Tag Archives: wander

Can I Be a Digital Nomad? What You Need to Know

You’re sipping a piña colada and lazing on golden-sanded shores. You’ve just finished work for the day and finally logged off. Now, it’s time to relax in some glorious haven before jetting off to the next place on your travel bucket list. Sure, it might all sound too good to be true,  but, for digital nomads at least, this scene could be oh-so-familiar. 

What is a Digital Nomad?

In a recent survey from MBO Partners State of Independence, 4.8 million Americans described themselves as digital nomads. The truth is that it can be applied to just about anybody who travels and works at the same time. They frequently move from place-to-place, never settling on one destination, AKA living the dream.  

digital nomad working at airport

Step 1: Get a Remote Job  

If traveling while you work sounds like bliss, you may be wondering how you can make it happen. The first step is landing a role that allows you to move around. Many digital nomads are freelancers who work for themselves. Of course, should you want to go down this route, it’s vital that you build a strong, stable client list first.

However, another, more secure way to go is to look for a remote role. Luckily, these job types are becoming more and more popular. A massive 43% of American employees had careers which allowed them to work remotely in 2016, according to a Gallup Report. That means that snapping up this kind of flexible role could be easier than you think.

Step 2: Choose Your Destination

You’ve decided to become a fully-fledged digital nomad. Next, comes the hard part – deciding where in the world to go. Nomad List, a crowdsourced database listing the best places to live and work, could have the answer. The site analyzes major cities around the world and looks at criteria such as the average cost of living, internet quality, fun and activities, and, perhaps most crucially, safety. 

digital nomad

Topping the list are booming urban areas such as Canggu, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Buenos Aires. Of course, when you’ve chosen a place that suits you, it’s important to do a little research online and find out as much as possible. The more you know about the place and its culture, the easier it will be when you get there.

Step 3: Finalize the Minor Details 

Once you’ve got the right role and found a city you’d like to visit, it’s time to hammer out those final details. Finding short-term lets can often be the hardest part, but you can get decent enough deals on Airbnb and Uniplaces. You will also need to pick a co-working space you can use while you’re abroad. Not only is a workspace a great place to meet fellow nomads, but it will also keep you sane when you have deadlines to hit. Apps like Croissant allow you to find flexible spaces and book online ahead of time. 

If all of the above sounds like a headache, there is another option. Travel companies, such as Remote Year and WiFi Tribe, can take care of everything from your accommodation and co-working space to flights, trips, and excursions. When you go with one of the package deals they offer, you will travel with a group of like-minded workers over the course of several months or even an entire year. Simple. 

Step 4: Meeting Fellow Nomads 

digital nomad beyond words 3

Let’s not beat around the bush – traveling to a foreign country alone is scary. Scratch that, it’s absolutely, positively terrifying. When you arrive, you’ll come up against the biggest obstacle of all. Perhaps for the first time in your adult life, you’re going to need to make friends. Thankfully, you won’t be alone for long. Here are some of the resources you can use:

Bumble BFF: The well-known dating app isn’t just for finding ‘the one.’ It actually has a friend-finding feature, too, called BFF. Create a profile and start swiping for new contacts in your area. Why not arrange a friend date?

Facebook Groups: Search groups for a ‘digital nomad’ community in your area. You should find that there are loads of options, including female-only groups. Of course, you should always put your safety first when meeting people online. 

Meetup: Want to meet interesting people who share your interests? The Meetup app is the way to go. Once you’ve downloaded the app and set up a profile, you can start searching for groups in your area, such as wine and book clubs. 

Ready to take the leap and become a digital nomad? If you’re filled with wanderlust but need to work to live, it’s the ideal solution. This brief guide should have given you an overview of the basics. However, it’s important to realize that there are many different ways you can make this lifestyle work for you. Start researching destinations and schemes today and see what you can find out. After all, there’s a great big world out there!

21 Things You Must Do When Visiting Helsinki

Forget Reykjavik, Helsinki is the dreamy Nordic city you need to visit this year. From the culinary scene to the steaming saunas, to the boutique shopping (yes, shopping), Helsinki is booming with activities.

Nestled against the sea, Finland’s capital city offers everything you need for a holiday of adrenaline-filled adventures, luxurious pampering, or a combination of the two. And with Finnair’s stopover program, which lets you stop in Helsinki for up to five days on your way to or from select European and Asian destinations for no additional fee, it’s easier than ever to visit. 

Here are the 21 things to eat, see, and do that should be on your Helsinki itinerary.

21 Things to Do in Helsinki

  1. Sniff, swirl and sip natural wines at Baskeri & Basso.
  2. Explore Helsinki’s Central Park. The mystical forest park stretches across the city from north to south. Pro Tip: If you visit during the colder months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland which is best explored on cross-country skis. Rent a pair at the Paloheinä Recreational Center.
  3. Melt your worries away at Lonna, a traditional Finnish sauna.
  4. Tuck in at night surrounded by modern luxury at Hotel Lilla Roberts.
  5. Love Marimekko? Learn all about Finnish design culture at the Design Museum.
  6. Or make a day out of museum hopping with visits to the Helsinki Art Museum and the Helsinki City Museum
  7. Smell the hops and have a Finnish craft beer at Bryggeri. Whatever brew you order will go well with one of their pretzels. 
  8. Take an icy plunge in a fresh pool at Allas Sea Pool and then warm up with a steamy soak at the floating seap spa. 
  9. Take a 15-minute ferry ride to the islands of Suomenlinna, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fortress of Suomenlinna.
  10. Indulge in vegetarian comfort food at Yes Yes Yes!.
  11. Slurp the salmon soup at Kauppatori in Market Square. The famous market with a variety of food and craft stalls is also a good place to buy friends and family (or yourself) souvenirs. 
  12. Briefly get out of the city with a day trip to charming Porvoo. Roughly 30 miles from Helsinki, the historic city is known for brilliant red houses, cozy cafes and funky shops. 
  13. Listen to Finland’s emerging artists at Semifinal.
  14. Take a trip back in time at the Tram Museum
  15. Dance the night away at Los Cojones (the place is small but dancing on the table is allowed if not encouraged). 
  16. Spend an afternoon or a day wandering around Helsinki’s Kallio neighborhood. From its market square of Hakaniemi to its vintage shops it’ll be hard to tear yourself away from this part of the city.
  17. Stop by the Central Railway Station and marvel at 1919 National Romantic style building.
  18. Surround yourself in Art Nouveau architecture with a walk through the neighborhoods of  Katajanokka, Kruunuhaka or Eira.
  19. Put the pedal to medal cycling around the city by renting a city bike for the day or week. 
  20. Dine at the farm (hydroponic that is). Ultima grows a majority of its ingredients inside its restaurant thanks to an on-site hydroponic farm.
  21. Escape the bustle of the city with a walk around the bay in Töölönlahti park.

How to Enjoy Mardi Gras (On a Shoestring Budget)

The Big Easy is one of the most expensive destinationsfor U.S. travelers, and prices usually skyrocket by 300% during the Carnival season and Mardi Gras. At “the greatest free show on earth”, the good times roll. But so do your debit and credit cards. So, what’s a would-be reveler to do? Use these budget-savvy tips to let loose and have fun without breaking your bank. 

Make a Plan

Whether you’re visiting The Backstreet Cultural Museum, joining the Shreve Town Walking Parade, or dancing non-stop at Pygmalion Fest, map out your plans. If you’re going to Bacchus and Endymion, two of the biggest parades of the season, grab a spot at least four hours early because the front-row ends up being four or five people deep. And don’t forget that the weather god is the one who actually rules over the Carnival season. Check the weather forecast: there might be icy sleet or sunny heat.

Check for Cancellations

“February 11 is the first major parade that happens. If you come for that instead of the last weekend, it’s not as expensive because more hotels are available. Then you get to experience the rest of New Orleans as well,” says Kelley Troia from Clandestine. If you’re a carnival reveler who hasn’t sealed the deal on accommodations, don’t worry.  While most five-star hotels are booked by December (and require a four-day minimum stay), you can still check for cancellations and be put on a waiting list. Suburban hotels in Metairie, Kenner, or Gretna also are much cheaper. Even if you can’t secure a keycard, there are plenty of RV campsites and homes (or at least bedrooms) available as the countdown to Mardi Gras madness begins. 

Reboot an Old Costume

Costumes are to Carnival as bacon is to eggs. When it comes to getups, the only rule is that there are no rules. “It’s Halloween times ten,” says Andrea Kolasinski Marcinkus, the Dean of Academic Affairs at The Illinois Institute of Art. “The more brightly colored and crazy, the better.” You can slather yourself in fluorescent body paint and cut-outs from cardboard boxes.  Or you can plunge into your closet and dig out Halloween costumes, ugly Christmas sweaters, or bridesmaid’s dress. Then fire up your glue gun, and stick on sequins, feathers, beads, or rhinestones. If you don’t want to suit up, you’ll blend right in wearing layers of purple, green, and gold. 

Hoof it 

Avoid traffic that makes rush hour seem fun and taxis that get nowhere near the action.  Mardi Gras Virgin? Make sure to slip on a pair of comfy, closed-toes shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. And stick a couple of band-aids in your back pocket. Got to go faster? Rent a cruiser, tandem, or mountain bike.  They often come with free helmets, locks, baskets, and lights for night riding. Or better yet, use public transportation. A visiTOUR card costs $5 per day and gives you unlimited rides on all buses and streetcars. You also can instantly pay for your fare on the RTA GoMobile app, without the hassle of counting coins and cash. 

Eat Cheap

From wedding cake-flavored “sno-balls” filled with ice cream to po’boys stuffed with shrimp and French fries, New Orleans has some of America’s best grub. Unfortunately, local restaurants usually jack up their prices during Mardi Gras. Want to enjoy it without leaving your wallet hung over?Check for coupons and hit up inexpensive eateries like Café Beignet, Camellia Grill, 13 Monaghan, or The Joint.

Bring a Go Cup 

In New Orleans, you can walk the streets with open containers of alcohol—and not just during Mardi Gras. If you want to take your Hurricanes, Hand Grenades, and store-bought spirits with you from bar to bar or parade to parade, use a plastic “go cup” (no cans or bottles); they’re available at the door of every bar. But they’re the hardest-to-get and most sought-after parade throws. “At a young age, we’re taught to always grab them, even if it meant scuffling under floats and between marching bands,” says Becca Miller, a social media specialist at Pet Paradise Resort. Beware: “there ain’t no place to pee during Mardi Gras Day,” says Benny Grunch. Some places along parade routes sell $5 wristbands that allow unlimited use of their bathrooms. Though, free restrooms are so hard to find that you’ll actually see porta-potties strapped to the back of pickup trucks.

Last Note

While Mardi Gras has a reputation as a laid-back, anything-goes extravaganza, there are some sure-fire ways to get into (legal) trouble. Outside of the French Quarter, it’s illegal to flash your naughty bits for beads.  It’s also possible to be arrested for hitting the bottle too hard. But “you’ve got to be intoxicated where you’re a danger to yourself or others,”  says Nick Gernon, the commander of the New Orleans Police Department’s 8th District. Still, ambulance rides and medical bills are expensive ways to sober up.

Five of the Most Captivating Places to Visit Before You’re 30

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. While the phrase is a little on the cheesy side, it’s also laden with truth. Taking a trip to lands afar is an enriching and life-altering experience. What’s more, there are some choice locations around the globe that should be on everyone’s hit list. With that thought in mind, let’s take a look at just five of the most captivating places to visit before you’re 30.

1. Havana, Cuba

Highlights: Vintage cars, strong rum, and rich heritage 

havana, cuba

Is half of your heart in Havana? It should be. The Cuban city is a must-see for anyone with a case of wanderlustwhere there’s no escaping the friendly and inviting vibe of the region. The people are certain to welcome you with open arms, while there’s never a shortage of intriguing sights to see. 

While you’re there, be sure to take a trip to the Habana Vieja (‘Old Havana’) quarter, a charming area with a true bohemian spirit and some remarkable colonial buildings. Of course, you will also want to hit up the rum bars, which are ever-flowing,and treat yourself to a tipple. It’s worth taking a wander along the back streets to find the more authentic drinking houses as many of the main street optionscan bereal tourist-traps. 

2. Lisbon, Portugal 

Highlights: Historic trams, decorative tiles, and pasteis de nata 

lisbon, portugal

The vibrant and colorful capital of Portugal has soared in popularity in recent yearsand it’s clear to see why. The hilly city is a whimsical urban area that everyone should see at least once. While 19th Century trams glide up and down the streets, the iconic red 25 de Abril Bridge looms over the river. Be sure to visit both São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower.

The Portuguese cuisine you’ll find here is meat and fish-heavy, although there are a few more contemporary vegan restaurants popping up,too. Heading to Timeout Market is an essential part of the Lisbon experience. The late-night food hall is packed with unique eateries, cafes, and bars. When it comes to dessert, you can’t go wrong with a fresh pastel de nata,a traditional egg tart, whichtastes unforgettable when topped with cinnamon.  

3. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Highlights: Stunning beaches, bustling nightlife, and amazing sights

rio de janeiro, brazil

Surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains and remarkable beaches, Rio De Janeiro is truly a sight to behold. Aside from the Instagrammable spots dotted around the metropolis, this is also a place of music and bustling nightlife. From rock and hip hop to the Latino rhythms and beats of samba, you’re sure to find your own personal sound in one of the numerous after dark venues around the city streets. 

During the daylight hours, it’s time to relax and recuperate. Head to Copacabana beach or one of the many other golden-sanded spots here and spend a day in the sun. You can pass the hours by surfing, playing beachside games, or simply sipping on a cocktail. 

4. Sydney, Australia 

Highlights: Shimmering sun, lively streets, and the Opera House

sydney, australia

The gloriously immense harbor is the beating heart of Sydney. This city of epic proportions is one that everyone should cast their eyes upon at some point. When you reach the vast and impressive place, you may not know where to start. Heading toward the water is a great idea, since you can take in both the astounding Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in one camera shot. 

However, there’s so much more to this city than its major tourism points. The restaurant and cafe scene here is massive and there’s a broad variety of cuisines available. From the numerous sushi bars to gelato shops and quaint cafes, you’ll never be at a loss for places to stop off and have a rest. 

5. Barcelona, Spain 

Highlights: Whimsical architecture, museums, and las Ramblas 

barcelona, spain

If you’re a self-proclaimed culture vulture, heading to Barcelona in Spain should be at the top of your bucket list. The Catalan city is brimming with points of interest and museums, including the Museu Picasso and the MACBA contemporary art museum. Head down las Ramblas and each side-street you take will whisk you to a new corner of the city.The area is also filled with street performers, shops, and tapas bars. 

The city is speckled with the architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, the father of Catalan Modernism. The designs of his buildings are as unique as they are whimsical and make for ideal vacation Snap backdrops. You can find his creations, including the famous Sagrada Família cathedral, around the streets of Barcelona. If youhave a love of this style, you will also want to visit Park Güell where you can see more of his work.

The Unforgettable Beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Driving around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it’s hard to believe you’re still in the United States. A road trip here comes dotted with charming little towns that give way to the untouched landscape of the coast with the more than 70,000 acres of national parkland waiting to be explored. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Throw out your itinerary for the weekend. Simply driving along the lakeshore, you’ll find charming small towns you’ll want to stop and meander through. Munising is the largest and, as the closest to the park entrance, it’s where you’ll want to stay if you’re not camping in the park.  It’s full of shops that will have you wishing you packed an extra suitcase, but, even if you’re not in a shopping mood, make sure to stop at Muldoons Pasties & Gifts and get yourself a pasty. Further from the park entrance, it’s hard to resist stopping in a community called Paradise. Check out the shipwreck museum before taking in Tahquamenon Falls, and follow it up with a craft brew at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub.

 

Pictured Rocks Cliffs

No visit to this part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is complete without taking in the namesake Pictured Rocks Cliffs. The sandstone cliffs stretch out along Lake Superior towering 200 feet above the lake at their highest point. But more than their sheer size, it’s the colors of the cliffs, streaked with red, orange, blue-green, white brown and black, that will strike you the most. Pro viewing tips: the cliffs are best seen from the water and there are boat tours you can take, but, you can also see them by taking a 10-mile hike along the Chapel Basin.

pictured rocks national lakeshore cliff

 

Munising Falls

Waterfalls seem to pop up everywhere along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but the must-visit for us is Munising Falls. The 50-foot waterfall, located a short, easy walk off Miners Castle Road, is a must-visit for how incredibly powerful the falls are. Take the stairs up to the elevated platforms and watch in awe as the water drops over the cliff. On your way back from the falls, stop at Miners Castle Rock, one of the most famous landmarks in the park and one of the few places you can see the Pictured Rocks Cliffs on foot.

pictured rocks national lakeshore

 

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s Lighthouses

Wander down a 1.5-mile trail from the Hurricane River Campground and you’ll find an active light station standing guard over the lakeshore. Depending on the season, you can tour the Au Sable Lighthouse, originally built in the 1800s, but even if the lighthouse isn’t open when you visit, the views along the trail are worth the walk alone.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore lighthouse

Escape the Cold in the Seychelles

If paradise exists, it’s located roughly 1,000 miles east of Kenya and mainland Africa in the Indian Ocean. Seychelles is a cluster of 115 islands, cays, and atolls. It has talcum-powder beaches lapped by turquoise waters, strange and ancient forests, thriving coral reefs, and a sublime laid-back tempo. Famed for its biodiversity, you can expect to wander among coco-de-mer palms, black parrots, and Aldabra giant tortoises.

 

Anse Intendance

A remote spot nestled in southwest Mahé, Anse Intendance feels like a lost world. It’s got turquoise waters and a mangrove-lined jungle backdrop. Framed by prehistoric-looking granite boulders, it has white coral sands, swaying palm trees, and corner after corner of sun-kissed seclusion.

Though it’s one of Seychelles’ most popular beaches, Anse Intendance doesn’t have a coral reef to protect it from the open ocean. This makes for larger, stronger waves that draw surfers and bodyboarders in droves.

 

Vallée de Mai

“There’s nowhere on earth like the Vallee de Mai,” says Dr. Christopher Kaiser-Bunbury, an ecology professor at The University of Exeter. It’s one of only two places in the world where coco-de-mer palms grow in their natural state. “Their giant leaves blot out the sky,” he says.

Vallée de Mai National Park_Stock Connection

Bird Island

Bird Island is surrounded by water that’s so clear it looks like it’s floating on air. With endless stretches of white sand and coconut palms, the 170-acre coral cay is a birding hotspot. It has a year-round population of more than 20 different bird species, including fairy terns, Eurasian hobbies, and whimbrels.

Bird Island Seychelles

It has a resident pod of spinner dolphins and manta rays. Hawksbill and green sea turtles also lay their eggs here, undisturbed. Aldabra giant tortoises roam safely and freely (and, it must be said, very slowly) around the island, nibbling grasses, woody stems, and leaves. The 550-pound reptiles are an astonishing sight with their huge domed shells, big scaly legs, and oddly ancient faces.

With only 24 bungalows to welcome guests, Bird Island in Seychelles leaves you with a true “castaway” feeling.

 

Anse Source d’Argent

In the age of photo filters, it’s easy to think that Anse Source d’Argent might not live up to its postcard images. However, this public beach in Seychelles doesn’t disappoint. It’s a mixture of emerald waters, incredibly soft, white sands, and pink granite formations that appear to change colors throughout the day. Plus, it’s a mecca for moviemakers. (It was used as a backdrop for Emanuelle, Crusoe, and Castaway, as well as the famous Bacardi ads of the 1990s.)

Anse Source d'Argent

Anse Source d’Argent is quite popular. If the crowds are too much for you, wade south through the shallows. You’ll probably spot endangered humphead wrasses, moray eels, octopus, and even baby blacktip reef sharks (no worries, they’re harmless). Or, take the path along the back of the beach and you’ll feel like you have an uninhabited piece of paradise all to yourself. Here, you’ll also find little, palm-covered shacks, where you can get fresh coconut water and fruit smoothies.

To reach the beach, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee to L’Union Estate, which also entitles you to explore its park and museum, where you can see vanilla plantations, giant tortoises, and an old boatyard.

Le Jardin Du Roi

Sitting on the hilly terrain above Anse Royale, Le Jardin Du Roi is the reconstruction of Pierre Poivre’s 18th-century spice garden. The 23-year-old garden is steeped in the aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, citronella, nutmeg, and clove. Avocado, lychee, starfruit, and macadamia nut trees also throw shade.

Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden
Image via Pixabay

Take a guided hike around the 87-acre orchard-crossed-with-forest where you can learn about the spice trade and view artifacts like marble mortars and brass pepper grinders at the planter’s one-room museum.  If you’re feeling peckish, try the Creole-style restaurant with special “Plantation Lunches” served on Sundays.

Nashville: A Foodie Tour of Music City

When you think of the food scene in Nashville, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you said either buttermilk fried chicken, biscuits or barbeque, we’re not surprised. But long gone are the days of Music City being an exclusively Southern-cuisine scene. With a list of international hot spots added to the mix, ranging from Thai to Kurdish delights, it’s easy to see why Nashville is staking its claim as a culinary destination location. Here are the memorable Music City eats you’ll want to make on your next trip to Nashville!

 

Henrietta Red

Located in charming Germantown, Henrietta Red is as visually appealing as it is appetizing. Bursting with natural light and contemporary décor mixed with a bit of rustic flair, this is probably the most beautiful restaurant on our list. The menu designed by executive chef Julia Sullivan and GM/sommelier Allie Poindexter offers seasonal contemporary cooking and a raw oyster bar. The simple, fresh ingredients, stunning space, and shareable plates makes this spot an instant hit.

 

Biscuit Love

First coming onto the Nashville foodie scene as a loveable little Airstream food truck, Biscuit Love quickly gained a following as the fun spot to have a Southern brunch. The owners, husband-and-wife duo Karl and Sarah Worley, set this establishment apart by serving up breakfast and lunch items made from scratch (with a heaping side of love). To boot, their ingredients are consciously and locally sourced. Fan of a good photo op? Enjoy a giant, neon “NASHVILLE” or “MUSIC CITY” sign in the background of you getting down on some buttermilk biscuits on your next #NashvilleEats post here.

 

Arnold’s Country Kitchen

 

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One word to describe Arnold’s Country Kitchen? Legendary. Owners Jack and Rose Arnold have been cranking out southern favorites for over three decades. From country music stars to ordinary working folk, everyone has a seat at the table at Arnold’s. Don’t skip out on the fried green tomatoes or heavenly banana pudding here; it’s a rite of passage, so leave your diet at the door! This classic spot is the epitome of the infamous “meat ‘n’ three” plate. Just a word to the wise though: choose your sides carefully or you’ll come running back for more.

 

Thai Esane

 

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When your hands get cramps up making steam dumplings. But you got to keep it moving!! #cheflife #thaiesane 🥟🥟

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Owner Nina Sayasack has been serving Nashvillians with easily some of the tastiest traditional Thai cuisine in town over the past few years. You’re sure to find your favorite Thai dish done right here – think Tom Kha, Drunken Noodles, and a handful of mouth-watering curries, as well as some down-home family recipes. Don’t expect to find any glitz or glamour here, but expect that your taste buds will be met with full, authentic Southeast Asian flavor.

 

House Of Kabob

If you’re looking for a delicious switch-up from familiar American bites, head over to House of Kabob for traditional Kurdish cuisine. Some of the more well-known dishes include chicken kabobs, falafels, and gyros, alongside lesser known dishes like joojeh (grilled Cornish hen). Interesting fact: Music City is actually home to one of the country’s largest Kurdish populations, and you can be sure to enjoy food like a true ‘Kurd’ does here.

 

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

No trip to Nashville would be complete without making a stop at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, the place that’s red-handed for putting hot chicken on the map. How spicy does spicy get here? The heat levels range from “Southern” (no heat) to “Shut the Cluck Up” (burn notice). You might want to start a few heat levels down to acclimate yourself. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

 

Mas Tacos Por Favor

 

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All smiles around here!! 🤣 and it’s tamale day!!! 📸: @foodiefaceny #mastacosporfavor #mastacos #foodiefaceny

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Taco lovers, take delight in coming to a joint where you won’t at-all be judged for ordering more street-style tacos than you can eat because you can’t decide on just one! Mas Tacos Por Favor is another one of those food-truck-turned-restaurant success stories and it’s not hard to see why. There is only one requirement here: Come hungry! Taco times starts NOW.

Chauhan Ale & Masala House

 

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Tandoori. Skirt. Steak. #weekend #dinnergoals #spiceitup #eatatchauhan

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How does a love-child of Indian and Southern cuisine sound? It’s every. bit. of tantalizing that it sounds. Co-owner and Executive Chef Maneet Chauhan combined his Indian roots with his love for traveling and Southern cuisine to create something undeniably special at Chauhan. Where else can you try tandoori chicken poutine, a breakfast parantha taco or meatballs makhani? Regularly featured on Nashville’s “best of” lists, this revolutionary restaurant is truly a can’t-miss.

 

Martin’s Bar-B-Que

 

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Happy Labor Day! We are open at all locations today. Come get ya some Que! Thanks for the pic @nashville_eats

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Martin’s Bar-B-Que is on one simple mission: to spread the gospel of whole hog bar-b-que. Award-winning pit master Pat Martin’s original joint, nestled about 30-minutes south of Music City in Nolensville, already had a name for itself in the barbeque world. However, it wasn’t until he secured a 13,000-square-foot restaurant, bar, and backyard beer garden space in SoBro that his barbeque “got wings”. This is hands-down the spot to be to pig out on the best smoked meats in town.

5 Places to See in Bali Besides the Beach

Named the world’s best tourist des­ti­na­tion by TripAd­vi­sor in 2017, Bali, the famed island of the gods, is a living postcard. A 95-mile-wide strip of land located in the Indian Ocean, its mere mention evokes thoughts of a beach bum’s paradise. But Bali is so much more than sun, sea, and salty breezes. It’s a cocktail of culture—a stirring and foreign blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Animism. From the Ubud Monkey Forest to Goa Gajah, here are the top five non-beach destinations that’ll get you into a tropical state of mind.

 

Ubud Monkey Forest

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A crab-eating macaque pulls her baby’s tail at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal, Bali| Photo: D.Meutia via Flickr

This cool and dense swath of jungle houses 750 long-tailed Balinese macaques, who swing through the shade, laze along pathways, and feast on sweet potatoes, bananas, papaya leaves, and coconuts. They may be considered sacred because of Hanuman—the Hindu monkey god from the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic poem—or through their association with the area’s three temples.

Strictly for prayer and built from Majegan, Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal is the main temple, built for Shiva the destroyer. The widow-witch Rangda flanks its main staircase. The second temple, Pura Beji, features holy water to cleanse the body and soul before worshipping Gangga, the goddess of the river Ganges, and the third temple is Pura Prajapati.

Dedicated to the “lord of all creatures”, it’s surrounded by 115 tree species, including the Banyan, whose leaves are used in cremation ceremonies, and the Pule Bandak, which embodies the spirit of the forest and is used to make traditional masks. “They’re only used inside the temple,” says Emily Perry, a yogini, acupuncturist, and herbalist in Santa Cruz, California.  “An auspicious day is chosen and the Pemangku asks permission of the tree’s spirit to cut a small piece of its wood. The spirit thus remains embodied in the mask.”

 

Mount Batur

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A side view of Mount Batur in Kintamani, Bali | Photo: Castio T. Lauren via Flickr

One of Bali’s four sacred Mountains, Mount Batur is believed to be home of Dewi Danu, the goddess of water. “An active volcano, Mount Batur is a giant bowl. Sitting in the heart of a nine-mile crater, its bottom half is submerged by turquoise waters and a set of volcanic cones juts out of its middle. It’s also covered with bubbling hot springs that cascade over its lower slopes. Sound spectacular? It is. Famous for its sunrise trek, hikers climb for two hours in the pitch black, bumper to bumper over steep, slippery rubble. Once they reach the top, the thick blanket of darkness is replaced by glistening orange and golden rays, bursting from the silhouette of Mount Agung.

 

Goa Gajah

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The entrance of Goa Gajah sanctuary near Ubud, Bali | Photo: Húpàn Lǎo via Flickr

Not far outside of the city of Ubud is a Buddhist-Hindu archeological site known as Goa Gajah, or, the “Elephant Cave”.  Visitors are forgiven for finding this name confusing—there were never any elephants in Bali. The temple’s name might actually come from the nearby Petanu River, which at one time was known as the Elephant River. Or it may be named after Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings.

Built around the 11th century,  the site is actually thought to have been a place of meditation and spiritual cleansing, where religious offerings were left. Buddhist monks carved the cave’s face into a demon with bulging eyes staring over the doorway that acts as its screaming mouth. This Hellmouth is surrounded by a sea of rolling flames and smaller sculptures of gods and demons—which were meant to ward off evil rather than invite it.

In front of the barely-lit cave, there are two square bathing pools, featuring six women pouring water out of jars into a central bath. To its left, there’s a statue of Hārītī, a child-devouring ogress who’s said to have been converted from her cannibalistic habits by Buddha. Inside the T-shaped cave lies the fragmentary remains of a triple lingga, the phallic symbol of the Hindu god Shiva, and its female counterpart, the yoni.

 

Bali Bird and Reptile Park

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A Great White Pelican floats on a lake in Bali Bird Park | Photo courtesy of Ashish Gautam via Flickr

Travel from the misty cloud forest of Borneo to the tropical grasslands of the African Savanna at the Bali Bird and Reptile Park. Walk side-by-side with flamingos, cassowaries, crested-cranes, and storks. Listen to the songs of 1,000 birds from 250 species, including the vulnerable Pesquet’s Parrot from New Guinea and the all-but-vanished Bali Mynah. Handfeed pelicans, who have the longest bill of any bird in the world, and rainbow-colored lories. Snap photos with macaws, cockatoos, wreathed hornbills, and a breeding pair of Eclectus Parrots, who’ll perch on your shoulders.

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A water monitor basks on a log | Photo: Cuatrok77 via Flickr

The park’s reptile section includes a serpent cave that holds King Cobras, Mambas, Vipers, and a 26-foot Reticulated Python—one of the largest snakes in captivity. Pet salamanders, water monitors, iguanas, and turtles, or marvel at Komodo dragons: giant monitor lizards that are direct descendants of the dinosaurs that lived nearly 100 million years ago.

 

Ubud Art Market

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Pasar Seni Ubud, an artisan market in the center of Ubud, Bali | Photo: Nicola Lemmon

Featured in the movie Eat Pray Love, the Ubud Art Market is located at the corner of the Ubud Monkey Forest and Jalan Saya Ubud, the main street that runs right through the center of town. It’s a two-story labyrinth of stalls bursting with basket bags, cotton sarongs, silver jewelry, batik fabrics, garuda sculptures, and Kamasan-style paintings.

Open from 6 am to 6 pm, the merchants negotiate with tourists for a living. “To get the best prices, hit the markets as early as physically possible, and ask for the “harga pagi”, i.e., the morning price,” says Geneva Vanderzeil, the author of DIY Fashionista. If you’re finding a steal instead of a deal, head to the stalls upstairs, where you’ll find the same products at a lower price.

*Featured photo: Nicola Lemmon

How to Pack Efficiently for Summer Vacation

Your flight and hotel are booked, you’ve pre-ordered your Uber, and you’ve checked the weather at your destination. There’s just one thing left to do… and it’s a biggie. It’s time to pack for your vacation. While some ladies relish this job, most of us mere mortals find it strikes fear into our hearts. It can so easily go wrong. Luckily, we’ve got your back. Want to learn how to pack a suitcase efficiently? Here are some killer tips to help you get the most out of your luggage.

How to Pack Efficiently

Choose Your Colors First

If you’re the kind of lady who sticks to one color palette (oh hello, monotone wardrobe!), you can go ahead and skip this tip. You’ve got it covered. However, if your wardrobe looks more like a festival of colors than a black parade, you’ve got some thinking to do.

Since you can’t take your entire closet of clothes, you need to pick out pieces that work with one another. Before you decide what you’re going to take, choose a color style that works for your trip. It may help to select three complementary tones you can weave throughout all the outfits you choose. Simple.

Select Your Vacation Staples

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Next, it’s time to select your vacation staples. These are the items you will rely on when you’re away. For example, you might choose one flattering pair of jeans, a jacket, a simple yet chic dress, and a decent pair of sneakers.

Having these in your case means you’re ready for almost any situation. Stick to clothes you tend to wear frequently as you’re sure to need them while you’re away.

Pick Out “Double Duty” Items

Clothing items that serve “double duty” are a blessing. For example, you might have a simple black dress that can be worn with flats and a sunhat in the day and dressed up with heels and accessories at night. When you’re choosing the pieces you want to take with you, consider what situations you can wear them in and whether they are versatile.

Take a Few Key Accessories

Accessorizing might be your secret weapon but taking a million necklaces on your next vacay isn’t the way to go. Keep things simple. Just as you chose clothing staples, you need to focus on key pieces that can be used in a variety of situations.

When it comes to your jewelry packing, you should take one necklace, one pair of earrings, and perhaps a bracelet. Sunglasses and a large hat are essential items whether you’re heading to the beach, the pool, or on an exciting city break. However, you only need one of each of these items in your suitcase.

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Be Lean When it Comes to Shoes

Love shoes? Sit down – we need to have a little chat. Yes, you might want to take 10 pairs of shoes so you have variety but that’s not a smart move. The main problem with shoes is they are likely to be the heaviest items you pack. Keeping things lean might sound like zero fun but it will open up a whole load of room in your case.

Let’s go through the basics. You need one pair of sneakers (for walking), one pair of heels (for style), and one pair of flats (for comfort). If you’re lucky, your sneakers and flats can be the same shoes, which means you only need to take two pairs in total. Wear your flats or sneakers on the flight and simply pack the heels.

Ditch 20% of Your Packing

By now, you should have gotten to a good stage with your packing. You’ve likely pulled a whole host of items out of your wardrobe and laid them out on your bed, ready to put in your suitcase. Now comes the hardest part. Take a deep breath. It’s time to edit down your luggage.

The sorry truth about packing is that the majority of us get it wrong. We over-pack. It’s only natural you’ve slipped in a few items a) you won’t wear on vacation or b) you might wear but you could do without. Get rid of them. Aim to ditch around 20% of the items you’ve picked so far. You’ll thank yourself later.

Fold it Up (the Right Way!)

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If you’ve already read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, you’re one step ahead of the game. While her folding advice is meant for your drawers, you can easily apply it to packing a suitcase. It’s pretty simple.

Fold your clothes up and – instead of laying them flat on top of one another – put them upright. The thin edge of the folded item is all you should be able to see in the case. This technique means your clothes will be compact and you can fit more in. When it comes to your socks, you can’t fold them, but you should roll them up into sushi-type shapes.

Leave No Space Unfilled

Finally, it’s the packing golden rule: leave no space unfilled. Before you zip up your case and slip on that padlock, you need to check out your luggage. There could be spaces inside you’re letting go to waste.

For instance, you should check the corners of the case to make sure they are full. Equally, the inside of your bras and shoes can be used to store smaller items like briefs and socks.

Ready, Set, Pack!

Now that you’ve read our tips, what are you waiting for? Packing doesn’t have to be a chore. When you follow this advice, it can be pain-free and quick. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can “switch off” and start looking forward to your trip.

Eat the Best International Food in these 5 US Cities

While planning your next vacation, let your stomach be your guide. I love discovering different foodie scenes, and in a country as multicultural and diverse as ours, the options seem endless. Tasting the Caribbean’s best seasonings while lounging on an island, eating fresh sushi in Japan, and exploring Europe’s culinary heritage all sound fantastic, but international travel isn’t always easy. Fortunately, you may not need to go much further than your own backyard to taste some of the world’s most exotic flavors and freshest ingredients. Here are our picks of the best international food destinations in the US.

 

San Diego, California 

When talking about food scenes, California is nearly always mentioned, thanks to culinary superstar cities Los Angeles and San Francisco, but over the last few years, San Diego has seen some of that limelight. Sure, its proximity to Mexico means San Diego enjoys truly spectacular Mexican food, but if you want to be surprised, dive into the Asian food scene.

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San Diego’s Convoy Street is now boasted as “the” place to go for eating your way through Asian cuisine in the US. Despite stretching less than two miles, multiple vacations may be needed to try every Asian restaurant on this strip. Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, and Filipino cuisines are all offered. From dumplings to ramen, curry to kimchi, the possibilities are starting to seem endless in San Diego. And who wouldn’t want to visit “America’s Finest City”?

 

South Coast, Massachusetts 

As Massachusetts’ locals say, the shortest route from the US to Portugal is over the Braga Bridge, a main connection between Rhode Island and the south coast, where you’ll find the country’s largest community of Portuguese residents. Rich in flavor, Portugal’s culinary heritage has a history rooted in the maritime Age of Exploration, so be ready to taste hints of chili pepper, saffron, cinnamon, garlic, and vanilla, in addition to locally-grown herbs. The other connection to the sea comes from ingredients found in the Atlantic Ocean, and many dishes revolve heavily around fish and shellfish.

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These links to the sea are reasons why the Portuguese settled in New England during different waves of migration. Now that the travel world is buzzing about Portugal, why not discover what some of that excitement is about? From the famous monastery sweets to New England’s twists on traditional seafood recipes, to wine from the world’s oldest demarcated region (yes, that’s Portuguese!), you’ll find it all around the Massachusetts south coast.

 

 

Portland, Oregon

It’s not always easy to simplify a vegan lifestyle on vacation, especially if you want to get variety into your diet. That is, unless you visit a city like Portland, Oregon. Not only do the dining options seem limitless, but Portland has fun with veganism and it’s easy to find everything from donuts to burgers, cheeses, and wings.

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Sure, other cities like Los Angeles and NYC top the vegan charts and may offer even more dining options than Portland, but Oregon’s healthy living goes beyond the kitchen. It’s a state for nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies: hikers, kayakers, cyclists, and rock climbers are just a few groups who will find their niche in Oregon. Even if you’re not outdoorsy, it’s hard to get bored in Portland, a city boasted as one of the best for bookworms and music-lovers.

 

Miami, Florida 

Feel the heat of the Caribbean’s spices by visiting “The Magic City.” All you need to do is look at a map to know that Miami is a great place for Caribbean food in the USA; you can’t get closer to this group of islands than by heading to Florida, after all, and it’s where you’ll find the greatest concentration of Caribbean communities in the US.

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Sample the different cultural favorites from Cuban ropa vieja (shredded beef) to spicy Jamaican jerk chicken and fried green plantains that are common in Haiti. Fresh fish, coconut, lime, black beans, and okra are other ingredients often used in Caribbean cuisine, a multitude of influences mixing Spanish, African, French, and even Asian tastes and cooking styles.

 

Louisville, Kentucky

At the end of the day, what is all-American cuisine? Defined by a range of recipes developed in different parts of the country, it may be inaccurate to suggest that one city or state does “American” food better than others. Or is it?

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One city where you’ll find an undeniable American culinary heritage is Louisville, Kentucky. The land of Bourbon is also a land of barbecue, Derby pie (similar to pecan pie), and stews filled with wild game. In Kentucky, dishes take on a ‘southern-style cooking’ resemblance, but in addition to hushpuppies, grits, country-fried steak, and chicken-and-dumplings, you’ll discover recipes unique to Louisville like burgoo, a spiced meaty stew, and hot brown, an open-faced sandwich topped with turkey and locally-made cheese sauce. And this foodie destination is another great spot to taste a range of international flavors; the German community ensures there are always sausages available to help soak up the local craft beer, another reason to visit.