Tag Archives: Travel

Sin City Review!

Posted in Las Vegas, Travel, Vacation by

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I made it very clear in a previous post just HOW MUCH I love Las Vegas. Both times I have gone, I went with my significant other, but I am sure many of you would opt to fly solo. Either way, it is an amazing and relatively affordable trip. Here are some of the highlights of my trips and my suggestions on what to do!

Hotels

  • Vdara
  • Signature at MGM Grand

Both times I went to Vegas, I stayed at MGM Brand hotels right on the strip. Vdara is your traditional luxurious vegas hotel. The rooms are all suites and you have amazing views. Signature at MGM Grand is less Vegas-y, but the rooms are very large and comfortable. Also, being at the MGM Grand gives you easy access to the monorail and lots of entertainment. To save money, I combined the airfare and hotel. For Vdara I we spent about $1300 for two round trip tickets from Florida and we booked it directly on Vdara’s website. The Signature at MGM Grand ran us about the same and we booked it on Priceline.

Food and Beverage

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Our go-to place on the Strip is the Buffet at the Bellagio Hotel. You pay $20 per person for unlimited high-end food for lunch and $30 each for dinner. What we did was go about an hour before lunch ended so we could try both meals. They don’t kick you out and you get to enjoy more options! We would usually eat a quick, inexpensive breakfast and then wait until late afternoon to go to the buffet. You save a TON this way – more to spend on gambling! For drinks, I would suggest going to the casino and gambling. If you are gambling, the girls who work there will bring you free drinks. The trick is to tip them a few dollars each time so they keep coming back. If you ask me, a few dollars per drink beats the $19 that I paid once for a drink by the pool! (yikes). Also, check out the famous Pink’s Hot dogs (big enough to share) and serendipity 3!

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Entertainment (Paid)

In my opinion, you have to catch a Cirque du Soleil show while you’re in Vegas. There are several shows going on at any given time and if you are staying at the hotel that is playing a show or have one of their free player card memberships, you usually get a 30% discount! There are also many other magic, burlesque, comedy shows going on each night. I would suggest waiting until you get to Vegas to buy anything since you can find great coupons on every taxi cab, hotel lobby and newspaper! You almost never have to pay full price (or even close).

Entertainment (Free)

If you do some google research, you can find a list of fun things to see on the strip. Depending on the season, the Venetian and Palazzo tend to have Italian-themed festivals going on that you can attend without being a guest. I’ve seen wine and cheese tastings, light shows and dancers. Caesar’s Palace also has a free show in the Shoppes. Freemont Street is also great as there is live music every night. You can also enjoy the Freemont Street Experience, where you can watch music videos and a light show just by looking up! Freemont is also great because the casinos usually give you free plays with their player cards. You can pretty much gamble away their money and maybe even win some of your own!

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This is just a basic list of ideas to get you started planning your own Las Vegas getaway. I would suggest doing your research before you go, as Vegas does NOT have to break the bank. If you want me to discuss anything else in detail, feel free to let me know! J

Review of my Bahamas Cruise – On the Carnival Sensation

Posted in Travel by

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Since I mentioned my top vacation destinations in a previous post, it seemed reasonable to review different vacation destinations more in-depth. I live in Florida, which makes it easy to go to the beach, enjoy theme parks and CRUISE.

In May, I took a cruise to Nassau and Freeport, Bahamas on the Carnival Sensation. It was my first cruise and the price truly can’t be beat. I was a bit apprehensive after having read about all of the issues the ships had a few years back, but the cruise went off without a hitch.

We booked the cruise of Travelocity for about $800. That included an ocean-view room for the four day cruise. On top of that, we added the “Faster to the Fun” package which only cost $50 per stateroom. It was completely worth it! We were able to get on the boat at about 11:15 AM and our room was ready. We dropped off our luggage and were among the first people to the lido deck eating. We also had a designated guest services line, which comes in handy in the mornings before the excursions and at the end of the cruise when the lines are packed. The other perk we loved was the priority line to exit the boat. It only took 3-4 minutes to get out of that packed ship!

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The only excursion we did was the ATV ride in Freeport for about $110/person. If you can, DO IT. The tour guides are incredible. They are lively young guys who joke with you and drive you around the island telling you all about the history and culture. Then they take you on a guided ATV tour for about an hour, followed by an entrance to a gorgeous garden and two private beaches. In Nassau we opted to just relax on the beach which was only about a 10 minute walk from the ship. Next time we will probably go to Atlantis or explore another private beach, since the one we went to was crowded.

The ship itself is a blast. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Lido Deck – Unlimited food all day long. To us, this was the best tasting food. Even when they main stations are closed, you can still get pizza, sandwiches, ice cream and coffee.
  • Room Service – On Carnival cruises, room services is complimentary 24 hours a day. The food includes croissants, toast, wraps, salads and juice. I think they also have deserts. The best part was leaving a note on the door asking them to bring it at 6:30 AM. Nothing better than a coffee and croissant wake-up call!
  • Comedy Club – This was one of our favorite parts. The comedian on that ship was hilarious and did a great job interacting with the crowd. Every night had different material and it made for a great “date night.”
  • The Club – We stumbled upon the club the first night simply because they were giving the ladies a free glass of champagne J and ended up staying the whole night. The DJ’s were fun and interactive and everyone was enjoying themselves. The drinks prices were also comparable to a regular club, so it wasn’t a big deal.
  • Tanning – I know people say the cruises are crowded, but this was not my experience at all. I was able to tan whenever I wanted to and never had an issue finding a chair. It is also nice to have the bartenders walking around offering you drinks. You’re on vacation, so why get up!?
  • Charging everything to your room key – On the cruise you can either attach a credit card to your room key or put cash on it. This is safer in my opinion as you do not have to worry about misplacing a credit card or cash. It also helps you budget if you check it daily. They have kiosks around the ship where you can check and reload your balance. I went every night to pay what I had used just to keep myself on track.
  • The Games – On the ship there are games on the lido deck and on the top deck that people can play. My favorite was the mini golf! They also have game tournaments throughout the day that anyone can partake in. Oh and the casino was a blast!
  • The Gym and Spa – The gym is gorgeous on the ship. It is a full gym with a sauna and steam room. They offer fitness classes for a small cost, but we didn’t use those. The spa is gorgeous and the services are a lot more affordable on the ship!

Cons

  • The Fine Dining – Our experience with the fine dining was lackluster. For starters, the boat is very shaky where the dining room is located. Also, we found the food to always be over or under-seasoned. The staff was friendly though and the deserts were amazing! Your table also makes a difference. We were seated with couples who were really shy and seemed nervous to socialize. I’m sure that had the crowd been better, we would have enjoyed it more. The last two nights we ended up skipping dinner and eating on the lido deck (especially since we had access to a TV there and could watch the NBA playoffs!)
  • The cost of internet. We logged in to a computer for 5 minutes and paid about six dollars. If you need wifi, wait until you’re on land and you will find free wifi at many restaurants.
  • The TV in the room – The room had an old tube TV which didn’t have the best color. This really isn’t a big deal since you shouldn’t spend much time in there, but still…

As you can see, the experience was mostly positive! I would definitely take another Carnival cruise and hope to in the near future. No experience is perfect, but for the price point, we felt we got three times our money’s worth!

Are there any cruises you guys recommend?

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Traveling on a 20something’s Budget

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There are a lot of perks to being caffeinated 20something. We are energetic, outspoken and downright awesome.. or at least I am. 😉 Unfortunately though, we tend to suffer from extreme brokeness (is that even a word?)… especially during those overpriced college years.

Although our budgets are limited, our imagination is not. Our imaginations, coupled with access to celebrity instagram pages, have made us big dreamers. Is there a way to travel like a celeb without their stacks of money?

YES.

Here is a short list of vacations I have taken that didn’t break the bank:

1. Cruising through the Bahamas!

This one is first simply because it was my least expensive vacation. Between my boyfriend and I, we spent about $800 on the cruise itself – so $400 each (after upgrading from the scary interior vault to an ocean view). The great thing about cruises is that the food is pretty much all complimentary, as well as water, lemonade and (you guessed it) COFFEE! There are certain exceptions, of course, such as the steakhouse and fancy coffee shop – but none of that is necessary to enjoy yourself. You can binge eat on the Lido Deck all day and then enjoy formal dining at night. We did one excursion, which was $109 each. This is absolutely OPTIONAL but was completely worth it. Also, if you want to enjoy some drinks, do it on port. On the beaches we visited we saw great deals – like three beers for $10. Our cruise was four nights on the Carnival Sensation. If you live in a state where another cruise is closer, take that one!

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2. New York CIty

I know, I know.. most expensive city bla bla bla. NYC is a cultural mecca – but that doesn’t limit you to museums and Broadway shows. First of all, NEVER stay in Manhattan unless you can afford to shell out 2-300 a night for a decent hotel. I always stay in Queens at random budget hotels on Queens blvd. I am partial to Queens because I know a lot of individuals who live there and I find that it is really easy to navigate. The key is to find a hotel in walking distance of a subway station. You will pay less than $100/night and be a few mins from the city. You would also be surprised to find how much you love a city when you explore it’s hidden gems. I suggest living off cheap (and delicious) pizza and spending your days walking aimlessly. You will enjoy free live music on the subways (but you should tip if the performers are good) and most likely meet interesting characters along the way. I suggest going with friends to cut the cost and experiencing it together. You won’t regret it!

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3. VEGAS BABY!

I did the corny thing and saved the best for last. Las Vegas is AMAZING and you don’t have to be Floyd Mayweather to experience its magic. The simple reason as to why this is affordable is that the hotels are EXTREMELY underpriced. For my 21st birthday, we stayed on a 43rd floor junior suite at the Vdara Hotel on the strip for about 100/night. It was gorgeous.. we had an amazing room and views of the Bellagio Fountains. If you still want to save, stay at the more affordable Hooters or Circus Circus. You still get the experience for a lower price. I would just get a group of friends and pack them in a nice room… the more the merrier in Sin City! Now, the reason everything is so inexpensive is because hotels make their money from the casinos. Go to the casinos and play cheap slots. You will have girls coming to offer you free drinks. The trick is to tip them a few dollars each time. That way they keep coming back… and essentially you are getting drinks for $2-3 each time. There is also an abundance of free shows and the tourists alone are entertainment.

Our view &the bellagio fountains I m never leaving

This short list should serve to get you excited about traveling in your twenties. I can go more into detail in future posts, but start considering these options. Have fun! 🙂

Ten Twenties Tips

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I like to think of myself as organized (despite what anyone else may tell you). I love lists and find joy in checking things off. Seriously though…checking things off a list has to be the most amazing feeling EVER……

Anyway…here are some of the things that have helped me to become the most efficient version of myself. I hope it helps!

1. Buy (or make) A Planner

Life is hectic in your twenties. You have school or work (or both) and even the most organized person can forget things. I have an adorable Thomas Paul planner from Target and I carry it with me everywhere. I write my school & work schedules, assignments, personal events and bills on there. I cross things off as they are completed and nothing gets missed. I open it every morning and that is how I plan my day. I even write down which friends I have to contact in order to remember.

2. Keep Up With A Budget

I swear, payday is an emotional roller coaster of a day. In the morning, you are checking your bank account and jumping for joy and at night all of your money is gone and you feel depressed. It’s truly mortifying, I know. This is why we must keep a budget. If you haven’t heard of mint.com, you need to go check it out. You can set a budget on there, manage your bank accounts and set financial goals. It’s the financial planner for those of us who can barely pass algebra.

3. Network, Network, Network!

For some, getting to know new people is exciting. For others, this simple exchange is daunting. Either way, you need to get yourself out there. Being a young adult allows you the opportunity to ask for advice from virtually anyone and get a yes 90% of the time. Older professionals remember being in your shoes and feel honored to be considered a mentor. You also never know when those connections will come in handy. It might be tomorrow, next year, or never…but it’s better to have them than to not.

4. Find Time To Be Alone

I swear i’m not trying to contradict myself….really. Socializing is important. You need friends and mentors. That doesn’t take away from the fact that you NEED alone time. In your twenties, you are being pulled in 80 directions at a time. Give yourself a whole day (or half a day) each week to be alone. Put your phone on silent and essentially enjoy time alone. Do whatever you want but be alone. I can’t stress how important this is and how much you miss it when you skip it. You need to focus on your own thoughts and feelings…this is the way to do it.

5. Travel!

You are young, energetic and often times committed to no one but yourself. See the world! Work hard all year, and visit one new place on your yearly vacation. Even if you are in a committed relationship (I am), travel together! If you have kids, take a shorter trip – BUT GO. If they’re old enough, take them along. No book will do the justice that seeing the world for yourself can. Give up some luxuries and look up discounts. It’s worth it. Go book a trip…NOW. (I’m working to better myself in this aspect)

6. Keep A Journal

Because we’re 12 and want to talk about our crush on Justin Timberlake. Just kidding…I don’t do that….often. But seriously, write your thoughts. Have you ever gone on a rant and then immediately felt better? Me too. The problem is, I often wished I could take back those words. The great thing about journaling is that your thoughts are kept private, and you can even look back in the near future to find possible room for improvement. It’s free therapy for those of us who spent our shrink money on pizza and beer.

7. Watch What You Do Online

As mature as we may think we are, others don’t always see us that way. Always prove them wrong. Have all the fun you want, but leave no trace. Be conservative about what you say online and stay away from club pictures. Don’t give anyone a reason to underestimate you professionally.

8. Be A Renaissance Woman

Read books, watch tutorials, seek knowledge in any way possible. Know a little bit about everything. Make sure you can hold a conversation and know where to turn when you are confused. It helps you in every aspect of your life to be able to hold a conversation. It also keeps you away from awkward situations or issues with people trying to take advantage of you. Here’s a tip…whenever someone brings up a topic you are unfamiliar with, write it down (this girl and her lists…) and go home and do a bit of research. Everyone will take you more seriously and you will learn about topics you never even thought would interest you.

9. Do It Yourself

Learn to change your oil, cook and make things by hand. It will save you a tremendous amount of money and it will make you self-sufficient. I can’t tell you how many times my car has broken down and i’ve been able to get it back up and running without seeking the help of some creep standing on the street. Pinterest is amazing, btw.

10. Do What You Want, But Hurt No One

So Cliche, right? But this is my rule when a friend asks me for advice on a complicated issue. Is this what you really want? Are you hurting anyone (this includes yourself) in the process? Ask yourself these questions. Put things into perspective and it will help you make better decisions while still allowing yourself to experience what it is you want.

Now go on…make mistakes. Live life to the fullest, but do so intelligently. Fall down and get back up. [insert 50 more cliche’s here]…

❤