How to Plan the best Vaca... EVER!

So, its almost the amazingly dreadful time of year. You know, the time when your super happy but really sad and nervous. When you want to be flawless but look effortless. It's the infamous "back to school" conundrum. 

You may be just starting college or getting ready to send the children off to school as they begin their journey into adulthood. Wherever you fall on this scale you have time. Time for what you ask, oh just to book the most amazing vacation ever!!! 

While most people are getting ready for back to school, I am getting ready for vacations. That's right I'm in travel planning mode and you can be as well. It's not too hard or overly complicated. In fact most websites or apps make it quite easy to book. 

Here is a quick and carefree guide to booking an amazing vacation. 

1. Pick your travel date/s 
You have to decide if you wan thanksgiving with the parents or Christmas in Cannes. Maybe you want to be close for the holdays so spring break is more ideal. Once you have your dates you can move to step 2. 

2. Pick a location 
In my opinion this is by far the hardest step. There are so many places in the world to explore how can you just pick one? Ummm easy, don't! You can book more than one vacation, or extend your vacation by having multiple destinations (it's not as expensive as the 'cha-ching' sound in your head is implying)

Looking for winter wonders check out this cool link 
Looking for Summer in the winter like me? Heat it up here

3. Book the flight/s
Now, this can be a bit overwhelming but I'll share my personal tricks for success. 


 I use hopper, this phone application is absolutely amazing. I select my dates and location/s and it notifies me when the flights are at their lowest and/or the highest. I fly to Japan round trip for less than $800!!!! Yea, you read that correctly. This application is my travel friend! Well, if apps had the capacity to maintain friendships (shrugs). 

I also LOVE LOVE LOVE JetBlue! They ALWAYS have travel deals on flights. Now, is the perfect time to take advantage. There's one way flights to Aruba from New York for less than $200 p/p! Don't believe me? Check it out below.

These are my two faves but there's more especially if you choose all-inclusive. Speaking of that let's detour..

3a. If you choose all inclusive cause you want tropical/carribean vibes. Here are some great websites to help with that. 

Cheap Carribean- it's the first site I used to book an all-inclusive vacation. They have an abundance of options, pick the country, pick the hotels and you can choose the amenities you want. It's AWESOOMMMEE! (and my personal go to when lookin for a quick getaway) 

Bookit- is also another great website. There are all sorts of great ways to save on this site. There are several ways to refine your search and get that perfect vacation!

4. Pick a hotel/Bed and breakfast or Air BNB: because Europe doesn't offer all-inclusive 

This step is usually the easiest for me. I know what my comforts are and what I like to have when I travel. Therefore, hotels are easier for me but, like most things this comes with time and learning through mistakes. 

Here's some options to help with those mistakes:

cheaphotels.org has super inexpensive deals for local and international destinations. The best part is, its NOT just hotels! Yes, that's right, there are apartments, rooms and homes for rent. So you can really pick what you like and not break the bank. 

TripAdvisor.com- is a great place to start if you are not sure what kind of hotel you are looking for. Once you find the hotel, you can check out other sites to see which one has the best rates for the dates of your choice. 

Often, times it might be best to book directly with the hotel. As they ay have special rates and offers not advertised on third party websites. 

Hey! Guess what? Once you finish those simple steps you've done it! That's right you booked your perfect vacation. 

Now, the only thing left to do is save the date and get ready to lice your best life. 

Let me know what places you use to book your vacations in the comments. 

Thanks for stopping by and Traveling with May

Special Guest

As a traveler I believe it is very important to have a solid network and group of like-minded people around you. It can come in handy when abroad or planning to go abroad. 

Keeping this in mind, I was introduced to Nia Williams-Stiff on Facebook in the comments on a post about traveling. We became Facebook friends and have maintained contact since this time. 

I did not know it initially but Nia is pretty amazing! She not only travels but helps to plan travel as well. She sees both sides and she is a business woman and I just LOVE that! 

I asked if could chat with her for my blog and she was totally for it. Here's how it went...

Tell us a little about yourself and what your daily life is like?

My name is Nia Williams-Stiff. I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY, but I am currently living in North Carolina. I am an operating registered Nurse by day and a travel agent anywhere in between :). I typically plan travel trips at least once every 2 weeks so possibly 2-3 times a month. 

Why did you decide to start a travel agency/company?

I decided to start a travel agency/company because I was exposed to travel at an early age. I went to an after school program for under privilege kids. The program took the kids in high school to different states around the United States to exposed them to college. My mother worked for this program so I was able to travel along. I was amazed the senior trip for 1994 went to Africa! I didn’t go because I wasn’t a graduate at the time. Unfortunately the program ended before I graduated, but [with] all the things I experienced, I made a decision that I would like to continue to travel. So, once I got my life together I decided to travel and that’s when the idea came, why not help others do the same. 

With success comes a lot of challenges. What is/has been your biggest travel challenge thus far?

The biggest challenge has been to find the right group or set of people to continue to travel with my company. It’s getting better, but it is a slow process. I am learning what people may like [or] not like, and also the length of travel per trip. A lot of people have a hard time taking a trip for 14 days versus 7. This is just from my experience. I’m hoping when my company grows this can change as well. 

If there were two things you could tell someone who isn't sure they should take the leap and travel, what are they?

The two things I would tell someone is TRAVEL YOUR MONEY WILL RETURN, but YOUR TIME WON'T!!  Life is short. 

Don’t wast your time putting things off. If you want to travel just put your mind to it like anything else, and if you don’t know where find a travel agent and research. 

Sorry that was more than 2 things lol. 

Where is your favorite place that you've traveled thus far? Why?

This was a tough one, but for now I will say my favorite place so far is taking my family to South Africa. 

It really felt like home [and] the culture seemed so natural to us. I just can’t explain it. Oh and I don’t really care for animals mainly because of fear, but going on a safari changed my feeling for them. It was just BEAUTIFUL!! 

From your experience which is more challenging, traveling independently or traveling in a group?

Traveling with a group. I think for me it’s building the momentum up [for the trip] then it should get better. 

Do you think you will ever live abroad and plant familial roots? Why?

Oh, yes! I will live abroad with my whole family. That was one of the reasons I went to Africa. I was scoping it out to see if it was a consideration and it definitely is.

The reason being, to have my children really get the idea of what life is like in other places and not just rely on media to tell them. [I want to] broaden their horizons, and just help to mold ourselves into being better human beings. 

Isn't she amazing??? I knew you would agree! Nia definitely inspires me to keep traveling and be bold in my convictions to not have limits on one career. 

I hope you all enjoyed reading this and feel motivated to see the world! 

To anyone who is not sure they can do both Nia is proof that you can. You can totally check out her travel page on Facebook here 

Thanks for stopping by and traveling with May

Quebec Check

One of the amazing things about the internet is you can go anywhere. Literally. Anywhere, in the world. No, I don't mean on google maps. I mean via other people, you can see their pictures, videos and read about their experiences. It gives you a sense of travel without leaving the comfort of your couch.

There is this AMAZING blog, thesophisticatedlife, by Nadeen that allows you to truly feel as though you're there with her. The blog is broken up into travel, food, wine and Atlanta. It's quite refreshing and enlightening.

There was a recent post about a trip to Quebec, Canada. It is very informative and includes some beautiful photographs. 

Now, I'll be honest, Quebec or any other part of Canada has never been on my 'places to travel' list. However, after reading this, it definitely is. The blog provides insight on 15 things I probably would've never paid attention to. 

The blog explains the details of Quebec, the city, province and its historic language. Nadeen, the blog owner, truly takes the time to help you understand the history behind the language and how it translates into the language spoken today. 

Then she moves into the food, oh yea! As any traveler would tell you travel and food are definitely brother and sister. I know some people who only travel places based on the food because it's an adventure in and of itself. 

thesophisticatedlife explains the maple syrup and Poutine love affair in Quebec. Poutine is a well known and often imitated dish by many places in Canada and the United States. It's an interesting combination of three ingredients. Wondering what it's like? You can totally check out the blog here to see what she thinks. 

There are also plenty of Irish Pubs in the area due to the Irish history in Quebec. She does go into some detail on the history and how it has been implemented in the culture. 

I appreciate the insight on the pubs because good beer and drinks are definitely key to any vacation. 

This blog entry provides very well rounded insight on Quebec, Canada and all the exciting things to do, big or small. 

Like steps, there are plenty of steps to climb in Quebec. If anyone has climbed the steps of St. Peter's Basillica in Rome you know how much the view at the top is worth the climb. Quebec views do not disappoint. 

I love that this blog is all inclusive it really provides an in-depth look at the culture, food and history of Quebec and makes you feel as though you are there. Nadeen does an amazing job explaining the details. 

This blog is 15 Fun Facts about Quebec, Canada. I don't know about you but I'm ready to book a flight. 

And in case my blog is enough... totally checkout thesophisticatedlife to see for yourself! 

Thanks for stopping by and Traveling with May
  

Remember That Time...

No, seriously, do you remember that time I made changes to JetBlue's Wikipedia page?

You don't? Well, check out my post I Think You Forgot Something. I totally explain how JetBlue leaves out some super fun stuff that has a major effect on their marketing.

Well, I recently went back to the Wikipedia page to see if my changes stuck.....





and....





the results are in.....







they did.....







NOT!




It's okay no worries. I guess JetBlue doesn't want the world to know about the super cool freebies they offer. Maybe JetBlue wants to keep it a secret to keep it free??? Maybe not.

Welp, we tried and we didn't last too long with this one but, there are more wikipedia pages and way more cool stuff to update.

Check out the JetBlue Wikipedia page here and tell me what you think in the comments below.


Thanks for stopping by to check in and Travel with May

Run That Back

So back in the day, like a month ago, I posted this amazing blog about Passports. The post included what was needed for a passport and how to apply.

As discussed in the post there are different steps to complete in the application process for a passport. There are also different types of passports but the most common is a general passport (for people like you and me just trying see the world).

Applying for a passport can easily feel overwhelming but its really easy and simple. Are you thinking it's too good to be true? Well, it's not! Check out my throwback post on passports in Passport... How Do I  Get It?

But, wait, what if you already have the passport and it's time to renew? What if you booked your trip but your passport will expire prior to the trip? No worries... I can help with that too!

Simply go to travel.state.gov. When you get there click on the "U.S. Passport" tab on the far left. It'll take you to a new page with plenty of options on the left side. 
Select the "Renew my Passport" tab. When you do so you will see this: 

Renew my Passport by Mail

You can renew by mail using Form DS-82 if your most recent passport meets all five of these requirements:

1. Is submitted with your application
2. Is undamaged (other than normal "wear and tear")
3. Was issued when you were age 16 or older
4. Was issued within the last 15 years
5. Was issued in your current name (or you can document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)

If any of the above statements do not apply to you, you must Apply in Person using form DS-11.
Please note: If you are not in the United States, please see Applying for a U.S. Passport from Outside the United States.

It looks simple enough, right?  Oh, guess what? The documents are easily downloaded on the computer and you can fill them out online or manually. 

If you are like me... not just the totally awesome part but, the 'I'm totally keeping my passport' part then, guess what?? We can't do it by mail (😩😔). 

I don't know about you but, I've worked hard for my stamps and I would love to keep those pages in that little blue book. 

Stress not, my online travel squad. We've done this before its super easy and remember I already explained what to do in the throwback Passport... How Do I  Get It?

Coolbeans. 

Now, you've got that flight and no passport. Here's the deal, it's going to cost a bit more but you'll get it in time. 

Simply make sure you have all the required documents needed to apply for the passport (Birth certificate, Social Security Card and Photo ID) and go here to see where to go to schedule an in person appointment.

Yes, it requires some of your time. However, the entire process will be expedited within 2 to 3 weeks. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make sure you bring the verification of travel, like the flight confirmation print out. No phone itineraries, a hard copy must be provided. 

The passport application is not as complicated as it seems. If you have any issues drop a comment below and we can work through it together! 

Thanks for stopping by and getting those passports ready to Travel with May

Let's Link Up

There are so many amazing places to travel and explore. As someone who, not too long ago, began the journey of seeing the world one destination at a time. I can appreciate when there is someone who is able to provide insight on places I want to go.

I often seek and lookup new places to go and explore. There are so many places that I want to go but how do I decide where to go and when to travel? 

One major part of the decision process is to look at other blogs. It's best for me to look and see what other people have done. Where they have gone and how much fun they had. This provides so much insight and not to mention... it's fun! 

I love looking at other blogs seeing what they have accomplished and taking notes for my next travel adventure. One of my favorite blogs is Rachel Travels . This blog is so inspirational. 

There are key stories each linked to an amazing place to travel. The blog goes beyond her personal adventures. It allows you to implement ways to create a stream of income while you do it. There is even an option to chat with her one on one. How amazing that? 

The blog notably gives you insight on what to do and where to go but, it provides insight on branding yourself and still making an income while traveling. 

There is something so inspiring about combining what you love and having fun. It's like a never ending dream vacation. Ummm...  YES PLEASE!!! 

After all, that's like the best never ending dream meets reality. Well, for me it is. I have some serious pondering to do as to where my next travel adventure will take me. Looks like I better keep researching. 

What's some of your favorite blogs? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for stopping by and Traveling with May

Travel Unlimited

As a travel junkie I am always looking to expand my regions and get new passport stamps. My ultimate goal is to live in Spain for a minimum of one year.

As I have begun to set things in motion for Spain, I am constantly thinking about other places in the world. There are so many places I have seen and explored but even more places that I have not.

My goal in life is to be as well rounded and cultured as possible and to utilize these amazing experiences in my career. I want to live abroad and travel the world... and get paid while doing it.

I know it seems like a lot at first. To think about leaving your home, friends, family and everything you know to be your life... It's a scary thought.

It's also the best adventure you will ever go on. The relationships and cultures you will build and experience are unparalleled.

There's an amazing video on YouTube which offers an immense amount of insight on what it takes to travel abroad on a continuous basis.

Check it out:

The video gives great insight on what to expect when it comes to money. That for many people is the biggest deterrent when it comes to travel. As I mentioned in my Currency Please blog it is imperative to know and understand the value of your money in other countries. 

I appreciate how honest he is about finding a place to reside. It may not be easy to locate an apartment but it is way easier and less expensive to book on a monthly rate as he mentions. This not only allows for you to be more flexible in your spending but it is an added opportunity to have time to explore more off the tourist path and into the native favorites. 

Traveling, as mentioned, is also a great way to meet new people and explore new relationships. The world is big but there is always someone to connect with. 

Overall, I love this video. It's fun and relatable and it provides some great advice. 

Thanks for stopping by and getting ready to Travel with May

Picture This

You are in Japan. Yes, Japan. The primary mode of transportation is the train. Not like here, where the trains have constant delays or are held due to "train traffic".

The trains are clean, have legible signs and TV's to depict where you are on the route. My personal favorite part is the heated seats, yes, you read that correctly... heated seats. I have never known how much I needed those until my time in Japan. It was the best surprise by far.

Ok, let's focus. Back to the picture... I'm setting up a scene here.

So, you're on the JR Yamanote Line headed to Harajuku. Now, you may have heard stories, or even watched videos on YouTube about the culture of Harajuku. However, you are still unsure what to expect. As you exit the station it's a little crowded, no more than usual, after all it is Tokyo.

You cross the street and proceed to walk to the corner and as you turn the corner... you see this!

At that moment, you realize you are at the top of the busiest and most crowded street in Harajuku. It's not a special event, or holiday this is a normal day on Takeshita Street.

As you begin to journey down and mesh with the crowd you realize there are stores on top of stores and so many street vendors. There are so many people vying for your attention and you have to remain focused.

Honestly, it's overwhelming. However, if you are from any major city like New York or Los Angeles you realize this is a smaller scale of somewhere like Times Square. At that moment, you realize it's not too bad, right? Ummm wrong!

It is quite fun to see the different Harajuku girls dressed up and see all the fun fashion choices. The Hrajuku girls are friendly and allow plenty of photos in return for a purchase of what ever they may be selling. 

The best part about Takeshita Street is it is famous for the Crepes. There are more than a dozen vendors along the street. Some with super long lines and others with smaller lines. You finally find a place with a medium line and go for it.

The menu is filled with all of these delicious images that make you want it all.

You decide on the chocolate Crepe and the journey continues. 


As you reach the end of the street, you turn and look back and realize that wasn't too bad. Then you look at your watch and realize it only took 1 hour and 10 minutes to get through.

Now, how do you get back to the train???? 

Thanks for stopping by and Traveling with May