A Taste of California: What Foods To Try While Visiting California

If you’re going to California anytime soon, the food should be high on your list of priorities. California has a unique culinary history that is quite different from any other state in America. California has become a melting pot of cultures and cuisines which created an amazing diversity in California’s food scene!

If you want some ideas about what foods to try while visiting California, check out this blog post for our suggestions! These were our favorite dishes when we visited Cali!

DragonEats- San Francisco
Bahn Mi – A Vietnamese sandwich that is made with a baguette, pork, pickled vegetables, and cilantro.

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Taste of Ethiopia-El Cerrito

California is home to many Ethiopian restaurants that serve up delicious, flavorful vegetarian dishes as well as meat dishes like Doro Wat. One amazing part about Ethiopian cuisine is Injera. Injera is a sourdough flatbread that is used as a utensil to eat the food.

Vegetarian & Meat Combination on Injera

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Injera & Honey Wine 

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There are also public open air marketplaces in California. Cali is ideal for these types of places because of the great weather!

Santa Barbara Public Market: Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar
Summer Rolls

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Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar
Tom Yum Noodles w/Tofu

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California has some of the best Mexican food in the country! Be sure to try burritos, tacos, or enchiladas while you’re here!

Los Agaves
Ceviche Tostada, Tacos del Mar and Horchata 

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California has a large population of Peruvian immigrants. There are many great places to try this cuisine in California, but one place we recommend to try the ceviche wherever you go!

El Huarique- Venice Beach
Ceviche

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The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a great place to try some unique California foods.

Venice Beach Boardwalk
Pizza, Gyro, Fish Tacos 

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The golden state loves their burgers and California burger restaurants take pride in serving up the best ones around. The most popular without a doubt is In-N-Out Burger!

In-N-Out Burger-Los Angeles
Double Doubles w/ Fries: Animal Style

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Without a doubt, California is a great food destination that has something for everyone! We hope you enjoy your time in California and be sure to try some of the amazing foods that this state has to offer! See below for some more ideas for amazing food to try while on vacation in Cali!

Urban Masala-Hollywood
Chicken Tikka Masala

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Calle Tacos
Veggie, Meat & Chipotle Fish Tacos

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Burma Superstar
Spicy Noodles- Oakland 

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Samusa Soup

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Laphet (Tea Leaf Salad)

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The Original Farmers Market: The Gumbo Pot
Po Boy

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Brazilian Buffet

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Pa Ord- Sunset Blvd. 
Shrimp Drunken Noodles

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Mexico Beach Vacation – Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

If you’re looking for a luxurious and fun beach vacation, look no further than Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. The Hard Rock is located in Cancun, MX and has all the amenities you could ever want in an all inclusive resort including: five star restaurants, fully equipped fitness center with personal trainers available to help you meet your goals or just keep up on your workout routine while on vacation, spa services which include massages and facials that will rejuvenate your skin after spending days at the beach getting sunburned!

There are over 60 different activities to participate in such as volleyball games, tennis matches, snorkeling adventures and more so there’s always something new to do when it comes time for family vacations.

We visited this resort to attend our friends wedding, but decided to stay some extra days to enjoy all the resort has to offer. Let’s take a look at the amazing things you will discover when on vacation at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.

The Hard Rock Hotel is located about 25 minutes away from the Cancun airport, so it’s easy to get to and there are always taxis or ride shares available. The hotel is situated on a beautiful stretch of beach which makes for perfect relaxation days by the water. You can also take advantage of the many activities that Hard Rock has to offer or explore the local area and do some shopping at the Hard Rock Plaza. Be sure to check out Hard Rocks great restaurants which include Italian, Mexican, Brazilian, French cuisine; there’s something for any taste bud!

What else can you expect when staying in Cancun? The weather is always sunny with temperatures that range between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is definitely the place to be if you’re looking for an amazing all inclusive beachfront resort!

There are multiple huge swimming pools with swim up bars. There was a huge foam party going on in the adult pool when we were there. It was awesome! There was a live DJ and an MC that was getting everyone pumped up and officiating fun contests during the day.

One thing to note is that there is some seaweed in the ocean that makes swimming pretty hard. The employees would go out each morning and clean up all the seaweed so that was very nice. We had some scuba masks and found it fun to go out in the lagoon and look at fish mid morning.

Make sure to take a walk around the property out front and try to find the family of Monkeys! We saw them swinging from tree to tree, and were lucky enough to see a baby with its mom.\

There is no shortage of food here! Some of the restaurants are closed on certain days so we did not get to try everything, but we didn’t have a bad plate the whole time we were there! Whether you want delicious Mexican food, burger and fries, healthy salads and juices, or upscale fare, you will not be disappointed here!

We had a spa day and highly recommend you do to! We started out with the fish that eat the dead skin off your feet which was an experience. Then, we went and got the full spa treatment!

Another activity we did was four wheeling at the cenote which was close by the resort. A cenote is a natural sinkhole that is usually filled with freshwater, so it’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The local business provides you with all the necessary gear, so be sure to take advantage of this fun activity! The Hard Rock has a shuttle that will take you there and back if it is something you want to do!

The Hard Rock Hotel is a great all inclusive beachfront resort for those looking to have an amazing and luxurious vacation in Cancun, MX. With plenty of activities available on-site as well as close by, you will never find yourself bored while staying here! The beaches are beautiful, the food is delicious and the staff is incredibly friendly! Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is the place to be if you want a luxurious vacation destination.

Top 11 Travel Destinations In Florida

With its pristine white sand beaches, bustling shopping districts, theme parks, and amazing nightlife, Florida is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. The current health crisis may have slowed things down in the tourism department, but as the world gradually opened up, Florida is back in action, teeming with life!

If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Florida soon, here are some sights that you shouldn’t miss:

11 of the Best Places to Visit in Florida

Theme Parks

Theme parks are where it’s at in Florida! Each year, millions of families flock to Florida to check out its many theme parks. The most popular are Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.

Disney World: Disney World is not just a theme park; it’s also a resort and a hotel so you can explore, shop, and play in this sprawling entertainment complex. Kids and kids at heart just can’t get enough of Disney World’s water parks, zoo parks, unique dining experiences, and of course, thrilling rides. 

Universal Studios: Universal Studios is a massive theme park and production studio that boasts live entertainment, amazing rides based on blockbuster movies, dining, and shopping experiences in every corner. It’s like being in the middle of your favorite movie at every turn!

SeaWorld: SeaWorld is a theme park known for its oceanarium and marine mammal park. It’s a place where education and fun collide. SeaWorld is a great place to visit with the kids because of the unique shows and zoological displays.

South Beach

One of Florida’s most iconic beach destinations is South Beach. Famous for its Art Deco District, South Beach is an ultra-trendy beach destination with miles of white sand and clear, turquoise waters. There are loads of beach and water activities to try, including swimming, sunbathing, dining, clubbing, and so much more. If you’re hungry for food, art, or fashion, the downtown area is teeming with high-end stores, art centers, and restos.

The Everglades

If you love to go on a nature trip, we highly suggest a tour of the Everglades. The Everglades is one of the country’s most popular natural tourist spots. It features complex ecosystems such as sub-tropical jungles, sawgrass prairies, mangrove complexes, and swamps. You’ll get up close and personal with wildlife — birds, fish, reptiles, and endangered species such as the West Indian manatee, Florida panther, or the American croc. 

Kennedy Space Center

Another entertainment attraction where learning is fun! The Kennedy Space Center is located on Florida’s Space Coast, an enormous space exploration site. You’ll see rockets, meet astronauts, and learn all about previous and current space missions. You’ll also see the Space Shuttle Atlantis. 

Daytona International Speedway

The Daytona 500 is an international speedway where the NASCAR Cup Series kicks off every racing season, attracting a huge crowd each year. The race track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William “Bill” France Sr. to host the races at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. The track is the third largest, single-lit outdoor sports facility in the country. 

The best time to visit the Daytona 500 Speedway is in February, which is the start of the racing season. But if you can’t make it to the race, you can still tour the Speedway. 

Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas is a national park that houses a fort – Jefferson Fort – built by the US Government in the 1800s. Think of Dry Tortugas as a tropical Alcatraz; it served as a protective fort during the Civil War and then as a prison complex a decade after. 

Today, the Dry Tortugas sits undisturbed, and nature has taken over. The site is surrounded by greeneries and turquoise waters with abundant marine life.  You can tour the fort or frolic on the park. The shallows are perfect for snorkeling! You can also camp out at Dry Tortugas for a unique desert island experience. After booking a stay, you will travel via a private boat that carries a maximum of 10 campers at a time.

Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay is a nature park and theme park. It is the largest zoological facility in the country, with a sprawling 335 acres of space housing over 2,000 animals. SeaWorld owns this amusement park. Each year, the Busch Gardens attract over 4 million people, making it the second most popular tourist attraction among all SeaWorld Entertainment-owned theme parks. 

It’s a terrific tourist destination if you’re traveling with kids. They’ll learn all about the many African animals. You can go on an African safari, feed the animals, and discover wildlife in the most natural setting. For thrill-seekers, there are amazing rides to check out, including several roller coasters. Brusch happens to be the home to some of the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest coaster rides. 

Devil’s Den

The Devil’s Den is Florida’s famed scuba diving and snorkeling spot. This privately-owned tourist destination boasts an 8-acre lake for fishing and boating too. 

Devil’s Den has an underground river with a constant temperature of 72°F (22 °C). It’s a sight to behold with the vapor rising from the surface of the river, causing plumes to come out of the cave’s entrance. Four underwater passages extend from the natural pool, and each of these passages is teeming with ancient marine animal remains and artifacts. 

South Pointe Park, Miami Beach 

South Pointe Parl is a gorgeous green space that sits at the southern tip of the famed Miami Beach. It offers breathtaking views of the South Beach shoreline, the downtown Miami skyline, and direct access to the beach. 

If you love spending time outdoors, South Pointe Park is the best place for going on picnics, al fresco dining, chilling at the cafe, stroll at the nearby pier, fishing, or enjoying a barbeque. You’ll love the relaxed, festive vibe, the fabulous dining options, and the shopping spots.

Three Sisters Springs

Three Sisters Springs is located in a natural water inlet on the east side of Kings Bay in Citrus County, Florida. This hot spot offers in-water recreation that could be accessed by taking a paddle craft like a canoe or kayak. 

Because the Three Sisters Springs is home to the manatees, boats cannot enter the waters. You can go canoeing, kayaking, or go swimming. Lush greeneries and natural rock formations surround the water passages. The calm turquoise waters are so clear and clean; you might even see a manatee or dolphin joining in your afternoon dip if you’re so lucky. At the Three Sisters Springs, you can swim to your heart’s content and enjoy nature at its most beautiful.

Florida Keys

Rounding up our list of the 11 must-see tourist attractions in Florida is the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are a coral cal archipelago located at the southernmost part of the continental of the US. The chain of coral islands is about 137 square miles and extends from the south of Miami all the way to Key West and Dry Tortugas. 

This natural wonder is teeming with life. There are scattered beaches throughout Florida keys and posh hotels and resorts all around. You can check out the many souvenir shops, galleries, museums, and cafes in the area or work on your tan, relax by the beach, and enjoy different water adventures! You’re sure to have a good time because there’s something for everyone to check out at the Florida Keys.

Florida is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the country, and we can see why. It has everything from natural wonders to colorful nightlife. Planning a trip to Florida soon? Which of these tourist spots is your favorite? 

11 Great Things To Do On Vacation In Colorado

Looking for some adventure on your next Colorado vacation? You’ve come to the right place! Here are 11 great things you should do if you’re visiting our beautiful state. Hikers will enjoy hiking at Rocky Mountain National Park, campers can head to Turquoise Lake Campground, and mountain bikers will want to shred the trails. For those looking for a more relaxing time, hot springs abound in Colorado Springs. And don’t forget about museums and professional sports games!

We recently moved to Colorado, but have visited many times before moving here. In fact, we fell in love with this awesome state while on vacation so we are sure you will love your Colorado vacay!

Here are a list of a few things that you can do while you are visiting Colorado!

  1. Hiking
  2. Skiing
  3. Camping
  4. Mountain Biking
  5. Driving To The Top Of A 14er
  6. Hot Springs
  7. Museums
  8. Eating & Drinking (Beer!)
  9. Professional Sports Games
  10. Air Shows
  11. Hunting & Fishing

Hiking: One of the best things about Colorado is the incredible hiking. There are hikes for all levels of hikers, from easy to difficult. Some popular trails include Hanging Lake and Emerald Lake in Glenwood Canyon, Manitou Incline near Colorado Springs, and The Barr Trail up Pikes Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park is also one of the best places in the world to hike and backpack!

11 things to do on colorado vacation blog post main image - girl hiking on a mountain trail in the woods

Skiing: Skiing is one of the most popular things to do in Colorado. If you are looking for skiing, there are many resorts throughout Colorado including Loveland Ski Area, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Keystone Resort, Copper Mountain Resort and Eldora Mountain Resort.

Camping: Campgrounds abound in Colorado! There are campgrounds for all kinds of camping, from RV camping to primitive backpacking. Some great campgrounds include Turquoise Lake Campground near Leadville, Aspen Grove Campground in the Rocky Mountains, and Cottonwood Cove Resort on the Colorado River.

Mountain Biking: Mountain biking is huge in Colorado! There are trails for all levels of mountain bikers, from beginner to expert. Some great trails include The Whole Enchilada in Moab, UT and the Porcupine Rim Trail near Telluride.

Driving To The Top Of A 14er: Colorado has 54 peaks that are over 14,000 feet high! If you’re looking for a challenge, try driving to the top of one of these peaks. Some popular 14ers to drive to the top of include Pikes Peak, Mount Evans, and Longs Peak.

Hot Springs: Colorado is home to many hot springs, which make for a perfect relaxing vacation activity. Some great hot springs include The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs, and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.

Museums: Colorado is home to many world-class museums, including the Denver Art Museum, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, and the American Mountaineering Museum in Golden.

Eating & Drinking: Beer lovers rejoice! There are many restaurants and breweries across Colorado where you can sample some of our wonderful local brews. Some great places to eat and drink include the Wynkoop Brewing Company, The Kitchen Denver, and Illegal Pete’s in Boulder!

Professional Sports Games: If you’re a sports fan, don’t worry- there are plenty of professional sporting events here in Colorado including the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, and the Colorado Avalanche.

Air Shows: If you’re more into planes than sports games or museums, check out one of our many air shows! Some great air shows include Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver and the Rocky Mountain Metro Airport in Broomfield.

Hunting & Fishing: Colorado is a great place to hunt and fish! Some popular places to hunt include the Rocky Mountain National Park, San Juan National Forest, and Arapahoe National Forest. And for fishing, head to one of our many reservoirs including Lake Granby, Chatfield Reservoir, or Blue Mesa Reservoir.

We hope you enjoy your Colorado vacation! Feel free to leave some of your favorite Colorado gems in the comment sections 🙂

12 Travel Tips For Traveling During And After Covid

The pandemic changed the way we do just about anything. It has left people quarantining at home for months, it led to the devastation of economies all over the world, and it crushed various industries. Some of the hardest-hit industries are travel and tourism. Thankfully, the vaccine rollout has been happening in different parts of the world, and restrictions over traveling have eased significantly. 

As the economy starts opening up, we see a glimmer of hope for us bored folks who are itching to leave our home for a change of scenery!

In fact, the Transportation Security Administration or TSA has recorded over 1 million passengers in a single day post-pandemic. This is the highest number of people flying out since the coronavirus pandemic started last March 2020.

While this is an excellent piece of news – something that we all need in these dark, uncertain times – we should protect ourselves all the time. This goes especially if you need to travel for work or business; protection from the coronavirus must be prioritized. Otherwise, you could get sick, or you could end up making your loved ones sick as a carrier of the virus.

So how do you fight an invisible enemy when you’re traveling? What are the good practices that you should always keep in mind when traveling during and after the health crisis? Here are some tips:

Wash Your Hands (Properly)

The most basic of all health tips is also the easiest to do: wash those hands! And we’re not talking about simply rinsing your hands with water because you’re in a hurry; you have to take your time cleaning every nook and cranny to prevent the spread of germs.

Wash your hands often and use soap to create a good lather. Wash those grubby paws for at least 20 seconds, paying close attention to the spaces between your fingers. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry your hands with a clean cloth or towel. 

If soap and water are not available at the airport, always carry a hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizers are only meant to rid the hands of germs; these should never be used to replace hand washing.  

Wear a Mask

Wearing a mask saves lives. It will save the lives of your loved ones, the people you meet at the airport, and the hardworking airport and airline employees around you. If you love your family and/or don’t want to spread germs to anyone close to you, wear a mask. Wear a mask properly and wear a mask often — especially if you are out and about at the airport!

A good mask inhibits the spread of the virus from people without symptoms (asymptomatic) by acting as a barrier that prevents viral particles from spreading through talking, whispering, sneezing, and coughing. Even better, wearing a face mask prevents you from touching your face, which helps reduce your risk of acquiring COVID-19.

Practice Social Distancing

It may be hard to practice social distancing when you’re trying to catch your next flight but DO IT! Coughing and sneezing propel germs as far as a few feet so being at least 6 feet apart from other people minimizes direct contact between you and your fellow travelers. 

Practice social distancing throughout your security experience with TSA officers, even while on the queue at the immigration, or while waiting for your luggage!

Sanitize Often

Spritzing a little disinfectant spray here and there never hurts anyone — certainly not when the COVID virus is spreading everywhere! Traveling increases your risk of exposure, so it’s best to keep a small bottle of disinfecting product with you to keep your things clean and germ-free. 

Choose a disinfecting product that kills 99.9% of all known bacteria and viruses; most of these are available in your local grocery. You can also keep a bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol in your purse or bag or alcohol wipes so you can sanitize your hands and things that you hold while out and about.

Reduce Touchpoints

Germs spread through cross-contamination, i.e., touch contaminated surfaces. If you want to protect yourself from airborne bacteria and viruses, you need to keep those hands as far away as possible from things that get touched a lot. These include door handles, handrails, elevator buttons, processing documents, etc. 

Instead of opening the door using your hand, use your elbows to push the door open. The same goes for the elevator buttons; find creative ways of touching these without using your digits. Keep your docs in your travel bag instead of your pockets to reduce touchpoints even further. 

Pack for Safety

One reason why some travelers get held up at the checkpoint is that they’ve packed things that are prohibited or suspicious-looking. Pack for safety so you don’t end up rerunning your bag through the x-ray machine or being made to open your bags so the officer could rummage through your things. 

Don’t Eat or Drink on Public Transport

If you love using public transport to go from point A to B at a travel destination, avoid eating or drinking while on it. Eating inside a vehicle means taking off your mask and touching food with your hands, all of which could increase your risk of getting sick. 

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance used to be optional, but it has become a vital part of a busy traveler’s must-haves while traveling. Some countries have successfully contained the spread of COVID, but this won’t stop another outbreak. To protect yourself and the people you’re traveling with, shop for travel insurance and look for a policy covering situations like a global health crisis! Choose a policy that offers medical and cancelation coverages to protect yourself from emergencies, especially if you travel a lot. 

Drink only from Sealed Bottles

There’s no guarantee that airplane water is clean. Ask if the water used for tea or coffee came from bottled water. If you’re unsure or unconvinced, pack your own drinks or ask for bottled water while onboard a plane. If you don’t want to drink bottled water because you’re conscious about your plastic usage, ask for filtered water instead. The same goes when you’ve arrived at your destination; always drink from bottled water or use an electrolytic water-purifying device to prepare your own drinks. 

Stop Touching Your Face

Most people just can’t stop touching their faces — it’s a habit that a lot of us do unconsciously. The thing is, touching the face could speed up the spread of germs because the nose, eyes, and mouth are entry points for bacteria and viruses. And when you’re traveling, your hands are touching dirty surface areas all the time. Make a conscious effort to avoid touching your face if you can. Wear a face shield if you’re comfortable to protect your face from your hands. Avoid direct contact by minimizing touchpoints while traveling. 

Pack Boarding Passes Smartly

Don’t hand your boarding pass to TSA officers to reduce direct contact and prevent possible cross-contamination. Pack your docs in a clear container so the airport personnel could check these items at a glance. For electronic or paper passes, hold these to the scanner and then hold them up for TSA inspection. 

Feeling Sick? Stay in Your Room!

Stay at home if you’re feeling sick before or during your travel. If you feel a fever coming on and you’ve got a sore throat, cancel your plans and rest. Wait until the symptoms have subsided before you go outside and risk infecting others. If you had symptoms during your journey, let the hotel personnel know about it and get yourself tested. If there is an outbreak where you traveled, stay in your room to protect yourself. 

Let’s be real, now is not the best time to travel but if you’re doing it for work or business and it’s absolutely necessary, keep yourself and others protected. Better yet, wait until you’ve been vaccinated before going ahead with your travel plans. These tips ensure that you’ll travel safely. 

Panama Vacation – Things To Do While Visiting Panama (The Country!)

Food

Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market)

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Corvina (Sea Bass) Ceviche

PANAMA fish market

Casa Bruja Breweria (Witch House Brewery) 

Corvina (Sea Bass) Ceviche

PANAMA CASA BRUJA CEVICHE

Some of their craft beers! 

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Nazca 21 – Panama City

PANAMA Nazca bldg

Soup – Aguadito Especial de Mariscos

nazca 21 panama Soup - Aguadito Especial de Mariscos panama city

Shrimp and Fish Ceviche 

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Fresh Juice stands everywhere!

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Panama Canal

You should go there!

Resorts & Hotels in Panama

Plaza Paitilla Inn Hotel – Panama City

plaza paitilla inn hotel panama city panama room view of city

High tide/ Low tide view from our hotel room!

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Royal Decameron Resort 

View from our villas balcony!

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Getting Around

We rented a car because we were traveling outside of Panama City for some of our trip, but we used Uber to get from our hotel, Plaza Paitilla, to Casco Viejo and it was about $3! Super cheap! As far as driving yourself, BE CAREFUL! There are so so SO many cars on the road in the city and sometimes it felt like the stop signs and signals were more of a recommendation (nervous laugh) but if you can adapt quickly and be mindful of the  speed limits, you will be just fine. Make sure you have money for tolls if you’re traveling outside of the city and stay out of the emergency and bus lanes.

 

 

Hollywood Beach Florida Vacation

HOLLYWOOD BEACH FLORIDA SUNRISE PICTURE

Restaurants

Pachamanka Authentic Peruvian Cuisine

Ceviche! 

Pachamanka Authentic Peruvian Cuisine Ceviche Hollywood Beach FLorida Boardwalk

Aguadito de pollo

Aguadito de pollo Pachamanka hollywood beach florida

George’s Corner Store & Deli

Pizza!

George's Corner Store & Deli Pizza Hollywood Beach Florida Boardwalk

The Taco Joint

Ceviche! 

Taco Beach Shack Ceviche Hollywood Beach Florida Board Walk

Tacos!

Taco Beach Shack Tacos Hollywood Beach Florida Board Walk

The Taco Joint Tacos Hollywood Beach Florida Boardwalk

At Peru – Authentic Peruvian Cuisine 

Ceviche!

At Peru Ceviche On Hollywood Beach Boardwalk Hollywood Florida

Jalea Mixto – Fried Seafood!

At Peru Jalea Mixto Fried Seafood On Hollywood Beach Boardwalk Hollywood Florida

Taco Spot

Softshell Crab Taco & Shrimp Taco!

Taco Spot Softshell crab taco & shrimp taco hollywood beach florida boardwalk

Line em up!

Taco Spot tacos hollywood beach florida boardwalk

Hollywood Brewing Company

Fried Whole Red Snapper with Sweet Potato Fries!

Hollywood Brewing Company whole Red Snapper with sweet potato fries hollywood beach fl boardwalk

Beer!

Hollywood Brewing Company Beer hollywood beach fl boardwalk

Ocean Alley Restaurant & Beach Bar

Oysters!

Ocean Alley Restaurant & Beach Bar Oysters Hollywood Beach Florida Board Walk

Pasta with Clams!

Ocean Alley Restaurant & Beach Bar Clams and Pasta Hollywood Beach Florida Board Walk

Coconut shrimp

ocean alley restaurant coconut shrimp hollywood beach florida

Eggs Benedict 

ocean alley restaurant eggs benedict breakfast hollywood beach florida

Smoked Salmon Bagel

ocean alley restaurant smoked salmon bagel breakfast hollywood beach florida

El Tayta On The Beach

Ceviche Trio! 

El Tayta On The Beach Ceveche Hollywood Beach Florida Boardwalk

Fried Red Snapper with Tostones! 

El Tayta On The Beach Whole Red Snapper Fried Hollywood Beach Florida Boardwalk 2

The Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

Hollywood Beach Boardwalk Florida Rainbow

The beach boardwalk in Hollywood is perfect for exercising, people watching, shopping and eating!

Hollywood Beach Boardwalk Hollywood Florida - the boardwalk

People watching!

funny hollywood beach boardwalk people watching 1

Hollywood Beach Airbnb / Hotels

airbnb hollywood beach florida historic hollywood beach resort

Historic Hollywood Beach Hotel

airbnb holly beach resort view from room

Things To Do

hollywood beach florida girl on beach

Relax on the Beach

Sand Volleyball

Hollywood Beach Resort: historic hotel where Al Capone lived during his stays in Florida. Also rumored to be HAUNTED!

Bike Rental

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

Hollywood Beach Theatre: live music every night!

Shopping: so many boutiques and stores on the broadwalk!

Body boarding

Jet Ski’s

Miami tour

Gator tour and MORE!

Weather

  • March – hot
  • July – also hot

(pic of us with frozen water bottles on our sun burns. Ouch. )

sunburn frozen water bottles on head hollywood florida

 

15 Fun Things For Your Beach Vacation Checklist

We all have normal stuff like sunscreen and swimsuits on our beach vacation checklists, but what about the fun stuff! We searched and found some exciting and interesting things you might want to add to your beach checklist!

Neso Beach Tent

Beach Tent – Neso Beach Tents can easily fit over your shoulder or in your carry-on which makes it easy to transport! It is lightweight, portable, SPF 50+, water-resistant, and easy to set up! They also offer many designs and colors!

Cressi Made in Italy Palau Short Brisbane Mask Fin Snorkel Set

Snorkel – Cressi Brisbane Mask Fin Snorkel Set will allow you to see explore the ocean floor and discover what is beneath the water!

GoSports 4’x2’ Pro Grade Cornhole Boards Set | Full Regulation Size Premium Bean Bag Toss Boards

Games – Beach games are so much fun! There are so many options nowadays! Some of our favorites are cornhole (aka bags),  disk jam,  bucket ball (huge beer pong),  &  bottle bash!

Earth Pak -Waterproof Dry Bag - Roll Top Dry Compression Sack Keeps Gear Dry for Kayaking, Beach, Rafting, Boating, Hiking, Camping and Fishing with Waterproof Phone Case

Waterproof Bag – You are going to need something to keep all your valuables dry! We believe our earth pak dry bags are the best out there–bar none. These dry bags are meant to last for years and provide waterproof protection for even the most rugged users.

BPS 'Green Machine' Bodyboard with Wrist Leash - Strong TPU Wrist Leash and Constructed with HPDE Slick Bottom

Body Board – Who doesn’t love to ride the waves or float out in the ocean! Body boards are a long time favorite of beachgoers everywhere!

Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II - Aquatic Blue

Speakers – You gotta bump some jams at the beach! Bose is a trusted source for quality audio! Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II is a perfect option for a beach bluetooth speaker!

Kite

Kite – Go fly a kite! No, seriously! It is super fun!

KingCamp Low Sling Beach Camping Concert Folding Chair, Low and High Mesh Back Two Versions

Beach Chair – You are going to need somewhere to lounge and sit up! Having a beach chair than opens and closes in seconds, is easy to carry and store with carry bag is a must! The King Camp chairs durable and built to last!

Huge Beach Towel

Huge Beach Towel – These huge beach towels can act like a blanket and are perfect for laying out in the sun or for under your beach tent!

CreekKooler PuP Floating Cooler

Cooler – CreekKooler Floating Coolers allow you to bring your booze into the water with you! No need to leave the ocean or the pool with this awesome cooler for the beach!

Intex Floating Recliner Inflatable Lounge, 71in X 53in

Floaties – Recline in style while chilling in the ocean with Intex Floating Recliner Inflatable Lounge! Comes equipped with two cupholders for some serious double fisting!

FlexSafe by AquaVault (As Seen on Shark Tank): Anti-Theft Portable Beach Chair Safe and Travel Vault. Packable, Lightweight & Slash Resistant. Use at the Beach, Pool, Waterpark, Cruise Ship, More.

Portable Safe – Have you ever worried about your stuff while at the beach? The FlexSafe was invented to keep your valuables out of the hands of would be thieves.

Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak - Stable, Durable, Lightweight Folding Kayaks for Adults and Youth - Lake, River, and Ocean Kayaks - Perfect Outdoor Fun Boat for Fishing, Travel, and Adventure

Foldable Kayak – This transformer-ish kayak will save you some money from having to rent one every time you go on a beach vacay! Kayaking is a great way to work in some exercise to your vacation!

Bar Set Carrier Travel Bag, Waterproof Bartender Bag Perfect for Home Bar Travelling, Camping-Grey (Bag Only)

Travel Bar Set – This bartender bag is great for transporting wine and liquor to the beach safely!

Radio Flyer 3-In-1 EZ Folding Wagon with Canopy for kids and cargo

Wagon – A classic radio flyer wagon with an awning to keep the contents of the wagon shaded!

 

Southwest Credit Card By Chase Review 2019

CLICK HERE to apply for your Southwest Credit Card!

Using a Southwest Credit Card with Rapid Rewards is an excellent way to get plane tickets for free! We will go over the benefits of the Southwest cards and how we make the most out of ours!

Southwest Credit Card Offers

Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening for all three cards. This offer is valid right now!

Southwest Card Comparison – Plus, Premier & Priority (Personal Cards)

The card is available in multiple personal options.

Plus Premier Priority
Anniversary points earned each year. 3,000 6,000 7,500
2 points per $1 spent on Southwest and Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases. x x x
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. x x x
Points don’t expire as long as account is open. x x x
No foreign transaction fees. x x
Earn tier qualifying points towards A-list status. x x
$75 Southwest annual travel credit. x
Four Upgraded Boardings per year when available. x
20% back on inflight drinks and WiFi. x
Annual fee $69 $99 $149

Cardholder Benefits

As a cardholder you will get special Southwest benefits including:

  • Unlimited Rewards seats with no blackout dates or seat restrictions!
  • Bags fly free!
  • No change fees!

Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is where the magic happens! To get the pass you will need to earn 110,000 points during the year. Jess is my companion so basically I book my ticket with points. Then I add her onto the fight which requires no money and using no points.

How To Get Travel Points Fast

If you can use your credit card to pay for something rather than cash, do it!

Make sure to pay off your credit card balance each month and you will never have to pay interest and will get all the benefits of racking up points!

Here is a list of things that you can use your credit card to pay for:

  • Health insurance payments if you use the marketplace
  • Big ticket items such as new appliances or furniture
  • Services or contractor payments if you get work done on your house
  • Automatically recurring charges such as Netflix, gym memberships, or music subscriptions
  • Paypal purchases! You do not need to pay with a Paypal balance or bank account balance. Add your credit card and make it your default payment at no extra charge.
  • Vet bills
  • Home insurance or auto insurance premiums
  • State income tax

Pretty much anyone your pay just ask, “Hey, can I pay with credit card?” 99% of the time they will say YES! Even folks at the farmers market nowadays in our small home town take cards!

Southwest Destination Options

One limitation to this travel credit card is the number of destinations Southwest services. The majority of airports are located in the US with limited international locations.

Some popular Southwest destinations include Orlando, New Orleans, San Diego and Puerto Rico. And to international destinations like Aruba, Belize, Mexico and Grand Cayman.

For a complete and up to date list of destinations click here.

Southwest Credit Cards For Business

Not only does Southwest provide personal credit cards. They also provide cards for business owners! CLICK HERE then choose the “Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card.”

Overall Review

For us the Southwest Rapid Rewards card is a no brainer! Why?

  • We live between Midway and Indianapolis airports which gives us a lot of choices for flights!
  • We have the companion pass which makes every point worth double!
  • We plan to travel within the US and Caribbean often so the lack of international destinations is no problem for us.
  • Southwest just added Hawaii! Stay tuned for that trip!
  • We are spending the money anyway so we might as well get points!
  • Southwest customer service is amazing!

The only thing I wish was better about the Southwest card is the points cannot transfer to other airlines. You can use the Southwest points for purchasing other airline plane tickets and international tickets. However, it seems to cost way more points than it should!

Overall I would give the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards a 9/10!

CLICK HERE to apply for your Southwest Credit Card!