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

Wanderlust Wednesday: Malawi

My my do we have a treat for you- today's Wanderlust Wednesday takes us to Malawi!

Malawi

Landlocked in southeastern Africa, Malawi is home to some of the best natural wonders including Mount Mulanje and Nyika Plateau. If you want to get lost in wildlife and culture, pursue a mission trip-enjoy a romantic adventure with a loved one, Malawi is just for you!

Where to stay?

It wouldn't be right if we went to Malawi, and did not stay at one of their top resorts! Since opening in 2000, Kaya Mawa, has received several notable awards. From the top 10 Most Romantic Places in the Word to the 3rd Best Beach Property in Africa (2013), Kaya Mawa has a lot of appeal to attract any traveler. You can partake in water activities, enjoy beautiful views, spend a day at the spa or relax on the beach. And the food? Well if you're a foodie, there is something for you too- freshly prepared food that is sure to soothe the soul! It is no wonder this resort has received so many awards!

What should we see?

Glad you asked! As mentioned before, Malawi is known for it's beautiful landscape and wildlife! While you are there, get beautiful pictures of Mount Mulanje. Towering at almost 3,000 meters, it is the highest mountain in central Africa. Get your cameras ready!

Next stop is Nyika Plateau National Park! This is Malawi's largest park. It also has one of the highest densities of leopards in central Africa! You can explore Nyika with conventional 4x4 excursions.

Last but certainly not least, is Lake Malawi. Also known as "Lake of Stars", this is one of the largest lakes in the world. This picture above doesn't do it any justice!

What are some other activities?

Just like any other place where this water, beach and wildlife, you can enjoy other activities like Safaris (try Vwaza Wildlife Reserve), snorkeling, water skiing, boat trips etc. If you are into culture, get into the arts! There are plenty of music, dance and theatre shows to see. Or if you want to travel with a purpose like JSD's Joy, you can always visit Malawi for a mission trip!

JSD's Joy in Malawi September 2015

Malawi truly has something for everyone! Well, we hope you have enjoyed this edition of Wanderlust Wednesday!

Photo credit for Kaya Mawa- official website.

Wanderlust Wednesday! Festival Edition

Spring is finally in session and that usually means an abundance of festivals! Who doesn't love a good festival?! With the beginning of spring there will be tons of festivals to attend between now and later on in the year, so let's dedicate this Wanderlust Wednesday to Festivals!

I could festival everyday!



Holi Festival

Known as the Festival of Colors, this ancient Hindu religious festival is primarily observed in India and Nepal. Depending on how you want to celebrate Holi (from traditional rituals to modern day dance parties) that would determine where in India you could celebrate Holi. What is so great about Holi, is that while it is a religious festival, it has been celebrated by people of all religious backgrounds, uniting people from all over the world. JSD would head to Delhi, so we could attend the Holi Moo Festival!

Afropunk Paris

Afropunk is not only an annual music festival but it has been noted as a cultural movement. New York times has described it as one of the "most multicultural festivals in the US"! Since 2008 it has been traditionally held in Brooklyn. As of 2015 it had expanded to Atlanta and for 2016 it is heading to Paris, France. What a way to experience all this festival has to offer- music, culture, empowerment and fashion! Most of all, you get to enjoy it this year in one of the most visited cities in the world.

Afropunk Fashion

Coachella

 The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (Coachella) is sure to be on any ultimate festival lover's bucket list. Held annually in April in California, this music festival features several genres such as rock, indie, hip hop, and r&b. You can expect to hear performances from major artist and see some hip fashions from the attendees. Where to stay for Coachella? If you want the ultimate post-college living experience, you can choose on-site camping!

Love a good matching set!

Essence Festival

The Essence Music Festival is an annual music festival held every year in New Orleans. Essence has announced that it is expanding the festival to Durban, South Africa! Talk about amazing! Durban is South Africa's third largest city and has some beautiful beaches along what is called the Golden Mile. While you're not attending the festival, you can take a stroll along the beach or visit some of Durban's many attractions like the uShaka Marine World or one of their many museums and local restaurants. A stay at the Beverly Hills Sun Intercontinental wouldn't be bad either!

Beverly Hills Sun Intercontinental Durban

 Festivals are an adults playground---we never want them to end! What festivals do you have your radar for 2016?

-JSD

Wanderlust Wednesday: Spa Retreat at Parrot Cay by COMO

Ahhh! Alas, Wanderlust Wednesday has returned and boy do we have a treat for you! After an extra day of work in February, how does a retreat to Parrot Cay by COMO in Turks and Caicos sound?? If you are looking to escape the fuss of work and focus on mind, body and soul this would be the perfect Spa Retreat for you.

Destination: Parrot Cay by COMO

Located on the beautiful island of Turks & Caicos, Parrot Cay by COMO offers beautiful villas & houses, and plenty of activities that are good for physical, mental and spiritual balance. All of the rooms, suites, and beach villas have great interiors, plenty of natural light and COMO's service ethic. Most of the villas and houses have their own private pools with most of them offering direct beach access!

What to do while at Parrot Cay?

The purpose of your visit to Parrot Cay is to relax and unwind! They offer holistic therapies, yoga, diving, bicycling and kayaking to name a few. 

They have a COMO Shambhala Retreat, that offers "Asian-inspired treatments, including Ayurveda, aromatherapy and Pilates."

Spa Reception Area at Parrot Cay

View from a villa at Parrot Cay

Well, doesn't this sound relaxing and inviting? Think about listening to the waves hit the shore as a cool breeze circulates throughout your villa.........Ahh. Okay time to get back to work!

-JSD

photo credit: Parrot Cay by COMO

Wanderlust Wednesday: Havana, Cuba

It's Wednesday-so you know what that means! We are back for another edition of Wanderlust Wednesday! Today, we are taking a look at a very special place: Havana, Cuba!

If most of you have been following the news, Airlines have begun offering commercial flights to the once forbidden Cuba. It has been decades since Americans were able to visit as tourist, and still today those tourist restrictions have not been completely lifted. But it's Wanderlust Wednesday! So that doesn't mean we can't dream right?? Keep reading to learn more about this dream destination!

Where is Cuba?

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean located next to the Cayman Islands and Haiti. It also isn't too far from Florida. The capital Havana, has influences all throughout South Florida (Little Havana in Miami), but since tourist travel is so close on the horizon, why not plan to visit Havana in person!

Where to stay?

Welcome to the Melia Habana! Located along the capital city Havana's coastline, each room is designed to give beautiful views of the city and of the sea. There are also several restaurants and bars on site---you can thank us later!

Eat while enjoying the beautiful views!

What to do in Havana?

Since Americans have not been able to visit Havana, I'm sure most of us would not know what to do or see while there. Havana would be a place to get lost in history and soak up the culture-especially if it is your first visit!

You can also visit a local cigar shop and try the famous Cuban Cigar! 

What to eat while in Havana?

Because of the foodie that you are--we know you are going to want to try something different while in Havana. Why not go for some of Havana's Street Food! 

Well, we hope you have enjoyed this edition of Wanderlust Wednesday. We hope it peaked your interest in this tropical nation as well as inspired you to start thinking about your dream destination!

-JSD

Wanderlust Wednesday!!!

We are always looking for new places to visit--so what better way to fulfill our inherited wanderlust genes than to highlight our dream destinations. Every Wednesday, we will host Wanderlust Wednesday- where we highlight our dream vacations.

For our first installment, we are taking a virtual trip to the Maldives!

The Maldives is situated in the Indian Ocean and has ~1100 islands & sandbanks. This makes it the perfect location to get lost and explore with a group of friends or your significant other!

Where would we stay?

The Maldives are known for their luxury villas! So if we are going to dream about being in the Maldives, why not dream big!

Voted as one of the 10 best Luxury Resorts, staying at the Naladhu Resort would definitely be a treat!

These villas have bathrooms that have their own private outdoor area with a rainshower and infinity edge terrazzo bathtub.

What would we do in the Maldives?

The Maldives has something for everyone- the adventurer, relaxer, fisher, explorer etc.

We love a good adventure- so Snorkeling would definitely be on our list of excursions!

No trip would be complete without trying some traditional local food!

A trip to the Maldives would definitely be considered luxury travel. While resorts may be pricey, there are usually flight deals to these beautiful islands leaving from major hubs like Washington D.C.'s Dulles Airport. 

Please join us next week for another installment of Wanderlust Wednesday! What is your dream destination??