travel blogger

MY TOP SIX MUST HAVE ITEMS I ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH

After reflecting on my travels these past couple of months I realized there are things I could leave behind and some things I really do need to make my wanderlust life easier. I get asked all the time what my top must have’s are so here they are. These six essentials are a must for myself and I think would be very much appreciated by you too. If you are traveling for a 15 plus hours on a plane or even a two hour flight…these will be your babies every time you get on that transit. *Note: Click the link to buy 🙂

The Weekender | Away

If you don’t already know, now you know. The away bags are nothing like you’ve ever had before. They are long lasting, durable, stylish and the CEO of the company is a total inspiring boss babe. Once you’ve owned one of these, you will never go back. I have had lots of experience with different travel bags and different brands and nothing compares to these. Do yourself a favor and get you one. You’ll love me forever. 😉

Silk Travel Set | Calpak

I definitely love a good neck pillow but they are hard to come by. Im a huge fan of this travel set because it’s lightweight, silk and it’s easy on the hair and skin. These neck pillows get pretty dirty traveling and being put on not so clean spaces but Calpak makes these easy to clean as well. Let’s also mention that it’s Rose Gold which I’m a huge sucker for. Because it’s silk, it will also feel semi cool on your skin. Probably a bit pricier than usual but it’s totally worth it.

Comfy Kicks | Stanley Smiths

Wherever you may travel to you need some closed toed comfy sneakers. You need a pair that will go with almost anything in your closet and everything that you will be packing. My Stanley Smith’s are actually one of my all time favorite travel staples because they are comfortable AF, stylish and they can be dressed up or down. You can wear them with jeans, shorts or even dresses. Walk or run all day in them. They are my favorites for 4 years now and probably for another 4 too. Pretty sure they be in style for years to come.

Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes. What a traveling life saver. I literally could have not survived traveling for six months with my backpack without these things. You can literally fill up one cube with a weeks wardrobe and more. Every single person who travels at least once a year needs these. They save space, helped you stay organized and they’re cute as hell. Boys, there are also some for you on Amazon. I got you. 😉 Anndddd the breathable mesh front lets you easily identify what’s inside.

Foam Roller Water Bottle | Mobot

I have no words for this water bottle. We all know the importance of staying hydrated but also what’s better than staying hydrated and getting your muscles and body in tune for your next workout. This baby does it all. The reason why I love this so much is also because after a couple of hours traveling you want to stretch out and get your body back to normal. What’s better than to have access to a foam roller at all times?! The smaller diameter is perfect to carry with you as it fits most backpack sleeves and gym equipment. It’s one of my all time favorite things at the moment. Get yourself one.

Mini Steamer | Sunbeam

We all know that moment when you finally get to your destination and all your clothes are wrinkled and then you realize the Airbnb doesn’t have an iron or the hotel you’re at has one but then you have to get out the iron board, get a table for the iron, etc, etc. We don’t have time for that! 🙂 I love my Sunbeam mini steamer because it doesn’t take up much space in my luggage and it works so damn good. You save time, energy and space. If you don’t have one already please invest in one. It’s the best $25 dollar purchase you’ll ever make. You’re welcome.

Much love always, x

TRAVEL GUIDE | CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

So it’s been a couple of weeks since my trip to Cartagena but I can’t stop looking at my photos because that place was so incredible. Everywhere you turn, there’s a spot for that perfect picture. The colors, the art, the people, the vibe, it’s just all so beautiful to capture. Cartagena can be explored and experienced in two to three full days so I would consider that before booking here. Take advantage of the beach resorts close by or the ever talked about Medellin. Will definitely have to make it there soon!

WHERE TO STAY:

AirBnB- There are adorable and super cute Airbnb’s in this town. I did travel with 5 other girls so we lucked out on a space right in the middle of the city and a breathtaking view. I would recommend getting an Airbnb where you can get around town easily by foot.

Hotels- Cartagena has some of the most amazing hotels I’ve ever seen. It reminded me of Miami with a touch of Tulum. I went inside so many hotels to check out the space and I couldn’t pick a main favorite. Here below are some of my tops.

Tcherassi Hotel & Spa

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

Casa San Agustin

WHERE TO EAT/DRINK:

Cuba 1940– This place was so much fun. Not only do they have live music playing but they also have a pool in the middle of the restaurant which gives it that cool little touch. The decor is also on point and the staff is incredibly nice. If you are a passionfruit lover/addict like myself, order the Passionfruit mojito. It was deliciosooooo.

Cafe Del Mar– You will read and hear people talk about this place non stop. It’s incredible sea views and dope vibe is very popular among tourists. You definitely want to try to make it here before dinner or at least give yourself some time to get a table and take it all in. Hopefully you catch a sweet sunset like we did. It was that moment here where I realized how fortunate and blessed I am to experience travel and moments like these.

Interno– This restaurant can have a blog on itself because it was one of the coolest experiences I’ll always remember. From the pink walls and palm decor, this Michelin-starred restaurant is making a difference. Interno is in the women’s prison of Cartagena and the inmates are taught to cook by Colombian celebrity chefs. The food was good, not amazing but definitely so glad I had the opportunity to experience this because it was eye opening. We had the chance to speak to some of the women and they were so kind and open to speak with us about their experience and life situation. This restaurant has helped dozens of inmates learn skills designed to aid reintegration into society. I definitely recommend putting this on your to do list when here. It’s something you won’t regret.

What to See and Do

Explore the Town | Definitely take one day to explore the whole entire city. Make time to try some of the best coffee of your life. Stop at the cute cafe’s in every corner and buy some to take some home with you. Make sure to shop around. You’ll want to take everything back home! From beautiful homemade bags and shoes, to never ending turquoise and jewelry, unique home decor, and the list goes on. This whole entire city is so vibrant and colorful and full of life. I definitely got inspired for some future Yemaya designs. Take pictures with the fruit ladies, dance on the street, take a carriage ride, try the amazing fruit sold on the street, stop in a cerveza shop for a beer break. Make sure to make your way to Getsemani. It’s one of the coolest little sections of the city and one of my favorite neighborhoods. You’ll see the cutest shops, restaurants, hotels and street art all through out these streets.

Travel to Playa Blanca in Isla Baru | There are plenty of ways to get there but we decided to take a bus for the transportation which included food. It is a crowded known beach but there are low key sections as well. Just make sure to talk to your driver about that beforehand. This beach does have white sand and crystal green waters so it’s definitely worth seeing. Best tip I can give you is…. bring your own drinks and snacks because everything on the island is triple the price and there’s not much to pick from.

Travel to the Pink Salt Sea | Must, must, must see this. I told all the girls on the trip that I’m not leaving Cartagena until I see this pink sea with my own eyes. It’s been on my bucket list for a while so when I showed the girls pics of this place they were quickly on board too. Getting there is a bit difficult but we had the coolest driver that we met previously that ended up driving us the whole day to a couple of well known places for a great price. Tip: If you find a good reliable driver, get his contact and keep him for the rest of your trip. Salinas de Galerazamba is about 45 minutes outside of Cartagena in the middle of nowhere. Ubers can also take you there but I would recommend making sure your driver stays with you and takes you back because you won’t find Ubers for your way back. Literally the middle of nowhere. There is something super magical about stepping into pink salt water. Take your time to take pictures and take it all in.

My trip to Cartagena was full of culture, laughs and beautiful scenery. I’ve never been to such a charming beautiful place. Being from South America, I did feel at home or maybe it was the lovely and kind people of Cartagena that made me feel this way. All I know is that it’s a special place and definitely recommend for all the peoples to put it on their travel list. So happy I got to experience this country and it’s beauty. More pictures of the trip on IG @carlaloren

x, CP

MY TOP PRE TRAVEL TIPS

There is nothing like that feeling before heading out on our travels. I learned a lot this past year while I was traveling for six months around the globe that I wish I knew before I left. I constantly get asked various questions by followers and friends on what they should expect, what to bring, what are must have apps, etc. So here they are:

♥ Contact your bank and phone provider letting them know you will be out traveling. The last thing you want is any blocked transactions on your trip!

♥ I love who ever invented Sanitizer Wipes. Honestly they are crucial for flying. Yes I am that girl. Have some handy on your carry on to wipe down your whole area. Seats, windows, tray, monitors and please wipe down the head rest! 🙂 Planes are one of the most germ infested places you can be so put these on top of your list.

♥ Adaptors, adaptors, adaptors. Even though most hotels have them, hostels and airbnb’s usually don’t. You want to make sure you are all set when it comes to having fully charged electronics and appliances for your day/night out. 😉 I got mine on Amazon and couldn’t have been more happy with it.

♥ Make sure your passport doesn’t expire within the 6 months of travel. Some countries will not let you fly if so. I had a friend that couldn’t go on his travels that he planned with his buddies for months ahead of time because of this.

♥ Even though English is spoken in almost every country locals do appreciate it when travelers try to speak their native tongue. Download the Google translation app or Duolingo for even a better experience.

♥ Make sure to take all your favorite products that you might not find overseas. Shampoo, face wash, toothpaste, razors, medications/vitamins and your favorite snacks! (protein bars are my fav)

♥ Make a copy of your passport and driver license. You never know when you will need to show your documentation so it’s better to have several copies with you then wasting time finding a printing/copy place in a city you don’t really know your way around. This helped me a lot when our Airbnb and a bank overseas needed this info.

♥ When you finally know where you are staying take a couple of minutes to know where the closest hospital or urgent care is just in case of emergencies.

♥ My favorite thing to do is favorite/star all the places I want to visit in that country or city on my google maps app. You can organize it by type of place so it’s easily accessible and with you at all times. I loved this for all the sights, restaurants, activities that were top on my must do’s. Another reason why I love this is that you can send it to your fellow travelers and friends so they have them too!

♥ Wifi…not being connected for a while might seem amazing but we all know it’s crucial. Make sure that your accommodation has wifi. Even though most places do, it’s very important to double check before hand.

♥ Make sure you know all the airline rules and regulations before you fly. Weigh your bags before hand so if you are planning to purchase overseas you’ll be prepared when you come back.

Safe travels!

CP x

DESERT GETAWAY | Scottsdale + Sedona

Even though I am a mega beach girl I do crave the desert frequently. There is something about nights in the desert I find really amazing. I love the brightness of the moon and stars at night and the cactus silhouettes. We decided on Sedona for Labor Day weekend because it was a place we’ve never been and heard so much about. Since my best friend from childhood lives in Phoenix we decided to stay a night in Scottsdale then road trip to Sedona the next day. Arizona has it’s own special character and it’s so special. We stayed at the best hotels, ate the best food, and we were one with nature. Definitely a great place to visit when you have a couple of days to wander within in the US.

We ended up getting an upgrade on our rental car so we were stoked. It was spacious and really comfortable, you’ll know why that came in handy in a bit. We stayed at the super cute, and very instagrammable Saguaro Scottsdale.

They had the most comfortable and beautiful rooms. I wanted everything for my apartment back home when we arrived. Every detail in the lobby, outside of the hotel and inside of the rooms were areas you need to take pictures of. They have a party pool and a quiet pool with colorful and beautiful tanning beds and an area where you can chill on ac crochet hammock. They have floaties for the party pool and great music to jam out to when your getting sun kissed by that Arizona sun. The staff is incredibly nice and super helpful with any recommendations!

After we checked out of the hotel, we went straight to get some grub because we were starving. So we went to this amazing spot called, The Daily Dose. Definitely recommend trying this place out because the entire menu is so good you’ll have a hard time picking out what to get. After we had our coffee and some good food it was time to head on the road.

When you are driving to Sedona make sure to make some stops along the way by those big hand like cactus because they are beautiful and you won’t find them in Sedona! The coolest cactus I’ve ever seen. Sedona definitely didn’t disappoint. You definitely know when you are getting close because the view of the Red Rock mountains are just breath taking. As many of you already know, I get so inspired by my travels and ideas just start popping all over the place when I experience a new place. Sedona brought so many ideas into my mind I remember saying I wished I brought my sketch book.

Sedona is special. Between the eclectic shops, art galleries, and lauded dining you’ll want to come there often. Another thing that you must do in Sedona is hike and mountain bike. They have so many hikes in that little town, you’d get major FOMO if you didn’t get out there at least for one. The views are to die for and make great photos for many years to come.

The hotel I do recommend you stay in when visiting is the Kimpton Amara. The space is just the perfect stay for a Sedona getaway. The inside and outside decor is a mix of Southwestern vibe with a touch of Palm Springs. You’ll feel completely relaxed and full of life after your stay. What’s so great about this place is the mountain views and it’s surroundings of plants and streams. You won’t even feel like you’re in the desert. You must try The Hudson for lunch or brunch too! The staff is super nice and the food is auuuhhmazing.

Unfortunately we had such a busy day exploring the city and their was a massive amount of people for Labor Day weekend we only had the chance to do one hike. Our car came in handy when we had to change into our workout gear on the road. We didn’t waste any time changing in the spacious car.

We drove during sunset and the cloud formation blew my mind. It’s those little memory glances that make the best of traveling. Arizona is beautiful and can’t wait to come back and visit some new places. Experience all you can when here because there is so much to do and see that you will only experience in Arizona. Until next time…xo CP

EUROTRIP

Being that I have not traveled internationally for over a year I started to get a travel bug pretty hard. When my boyfriend passed away I really needed to take some time to get away. Thankfully, my best friend from Austin, AKA TheHungryChronicles texted me and called me asking if I would go on a River Cruise to Budapest, Vienna, and Nuremberg I immediately said YES. No questions asked.

We had the most amazing time that we will never forget. We spent two nights in Budapest so we got to see everything that city had to offer, it was my big city fav! The entire cruise was a total of seven days so we were abroad for ten, which I wouldn’t have minded if we stayed a little longer. We rented bikes which was the best idea we could have done. If you ever go there I would definitely recommend doing that because it’s so easy to get around and it’s a great bike friendly city. I had no idea we would also be seeing the most beautiful tiniest cities in between the others. The city of Passau blew my mind. It was so charming and cute and just perfect. I could definitely live there as well and go back and spend more time there. Our trip was filled with incredible history, art, bike rides through the cutest towns and vineyards, amazing beer/wine and food, sauerkraut and picturesque towns that will be on my mind forever.

Our boat was the Viking Cruise, which was perfect to say the least. Everyone is incredibly nice, great food, comfortable beds beautiful boat and they make you feel like family the whole time. They truly care about you and your time with them. What made this trip even more special was meeting all the special people that worked on the boat as well as the people that were on vacation with us. That’s what makes traveling so special. You meet people from all over the world and sometimes so close to where you’re from but you connect across the globe and share moments that you can cherish forever. I live for travel. It’s what keeps me alive. It’s what leaves you speechless, then it turns you into a storyteller. For more pictures of our trip, make sure to check out my IG @carlaloren.