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7 Travel Traumas (and How to Avoid Them)

7 Travel Traumas (and How to Avoid Them)

If there’s one thing travel should never be, it’s traumatic, but let’s face it, so many of us have had our vacations turn out more “National Lampoon’s Vacation” than “Eat, Pray, Love.” When you step out of your usual environment, things can and do go wrong, and they can ruin your trip completely, which is why we are going to look at some common travel traumas, and what you can do to avoid them, below. Continue reading “7 Travel Traumas (and How to Avoid Them)”

How To Travel With Only Hand Luggage

How To Travel With Only Hand Luggage

If you want to travel, one thing that might have held you back in the past was the cost, but that doesn’t have to be the case anymore – there are now lots of low-cost airlines from which you can buy tickets that cost very little indeed. When you’re also able to use the internet to find cheap accommodation, suddenly getting away from it all for the weekend (or maybe even a little longer) doesn’t seem completely out of reach anymore.  Continue reading “How To Travel With Only Hand Luggage”

3 Tips For Maintaining Your Health & Wellbeing While You Travel

 

3 Tips For Maintaining Your Health & Wellbeing While You Travel

Travel is rejuvenating for the mind and body, but it’s also taxing at a similar rate. This is because when you travel, you tend to be very open and attentive to your environment; taking in the wonderful views, relaxing with a sense of purpose and calm, and giving yourself the space you need to indulge in great food, sightseeing, and maybe even adventurous activities. Continue reading “3 Tips For Maintaining Your Health & Wellbeing While You Travel”

Friday Feels

I need a tropical vacation ASAP, but since that is not happening I can at least pretend and dress like I am on an island, right??  How do you dress on vacay? My look is usually simple and relaxed with with pops of color and unique accessories, like I did with this outfit here. A black tank goes well with almost anything and white jeans most definitely stand out, particularly during the summer’s lush landscape. I added some color with these coral tassel earrings which I am in love with and will be wearing all summer. Then can we talk about these shoes? They are perfect since I am pretty much the Plant Lady of Louisville! Lol! Did you know the floral meaning of Cactus is longevity and endurance. Something we all need right?!?

Shop my summer look below!

XoXo
Alli

                                                      Photography by Erin Trimble
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Playing Tourist

Playing tourist is one of my favorite things. Who is with me? This time I was playing tourist in New Orleans for New Year’s and Ben’s birthday. We did enjoye the local food, such as gumbo, red beans and rice, and jambalaya to name a few. If you want to taste some of the best local food try Mother’s Restaurant, but fyi there is always a line out the door so get there early. We visited the popular places such as Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, but what we really loved was Frenchmen Street. This is the place you want to go if you want to hear the iconic New Orleans jazz and blues sounds of the city. Plus more locals hangout there. You won’t be disappointed. If you are in the city I definitely suggest taking a swamp tour, or a Steamboat Natchez jazz cruise. There are waterways all over New Orleans. Also, don’t forget the biegnets at Cafe Du Monde. What are you favorite NOLA spots?
XoXo
Alli

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Alli Travels: Sorrento Australia

The whole continent of Australia is beautiful. I spent my time there in the states of Victoria and New South Wales. Sorrento is a townships in Victoria that I had the opportunity to visit. Located off the shores of Port Phillip Bay in the Mornington Peninsula and about an hour and a half from the city of Melbourne, Sorrento is a great getaway.

This quaint village is sprawling with amazing views, boutiques, and eateries. If being on the water is your thing take a full day Kayaking Tour (details here), or capture the scenic views on the Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail. If you are a foodie Sorrento is known for its vanilla slice, Just Fine Food is known to have a tasty one and if you are staying a little longer Stringer Store is the go-to grocery for visitors and locals. Sorrento also has great shopping. A couple of my favorite stops were Country Road, Witchery, and Emia. Although I was only there for a day trip, I also know that Sorrento has some prime real estate and some great places to stay for a weekend holiday. Check out the Sorrento Beach House or the Buoys on Queens.

When we finished our day walking around the local strip we took the Seared Ferries, a 40 minute boat ride, from Sorrento to Queenscliff, which is the gateway to Great Ocean Road (a must see) for our next adventure. Check out the video below where you might see some dolphins.

Planning your trip to Sorrento? Websites to check out are visitvictoria.com and sorrento.org.au

XoXo

Alli

Sowing some of the indigenous animals of Australia 

Many great boutiques 

                                   
                                                                       Mornington Lager 

                                        

Alli Travels: LA

                             
Dress: similar | Shoes: Sperry’s  (here and here) | Sunglasses: similar | Handbag: Louis Vuitton  (here) | Earrings: Kendra Scott (here)
I love to travel. What about you? This March I had the opportunity to travel to many spots in California with my boyfriend.  

One place you have to visit while in Cali is LA. Am I right? There is everything from shopping on Rodeo Dr. or at The Grove, eating at great restaurants, seeing the ocean, and many historical sites that you see in the movies and on tv.  While we were in LA we took one of those sight seeing, hop on, hop off, city bus tours. Yes it maybe very touristy, but it is the best way to see the city in such a short time. We used Starline, they have these buses in almost all major cities and countries. I definitely think they are well worth the money. You get a little education as you ride along and see the sites. If you see something you like, hop off,  explore on your own and catch the next bus to continue your tour. Genius idea!

When I am traveling and trying to pack in as much stuff as possible in a short period of time, I like to be super comfortable. What about you? To roam the streets of LA I chose  a cotton dress (similar), Sperry’s  (here and here) (which are great walking shoes), and always a big handbag (here) to carrying anything else I need. What is your go to comfortable travel outfit?
XoXo
Alli


Alli Travels: San Diego

Happy Tuesday All! A couple weeks ago I was in San Diego with my boyfriend. It was the first time I had visited that city, and I loved it. I could totally live there. The weather is typically nice and the views are beautiful, as you will see in my photos.

When I travel I like to dress comfortable. I love to wear maxi dresses because they are so easy. The one I have on is from last season, but I found some that I plan to add to my closet (here, here, and this one here). I also like jeans when I travel (the ones I have on below can be found here),  a cute pair of sandals (here and here), a good pair of sunnies (I like these here),  and a large tote to carry everything (my favorite is here). You can shop the rest of my looks below.

While in San Diego we visited the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier and Museum (website here). If you visit San Diego I definitely suggest you take a half a day and go on a tour, it is worth. Very historic and will make you appreciate the Navy even more. Check out some pictures from that tour below. Hope you enjoy!
XoXo
Alli

How to Pack for a Long Week Away when Flying

                   
This week I will be in Palm Springs, San Diego, and LA. Going to three different spots it is hard to make sure you pack everything and get it all to fit in your luggage. Here is my packing guide and how to make it all fit.


What to pack in your carry-on:

In my carry-on I usually pack my valuables and anything I will need on the plane or immediately when getting to my destination. My carry-on list is as follows:
*My carry on bag is here (eyeing this one here too)
*Noise-canceling headphones for the plane (here)
*My Cannon Rebel Digital Camera for blog and travel pictures (similar here)
*My expensive handbags (two of my favorites here and here)
*My expensive jewelry (some favorites here and here)  
*Sunglasses (including these here and here)
*Any medications, vitamins (hair vitamins here), lip balm (here)
*Expensive Makeup that is allowed through security (here are two favorites here and here)
*Chargers and and portable chargers (here
*My Laptop and iPad 
*Extra set of clothes, extra panties and bra……just in case my suitcase doesn’t arrive when I do 🙁  
*Swimsuit (eyeing this one here) and beach towel here)
*Extra pair of sandals (two favorites here and here)
*A book (currently reading this, next this)
For the suitcase I check (found here) I add in the rest. This seems to be a favorite suitcase of many here.

All the clothes you will need. I try to limit this so that the bag is not too heavy.
*I take one pair of jeans (my favorite right now are these white denims here)
*Always have a pair of leggings (favorites here)
*One pair of heels for nights out (Loving these here)
*Skincare products (Favorites here, here, and here)
*Makeup (Favorites here, here, and here
*I also make sure I have an extra sweater (here and here)
*A rain coat (here)
*A pair of gym shoes (eyeing these here)
*All my clothing I plan to wear (I make sure I plan out by day with one or two extra option just in case. I do this so I do not over pack. Taking a lot of dresses for this trip because the weather will be nice. Two of my favorite dresses are here and here
I try to pack this strategically so that it is organized and and everything fits. I store all my makeup and skincare products in a cosmetic bag (favorite here and here). Put my shoes in shoe bags (here and here). I roll my jeans and leggings so they do not take up too much room. I fold up the rest of my clothes and place them on one side of the suitcase on the other I put the shoes and then my makeup bag on top of the shoes. I put under garments and night clothes in the front zippers and use the top zippers for anything else or to store my dirty clothes though out the week.
One thing that I always do is add an identifying piece on the outside my checked luggage, such as a ribbon because with so many suitcases at baggage claim it is easier to spot yours. 
What are some of your packing tips that work for you? I have also link some of the items i mention above and some of the pieces I will be wearing this week below. Hope you enjoy!
XoXo
Alli