All Things Budapest, Hungary with Reka: The All Inclusive Guide to History, Travel, and Adventure

In Episode 15, The Travel Brats interview Reka, our wonderful friend from Budapest, Hungary. She shares some background about Budapest, best times to visit, tips on crossing borders in Europe, things to do, people to see, and places to eat. She’s a Budapest local who has all the hacks to make the most out of your Europe endeavors.

Reka was born and raised in Budapest before moving to Tampa for school. She speaks multiple languages and gave us a lot of insight about how the younger generations are speaking more languages, whereas the older generations are more commonly Hungarian speakers. While in school, she was learning at least three languages at a time, English being one of them. 

Travel Brats: Can you describe Budapest? What’s it like there?

Reka said: It’s a combo of history and great architecture. There are a lot of things to do for going out and there’s an active night life. It’s also a good mix between touristy and a local environment. 

Travel Brats: Is it Hungary a big country?

Reka said: It’s a Fairly smaller country, about 10 million people live, but Reka grew up in Budapest 

So it’s Budapest, and then there’s the rest of the country. Budapest is the largest city in Hungary, 2 million people. 

Travel Brats asked: What are your favorite places around Hungary?

Reka: There are smaller towns with tons of history about Budapest, bordering Austria and Slovakia so it’s great for day and weekend trips. 

Travel Brats: What’s it like crossing the borders in Europe?

Reka: It’s very, very easy to do, just checking passports and you’re on your way.

Travel Brats: What kind of currency does Budapest use? 

Reka: It’s surprisingly not the Euro, it’s called the Hungarian Forint. The cost of living is cheaper than in the US.

Travel Brats: What’s the best way to get around the country?

  • Reka: Don’t need a car to get around, traffic, parking is difficult 
  • Public Transportations or taxis if you need to
  • Trains (3 big train stations, double check where you are leaving from, buy ticket online)
  • Backpacking — buy train ticket and it’s valid for a week, 2 weeks, a month

Travel Brats: When is the best time to visit Budapest?

Reka: Summertime is more popular for tourists, it’s a dry heat, and awesome festivals. Winter — it’s very pretty, christmas market, below freezing temperatures 

Travel Brats: What are must do’s when you are in Budapest?

Reka: Some Sightseeing activities are: 

  • Touristy things — 
  • Parliament
  • Chain Bridge
  • Budacastle (Sofia)
  • Seasonal vs. permanent
  • Fisherman’s Architecture Place: very cool church
  • Hero’s Square 3 museums
  • Zoo, lake, arch museum (during the winter, they turn the lakes into an ice skating rink)
  • Ferris Wheel, during the summer 
  • Downtown Budapest
  • Festivals + Artsy + Historical
    • Statue of Liberty

Travel Brats: Best places to Eat?

Reka: Everyone eats at home, not so much fast food, and my family cooks a ton for me when I’m home. There are tons of little pastries places that I love. Some restaurants are:

Signature Liquor:  Palinka and Spicy Wine

Travel Brats: Where should we stay in Budapest? 

Reka: The Hotels downtown are nice and breakfast included or if you are traveling on a budget, there are really cute and fun airbnbs, close to downtown. https://www.airbnb.com/budapest-hungary/stays

Travel Brats: What are your tips to stay safe?

Reka: 

  • Common sense, still pretty busy at night, don’t walk around by yourself at night, call a cab (no Ubers) 
  • During the day, don’t leave your purse or backpack open, for pickpocketing 
  • PAY ATTENTION TO WHEN THE TRAIN CLOSES, wouldn’t recommend taking the night buses — it’s longer, and can be sketchy 
  • Keep cash on you 

A huge thank you to Reka for being our guest and sharing her insight about Budapest and Hungary. Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to follow along our journeys on IG!

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Travel Guide for All Things Punta Cana, DR: Episode 9 with Connor Firmender

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Whether it’s a family trip, going out with the guys, or taking a wild spring break trip, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (often referred to as DR)  may be the place for you to go explore for fun nights, gambling, cave diving, drink tasting, and dune buggies.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE!!!

Where to Stay:

Connor stayed at The Grande Bahia Principe

His cost was $1,100 bundled with 3 people which included a roundtrip flight, 5 days and 4 nights.

A connection from RSW to Miami to Punta Cana int. Flew Southwest.

https://www.bahia-principe.com/en/resorts-in-dominican-republic/resort-punta-cana/

expedia deals:

https://www.expedia.com/Punta-Cana-Hotels-Grand-Bahia-Principe-Punta-Cana-All-Inclusive.h1091208.Hotel-Information

Ashley stayed at Majestic Mirage:

https://www.majestic-resorts.com/en/our-resorts/majestic-mirage-punta-cana

Day time Activities and Recommendations:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g147293-d12467586-Punta_Cana_Discovery_Package_Dune_Buggy_Adventure_and_Catamaran_Cruise-Punta_Cana_.html

Nighttime Activities:

Drinks Recommendations

  • Coconut drinks
  • Pineapple drinks
  • Shots of the sig liquor: Mama Juana (rum, red wine, and honey to soak in a bottle with tree bark and herbs)

Tips to Stay Safe while in DR

  • Stay with a friend the entire time, let friends know ahead of time where you are going. Share your locations with friends
  • Look at your data plan. Call provider for $10 a day for unlimited data. Unless you have an unlimited international plan.
  • Ask resort people where to eat, where is safe and unsafe etc.

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Luxury Chicago Guide with the Travel Brats & Grandpa, Richard Komarek: Episode 5

 

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Listen on Apple Podcast

Chicago Facts & History— 

 (maybe help you win at trivia)

  • Chicago is located on the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan which is an inland sea 307 miles long and  118 miles wide.
  • French fur trappers coming south  along the shore of the Lake passed through the Chicago region as early as the 1780’s.
  • Jean Baptiste Point du Sable stayed, started a fur trading outpost  and is credited as the founder of the city.
  • It  stayed a wilderness outpost with a small fort, Fort Dearborn being built in 1803 and then being  abandoned a few years later. It wasn’t until 1833 that it was incorporated as a village.
  • Chicago then grew rapidly as the gateway to the westward expansion of the country. Huge quantities of logs from the North Woods were sent down the Lake and were processed into lumber needed for housing on the Great Plains and beyond. Manufactured goods came from the east. Everything went through Chicago. Grain from the surrounding farmland went East. By 1854 Chicago was the world’s largest grain port. 
  • By 1870 Chicago was the second largest city in the country.
  • Then disaster struck.  Because of the city’s rapid growth all, nearly all construction was wood rather than brick. In many places the sidewalks and even the streets were wood.
  • The fall of 1871 was hot and dry. On a windy day in October , legend has it that  Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern which started her barn on fire. From there the fire spread rapidly and soon engulfed much of the city. 
  • It was estimated that as many as 300 people were killed and 100,000 people were left homeless. The embers from the fire  were still warm, when the first load of rebuilding supplies arrived. With aid pouring in from all over the country and the world, Chicago rebuilt and went on to an even greater growth spurt, going from a population of 299,000 in 1870 to 1.7 million in 1900.
  • This rapid growth created opportunities that  attracted immigration from Europe that is still  reflected in much of the city’s population today,Polish, German, Italian to name  a few.
  • The recovery from the fire  also created a confidence and optimism in the population can still be felt today.

 

Top Restaurants

 

  • Les Nomades  222 E. Ontario. We love  Les Nomades for its creative French Cuisine and its friendly elegance without a trace of stuffiness.It is what you imagine a Parisian restaurant to be. http://www.lesnomades.net
  • Spiagia 980 N. Michigan Refined  Italian Cuisine with a great view of Lake Michigan.
  • Spiagia Café is a more casual version open for Lunch as well as Dinner

https://spiaggiarestaurant.com/about/cafe-spiaggia-story

  • River Roast  315 N La Salle  Roasted chicken, beef, pork and fish served family style. With great view of Chicago River. Brunch with some of the  City’s best Blues musicians playing.
  • https://www.riverroastchicago.com/#_home
  • Tratoria No. 10   at 10 N. Dearborn Italian American charming  setting reminiscent of a Renaissance cellar dining  hall.
  • http://www.trattoriaten.com

 

 Comfort Food: 

  • Portillo’s: Beef sandwiches ,Chicago style hot dogs  and Polish Sausages

https://www.portillos.com

 

  • Lou Malnati’s:  Thick crust Pizza

https://www.loumalnatis.com/chicago-old-irving-six-corners

 

Drinks:

 

  • London house hotel

https://londonhousechicago.com

 

 

Best Museums: 

  • Art Institute of Chicago 111 S. Michigan Great Collection of French Impressionists and Post Impressionists. 

Iconic American 20th century, Hopper’s Night Hawks, Grant Wood’s  American Gothic and much, much more.

https://www.artic.edu

App audio guide

 

  • Field Museum of Natural History: Sue the T-Rex now has her own room plus  new Maximo the Titanosaur , the largest land animal that ever lived, Our Evolving Planet , Egyptian exhibit and changing exhibits.

https://www.fieldmuseum.org

 

  • The Shed Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are on the same Museum Campus  as the Field Museum.

https://www.sheddaquarium.org

 

  • Museum of Science and Industry 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.   Has a real German submarine from WWII. Coal Mine , many interesting  scientific exhibits and Imax Theater.

https://www.msichicago.org

 

Favorite Sport Teams: 

  • Cubs play at Wrigley Field Clark and Addison . Core of World series team still on the playing but maybe not for long see the while you can.

https://www.mlb.com/cubs/schedule

  • White Soxs play at Gauranteed Rate Field (Sox Park) 35 th Street and Shields Good young team coming together fun to  watch.

https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/tickets/single-game-tickets?mlbkw=ds-g-p30687924720&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1236799&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0pfzBRCOARIsANi0g0uqcB2q7CeMc5e1Pkmwl1rrREtu3K_lNVo-D5pIGB-Wy0f57E5v_l8aAvjBEALw_wcByya 

 

 

  • NFL  Bears play at Soldier Field 

https://www.chicagobears.com

  • League Soccer: Chicago Fire Play at Soldier Field also 

https://www.soccer.com/shop/fan/teams/chicago-fire?gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0pfzBRCOARIsANi0g0vIfuuqpHXv6GZHNXnuTzh7VRUPONOWD_i__WMDFZZkfjm-KTlOTfkaAgvKEALw_wcB

                          

  • Bulls in NBA and Blackhawks in NHL play at United Center
  • SKY in WNBA play at Wintrust Arena

https://www.vividseats.com/nhl-hockey/chicago-blackhawks-tickets.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=DSA+NHL+Hockey+tROAS+v2&utm_term=&vkid=15545231&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0pfzBRCOARIsANi0g0swVoX2n2fZ_em9mal-mzjYhrbjuDCbclO_Q6SlycZRZXX3KHfcntIaAg9XEALw_wcB

 

Buildings: 

  • Willis Tower : (Formerly and still called Sears Tower) was the tallest building in the world for about 30 years and is still the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Has a great observation deck at the top including The Ledge, a clear glass platform you can walk out on and look down 103 floors,if you dare.

 

  • John Handcock Building: Almost as high as Willis tower, the observation deck  has beautiful views looking  east and north  over the lake and shoreline as well as west and south over the city.The deck also has glass panels that tilt out so you can look down to the street.

 

  • Navy Pier  is a 3300 foot long pier that sticks out into Lake Michigan starting at 600 E Grand Ave. It has a Ferris Wheel with an excellent view of the city and is highly recommended Also there are various boat rides out into the lake  from a tall sailing ship, the Windy, to speed boats, fast and really fast Sea Dog and Super Sea Dog, to calmer sightseeing and  lunch and   dinner cruises. We recommend you try at least one. The guides will a bit of history and explain  points of interest on all the cruises .

Navy pier is also the home of the Shakespeare Theater one of the best theaters in the city ,and it is not all Shakespeare.

 

  • CAC River Cruise  Over a century ago, Chicago was a young city and was rebuilding from  the fire; so there was  land and opportunity for young and innovative architects  to experiment with new and even radical designs. Not all of those buildings remain, but that spirit of innovation does remain in Chicago Architecture. To really appreciate this architecture, take a river cruise run by the Chicago Architecture  Center.Many of most beautiful buildings are built along the river. And the docents on the river cruises will give you a treasure-trove of information.

 

We have Chicago Part 2 coming out next week, March 24!

WWT’s 2nd Episode: All Things New Orleans and Mardi Gras

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Click to listen to our NOLA podcast!

To find information on Mardi Gras:

Mardi Gras Parade Schedule 2020

https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/

Tours and entertainment:

Ghost tours via Trip Advisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=ghost%20tours&searchSessionId=78DD8D500192109089092921EDA4DBCE1582583446357ssid&sid=A5C5CC4E8BFD88131B8ABE975C4690421582583470808&blockRedirect=true&ssrc=a&geo=60864

New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Walking Tour (2 hours along, walking, entertaining $14)

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g60864-d11453064-New_Orleans_Ghost_Voodoo_Vampire_Walking_Tour-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

http://www.lafittesblacksmithshop.com/Homepage.html

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is a historic structure at the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Philip Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. Most likely built as a house in the 1770s during the Spanish colonial period, it is one of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans. 

Food and History tour, French Quarter Food Tour, $65

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g60864-d11454049-New_Orleans_Food_and_History_Tour-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html

River Boat Tours:

Creole Queen Mississippi River Cruise

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60864-d2178225-Reviews-Creole_Queen_Mississippi_River_Cruises-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html

Steamboat Natchez River Cruise

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60864-d549409-Reviews-Steamboat_Natchez-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html

Plantation house: Oak Alley Plantation

https://www.oakalleyplantation.com/sugarcane-plantation/plantation-tours

Carriage ride in French Quarters

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g60864-zfc11970-zfg11873-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html?m=40646&supag=74046479642&supsc=aud-448833066947:dsa-650389793948&supai=358052534553&supap=&supdv=c&supnt=nt:g|clk:CjwKCAiAhc7yBRAdEiwAplGxX6E-FdyJQv7Dkyb5YHGkaiV_rrRwqfI-yfa4QkS6Qu1UFdagTDjT8RoClYwQAvD_BwE&suplp=9012211&supli=&supti=aud-448833066947:dsa-650389793948&tsem=true&supci=aud-448833066947:dsa-650389793948&supap1=&supap2=&gclid=CjwKCAiAhc7yBRAdEiwAplGxX6E-FdyJQv7Dkyb5YHGkaiV_rrRwqfI-yfa4QkS6Qu1UFdagTDjT8RoClYwQAvD_BwE

Graves/ grave yard

Nicholas Cage has his grave here even though he’s not dead yet, but it’s the only thing the government couldn’t take when he went bankrupt.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/nicolas-cage-s-pyramid-tomb

Marie Laveau’s fake grave is purple…painted over from the people drawling one it and making wishes.

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/43436

Museums

Mardi Gras museum

of costumes and culture: off conti street

https://www.mardigrasworld.com

Jazz museum:

piano, saxophone:celebrate all forms of jazz 400 Esplanade Ave

https://nolajazzmuseum.org

WW2 museum ( NOLA’s #1 Attraction )

The National WWII Museum, formerly known as The National D-Day Museum, is a military history museum located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, on Andrew Higgins Drive between Camp Street and Magazine Street. Magazine street.

https://www.nationalww2museum.org

Old New Orleans rum,  2815 Frenchmen St, spiced rum world 2nd largest producer. “I drink and I know things”

https://celebrationdistillation.com

House of Blues: 

https://www.houseofblues.com/neworleans

Hole in the wall

Bookstores: 

William Faulkner House Books

https://faulknerhousebooks.com

Librarie

https://www.neworleans.com/listing/librarie-book-shop/33003/

Dauphin Street Book

https://www.facebook.com/DauphineStreetBooks/

Cape Robbin shoes on IG: @caperobbin, 

Food

Breakfast:

Café Du Monde:

Homepage

Cafe Fleur de Lis -breakfast BACON, strawberry mimosa

http://www.cafefleurdelis.com

Coterie restaurant & oyster bar

http://coterienola.com

Lunch:

Acme oyster house: Po boy, char grilled oysters, drunk root beer float.

https://acmeoyster.com

Napoleon oyster house

https://www.napoleonhouse.com

Central Grocery for homemade soda, looks like an old dinner:

http://www.centralgroceryneworleans.com

Coops Place (across for bb kings):

https://www.coopsplace.net

Dinner:

Apple Place :Aldolfo’s on Frenchmen St-cash, bottom bar, special sauce

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60864-d445261-Reviews-Adolfo_s-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html

Dickie Brennan’s steakhouse:

https://www.dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com

HOUSE OF BOURBON:

https://www.bourbonhouse.com

Oceana Grill:

Oceana Grill Home – New Orleans Restaurant

Music/nightlife:

Cat’s Meow for Karaoke:

http://catskaraoke.com

Fortune Telling, Live music, Art in Jackson Square:

http://www.experienceneworleans.com/jackson-square.html

Bb kings blues club(BBQ)

https://www.bbkings.com/new-orleans

Places to stay

Astor Crown plaza:

https://www.astorneworleans.com

The Marque suite, sister hotel on canal street:

https://www.bluegreenvacations.com/resorts/louisiana/the-marquee#gref

Hilton

http://www.hilton.com/search/hi/us/la/new_orleans/0/00000000000/0/0/0/0/10?WT.mc_id=zlada0ww1hi2psh3ggl4advbpp5dkt6multibr7_153669424_1003528&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAiAhc7yBRAdEiwAplGxX3OIgTnaIsZXGK2PqWZvb98OhjiYn1fAKITnMqaRjvGZiJaCoxZ0oBoCpc4QAvD_BwE

Thank you for tuning in. Send us a message if you have questions or need more recommendations!

WWT’s Episode 1: “All Things Fort Myers”

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“All Things Fort Myers” The Who Wear There Podcast with the Travel Brats

Fort Myers Beach— 

Hang out places:

Lani Kai Beach Resort:

A great place for live music, tropical drinks, beach front service, sports like volleyball and bean bags, and meeting other fun people!

https://lanikaiislandresort.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thelanikai/?hl=en

Getaway Marina:

(I called it Mike’s Marina, but it’s actually Getaway Marina): Grab place to rent boats, kayaks, fishing and other watersports

https://www.getawaymarina.com

Places to eat and drink:

Doc Ford: 

https://www.docfords.com/ft-myers-beach/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/docfords/

Nervous Nellie’s:

http://www.nervousnellies.net

IG: https://www.instagram.com/nervousnelliesfmb/

Bonita Bills Waterfront Cafe:

https://bonitabills.com

PierSide Grill:

https://piersidegrill.com/

Sunset Bar and Grill:

http://sunsetbeachtropicalgrill.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sunsetbeachgrill/

Salty Crab (Rum Buckets): 

https://saltycrabbarandgrill.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/SaltyCrabBarGrill/

Great Live Music —

The Cottage Bar and Grill

https://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/listing/gulfshore-grill/45911

Love Boat Ice Cream:

https://loveboaticecream.com

https://www.instagram.com/loveboaticecream/

For more on Fort Myers Beach, 

https://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com

https://www.instagram.com/ftmyerssanibel/

Downtown:

For Brunch and hanging out: 

Social House

http://www.downtownsoho.com

First Watch — The Daytime Cafe

https://www.firstwatch.com

Lunch: 

Cabos Cantina Taco and Tequila Bar

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g34230-d3636362-Reviews-Cabos_Cantina_Taco_Tequila_Bar-Fort_Myers_Florida.html

Downtown House of Pizza

https://downtownhouseofpizza.com

Coffee and Teas:

http://www.kapuakavabar.com

Bars:

City Tavern 

https://mycitytavern.com

Sky Bar

http://www.firestonefl.com

Celsius Night Club

https://www.facebook.com/celsius239/

Entertainment/Art:

Hotel Indigo

https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/fort-myers/fmymb/hoteldetail

For Upcoming Plays

http://www.floridarep.org

AIRPORT

Fly Fort Myers (RSW)

https://www.flylcpa.com

https://www.instagram.com/flyrsw/

Flight Recommendations

Southwest Airlines: 

https://www.southwest.com

https://www.instagram.com/southwestair/?clk=GFOOTER-INSTAGRAM

To track flight prices:

The Hopper App

https://www.hopper.com

https://www.instagram.com/hopper/

Traveling Deals to save $$$$:

Trip Advisor

https://www.tripadvisor.com

https://www.instagram.com/tripadvisor/?hl=en

Global Entry Information (Known Traveler):

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

Locate enrollment center: 

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-centers

By Florida Gulf Coast University

Foodies 

Bahia Bowls — Acía Bowls

https://bahiabowls.com

FK Your Diet

https://www.fkyourdiet.com

Fancys Southern Cafe

https://fancyssoutherncafe.com

Artisan Eatery

https://artisaneatery.com

previous blog: 

https://thoughtfulblonde.com/2018/12/16/hidden-gem-in-fort-myers-artisan-eatery/

Divieto Ristorante 

https://www.divietoristorante.com

Follow @fgcufoodgods for more local good finds!

Shopping: 

Coconut Point

https://www.simon.com/mall/coconut-point

Miromar Outlets

https://www.miromaroutlets.com

Entertainment:

Game Time

https://www.gametimeplayers.com/locations/fortmyers/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAs67yBRC7ARIsAF49CdXElwKe2JkxghSdoQLyjht7avUczPEZEiZlMcrrPgMV0zZAj8pOIosaAgxaEALw_wcB

Dave and Buster’s

https://www.daveandbusters.com

Painting with a twist

https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/fort-myers/

Movie Theatre in Coconut Point

https://www.regmovies.com/theatres/regal-coconut-point/1611#/buy-tickets-by-cinema?in-cinema=1611&at=2020-02-18&view-mode=list/

 

If you have questions, message me and I’d be happy to chat!

Island Hopping Guide to Grenada’s Carriacou

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I live on the beautiful island of Grenada, which is only 100 miles north of Venezuela and located in the Eastern Caribbean. Grenada is only 12 miles wide and 21 miles long with a little over 100,000 residents. Living the island life very much so comes with the small town vibes of knowing your neighbors and seeing familiar faces no matter where you are on the island. Grenada is south of St. Vincent and the Grenadines which are made up of 32 islands and cays. Grenada claims two of the Grenadines islands,Petit Martinique and Carriacou. 


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A few weeks ago, I took myself on a quick solo trip to Carriacou. The island’s name equates to “Land of Reefs” and is home to only 8,000 residents. It’s a very quaint, quiet, and beautiful island. It was very easy to get to from the mainland of Grenada by plane or boat. I prefer ferry because it’s very reliable and allows you to have different views of the island, and SVG Air cancelled my flight home.


So I took the Osprey Lines ferry; it docks in the Carenage and departs everyday at 9am. You can’t buy your ticket online, so you just have arrive a little early to purchase one.  It’s 80EC, so it’s less than $65 for a roundtrip to go island hopping! Then, it’s just a quick two hour boat ride, and you can easily get a taxi once you arrive in Carriacou. 


Once I got to Carriacou, I booked at a cute, boutique hotel that was right on the water. I spent my entire time there lounging in a beach chair, swimming, reading, and eating so much food at the hotel’s restaurant. It’s without a doubt one of the most relaxing and serene places I’ve ever been with the kindest locals and I hope everyone gets a chance to do a little island hopping. I am going again mid December when my dad comes down, and I will updated the blog with more activities, restaurants, and museums to visit. I have every intention of going snorkeling and exploring more local events!

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If you have an questions, leave a comment or message me. Enjoy! 

Favorite Hot Spots in St. Lucia

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Living on an island is really one of the coolest things I’ve ever done; life moves with ease and much slower than I’m use to, which has taught me the importance of being patient and understanding. Every passing face wishes you well, and everyone knows each other’s names, which brings me back to my small town roots. I’ve enjoyed the simplicity of my day to day; I spend a majority of the week at training and then spend my free time hanging out with my host mom, making memories with my fellow trainees, and getting to know the local Caribbean culture. 

So here are my favorite things I’ve done while in the beautiful island of St. Lucia—

Hiking the Pitons in Soufriere, St. Lucia

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Let me tell you, hiking Gros Piton is no easy feat, being 2,619 ft above sea level. It required some grit and more sweat than I had ever imagined, but it was a great way to spend the day. It was drizzling a little when we went, so it was kind of slippery, but completely doable. It took two hours to go up, a 45 minute break at the top to have lunch and take in the breathtaking views, and another two hours down.I highly recommend hiking Gros Piton with a fun group, especially if you like to be active and explore nature. 

For more info/ pricing: http://www.grospiton.com

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Sulphur Springs in Soufriere, St. Lucia

The world’s only drive-in volcano is nothing short of amazing, especially when the hot springs allow you to take an exfoliating mud bath in the hot spring pools. First, we took a 20 minute tour of the volcano, learning all the ins and outs and facts about what was all around us. The springs are the hottest and most active geothermal area in the lesser Antilles, which is really cool. Then, we went down to the hot springs, covered ourselves in mud, and ventured into the 4 hot pools. It was so much fun, and left us all feeling relaxed and fresh. 

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For more info: http://www.sulphurspringssaintlucia.com

Choc Beach in Castries, St. Lucia

It’s simple, quiet, close to shopping centers, the movie theatre, and food, plus beautiful views. What more can you ask for? 

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Choc beach info: http://caribya.com/st.lucia/choc.beach/

For more great beach options: 

https://www.tripsavvy.com/st-lucias-best-beaches-1488648

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I hope you enjoy St. Lucia as much as I have. I’ll be moving to Grenada on Aug 3, 2019 for the next 26 months, so be sure to follow along my journey on the Spice Island!