Celebrating My 26th Birthday in San Juan, Puerto Rico!

I usually spend my birthday taking a SOLO trip but this one was one for the books! It set the mood for 2021 and made me feel very special. Shoutout to my friends and sister. <3

Caribe Hilton - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Caribe Hilton - San Juan, Puerto Rico

There were only suppose to be two of us on the trip and it ended up being eight of my closest friends! And of course, I created the itinerary! We all flew American Airlines and stayed at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The latest talk around town had been COVID and still is... To travel to Puerto Rico, it stated that we had to have a Negative PCR COVID test prior to traveling to the country. Only 2 out of 8 of us actually got the test in order to go on the trip, the rest arrived without it. When we arrived to the airport, we had a taxi waiting for us at baggage claim and no one asked for proof of a negative test. We did receive text messages everyday to confirm that we were well and did't have any COVID symptoms.

We arrived on a Thursday and the curfew in San Juan was 9pm. Right when we landed we were informed that the curfew was lifted to 11pm, (considering the fact that I planned everything around the 9pm curfew) we were all excited! Prior to the trip I had booked salsa lessons in the park nearby. Our host was Angelina and she provided a 60 min dance lesson with drinks included priced at $30 per person. She highlighted the Puerto Rican culture and all that influenced the music and dance style.

On Friday, we woke up around 9am to participate in a food tour by Spoon called the Taste & Explore of San Juan. I booked this tour on Airbnb Experience ($99 per person). This guided tour included food, drinks and a knowledgeable tour guide who informed us on the history of PR! The tour guide was exceptional and was willing to answer any and every questions we had. Not only was I pleased with the service but the food was absolutely amazing! We tried Pernil, Mofongo and fruity drinks with white rum containing Guanabana (soursop), Tamarindo, Acerola (Caribbean cherry), and Maracuya (passion fruit).

The entire Friday was eventful and if you follow me on Instagram, you would've seen the shenanigans we got into (#hotassmess). After the food tour, we ended up back at the hotel and "laid" out on the beach until it was time for our dinner reservation. For my birthday dinner we dined at Vianda (highly recommend). Due to the lituation, I can't tell you much but I heard the food was GREAT! We ended the night at La Placito where there is a strip of bars, restaurants and club. Considering the amount of people we had in our party, we weren't able to get in anywhere. Needless to say, that didn't stop us from having fun!

Man Playing the Accordion in Old San Juan

Man Playing the Accordion in Old San Juan

Saturday ended up being a very chill day. We laid around the pool at the Hilton and eventually explored the center of San Juan. We found an alley way that played music served food and drinks. When we walked by, EVERYONE was dancing. It was hard not to stop and partake in the fun. That night we ended up in La Perla (a place where every Uber driver told us not to go), but a hard head makes a soft..... La Perla is considered the ghetto of San Juan, a place where the police won't even go. At first when went down the it was extremely dark and once we got passed a certain point, the street was jammed packed with people. There was a huge stage with live music and people dancing everywhere (blast in a glass if you ask me). I wouldn't suggest anyone going down there alone but to be in a group of four or more. Clearly, I'm still here and survived.

Icacos Island

Icacos Island

The next day (my actual birthday) I booked a catamaran to go to a private island. We all enjoyed a relaxing boat ride hungover! The catamaran took us from Fajardo to Icacos Island and provided drinks and snacks the entire boat ride. Once we arrived to the island we had the option to chill on the boat, swim, snorkel and explore the private island. My friends surprised me with delicious pastries and cupcakes (it is hard to surprise me with anything,so, I was impressed). By the end of the day we were tired of each other (LOL). Overall, this was the best birthday I've ever had and each and everyone who was a part of the trip made it possible. I even got matching tattoos with my best friend Sam!

Video Tour Highlight

Resources

Weekend Trip to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin

Sint Maarten and Saint Martin share an island in the Caribbean (West Indies) the difference between the two are that one side is Dutch and the other is French. It's not a place I ever thought I'd visit but I came across the island on google as I typed "places Americans can travel during the pandemic."

Cupe Coy Beach

Cupe Coy Beach

Cupe Coy Beach II

Cupe Coy Beach II

St. Maarten was one of the countries listed for places Americans were able to travel but St. Martin wasn't for some reason. Luckily, I was able to cross the boarder and visit both parts of the island with no issues. Unlike Mexico, there was a COVID test required 72 hours prior to traveling to St. Maarten. I've gotten several COVID test during the pandemic at Walgreens (for free) that was checked prior to getting on the plane to St. Maarten. Once I arrived to the island, it was brought to my attention that the Walgreens test was not the correct test and they required a PCR test (whatever that means). I was asked to move to the side to speak to an onsite physician who complained about how the rapid COVID test from Walgreens isn't sufficient. Myself and others who were uninformed of this information had to pay $125 to get the "correct" covid testing.

As I proceed to take the test, I was told I will receive my results the following day. That day never came and I was convinced that the whole "PCR" testing was a way for them to make money. No one followed up with me after taking the test and there were not requirements for me to check-in and get my temperature taken.


Different Types of COVID Testing:

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-testing-basics

My Stay in St. Maarten:

Oyster Bay Resort - St. Maarten

Oyster Bay Resort - St. Maarten

I stayed at the Oyster Bay Resort on the Northwest side of the island. It is on the Dutch side but walking distance to boarder for you to explore the French side. The resort had a bar that offered pool-side service including drinks, snacks and lunch, a restaurant that opened for dinner, a bodega to grab something quick on your way out or to buy food to cook for breakfast in your room, spa service, gift shop and laundry services, and concierge that help plan and book excursions and rental cars. The room overall was a decent size, clean, with comfy bedding, a full kitchen and a nice ocean view.

The island itself has 37 beaches and 3 days is not enough to explore all of them. The first day there, I spent at the pool laying out and drinking mojitos. The following day was well spent at Grand-Case Beach at Friars Bay. Friars Bay is a quiet an a more exclusive beach on the French side of the island. There was a cute restaurant and bar along the beach and not over crowded with people.

Grand-Case Beach

Grand-Case is also a good place for night life, shopping and restaurants. I dined at Blue Martini and Barranco. Blue Martini is a vibrant and outgoing place to grab drinks and a quick bite to eat. Barranco is a beach front restaurant that was very intimate and the service and food was outstanding (highly recommend).

My third and last full-day in St. Maarten I started by grabbing a chocolate croissant from a French bakery in Simpson Bay. Afterward, I spent a raining afternoon in a cave at Cupe Coy Beach and watched a storm pass. This beach was similar to Friars Bay, there were not many people there and it was absolutely beautiful. Out of the three beaches I visited, I would definitely go back to this one!

On the way back from Cupe Coy Beach, I stopped by Sunset beach. If you ever google St. Maarten, you'll often see pictures of people on the beach with airplanes in the background: Sunset beach is the beach to go to for you to capture that shot. Sunset beach was livelier than the other two beaches because it is more touristy and near the airport. It is so close to the airport that I watched a few grown men get blown away from a plane taking off (YES, it's that close). If you are wanting to have a great time and meet new people, this is the beach to go to.


Tips:

  • Check COVID testing requirements and make sure you have the right test before traveling (PCR Test). Avoid spending unnecessary money.

  • Taxis are pricey and you will be better off renting a car and exploring the island. I used El Thrifty Care Rental services that is near the airport.

  • Stay in Philipsburg if you want to be around more action rather than relaxation.

  • Spend more than a week there and explore the different islands that are close by: for example Anguilla, St. Barth, Saba and other islands are a boat ride away (Due to COVID and the amount of time I had on the island I was unable to visit other islands).

  • Even though the island has its on currency, they do accept USD and Euros.

  • Mullet Bay Beach was another beach that was recommended to me!

What You Need to Know Before Traveling to Mexico!

Yes, Mexico is now open for Americans and is one of the only countries that don’t require a Covid-19 testing prior to visiting or a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Even though bars and clubs are still closed, hotels and restaurants in Cabo, Cancún, Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta and Tulum have reopened.

As someone who recently visited Cancún, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, I can say that if you are comfortable and taking the precautions to travel during this time, Mexico is the place to go! Of course, a passport and mask are required to visit.

Maya Ruins in Tulum, Quintana Roo - May 2020

Maya Ruins in Tulum, Quintana Roo - May 2020

Flying: A question I get the most is who I fly with and how are they seating everyone. I flew from Charlotte to Cancún with a layover in Miami through American Airlines. All airlines are requiring that flyers wear a mask at all times, and some are even leaving the middle seat open for social distancing. American Airlines are not leaving the middle seat open but are taking precautions during the pandemic to assure the safety of their customers.

While in Mexico: I didn’t know what to expect visiting another country during these times. I was actually impressed with the steps and procedures everyone took in Mexico. The resort, hotel, public/private transportations and companies I used for excursions were clean and well organized. There was not a time I questioned whether I should be here or not. Even though it was a different experience compared to my previous trips to Mexico, I can say that it was still relaxing and a much-needed vacation.

Things I Did While Vacationing During A Pandemic: The resort I stayed at was all-inclusive and had everything I needed from a 24-hour snack bar, several restaurants, multiple pools, spa, and a private beach. As of now public beaches are closed due to the pandemic. If you are looking to layout of the beach, staying at a resort/hotel with a beach is your best bet.

Las Americas Resort: Cancun - May 2020

Las Americas Resort: Cancun - May 2020

Even though the resort had all that I needed, I did leave to explore Tulum for a day. Unfortunately, no one told us the Mayan ruins in Tulum were closed too. Since tourism plays a huge role in how locals make money, there was an alternative to seeing the ruins. I believe I paid $800 pesos ($40 USD) to rent a bike and ride a few miles to a private beach where there was a restaurant with a bar and access to the beach. There was someone waiting and took a group of us on a small boat. During the boat ride we were able to see the ruins and swim in the coral reefs.

The next day, I had excursion planned to swim with whale sharks. Yes, whale sharks. Whale sharks are the third largest sea creatures. This excursion cost around $160 USD and included the transfer to and from the dock, a lite breakfast, and lunch. At the dock the instructors held a brief meeting about what to expect. The boat ride into sea was at least 2-hours long. Everyone was extremely seasick by the time the crew spotted the whale sharks, but it didn’t stop us from jumping in! I’m honestly surprised that I did it and due to the nausea and long boat ride, I can’t say that I would do it again.

Originally, I was supposed to be in Cancún for 4 days but ended up changing my flight and stayed in Playa Del Carmen for two more days. In my opinion, Playa Del Carmen was more enjoyable than Cancún; it was livelier. Although, the public beaches were closed, I enjoyed the roof top pool at my hotel and the restaurants.

Things to Know Before Traveling to Mexico:

  • Valid Passport Required

  • Mask Required

  • Carry cash to avoid unnecessary fees

  • Exchange USD to small pesos to avoid getting overcharged

  • It is okay to bargain

  • Tipping is encouraged

    • Resorts (not required but leaving $1-2 pesos is a nice gesture)

    • Restaurants (10-15% in pesos)

    • Spas (15%)

    • Tour Guides (at least 10 pesos)

    • Taxi (not required but if they are helping you with your luggage or staying with you the whole day it is recommended)

  • It cost to pee; make sure you have coins

  • Carry napkins/tissue with you. There may or may not be tissue in every restroom

Two Days in Malta

This past January, I went to Rome, Italy for my 25th Birthday. Toward the end of the trip I went to Malta for two days.

Day One: I flew from Roma-Fiumicino Airport into Malta. It was a short flight to Malta and once I arrived, there was someone from the hotel there to pick me up. I stayed at a Boutique Hotel called 1926 Hotel & Spa in Valletta, Sliema. I found this hotel on a third party website like booking.com or something similar to that site.

1926 Hotel & Spa

Amenties

Location: This hotel is walking distance to shopping, restaurants and ports that will take you to explore other parts of Malta.

Restaurant: After arriving to the hotel, the room was not quite ready, so, I had lunch in the hotel restaurant Margaux. The staff was extremely nice and the Southern French/Mediterranean cuisine was delectable.

Bar: Sunny’s Lounge is a bar connected to the Hotel Restaurant and from its ambiance, I can see why it’s called Sunny’s Lounge!

After lunch, I was able to check-in a little early and was notified that my room had been upgraded free of charge! The room had a keyless with a keypad that allowed you to put in a 4-digit code. I love keyless entry rooms, mostly because I have a history of losing keys (Oops)..

Room: The room I stayed in was the Family Room; it was very spacious with 1 king and sofa bed, full bathroom, and balcony. In the room there was a Flat Screen TV, Air Conditioning, Universal Power Socket, USB Charging Ports, Tea and Coffee Maker, Iron & Iron Board, Complimentary Water, Mini Fridge, Hairdryer, and Basic Toiletries. The only thing I wasn’t too happy with was that there was only shampoo in the hotel and no conditioner. Outside of that everything was clean and once again, the staff was helpful and friendly.

1926 Spa and Fitness Room: Shortly after getting settled, I rested a bit and headed to the Spa for my appointment. This was by far the best spa experience I’ve ever had. Prior to arriving to Malta, I booked The Complete 1926 Spa Package: Full Body Scrub, Wrap, Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage and a Mini Facial for 155 Euros 110 mins.

Half way through my massage I was so relaxed and fell asleep. Not only did the spa have well trained professionals but other amenities to enjoy (Sauna, Indoor Jacuzzi Pool, etc). Outside the Spa was the fitness room. I don’t know about you but I’m not working out on my vacation!

1926 Beach Club: Last but not least, there was the 1926 Beach Club that was closed for the winter that I didn’t have the chance to explore. I saw pictures of it and it was some sort of facility with a pool that had an incredible ocean view.

Day Two: Feeling relaxed from the previous spa day. I went out to explore the second and last day I had in Malta. I went on a boat tour to visit Gozo and Comino Island. On the boat was offered unlimited drinks with the boat ride for 40 Euros and there were snacks on board at an additional cost.

  • Gozo Island: We arrived at Gozo Island we got off the boat and toured the island on a bus with a tour guide sharing information about the island and views. Once the tour was over, we were able to get off the bus and explore parts of the island by foot. At this point I was done exploring and found the closest restaurant, which ended up being Maji, The Magic Bistro. I had a rabbit dish from Maji and from the rooftop you can see beautiful views of Gozo Island.

  • Comino Island: This island is in between the main island of Malta and Gozo. The Comino Island is known for it’s Blue Lagoon where people are able to swim and snorkel during the summer days.

  • Santa Maria Caves: After leaving the Blue Lagoon our guides took us north of the Comino Island to Santa Maria Caves. This attractions is a popular site to scuba dive.


Montego Bay, Jamaica

Half the trips I plan are last minute, kinda like this one…

Girls Trip 2019 - Montego Bay, Jamaica

Originally, I was suppose to go on this trip to Montego Bay alone but I’m glad I didn’t. I found cheap flights from Miami to Jamaica and I figured I’d ask my friends if they’d want to join. The five of us had recently graduated within the past year, so, it was time for a celebration.

We drove to Miami, Florida from Greenville, South Carolina the day after a few of us had graduated from UNC Charlotte. The drive was 8 or 9 hours long (depending on who’s behind the wheel), but fairly easy with four of us in the car. Once we got to Miami, we had enough time to grab lunch and a few drinks. I love Cuban food, so, I CAN NOT make a pit stop in Miami without eating a Cuban sandwich or something.

Next stop: Montego Bay, Jamaica - A flight from Miami to Montego Bay is about an hour and 45 minutes. We stayed in an Airbnb that was hosted by a lovely couple, Kymone and Adrian. I stayed in contact with Kymone from the time I booked the trip up until our arrival; she was extremely helpful and sweet. She arranged for her husband, Adrian to pick us up from the airport and once we go settled in, they were kind enough to take us to the grocery store to pick up snacks, drinks and other last minute things.

The Airbnb was an apartment along the Hip Strip, where most tourist from cruise ships come to visit. Margaritaville, Coral Cliff, Doctors Cave Beach, The Pork Pit, other restaurants and bars, and a local beach were within walking distance from where we stayed. I can say I spent most of my time at the local beach and The Pork Pit. Warning: YOU WILL GET ADDICTED TO THE PORK PIT!!! By the time I left Mobay, I was eating a whole chicken by myself.

The first two days we hung out at the local beach and met some cool people; eating, drinking, laughing and having a good time. One guy brought us over some almonds and showed us how to open them. I had no idea almonds came from a tree (never really thought about it) and I didn’t know how hard it was to open them until I tried myself. Besides being beach bums, Kymone set up excursions for us to do the next couple of days. Our first day-trip was to Ocho Rios where we hiked Dunn’s River Falls. We spent the whole day there, first, hiking the water fall, then relaxing on the beach before we headed back to Montego Bay.

Ezie finally arrives, so, that following day we went to Negril. Negril was the highlight of the trip for me (besides going to The Pork Pit of course). Our host arranged for a small bottomless glass boat to pick us up from the mainland to take us to a private island. On that private island they provided lunch and drinks for us. After lunch, we hopped back on the boat and our tour guides took us in the middle of the ocean to go snorkeling where he showed us a bunch of cool things such as an old anchor at the bottom of the sea, coral reefs and beautiful fish. Once that was over, we went back to the mainland to dry off, laid around in hammocks, and ate beef patties (if you didn’t know, I love food). Our host kept us company and provided transportations to and from our excursions which was a plus. We didn’t have to find a ride, be a part of a large group or wait on extra people.

The next couple of days back in Mobay we went to Doctor’s Cave Beach, a private beach where you can rent chairs, umbrellas, and buy food and drinks instead of bringing your own. Unlike the local beach, there was a fee upon entry. The day before we left there was a Crab Festival going on, I’d never had crab before and I’m glad I waited to try it for the first time in Montego Bay. It was so good, a little difficult to eat but worth it! I honestly wish I would’ve stayed longer. Jamaica was a great experience and I can’t wait to go back next June!

Things We Did:

  • Went to The Pork Pit..

  • Hung out with natives at the local beach

  • Doctor’s Cave Beach

  • Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios

  • Day trip to Negril

  • Coral Cliff

  • Crab Festival

P.S. Jamaica is a third world country and is slowly developing. Be prepared to spend money on excursions and shopping!

Havana, Cuba I

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Part I

The Malecon: Pink Classic Car - November ‘18

Last November, I had the chance to visit Havana, Cuba. It was one hell of a trip and getting there wasn’t easy.

Now, I can look back and laugh but during that time, picture me looking out the window of the airport, balling my eyes out at the Southwest Airlines departure gate watching my bags get loaded onto the plane. #hotassmess

And this is how it started… So, a friend of a friend reached out to me one day and was like, “Hey, I know this guy who works for such and such airlines (yes, Southwest Airlines) and can get you tickets for half the price” (I wouldn’t say I’m a skeptical person but I am cautious when it comes to traveling and how I spend money). I go on questioning this person, seeing if it was legit and I went for it. I purchased two tickets to Havana, Cuba from Atlanta, Georgia for about $600 a couple months in advance, good deal, right?

Fast forward to November, my sister and I are getting ready to check-in at the Southwest Airlines desk. It’s a couple of days before Thanksgiving, so, the airport is packed. The agent weighs my bags and ask for my passport. She scans my passport and enters my confirmation number, there is no reservations found under my name (freaks tf out), it was saying that the reservation had be canceled. In my mind I’m like there’s no way this can be happening right now. I stepped to the side and the agent checks-in my sister, her information and confirmation was found and she was good to go.

I frantically call the friend of a friend who I bought the tickets through and of course no answer (then, again it was 6am). How did my ticket not work but my sister’s did When I bought them at the same time. He finally picks up after I called 489,793 times and yes, I will call you 489,793 times. I explained the situation and he apologized and tried to get in touch with his friend who works for Southwest Airlines.

Waiting for a call back, my sister is freaking out (aka cussing me out) about going to Cuba by herself. The over planner that I am, I hand her one of several itineraries I printed with all the information on it such as, address of the place we were staying, contact information, places to go and things to do in case I missed the flight. Did I make that flight? Nope. #hotassmess

The friend of a friend calls me back apologizing for the 100th time. At this point, I was unsure if I was going to be able to go and I refused to spend $600 plus on a flight that I already paid for. So, he was kind enough to let me use his card to purchase another flight for the same day. I go to check-in and everything matched up and I was let through security check-point and to my gate. Waiting for the flight I'm texting my sister relieved and excited about the trip.

The agents begin to call groups for boarding. I’m in the second group, I hand her my ticket and she asked me to step to the side. Did I make that flight? Nope, another hot ass mess. Southwest Airlines wouldn’t let me board the plane because the name on the card (friend of a friend who purchased the ticket) was not the same name on the boarding pass. He calls the airline and his bank to confirm the payment and I was still unable to get on that flight.

At this point I’m livid, crying hysterically at the departure gate. The friend of a friend had to put money in my account in order for me to purchase the ticket. There were no more flights going to Cuba that day, so, I had to book the flight for the next morning. But wait, it gets better. I’m having to stay in Atlanta overnight and I asked the agent did they take my luggage off the plane, I saw my luggage go onto the plane. She promised that my bags WOULD NOT fly without me.

Southwest Airlines has this policy, “Your bags don’t fly without you.” I didn’t make the flight, so, where are my bags? I knew they were on that flight because I watched the men load my luggage onto the plane. Southwest lied, my bags flew without me and to make up for me walking around in the same clothes with hot breath for the next 24-hours, they gave me a $50 voucher. What am I going to get with a $50 voucher? Snacks? #hotassmess

Havana, Cuba II

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Part II

Highway in Havana - November ‘18

Yes, I made it to Havana!

After, spending over 24-hours in Atlanta, waiting to catch my flight the next day (in my clothes from the previous day). I finally make it to Havana. Where I would meet up with my sister who arrived the day before! Oh, and guess where my luggage was once I arrived? Stored in the lost and found in the airport in Havana…

When planning the trip to Havana, I booked an Airbnb that was recommended from a friend of a friend (this turned out to be legit). My host Mairina was absolutely amazing, accommodating, kind, and helpful. She arranged to have us picked up from the airport and brought to the Airbnb. This Airbnb offered a private room in the home of Mairina and her father.

As I get out the car, I see my sister grinning, walking from the park on Calle San Jose to the house. She explained how the Airbnb had no Wi-Fi, no one had Wi-Fi. It was controlled by the government and you had to walk to local parks and purchase paper cards with a scratch off code on the back. This card cost a dollar or two and gave you access to up to one hour with limited access to a majority of sites we used in the United States.

Before, we headed out to explore Havana, I changed and went to the bank to exchange money. This was a nightmare. Probably, worst than missing two flights. Being at the bank made me feel like I was in a time capsule. I can’t even begin to explain how long and complicated the process was or what happen. I’ve never seen anything like it. Overall, visiting Havana was a great experience. I wish I could’ve stayed longer and would love to go back.

Here are a few tips if you plan on visiting Havana, Cuba!

  • Stay in an Airbnb. It’ll enhance the experience and make you feel like a native. Here is the link to the Airbnb I stayed at during my visit: https://abnb.me/T5DLgBGlg0

  • Be prepared to be without Internet. We did find a bar that had free unlimited Wi-Fi and delicious $2 mojitos.

  • Write down addresses of places you want to go. There may not be Wi-Fi to use google or GPS.

  • Exchange all of your money at once to avoid waiting in the line at the bank.

  • Plan to stay longer than 4-5 days. It is not enough!

  • Most importantly, don’t buy flights from a friend of a friend.

Things I did and places I visited:

  • Plaza de San Francisco

  • Plaza de las Armas

  • Cuba’s Capitol

  • Malecón

  • Callejon de Hamel

  • Museo de La Revoluciòn

  • Meuseo de las Bellas Artes

  • El Floridita - Bar

  • El Almendrón - Bar with the FREE Wi-Fi

  • Los Mercaderes

  • Sloppy Joes

It’s always fun to visit new places and meet new people. We met a few locals that took us to other places that are not listed. Just remember to always be safe!