Herb Ritts: LA Style at the Getty Center – Day Trip Travel Series

25 May

Wether you’re a local or a visitor, you need to slip away for a few hours and visit the Getty Center.  It’s the perfect venue for a day trip.

Upon arrival, you’re instantly transported into a serene and calming world.  As the winding tram makes its way up the hillside and if the smog’s cooperating,  killer views of West Los Angeles are to be had!

What I love most, it that you don’t even have to leave the city for a mini break – talk about accessible.

Initially, it was all about the Herb Ritts: LA Style photography exhibit, but I grabbed a guide anyway.  With kitten heels tapping on the limestone as I made my way out to the courtyard, I was excited about what I would encounter.

Herb RItts

Herb Ritts (American, 1952 – 2002)

Tatjana, Veiled Head, Joshua Tree, 1988

© Herb Ritts Foundation | The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

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The Difference Between Lost and Found – Create Accountability

21 May

I was just thumbing through the latest issue of Westways Magazine and spotted an article entitled, “Luggage Lessons” by Laura Daily. 

A few days ago I replied to a Tweet from Sarah Waxler (@TravelLeaderRDU), a travel agent from North Carolina, about never experiencing the horror of lost luggage.  When I spotted this article, I figured I should bone up incase my Irish luck runs out.

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A Solo Traveler’s Angst About Traveling with a Non-Traveler

14 May

Had a difficult conversation with a loved one recently.

We have two different perspectives on travel.  For me it’s my passion, for them it’s a hassle….I’m generalizing a bit.

We were in conversation about a few recent and upcoming trips and it left me a bit down.  We both went or are going on the exact same trip, but it’s interesting (or heartbreaking) that we have two different takes on the experience.  Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and feelings.  I don’t want to be under the illusion that you’re having an amazing time; I prefer people to be frank.  That being said, I try to put it in perspective and find a way to work within it. 

The conversation confirmed my position as a solo traveler.  Sometimes I just want to go.  I don’t want to be held back by someone elses budget, time restraints, interest or lack of interest.  I’m not saying that this person or any person you enjoy spending time with isn’t an amazing individual.  But when it comes to passion, you really want to share it with a kindred spirit. 

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Top Safety Tips for Women Traveling Solo – Pt 2

10 May

Hi Ladies,

I love a good adventure - but come home with good stories, not sob stories.

This is not a paranoia post – it just never hurts to keep an eye open. Ultimately no one will take better care of you… then you. These tips are for when you’re on the go.

5. When in doubt, don’t say a word. This is for the easy brush off situation, not an emergency. If someone is overly chatty and you feel as though it’s some sort of pick up line, you don’t have to actually say anything. I’ve had someone sidle up to me, make generic small talk, & it was obvious where he was going with this. I literally didn’t say thing & really didn’t even make eye contact. He stalled out and finally asked if I spoke English! Ha! All I did was give a small smile & he wandered off. Also, depending on your location and what the circumstances are, silence hides the fact that you’re an American.

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Paris: Your Home Away From Home?

7 May

Take a peek at my latest guest contribution – Paris: Your Home Away From Home? – for CobbleStay.com.

 

“Originally my family had reservations in a centrally located posh hotel, but due to the insistence of a family friend, we stayed with them in their flat in Paris.  What a contrast!  What a way to experience the culture, the food, and the atmosphere – all from the front row seat of a local’s perspective.  Staying in a home environment as opposed to a hotel imparted a totally different vibe.  My curiosity was peaked!”

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Top Safety Tips for Women Traveling Solo – Pt 1

3 May

Hi Ladies,

I love a good adventure, but come home with good stories, not sob stories.

This is not a paranoia post – it just never hurts to keep an eye open. Ultimately no one will take better care of you… then you. These tips are for when you’re on the go.

1. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be so distracted or plugged into your gadget that you can’t pick up on what’s going on around you. There’s something to say about picking up a vibe and leaving before something actually happens.

2. Walk with a purpose. I don’t mossy or endlessly gape at the scenery – I walk as if someone’s waiting for me. Body language goes a long way. Of course, feel it out. This isn’t beach friendly behavior, but works well in train stations, random city streets, and the like.

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Interested in a guest travel blog opportunity?

24 Apr

Hi Everyone,

Are you interested in providing a post as a guest contributor on my travel blog site?

My blog’s content is geared toward first hand travel tips, insight, and anecdotes for women travelers…

I’m looking for either a photo essay (up to 6 pics) with optional text of up to 150 words.

-OR-

I’m looking for a post of up to 400 words and up to 2 pics.

Your content needs to flow with my existing solo travel idea vibe.  My blog’s niche is not about tips for the rugged backpacker.  Think more museum exhibitions and foodie discoveries.

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April Contest/Giveaway! (Closed)

19 Apr

Hey Fellow Travelers,

It’s time for April’s Contest/Giveaway.

Join me on my Facebook Page and answer a bit of British travel trivia.  Once entered, you will be in the running to win $100 of free Advertising via Google AdWords Express!

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Procrastination! Trip Prep Travel Series – Pt 2

16 Apr

We all have a system…or think we do… and if you’ve found something that works for you, congrats!

Photo Credit: Hope Burkard-Cook (The French Mouse)

I have been the notorious last-minute packer.  I have been known to pull an all nighter rummaging around for things, debating about if I’ve over packed, and trying to figure out how to renegotiate the pounds if I’m over.  ….Nightmare!  I morph into an absolute zombie and it takes me three times as long to get a task done.  I shrug the last-minute frenzy off figuring I’ll slip into a coma on the plane and I’ll just sleep while I travel.  Who was I kidding?  When did that ever happen?  I’m usually so stressed, sleep deprived, and buzzed with excitement that I’m wide awake past the point of exhaustion.

NOT a good start to a business/pleasure trip.  What a fiasco.  It hardly sets the tone to a successful adventure!

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Frazzled Isn’t Glamorous! Trip Prep Series – Pt 1

12 Apr

Packing List Cheat Sheet

What’s a girl on-the-go to do!  Save yourself the drama and give yourself some piece of mind by packing with a cheat sheet of sorts.

It may not be for everyone, but I find it’s a great go-to when you’re pulling together everything from outfits to toiletries to jewelery.  OCD is up to you and I’m not listing every last item.  Really, what I’ve put together are a wide range of categories that would suit a variety of destinations.  When I haul out my suitcase and stare at my closet cursing under my breath about how much I hate packing, it’s a bit of a relief to know that I don’t have to reinvent the wheel.  Give yourself a break; this is a great way to organize your thoughts.

Packing List Cheat Sheet

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