MY FAVORITES
Whenever people meet me and hear about my travels I am always asked, what is your favorite country, beach, restaurant, cuisine, hotel, etc. It is sometimes hard to think of these things on the fly and I will admit that it is usually the places that I visited most recently that spring to the top of my mind. In this section I highlight a few of my favorite things, adding and subtracting where it feels appropriate. If there is a section that you would like to see added, please leave a comment below!
Beaches
West Bay Beach, Roatan
In 2009, I visited Honduras and was astounded by the stunning West Bay Beach on the Honduran island of Roatan. With lush mountains as a backdrop, the white sand beaches and crystal clear water are only topped by some of the best snorkeling I have ever done in my life. Coral reefs anyone?!
Green Bowl Beach, Bali
All of the best beaches in Bali require work! You generally have to climb down hundreds of stairs to access these strips of paradise and Green Bowl Beach is no different. A short drive from Uluwatu, it is totally worth the journey and the exercise. The cave on the beach offers a bit of reprieve from the blazing sun.
Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar
Zanzibar has one of the most stunning coastlines that I have ever seen. And while there are tons of beaches, Nungwi stands out as the best though Paje is a close second. The white sand and perfectly blue water, dotted with traditional dhow boats will have you daydreaming about Zanzibar for years to come.
travel accessories
Flight 001
If you follow me then you know that I cannot live without my Flight001 products!! My faves are the Spacepaks - DO NOT PACK WITHOUT THEM -, 5-in-1 Universal Travel Adapter, T5 Family Passport Wallet (pictured), and the Expand Duffle. Interested in buying your own? Use code CATCHME to save 15%.
Lo & Sons
I never leave home without my Lo and Sons' O.G. Bag. This bag is the perfect travel companion because it has a laptop sleeve and enough space for everything I need at my fingertrips during a flight, such as my Bose headphones, passport wallet, pens, a pillow, a blanket and other knick knacks. I have had it for two years and never fly without it.
Away
After years of reading reviews and buying and returning bags I FINALLY found the perfect carry on bag. The Away Bigger Carry On is perfect for those that like to travel light. This bag, coupled with the Lo and Sons OG bag is my go to for EVERY SINGLE FLIGHT. The fact that I can charge my phone is an added bonus and the wheels roll perfectly on any surface.
hotels
Four Seasons Serengeti
The Serengeti should be at the top of anyone’s list who is interested in doing an African safari, and next to that should be the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. From being met by our driver at the tiny airport with champagne and lunch in tow, to comfortable game drives and breakfast in front of a watering hole, this hotel easily finds its way onto my favorites list.
White Sand Luxury Villas
Aptly named, Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa sits on Paje Beach, one of the most beautiful on the island. The various private villas range from one to five bedrooms where you will enjoy the privacy of a plunge pool and outdoor bathtub. Their Michelin star chef cooks up mouthwatering dishes that can be served in your villa, on the beach or in the restaurant. If you are looking for home in paradise, this is it.
25hours Zurich
With a barter system in place, you can trade an item for a stay at 25hours Zurich Langstrasse, an adult playground of sorts. What you get in exchange are comfortable well appointed rooms, a rooftop spa with city views, suggestive Japanese art and access to a free bike and car, yes CAR. You can use one of two Minis for up to four hours, which is the perfect amount of time to visit the beautiful countryside that surrounds Zurich.
travel apps
Been
I have been using this app for years and though it has a very simple interface it is effective at doing what it sets out to do, keep track of all of the places you’ve been!
XE Currency
I have experimented with a few different currency apps, but XE has come out the clear winner. The app is easy to use and allows you to easily add, delete and toggle between different currencies.
Mobile Passport
This is the quickest way to get through US immigration, PERIOD! (Yes, it is faster than Global Entry and it is free)
I’d love to do more travel and get up the nerve to travel on my own. I will be following you. Also, is there a country or countries where you felt it was more unsafe for solo female travelers?
The only country that i felt uncomfortable as a female solo traveler was India! Safe travels!
Just caught you on the news in Chicago. I am from Detroit too and went to Canada often as I was growing up. You really made my day and gave me some cheer during this challenging period. Thank you!
Amazing! So glad you found me!!
You make me feel young again!!!
That makes me smile!
Saw you on Channel 4 tonight…bless your travels.
Thank you so much!
Greetings,
We have met twice when you were departing from Detroit while checking in at the Sky Priority Ticket Counter at Delta Air Lines. How surprised was I to come across an article on your travels in Essence. I want to applaud your tenacity, fearlessness and free spirit. I will keep you uplifted in prayer as you trail blaze your path.
Best Wishes,
Carmen J
Supervisor Delta Air Lines, DTW
Hi Carmen! So glad you found me!! Which Essence issue did you see me in?? Hope to bump into you again soon!
I am taking my first solo trip to africa (well third solo trip). I was thinking south africa, kenya or tanzania. Which place did you feel safest in? And which season would you recomm going in. I was thinking May?
I felt safe in all three. What I do to determine when to visit a country is hop on google and look at different temperatures in months that I am considering and decide from there!
I live in South Africa and also love to travel in our beautiful continent. Safety not an issue with the destinations u’r considering. Jst be cautious like u wud anywhere else. Kenya is my absolute fav and yes, very important to check the weather,May wud not be great for South Africa.
Saw an article about you on Yahoo and thought it’s great that you are planning to visit every country…I look forward to hearing all about it!
Thanks so much! Stay tuned!!
I think that you are a rare and phenomenal human being! You Rock!
That’s very kind! Thank you!