Staycations in South Florida

Definition:
1. A dream vacation right at your doorstep
2. When your to poo' to go anywhere on vacation so you stay home.
*source: Urban Dictionary

So the economy is down the tubes, if you have a job your probably working more hours than ever before, and by the time the weekend rolls around you are in need of some much deserved R&R. So some of my fellow South Florida natives and I thought of a few ways to feel like your on vacation when you don't have the time or money to travel great distances.

The Hard Rock Hotel, Hollywood, FL: Spend a day at the Seminole Hard Rock's pool
and spa and get a taste of South Florida fabulousity. Start the day with a Chocolate Indulgence Cellulite Treatment (yes that really exists) and then bust out the aviators and string bikini for some pool side lounging. Its amazing how a day of people watching and water sliding can make you forget the worries of everyday life.

Go Camping: Thats right, people still go camping in Florida. If the usual backwoods deliverance-style camp ground isn't your scene, head to the Florida Keys for a weekend beach retreat. While you there you can keep up the outdoorsy theme by kite surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and more.

* Photo by Damian Fernandez

The Miami Seaquarium, Key Biscayne, FL: For a mere $35 you and yours can spend a family
friendly day with Lolita and friends. Don't let the Seaquarium's wholesomeness deter you thrill seekers. The shark presentation and top deck dolphin can easily provide a days worth of excitement.

Some other suggestions that were tossed around were: taking a trip to Boomers and going for a ride on the Dania beach Hurricane, Skydiving, or a drive through lion country safari. So next time you feel burnt out from the work week, remember to take some out of your weekend and enjoy yourself!

"When you want something in life, you just gotta reach out and grab it"

I hear it all the time, "I would like to travel but I cant find anyone to come with me." I always have the same response, " So go alone." While I am not suggesting you should try and move out to the Alaskan Wilderness with nothing but a sleeping bag and a pair of rubber boots, these days there a million and one ways explore the great unknown on your own.
I always knew that I wanted to study abroad in college but I couldn't find anyone that was interested in the same program as me. So I spent a Semester at Sea through a different university where I knew absolutly no one, and had four of the best months of my life. Travel is about leaving your comfort zone, there is no need to take a security blanket with you. I know that people may be scared to go it alone, I certainly was, but you would be surprised how many other travelers are in the same boat.
There are countless organizations out there devoted to sending people around the world that don't break the bank. Always been your dream to go to Asia? Why not teach in Vietnam for a summer, have your living expenses covered, and meet like minded individuals? How about getting to know new people during a two week long group safari in Uganda? If you're not interested in a structured program but still want travel buddies there are dozens of social networking sights that specialize in bringing travelers together. Couchsurfing.com, 2go.travel, and travelersfortravelers.com are all free ways to hook up with people around the world.
There are always going to be a dozen reasons why you shouldn't do something, but don't let the lack of a travel partner stop you from going anywhere. Isn't the ability to reinvent yourself part of the allure of meeting new people and going to exotic places? Do it! Give in to that wanderlust. I have never a met a single person that has traveled alone and regretted it. Be smart, be safe, and see what the world has to offer. Don't waste time waiting on anybody but yourself.

How to Survive Carnival

Around this time last February I was dancing in the streets of Bahia, soaking up the sights and sounds of Carnival, and keeping hydrated with 50 cent cans of Brazil brewed Skol Beer. This year, well I am sitting behind a desk nine hours a day, but hey we all have to grow up some time. While the Carnival of Light was one of the best times of my life, it is not for the faint of heart. Looking past the music and dancing, its hard to miss the packed to the brim hostels, pick pocketers, and serious cases of travelers diarrhea. But not to fear, experiance has taught me how to avoid those inconvenient mishaps.

Remember to book your hotel early and through a reliable source. Sure the idea of landing in South America with nothing but your back pack and Brazilian reals may sound adventurous and romantic, but trust me there is nothing sexy about sharing a room with a dozen other sweaty, smelly travelers and God knows how many prehistoric insects. Finding a good hotel beforehand can make the difference between a great trip and an awful one. Travel sites like hotels.com and futurevacations.travel are good places to start.

Most westerners that venture to Carnival will at some point feel like they are walking around with giant bulls eyes on their forehands. In the four short days I spent in Brazil I was pick pocketed twice, had four friends robbed at knife point, and two at gun point. While it may be a buzz kill to have to think about these things when you just want to have a good time, its important not to let yourself become an easy target. Before you hit the streets remember: do not wear any jewelry. That includes earrings girls, ear lobes have been riped in half for $10 silver hoops. Put everything you have in a money belt that you wear under your clothes. Don't leave money in your pockets and definitely don't carry a purse. Try to stay as close to the action as possible, no wandering off to the beach for an evening stroll. Also, avoid the street food if you can help it. That seafood gumbo may look good under the cover of night, but trust me it wont the next morning.

Don't let these risks deter from experiencing Carnival. Brazil is beautiful places and Carnival was one of the greatest experiance of my life. It brings people together like nothing else in the world does. The entire country shuts down for four days a year so its inhabits can eat, drink, dance and celebrate life. With something like that to look forward to, the grind of the other 361 days a year would be worth it.

Supporting the Arts

*Photo by Gregory Colbert from his Ashes and Snow Collection

I just spent a wonderfully sunny Miami afternoon at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. While the twenty minute commute from my house to the Grove may not qualify as the typical high octane adventure one would expect to read about in a travel blog; I think that the ability to appreciate art and culture is what separates true travelers from tourists. Here are a few things I learned at the festival that I hope serve my fellow non-aficionados well at their next massive cultural gathering.

It’s about quality NOT quantity
The arts festival contained about two miles worth of exhibitors. I can not tell you how many people I saw racing past some fantastic artist’s booths just because they wanted to make sure they saw every inch of the festival by the end of the day. Of course, it is a shame if the day is not long enough to check out every artist. But you are not gaining anything by only allowing yourself a 30 second snapshot of every exhibit, flipping through a nouveau coffee table book will provide the same effect. If you see a booth that you find interesting, be sure to stop and take a really good look. You would be surprised at how much you can learn about yourself by examining what certain pieces mean to you.

Bring a blanket and eat the food
I know in this economy I should probably be telling you to skip out on the five dollar snow cones and eat before you get there, but where’s the fun in that? I believe that a day spent surrounded by fine art is a day meant for splurging. The arts festival today featured delicacies like curried goat and seafood paella, were they a little overpriced? Sure. But that just comes with the territory. Once you have your food you can try to fight for a table with the rest of the masses, or use a blanket and enjoy that funnel cake in full picnic style glory!

Remember it is about what YOU like
Art is incredibly personal. It is quite possible that you will fall in love with a piece while the person standing next to you thinks it is complete crap. I do not understand why people favor certain works of art over others. I think that it may be a combination of people’s experiences, personal preferences, depth perception, and countless other things. But at the end of the day you are the one that has to be happy with the decision you make. It doesn't matter what your boyfriend, best friend, parents, or whoever else may think. If you a look at something and feel an immediate reaction, that is a piece worth some serious consideration.

"Art is not a mirror to reflect the world, but a hammer with which to shape it." Russian poet and playwright, Valdimier Mayokovsky

To read an interesting article on the festival and watch a promo video click here.

A Little About Myself

I would like to start this off with some insights about myself and why I decided to start a travel blog. I recently graduated from Florida State University and have began a new job in marketing for the travel industry. Its true that the switch from late night study sessions and keg parties to 9 -5 working hours and cocktail "networking" functions has been a bit of culture shock to me, but when it gets down to the actual travel aspect of my work I could not feel more in my element.

The first time I left the country was when I was five months old. My parents took my twin sister and I to Colombia to meet my fathers family for the very first time. Of course, my sister and I were not the most disciplined travelers at the time and to this day my parents wonder if the fellow passengers of Avianca flight 4120 have ever fully recovered. My next major trip over seas was at the tender age of nine when my grandmother took my sister and I to Kenya. Basically, my grandmother proposed that instead of giving us big gifts every year for our birthday and christmas, we could pick any place in the world and she would take us there. We were nine, huge Lion King fans, i think you know where this going....

At this point in my life I have explored five continents and visited over 12 countries. While all the places I have been to are amazing and each has touched me in its own unique way, I sometimes leave a country wishing that I knew a few things before I got there. Had I known to ALWAYS agree to a fare before getting in to a cab, never buy travelers checks and just stick to local atms, or that money belts are one of the best investments a traveler can make; i could of saved myself some unnecessary grief. With this blog I hope to share some of the things I have learned over the years, so that fellow travelers can explore new countries with every possible tool in their arsenal. I will be posting often so please feel free to follow me and I would be happy to get any comments or feedback you may have!