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3 Unforgettable Days in New Orleans Itinerary

There’s something about New Orleans that stays with you long after you leave. The sound of jazz spilling from street corners, the scent of Creole spices in the air, and the charm of neighborhoods that seem frozen in time. If you’ve only got three days, don’t worry I’ve put together the perfect 3 Unforgettable Days in New Orleans itinerary that blends history, food, music, and relaxation.

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"Graphic titled '3 Unforgettable Days in New Orleans' showing a streetcar, jazz musician, beignets, Mardis Gras mask, and historic building."

Day 1: Breakfast, Ride the Trolley, Relax on the Rooftop, and Savor Downtown Dining

Morning: Breakfast and Hop on the Historic Trolley

You can’t visit New Orleans without a delicious breakfast. I dined at Café Fleur-de-lis which serves both breakfast and lunch. I had their shrimp and grits with lemon sauce and fried green tomatoes which was out of this world.

Hanging sign for Café Fleur-de-lis reading "Breakfast, Lunch, Espresso" along a French Quarter street.

Plate of crispy fried green tomatoes served on mixed greens with a side of orange dipping sauce.

A bowl of shrimp and creamy grits topped with gravy and seasoning, photographed on a wooden table.

Afterwards, start your trip the classic way, by taking the St. Charles Avenue streetcar. This ride isn’t just transportation, it’s a journey through time. As the trolley winds through oak-lined streets, you’ll pass beautiful historic homes, local shops, and lively cafés. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings and feel the rhythm of the city. This is how my friends and I started our trip off. Book here to experience it for yourself.

Travel tip: Buy a day pass for unlimited rides, you’ll use it more than you think.

A historic green New Orleans streetcar traveling down a city street lined with buildings and trees. — St. Charles Trolley

A large historic Victorian-style home with a wraparound porch, framed by mature oak trees and greenery.

An ivy-covered brick building surrounded by large oak trees and lush greenery in a quiet neighborhood.

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Afternoon: Rooftop Pool at the Marriott

After exploring, head back to the Marriott’s rooftop pool to recharge. Floating above the busy streets, you’ll get panoramic views of the city skyline while you unwind with a cocktail or frozen drink (my jam) or just soak up the Louisiana sun. A little downtime here is the best way to balance out New Orleans’ energy.

A Black woman posing outdoors in a black swimsuit, and a long black skirt with red floral print, standing near greenery and modern buildings.

A hand holding a cup of a red shaved ice drink with a plastic spoon, photographed in bright sunlight with a blurred background.

Evening: Dinner in Downtown New Orleans

For dinner, venture into the downtown dining scene. From Cajun classics to modern Creole fusions, there’s something for every taste. Whether it’s gumbo at a family run spot or oysters at a trendy bistro, downtown sets the perfect stage for your first night in NOLA. I opted for dinner at Lola’s which was divine and very classy.

Foodie tip: Try their salmon with lemon pepper sauce or their garlic chicken.

Lola’s Restaurant
Salmon, veggies and rice
Garlic Chicken

Day 2: Jazz on the Water & Bourbon Street Nights

Morning: Slow Start with Local Flavor

Ease into day two with a leisurely breakfast at Morning Call. Think chicory coffee, tea and beignets that are so good you’ll wonder why you didn’t start every day this way.

Foodie Tip: Make sure to try their sausage, egg and cheese biscuit. It’s so hot and fresh, I literally can’t stop thinking about it.

A small plate of golden beignets dusted with powdered sugar on a café table. — Beignets

A breakfast sandwich with sausage, egg, and melted cheese wrapped in paper on a table. — Beignets

Afternoon: Explore at Your Own Pace

Take your time wandering. Pop into art galleries, antique shops, or just stroll the French Quarter’s lively streets. This is where you really soak in the soul of New Orleans. I hung out Uptown and checked out the many shops in the area after I took a tour of New Orleans.

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Evening: New Orleans Jazz Boat Tour on the Mississippi

As the sun begins to set, board a jazz boat tour for an evening you’ll never forget. Picture yourself gliding down the Mississippi River as live jazz fills the air, the city lights twinkling in the background. It’s equal parts romantic and exciting, an essential NOLA experience. This was one of my favorite things to do in New Orleans. Take the jazz boat tour here.

A jazz band performing live on a covered outdoor stage on a boat with musicians playing trumpet, drums, and brass instruments as an audience watches. — New Orleans Jazz Boat Tour

A riverfront scene with a docked steamboat, pier structures and city buildings in the distance under a cloudy sky. — New Orleans Jazz Boat Tour

Night: Bourbon Street Nightlife

The night doesn’t end there. Bourbon Street is calling, with its neon lights, buzzing crowds, and music that pours out of every doorway. Whether you’re stopping for a quick cocktail, dancing to live bands, or people watching from a balcony, Bourbon Street is the definition of nightlife. The night I went was an absolute zoo so be prepared!

Bourbon Street Nightlife
Cornet Cuisine

Day 3: Foodie Finds & Garden District Charm

Morning: New Orleans Food Tour

On your last day, go big with a New Orleans food tour. You’ll sample everything from po’boys and muffulettas to alligator hot dogs with blackberry jam and jambalaya empanadas. Not only do you taste incredible food, but you also learn the history behind each dish and the neighborhoods you walk through. This was by far my favorite experience in New Orleans! Check it out here.

Exterior of Dat Dog restaurant with a colorful hanging sign, outdoor seating, and a sidewalk view on a sunny day. — Dat Dog

A hot dog in a bun topped with blackberry sauce wrapped in branded paper and held in a paper tray. — Dat Dog

Afternoon: Shopping in the Garden District

Spend the afternoon wandering the Garden District. This area feels like a step back in time with its grand mansions, wrought-iron fences, and lush greenery. The boutiques and antique shops here are perfect for finding souvenirs that aren’t the usual tourist trinkets. I shopped around and discovered a cool thrift store called Out of The Closet.

Out of the Closet thrift store
Inside Out of the Closet
Yours truly posing

Evening: Final Dinner Downtown & Dessert

Wrap up your trip with a farewell dinner back in the Garden District. I chose to eat at Cafe Abyssinia which serves up delectable Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine because no trip to New Orleans is complete without trying new cultures. I tried their shrimp rice with salad and injera bread which were phenomenal. Afterwards, raise a glass and toast to three days of memories in the Big Easy.

A colorful outdoor sign reading "Café Abyssinia Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine" in New Orleans with a phone number hanging outside the restaurant.

A white plate with yellow rice mixed with shrimp served alongside a fresh salad of tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and peppers.

Rolled pieces of injera flatbread stacked on parchment paper, showing the spongy, porous texture.

Last but definitely not least, for dessert, I checked out Loretta’s for their delicious (and memorable) beignets. Trust me when I say, you don’t want to miss it! I tried their praline and original and let’s just say I went back for seconds. 🙂

A tray of golden fried dough pieces topped with pralines, powdered sugar and drizzled icing on a green table at Loretta's. — Loretta’s beignets

Tips For a Smooth 3 Unforgettable Days in New Orleans Itinerary Stay

Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall offer mild weather and plenty of festivals.
Getting Around: Grab a Jazzy Pass for unlimited trolley and bus rides.
Packing Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for breezy nights, and an appetite for adventure.
Book in Advance: Jazz boat tours and popular food tours sell out quickly, reserve early.

Four women smiling in New Orleans and posing closely for a selfie outdoors, with power lines and buildings visible in the background on an overcast day. — My friends and I

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Final Thoughts On 3 Unforgettable Days in New Orleans Itinerary

I loved my time in New Orleans and honestly can’t wait to go back. Would you visit New Orleans? Leave me a comment below and don’t forget to subscribe.

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Seeing Hamilton on Broadway: A Must-Do New York City Experience

New York City is filled with unforgettable experiences, but there’s something truly special about seeing a Broadway show, especially one as iconic as Hamilton. From the music and storytelling to the electric energy inside the theater, this experience is one I’ll never forget.

If you’re planning a trip to NYC or looking to finally see Hamilton on Broadway, I highly recommend booking this experience in advance.

Why Seeing Hamilton on Broadway Is So Special

Even if you already know the soundtrack by heart (guilty!), nothing compares to seeing Hamilton performed live at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. The vocals, choreography, lighting, and raw emotion come together in a way that gives you chills from start to finish.

The music alone is worth it: powerful, clever, emotional, and unforgettable, but seeing it unfold live on Broadway takes it to an entirely different level.

The Hamilton marquee glowing at night outside the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in New York City, with bright theater lights, city traffic, and surrounding Broadway signs.

My Hamilton Broadway Night: A Little Chaos, A Lot of Magic

In true New York fashion, my night didn’t start off perfectly smooth, I actually got lost on the way to the theater. After a few wrong turns and some fast walking, I arrived with just 10 minutes to spare before showtime. Thankfully, I made it in right on time and was immediately swept up in the excitement of the crowd. If you’re looking to rent a vehicle to safely travel to the show, this is the company I use.

Before heading to my seat, I stopped by the bar and treated myself to a margarita and cheddar popcorn, which was honestly such a fun and delicious pre-show combo. Sitting there, drink in hand, knowing I was about to see Hamilton live? Absolutely worth the mini stress of getting there.

Smiling woman wearing a black sheer sparkle dress with a square neckline and gold jewelry, posing for a selfie indoors with softly curled hair and warm makeup. — Yours truly at the show

What to Expect When You See Hamilton Live

Incredible Performances

The cast delivers powerhouse vocals and flawless performances that keep you fully engaged from beginning to end.

Iconic Music

Hearing songs like My Shot and Wait for It live is an experience that gives you goosebumps even if you’ve listened to them a hundred times before.

A Truly Electric Atmosphere

There’s something magical about being in a Broadway theater surrounded by people who are just as excited as you are. The energy is unmatched.

Cast of Broadway show taking a bow on stage beneath ornate theater ceilings, chandeliers and theatrical lighting, with a detailed wooden set in the background.

Tips for Your Hamilton Broadway Experience

Arrive Early (If You Can!)

Trust me, while I made it just in time, arriving early gives you time to grab a drink, explore the theater, and settle in stress free.

Book Tickets in Advance

Hamilton is incredibly popular, and shows can sell out quickly. Booking ahead ensures you get the date and seats you want. Reserve your Hamilton Broadway tickets right here before it sells out!

Is Hamilton Worth It? Absolutely

Whether it’s your first Broadway show or one you’ve been dreaming of seeing for years, Hamilton is an unforgettable experience that deserves a spot on your NYC itinerary. From the music to the storytelling to the overall atmosphere, it’s truly one of those “I’m so glad I did this” moments.

If you’re visiting New York City or planning a special night out, I can’t recommend this experience enough.

Final Thoughts

You can’t come to NYC without seeing a Broadway show (this is a given). I’d love to hear if you’d see Hamilton live. Leave me a comment below and don’t forget to subscribe.

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Exterior of the Richard Rodgers Theatre at night, illuminated with marquee lights and signage reading "History Is Happening in Manhattan," with Hamilton branding visible.

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Photo Credit

Thank you Sudan Ouyang for the photo of the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

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Best Europe Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

As a solo female traveler, Europe has always been my go to for traveling solo. Thanks to its excellent transportation network, diverse cultures, and overall safety, I’ve always felt welcomed and safe.

Whether you’re exploring historic cities or hiking through the Alps, the European adventures are truly endless. Here are my top Europe destinations for solo female travelers!

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Collage graphic titled ‘Best Europe Destinations for Solo Female Travelers’ featuring four scenic images: a colorful canal and bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia; a historic tram in Lisbon, Portugal; a fairytale castle set against green hills in Germany; and a lush valley with a winding river and red-roofed houses in Norway. Travel blog branding @thenittygrittytravelot is included.

Top Europe Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

Many countries in Europe have a strong tourism focus, making it simple to find hotels, walking tours, and social activities where you can meet other solo travelers. The following cities are easy to get to, safe to explore, and chalked full of fun. Let’s dive in!

1. Bergen, Norway

Bergen, Norway deserves a spot on every solo female traveler’s Europe bucket list. There are many direct flights to this picturesque coastal city and you’ll feel right at home in its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

The city is very walkable and you can easily check out the famous fish market, the Fløibanen funicular, and the quaint downtown restaurants and shops all on foot. Then, after you’ve explored the city, I highly recommend joining a Fjord cruise to Mostraumen.

Bergen, NorwayColorful wooden buildings line the waterfront in Bryggen, Bergen, Norway, with mountains and mist in the background on a cloudy day. — Bergen, Norway

2. Brussels, Belgium

A solo trip to Brussels is a must! It’s the perfect mix of culture, history, and modern charm. The city is walkable and super easy to explore on foot/bus and the food is delicious!

There are many museums and landmarks to explore, so I recommend purchasing a Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour. This bus follows the Red Route which will take you to famous sites such as the Atomium, Mannekin-Pis, Horta Museum, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Sablon Quarter to name a few.

Then, after you’ve fully explored the city you can join a guided day trip to the medieval towns of Bruges and Ghent. Check out my detailed one day itinerary in Brussels here.

Brussels Town Hall – The ornate Gothic-style Brussels Town Hall, with its tall spire and detailed stone carvings, dominates the Grand Place. Part of the building is covered in scaffolding under a cloudy sky. — Brussels Town Hall

Atomium in Brussels – The futuristic Atomium structure in Brussels, built of large reflective spheres connected by steel beams, rises into the sky. Visitors walk around the base, and a Belgian flag flies from the top. — Brussels Town Hall

3. Helsinki, Finland

Finland is truly special. It’s highly ranked for safety and gender equality. While conducting my research, I was thoroughly impressed at the well organized public transport system, the clean downtown, and the overall relaxed experience.

There are plenty of walking tours you can join, saunas to relax in, and beautiful architecture to photograph. If you are up to it, you can take day trips to Porvoo to check out the well preserved old town, Nuuksio National Park for a scenic hike, or Tallinn to explore the medieval city.

Helsinki, FinlandPanoramic view of Helsinki, Finland, showcasing the white Helsinki Cathedral, amusement park rides, and waterfront buildings under a blue sky. — Helsinki, Finland

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4. Vienna, Austria

For architecture lovers, Vienna, Austria needs to be on your list. The low crime rates and well lit streets make it an excellent city for solo women travelers in Europe. Vienna welcomes over 8 million tourists every single year, so you’ll likely never feel alone.

In addition to the breathtaking architecture, you’ll also love the coffee culture and the breathtaking architecture. Do not miss checking out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, and Hundertwasserhaus house.

The Vienna Pass is a great way to see the most of the city on a budget. It offers free admission to 90 of the most popular attractions plus a free bus pass to hop on and off whenever needed.

Vienna, AustriaFront view of the Baroque-style Belvedere Palace in Vienna, Austria, with vibrant flower gardens and fountains in the foreground. — Vienna, Austria

5. Porto, Portugal

Although I absolutely love the bustling capital city of Lisbon, Porto provides a smaller and slightly safer alternative. The relaxed feel and friendly locals will make you feel right at home.

This is the perfect spot for solo women travelers who love coastal views and great food. Be sure to wander the streets of the Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge for the best city skyline views, and wine taste at the many local wineries. And for a fun authentic experience, you can partake in a fun cooking class!

Porto, PortugalColorful buildings with red-tiled roofs rise along the Douro River in Porto, Portugal, with boats docked by the lively Ribeira district. — Porto, Portugal

6. Galway, Ireland

Galway is a charming and friendly city in Ireland and serves as the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher and the stunning Irish countryside. Most travelers will fly into Dublin and drive to Galway (about 3 hours). If you aren’t comfortable driving solo, you could also take the bus and train to get there.

Once in Galway, you’ll of course visit the Cliffs of Moher, but you should also check out Connemara National Park and the Aran Islands, and take a road trip along the Sky Road.

Galway, IrelandRow of colorful waterfront houses known as the Long Walk in Galway, Ireland, with cloudy skies and choppy sea in the foreground. — Galway, Ireland

7. Corfu, Greece

Although all of the Greek islands should be on your bucket list, Corfu consistently ranks as the safest in Greece making it a great solo destination in Europe. You can fly directly into Corfu International Airport or take a ferry from mainland Greece. After arriving, you can take the public buses around the island so there is no need to worry about driving in unknown territory!

During your time on this colorful island, you can explore Old Town, have a beach day at Palaiokastritsa Beach, take an ATV tour, or even join a day trip to nearby islands.

Corfu, GreeceCoastal scene of Corfu, Greece, with turquoise waters, historic buildings on a cliff, and distant mountain ranges. — Corfu, Greece

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam just may be the most open minded city I’ve ever visited. I felt welcomed and comfortable throughout my four day visit. The city itself is walkable and extremely bike friendly. I found it to be easy to navigate and all the locals I spoke to were very kind.

In addition to biking the streets and taking in the canal views, you can tour the city’s many museums (Anne Frank, Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum), ride aboard a canal cruise, or shop at the Albert Cuyp Market.

Canal houses at sunset in Amsterdam – A row of tall, narrow canal houses with traditional stepped gables face the water in Amsterdam. The sun is low in the sky, casting the buildings in silhouette, with shimmering reflections on the canal. — Views of Amsterdam from the water

Historic canal houses in Amsterdam – Elegant brick mansions with ornate rooftops sit along a canal in Amsterdam. One building is wrapped in scaffolding, while the others showcase decorative gables under a bright blue sky. — Views of Amsterdam from the water

9. Ljubljana, Slovenia

And last but certainly not least, Ljubljana, Slovenia is a true hidden gem that most people overlook. It’s an excellent stop on your European solo female travel tour. It’s known as one of Europe’s safest and cleanest capitals and has a walkable (and fairytale like) old town. Who doesn’t want to step into a fairytale?!

Joining a walking tour of the city is a great way to familiarize yourself with Ljubljana and maybe even meet other fellow solo travelers. Solo travelers can use the city as a home base for exploring Lake Bled and the Julian Alps. After checking out those experiences, make sure to check out Postojna cave and the medieval castle of Predjama.

Scenic canal view in Ljubljana, Slovenia, lined with lush green willow trees and historic buildings with red rooftops under a clear blue sky, with small boats docked along the water. — Ljubljana, Slovenia

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Solo Female Travel in Europe Final Thoughts

If you are anything like me, your travel bucket list is never ending. I hope you found this list helpful in fueling your wanderlust and planning your future solo adventure. You no longer have to wait for that friend to say yes, the time to travel is now! Interested in reading about the destinations that made my solo female travel destination list in 2024? Read this.

Would you add any other European destinations to this solo travel list?! I’d love to hear them. Leave me a comment below and don’t forget to subscribe.

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Photo Credit

Thank you to Michael Fousert for the photo of Norway, Martti Salmi for the photo of Helsinki, Sami Ullah for the photo of Austria, Nick Karvounis for the photo of Portugal, Chan Hyuk Moon for the photo of Ireland, Calin Stan for the photo of Greece, and Peter Zuijdwegt for the Slovenia photo. I discovered all of their work on Unsplash.com. Please check them out!

Disclosure

This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission. This commission comes at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.

10 Helpful Ways to Support Awesome Black Owned Businesses

As many of you (hopefully) know, February is Black History Month. This compelled me to write a blog post sharing helpful ways you can patronize both small (and large) black businesses, and travel destinations. The best part about this list is that it includes black museums, black destinations, black landmarks, and black owned restaurants. These locations only scratch the surface as there are plenty of black business owners to support so keep this in mind and do your part. Without further ado, let’s get started!

Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.

Black Landmarks

Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial

I’ve talked about my love for Martin Luther King Jr before. It’s not hard to find inspiration when hearing many of the contributions MLK Jr. has done for African Americans. I highly recommend paying a visit to his memorial to commemorate his existence which is located in Washington, D.C. book a tour here.

Restaurants

Many of you have been following me for a while, and most of my close friends know I’ve been a foodie since forever! It’s a must that I include black owned restaurants that are so delicious, you’ll be in heaven.

Black Owned Restaurants in NYC

My hometown (NYC) has some of the best food known to man so it’s only right I mention black chefs who have contributed to the food atmosphere.

1). Seasoned Vegan

I was fortunate enough to be able to dine at Seasoned Vegan which serves delicious vegan soul food with global inspired flavors located in Harlem, NY. The food is mouthwatering and the service is top notch!

2). Amy Ruth’s

Amy Ruth’s is a staple in Harlem for delicious soul food. I’ve eaten here so many times with friends I can’t even keep track.

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Black Owned Restaurants in Texas

It’s no secret that I traveled to Texas for work and did some heavy exploring on my days off. From Houston, to San Antonio, to Austin, you name it, I was there! I ate very well in Texas so I’m here to give you all of the deets.

Black Owned Restaurants in Austin

1). Sassy’s Food Truck (Permanently Closed Unfortunately)

Okay so technically Sassy’s isn’t a restaurant, BUT it was amazing for those of us who are willing to take our food on the go or sit in a designated area outside. Sassy’s was a vegetarian soul food truck located in Austin, TX and was a must visit if you were in the area. I hope they are able to reopen one day. Interested in exploring more of Austin’s food scene? Check out this best of Austin tour.

Black Owned Restaurants in Houston

2). Mikkis Soul Food Café

When I first arrived at Mikki’s I noticed that there was an extremely long line (this is usually a positive sign that the food will be good). I was happy to say it was well worth the wait; I highly recommend going if you’re in the Houston area. It’s popular among locals and celebrities alike.

Museums of Black History

There is so much to be learned about black history and going to a museum is one of the best ways to educate yourself. Going to museums are kind of my thing, so I’d like to share some of my favorites that are bound to amaze you.

Black History Museums in Washington D.C.

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

This museum is honestly breathtaking! I was entranced by all of the exhibitions and collections and I’m sure you will be too. It’s so important to learn about history and ways we as people can evolve. Don’t miss this museum if you’re in the D.C. area!

Black History Museums in Houston

Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC)

The Houston Museum of African American Culture blew me away with its artwork and statement pieces. I’ve talked about my love for this museum, but honestly you just have to see it in person. Your ticket for admission helps, but feel free to provide donations as well as purchase artwork and other items while attending.

Black History Museums in Atlanta

APEX Museum

I have recently visited the APEX Museum during my trip to Atlanta and what makes this museum so special is that it tells history from the black perspective. Not to mention it’s the oldest black history museum in Atlanta. I plan on re-visiting and taking this tour which includes The Center for Civil and Human Rights. Atlanta has a lot to offer so check out some of the things to do below.

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Black History Museums in New York City

The Studio Museum in Harlem

This is another museum on my must see list. The Studio Museum in Harlem is a museum that showcases art from people of African descent. Art is an important aspect of our culture and influence so please check it out and support! Get to know more about Harlem when taking this Harlem Renaissance Walking Tour.

Black History Month Travel

Martha’s Vineyard

In my blog post about The Best U.S. Destinations for Thanksgiving, I briefly talked about my love for Martha’s Vineyard but I didn’t go into details why (aside from visiting family in MA). Martha’s Vineyard has an African American population due to its history. Many slaves formed residences in Martha’s Vineyard (Oaks Bluffs) before it eventually became known as a resort town. Eventually affluent and middle class African Americans moved here including the most notable President Obama and Michelle Obama. I would highly recommend visiting Martha’s Vineyard and taking this tour which showcases the islands history and culture once travel is safe to do so again.

Final Thoughts

That concludes my list of black owned businesses, and destinations. As always, thank you for reading! Have you been to any of the locations mentioned? Are you open to supporting black owned businesses? Learn anything new or have any feedback? Let me know! Please comment below and don’t forget to subscribe here.

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Interested in what to buy your loved one, or friend for the holidays? Check out my blog post here. Looking for free things to do in NYC? I’ve got you covered here. Traveling out of the country? Check out my detailed travel itineraries to Aruba, London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Need resources related to blogging? Check out my tips on email marketing here and how to protect your blog here. Want to know what it’s like traveling during the pandemic? Read more here.

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Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.

This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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10 Helpful Ways to Support Awesome Black Owned Businesses

My Favorite Top 5 Ultimate Travel Wish List

I love traveling so I decided to put together a wish list of countries I’d love to go to. Do we share any similarities on destinations? Read on to find out. FYI, this list is not in any particular order. Without further ado, let’s get started!

#1 Maldives

Honestly what’s not to love about the Maldives? With it’s lush beaches, picturesque landscape, and tons of water sports (swimming, fishing, or scuba diving anyone?); a Maldives vacation is a dream destination. So where is the Maldives located?; In the Indian Ocean. Some quick facts about the Maldives are it’s population speaks its own language called Dhivehi and it is a Muslim country. A flight to Maldives will take about 17-24 hours to get there from NYC depending on the route chosen.

#2 Tahiti

If you couldn’t tell by now, I’m clearly someone who loves tropical weather and amazing beaches. So next up on the list is Tahiti. Who wouldn’t want to travel here? A Tahitian vacation not only offers nature, but snorkeling, diving, sailing, waterfalls, fine dining, and shopping just to name a few. The primary language spoken in Tahiti is French, with Tahitian and English following. Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and is located in the South Pacific Ocean. Tahiti is a paradise that is very secluded. It takes about 13 hours to travel to Tahiti from NYC depending on the flight path taken.

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#3 Zanzibar

Zanzibar is located off the coast of Tanzania in Africa, and is another well-known island located in the Indian Ocean. You can expect a tropical humid climate for Zanzibar weather, coral reefs, and indigenous forests too. Zanzibar not only looks like a dream, but offers snorkeling, swimming, luxury, relaxation, adventure, nightlife, and of course culture. The primary language spoken in Zanzibar is Swahili, then Arabic and English. The flight time varies from NYC to Zanzibar, but usually takes around 18-24 hours depending on layovers etc.

#4 Bali

Bali is a well-known island in Indonesia and for good reason. This beautiful island has a little something for EVERYONE including, but not limited to: yoga/meditation retreats, stunning beaches, temples, rice fields, culture, scuba diving, and surfing, just to name a few. Bali is comprised of a few religions with Hinduism as the primary; Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism are also practiced throughout the country. The main languages spoken are Balinese, Indonesian, and English. A Bali flight also takes about 20-24 hours depending on the flight path.

#5 Seychelles

Last but definitely not least on my wish list is the Seychelles! The Seychelles is an island also located in the Indian Ocean and is the second richest country of Africa. I find Seychelles alluring for its nature reserves, rain forests, coral reefs, diving, water sports, rock climbing, and of course beaches. A Seychelles vacation is the ultimate luxury. The languages spoken in Seychelles are Seychellois Creole, English and French. The flight time from NYC to Seychelles takes about 17-24 hours depending on layovers etc.

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Final Thoughts

Well that concludes my top 5 travel wish list. I’m hoping we all can travel to these amazing places at some point. As always thank you for reading! Have you traveled to any of these destinations or feel inspired to plan a trip to any of the places on the list? Did you learn anything new or have any feedback? Let me know! Please comment below, and subscribe here.

**FYI: The places listed are hot climates so sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, a bathing suit, a cover up, a beach towel, and a hat; would be great for your trip.** Looking for the perfect travel gift for your loved one? Sign up for my freebie of travel gift ideas.

Interested in my favorite travel items? Check out my blog post here. Looking for free things to do in NYC? I’ve got you covered here. Traveling out of the country? Check out my detailed travel itineraries to Aruba, London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Need resources related to blogging? Check out my tips on email marketing here and how to protect your blog here. Want to know what it’s like traveling during the pandemic? Read more here.

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Photo Credits

Thank you to Ahmed Yaaniu for the photo on the Maldives, Reiseuhu for the photo on Tahiti, Humphrey Muleba for the photo on Zanzibar, Aron Visuals for the photo on Bali, and Nuno Marques for the photo on Seychelles. I discovered all of their work from Unsplash.com. Please check them out!

What it’s Like Traveling During Corona Virus

Hello! I’ve been on a little bit of a hiatus, but I’m back like I never left with a new blog post! Thank you for staying tuned in. As mentioned in my Amsterdam blog post, I promised I would cover what it was like traveling during the novel Corona Virus. This is what occurred while returning back home to the U.S.

Corona Virus

Learning about the novel Corona Virus while away from home was unnerving to say the least. There were so many unknowns about contracting the virus, surviving the virus, as well as ways to remain healthy and safe. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous and scared.

When I left the U.S. for my vacation to Amsterdam, travel was still allowed. Towards the end of my trip, cases began to rise as well as the deaths caused by the virus. Countries began shutting their borders, and traveling home at this point was unknown. I finally managed to get in contact with the U.S. embassy in Amsterdam who informed me that I should be able to return to the U.S. as long as I wasn’t exhibiting symptoms. The representative also advised additional screening with the CDC would be required upon return.

In order to boost my immune system I took ginger shots, drank fresh fruit juices, and turned to my handy manuka honey, and tea. I always carry these items when traveling. Some honorable mentions are activated charcoal in case you become nauseous, or have gas; wipes to sanitize the room and plane, and manuka honey cough drops. Also, I highly suggest carrying bottled water with you when you travel as this may not be readily available, or a water bottle with a filter.

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Travel During Corona Virus

Amsterdam looked like a ghost town by the time we were leaving (and with good reason). Upon arriving at the airport, we were surrounded by long lines of concerned travelers who were also trying to get back home. After waiting, my sister and I finally spoke to a ticket agent and discovered the flight we originally had scheduled with a stop in Canada was canceled. We were then informed that Canada closed its borders to U.S. Citizens. What did this mean for us? After giving us the news, we were told to speak to customer service to see what other flight options were available.

After waiting in line again we spoke with another agent who found us a direct flight from Amsterdam to NY. The only issue was that it would be leaving within an hour. She warned if we were to wait for the next flight, we would risk possible cancellations or further delays. I told my sister we should take our chances and rush to make the flight although we hadn’t yet checked-in or gone through TSA.

After retrieving our tickets, my sister and I began a mad dash to catch our flight. But wait, remember the long line of passengers I mentioned earlier? Well, that’s exactly what we had to face when attempting to check-in and go through TSA. Frantically, I pulled a worker for the airline aside and explained to them our situation and we were allowed priority to the front of the line to check-in. We just made it and I was so thankful to God.

Flight

The flight itself was peaceful after the initial panic we went through. The plane was relatively empty with plenty of space between the passengers so that we could avoid sitting close to one another. Everyone wore their mask, and there were no issues. The food on the flight was also surprisingly delicious. I had the coconut Thai curry, cheese and fruit, and salted caramel ice cream.

Cheese and fruit appetizer and salted caramel ice cream for dessert

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Arrival

I was so thankful to be back home because at one point it was all in the air. After the plane arrived, everyone was told that they’d have to be screened by the CDC as well as fill out a questionnaire about our travels among other things. The CDC took our temperatures as well as the forms and we were on our way. After retrieving our luggage, my sister and I headed home thankful and appreciative that we made it.

Despite the scare and uncertainty of Covid-19, I will say that everyone was so cooperative, helpful, and understanding. The employees went above and beyond to ensure that not only my sister and I made it back safe, but that EVERYONE was well taken care of. The strangers we met traveling were also kind and thoughtful. This was a difficult experience, but I’m glad that I was able to overcome it.

Final Thoughts

As always, thank you for reading. Please remain safe during this difficult time and follow the necessary precautions. Learn anything new or have any feedback? Let me know! Please comment below, and subscribe here.

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Blog Disclaimer

The recommendations for immune boosting products are my own personal suggestions on what works for me, and does not serve as medical or professional advice. Please consult with a medical professional.