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An Adventurer’s Manifesto

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Leave home. Say goodbye. Chau. Ciao. Adios. Au revoir. Auf Wiedersehen. さようなら. Allow connection in disconnection. Don’t let the grass grow under your feet.

Pack light. Too much baggage slows us down (I tell myself this every time I try and pack my entire closet.) Don’t attempt to protect yourself from every possible risk. What we lose in comfort, we gain in freedom.

Smile often. : ) People are drawn to happiness. You never know when you can turn somebody else’s day around with a simple smile. I like to think happiness is contagious.

Go the distance. Extraordinary things happen when you go far. A limit means the end of one thing, but the beginning of another. Exceed those limits every time.

Take the road Les traveled (see what I did there?) Planning is important, but valuable experiences are often found by deviating from the route.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Get lost. The fastest way to find yourself is to lose yourself (in the music, the moment,
you own it. You better never let it go. You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.) Sorry, had to. Nobody inspires quite like Eminem.

Ask questions. Find out as much as you possibly can about your surroundings and the people in them. Curiosity keeps us alert and spurs change within us. Use locals and guides as your resource to ask important questions, even if it’s “Can I have more whiskey, please?”

Take pictures. You’ll have many journeys in life. It’s important to remember each one not only through great memories, but great pictures as well. Even if you look really touristy while doing it. At least the background is pretty.

Can’t stop won’t stop don’t stop. Why is it that most of these bullet points remind me of a song? Cue Miley Cyrus. Movement keeps us going and allows new experiences, whether that’s dancing with Molly or doing whatever we want. We can’t stop. And we won’t stop.

Stop. That’s right. I just contradicted myself. Stopping is just as important as moving. Stop and smell the roses. Take a nap in a field. Read a book in the sand. There’s a reason Savasana is my favorite yoga pose.

Talk to people. Get to know the locals. Listen to their stories. Share ideas and beliefs. You never know what could come out of the relationship.

Walk. Take one step at a time. Look closer at the things around you.

Eat local and eat well. Try new flavors. They just might surprise you. And if you don’t like a good empanada, I don’t trust you.

Say ‘yes’ more. A night out with new friends? Why not. A dip in a freezing cold lake? Sure.

Enjoy the journey. Appreciate where you are in your journey, even if it’s not where you want to be. Every season has a purpose.

Forget What You Know About All-Inclusive Resorts

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I had my doubts when I signed up for my first “all-inclusive” southern soirée. I was heading down to Chilean Patagonia in Torres del Paine National Park and booked the trip from seeing mind-blowing Instagram picture after mind-blowing Instagram picture. Whoever said social media doesn’t drive bookings is a liar. I had my doubts about the overall experience. Surely the service would be lacking due to the fact that I paid upfront, that everything was included. Why would the staff go the extra mile to impress? I’m embarrassed to say how wrong I was.

Certain destinations throughout South America seek disconnection from every day routine. For this to happen, it’s necessary to leave the bills and price lists behind. Okay, I liked where they were going with this. Of course, that meant a large, lump sum paid in full before the trip even began (travel insurance, anyone?), but I knew I must trust the system. Here, all-inclusive covered accommodations, transportation, meals and bar, excursions and exploration, national park entrance fees, wi-fi and the spa. No check after dinner was consumed, no wallet to grab for said check, no payment for after-dinner drinks at the bar, not even a final bill to pay at check-out. Read: Vacation bliss. Fretting over who pays what? Save the Venmo app for another day. The only thing I needed to worry about was trying to stay alive while climbing this:

Okay, okay. I didn’t exactly climb that, but I hiked around it which was a feat in itself. The excursions were tailor-made and the guides were so enthusiastic that I wondered if I could have some of what they were having. We were ready to go before the sun and these leaders couldn’t be more excited to do a hike that they’d probably hiked a few times earlier that week. I suppose that goes to show the high caliber of employees these places hire. And can we talk about the food? We were in the middle of nowhere, but the chefs managed to create a magical display of healthy perfection at every meal. Lest you forget…if you wanted a second helping of the popular lamb that’s often served in Patagonia, it’s yours. Explora is the name, unlimited luxury is their game. Fresh ingredients and local cuisine lured in each guest with refined palates, giving name to gourmet-inclusive.

South American service-oriented hoteliers have definitely raised the bar on the all-inclusive resort model, making it damn near impossible to think about stepping foot on Majesty of the Seas ever again. The perks, convenience, service, and wealth of activities make these vacays a no-brainer. They also promote local pride, encouraging guests to get out and get a taste of the culture you can’t experience from inside the gates. In the words of Mark Twain:

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Top 3 all-inclusive unlimited luxury hotels in South America:

| Tierra Hotels |

Destinations: Atacama, Chile/Patagonia/Chiloé, Chile

| Explora Lodges |

Destinations: Patagonia/Atacama, Chile/Easter Island

| The Singular Hotels |

Destinations: Patagonia/Santiago, Chile

*I’ll be visiting October 2014. Stay tuned!*

It’s important to remember to tip the staff, even at all-inclusive resorts. They are there to serve, so serve them back!

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.

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