filmed scenes from the first 2 movies in the town of Savoca.

The village of Savoca is so small, so typical, so “not for tourists”. I instantly fell in love! Bar Vitelli was the first thing I saw and my heart seemed to jump out of my body…it was so moving, so exciting!!!!! The Bar is just like in the movie…the table where Michael, Fabrizio and Calo sat…even the door curtains, it was absolutely amazing.

On the walk to the church where Michael and Appollonia married, the view was breathtaking. Only 100 people live in this tiny village!

Below is the church where the wedding took place (you don’t see very little of in the movie).

After looking around inside, I decided to make the same walk Michael and Apollonia did after their wedding from the church to Bar Vitelli.

From here, we drove to Forza d’Agro, another small village where a different church is located. It appears in The Godfather (you see it when Michael goes to Corleone for the first time along with his bodyguards); and in The Godfather 2 (in the scene when Vito escapes to America hidden on a donkey while Don Ciccio’s men threaten the neighbors; also you see it later in the film located when Vito returns with his young family to visit Corleone and settle some old scores). The courtyard in front of the church was filmed in The Godfather 3 where Michael and Kate are dancing after they reunite.

This village has about 700 residents. The views are stunning and you can see the volcano in the background. It actually erupted while we were there but you cannot see the lava until the sun has set.

I wish I had more time to spend in Sicily! There is so much more I’d love to explore. If you are planning a trip to Italy…or elsewhere in the Mediterranean, add Sicily to your travel list. Be sure to take The Godfather Tour…I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy travels!

What I Know For Sure

January 23, 2013December 8, 20145 Comments

Each month, Oprah writes a column titled “What I Know For Sure” for her O Magazine. After recent events, I am inspired to write my own article on “What I Know For Sure” about travel. For me, travel is all about “The Travelling Be’s”…

Be Flexible
Travelling is like gambling…sometimes you win, other times you crap out. I would love to say ‘always bet on black’ but you might get caught in a blackout and I can’t have that on my conscience 🙂 Not every trip will go as planned…and that is the beauty of travel. The adventure you experience along the way. You may have a bad experience or 2, but hopefully the good travel memories blot out the bad. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Remember this…you are somewhere AMAZING (hopefully…sorry if you aren’t…that does suck for you…and if that is the case, get a ticket and go somewhere amazing, k?)!

Be Kind
You’d be amazed how far a smile & great attitude will take you. It will open doors to experiences you wouldn’t otherwise be privy to. People are more inclined to go that extra mile for folks who are kind & really embrace experiencing their culture. Travel is stressful but don’t let the small stuff ruin what could be a fabulous vacation. Delayed? Strike up a conversation with a fellow traveler…you never know what tips you can learn! Going on a tour? Take the time to get to know your tour guide. My guide in Fez took me under his wing and had his wife & sister-in-law take me for a memorable hammam experience!

Be Informed
I research…then research some more on each destination I travel to. I recently learned the hard way about going somewhere unprepared. You don’t want to miss out on seeing/experiencing something amazing! But you also want to make sure you are safe. A small investment in a guidebook (I love Rick Steves…followed by Lonely Planet) makes all the difference. Also, I’ve gained LOADS of tips from fellow travel bloggers which has enriched my own travel experience! Don’t just rely on guidebooks though…search the web. I highly suggest keyword searches on “sexual harassment + name of the city you are visiting”, etc. Guidebooks are meant to entice you to a particular city/country. Try to gather information from various sources to make a well-informed decision on your next travel destination.

Be Patient
Lord knows I struggle with this. Flight delays, long lines at museums, cranky people…the list can go on and on. There isn’t much you can do about delays. I travel with my Kindle, iPad and camera to keep me entertained during unexpected downtime.

Be Open-Minded
Remember you are a guest in someone else’s country/state/city. Their ways may not be your ways. Open your mind, forget the stereotypes and embrace the journey you are about to take! Try new foods, check an activity off your bucket list…get to know the locals. Beautiful memories of a trip create a travel scrapbook for your soul.

Be Relaxed
The purpose of a vacation is to “vacate”. I am guilty of constantly checking my iPhone for work messages while I’m on vacation…then end up spending precious moments in a fabulous locale troubleshooting drama back home. Which defeats the purpose of the trip. I am also guilty of scheduling a lot of tours/activities because I want to experience everything. What I know now is to choose my top 3 activities and spread them out. Balance sightseeing with doing absolutely nothing but relaxing. Relax, Release, Rest.

So…what do I know for sure? Travel is unpredictable, addictive, educational and magnificent. Yeah, you can have a bad experience but I like to treat them to the Harry Potter effect. If I’ve gone someplace that was awful, I don’t even speak its name…it is now known as The Country/City/Place That Shall Not Be Named. Think of it as a lesson you learned to make your future trips better. If you aren’t travelling, then start. There is a whole world waiting for you! Remember “The Travelling Be’s” and start your adventure. Happy travels!

Dutch Kitchen

December 28, 2012December 8, 2014Leave a comment

One of the hardest things about travel is finding a decent restaurant at an airport. Especially if you want something halfway healthy that doesn’t taste like cardboard. One of my favorite restaurants at the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the Dutch Kitchen! Each time I am at this airport, I love to drop by for either a quick bite or to enjoy a hot cup of cocoa. With their cute decor, fresh veggies, fruits, juices and grill stations…what’s not to love? Next time you find yourself at Schiphol, stop by and check them out!

I’m always on the lookout for new places to try during layovers at various airports. Do you have a favorite airport restaurant? Let me know!

Top 10 Things to do in London (Winter Edition)

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I’ve visited London 5 times so far and each visit keeps me coming back for more. Every time I visit a city, I try to come up with a list of the “top things to do” by reading reviews on Trip Advisor and Rick Steves to plan an unforgettable trip. The list will expand or contract based upon the amount of time I have. You can always get the typical tour ideas from mainstream websites, but I like to mix city/historical tours with off-the-beaten path activities. Below is a list of my top 10 things to do when visiting the fabulously energized city of London during the fall & winter (but most of the activities are available year around).

Somerset House Ice Rink (photo credit London Insider)

10. Go Ice Skating.

During the winter (December/January) various spots around London host outdoor ice skating rinks. London has some fantastic places where you can lace up your skates and twirl around on the ice. With places like Somerset House, The Natural History Museum, Hyde Park and The Tower of London all hosting rinks, you can combine your sightseeing with skating! And then warm up with hot chocolate or go enjoy afternoon tea.

Porn Star martini at the Dollar Bar & Grill

9. Drink a “Porn Star” martini at the Dollar Grill & Martini Lounge.

Okay, when I tell you that this is the best drink ever…I am not lying. Seriously. It’s fabulous! I’m not really a martini connoisseur (regardless of how hard Carrie and the girls tried to lure me in during the “Sex in the City” heyday). However, the “Porn Star” martini is like liquid heaven. It’s made with passion fruit, vodka, vanilla syrup and a shot of champagne. I was introduced to this magnificent drink at the Dollar Grill & Martini Lounge (which had excellent food as well). Can’t get to London but are dying to try this drink? Here are the ingredients & instructions. Enjoy!!

Rosetta Stone

8. Visit the National Portrait Gallery and British Museum.

First, these museums are AMAZING! Second, they are free. Seriously. What can be better than visiting a free museum filled with cool relics and paintings? Want to see the actual Rosetta Stone (tip: it doesn’t come in a yellow box) or pieces of the Parthenon? Check out the British Museum. Want to see paintings of Henry VIII, his wives and children? Check out the National Portrait Gallery. I’m usually not a big museum lover (although I find myself visiting one on every trip I take mostly just because I love history), but these two museums are so interesting and easy to navigate that you can lose track of time.

I always like to see pictures of historical figures which made the National Portrait Gallery fascinating. I’ve seen plenty of pictures of Queen Elizabeth I and her daddy, Henry 8, but it’s cool to see original paintings. My absolute favorite painting is of the Earl of Southampton who was a playboy extraordinaire. You didn’t even need to read his bio to know. His picture said it all. When you looked at the other paintings of men from that era, they had short-cropped hair. Southampton had long flowing locks down to the middle of his back, a swagger to him, and a look that said, “you know you want me…don’t deny it. I want myself.” He was so debonair that while Liz 1 was beheading folks who even looked like they thought she had bad breath, this joker just got some jail time for organizing her overthrow. Then he was pardoned! That’s right. Earl Rapunzel got out and was like, “take that, take that…can’t stop, won’t stop…baaaaad boooooyyyy!” Check him out: Earl of Southampton.

7. Drink hot chocolate while strolling through Trafalgar Square.

Cold weather and hot chocolate go together like peas and carrots. After you leave the National Gallery, why not stroll around Trafalgar Square with a nice hot cup of cocoa and take in the holiday decorations (the Christmas tree is usually spectacular), listen to carolers or just people watch?

Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square

6. See a Musical!

You can’t go to London without checking out one of their many fabulous shows. It’s like going to NYC without checking out Broadway. Low on funds? Go to TKTS (located at Leicester Square) to buy half-priced tickets for West End plays, operas and musicals the day of.

Afternoon Tea @ the National Gallery Cafe

5. Enjoy Afternoon Tea.

You can’t visit London without having afternoon tea. I find myself looking forward to 3pm so I can sample delicious cucumber sandwiches, scones with various jams, delicious tartes & cupcakes and my favorite flavor of tea with a side of a tall glass of champagne. To.Die.For. My favorite spots are the Orangerie (at Kensington Palace) and the National Gallery Cafe (best scones in London).

4. Cruise the Thames.

Sail along the Thames under the London Bridge, view the Tower of London, see Shakespeare’s Globe, take in the awesome sight of Big Ben…these are just a few things you will do on your cruise. The ride (which can be a hop on/hop off or an hour-long sail…depending on the company you choose) comes with commentary and is a good introduction to the sights of London along the famous Thames.

Westminster

3. Visit Westminster Abbey.

I’m a history buff…but even if you aren’t, this place is interesting. You can stroll the halls and see where the coronations have taken place since 1066 (complete with tv’s showing Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation); and it’s the resting place of varying famous people (including William Shakespeare) and 17 monarchs (i.e. Henry VIII with his crazy self). Elizabeth I is buried ON TOP of her sister, Mary (or, as she was known, “Bloody Mary”…which actually makes me a bit thirsty for a cool beverage). For those of you who aren’t up on your Tudor history, Mary was the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon while Elizabeth I (known as “The Virgin Queen”) was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. So, Liz’s mama stole her daddy (Henry) from his 1st wife (Catherine) but later found out he was no prize when he had her decaptitated for allegedly being a traitor and having an incestuous relationship with her brother. Which I mean, with the royals marrying 1st cousins and such back then, that is sort of like the pot calling the kettle black. It also explains the whole “Deliverance” vibe some of them had…you just don’t mix the blood lines like that.

Henry 8 changed the official religion of England from Catholicism to Protestant to divorce Catherine when the Pope refused to grant him an annulment so he could marry his new boo, Anne Boleyn. Of course, if lil Annie knew that Henry would turn his craziness on her and get all Betty Broderick (the quintessential Lifetime movie for love gone crazy), I’m sure she would’ve reserved her charms for someone else. But, power is a heady drug that distorts your common sense. All she could see is the finery and being able to tell her haters to kiss her ass once she was Queen of England. I can relate. Anyway, Mary was a strict Roman Catholic like her mama and changed the official religion of England from Protestant back to Catholicism once she was able to take the throne (after her sickly younger brother passed away as a child). But Mary wasn’t content with just changing the religion…she also rounded up people who refused to convert to Catholicism and had them burned alive at the stake. I’m pretty sure that Jesus wasn’t co-signing that.

Clearly Mary had a touch of the crazy like her daddy and after being locked away from her mama for years due to her father’s libido, it couldn’t have been too much of a surprise. After Mary was made queen, she locked Elizabeth (Liz 1) in the Tower of London for a while because she thought Liz was in on a plot to kill her. Which…she probably was. That’s just how they rolled back then. But, being locked away in the tower and being labeled a traitor did nothing to get Mary in Liz’s good graces. When poor Mary’s fortunes turned and she passed away, Liz was crowned Queen of England. She had her sister buried at Westminster…and when she died years later, had her tomb placed on top of Mary. For now and for all eternity, Mary will reside beneath Liz in the Abbey. I’m sure Liz was like, “How you like me now, sis?”

The Tudor history is fascinating. I would recommend reading a series of books by Phillipa Gregory to gain a thorough overview (The Other Boleyn Girl, The Virgin Queen, etc). I can say that being royalty back in the day was a death sentence!

Tower of London

2. Visit the Tower of London.

A visit to the tower is a must. This castle is located on the River Thames close to the Tower Bridge. It’s famous for housing the Crown Jewels and for being the “prison” of royalty hundreds of years ago (Anne Boleyn was beheaded here). If you ever visit the Tower of London, you will hear the story about the 2 young sons of the last York king (of the War of the Roses fame), Richard III, who (after Richard had died), were sent to the tower by their uncle (Richard’s brother) under the guise of keeping them safe. However, it’s believed they were murdered because their bodies were never found (they were around 13 and 8 or something like that…I can’t remember the exact ages). Anyway, the war ended when Henry 7 defeated the uncle and married Richard III’s daughter to unite the houses. Then, spawned crazy Henry 8.

The Original Tour…hop on/hop off bus

1. Ride the Hop On/Hop Off bus.

What visit is complete without a tour on the Hop On/Hop Off bus? There are several tour companies that offer this service (I usually do the Original Tour). They offer a 48 hour pass & 3 routes. The pass includes free walking tours and a free Thames River cruise. You can save some money by purchasing online. This is a great way to get a good overview and layout of this wonderful city before or during sightseeing. These bus tours usually offer live or recorded commentaries. The live commentary tours are better, in my opinion, since there is more interaction.

Regardless of what activities you decide to do, enjoy your time & be safe! Cheers!

Camping Out in the Magnificent Sahara Desert

December 14, 2012December 8, 20148 Comments

How can I adequately describe the Sahara Desert? Awe-inspiring. Magnificent. Beautiful. Serene. All of those adjectives and more. During our 8 day trip thru Morocco, we decided to camp out overnight in the Sahara. Upon arriving to the outskirts of the desert, we switch vehicles from a van to a 4×4 and visit the village of visit Khamlia, a village founded by freed slaves known as the Gnawi brotherhoods who play spiritual music. As we entered the tent, we were given mint tea then treated to a performance which was really nice! During the performance, they asked us to form a circle and dance…it sort of turned into the Soul Train line. It was LOADS of fun!!!

dancing!

Gnawi brotherhood

After the performance, we take a 4×4 into the Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara Desert to watch the sunset and spend the night in a deluxe Bedouin-style tent (because, um we aren’t really “roughing it” kind of girls). The tent had 2 twin beds (complete with mattresses on frames), bathroom (which included a shower) and sitting room.

dining tent

After we get settled, we head over to the “dining tent” which was gorgeous. We were the only people in camp that night so it was kind of quiet but we ended up having a lot of fun. After a delicious dinner and great conversation with our guide, Tata, and driver, Haji, we walk over to an area set up with pillows, rugs, a small table, lanterns and music equipment (mostly various types of percussion instruments). Tata and the other guys working at the camp performed traditional songs and invited us to play instruments with them (and I am not ashamed to say that I channeled my inner Sheila E on the bongos…until they asked if I’d just like to clap instead…maybe it was too much, too soon and they weren’t ready for the funk I was bringing?).

entertaining under the stars

I suggest EVERYBODY visit the Sahara. At night, it was so quiet you can hear a pin drop. There were NO CRICKETS!!! I’m so used to hearing them that it was a jolt to my system to be immersed in quiet and complete darkness. Once the lanterns are extinguished, you only have the moon & stars. Tata and I took a late night hike thru the sand dunes so I could take it all in. It’s hard to describe the experience…like you truly disconnected from the world (because you also can’t get cellular service). I don’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed and stress-free!

tents

Once I got back to the tent, my Mom was ready to turn in. But she was having reservations about the tent because she had expected there would be a door. Yeah, it’s a deluxe tent…but it is still a tent…in the Sahara. I don’t know if she thought we were staying at the Ritz Carlton – Sahara or what. Now, I had prepared myself for the fact that I would encounter a bug or 2. I already had my Avon Skin So Soft and Off (courtesy of my Mom). She was okay until she thought she saw a bat. I didn’t actually see it but she claims she did and after that, it was a wrap. She came up with the game plan that we’d just keep the lights on in the tent to keep the bats away…but then the camp operators had the nerve to shut the power off at night (they said it is to conserve energy). So my Mom couldn’t keep the lights and now feared that bats would swoop in, turn into Dracula, and bite us. What would happen if we turned into vampires? We didn’t have any True Blood in our emergency preparedness kit (there wasn’t enough space with all the toilet paper).

Around 1am, I startled awake by my Mom screaming about scorpions. She’s got her flashlight on and pointed towards her face like it’s the Moroccan Blair Witch Project. I’m trying to figure out what is going on. I mean, I know she isn’t serious. I must be dreaming this. Did my mint tea have another type of herb in it? I’m confused. At this point, she has moved into my twin bed and made the proclamation that she will NEVER sleep in that bed again because there is a scorpion the size of a “cow” in it. But, before I could find Bessie the Scorpion and lead her out of the tent, my Mom wanted me to see if her arm was swelling. Sigh. After confirming that there was no swelling, I check the bed and can’t find the Velociraptor-sized scorpion. I did see a big cockroach though. Lest you think we are going to sleep peacefully together in a small twin bed, I’ve got news for you…we are not. Labor Layaway requires counseling sessions as well (wait, you don’t know what Labor Layaway is? well, you need to read my post Travelin’ Mr./Mrs. Daisy to find out). And, my Mom had to question why there was no actual door on the tent. You read that right. And, I’m sure that will go into the survey feedback she is working on right now. See, as you get older, things don’t have to make sense. A tent in the Sahara to young people means just that. But to older people? It means a cottage with a fireplace, butler and an exterminator on speed dial.

I’m pretty sure it was the Scorpion King who came into the tent.

After we survive the night, we wake up around 5:30am to hike the sand dunes and watch the sunrise…and it is AMAZING! We see various vegetation and end up meeting 3 girls from a nomadic Berber tribe. I cover our time spent them and a nomadic family in my previous blog post, Life of a Nomad.

I MADE IT!!!

Once we complete our morning hike, we take showers, get dressed and head off to breakfast before going on our camel ride thru the desert. And I have to say that the camel ride was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Unlike the camels in Egypt, ours didn’t stink (so yay for that!), they weren’t temperamental and it was a very smooth journey. The nomad that owns the camels was very nice, spoke limited English and provided us with the experience of a lifetime!

AWESOME!!!

After our camel ride was complete, we went 4-wheeling thru the sand dunes. THIS WAS AWESOME!!! I felt like a little kid! Speeding up and down hills, making crazy turns, trying not to get stuck in sand…what more can you ask for? But, all good things must come to an end. Once we finished playing in the sand, we headed back to the city, said good-bye to our camp operators and guide, then headed to Ouarzazate.

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International Travel Chick

world adventurer, ethical traveller

Category: Travel Tips

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Essentials for Stress Free Travel

Scintillating Sicily (In The Godfather’s Footsteps)

What I Know For Sure

Dutch Kitchen

Top 10 Things to do in London (Winter Edition)

Camping Out in the Magnificent Sahara Desert

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