Saving Money on Travel

In my "What Not to Say to the Unemployed PostGrad" post, I mentioned an application I did recently that required a lengthy audition process, including two presentations, one of which I had to create my own. Since I was in the midst of making travel plans of my own and with friends, I did a piece on travel and saving money, naturally. I'm sharing these five tried-and true tips today because who doesn't want to travel more and save money in the process and because as they say, "travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."

Plan Ahead. As with any big purchase, when it comes to travel, it's especially important to plan ahead. Planning ahead not just gives you ample time to consider your budget and your destination, but it also ensures that you get the best deal on hotel and airfare. In addition, early planning gives you enough time to research your destination, which you may find you much prefer to visit in the off-season when it is less crowded and considerably cheaper in price.

Utilize Social Media. There's no denying how popular social media is nowadays with "likes" and hashtags everywhere from television to the doctors office. Social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter are great ways to stay up-to-date on flash sales from airlines, cruise lines, and more. JetBlue is notorious on both Facebook and Twitter for their "cheep deals" with one-way fares sometimes as low as $49.

Cash in on Credit and Debit Reward Points. It often feels like the plastic in our wallets hurts us more than it helps, but when it comes to booking a trip, it can definitely help. Most debit and credit card companies offer free reward programs that can earn you points on the most basic, everyday purchases. Accumulate enough points and they can be redeemed for airfare, hotel, and more, saving you money by lowering your out-of-pocket expenses even more.
 

Skip the Hotel. Where to stay at your destination can surely make or break the travel experience. So

why not consider skipping the hotel and renting a room, apartment, even a home from a site like AirBnB.com instead? The overall savings can be used for other fun activities, and the experience of living like a local for a few days will surely make for some unforgettable travel memories. (This is my plan for Paris!)

Consider a Cruise. It's no secret that I absolutely LOVE cruising, and if you need examples, you can look here, here, and here. I may be a bit biased in my opinion, but I truly believe that a cruise is a great way to see a number of locations without having to pay more for additional hotel or airfare. With almost all of the amenities covered in the cost, and so much to do onboard and in port, taking a cruise truly does offer the most value for your money. (Again, not a biased opinion!) 

I've shared mine, now tell me some of yours? What are some tricks you've used to save money on a trip?

Rhode Island

As much as I thought "staying local" for the summer was going to suck, I have to say, I have truly enjoyed it! Last week, la familia and I headed up to Providence, Rhode Island for a few days, and while I wasn't sure what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised. If you saw any of my instagrams or tweets, then you probably already know that I absolutely fell in love with the place.  (And already planning a trip back in the fall.)

Since Rhode Island was completely new to us, (and no one was in the mood to wing it...) we were really happy to learn about the tours from Experience Rhode Island, a company owned and operated by three brothers from Rhode Island. We did two tours with them, one on Tuesday with Jonathan around Providence, and another with Ted on Thursday to Newport, famous for it's historic mansions, lighthouses, and gorgeous coastline. Both days were filled with the rich history of The Ocean State, incredible scenic views, and lots of fun.

Despite my hesitance, I really did enjoy my trip to Rhode Island, and would definitely go back in a heartbeat. From the pace of the not-so-frenetic city, to the coastline, to the food*, and best of all, the time spent with family, I couldn't ask for a better trip!

*(Unlike my Maine trip, I did not take any food pictures, but if you are ever in the area, Chez Pascal, Hemenway's, and CAV  are an absolute must. Easily some of the best meals I've ever had.) 

DePasquale Plaza, Federal Hill

If you saw that video I posted on Instagram, it was taken here. If you haven't seen that video, watch it. 

Eisenhower's summer house

St. Mary's Church, where Jackie Bouvier and John F. Kennedy were married. 

One of many mansions in Newport, Marble House, the summer home to William and Alva Vanderbilt. 

The Chinese Tea House behind Marble House where Alva Vanderbilt, a leader in the women's suffragette movement, would hold rallies for women's right to vote.

Beavertail Lighthouse

I love you this much!

Trips and vacations are truly some of my favorite parts of summer. This will probably be my last one which means only one thing: summer is coming to an end! 

The Maine Attraction

The Maine Attraction. Aren't I so witty? Jokes aside, the main thing on my agenda in Maine really was food. Yes, I mentioned it previously, (here and here to be exact) but I don't think I was clear on how serious I was about that. 

Like many others, I am a firm believer that if you want to learn about an area, the best way to do it is through the food. What did I learn about eating in Portland? That people are not just serious about their food, (my kind of people!) but that they are serious and committed to making sure that everything ingredient is as locally sourced as possible. From vegetables, dairy, maple syrup, and of course seafood, there was not one thing I ate that I wasn't able to trace back to its original home. 

It's safe to say that I sampled every delicious morsel possible that Portland and the surrounding areas had to offer. The fact that any of my clothes fit by the end of the trip was a true miracle, but given a few more days, that may have not been the case...

Left to right: Lobster at DiMillos, gelato from Gorgeous Gelato, Coastal Maine "Maine Maple" popcorn, onion tart and gnocchi from Ribollita, poutine from Duckfat, whoopie pie from The Cookie Jar, the best gelato ever from The Gelato Fiasco.

Maine

Truth be told, I wish I were still back in Maine! Last week, my parents and I drove up to visit my sister who lives outside of Portland for a few days. Going to Maine is one of my earliest trip memories, and to this day remains one of my favorite places to visit.

One thing that was nice was that we really got to explore the area more, visiting towns such as Freeport (home to L.L. Bean), Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth, and Southern Portland. I expected this trip to include many lighthouses (it did), but we did so much more than that. All in all, it was a great trip that left me with a plethora of photos, a full belly (more on that later...), and even more "remember when?" family moments. Oh, and I also got to cross of something on my summer to-do list: strawberry picking!

 The L.L. Bean Flagship store in Freeport, Brunswick, sailboat near Bug Light, the Portland Breakwater Light "Bug Light", Strawberry picking at Maxwell Farms, the Portland Head Light.

Trip Essentials

My soon-to-be view: the Portland Headlight in Maine. 

image via

Happy first day of summer! In a few short days I will be off  to my first destination of the summer, Maine. I can't wait for the fun, sights, and the food. Especially the food. 

The fact that I haven't made a list of what I'm bringing/ packed yet is very much unlike me, and it looks like I will be packing the day before I leave, which is again, very unlike me. No matter where I go however, there are a few items that always find their way with me, and are truly my essentials. Once I have them packed, the rest should be a breeze, and hopefully I won't over pack/pack a pair of shoes for every outfit...

BAG

The Pliage bags from Longchamp are such a staple for me, and the large travel bag is no different. It has become my go-to bag for toting back souvenirs and purchases on trips, as a carry-on, or a weekend/short trip bag. I am going to be super ambitious and attempt to pack everything I need for my trip in it. Ha, ha, ha.

 DRESS

I have no idea what I am packing clothing-wise, but I know for sure I will be bringing along a a black maxi. I've been living in this one from Old Navy and know it will be perfect for the six-hour car ride and again for a day of sightseeing.

CAMERA & CASE

A camera is a no-brainer, and with scenic views like the one above, I can't wait to take my Rebel on the road with me. I not too long ago purchased the Jill.e camera bag insert and I love it as it fits perfectly into a bigger bag and can hold my camera and two lenses. 

LIP GLOSS

M.A.C.'s Big Kiss is one of my favorite glosses in general, but especially in summer, as it's the perfect shade of coral. I love it for day and night. 

SCARF

I always like to pack a scarf for frigid AC, a chilly night, or to cover up in observance of a religious setting. Since the weather in Maine can be more on the cooler side, and I freeze easily, I am bringing a few of my favorite scarves to throw on when the temperatures drop a bit. 

ELECTRONICS

Even though it's been a minute since I've used it, I now remember why I bought my Kindle and how perfect it is for travel. I can't wait to get into one of my summer reads while on the road. 

Just as essential would be my iPod (yes, I am still loyal to my classic,) with some new downloads and a playlist or two. (Lots of Kaskade, no shocker there, especially his newest single, Atmosphere.)

I have a few posts in my absence (read: posts that I had for this week...), including a guest post that I am SUPER excited about. Until next time!

Wanderlust

I've been particularly wanderlust-y lately. Part of it has to do with the nearing of summer vacations, and another part has to do with my reminiscing of my study abroad trip which I took around this time four years ago. (You can read a little about that trip here, here, and here.) I just want to get up and GO. (This e-card couldn't be more perfect.)

I've been putting off serious travel, opting for when I'm "older." But the reality is that life happens now, and often times sometimes the "perfect" time never comes, and after reading a comment made by Lydia on my Paris post (2014!!), I finally came to my senses:

"...so often we put stuff like that off, waiting for when we have more money or less going on at work or just a million reasons not to when you are forgetting the most important reason why you should."

Profound, Perspective. Perfect. After all, "travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."

just a few of my travel plans...

To hold me over, I will go over past trip pictures, do some preliminary planning, and go on a little adventure around town. Truly the best thing about living in NYC is it's diversity, and the ability to "escape," right in my own backyard.

What are your travel plans? If you have any hesitations, what are they?

Summer Travel

Is it too early to be thinking about summer travel? I hope not because it is all I can think about at the moment. There are so many things I love about summer and travel is definitely one of them. 

While I would normally be in midst of planning some sort of trip for the season, things are a bit different this year. As hard as it is for me to admit, this is still my situation, and as much as I would love to be prepping for a cruise or other weeklong destination vacation, right now, the chances of that happening are slim to none. Instead, this summer will be all about day trips and weekend getaways that are close to home and satisfying to my wanderlusting soul.

L-R: Maine, Cape Cod, Long Island Wine Country, Montauk

Since my sister lives in Maine, this one is a no brainer. Besides the scenic views, and shopping at L.L. Bean, what I am most excited about for this trip is the food!  As "the foodiest small town in America," you better believe I want in! Bring on the good eats, and of course, lobster.

When I think of the quintessential summer destination, Cape Cod is usually the first place I think of. Since I didn't get to make it up there last year , I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can make it happen this year. Sun, sand, and Sperry's. 

Staying close to home, visiting the wineries on Long Island is also on my list. It wasn't until a few summers ago did I even realize that LI even had it's own little wine country to begin with! What better way to spend a summers day than with a delicious wine and a cheese platter? 

FUN FACT: One of the wines served at the Inauguration luncheon this past year was from a LI winery! 

Also on Long Island and on my list is Montauk. While many go for the weekend, Montauk is one of my favorite places to go for a fun-filled day trip since it's so easily accessible by car (and even train!).

Where are you headed or looking to go this summer? What are some of your favorite destinations that are close to home?

Always A Good Idea.

I would describe Paris as my favorite place I've never been and lately it's all I can think about. It's a place I've always wanted to visit and a trip I've dreamed about taking for a very long time. I think it's time to make that dream of walking along the Champs-Élysées and through the Latin Quarter and The Marais, all the while exploring and eating my way through the city, a reality. 

A trip this special requires lots of planning, planning that beings now. I have a few ideas already of what I want to do while I am there, so here's a look at some of my Paris to-do's.

Tips for Solo Travel (NYT Travel Show)

via

After many years of wanting to attend (and missing it,) I was finally able to attend the New York Times Travel Show this past Saturday. The event itself was overwhelming (in a good way,) with beautiful displays and exhibits filled with tons of travel information of locations domestic and abroad. In addition to the exhibits, there were a great deal of seminars to attend on everything from train travel to cruising.

Wishes to Wander...

"We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey.” 

print via

Lately, my need for travel has been at a considerable high. Whenever I see a plane, I can't help but wish that I too were on my way somewhere, as I watch it disappear over the horizon. There's nowhere in particular I want to go at the moment; I just have a great need to be and see somewhere else, somewhere new. Since travel is completely impractical for me at the moment, reading, dreaming, and pinning, will just have to suffice for now. Here are some of my favorite travel posts from around the web:

• How to pack two weeks in a carry on. As a serial over packer, I am determined to try this.
• A sweet read from this Sunday's Times: A Chocolate Tour of the Caribbean.
• Six ways to get free Wi-Fi when you travel.
• With all this talk of an impending coffee shortage, a trip to the worlds best cities for coffee may be mandatory. Immediately. 
• How to Escape the Grid and Unplug on Vacation.
• As a loyal Royal, I am very happy to see that Royal Caribbean will be rolling out new menus including lactose and gluten free offerings. 
• Truly inspiring indeed: "wanderlust-inspiring travel photography." 

Vacations and Lessons...

This year's family trip was supposed to be a land based vacation. London, Aruba, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos were all on the table, yet a unanimous decision was hard to come by. After almost a week of discussion, every one was suddenly in favor of a cruise. Since Bermuda was an original thought, we decided a 5 night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas (which I sailed on last summer on the 9 night itinerary) would be the  perfect choice.

Since this cruise was shorter than past trips, it was imperative that we get in as much as possible in a short amount of time. We had two days at sea and two days in Bermuda with an overnight, which was a first, but really nice. The two days at sea were spent taking in all the ship had to offer: lounging by the pool and reading, taking in the ice and production shows, relaxing, eating, and yes, drinking. My favorite bartender from last year was on this year, so I had a bit of help with that last...activity. If you are ever on the Explorer of the Seas, Melvin in the Aquarium Bar is phenomenal at what he does. We are kind of best friends.

Our first day in Bermuda, we took the ferry to Hamilton, to walk around the city for a few hours. Using the ferry was not just fast but inexpensive as well. Using the ferry, we saved over $200, than if we had gone on the cruise excursion for the same destination/amount of time. In Hamilton, we stayed mostly around Front Street, walking (and shopping, at Marks and Spencer specifically) on Reid Street over to the park and to city hall. What I loved most about Hamilton was observing the men in their famous Bermuda shorts and knee socks. Even though its a uniform, based on some of the combinations I saw, some of them really have fun with it and make it their own. Love that.

(Yes, everything leads back to fashion and style somehow.)

After Hamilton, it was back to the ship for our excursion to the one and only Horseshoe Bay Beach. The overnight was nice because you really get to be at your leisure. At night, we opted for dinner at the specialty restaurant on board, and later walked over to the Dockyard where they had "Dockyard Nights" which was an outdoor concert with local crafts and foods.

Day two in Hamilton, we were off to the beach bright and early. Horseshoe was nice and quiet at that time, and perfect for a morning stroll. Our departure that day was around 4, so we left the beach at around noon to walk around the Dockyard and go to the Glassworks an Bermuda Rum Cake Company. The cakes are delicious (the chocolate rum was my particular favorite,) but boy are they strong. Eating the sample bite they give in the shop wasn't bad, but eating a slice back home, I felt like I had taken a shot of rum...or two. Maybe I'm a lightweight as they say, but regardless, the cakes are a local specialty, and worth trying. While I was sad to leave, we had an absolutely picture perfect sail away.

Not to be forgotten/not mentioned, the cruise director, Richard Spacey. One of the best CD's I have had on a cruise yet. I've never (slight exaggeration) laughed or been so entertained by a single person (other than myself, of course.) And yes, these are the only pictures I have of him...

I am all for honesty, so being honest, this was one of the hardest vacations I have ever been on. Don't get me wrong, I did have fun and am beyond grateful to have even taken such a trip, but golly, there was some drama. Too much for me to comprehend. But life is full of lessons, and if I took away anything from this trip, it was this: be very careful who you invite with you to travel. 

Also, rosé, shots, Long Island Iced Teas, and seasickness do not mix in any way, shape, or form.  

"I have found out there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them."

 -Tom Sawyer Abroad

You're On A Beach...

Overwhelmed would be an understatement as to how I feel as of late. As this semester and ultimately my undergraduate studies come to an end, there is surely no shortage of final presentations and projects to be done. I often find myself closing my eyes and pretending I'm on one of my favorite beaches, with the warm sand beneath my toes, the sound of the ocean in the background, and the intoxicating smell of saltwater in the air... 

Sure, when I open my eyes its a harsh reality that I'm drained and still sitting in front of a computer screen, but for those few moments, that feeling of calm gives me mental clarity and everything I need to keep going. And as they say, a girl can dream right?

 Paradise Beach, Bahamas

 Nice, France

 Orient Beach, St. Martin

 Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda

Magen's Bay, St.Thomas 

What are some of your favorite beaches? 

It's Carnaval!

As the countdown to Lent begins, many places around the world are celebrating with one last party: Carnaval!  It's no secret that I left part of my heart in Nice, so of course the carnival I want to experience the most is the Carnaval de Nice. Sure, Brazil is the biggest and most talked about celebration, but it's a bit too much T&A for me. Nice is the original, and nothing beats the original.

The Carnaval de Nice is comprised of the carnival parade, the flower parade, a parade of lights, in addition to lots of other entertainment from around the world. In looking at pictures from the past few years, it is amazing to see all the effort and work that goes into all the floats and costumes in conjunction with the overall theme (This years theme is "King of Sports" for this years Olympics.) 

*images of the carnival parade, flower parade and parade of lights via nicevarnaval.com

"For over 15 days, the city hums to the rhythm of this genuine, fairy-tale event … get a passport for the celebration and let the magic do its work … come and forget the dullness of winter and take in the sun on the French Riviera!" 

Oh Nice Carvnaval website, how I wish I could...