My Travel Diaries: What to Expect in Jamaica

By Elma B.

As I mentioned to you in my previous blog post, I want to share with you what to expect when in Jamaica. I know that summer is coming-up and that many of you are planning your ultimate summer getaway. So, if the Caribbean, and Jamaica are on your mind, here is what to expect...

Before the storm on the white sand beaches in Negril

Sunsets in the Caribbean

By Elma B.

One of the most beautiful times on the islands of the Caribbean is watching the sun drop below the ocean's horizon. I wanted to share with you this spectacular moment. I suggest waiting on the beach with your cameras to capture this awe inspiring moment, like I did with countless of other island's visitors. As you can see below, I was on a lagoon, so I could capture Jamaica's greenery and dazzling emerald waters.  

Teatime in Paris

By Amra B. 

Paris was absolutely perfect; I got to spend time with people I love, enjoy amazing food, visit some of the best museums in the world, and enjoy the loveliest cup of tea in hotel Le Bristol. My friend Théophile took me to this wonderful spot that resembles the interior décor of Versai; there is beautiful art, lovely white marble floors, and a piano that plays for guests while the are enjoy tea from the prettiest porcelain cups.

Travel Guide From a Local: Best Spots to See in Los Angeles

By Nadja Muzur

I have lived in Los Angeles for most of my life and the city is spectacular for its neighborhoods, culture and architecture. The city and its surrounding areas have so much to offer especially during the everywhere else cold winter days. I wanted to share with you travel tips--dos and don'ts--when in Los Angeles. 

Travel Guide From a Local--When in Los Angeles:

1. Venice Beach

The Seven Natural Wonders of the World

By Sarah Baker 

Everyone knows about the Seven Wonders of the World, but have you heard about the Seven Natural Wonders of the World? These are seven sites that are created naturally and each have unique and breathtaking beauty. In order to be a natural wonder, experts from around the world looked at statistical and traditional significance, the uniqueness, and pure splendor of each nominated site. By establishing and creating the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, they are raising awareness and working on promoting and protecting natural wonders. I present to you the... 

7 Natural Wonders of the World:

1. Aurora Borealis(Northern Lights):

Words cannot describe the site that you will see if you actually get to experience this natural beauty. There are no specific or consistent measurements or these naturally occurring lights. They appear as glowing sheets or dancing waves. The sheer beauty is what makes it one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. If you want to see the all the beauty that the Northern Lights offer, you’ll need to go to the Northern Hemisphere during the months of March, April, September, and October. The artic islands of Canada are the best place to see them, although they are unpredictable.

8 Hidden Seattle Gems

By Avery C.

“A city is not gauged by its length and width, but by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams,” said Herb Caen. As many of you know, I have lived in Seattle my entire life. Some know it as the Emerald City, whereas others instantly think of coffee (Starbucks, am I right?). However, Seattle embodies so much more.

Don’t let the rain fool you because Seattle is an amazing city. Besides, it really doesn’t rain that often; it’s just cloudy 300 days out of the year J In order to make up for the weather, this city contains some of the best coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques in the country (I may be a little biased).

If you are ever looking to visit the beautiful Northwest, definitely stop by Seattle because the minute you enter the city, you are quickly be embraced by the fresh air, the Puget Sound breezes and the extravagant art. In order to make your stay a little easier, check out these....

8 hidden gems that a true Seattleite recommends:

1. Kerry Park

Why Visit Kravice Waterfalls

By Lara Medić

Me

Amongst the most fascinating natural features of the Herzegovinian region (southern Bosnia) are the sparkling-emerald waterfalls of Kravice. The waterfall was created by the Trebižat river with its tuff deposits; now, grass, moss and lichen grow on the tuff deposits giving the water its beautiful emerald look. Kravice waterfalls have been declared a natural phenomenon and are now under state protection. 

Waterfalls are about 10 kilometers south of Ljubuški, and 40 kilometers south of Mostar. Its height is between 25 (82 feet) - 28 meters (about 92 feet) and the amazing radius of the lake is 120 meters (394 feet). 

Travel Therapy--the Best Kind

By Elma B.

“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.”

―Leonardo da Vinci

Travel Therapy: 

The above-mentioned quote has been one of my favorites since I was 14 years old (I read it in Wayne Dyer's Wisdom of Ages). Traveling is one of the best therapies you can gift to yourself to recharge your batteries, relax and most importantly help shed perspective on your life. 

We are often stuck in a daily pattern, i.e., the rut, and we being to loose perspective on our life. All of a sudden our problems become ginormous, and anxiety kicks in. Our judgment is clouded because the same set of scenarios repeat themselves day to day, almost like the Groundhog Day film. Therefore, seeing the bigger picture becomes increasingly more difficult. The ease with which we may normally solve our problems vanes away and almost everything surrounding us becomes burdensome. 

Da Vinci, in his infinite wisdom about 500 years ago, was right--travel sheds light on your life, which includes your spiritual well-being, your love and work life. The circle of your life is neatly connected.  

My Travel Therapy: 

Me in Miami

Top 10 Castles in the World

By Sarah Baker

Most little girls grow up with stories about princesses living happily ever after in castles. Keeping that in mind, I have taken a look at castles from around the world. These castles are beautiful wherever you look, inside, out, and all around. With all the beauty in the world, it’s really hard to narrow it down to 10, but I did my best so take a look. 

 Mysterious Peterhof in Russia (left), Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany (center), Lichtenstein Castle in Baden-Wurttemburg, Germany (right)

Around the World in 8 Steps: How to Plan the Trip of a Lifetime

By Rachael Shearer 

At first glance, this seems like an impossible feat. But when you lay it all out, there are some quite simple guidelines to follow that can make planning such a big trip seem a lot less stressful, and a lot more like a great idea to get cracking on. Taking my traveling experiences from the last few years, here’s how I would go about putting together a world-round trip for 2015.

1. Get a map!

Me (left)

Top 10 European cities you and your girlfriends must flock to this summer

By Rachael Shearer 

Taking inspiration from various summers spent travelling across Europe, I’ve chosen a top ten destinations ranging from bustling cities, seaside resorts, and hives of cultural activity. Rich in art, history and diverse climates, these cities are mere train rides apart which makes it easy to visit several over the space of a few weeks. Having inter-railed for three summers, I’ve had my fair share of adventures. Here’s some of my personal favorites.

Travel Tips: How to Rent Your Dream Home This Summer

By Alexandra Strick

Traveling to Europe is one of the greatest ways to spend a summer vacation. As a major Europhile, I travel to my favorite continent every chance that I get. However, as I’ve gotten older the thrill of staying in youth hostels has worn off, and I find hotels disappointing as they keep one emotionally at a distance from the essence of a culture. 

In my opinion, the greatest way to immerse oneself into a new culture is to acquaintance oneself with the home of a local. Opting to forgo the hotel path, renting a vacation home can be an affordable and most ideal option to spend a summer. By having one’s own temporary home, one can feel like a resident of said area, rather than just an average tourist. In addition, by having the opportunity to utilize the kitchen of the home, one can prepare meals using local ingredients and recipes, and enjoy them in the comfort and privacy of their own space. 

Surprisingly Affordable but Amazing Places to Visit This Summer

By Rachael Shearer 

Summer is around the corner, what are surprisingly affordable but amazing places to visit? 

In spite of all of my wonderful plans and New Year’s Resolutions to save money every week for summer holidays, it is safe to say that has not happened. As I’m not exactly a CEO, us twenty-somethings have to make do with what little we have. Still desperate to get away this summer, even for a week or two, I went about investigating some great affordable places to visit. Get your backpacks on and prepare to do a lot of walking, absorbing surrounding culture, and enjoying the free lifestyle of traveling on a shoestring. Here’s a few of the best spots in the US, Canada, South America and as I’m Irish, I’ve included some great spots in Europe too – enjoy!

North America: Avoiding bigger cities like NYC, LA, Vegas and DC, go for more culturally exciting spots that don’t have the high tourist prices.

1. New Orleans: India House Backpacker’s Hostel is $20/night – The Big Easy is full of fantastic and reasonably priced food and drink spots, and is a hive of cultural and musical activity. Bourbon Street is the epicenter but take a $1.25 streetcar tour to see the rest!

Best Weekend Getaway Ideas

By Rachel Burt

Top 5 Easy Weekend Getaway Ideas

Ever get the feeling you need to take a break and clear your head? Feel an urge for adventure but are limited by time? Perhaps a weekend getaway should be in your near future! Weekend getaways are a time-honored tradition that celebrates reconnecting, exploring and possibly even indulging. No matter where you live, a weekend getaway destination is always a great idea! These five quick trip ideas may be just what you need to get your creative juices flowing and clear your mind in an inspiring setting.

1. Lake-side Cabin

Getting in touch with nature is the perfect antidote for your hectic daily life. First, decide how much you want to rough it: You can stay in a cute, log cabin, book a site with room for your car or RV, or just sling on a backpack, go for a hike, and pitch a tent. Nowadays many campgrounds offer bathrooms with running water and hot showers. Whatever your style, once you’re immersed in nature, there’s usually plenty to do. Take a hike in the woods or amongst the mountains, take a swim in the lake or go fishing, and the most exciting part: s’more-making around the campfire!

Club Fashionista Attends the Miami International Boat Show

By Lizbeth Perez 

While the rest of the United States has been undergoing a very extreme winter consisting mainly of rainy or snowy, cold and all around miserable winter days, I will be the first to admit that here in Miami we have been a tad bit out of touch. Our winter has been extreme yes, but by extreme I mean the weather has been amazingly nice, i.e., it has rarely dipped below 80 degrees fahrenheit (around 26 celsius). This past weekend proved to be no different and along with our picturesque waterways only solidified why our beautiful city is the perfect backdrop for its Progressive Insurance’s famous yearly boat show: The Miami International Boat Show.

When in Maldives: Top 5 Travel Tips

By Rachel Burt 

Why is Maldives one of the most exotic places to visit in the world?

Maldives could be considered the number one on the list of the most sought after places to visit on the globe. Fabulous weather year round, this place consists of tiny coral reef islands with a serene atmosphere of turquoise blue water, sparkling golden sands and palm trees on every corner. It is considered one of the most romantic getaways due to its spectacular underworld, secludedness and hospitality. Be prepared to do little but snorkel the beautiful colorful waters, sun bathe and sip delicious cocktails while lounging out on a hammock on your own private roofed bungalow. But what more could you ask for when you need a week of bliss on a deserted island with your loved one. 

Maldives beach becomes sea of stars from a certain type of bioluminescent plankton, which emit light when stressed on its sea shores.

Here are some tips on what to do on this magical island... 

San Sebastain Festival in Miami

By Darlene Vazquetelles 

One of the best gifts you could give yourself when moving to a different country is to keep your traditions and culture alive.  You add some decorations from back home, hang the flag, paintings, and souvenirs you brought back with you.  You play the music, cook the traditional food, go online to keep up with the news from your country, etc. As a way to stay connected to your roots, you attend local events that represent the traditions and customs of your home country.  One example of a cultural representation away from home is the San Sebastian Festival in Miami! 

Me

If you have been reading my posts, you know that I am a proud Puerto Rican. Although many people see Puerto Rico as "Americanized" because of its status of Commonwealth of the United States, the people on the island continue to emphasize loyalty to the culture and folklore that heavily exists on the island. There are hundreds of traditions that define the island of Puerto Rico, and one of them are the numerous festivals we celebrate throughout the year.  One of the most famous festivals is called the San Sebastián Festival (Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián). 

10 Most Unbelievable Places in the World

By Lizbeth Perez

They say happiness is a journey; not a destination, and I can’t help but agree.  We live in a world full of wonders and beauty at every turn, which many of us can hope to experience first hand. I am a big believer in traveling, mainly because I really do think it helps shape you not only as a person but humbles you and forces you to look at the big picture; ultimately changing you before you need to make life changing decisions, such as marriage, children, and career paths…

Me in Japan

Don't Forget to Smile

By Elma B.

“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” -John Lennon 

Often we are subdued by what is missing from our life rather than focusing on our blessings, e.g., our family and friends. For starters, my focus constantly shifts on what I am missing in life rather than counting my blessings everyday. For instance, I was fortunate to have met some great people while living in London: one of them is Alisa--who I am happy to share has joined the Club Fashionista pack. She is our liaison for London now that I am no longer living there. 

How to Travel Back in Time

By Rachel Burt

That afternoon she sat in a cafe with a pen in her hand and a paper on the table. She was nervous and kept writing incessantly. As she sipped her freshly brewed coffee, she slipped the letter in the envelope and walked to the post office to drop if off. The letter had to be sent that day: the news was urgent. Later that evening, her date picked her up for dinner. He parked the car and knocked on the door to meet her parents. The family greeted him at the door, and he shook the father's hand and was even invited for a cup of tea; he politely declined. 

You must think by now I am talking about a 1960s film...or some old-fashioned novel. Actually, no. I wanted to share with you my escapades in a few small towns in Portugal, where time stands still. It is like jumping into a time-machine and escaping the pollution and the fast paced life of big cities. To get into the spirit, I brought my polaroid camera...here is what I saw: