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48 Hours In Cartagena, Colombia

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For anyone coveting an eternal summer, I suggest you start packing your bags for southern skies. It’s just a short flight from the U.S. (direct flights from JFK, Miami and Fort Lauderdale), and I don’t know anyone who’d choose a polar vortex over a tropical breeze and warm sands in the Caribbean. I’m not talking St. Lucia or the Dominican, either. I’m talking about the romantic setting of Cartagena, Colombia, that’s straight out of a storybook. Sure, the country of Colombia has seen its fair share of turmoil throughout the years, but gone are the days of Pablo Escobar, and nowadays people can’t stop talking about how Colombia got its groove back. The seaport of Cartagena has emerged as the country’s belle of the ball and thus, has become not only a safe LatAm city to visit, but a South American must-see.

 

Friday

1. Luxurious Lunch | 2 p.m.

The seafood is fresh and the ambience is tropical at Carmen, a restaurant situated inside the Anandá Boutique Hotel and currently rated the #1 restaurant in Cartagena on TripAdvisor. From grilled octopus to the catch of the day, this daddy-daughter team will have you wanting to come back daily – but you can’t. There’s just too much to do and see in 48 hours!

2. Walk the Walk or Bike the Town | 3:30 p.m. 

It’s time to work off those lunch calories. With an exorbitant about of history in Cartagena, you can log some miles with your own two feet or even on a bike. Cartagena has seen a recent explosion of bike rental companies, making it easier to get around the city without needing to bargain with cab drivers. Walk around the cobble-stone streets of Old Town and take in the balcony-filled bougainvilleas, head inside a museum or climb the fortified walls (don’t be alarmed by the excessive amount of PDA going on in the portals) and walk the periphery of the Old City. Vendors tend to push Cuban cigars and ice cold cervezas on the many people overlooking the choppy Caribbean, but it’s a sight to see – and I’ll never turn down an ice cold beer on a hot day.

3. Soak Up the Sun | 5:30 p.m.

Like a cold beer on a hot day, I just can’t resist a gorgeous sun setting over the ocean. I’m not one for tourist traps, but Cafe del Mar is the place to be once the day begins to fade. As the sun goes down, so do many delectable cocktails into my belly. The bar, located on the corner of the seafront wall, provides a beautiful view of the expensive high rises of Bocagrande, the winding narrow streets of the Centro and the sparkling Caribbean. The popular scene can get crowded, so head early to grab a table with drink in hand.

4. What’s For Dinner | 9 p.m.

The only appropriate way to soak up happy hour beverages is with equally as delicious Peruvian cuisine…and more cocktails. La Perla serves amazing ceviche, octopus and ravioli – just to name a few dishes. The atmosphere will match your tipsy, outgoing mood just perfectly. Tip – sip on the Mojito Mango and order the tres leches cake for dessert!

5. Music & Mojitos  | 11:00 p.m.

If you’re stomach can handle more drinks whilst dancing the night away, head to Cafe Havana where the live music and mojitos don’t dry up until the wee hours of the morning. Even Hillary Clinton sipped on a cocktail or two here during the Summit of the Americas in 2012. If it’s good enough for the Clintons, it’s good enough for me.

Saturday

6. Under the Sea | 7 a.m.

Uhh…sorry about it. If you went out dancing the night before, you may be in for a long day. In fact, if you did venture out and took down too many drinks, this excursion may not be for you. Scuba diving is one of my favorite new-found activities. My boyfriend and I got certified to scuba dive in Cartagena with a company called Diving Planet. We took a 1 hour boat ride to the well known Islas del Rosario and took our final dives with professional guides to get PADI certified. It took three countries to complete our certification, but it was well worth the effort. We started in the classroom in Buenos Aires, took our first test dive in Mexico, and rounded it out in Cartagena.

If being under water for longer than 10 seconds doesn’t float or boat (or sink your ship rather?) then I suggest nixing Bocagrande’s mediocre beach and taking a day trip to Isla Barú instead. A motorboat will take you to Playa Blanca where you can bask in the Colombian sun and indulge in cheap luxuries from women selling homemade crafts to fresh seafood. At the entrance to the docks, agents representing the half-dozen or so tour companies compete for passengers and prices usually run around 35,000 pesos. Boats leave around 9 a.m. and return around 4 p.m., similar to when the scuba parties return.

7. Sweet Spot | 5:00 p.m.

 

Scuba diving and lounging on the beach in the blazing sun will work up an appetite. The ultimate refresher can be found in the streets of Old Town in a white-wickered, floral-patterned ice-cream parlor. Gelataria Paradiso will transport you to a tropical paradise (hence the name) if the islands don’t quite satisfy your craving as the 100% natural ingredients combine to top off the afternoon just perfectly. President Obama prefers the Limonada de Coco. My recommendation: Go for the Sorpresa Siciliana. What can I say…this hasn’t been the first thing we’ve disagreed on.

8. Funky Fresh | 8:30 p.m.

The small seafood restaurant of El Boliche Cevicheria serves inventive ceviches, and you won’t go home hungry or disappointed. If you’re in the mood for live music round dos, hit up bistro-jazz club La Vitrola for a romantic dinner, complete with live musical accompaniment from a Cuban band. After-dinner drinks at Sibaris Wine Bar is a nice complement for a glass (or three) of quality vino, and a few tapas – that is, if you saved any room in your stomach.

Sunday

9. Hangover Cure | 10 a.m.

After a night of music and cocktails, few things are as satisfying as Colombian arepas – disks of fried corn masa, slit open and fried again with various toppings often found sold via street vendors. For a more leisurely meal, spoil your tastebuds at Mila, a bakery that will have you thinking you’ve gone to France for the morning. Bogotá native Camila (Mila) Vargas runs the restaurant serving sandwiches on fresh baked breads and decadent brownies, my go-to. Go ahead, have a slice of pie for breakfast. I definitely won’t judge you.

10. Shop Til You Drop | 12 p.m.

 

Hats, jewelry and artwork are on offer along the city streets, or step inside the unique boutiques along the way selling high-end emeralds, clothing and handicrafts. My personal favorites were the Colombian bathing suit shops that boasted colorful prints in their windows. Lured into a store called Agua Bendita, I bought a bright cut-out one-piece that I still haven’t had the courage to wear due to its lack of material. Oh well, maybe one day I’ll do as the Colombians do. Don’t be alarmed to see the ultra stacked mannequins peering back at you as you window shop down the cobble stone streets. They’re just mimicking how most Colombian women appear. I immediately knew I didn’t fit in, but it was fun to try for a short 48 hours.

Passport To Style: What To Wear On A Plane

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| Flights Of Fancy |

For overseas flights, it’s necessary to be comfortable but not at the cost of style. If I’m going to sit anywhere for 10+ hours, I can only hope to look good while doing it. These patterned pants feel like butter all over my legs…but I can’t believe it’s not butter at the same time. Greater or equal to comfy pants is a durable travel bag. My sister gave away these monogrammed bags as bridesmaid gifts, and it’s the perfect travel companion…when my boyfriend isn’t with me, of course.

| Wrap It Up |

I’m talking about scarves people, and now that I think about it, they rival travel bags as the best companion while in the sky. A bag can’t keep you warm at night, amiright? This ombre scarf is oh so decadent paired with any outfit. Don’t even get me started on its versatility: blanket, head rest, makeshift neck pillow, eye mask, bathing suit cover-up. The list goes on. As far as jeans go, I recommend them for shorter travel days.

| Captivating Comfort |

Ahhhh. Welcome to my closet. I love a good maxi dress simply because you can look incredibly regal without even trying, while feeling as though it’s a lazy Saturday morning on your couch at the exact same time. The dichotomy is mind-blowing. Throw on a scarf for a POP of color and boom. You’re ready for some Duty Free shopping. Or a Starbucks latte at Gate D23. I usually wear sandals with this summery ensemble, but I always bring socks with me in case it feels somewhat like the inside of a refrigerator on the plane.

| It’s All In The Layers |

Layers are the building blocks for a solid wardrobe, so they’re pretty much nothing short of essential. And more often than not, it’s frigid on planes so staying warm while looking cool is the name of the game.

Interested in any brands/designers shown above? Just ask in the comments below!

Travel Tag: Bachelor Girls Do Miami

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| THE EXPERIENCE |

After touching down in the blazing heat and blasting Will Smith’s “Miami” lyrics, I knew we were in for some fun (and clichés) with Oasis Collections, a luxury rental company with coveted properties across the Americas. Think Airbnb’s chicer, older sister with an on-the-ground concierge and party-time Clubhouses to schmooze at once the sun goes down. The company hosted a Bachelor reunion for Catherine, Robyn and me, and to be honest – they know how to party in the city where the heat is on. Oasis prides itself on providing a fully curated experience for guests, offering the service and style of a boutique hotel but with the comfort and privacy of your own home, or in our case, an incredible apartment overlooking Brickell Bay.

| THE ACCOMMODATIONS |

Our apartment was located in the ever-so-chic Viceroy Residence Tower, and it was everything you could ever want in a home-away-from-home. Chock full of friendly staff and beautiful people, the apartment building came with access to the many over-the-top amenities including the 28,000 sq. ft. spa clad in quintessential Miami white designed by Philippe Starck for any of you interior design aficionados out there.

Another highlight was lounging by the pool placed 15 stories up that boasts views of Brickell Key and the mouth of the Miami River. I was a little overwhelmed as my eyes darted over the two-acre pool deck, the 200 ft. long infinity pool alongside a 50 person hot tub and wading pool. The anxiety of what to do first began to diminish as I felt a dreamy sensation upon noticing an Alice in Wonderland-esque oversized chessboard, an extended marble dining table and a massive glass fireplace. It was the definition of an adult playground and if this was a dream, I never wanted to wake up.

| THE PERKS |

Life is better with perks, and renting with Oasis Collections meant many benefits. To make matters extremely stress-free, a bespoke itinerary was sent along weeks before our arrival. Not having to worry about planning a single activity or making one dinner reservation made for a relaxing girls trip, even though I do like a good research session. We were presented with the tough decision of basking in the sun at private members club Soho Beach House or doing yoga at a well known studio. We decided to take our talents to South Beach when we realized we could do our own yoga in the sand. The perks continued with dinner at The Dutch inside the W South Beach followed by table service at Wall Lounge. A second night out on the town included dinner at Bâoli with a fast pass into LIV afterwards. It was straight out of a day at Disney World – save time, don’t stand in line. Unlike Disney World, Drake made an appearance, and if you know me, you know that topped off my trip quite nicely.

| THE REUNION |

Many people don’t quite understand how friendships can outlive a relationship on The Bachelor. Allow me to elaborate. Because the girls spend hours turned into months together bonding over anything from dating the same man to complaining over the same women who aren’t there for the right reasons, the alliance doesn’t break when one is simply dismissed by the lead on the show. The relationship delves so much deeper than what a reality TV show can display in two hours every Monday night. By the time you’ve seen the episodes play out on your television screen, we’ve already met each others families and in some cases, new significant others, as it was time to move on from the TV relationship we once shared. Sure, it was weird, but we’re grown women and know that friendship prevails over a public breakup. Well, not in Catherine’s case. She never had to breakup! One thing definitely remains within us all: We’re okay to never lay eyes on a rose again.

An Open Love Letter to Free Ferry Road

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Remember “The Simple Life” with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie? Yeah, that’s how I lived for the past 25 glorious years. No, I didn’t have immediate access to cows needing to be milked at 5am as they were a good 15 miles outside of the city, nor did I need to buy shoes in order to travel on an airplane as I frequently told people when they’d ask what life was like in such a small town. Suckers. Come on. This was a booming metropolis with population: 85,000! We have count ’em THREE Wal-Marts! The simple life just meant time spent with close family and friends in a beautiful, quiet environment. I thought an afternoon at Central Mall meant a massive shopping spree. My modeling days at Glamour Shots never quite took off, and I guess it had something to do with my gap teeth and bowl cut. I figured a weekend “vacation” to Dallas meant that we’d made it. Cruising down the busiest street in the city known as Rogers Avenue on a Friday night was the life. What else did people even do besides hang out in Wal-Mart parking lots?

I spent the past Labor Day weekend with my parents packing up a multitude of boxes, really faded memories, and either throwing them away or placing them into “memorabilia” boxes. I mean, what on earth do you do with 67 Beanie Babies, American Girl dolls and ancient Hello Kitty telephones? Remember the Bop It game? Yeah, I found that in a corner, too. You divide and conquer until you have boxes and trash bags up to your eye balls. Somebody’s going to be hitting the jackpot at the Salvation Army soon with vintage Louis Vuitton purses and faded Chi Omega t-shirts circa 2007. You’re welcome.

What’s more than the Guitar Hero game missing most of its parts or the trashed pictures of ex-boyfriends are the walls and the land that make up this home. My childhood is jumping on the trampoline in the backyard. It’s almost flipping the dusty go-kart with my best friend. It’s sleeping in a king-sized bed in my giant blue room with my two sisters every Christmas Eve.

I spent hours doing homework at that kitchen table after school. I got drunk for the first time in that living room with my best friends. I went through relationships and friendships and heartbreaks and more laughter than I could have ever hoped for, and now it’s somebody else’s turn to make the most of life inside these beautiful walls. It’s easy when you have the family that I do. The best of luck to y’all.

I wanted to document this house and this move so that it lives on not only in my memories, but in a place where I can frequently go and look back on happy times. Traveling from place to place can be taxing and no longer having a “home base” is heartbreaking. But to say I lived the dream in a place like this for 25 years is an understatement. It’s enough to make my cheeks hurt and my abs sore after looking back on all the amazing memories. People grow up, people move and life goes on. Home is where your family is, and that will always remain a constant. Cheers to the simple life. I’ll never forget you Free Ferry Road.

10 Signs You Need To Pack Your Bags and Travel

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1. You complain about the “Sunday Scaries” in fear of what the Monday Blues May Bring

Are you constantly dreading the Mondays, celebrating the hump days, #throwingback on Thursdays and #flashingback on Fridays to only get beyond drunk in order to forget the Saturdays and Sundays? If this sounds like your every week, it’s probably time you reconsider your value of life. I’m all for having fun on the weekends, but if that’s the only thing you’re living for and watching until the clock strikes 5 every day, pack your bags and get some inspiration for how to make the most out of your time on Planet Earth.

2. You Make Excuse After Excuse For Why You Can’t Travel

Potrerillos, Argentina Potrerillos, Argentina

You have a mortgage. You can’t take off work. You don’t have the money. You can’t speak the language. You have a dog.

Here’s an idea…

Save up, leave the dog with a friend, learn a few key phrases. Anyone can travel. It’s just a matter of wanting it bad enough. Stop living vicariously through your friend’s snapchats abroad and overcome your own challenges to get out.

3. You Ask For Advice on How To Plan Trips and How To Be A Travel Writer

I love getting emails and giving advice. I think travel is incredibly beneficial to a person’s livelihood, outlook, friend group and mindset, so if I can aid that in any way, I will. I also love what I do. I’m constantly thinking on how I can build what I’ve started, and how I can help people with this endeavor. I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep because my mind is always trying to answer those questions. Gah, I’m starting to sound like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book.

4. Your Clothes Have Made It Further Around the Globe Than You Have

Hong Kong, China Hong Kong, China

“Made In China.” We see it on tags all the time. My only hope is that you aren’t wondering where in the world it is, but instead are planning on going to see it.

5. You Need A Break From The Mundane Work Schedule

Let’s leave ‘Office Space’ for the big screen. Being trapped in an office with nit-picky co-workers and the same mundane job for a 45 hour work week is anything but desirable. You know what’s incredibly desirable? Meeting new people in places like this.

Cartagena, Colombia Cartagena, Colombia

6. You Spend More Time Bragging About Past Travels Than Actually Traveling

Been talking about your same trip to Mexico for senior year spring break like it was yesterday? Give me a break and do yourself a favor. Travel. Go someplace new that doesn’t have a Señor Frogs or a Hard Rock Cafe on every corner.

7. Your Only Cultural Experience in the Past Year Has Been Chinese Takeout

My sister, best friend and I devouring crepes in Greece My sister, best friend and I devouring crepes in Greece

I guess the authentic pizza of Italy or the dim sum of China has never graced your lips. It’s worth the plane flight just to taste the decadence of both of these items. If you get really excited about your favorite Chinese takeout on a Friday night, girl please. It’s time to venture out. Just think about what real Italian pasta could bring to your rejuvenated Friday night. Mind blowing, I know.

8. You Think a José Quesadilla Is Pronounced With A Hard ‘J’

I gotta admit. I did this once at a Mexican restaurant in junior high. The young, cultured me wasn’t impressed with myself. I’ll never make the same mistake again. Learn another language y’all.

9. Today Feels Like Yesterday and The Sun Won’t Come Out Tomorrow

Face it. Your days are as interchangeable as Fox News anchors. Not a good outlook. Bet your bottom dollar that little orphan Annie wouldn’t be proud.

10. You’ve Spent Too Many Minutes Lost In A Daydream By Looking At This Picture

Torres del Paine, Chile Torres del Paine, Chile

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