UNSEEN TRAVEL AGENCY

During my recent trip to New York City, I had my fair share of  lechon (Puerto Rico), mangu (Dominican Republic) and patties (Jamaica).  The experience reminds me of how much I dig my Latin flavors. Well, I will not have to suffer long before I am able to taste a wide array of scrumptious Latin dishes under one roof.  Turns out the ¡Latin Food Fest! is coming to Santa Monica.  You read that right.  This foodie paradise will take place about 12 miles from my house.  That is reason enough to celebrate! If you are not familiar with the event, each year,  ¡Latin Food Fest!  produces the largest annual multi-city destination event in the U.S. that showcases Latin food, wine and spirits. The entire festival is composed of various events throughout a long weekend.  I have attended the Grande Tasting for the past four years (#sorrynotsorry).  The Gran Tasting is an all-you-can-eat, on-price journey thru Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Spain. More than 50 local restaura...

Don’t let these pretty pictures fool you —  Kuta may be the most vile place on Earth. If you’ve researched Bali tourism, you may have heard that – but for me, I found that guidebooks mostly glossed over this fact. However, many travel bloggers wrote eloquently about this, none of them better than Wandering Earl. Kuta is Bali’s primary resort town and it’s particularly popular with Australians.  But don’t come here expecting culture, temples and quiet beaches. Kuta is a mess, a lost paradise, a great opportunity twisted into a burned-out shell. It’s the bumper stickers and t-shirts sold on every block that read “ UP THE BUM NO BABYS ” and “ WHAT PART OF DEEP THROAT DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND? ” It’s the fact that come nightfall, the streets are filled with vomiting holidaymakers who wouldn’t think twice about pouring beer on nearby onlookers. It’s the trash-filled beach, making swimming in Kuta akin to wading through a watery landfill. If it weren’t for the spiritual offerin...

One of the great surprises about traveling in Asia is discovering that there’s always been a biker chick hiding inside me. Never did I ever dream it could be possible, but it’s true. From the first moment I got on my motorbike in Pai, I was in my element.  Through Laos and Cambodia, I continued my newfound hobby, letting the wind rush through my hair as I sped down highways. But in Vietnam, I would meet my greatest challenge yet. After riding to the white sand dunes the day before, my friends and I decided to ride to Ta Cu, a mountain 45 km south of Mui Ne.  The route would take us through the city of Phan Thiet and along the highway. Now, that doesn’t sound too bad until you consider this: Vietnamese drivers are totally f*cking insane. It’s not like complaining about Boston drivers.  Boston drivers are practically Amish compared to the Vietnamese, who are outrageous even by Asian standards. Buses think nothing of passing each other while swerving into oncoming traffic.  Somet...

When I visit another country, I like to blend in with the locals.  The desire to live like a native and have an authentic experience is a big appeal to me.  Moreover, I don’t want to appear disrespectful, foolish and impolite due to my selection of clothes and manners. That would attract unnecessary attention which is not going to let me enjoy the new place.   In addition, there are other benefits of trying to fuse into the culture and daily activities: Show respect and interest for the country Get a better taste of the local way of life Get treated better Avoid entering an uncomfortable situation with locals Mislead thieves Avoid being typecasted into stereotypes Be a good ambassador of your country As you can see, blending in can have a positive effect in your travel experience.  It is extremely difficult (or impossible) to pass up by a local.  Conversely, there is a lot you can do to reap the benefits of blending in. Here are some suggestions you put into practice: 1. Us...

There’s no question about it: Boston is the best place in American to celebrate the Fourth of July.  Boston is home to one of the most famous celebrations in the country: Pops Goes the Fourth, featuring the Boston Pops in concert, followed by some amazing fireworks. As a Bostonian, I’ve done the concert, I’ve done the fireworks, and I can tell you this: you need to prepare in advance.  Here is my complete guide to July 4th in Boston! First things first: You can go to the concert, or you can go see the fireworks.  You can’t do both. The Esplanade is surrounded by trees, which makes viewing the fireworks impossible. Know this early on and you can make the right decision. July 4th Boston Concert on the Esplanade Most importantly: get there early.  The concert doesn’t begin until 8:30 PM, but you’ll want to get there by 10:00 AM at the very latest to secure a spot with a view of the Hatch Shell.  The gates open at 9:00 AM, but people line up at th...

San Sebastian – Welcome to Paradise So we took a night train from Paris and it was pretty miserable. Between a dry cough and Jon’s snoring I got very little sleep. We arrived tired and bitter. That soon changed when we saw the beach and ocean. Its great that we could hop on a train and wake up somewhere so beautiful and somewhat warm. We spent the last couple days wondering around and enjoying the weather. Not quite shorts weather but we wore them anyway. We met a couple German girls and have been partying with them as they seem to be the only other English speaking people here. Today we are hurting as last night was a late one and both Jon and I have picked up a cold. Most likely off to Madrid tomorrow. Until then, San Sebastian – Welcome to Paradise.

W e arrived at the Paris train station on Monday afternoon. Emma, a wonderful lady my mother had met in Australia, met us at the train station and took us to stay at her place. It was very nice of her and she was a great host. Normally I am not the type of person to stay with someone I barely know but I am glad we did as we ended up getting a guided tour of the city…and a free bed.Tuesday Emma worked so Jon and I went to the Eiffel Tower then took a boat tour and saw some sites. Sucker Punching Hobo in Paris Later that night we were looking for a place to have a beer and food. We found a dirty kebab place and ordered. Inside there were 2 older drunk homeless guys arguing. Another customer pushed one then the owner kicked the drunks out. As Jon and I left the restaurant I got a cheap shot to the face by one of the drunks. I think he was waiting outside for the other customer and smoked me instead. It was very odd yet funny. I pushed him and he fell over a sign. people inside c...

Some time ago, a friend told me he wanted to invite several of his high school friends to his house.  He was going to pay to watch one of those big boxing events in his TV.  He wanted to use the moment to reunite with old friends.  For some reason, he looked worried. Me:  What is going on?  It will be fun to have all your friends at home. Him: I am not sure I want to invite them.  I thought about calling them but I am not sure anymore. Me: Why? Him: Because they seem to be interested in talking about how many things they have.  They talk about their trucks, clothes and houses.  Then, they start asking all of these inappropriate questions to find information about what you have done after high school.  I feel like my worth as a person is determined by how many material possessions I have. After listening, I totally understood him.  I have been in that position too.  All I have to say is that, for me, situations like that are heartbreaking. What you want to do when you haven’t seen...

What it’s like to be traveling on a luxury train travel in India, how to pick the right train/itinerary and how to get ready for the experience of a lifetime. Here’s a unique way to experience traveling in India! India was on my list for years! I didn’t know if I was ready for it, if it would be challenging or if it would be too hard or shocking. I was prepared for the worst. More importantly, I knew I’d have a smooth transition as I was about to experience something special. When I got an invitation from Incredible India to board the Deccan Odyssey, which is a luxury train in India, I was so happy. There I was, running like a hyperactive kid! I had finally the opportunity to visit India! I would be going on a luxury train for a week discovering Maharashtra.  As there was no way I would see enough of India in a week. I was already planning to pursue this journey with my friend Raphael of Journey Wonders.  I was super glad I could take a small break from backpacking an...

I’m a free spirit.  My life fits in my backpack (unless I go on a short holiday, then I steal my boyfriend’s suitcase).  My life also fits in 2 or 3 draws and a box that is waiting for me with all my winter clothes and some fancy underwear.  Moving overseas had to involve a few sacrifices. I’m not a fan of possessions… anymore.  The intense shopping sessions every weekend are over.  In fact, I feel guilty when I need to buy a new t-shirt or even a new bikini.  The time where my wardrobe was so big and quite compelling is dead.  Sad truth; I can live with a lack of fashion as I prefer to invest in my next flight ticket. Am I a minimalist? I don’t even know the true meaning behind this. But, I do know a thing or two.  I can’t complain about my lifestyle. Although. I feel quite overwhelmed by it sometimes.   Between the blog, my freelance contracts and my travel plans, I lose my head at least once every hour.  See, the chicken running ...

I’m a travel lover.  And most of the time, I’m on the road…. which means I don’t have a true base and my belongings still fit in my backpack.  I’m not an avid owner.  The truth is… For me, selling all my stuff a few years ago was one of the best feelings I ever had.  I get it; it’s not for everybody. What if you want to be original and give special attention to your friend, daughter or even, your lover?  If you have any travel addicts in your life, I found the perfect personalised gifts for travel lovers. Forget about the scratch map for a minute, I found something even better.  Plus, there’s an amazing non-selfish twist to it.   Have you ever heard of Traveller Collective?   Traveller Collective is a great initiative for those who want to do something about inequalities.  Travel lovers have been out there and they kind of know what it’s really like.  Many people won’t have the chance to even leave their own country, many pe...