What is the cure for wanderlust…when you can’t “wander”?

Last week, as a favor, I picked up a friend from the airport. As I made my exit to O’hare, I couldn’t help but feel kind of sad. The last time I stepped foot on a plane was in June when I went to Dallas for my birthday. My last international trip was back in April when I went to Iceland. Outside of that, I haven’t traveled anywhere. And while I realize life is all about perspective (some people haven’t traveled beyond their zip code…not travel shaming, just stating fact), I had higher expectations for myself this year. I mean, I launched a brand and blog this year dedicated to travel. How can I promote travel, if I’m not…well…traveling? But hey, it happens to the best of us. One minute you’re on a traveling roll then boom…life happens. Meanwhile, in the midst of sulking and feeling sorry for myself, my social media outlets have been LIT with friends globetrotting this year. Thailand, Dubai, Greece, Colombia, Brazil, Paris…they’re doing it this year. And I’m happy for them. It makes me happy to see others winning, even when I feel like I’m losing at the moment. My life’s motto is this: If I eat steak and lobster, I want everyone to eat steak and lobster. If I have to eat Spam, I still want everyone else to eat steak and lobster. I want us all to win. But in the meantime, how does one cope with wanderlust when they can’t “wander”..at the moment?

Be a tourist in your town

A few months ago, I wrote a piece about being a tourist in your town (you can read it here: #TouristInMyTown) for the summer. Well, this applies year round. There is so much culture right in our backyard that we seldom take the time to appreciate. Spend a day being a tourist and checking out the landmarks, museums, and festivals in your city. I’ve come to learn that we usually abandon these outings after departing our school years, only to return when we’re under “obligation” to do so. I haven’t been to the Museum of Science and Industry since I was 17. I lived just a few blocks away for 13 years, but never visited. I should really go. (<=see what I just did there).

Do a local “staycation”

Treat yourself to a hotel deal on Groupon or Living Social. This gives you the opportunity to rack up hotel rewards to use for your next BIG vacation. It also allows you to check out different hotel chains without spending a fortune. You can make a full weekend out of it. Book a room, go see a play/concert, have a spa day, try a new restaurant. You can also use Groupon and Living Social to find deals on the activities I just mentioned.

Plan a day trip

Are there any nice attractions that are within 2 to 4 hours proximity to where you live? For example, if you live in Chicago, the wineries in Galena and Michigan are a great option for a day trip. Or, maybe you want to try something more adventurous like hiking? Starved Rock is a great option for my Chicago people.

Buy a cheap flight to a domestic city

Take advantage of flash flight sales and try visiting a domestic city you’ve never been to before. Every once in a while, a friend of mine will check Google ITA and buy the lowest ticket regardless of the destination. Contrary to popular belief, there’s so much to see and experience within our borders. Again, this allows you to rack up miles to use for future travel.

Stay inspired/Stay encouraged

Comparison is the thief of joy. Don’t kill your joy by comparing your travel adventures (or lack thereof) to other people. Life happens. Whether it be work, school, finances, or illness, life challenges and obligations sometimes have to take priority over collecting the next passport stamp. But remember this: change is constant and it’s all temporary. Just because you’re not traveling as much as you’d like at the present moment, doesn’t mean you have to stop dreaming or lose your will. Keep adding destinations to your travel bucket list. Keep planning your next BIG getaway. Stay connected to your passion and be grateful for all of your travel experiences, big and small. This too shall pass…

Aruba 2013 “Believe in Yourself”

@urbantravelista

Urbantravelista | Do you value experiences or things?

When I was in high school, I had two opportunities to travel abroad. The first opportunity was a trip to Paris with my French class during my freshman year. And, the other opportunity was a bus trip to Canada with my band during my junior year. Both trips would’ve been great opportunities for a black teen whose family didn’t even own a passport. During that time, my travels never extended anywhere beyond visiting relatives in Michigan or my birthplace in Arkansas. My parents supported my decision to go. So why didn’t I go? Well, both trips took place around Christmas break. And like most teenagers, I looked forward to getting Christmas gifts. But my family was far from the Huxtables. I mean, my parents were (and still are) very awesome and loving. But like most parents, they couldn’t accommodate both my desire to travel AND provide me with the gifts I wanted for Christmas. So they gave me a choice: I could take the trip in lieu of Christmas gifts or have a decked out Christmas and skip the trip. Being the teenager that I was, I took the latter. I have my whole life to go to Paris, right? I have my eternity to go to Canada, it’s not the far away?

Well, that was almost 30 years ago. And guess what? I still haven’t been to Paris or Canada. I mean, I’ve been to some pretty dope places, but this reflection reminds me of how even as adults, we often value “things” over experiences. I don’t even remember what I received for Christmas those years I declined the trips. I can’t tell you what clothes I received or how long I had them. Those material things are all gone. They didn’t last.

I did start to travel about 5 years ago. And I’ve come to learn that my travels and experiences hold so much more value. I can’t tell you what I got for Christmas in 2012. But I can tell you about the adrenaline rush I got when I went zip lining in the jungles of the Dominican. I can’t recall my summer wardrobe from 2013, but I can recall the magnificence of stepping in the Caribbean sea for the first time in Aruba, as if it happened 5 minutes ago. I don’t even know if I still have the pair of gloves I purchased last fall or what they even look like. But I do remember the freedom and liberation of taking my first solo trip to Cancun and trekking the Mayan ruins last October.

Looking back, I regret not choosing the travel opportunities extended to me when I was in high school. Those experiences would’ve lasted a lifetime. I have finally reached a place in my life where experience trumps everything. I would gladly take an opportunity to visit Spain over a designer handbag or uncomfortable pair of Louboutin heels any day. And I think it all started with that first passport stamp back in 2012. Since that time, I’ve lost a lot. I’ve had to downsize and even rebuild. But through it all, I’ve come to know that the world can strip you everything. But your experiences…your experiences will last a lifetime. They will be with you when you’re old and gray on your death bed.

So the take away it this: Possessions aren’t loyal. They eventually break, tear, or leave. Most of the overpriced junk we buy doesn’t retain value. But experiences…they will ride with you until the very end. Experience over things…always!

First time snorkeling

@urbantravelista

Baecation inspiration: I think I might be inspired by love again

Solo trips are great. Girlfriend trips are awesome. But baecations? They can be EVERYTHING!!! Let’s face it, whether you’re a romantic or not, there’s nothing like venturing off and exploring the world with someone you truly love. There’s nothing like stepping out into the unknown and creating new experiences with the one person that truly “gets you”. Whether it be your other half or just a current fling, baecations fill a void that solo and girlfriend trips can’t touch.

So what’s your ideal “baecation” or honeymoon destination?? What’s your ideal romantic proposal destination? If you’re undecided, maybe these Instagram moments will give you inspiration. I know they certainly inspired me. As the saying goes, “it doesn’t matter where you’re going…it’s who you have beside you”.

Introducing, love personified…

Credit: @puretropix (Bahamas)

Credit: @bobeworld (Havana, Cuba)

Credit: @yolore (Tobago)

Credit: @legendaryk9 (St. Tropez, South of France)

Credit: @neodaviso (Paris)

Credit: @ibroughton (Santorini, Greece)

Credit: @porshadanae (Tuileries Palace, Paris)

Credit: @_alonacharmaine (Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom)

Credit: @t_bellz (Tobago)

Credit: @thefrshprinceogblair (National Harbor, DC)

Credit: @brandonbufford (Puerto Vallarta)

Credit: @jusbreezep Port Maria (Jamaica)

Credit: @daddy_mottley (Paris)

I love the Blue Lagoon

Back in April, I had the opportunity to visit one of the most serene and terrestrial places on planet: the Blue Lagoon. So what exactly is this place? Well for me, it’s one of those dope places that you see on the Travel or Discovery Channel, but never think you will actually ever visit. But in reality, it’s geothermal spa and happens to be one of Iceland’s most visited attractions. Simply put, if you visit Iceland without making a stop at the Blue Lagoon, you’re doing it wrong. The lagoon is man-made and located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. So how did the lagoon come into existence? Well, in 1976 a pool formed at the site from the waste water of the geothermal power plant that had just been built there. A few years later, people started bathing in it after its purported healing powers were popularized. In 1992, the Blue Lagoon company was established and the bathing facility was opened for the public for tourism.

Getting there

The awesome thing about the Blue Lagoon is that shuttles run regularly between Keflavik airport, the spa, and the hotels in Reykjavik. The spa is about a 20-minute drive from the airport and a 50-minute drive from Reykjavík. This is helpful for those who have an early arrival into Keflavik, but can’t check into their hotel until the late afternoon. For example, my flight arrived at 6am, but check-in for my hotel didn’t start until after 2pm. So, instead of stressing out about how I would spend the next 8 hours consuming my time, I arranged for my shuttle to drop me off at the Blue Lagoon and took a shuttle directly my hotel in Reykjavik when I was done. What a nice way to unwind after a 6 hour flight?

Check-in

If you’re arriving from the airport (or doing a stopover before heading back to the airport…many tourists do this as well), the spa will check your luggage for a nominal charge. The Blue Lagoon offers four standard base packages: standard, comfort, premium, and luxury. These packages increase in price and amenities. After selecting your package, you’re given an electronic wristband, which is scanned to add al a carte items such as spa treatments, drinks, lunch, etc. The wristband is also used as an electronic key for your assigned locker. In addition to swimwear, you are allowed to bring your own robe, slippers. If not, you can choose one the packages that offers these items upon check-in. After check-in, guests are REQUIRED to shower before entering the lagoon. As a nurse, I think one of the best attributes of the spa is its strict code of hygiene.

The Experience

After showering, and putting on your suit, you’re free the go out to the lagoon. Some people stay for a short time and others stay for hours. The lagoon has a swim up bar and I had no reservation about drinking Prosecco at 8 o’clock in the morning. I mean, I’m in Iceland! While the temperature outside was about 35 degrees, the average temperature of the lagoon averages around 99 to 102 °F.

So what are the benefits of the lagoon? Well, the warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur. It’s been reputed that bathing in the lagoon helps some people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Silica mask

Taking it all in…

Prosecco at 8am

A few reminders

Attire: bring swimwear- nope, it’s not “nude” spa
Make you reservations early. The Blue Lagoon fills up rather quickly. You can book directly with the spa or through a tour company like Gray Line, Viator, or Reykjavik Excursions
Protect your hair: the geothermal waters of the lagoon can REALLY dry out your hair. From what I’ve been told, it literally turns your hair into straw. I recommend wearing a head wrap and avoid submerging your hair into the water.
Pictures: Take advange of the on-site photographers. They will take your photo free of charge and even email it to you.
Purchase or bring a cell phone cover- you can use a plastic sleeve to secure your phone when you take pictures in the lagoon (unless your phone or device is waterproof). The Blue Lagoon sells these for $25.00.
Silica mud mask: try it, it’s a must!
There is a restaurant, hotel, and skin care shop on site. If you’re traveling on budget, the skin care products are much cheaper at the airport.
Children: children under the age of 9 years old are only allowed entry with the use of armbands, which are provided free of charge, also, the lagoon is not suitable for children under the age of 2 years old.

Didn’t take long for me to make friends!

And yes, I look forward to returning back in April 2017. You should join me!

@urbantravelista

Urbantravelista | Get out of your comfort zone

I guess it’s safe to say that 2016 has definitely been my year of summer “festivaling”. A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to add another summer festival to my resume: The Chicago Hot Dog Fest. Located in historic Lincoln Park, the event took place over three days and featured some of Chicago’s top hot dog vendors, live entertainment, face painting, and games. Proceeds benefit the Chicago History Museum and this year marked the fourth year of the festival’s existence.

But here’s an interesting plot twist. I hadn’t eaten a hot dog in almost 30 years. As a native Chicagoan, that’s considered pure blasphemy. Hot dogs are a staple in my city. But, once my eighth grade teacher Mr. Patrick (may he rest in peace) decided to share how hot dogs were processed, I lost my desire to ever eat one again. But fast forward 30 years later, attending the fest motivated me to give into peer pressure. I mean, how can I blog about this event and not even try the main product? So, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and tried a hot dog for the first time in 30 years.

After posting the photo and caption above on my Facebook page, it didn’t take long for the food Nazis to express their disgust and disappointment. And I totally get it. I can understand the naysayers. In a failed attempt to go completely vegan, I gave up pork and red meat a few years ago. But when I travel abroad or have a new restaurant experience, I try to remove those limits. We tend to play it safe in life, especially when we travel. We will venture thousands of miles, across several time zones and even cross the international date line, just to eat the same routine foods we eat every day when we’re at home. Life is short and I don’t believe in wasting experiences anymore.

So the take away is this: whether you’re at home or abroad, it doesn’t hurt to step outside of your comfort zone. It won’t kill you to try something new or unfamiliar. I’m living proof. I ate a hot dog for the first time in 30 years…and LIVED to write about it. And BTW, that hot dog was AMAZING…but it will probably be another 30 years before I experience another one.

Here comes the slay: Bridal party destination goals

Exactly this time 10 years ago, I was preparing for one the most anticipated milestones of a woman’s life: my wedding. August was a pretty big month for weddings. My friends and I were getting married left and right. And based on my Instagram timeline, that pattern appears to still hold true today . In fact, that observation is what inspired this blog post. Lately, I’ve seen so many dope bridal/bachelorette Instagram pics flooding my timeline, that it made me reflect on my own experience 10 years ago. In my heart of hearts, I adore weddings. And contrary to popular belief, I love “LOVE”. I love the notion of finding someone to share your life with through good times and bad and the people you love the most coming together to celebrate it with you. Back then, my friends gave me both an awesome bridal shower and bachelorette party. But unfortunately, I don’t have many photos from those two important events. You see, this was long before iPhones, androids, selfie sticks, and the social media craze that dominates our world today. And one of my biggest regrets from that experience has been not having any pictures of me a my bridal squad to reflect on from the those events. However, the moments of those near and dear to me, coming together to celebrate my new beginning will always be etched in my memory.Hindsight is 20/20. If I could do it all over again, my bridal party and I would grab our passports and do a destination bachelorette party in the Caribbean. We would get into formation and capture dope images like these listed below. Sadly, my marriage didn’t last. But the good news is: I may one day get a second chance to re-create those memories again, if even still exists then. Here’s to making lemonade out of lemons…and here comes the slay!

Credit: @envisiblewoman (Dominican Republic)

Credit: @mckenzieinthemirror (South Beach, Miami)

Credit: @magfabulous (South Beach, Miami)

Credit: @naturally_nakia (Punta Cana)

Credit: @mygirlsquad

Credit: @dino_teme (Cancun)

Credit: @enikobaby (Punta Cana)

Credit: @lolizee21 (Chichen Itza in Cancun)

Credit: @shaq_will (Cabos San Lucas)

Credit: @en_es_em (Cabos San Lucas)

@urbantravelista

Day Trips/Excursions: Ten essential items you’ll regret leaving at home

I love day trips and excursions, but I love them even more when I travel prepared. Some excursions don’t require intensive preparation, it depends on the activity. Some can be short (a few hours) and others run ALL DAY (up to 12 hours). When I visited the Chichen Itza last fall, I had a scheduled pick up time at 7:00am and didn’t return until after 6:00pm. That’s longer than my work day! Although I felt prepared for the long day, there were a still a couple of items I wish I had brought along. Here’s my personal list of 10 essential items that will make any summer excursion or day trip run more smoothly:

Water bottle: The tour operator may offer water (depends of the tour), but it never hurts to have your own to stay hydrated.
Disposable Camera: It’s a good idea to bring a disposable camera, just in case. They’re inexpensive, light, and compact. There’s nothing like traveling thousands of miles to see a landmark only to find you can’t take a picture because you’re primary camera failed.
Portable External Battery Pack: Some excursions can last just a few hours and as long as 12 hours. Bring a backup portable battery for your electronic devices.
Crossbody Bag/Backpack: These are probably the most comfortable and efficient bags to carry. They’re big enough to hold your essential items and usually have enough room to add items you might purchases along the way. They’re also durable and comfortable to transport.
Sunscreen: Depending on the climate and destination, the temps can really climb. Protect your skin just as you would if you were lounging at the beach for longer excursions.
Rain Poncho: If you’re bothered by heavy downpours, bringing a disposable poncho might be of benefit to you.
Snacks/Energy Bar: Again, this depends on the length of your excursion. Some tour operators offer snacks and others don’t offer anything.
Travel medications: The registered nurse in me never leaves home without meds like Benadryl, ibuprofen, or anti-diarrheal. History demonstrates that disaster usually strikes when you have no access to relief.
Sunglasses/Sunhat:The sun can be really unforgiving and cruel during long day excursions. You will appreciate the shade.
Hand towels/Moist Towelettes: To freshen up during long excursions.

This list may seem exhaustive, but don’t stress it. Most tour companies will provide a list of suggested items specific to your activity at the time of booking. Pack light, but pack prepared… and happy travels!

@urbantravelista

UNPLUG: My new travel vow

This past weekend, I spent my birthday (yep, I turned 25 “again:) in Dallas with a really good friend of mine. Now my friend, is rarely ever on Facebook. But me?? I LIVE on it. I admit, it’s an addiction. That’s right…my name is Stephanie and I’m a Facebook addict. When I first joined the community back in 2009, I immediately became hooked. Being the typical Cancer moonchild that loves to connect with her past, the idea of connecting with old classmates that I grew up with and distant family members I hadn’t seen in ages really appealed to me. I love nostalgia. And I love reuniting with my past. And then, there is the expression component. As an introvert, I’m pretty shy and reserved in social settings. Being social in the real world makes me uncomfortable and drains me. But in the virtual world, I feel completely free and uninhibited. When I joined back then, I was also going into my third year of marriage and things weren’t going so well. My marriage was quickly heading south and Facebook filled a void for me. Over time, it gave me an outlet to express my thoughts and became my muse. It became my primary source of entertainment. I’ve always taken great pleasure in uplifting others, even when I’m feeling down myself. I really believe it’s my gift to this world. I share inspiration, politically incorrect humor, thought provoking discussion topics, and even participate in some social Facebook groups. And over the years, it seems like I’ve developed quite a following . So back to my weekend…while partaking in the awesome bar hopping birthday festivities my friend arranged for me, she jokingly mentioned that I live on my phone. And I couldn’t deny it. She was absolutely right. I live on Facebook. I live on my phone…in daily life and when I travel.

But I’m not the only offender. When I reflect back on past travels, I’ve made the same observations of other fellow travelers. The “matrix” struggle is real. What is it about social media and technology that makes it so hard to give up when we’re supposed to be living and creating experiences? Why can’t we unplug and disconnect?

I suppose the daily grind of the rat race is partly to blame. As human beings, we’re creatures of habit. It’s hard to stop running once the hamster wheel has stopped spinning. It’s difficult relax and just be. I have a problem and whether they know it or not, so do many other travelers. So, I’ve made the following vow to myself for my next trip: I WILL NOT LIVE ON MY PHONE. With the exception of occasionally check-ins (for safety reasons, especially when traveling solo), I will NOT Facebook. If I feel the urge to post that epic selfie I just took in front of Christ The Redeemer, I will post it and not comment until I return. I will not miss out on connecting with myself or the company of others. I will not miss out on just “being”. I will not miss out on experiencing once in a lifetime moments. Rare moments are priceless. And I will no longer spend them of Facebook.

Can you unplug?

Unplugged in Aruba, circa 2013…

@urbantravelista

#TouristInMyTown: Taste of Randolph

This weekend, I had the opportunity to cross the Taste of Randolph off my summer festival bucket list. Yep…ANOTHER EVENT I have yet to attend all of my many years as a Chicagoan SMH. Nestled along the 900 west block of Randolph between Racine and Peoria, The Taste of Randolph is like the appetizer to Chicago’s summer main course, the Taste of Chicago. Historically, it runs the third week of June and started Friday, June 17^that 5pm Sunday and ended June 19^that 10pm. The Taste of Randolph is hosted by the West Loop Community Organization, an a non-profit 501(c)3 agency that continuously works to ensure positive progress for the neighborhood, while offering social events and beneficial developments to improve the quality of life in the West Loop.

The entry fee is a reasonable $10 donation (all proceeds benefit the West Loop Community Organization) and grants attendees access to top local cuisine, art vendors, and live music. This year, the festival partnered with Chicago based independent promoters, Silver Wrapper to bring three eclectic stages featuring raw talent including Chicago’s brightest young musical acts extending from indie rock to dance music. If you’re a foodie, music lover, or artisan, this event is for you. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. As for me, I heavily enjoyed the red sangria, chicken kabobs, and house music!

And if you missed it this year, there’s always next year. Until then, you still have the Taste of Chicago to look forward to which runs from July 6^th through July 10^th at Grant Park (admission FREE). Stayed tuned for my next review and come “summer” me with as I become a “Tourist In My Town”.

Live music

It was like 90 degrees

Red sangria WASTED!

Chicity represent!

These chicken kabobs were fiyah

My skyline is better than yours

@urbantravelista

Embracing sisterhood: Travel squad inspiration

I promote solo travel often in my blog, because it’s a fairly new experience for me. But I must admit one truth: I MISS MY GIRLFRIEND GETAWAYS. I miss the late night girl locker room talks, being silly, catching up on life, seeking advice, and being surrounded by those that “get” me and still love me in spite of my shortcomings. Overall, I guess once could say that I miss my sister friend connections. Through the years, I’ve lost many of those connections. Some were by choice and others were due to life taking us in different directions. And there’s no love lost. We get married, we have children, we pursue advanced degrees, we start business ventures, we get promoted into demanding positions, we have aging parents that require our attention, and we even relocate. I get it, life happens. In the midst of balancing life’s demands, friendships sometimes fall the wayside. But, as truthful as this all sounds, it would be dishonest of me to blame all of my lost connections on life changes. The truth is, while I excel in attracting connections, I suck at maintaining them. I don’t know if I should blame it on my introverted personality or my Gemini cusp Cancer moon sign. I don’t know if I should blame it on my desire to retreat and cut myself off from the world when I’m going through life’s storms. And I don’t know if it’s my pride in being self-sufficient and feeling like I don’t need anyone. But whatever the reason, none of those should ever be an excuse. Friendship/sisterhood is a reciprocal relationship. Just like a marriage or any other relationship of significance, it requires effort by both parties. It requires communication and reaching out. It requires giving and sacrificing. It requires you calling to check in when you don’t feel like it. It requires you to show up to baby showers and children’s parties when you’d rather do a child-free event, because motherhood is a touchy subject for you. It requires you to be vulnerable and let your friends know that you’re going through something and you need help (or you’re still okay). To maintain a friendship, you have to be a friend – a very basic exchange, one that I struggle with getting right.

I hope to have those kind of connections again someday. But until then, in honor of my nostalgia, I bring you my top Instagram Travel Squad photos that will make you want to phone your sister friends, organize your travel squad (or rent one), and get into travel formation. Here’s to not taking our friendships for granted…here’s to restoring our sister friend connections…and here’s to making new connections. And remember, friendships must be nurtured or they will eventually die.