Top 5 List: U.S. Cities

Every year, people all over search for the perfect vacation spot-whether its during the holiday, hot summers, or cold winters. People ♥ to travel! So having been to many places, we've made it easy for first time travelers as well as travelers looking for a change of scenery. The Top 5 Cities to Jet-Set To is your one stop guide to the best cities where you can get a bang for your buck!

5. CHICAGO

♥Also known as the "Windy City", Chicago would be the perfect getaway for any ocassion or age group! ♥

♥The Sears Tower which is the tallest building in the U.S. gives you one of the best views of the city. Tour is $15 for Adults and $11 for kids. The line maybe long-but it moves fast! It's worth the wait.
♥The Shedd Aquarium-a large attraction! This aquarium is like no other and will definitely keep your tiny ones entertained!
♥If you're going during the summer months-don't worry its not blazing hot! It's the windy city so take advantage of the summer breezes and avoid frosty winters.
♥Magnificent Mile- For all you shoppers, Miracle Mile is like paradise! Store upon Stores the shopping never ends-no wonder they call it a Miracle!
♥Hotels: Try to stay close to Miracle Mile-that's where most of the shops/restaurants/ and various attractions are located.
♥DON'T Leave Until you try the Deep-Dish Pizzas
♥Try to attend the Taste of Chicago, at the end of June -4th of July weekend, where there's good music, good food and a good time. Its free admission to the event, but food and drinks are not free.

4. WASHINGTON D.C.

♥The nation's capital-a beautiful place to see whether its sunny or snowing!♥

♥Known for its rich history, make sure to visit the Smithsonians! Whether you're interested in the arts, aircraft history or natural science, each museum has something special to offer.
♥If you're planning a trip during the winter months, go ICE SKATING at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Prices are $6 dollars for children and $7 for adults. Plus a $3 skate rental. Cheap and Fun!
♥To take care of your shopping and eating needs, visit Union Station, located in the heart of downtown on Massachusetts Ave.
♥Visit the national monuments like the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and Capital Hill. Everyone should get a glimpse of history!
♥DO CARRY LOTS OF CASH! The cabs out there are relatively expensive. If you don't want to catch a cab, you can always catch the Metro.
♥For serious shoppers, visit the Georgetown Area for outdoor shops, boutiques and diners.

3. MIAMI

Do you ♥ fun in the SUN? Visit Miami, FL!

♥Miami has a lot to offer besides a great nightlife! Check out the International Ballet Festival of Miami, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week-Swim Edition, Miami Carnival or Miami Fashion Fest . All events are annual-so if you've already missed them, catch them next year!
♥Take part in different beach activities-jet-skiing, parasailing, or take a day cruise to the Bahamas! Your on vacation so don't limit yourself!
♥Since Miami is a mixture of different cultures, you can try different foods without leaving the country! Try Cuban Cuisine or a Jamaican Dish. Be Daring in the city that sizzles!
♥DO carry sunscreen/sunblock. You might be on vacation but your skin is not!
♥DO bring extra BIKINIS/TRUNKS! You'll want to live on the beach!
♥Take a tour-see things you wouldn't normally see if you were partying or on the beach.

2. LAS VEGAS

♥Is Las Vegas the city that never sleeps? Visit and find out!♥

♥Las Vegas is known for its infamous strip, and believe us its HUGE! There are a lot of things to see and do, day and night---so no wonder you get no sleep!
♥Visit the hotels-yea you may think for what? But, each hotel has something different to offer- visit New York New York and ride a rollercoaster that soars over a faux NYC skyline or go to the top of a scaled down version of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.
♥Check out the buffets. The top two are the ones at Mandalay Bay and Bellagio.
♥Ladies if you're feeling daring (as you should!) take pole dancing classes at Stripper 101. A fun way to get a mini workout in & get souvenirs!
♥To get away from life on the strip, visit Fremont Street downtown to leave with another outlook on Vegas
♥DO carry lost of cash if you plan on gambling!
♥REMEMBER: What happens in Vegas, STAYS in Vegas! So have fun...we won't tell!

1. NEW YORK

♥The city where dreams come true-no wonder it's number one on our list♥

♥NYC is a must-see, and should be at the top of any travelers list!
♥Outside of being known for its incredible fashion and fast-paced life, New York has major attractions like the lovely Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building , or The Bronx Zoo. Take in all NYC has to offer.
♥Visit Ripley's Believe it or Not at Times Square and Madison Square Garden. Bring a camera to capture cool photos!
♥If you're visiting during the summer months, catch a concert on the Today show.
♥SHOP! NYC is known for its trendy citizens, so grab nice garments to bring back an show off. Visit Grand Central Station or Madison Ave to grab items you'll only find in New York!
♥DO try the Cheesecake and a nice slice of New York Pizza. You'll thank us later.
♥Catch a Broadway Show. Tickets may be pricy but hey you only live once...and its NYC.

South Beach- Take On Miami

What is the most sought after location in the southern states? South Beach Miami, Fl! Whether you're just looking for some fun in the sun, a local festival, or nightlife that will blow you away-South Beach has it all!


What to Do:
-Depending on when you're heading to the Sunshine State, there are plenty of happenings going on in and around South Beach. Here's what the Divas and I checked out while there:





*Rent scooters! This is the best and easiest way to site see around the area, without having to put off too much energy. Just about any car rental site along Collins Avenue in South Beach allow you to rent these out. Cute, affordable, and Fun!

*Check out the beaches! This is a must-see. Besides South Beach, there are also beaches along hotels located in North Miami Beach, which is about a 10 min bus/car drive away from South Beach. You can always find a good crowd of people at the beach. Just mingle and have fun!



*Experience the Nightlife. South Beach has a lot to offer when it comes to nightlife- Mansion, Bed, Dream, Cameo and the list goes on! Check out Mansion if you want the more grown and upscale vibe! Also, if you're into bars, there are plenty of bars up and down Ocean Dr, Collins Ave, Lincoln Ave and Washington Ave. These are South Beach busiest streets, especially at night!



-Where to Stay:

If you want to be close to South Beach and all it has to offer, but without the high hotel cost, opt for more budget friendly areas: Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami, North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles. The Divas and I stayed at hotel in North Miami Beach which was not far from South Beach and within our budget range. Remember: BUDGET!

-What else to see?

The best thing about Miami is there are always events going on. Check out:

-Miami Film Festival (usually year round)

-Shop! (Check out chic-boutiques on Collins and Washington Ave, and Bal Harbour Shops located in North Miami Beach)

-Miami City Ballet (If you're into the Arts!)

-Dine!( Enjoy tasty treats after a night out at an outdoor cafe)

DO's and DONT's

-Some quick do's and dont's to make your travels better:

DO: Use public transportation as a means to get around. Its cheap and easy!

DONT: Fall for tricks by locals trying to scam you out of your money! BE SMART when it comes to your money

DO: Make sure you're 21 and up when you go! It's hard to get into the best clubs if you're underage

DO: Ask the hotel reps about any extra fees that can occur while you're there. Some will charge extra for parking, resort fees, extra occupants, etc.

DONT: Forget to look cute when all else fails!

Travel Like a Diva: Luggage Edition

When traveling. luggage is a necessary essential; you'll want something durable and easy to handle while navigating those busy airports, but who says you can't travel in style. Check out the options below to ensure you look like a true Jet Set Diva while on the go!

BRITTO by HEYS USA $2,120.00

American Flyer $199.95

International Traveller $404.95

Prodigy $179.99

What's your favorite brand of luggage? Share with us how you travel in style!

New Orleans Baby!

♥Looking for a good time, good music and GREAT FOOD? Well travel south to New Orleans, La and Laissez les Bontemps Roule! (Let the Good Times Roll)

New Orleans, has a lot of unique things to offer besides food, music and Bourbon St. It's filled with rich culture and many myths! If you're into hauntings and paranormal stuff visit during Halloween and we guarantee it'll be a Halloween you won't forget! -Go on a Haunted French Quarter Tour to make your hair really stand on its ends!

-Get your palms read by a psyhic

-The country is currently crazy about vampires, so you get your vampire fix by going on a
Vampire tour!

-Get dressed up and head down to bourbon street for a night of tricks and treats.

-Go to a voodoo shop. Why travel down south and not a get voodoo doll souvenir?

-Last but certainly not least, visit the cemeteries. There are a lot of cemeteries that many believed are haunted. Don't believe us? TRAVEL CHANNEL ranked New Orleans #5 as the World's Creepiest Destinations!

If paranormal activity is not you're thing, it's quite alright! There are other happenings like Mardi Gras, Essence Music Festival, Jazz & Heritage Festival plus much more!



-Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday usually begins in late January & last until late Feb or early March. 2-3 months of non-stop partying! Giant floats decorated elaborately with cartoon characters and lights a parade during Mardi Gras will definitely be the highlight of your trip! Don't forget to say "Throw me something mister!"



- Jazz & Heritage Festival annually held the last 2 weekends in April and 1st weekend in May will let you see New Orleans in a different light. Great artist headline the

weekends, vendors are out selling souvenirs; ranging from fluer de lis to unique art, this festival is one you definitely don't want to miss! While there get your hands on some crawfish-seafood that is New Orleans is known for. Don't be afraid; they don't bite!



-Essence Music Festival held every year during the 4th of July Weekend is the talk of the town year round! With artist like Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Chris Brown, Janet Jackson etc, no wonder tourist from near and far travel to the Big Easy! TIP: book your hotels well in advance and purchase concert tickets in advance too! You'll get a better deal.

-If you don't want to visit during some of the busiest times for the city, visit just about any weekend of the year and you will enjoy what the city has to offer.

♥ TIPS♥

-Stay in the French Quarter Area, or Downtown on Canal St, Poydras Ave, St. Charles Ave or Gravier St.

-Pack an umbrella-it can rain unexpectedly

-If you're driving or renting a car, parking downtown can be hard. So bring change for meters or catch a cab

-Wear comfortable shows when going on Bourbon St. You want to be able to party until the bars close down!

DO'S AND DON'TS:

-DO go on BOURBON ST! Located off of Canal St, this is the tourist spot people cannot wait to see.

-DO try the Infamous Handgrenades! This tropical flavored drink will ensure you'll have a good time. Stop by the Tropical Isle bar on Bourbon St to enjoy this tasty drink.

-DON'T travel anywhere at night by yourself. Be aware of your surroundings.
-DO try food authentic to the city: Seafood Gumbo, Oysters, Shrimp, Praline Pecan Candies and the list goes on
-DON'T forget to ride the street car
-DO go on Frenchman St if the Bourbon St crowd is too much for you to handle!
-DON'T forget to stop at the FRENCH MARKET before you leave!

This past weekend, to celebrate the Memorial Weekend holiday we warmed up in beautiful Puerto Rico for a weekend getaway filled with adventure and fun!

Destination: San Juan, Puerto Rico

What to Do:

-Eat at J Taste a Japanese infusion restaurant, with a Hibachi grill

-Eat at Sofia's Kitchen in Old San Juan for an authentic Italian dinner. We ate here to celebrate Tiffanie's Birthday.

-Avoid the Ocean Front Hacienda Resaturant at all costs! We thought we could get an authentic meal, but the service was terrible, the waitress didn't understand any English, and the food was sub-par

-El Yunque Rainforest Tour Admire the waterfalls, nature, and the pure beauty of this rainforest. A must see! We utilized a tour guide, but it's not necessary.

-Tour the Forts. For those of you looking to learn some history as well as culture of Puerto Rico, be sure to visit the Colombus Forts.

-Spend a day shopping in Old San Juan. Old San Juan has a plethora of unique shops. Drop in to the Haitian Art Gallery which has African and Latin influenced jewelry and artwork. Check out the cute necklace Tiffanie picked up from there! And for those who love a good sale like us, check out the outlets--we spent too much time in the Coach outlet, but they were having a sale, so can you blame us?!

-Relax at the beach or poolside. Unfortunately for us, it was a rainy week in PR, so we didn't get to take advantage of the beach and pool as much as we would have liked to

-Nightlife is a plenty in Puerto Rico. Check out Senor Frogs and Brava for a fun night out. Since it was Memorial Day weekend, there were parties everywhere. We went to Lisa-Raye's All White Party.

What to See:

-The Bacardi Factory If you're a Bacardi fanatic or even if you're not, this tour is interesting to learn about the history of how Bacardi came about. And if all else fails, you can enjoy your complimentary mixed drink!

Where to Stay:

-Choose a hotel located on the beachfront, that way you'll have a great view and won't be too far from the beach

-Condado, Isla Verde, and Old San Juan are the major tourist areas to stay in

-We chose the Conrad at Condado and it was a great choice (clean, great location, restaurants inside and within walking distance)

Extra Tips

-Do your research! There is no need to pay for a tour to Bacardi Tour or the Christopher Columbus Forts. The Bacardi Tour is completely FREE and entry into the Forts is only $3.00.

-If you have a big group it is best to travel by taxi. Most taxis have a set rate and will allow you to split the cost between the group.

-You don't need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico and it is highly Americanized, so you will not have a problem communicating or getting around town.

Viva Las Vegas

To ring in the New Year, the Divas and I packed our bags and headed to the city that truly never sleeps- Las Vegas! What better way to spend the holiday than with your girlfriends in a city that has it all!

Destination: Las Vegas, Nevada

What to Do

-Eat at Serendipity 3. Split their Fried Oreo Sundae with your girls and for those with more expensive taste you can splurge on their $25,000-yes, you read that right!- dessert

-Nightlife is never-ending in Vegas. Our favorite venue was Tao which had an Asian-inspired theme. Also, check out XS and LAX

The outdoor view of XS.

We even rang in the New Year with Ne-Yo at XS.

-Visit each of the hotels for shopping, different restaurants, and shows

-Coca-Cola Store to try out the different sodas from around the world. Some are surprisingly good!

-Chill out at the Minus 5 Ice Bar for a different bar experience

-Visit the Fashion Show Mall to shop til you drop!

-Eat at Dick's Last resort for good food served with an attitude

-Try Fat Burger to satisfy those late night cravings

What to See

-Lion King on Broadway- This is a must see if you grew up on Disney movies like me!

-Shows Vegas is known for their shows and many of them are free. Check out Caesar's Palace, Treasure Island's Pirate Show and the Volcano Eruption at... (outside the hotel where Club Jet is at??)

Where to Stay

Location is key! Try to pick a hotel close to the middle of the strip. The strip is almost 4 miles long and we stayed at the Luxor at the very end of the strip--it took forever to walk to all the attractions we really wanted to see. Try hotels like Planet Hollywood, the Paris, Venetian or New York New York.

Extra Tips

-Bring comfy shoes if you don't plan on taking a taxi to the club

-Ladies dont pay to get into the club! You will meet promoters who are willing to get you into the above mentioned clubs for free and possibly VIP access. If someone approaches you and asks you to pay any amount of money, do not! They are probably trying to scam you!

-If you are planning on partying on a major holiday like New Year's Eve, plan on getting your tickets in advance.