Cape Town. A city of unmatched beauty with its landmark Table Mountain and scenic Cape Point. A city that survived the apartheid and emerged more united in their national patriotism. All this and so much more inspired my first trip to Africa. My husband, Ryan, was traveling to Cape Town and Johannesburg as part of his master’s studies at Montclair State University. South Africa was on my under 20 bucket list, so immediately I knew I was tagging along. At first, I was hesitant about traveling in Africa alone, but I found the city to be safe and welcoming if I was smart and planned ahead. This trip was everything I hoped for and more. Read on to explore this incredible destination… DAY ONE // THE LONGEST FLIGHT EVER The flight from JFK -> Cape Town is one of the longest passenger flights in the world. It’s a 14-hour direct flight to Johannesburg, then a two-hour flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town. I’m used to traveling for work, often on transcontinental flights, so it didn’t bother me, but it was a struggle for my 6’4” husband. We flew on South African Airways which was enjoyable enough, except one half of the plane lost TV and internet connection. Guess ...
Destinations
How to Party in New Orleans for Mardi Gras
America’s biggest, loudest showstopping party goes down in New Orleans, Louisiana every year between January and March (depending on the calendar year). This unruly scene is best known for its elaborate floats, colorful beads, live music, and French and Spanish food influences. Mardi Gras, which means “Fat Tuesday,” is the day before Ash Wednesday. However, the celebration starts 12-days prior with three-story floats parading around the city. I’ve been in New Orleans for Mardi Gras two times. Once in my last 20’s with my husband (awesome) and once for work while six months pregnant (less awesome). Mardi Gras is a truly unique experience and a trip that requires some strategic planning if you want to experience all the event has to offer. So I’m here to give you all the details on how to party in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Here's how we spent four days we will never forget… DAY ONE – BOURBON STREET & LIVE MUSIC SCENE We had a late flight that landed in New Orleans at 9:30 p.m. We checked in at the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street. We were happy with the hotel’s location, a short walk to Bourbon Street and the heart of the Mardi Gras activity. It was too cold ...
Top 20 Places You Need to Visit in 2020
Another year, another opportunity to explore this big, beautiful world. If you’re like me, you have an endless bucket list of must-see destinations around the globe. How do you decide where to jet next? Below I’ve compiled my list of the top places to travel this year. These destinations made the cut based on several factors, including cheap flight options, unique events, or because they’re just that awesome. And the top 20 list is…. 1.) CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town is a city of unmatched beauty with its landmark Table Mountain and scenic Cape Point. A city that survived the apartheid and emerged more united in their national patriotism. At first, I was hesitant about traveling in Africa alone, but I found the city to be safe and welcoming and a great destination for solo travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Penguins love to hang out on the Boulders beach, and with a visit in the summer you are sure to see them exceptionally playful. Top attractions include Cape Point, Boulder Beach, Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Planning a trip? Check out this guide on traveling solo in Cape Town on Girl Pack ...
All You Need to Know About Visiting Sesame Place During Christmas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Our family kicked off the Christmas festivities at A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place. Located in Bucks County, PA (30 minutes from Philadelphia), Sesame Place has transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations all around. Christmas shows, a holiday train ride, a visit with Santa and the fantastic Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade make this the perfect family destination to get you in the holiday spirit. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Sesame Place during Christmas… CHRISTMAS SHOWS There is a big sign with all of the Christmas shows and times at the park entrance so be sure to take a picture on your phone when you arrive. The show times and locations are also listed on the park maps found throughout the park. You can also print a picture of the map off of the Sesame Place website, or download the Sesame Place app. A Sesame Street Christmas Show This show takes place in Abby’s Paradise Theatre which is an outdoor cinema near Sesame Island. Abby is not familiar with the celebrations and traditions of the Christmas season, so her ...
How to Spend Three Days as a Solo Traveler in Prague
It’s not often you are awarded the opportunity to look back at the culture and familial roots that have defined the course of your life. Both my father and mother’s family lineage are largely from the Central Europe region formerly known as Czechoslovakia, known as independent countries Slovakia and the Czech Republic since 1993. The city of Prague in the Czech Republic is known for its historic baroque architecture, picturesque location on the Vltava River, compelling thousand-year history, and world-famous Czech lagers. In fact, did you know that the Czech Republic consumes more beer per capita than any other country in the world? While traveling for business to Switzerland, I decided to arrive the weekend prior to spend a few days exploring the breathtaking city of Prague on my own. Read on about my three-day adventure in this exceptional European city. DAY ONE // FREE WALKING TOUR AND THE OPERA HOUSE I arrived in a rainy Prague after an eight-hour flight from Newark with a transfer in Vienna. I took a car service to my residence for the weekend, the Grandior Hotel. The hotel is perfectly situated in the center of the Old City of Prague within walking distance to all ...
Discover the Best Street Art in the U.S. at Wynwood Walls in Miami
Miami is a city that does not lack character. This vibrant mecca of coastal culture is known internationally as one of the most sensational places for unique experiences. Other than the beautiful beaches, Miami is most known for its Art Deco architecture and lively arts scene. Wynwood Walls is a “must-see” for art enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the best street art in the U.S. Wynwood Walls is a collection of murals and paintings displayed outdoors in an open courtyard. Located north of Downtown Miami, it almost feels like it was accidentally dropped in place where it currently rests among abandoned warehouses and concrete structures. The area is free to the public and I would recommend spending a minimum of two hours in the area. Read on for tips for your visit… EVERCHANGING ART It is almost always a new experience at Wynwood. The art is changed out every couple of months, so every time you visit there is something different to see. WYNWOOD TOURS There are several guided tours available that can provide more information on the murals and their artists. There is even a Wynwood Art Walk Block Party that is a big party of people wandering the ...