”If you wait for people to travel, you’ll wait forever.” I’ve lived(and traveled) by this motto for the past nine years and it’s led me to over 30 countries solo. Most recently, it led me to Brazil for Carnival with Luxe Tribes and I’m so glad that I didn’t have to wait around for others to make it happen. I’ve been wanting to experience this legendary celebration for YEARS, but none of my friends could ever make it work. I was blessed to be invited on a Luxe Tribes Group Trip, a Black-owned travel agency specializing in luxury group trips for Black women,  and I’m here to report back on the trip of a life-time. 

Though I will always advocate for solo travel, Carnival called for community – both for safety in a party/festival environment and in order to effectively navigate Brazil’s language barriers. While I could have done Carnival solo, Luxe Tribes effortlessly executed a trip that met all of my desires and beyond. The true magic? Being surrounded by Black women who just *got* eachother, creating an instant connection that isn’t always easy to come by. 

In this Luxe Tribes Group Trip review, I’m breaking down my entire experience traveling to Rio for Carnival with this Black women travel group. I’ll spill all the tea – the good, the real, and everything you need to know if you’re considering traveling with Luxe Tribes on one of their luxury group trips for Black women.

Where I Traveled with Luxe Tribes

I traveled to Brazil with Luxe Tribes February 26 to March 6 2025 for the biggest Carnival celebration in the world. The trip included a 6-day, 5-night stay at a luxury hotel on Copacabana Beach. 

Who I Traveled With – Luxe Tribes

Luxe Tribes is a Black-owned travel agency that organizes some of the best trips for Black female professionals looking for upscale travel experiences worldwide. They plan trips that focus on cultural immersion and authentic experiences without sacrificing comfort and quality. After spending my early twenties hostel-hopping and riding on the struggle bus, my thirties are all about treating myself when the occasion calls for it – and Luxe Tribes definitely delivers in that department.

You can join a Luxe Tribes small group trip with up to 16 like-minded travelers or they can execute a personalized itinerary that will give you the best overview of the destination of your choice. I had the opportunity to experience both their private and group tour options, which were both planned out perfectly. 

I’ve traveled with many group companies before, but meeting the other Luxe Tribe travelers in Rio showed me that the quality of Black women LT attracts is what sets them apart. Being surrounded by brilliant, accomplished Black women who not only shared my passion for travel but also understood my lived experiences? Priceless.

How many of us have friends who can’t get PTO, can’t afford to travel, or simply don’t prioritize seeing the world? That same dilemma is what made me start traveling solo in the first place and ain’t nobody got time for that. With a Luxe Tribes group trip, you’re instantly placed with women who value these experiences just as much as you do.

Who is a Luxe Tribes group trip for? 

• Black women travelers who want luxury AND authentic travel experiences
• Solo travelers who want safety and community while exploring
• First time solo travelers who want to go solo without going completely alone
• Professional women who work hard and want their vacation to truly FEEL like a vacation. No planning necessary! 
• Travelers who need the perfect balance of structured activities and free time.
• Women looking to build genuine connections with other like-minded Black female professionals

Why travel to Brazil for Carnival with Luxe Tribes?

Why NOT do Carnival solo or with a small group of friends? As yall know, I never back down from a solo challenge but one thing is for sure – I would NOT recommend doing Carnival solo. Here’s why: 

• With Carnival bringing in tens of millions of travelers to Brazil, advance planning is a must. Day tours sell out quickly, traffic is chaotic, etc. Without local connections on the ground like Luxe Tribes provides, planning may be difficult to manage.  
• The language barrier in Brazil is significant. I met less than 5 people who spoke English across 3 weeks in Brazil. If language barriers overwhelm you, then you’ll feel pretty out of place while trying to navigate the biggest event in the country for 1 week straight. This means booking transportation, reservations, etc. will be a constant struggle. With Luxe Tribes, you’ll have local guides on the ground who speak Portuguese. They’ll take care of the logistics for you. 
• You must be very vigilant about safety in Brazil in general but things get much crazier during Carnival. A luxury group for Black women offers safety in numbers when enjoying block parties and nighttime festivities. I would never recommend partying alone in Brazil, but that’s the entire point of Carnival, so you’d miss out on the main events if you chose to go solo.

How Booking A Trip With Luxe Tribes Works

Booking a Luxe Tribes group trip is straightforward:

1. Visit Luxetribes.com to browse available trips

2. Select a trip based on your interests, dates, and budget

3. Make a down payment to secure your spot

4. Pay the remainder in monthly installments or all at once

5. Receive pre-trip information, including a PowerPoint presentation about the destination and what to expect

6. Join a group chat with other travelers to connect before the trip

7. Show up and enjoy your trip with everything planned for you!

What’s Included in the Luxe Tribes Trip Price?

This will vary depending on which destination you choose, but my 6-day, 5-night Carnival trip in Rio De Janeiro included:

• 5 nights at a luxury hotel on Copacabana Beach
• Daily breakfast and five included meals
• Welcome dinner at Fogo de Chão, a premier steakhouse
• Airport transfers and transportation to all included activities
• Christ the Redeemer tour with a professional photographer
• Helicopter tour over Rio
• Sugarloaf Mountain and Selarón Steps excursion
• Cooking class or forest tour option
• Samba dance class
• Professional makeup for Carnival
• Tickets to the Sambadrome for the Carnival parade
• Local guides and full-time assistance
• Luxe Tribes group trip goodie bag

Is Luxe Tribes Worth The Cost?

Let’s be honest – traveling with Luxe Tribes(and group travel in general) isn’t the cheapest way to experience Brazil. However, you’ll receive an amazing value for your trip investment:

• Convenience: Everything is planned and booked for you, saving countless hours of research and coordination.

• Access: Carnival tickets, restaurant reservations, and activities during peak season are secured on your behalf the moment you book your trip. No thoughts, just vibes! 
  
• Quality: Luxury accommodations and experiences that have been vetted

• Safety: Traveling with a group and having local guides in a city known for safety concerns

• Expertise: Local knowledge that helps you avoid tourist traps and experience the destination authentically

• Peace of mind: No stress about logistics, transportation, or language barriers

So while you might pay more upfront compared to planning everything yourself, the time saved, stress avoided, and quality of experiences gained makes it worthwhile for those who value these aspects of travel.

How Much Free Time Do You Get with Luxe Tribes?

One of my favorite aspects of traveling with Luxe Tribes was the balance between structured activities and free time. The trip was roughly 50/50:

Mornings and early afternoons were typically dedicated to guided activities and tours while later afternoons and some evenings were free to explore on your own. You’ll have a free day, and ultimately all activities are your choice to attend. 

They’ve set it up so that you’ll have enough day tours to ensure you don’t miss the highlights, but plenty of down-time to do your own thing or simply relax at the beach or hotel.

Should You Sign Up to Travel with Luxe Tribes Alone?

Absolutely! As someone who advocates for solo travel, I found traveling with Luxe Tribes to be ideal for solo travelers because you’ll instantly have a group of like-minded travelers to share experiences with. You can join group activities when you want and explore independently when you need time to recharge your batteries.

What’s It Like Traveling with Strangers?

I know what you’re thinking – “Girl, isn’t it awkward being stuck with people you don’t know?” It can be a bit uncomfortable in the beginning, but you quickly build bonds over shared experiences. With a max group size of 16, Luxe Tribes’ group trips are big enough to find your people but small enough not to feel like a tourist herd. There’s ALWAYS someone down to join whatever random activity you want to do during free time and there’s zero pressure to stick with the group 24/7 – unless you want to, of course. That pre-trip group chat helps break the ice before you even land and the welcome dinner on day 1 will help the group break the ice upon arrival. 

What really blew me away was meeting multiple women who were on their 2nd, 3rd, even 5th Luxe Tribes group trip! When people keep coming back, you know the company must be doing something right. These repeat travelers shared stories from their previous trips and how Luxe Tribes had handled any issues that came up with care and professionalism. They mentioned seeing consistent improvements based on customer feedback, which is exactly what you want from a travel company.

What Are the Accommodations Like?

Luxe Tribes booked us a stay at the Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana. I loved it so much I paid extra to stay longer after the trip!

They nailed it with the accommodation because the hotel was perfectly situated for an event like Carnival. It was just steps away from Copacabana Beach. I’m talking walk across the street and your toes are in the sand. Not to mention, so many Carnival street parties (blocos) happened right outside of the hotel. When there’s that much traffic and chaos in the city, being able to just walk downstairs to join the fun instead of finding transportation is a game-changer.

The hotel offered room service(which I definitely utilized a time or two), buffet breakfast to feast on before long day tours, and a rooftop pool to watch the sunset from.

Choosing the wrong accommodation location in Brazil could cost you in more ways than one. Back in 2019, I booked what I thought was a cute Airbnb in Rio, and ended up witnessing a literal shootout on my street! This hotel was in a secure area with doormen and proper security. This is why it’s crucial to travel with a tour company that doesn’t cut corners on any aspect of trip planning or logistics. 

What’s Transportation Like?

Transportation was seamless throughout the trip:

• Airport transfers were included and on time
• Dedicated drivers for all excursions
• No need to navigate public transportation or deal with language barriers
• No worries about finding reliable and safe taxis or Ubers (which can be challenging in Rio)
• Consistency in drivers built trust and eliminated safety concerns

The value of reliable transportation cannot be overstated during Carnival when the city is extremely congested and ride services are in high demand.

Do You Need to Speak the Language in Brazil?

The language barrier in Brazil is no joke. This is where traveling with Luxe Tribes was a lifesaver:

• Local guides handled all the communication with drivers, restaurants, and attractions
• I didn’t have to stress about negotiating prices or getting directions. Guides informed us how much we should be paying for street snacks, souvenirs, etc. 
• The pre-trip materials included helpful Portuguese phrases (but honestly, even my attempts at pronunciation got blank stares)
• All bookings and reservations were handled in advance

If you’re planning to go, start practicing on Duolingo NOW. Even just basic phrases will help, though be prepared for rapid-fire responses you won’t understand. Having guides who speak the language fluently was one of the most valuable parts of this trip.

How’s the Food?

My Luxe Tribes package included: 

• Welcome dinner at Fogo de Chão, Rio’s premier steakhouse. Everything was on point! 
• Lunches at restaurants with stunning views of the city, which would have been difficult to book independently during Carnival.

Finding good restaurants on my own after the trip was actually quite challenging, which proves the value of having local experts select the best dining venues. 

How’s Customer Service?

The customer service from Luxe Tribes was excellent from start to finish:

• Pre-trip communication was on point with detailed information, timely responsiveness, and a helpful PowerPoint presentation about the destination
• Local guides and staff available 24/7 on the ground
• Local guides were accommodating and quick to resolve any issues that arose. When one activity had to be rescheduled due to traffic, they quickly arranged an alternative day and time so the group wouldn’t miss out
• The local guides were professional yet warm. They remembered preferences and made everyone feel valued, which isn’t always easy with a big group.

My Personal Experience on my Carnival Trip in Rio With Luxe Tribes 

My top 5 experiences included: 

1. The Helicopter Tour – Rio has one of the top five cityscapes in the world, so seeing Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and those beaches from above? Life changing.

2. Professional Photos at Christ the Redeemer

As someone who’s usually the one behind the camera on solo trips, having a professional photographer at one of the Seven Wonders of the World was a serious highlight. I’ve visited six wonders and have awkward selfies or random tourist-taken photos from all of them except this one! Now I’ve got professional shots that didn’t involve me asking strangers to take 15 versions.

3. Exploring the Santa Teresa Neighborhood 

This charming, quiet neighborhood was the perfect contrast to the high-energy beach areas. I visited Rio back in 2019 and never even heard about this spot – it wasn’t on any of my Pinterest boards or TikTok recommendations. This is exactly why traveling with a luxury group trip for Black women that has real local knowledge makes such a difference.

4. Carnival Done RIGHT

Getting tickets to the Sambadrome without the stress, having a professional makeup artist, and experiencing everything with a group of other Black female travelers? This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m so glad I didn’t have to DIY it.

5. Learning to Samba (Kind Of)

Dancing is the heartbeat of Brazil and Carnival itself, so having the opportunity to learn from actual Brazilian dancers gave me a deeper appreciation for what I was seeing at the parades. The fact that they offered this cultural experience (alongside a cooking class option) showed that Luxe Tribes really crafted a well-rounded culturally immersive trip.

Would I Recommend Traveling with Luxe Tribes?

Without hesitation, ABSOLUTELY YES! Especially for:

• Black women who want to travel solo safely without sacrificing authentic experiences or nightlife. 
• First-timers to Brazil who don’t want to deal with that learning curve during the chaos of Carnival
• Anyone who wants to kick back and relax on vacation without stressing about logistics
• Black female professionals looking for elevated travel experiences

After hitting 70+ countries through all kinds of travel styles, Luxe Tribes stands out as the absolute best tour company for Black female professionals. They understand our specific needs and preferences in a way that generic travel companies just won’t get.

My General Tips for Traveling to Brazil for Carnival

• Start practicing your Portuguese NOW!
• Research activities & restaurants for your free timeI saved some TikToks of restaurants and spots I wanted to check out during downtime.
• Get an eSIM. I used Holafly which gave me unlimited data throughout my trip with no issues. Having data is non-negotiable for maps, translation apps, and staying connected abroad – especially in Rio, since you won’t be able to use a physical sim card as a tourist 
• Bring a backup phone device for safety – I packed an old iPhone as theft can be common in Rio, especially with the crowds during Carnival
• Purchase travel insurance so you can be reimbursed incase of lost luggage, theft,  medical emergencies, or transportation issues 
• Extend your trip like I did to explore other parts of Carnival such as Salvador – the Blackest city outside of Africa
• Limit cash carried. I used Apple Pay for almost everything in Rio, which was super convenient. If your cards get stolen, you can still use your phone to pay. I only took about $50 cash out of the hotel per day and I used my card for bigger purchases
• Leave any expensive clothing or jewelry at home. I met a girl whose necklace was literally snatched right off her neck at a ‘bloco’ party. Better safe than sorry
• NEVER walk alone in Rio, especially at night. Take Ubers everywhere if you’re not with the group. I know multiple people who got robbed trying to walk short distances, even in “good” areas
• Print copies of your passport and store it digitally (I email it to myself)

What to Pack for Carnival

• Liquid IV for hydration in the heat, while drinking alcohol, etc.
• Portable fan for the strong Rio sun
• Fanny pack
• Money belt to avoid pickpocketing
• Colorful clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• High SPF sunscreen
• Packable shopping bag. Stop by Farm Rio for some vacay dresses and customize your own flip-flops at Havaianas

My Final Thoughts On Traveling with Luxe Tribes 

If it weren’t for Luxe Tribes, then another year would have flown by without me crossing Carnival off of my bucket-list. What could have been a stressful, potentially overwhelming experience turned into one of the most memorable trips of my life. Having traveled to so many places solo, I was honestly shocked at how much I enjoyed having everything handled for me while still having the freedom to do my own thing. 

For my fellow Black women travelers out there, especially those who work demanding jobs and don’t have time(or the desire) to research every little detail – this Black-owned travel agency will curate the ultimate adventure that will suit your travel needs. Luxe Tribes has a true understanding of our unique needs in various destinations around the world such as Brazil, Bali, Thailand, and many more. On top of that, their built-in community is something that you just can’t put a price on. 

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how difficult it can be to find people who share both my love for travel and my lived experiences as a Black woman. The women I met through Luxe Tribes were accomplished, intelligent, and inspiring. If you refuse to wait for the trip to make it out of the group chat in 2025 and beyond, then there’s no better tour company for you to travel with than Luxe Tribes. 

The post An Honest Review of My First Luxe Tribes Group Trip to Rio De Janeiro for Carnival | Black Woman Travel Group appeared first on Showit Blog.

• The first public US public college, theatre, museum, and golf club were established in Charleston. The city is full of history!

• The pineapple symbol that you see displayed on buildings around the city represents hospitality. The Southern hospitality that permeates the city is REAL!

• The state of South Carolina produces more peaches than Georgia. The more you learn!

• Charleston’s Angel Oak Tree is one of the oldest living trees in the US – 500 years to be exact!

• Sweetgrass baskets are South Carolina’s official handicraft and you can shop for these cultural souvenirs at the Charleston City Market

Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s get into this weekend guide for your trip to Charleston!

Where To Stay In Charleston

I was fortunate enough to stay in the pretty and (very)pink Mills House Wyndham Hotel. Pink is my absolute favorite color, so I thought the hotel was stunning. The architecture is reflective of the vintage allure that radiates through the cobblestone streets of Charleston. The Mills House was built in 1853 and the hotel just steps away from the city’s most historic sites. It’s full of amenities like a fitness center, a pool, a business center, and an onsite restaurant. You’re only .2 miles from the Charleston City Market, 315 feet from the Gibbes Museum of Art, 1.1 miles from the Aiken Rhett House, and .9 miles from the Charleston Museum. That’s just the beginning. Now that you know where you’re staying, let’s get into things to do on your visit.

What To Do In Charleston

Shop For Souvenirs At The Charleston City Market – You cannot go to Charleston without strolling through the historic Charleston City Market. Established in the 1970s, there are four long blocks for you to shop your heart out. What would I recommend picking up? Sweetgrass handicrafts! Sweetgrass basket-weaving is a cultural skill that has been passed down through Gullah culture from generation to generation. I got to meet Corey Alston who is a direct ancestor of the Gullah Geechee family and he demonstrated the process of basket weaving. His stall is set up at the very front of the market and his baskets are artfully crafted. Not to mention, he’ll share a wealth of info on the history and craft of Sweetgrass basket-weaving!!

Go Casual Crabbing With Tia – Charleston is known for fresh seafood and this is a unique yet quintessential way to get hands-on with all that’s under the sea. Tia Clark is native to the city and she will show you how to cast a net, set bait, fish, and catch crabs. I hope you have more luck than I did with crab catching, but I can assure you that you’ll enjoy stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. This is the ultimate way to experience a different side of Charleston that most tourists miss. Plus, Tia is just amazing! There’s a reason why Airbnb hand-selected her experience and story as one of the best on the platform.

Relax at The Battery & White Point Gardens  – If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax, then you’ve gotta visit The Battery & White Point Gardens. This site was once a public garden and it even served as a fortification for the city during the civil war. You’ll be able to witness historical structures throughout the park along with an incredible view of Charleston Harbor. Soak up the sun, smell the salt water, feel the saltwater breeze against your skin, and sit under the giant oak trees that line the park.

 Learn about Black History At The Boone Hall Plantation – It’s impossible to deny the horrors that were once inflicted upon enslaved African-Americans on plantations across the south, but it’s equally important to understand what took place at places like the Boone Hall Plantation. While sobering, it is a moving depiction of the life of an enslaved person. Don’t leave without seeing a live presentation of Gullah Culture from a third-generation Gullah who was born in South Carolina!

Admire THE Angel Oak Tree – Drive out to Kiawah Island to witness one of the oldest living trees in the US – over 500 years to be exact! South Carolina is already known for its gorgeous Spanish Moss and Palmetto Trees, but this one takes the cake! The tree is 65 feet tall and the limbs are quite literally grazing the ground. Don’t take it from me though! The Angel Oak Tree is a natural wonder that you must see for yourself!

Tour The Aiken Rhett House – The Aiken Rhett House demonstrates the stark contrast between the lives of slave owners and the enslaved whom lived under the same roof yet within entirely different realities. You’ll take a self-guided tour through the home and get a unique look at one of the best-preserved homes in the US since the 1830s.

Roam Rainbow Row – Rainbow Row just might be the most picture-perfect neighborhoods I’ve seen in the US! Before you get to the Battery, you’ll walk through a community of pastel-colored and cobblestoned streets wth homes that date back to the 1740s. Don’t forget to be camera ready! You’ll definitely want to snap a few photos!

This should be more than enough to fill your weekend, but you can also take a ghost tour, drink your way through the local craft beer scene, go to the Gibbes Museum of Art, lounge on the beautiful beaches, and bop around King Street! Needless to say, you certainly won’t be bored in Charleston!

What To Eat In Charleston

• Enjoy Rooftop Vibes at The Watch – Catch the best views of Charleston while sipping on brunch cocktails at the Watch. Get the roasted pimento cheese dip – thank me later!

• Let’s Taco ‘bout Mesu! What sounds better than  Sushi and Mexican fusion at a black-owned restaurant right on King’s Street? I’ll wait!

• Nothing beats a Southern breakfast and Miller’s All Day has you covered. The biscuits and gravy are truly some of the best I’ve ever tried. And don’t forget to check out the 175-year-old mill in the front of the store as proof that Miller’s All Day is producing some of the best grits around!

• Slip into Chez Nous for a dining experience like no other! You’ll eat from a daily-changing menu while sitting inside of an intimate, candle-lit home.

• Nobody does Barbecue like South Carolina and that’s coming from a Texan! Rodney Scott’s is no exception! We’re talking about a James Beard award winner and chef that has been featured by the likes of Anthony Bourdain. Need I say more?

• Grab a glass of wine to the sounds of live jazz music at The Graft. It’s good vibes only at this black-owned wine bar!

• Chow down on hand-made biscuits at Callie’s hot Biscuits! These are undoubtedly some of the best biscuits I’ve ever had in my life. And don’t even get me started on the Grits! I had the pleasure of making biscuits with the founder Carrie and she is incredibly inspiring. While Charleston is Callie’s founding location, It’s easy to see why she’s expanded to markets like Atlanta and Charlotte.

• Grab some speciality goodies to go at Caviar & Bananas! Consider gathering some local snacks for a picnic at Battery Park!

• Get Gullah at Gillie’s Seafood! Every Gullah I met said I couldn’t leave without tasting some soul food & traditional Gullah cuisine at Gillie’s. As a lover of soul food, I knew I had to visit and I wasn’t disappointed. Show up with an empty stomach because Gillie’s will fill your belly & soul.

• Eat brunch inside of a refurbished cathedral at Church and Union! The property is one-of-a-kind and the food is just as special.

There’s no shortage of places to eat in Charleston. Make reservations to secure a spot at some of the best spots in town! Regardless of where you choose to dine, there are certain Southern classics that you must try like Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, and She-Crab soup! Thank me later!

Have I convinced you yet? This is definitely the most dynamic US city that I’ve visited in a long time! As a traveler with an abundance of interests, Charleston ticked every box. From tasty food to exciting adventures to ample history, it undoubtedly lived up to the hype. Whether you want to take a family trip, travel solo, or bring your girls on a bachelorette trip, you’re bound to have a fantastic time! Get yourself to Charleston ASAP so you can see what the hype is all about! Have I steered you wrong yet?

Ever been to Charleston?? If so, share your recs below!

The post A Girls Guide To Charleston, South Carolina | Three Day Weekend Guide To Charleston appeared first on Showit Blog.

Well, here’s the thing: I’ve traveled the world alone for the past few years and it’s led to incredible experiences BUT I’m constantly trying to step outside of my comfort zone. Solo travel was a HUGE challenge for me when I first started but I’ve since become accustomed to it. Why not switch things up?

I first visited Greece in 2015 with a group of strangers and had a blast. Way back in 2015, travel was just a far-flung dream. I had no idea how to plan an extended trip in a foreign country and I def wasn’t ready to travel alone. So I signed up for a 35-day group trip through Europe with 30 strangers in hopes that it would help me ease my way into solo travel. I figured that I’d is able to travel solo without feeling like I was completely alone. I figured that I’d have a perfect balance of planned experiences and free time to explore on my own terms if I truly wanted to. That trip felt like REAL WORLD: EUROPE, but I left with life-long friends and endless memories.

I’ve since joined several group trips and I truly believe they’re the ultimate way to ease your way into solo travel without sacrificing your freedom. Despite the fact that I’ve been to Greece twice before, this trip led me to new adventures and discoveries. We visited the islands of Paros, Santorini, and Amorgos. We spent hours trekking across these islands, which allowed us to witness dramatic landscapes from a different perspective. We took cooking classes together and even learned a few traditional dances. We visited Greek churches and got lost inside traditional white villages. This trip made me fall even more in love with the country and its culture. It was made even more special by the group of strangers that I can now call friends. Here are some reasons you should consider giving group travel a try:

MEET NEW PEOPLE

I always feel nervous before group tours. There’s something scary about the thought of being stuck with strangers for an extended period of time. However, this could be the perfect solution for those of you who wish to travel without waiting around for others to get on board. You’ll have the support of a group while also having the freedom of a solo traveler if you truly wish. You’ll also have a solid group of like-minded people who share the same love for travel. In my opinion, there’s no better way to ease your way into solo travel. We ended up liking each other so much that we decided to extend our trip together! You never know!

GET LOCAL GUIDES

There’s nothing like being led by a local. If you want to truly immerse yourself in the culture and discover more about a country, then a local guide can help you do just that. These guides know the country like the back of their hands and they’re able to answer every question you may have. They’ve led countless groups and lived in Greece all of their lives. When it comes to multi-day treks and outdoor activities, knowledgable guides become a necessary safety precaution – especially for women traveling alone. I would have been reluctant to hike some of those trails on my own. Our guides cooked, partied, and danced with us until the very last day.

TRAVEL STRESS-FREE

Some of us love the trip planning process, while others prefer to show up and have a good time. Trip logistics can be a pain, especially in certain destinations. If you don’t know where to start or simply prefer the convenience of a curated trip, then a group tour is likely the best option. All you have to do is arrive and let the guides lead the way. They’re on-the-ground experts that have taken the time to create dynamic itineraries. I was able to discover the island of Amorgos, which I’d never heard of or seen before. There’s no way I would have visited on my own if I weren’t on this trip. I saw sites that I probably wouldn’t have been to by myself. Transportation, boat transfers, accommodation, and even most meals were included in the trip total. This can release the pressure that most of us feel to plan the ‘perfect’ trip!

Despite my initial reservations, I left this trip connected to myself and the world around me. I pushed myself both physically and socially. I got the chance to see Greece from a completely different perspective and I’d happily do it all over again. The daily hikes were exactly what my mind and body needed while the new friends I made were the icing on the cake. Head over to my Instagram to see behind the scenes of this trip and stay tuned for more blog posts about my time in Greece.

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Who knew that I’d be returning for a wellness retreat with G Adventures just a few years later?

Jaw dropping Waterfalls, lush rainforest canopies, piercing volcanos, stunning beaches, SLOTHS, mangos, plantains, monkeys, treehouses, adventure activities, Caribbean and vibes(on the Caribbean side) are a few of the things that drew me to Costa Rica the first time around. I vowed to return for more after my first trip and it was even sweeter this time around.

Unlike my first trip,  I joined a group of like-minded strangers on a G Adventures Wellness tour. After running all over the world solo throughout 2018, I knew that group travel would be a much-needed change of pace. After spending an average of 15-20 hours per week(while working and traveling) planning my trips throughout the year, I knew that it would be a huge relief to travel without worrying about logistics. After sleeping in janky hostel beds over the course of two years, I knew that a yoga retreat was exactly what my mind and body needed.

This trip was part of G Adventure’s new wellness line of tours centered around movement, mindfulness, nourishment. In addition to cultural immersion, the itinerary was full of wellness activities like intention-setting, meditation classes, yoga classes, and healthy eating.

Costa Rica’s ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle, biodiversity, & stunning landscapes make it the ultimate destination to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. I knew that this trip would be the perfect opportunity to reflect on 2018 and prepare for 2019.

This eight-day tour throughout Costa Rica ended up being much greater than I could have ever imagined. We visited San Jose, La Fortuna, Rincon De La Vieja, and Play Carillo.

Some of my favorite activities included:

Daily Yoga – From sunrise yoga on Playa Carillo to stand up paddle-board yoga on Lake Arenal, we had plenty of opportunities to perfect our downward dog. I started practicing yoga at the beginning of the year, so it was a lot of fun to experiment with different types of yoga. These daily classes were everything I needed to practice mindfulness.

Surfing Lessons at Play Carillo – I took my first surfing lesson during my trip to Costa Rica two years ago, so it was amazing to be back where it all started. I’m no professional, but I love surfing and I try to take advantage of it whenever I find myself in a huge surfing destination like Costa Rica.

A Visit to Mi Cafecito Community Coffee Plantation – I try my best to support local communities when I travel so it felt really special to visit Mi Cafecito. We had the opportunity to tour the coffee plantation and learn more about the co-op. This activity was supported by the G Adventures For Good partnership with Planeterra, which is a non-profit with an aim to encourage sustainable tourism.

A Hot Springs Soak In Guanacaste – Need I say more? Imagine soaking in a natural hot spring that’s heated by the most active Volcano in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. My body was thanking me after I spent an hour relaxing in the mineral-rich thermal water. Let’s just say, this was definitely a wellness moment.

I haven’t even mentioned our adventurous hike through Arenal Hanging bridges park, the breathtaking properties that we stayed in, or our knowledgeable local guide who knew the country like the back of her hand. I could go on and on about the benefits of my wellness trip with G Adventures. I’m always unsure of how group tours will turn out, but they curated the perfect blend of adventure, cultural, culinary, and wellness activities. I left the trip feeling like I discovered another side of Costa Rica and myself.

Thank you G Adventures for providing me the opportunity to go back where it all began. Thank you for reminding me why I started.

Talk about a full circle moment! You can check out their new line of wellness adventure tours in Iceland, Nepal, Peru, Bali, and Costa Rica here.

I was invited to attend this trip with G Adventures, but all opinions are my own.

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The post Back To Where It All Began In Costa Rica On A Wellness Tour With G Adventures appeared first on Showit Blog.

Let’s discuss the worst people to travel with and how they’ll turn you into a solo traveler

Let’s be real – You can’t travel with everybody. 

There’s nothing worse than being in a dream destination with a nightmare of a person. It’s not easy finding your ideal travel buddy.  The wrong travel partner or group can really spoil a trip. This is a lesson you learn very quickly.

Unfortunately, I’ve got firsthand experience with this topic. This may or may not be the reason I love solo travel. If you’ve ever made the mistake of taking a trip with the wrong person, then you know that these are the absolute worst people to travel with:

Disclaimer: Just poking a little fun  

1. They only want to eat McDonald’s

So, did we reallyyyyyyy fly all the way across the world to eat at the same restaurant we can find on every corner in the US? I’m tryna eat foods that I can’t even pronounce – not happy meals!

2. They Facetime people from home the entire time

Sis, why didn’t you just take a trip with your boyfriend if you want to facetime 24/7? We’re on the top of a mountain for crying out loud!

3. They never have offer input or suggestions

Instead, it’s “Idk, it’s up to you” or “IDC, you choose”.

Oh, so now I’m basically responsible for both of our enjoyment? That’s way too much pressure!

4. They’re scared of anything and everything

Visiting a new country can be scary. I get it, but c’mon! I didn’t fly across the world to sit in the hotel. I’m here for a good time, not a long time!

5. They never want to leave the hotel

Once again, I did NOT fly across the world to sit inside a hotel and watch tv. If you don’t get your a…..

6. They must stick to a strict itinerary

Didn’t know I needed to clock in while traveling. I’m all about activities and experiences, but let’s leave a little room to breathe mmk? I don’t wanna feel like I’m on a work/class schedule

7. They complain about EVERYTHING

“Water too wet, grass too green, dolphin too dolphiny” – words of @kriola_fofa617

8. They get upset when people don’t speak English

We’re not in America anymore, sweety.

9. They take way too much time to get ready

I get it. You wanna look good. So do I! But it’s been 3 hours and the club is closing soon, can we make a move?

10. They’re Easily Upset

Travel isn’t picture perfect. Luggage may get lost. We may get lost. Everything may not go as planned, but we don’t do temper tantrums halfway across the world. I won’t have it.

If you’re reading this, then you can probably relate. You’re probably screaming “OMG YESSSSS” to yourself out loud while having flashbacks. Sorry for going there, but I had to get this off of my chest.

Feel free to vent in the comments! Share the worst people to travel with if you’ve ever had the misfortune of sharing a similar experience! This is a safe space! 

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The post The 10 Absolute Worst People To Travel With | Why I Travel Solo appeared first on Showit Blog.