The Rich Aunt

Christian Louboutin Sample Sale: All The Deets & Is it Really Worth It?

Abbey — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 05:29:00 +0000

As you may know the Christian Louboutin Sample sale is a highly coveted event that only a few lucky individuals get a chance to RSVP to. The “important” fashionistas like celebrities, magazine editors and now influencers are invited to shop. The event happens twice a year and I was lucky enough to attend both times this year. I’ve always heard about this sale and long dreamed of going, so I was beyond excited to finally see what the hype was about and if there was even a hype.

The Process

I can not tell you how to get invited as a friend surprised me and added me to the list. I took my invite and didn’t ask questions before this privilege got revoked 😂. As cliche as it sounds, you would have to know someone, that knows someone . When you are invited you are allowed to bring a plus one. I’ve heard of frequent shoppers at the boutique that do not get an invite. So the invite part is still a big secret. The first and last days are blocked off for employees and VIP guests only. Sometimes during the last couple of days there is an extra discount like 20% but it does not happen every time. At that point I do not think there would be any good stuff left, and you’ll definitely be making “just because” purchases.

When you receive your invite, complete with secret passcode, you will select your time slot and don’t be tardy to the party. Arriving early is highly encouraged as I’ve heard stories of guests being turned away. Every time slot has a different color wrist band and you must show ID that matches the reservation name. This is such a smart idea to eliminate having a long line outside wrapped around the corner. If you think you can walk up and get in, let me tell you, don’t even play yourself. When I arrived for my time slot a half hour early, there were about seven people already waiting in line and the line grew longer closer to my scheduled time.The line moves quickly, however they only let people in as people come out to control the amount of people inside. You’re allegedly allotted an hour to shop but the staff was not pushy at all. I think I was in there for almost two, literally looking for hidden gems.

Once inside you leave your bag and coat (during the winter) in coat check and take your wallet with you. During the summer they demanded that people leave their phones but during the winter they allowed phones as long you don’t take any pictures and post on any social media platform. I played by the rules and followed every single direction given. I’m trying to make it back next year.

There is really no need to take pictures inside, I guess if you would if you’re purchasing for someone. It a room full of silver racks filled with brown shoes boxes with Christian Louboutin written in white on top, with the price written in black on the front with a picture of the shoes. By the way, I really think they need to update their box design, but anywho. Once inside it’s every man for themselves. People are scrambling and boxes are everywhere. Sizes were in ascending order and mostly every pair was in their correct location. The staff does an excellent job going around organizing shoes that guests no longer wanted and putting them in their correct size group. I would say all sizes had a great assortment but of course popular sizes (37 -39) were limited by the time I arrived on day 3 (skipping work hehe) .There are very few mirrors and chairs. Most women including myself just sat on the floor to try on shoes.

Prices

In previous years I’ve heard stories of shoppers getting shoes for as low as $75. These days prices for shoes start at $200 and of course not many styles are priced at this minimum. It is most likely a style that you don’t care for but would purchase just because it’s inexpensive (even though we said we would stop doing that!) along with sandals, both heelEd and flat. I even saw a pair of sandals that I purchased from Neiman Marcus on sale for $330, for just $200 (pictured on the right).I saw loafers and ballet styles for $250. Most shoe styles are in the $300-$400 range, these were popular styles like So Kate’s, booties, pumps and riding boots. Embellished shoes and sneakers started at $600 and the most expensive pair was $1,000. Men’s shoes started at $250. Keep in mind Christian Louboutin shoes start at $700 minimum, so these deals are pretty sweet.

As for accessories, there are wallets and bags starting at $300. I personally wouldn’t buy and handbag from a shoe company. There were also an array of nail polish colors for $10-$15 depending on size.

Checking out

Each person is allowed to purchase five pairs of shoes. The checkout line can get lengthy as well. There are a few registers and someone checking to making sure each box has the correct size shoes and are matching pairs, which is smart. I would hate to go home and realize I have two left side shoes and there are no returns whatsoever. You are given the amount of dust bags for the shoes you have (while supplies last) and your items go into a large brown paper bag with no logo like most sample sales do. No cash is accepted. ALL SALES ARE FINAL!

Items that sTOOD OUT TO ME

There were a few items that I would have loved to add to my shopping bag, but I’m not balling like some of the attendees that had boxes stacked to their faces. This is one of those events people save up for and go HAM! I personally do not need 80 pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes, I appreciate other designers. I’ve shared images, because we love visuals!

PVC strapped sandals (Janatina) - $200, retail $795

Velvet (shown are leather) loafer with a gold crescent (Laperouse)- $250, retail $960

Winged heel sandals (Samotresse)- $200 (that I spoke about above), retail $895

Thigh Highs (Classe) - $500, retail $1,595

Gladiator (Amazoutiful)- $500, retal $1,995

Riding boots, a wide selection! (pictured are Cate) - $400

My Purchases

As always I was on a mission to find the best deals. So I tried to keep my spending at the minimum threshold in the $200-$300 range. I received my first pair of Christian Louboutin shoes in 2008, well over 10 years ago, so for me it is not about just purchasing to say I have them, but because I like them and think they would be useful to my wardrobe.

During the summer I purchased some cage like heel sandals for $250 that I have yet to wear. (Stop buying stuff you don’t love lol). I have no clue of the style name, but here is a pic =)

During the winter I really splurged because boots are expensive period, let alone a designer boot. I was longing for their combat boot style but I could not find my size. So I purchased some silver pony hair low heel “Alphabouton” boots for $300 that retailed for $1695. I splurged because with it’s low heel, I could wear them often and throw them on with literally anything. The silver pony hair matches my edgy personality well.

via neimanmarcus.com

I also splurged $400 on a pair of “Classe”velvet thigh highs that retail for $1595 which I absolutely had no regrets for many reasons. They were velvet, making them very stretchy as I usually have a problem with boots because I have thick calves. I can wear them with skirts and over jeans. I can even slouch them to my calves to give a slouch boot moment. Aside from being sold by its versatility, the heel is only 100 mm with a built in platform making them super comfortable which is unheard of for red bottoms. Here are pics below.

via netaporter.com

I also bought nail polish sets as room decor and stocking stuffers. For $10 from $60, this deal isn’t horrible since Essie and OPI retails for $8.

via saks.com

Summary

Honestly, this isn’t 2007, when the craze began and women would literally bleed to get their hands on a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. That ship has sailed and we DO NOT need to revisit it.It’s funny because til this day I still see people forcibly showing off their red soles. Yes, you will find great deals at this sale, but you can still find deals at regular department store sales and their outlets. I have scored 80% of my Christian Louboutin collection on sale and always paid within the 300 range. You can also shop pre-loved if you’re into that market and find even lower deals. Many assume that the shoes would be beat but that is not always the case. I have sold many pre-loved items that were in pristine condition. With all that being said, I still think Louboutin shoes are an easy go-to to dress up your wardrobe. Many may disagree and say that there are other shoes, but that red sole is truly an iconic staple for a lifetime. Not to mention, he actually has great, tasteful and creative designs in today’s “slap a logo on it” era. So if you are ever invited, it is definitely worth going, if you aren’t isn’t the end of the world.

Did I cover everything? If you have any question feel free to reach out!

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Devil's Pool: Everything you need to know even for the non swimmer

Abbey — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 18:59:00 +0000

Are you a non swimmer like me but would love to visit the world’s ultimate infinity pool, Devil’s Pool Victoria Falls??

Well I have good news and bad news for my fellow comrades. Which one would you prefer to hear first?

I’ll start with the good news since it is shorter.

You can definitely experience the glorious Livingstone Island, however the bad news is, you can’t actually get to Devil’s Pool because it does require some very light swimming. So if you are a beginner swimmer you can enjoy this sought after adventure. If you’re a non-swimmer (don’t worry I’m representing for us all) you can enjoy an alluring, refreshing and just as worthy mini-pool right next to it.

Named after Great Britain’s David Livingstone, Devil’s Pool is located at the very edge of Victoria’s Fall in Livingstone, Zambia on Livingstone Island. Victoria Falls can be also be seen from the neighboring country Zimbabwe, but you must cross over to Zambia to indulge in this experience so don’t forget your passport! Did you know that Victoria Falls got it’s name from Queen Victoria, who was the queen of Great Britain at the time.

A natural infinity with just a stone being the partition, this is at the top of the list for many thrill seekers. Swimming up to the edge and peering into one of the world’s most powerful waterfall over than 100- meters is surely a mind boggling experience and not for the light hearted.Though it would have been awesome and fulfilling to experience the real thing, I can honestly say that I am happy and content with my mini experience. Aside from it being totally safe for someone that can not swim, you can still create an illusion of being the actual cool ass Devil’s Pool. Maybe one day I will learn how to swim and go back 😃. As I was researching this experience I was coming up short on advice for non swimmers 😔 You guys know I am here to experience, serve, and give back to my fellow travelers, so I will share tips that are useful for swimmers and non swimmers to help make your experience run smoothly.

Is it safe?

This is usually everyone’s initial question about this adventure. The answer is yes AND no. Devil’s Pool is a relatively safe experience as there has been no recorded deaths. Even so, this excursion does come with risks and precautions everyone should be aware of. I mean you’ll be swimming on top of one the world’s largest waterfall, come on, does that sound 100% safe? There has been minor accidents of people slipping on the slippery rocks, thus causing minor injuries but thats about it. So be very careful and wear real shoes (not like the flimsy skinny, thing flip flops that I wore) because the rocks are sharp! It is up to you to decide your comfort level with these risks.

Getting there

You can either fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, Zambia, or Victoria Falls Airport, on the Zimbabwe side. A single entry visa is $50. I highly recommend getting the KAZA Visa that permits you into Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana as many times as you like over the course of 30 days. This costs $100. The airport accepts U.S. Dollars, Euro, Zambian Kwatcha, Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

From Zimbabwe

If you are visiting from the Zimbabwean side there is a shuttle for $15 round trip departing from Kingdom Hotel and arriving at Royal Livingstone Hotel. This shuttle is scheduled to coincide with the Devil’s Pool tour time slots. It is best to arrive fifteen- minutes early as it leave promptly. You can also take a taxi, this will be more costly of course.

when To Visit?

Keep in mind, Devil’s Pool is only open during dry season which is August to January when the water levels are lower making it safer to swim across the Zambezi River. It is closed during their rainy season which is from February to July due to high water elevations. During this time there is sometimes an option to visit Angel’s Armchair, another pool of water close to the edge of Victoria Fall’s. If water levels are too high neither one is an option, so ultimately no matter the month, the water levels depict whether or they will allow patrons to visit. I went in the beginning of November and it was perfect! Word on the street is October and November are the best times to visit. 😉

Booking & Price

Booking is super simple because the only way to get to the Devil’s Pool excursion is to book with Tongabezi Lodge. They are exclusively the only operator of this tour called the Livingstone Island tour that gives you access to Devil’s Pool. You can tour the island without visiting Devil’s Pool. Though Tongabezi does take booking for this tour online, you can also book with your hotel or hostel and they will make the reservation for you

This is no cheap activity but it’s 100% worth it in my opinion (̶e̶v̶e̶n̶ ̶i̶f̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶’̶r̶e̶ ̶g̶o̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶“̶k̶i̶d̶d̶y̶”̶ ̶p̶o̶o̶l̶ ̶l̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶m̶e̶ ̶😆)

Prices are as followed:

Each package includes:

Speed boat ride from Royal Livingstone Hotel to Livingstone Island (six-minute ride)
Two guides to ensure safety and also assist with photography
A welcome drink (non alcoholic)
A brief Livingstone Island tour
Swimming in Devil’s Pool or non-swimmer’s pool
Towels to dry off are provided
Food aligned with your time slot

You MUST book a tour because you can not access Livingstone Island independently. It is recommended to book at least a week in advance, or as soon as you know you’ll be visiting because availability goes fast for this popular tour! I don’t want you to be disappointed, I’ve warned you!

I was fortunate enough to experience both the morning and high tea tours. While breakfast is the least expensive option it is also the best option in my opinion, you get the sun at its peak and beautiful rainbows from the Zambia side. This tour generally lasts for an hour and a half and can feel slightly rushed depending on your group size. The later tours may be a better option for you as they are less crowded, lasts longer and include beer & wine after Devil’s Pool. The high tea option lasts for 2 hours and is less crowded and had a delicious food spread buffet style. The lunch option (which I did not partake in) lasts for 2.5 hours. In the scope of things, you do get what you pay for, however it is your determination on if the cost is worth it to you.

What to Bring?

💪 If you’re going to be living your best life on the edge of a waterfall, you’re going to need a whole lot of courage and mental strength

🆔 For those who are staying in Zimbabwe, you will definitely need your passport to get to Zambia.

👗 There are rooms used for changing. Royal Livingstone Hotel is a 5 star hotel, I advise you to dress presentable. You don’t have to wear black tie attire (that would be ridiculous since it’s so hot). At least be clothed and not walk around in just your swim wear, even though that doesn’t sound like a bad idea.

🎒Quite honestly, you don’t need a lot. A small tote or crossbody bag will hold your belongings.

👟 I highlyyyy recommend wearing water shoes because the rocks are very slippery. Those flimsy things flip flops will NOT suffice! How do I know? Because I wore flimsy, thong flip flops and almost twisted my ankle.

👖A change of clothes for when you get out of the water since your swimsuit will be wet. Keep in mind towels are provided.

💵 Bring small cash (if you want to leave a tip) or if you plan to do some more exploring on either the Zambian side (which you’ll already be on) or if you decide to go to the Zimbabwe side.

📱 Since water is continuously plunging, it is very misty. Waterproof cases to protect your electronics, like your phone, camera, GoPro etc.

📷 Do not forget to cherish this epic moment! I mean did you really go if you didn’t capture the moment?

🧴 The sun will be attacking and laughing at you all day, make sure you bring your sunblock.

photography

Speaking of capturing the moment, it would be dope to capture the falls from a bird’s eye view. However, drones are NOT allowed on Livingstone Island without a permit. I suggest contacting them instead of having your drone confiscated.

As for cameras, you can bring any kind of camera you want to shoot throughout Livingstone Island. Once you begin your Devil’s Pool excursion, only small cameras like handheld cameras, GoPros , and mobile phones. Which makes sense because the guides will be assisting you with pictures they are not professional photographers. You will give your camera to your guide who put them in a dry bag while you swim to the waterfall. You can take your GoPro or waterproof camera in the water with you while you swim.

My experience

I must say my expectations were exceeded by far. I didn’t expect to have such a good time being that I couldn’t swim in the beautiful Zambezi waters. The guides were excellent in accommodation and still made me feel inclusive. The guides took the other people in my group over to Devil’s Pool while I waited. During this time (About 30 mins) I just snapped a few pics made Snapchat videos about how I wish I could swim.

Once the guides were done with my group, then it was my turn. We walked not far from the starting point over to where I would take my pictures. He explained that everything is shallow and how to create an illusion of hanging off the waterfall. I didn’t go to the edge, I just stayed where I was comfortable to take my pictures and videos. My guide was amazing and caught me at all angles, y’all know chicks love angles!

Why you should still go even if you can’t Swim

The experience is still worth it- I can honestly say that I had a phenomenal time and I am happy that I participated.
Your time is more intimate - You May be the only person that don’t know how to swim (as I was both times) so you get the guides undivided attention for all the photography and videography as you like.
You can fake it til you make it- You can still do the same poses as you would do at Devil’s Pool.
It will be just you- There won’t be any guides in the water with you, so all of your photography will be completely solo
The water is shallow- The water is shallow and there is a cenote like hole where you can do down into and sit on the ledge.
There are no fishes in water - If you swim to Devil’s Pool you will most likely experience little fishes gently nibbling at your feet. Over here you won’t feel any of that.

Other ways to experience a Victoria Falls

There are many other ways to experience Victoria Falls, that’s why me not being to go to the actually Devil Pool wasn’t a huge concern for me. The day before I actually went bungee jumping off the infamous Victoria Falls bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. Other ways to experience this breathtaking flow of water are:

Helicopter ride from above
hiking
white water rafting
Zipline
Gorge Swing
Abseiling
Microlight Flight
Bungee Jumping, check out my video!

Have you ever been to Devil’s Pool or would like to visit?

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10 Black Owned Eateries You Need To Try in NYC

Abbey — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 20:54:00 +0000

Welcome to New York where you can fulfill your hungry at any given time with endlesssss opportunities. As a pro-black woman, and I say “pro-black” because not all skin-folk are kinfolk, I strive to support black owned businesses at ALL COSTS! It is highly imperative to keep the black dollar circulating in the community. Let’s be real – we have supported too many businesses that don’t cater to the betterment of our community.

Earlier this year I watched Killer Mike’s Netflix special Trigger Warning, Episode : Living Black where he challenged himself to ONLY eat black owned food for 3- days. This was even down to the farm where the food was sourced from. This resulted in him using a bike for transportation, sleeping on a park bench, and not being able to eat canned food because there wasn’t a black owned can opener. Mike notes that Black people do not keep their dollars in the community. He compares the stats with Asian, Jewish and white communities: Asian people can keep their dollar for 28 days before releasing it; white people 23 and Jewish people 21. How about the black community??

The Black community can hold onto their dollar for six hours.

African American buying power is at 1.1 Trillion; and yet only 2 cents of every dollar an African American spends in this country goes to black-owned businesses.” Let’s not fret because in recent years this bridge is continuing to get smaller. We are realizing our buying power and the value of our dollar and “buy back the block”. I am a firm believer in buying. what makes you happy and not “just because”. I am not listing them because they are Black, but because I absolutely loveee eating and these place. These eateries that I am listing I‘ve had to pleasure to indulge in their decadent dishes so I can personally vouch for them. Photos link right to their gram so you can see for yourselves! I really hope you guys get an opportunity.

Amy Ruth’s

Southern Comfort, Soul Food

113 W 116th St,

New York, NY 10026

What to get?

Catfish with a side of yams and mac & cheese is the best way to go here!

Chop Shop Truck

a.k.a. Remix Kitchen

163-07 Baisley Blvd

Jamaica, NY 11434

What to get?

Your best bet is to come here on aThursday when they host their weekly Caribbean and seafood buffet for $23.50. From escovitch fish to sweet and & sour shrimp, you can NOT beat this deal!

Unfortunately this restaurant does not have an Instagram (I’ve emailed them and told them to start one 🙃). However you can check out their website and Yelp reviews, where you can also see photos and prices

The Slope Lounge

Caribbean Fusion

RELOCATING

What to Get?

Whether you are dining for dinner or jamming it up for brunch, the opportunities are also endless here. Don’t leave without trying their coconut corn and rum and raisin cheesecake, so yummy!

Uptownn

Caribbean Fusion

pop- up, Vice Smorgasburg- Williamsburg

Nov 1st, Nov 22nd, Dec 6th, Dec 13th

What to get?

A staple but with a caribbean flare, their “Jammin Tacos” are hit! Go for their jerk pork option and if you aren’t about that red meat life, you can go vegan with their plaintain option equally as good!

Vivid Caribbean American Bistro

4617 Avenue D

Brooklyn, NY 11203

What to get?

Their lobster mac & cheese (as pictured) is to die for! You don’t have to ask “is there any lobster in this thing?”

Have you ever dined at any of theses restaurants or want to add more to the list? Feel free to share!

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An Alluring Stay In Anguilla: Villa Tasha

Abbey — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 18:44:00 +0000

Follow me on Instagram and check out my Anguilla highlights here.

What’s better than relaxing on a Caribbean sea beach? A panoramic view of the crystal blue waters daily from a luxurious villa WITH access to your semi-private beach steps away, that’s what! What I love about renting villa’s is the exclusivity and privacy that it gives. Your̶ ̶i̶n̶t̶r̶o̶v̶e̶r̶t̶ ̶p̶e̶r̶s̶o̶n̶a̶l̶i̶t̶y̶ don’t have to cross paths with the lady with the oversized beach hat, dark sunglasses and oversized suitcases centimeters too close to your toes checking in while you’re trying to head out. You are alotted the freedom of just being to yourself. When Monti and I finalized Sint Maarten as our trip destination, I immediately knew we were going to head over to Anguilla. I knew I would relax in Anguilla after t̶u̶r̶n̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶u̶p̶ having a good time with locals at Taboo in Sint Maarten so the eloquent Villa Tasha was the perfect place to balance it all out. I had a pleasure staying at this pleasure.

LOCATION

Why NOT visit Anguilla? It’s only a 20 minute ferry ride. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful beaches, like the well known white sandy Shoal Bay beach, one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve been to might I add. The most popular way of getting to Anguilla is to fly into SXM airport in Sint Maarten and take the public ferry from Marigot for $25 (one way-including departure tax). The ride is so short, so before I even got the chance to day dream about one of the world’s most beautiful beaches I had already hit the dock. I quickly headed straight to rent a car that was only $35/day located right at the port then headed straight to our home for the next couple of days. Anguilla is a small island that getting around is simple.

We stopped by closest grocery store called J.W. Proctors that about 15 minutes from Villa Tasha. Here you can get y̶o̶u̶r̶ ̶̶̶v̶̶̶i̶̶̶l̶̶̶l̶̶̶a̶̶̶ ̶̶̶s̶̶̶u̶̶̶r̶̶̶v̶̶̶i̶̶̶v̶̶̶a̶̶̶l̶̶̶ ̶̶̶k̶̶̶i̶̶̶t̶̶̶ all the things you needs to make your stay the best. We purchased the necessities such as food, wine, snacks, ya know, the typical things you would need to relax at just vacay. After a short 6 mile easy ride (thank you Google maps!) from the ferry dock, at last our little white rented Kia up to the spectacular designed white house.

CHECK-IN

I stepped out wearing a typical vacation sombrero, sunglasses (I’m the lady I was describing above 😁) and greeted the cheerful property owner Jeet who was expecting us around this time. He helped us bring in our featherweight bags hehe and gave us a tour of the property, MTV Cribs style. Making our check in process completely smooth and hassle free. There was never a moment where we couldn’t get in contact with concierge. As soon as the doors opened I immediately fell in love with this oceanfront property. This place was remarkably serene and sophisticated. What stood out as soon as I opened the door was the entrance atrium, the ceiling, OMG the ceiling was tediously hand painted to perfection. Don’t you agree?

click on images to enlarge

The Villa

The villa is 3 levels with a total of 3 bedrooms and four bathrooms (one in each bedroom and one on the main floor) enough space for 6-8 people. Though we only utilized the two main rooms, the third bedroom actually has its own e̶x̶c̶l̶u̶s̶i̶v̶e̶ ̶f̶a̶n̶c̶y̶ private entrance outside on the lower level. A suitable studio for 4 persons or a family traveling with children. There is a king and a queen size bed.

click on images to enlarge

Up the marble stairs is where you can find two rooms. They were airy and impressively spacious with the most comfortable king size beds. Both rooms were equipped with large closet space for those who don’t like to scramble though their suitcase and unpack while on vacation. As well as private balconies complete with sun chairs with an everlasting view of the sparkling Caribbean sea. The rooms were equipped with air conditioners and special fans designed to keep cool air circulating and hitting every pore on your body. The master bedroom included a shower and bath tub. I’m a sucker for bathtubs, I feel like it’s perfect for unwinding. You can truly relax and ignore a few emails while sipping on your favorite drink. The second bedroom had a lush glass shower with gorgeous tiles. The second floor also provided a study area between the two rooms just incase you second guess those emails that you ignore and feel more comfortable answer them at a desk like I do thanks to Wi-Fi access throughout the entire property.

click on images to enlarge

On the first floor is where you can find access to the pool, kitchen and living room. Even on vacation you can still Netflix & Chill and catch up on your favorite shows.

click on images to enlarge

The kitchen was a large open space complete with all of the essentials, from champagne flutes to a coffee maker. Are you starting your morning with a mimosa or some dark roast? I chose to have mimosa’s and a traditional American savory carnivorous breakfast. We decided to take our breakfast from the kitchen to pool side. Sipping our mimosa’s with natural lighting was warranted. There is also a grill if you’re a BBQ connoisseur and want to show off those wrist flicking skills.

click on images to enlarge

The villa comes with a complimentary chef, you would just have to provide the groceries and a 15% service charge The chef will provide one meal a day and you can choose between lunch or dinner. We opted for a delicious pool side lunch of lobster salad. With a stunning view, we couldn’t resist. Especially while blasting our favorite tunes from the Sonos speakers.

The pool was astonishing! Whether sunbathing on the or taking a dip it definitely removed me from my big city of New York. This was one of my best experiences, being able to physically and mentally be on vacation. Would you take a plunge?

click on images to enlarge

My stay at Villa Tasha was incredible! The staff was amazing and quickly responded to any needs. The aura and tranquility makes you never want to step foot off this property. My stay was well worth it that I highly recommend you to visit Anguilla and stay here. I’ve made it easy to book with this link here. I was welcomed as a guest at Villa Tasha, but all opinions and photography are my own. I would be delighted to stay here a second time.

Would you stay at Villa Tasha?

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Running Outta Pages In Ya Passport: Expedite Renewal

Abbey — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 04:00:00 +0000

I have always been intrigued by traveling and never would've imagined I would visit so many countries so soon. From sky diving in Dubai to hiking volcanoes in Guatemala, I often surprise myself like “who does this girl Abi think she is?!” haha.

My parents are not from the United States, they are Guyanese immigrants 🇬🇾, so the entire family having a passport is vital for us whether or not we have an international trip planned. I still feel that having a passport means nothing if you aren't going to use it, but they still feel like it’s one of those “emergency” items...I guess. These days you can literally get it in ONE day so is it really that serious? 😆

Though I traveled when I was younger, that was at the expense of my parents, not me. Honestly, half of the time I did NOT want to go 🤷🏾‍♀️. I’d rather be hanging out with my classmates in Kings Plaza buying DKNY and eating a chopped cheese than be on vacation with my parents (even though they’re fun and I am thankful for the experiences). I am now on my fourth passport, and my third passport is my most filled passport ever. I mean so filled that ya girl had to get a new one in less than 4 years. Every time I open the pages I smile like “woww, I been to all these places”. Everywhere I’ve been is thanks to ME! No parents, no man, no sponsor of any kind. In today’s world it is sad that people can’t believe that a black woman can get it in her own. Like would there be the same doubts if I were a white man? Well I am living proof of a Black globetrotting female, thankssss 👏🏾.

Me in Barbados

I received my third passport in September 2015 and started filling the pages in February 2016, with my first trip being Barbados. Here we are in August of 2019 and I am wondering if this one page and 3 stamps can make it for my upcoming trips to Sint Maarten and Europe! Most countries require at least one blank page when entering their country and some countries stamp your passport upon arrival and departure. I’ve decided to play it safe and expedite my new passport. I can not believe I filled up my 27 page passport that fast! It’s also crazy that I don’t have even 6-8 weeks to spare to wait for a new one in the mail since I just returned from Brazil earlier this month and going to Sint Maarten in about two weeks. I have to get it expeditiously! *T.I. Voice*

I must confess this was my first time doing the process on my own 😩 my mom always did it for me, s/o to mom dukes! Howeverrrr, the process was rather simple and I was stunned as to how it easy it was. I signed up for an appointment online at travel.state.gov. I followed the simple detailed steps for an expedited U.S. Passport renewal. I chose to do it in person at the office in Manhattan since I worked near the office. I selected my desired date and time out of what they had available (availability goes fast! Do NOT wait) and waited for my appointment date.

places I’ve been, click to enlarge

the process

In order to qualify for for this ‘6-8 days” expedited process, you MUST be traveling within 2 weeks and have proof. It can be a flight or hotel confirmation with your name on it. You will need it when you go in for your appointment. I was so shocked as to how quiet and literally empty it was, you could honestly hear a pin drop. I was totally expecting a DMV jungle inside the location. A guard told me it’s chaotic in the morning, which is the only time they allow walk ins. He said there are people with their families and suitcases just hours before their flight trying to get a passport, YIKES! There is a checklist of all the things you will need for your appointment online and the forms that you will need to print. Here’s what you’ll need to take with you, just so you’ll have an idea.

Completed Forms (it’s only 2 pages)
Old passport
Print out of my flight/hotel itinerary with your name
New passport pics (I found a coupon for $3 off on Duane Reade’s website)
$110 passport fee + $60 expedite fee = $170

The entire process from walk in to walk out took about 10 minutes. The clerk was nice, I handed her everything, she looked it over, gave me my receipt and a slip that told me I can pick it up as soon as the next day. I was like “I can get it back TOMORROW?!” she assured me yes. I knew it would be quick but sheesh. If you are going to be traveling a lot I suggest you go for the bigger 52 page booklet.

Here's a look at my old passport R.I.P. 😢 who was almost 4 years old, we shared many memorable adventures.
click on images to enlarge

What does your passport look like? Are you satisfied with it? Let me know and Pin for later!

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How I Went To Brazil For Free

Abbey — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 21:36:00 +0000

Check out my Brazil Instagram highlights here

Okay, here’s the tea!

As you guys know, I am never selfish with information and love to share money savings tips, and in this case money EARNING tips that encourages everyone to travel.

I went to Brazil for the first time in July of 2019 and earned $1,000 while visiting, yes you’ve read correctly. Your eyes aren’t playing tricks. ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS! I did so with an app called Grabr. This wasn’t my first time using the app, but it was the first time I’ve ever made so much!

What is grabr?

Grabr is an easy way to make money, that’s what it is! Okay, I’ll be a little bit more informative. Grabr is a global peer-to-peer shopping and delivery platform. It acts as a middle man for connecting shoppers to travelers all over the world who offer to bring items in person for a negotiable fee. Shoppers and travelers can both benefit because 1. The shopper is getting an item they either are unable to get in their country or the item is just too expensive due to high shipping and import costs and 2. the traveler is earning money. In a nut shell the shopper is paying the traveler to bring the item to them.

have i used it?

I have used Grabr a total of 3 times. My first time was when I went to Lisbon, Portugal in March. I made about $150 testing out this app. There also wasn’t many orders for NY to Lisbon at that time. My second time was when I went to Buenos Aires, Argentina. This is one of the top 5 earning destinations. I made just about $230. I could’ve made more wayyyyy but I had forgot about this app and started utilizing it last minute before my trip sadly. Most recently I went to Rio De Janiero, another top earning destination and made $1,000. I’ll share my experience and how in 10 detailed steps below.

How do i get paid?

Slow down now, let’s first discuss how this app works and then we will revisit this question, fair?

How does it work?

It is super simple, even I understood the app immediately and I’m not even the brightest apple in the bunch sometimes.

sign up

You sign up as a shopper or traveler HERE. Since this post is about making money, we are signing up as travelers. There will be two tabs at the top, one that says “Order” and one that says “Travel”. You will select the “Travel” tab.

Create your trip

2. Select where you’re traveling from and where you’re going. You will see if there are any delivery requests available. Sometimes there are, sometimes there aren’t. You can also add the dates of your trip and receive notifications. You can also add more than one trip!

Make your offer

3. When a shopper creates their list for the item that they want, Grabr auto calculates the traveler fee. This is not the final amount, you can counteroffer with an amount lower or higher on an item you are interested in delivering. I have done this plenty of times, based on the amount, size and weight of an item. I have seen people request surf boards, an item like this would definitely carry an additional fee at the airport so you can include this amount when negotiating. Keep in mind that there are other travelers so keep your offer competitive and reasonable. The shopper will either accept your offer or not. The more orders you get the more money you make, keep in mind that you have to actually have the capital first. (see #8)

Communicate with the buyer

4. Once you’ve made your offer, it allows you and the shopper to communicate and negotiate. This is where you can discuss a best place to meet as some cities are big, like Rio. I keep all messaging within the app and also use Whatsapp when I arrive in the country for easier communication. To be honest, some shoppers are more difficult than others when it comes to their requests. You can definitely cancel a requests in a timely manner if you no longer want to work with a shopper.

Buying the item

5. What I love about this app is that the shopper provides the exact link of the item that they want. The link usually has all specifications that they need, whether it is size, color, etc. This makes getting the item even more easy. I would always confirm that everything is good before purchasing the item.A lot of items are from Amazon which I love because I have Amazon Prime membership. This allows me to get the item fast along with free shipping. Orders from Amazon are also great for last minute trips. The website you are ordering the item from can vary depending on the item.I’ve ordered from eBay, Quiksilver, Adorama, B & H Photo, Apple. Some of these websites actually have stores in NYC so I went in store as well and avoided shipped fees. I have even found items that a shopper requested cheaper on another sites. The options are endless.

What Items Are You Delivering

6. We aren’t delivering anything from the dark web or illegal. It is your duty to be aware of the items you are ordering and delivering. I have seen requests for JUUL sticks and drones. I personally wouldn’t make an offer on those items because some countries and airports have strict rules when it comes to items like those. There are tons of items that people request to be delivered, from snacks to car parts. For example, Arizona beverages aren’t sold in Russia, but you know that’s like a NY staple drink haha. So someone would request to have that brought to Russia. Keep in mind the size and whether or not if you will have to check your luggage. I’ve never checked a bag because I choose small items with high rewards and my trips are usually short. Most items on app are:

Electronics (Mobile Phones, Cameras, laptops, equipments)
Food (cookies, candy, vitamins, supplements, etc.)
Clothing & beauty (shoes, hats, coats, skin care etc.)

Delivery

7. Once you’ve received the items, pack and ensure they are safe and wont be damaged. When communicating with the shopper initially you guys will usually discuss where you can meet .Keep in mind that you are NOT a courier so are not responsible for delivering the item to the persons house unless that is agreed. I always stay central when I am traveling so I inform them of the area name. Always agree to meet at a public place to ensure safety. It can be your hotel lobby or a nearby coffee shop. Since I travel solo, I strategically ask shoppers if they would like to meet at places I know I would like to take pictures. They also become my photographer 🙃. You two usually greet each other, they inspect the item and confirm delivery. ALWAYSSSS make sure you watch them confirm delivery while you both are together. Not when they get home. You will also get a notification when they confirm. If they do not confirm, you do not get paid!

Getting Paid

8. A buyer can not cancel an order once they have paid, this protects you since you are purchasing the item. Once your offer has been accepted doesn’t mean you get paid just yet.The cost of the item, (including taxes and other fees) and your commission is placed in an escrow account. Once the buyer confirms delivery on the app, the amount is released. They say within 3-5 business days, but from my experiences it usually takes 8 days to hit my account. You simply choose your payout method and fill in the details. This protects both parties for a secure experience. It ensures they are getting the item they paid for in the proper condition as well. Since you are ultimately responsible for the items you are delivering, it is up to you to ensure they arrive in good working condition and as ordered. If the shopper paid for the item upfront a dishonest person can easily keep that item and never deliver it without any consequences.

One of my deliveries for Brazil, Amazon sent the incorrect color for a laptop. I notified the shopper who was disappointed but was okay with it. All shoppers may not be okay in a situation like this so it’s good to inspect in the essence you’ll have to do an exchange.

Rating/ Reputation

9. As we all know, reputation and credibility matters. Shoppers that you deliver to will rate you from 1 to 5 stars and can also leave comments. You want to always make a great impression. This feedback helps other shoppers feel confident in working with you in the future. Showing that you’re trusted and reliable, equaling more accepted offers, deliveries and money in your pockets! Would you trust someone with zero reviews or someone with 25 5 star reviews? * cough * I have a 5⭐️ rating

Meet locals

10. What better way to learn about a new city than hearing from the locals themselves. Since the shoppers you are delivring to are from there, they have the best advice. In Lisbon my shopper Diana (seen in the video) gave me a list of Portuguese dishes I should try. In Argentina a photographer who I delivered a camera body to offered me a free photoshoot. In Rio, shoppers mostly told me to be safe 😫.

Tips

Not everywhere in the world uses this app. You can also plan your next trip based on one of the highest paying destinations.
The top 4 cities are Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, and Moscow
It is up to you to learn about restrictions, customs, and taxes on potential deliveries and include those considerations when making your offer.
Most countries let you bring in a limit of $10,000USD worth of things into the country, which is pretty high.
Make sure you have enough space for the items. Know if you will need to bring an extra bag to check. Don’t bid on more than you actually want to carry.
It is an easy way to rack up on rewards points with your credit card. It is also good if you just opened a credit card and have to meet the minimum spending amount. You are letting the shoppers do the spending while you collect cash and bonus points.
Don’t wait for an offer to be accepted. Make many offers for more money possibilities.
You must have the capital to purchase the items you’re delivering (and pay fees for bringing them into the country if applicable) ahead of time. You will be reimbursed after making the deliveries. Don’t go in the debt biting off more than you can chew!
You can filter by highest delivery reward. Bid on small but expensive items such as phones, tablets, cameras and small laptops (avoid big or heavy items). This is how I made most of my money, I delivered 10 Apple products and bundled with shoppers. For example, I had about 3 Ipad, pencil and keyboard bundles.
Communicate with shoppers looking for multiple products. This is how I bundled with shoppers. This way you might only need to meet one person to deliver 2-5 items
Try to meet within your first few days to lighten up the weight of your luggage. You don’t have to worry about meeting up and just enjoy your trip.
Make delivery offers for your trips coming and going. Even if you aren’t going home but going to another country, see if there are orders from where you are to that destination.

LET GRABR PAY FOR YOUR TRIP AS IT DID FOR MY BRAZIL TRIP, MY PROFIT COVERED MY ENTIRE TRIP!!

BONUS

They also offer travelers the opportunity to earn $100 in delivery bonuses if you meet their requirements.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Grabr and this is NOT a sponsored post. As always all opinions and view are my own.

Would you use or have you ever used Grabr or an app like it?

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Day Trip to San Basilio Palenque from Cartagena with Experience Real Cartagena

Abbey — Fri, 10 May 2019 17:12:00 +0000

Follow me and check out my Cartagena Instagram story highlights here.

When I planned my trip to Colombia I knew there was no way that I would miss the historical Afro- Colombian village of San Basilio de Palenque. If you’ve never heard of Palenque, its cool. Hopefully this post will inspire you learn more and even visit yourself. I learned about it recently through scrolling on Instagram and seeing other travelers posting pictures throughout the village. First I was blown away by the many dark face and then I saw a backdrop that read “I ❤️Being Black” written beautifully in black and red, I immediately said to myself “I MUST GO THERE!”. I strive to find black diaspora when I am in foreign countries. We have really contributed to the history of many countries in a positive manner. It always good to be reminded of how far we have come.

Now to make things a little bit more familiar, I know you’ve seen the beautiful chocolate sistas dressed to the nines in their colorful ensembles and head wraps selling their fruits and candy in Cartagena. Those gorgeous women are referred to as Palenqueras, reigning from the village of Palenque. Many tourists know them for creating a picturesque colorful op in the streets of Cartegena, but know very little about their home.

click on images to enlarge

Some History

Not to be confused with the ancient and abandoned Mayan city of Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico, Palenque de San Basilio is about 50 km from Cartagena making it an attainable day trip.

San Basilio de Palenque is home of the the first FREE Africans in America. WOW! As an African-American woman it is mind blowing to actually say that I’ve visit this town. In 2005 the village was declared Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Palenque means “walled-city”, San Basilio De Palenque is one of the many walled cities escaped African refugees founded in the 17th century. Founded by Benkos Bioho, of the many palenques that existed in former times, only San Basilio has survived until the present day and developed to a cultural space. Bioha was a disruptive (we love disruptive)slave from West Africa who shook shxt up, rebelled and escaped from Cartagena. Someone should share this information with Kanye West since he thinks slavery was a choice 🥴.

As the founding father of this town, he brought along other brave slaves with him and went back to continue to help others be free. His statue and mural can be seen throughout the town as he stretches to freedom while breaking through chains. The village has about 3,500 inhabitants and about half the people in the town can still speak Palenquero which is the only South American language that derives from a combination of Spanish and several African dialects.

Chris, our tour guide can speak this language and communicate with the people of this village. He served as a phenomenal translator between us and the natives.

The community is huge on preserving their history that they do not allow outsiders in. If a native chooses to leave, you are not allowed to come back.They marry within each other and do not have much desire for the material world as we Americans do such as T.V.’s etc. There’s even a cemetery just a few meters away.

click on images to enlarge

The Experience

This tour was on the more expensive side of day trips in Cartagena. You can only visit with a tour guide who has ties to the community like Experience Real Cartagena, or ERC. So if you thought you can just drive up to their village and they’ll let you in, you thought WRONG! These natives are big on preserving their village as I’ve stated, which I respect 100%. It is best to book in advance to ensure availability. If you are interested contact them via Instagram @experiencerealcartagena or through my favorite tour guide @chris_0113 you can definitely tell them Abi sent you, they’re good peoples.

All of Experience Real Cartagena tours incorporate Afro Colombian history. After picking up all patrons our tour van headed out at around 9 am for the hour and a half drive down the “off beaten path”. The van was filled with just black women from all over America of all ages, I loved every moment of it. We all quickly got acquainted and became family. We even hung out later that night.

As we drove to Palenque, Chris made a few stops to give us insightful knowledge and see beautiful picture worthy murals.

click on images to enlarge

Since the ride is quite a distance, we did make a stop for a bathroom break and to pick up any snacks or drinks. The ladies and I salud to a great experience over this delicious and fruity fresh pineapple-mango smoothie.

Once we arrived we were welcomed by the locals with open arms. Some even called us over to say hi. We interacted with locals, learned the history, drank some Colombian beer (I don’t like beer lol), explored the town and (my highlight) watched a beautiful orchestrated performance by the children of the community complete with drums and rhythmic dancers.

As a former African dancer and musically influenced person, the sound of drums pierce through my soul and naturally makes by body want to move 💃🏾. These youth were amazing, always on beat, and kept their energy up the whole time. After we were given a chance to play their instruments as well, now playing instruments on the other hand was never my strong point, but I don’t think we were too shabby. What do you guys think? We were able to purchase sweets made by the locals and other souvenirs like hats and keychains so definitely bring cash. Before we headed back to Cartagena, we received a delicious traditional Colombian meal for lunch as we all organized to meet up later that night. It’s amazing how people can connect over a common interest. Check out my photography highlights below.

click on images to enlarge

If you are heading to Colombia, regardless of race, I advise you to visit Palenque, you will be visiting a deep part of history that no book or blog can tell you about. It is truly an extraordinary place, just walking around will have you feeling astounded by the pride of history of the locals. Make sure you book with Experience Real Cartagena for the best experience and support a local black owned business✊🏾.

Have you ever been to San Basilio Palenque? Share your experience below!

Check Out My Instagram Photos

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Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Guide

Abbey — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 16:00:00 +0000

An event I look forward to every year to kick off my summer is the Veuve Clicquot annual Polo Classic at Liberty State and the pre-sales just launched . I know I am not the only person who looks forward to this event because the tickets literally sell out in under five minutes, and the tickets on the resell market doubles! I always score mine with the American Express pre-sale that gives you the advantage of purchasing them a week before they go on sale to the public.

The first time I attended this event was back in 2015. Leaving a very pretentious mark on me, I knew I would always return. The champagne-house returned to Liberty State Park in celebration of 200 years on June 2, 2018. With the weather forecast predicting rain, even the sun had to make a deal with the rain so that he can enjoy the festivities. Now that we have great weather we can enjoy our day.

I've gotten questions on this event and would love to share them with you. Repost to save a life!

What is it?

Despite what it is being in the title, it is an exciting polo match hosted by the Veuve Clicquot, where polo-goers enjoy a day of picnicking on the lawn and drinking Veuve Clicquot.

How do you get invited?

There are no invites. This is ticketed event opened to the public. Make sure you subscribe to my mailing list here and I will notify you when the American Express pre-sales start, and when the public sale starts.

When?

Usually the first Saturday in June, from 11 am-6 pm

How much does it cost?

The cost truly varies. It seems as though it increases every year. I used to see GA tickets for around $65, the price has since gone up. This year there were ticket tiers for general admission. The same experience, just a certain amount of tickets for each release.

Where is it?

It is annually held at Liberty State Park. There are ferries from Manhattan and New Jersey that takes you to the park.

What ticket should I get?

It's personal preference and how much you are willing to spend. The Rose Garden is the most expensive and comes with a gourmet lunchbox, VIP seating area with umbrellas, a bottle of rose and a photo booth inside a private garden. Early Access really only applies if you're going to get on the very first ferry. I don't think getting on the second ferry is bad, but if you are pressed for a good seat then that option would work for you. General Admission is first-come, first-served seating and access to tents, games, bars and food trucks. Most people are in this section. I just get the General Admission ticket and bring my own picnic food and purchase my bottle there. I prefer to be where it is easy to meet with my family and friends.

What to wear?

Your best! This event is very classy and chic. Bold outfits and accessories, however, dress comfortably. There is a long walk from where the ferry docks to the actual ground. This year they implemented petty cabs for $10 per person which I 100% recommend. For ladies that want to wear heels, go for wedges, espadrilles, or a chunky heel so that you don't ruin your pumps in the grass. Floppy hats and wide brims are not only a beautiful accessory, but will also save you from the sun.

What time is best?

The earlier the better. You get to beat the line that will generate for the ferry. You get first seating options on the lawn to view the game. Props at the park is still intact. You afforded the luxury of taking pictures at the backdrops before there is an hour+ wait (that's why I called it a luxury). Most of all you get to enjoy your days worth. I believe it is best to go early and possibly leave early if you are tired, rather than arrive late and not be able to enjoy yourself.

What to bring?

This is all up to you whether you like to travel lightly or if you don't mind taking your own things. There are tents that sell picnic baskets, fans, blankets, umbrellas, handkerchiefs and more. You have the option of purchasing those or bringing your own. The ones that are purchased have the Veuve Clicquot logo which is nice and you can reuse it for years to come.A fan and/or umbrella is highly recommend as the weather gets really toasty out there. I've even seen people with folding chairs.

There are food trucks and the Veuve Clicquot bars. I can say the bar only sells water and champagne, so if you need any other kind of beverage it is best to bring your own as long as they are unopened. I always bring my own food so I don't know what the food trucks sell. I've seen people eating lobster rolls, but you can not go wrong with something you've prepared yourself. Make it a picnic day and curate your own picnic basket of goodies. If you are a lady wearing heels, definitely bring flats. Your feet will thank you, even if you are wearing your most comfortable heels.

Bring an open mind and positibe vibes!

Be sure to read about my time at the Polo Classic last year here.

Why I splurge in Europe: How to claim your VAT back

Abbey — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 22:24:00 +0000

Unlike the U.S., in Europe the price you see is the price you pay. There are no additional taxes, fees, tips or anything (MOST places). Just one price. Being that non- European passport holders are tourists just visiting and do not live there we get to receive the taxes back after spending a specific minimal amount in certain places. Different countries have different minimum spending and different tax back percentages. Kind of like how different states in America have different tax percentages. I will share ways to find out about countries tax at the end.

I save up all year and mostly purchase my designer items in Europe because in addition to them already being less expensive I also get VAT tax back on top of that, making savings to about 30%. This applies to most big European brands. Interacting and chatting with sales assistants I learned that since these brands are made in Europe the retail prices can stay low in Europe. When these items go to foreign countries they have to pay import fees resulting in higher prices. You do not get VAT back on everything, please do not go into a restaurant or other shops demanding your tax back saying Abbey sent you lol. Shops usually advertise with a sign outside, but you should definitely inquire with stores if you are eligible especially if you are spending a great amount.

Before I get to Europe I already price items and calculate the savings. I check the designer European website to see how much less it goes for after conversion. To find out how much money I would get back I use the Global Blue app. You can just select your country and type in the amount the item is and it will calculate your total refund. I like to purchase items that I can’t find in the U.S., items I can't get with my family's employee discount lol, and discounts in general like going on sale. For example Louis Vuitton does not offer discounts or sales ever. Sure employees have some perks but I’m not an employee. Certain items like a Chanel Classic flap quilted bag in a classic color are usually NEVER eligible for discounts. Being that it is not easy to save on these kind of items at home, these are the items I buy overseas.

Here's a case study

This Louis Vuitton bag is

$3,2500.00 + (NY tax) $288.44

= $3,538.44

2,200 - (Spain tax back) 319 =

1,881 x (today’s exchange rate) 1.15 = $2,163.15

Savings of $1,375.29

CLaiming Your Tax Back

This can get tricky especially if you are unaware and going to other locations in Europe. I will explain how to receive your tax back if you made purchase in an European Union:

**Update: In my recent travels to Madrid, Spain andLisbon, Portugal, I only had to scan my tax-free form and that’s it! No receiving stamp, no mailing necessary. This might not be the case for every airport.

1. Every Country in Europe isn't a European Union

You may think since the country is in Europe then it is a European Union, WRONG! My silly self thought that too until I tried to claim my tax back leaving Switzerland! Which is NOT a European Union. So I was not able to claim for tax back and I was PISSED! Luckily I returned to Europe before my eligible time frame was up (3 months from the date of purchase) and was able to claim my money. Don't be a victim like me!

2. Departing Your Last EU

The tax back is for visitors so you have to be leaving your last European Union country. So if you are going from Paris to Amsterdam you can not claim your money until you are going to a non European Union like Switzerland. When checking in with customs they will ask for your passport and boarding pass and sometimes the item. So keep the item(s) in your carry in case they ask.

3. 3 Month Time Frame

Like I stated previously, I wasn't able to claim my tax back during one of my trips but I was able to claim in when I returned to Europe. You are given until the last day of the third month that it on your form. If you purchased something on June 25th, you have until September 31 to claim your tax back.

4. Cash or Back on your card

You have the option of getting the money back in cash (the country currency most of the time) or back on your card if you paid with one. Sometimes with cash they may take a little for "processing fee" and sometimes they don't. Since I am usually leaving I just put the money back on my card so I don't have Euro's that I wont be using, however this can take 2-8 weeks to show up on your statement.

5. Retrieve your stamp

At your departure location, find the customs office. This can be a hassle in a big airport so try to research exactly what part of the airport it is located first, to make your life easier. They will review your tax free paper(s), passport and boarding pass. They will stamp the form, then you simply put everything in the envelope provided and put in the nearby tax free mailbox.

Some airports have kiosks which I love! The line is never long and you simply scan the barcode on your form, put everything in the mailbox next to the machine and wait for your refund. Sometimes you don’t even have to mail anything in, you just scan and go. This is if you do not want cash back. Claiming your tax back is pretty simple once you understand what you are doing.

(For those departing by train please see my additional links below for more information).

Booking.com

EU nations

There are 50 countries in Europe and 28 of them are member of the European Union

Austria (1995)
Belgium (1958)
Bulgaria (2007)
Croatia (2013)
Cyprus (2004)
Czech Republic (2004)
Denmark (1973)
Estonia (2004)
Finland (1995)
France (1958)
Germany (1958)
Greece (1981)
Hungary (2004)
Ireland (1973)

Latvia (2004)

Lithuania (2004)
Luxembourg (1958)
Malta (2004
Netherlands (1958)

Poland (2004)
Portugal (1986)
Romania (2007)
Slovakia (2004)
Slovenia (2004)
Spain (1986)
Sweden (1995)
United Kingdom (1973) – (Leaving on March 29, 2019)

Helpful Links

Additional information about claiming you VAT here

VAT Rates in Europe here (UPDATE: Spain now has no minimum spending to receive VAT back)

Global Blue App here

10 Ways Travel can enhance your life

Abbey — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 01:36:00 +0000

Traveling come with many perks from making memories to building stronger relationships. Here are a few reasons on how travel can enhance your life.

Enhances Creativity

If you are a creator or artist travel can enhance your creativity and give you inspiration.

2. communication

From the beginning to the end of your travel journey is associated with communication. Exposure outside of your cultural boundaries to people with different backgrounds and perspectives helps mold you. Speaking with representatives at the check-in desk to interacting with locals, positives communication enhances your travel. Travelling to a new destination makes you more eager to engage and interact with others. When you don’t know the language, non-verbal communication becomes even more essential, simply smiling can enhance your social bubble. Travel changes you from being a socially uncomfortable person to a person who is more open.

3. Learning

You are guaranteed to learn something you NEVER knew while traveling. Whether it be learning information from your personal experience or advice from a local. It is highly unlikely that you will return without any new skills, ideas and knowledge. Seeing the world provides an education that’s absolutely impossible get in school. Travel teaches you economy, politics, history, geography, and sociology in an intense, hands-on way no class will.

4. Material things don’t matter as much

Understanding travels true power helps you realize that siting the Great Pyramids or seeing a black sand beach in Maui out-values any merchandise you could ever possibly purchase. Travel becomes a way a life as with other daily activities. If finance is deterring your travel adventures, ditch the luxurious item and book a flight and immerse in a new culture.

-In 2014, San Francisco University published research showing that people believe life experiences — such as travel — are much more valuable than ‘things’. Since then, many other studies have found similar results, so much so that it’s even been labelled a trend to reject material possessions and aspire to have nothing. you learn to live every moment of your life the more often you travel.

5. Traveling helps you learn who you are

The good and the bad of travel helps you discover who you are and understand yourself better. Traveling solo enables you spend to with yourself. When you are away from society’s influence you can be transparent with yourself. Nothing changes the way you view your own life experience like seeing the way other people live. Travelling more, lands you between people from different backgrounds, different environments, different viewpoints, different beliefs that makes your perspective on life transform significantly. It makes you realize how big and diverse the world is. You can become more open minded, humble and nice traveling frequently. Coming in contact with something vast and different warrants a new perspective of your own life and achievements. Traveling strengthen your personal identity, including your values and beliefs, and increase your confidence.

6. I’m Less Fearful

Traveling gives us the ability to face our fears. From getting on an airplane, conquering a fear of heights to simply trying something out of your comfort zone. As Will Smith “ said God placed the best things in life on the other side of fear”. Stepping outside of the usual will help you to become a brave lion.

7. You become more abVenturous

You become confident and face fears. From skydiving to eating foods you’ve never heard of. You become abventurous doing things you wouldn’t normally do at home. The more you put yourself in uncomfortable situations, the less uncomfortable they become.

8. You learn to roll with things.

Dealing with frustrations due to missed flights, delays, wrong turns and much more can help you throughout the rest of your life. It helps you deal with your emotions which is a valuable skill. You learn how to handle situations you have no control of and adapt. Learn that things are not worth wasting energy getting upset about and to move on.

9. Travel creates relationships

Travel creates meaningful relationships and build stronger ones. You can meet great people who can become lifelong connections. Whether you obtain this connection by engaging with the locals, other travelers, or even those you are travelling with, making social connections, or deepening the ones you already have. Sharing moments with others create great bonds.

10. I’m Happier and Healthier

Traveling helps you physically and mentally. There’s no surprise that people who travel are happier, and with happiness comes healthiness. Taking a vacation gives you time to relax and regroup from our everyday lives. Studies have shown lower percentage in heart disease, coronary death and depression in people who take vacations annually. The thought of thinking about an upcoming trip can enhance your mood. Trips don’t have to be long or expensive for you to realize health benefits, the simple act of taking time off and leaving the house, even on a short trip, yields tremendous benefits.

212 Steakhouse

Abbey — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 18:05:00 +0000

Steakhouse, Wine Bar, Seafood

This is my second time dining at 212 Steakhouse, my initial experience left vowing to NEVER return. First I’ll start by saying that I think that it's awesome that a restaurant would reach out to patrons to help rectify their wrongdoings. The owner invited back to try things out again and I'm happy I did.

Ambiance

I was greeted upon arrival and my server was very attentive, nice and helpful. This time I decided to dine by myself and took a lovely seat by their window towards the front. This was a Wednesday evening around 5:30 pm. There were two sets duets other than myself. As I was leaving more people were starting to come in. The place is definitely more on the upscale side, but not where you need to be dressed like you’re going to a Gala. I wore work slacks.

Service

The service was great, but there weren’t much patrons while I was dining. My server spoke to me like a queen lol. There was nothing impossible to request and even gave me great recommendations. My server kept a good eye on me and was close whenever I needed something. I really appreciate my time there and everyone taking their time to make this establishment is better for patrons.

Price

The price was definitely on the high side as with many steakhouses, BUT they are always having deals on Groupon where you pretty much get to eat for half off. It would be like $80 for $160 bill. You can not beat a deal like that!

Food

The food was great this time around. Starting off with some hot delicious rolls and some bubbly. Two glasses of prosecco got me right where I needed to be haha =). I had to stop myself from eating too much so that I can have room for my food. My octopus was excellent and not rubbery. The STEAKKKK *Soulja Boy voice* is what brought me back. They advertised 24 karat kobe beef and 24k steak. Though I loveee kobe beef and prefer beef over steak, I decided to go with the steak. My medium rare steak was very juicy/tender and the lobster mac was very rich in flavor (they used the GOOD cheese). My lobster was prepared in an amazing sauce and the cherry tomatoes really added a kick. Ending with my absolute favorite go to crème brûlée paired with dessert wine. My night was complete. I will be sure to return with family and friends next time around and I am happy to gice this place a second chance.

**Disclaimer: 212 Steakhouse invited me as a guest, as always all opinions are my own.

Read on: Sugar N’ Coal- Queens

Would you try 212 Steakhouse?

Myth: Shopping in Paris warrants the best savings

Abbey — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 11:44:00 +0000

Many women dream of buying their most coveted luxury item in Paris to feel chic, glamorous and save a lot of money. Many will argue its the “best” savings, I am here to tell you it is NOT!

Shopping in Paris will save you money oppose to shopping in the U.S. if you are looking to purchase your item at a designer worldwide flagship store such as Chanel 32 Rue Cambon or Louis Vuitton Champs Elysee then I understand why anyone would want to go to Paris, but THASSIT though. I personally feel the flagship store experience is overrated, especially at the LV store Champs-Élysées, it’s always crowded and not enough associates. Though everyone is very helpful. It is just way too busy. I had a better time at the Vendôme store. The best shopping experience I’ve ever had in my life to be quite honest.

Its easier for me to say this because I have experienced it and someone else may not have had the chance to go to these flagship stores. I am all about saving money at the end of the day and Paris just ain’t it for the maximum saving.

The European country with the maximum savings issss drum roll Greece!

Greece has the highest tax back percentage than any of its European counterparts with up to a whopping 24% while Paris only has up to 20%. Another country with a massive cashback and wonderful vacation experience is Spain! Spain is the only country that doesn’t have a minimum spend requirement and a tax back of up to 21%. This percentage depends on how much you spend. The more you spend the higher the percentage would be.

So if you are shopping in terms of saving then I would recommend Greece even Spain or Portugal, because you get a lot of tax back. Greece doesn’t have luxury stores in every city. Shopping in Paris sounds boujie, but shopping in these other countries sounds smart! If you are traveling just to shop be sure to research and make sure that the city you are flying to actually has the store you want to shop with. When I visited Athens, Greece they unfortunately didn’t have a Hermes store which is only in Mykonos. My go to place to shop is now Spain because the flights are under $300, they have a strip with all of their stores, and the stock is usually great with high tax back. Paris IS a beautiful city to visit, it is my favorite international city that I visit every year. Download the Global Blue app to test out this theory.

Booking.com

Read On: Why I Splurge in Europe

Would you travel just to save?

25 In-Depth Useful Budget Travel Tips

Abbey — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 02:05:00 +0000

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram, Facebook or my blog (haha) looking at travel photos and wishing you were there? Thinking you may never be able to share that experience. I'm here to let you know that it is possible if you simply budget yourself. Traveling is only expensive if you choose to make it expensive. Life is full of choices that you are in control of. It may sound bazaar but the most I have spent on a single airline ticket is $600 and this was literally hours before the flight to Singapore. Because I missed my initial non-refundable flight. The least I have ever paid for a single flight was $17 (I've seen flights for as low as $15) from Cappadocia to Istanbul, Turkey. These prices are not as unrealistic as they may seem because I find them! Is it difficult? Not at all.

As I get into highly useful tips for saving money, I will remind you that traveling on a budget does not equate 100% to searching for the lowest price, but searching for the BEST price for YOU. I do not like to put a price on travel. I like to travel within my comfort level and don't have a desire to travel uncomfortably just to experience "authenticity". Some things you just have to pay for, and I refuse to miss out on major opportunities being cheap. We are living in great times where you can now visit Europe for under $250 oppose to the average price of $1200 a few years ago. Below are a few of my top recommendations for budget traveling overall. The budget always starts with finding a good deal on the flight, keep in mind that the cost of living does play a part.

1. Be Patient & Flexible

With all things good, comes patience. When you decide to start planning and researching for your adventure, reflects a huge impact on the prices you will see. Do not book the very first price that you may deem as appealing (unless it's dirt cheap). Take your time and ensure that the deal you are getting is ideal and best for you. Be flexible with dates and times, leading us to our next tip.

2. Know When To Buy

There really is no set day or time that tickets are cheaper. It all goes up and down based on demand. I can say this because I have personally experienced this many times while searching for my own deals.In the new ages of today, looking at a month view with prices will help you identify cheaper days for a particular route, depending on the season and demand. Fewer seats available do result in higher prices- but there are always special cases where I've seen great deal at the last minute, one week or less prior to flight, because airlines rather sell the seat low than leave it empty.

I will say that flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday are always significantly less than any other days when I search. So in a sense Tuesday's and Wednesday's do play an essential part in traveling. If you can travel during these days it will definitely help save some money.

3. Book In Advance/ Build Itinerary/ Research/Document/organize

Organization and a sense of direction is vital for me when traveling and even in everyday life. I can not wing it even if I tried. When so much money, time and effort was put into getting to my destination it’s good to have some type of direction. To not waste time trying to figure out things while I am there, I always research and build an itinerary before I arrive. Creating an itinerary saves a heap of time and money. Booking things like excursions and accommodations in advance will warrant savings.

4. Pay With Points

A huge way I save on traveling is having a travel friendly credit card. I have the Platinum American Express card. In 2018 alone, I have gotten eight flights using this credit card, including my flights to and from Manila and from Turkey back home to NY. Yes I rack of miles because I use my credit card for literally every purchase. I can not remember the last time I have swiped my debit card. Signing up alone gives you a 50,000 bonus and purchasing flights directly on their Amex Travel site gives you 5X the points. Though this specific card comes with a hefty tag of $550 annually, it is worth it and you quickly get that money back. You receive $200 airline credit every year. $200 Uber credit annually. Priority Pass lounge membership whose lounges are at least $27 to get in to. I’ve used lounge access 13 times in 2018. That's already over $550 and there are many more perks!

Investing in a travel credit card can help you save money on travel as these cards are designed for traveling. There are many to choose from so explore your options to see which one works for you. Of course to pay with point you have to earn them. When going international I would pay for most expensive flight which is the one from the home with my points and purchase my other flights on budget airlines with my credit card.

Apply for American Express with by personal link by clicking here. You’ll earn a whopping 75,000 which is almost equivalent to $750 for a flight or hotel.

5. Try Different airlines

Let's face it, some American's are spoiled. They (not we) only like what they know. This is a curse especially when flying. U.S. based airlines charge a fortune to go internationally because they re U.S. based, meanwhile the airlines that are unfamiliar to you charge less. Don't be afraid to try an airline you've never heard of. Flying is still the safest way to travel and a plane can not fly without proper licenses. I never discriminate with airlines and I am always willing to give new airlines a try. Further more, on the list of top 10 airlines in the world none of them are U.S. based. That U.S. airline that you try to rave about is pretty much basic.

6. Off Peak

Along with certain days, planning an AbVenture during a specific season will definitely help you save. I have noticed that flying during summers months (end of June to early August) are generally more expensive than other months. Everywhere have their 'peak" season, a season where they get a lot of tourists. This causes price hikes in flights, accommodation, food, excursions, you name it. The joy of traveling during off peak season is dodging those price hikes and not having to deal with large crowds.

7. be aware of Extra Fees

Before clicking "purchase", be sure to include all fees and make sure that deal is really a "deal". Popular with low-cost airlines, they charge low fares then charge for everythingggg, including air. Haha, just kidding, but they do charge for selecting your seat early, luggage, snacks/meals and even blankets *cough* Air Asia. I explained this scenario in previous blog posts, where Airline A started out less than Airline B, then after including a bunch of extra fees such as processing fee and luggage, Airline B turned out to be the best for me to travel with because all of that was already included in the price.

Along with flights, hotels also have extra fees such as resort fees for wi-fi, lounge towels etc. Remember to always view the price at the very end of the checkout page when weighing your options.Being meticulous may sound like a hassle but it really isn't and is worth it. You can used the money saved to spend on something else appealing to you.

8. Search Engines & google flights

There are various search engines that are wonderful for comparing prices between airlines. Most of the time there are fees associated when you book through that particular website, sometimes a discount A tip is to just go directly on that airline website and make your purchase there AFTER finding the deal through the search engine. If you prefer to book through the third party site, stick to sites that charge little to no fees. I particularly use Google flights when I am just researching ticket prices because it gives you a month view for up to 6 months in advance. You can select the dates in green which are the least priced, that is- if you are flexible. You can also select and deselect certain airlines that show up to better suit you. I prefer Expedia when looking for package deals. I have found the best deals there but definitely explore your options.

Helpful Tip: Stick to sites that charge low or no fees like Skyscanner, Hipmunk, and CheapOair, to name a few.

9. incognito browsing

Ever been looking at hotel options, then start seeing hotel advertisements? That's because of website cache cookies. Website cookies can also make certain sites raise their prices when you repeatedly keep checking for the same flight. Websites get the idea that you are serious about the flight and will purchase at any price. Private browsing disable browsing history and data so that you will always see the lowest price available.

10. deals, deals, Deals

My favorite place to find deals is SecretFlying.com (not sponsored). They also have an Instagram page that is updated frequently to help us stay up to date with deals and promotions. They promote deals around the world and with various airlines. Signing up for various airfare alerts and following airline social media pages (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) to learn of deals and discounts will also help stretch your budget. Sometimes randomly browsing sites like Expedia and Orbitz you can come across random good deals. Generally booking flight and hotel together in a package deal can save money than booking them separately. This past summer I spent 4 days in Las Vegas for $350 flight and hotel included. This was excellent since just a flight is generally around $320 from New York. Deals do not last for a long time, I would say make a decision before the next day. This may seem unrealistic but that is when your credit and travel savings come into play. Having spare money just for travel should be conducive when you decide that this is something you want to do. Other sites include TheFlightDeal.com, Momondo.com, Airfarespot.com and even airlines actual site.

11. Layover = Free Trip

Our natural instinct when booking a flight somewhere is to research a direct flight from your city to your destination. This can cause you to miss out on savings. Expanding your travel time with different airports, alternative routes, and even layovers will often help you save money. For example, if you are going to South Beach, flying into Fort Lauderdale airport instead of Miami International airport can be greatly cheaper and it is only about a 10 minutes more in the car. Would you trade 10 minutes for $100?

Popular airports come with popular price tags.

In some cases, booking one way flights from two different airports can end up being cheaper than a round trip journey. Speaking of Miami, one time I purchased my ticket flying into Fort Lauderdale airport and my return ticket flying from Miami International airport. This worked out to be less for me at the time.

I also never dismiss layover, I actually love them-sometimes! All layovers are not good ones. I despise the 3 hour layover in the middle of the night that doesn't leave any room for exploring. I strategically search for long layover that are during the the afternoon. I was able to explore Taipei on an 8 hour layover and Beijing during a 24-hour layover. Use layovers as opportunities and not setbacks.

Not sure if you when you want to return to reality? Especially with international flights, a one way ticket can cost more than than a round trip, consider purchasing an extended round trip and just paying the the fee to change the ticket date, which is usually around $200. This can work out cheaper in the long run.

12. Book the cheapest rental

For some reason, when I book the cheapest car, it is rare that I get it. I always usually get something bigger or luxurious on the house! Keep in mind if the car you pre-booked is not in stock then that rental agency has to give what is available and sometimes that can be an Audi (which happened to me in Palm Springs). Also picking up your car early can help make your chances higher of getting a free upgrade, chances are, the customers with low-priced cars haven't returned them yet. Giving you the opportunity to choose between an a beautiful convertible or a SUV. Take public transportation, bus or train instead of flying

13. Share Your Accolades

I am always social and engage in conversation when traveling, I must say having personality goes a long way. During my birthday trip I made a stop in Honolulu Hawaii. I went on a underwater scuba scooter. While the boat was en-route to the sea I mentioned it was my birthday. I already planned on paying for my underwater video and pictures, but the nice staff gave it to me for free!

Birthday? Graduation? First baecation? Anniversary? Engaged? Mention it to everyone! Flight attendants, waiters, hotel staff, excursion staff, you name it. Mentioning the reason for your travel can come with perks like upgrades, complimentary drinks and desserts, and other surprises. This is not something that happens all the time but you never know when it will.

14. Expensive places during the week

When I plan my multi-city vacation I will plan my most expensive destination around week days. Week days permit lower prices on many things, from accommodations to food. This isn't something one would initially think about, but this is something to definitely keep in mind.

15. Pay for Pool Usage

If a pool is attracting you to a hotel then why pay a fortune to spend the night? Many hotels and resorts will allow you to use their pools and/or amenities for a fraction of the price. Paying for a relaxing day at their pool side isn't something out of the norm and is done by many!

16. It doesn't hurt to ASK

As a budget traveler I have learned the importance of asking and haggling. Honestly, it doesn't hurt and the worst that can happen is being told "no". I always ask if there is any room for an upgrade or if I can get something at a better price. A lot of things are negotiable, you'd be surprised so try it.

17. student discount/ISIC Card

MAJOR TIP! Some of us may have graduated and some may still be enrolled. As long as you have ANY student ID card you are eligible for student discounts and will save a ton! Most museums and monuments will offer these discounts from temples in Egypt to the Great Wall of China. A student ID is as important as a passport. Ask for discounts everywhere you go and read signs.

18. When the price is right

When I am choosing a destination I am always open to seeing anywhere in the world, that sometimes I let the destination pick me. What I mean by this is that if you are a budget traveler you many hop on deals for the price and not necessarily where you had in mind. My first time visiting Paris was not because I solely wanted to go (even though I did not mind going), but because I came across an unbeatable deal from AmEx, where I used points and only paid taxes. With this being said, you may want to visit Jamaica but at the moment it will cost you $1200, it is okay to opt for a more affordable option like The Bahamas, that will run you a fraction of that. I mainly go places because the price is low and not necessarily when I want to go.

19. Pack Light/ Carry-On Only

My frugal ways have taught me to make things work in order to save money. If you think about it ,carry-on luggage is not only cost efficient, it also packing efficient as well. A few pros for carry-on luggage:

It allows you to only pack items you need instead of over packing.
you don't have to tote around a big heavy suitcase and can be a little more free.
You don't have to worry about your luggage getting lost because it is right with you.
You don't have to waste time at the carousel (time is precious).

Ultimately you will save a lot of money. Those carry on fees can add up and the price can vary internationally, especially with budget airlines. Since I am usually going to more than one place when I plan an internal vacation, this helps me to be within my budget. Imagine I went to 4 places and had to spend at least $30 (I have seen prices up to 50 euros) to check my bag. That's $120 I could've used towards a nice excursion!

20. Bring Your Own snacks

Since budget airlines are designed to ONLY get where you need to go and that's it. They usually never offer complimentary snacks. That's fine because I always bring my own. First of all, 9 times out of 10 I will be sleeping when the cart is passing. Second, all I ever need is a snack unless I'm flying 13 hours to Asia, and even those discount tickets come with meals. Think about carrying your own favorite snacks and even some for the flight attendants, be nice to them and ya just might get a hook up.

21. Lunch & Happy Hour over Dinner

This tip works for when I am at home and when I am traveling. One of my guilty pleasures is eating lol. I am a huge foodie. Being that I am not a picky eater I am willing to try pretty much anything that looks appetizing. Sometimes I come across cool restaurants that are pricey, that usually doesn't stop me from inquiring if they have a lunch or happy hour menu. Sometimes they have one and sometimes they don't, but it's still worth trying and saving your coins.

22. Book In Different currencies

I have noticed that prices are lowest in their original currencies. For example, Asian airlines are lowest priced in Asian currencies, European carriers in European currencies. When doing this keep in mind if your card charges you foreign conversation fees then that can offset the price. I have saved over $100 total doing this. The savings add up when you book multiple flights.

23. Use Credit Cards and ATM/ No Currency Exchange

When you learn about the excessive fees currency exchange booths take from your hard earned money you quickly try to figure out new alternatives. Here are my 3 alternatives.

1. Take out money directly from the ATM in that country

There are two fees associated with ATM's. There is the ATM fee and the fee the bank charge you. The most I have ever paid to use an international ATM is 5 USD, and I might be exaggerating.I bank with a credit union and Wells Fargo. My credit Union pays back all fees for me taking out money so I pretty much take out money for free. Wells Fargo charges $5 for Non Wells Fargo ATM's. Lets say I took out 1000 euros using my Wells Fargo debit card at an ATM that charges 4 euros. That's $5 from WF for the non-ATM fee + $4.65 for the ATM fee (after conversion) + 3% for the foreign conversion fee. Today's exchange rate is 1 euro = 1.16 U.S. Dollars

$1162.39 + $5 + $4.65 + $34.87 approx $1207.

2. Order Foreign currency

I have never done this but my friends have. From what I researched you will still save more money that exchanging your money.

3. Use your international credit card

I use my credit card for every little thing, the only downside is that smaller businesses does not accept American Express. If you are going to a country that is not as developed with technology you may run into this as well if you have an American Express. Everywhere pretty much accept Visa and Mastercard so if you have an international credit card by one of them, then you don't have much to worry about. Use your credit card for everything and you don't have ti worry about additional fees.

Spending 300 euros = $1162.39 without extra added fees

The conversion rate is that of the day you made the purchase

For AmEx user like me, I usually take out 100 euros cash and that actually lasts me because I don't spend it if I don't need to. It is good to always have a little cash for small purchases and little stands, even though some stands do accept cards. I do not like carrying cash, especially too much of it and I do not recommend doing so. If I lose my credit card I can call and cancel it, in addition I won't be responsible for charges made if there are any. If I lose cash it is non traceable and a complete loss.

If you exchanged with popular carrier Travelex to get 300 euros this is what you would have spent

Every dollar is worth a saving for us, see the difference? However always have some type of your currency cash just in case,even if you don’t get to use it.

24. expensive cell phone plans/ T-Mobile or SIM Card

When traveling to a foreign location giving your loved ones peace of mind that you are safe is important. Being able to communicate without WiFi is needed. Instead of paying a bunch of money for your cellphone carrier's international plan and roaming charges, you can save by purchasing a SIM card when you are at your destination that will give you great service for a fraction.

The "best" cell phone carrier is arguable. I am a T-Mobile customer and I can say that I am always satisfied with my service. When travel I am given unlimited text and data (that I already pay for with my plan), but would have to pay $0.20 per minute to talk. I usually just FaceTime of use a Whatsapp to avoid that. If you aren't a T-Mobile customer I would look into becoming one (not sponsored lol).

25. Claim Tax Back When Shopping

Do not forget to claim for tax back! When shopping internationally inquire about getting your tax back. For example in Europe everything is already included in their prices, taxes, gratuities, etc. Unlike the U.S., you do not have to pay anything additional on top of that price. Being that we are not from there and we are tourists, we get the taxes back, the term "tax-free". I wrote about claiming your tax refund here. Make sure you read it to learn how to save while shopping especially for designer goods.

This is your money that you are entitled to, why would you leave without it?

I hope this information helps save you at least a dolla! I get a ton of these questions!

Read On: 10 Ways Travel Can Enhance Your Life

Booking.com

10 Highly Recommended Tips for the Solo Traveler

Abbey — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 23:06:00 +0000

Traveling solo is a totally different feeling than traveling with someone or a group. Going on your first trip lifts a lot of heavy burdens on your shoulder such as fear and loneliness. Traveling is something so beautiful and I personally don’t feel like people should correlate it with those adjectives. Traveling whether it be on a daily commute or to another country both pose the same risk. Danger happens in every city and even to locals. I have been to 9 countries by myself so far. I always thought the idea of solo travel as dope AF, so I didn’t fear much. Traveling solo has got to be one of the best things I have ever done in my life. I encourage everyone to try at least once in their lives.You should always be cautious and weary, but never scared to step outside of your comfort zone. Don’t miss opportunities because you can’t find someone to accompany you. Here are 10 useful tips for the solo, or future solo traveler =).

Countries that I have traveled to solo are South Africa (Cape Town & Johannesburg), Taiwan, France, Turkey (Istanbul & Cappadocia), Spain (Bunol & Barcelona), Switzerland, Iceland, Malaysia, and New Zealand. All pictures are from my solo abventures.

1. Research

Research is important before going anywhere. This is how you learn if the destination piques your interest. Researching is vital when traveling, you will learn if a visa is needed (before you get there or on arrival) or not, if the location is going through a political crisis, the weather, crime etc. A simple Google search will bring up this information.

Cape Town, South Africa

2. Travel Insurance

How does the saying go, better safe than sorry? That’s exactly why you should always purchase travel insurance because you just NEVER know. Shoot, you might chicken out before your trip and want to cancel. Or you might hurt yourself with a simple unintentional accident. If you plan to do any extreme sports travel insurance will help with medical fees if anything happens. I suggested really reading the terms and conditions and even calling the insurance company for a clear understanding. Even use example scenarios, sometimes terms can be misunderstood.

Auckland Skywalk, Auckland, New Zealand

3. Copies + pics of your documents

Take a picture and if possible make a copy of all of your documents (especially your passport) so that you don’t have to carry them on you every time you are out. Or even if the opposite happens (we pray that it doesn’t), you will have your copy as a form of identification. There are times when I did not have my ID but I was granted entry into a lounge because I had a picture of my ID.

Love Valley in Cappadocia, Turkey

4. Stay in the MIX

You should ALWAYS aim to stay in the mix and book accommodations and tours with high ratings and detailed reviews. What is the mix? The mix is where everything is happening, the mix is where you can travel by foot, the mix is populate and not secluded. Especially since you’re solo you want to be around people. Booking with tour guides is best because it takes the strain off of you trying to figure out how to get places. You also have someone to take your pictures. #ThankMeLater

Regalia Suites in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

5. Share your location

Thanks to smart phones, you are able to share your location for the duration of your trip. I share my location with about 10 people on my iPhone, yes 10 lol. My parents do not have an iPhone so I share my location with them on my an app called Life360. I love this app because it gives a street view and shows the percentage of battery a person phone is on. Also share your flight(s), accommodation(s) and activities itinerary. Give everyone back home as much information on your whereabouts and check in when you can.

Taipei, Taiwan

6. Electronics

My carrier is T- Mobile and I would say their international is pretty good. Be sure that you have an international plan by notifying your carrier before hand or purchasing an international SIM. Social media apps, the brightness on your phone, taking pictures, GPS running, will definitely have your battery saying “Can you give me break?!”. It is essential to have a portable charger and also take your charger (at least the cord) with you everywhere. I travel with two portable chargers and when my phone hits 50% I plug it up, that way if I go have lunch I can ask the staff to charge the charger instead of having to give my phone. I always set an alarm on my phone so that I don’t forget it. If you are traveling outside of your country be sure to have an international adapter. It is best to just buy one all-in-one adapter/power converter instead of separate individual adapters.

La Tomatino, Bunol, Spain

7. Pay Attention To The Area

Stay alert and always be aware. Have a sense of direction by remembering landmarks as you wander. Always have the address to your accommodation written so it is easy to ask for help if there is a language barrier. If a local or someone suggests not to go to a specific area then you should listen and take heed. Whatever the circumstances trust your intuitions, if your gut tells you “Nah, this ain’t right”, listen!

Paris, France

8. Sober Thoughts

We don’t want your judgement to be blurred by alcohol or drugs, knowing your limit is imperative. It’s best to keep the drinking at an absolute minimum and drugs at zero. Staying far away from drugs is recommended, because a lot of countries have strict drug law. If you are caught with drugs in Bali, the penalty is death. Though you will most likely meet a nice person, remember that ain’t ya friend and no one is to be trusted. I never tell anyone I am alone, I have countless lies. From my friends are meeting me to my family lives here and I am visiting them. I also NEVER mention it is my first time in the city. Only meet people at public busy places. Start your day early so that you can be inside and close to home by the time the sun goes down. In many places such as Istanbul, if a woman is socializing at night alone she is considered a prostitute. If you stray too far be sure to take a reputable taxi.

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Hagia Sophia Istanbul

9. Fashion

Try to blend in with the norm. You do not want to attract the wrong attention. Definitely dress appropriately and do not show of your riches. Pick-pocketing is real, it happened to my mother while we were in Greece (somehow the U.S. Embassy found it, contacted her and they shipped it to her). Always wear a bag with a zip/closure such a cross-body or tote. Fanny packs are very trendy and I think it is great because it is in front of you so it wouldn’t be easy for those thieves.

Blue Lagoon in Iceland, the safest country in the world

10. Smile / Fun

A simple smile is the best communication between two individuals, always be kind and respectful to everyone. They will remember you and always extend their generosity. Most of all have fun!

Lion & Safari Park, Johannesburg, South Africa

Top 10 safest countries in the world 2019

Iceland - New Zealand - Austria - Portugal - Denmark - Canada - Czech Republic - Singapore - Japan - Ireland

You are only as lonely as you allow yourself to be. Remember there is someone just like you, traveling solo, wherever you are. As Will Smith “ said God placed the best things in life on the other side of fear”, this is the most perfect statement to describe stepping out on your own. I am no expert of what you should and should not do. Enjoy your solo travel at your own discretion =)

Be sure to know the emergency contact number for that country. It is not always 9-1-1- as it is in the U.S. If you are an iPhone user pressing the sleep/awake/lock button on the side 5 times will activate Emergency SOS.

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Have you ever traveled solo? Do you know of any useful tips?

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Abi VS. Food: Turkey Edition

Abbey — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 01:22:00 +0000

If you don’t know by now, when I travel I love to try a cultural dish or two. Turkey have a lot of traditional dishes to choose from. During my time in Cappadocia I indulged in all of the Turkish goodness. Here are some of the foods that I tried and I encourage you to try them and others!

(click on images to enlarge)

sac tava

Sac Tava , meaning convex pan, is a Turkish dish of different kinds of meat (I had beef) that comes sizzling on on a pan. The pan was very shallow so the meat is as much as it seems like. This dish was amazing from @Turkishraviolirestaurant

Price: 40 TL ($8)

Turkish pizza

Pide is Turkey’s take on pizza. it is very similar except its more of a french baguette choices of your own meats, vegetables, and cheese. I tried a chicken and mushroom pide, it was good, it tastes more like chicken and mushroom on a bread than a pizza. Nonetheless it was a win from Cappadocia Pide House.

Price: 15 TL ($3)

Street Food

The street food, which is food from a stand on the street, I was not a fan of. The Ayran drink was plain yogurt. The Turkish people indulge as if it’s water. I am not a fan of yogurt, especially if it is plain. It was a no for me. Next I tried some spicy soda called Salgam Suyu. I figured it wouldn’t be so bad. It was highly disgusting. It is beet/ carrot jucie and you can get it carbonated or not, either way it was gross. I gave the rest to a local back at my hotel and he was ecstatic. Lastly I tried Kokoreç , which is a sandwich filled with lamb intestine. I am an abventurous eater so this didn’t seem like anything far fetched. It was okay not nasty, but not like delightful taste. I think my sandwich was overpowered by the seasoning used. This is the only out of the three that I would give a second chance.

Price:

Salgam Suyu 5 TL (96 cents)

Ayran 1 TL (19 cents)

Kokoreç 15 TL (3 cents)

Sweets

I absolutely loveeee pastries of any kind. I’ve always had baklava never knowing it’s origin. I found out it was a Turkish dish (Greeks may argue this). It is a flaky layered pastry with, sweet chopped nuts that can range from cashews to pistachios. I was experimental with other desserts, sorry I didn’t know the names. I bought many of the pastries I had when I went into the town of Kayseri. The people don’t speak much English if any, I had to point and use hand gestures. Everything was cheaper when I went into Kayseri compared to Goreme.

Baklava

Kayseri Price: 25 TL ($5) for 1 kilo, about 16 piece pieces

Goreme Price: 25 TL ($5) for 4 pieces

(When I was in Barcelona one piece was 3 euros)

Pottery kebab

This was on the top of my list for Turkish “must try” dish. I was enthused and excited by the fiyahhhhh. This time I had beef mmm, I can still remember the tenderness. Some restaurants bring it out still flaming and some don’t/ Cooking in pottery and pottery in general is a Turkish traditional and I love it. It keeps the meat tender. This restaurant was called @OldCappadociaRestaurant.

Price: 40 Lira ($8) price varies on meat

Yunak Evleri

During my red tour, we stopped for lunch that was included. We had a scrumptious meal. We started with a light soup, then an appetizer of a cheese roll that was really good. For my entree I had lamb that was cooked in clay pot and OMG I think this is one of the best techniques to cook meat. The lamb was so tender and flavorful. This restaurant was great with exceptional service as well. See my Yelp review here.

Price: Included with Red Tour booked with Mithra Cave Hotel

Apple tea

If you watched my Turkey AbVenture (Abi + adventure) on my Instagram story (or highlights) you would notice my sudden love for apple tea. It is a Turkish touristic thing to be offered tea by a local. This was my first time ever having this kind of tea. I had my first cup on arrival and never turned down a cup after. I also tried Turkish coffee and it literally tasted like dirt (no offense), I mentioned this to a local and his response was “yea we know people may not like it that’s why we offer you guys apple tea”. =)

Price: FREE and unlimited with a local

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Would you be willing to try any of these foods? Share Below!

Photo Diary: Galerie Ikman’s Magic Carpets

Abbey — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 04:00:00 +0000

A highlight of Turkey is their amazing carpets. Most countries that make carpets only knot them one time, Turkey is known for their sturdy double knot carpets which they rave about. During my time in Cappadocia, Turkey I visited a couple carpet shops. Though I would’ve loved to purchase one, I was being cheap on shipping it back home because it couldn’t fit in my luggage. Instead I decided to just have a photo shoot in one. On my way to eat dinner, bright lanterns caught my eye and I decided to check this place out. I browsed around and the owner offered me apple tea as chatted. I told him about my day visiting carpets shops and he showed me their expansive carpet gallery. It room after room full of beautiful carpets. As he showed me the rooms I was recording on Instagram story. He asked if I would like a picture of myself. Being dressed down, I was not ready to take pictures and told him I’ll be back the next day since we built rapport and were basically fake friends at this point. Being that I visited Cappadocia during my birthday trip, I decided to re-wear my birthday dress (that I didn’t get a good pic in anyway) and take some pictures. Check them out below.

(Galerie Ikman charges 20 TL to take pictures with the lanterns if you are not making a purchase, I did purchase a couple items)

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Dress: NastyGal (sold out, similar here) Shoes: Tom Ford (sold out, black here, save here)Bag: Saint Laurent (exact here, love the red here) Hat: purchased at a newsstand in Paris (similar here)

(click images to enlarge)

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Read On: Tokyo, Japan

Hamam Turkish Bath

Abbey — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 20:13:00 +0000

Heybe Spa

Go Luxe or Budget?

The best feeling in the world

When in Turkey a Hamam or Turkish bath IS. A. MUST!! No trip to Turkey is complete without one. One of the best feelings in the world and very inexpensive for what you will receive. Since Turkey was visited during my birthday tour (along with Egypt), a spa treatment was definitely in the equation. A Turkish hamam (or a Turkish Bath) is a form of public bathing whose origins dates back the Ottoman Empire. It is a combination of relaxation and cleansing. Many spas have taken their aesthetic from Turkish hamam’s with an atmosphere of luxury and peace. During my time in Turkey I decided to try two different hamam’s and I sure did get two different experiences. When I was in the village of Goreme in Cappadocia I tried a luxury hamam and when I was in Istanbul I tried budget hamam. Check out my experiences below.

Service & Price

The service vary from just a bath, to the FULL ELITE experience with massage and facial.

LUXE

I was picked up in a vintage Mercendez- Benz sprinter with leather and interior and curtains. When I arrived at Heybe Spa I started with some apple tea of course then reviewed my options. I selected the biggest package because I really wanted a facial and this was the only package that included a facial. This included sauna, steam, bath, massage and facial. Every package includes sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, and the price varies depending on massage. The prices varied from 30 - 60 Euros. This package I had was was 80 Euros

BUDGET

I was picked up in a small car. When I arrived at Safi Hamam I started off with apple tea and selected my package. They advertise 20 Euro massages so that’s what I got, though they offered extra services at an extra charge. This included Their sauna, Turkish bath, and massage.

Strip

LUXE

Next I was led into their locker room by a young lady. It was a big spacious clean room with different lockers with keys. There was a towel and comfy slippers for me. I stripped down completely naked. You can wear a bikini if you don’t feel comfortable being naked.

BUDGET

This hamam had the more traditional look where there are different changing rooms. I was told to go into the changing room by a man that works there. The changing room had a bench where I left my things and and a key. The towel I received had a hole seems like it was a gazillion times. The slippers I received was like the plastic Chinese slippers. Again, I didn’t wear anything under my towel

Sauna

15 mins

LUXE

I was led into the sauna room, it is important to detoxify and relax f before your bath. I was in here for 15 minutes by myself. The sauna room was wooden with rocks and felt like a traditional sauna complete with rocks.

BUDGET

This is when it got different. Their steam room was in their big marble room and it was shared. I was in their with 3 other females who were wearing bikini’s, I had the option of wearing my towel or being naked. I chose to be naked because I am around other women, we all have the same stuff ya know. We all laid on our backs and relaxed. I even fell asleep. The elderly lady who worked there spoke no English, she came a wrapped me in two towels and then men later entered the room. I did not have a problem as everyone is minding their business trying to relax. I was in here for about 30 minutes.

Steam

LUXE

After the sauna I went to the steam room and this is where I got really sweaty and my pores really opened up. The young lady really cranked the steam up but it wasn’t unbearable and it was only for 15 minutes

BUDGET

There was no steam option available.

Bath…The Fun Part!

LUXE

I was sooo excited to go in and get my foamy bath. I was led into the grand marble room that I saw so often online. I was told to lay down. First I was drenched from head to toe with warm water then massaged and scrubbed with a hand knit cloth. Then I was soaped up and massaged and scrubbed thoroughly all over my bed. Ending with a cool wash down. The feeling was super amazing and I felt squeaky clean. The raves are real, my skin did feel brand new.

BUDGET

The same elderly lady led me into a room with a smooth bench and a pip with a bucket. When I realized this was the women who was going to bathe me I knew it was going to with love and care like a grandmother would. It was nothing short of that. This lady didn’t speak English so there wasn’t much talking but that didn’t interfere with her bathing skills. My skin felt beautiful after. It was the same procedure as previously.

Massage

LUXE

After a beautiful bath the same masseuse took me into their massage room. Peaceful music zen music was playing. My massage was E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!! I feel as though good oils are essential for massages. The oils used were smooth and glided all over my body.

BUDGET

After my bath I was led upstairs where there are a series of massage rooms. Another lady gave me a massage my massage was great but not as good as my previous one. It goes back to the oil that was used, it wasn’t as lubricated. Nonetheless it felt amazing.

Facial

LUXE

After my massage, my masseuse finished up with a nice clay mask that was left on for about 15 minutes. It defintiely had my skin feeling smooth after.

BUDGET

This was not included.

So should you go luxe or budget? I honestly enjoyed both hamam’s and the luxe was definitely a better experience, as it should be with the price. I think if you have the extra money or want something more intimate then you should go definitely go luxe for sure but it is not completely necessary.It is still a great experience for ONLY 20 euros ($22), there no where in NY that you’re getting that experience for such a low price. Whether you go luxe or budget as long as you try one out! I highly recommend putting this high on your to-do list. If you are in a big city like Istanbul, check Groupon for deals. Here is additional information:

The masseuse and scrubber will be of the same sex as you are, if it weren’t this way that would be totally unacceptable.
Hamam’s are open from as early as 6 a.m. till somewhere around midnight. I did both of my hamam’s a night around 8.
If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to some products, bring your own soap. The soaps were fine on my skin.
They do not touch your private parts, as for me they touched my breasts and I did not feel uncomfortable. If you would have an issue with this then I suggest wearing a bikini.
Your face will get wet. So ladies y’all might wanna take it off first. Bring necessary toiletries that you think you would need.
Bring a change of clothes.

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Have you ever tried or would you try a Turkish Bath?

Cave Hotel Experience: Mithra Cave Hotel Cappadocia

Abbey — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 00:50:00 +0000

Going to Cappadocia, Turkey has always been a dream of mine. I know we’ve all seen many pictures of women dressed to the nines in fabulous gowns with a beautiful backdrop of hot air balloons and landscapes. Now don’t get me wrong, those women look absolutely stunning, I just wanted to witness the view minus the outlandish clothes. One hotel that I came across that satisfied my hunger for this experience was Mithra Cave Hotel. Göreme is small town pretty much full of hotels. Many of the hotels in Göreme are cave hotels and they range in prices. They are mostly inexpensive, thank you sweet baby jesus!

Location

The location is super convenient, you can walk to most places in Göreme if you choose to. I walked everywhereeeee from restaurants for dinner to the bus stop to get to other towns. It is quite a distance on the airport shuttles which every hotel provide for a fee which is usually around $6 each way. It is 1 hour from Kayşeri airport and 40 mins from Nevşehir airport. Be sure to let your hotel know your flight number to arrange your shuttle. Or else you’ll have to take a cab that is about $20- $25. The hotel is about a 10 minute walk to their downtown where I found a lot of restaurants and shops.

Check-In/Service

Check in was quick and easy. The hospitality was amazing and welcoming. The employees introduced me to apple tea which quickly became my favorite. The reception is 24 hours and offer many different tours as well as book them.

Room

Even though this was a solo trip I had their honeymoon suite because it included a jacuzzi, and if you know me, ya girl loves a bubble bath lol. This was my first time sleeping in a cave and I loved it. There wasn’t any huge difference than sleeping in a regular hotel in it just gave a cozy feel with the dimmed lights. The room was very spacious and I especially loved the circle shape bed and the intimate fireplace. The WiFi was excellent

Amenities

Included is a phenomenal breakfast buffet with an assortment of traditional Turkish food like assorted cheeses and meats. Also cereals, fruits, nuts, Turkish tea of course and more.Their restaurant where their daily breakfast is served sits at the top of their hotel above the terrace. If you get their early you can get a seat a window seat and take in the magnificent view of Göreme. Their roof top is a great photo op with Turkish carpets, and during the morning you can view the hundreds of balloons flying.

I lovedddd my time at this hotel and would definitely stay here again. Book Mithra Cave Hotel here and use this link to save $25!

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Read on: How to spend 72 Hours in Athens

Have you ever stayed in a cave hotel?

Cappadocia in 3 Days

Abbey — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 20:39:00 +0000

Currency: Turkish Lira & Euro

Visa: Yes, On arrival $30

Language: Turkish

5.25 TL = $1

Visits: 1

Visit Again? Yes

Cappadocia (originally Kappadokyo) has got to be in my Top 5 for favorite cities. I didn’t know what to expect before my trip because I didn’t know anyone who have visited. My initial plan was to only stay 1.5- 2 days here but I ended up staying 4 days!As I interacted with locals and other travelers I quickly feel in LOVE with this place. Turkey is inexpensive and welcoming making it a bomb ass place to go solo (which I did). You get to have great experiences without breaking the bank IF you stay within your budget. I would recommend at least 3 days in Cappadocia. Cappadocia is made up of a several villages, Göreme is the popular place to be. There are only accommodations and restaurants here. There aren’t much families and the few that are there are elder. Families and children live in the outside towns such as Uchisar and Avanos. What makes Göreme such an attraction is the incredible geological make up of distinctive “fairy chimneys” rock formation from volcanoes millions of years ago. Today, the entire village is full of hundreds of cave hotels and restaurants that you can choose from. Driving through this region feels like you’re on a different planet. Star Wars even filmed some of their scenes here.

Getting There

I flew to Cappadocia from Istanbul with Turkish airline for only $20 and booked my ticket just the day before. I then flew back to Istanbul with Pegasus airlines for only $17, also purchasing my ticket the day before. There are two airports that you can fly into Kayseri (ASR) and Neveshir (NAV). I flew into Kayseri (ASR) airport which is about 1.5 hours away and $6 in a minivan arranged by your hotel, a taxi would’ve cost $30. Nevsehir airport is 1 hour from Cappadocia.

Stay

Goreme is a small village so it really doesn’t matter where you stay. Everywhere is within walking distance, taking a cab is optional but not necessary. Sleeping in a cave hotel is always on everyone’s bucket list when they visit Cappadocia. There are a LOT to choose from and a 5- star cave hotel can average $90 which is damn good. If you are on a budget there are even cave hotels like Sato Cave Hotel that offers a bed in a dormitory for $7! I stayed at Mithra Cave Hotel (see my review here).

Day 1

Red Tour

It is best to just book a tour with your hotel. Mithra Cave Hotel did a fantastic job booking my Red Tour. It hits so many pivotal landmarks that I wanted to visit. There is also a green tour, but it didn’t hit as many places that I wanted to see. My tour was perfectly paced and my tour guide was so happy to take my million and one pics. Pick up time was 9 am and I was back by 5 pm.The highlights of this tour are:

Uchisar Castle

Goreme Open Air Museum

Pasabaglari or Monks Valley

Dervent Valley, also called as imagination Valley

Urgup to see three beautiful sister chimneys

Clay & Pottery ateliers

Love Valley

Carpet making

Price: 25 Euros ($28) includes lunch (lunch review here)

Dinner

Many tourists attend the Turkish Nights dinner. This show highlights traditional dances from diffferent regions of Turkey. Complete with beautiful costumes gyrating belly dancers, and music. I was going to this but the time was overlapping so I decided to try a local restaurant. You can also ditch that and opt for a cozy Turkish dinner at a local restaurant for a quarter of the price.

Price:

Turkish Nights: 50 Euro

Dinner at Sac Tava: $8

Day 2

Hot Air Balloon

Ride in a hot air balloon amongst over a hundred as the sun rises for 1-1.5 hours. It is suggested to book this tour when you get there because this is a weather based activity. The wind MPH can not be over 10% in order for the balloons to fly Pick ranges between 4 am and 6 am depending on the season. This is about the most expensive activity, you can always just watch for free. Sidebar: I rode in a hot air balloon for $40 in Egypt.

Price: From $160

Watching from a view point: FREE

Riding Dirty

Horseback Riding

Cappadocia means land of beautiful horses, so of course there are many tours that offer horse riding. For two or more hours you can gallop through this beautiful landscape on a horse.

Price: 45 Euros /2 hr

ATV

ATV or quad bike tours are popular. Being that this is offered all over the world I would definitely sit this one out for a more exclusive experience. It you’re a quad lover then go for it.

Price: 35 Euro/ 2 hr

Mountain Bike

Turkish Bath

A Turkish Bath or Hamam is a must-do in Turkey. There are many to choose from. I went to Heybe Spa and it was well worth it. Check out my review here.

Price: 80 Euro

Day 3

Uchisar

Take their inexpensive bus to another town in Goreme. I decided to go to Uchisar because it was close by. The bus was 3.5 TL which is only. Being that this is like their city, where everyone live, things are very inexpensive. There are 2 main big malls with tons of shops. There are tons of bakeries and shops everywhere you walk. Try some street food and eat Baklava. Keep in mind you may walk into a shop where English isn’t spoken. Be sure to find out the bus schedule, the bus runs every half hours and there are gaps where it doesn’t run for two hours.

Price: 7 TL ($1.50)

shopping

Between Uchisar and Goreme you can find a bunch of pieces to buy. Key staples of visiting turkey are evil eye bracelets, carpets, apple tea, and ceramics.

Price: $$$

Galerie Ikman

Turkey is known for their carpets. They brag about their double knots while other countries only do a single knot. Galerie Ikman is a shop that sells jewelry, carpet, souvenirs and more. It is very eye catching for their lanterns and carpets. They do charge a fee to take pictures if you do not buy anything.

Price: 20 TL for a picture

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A Day In Luxor: Photo Diary

Abbey — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 21:07:00 +0000

Currency: Egyptian Pound

Visa: On Arrival $25

Language: Arabic

$1 = 18 EP

Visits: 1

Visit Again? No

Egypt was very exhausting, luckily when we got to Luxor we knew what we were in for. A cab driver tried to charge us 100 pounds for a 6 minute ride. I called him out and argue with him that my husband is Egyptian (a lie, I’m not married lol) and that we visit all the time and that is not the correct price. We got the ride for 20 pounds. We ended up meeting some locals and they pretty much told us the “Egyptian” prices for things which was about a quarter of what we were paying for everything. That instantly got us upset and couldn’t WAIT to leave the country.

Read On: The Great Pyramids of Giza

When staying in Luxor I would suggest staying in the East bank, though the West Bank is beautiful and have more attractions. The East bank is an easy commute to the train or airport. The only way to the West Bank is my boat and that’s a bit much with luggage. It is easier to take the quick boat ride across the Nile during the day to your attractions, my opinion. Luxor is such a historical city. I would recommend 2-3 days here so that you can take your time. I was so over Egypt that I only spent a full day here and was satisfied. Here are a few of my own highlights from my day. I have included the prices as well.

LOOK 1

Dress: Fashinnova

Head scarf: Local Stand in Egypt ($3)

(click on images to enlarge)

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Look 2

Skirt & Top: Nasty gal

Sandals: Gucci

Hat: Urban Outfitters

Prices are in Egyptian pounds and rounded to the nearest U.S. dollar

Taxi for the day: 500 pounds $28 (over priced, should be no more that $10

WEST BANK

Hot Air Balloon: 700 pounds ($40) (haggled for this price the day before, could’ve got it for less)

Karnak Temple: 150 EP ($9)

Hatshepsut Temple: 100 EP ($6), 20 EP ($1) for optional shuttle)

Valley of the Kings: 200 pounds ($11), you can see up to 3 temples

(Extra 100 pounds for pics, extra 250 pounds for King Tut’s tomb)

EAST BANK

Luxor Temple: 140 EP ($8)

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Have you ever been to Egypt?