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

Solo Travel: Yay or Nay?

If you love travel, then you probably surround yourself with people who love it as well. If this is the case, you've probably been told how much fun Solo Travel can be. People say it's liberating; some say it's a must for every nomad. If you are on the fence about Solo Travel, read on to see why it may be an inevitable but enjoyable experience!

You get to vacay on YOUR time

You get to vacay according to your own rules! You may want to sleep late, and tour the city after breakfast and yoga by the beach. Or perhaps you want to spend the day wandering throughout museums, or reading french books on the sidewalk in Paris. Whatever you want to do, you can. 

You will find the world is not as scary as people make it

Traveling along forces you to meet new people and potentially make new friends. Through this experience you will find that people all over the world can be genuinely nice! Having experienced talking with a native in a foreign country will allow you to make your own educated judgement on the people of the world. You may even leave feeling more connected to a place than before, if you engage with locals.

Yes, it is liberating

There is nothing more liberating than doing something major on your own with no help! Like the first time you rode your bike without training wheels or swam without a life jacket, solo travel is the first time you will ever conquer the world (or your own backyard :)) by yourself! Imagine how liberating and empowering that would feel. Coming back from a summer in Europe by yourself- you basically could tackle anything after that!

So now that you have 3 solid reasons as to why you should venture into Solo Travel, here are some helpful tips:

1. Stay Connected- With smartphones and a ton of apps, it's easy to stay in touch with loved ones and friends while abroad. Download apps like Snapchat, Whatsapp, Periscope to chat and share videos in realtime. This way you won't feel totally alone.

2. Meetups- You won't be the only one traveling solo! While you're away, search for meetup groups (e.g. meetup.com) to see if there is a gathering for people visiting the town.

3. Talk to the locals. If you are in the coffee shop or at a restaurant, ask the waiter/waitress the best places to meet new people, people watch etc. Or ask them their favorite thing to do in town. This will make it feel like home away from home instead of you being an outsider in a foreign land.

4. Try solo in your own country first. If you have never done solo travel within your own country first, try taking a solo trip to the neighboring town or visit a different coast if you're feeling spontaneous! Test the waters before you go head first into international solo travel.

So, how about adding Solo Travel to that ever growing bucket list?!

-JSD

March Madness Giveaway

♥In honor of March Madness, we Divas want to have a fun competition of our own!♥

We have an awesome giveaway for you all from CSN Promotions for a $25 gift code giveaway to any CSN store. CSN is a great website that has everything from great luggage for an upcoming summer vacation or an L Shaped Desk for your new home.

The giveaway to simple to enter:

1. Friend us on Twitter and Re-Tweet the message: Check out the Jet-Setting Divas March Madness Giveaway http://www.JetSettingDivas.blogspot.com

2. Follow our blog and leave on a comment on this post

3. Become a fan of our Facebook page.

♥The contest ends March 20th at 7PM! ♥

Good luck to you and your team!