8 Trips That Will Make You a Better Person // Skip the Self Help Books

We have all talked about taking those powerful and life changing trips to help out the needy. Or dreamed of volunteering at an organic farm to teach environmental sustainability in the hills of a foreign lands. Well it is time to stop what you are doing and TAKE THAT TRIP. 

Put down those self-help books and let travel transform you into the best person you can possibly be. 

The following eight trips are journeys we should all strive to make throughout our life. 

  Where: Peru

Why Go // The Experience: 

Whole Food's Market has a program called "Whole Journeys" and their mission is to bring the values, the passion and the taste of Whole Foods beyond just the stores. They take you deep into the Andes Mountains to the center of Inca civilization on a nine day hiking and wellness trip. It showcases some of the best Peru has to offer such as visiting organic coffee producers, immersing yourself in markets and exploring the sacred sites. The trip includes life-balancing lessons and personal-exploration. Truly transforms you and grounds you at the same time. 

Where: Big Sur, California

Why Go // The Experience:  

This retreat is in the hilltops of The New Camaldoli Hermitage. It was founded in 1958 by a group of Benedictine monk. The hilltop monastery is a silent refuge. The solitude and breathtaking ocean views put serenity within reach. The retreat helps you become more in touch with yourself and disconnecting you from the outside world. A spiritual awakening. 

Where: Cambodia

Why Go // The Experience: 

Find an orphanage to volunteer at. Become a part of these children's lives. A large orphanage in Cambodia is right outside Phnom Penh, the largest city and capital of Cambodia. Many of the children in Cambodian orphanages are abandoned because they are HIV+ or their parents have died from AIDS or related illness. As a volunteer you will help organize games, sports, arts as well as supporting the HIV awareness program. Children are eager to learn so this is a great chance to teach, show love and give affection. This is a trip that will make you a better person as well as bringing light into the lives of children. 

Where: Israel

Why Go // The Experience: 

AdventureWomen is a company that specializes in group adventures for women traveling solo and they offer a Nature of Israel trip. This is a chance to deepen your faith and feel empowered while traveling with other women. This trip is thirteen days and allows you to escape responsibilities and find your confidence in traveling alone. It is extremely liberating. Sail, explore, eat, drink and learn while in the Holy Land. 

Where: Thailand

Why Go // The Experience:

Thailand is a place to balance yourself. Detox and reprogram a healthy lifestyle. The Samahita Retreat on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand is a center for yoga, holistic health and wellness. Whether you are a beginner or yoga expert, there are programs for everyone. Transform your mind and body. The retreat is located right off the beach, so it is very serene. 

Where: Haiti

Why Go // The Experience:

Volunteer at a Disaster Relief in Haiti. Haiti is one of the most impoverished places in the world and whether you go before or after a disaster, they need you! Deliver medicine to the hospitals, bring food to the orphanages, spread the word and information about health issues or volunteer in the local communities. Visiting a place like Haiti is life changing and will widen your perspective in regards to things such as poverty and foreign policies. 

Where: Alaska

Why Go // The Experience

Wilderness survival school is something everyone needs to enroll in. You never know when you will need the skills. California Survival Training offers a course in Talkeetna, Alaska on a private 837 acre location. They teach minimalist survival. You will learn how to survive a wide array of outdoor emergencies and allow you to test your skills while being fully immersed in a rugged outdoors environment. It is very challenging and will test you physically and mentally, but it teaches you to survive. A skill that can ultimately save your life. 

Where: Africa

Why Go // The Experience:

Development in Gardening (DIG) is a program that teaches realistic strategies that increase available foods to individuals, families and communities in Africa. Creating access to food and proper nutrition is at the core of DIGs mission. You can volunteer short and long term with DIG as well as donate to them to help their mission. Their goal is to improve the nutrition and health of HIV-affected and at-risk populations through sustainable gardening. They train people in agriculture and nutrition an provide resources to create projects that empower communities to meet their own needs. A great cause to get involved in! 

For more information call your local Travel Consultant! 

Spring Break is Over // Summer Planning

Spring Break is over for most of us. The crazy crowds and the traffic driving down to the beach should subside. 

Summer is right around the corner, so let the planning begin. Traveling to somewhere warm is on the top of my list after this dreadful winter we experienced. 

The Caribbean would be a beautiful place to visit this summer. Specifically, the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic has glowing white sand and gorgeous blue water that is to die for. The beaches rank among the best in the world and I can certainly see why. Catch a tan, grab a margarita and a great book. Relax. I love water sports and snorkeling and the Dominican Republic is full of great places to jet ski, scuba dive, sunbathe and bar hop! And the food is AMAZING!

A place that I have dreamed of visiting is Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Full of nature, sun, waves and wonderful food. Soak in the sun on the sugar sand beaches or view the Mayan ruins. Perfect for EVERYONE! I have heard the Papaya Playa is a great place to stay. You have the choice to sleep in a hut perched above the ocean. Enjoy fresh coconut!

France is one of the many places I obsess over. The beaches there are beyond amazing. Beware, many of them are nude, so you have been warned. The beaches in Nice in the French Riviera in Provence, France is a popular and breathtaking beach. Some of the beaches are privately owned, but the public ones are just as great. And guess what? The beaches are pebble beaches, which will make for an even more unique experience!

If you can afford it, travel to Bali this summer. I have never been but like most people, after watching Eat Pray Love, the desire to travel to Bali increased. Bali is a surfing paradise with a huge variety of beaches. The beached range from white and crowded to black sand and deserted. 

I have talked about Santorini, Greece in so many of my blogs. This is because I am pretty obsessed. My  aunt and uncle went last year and I drooled over their gorgeous beach pictures. This is a must on my bucket list. A great place for a summer getaway. The water is clear, the wine flows abundantly and the food is delicious!

These are my top places to visit this summer, but if you are looking for more, visit TripAdvisor or call your local Travel Consultant! 

Alabama Wedding and Event Professionals

Working in the wedding industry, I have met and befriended many professionals. From wedding planners, entertainment gurus to the out of town videographers which I may or may not have danced along with while working a wedding! 

The wedding industry in Alabama is booming. When getting married, brides and grooms want to deal with the best of the best. You want professionals with expertise and excellent reputations. The place to find these vendors is Alabama Wedding and Event Professionals (AWEP). 

AWEP is an organization comprised of members within the industry dedicated to providing superior services and maintaining a high level of professionalism. Members of AWEP encourage and promote the highest level of ethics within the special event industry. All companies who are members of AWEP strive for excellence in all aspects!

Members fall into a number of categories within the wedding and event industry. The categories range from beauty, catering and flowers to transportation, travel, entertainment and planning! There are over a dozen categories containing numerous companies in each one. 

You can trust these AWEP companies with your wedding and special events. 

Visit their website for more information and how to join if you are a company!

The Caribbean's Best Kept Secret

When I think of the Caribbean the first places that come to mind are Saint Thomas, Antigua and the Grand Cayman just to name a few. Most people can name most of the islands, but it seems as though the twin island country of Trinidad and Tobago remain the best kept secret of the Caribbean. 

Located on the northern edge of South America, the islands are in fact among the wealthiest and most developed nations in the Caribbean. The key to keeping Trinidad and Tobago such a secret is the fact that tourism is not a major industry, leaving the islands abundant with unspoiled beauty not found in many of the Caribbean islands. 

With the average temperature being 70 degrees, both islands are a dream location. Trinidad is divided by three distinct mountain ranges with an abundance of rivers and streams. Thus making the landscapes gorgeous to view while enjoying a hike or laying on the beach. Tobago is mountainous but dominated by just one main mountain ridge. The ocean views are gorgeous surrounding the islands. Both Trinidad and Tobago are popular locations among yacht owners. Cruise ships also dock at the bays. 

Arriving to the island can be achieved by a direct air service from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Orlando, New York, and Newark. For outside the US, London and Georgetown offer direct air services as well. The flights from the US are usually 4-5 hours depending where you are traveling from. 

Popular beaches in Trinidad are Maracas, Tyrico, Las Cuevas, Toco, Mayaro, Chagville, Los Iros and Quinam. Most of the beaches on the North coast are beautiful, with powdery sand and clear blue water. 

Popular beaches in Tobago include Pigeon Point, Store Bay, MT Irvine, Bucco, Grange, Englishman's Bay, Canoe Bay. Tobago's beaches are extremely beautiful.

When I travel to Trinidad and Tobago in the hopeful feature, I have a feeling I would never leave the beach. The water is absolutely gorgeous. There is also a natural coral reef, the Buccoo Reef, so snorkeling is a must when in Tobago!

If you are anything like me, seeing the local wildlife is a must. Both Trinidad and Tobago are full of rare birds, leatherback turtles and home to a wonderful zoo near the Port of Spain.

When I go out of the country, I sometimes worry about language barriers. I usually try to learn the language enough to get by, but sometimes that can be very difficult depending where you travel. Luckily for those who have trouble with learning new languages, Trinidad and Tobago's official language is English. However Hindi, French, Spanish and Chinese are often heard there too, so if you enjoy learning you might enjoy grabbing some Rosetta Stone!

One of my favorite things to do is eat when I travel. Trinidad and Tobago have excellent and varied food options. A popular cuisine is Indian. The food tends to be spicy and full a flavor! Another big thing is deep fried shark. Very controversial, but they still serve it because it is so widely popular. Not my cup of tea, but the locals love it.

If you are into something more light and healthy, they are known for their wonderful kale soup. Now that is something I would be on board for. 

Enjoy a great local alcoholic drink if that is your thing. They are sugar cane colonies, so rum runs freely at the bars on the islands. Moonshine is also popular on the islands!

Remember, always call your local travel agent for more information. They are knowledgeable and can tell you facts that you may not be able to find online. Travel Planners, Inc. in Mountain Brook knows all the details on remote locations and can answer any questions you may have!