O The Places We'll Go...

Lifestyle and Travel Tips

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How to visit the Dead Sea in Jordan

If you are in Jordan a visit to the Dead Sea is a must. Figuring out how to get to the dead sea in Jordan is not nearly as simple as you would think.  There is a TON of inconsistent and dated information online that can stump even the most seasoned traveler. I ended up relying on the expertise of local friends and fellow travelers to determine the logistics for the Dead Sea.  

The Dead Sea is accessible from Jordan, Israel, and Palestine. Crossing international borders in this area can be time-consuming, logistically challenging, and may require a visa.  For these reasons, I recommend visiting a beach or resort within the borders of the country that you are already in - in my case Jordan.

In Jordan, to access the Dead Sea, you can go to the public beach or visit one of the many resorts along the sea.  Many of the resorts offer day passes, or you can opt to book a room to gain access to the resort’s beach (often this is cheaper).  Usually, the rooms are priced for two people; however, friends of mine booked a room and were able to bring two additional people (just two of the individuals in their group checked in).  The resorts have security so keep this in mind, but if there is an issue you can pay for the extra day passes for additional people.

Where to go

Public Beach: Price 10 JD/Person

We opted to skip the public beach for a few reasons.  The first being that I was traveling with a group of young women and we had no idea what was acceptable beach attire.  Are bikinis acceptable? Did we have to track down a burkini? Jordan, in general, is a pretty accepting place, but when it came to beach etiquette, we felt we would be more comfortable at a resort and avoiding potential unwanted stares or being culturally inappropriate.  Another major concern we had with visiting the public beach was where we would store our belongings while we were floating. Since there are security checkpoints along the route to the Dead Sea, we knew we would need our passports and wanted to make sure that they were secure.  

Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa: 100 JD + for a hotel room,  55 JD/person for a day pass (includes a food credit)

The Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa has many pools, beautiful views, and an enormous beachfront. A number of my friends have gotten the day pass here and enjoyed the resort.

Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea: ~60 JD for a hotel room, 25 JD/person for a day pass

The Holiday Inn Dead Sea Resort is incredible.  We decided to book a room here because it was the most economical option (I found a fantastic deal on Expedia). I loved everything about this resort from the pools to the pristine beach.  There were ample towel & bottled water stations throughout the property, and the staff was incredibly attentive. Although we did not spend the night the room we booked was clean and spacious.

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea: 114 JD + for a hotel room

For the lux option, there is no better choice than Kempinski. This stunning resort boasts nine outdoor pools, a pristine beachfront, and tennis courts. If you are looking to stay a night at the Dead Sea, this resort has come highly recommended by my Jordanian friend.  

How to get to the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is accessible from Amman by bus, rental car, or cab.  We opted to take a taxi because the buses are not always reliable and we did not feel comfortable driving in Amman.  The cab cost was around ~20 JD each way. We used the same driver both ways and agreed upon price and pick up/drop off times before we left our hotel.

Quick note: Uber is available in Amman, but it is illegal.  Since there are many roadside checkpoints outside of Amman, I advise against taking an Uber outside the city limits.  You’ll be putting the driver and yourself in a potentially risky situation.

Other things that you need to know about the Dead Sea

The same salt that makes you float in the dead sea makes every small scrap or cut unbearable.  Avoid shaving the day you plan to visit the sea and keep that in mind if you have any cuts or scrapes.  You’ll also want to avoid floating on your stomach (imagine if the salt gets in your eyes...ouch).

You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to find that it is harder to get sunburnt at the Dead Sea since there is an extra atmospheric layer, but I still recommend wearing sunscreen.

Don't forget to use the dead sea mud! Our resort had buckets of mud on the beach. We layered it on our skin, let it dry, and washed the mud off in the Dead Sea (I avoided my face and hair). You'll be surprised how soft your skin is after.

Finally, don’t make the same mistake I did and wear a light colored swimsuit to the Dead Sea.  The mud can and will stain your swimwear, so I recommend wearing a dark colored suit.

x Smack

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How to Take Better Travel Photos

You don’t need professional equipment or formal training to take incredible travel photos.  The key to excellent travel photography is a little patience, lots of practice, and knowing how to get the most out of resources at your disposable.  When I first started “O The Places We’ll Go” in 2015 I was armed with just my iPhone 5 and tips from a few Insta-savvy friends.  Since then, I’ve upgraded my iPhone twice, invested in a DSLR (Nikon D3300), and just now started to look into more professional equipment. Although I often use a DSLR, most of my favorite travel shots continue to be the ones that I capture on my iPhone.  

Set up your Phone

Make sure the “grid” setting on your phone camera is set up.  If you’re an iPhone user, this can be done in the settings app under “Photos & Camera.” I love using the grid because it helps me align the subject I’m shooting. It’s also a great tool to use to make sure your picture is straight especially if you’re taking a picture of a door, window, or a flatly. 

Keep your lens clean! How well do you see out of dirty eye or sunglasses? Not well.  The same applies to your phone camera lens.  Keep your lens clean to get the best quality photos from your phone.  

Turn on HDR.  You’ve probably noticed the HDR option on your phone.  HDR (high dynamic range) is a setting that captures slightly more details.  Instead of just taking one photo, HDR captures a couple of images and consolidates them. 

Take the time to focus.  Press down on your screen on where you want the camera to focus when you’re taking a picture. 

Use Apps. There are a ton of great apps available to edit your pictures.  VSCO, Snapseed, A Color Story, and Lightroom are all great.  I use Lightroom for editing my iPhone pictures. Lightroom offers many options to adjust color, contrast, and sharpness of images.  You can also take photos from your camera through the app.  

Lighting

Regardless if you are using a DSLR or iPhone lighting is vital.  

As a general rule of thumb, have your light source behind you when you’re taking a picture. For example, if your light source is behind your subject (let's say it’s a person), the result will be that their face will be shadowed.  If the light is behind you when you are taking a photograph, it will illuminate their face. 

Be aware of the strength of your light source. Daylight is very broad, so a picture that is taken outside, where the lighting is everywhere will be softer and have less shadow.  On the other hand, taking a picture in a room light by a couple of light sources (like a restaurant) will result in a harsher image that has more contrast & shadows. 

Experiment. The best way to learn about lighting is by doing. Try taking photos with different settings on your DSLR or phone at different times of the day.  Understanding how lighting works will significantly improve the quality of your travel pictures. 

Don't be so serious

Why do you travel? For the Instagram or for the culture, food, and chance to experience something new.  Travel and photography should both be fun so don’t get frustrated if the first photograph doesn’t turn out perfect. My rule of thumb is to spend no more than five minutes photographing one spot.  If the picture doesn’t turn out right in that time, it’s not worth the frustration or daylight.

What are your favorite photography tips?

x smack

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How my Skin Looks Great Even After a Month of Travel

This past month has been HECTIC.  I started my month off with a whirlwind trip that started in Barcelona and ended in Seattle.  From Barcelona, I traveled through Morocco and finished the trip the best way I know how with dinner in Paris (Picking just one place to eat in Paris is a near impossible task).  After a couple of days in Chicago, I was back on the road this time to Florida.  After my Florida trip, I was off to Seattle for a week for work.  I’m finally back in Chicago and cannot wait to share all of the adventures I’ve had over the past month after I sort through the 2000+ photos I took on my trips. 

I love to travel, but I can honestly do without the havoc it wreaks on my skin.  No one wants dry, flaky skin or pimples especially when you are on vacation.  I'm not blessed with perfect skin so finding the right skincare routine for when I travel was critical. This past month of travel put my routine to the test (spoiler my skin looks great).

In Flight Skincare Routine

The key to great skin when you're on the road - start when you are in transit.  I make it a point to drink lots of water, and before I board a long flight, I pop into the airport bathroom and take off my makeup, use a quick Glycolic peel pad, and put on a water mask.  

My favorite face wipes are the "Yes to Cucumber" face wipes. They are great for sensitive skin and don't smell like chemicals.  I use Bliss for my Glycolic peel pads. They are individually packaged which makes them perfect for packing in a purse or backpack.  And last but not least my all time favorite water mask is Laneige's Water Sleeping Mask.  It's affordable and works great for sensitive skin.  I recommend using a contact lens case to store the mask when you're traveling. 

 Post Flight Skincare Routine 

Before I rush to the customs line, I  stop in the bathroom to fix myself up.  Does anyone else feel their grimiest after an 8+ hour flight?  Post transit I quickly use a face wipe.  I then use Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Vichy and PCA both make great ones) to help re-hydrate my skin.  I let the serum soak in for a minute before putting on my go-to morning moisturizer by Osea.  Before heading out, I put on CC Cream (with SPF) Lune + Aster and Chanel are my two favorites.   

Daily Skincare Routine

Keeping on a set skincare routine on the road is hard especially if you are a product junkie like me!  Because space and time are limited, I try to keep my travel skincare routine simple. 

Morning I use a cleanser by Osea in the morning followed by a pump of  Hyaluronic Acid Serum.  In the mornings I use the same moisturizer and CC cream as I do post-flight. 

Night At night I always start my routine out by washing my face with my Osea cleanser. I then use a Glytone toner to remove any dirt/oil left over from a day of exploring.  After using the toner, I use a pump of Hyaluronic Acid Serum followed by "Egyptian Magic" as my evening moisturizer.  

Skincare First Aid 

Even the most prepared skincare guru is bound to run into a pimple on the road.  I carry Nexcare Acne patches with me in my carry on, and they work miracles! If you have a pimple, put on a patch before bed (make sure there is no moisturizer underneath), and when you wake up, it will be gone -most of the time. 

The other in-a-pinch products I always carry are samples of Glam Glow's Super Mud mask and Oskia's Renaissance mask (sold at Barney's). 

After a month of travel, five time zones, and more hours in the air than I care to admit I've returned to Chicago with my skin glowing!  I'm always looking to refine my travel skincare routine.  What products do you love to use when you travel?

x smack 

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An American's Guide to Icelandic Swimming Pool Etiquette

Swimming is to Iceland as apple pie is to America.  All Icelanders start swimming at an early age and swimming is a requirement in school.  Because of this, there are swimming pools all over Iceland.  The Icelandic public swimming pools are a place to exercise, unwind, and socialize.  

A common misconception is that all swimming pools in Iceland are like the Blue Lagoon.  The Blue Lagoon is not your typical Icelandic Swimming pool.  Since it's tailored towards tourists, there is luggage storage, private showers, a swim-up bar, face masks, and not many locals.  These kinds of amenities do not exist at every pool in Iceland.  You also pay top dollar to go (currently entrance is ~120 USD).  Before heading to an authentic Icelandic Swimming pool here is everything you need to know about Icelandic swimming pool etiquette. 

When to go to an Icelandic Swimming Pool

It’s hard to find a wrong time to go to an Icelandic swimming pool.  My favorite time to go is after a long day of hiking.  The pools open early (usually around 6 AM and close late (usually around 10 PM).  

Leave your shoes outside the Locker Room

To keep the locker rooms and pool clean many of the swimming pools require you to take off your shoes before entering the locker room.  

Shower Naked

Showering naked before you put on your suit is a requirement to go into Icelandic Swimming pools. The pools aren’t heavily chlorinated, so this is necessary to keep the pools clean. Soap is provided in the showers.  The locker rooms have varying levels of privacy depending on the swimming pool.  If privacy is a concern, we recommend Sundhöllin pool in Reykjavik.  The locker room has a few private shower stalls.  

Other Helpful Information

Icelandic swimming pools have single-sex locker rooms.  The pools and locker rooms are incredibly clean, and there is nothing to be intimidated by.   Most locker rooms have lockers with keys, so there is no need to worry about your belongings. Many locker rooms also have hairdryers, bags for suits, and swimsuit dryers.  If you have towels bring them to the pool, otherwise you will be charged a small fee to rent a towel.  Entrance to pools is around 10 USD which is a bargain compared to the Blue Lagoon. 

x Smack 

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Exploring Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula

While in Iceland, exploring the vast terrain is a must, but during the winter roads in Iceland can be treacherous.  With this in mind, we decided to skip the rental car and let the professionals do the driving. Suffice to say; we were not disappointed when we came across Gateway to Iceland and were able to sit back and relax on a small tour group while exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula. On this journey, we were serenaded by Icelandic fables, stories of miraculous storm rescues, and, of course, Iceland’s breathtaking profile.  

We started our expedition out at 8:30 AM sharp with a warm greeting from Bjorn followed by several stops around downtown Reykjavik to pick up the rest of our crew.

Once fully underway Bjorn began to tell us stories of his life Iceland and even brought us to a bakery near his hometown on the way to our first stop - a Viking tomb!  The tomb in and of itself was discreet and well fortified, but the stories that steamed from this site were by far the most extraordinary. When one thinks of Vikings, you may envision a bulky blonde warrior on a dragon-shaped boat.  Bjorn went beyond the expectation bringing to life a ferocious 4-year-old taking on his maniac father to an old sea witch cursing prideful fisherman.  The hours on the road floated away with these stories, and we were hardly aware of the time that had passed between stops.

On our journey, we came across many notable stops including Kirkjufell mountain, Snæfellsnes park, Arnarstapi harbor walk, and Búðir & Búðahraun lava field.  

Word to the wise

With the considerable distance between stops, it came as no surprise that the rest stops were few and far between.  With this in mind, plan accordingly.  

Bring snacks and if you have food sensitivities pack a lunch. It is much better to be safe than sorry when faced with sparse restroom access.

Be mindful of your fluid intake as every action has an adverse reaction.

Dress appropriately. While the rest of us were clinging to our coats, Bjorn was happily toasty in his signature wool sweater. Unless you are of Nordic custom, it would be best to pack an extra pair of socks, gloves and a hat.

x Em

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A Guide to Basic Plane Etiquette

Flying is by no means as luxurious as it was in the days of Pan Am. Flights can be an office, time to nap, an opportunity to finish a novel, a chance to catch up with a friend, and for those that fear flying incredibly stressful. Airfare is expensive, but that ticket price does not give you the right to make your fellow passengers miserable. 

TONE DOWN THE LOUD CONVERSATIONS

I love flying with my sister. It's a chance to catch up, talk about our trip, and plan blog content. Unfortunately, not everyone cares how excited we are to return to Iceland. To be courteous we talk quietly, don't get too personal, and keep the conversations brief. After all, everyone paid to be on the flight and if they want to nap or read our discussion shouldn't disrupt that.  In general, do you want random people knowing tons of personal and identifiable information about you (this sounds like the beginning of an SVU episode)?

DON'T BRING SMELLY FOOD ONBOARD YOUR FLIGHT

One of my favorite airports to layover in is Philly solely because of their Chipotle. Although I love Chipotle, that doesn't mean everyone around me wants to smell Mexican food on the plane. After all what if a fellow passenger is one of those unfortunate souls that got listeria from Chipotle? I would hate to be the cause of someone's food poisoning PTSD (I still cannot even hear "cheese filled bread" after my Georgian food poisoning debacle). Eat your Chipotle in the airport while it's hot and keep the smelly food out of the cabin.

DON'T STEAL THE MIDDLE SEAT ARMREST

Raise your hand if you hate being in the middle seat.  Being in the middle seat is horrible, and the only consolation prize is that you get both middle armrests.  Stealing the armrest from your middle seatmate is like throwing it in their face that they lost the airline seat lottery. Don't be a jerk and let them have the armrest.

EXCESSIVE PDA IS NOT OK

Would you grope or make out with your significant other if your grandmother was sitting next to you? I would hope not! I know my Grandma Gloria would be sending me bible verses daily and I would "lose" my invitation to all family gatherings if I exposed her to that kind of behavior. A plane is not a hotel room. Your grandma may not be on your flight, but someone else's probably is. Save the PDA for your house or a hotel room and don't traumatize a grandma.

x smack

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Hot Toddy

Winter is here. The arrival of this cold white wonderland brings with it some of my favorite things: big sweaters, cozy candles, stews, and the illustrious hot toddy.  Being of Scottish and German ancestry, Sarah and I were raised with the utmost respect for this wintertime tradition. Without further ado, here is a recipe from my personal stash. 

INGREDIENTS 

1 tbsp honey

½ tsp cinnamon 

½ tsp crushed ginger

1 shot of whiskey (I use Jameson or Powers) 

8 oz of hot water

DIRECTIONS

First, heat up the water until it begins to boil. While the water is heating, toss all the ingredients in a mug.  Once the water is heated, add to the mug and stir.  Enjoy!

*In the heat of cold season I sometimes switch 1 shot of whiskey out for 1 shot of apple cider vinegar.

Bon hiver! 

Em

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3 Books to Read on Your Next Trip

One of my resolutions is to read more this year.  I’m just starting to tackle Russian literature (nerdy I know).  Usually, the only time I have to read is on flights, and I always find myself going back to the same three beloved books.  What I love about these novels is that they seem to embody the very essence of why travel.  Like every great trip, each book is full of adventure, spontaneous decisions, interesting characters, and mishaps.  

Travels with Myself and Another by Martha Gellhorn

Martha Gellhorn is one of my all time favorite Authors. Martha was a war reporter and covered the Spanish civil war as well as many other conflicts in Europe and South America. She was a fearless, confident, and ambitious woman.  I love Travels with Myself and Another because Martha captures the very essence of the excitement of travel.  This novel documents a few of her trips (China, Africa, Russia, and the Caribbean). Each story is full of mishaps, funny anecdotes, and plenty of adventure.  

That Summer in Paris by Morley Callaghan

Ever wonder what it would be like be friends with Hemingway and Fitzgerald? Morley Callaghan was one of the many American authors that moved to Paris in the 1920’s.  In That Summer in Paris Morley shares the adventures he had while spending a summer among artists and literary elites. That Summer in Paris is one of my favorite books to read on a flight to Europe.  

Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck

One of the things I love most about travel is that I come back to the place I left with a fresh perspective.  John Steinbeck’s novel Travels with Charley is an account of a road trip he took with his dog across the United States to rediscover America.  I love that this novel seems to capture the feeling of looking at life through another lens.  

I hope you love these books as much as I do.  What is your favorite book to read when you travel?

x Smack

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Five Places to Go in 2018

I hope all your New Year's are off to a great start! I started my day off by speaking with my 90 year old grandmother - she spent the call listing everything bad that happened to to her in 2017.  Fingers crossed 2018 leads to warmer weather and better behaved cats grandma!  2017 was a rather turbulent year for me as well. I changed just about everything in my life (job, apartment, relationship), met incredible people, and saw many inspiring places.  

As a travel blogger, it is expected that you share all the extraordinary places to travel to in the coming year.  I find that usually these lists encompass remote, obscure, and expensive places that require a cringeworthy amount of PTO and money to spare to visit.  Out of obligation for my craft, I’m sharing my top five picks of places to travel in 2018.  Some may be far and obscure, but they are all accessible, interesting, and offer something for every budget.  

Tbilisi, Georgia

Few places have surprised me as much as Tbilisi.  I loved everything about this city - the culture, the food, the architecture, and most of all the history.  Georgia has had a rather turbulent history and this is apparent in the many different styles of architecture seen throughout Tbilisi.

Tbilisi has something for everyone.  There are vibrant bars, trendy shops, architectural marvels, hot springs, waterfalls, and world class restaurants all within the city confines.  It is also a perfect home base for visiting vineyards, monasteries, ski resorts, and the Caucasus Mountains.  I recommend visiting during the summer or winter.  

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

When I was younger I went to Milwaukee for two reasons - to visit the Milwaukee Public Museum or go to a sporting event. Milwaukee is currently going through an incredible transformation and becoming a hub of culture, great art, and exceptional food.  A visit to Milwaukee is not complete with a stop in The Third Ward. This historic neighborhood has recently been revitalised and is now one of Milwaukee's creative hubs.  The neighborhood is filled with trendy restaurants, bars, and shops.  I recommend visiting during the summer months and if you can plan your visit during Summerfest, a large music festival that Milwaukee hosts every year.

Mexico City, Mexico

Ask any of my friends where my top place to visit in 2018 is and they will say Mexico City (I’m sure they are all tired of me talking about it).  For me, the draw to Mexico City is a combination of the vibrant architecture, restaurants, and chance to explore somewhere a little different. It’s also a great alternative to visiting Cuba (without all of the expensive hotels,pricey visas, and other restrictions).  For the best weather visit Mexico City in the Spring.

Mexico city is at the very top of my list of places to go in 2018. Mexico City is a hub for art, food, and culture.  

Valletta, Malta

I could write an entire book on all the things I love about Malta.  With its fascinating history, awe-inspiring architecture, gem colored waters, and mouth watering food it came as no surprise to me that Valletta was named European Cultural Capital for 2018.  One of my favorite things about Valletta is how authentic it feels - it is one of the few European cities I’ve visited that is devoid of nick nack and souvenir shops on every corner.  Malta can be expensive, however you can avoid the high prices by eating at local restaurants, using Malta’s easy public transit system, and staying in Sliema (a town directly across the bay from Valletta). Visit Valletta in the Spring or Fall for good weather and smaller crowds.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vietnam has been a bucket list destination of mine for a while. he biggest draw for me to Vietnam is the food.  I could live off of Pho and the food markets look incredible.   In recent months there have been plenty of deals to Ho Chi Minh City making this destination more accessible than ever before.  For the best weather visit in the Spring or Fall.

Happy trip planning!

x Smack

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7 Tips to Paint Like a Pro

Becoming a homeowner has been a new and exciting experience for me.  From this, I have learned many new tips and tricks I look forward to sharing.  Most recently, I have had a dalliance with painting; walls, furniture, accents, you name it, I’ve probably at least considered painting it. Without further ado here are some of the invaluable painting hacks I’ve become acquainted with.

1. HIRE EXPERTS

I cannot stress enough the importance of hiring a professional painting crew.  When I moved into my apartment the existing paint job was sloppy.  There were paint drips on outlets & floors, painters tape was left on the walls in places, and the color choices made the space feel dark.  I did my research before choosing painters and worked with Paintzen.  Using a professional service ensured that the job was done correctly and if it wasn’t they would fix it.  I’m incredibly happy with my experience working with Paintzen and cannot stress enough the importance of investing in professional painting.

2. DON’T BE AFRAID TO TEST PAINT COLORS

Since you are painting your walls anyways do not be afraid to test out colors on your wall.  Give yourself a couple days to see what color you like best after seeing it in different lighting.  If you are painting your entire space the same color test in a couple of different rooms.

3. PICK THE RIGHT TRIM COLOR

For White Walls Paint the Trim and Doors ½ a Shade lighter than the walls. Many standard trim paints have “blue tones.”  To ensure you pick the perfect shade of white to compliment your white walls choose a half a shade lighter white for your trim and doors.  

4. PAINT EYESORES

If you can’t stand looking at the ugly vent or thermostat cover on your pristine walls paint them the same color as your walls.  In my case, the back of my front door was the factory wood.  To make this eyesore blend in I had the back of the door painted the same color as my trim. 

5. DON’T IGNORE YOUR OUTLET COVERS

No one likes to see cracks or imperfections showing through on their freshly painted walls. The paint crew I worked with from Paintzen recommended choosing the slightly larger outlet covers rather than the standard size.  This ensured that any imperfections were hidden.

6. USE PAINTERS TAPE TO MARK EASY TO MISS SPOTS

Have a crack in the wall you needs to be fixed? Is there one spot that is easy to miss?  Don’t be afraid to put painters tape on anything you may miss during your walkthrough.

7. RECYCLE YOUR LEFTOVER PAINT

There are endless uses for leftover paint.  I used my leftover paint to whitewash my fireplace!  Another great use is to use leftover paint on furniture you want to “blend in.”  

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Flights to Tbilisi for $587 Roundtrip

Dreaming of quaint city streets, vineyards, and ancient monasteries? Look no further than beautiful Georgia.  Right now there are some incredible deals to Georgia's cosmopolitan capital, Tbilisi, out of Chicago.  Flights are currently $587 roundtrip on Qatar Airways. Book fast because these deals likely won't last long. 

If you aren't convinced you've got to go yet check out our Tbilisi city guide for some inspiration. 

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Why You Should Always Check An Ugly Suitcase

I always check an ugly suitcase.  My Aunt Denise taught me from an early age to check the ugliest most beat up suitcase you have.  To this day, I continue to check the obnoxious orchid colored suitcase she gifted me for Christmas when I was twelve.  Don’t get me wrong I love great luggage and have two beautiful Steamline carry-ons, but there are a number of reasons that Aunt Denise is completely right.

Theft Prevention

If you were thinking of stealing from luggage what bag would you pick: the shiny new Goyard bag that is almost guaranteed to have designer items or the beat up brandless, potential kid’s suitcase?  There are a lot of stories of theft from checked bags including a recent case in Denver.

Checked Bags Get Beat Up

Baggage handlers do not care that your luggage is Louis Vuitton.  Bags get tossed around, luggage carts get left in the rain, and bags get stacked on top of each other regardless of the value of the bag on the bottom.  Check a bag that is durable, will protect the contents, and that you don’t mind seeing beat up.

It’s Easier to Spot Your Luggage on the Carousel

How many black or navy bags do you see on a luggage carousel? More than you probably can count.  My orchid colored bag may not be the chicest piece of luggage, but I have no problem spotting the bright bag across a crowded baggage claim. Also, if my bag was ever to get lost it would be way easier to describe the bag to the airline.

So, in conclusion, check an ugly suitcase and remember Aunt Denise is always right.

x Smack

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A Guide to Tbilisi

A walk down the charming streets of Tbilisi is a history lesson in itself.  Beautiful old monasteries, modern bridges,  sulfur baths, and even a waterfall can be found in the city center.  Tbilisi has had a turbulent history marked by periods of Russian and Persian rule which has resulted in an eclectic mix of architecture throughout the city. Modern-day Tbilisi has a vibrant bar and restaurant scene and an entrepreneurial culture. This up and coming destination won’t remain a hidden gem long, so pack your bags and head to beautiful Tbilisi, “the city that loves you.”

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

Rooms Hotel

If you’re looking for a hotel that has charming rooms, a lively atmosphere, and is centrally located look no further than the Rooms Hotel. I adored the eclectic decor of the hotel and loved the vibrant and bohemian vibe of the Vera neighborhood.  

Fabrika

For a truly memorable hostel experience book your stay at Fabrica.  Fabrika boasts a fun atmosphere and design worthy of a high-end hotel.  

Things you must see in Tbilisi

Sulfur Baths

Legend has it that Tbilisi was founded because of the city's hot springs that a king discovered on a hunt. You can soak in these very same healing springs at the Sulfur Baths.

Waterfall Leghvtakhevi

Hidden in the heart of Tbilisi is a waterfall.  The waterfall is a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring or capture that perfect picture.  

Cable Car

For unparalleled skyline views take the cable car to the Narikala Fortress.  

Anchiskhati Basilica

If you love architecture check out Anchiskhati Basilica.  This 6th-century church features some incredible frescos and is the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi.

Vera Neighborhood

Spend an afternoon exploring the charming Vera neighborhood.  This neighborhood has amazing cafes, great shopping, and quaint streets.

Where to Eat & Drink in Tbilisi

Keto and Kote

For traditional Georgian cuisine look no further than Keto and Kote. The food and views are incredible.  If the weather's nice sit outside at Keto and Kote’s charming patio. This restaurant can be tricky to find and at the end of a residential street (you may mistake it as a house).  The portion sizes are also large so share with a friend!

Machakhela

Another great traditional Georgian restaurant is Machakhela. Machakhela is located close the to the Sulfur Baths.  The menu is vast and the food inexpensive.  Make sure you try Khachapuri Adjaruli (cheese bread) and Khinkali (dumplings).  The portions sizes are large.

Lolita

This trendy neighborhood hotspot is great for both lunch and dinner.  We absolutely loved their vegetarian lentil curry and asparagus and gorgonzola pizza.  At night Lolita turns into a lively bar. Stop here for a late dinner and stay to mingle with the locals.

Mukhatsakatukha

Looking for the perfect brunch spot in Tbilisi? Stop by Mukhatsakatukha for great tea, coffee, and delicious soups and pasteries.  

O Moda Moda

O Moda Moda is a restaurant and a vintage store (can you think of a better combination?). Stop by here for lunch and be sure to browse the amazing vintage wares.

Jazz Cafe Singer

If you love live music and a casual atmosphere check out Jazz Cafe Singer.  

Getting Around Tbilisi

Cabs in Tbilisi can be tricky. To ensure you don’t get overcharged and get a legitimate cab use the Taxify app.

The metro and bus network in Tbilisi is easy to use and inexpensive.

Day Trips from Tbilisi

Our favorite part of Georgia was getting out into the countryside.  The terrain is variable there are incredible mountain ranges, forests, lakes, and beautiful vineyards.  We do not recommend renting a car in Georgia. Drivers pass cars often, cops drive with their lights on even if they are not necessarily pulling someone over, and not everyone speaks English.  We hired a driver for around $100/per day. It was great to have someone show us around that could share the history of all the places we saw.

Eastern Georgia and Wine Country

If you do one day trip Eastern Georgia is a must.  We visited fairytale like towns, a monastery, sampled Georgian wine, and even made bread and candies.  Make sure you eat plenty.  Georgians love their wine and chacha and you will get the opportunity to sample plenty.

North Eastern Georgia

North Eastern Georgia is full of mountains and lush forests. If you go you must see the Jvari Monastery.  The monastery is located high on a mountain and can be reached by hiking or a local guide (the road is very bumpy so take Dramamine if you get motion sickness).

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The Only Rug Company You need to Know

Before I bought my condo, I had no clue how expensive décor items could be. Rugs, lighting, and furniture are all very expensive! The prices of rugs, in particular, shocked me.  When I started rug shopping, I consistently found myself torn between unique rugs that I loved which, coincidently, were ALWAYS out of my budget and more generic rugs that I could afford.  Quality was also a significant factor for me.  After all, who wants to spend a month’s mortgage payment on a rug only to replace it after a year?

Lucky for me, Facebook is a mind reader.  While scrolling through my newsfeed I came across an ad for an incredible company, Revival Rugs.  They source all of their rugs from artisans in Turkey and sell directly to the consumer so there are no astronomical markups.  The timing could also not be more perfect - Revival Rugs just launched their first collection and is already working on their second (expected to launch around the holidays).  After a scroll through their Instagram feed I immediately realized their rugs were exactly what I was looking for –colorful, unique, durable, and the price was right.  So, I ordered the perfect red runner for my white galley kitchen.

Coincidentally, I have this horrible habit of buying more than one of things that I love - this usually applies to wine and Trader Joe’s frozen Chinese food.  After a couple of days using my new runner, I’ve already placed an order for a gorgeous blue rug for my walk-in closet (at $91 this was a deal I couldn’t pass up)!

If you’re also on the hunt for that perfect rug check out Revival Rug’s website.

x Smack 

I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a gorgeous runner for review purposes and purchased the additional product. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

[placeswellgoblog-blog]

Good News Comes in Threes

Good news comes in threes and I have three very exciting things to share.  First I left my job and will be starting a new job that is walking distance from my apartment – goodbye three-hour commute.  I bought a condo in downtown Chicago that I cannot wait to start making my own.  Finally, I scored a $38 roundtrip flight to Florida.  Needless to say, it has been an overwhelming, but productive week.

With all of this change, I’m realizing how easy it is to take on way too much at once.  I’ll be starting my new job in ten days and before then I’ll be spending three days in Florida and am trying to have my new apartment pulled together. To be honest, I’m not sure I’ll be able to get the place together so fast, but I’m going to try.   This is a very typical Sarah situation I’ve gotten myself in.

Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing all about deciding to change jobs, my place, the purchase decision, and how it is even a remote possibility to try to get this apartment ready in ten days.

The Ten-Day Plan (Wish me luck!)

Day 1– Close on the Apartment

Day 2 – Clean everything, pick paint colors, and order rugs

Day 3 - Painting & pick new light fixturesDay 4 - Painting

Day 5 - Movers/Install closet (head to Florida)

Day 6 – Cleaning round two 

Day 7 - Light fixtures installed

Day 8 - Return from Florida and start Accessorizing

Day 9 – Organize closet and pick next projects

Day 10 – Finishing touches 

x Smack 

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Ace Your Next Sibling Trip

Growing up Sarah and I were like any other pair of siblings.  We constantly challenged each other, and because of that, we didn’t get along.  Nowadays, people ask us how we came to be such good friends.  Our answer to these inquiries is synonymous.  Surprisingly, we realized in many ways we are similar.  Through challenging each other we make each other better, and through traveling together we have grown so much closer.  In the ways only a sister can be, we are honest with each other and this open communication is what makes us great travel partners.  

So, how do we do it?

Here are my top 5 tips for traveling with a sibling:

1. Do your research (Both of you!)

Knowing a bit about where you’re going is essential.  When you research find out things to do, how much local currency you need, how you’re going to get around once you reach your destination, local cuisine, and any other pieces of interest.  

2. Be on the same page

What do you each want to get out of this trip?  How much do you want to spend? Make a list of your top things and compromise.

3. Stay Organized

I personally love excel documents.  You can download the sheets app on your phone and have access to your itinerary even offline!  On my docs, I always have my travel itinerary, a list of possible things to do in each place, and any reservations I may have made.

4. Make reservations

Making reservations ahead of time is something you can do together and it will enable you to each has a fair say.  Reservations don't just apply to meals, think tours, car services, hotels, wine tastings.  If you miss a reservation it is not the end of the world, it simply means you were inspired in a different direction than planned.

5. Call your parents

If you don’t they may worry about you killing each other.  Speaking from experience, this is a totally valid concern.   Enfin, it is important to recognize humans are perfectly imperfect.  We are hardwired to make mistakes.  But when we do, accept each other's flaws, move on, and have a kick-ass trip!

xx Em

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Flights to Europe from Chicago for $210 Roundtrip

Flights to Europe out of Chicago on Air Canada are majorly on sale. Flights start as low as $210 roundtrip.  The best deals can be found for Krakow, Dusseldorf, Paris, and Athens. Dates range from this fall to January of 2018.  We found these deals on Kayak Explore.  Book fast these deals will not last long!