Paris Most Instagrammable Places

Paris is a beautiful city filled with so many beautiful things to see! So I decided to create a list of my favorite photo locations along with a map to guide you to them. I hope you enjoy! Comment below to tell me which location you like best!

Trocadero

This legendary photo location is a must! Not only just for a photo but to see the beautiful Eiffel tower in its full glory! The Eiffel tower looks so much bigger from this spot and photos will turn out beautiful no matter what the circumstance is. This is such a tourist hot spot so I recommend going there first thing in the morning. I went to shoot at this location on a weekday morning around 8am. There were only four other people there. It was also drizzling rain but I was determined to shoot. 

Two spots to shoot at in the Trocadéro would be on the staircase and on the main platform. I have seen this photo be taken in the morning and at night, both equally beautiful. 

Map Location HERE

Pont Alexandre III Bridge

The prettiest bridge in Paris! The bridge itself if beautiful and getting photos here are a must! I recommend standing on the bridge itself, closer to the statues to make the image interesting. You can also use the staircase to your advantage and create depth.

Map Location HERE

Carousel at the base of the Eiffel Tower

After visiting the Eiffel Tower, take a little walk to the Ferris wheel on the other side of the river (farther away front the Eiffel tower). This spot is magical and brings out the little kid in every adult. 

For this location, I found the best way to shoot it was close to the Ferris wheel on the step. You can also shoot while standing on the same level as the Ferris wheel as well. Lower angles were better here because it helps capture the full length of the Eiffel tower. 

Map Location HERE

Along The Seine River

Another spot really close to the Eiffel tower and Ferris wheel is along the river on Avenue New York. You can see the Eiffel Tower perfectly! Go ahead and hop on the ledge and grab a seat. Then click the capture button and way-lah, an epic Paris shot! Anywhere along the river is a good spot to take pictures in Paris (will be honest though and say that the color of the water is not the prettiest). So take them on a lower angle.

Map Location HERE

Le Palais Royal

This location is probably my favorite location I went to visit in Paris and took photos at! I loved the architecture and all the interesting black and white pillars. I highly recommend wearing black and white while shooting here because it just elevates the images and makes it very cohesive. There are a ton of different ways you can shoot here- from standing against the pillars, along the ‘X’ mark on the floor, or under the arches. The possibilities are endless! I also loved how quiet and secluded this location was! There weren’t any tourists and the security guards did not give a hard time at all!

Map Location HERE 

Café - This exact one shot at Le Tourville

You have to capture a shot at a café in Paris! All of them have a super cute charm to them and they just photograph beautiful- day or night! I personally preferred the cafes that were on the corner- giving you a great view to people watch after shooting. I recommend using the chairs and tables to your advantage to create depth. Also, play with the lighting to give your images a moody feel! Make sure to enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine after the shoot!

Map Location HERE

Petit Palais

The mini palace across the grand palace is absolutely stunning. The golden gates and huge dome architecture are definitely a sight you must see! It is challenging to capture the whole building but I recommend getting the main gate in the shot. You will have to stand pretty far away to fit in the whole building. Stand closer to the camera than to the building!

Map Location HERE

Arc de Triomphe

This is one of the most well-known locations in Paris. This is also the location which feels like a super city to me because of the constant traffic that surrounds it. You can capture this location from across the street to get the full grand effect. It is also easier to place yourself inside the arc from across the street. If you want to get up close, take the underground staircase. Super low angle shots here are great to get the beautiful decoration under the arc.

I was doing some shopping along Avenue  des Champs-Élysées (which is a main street leading to the Arc) on a Sunday and the street was closed to cars. I don’t know if that is a weekly occurrence or if it was an out of blue thing. However, it is worth checking this street out on a Sunday to see if it is shut down. If so, you will be able to get the most epic shot.

Map Location HERE

Louvre

I love the location of the Louvre! Everything in the area is absolutely stunning! I love the juxtaposition of the old architecture that surrounds the modern pyramid. 

To capture the shot here, I recommend going during an off hour first thing in the morning. You can sit or stand on the edge around the Louvre (this will show off you and your look along with the backdrop). Lower angles work well here to capture the background. Lighting can be a bit tricky when shooting here depending on how sunny it is. I recommend trying it two ways.

1.       Let the light hit you directly and play up the shadows

2.       Find a shaded area and use one of the mini pyramids or another building as the backdrop

PS- be VERY careful in this area for pickpockets. People are very slick and you won’t even feel them coming. Also, do not sign anything or take coins/ bracelets that are for sale. This a scam and while you are using your hands, they will reach into your belongings. But don’t fear- just be aware and use common sense.

Map Location HERE

Thank you for reading!!

XOXO,

Krity 

Photography by Ashley Gallerani

*I get a commission for purchases made through links in this post*

Cold Spring

Are you dying to just getaway? Truly relax? While not having to do to much planning? Or spend too much money? Well that's exactly how I was feeling when I decided to take a quick escape to Cold Springs. Living in New York City is amazing but can get quite overwhelming at times. The last time I went on vacation was over six months ago and a truly relaxing weekend away was exactly what the doctor recommended. Just 48 hours in Cold Springs at the Hudson House Inn had me feeling like I had gone on a full week long vacation. I soaked up so much fresh air and let all my muscles finally relax. It was definitely one of the best quick getaways I have ever taken!!

Cold Spring is located in upstate New York, just a quick hour and half train ride away from the city. After work, I hopped on the train at Grand Central and was off to start the weekend. The train ride was so smooth and had the best views. The sun was setting and looked so gorgeous reflected on the Hudson River. 

Where to Stay:

When I got off the train, I felt like I had entered a whole new state. There was not a soul in site and so quite compared to the city. It honestly felt a little weird, but in the best way. It was a short five minute walk to Main Street where the cute hotel on the corner was waiting for me. Hudson House Inn can not be missed in the city of Cold Spring! The minute I walked into the hotel, I felt that warm gushy feeling like I was home. Imagine this- on a cold night, you open the wooden door to walk into a cozy room. The space is lit with a warm light with the addition of candles that fill the area with a relaxing aroma. You're greeted with a big smile waiting for you to check in.

Walking into the room was such a pleasant surprise. It looked exactly like my old bedroom from my hometown of Michigan. It was simple chic with a country style vibe. The pale yellow walls made me feel so calm. Hudson House Inn was built in 1832 and sits beautifully a hundred feet away from the Hudson River. It is truly a part of the interesting history of the Hudson River. While staying at the Hudson House Inn, you'll get gorgeous views of West Point and Storm King Mountain. 

Where to Eat:

Breakfast 

Hudson House Inn is one of the highly rated restaurants in Cold Spring so having a meal here is a must! If you are staying at the hotel, a complimentary breakfast is included. It isn't one of those boring breakfasts you get at other hotels either. Breakfast both days was absolutely amazing!! Hudson House Inn has a great breakfast menu to choose from which includes waffles with fresh strawberries, spinach omelet with homestyle potatoes (which were my favorite), blueberry pancakes, and the big one (eggs, sausage, potatoes, and bread). The bloody Mary and mimosas were the perfect finishing touches to go along with the yummy breakfast. It was the perfect way to start out the day before going for a hike. 

Dinner

If you're looking for a great meal (one of those where you go "omg, this is so good" with every bite), have dinner at the Hudson House Inn!! In between every bite, I was complimenting how good the food was. 

Dinner started off with fresh bread with a tomato and bean topping. The menu is filled with so many delicious options. I wanted to try everything! For appetizers, I tried the homemade Maryland crabcakes made with fresh jumbo lump crabmeat with a side of dijon sauce. The outside was nice and crispy and the inside was filled with fresh crabmeat flavor! I also tried the arugula salad with tossed radicchio, caramelized pecans, cranberries, balsamic vinaigrette, topped with blue cheese. It was the perfect salad- light and flavorful. For the main dishes I went all out. I got the Surf and Turf- a plump broiled lobster tail on an eight ounce dry aged sirloin served with roasted peppercorn brandy sauce, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and carrots. Yummmm! I also got the Hudson House Ribeye marinated in fresh rosemary and extra virgin olive oil topped with caramelized onions and blue cheese. This was one of the best ribeyes I have ever had! The meat was tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked! Hungry yet?

Drinks

Make sure you also try some of the amazing crafted cocktails at the Hudson House Inn or even wine from their large selection. You can curl up on the comfy leather couches by the fire and read some of their amazing coffee table books over drinks.

Things To Do:

While you are in Cold Spring, New York there are a few things you must do!

1. Walk along the Hudson River and gaze out into the mountains. Just listen to the water crash and take a deep breath. I promise it is so relaxing! After all, this is what you came here to do. Read the history of West Point and make sure to take some great pictures!

2. Take a walk through the quaint little town of Cold Spring. Coming up from NYC, I was in the mindset to walk around for several hours but It won’t take you that long. Make sure to check out the cute antiques shops. They have some really amazing hidden gems. There is everything from furniture, clothing, jewelry, dolls, toy cars, and records just to mention a few items. Along the way, step into one of the restaurants and grab a cup of coffee or even an ice cream cone. 

3. Hike! One of the reasons I came up to Cold Spring was to hike. I had heard amazing things about the many trails and the pictures looked beautiful. It was so worth it! I took a 4 hour hike on the Breakneck Trail. The name reflects the mountain pretty well. One step the wrong way and there was a good possibility of actually breaking my neck. However, don’t let that scare you! The hike was absolutely amazing! The hardest part was getting up the mountain and climbing over large rocks. There are different points along the trail so you can choose how far you want to go. The walk down is nice and easy so go for it!

Additional Things To Do:

Take the Metro North (or a cab/ Uber) up to the next city of Beacon, New York. The Dia Beacon Museum is a must see while upstate. It a HUGE modern art museum in a revamped old warehouse. The art here is really interesting and quite different than many other modern art museums I have been to. There are several floors so be ready to walk around. 

3 Beekman St, Beacon, NY 12508
(845) 440-0100

$15   General
$12   Students and seniors
Free for Dia members and children under 12

January–March
Friday–Monday 11 am–4 pm
April–October
Thursday–Monday 11 am–6 pm
November–December
Thursday–Monday 11 am–4 pm

Thank you for reading!!

XOXO,

Krity

*This was a sponsored post for Hudson House Inn. However, all opinions are my own.*

New York City Winter Travel Style Guide

Are you planning a trip to visit New York City and are having a hard time figuring out what to pack? I've been there before! It's so hard to pack comfortable stuff to walk around in but still be fashionable because well, it's NYC- a major fashion capital. I've rounded up 10 items that you must pack for a trip during the winter months. This list is useful for other locations too, not just NYC! 

1. Parka Coat

First, you want to stay warm and a nice parka coat is a must. I recommend wearing something heavy that's actually gonna keep you warm because there's nothing worse than being cold and possibly catching a cold. But don't worry a parka can still look cute, it's all about the accessories you pair it with. 

2. Hat, gloves, and a scarf

These accessories play a crucial role when the wind decides to pick up. Grab a matching set or create your own. 

3. Comfy Shoes 

This is always where I struggle! I have a great love for shoes so I like to take 3-4 pairs no matter where I go. But for a major city, I recommend two pairs minimum. You need a pair that are comfy to walk around in all day aka fashion sneakers! 

4. Fashion Booties

For the second pair of shoes, pack something cute! A pair of animal skin booties are great for the winter because you can dress them up or down and they go with everything! Booties with a low heel are the perfect shoes to change into for a night out in a city during winter. 

5. Sweater Dress

The best of both worlds! A sweater dress is a piece of clothing that keeps you warm and stylish. You can wear this for a day of doing touristy stuff and even wear it for a nice dinner. I recommend cinching your waist with a chic belt. 

6. Faux Fur Coat

Nothing says "fashion" more than a little fur. Trust me, in New York wearing fur is like wearing jeans. You don't have to feel like you're sticking out like a sore thumb. Check out my post on affordable faux furs and how to style it here. 

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7. Oversized Sweater

It's super comfy and cozy! I love printed sweaters or chunky knits. Try out a stripped, plaid, or embroidered sweater to add some interest to your look. A sweater can tie the whole look together. It's one of my favorite things to wear in the winter and perfect when visiting a chilly city during the winter. 

8. Jeans 

It's a no brainer but very important. No matter where I travel, I always carry a pair of jeans with me! I usually wear them on the plane because they are a heavier item but I continue to wear them throughout a trip. Jeans go with everything and can be worn all day long. My favorites have lots of stretch and are mid rise. 

9. Cross Body Bag

You can be hands free and take all the pictures in the world! I prefer traveling with bags that I can carry all my gear in. It helps me not lose anything and prevents anything from getting stolen because I put everything right in front.  

10. Heat Tech Gear

Yes they really work! They have saved me on the coldest winter days here in NYC. I love to layer them under just about everything! They are thin so they don't add extra bulk. 

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XOXO,

Krity 

Photography by Ashley Gallerani

*I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post*

Dallas

Do you love to eat? Do you like to drink? Do you like to shop?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then Dallas, Texas is the perfect city for you to visit. Dallas, Texas had incredible food, amazing drinks, and a store on every corner! The sizes are definitely bigger- from the size of houses to the size of a drink. I was pleasantly surprised by the bigger drink sizes. I also loved the affordable prices! There is a lot of unique history in Dallas from Kennedy to oil. I learned about this unique city. I think an extended weekend to Dallas is a great idea and anywhere from 2-4 days is a good amount of time to visit. 

Things to do:

When in Dallas, you must go to the Bishop Arts District! It's a cute little area filled with beautiful street art, unique boutiques, great food, and bars. The Bishop Arts district has a great laid back vibe. It's the perfect place to get a picture for the gram too! It doesn't take that long to cover this area- probably about 2 hours total. But I recommend going during the day so you have good lighting for the pictures. 

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I highly recommend going to visit downtown Dallas. The architecture is beautiful and there's some fun things to do there. 

While in downtown Dallas, check out the Reunion Tower. I got the combination ticket ($31) for the Reunion Tower and the Trolley Tour of Dallas. The view from the top of the tower was stunning. You can see all the way to the city of Forth Worth, Texas! The trolley tour was so much fun! The guide shared so many interesting stories about Dallas and it's history. The tour was about an hour and half. It was a great way to see the full city. Dallas isn't like New York City where there is something on every block so it's not easily walkable if you want to see everything. 

Food

The restaurants in Trinity Grove are known to be really good! I didn't get a chance to try them but I heard each restaurant was amazing. They have a huge outdoor seating area too which gave it a really cool vibe, However, I did try out Cake Bar and I have to say you MUST try the cake there. I'm more of a pie gal so when I like a cake, it's on another level good. I tried the strawberry and key lime, both tasted like heaven! It was the perfect amount of sugar, moist, and the frosting was creamy. 

There is also a lot of great food in downtown Dallas. The Omni Hotel has multiple restaurants inside that are yummy! There's also the well known restaurant that started 'Tex-Mex'. The food trucks by Klyde Warren park are also good so if you're in that area, make sure to try it out. Dallas is known for its steak, so if you're a meat lover like me, grab a tasty bite at a steakhouse. 

For brunch, make sure to try Mash'd! This restaurant is decorated in true Texan style- the space is huge, wooden seating, tall bar stools, and even bigger booths. They have $2 mimosas!! No that was not a typo! Make sure to try out the French toast! It was some of the yummiest French toast I've ever had. 

If you're in the mood for Mexican food, try Gloria's. There are tons of great Mexican restaurants in Dallas that I'm sure are excellent. Gloria's black bean dip was to die for! Super simple but I could not stop eating it! Try the steak for a yummy filling dinner. Oh, and don't forget the margarita! 

For drinks, try Happiest Hour! It's a super cool two story bar with an amazing rooftop area. I loved the vibe of this place and the drinks were really good. You can play games, watch sports, or just soak up the Dallas sun at the patio. 

Thank you for reading!

XOXO,

Krity 

Photography by Ashley Gallerani

Madrid

1. Visit the bustling area of Plaza de la Puerta del Sol. This is equivalent to Times Square of New York City. This city center is bustling with people, music, art, shopping, transportation, and lights!

2. Start in Plaza Mayor and walk down to Calle Mayor passing Plaza de la Villa. Head over to Palacio Real (a sight you do not want to miss). 

3. Eat! Make sure you have jamon (ham) everyday along with tapas! They had amazing seafood and every restaurant I visited and the flavors were amazing. A few tapas you have to try are shrimp in garlic sauce, fried peppers, and croquettes. We were walking on Gran Via (shopping street) we stopped into eat at a local restaurant. We were pleasantly surprised with a 3 course meal (and only had to pay for one!). The food was amazing and very well priced. Also, many locals were eating here so that's a good sign. 

4. Visit the Parque del buen Retiro (Park)! The flowers are absolutely stunning! The garden goes on for miles and miles- great for a perfect peaceful walk. There is also a gorgeous pond where you can rent a boat and paddle around. The views are just amazing. 

5. Go view at the amazing historic art at Prado Museum. This museum is huge and there is a lot to see! If you are into art- this is a must see. If you arrive at the end of the day (an hour before closing) they let you in for free! This was a nice surprise I learned there. Obviously, I couldn't tour the whole museum but I got a good chunk done. Museum is open 10am-8pm; €14- free on Monday- Saturday between 6-8pm

6. Take a break and have a coffee at Plaza de Oriente. It's a great place to people watch and take in the beautiful architecture. 

7. Shop on Gran Via. It is the fifth avenue of Spain and is by far the best affordable shopping I did in all of Spain. Make sure to stop in at Zara, Primark, Mango, and Bershka for all the hottest trends.

8. Make sure to stop in Mercado de San Miguel. It's a huge food market where you can buy a little something each vendor and sit to have a quick bite. There are endless amounts of fresh olives, homemade desserts, rich wines, and savory jamon.

9. Take a day trip to Segovia! It is absolutely stunning! The city is filled with castles, cathedrals, little alley ways, and rich history!

10. Take public transportation! It is very simple and cheap! Depending on where you go, it cost about 2 euros. I recommend getting a map and having a data plan on your cellphone to track your location. 

CUBA

How do I enter Cuba if I am an United States Citizen?

To travel to Cuba, a US citizen, one must select a reason from the twelve options below:

1. Family visits

2. Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations

3. Journalistic activity

4. Professional research and professional meetings

5. Educational activities

6. Religious activities

7. Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions

8. Support for the Cuban people

9. Humanitarian projects

10. Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes

11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials

12. Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines.

I traveled to Cuba through JetBlue on a direct flight from JFK Airport in NYC to Havana, Cuba. While purchasing my ticket through JetBlue, one of the steps were to fill out an affidavit selecting my reason to travel to Cuba.  I chose journalism as my reason for blogging purposes. I was very nervous and skeptical about getting a visa by choosing journalism but it worked out. We arrived at JFK three hours before our flight (I think 2-3 hours is a decent amount of time). JetBlue has a check-in area just for flights to Cuba at JFK. We approached the kiosk where a JetBlue representative took my passport and checked me into my flight. I got my visa ($50 through JetBlue at the counter) and got it notarized at the same time. No questions were asked and it only took 10-15 minutes! I was incredibly surprised by how easy the whole process was. With JetBlue, you cannot purchase your Cuban visa ahead of time, only at the airport. I have heard of being able to purchase the visa ahead of time with other flight carriers. JetBlue made the trip very simple and I recommend flying through them (this is not a sponsored post, I just had a great experience with them).

When is the best time to travel to Cuba?

I cannot guarantee when the best time to travel to Cuba is, but I can speck from my experiences. I traveled to Cuba during the second week of May (seven days). I thought traveling to Cuba in May was great because the weather was nice, it wasn't over crowded with tourists, and the flights were on the cheaper side. The weather was perfect, high eighties and nineties fahrenheit, and it only rained one day. It was a little humid, but not to the point where it felt uncomfortable (my hair was manageable). My non-stop flight roundtrip from JFK to HAV was only $285! In all three cities I went to (Havana, Bay of Pigs area, and Trinidad), the streets were calm and I had no trouble getting into museums, restaurants, etc. 

Where should I go in Cuba? What should I do in Cuba?

We went to Cuba for seven days in the following order: Havana (2 nights)-> Bay of Pigs/ Playa Giron (1 night)-> Trinidad (3 nights)->Havana (1 night)

Havana

While visiting Cuba, you must spend a couple of days in the city of Havana! The city is filled with color, culture, history, and bustling nightlife. We spent two and a half days and felt that it was enough to see all the main sights. There are tons of things to do in Havana! You can spend the whole day just roaming the streets and getting lost in the colorful architecture. That’s exactly what we did! I recommend the following:

1. Visit Museo de La Revolution. Learn about the history and culture of Cuba for only 8 CUC

2. Be amazed by the beauty of the Capital building and walk along Paseo del Prado where you can find an array of colorful vintage cars!

3. Ride in a vintage car- for 25-40 CUC (depending on your bargaining skills) you can ride in a vintage car of your choice/ color and get an hour long tour in Havana. It was worth every penny and the photos are priceless! I only had 15 CUC by the end of my trip so hustled my way to getting a tour with the money I had left. The Cuban people are incredibly sweet and just want to give tourists the best experience. Tip- bat your eyelashes and smile :)

4. Take a pit stop at the Jose Marti Memorial and learn about Cuban history.

5. Walk along the Malecon! The sights are absolutely stunning and so peaceful! Admire the views of the blue waters and Morro castle. Make sure to catch the sunset!

6. Walk around old Havana from Museo de Revolucion, to the Plaza de Armas, then Plaza de la Catedral, next Plaza de la San Francisco, and end in Plaza Vieja for a nice cold beer from La Factoria.

7. Take a pit stop at the Jose Marti Memorial and learn about Cuban history.

8. EAT!!! Cuban food was delicious! Scroll down for all my favorite places.

In Havana, we arranged a taxi to take us to Bay of Pigs/ Playa Giron for 70 CUC. Next stop...Bay of Pigs/ Playa Giron

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Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro

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Havana, Cuba

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Palacio del Segundo Cabo

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Plaza 13 de Marzo- Havana, Cuba

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Plazuela de Santo Ángel

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Plazuela de Santo Ángel

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The Cathedral of San Cristóbal de la Habanal

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El Patio En La Habana Vieja

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Casa de Lombillo

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Statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes

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Plaza San Francisco de Asís

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Plaza San Francisco de Asís

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Architecture in Old Havana

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Plaza Vieja- Havana, Cuba

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El Capitolio- Havana, Cuba

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Hotel Inglaterra- Havana, Cuba

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Cuba- Havana- Sunset along the Malecon

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Casa de Lombillo

Museo De La Revolución, La Habana, Cuba- Havana

Museo De La Revolución, La Habana, Cuba- Havana

Cuba- Havana- Ride in a vintage convertible

Cuba- Havana- Ride in a vintage convertible

Riding in a n old classic pink Ford convertible along the Malecon in Havana, Cuba 

Cuba- Havana- Vintage Chevy Lime Green Convertible

Cuba- Havana- Colorful vintage cars in the streets

Cuba- Havana- Ride in a vintage convertible

Bay of Pigs- Playa Giron

We went to Bay of Pigs for one reason- scuba diving! It was worth the trip and I will never forget the time in this little city!

We arrived in the late afternoon and it was too late to go scuba diving. Instead  we went over to Coco beach. It was walking distance from the house we stayed at. Coco beach is very secluded and private. The beach is a bit more rocky but the sunset was gorgeous! We swam, drank rum on the beach, watched the sunset, and made friends with locals 

The next day, the bus picked us up to head over to scuba dive. It costs 35 CUC for beginner diving which consists of a 15 minute lesson and hour long dive in the Caribbean sea. It took roughly an hour to get gear and sign waiver. There was someone who spoke English pretty fluently to help me with my lesson. I was surprised about how easy it actually was. We went about 20- 30 feet under. The reefs and wildlife were incredible. One of the coolest things I have ever done!! This area is known for some of the best diving and is why we chose to go. 

We took a Viazul bus from Playa Giron to Trinidad for 14 CUC a person. The trip was about 3 hours long and the bus was really comfortable! I tried to buy tickets online but the website did not work. It was very easy to purchase tickets on the spot!

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The best rum!

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Sunsets on Coco Beach

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Coco Beach

Trinidad

The colorful city was absolutely beautiful!! Everywhere you look, there was color!! The streets were like rainbows.

1. Take a walking tour through the city to see all the main sights and see where the locals live. We took the tour recommended by Lonely Planet

2. Have a drink while sitting on the steps by the plaza and people watch

3. Rent bikes for 5 CUC from the casa. We rode bikes for about 10 miles to Playa Ancon. I do not recommend doing this if you are traveling to Cuba in May or if it is above  90 degrees Fahrenheit. I definitely learned the hard way. I felt like I just rode a marathon by the time I got to the beach. Another option is taking a classic taxi car for 8 CUC. 

Playa Ancon was absolutely beautiful and everything I had hoped for. White sand beaches with clear blue water. The beach went on for miles and we hung out all day till right before sunset. We drank from the bar, had lunch at the Ancon Grill, and drank fresh coconut water out of ginormous coconuts. I couldn't have asked for more. We decided to ride our bikes back and were dead by the time we got back to our casa. 

After Trinidad, we had to go back to Havana because our flight was departing from there. We originally planned to take a bus but we got a persoanl taxi for the same amount so we went with the taxi. Our host helped us arrange the taxi. The cost was 25 CUC per person and the car ride was roughly 4 hours.

Plaza Mayor, Trinidad, Cuba

Cuba- Trinidad- Colorful streets of Trinidad

Cuba- Trinidad- Plaza de Armas

Cuba- Trinidad- Park -------------

Cuba- Trinidad

Plaza Mayor, Trinidad, Cuba

Cuba- Trinidad

Cuba- Trinidad- Local streets

Cuba- Trinidad- Playa Ancon- Fresh coconuts for 3 CUC

Cuba- Trinidad- Playa Ancon

Where should I stay in Cuba? 

Most of the time when I travel, I stay at hotels. I did a lot of research before I went to Cuba and after reading a ton of articles, the overall consensus was to stay in an Air BnB. I loved my experiences at the three places I stayed in during my trip to Cuba. The local hosts were absolutely amazing and so willing to help with everything from arranging taxis, preparing food, and giving us tips on where to go. For seven nights, the total came out to $260! 

In Havana I stayed with Elizabeth. The views from her rooftop were great! This apartment was very close to the capital and walking distance to old Havana. If you are looking to be closer to most of the sights, stay in old Havana. I walked past several hotels in Havana and they all looked stunning and incredibly luxurious. 

In Bay of Pigs/ Playa Giron, I stayed at Tony's. I had the best experience here as the hosts helped arrange everything from our scuba diving excursion, taxi, and bus to Trinidad. Tony's wife, Mary, was an amazing cook!! I had some of the best lobster, shrimp, and chicken here!!

In Trinidad, I stayed at Felix's. This was the perfect location! It was very close to the bus stop and main plaza. There was a great restaurant right across the street too! Felix and his wife were absolutely amazing hosts and cannot thank them enough for all their help!  

Cuba- Havana- Balcony view from Air BnB

Cuba- Air BnB- Play Giron

Where should I eat in Cuba/ How is the food?

Food in Havana

The food in Cuba was amazing!! Before I went to Cuba, I heard/ read that the food wasn't that good. But after experiencing it for myself, I have to completely disagree with that!

We went to a famous place, La Guaridia, one night for dinner. We made reservations a week in advance which I highly recommend doing- expect a response within 48-72 hours. This restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood. On the way to the place, we thought we were going the wrong way because it was dark and quiet. The restaurants was super cool! The building is worn down and several levels. I will be honest and say the food was not as good as I was expecting. We had the lobster and chicken. But I will say, it is still worth going for the ambiance and experience. For four drinks, one appetizer, two main courses, the bill came out to about 75 CUC. Tip- request to sit on the roof. The views were cool!

Have a mojito, or two, at El Patio En La Habana Vieja while people watching. The food here is not known to be great but the drinks were great!! It was about 2 CUC per drink.

Try a real Cuban sandwich from Sandwicheria La Bien Paga. The sandwich is only 2 CUC!!! Yup, you read that right. It was delicious!!!!!

In between exploring, try the ropa vieja and a couple drinks at Mama Ines. It was the best ropa vieja I had, ever! The drinks were strong and made perfectly!! This hidden gem is tucked away in a little street and is perfect to try out before heading over to Plaza de San Francisco. 

The beast meal I had in Havana was at Los Nardos. This restaurant had a line every time I walked by. We waited about 30 minutes and it was totally worth it! It was and amazing meal with a romantic ambiance. A really cute man was also playing the piano. I felt like I was Belle from Beauty and the Beast- then the theme song started playing. Try their famous soup, fresh fish of the day, and lobster!

Make sure you head over to Chinatown while you're in Havana! Yup, that's right. We at an amazing Chinese Cuban lunch at Tein Tan. We had beers, beef on hot iron plate and friend rice. YUM!! 

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El Patio En La Habana Vieja

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Sandwicheria La Bien Paga

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Mama Ines- Daiquiri and Ron Collins

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La Floridita

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Los Nardos

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Los Nardos- Full Fish

Food in Trinidad, Cuba

The food in Trinidad was amazing!!! I ate for dirt cheap and the portions were huge!!

We had breakfast at our casa every morning for 5 CUC which consisted of fresh pressed juices, coffee, bread, eggs, and fresh fruits.

One night, we had dinner at La Ceiba which was amazing! It was right across the casa we were staying at. Ceiba means big tree. The restaurant was built up in several levels around this gorgeous tree. I highly recommend trying this place out for dinner one night. We tried the lamb rope vieja and roasted honey chicken. It was served with a fresh fruit salad as well as a vegetable salad. Both dishes were delicious and the portions were very large! The bill came out to about 34 CUC for three cocktails, and two dinner entrees. 

Other nights, we walked down Calle Gutiérrez, which is a main street filled with restaurants. Most of the places on this strip looked amazing and plates never went over 25 CUC. We had dinner at Restaurante Punta Brava that was mind blowing! The portions were big enough to feed an army (image below) and the whole meal came out to roughly 18 CUC. We had lamb special, pork chops, and traditional rice and beans (two different ways). We also wrote our names on the wall with crayons!

 At Playa Ancon, there are bars on the beach where drinks are roughly 4 CUC. There are also fresh coconuts for 3 CUC!! They were huge and so refreshing! There is also a restaurant, Ancon Grill, where they serve hot food and cold beverages. The food was not the best but plate were roughly 5-12 CUC.

What should I pack to go to Cuba?

As far as packing goes, I recommend taking tropical prints, flowy dresses and skirts, shorts, cotton/ linen shirts, and tons of bathing suits (so many great unlined bikinis here)! Stay tuned for all my vacation looks!

Shop this two-piece bikini that is only $12 HERE

Shop this gorgeous palm leaf printed one-piece for $15 HERE

Pink Hat from Zara

Pink Dress from Aidan Mattox- shop the look HERE

Do American/ US credit/ debit cards work in Cuba?

If you use Chase Bank, your cards will not work in Cuba. The atms will not give cash and cards are not accepted in any hotels or restaurants. I recommend taking US dollars and converting cash in Cuba. The currency exchange rate is the same throughout the whole country- it is about 10% conversion fee.

Cuc vs. Cup- almost everything we paid for was in CUC. The locals automatically converted CUP for us. You shouldn't worry about getting ripped off as the Cuban people were some of the nicest and honest people. 

1 Cuc= $1

What do I do if I run out of money in Cuba?

If you run into this problem of running our of money in Cuba, don't worry, there is a solution. One way to get cash is through Western Union. Someone in the US needs to directly transfer money to a local Cuban citizen. You could ask your host family to help you by being the middle man. You will need the local Cuban citizens full name and possibly ID number. Your family/ friend in the US needs to go to the local Western Union and transfer money to their account. Western Union will provide a ten digit code for the transaction. This number is needed to be given when picking up the money at the Western Union in Cuba. This process could take up to a few hours.

TIPS!

Bank- take cash, even some extra cash just in case. Cuba was incredibly safe. I took by passport and cash everywhere I went. I wore by crossbody bag and never felt unsafe the whole time. I honestly felt safer in Cuba than I did in Paris

Save some money at the end of your trip to buy rum at the duty free shops to take home with you!

Medication- take allergy medication- the dust made me quite sensitive. 

Water and fruits and vegetables- we drank out of bottled water and all restaurants and casa. I brushed my teeth with tap water and had no issues. I even drank tap water and had no difficulties. Cuban food always consisted of a vegetable salad- cucumber, tomato, and cabbage. I ate everything (even with the skin) and my stomach was fine. 

Average Cost of Things:

Taxi to and from the airport in Havana= $30 total for car- not per person

Bus prices=$14-25 per person

Taxi from Trinidad to Havana =$25 per person. Same price as vizual bus but you get the whole car to yourself. The taxi should also pick you up and drop you off from your hostal. Door to door service

Average cocktail price= $3

Average beer = $2

Average water price =$1-3 depending on size

Average food cost = sandwiches $2-$7, full plates $6-25

Casa breakfast =$5

Casa dinner/lunch= $9-12

XOXO!

Till the next adventure....

Peru: How to Travel, What to Pack, Where to Stay, & What to do

Over the last few weeks, I have been sharing my trip to Peru city by city. Here is a full recap on Peru!

Our Route:

Lima -> Cusco then directly to Ollantaytambo -> Machu Picchu -> Ollayntaytambo then directly to Cusco -> Puno -> Arequipa -> Lima

Lima- 348 feet

Ollantaytambo- 9,160 feet

Machu Picchu- 7,972 feet

Cusco- 11,152 feet

Puno- 12,500 feet

Arequipa- 7,710 feet

1. I flew into Lima International airport

Sleep: Stay in Miraflores area. We stayed at Pucllana Lodge. It was a good hotel, not the best one we stayed at but good enough to sleep and shower. Breakfast was included and WiFi service was good. 

Eat: Tanta by Larcomar, coffee at News Cafe Coffee Shop located on the main street Avenue Larco, and drink at Nuevo Mundo Draft Bar. This bar is known for their locally crafted Peruvian brews.

Pack: A light jacket, jeans and comfortable clothes, walking shoes/ sneakers, sunglasses, sun block, and a camera.

Things to do: Walk down to the main triangle and go to alley named Calle Manuel Bonilla. It's filled with great restaurants and bars! Go to Larcomar which is a big shopping/ dining outdoor area right by the beach. Walk along the beach and go visit Park of Love. 

TIP: Schedule a taxi for pickup at the airport with your hotel. It will be cheaper and easier. 

TIP: You can see the best parts of Lima in 1-2 days. You don't need to spend more time then that.

TIP: Apply sunscreen even if it cloudy! I got burned my last day in Peru. 

Read more about Lima HERE

2. Flew from LIM to Cusco. Then took a taxi straight to Ollantaytambo

Sleep: Sleep at Hotel Samanapaq. The hotel was beautiful and the service was outstanding! The breakfast buffet is included and the WiFi worked great! The views from the hotel of the old Incan ruins were great. Our stay here was incredibly relaxing!

Eat: At the local Plaza de Armas. There are a lot of restaurants here but it is hard to find traditional Peruvian food. 

Pack: Hiking boots, comfortable clothes, sunblock, sunglasses, camera, and medication. 

Things to do: Go to the Las as Salineras in Maras, walk down old Incan streets/ alleys in Ollantaytambo,  and visit the Incan ruins.

TIP: Work your way up to high altitude to prevent getting altitude sickness and get medication to help you adjust in advance. I was prescribed Acetazolamide by my doctor and it really helped me! I didn't have any trouble adjusting to the high altitude. Since my friend and I were jumping to such a high altitude, from Lima to Cusco, we decided to travel straight to Ollantaytambo. 

TIP: Take the Peru Rail to Machu Picchu station in Aguas Calientes. Make sure you buy the ticket before hand online. You need to pick up tickets before entering the train. Only 1 carry on size luggage allowed per passenger. No big luggages!! However, they will store luggage for you free of charge. 

TIP: Drink cocoa tea!

Read more about Ollantaytambo HERE

3. Took the Peru Rail from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu/ Aguas Calientes 

Sleep: There are a lot of hotels in Machu Picchu. It is a very touristy place. We stayed at Gringo Bills. Hotel was pretty good and WiFi was okay. 

Eat: I definitely recommend trying the alpaca burger at Treehouse. Also go have a 3-course meal at El Indio Feliz. Both restaurants were AMAZING!!

Pack: Bug repellent (there are a LOT of mosquitos here), hiking boots, camera, lots of water, cocoa tea, granola bar, suncreen, sunglasses, tickets printed, passport, and wear layers. It is chilly in the morning but warms up by midday. 

Things to do: Climb Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu!!!

TIP: Buy your tickets to Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu a couple months in advance to secure a spot.

TIP: Buy your bus ticket to take you up to Machu Picchu a day in advance to save a lot of time and hassle!! If you don't, you will have to wait in an incredibly long line the next day for buses. Place to buy tickets is right by the water by the bus station. It is a little wooden booth. Cost about $25 roundtrip.

TIP: Drink cocoa tea!

Read more about Machu Picchu HERE

4. Took the Peru Rail Back to Ollantaytambo then a taxi to Cusco

Sleep: We stayed at a hotel in Cusco called Rumi Punku. It was located just 5 minute walk from the Plaza de Armas. This hotel was gorgeous!! Breakfast was included!

Eat: We had dinner at Morena Peruvian Kitchen. OMG!! One of the most delicious meals I have ever had! Also try burgers at Papacho's right by the Plaza de Armas.

Pack: Walking shoes, comfortable clothes, camera, sunblock, sunglasses. If you are planning on climbing Rainbow Mountain: warm clothes, layers because it is very cold, hat, gloves, hiking boots, and medication. Cusco's elevation is very high!

Things to do: Visit the Plaza de Armas and walk around the city. Take a tour to Pisac Market to go shopping. Stop along the way to see alpacas and learn how Peruvian blankets/ yarns are made. Climb Rainbow Mountain!!

TIP: I recommend going around the Sacred Valley with a taxi driver so you can make as many stops as you would like and not be on a time schedule. 

TIP: Carry bottles of water with you because the restaurants in Cusco are on the pricier side. Or buy it from the side street where the waters only cost $1.

TIP: Drink cocoa tea! Elevation is very high here in Cusco!

TIP: When traveling from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, it is much easier to share a taxi and the cost is much lower. Sharing a taxi cost about $7 each.

TIP: Don't miss the sunset and the view of the valleys from Plaza De Armas at night! 

Read more about Cusco & Rainbow Mountain HERE

5. Took an overnight bus (Transzela) from Cusco to Puno. Then took a boat in Puno to island Isla Suasi

Sleep: On the bus. It was nice to save money on the hotel. If you are a light sleeper, I don't recommend this. It only costs $16. In Puno we stayed at the most beautiful hotel ever Isla Suasi!!! They stay at this hotel has been one of the best in my entire life! Highly recommend it. 

Eat: At the Hotel Isla Suasi. They serve a great buffet breakfast. Then for lunch and dinner, you get 3-course meals! All of it is included in the stay at the hotel. 

Pack: Warmer clothes because it is cold in Puno, heavy jacket and lots of layers!

Things to do: Take a tour of the floating islands! Our hotel provided a tour which was included in the package. 

TIP: Dress warm because the temperatures in Puno are much colder! It was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle of October.

TIP: Take sunscreen if you have sensitive skin. The sun on the island is very powerful! It gets really warm during the day.

TIP: Take your passport so you can get it stamped at Taquille Island for 1 sol! 

TIP: If you are prone to sea sickness, take motion sickness medication. The waves got pretty choppy a few times.

Read more about Puno HERE

6. Took an overnight bus from Puno to Arequipa

Sleep: We stayed at an amazing hotel right by the Plaza de Armas called La Plaza Arequipa Hotel Boutique. I highly recommend staying right in the center because you get a great view at night time.

Eat: There are tons of great little restaurants off of the little streets by Plaza de Armas.

Pack: Light clothes/ spring clothing and Light jacket for the night.

Things to do: Walk around the city and Plaza de Armas. I heard the Colca canyons were amazing but we didn't have enough time to visit

TIP: Arequipa was the warmest city we visited so take lighter weight clothes!

7. Flew from Arequipa to back Lima

8. Flew from Lima to NYC

Photography by Ashley Gallerani

XOXO!

Puno, Peru

After a couple days of amazing adventures and climb in Cusco, my friend and I headed to Puno, Peru to see Lake Titicaca. I love the name of the lake and had to see it for myself. Puno was the most relaxing vacation spot! 

Day October 10

We arrived in Puno after riding the overnight bus (Transzela) from Cusco. The overnight bus was better than expected. I'm going to be completely honest, the bus station was not the best...it gave me doubts on the kind of bus I would be getting on. However, the Transzela bus was 2 levels and had seats that reclined way back ( almost like a bed). If you are looking for an inexpensive way to travel, this is it. Total cost for the 1 way bus ride was roughly $16. But be mindful that you will not get the best sleep. 

We got on our boat to Isla Suasi Hotel in the main harbor which departs the harbor at 6:45am daily (only time you can catch it). We then got a great tour of the Uros Floating Island. It was really interesting to see how the Uros people built the island using all natural products from the Earth. It takes the local Quechuan people about 12-15 months to build the island and they live on it for about 20-25 years! We then took a boat ride on a boat the local Quechuan people made by hand to the next Uros Island. I found it completely amazing how people use natural resources and live off of the basic needs! They just recently began using technology like lamps and cellphones. It's times like this that I thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to live the life I have.

Next we took a tour of the Taquille Island. This island is biggest and most developed island in Lake Titicaca. We watched the local Quechuan people dance and learned how they made their traditional clothes. I loved seeing how they knit the beautiful textiles! The total tour was roughly 3.5 hours. 

TIP: Dress warm because the temperatures in Puno are much colder! It was about 40 degrees farenheit in the middle of October.

TIP: Take sunscreen if you have sensitive skin. The sun on the island is very powerful! It gets really warm during the day.

TIP: Take your passport so you can get it stamped at Taquille Island for 1 sol! 

TIP: If you are prone to sea sickness, take motion sickness medication. The waves got pretty choppy a few times.

After our amazing tour, we arrived at Island Suasi where our hotel was located. We walked up the hill and I saw the gates of the hotel followed by a lovely stone building with colorful flowers and greenery surrounding the building. I couldn't believe that was the hotel! I had to pinch myself and just soak it all up. 

It's dead drop gorgeous!! The views are amazing and you can see many many miles of Lake Titicaca as well as other islands! The hotel was decorated perfectly, making you feel cozy and right at home. The hotel staff members were all really delightful and were available whenever we needed anything, even something as little as a hair dryer. 

The best part of staying at Isla Suasi Hotel is that the tour is provided for you! There is no need to plan other tours (which can get really confusing when traveling abroad). They also have tons of other activities such as walking up to the peak to watch the sunset, bird watching, kayaking, and spa treatments. 

Thank you so much for the amazing tour and stay Isla Suasi! I will never forget my time there! 

Day 11 October 11

Woke up with an amazing view! I had to pinch myself again just to make sure I wasn't dreaming. My hotel room looked out to Lake Titicaca.

We started the stay off with a delicious breakfast buffet- mini pancake, bacon, cereal, yogurt, coffee, omelet with spinach ham cheese onion mushroom. Yuuuummmmmmm

After breakfast, we went to explore the island a little. We laid outside in the hammocks and read magazines while soaking up the sun. It was amazing!! I've never felt more relaxed like I did on this island!!

The hotel package includes two 3 course meals and breakfast during your stay. Talk about a lot of food!!! I don't eat 3 course meals on a daily basis so this was something totally new to my body. For lunch we enjoyed, chicken noodle soup, salmon with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables, wine was also included. For dessert, I had custard. 

To work off all the food we just ate, we decided to go canoeing on Lake Titicaca. We couldn't avoid the bushes so we paddled our way through ( I wish I caught that on camera- it was a good laugh). Best part about vacations are moments like that, laughing so hard to the point you cry. 

After that we took a lovely walk up to the highest point of Island Isla Suasi to look at the sunset. It was a bit cloudy so we only caught a glimpse but it was still beautiful. On the way down we ran into a heard of cute alpacas! They even posed for us!

We relaxed in the lobby by the fire warming up after the walk. It felt so good to relax and do absolutely nothing but at the same time it felt a little weird. The hotel has such a relaxing vibe! I felt so calm and at ease the whole time. 

For dinner we had another 3 course meal! One thing about Isla Suasi Hotel is that you will not go hungry! The food is absolutely amazing and presented/ served so well! We started off dinner with tomato soup, main dish was penne pasta with tomato sauce, desert was the traditional fruit of Peru, the passion fruit. 

Day 12 October 12

Sad knowing this was our last day on the island, we relaxed in the hammocks again.  We had another amazing breakfast then took a boat back to Puno. The hotel gave us a paper bag lunch- so cute! 

Read more about Peru from my visit to Lima, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, and Cusco!

Photography by Ashley Gallerani

XOXO!

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was an incredible experience that I will NEVER forget!! I wanted to share my experience and share a ton of tips for anyone who is interested in going themselves one day!

Day 5 October 5

We arrived in the city of Machu Picchu/ Aguas Calientes after a wonderful ride on the Peru Rail. The views of the train ride were spectacular and ride was only a quick 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. We got roundtrip tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu that cost $135. When we got off the train it we went straight to our hotel- Gringo Bills. It was walkable distance and pretty easy to find since all of the hotels are in the same area. The local Peruvian people were very helpful as well and most seemed to know the hotel. The town is very small and is made for tourists- filled with restaurants that served American food and souvenir shops. 

After settling into the hotel, we decided to walk around the town and have dinner. We had an AMAZING dinner at Treehouse Cafe. I had the alpaca burger which was so good! It tasted like beef and turkey mix. The burger was layered with cheese, bacon, fried egg, arugula, and had the most delicious herb/ olive oil mixture to add for extra flavor!! My friend had ribs with a tangy orange flavored glaze which was equally delicious! 

TIP: Buy your bus ticket to take you up to Machu Picchu a day in advance to save a lot of time and hassle!! If you don't, you will have to wait in an incredibly long line the next day for buses. Place to buy tickets is right by the water by the bus station. It is a little wooden booth. Cost about $25 roundtrip.

We went to sleep quite early as we had to get up at 3:30am to get ready for Machu Picchu and the climb next day. 

Day 6 October 6 

Wake up call 3:30 AM. We got ready and packed our bags for Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu hike! I recommend packing the following items:

1. Granola Bar/ snacks

2. Water- at least 32-48 oz. I also recommend putting Cocoa leaves in the water to help with altitude sickness.

3. Cocoa leaves/ cocoa candy

4. Sunscreen- the sun can get very hot and powerful midday

5. Bug spray!

6. Sunglasses

7. Camera

8. Sweatshirt- I wore mine in the morning and by midday I was only wearing a tank top. The temperatures change so wear layers

9. TICKETS & Passport! This is your entry in so don't forget it!! Also, when you leave Machu Picchu, you can get your passport stamped!  

We arrived at the bus station (bus that takes us up to the entrance of Machu Picchu) around 4:30 AM. There was already a LONG line! About 150-200 people long. The ticket was actually for the 5:30AM bus (which is the first bus up). Close to departing time about 10 buses pulled up- we were able easily get in the first group up the mountain. It was a windy rocky road up but the view were amazing! 

We arrived at the entrance of Machu Picchu in about 30 minutes and went straight to use the bathroom. TIP: use the bathroom before entering because there is no bathroom inside! It costs 1 sol. 

We got tickets to climb mountain Waynapicchu (also spelled Huaynapicchu on the website) 7-8am entrance. TIP: Get tickets a couple months in advance as they only allow 400 people up Waynapicchu a day and tickets sell out fast! Also, have someone who speaks/ reads Spanish fluently with you when purchasing tickets online because the site runs much better in Spanish from my experience. Waynapicchu overlooks Machu Picchu (it is the very large mountain in the back in the picture below). It is a 1 hour climb up old Incan stone steps almost 1000 feet up. It sounds really tough but surprisingly is quite manageable. There were people of all ages doing this climb so don't feel defeated by reading the description. We were blown away by the natural beauty of Machu Picchu the minute we entered in. Everything is so green and fresh!! It felt so peaceful there in the morning when the mist was just lifting up and the sun was rising!

We followed the signs for Waynapicchu and also listened to other tourists going the same way.

Major Tips: I recommend doing the climb up Waynapicchu first before discovering the rest of Machu Picchu for several reasons: 

1: Save the energy you have to climb up Waynapicchu because you are climbing hundreds of rocky stairs 1000ft up!

2. The weather is much cooler in the morning so it will feel better. Trust me! We were making our down around 10am and we could already feel the change of heat, especially during the parts of the trek that weren't shaded by trees. 

3. It's not as busy in the morning and you won't have people climbing down the mountain while you are on your way up! 

4. Put on tons of bug spray before you start the climb

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We started at 7969.13 feet and climbed the mountain Waynapicchu up to the highest peak at 8788.16 feet! We made in up to the top in under an hour (54 minutes to be exact after a lot of heavy breathing and multiple stops along the way LOL). The feeling of accomplishment was unbelievable! I am not a big hiker but after this experience, I can totally understand why people love hiking!! We stayed up at the top for amount an hour just admiring the view, soaking it all up! I've never seen anything like this ever before and the pictures don't do this landmark justice. 

We went back down Waynapicchu (which only took us about 35 minutes) and went to the popular spot to look at the Machu Picchu ruins. Note that you need to fully exit the site and re-enter because of the way they have it set up. Don't forget to get your passport stamped!!

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After a day of climbing, we had great 3 course dinner at El Indio Feliz. I got  onion soup, fettuccine with mushrooms, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and other sauce Peruvian sauces. Last but not least, apple pie and ice cream for dessert. 

We were beat from the climb so we went back to the hotel and lights were out by 4pm.

Day 7 October 7

I woke up tired and sore but ready to take the day on!

We went to Aguas Calientes (hot springs) in the morning. TIP: go in the morning when there is fresh water. We arrived there around 5AM. Cost is about $5-6. Once we got over the greenish tinted mineral water, we really enjoyed soaking in the hot water. It's a great way to relax the sore muscles. 

We then went to the train station to exchange our tickets for an earlier train back to Ollantaytambo. We left Machu Picchu/ Aguas Calientes at 11AM. The city itself does not have much to do and the mosquitos ate me alive so I was ready to move on to the next city. I think 2 days in Machu Picchu is a good amount.

Off to explore Cusco! Stay tuned for the next post!

Read more about other cities I visited in Peru: Lima and Ollantaytambo

Photography by Ashley Gallerani

XOXO!

Adventures in Ollantaytambo

Day 3 October 3

After a couple days in Lima, I flew to Cusco making my way to Machu Picchu. I flew out from Lima International Airport in the early morning. I arrived to the airport about 1 hour in advance (recommended by the concierge at the hotel) since it was only a domestic flight. When I arrived the airport, it was a chaotic mess! The line to check in was at least 2 hours long. There were many flights leaving in the morning and the airport was really busy. Luckily, I let the airlines know my flight was leaving soon and was able to skip a majority of the line. I ran to the gate and somehow made the flight! TIP: From experience, I recommend getting to the airport at least 2 hours in advance so you won't be a complete mess like I was. 

One thing to be careful when traveling to Peru are the high altitudes. TIP: Work your way up to high altitude to prevent getting altitude sickness and get medication to help you adjust in advance. I was prescribed Acetazolamide by my doctor and it really helped me! I didn't have any trouble adjusting to the high altitude. Since my friend and I were jumping to such a high altitude, from Lima to Cusco, we decided to travel straight to Ollantaytambo. 

Lima- 348 feet

Cusco- 11,152 feet

Ollantaytambo- 9,160 feet

Machu Picchu- 7,972 feet

We took 2.5/3 hours taxi to Ollantaytambo from Cusco airport (cost $28 each). We took a taxi instead of a collectivo or bus because we had large suitcases. Even though it cost a little bit more than we had expected, the taxi ride was so amazing! Our driver gave us a tour through the Sacred Valley. First we stopped to look at two large mountains: Chicon and Mount Victoria. Then we drove a little more to Chinchero and went to Ticka Huerta to learn how the Peruvian people make textiles from alpacas and llamas! It was so fascinating to see how the yarn was spun and dyed all by natural elements like salt, lemon, and parasites on the cactus plant. I definitely recommend doing this if you are in Peru!! 

We arrived at Hotel Samanapaq around midday. The minute we entered the hotel, our jaws dropped! It was GORGEOUS! We stayed in a double standard room. The hotel room was clean, well lit, set to a comfortable temperature, and ready for us right when we checked in. The bathroom was a great size and taking a shower after traveling for hours felt amazing! 

There are several different hotel options, but this was one of the best hotels I stayed in Peru during my whole trip. Hotel Samanapaq was a resort in itself and felt like a getaway! It is also really close to the center area of Ollantaytambo where there are many restaurants, bars, and shops. 

Day 4 October 4

We had a big breakfast at hotel (all included) that was sooo good! The buffet was filled with eggs, potatoes with vegetables, croissants and other fresh bakes breads. homemade jam, ham and cheese, fresh fruit, and cereal. We also had cocoa tea which helped prevent altitude sickness. We took a tour around the hotel admiring all the beautiful plants and the green house. We relaxed on the hammocks just listening to the birds and looking at all the beautiful butterflies that were hovering over the flowers. That easily became my spot! I felt so relaxed and right at home.

Later in the day we took taxi to salt plains (Las Salineras) in Maras (cost $15 total). It was so amazing to see how salt is naturally made. The landscape of the salt plains were beautiful! The salt looked like little crystals when the sun was shining on it. This is a MUST SEE in Peru!

To get back to our hotel we took a public bus (cost 75 cents) and collectivo (mini bus- cost $1). Whenever I travel, I love to ride the country/ city's public transportation. 

One of the unique things about Ollantaytambo is that the streets and alleys that exist today were made from the Incan people in 15th Century!! They are not the easiest streets to walk on since they are made of stones and a little uneven but it was still really cool!!

After a long day of exploring the city, we decided to head over to the Plaza de Armas and have a cold Peruvian Cusquena beer with papas fritas (fries) while looking at the view of the mountains and Inca ruins. For dinner, we ended up eating pizza since it was one of the most popular items in every restaurant.

Day 5 October 5

We had an amazing breakfast at the hotel and hung out in hammocks before we had to leave our paradise hotel.

Later that afternoon we took the Peru Rail to Machu Picchu station in Aguas Calientes. TIP: Make sure you buy the ticket before hand online. You need to pick up tickets before entering the train. Only 1 carry on size luggage allowed per passenger. No big luggages!! However, they will store luggage for you free of charge. 

Off to Machu Picchu!!

Photography by Ashley Gallerani

XOXO!

All Things Lima, Peru

I recently came back from an amazing 2 week vacation from Peru and I wanted to personally share my journey with you! In the next couple of weeks, I'm going to share with you what cities I visited in Peru and everything you need to know about the city. First stop: LIMA!

I started my vacation in the capital of Peru: Lima. I landed in Lima International airport around 4pm. Flying into Lima is a very popular choice among people who travel to Peru. It is the main airport and the easiest way to begin the journey. At the airport, my friend Ashley and I were greeted by a nice gentleman holding up a sign with our name. We emailed our hotel in advance to schedule a taxi. I highly recommend doing this because getting a taxi at the airport is much more expensive and not always reliable. 

We stayed in Miraflores, which is a very cute district in Lima that has great food, shopping, and sights to see. It is the best area to stay in while visiting Lima because it is very safe and lively. The area was also really great because the best spots to visit are all in walking distance.

Day 1, we had an amazing breakfast at our hotel, Pucllana Lodge, and headed out to start our first day of vacation! We walked down to Parque Kennedy which is a hot central spot. There was a great pop up street market filled with local art, food, and rollerblading classes going on. It was great to see the local Peruvian life and feel the laid back hustle of the city. 

Casually walking, we ran into the CUTEST little alley named Calle Manuel Bonilla filled with great restaurants and bars. The street was filled with colorful buildings and street art (which you know I love)! 

Exploring the city more, we decide to sit and have a mid-day coffee. Yup we actually sat down to have coffee! That's something that is very rare in my everyday NYC life. We had a delicious cappuccino and latte at the News Cafe Coffee Shop located on the main street Avenue Larco. It was the perfect sunny day to people watch and the view from the patio was perfect for just that.

My favorite thing about vacations are the unexpected plans I make as I'm exploring a new place, this coffee stop was just that. It was great to sit and literally do nothing, something we all don't do enough of. 

After a relaxing drink, which perked us right up, we walked down to Larcomar which is a big outdoor shopping center right by the water. The view of the water is stunning from here! The shopping center is filled with great stores and restaurants. Then we walked down to the beach to feel the Pacific Ocean on our toes and listened to the soft ocean waves. I highly recommend talking a stroll down to the water and Larcomar because the scenery is beautiful. We even walked/climbed on the rocks by the water (very hard but the locals made it look like a piece of cake). Thanks to these amazing CAT booties with the best grip, I didn't slip! 

After climbing back up a million stairs, we went to the Park of Love right by the water. The walls were made of tile artwork that had romantic phrases. The view of the sunset was amazing from this park!

After walking all day long, we were starving! We went back to Larcomar and had amazing dinner at Tanta. I had the Lomo Saltado which a a famous Peruvian dish- marinated steak, vegetables and fried potatoes served over rice. YUMMY!!

The very end of our trip, we spent another day in Lima before heading back to the states. This day we explored another district in Lima called Barranco. It is known to be the "Soho" of Lima. After visiting, I don't know if I fully agree with that statement, but it was a cute colorful area. Barranco was more residential but again the views were gorgeous. I loved all the colorful houses which had such character!

To end a long day of walking, we headed back to our favorite area in Miraflores (Parque Kennedy) and went to a bar called Nuevo Mundo Draft Bar. This bar is known for their locally crafted Peruvian brews. We tried 6 different beers and learned how they were made. The bartenders were extremely nice and answered all our our 100 questions. It was an amazing way to spend the last night of my vacation.

Sweater: H&M

Jeans: Calvin Klein. Similar here

Leather Jacket: H&M

Scarf: H&M. Similar here

Boots: CAT Footwear

Photography by Ashley Gallerani

XOXO!

Governors Ball NYC Music Festival 2016 Recap

Earlier this June (June 3rd and 4th), I had one of the best weekends ever! I went to Governors Ball music festival with a few friends- listened to amazing live music, danced my butt off, and ate delicious food.

Here is what I learned and maybe can help out future Gov Ball goers:

• Gov Ball is incredibly organized and send you helpful emails leading up to the concert days and throughout the whole festival
• You get a wristband in the mail a few weeks prior to the festival- this is your entry into the festival
• The Gov Ball app was super helpful! You could make your own lineup and it gave you alerts to remind you about the upcoming performance
• Phone service sucked! I think it was because of the amount of people there. Not sure, but posting on social media or even texting was a pain.
• Definitely take a portable phone charger!!!
• Things to take:
  • Sunscreen
  • Empty water bottle- free water inside the festival
  • Portable phone charger
  • Tylenol or other pain relief and band aids- never know if you'll get a headache or hurt yourself.
  • Deodorant or body spray- you'll be dancing, and sweating. No body wants to smell that
  • Cross body bag or backpack. Somehow things add up and you need the space
  • Light jacket. At night, the temperatures dropped. It was also nice to have when I got soaked
  • Umbrella or poncho. Mother nature can be a bit moody and just decide to downpour 
• Governors Ball was really great about compensation for the third day being cancelled. So do not worry about getting ripped off
• For more info go here

See some festival inspired posts here

All Things Miami

I just came back from an amazing trip to Miami, Florida! 

Miami is known for its big party scene and it definitely delivers! 

Sleep:

The best place to stay is off of Collins Avenue in Miami beach. The beach is literally your back yard. Collins avenue is filled with hotels, stores, and restaurants so you don't need to go too far to get food or shop. 

See:

Wynwood Art district. It's gorgeous and filled with so much color. This area is perfect for taking pictures. It's a bloggers dream! It's also totally free! There are tons of good restaurants too. Perfect day to grab a bite to eat and see art. 

South Beach Miami. The party goes on all day here.  

Eat: 

Seafood! Every place I went to eat had a great selection of seafood. Cuban food is very popular in Miami. I went to Sazon Cuban Cuisine. I ordered palomilla steak stuffed with cassava pork rinds it was amazing!! The portions are huge here and 

Gianni's at the Versace mansion was incredible as well. Make sure you make a reservation in advance. My friends and I were treated like VIP the whole night which was amazing!! We were seated in a separate room that was super cozy with beautiful curtains and pillows. I ordered an amazing cocktail- perfect amount of liquor. For the main course I ordered POLLO ALLA PIASTRA 

Pack: 

Take sunscreen and tanning lotion. Miami is perfect for laying out all day! Plus tons of bathing suits! 

Party outfits! The night life fashion there is crazy. Less is more and a little goes a long way. Show off that gorgeous tan you got! 

Bathing suit from GoJane. Similar here

14 Packing Tips

I've been traveling since I was 11 months old and weirdly enough I love to pack for vacations. Over the years, I've learned a few things that I'm going to share with you. 

1. Never wait till the last minute. The chances of forgetting something is very high

2. Make an on going list on you phone when you remember something like those special pair of earrings that will go with a certain dress you're dying to wear

3. Pack the basics like your favorite white tshirt, little black dress, comfortable walking shoes, and a great pair of pants. 

4. Wear your heaviest clothes so you can fit more in your luggage while staying under the weight requirement. Things like jeans, coats, sweatshirts, and sneakers are the heaviest

5. Plan outfits by days or events. These outfits don't need to be set indefinitely but it's good to have an idea of what you want to wear. 

6. Pack more than enough underwear/ undergarments. Who knows if you'll get a chance to get them washed so plan ahead. 

7. Buy traveling containers so you can travel with you favorite beauty products. Most traveling containers are made to size requirements where as original packaging on your favorite face lotion might be a few ounces over weight to fit into your carry on

8. Don't forget the bug spray, sunblock, umbrella, or second coat depending on where you're going to vacation. These little things go a long way. It's also great when you don't have to pay double or even triple the prices in a foreign place. 

9. This goes back to tip 5. When creating outfits to wear.  Make sure that piece of clothing can be worn with multiple other things. 

10. Pack a few extra plastic bags. This is great for putting dirty laundry in, a way to cover up a bag on a rainy day, nausea, wet clothes, shoes, etc. 

11. Roll don't fold. Rolling up your clothes takes up much less room than folding does. 

12. Write a name tag with your address on the luggage just in case it gets lost. Also keep the check in barcode with you until you pick up your luggage. Taking a picture of your suitcase can also come in handy 

13. Put jewelry or any breakable items in the center of the suitcase and wrap it with clothes

14. If your traveling during a rainy or winter months there's a chance of water leaking into your bag. I sometimes put a large plastic sheet inside the suitcase before I start putting other items in. 

Hong Kong

Last November I traveled to the beautiful city of Hong Kong. This was my first time visiting Hong Kong and it was absolutely amazing!! Planning a trip to a foreign country can be very hard (especially if you don't speak the language) so heres a list of tips, places to visit and food to eat in Hong Kong:

Morning: 

Victoria Peak: take the tram or the bus to the highest point of Hong Kong and see the full view. It's best to go in the morning before the lines get really long and it gets too crowded. 

Hong Kong Times Square- Causeway Bay-Bright lights and lots of stores! the streets are really cool to walk through. There are many high end stores and the largest mall in Hong Kong.

The Star Ferry- Hong Kong consists of a few islands so taking the Ferry is a must to getting from one island to another. It's a short but enjoyable ride. 

Evening to Night:

Tsim Sha Tsui- The promenade at night is gorgeous! I've never seen a more colorful skyline. The view is amazing and the architecture is really unique. No two buildings look alike. There is also a light show every night. The light show was okay, didn't really live up to the hype, but the skyline is definitely worth checking out

There is a main street off of the Tsim Sha Tsui station, Nathan Road, where there are tons of high-end stores. Everything from diamonds to souvenirs! There are also lots of great places to eat.

Soho District: It's the more trendy and young area. Lots of nice bars and full of life in this area.

Ladies Market- on Tung Choi Street this market has tons of little stores where everything from bags, sunglasses, socks, are sold. Lots of people, hectic, but a fun experience

Eat:

Dim sum- Hong Kong is known for amazing dim sum. I went to Serenade Chinese Restaurant and they had a huge selection to choose from. This is located right on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade so there's a gorgeous view to look at while enjoying good food. Pork buns were my favorite!

Chinese Barbecue- perfect for meat lovers! Definitely have to have this while in Hong Kong. Barbecue pork is a popular favorite.

Ramen- another must eat is a big bowl of delicious ramen. There are many variations that you can choose from. 

Here are a few tips I learned:

1. Have the hotel you are staying in write the address of the hotel in Chinese so you can give the taxi driver this. I didn't do this and was dropped off at another hotel...oops 

2. The public transportation system is amazing! It's unbelievably efficient and clean! There is an all day unlimited pass that is great if you will be doing a lot of traveling. However, this is only valid for the trains. Also, if buying a single way or roundtrip ticket, you buy the ticket by what stop you are traveling to.

3. Carry a handkerchief because it can get really hot and you will be sweaty!

4. Tea is water there. It naturally comes with your meal. But if you want water, make sure to get bottled water.