We heart New York!

New York, New York. The city that never sleeps. The Big Apple. The Fashion Capital. Ahhh. So many reasons to love New York. From the amazingly delicious pizza to the fabulous Broadway Shows- if you haven't been--you are missing out!

Set Up

This is important for planning your trip to NYC. There are 5 boroughs-each unique in their own way. There is: Manhattan (where the action is), The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn (personal fave!), and Staten Island. Depending on your purpose that should lead in your decision on where you chose to stay in NYC. If you are looking to experience the lights, tourist attractions and shows stay in Manhattan. Manhattan is HUGE. There is an abundance of areas to chose to stay in, but it's easy to visit them all if you take the subway. If you are looking for a more artsy, eclectic area, Brooklyn has become a personal fave! It is not a far commute to Manhattan (can be done via Subways, Uber or taxi). 

What ever would you do in The Big Apple?

Catch a Broadway Play on Broadway! 

There are unlimited possibilities when it comes to what to do in NYC! There is truly something for everyone: the fashionista, foodie, socialite & history buff. Here are some things we did while in NYC:

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge! 

If you love southern food-head to Southern Comfort in Brooklyn! 

These are just some of the pics from the trips! You can visit:

*Madame Toussaud's

*Time Square to see the lights. There is also awesome pizza right off of Times Square visit Patzeria Perfect Pizza! Yum!

* Statue of Liberty

*SoHo for Shopping

*Harlem for great Soul Food

*Grand Central Station

*Empire State Building

and the list goes on......

When to visit NYC?

Anytime!! Having been in both December and May--going in December was just amazing! If you can stand the cold weather pack warm clothes and a coat and book your trip! We went in mid-December (before Christmas) and the city was just beautiful. Seeing the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center was a treat! Be warned- there was a high influx of travelers (guessing more than usual) due to the holidays. When visited in May- it was a pretty rainy trip and nights were still cool. So pack a light jacket and umbrella. But research shows the Spring time is probably the best time weather wise.

New York is definitely a place to visit more than once- each time you go, you are sure to find some new and exciting place to eat or shop! What are your favorite things to do in NYC?

Beach Vacation!

With summer quickly approaching, and some areas still experiencing winter like weather we all have one thing on our minds: Beach!! This Wanderlust Wednesday we have a treat for you: some of the top beaches in the US (and some of our favorites) along with what to pack for your ultimate beach vacation!

Best Beaches  

1. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, Fl

It's no secret- Florida has some of  THE best beaches. By going to school in Florida and having one of our members from a beach town in Central Fl, we have had the chance to experience some of the best. Clearwater Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico right outside of Tampa. This pristine beach is known to be extremely family friendly and offers a more tranquil vibe for those looking to relax. 

 

2. Outer Banks, NC 

Photo Credit: Hilton Inn Outer Banks

Simply amazing is how some people describe the Outer Banks. Turns out if you are further north on the East Coast you don't have to trek down to South Florida-you have paradise in the Outer Banks. The outer banks is made up of several islands like Hatteras Island and Bodie Island. If you want a peaceful and serene vacation or maybe even a "Baecation" the Outer Banks needs to be on your list. There are ample Beach Rentals and Hotel Accommodations, making it easy to plan an extra long stay.

 

3. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Photo Credit: vitz.com

Planning a trip to Oahu, Hawaii any time soon? Of course you are! Then you want to add visiting Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve to your itinerary! Fun for all ages, vacationers get to interact with various forms of marine life through snorkeling as well as take in the gorgeous views and warmth from the sun.

 

4. Destin, Fl

 Located in the Florida Panhandle along the Gulf of Mexico, Destin or "Emerald Coast" has so many factors that make is such a great beach location: 1) super soft white sand 2) Emerald hued water 3) plentiful resorts! Let's not forget the excellent shopping at the Silver Sands Premium Outlet Mall!

 

 5. Miami Beach, Fl 

 

We told you Florida has some of the best beaches! Our list wouldn't be the best if we didn't include Miami Beach, Fl. Known as paradise for Spring Breakers and Party Goers, if done right you can experience a less upbeat version of South Beach. While you're here, try parasailing and jet skiing-and don't forget to bring money to rent an umbrella. Miami heat can be brutal during peak seasons.

 

So now that you have an idea of what beaches you can check out this summer, what will you pack?

JSD's Beach Essentials
 

 Well, there you have it! Some of the best beaches along with our Beach Essentials. What are some of you beach essentials?

 

 

-JSD

JSD's Bucket List!

The best thing about having friends who love to travel is it just one of the many things that unites us! No we are not all the same, but when it comes to travel it's easy to agree or find common interest. So it was a pretty fun task when we decided to come up with our bucket list of places we would like to visit!

Joy

Thailand

"The photos I've seen of Thailand just take my breath away! Every traveler has had an amazing experience. Just to experience the culture, lifestyle and interact with locals would make this a good trip I'm sure!"

Activity- Sailing around Phuket or going to Chiang Mai for Lantern Festival

 

Rekia

Iceland

"With Iceland, you get good scenery making for gorgeous photos and the famous Blue Lagoon! To be able to just relax and enjoy my surroundings sounds like paradise."

Activity- In water Massage at the Blue Lagoon

 

Tiffanie

Philippines

"When I was in college, I had a coworker who was from the Philippines. She talked about how beautiful it was and it's plentiful beaches. Ever since, the Philippines has been on my list---history, culture, and of course beaches!"

Activity- Snorkeling at Boracay Beach

 

Vanessa

Bali

"Life can get hectic sometimes; that's when you need a good place to just unwind and relax. Bali is on my list because it would be the perfect retreat from everyday stresses!"

Activity- Boutique Shopping and Visiting Local Museums

 

 

Some other places on our list

*Cuba

*Amsterdam

*Morocco

*Hong Kong

*New Zealand

 

What are some top destinations that are on your bucket list? Do you have any tips on travel to the above destinations? We'd love to hear from you!

 

 

-JSD

 

Follow Me Back Wednesday!

Everybody is into blogging these days! Some are new to it and some are old to it. But no matter what you blog about--you need followers!Let's support one another and the spread the word about your blog or a great blog you are following! Send us the link by email (jetsettingdivas@yahoo.com) or leave it in a comment below! We'll post the links under this post to help the blogs get more followers! Spread the word!

Check out these blogs:

1. http://andyjonesx.blogspot.com/

2. http://talesofatravelingtexan.blogspot.com/

3. http://sweetsugarcookies.blogspot.com/

4. http://www.thetsaritsasez.com/

5. www.philmin9.blogspot.com

6. http://colormeneurotic.blogspot.com

7. http://misadventuresm.blogspot.com

8. www.wittytitlehere.com

9. http://www.ourloveneverfails.com/

10. http://chunkyknubbynavel.blogspot.com/

11. http://www.moxie-chick.blogspot.com/

12. http://taintedsaints.blogspot.com/

13. http://t-h-i-n-g-s-i-l-o-v-e.blogspot.com/

14. http://www.mytravelrambling.blogspot.com

15. http://ilovekits.blogspot.com

Happy Blogging!