Check Out this Cheap Airfare Search Engine with Cash-back!

*This blog post contains affiliate links*

As a travel agent and DIY traveler, I’m always looking for deals for my clients and followers to try on their own! Never have I ever used a search engine that completely had the customer/user in mind when it was created. I’m excited to introduce WayAway.

In the past, there have been websites that state it scans all airlines. You search for a flight and 14 other sites pop up.  Some of those sites are now in my Facebook ads and on my tv with commercials. They were great back in the 90s and up until now. But now there’s a different new kid on the block!

Let’s learn about WayAway! In summary, you get:

  The best coverage in the US

WayAway compares airfares offered by all major US and global airlines and agencies.

  Quick service

The WayAway Plus membership plan includes 24/7 customer support for all...

 I have been trying to get here for about 5 years. Things that have held me up are work/PTO, children’s extracurricular, hurricanes, other events, lack of resources due to my shopping addiction. Yes, it’s a thing. However, I was adulting when I skipped FAMU’s Homecoming to pay for this trip. I will say 1. I’ll never miss another homecoming. 2. The culture, laughs, and experiences I had here with some amazing people was worth the wait! This trip was leisure focused and not full of adrenaline rush.
 

PreTravel Information

As far as entry into Colombia, as of January 2023, no vaccines are needed except for certain places where you are required to have yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days prior to the trip. Fortunately, not for Cartagena! A completed an entry form as early as 3 days prior to arrival to the airport for the first leg of your flight if you have a connecting flight like we did. The form link is located here:...

The sun is out, days are longer, and there is a sense of anticipation in the air. It’s summer, the time when we traditionally think about going on a vacation. Here are some of the best locations in the United States to inspire you.

 White water rafting through the Grand Canyon is the perfect option for adventure seekers who truly want to get away. Did you know that visitors to the Grand Canyon only spend 15 minutes looking over the rim but will spend 30 minutes in the gift shop? We don’t think those numbers work well to really experience the Grand Canyon. Instead, spend three, four or even seven days rafting through the canyon. Guides provide all of the gear, prepare the meals, and even share facts and stories as you float undisturbed, marveling at the canyon. Talk about “All Inclusive?!” Although you won’t have cell service while on the river, you will quickly relearn how to have face to face, authentic conversations with the others on your trip....

I have been to Vegas a few times and each time there has been a change. There are some things I wish i hadn't wasted my time, tasted, or did not pay attention to once there. Don't worry! I got you covered! Read below to see what you can avoid in order to enjoy your time. 

9 Vegas Rookie Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating the length of the Strip – In pictures, it looks like getting from Mandalay Bay (furthest south) to the Venetian (more north) is a quick walk. What most don’t realize is that the Strip is four miles. Since you will be walking a lot, comfy shoes are a must. Don’t feel like walking? Spring for a ride share. 

2. Staying at the cheapest and/or at an off-Strip hotel – It’s tempting to go for the best bang for the buck, but it might not be your best bet in Vegas. Off-Strip and the cheapest hotels are further from the action. So, yeah, you might be saving on a room, but how much are you spending on ride shares to get...

5 Simple Tips for Amazing Travel Photos

Let’s be honest!  We see pictures of people on trips and say wow I wish that was me!” Or, when I get there I want that shot.” And while photos may be effortless to some, there are those like me that have to try harder to get that shot! If having beautiful pictures capture wonderful moments and stories for you to tell in the future, then follow a few of my tips and tricks below!

1. Be yourself! You better work! People are going to stare, so be extra have fun unless you are playing it safe because you will use the photos for advertising, then you need to bring personality to them. By having fun and being flexible with everything that goes into taking pictures, your face will stand out more.

2. The smartphone/tripod will work just fine. No fancy camera is needed! Our smartphones have advanced so much over the years and easier to carry and we will not lose them! Learn how to use the phone. I have an iPhone but...

Do you overpack for trips? Just throw it all in the bag? Complete outfits for each day with the shoes that match? Do you worry if you have packed enough or have forgotten anything? What about the weight of your bag? Do you pay for overages? Scroll down to see the steps I take to be #TeamCarryon and can fit 5 days and 4 nights with accessories and shoes into my tiny luggage. You’ll see what is suggested and what I do to tweak it!

Research and Plan

Before you pack, find out the weather forecast during your visit and google the scenery of the spots/excursions you would like to visit. This will help you determine the type of clothes, fabric, and colors you will pack.

If it’s cold then you need a sweater/jacket. If it’s hot then light cotton.  If your pictures will be in spots that are dark or dull then you need vibrant colors to make your pictures pop. If you will be in a vibrant area, then you need some neutrals for your to stand out in your pictures.

Are...

There are two main trusted traveler programs are run by our federal government. TSA Precheck and Global Entry let you go through special security lanes at the airport, which usually means faster and less intrusive screening. If you are anything like me,  then these programs are lifesavers and assist you in catching flights! Below we will examine them and others to see which is right for you.

TSA Precheck

To get TSA PreCheck you must pass a background check. The government is checking to see if you are considered “low risk.” Once you pass, you are issued a “known traveler number.” That number is to be used when making reservations with airlines. Add it to all of your loyalty accounts. If you print a boarding pass and it’s not there, go to counter to add the number and reprint them. There should be a little logo that allows you to zip past security by keeping your belt and shoes on, electronics and liquids can stay in the carry-on.

Note: each...

I'll be honest! I decided to become a travel agent to get the perks and discounts a regular person couldn't get and travel for cheap with my kids. I wanted to travel the world and show my kids what my parents made possible for me to do at their age. I wanted my kids to see that after the divorce, life would still be fun and rewarding with one parent. Traveling with kids sounds hard and scary. The truth is it can be. And while I'm not well put together or the expert in kids travel I can offer you 5 great tips that will help you get out with your little ones and explore the world.

1. Research Your Destination THOROUGHLY. When traveling internationally with kids, make sure you research transit to and back, attractions, resorts, etc. A lot of us look mainly at price but don’t take into consideration the hassle it takes to get to a place and back. What is required to enter? Passport/visa/both?Should I go plane or cruise? Will it appeal to all of the kids?  Should you stay...

The Daily 15

Part 2: Productivity

This week we are focusing on the Daily 15: Mindset. We are to take 15 minutes for a mental break daily. Preferably in the morning but if need be throughout the day then do so. I literally had to meditate at 2:10pm yesterday to be able to be more pleasant at work for the bottom half of my shift. The top half kicked my butt. But it was really needed for a midday boost in my attitude and patience.  Starting Monday, we will use a different set of 15 minutes to address productivity. Let’s address three factors of our daily 15.

1. Think of tasks that only take 15 minutes to complete. Please don’t say cook 3 course meal in 15 minutes. But try seasoning, marinating, or prepping food to cook. Instead of folding all of the laundry, fold the towels only. Needed to get a little activity on your life? Take a brisk walk around the neighborhood and knock out half of the suggested 30 minutes of recommended daily exercise! Make sure it's doable in...

Part one: Mindset

Since pandemic, we have been on our “anything goes” trip as we adjust to new findings. We are bending rules all over the place! At work, we let meds go if patient hasn’t seen doctor because of new hours and capacity restrictions making it harder for them to see them. We can all now eat in restaurants, enjoy theme parks, and fly to different states/countries if we have masks, practice social distancing, and have negative COVID19 tests results. At my home I’ve followed the same path. There is really no structure now but the schooling from home. I’m feeling overwhelmed at work, exhausted at home and barely engaged in anything I do. On the weekends I’m in my bed watching Netflix and eating whatever food can be delivered to me so I do not drive to get it or cook it. I stopped my morning rituals and surf Amazon instead to see what can I order and get today. So now everything is coming to a head like a pimple and I’m about...