Caribbean

  • Caribbean,  Cuba

    Road Trip in Cuba: Pros & Cons of a Cuban Car Rental

    What could be more fun that a Caribbean road trip?! What can be more frustrating than trying to get a car, navigate and get around an island?! See how one question can produce two VERY different answers. A self-driven road trip for some is a dream vacation, while for others, a nightmare. So if island driving is your thing, what are the pros and cons of a Cuban car rental and what is it like driving through Cuba? Go Take A Drive There are so many reasons to rent a car in Cuba. Island driving in general is a really fun and important way to see a Caribbean country. Not…

  • World's Best Museums, YSL Museum in Marrakech
    Bolivia,  Cambodia,  Canada,  Colombia,  Cuba,  Ecuador,  England,  France,  Guam,  Indonesia,  Ireland,  Italy,  Malaysia,  Morocco,  Norway,  Scotland,  Spain,  Sweden,  Tanzania,  Thailand,  Uganda,  US,  Vietnam,  Zambia

    The Ultimate List of the Best Museums in the World

    World’s Best Museums  Visiting a new country can be exciting yet overwhelming experience.  There is art, culture, history, architecture, music, design and science that are all waiting to be learned and explored in cities and towns throughout the world.  A museum can provide a glimpse into local life, or provide education on a broader level. I think museums are a way to get a glimpse of the view of a country. Small, local museums even more-so, they show how they perceive themselves and the rest of the world. Get out to a museum near you, open your eyes and enrich your minds.  Doing some research to choose an interesting museum…

  • Soda Bottles in South America
    Africa,  Asia,  Caribbean,  Colombia,  Cuba,  Czech Republic,  Europe,  France,  Greece,  Ireland,  Italy,  Malta,  Martinique,  Mexico,  Morocco,  North America,  Portugal,  Scotland,  South America,  Spain,  Thailand,  Turkey,  UK,  US,  Vietnam

    22 Best Drinks Around the World: Travel Spots to Quench Your Thirst

    Best Drinks Around the World One way to really get to know a place is to drink and eat.  The best cocktails around the world are ones that have local ingredients or has a history or tradition unlike anywhere else.  When you drink these drinks, you should be transported directly back to your vacation. I’ve included both boozy and non alcoholic suggestions so everyone can go gulp. Whiskey in Scotland The Scots know their whiskies.  Two things to remember about Scotch, it’s made from malted Barley and don’t add an “e” in Scottish Whisky. Want to try Scotland’s “other national drink”? Often when I’m in another country I love checking…

  • 18 of the world's best beaches
    Cambodia,  Cuba,  Dominican Republic,  Greece,  Guam,  Indonesia,  Italy,  Malta,  Martinique,  Mexico,  Nicaragua,  Palau,  Philippines,  Portugal,  St. Kitts & Nevis,  Tanzania,  Thailand,  Turks and Caicos,  Vietnam

    18 of the World’s Best Beaches

    The earth is made up of over 70% water and almost 95% of that water is made up of oceans. With all that surf and sand, there are countless choices of beaches and as a self proclaimed beach bum, I’ve encounter many. Here is a round up of 18 of the world’s best beaches according to Speck on the Globe. Zanzibar Wow. That may be the first and only exclamation you’ll need to describe this Tanzanian island. It’s totally unique with Swahili & Islamic influences that help to shape the spice trade routes from long ago. For the size there are dozens of sweet spots, don’t forget to spend some…

  • Wellness Retreat in the Dominican Republic
    Caribbean,  Dominican Republic

    Rest & Renew in the Dominican Republic: The Ultimate Island Retreat

    A Wellness Retreat in the Dominican Republic  Mud oozed into my sandal, as I pressed my weight deeper, the thick wet soil oozed further between my toes.  The cool sensation felt refreshing as the drenched ground enveloped my feet, mud squishing out the sides of my shoes.  The Caribbean sun warmed my back as I bent down towards the ground, pressing my finger into the dirt with one hand, carefully placing the small seedling into the ground.  Like a dance, the six of us shifted in sync down the raised garden bed, the two farm employees at the front, strategically placing plants while we followed closely behind, popping them into…

  • Caribbean,  Martinique

    Keep the Caribbean Green: A Sustainable Guide to Martinique

    Thud.  My red cheeks immediately tighten as the front of my matchbox sized car dove directly down into another pot hole.  I grimace, my skin, taught from the slight sun burn on my face, stung a little as the Twingo car bounced into a divot amidst the rocky one lane road.  This was, according to my trusted GPS, the road meant to lead me to the marina. I’m no boat owner, but I do know that no one would be towing a sailboat on this glorified farm path. GPS is a funny thing. It’s so reliable, and then, when you need it most, it quickly morphs into your mortal enemy. …

  • Caribbean,  St. Kitts & Nevis

    72 Hours in Paradise: A Weekend in St. Kitts

    Most of my planning involves a travel schedule that is curated well in advance.  I usually have an rough idea in mind, pitch for work or make space if I’m invited somewhere and then fill in the rest later so it’s always a fun surprise to throw in a spontaneous trip now and again.  When a friend who lives in a Caribbean island has a few days free from work and sends out an invitation for a visit, you make it happen.  This is why I like to hoard airline miles, in case a last minute flight is too expensive to pay for then I have a back up, so…

  • Caribbean,  Cuba

    A Traveler’s Guide to Havana

    A Traveler’s Guide to Havana “Time gives poetry to a battlefield,” ~ Graham Greene, Our Man in Havana The pulse of the country introduced itself as how I thought it would be, frozen in time, chaotic yet charismatic.  While the city met a lot of my expectations, there were still surprises.  I had mixed emotions about Havana, it was fascination and frustration all wrapped into one confusing ball of feelings.  Here’s a traveler’s guide to Havana to make sure not to miss out on the musts and to navigate through all the emotions. Finding your ‘hood There are some distinct neighborhoods in Havana, even if you aren’t aware of the…

  • Cuba

    Food Fight! Cuban Food vs Cuban-American Food

    I found the same reaction each time I told someone I was going to Cuba.  The initial questions all seemed the same and then the topic of food usually comes up in conversation.  Much like everything about Cuba, the food scene is complicated.  Here is why I think there is a difference about Cuban food and food in Cuba. “How excited are you for the food?  You’ll probably find the best Cuban Sandwich.” Since I don’t know many Americans that have spent time in Cuba, I could only go with what I’ve read online and much like Yelp reviews, the critics varied in opinion. Bland, boring and basic were some…

  • Cuba,  Snapshot Sunday

    Snapshot Sunday: Cuban Market

    Finding Gratitude at the Cuban Market I wrestle with the emotions surrounding seeing real struggles while abroad, like the embargo up close when I visited Cuba.  The stores are fairly barren, nothing like our massive grocery stories in the US.  Food is rationed for locals, the stores have empty spaces on dusty shelves.  Here you’ll find a lot of canned goods or prepackaged items.  Waiting in line to enter the store, checking your bag and having little choice, food felt more like a luxury than a necessity.  There are some free market stores but they are more expensive and your average Cuban will have to shop for beans, rice, bread,…