Travel Tips // 2014

As we enter the last few months of 2014, we start making travel plans for 2015. Over the years as I have traveled I have heard "do this" or "avoid that". Working for a travel agency, I have been educated on the many do's and do not's of the travel world. I have compiled a list of some of the most valuable information when it comes to great travel tips. 

1.) Avoid chain hotels: By staying in a small boutique or family-run hotel, you will be saving more money than you think. You will also have a more unique experience in the area you are vising. 

2.) In countries rich in history and culture (Italy, France, Japan), go off the beaten path: You will avoid the usual crowds and higher prices and in return find better food, shopping, and so on! 

3.) Be wise when choosing flight days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the least-popular travel dates for domestic flights. 

4.) Take a layover tour: Many cities will offer a layover tour. So if you have a long layover, take advantage of the layover tours. Have a 5 hour layover in Paris? Go explore! 

5.) Buy insurance: I can't say it enough. BUY INSURANCE! Yes, it costs a little extra, but you will thank yourself in the long run. What if a family member gets sick? Canceling the trip would cause you to lose everything! Not if you had purchased trip insurance. When asked if you want to add it, don't hesitate. Say YES! 

6.) Scan important documents before you leave: In the event of theft or misplacement, you will be glad you scanned your passport, cards, etc. 

7.) Use a travel agent: I know, coming from someone who works at a travel agency, this comes off as biased. But now that I know how much easier traveling is after using an agent, I will never travel internationally without one! Plus using a travel agency is FREE! So, why not?

Tip from Hayden: As a treat to yourself, send yourself a postcard from each day of your travels. It will be a nice treat to come home to and make the transition to reality easier! 

Guest Blog // Kay English Photography - Fall Wedding

Fall is pretty much just around the corner here in Alabama. That means pumpkins, changing leaves, crisp mornings, and cozy nights in front of the fire with a wool blanket. Alright, I am obsessed, if you can't tell. 

Autumn is a beautiful time to get married and the decorating can be so much fun! I was searching Pinterest (go figure) for great fall wedding inspirations and I came across Kay English Photography. She is a wedding photographer based in New Jersey and WOW, they are beautiful! And of course I fell in love with her post about Fall wedding.

Kay English Photography

In her blog she mentions that "Fall weddings are the new Spring weddings." I could not agree more. Maybe it is just my obsession with the season that makes me biased, but I believe that Fall is the new Spring. Yes, Spring bring the new life and the pretty pinks, but Fall is accompanied by the rustic colors and the sense of new beginnings. 

Decorating for a Fall wedding is exciting. The burlap (which seems to always be popular), the sunflowers, gold, lace, and wood are all used frequently in rustic Fall weddings. 

The Fall color pallets are probably my absolute favorite. Have fun with it. Combine the reds with the browns and pinks. The pop of color against a white wedding dress is breathtaking. Sage, gold, and deep purple are also gorgeous. 

     

She talks about the importance of a centerpiece for a Fall wedding. Don't be timid. Go big or go home! The centerpiece is usually the first thing your guests will see when they walk in to the reception. Make it a statement. 

Have fun with the planning and decorating. Fall brings so much organic aspects. Use the pumpkins, the acorns, and even the fallen leaves to draw inspiration! 

This last picture is my favorite! I love the incorporation of the pumpkin candy corn! 

Happy Fall Y'all!

Fall Travel // 5 Great Getaways

The fall season brings shorter days and colder nights, but there is always something to look forward to: fall foliage and amazing scenery! Not to mention pumpkins and candy corn!

This fall, plan a weekend getaway at a cabin or take a road trip through the mountains!

1. Hudson Valley, New York

Hudson Valley has some of the most beautiful land you will ever set your eyes on. There is so much natural beauty. From the breathtaking views, miles of hiking opportunities, fishing, and not to mention the sunsets! Hudson Valley also has a great farmers market and a few fall festivals!

2. Skyline Drive, Virginia

Located in the Shenandoah National Park, the 105-mile long Skyline Drive is unbelievable! The best time to visit is in the fall when the foliage is the perfect shade of oranges and yellows!

3. Tunnel of Trees, Michigan

Looking for the ideal Autumn landscape? The Tunnel of Trees is one of the most beautiful fall foliages you will ever see. This drive along M-119 is surrounded with plenty of canopies ranging from broadleaf and pines! 

4. Sevierville, Tennessee

The little town in Eastern Tennessee provides amazing scenery full of leaves in golden and red! There are plenty of things to do in Sevierville. You can go horseback riding and visit the Forbidden Caverns with the kids! Sevierville's claim to fame is that it is Dolly Parton's birthplace!

5. Salem, Massachusetts

Quite possibly the most gorgeous fall foliage you will see can be found in Salem. This town is the definition of fall and not to mention Halloween. There is so much history in Salem on top of the beauty! A great addition to any fall road trip!

Happy Fall, Y'all! 

Diving // The World's Best Dive Sites

I have never been diving but I hear it is a life changing experience. Although, I am not sure I would be able to get over my fear of sharks! All over the world, there are numerous locations known for their amazing diving spots. Take a look at some of the following!

Costa Rica - Cocos Island

The journey is far, but it promises beauty. The island is said to have inspired Jurassic Park. The waters are filled with hammerheads and white-tip reef sharks and are usually frequented by experienced divers.  The island is beautiful and only stretches four miles!

Australia - Magnetic Island

About five miles offshore from Townsville in Queensland, Australia, Magnetic Island offers wide range of diving options. There is plenty of amazing marine wildlife to see and even dive to the world-famous S.S. Yongala wreck. A fantastic dive to see marine and coral life!

Belize - Ambergris

The water here is teeming with life and is home to the famous "Blue Hole" which is a 350ft deep circular hole in the ocean where you can dive down. The water is full of rays and hammerheads. You will see hard corals, sea fans, shellfish of amazing variety, and even may spot a manta ray! 

Micronesia - Truk Lagoon

In the early 1940's, an entire Japanese fleet sunk in the Truk Lagoon and remains there as an underwater museum. The wrecks can be seen by snorkelers, but best explored by scuba. Definitely a must see for those who love diving and seeing new things! 

Scotland - Arran

The Island of Arran, which is twelve miles off the coast of Ayrshire in the Firth of Clyde offers breathtaking scenery and even more superb dive sites. It is teeming with seals and dolphins. You may also see Orcas and a wide variety of shellfish! 

There are dozens of other great dive sites around the world, these are just a handful of the beauty diving  offers!

Tourists Scams // How to Avoid

When traveling you MUST be careful and observant of your surroundings, because you may fall victim to one of the many tourist scams.

Fake Police: A street merchant may put something on your wrist or around your neck, then when you try to give it back, they complain that you are trying to steal it. A uniform policeman-- who is fake–happens to be passing and threatens to arrest you if you do not pay. Be very careful when shopping on the streets of foreign countries, because this happens more than you would think!

Fake Valuables: A vendor may try to sell you a "designer purse" or a "diamond necklace" at a fraction of the going price. These are all scams. While many people will travel JUST to buy the knock-off products, just be careful.

Distraction Theft: Someone may distract you (ask you for directions, help with map...) while an accomplice picks your pocket or goes through your bags. There are dozens of variations of this so be cautious.

Taxi Tricks: When you jump in a cab and ask to go to a specific location, the driver tells you that it is "closed" but offers to take you to a "better" one. At best, the new place is a long trip and will cost you more money.

The Fake "Gift": A street musician hands you what appears to be a "free" CD, asking yo to listen to their music, and after you have it in your hands and are walking away, demands payments even after you try to return it.

Photo Finagling: Someone will offer to take a picture of you and your family with YOUR camera. They then run off with your camera. Be very careful with people walking up and offering to do this!

Fake Friends: You meet a group of friendly locals at a bar or cafe and join them. After a while they leave to use restroom or make a phone call and never return. You are stuck with their bill.


While there are many people who could actually be wanting to help you take a picture and there may be that street musician who wants to give out free music for FREE with no strings attached. But you have to be careful no matter where you travel!