on September 6, 2025
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México: The Ultimate Journey of Flavors and Fiestas

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For all solo travelers such as myself and groups alike, this is the ultimate vacation! México is a huge and diverse country. Here’s a travel guide that you didn’t know you needed! Obviously, I enjoyed my time in México and I’m already planning my return. Needless to say, this unique country has so much to offer with it’s rich culture, deep history and vibrantly colorful pueblos (town/village).

México is located in the southern part of North America, and is a country celebrated for its diverse geography and vibrant landscapes.  It’s bordered to the north by the United States and to the southeast by Guatemala and Belize, it is flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east. 

Captivating traditions, lovely people, delicious food and a land of the infinite future. – That is México. ❤︎

1.Cancún

Ultimately, Cancún is more than just a tourist city. For example, the ancient archaeological sites Chichen Itza and El Rey are nearby. It’s also home to almost 900,000 people.

Breathtaking views, streets and beaches. It’s the perfect place to reset and rejuvenate.

Set in the shape of “7”, the Hotel Zone – officially the Boulevard Kukulkan. As a matter of fact, it’s about a 22km long stretch with dozens of hotels. It offers a plethora of choices from all-inclusive options for those that are just here to lay by poolside and drink piña coladas!

All in all, this trip to México was more important than my usual solo trips. My very own brother got married this weekend! 🙂

Above all, there’s so much to love about weddings! Especially, a DESTINATION WEDDING!! The togetherness of family and friends, the food, and a reason for a girl to get all dressed up! 🙂

We stayed at Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa. And it was exactly that, a dream! An all-inclusive resort that offers delicious meals from 8 on-site restaurants including 24-hour room service, 2 outdoor swimming pools (one is adults only for preferred members) and a separate water park with slides. It’s great for families and solo wanderers too!

This resort showcases beauty from all angles. And although this may be true, I must address the elephant in the room. While there’s so much to take in and explore here, one of the places we did not do any exploring is the beach. Large amount of sargassum seaweed accumulated on the shore due to ocean currents and over time became overwhelming for the staff to upkeep. With the pervasive presence of seaweed, it left the water murky and unusable for swimming.

Nevertheless, our stay at the resort was phenomenal with the amenities they offered.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay, the staff were so amazing! From a smooth check-in to the daily room service runs and everything in between. I also need to give them their flowers for an outstanding wedding! The warm embrace from the decor throughout our stay and the keen attention to detail. Not to mention taking care of each individual from a group of about 100 if not more. With every single cocktail party and everything in between… the photos speak for themselves! 🙂

As I mentioned earlier, I had an amazing time! And since moving to Hawaii, seeing my family here was exactly what I needed to refuel my energy. With that being said, one of the things we weren’t prepared for is the weather! We were always in the high 90’s with almost zero wind… even at night.

Highlights from a grand wedding of a lifetime❤︎

Notably, with so many photos and not enough space for just one blog, I’ve handpicked the most cherished photos taken with loved ones during our time together in Cancún! México is a dreamy country, I see why travelers come back often!

With that being said, you are welcome to visit my Instagram page to experience the entire trip, wedding and so much more. Just click the link above. 🙂

México: The Ultimate Journey of Flavors and Fiestas🥂

Let’s Talk About It

COMIDA: (Food) here allows you to engage all of your senses as you take in mouthwatering scents and taste unique local flavors. As an avid traveler, food is the culmination of a trip!

I never had a single doubt that I’d fall completely in love with the food. As of recent, food travel has become one of the latest trends, I get excited just thinking about it! However, food has always been high priority on my list of places to travel.

Below are some of the delicious foods I ate while there. On the top left, I started with an appetizer of tortilla chips & freshly made salsas y Limón, and Agua fresca de Tamarindo. Just below that was a Birria taco con carne y queso (beef & cheese). I devoured it as soon as my waiter placed it in front of me! Eating was top priority during this trip.

Day 2 was no exception! Started with a cup of coffee I made in my room and then had another on my trip out on the town along with a delicious peach filled pastry from a local bakery (of course I consumed it too fast for a pic) 🙂

As lunch time approached, I found myself walking down a set of stairs that led to a local mercado (store). There you’d find fresh produce, local restaurants, smoothie and juice bars to souvenirs and more! I was in literal heaven! Indeed, this is where I enjoyed the best Birria con chivo (goat). Eaten the traditional way, Birria consomé is a traditional Mexican stew from the state of Jalisco made from slow-cooked fall-apart juicy goat, lamb, or beef. Along with that, I had fresh made tortillas and all the fixings and a freshly squeezed jugo de naranja (orange juice).

The last photo on the right featured 2 delectable tacos. Suadero (thinly cut cow belly) con chicharrón on the left of plate and taco de nopal (cactus tacos) and I chose to pair those con Agua fresca de mango. Both of which were savory and delicious! If I’d stayed longer, I would’ve gained some happy weight!

TRANSPORTE (Transportation): Is widely available with taxi, Uber and pre-planned shuttles. Another option is vehicle rentals which can be cost effective too. Lastly, public bus transit is also a great means of transportation to many different destinations! It cost 12 pesos or USD 1 for every ride.

2.Guadalajara, Jalisco

Often called the cultural heart of Mexico, Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi, tequila, and charrería (Mexican rodeo). With it’s colorful murals, trendy boutiques and stylish cafes. Buzzing with so much energy and yet, holds on to it’s traditional roots. Visiting Guadalajara was a must for me! To be honest, I basically ate my way through this city!  

I’d say it’s giving Guatemala a run for it’s money! In conclusion, authentic Mexican food is so delicious and very much good for the soul. 😉

Guadalajara is a city in western México with a gorgeous monument Arcos de Guadalajara (The Arches of Guadalajara). Built in 1942 to celebrate the city’s 400th anniversary. This prominent yellow and white monument feature inscriptions that carry the monument’s message… On one side: “Guadalajara, capital of the Kingdom of Nueva Galicia”. On the other side: “Hospitable Guadalajara”. Sharing it’s history, and civic pride, presenting the city as a historical capital and a welcoming place for visitors. And a farewell when you leave.

It’s known as México’s second-largest city, with a population of over 1.5 million people living in the city centre, and over 5.5 million in the entire metropolitan area. This might sound like a lot of people, but for reference, Mexico City houses over 9 million people in the inner city and over 22 million people in it’s broader metropolitan area!

México: The Ultimate Journey of Flavors and Fiestas🥂

3.Tlaquepaque

Tlaquepaque, officially San Pedro Tlaquepaque, is a city and the surrounding municipality in the Mexican state of Jalisco. A hidden gem nestled in the heart of Jalisco, just a short drive from Guadalajara. It’s known for its rich artistic heritage, vibrant culture, and colorful streets.

In essence, a popular day trip destination with a more relaxed, colonial atmosphere. With this in mind, there are many restaurants to choose from and different shops to explore from handcrafted souvenirs to dresses and so much more! 🙂

This little town is colorful and busy with the bustling of families walking, friends enjoying a coffee, etc. It is designated as a “pueblo” by the Mexican Tourism Authority, meaning it is a place of touristic importance. 

Tlaquepaque, pronounced ‘tlah-ke-pah-ke’ and it means the place above clay land. Henceforth, it’s famous for its local exquisite pottery and cobble-stoned streets. Provided that, for those interested in learning more or just enjoy museums, Museo Regional de la Cerámica is dedicated to showcasing the rich pottery heritage of Jalisco and Mexico. The museum houses an extensive collection of ceramic pieces from different regions and periods, reflecting the diverse techniques and styles of pottery making.

The main street of Tlaquepaque, Independencia Avenue is the vibrant and bustling area filled with shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. One can admire the charming colonial architecture. And browse through the countless handicrafts and antiques available for sale. The best part was enjoying the live music by talented mariachi bands and other local artists.

Another great place to visit is Jardin Hidalgo, a beautiful park in the heart of Tlaquepaque. A perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

With its lush greenery, colorful flowers, and a charming central kiosk it offers a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation and leisure.

The park is surrounded by historic buildings and charming shops, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.

The perfect getaway for anytime of the year, México! ❤︎

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on October 16, 2024
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The Best Way to Spend Twenty Four Hours in London

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Welcome to your guide to the best way to spend twenty-four hours in London. I was lucky enough to have spent some time exploring this massive city. London is a very popular city to visit… one of the most popular cities in the world for tourists and business people alike. It’s also the capital of England and the United Kingdom.

A 21st-century city with history stretching back to Roman times. The contrast between the spectacular historic sights, the grind of a big city, and the lively cultural and foodie scene makes London an interesting and exciting destination.

London is a bad habit one hates to lose. – William Sansom.

1. Getting around in London

London is separated into many different boroughs and neighborhoods; each offering a unique flavor of the city! A few of the most popular London neighborhoods are:

Westminster (pictured below): The tourist center of London, sights include the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Visitors can see the British Government in action by visiting the Strangers’ Gallery at the House of Commons.

SoHo: This is a vibrant and exciting part of the city that is home to an amazing range of pubs, jazz and blues bars, and the heart of London’s gay scene. This is where many of the fashion-forward residents of the city come to party.

Kensington + Chelsea: This borough is home to some of London’s most posh shops and luxurious residents. It’s also home to Notting Hill which has become an up-and-coming, trendy neighborhood.

Covent Garden: Covent Garden is one of the most popular areas of the city with some of the best theaters. Neal Street is a shoe lover’s paradise with a series of shops catering to every sole.

Travel Tip

The Tube: The best way to get around London is the Underground, or “the Tube.”

You can even take the Tube from Heathrow Airport (LHR) into the city center, which I would recommend. It is easy to navigate and you can get to all the sights you’ll want to see.

You can now pay for the Tube with contactless payment so don’t worry about grabbing a ticket at the station or picking up an Oyster Card.

Bus: The city bus is a great way to see the sights while going from one place to another. Buses are cashless but you can pay with contactless payment like The Tube.

Taxis: London’s “black cabs” are all over and run off a meter, but tend to be the most expensive form of transportation. Most accept credit cards!

2. Brigit’s Classic Afternoon Tea & Sightseeing

As someone who enjoys a delicious afternoon tea, I knew I had to come along for the ride on Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus! You’ll meet at the specified pick up location where you’ll board a gorgeous vintage double-decker bus.

Once aboard, you can take in all the views as the bus drives around the city. There’s a choice of a cold beverage and a hot to choose from. And I must say, the apple juice was so delicious and refreshing! 😉

Along with refreshments, you’ll be served sandwiches, biscuits with jam and butter, cookies, cakes and macrons. This lovely tour is about an hour and a half ride around the city. It actually started raining just as I boarded, and to my surprise the bus was quite warm which was appreciated! Anyway, from the assortment of amazing options to nibble on, the interior decor, to the hospitality while aboard and all for about $78USD per person made this tour everything that it was! 10/10 recommend!

Indulge in a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea experience with the Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London Sightseeing Tour by Brigit’s Bakery. As the bus winds its way through Central London, you’ll soak in the vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and rich history of London. 

Savour the sweet and savoury flavours of France with delicious sandwiches such as smoked salmon and cream cheese, and mouthwatering cakes and pastries, all crafted by the executive pastry chef!

It was a cozy rainy evening and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend it any other way! 🙂

3. London’s Walking tour

I wanted to see as much of London as possible with the little time I had, so it was only right I booked a private tour!  This was a great way to see London’s major highlights in just a short amount of time. I was met by a young lady who moved to London over 5 years ago. And she was amazing, full of knowledge of the history behind all the stops we made.

You’ll be stopping at more than 20 attractions while listening to commentary from your guide. As I mentioned earlier, you’ll learn the and fun facts such as Westminster being the British monarch’s official London residence is Buckingham Palace. 🙂

4.Foods of London

The Borough Market is a stop you don’t want to miss! This market is a wholesale and retail market hall in Southwark, London, England. It is also one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, with a market on the site dating back to at least the 12th century! How cool is that? 🙂

This is where you’d find anything from fruits to desserts, and plenty of restaurants to choose from depending on what your palate has a taste for.

Aside of the market, I heard so much about London’s fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding… they were good however, let me just say. The sticky pudding was so decadent and beyond delicious that I had it at least three times within my 24hr stay!!

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on December 12, 2019
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The Best of Holiday’s In Nicaragua

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Holidays in Nicaragua, the waves and beaches will bring me back to this very place every single time. thriving adventure tourism, colorful sun-drenched colonial cities.

After several decades of civil war, political strife and disastrous American interventions. As a result, this country is slowly but surely repairing itself. In comparison to neighboring Costa Rica, Nicaragua is cheaper and much more ‘off-the-beaten track, making it ideal for a backpacking trip of at least a month. Known as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. And definitely a stunning destination with so much beauty to offer.

In fact, I decided to visit Nicaragua during my trip to Costa Rica. This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! If you’re looking for cost-effective ways to travel, this is a great way to do it.

In addition, this experience a full day tour that includes transportation to and from your accommodation, breakfast and lunch, guides and so much more! This is all the information you’ll need > BOOK HERE

The Central American Hidden Gem, an overlooked place which must be explored. To completely understand how it feels is to experience this extraordinary country!

1. MANAGUA

Managua is Nicaragua’s capital city and the landing pad for anyone flying into Nicaragua. In addition, this country as a whole is up and coming for tourism. This means there are plenty lively eateries, cafes, museums.

You can also view the Tiscapa Crater Lake, a lagoon of volcanic origin that was formed over 10,000 years ago. I highly recommend making a stop at the Roberto Huembes Market, a colorful market where you can by anything from souvenir to delicious fruits.

Managua is a quiet city that one should visit even for just a day or two. Nonetheless, I adore large cities. Especially capital cities, because this is where you can always find signs of a country’s history. Not to mention, I only spent a day traveling through Nicaragua, and I still got to immerse myself in a bit of all that it has to offer.

2. GRANADA

One of Central America’s most beautiful colonial cities is Granada, Nicaragua. With colorfully painted walls, palm trees as the backsplash and cobblestone streets, this is a tropical-Latin vibe you don’t want to miss. A place that exudes an air of well-worn sneakers or ripped jeans, bringing warmth to your soul with every turn.

I discovered that Granada is fairly easy to get to. It’s located just one hour away from the capital Managua. This gorgeous city is lively with people playing musical instruments as you rome around, street foods being sold at every turn and horse and carriages clopping hooves around.

Albeit, Granada will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into the most picturesque postcard with architecture reminiscent of the colonial era from which it was built.

Significantly, when visiting this phenomenal city be sure to stop by the Cathedral of Granada, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. This is a landmark that dominates the city’s central plaza with its vibrant yellow façade and towering bell towers. 

Inside, there is beautiful simple white interior, accentuated by high arches and soft natural light. I visited in December of 2019, which is slow season in Nicaragua.

This time of year makes for a perfect time to visit because this square can be very crowded during the high season, not to mention the weather cools down during these months. .

While in Granada, I had a lovely carriage ride through the city. This option allowed me to get around more freely since I was able to take my time, take photos and videos and also make random stops along the way!

Afterwards, we stopped at The Choco Museo, where I learned the process behind making different products from the cacao fruit. I still have some natural body creams that I bought there and I cannot wait to replenish!

The Best of Holiday’s in Nicaragua❤

3. Lake Nicaragua

Firstly, the city is located on Lake Nicaragua. In fact, Lake Nicaragua is one of the largest lakes in Central America (ranking as the 19th largest). It is also considered one of the largest in the world with an area of just over 3000 square miles and an elevation just over 100 feet above sea level, it reaches depths of over eighty feet! It also has many names however, it’s native name is Lake Cocibolca.

Consequently, after an eruption that occurred about 20,000 years ago, it left behind many volcanic islands within the lake. If you have jungle fever, this might be a great place to vacation. There are many private islands to check out along the lake. 🙂

It is also the largest tropical fresh water lake in America. The lake actually has a river which drains it on the southeastern end known as the San Juan River. The river flows slowly, but steadily towards the Caribbean Sea.

As I mentioned before, there are many islands within it’s realm. The largest of all is Ometepe. Notably, Ometepe is a volcanic island with two different volcanoes: Maderas and Concepcion. The first is extinct and has a crater lake on the top; the second is an active volcano that towers over a mile over the lake, creating a unique landmark that is visible from around the lake!

Additionally, Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater body in the world with saltwater animals! Some examples include, bull sharks, tarpon, and sawfish. Now if this isn’t cool, I don’t know what is! 🙂

4. Trip to the Volcán Masaya

Volcán Masaya is a caldera located in Masaya, Nicaragua. Can’t tell you how much of a thrill it was when Claudio pretended to pick me up and throw me into the pit of this massive volcano! You can just see the smoke emanating from it’s pit in the photos, as the lava continued to bubble below.

This full-day trip from Tamarindo, Costa Rica was one for the books! For a great price, I was blessed to see this amazing country with great company along the way and so much more!

Finding the hidden gems in life is the best part. Nicaragua is one of them! ❤

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on December 9, 2019
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A Journey of Self-Discovery Costa Rica

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A journey of self-discovery. Located in Central America between Panama and Nicaragua. From the tropical jungle to the paradise beaches, Costa Rica is wildlife heaven and I’m blessed to have been given the opportunity to visit. In other words, Costa Rica is a small but incredibly diverse country, where “Pura Vida” isn’t just a saying, it’s a way of life. An incredible tropical country that has brought me so much peace during my stay here. A place I dream of someday returning to. 🙂

A way of life, the simple life. Pura Vida! ❤︎

1. San José

Home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). The capital and largest city in Costa Rica is San José. San José was the third city in the world to get public electricity and one of the first for public telephones. While Costa Rica’s lush countryside can be tempting, be sure to check out the humming capital city. This gorgeous city is full of rich history and once you’re here, you’ll be cognizant of the multidimensional appeal of Costa Rica’s largest city and cultural capital.

LANGUAGE:

The official language spoken here is Spanish however, indigenous languages like Bribri, Cabécar, Maleku, and Guaymí are also spoken. Be sure to touch up on your Spanish to help you along the way. As a language that is mainly spoken here, it will definitely come in handy.

A Journey of Self-Discovery❤︎

2. Tamarindo

A journey of self-discovery began here for me. Tamarindo has a special place in my heart as it has helped me grow. Alongside the Pacific coast lies this picturesque town in the Guanacaste Province. A must-see beach town that offers gorgeous stretches of beaches and good vibes.

The closest airport is the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica which is just over an hour drive. Which by the way, I felt completely safe during my travel through Costa Rica. The locals are incredibly warm and welcoming. In addition, Tamarindo is a perfect location for unforgettable tours and nightlife and more importantly, a great spot for those who love to surf!

The luscious natural settings of this stunning coastal community make it a perfect getaway!

3. Jaco

Jaco is located in the Pacific Coast province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. A picturesque coastal town makes it an ideal getaway. With its touristy atmosphere, lush rainforests and more, this is a great place to explore. Not to mention, it’s just about 3 hours away from Libera (Guanacaste Province).

 If you’re looking for a bustling beach town full of top-notch restaurants, a lively atmosphere, a long sandy beach, breathtaking sunsets and easy access to activities and wildlife, Jaco is worth visiting.

With rolling green hills of jungle and farm pasture in the distance, Jaco sits in a wide cove with rocky points on each end. Jaco is considered to be one of Costa Rica’s most developed beach towns. It has always had a few mid-to-high-rise condo complexes, but in recent years, development has increased. Now you’ll find several tall condo buildings spread out in town and along the beach.

Jaco, Costa Rica is one of the best beach towns in Costa Rica for relaxation, adventure and excellent food. There’s plenty of activities to enjoy here! Surfing has to be on this list as it’s the top thing to do in Jaco. Lastly, Jaco Beach is said to be one of the best for beginner surfers due to the long consistent waves.

THE 4 GREATEST ADVENTURES IN COSTA RICA

1. ATV and UTV Beach Tour from Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a must-see part of the country and there’s literally no better way than to ride an ATV. Explore Tamarindo’s beaches and dry forest on an off-road ATV tour with river crossings, mountain views, and stunning tropical scenery. Embrace the sounds of the Costa Rican forest and watch for birds and monkeys as you steer beneath coastal trees. With the warm breeze blowing as you cruise to your destination, it pretty much doesn’t get any better than this. You’ll visit playa Bahia Piratas and Playa Puerto Viejo Beach to soak in that vitamin D. This excursion includes round trip transfers to and from your Tamarindo accommodations.  😉

2. Guanacaste Snorkel and Sunset Cruise

Bask in the sunshine as you set sail across Costa Rica’s beautiful coastline. This sunset cruise begins with a pick up from your Tamarindo accommodation, you’ll be taken to the beach where you’ll climb aboard the catamaran. This tour is perfect for those who enjoy whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling and sailing. The best part of this particular tour is drinks while aboard and a light lunch as well! If that doesn’t sound like the perfect way to end your day, Cocktails, sailing and a sunset sound like the perfect way to end the day!

3. Nicaragua One Day Trip from Costa Rica

Discover an entire day full of memories you’ll keep forever! One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was going on this tour. Firstly, you’ll be picked up from your hotel/accommodation around 5am. YES that early!! Now, one thing to keep in mind, once your transportation arrives at the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, your tour guide may ask for your passports. Don’t panic if your tour guide shouts, “RUN AMIGOS, RUN!!” Soon as you hand him your passports haha!

As a group you’ll continue onward on foot to cross the border. A Nicaraguan style breakfast (en Español, desayuno) will be served in a local restaurant. Discover the natural beauty and heritage of Nicaragua. Immerse yourself in the picturesque Spanish Colonial architecture in Granada, visit Volcán Masaya which last erupted in April of 2008.

*NICARAGUA FULL-DAY TRIP FROM COSTA RICA

4. Rio Celeste Waterfalls, Volcano and Sloths

A tour you wouldn’t want to miss. An adventurous hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park to see one of Costa Rica’s most famous natural wonders – Rio Celeste is very much known for its divine turquoise blue water. If you’re an animal lover like me, this is the perfect excursion that will lead you to cuddly sloths and more!! The hike to Tenorio Volcano National Park will take approximately 2 hours, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking wildlife here as you continue your journey. Along with a bilingual guide, this tour is perfect way to start your day!

The best part is that hotel pick up and drop off and a Costa Rican style lunch is included.

BOOK THIS NOW! 🙂

Costa Rica – a journey of self-discovery, follow yours!❤︎

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