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Sarah Mehaffey
Are you looking for essential travel bags that can make any trip smooth and easy?
I’ve got you covered! Here are my top 3 essential travel bags that I’ve put to the test on countless trips.
Essential Travel Bags # 1 – Suitcase
The first essential travel bag is the right suitcase. You need a suitcase that is versatile for all different types of trips. One that will meet all your needs for the new and fabulous travel lifestyle you will be creating!
My personal favorite is the Olympia Denmark 21”. This bag works great for all types of travel.
Versatile
It’s 21 x 14 x 9 and meets the carry on requirements for even European carriers, which are minute by American standards. Everything is smaller in Europe.
I also love that this bag is hard sided. It works perfect for taking cruises. Cruise lines pile all the luggage on top of each other when taking it to your state room . If you have a soft-sided suitcase things can get damaged. That was the reason I first bought this bag.
Plus, it only weighs 5 pounds! I take it for short weekend trips too because it’s so light. This suitcase keeps you light on your feet while you are traipsing through airports, onto trains and into taxis and ride shares.
It’s so lightweight it can be easily lifted yourself into the overhead bin of a plane or train. Hey, if there is a cute guy nearby ask him for help anyway. I won’t tell! 😉
Features
This bag also expands by two inches so, there’s plenty of room to bring home all those fun souvenirs on the way home.
It also has a cool hidden pocket in the expansion section where you can hide your laptop and other valuables.
I also love that this bag has a snap in waterproof toiletry case. It works great for bringing home wet swimsuits or other items that might leak.
It is also surprising how much can fit in the Olympia Denmark 21” if I keep things organized in packing cubes. Packing cubes are another favorite of mine which I discussed in this post. I have easily fit clothes for up to 10 days in this bag if I pack thoughtfully.
Plus I never have to worry if my bag will make it to my destination since I never have to check it.
On a recent trip to Europe my traveling companion’s luggage failed to arrive in Barcelona where we were scheduled to embark on a cruise the following day.
The stress and anxiety of not knowing if her things would make it in time for the cruise was terrible. Not to mention being without basic things like socks and underwear.
Don’t put yourself in this situation. Always carry on! You can do it! I promise and your best friend will show you how.
The Olympia Denmark 21” also has four spinning wheels which makes it a breeze to maneuver. It has 3 handles, which makes it easy to get in and out of overhead bins or in and out of vehicles.
Colors
The Olympia Denmark 21” comes in fun colors too that are not your standard black, which I love. My favorite and the one I bought was the Teal.
It makes it much easier to find your suitcase if you choose or are forced to check your bag. However, if you prefer a more classic color like black or silver those are also available.
Saves Money & Time
This bag will also save money and time since there won’t be fees to check your bag and you won’t have to wait endlessly at the baggage claim to collect your bag.
The price is also reasonable compared to a lot of bags. At the time of this post (updated January 2024) it was listed on the Olympia website for $240, but I found it for $65 on Amazon!
I love the Olympia Denmark 21” so much I have forsaken all others. 😂 Once I got used to traveling smoothly, with ease and without lugging a heavy bag, I started using it for all my travel.
My other suitcases are gathering dust in my closet now. It is my go to essential travel bag!
Essential Travel Bags # 2 – Tote or Small Duffel
The next essential travel bags are a nice tote or small duffel. This way I can keep all the things I need handy to amuse myself when I’m on the plane, train or long taxi/ride share ride.
I use it to put my small purse in when I board the plane since everyone can only have one carry on and one personal item. Always take a bag with a zipper so things don’t spill out mid-flight.
I also put my tablet or laptop, snacks, toiletries and gifts or souvenirs in it. Depending on the bag I can also put in a change of clothes.
This is helpful in the event that the overhead bin space is full and I’m forced to check my bag.
Since all my essentials and valuables are already in my personal item I won’t have to worry about moving things around on the jetway at the last minute should that happen. Embarrassing!
If it does happen, don’t worry, a lot of the time you can collect your bag on the jetway rather than taking more time to go to baggage claim.
Spring and Summer Totes
I take different totes depending on the destination and time of year. If I’m headed to the beach or browsing around a public market, a classic straw tote or boat bag is great.
I love the the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Zip Top or their Every Day Lightweight Tote.
L.L. Bean is such a classic East Coast brand. I can just picture myself strolling in the Hamptons, smelling the sea salty air ,listening to the sea gulls croon, the crashing of the waves and toting my boat and tote to the sandy beach for a day full of fun. Can’t you just feel it?
I brought a version of the Medium Every Day Lightweight Tote below on my Southern Caribbean cruise.
In the summer L.L. bean comes out with fun patterns too like the one in my cover photo.
They are cute, lightweight and this one matches my Olympia Denmark Teal 21” Spinner perfectly. Got to look cute and stylish when I travel!
Fall and Winter Totes
If you are headed out on a city adventure, I suggest something a bit more traditional and classy like a leather tote or a recent gift to myself for my birthday was a Longchamp Paris, Le Pliage Tote.
I’ve long envied the classy looking and stylish ladies I’ve seen on my many travels with this bag. I was thrilled to finally have one of my own!
I took my Longchamp Paris, Le Pliage Tote to New York recently. It’s great how it’s so lightweight and versatile.
Fold it up and it’s as small as a paperback book when it snaps closed (remember those things we used to read before tablets? 😂).
It’s also perfect to put in your luggage as an extra bag to bring home all your fabulous souvenirs from your travels.
The Longchamp Paris, Le Pliage Tote is also wonderful for day trips at home and abroad to store all my essentials for the day.
It also zips closed, so your things don’t fall out all over in the plane or car and it’s water resistant which came in handy for those New York showers.
It also has 2 small pockets inside for smaller items. Need more organization for the bag? Try this insert.
I chose the Le Pliage Original, Size Large in Navy. Black is also another classic color. Navy and black are what I have seen most in my travels. Want a pop of color? They have those too!
Once I arrive at my destination I use my tote as a handy day bag with all my essentials for the day.
Duffel Bag
Traveling somewhere where you will be doing some side trips? A small duffel makes a great second bag/personal item.
Along with fitting all my essentials while I’m traveling, I can also fit a few changes of clothes in it.
This way I am not taking a wheeled bag with me on those cobblestone streets in Europe which can be a bit jarring 😂.
I can stow my suitcase at my main hotel and then take my duffel with me for those side trips. Hop on and off those trains with ease!
I am a big fan of Kipling bags because they are also very lightweight and water resistant.
My black Kipling duffel went with me when I took a train trip through Italy and it worked perfectly.
I also took a Kipling backpack with me on my first international trip 20 years ago touring through Egypt. Love these bags!
Plus I like the little gorilla keychain that comes with it. 😄 Don’t pack this bag full though, otherwise it won’t fit under the plane seat.
3. Essential Travel Bags # 3 – Cross body bag
My last essential travel bag is a cross body bag. I love these bags for travel! They are so freeing.
It’s great to be able to have your hands free when you are traveling. Whether you’re loading your carry on into the overhead bin on a plane or train, strolling through the streets of Paris shopping or checking into your hotel, your purse will always be safe and secure at your side.
Unfortunately the down side of traveling and being outside of your normal routine is thieves can take advantage of you.
Put your purse down for a second to look at your phone, sip your latte or glass of wine and admire the view and someone can snatch your bag and ruin your vacation.
If your purse is at your side the whole time you will be more likely to notice if someone is tugging on your bag.
I’ve been using cross body bags since my first international trip 20 years ago and wonder what I ever did before then.
I choose different ones based on my destination and the time of year. In the Spring and Summer I like something with a pop of color that will contrast with my outfits nicely.
In the Fall and Winter I tend to stick with something more neutral like black, navy or brown.
The bag I took on my last Caribbean cruise is the Sakroots Basic Crossbody Eco Twill.
I bought mine a year or so ago, so they don’t have the exact pattern I have anymore, but I love the Royal Blue Seascape. I think it would be the perfect bag for a Caribbean cruise.
I’m going to sound like a broken record, but again this bag is lightweight, water resistant and zips close.
It has tons of pockets where you can store your travel documents, passport, lipstick and phone.
I actually even bought the small matching wallet below which has a clip I can clip to the inside zipper pocket in the main compartment of my cross body bag.
This way I can get my wallet out easily without it falling out onto the floor or counter. It also makes it harder for thieves to slip out of your bag.
These bags come in a variety of colorful and whimsical patterns that I just think are really fun! They come with a pretty keychain too. Choose the one that is uniquely you. 😀
Not to sound like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, but these are a few of my favorite things!
I hope you get these three essential travel bags and start traveling smoothly and with ease!
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This post may contain affiliate links where I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I do not recommend products that I have not personally used and loved.
Dingle, Ireland is a glorious green paradise to explore. There are rolling hills on one side dotted with sheep, a beautiful inlet of shimmering water on the other side and a babbling, mossy stream running through it all.
The town is just as cute as can be. It’s a wonderful place to shop, try the local cuisine, listen to some traditional music (what they call trad for short), and explore the surrounding Dingle peninsula. Dingle was the highlight of my first Ireland adventure!
Where to Stay in Dingle, Ireland
I stayed at the fabulous Greenmount House in Dingle, Ireland. It’s a lovely hotel at the top of the hill on the perimeter of Dingle Town. This award winning boutique B & B has breathtaking views of the bay, Dingle town and the rolling green hills.
Above is a selfie taken from the second floor of the hotel on my own private balcony overlooking the bay. Ah heaven! I felt like I had discovered paradise. It was definitely worth the splurge to get a Sea View Room and be able to watch the sunrise and set over the water.
Staying at this hotel was an experience in and of itself. Balcony rooms are huge, but homey and relaxing.
The room has a state of the art bathroom complete with rain shower, soaking tub and a skylight where you can see the rain drops falling and hear their soft pitter patter while you enjoy the bubbles from your hot bath after a long day of sightseeing.
I could have stayed at these place for a whole week. It would be a great place to relax, unplug and find yourself.
Even Julia Roberts escaped here after her breakup with Kiefer Sutherland way back in the day, so you know it must be good! It was also ranked as one of the top small hotels in all of Europe.
What to do in Dingle, Ireland
First take a few hours to explore old Dingle Town once you settle in at your hotel. The old Dingle town is easily walkable and you can walk the whole town in 2-3 hours.
It would be easy to extend your visit longer if you take time to explore all the cool shops and restaurants or listen to some traditional (trad) music at The Dingle Pub
The town is just so homey and friendly it like being wrapped up in a warm hug. I could have easily spent my whole week here relaxing, decompressing and savoring life.
This was my first trip to Ireland, so I only planned two nights in Dingle as I wanted to explore Dublin and Galway as well.
Next time I come back to Ireland I will plan more time in Dingle and go a little earlier in the season when more things are open and the sea is calmer for boat trips.
I would also love to explore more of the area, like The Great Blasket Islands and Sleah Head.
Visiting in early November some of the restaurants in Dingle Town were closed a few days midweek, as the tourist season had ended. I still found some great options though which I will talk about later.
There were many advantages to visiting Dingle, Ireland off season though. I scored a great price for my Junior Suite at Greenmount House. Traveling in the off season is a great way to stay classy on a budget.
Dingle town was quieter and less busy than I imagine it is in the Summertime, which I really prefer.
I also got some great deals shopping in town as they were slimming down their inventory after tourist season. As you’re exploring the town take some time to do some shopping.
Where to shop
Dingle, Ireland is a shoppers delight for local crafts. I found wonderful souvenirs to bring back home for myself, family and friends. Everything from gorgeous traditional wool sweaters, silver clauddagh rings, crystal, stunning paintings of the surrounding area and local handmade crafts.
Wool
No trip to Ireland would be complete without purchasing an Irish wool sweater, scarves or gloves. Why not buy all 3!
One thing you will see a lot as you explore the countryside are lots and lots of sheep.
I’m not normally a fan of wool as I find it too itchy, but I found that items made of super soft Merino wool were soft, luxurious, not at all itchy and oh so warm.
I purchased this gorgeous sweater in a beautiful shade of Mulberry from The Dingle Woollen Company.
This place has operated in Dingle since 1606!! Since I was there in early November at the end of the tourist season I snagged my sweater for over 60% off. It will be perfect for those cold, snowy days back at home in Colorado.
I also bought a beautiful pair of handmade mittens with a design that looks to me like little sheep. What do you think?
Check out their online store. They even have free shipping to the US and Canada if you spend over 100 Euros!
Get a little taste of Ireland even before you visit. 😄
Jewelry
Looking for a traditional Cladaugh ring? Check out The Dolphin Shop. They have a huge selection of Irish rings and other jewelry, plus Irish leather goods, scarves and wall hangings.
Arts and Crafts
I also love a good craft market! They are so great for finding unique gifts and souvenirs. I found a little gem on Main Street called, An Gailearai Beag which showcases handmade, local items from the West Kerry Craft Guild.
That’s where I fell in love with the work of Dingle Artist, Andrea Power who paints gorgeous paintings of the Wild Atlantic Way.
I bought an extremely affordable signed print of “Crazy Storm Colours: Coumeenole”, that I can’t wait to get framed and hang up in my home!
I love buying a little piece of art when I travel, so I can be reminded of my wonderful memories every time I walk by. It helps get me through until I can take my next adventure!
Continue strolling the town and admire the creative window displays.
Take some time to stop and pet the roaming kitties and old sheep dogs guarding their properties.
Slow down and have a coffee and just savor the peace and simplicity of this town. When you get a little hungry stop into one of the great restaurants in Dingle, Ireland.
Where to Eat
Breakfast
If you are staying at the Greenmount House take advantage of their included breakfast. There is no sad dried out buffet here.
The hotel has an amazing breakfast area surrounded by windows, so you can enjoy spectacular views of the bay while you savor your choice of breakfast.
They have a plethora of options starting with your choice of juice served in champagne flutes, coffee or tea and your choice of a number of breakfast entrees.
I tried the light and fluffy French toast as well as the cheese and herb omelette and both were delicious.
There is also a buffet of greek yogurt with a myriad of topping options as well as small pastry items to enjoy.
Coffee and pastries
Bean in Dingle
As your exploring town stop in at one of the local coffee shops. I loved the Bean in Dingle.
It’s a bright, cheery spot to rest your feet and get a nice shot of caffeine and a delicious pastry. Listen to the lively music, people watch and sip an artfully crafted chai latte.
Lunch or Dinner
Paul Geaney’s Bar and Restaurant
When you get hungry for something a little more substantial stop in at Paul Geaney’s Bar and Restaurant on Main Street for lunch or dinner.
It was a great pub option for a vegetarian like me. Irish food is not the most vegetarian friendly. Let’s just say I ate a lot of veggie burgers and chips (French fries) while I was traveling. It was nice to take a break from those and have some delicious pizza.
If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know I’m obsessed with pizza and a bit of a snob about it. I tried the veggie pizza and a pesto one. Both were made with fresh, quality ingredients and tasted amazing.
Wash it down with a pint of beer or the not too sweet or dry Rockshore hard apple cider!
Dessert
Murphy’s Ice Cream
When you are in the mood for something sweet you must stop by Murphy’s Ice Cream.
It’s the creamiest handmade ice cream and offers some unique flavors like Irish Brown Bread, Dingle Sea Salt, Dingle Gin and Irish Cream. The Chocolate Whisky and the Honeycomb Carmel were my favorites.
Getting There
If you’d like to visit Dingle too, it’s about a 3.5 – 4 hour drive from Dublin. Take care if you rent a car as the roads are twisty and very narrow. Not to mention you will be driving on the other side of the road if you are from outside the UK.
Don’t have a car? Take the train from Dublin to Tralee and then a bus from Tralee into Dingle which takes about 6 hours.
Want to fly to Dublin from the US in luxury? Check out my post on how to upgrade to business class for under $100!
If you have trouble finding availability for award travel try taking a positioning flight to another airport that has more availability. Better yet try out a new credit card and get your flights for free!
Dingle, Ireland is definitely worth the effort to visit. It’s such a wonderful town with so many great things to see and experience. I’m so glad I was able to visit and I can’t wait to go back and take all my friends.
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Red Butte Gardens
Are you are looking for things to do in Salt Lake City? Red Butte Gardens is a wonderful arboretum and botanical garden located in the foothills of Salt Lake City. It is off the University of Utah campus.
It’s a great place for an afternoon stroll where you can admire all the flowers, trees and relaxing water features. They even have various sculptures throughout the garden to admire. Pull up a bench, listen to the tinkling water and the breeze through the trees.
There are 5 miles of trails to check out and there is also an amphitheater with a Summer Twilight Concert series.
I wasn’t able to attend a concert as they sell out quickly, but while walking around I was treated to hearing the Fitz and the Tantrums practice for their show that night. So cool!
If you go, don’t forget your sunscreen, water and a hat or an umbrella. It can get a little toasty depending on what time of day or year you go. However, there are numerous benches to sit and and enjoy the shade.
Red Butte Gardens also has an absolutely amazing gift shop! It’s a great place to find unique gifts for your nature loving friends and family. Make sure you check it out before you head out!
They also have great air conditioning if you get a little overheated walking around. 😄 Before or after the gardens stop by Ruth’s Diner for a fabulous brunch nearby on their gorgeous back patio.
Tracy Aviary
If you are a bird lover like me and are looking for things to do in Salt Lake City, head over to the Tracy Aviary in Sugar House. I went to check out the newly hatched, adorable, baby flamingos. They are so fluffy and cute when they are babies!
I took this adorable video of a fussy baby flamingo searching for a shady spot to take a nap.
The Tracy Aviary revolves around a central lake. Circle around the lake and explore birds from all over the world in a beautiful park like setting.
If you’re looking for a fun and yummy restaurant in the area try Finn’s Cafe for breakfast or lunch.
Heber Creeper
If you like history and trains and are looking for things to do in Salt Lake City, check out the Heber Creeper.
It’s a near hundred year old historic train that was brought down from Canada, that you can ride through the Heber Valley.
They have a ton of different holiday themed train rides or ride the signature Deer Creek Express.
This ride comes complete with an old time western gun fight, fiddlers and tales from the old west.
Sit on the left side when boarding the train to get a great view of the Deer Creek reservoir and the Wasatch Mountains.
This historic train even has seats that flip direction, so you don’t have to ride facing backwards on your journey back.
When I come back I’m definitely booking the Chocolate Lovers Train where you can sample local artisan chocolates. Everything’s better with chocolate!
Explore Park City
Are you a skier, foodie, shopper or movie buff and looking for things to do in Salt Lake City? On your way back from Heber City why not stop in and explore Park City. Park City is also only 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.
This historic mining town is home to world class skiing, Utah Olympic Park and of course the Sundance Film Festival.
Stroll along and check out all the shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the Egyptian Theater where they hold screenings for Sundance.
This is definitely a pricey town, proven by the car I parked next to. If you don’t have a McLaren budget and are looking for an affordable lunch or dinner option without having to cash in your IRA like this guy, stop in at Red Banjo Pizza for a refreshing beverage and a delicious scratch made slice. This place is also vegetarian and gluten free friendly.
Snowbird Summer Scenic Tram
Nature lover and looking for things to do in Salt Lake City? Less than an hour from Salt Lake City is the beautiful ski resort of Snowbird.
Take a ride on Snowbird’s Signature Aerial Tram for a majestic view of the Salt Lake Valley. It is one of only 9 ski resort trams in the United States.
The tram is fully enclosed with a breathtaking 360 view of the surrounding mountains. There are also windows in the floor, so you get a full view of everything.
Our tram operator even pointed a moose that was grazing near a small lake on the way up the mountain. First wild moose I’ve seen in my life!!
If you are really adventurous you can pay extra to sit in the rooftop balcony on top of the tram as you ride up and down the mountain.
I’m a little afraid of heights, so I was just fine staying inside. 😄 The tram does have windows that open, so you can still feel that mountain breeze coming in.
The tram ride takes about 13 minutes each way and runs along a 1.6 mile cable, climbing 2900 vertical feet up to the summit of Hidden Peak.
Once at the summit spend some time drinking in the stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley.
There is even a cafe with a bar now at the top that is open on weekends. Watch out for the chipmunks if you sit outside as they can be very bold, hoping to sample some of your food.
Bring a jacket as it can get cold up there at 11,000 feet and your hiking shoes if you want to try walking back down the mountain.
I hope you enjoyed my ideas for things to do in Salt Lake City. If you’d like more restaurant recommendations for your trip read my list of the Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City with something for everyone.
Looking for cheap flights to Salt Lake City? Check out my other posts on finding plane tickets, packing tips for discount airlines or using points and miles for a free trip.
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Are you visiting Salt Lake City on business, for skiing, visiting family or just passing through on the way to one of Utah’s stunning National Parks? If so, you may be looking for the best restaurants in Salt Lake City with something for everyone. Well, I’ve got a story to tell you…
So a vegetarian and a gluten free person walk into a bar in Salt Lake City…just kidding. Well…not really. I do happen to be vegetarian and my good friend whom I was visiting does have gluten sensitivity. Plus, we both do enjoy a nice adult beverage from time to time. Okay, okay, me more than her probably. LOL
Wondering what the best restaurants are in Salt Lake City that have something for everyone?
Are there even bars in Salt Lake City? What if I’m traveling with someone who is vegetarian or gluten free? What are some great restaurants that are fun and can make everyone happy?
I’ve got you covered! I got the inside scoop from a local and I’ll tell you my top 5 best restaurants to try in Salt Lake City that are sure to have something for everyone. I think you carnivores will be quite happy too!
#1 – Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City for Breakfast
1624 1100 E. Salt Lake City, UT 84105
First stop breakfast! Finn’s Cafe is a beautiful family owned and operated cafe located in the hip area of Sugarhouse in Salt Lake City. It was started in 1952 by Norwegian immigrants who came to Utah for the wonderful skiing.
They serve Scandinavian inspired food with an American flair. This is not your typical 50’s cafe or diner. It feels classier and more refined than that. From the moment you enter you will see what I mean.
This small cafe is lined with large oval windows, has light colored wood ceilings, tables and floors with some retro glass blocks added in for additional light. It’s so bright and cheerfull. There’s even a little gnome (troll?) to welcome you when you come in!
They also have a great patio surrounded by a lush flowering hedge. No staring at a busy street or parking lot on this patio.
Order some hot LavAzza coffee served in Finn’s signature mug.
Next, they have a wide menu with your favorite breakfast and lunch staples . If your a more adventurous eater try some Scandinavian specialties like poached red trout with Finn’s tartar sauce, wienerschnitzel and eggs or Jule Kake French toast.
I ordered the waffles which were are a little thinner, crispier and sweeter than Belgian waffles. It comes with lingonberry jam and sour cream.
I skipped the sour cream and opted for the artfully sculpted butter shaped into what looked like raspberries to me, but you make your guess. 😄 Lingonberries maybe??
The classic omelette with hash browns was my gluten free friend’s choice. A tasty and relaxing way to spend the morning!
#2 – Sunday Brunch at Ruth’s Diner
4160 Emigration Canyon Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
Next stop, Sunday brunch! Ruth’s Diner is an amazing brunch spot in Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City. Although they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner too.
This delightful spot has a fabulous back patio where you can gaze up at the surrounding canyon, sip some delicious mimosas and enjoy live music. This place was one of the highlights of my trip!
Ruth’s Diner has been open since 1930 and at this location since 1949 when Ruth moved a trolly car up to Emigration Canyon and started serving beer and burgers to under age frat boys.
The salty, cigarette loving, gun toting, chihuahua owning Ruth started out as a feisty cabaret singer who turned to flipping burgers and eventually opening her own diner. The rest is history!
Sit in the back garden under the lovely old tree, sip a delicious mimosa and get treated with Ruth’s legendary, complimentary biscuits and homemade raspberry jam as you move to the beat of the live band. Heaven on a plate!
Sorry, my gluten free friends, you will miss the delicious biscuits, but your friends will be happy to take yours. LOL
Along with my mimosa, I had a tasty cinnamon role French toast with orange cream cheese florets. If you are gluten free try one of Ruth’s delicious cheesy omelets, Benedicts or hashes. Breakfast is served most of the day from 8am to 4pm.
# 3 – Lunch at the Blue Iguana
165 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
Then lunch! If you are looking for a hip spot in downtown Salt Lake City, hit up the Blue Iguana for lunch or dinner. It’s located in the heart of downtown near Temple Square.
They have a great lower courtyard patio with umbrellas and string lights where you can sit and relax, nibble some tasty chips and salsa and sip any number of delicious margaritas (I chose the peach) or step inside the colorful and art filled inside dining room.
This place is very refreshing and I’m not just talking about the margaritas. 😂 They have a great selection of vegetarian and gluten free options on the menu.
I’m so used to going places where they only have one or two options for me, so this place was great.
Next, I was excited to have a veggie chimichanga, which is rarely a choice for me since they are mainly made only with either chicken or beef.
My friend had the rice and avocado enchiladas which was not only vegetarian (I might be rubbing off on her 😂), but also gluten free. Healthy and delicious!
There are also many options to satisfy my carnivores out there from carne asada to carnitas or even burgers and steak fries if you are not in the mood for Mexican food.
# 4 – Dinner at The Bayou
645 S State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Lastly, if you’re looking for a fun night out on the town for dinner and some great cold beer, head over to The Bayou!
It’s also located in downtown Salt Lake City. They have a little parking lot at the business next store that you can use for free in the evenings if you have trouble finding parking.
I’ve been coming to this place for over a decade and it is my favorite place to have a burger (veggie for me) and a beer or a local cider (Made in Utah, Hive cider is my fave!).
It’s a hip and funky Cajun place with brick walls, exposed pipes, dim lighting, neon signs and Mardi Gras beads strung up on the ceiling.
They have a huge beer menu along with wine, cocktails and fun mocktails if you happen to be the designated driver. See my friend’s delicious mocktail below.
Be careful if you drink in Salt Lake City. The legal limit for alcohol is lower than in other states.
Take the Trax downtown or Uber it instead and leave the car at your hotel. Your best friend wants you to stay safe and jail free!
I had a delicious veggie burger with cajun spices and pepper jack cheese.
Burgers are served with sweet and savory mix of regular and sweet potato fries that are so hot, crispy and yummy.
I couldn’t finish them all and took them back to the hotel, only to eat them for a late night snack later while watching TV.
My friend’s favorite is the red beans and rice which is gluten free.
You can also try crawfish, gumbo, jambalaya, muffuletta or even the alligator if you want to live on the edge. 😏
# 5 – Bonus Restaurant in Park City!
322 Main Street Park City UT 84060
Bonus restaurant! If you happen to venture out of Salt Lake and head to Park City, Red Banjo Pizza is a great affordable option for lunch or dinner.
This family joint has been in business for 60 years and serves up made from scratch pies which include regular, gluten free or cauliflower crust.
The pizza is great and served with a twist. Literally! The pizza is served with a slice of lemon. Never seen that before!
I had the classic margarita pizza and it was divine! I just love fresh mozzarella and basil. What a wonderful combination!
My friend opted for a gluten free, pick your own topping pie. Delish!
Besides pizza, Red Banjo also has pasta, sandwiches and salads plus a full bar. I like my pizza with a little vino!
I knew Red Banjo Pizza would be good because it was packed with locals and tourists alike! The local junior sports team was celebrating the end of their season and the 20 somethings girls next to me were advising their guy friend on his latest Tinder choices. Women can be brutal! Yikes!
It’s a small place stuffed with olympic skiing memorabilia and of course, red banjos on the walls. 😄 Plus, in nice weather there is a small rooftop terrace, although they weren’t seating up there when I went.
I hope you enjoyed my food tour of Salt Lake City! Stay tuned for my next post on fun things to do in and around Salt Lake City.
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For more restaurant recommendations, check out my post on the best restaurants in Long Island, NY. Planning your Winter Cruise? Find out which cruise line has the best food.
If you’d like to plan a trip to Salt Lake City check out some of my planning posts for flights, packing and paying for your trip with miles. Never stop exploring!
I rarely travel without getting some part of my travel for free. I’ve used various credit cards over my life to get free flights, hotels and even to cover my Lyft rides to and from the airport. I usually get one or two new credit cards a year like the Capital One Venture Card to help me stretch my travel budget. The more money I save, the more money I have to book more travel! I know. I’m obsessed!
The Capital One Venture Card is the first credit card in awhile that I’ve actually held onto for a few years instead of cancelling it after I’ve earned and spent my miles or points bonus.
It has the easiest program I’ve used and has some really nice perks. Here are my top 5 Capital One Venture Card Benefits!
Capital One Venture Card Perk # 1
First, if approved for a new Capital One Venture Card you get a bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months. That’s worth a minimum of $750 in free travel and with a few tips from your best friend, many thousands of dollars.
Fly you and your love on that romantic trip to Paris and kiss under the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower. Wander Italy in search of the best gelato or pizza place. Take a business class flight to Barcelona to admire the architecture of Antonio Gaudi with miles to spare. Save your cash for some Cava and tasty tapas while you’re there!
The possibilities are endless. Business class flights from the US to Europe are usually near $3,000. I’d say that’s worth the $95 annual fee. This card also doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees which can really add up on an international adventure.
It’s easy to meet the spending requirement to earn the Capital One Venture Card bonus. I recommend automating all of your monthly bills that don’t charge an extra fee for using a credit card.
You would be surprised at all the bills you can automate with a credit card. I’ve automated my car insurance payment, water bill, electricity bill as well as the usual internet, streaming services and cell phone bills.
It does take a few minutes of work on the front end to set up each account, but then I save a ton of time and stress knowing that my bills are all paid, on time, every month.
I never have to worry if I have stamps, that I forgot to pay a bill while on vacation or that an error will mess up my checking account. Set up one autopay to pay your Capital One Venture card and that’s it!
Capital One Venture Card Perk # 2
Second, Capital One Venture Card gives two miles for every dollar you spend on the card. If you meet the spending requirement for the 75,000 mile bonus by spending $4,000 in the first three months that will give you an additional 8,000 miles. That’s a grand total of 83,000 miles! Not too shabby. 🙂
If you get the Venture card, as I did, you also get 5x the miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. If you upgrade to the Venture X the annual fee is $395, but you get an annual $300 travel credit. Plus you get 10x miles for hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
Redeem miles through Capital One Travel for flights, hotels or car rentals for 1 cent/mile OR score a great deal on your own flights and erase the charge using the “Cover travel purchase” option.
Better yet use the “Convert Rewards” option and transfer your miles to one of Capital One’s Transfer partners to make your miles stretch even further.
You can transfer miles at a one to one ratio per 1000 miles to the following partners except where noted:
- Aeromexico
- Air Canada
- Air France/KLM
- Accor Hotels
- Cathay Pacific
- Avianca
- British Airways (Can also move miles from British Airways to Aer Lingus and Iberia)
- Choice Hotels
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- EVA Air (1000 Capital One miles =750 EVA Air miles)
- Finnair
- Quantas
- Singapore Airlines
- TAP Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Virgin Airlines
- Wyndham Hotels
Perk # 3
Third, you get 5 Star Status with Hertz Rental Car which means you can skip the counter, head straight to the lot and pick your own car.
It’s such a time saver not to have to wait in line and I love the freedom to pick which vehicle suits my particular vacation. Is it a sporty car for a beach vacation or an SUV for those mountain drives? You decide!
Hertz 5 Star Status also lets you earn points for free rental days and upgrades from Hertz Dream Car Collections,
Perk # 4
Fourth, Capital One Venture Card members also get complimentary access to free all inclusive lounges twice per year. This can be a lifesaver if you have a long layover. Relax away from the airport crowds. Sample the free restaurant quality food instead of waiting in line for fast food AND enjoy a free full bar! Cheers to that!!
If the airport your visiting doesn’t have a Capital One Lounge don’t worry. You also have access to over 100 locations in their Partner Lounge Network.
Perk # 5
Lastly, if you don’t already have have TSA pre-check or Global Entry, no problem! The Capital One Venture card will reimburse you the application fee up to $100 for either TSA pre-check or Global Entry once every 4 years.
I decided to take advantage of this great perk and it has been so wonderful not having to remove my shoes, liquids or laptop from my bag when I go through airport security. Plus the lines are so much shorter, especially on busy travel days like over the holidays.
Here’s a tip from your best friend. If you will be doing any international trips at all get the Global Entry card. Enter your Known Traveler Number when you make your flight reservations and they will grant you TSA Pre-Check on your domestic flights. It’s like how we used to fly before 9/11.
Global Entry does require a brief interview with Homeland Security, but I was able to complete mine as I was returning to the U.S. from Barcelona on my last international flight home. No need to make an extra trip and it will save you time going through customs when you return home on your next trip!
These are just my favorite perks from the Capital One Venture card. There are many others like free gift cards, PayPal and Amazon credits and cash back. However, if you are looking to maximize your miles then I recommend using them for flights. This will give you the highest return on investment of your valuable miles. If you’re ready to apply here is my link.
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Have your own favorite travel card? Leave me a comment. I love finding new ways to travel better and more often!
I’ve recently discovered the “Explore” feature of Google Flights. If you haven’t checked it out yet, it is a great way to find some amazing deals on cheap tickets to destinations all over the world.
If you know where to travel and when, you can save yourself hundreds if not thousands of dollars on flights.
There are tons of great destinations waiting to be explored just an hour or two flight from home.
Why not try out a new food scene, take in some amazing art at a new museum or listen to a great concert from your favorite band in a nearby city?
How about visiting family or that friend you haven’t seen for a few years? Nothing beats eating your mom’s homemade cookies or laughing so hard you cry while you catch up with your best friend from college!
Cheap Ticket Finder Tip #1
Here’s how to find cheap tickets to fly round trip all over the United States for under $100.
When using Google Flights, first go to the top of the page and click the second tab that says “Explore”.
Enter whether you will be traveling Round Trip or One Way. Then enter how many travelers you have and what class of flight you’d like to take.
Cheap Tickets Finder Tip #2
Next the trick is to enter the city you are leaving from (Denver in my case), but leave the “Where to” box blank . You can also click the ‘Where to” box and select the “Anywhere” option.
Then when Google asks for the dates go to the second tab for “Flexible Dates”. Search by weekend trips, weeklong trips or two week long trips over the next 6 months. Six months is the maximum amount of time you will be able to search.
You can also search by month if you are working around school schedules, busy times at work, special occasions or you just have a favorite time to travel.
My favorite months to travel are “shoulder season” in May and October. The weather is still nice and usually a little cooler, which I prefer. The prices are also usually cheaper for flights and hotels as well.
Once everything is entered click “Done”.
Cheap Tickets Finder Tip #3
Filter by number of Stops, Travel mode (willing to drive to nearby destination or not), Interests, Price, Airline, Duration and Bags included.
I like that you can search by interests. Choose Popular, Outdoors, Beaches, History or Skiing.
The more flexible you can be the more great deals you’ll find! That’s how I discovered how I could find cheap tickets to fly round trip all over the United States for under $100.
Below are some of the deals I found on the day I was writing this post. Search by the List or zoom in on the Map and explore where you could go.
These cheap tickets are not just last minute flights either. Take a few weeks or months to plan an exciting weekend away or plan a longer more relaxing vacation.
Why not zoom out and explore the Caribbean, Europe or Australia? While not under a $100 you can easily find flights a little farther away all over the U.S. under $200 and some great deals on flights for world travel too.
My Cheap Ticket Score!
I scored a round trip flight from Denver to Salt Lake City to visit a good friend I haven’t seen for years for less than $68!
I also found flights from Denver to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale for $56 or Denver to Las Vegas for $48 that week. I couldn’t take a round trip Uber from the suburbs to downtown for that price!
I found my cheap ticket deal on Frontier Airlines and they have roundtrip flights all over the country for less than $100. That is an insanely good deal!
What’s the catch??
What’s the catch you ask? Well, it’s all the extra fees they add on for seat selection, agent assistance, priority boarding, one time changes and the biggest fees of all? Baggage.
If you are going to book any of these extras I suggest you do it when buying your ticket. If you wait until after you’ve booked your ticket the prices go up and depending on the day, way up.
Frontier airlines not only charges you to check a bag, but also to carry one on. Even with extras, Frontier Airlines flights can still be a good value.
I couldn’t resist the challenge of actually flying on a plane to another state for less than an Uber.
I accepted the challenge and put my expert packing skills to the test. I did have to show that my bag fit in the sizer, but other than that everything went smoothly.
Now if you’ve read some of my other blog posts like Three essential travel bags you can’t leave home without! you already know that I do not check bags. I like the security and freedom of knowing all my things will make it with me and back to my destination.
I thought it was ridiculous to charge for a carry on bag. After all who on earth travels on a plane with no luggage? Until I had an aha moment! The personal item. How am I going to fly with only one personal item you ask?
I have the perfect bag and I stocked it with my four other travel essentials. To read more about how to pack light so you can take advantage of these insanely cheap flights check out this post.
Take my traveling light challenge and score your own cheap tickets, so you can squeeze more travel into your budget!
The cost of everything is going up these days and that includes travel. This post will give you 5 packing light must haves to avoid paying baggage fees.
There has been a huge surge in travel demand after years of lockdown and travel restrictions due to COVID and I’m sure you’ve noticed a tremendous increase in the cost of flights lately as a result.
Don’t worry though there are still ways to find great inexpensive flights and scratch that travel itch without breaking the bank.
I’ve found deals on low cost airlines lately which I talk about in another post, but how they make up the difference is by charging extra fees for everything, even to bring on a carry on bag.
That’s insane! Who could travel without a carry on bag?? Well, I’ve figured it out. I’m going to show you how to avoid baggage fees with my 5 packing light must haves and get you jetting off for the weekend in no time!
If you’ve read some of my other posts you know I do not check bags and I love the freedom and time savings of skipping baggage claim and only bringing a carry on bag.
What do you do though if your airline charges you for a carry on bag? I’m going to expand on another post I did about my three must have bags and make some slight adjustments, so you can take advantage of the great low cost airlines out there without paying extra fees for baggage. Now my 5 packing light must haves!
Packing Light Must Have #1 – Underseater Carry On
First, it all starts with what personal item you choose. I recently rediscovered a bag I used to use when I flew monthly for travel years ago for work. The underseater!
This bag, as the name implies, is a bag that fits entirely under the seat in front of you and can be used as your one “personal item”. I found the latest version of my bag on Amazon for less than the cost of the baggage fee, one way, for my flight to Park City.
The American Tourister Underseater now comes in some fun colors too like teal, pink and purple in addition to black. It also has a fun geometric design interior.
This bag may look small, but with my other packing light must haves and a few packing skills I’ll share, you can be jet setting off for the weekend anytime you want for less than the cost of taking an Uber from the suburbs to downtown and back. Why not have your Saturday night on the town exploring a new fun city?!
A large tote bag, medium duffle bag or backpack would work as well. I just like the convenience of a wheeled bag. Plus a wheeled bag just feels classier.
This bag also has a zippered compartment that the telescoping handle retracts into to save space. The new version also added a strap so you can add it to the handle of a larger bag if you are going on a longer trip. I upgraded my bag to the new version and gave my old one to my travel companion. Now we can both take advantage of packing light must haves to avoid baggage fees!
Packing Light Must Have #2 – Packing Cubes
I know. I know. Everyone talks about packing cubes, but seriously I never travel without them!
Packing cubes keep everything neat and organized and they definitely save space. Just don’t bring seven of them okay?! Only take 3-4 cubes for a 7-10 day trip and 1-2 for a weekend trip. Max!! If you are traveling on a longer trip just do laundry and don’t bring any more clothes. Trust me it will be easier on you.
My packing cubes came from my favorite travel guru, Rick Steves’ website. They are super light, see through, mesh, packing cubes.
I use the big one for all my bottoms or as pictured in the large photo above, all my dresses. The bottoms fold up perfectly and fit nicely in the large cube or I can fit seven dresses if I roll them up tightly (dresses are great by the way if you are traveling to warmer locales, built in air conditioning, just sayin). I can also fit my swimsuit and cover up in there if I’m going somewhere with an ocean or a pool.
Then I use one medium cube for all my shirts. I roll them up to save space and I can fit seven in there easily. I like that I can see all my shirts when I’m deciding what jewelry and accessories to bring.
My pajamas, light robe and hair towel all go in the other medium packing cube. Yes, I do use a Turbie Twist okay! It’s less breakage for my long hair because there is less weight pulling on it than a bath towel. The microfiber also helps my hair dry quicker and it saves my towels from stains when I’m putting my makeup on. I’m sure the hotels appreciate me not ruining their towels too. 😄
Last, but not least I have a solid, opaque, small cube I put all my bras, underwear and socks into. That way TSA doesn’t get a free peak at my lingerie in case they need to open my bag. We are classy, remember? 😂
If I’m only going to bring one personal item, like my underseater bag, I can fit either one large cube or the two medium cubes, but not both. Personally, I like to keep things a little separate, so I use the two medium cubes.
Here are a few packing tips from your best friend:
- Choose a color palette for your clothes to minimize the amount of shoes and outerwear you need to bring. I like white, navy or black as a base and then throw in some different colors to keep things interesting. 😄
- Wear your walking shoes and jacket/sweater on the plane and only bring a low profile pair of flats, sandals or flip flops in your carry-on. The underseater bag has a nice pocket in the front for your shoes.
- Bring a medium sized Ziplock bag to store worn socks and underwear to keep them separate from your other clothes.
- Unpack all your clothes when you arrive at your destination. It gives the clothes a chance to unwrinkle. Then pack each days clothes back in the packing cubes at the end of the night. By the end of the trip all your clothes are packed and you can savor your last night of vacation instead of wasting the night packing!
Packing Light Must Have #3 – Hanging Toiletry Case
I love having a toiletry bag that I can hang up. It’s nice to have everything at eye level and it’s great when you don’t have a lot of counter space like on a cruise ship or at a European hotel. Plus you save extra counter space for your traveling companion(s) which keeps them happy. Plus it keeps everything neat and organized.
Hang it on the back of the bathroom door or a towel bar. I’ve even hung it from a light fixture on the wall in a pinch! The bag I currently use literally went out of stock the day I first made this post, but I’ve linked to a similar one. While I have not personally tried this one, I have always been happy with the quality and durability from L.L. Bean.
This one below has a built in mirror and also comes with a hanging shower caddy which I think would be pretty handy as there is not always enough shelf space in the shower, especially if you are sharing with other people. I just may have to upgrade!
Look for a hanging toiletry bag that can fit a clear bag of liquids in the front pocket. That leads me to my number 4 packing light must have…
# 4 – Clear Bag for Liquids
I like to put all my liquids in a clear cosmetic bag. It’s so much nicer than using a quart sized bag and lasts much longer. I’ve linked to a similar bag to the one I use on Amazon that is TSA approved.
A clear cosmetic bag will keep all your liquids from spilling on anything else. I keep most of my toiletries packed all of the time, so it’s a snap for me to pack for a last minute adventure.
I’ve even waited until the morning before a flight to pack my bag for a trip. I have a checklist saved in my phone’s Notebook app, so I never forget anything. It’s a little more work on the front end to put the checklist together, but it will save you time and stress in the long run.
# 5 – Soft Sided Cross Body Bag
What is really great about this bag though, is that it’s soft sided and you can easily fit it into the space left over in your underseater carry on bag.
Remember, to take advantage of the great low cost air carriers you will only be able to take one personal item, so your purse will need to be put inside your underseater before you board. This bag is a lot more pliable than a more structured bag and will fit more easily.
These bags also come in a variety of colorful and whimsical patterns that I just think are really fun! Choose the one that is uniquely you. 😄
While not a “must have” I do also like the matching Sakroots Eco-Twill Encino Essential Wallet which I can clip to the inside zipper pocket in the main compartment of my purse. I’m less likely to drop it that way or have a thief grab it.
These 5 packing light must haves will save you money, keep you organized and stress free whenever you travel! Do you have any packing must haves? Leave me a comment! If you liked this content please enter your email to subscribe below and make sure you don’t miss out on my next post about how to fly all over the United States for under $100.
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Have you ever wondered what Aruba looks like? It was definitely not what I expected.
Aruba looks like Arizona was swallowed up and surrounded by the crystal clear, blue Caribbean ocean.
There are so many cacti on it’s rugged terrain. It’s a truly a unique landscape! Let’s explore.
Casibari Rock Formation
My first stop was the Casibari Rock Formation. It’s a steep hike, but pretty short. Once at the top you are treated with a 360 degree view of Aruba.
Aruba looks like it is mostly flat, but it has a few of these interesting rock formations scattered around the island.
Casibari Rock Formations have huge tonalite boulders. I drank in the desert landscape and listened to the local birds melodious songs.
This area is nestled in a residential area and you can also get a great view of local life such as my cover photo at the top.
Below are some photos from the area at the base of Casibari Rock.
California Lighthouse
Next stop was the California Lighthouse. It was named for the S.S California that wrecked nearby in 1891.
It is the tallest structure in Aruba and open every day from 9:00am to 7:00pm. You can climb the lighthouse for a $5 fee and no reservations are required.
It’s a gorgeous place to watch an Aruban sunset! Check out some of my photos below from the lighthouse. The clouds that day were absolutely spectacular!
There is a nice looking restaurant near the lighthouse, Faro Blanco. Although I didn’t have time to go, I will definitely try it out on my next visit.
They serve Italian food which is one of my very favorite cuisines. Faro Blanco received good online reviews and who could beat their stunning views! I’ve included the website below.
I traveled to Aruba on a Holland America Southern Caribbean cruise. My ship, the Nieuw Statendam had some mechanical trouble and my port day in Aruba was flip flopped with my Curacao port day in order for the ship to be serviced.
You can read my review of Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam’s food, drinks, state rooms and entertainment or learn more about Curacao by clicking the links.
I wish I had more time to explore this lovely island and see more of what Aruba looks like. I got into Aruba at about 5pm and only had two hours before the sun would set.
I had scheduled a tour with an independent cruise company, but it was cancelled due to the date being switched and since there would not be enough time to see everything on the tour before it got dark. How do you make the most of your time? Try a bus tour!
Bus Tour
All kinds of tours can be found through tourist information stalls at the port. If you don’t have your heart set on a particular activity this can be a great way to save money instead of booking a pricey cruise excursion.
My friend and I wandered around for a few minutes to see what might be available.
There was an independent tour guide advertising a bus tour for $30, but he only took cash. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you a lot of smaller places don’t take credit cards. We scrounged in our purses and found just enough cash to jump on the tour bus and pay the driver before he left.
The tour bus seemed full and even though the bus looked a little crazy we decided to go for it! At least this guy admits he’s a crazy driver. LOL
The driver turned out to be quite a character. He had crazy curly hair, a tie-dyed t-shirt and rolled his R’s in an exaggerated way every time he said Aruba.
The bus had no glass in the windows, but on the plus side you did get to feel the refreshing Aruban breeze. He also was rocking some eighties hits on the radio, so it kept things fun.
Sometimes you just have to go with the flow. As much as a try to plan and research every detail to make for a smooth and enjoyable trip some things are uncontrollable and you just have to make the best of things.
My friend and I had a great time on our whirlwind tour of the Island of Aruba.
On the way back to our ship we got to see all the classy Aruban resorts and these beautiful homes as we watched the sun disappear into the shimmering water. Arriba Aruba!
World Stage
A lot of people who have never cruised before think they will be bored on at sea days on a cruise ship.
Nothing could be further from the truth! There are so many activities to keep you occupied. You can be as busy or as relaxed as you want to be.
Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam has plenty to keep you busy and having a great time all week long. There are shows, informational talks, craft and cocktail classes, music, art shows and of course the pool and spa!
I’m a planner and I never want to miss out on any great experiences, so I read up on the Nieuw Statendam before I sailed on this cruise. I was new to Holland America and didn’t know what to expect.
Shows
Most of the cruises I’ve been on have had big budget Broadway style shows. I read that the Nieuw Statendam had a team of only six dancers. I thought the shows might be a little disappointing, but boy was I wrong!
The Nieuw Statendam did an amazing job with their small dance crew. On top of being very talented dancers they took full advantage of The Nieuw Statendam’s World Stage.
The World Stage is like nothing I’ve seen on other ships. It has a 180 degree curved screen that goes around the front part of the theater and surrounds the audience.
The dance troupe dances and sometimes interacts with the graphics on the screen. I thought it made for a very big experience despite such small group of people. There was also a wide selection of music to suit all ages.
The World Stage is also where they put on informational talks and the phenomenal BBC Earth in Concert.
I would definitely say that Holland America caters to those who are looking for a more cultured experience. The stunning cinematography of the BBC Earth presentation brought me to tears. Of course if you’ve read my About Me section you know I’m a lover of animals, so it’s not surprising I found the BBC Earth show so moving. It was wonderful to see on Holland America’s Imax style wraparound screen, World Stage.
Music
If you love music there is more than just the World Stage to enjoy. There are so many other venues for listening to all types of music.
There are the amazing dueling pianos in the Billboard OnBoard, soulful blues and live classical music in the B.B. King Blues Club and Classic Rock in the Rolling Stone Rock Room.
I also had a great time taking craft classes. This is something that is not mentioned on Holland America’s website.
I was perusing the daily activities and put together a craft morning the first at sea day. My friend and I had so much fun exercising our creative muscles that we made a habit of it on every at sea day.
Crafts
I went to an origami class and had a wonderful time folding a crab, a crane, a fish, and even a little frog that could jump.
There was also adult coloring hour. It was great to indulge my inner child, take out my colored pencils and create a masterpiece. It really is very relaxing.
I have a stressful job and it was wonderful to be coloring on a Tuesday morning. You can work on coloring the same artwork or try a different scene each day. I opted to continue to work on my tropical oasis each morning. Reminded me of the pink sand of Bermuda!
I also tried my hand at brush lettering. I had always enjoyed calligraphy as a child and it was fun to “brush” up on my old skill. Pardon my pun. 🙂 A blank card was provided to create my own work of art after I had sufficiently practiced.
Pool & Spa
Aside from crafting my other favorite activity was relaxing in the hot tub. One of the reasons I often eat a more casual dinner on cruises is to enjoy the empty hot tubs while everyone else is at dinner or a show. if you’d like to read more about Holland America’s casual dining options you can click here.
If I keep my hair dry I have often had dinner, hit the hot tub and then caught the late show. There is usually a 7pm and a 9pm show each night.
When I’ve travelled during Spring Break and the hot tubs are overflowing with twenty-somethings in what my friend calls “people soup”, a great tip is to sign up for a spa pass.
Some ships have their own private pool, hot tub, sauna and luxuriant hot stone loungers only for spa guests.
Holland America offered a discounted week pass prior to our cruise that I wish I would have taken advantage. Once onboard the ship even the day pass seemed a bit too pricey.
All and all I found many great ways to entertain myself on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam. If you like to read more about Holland America’s entertainment I’ve included the link below.
https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/onboard-activities/cruise-entertainment.html
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I’m classy, but I also like to be silly at times. This trip I took along my little friend T-Rex to help me with some photography and drink sampling. He had great fun on HAL’s Niew Statendam and I got a few laughs along the way too!
Non-alcoholic drinks
Make sure you stay hydrated on your cruise. You’re best friend wants you to feel your best. It easy to get dehydrated exploring those tropical destinations in the hot sun.
Whenever I was out and about on the ship I stopped by the Lido Market to grab some water or lemonade. They also offer complimentary ice tea, a wide selection of hot teas and coffee.
There is also water available in your state room for purchase or you can let the ice in your ice bucket melt overnight and voila! nice cold water ready for you in the morning.
Several places on the ship you can also purchase your favorite latte, cappuccino or americano.
Happy Hour
HAL offers an afternoon happy hour at the Billboard Onboard bar with 25% off drinks, between 3-4pm.
This is also the 150th anniversary of Holland America Lines, so on my cruise they were trying out an insanely great deal on cocktails with what I presume were 150 year old prices. Drinks were between $0.25 and $0.75. Yes, you read that right! Hard to pass up happy hour at those prices, not that it’s that hard anyway. LOL This was not something advertised anywhere. I found out about it accidently as I overheard a conversation at another table.
Just remember to tip the waitstaff a little extra. The automatic 18% service charge won’t add up to much on a 75 cent drink. We’re classy remember!
The cruise staff works incredibly long hours, for months on end and depend a lot on gratuities as cruise wages are low, so let’s remember the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to ensure you have a great vacation.
Cocktail Class
HAL offers a chance to shake up your own cocktails in the Billboard Onboard bar. Although due to the pandemic waitstaff on my cruise pre-made the cocktails for you, but I still enjoyed trying out different flavored mojitos and margaritas.
The bartender explains how to make these clever concoctions and even provides you with the recipes to take home and try your hand at them later. A fun way to spend an afternoon! T-rex seemed to approve. 🙂
Wine Tasting
A great way to be classy on a budget is to sign up for the Great Wines of the World wine tasting and try some upscale wines and hors d’oeuvres. The wine tasting is $40, but you can sample some $90 wines and Veuve Clicquot Champagne as well as indulge in shrimp, duck, unique cheeses and even a chocolate truffle. Tres fancy!
Don’t worry the sommelier will walk you through which hors d’oeuvres are enhanced by which wines. I found out about this lovely experience from my waiter at the pool bar on the first day of my cruise. He signed my friend and I up and then later we received a formal invitation delivered to our room. So classy!
This event was held in Club Orange, HAL’s private dining area for premium luxury passengers. Normally to enjoy Club Orange you would need to pay an additional $25 per person per day on cruises up to 13 days. I got to try it out, no extra charge!
Sail Away Cocktails
A great way to stay within your budget is to take advantage of HAL’s complimentary Sail Away Cocktails. I suggest being ready poolside just before you leave your last port, so you can snag one.
I opted for a fruity Bahama Mama. There were also huge glasses of beer, sangria and other cocktails. I suggest grabbing your drink and immediately heading for the elevators as it can get a bit chaotic. People go crazy for anything that’s free! Especially drinks!
High Tea
A lovely surprise offering was HAL’s High Tea on our first at sea day. I love a good high tea. It all started with my first trip to England where I tasted scones and clotted cream for the first time on the gorgeous grounds of Blenheim Palace. Nothing makes you feel classier than taking afternoon tea.
HAL offered what tasted to me like a scrumptious orange pekoe tea and brought around a three tiered tray of tea sandwiches, small pastries and scones. Hal also offered an afternoon tea on the other at sea days.
I hope you enjoyed T-Rex’s tour of the drinks available on HAL’s Niew Statemdam! Safe travels wherever you are going next!