Travel Happily Ever After

Everything you NEED to know about budget traveling while black and married with kids. #THEA #luvlustandwanderlust #travelingwhileblack

[travelhappilyeverafter]

So, guess who is going to Cuba before the Republican regime finds a way to overturn this when they “win” the next election? Yes, we are, Yes we can!

Thanks Obama, you are the real MVP! Just announced Americans will be able to travel to Cuba more freely and receive imports of Cuban good in amounts up to $400. Officials said they would re-establish an embassy in Havana and carry out high-level exchanges and visits between the two governments within months to make things official.

According to the New York Times, officials said, "They would re-establish an embassy in Havana and carry out high level exchanges and visits between the two governments within months."  “The United States will also ease travel restrictions across all 12 categories currently envisioned under limited circumstances in American law, including family visits, official visits, journalistic, professional, educational and religious activities, and public performances, officials said. Ordinary tourism, however, will remain prohibited.”

The hubby and I just have to figure out a way to get around that pesky “ordinary tourist” label. Cuba you just made our near future travel calendar!

[travelhappilyeverafter]

Travel's controversial start-up AirBnB  wins Inc.’s big award for 2014.

Inc.'s editor-in-chief explains why Airbnb was just named the magazine's company of the year.

"The San Francisco-based company, valued at $13 billion and No. 41 on the 2014 CNBC Disruptor 50 List, was founded in 2008. It now boasts 25 million users and connections in more than 34,000 cities and 190 countries." - CNBC

[travelhappilyeverafter]

Check out this list from one of my fave bloggers worldofwanderlust and get lost in travel porn for 2015. Are any of these destinations on your travel calendar? We are hoping to get stamps from Morocco next year!

[travelhappilyeverafter]

TIPFUL TUESDAY WITH THEA: SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO FLY SOLO

I have been so out of touch lately, trying to create a timeline for all of the projects I am working for 2015 and attempting to somewhat prioritize/organize my ever-changing life goals and always cluttered life.

Also, I have been trying to re-structure this blog and will be adding a vlog sometime in the near future - hence the hiatus. All this restructuring came about on my last vacation to Kaui, Hawaii, when the hubby and I had a Tamar and Vince "Cabotastrophe" (we are avid watchers). He hates having to be on social media on vacation, he hates reviewing everything, taking pictures of everything and following a pre-planned itinerary to make sure you see and do everything to later blog/vlog about it.

Wait a minute, isn't that what traveling blogging/vlogging is? 

That's exactly what I said. So the end of that argument went something like this.... Me - "In essence you hate blogging then" ? He agreed. In my head I was thinking "Why did you agree to start a travel blog with me then".  But I didn't push the issue because I just wanted to enjoy our trip. On the inside, I was irate because I thought I finally had a blogging/vlogging partner and just like that my blog was going to end although it had just begun.

No I can't! I wasn't going out like that.

I decided to regroup once I got back to the mainland. Its been a long time coming and regrouping, but I decided I have to go at this alone. If I build it, they will come!

Some lessons were learned during that unforgettable and breathtakingly beautiful August trip.....Don't try to force your spouse to be passionate about things you are passionate about and don't get upset when they really don't care about some of your hobbies the way you do. It's okay that you don't have to share all of the same sentiments all of the time.

I have since told my husband I will try to blog/vlog in ways that are not invasive to our vacations and only extend invitations for him to participate in this project of mine from time to time. If he declines then so be it! Sorry world he will only be joining us on occassion, but I find it works out better that way in #TravelingHappilyEverAfter

Mrs.Wint,

#luvlustandwanderlust

[travelhappilyeverafter]

Just a quick glimpse of resort life at Kauai Beach Resort . Headed to Kauai? Check out the full review on Kauai Beach Resort here on Tripadvisor ! 

[travelhappilyeverafter]

#TipfulTuesday Love how travel can influence every area of your life! Check out how traveling can improve your career.

[travelhappilyeverafter]

#TipfulTuesday

THEA Travel Tip - How To Eat Out In Kauai On A Budget?

Hawaii isn't really a budget destination, but because we make every trip budget friendly here are some tips on where to eat on a budget in Kauai. 

1) Breakfast - Our fave is the Tiptop Motel and Cafe  (first pic) in Lihue (don't let the name scare you!) for the most delicious, homemade macadamia nut pancakes on the planet. A close second is the  Kalapaki Beach Hut for a quick breakfast sandwich and fruit smoothie on the go. The view of Nawiliwili Bay from the balcony at Kalapaki is breathtaking. You can walk right out to the beach after breakfast! Both places will cost you less than $10 for one full meal and drink.

2) Lunch - Food Trucks have recently become a big trend in Kauai (thank God!), offering up some cheap,local,mouth-watering dishes. We ate at the food truck lot near downtown Kapaa on the Kappa Bike Path (middle picture). See details here. It's so convenient to go to after a day at Lyngate Beach Park. We ate from the Thai truck and the fish tacos truck. You can get one full meal with a drink for  less than $10.

3) Dinner - Always eat dinner at Happy Hour! It will save you so much cash and you can always find a good happy hour just about anywhere every night on the island. The last two pics are from the Kalypso Restaurant in beautiful Halanei. Best calamari and shrimp tacos ever! One full meal and adult beverage will run you about $20.

#LuvLustandWanderlust

THEA

[travelhappilyeverafter]

Photo Diary - Kauai Edition

Day One in Kauai included a visit to the majestic Spouting Horn blowhole on the South Shore  which at high tides can reach heights of 50 feet into the air. This is one of Kauai's most photographed spots. We dined at local fave Kalaheo Cafe and Coffee. A must visit for the best cinnamon french toast ever in life (pictured above)! Naomi approved! 

Kalaheo also serves up an amazing cup of joe! The coffee in Kauai is the best America has to offer. No really, Kauai's Kola Estate is the largest (and best tasting) coffee farm in the United States with over four million coffee trees each producing beans grown in volcanic soil, watered with mountain rain (Exotic Right?). As the oldest and most organic of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai was the first island to produce coffee commercially. 

#traveltip - If you want a traditional Hawaiian experience on a budget, without the touristy fluff, Kauai is definitely your must see island!  

For all my coffee lovers that can't make the trip you can order your authentic, home grown Kauai coffee here. They are now offering some super cute, island themed K-cups on the site.

#luvlustandwanderlust,

THEA|Travel Happily Ever After

[travelhappilyeverafter]

TIPFUL TUESDAY - How Much To Give Hotel Staff: The Ultimate Guide To Tipping

TRAVEL TIP OF THE WEEK - In case you were wondering, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS tip the housekeeping staff!

Hotel tipping is one of those things that can paralyze even the most experienced of travelers with indecision. Who to tip? When? How much? Get the right answers now  in this Ultimate Guide To Tipping from Curbed NY. 

We always go a step further and leave the housekeeping staff a little gift as a gesture of gratitude. Depending on the country or city that could be baby clothes, schools supplies or even a Bible. We are so privileged here in America and often take things for granted. We are trying to make giving back a routine and a priority, so as to become a way of life for our daughter. 

#LuvLustandWanderlust

THEA

[travelhappilyeverafter]

#shemoment THEA in-flight travel essentials! #traveltech #travel #travelessentials #beats #kauai #familyvacay #travelhappilyeverafter #travelnoire

[travelhappilyeverafter]

View from the balcony! Why haven't I been to this paradise called Hawaii before now? #nopassportrequired #luvlustandwanderlust #thea #travelgram #travelnoir #kauai #hawaii #sunrise #thattimechangeisreal #travel #kauaibeachresort #travelhappilyeverafter

[travelhappilyeverafter]

Friday Finds - Worlds largest pool is in Chile! This is breathtaking. It looks like a freakin beach. Infinity pool on roids! Definitely adding this to the bucket list. I've always wanted to see nearby Santiago. Thanks huffingtonpost !

[travelhappilyeverafter]

100 STYLISH TRAVEL PACKING TIPS & PRODUCTS TO ORGANIZE YOUR NEXT TRIP

Travel these days can be very expensive and very stressful. Trust us, having to include a child now in our travels, has definitely made packing and traveling in general more difficult, but we let that be the least of our worries by being super organized, very creative and thinking ahead. A Supermom has to be prepared for anything, DUH ( a must for dealing with terrible-twos on the road)! Organization is key famlay!

Lighten up your load with these tips and our handpicked products from around the web to help you stay stylish and organized during your travels and hopefully, as a result less stressed. 

This is a must for my suitcase, especially when I pack my daughter's clothes and her trinkets in my suitcase, which is happening more and more instead of lugging around an additional suitcase for her. 

http://www.amazon.com/Packing-Travel-Luggage-Suitcase-Organization/dp/B00FTUMGLW

Less Stress and Less Mess For Beauty on the Go!

http://www.containerstore.com/shop/travel/cosmeticsToiletries?productId=10032732&N=252

See Whats Pinteresting for Travel!

Follow Raegan Merle's board Travel Packing on Pinterest.

Follow Brenda Gibbs's board Organize my travel on Pinterest.

Follow Benny Etienne's board Organizing - Travel on Pinterest.

#LuvLustandWanderlust,

Mrs. Wint

THEA

[travelhappilyeverafter]

Trying to catch up on travel news, I found this article on USA Today travel and was so hype. We have been wanting to experience some real Native American culture, so this list was right on time. Make sure to check out some color and tradition at a powwow near you. I will be at the Coushatta Powow next June for sure! The Powwow etiquette is a must read. Super insightful! @usatoday

[travelhappilyeverafter]

HOW DIVERSIFYING MY TRAVEL PALETTE IS HELPING ME SEE MORE OF THE WORLD

Although I've been a passport holder for over two decades and have traveled to over 15 countries, in the past when I thought about vacationing it always brought on daydreams of beachbumming, fresh coconuts, all inclusive stays and see through blue waters.

I am not sure if it was the stress of being an adult or just the lack of wanting to plan a real adventure that drove me to think this way, but I am guilty. My mind just went into autopilot on RELAX mode and in slipped the closed mindedness. 

Sadly, there are many of you out there missing out on real adventure and still thinking this way, trapping yourself in the same old routine, vanilla bean vacations. Jump out the box, take the pill, clock out of the tourist vacay matrix! I did and I couldn't be happier!

Once I diversified my travel palette and started jetsetting to more locals, considering more than just great beaches when planning trips, I started to see more of the world, experience more culture, eat more food,try new foods, learn more, meet great people, see mindblowing, breathtaking sites and of course build unforgettable memories. 

This is PRICELESS and it's what travel is all about at the end of the day anyway! So yes, I am challenging you all to upgrade your travel palette and get off the beaten path!

THEA Tip: If you can't let go of your all inclusive beach vacations just yet, you don't have to go cold turkey. Take a trip somewhere that has the best of both worlds......Barcelona, Dominica Republic, Hati and Greece come to mind and they are all super budget friendly destinations.

#LuvLustandWanderlust,

Mrs. Wint

[travelhappilyeverafter]

What does travel mean to you? Describe your travel experiences in five words or less! #luvlustandwanderlust #travelnoire #travelingwhileblack #getrichordietraveling

[travelhappilyeverafter]

THEA Musings | Travel While Black in First Class

 **My face is priceless and tells all the shade of this experience without any words!** 

Through the duration of this 8-hourish flight to Paris, we continued to get these looks as we minded our business , enjoying each others company and the royal treatment you get when you are flying first abroad. It took all the Jesus in me not to go Diary of a Mad Black Woman off on my white counterparts. I collected myself, more so due to the fact that I am afraid of TSA  (too many Locked Up Abroad episodes) and not the least bit concerned with being labeled an angry, hostile, black woman.

Fast forward, here we are in 2014 and this incident still comes to  mind from time to time. Thinking back, this has happened to me countless times while traveling and is something that will most likely never go away. We live in a country that claims we are living in a post racial society. We all know that's the biggest lie, if you ever heard one.

I have come to an understanding with myself on this issue. Us, black jetsetters are a niche commodity, an oxymoron to the norm, a special breed, if you will. That is why for as long as you travel you will continue to be stared at, touched by curious children, asked to be photographed and constantly whispered about. As for the two of us , we will fight this ignorance, hidden racism and prejudice by booking a seat in 2A and most times by just booking a seat headed to an international destination.

Tell us, have you expired the traveling while black side eyes or dirty looks from other races? We want to hear about your experience!

                                     Luv, Lust & Wanderlust,

                                                       THEA