My Beautiful Adventures

Ask Andi Anything + Giveaway (Part 3)

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Andi Perullo de Ledesma

Almost every day I am asked interesting questions from all over the world and I thought I would start sharing my responses to them, along with travel related giveaways. I love questions, thus please feel free to ask me anything in the comments or send me a private message if you prefer.

Q11. If you could travel to one city for breakfast, one for lunch, another for dinner, and of course another for dessert, where would you go and what would you eat?

A11. This is probably my favorite question asked thus far since I love to eat! For breakfast, I would travel to Brasil. Brasilians know the importance of a good breakfast, which usually includes: omelets, fresh fruit and juice, cheeses, cakes, breads, strong coffee, and more. For lunch, I would travel to Italy for endless bowls of homemade pasta and as much wine as I could drink. For dinner, I would travel to Spain for a late night filled with tapas and cava. Finally, for dessert, I would travel to Argentina for a huge scoop of dulce de leche ice cream.

Q12. You are the pro at making a long-distance relationship work! Any tips?

A12. I honestly do not know how I survived a six year long-distance relationship? After a day of work now, I miss my husband so much that my heart aches and I count the seconds until I can see him again! Having said that, with love all things are possible and I wrote a very personal post about how to survive long-distance relationships here.

Q13. Where is your favorite island nation?

A13. I have a serious problem with falling in love with every island I visit and I simply cannot pick a favorite! I was recently in Bermuda and the Turks and Caicos and I left a piece of my heart in both places. I also have an affinity for New Caledonia and Cuba, as well as Ibiza and Easter Island (although I know the latter are not technically considered island nations).

Q14. Do you prefer traveling solo, or with your husband? Why?

A14. Absolutely traveling with my husband! I spent my 20′s exploring the world solo and those experiences made me the person I am today. I think everyone, especially women, should travel solo at least once in their lifetime to a country where they do not speak the language. I am so grateful that I followed my heart and traveled by myself, however traveling with my husband is the most extraordinary experience. He is by far my favorite travel partner and definitely enriches traveling for me (plus, he carries my luggage and heavy camera gear).

Q15. If you had to give up practicing Chinese Medicine or traveling around the world, which would you give up?

A15. I think I might surprise some people with my answer, but I would give up traveling around the world. As much joy as it brings me, healing people is my true calling in life. I find it more fulfilling to help someone with their health problems than to cross off something from my Bucket List. Nevertheless, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I never have to make that heartbreaking choice!

For this giveaway I am offering the chance to win a brand-new Robdechi Pearson Air Hoodie. This inflatable hybrid hooded air scarf is destined to make flying a much more comfortable experience by supporting your neck, keeping you warm, and it has pockets where you can place important and essential items inside for a quick reach if needed. The pattern of the scarf is pictured below and you can find out more information about it here.

It can also be worn like this:

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Guest Post: Glamping — Enjoy The Great Outdoors In Comfort

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Guest Author

For those who are newbies when it comes to glamping — glamorous plus camping — this is the way to enjoy the great outdoors without losing your beauty sleep. Also known as luxury camping, boutique camping, comfy camping, or posh camping, glamping allows intrepid travelers who are fond of experiencing the marvels of nature to do so without the unnecessary hassle of searching for camping space, the burden of carrying tents, and the tedious business of erecting and taking down their own tents.

Glamping guys and gals head for the best luxury campgrounds and the most fabulous resorts, making sure they have the hottest and newest gear and gadgets to hand. Favorites include five-star amenities complete with spa facilities and gourmet dining; there is no need these days to sacrifice a high-end lifestyle when going on a safari!

There Is No Place Like Home

Even better than home, lodgings at glampsites come in a wide range of choices and cost from a modest $50 to thousands of greenbacks per night, depending on the added extras. Top picks for glamping sites offer wonderful amenities such as ensuite washrooms, fresh bed linens, private verandas, and an excellent food service — all provided to enhance the enjoyment of luxury outdoor living.

Yurts are cool circular tents made from felt or skins positioned on a collapsible framework. They are the traditional homes of nomads in Turkey, Siberia, and Mongolia. For an alternative ethnic experience the US varieties are teepees or tipis; conical tents made of canvas, cloth, or skins on a frame of poles, as used by American Indians of the Plains and Great Lakes regions. Then there are the iconic Airstream trailers, distinctive luxury recreational vehicles with rounded aluminum bodies, often fitted out with wood paneling, carpeting, leather chairs, television, and DVD players. What is not to love?

Kinnikinnick Farm

The best way to get a kick out of the natural environment is to leave the city and the Chicago hotels to enjoy bivouacking in a luxury tent at friendly Kinnikinnick Farm near Chicago, which has a fabulous glamping site.

An organic, working farm Kinnikinnick is small and family-run and offers the opportunity to participate in farm work or to just sit back and enjoy watching family members do the seasonal chores. Besides wonderful organic vegetables, many grown from seed direct from Italy, the farm raises its own chickens that supply delicious wholesome eggs, has a small herd of sheep, some hogs, a Nubian milk goat, and several family pets.

Named for the stream that runs through the farmland, Kinnikinnick is a snug, fertile oasis in the gently undulating hills of North Illinois. This is tranquility personified for those who want to relax, great bike country for explorers, and fun for kids who love to ramble in the nearby woods. Where else can they build forts, battle with squirt and soaker guns, wallow in a giant sandbox, and take part in the weekly Kinnikinnick treasure hunt?

Civilization is not far away if required. Choose from live music performances, village festivals, county fairs and farm auctions, local history museum exhibits, and summer theater. Above all, however you pass your time, enjoy the glamping experience!

Ten Thrifty Tips For A Cheap Las Vegas Vacation

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Andi Perullo de Ledesma

Traveling to Las Vegas can be expensive, but it does not need to break the bank. With a little thriftiness and savvy spending, it is possible to have a perfect Las Vegas vacation that will not leave you full of regret on the plane ride home. At least not because you spent all your money! Following these ten simple tips will ensure that you spend as little cash as possible on your next cheap Las Vegas vacation:

1. Use hotel promotions: Booking your hotel room is the first and possibly the most expensive part of your travel. The good news is that all of the most popular Las Vegas hotels offer promo codes year round that feature discounted rooms, suite upgrades, show tickets, spa credits, complimentary breakfast, and more. If you book a Las Vegas hotel room without taking advantage of a promo code then you are already starting your vacation off on the wrong foot. Even if you are not interested in buffets or Cirque du Soleil, saving money on your room just means you will have more to spend out on the town.

Las Vegas, Nevada

2. Read a map prior to travel: Some Las Vegas hotels are conveniently located at the center of the Strip, while others not so much. It is possible to commit to walking everywhere from your chosen Las Vegas hotel, but at least familiarize yourself with a map of the city. For example, someone who wants to see the Bellagio Fountains each night would not want to book a room at the Stratosphere. Identify the spots you really want to spend time at and book a nearby hotel to eliminate transportation costs. If you must travel around Sin City, take advantage of free Las Vegas transportation.

3. Stay focused at McCarran: It is widely recognized that some of the worst odds in Las Vegas can be found at McCarran International Airport. If you are traveling to Vegas by plane, avoid the temptation to play the slots in your terminal and save your pennies and nickels for better odds on the Vegas Strip or downtown.

Las Vegas, Nevada

4. Cash-in on casino comps: If you are planning on gambling in Las Vegas, make sure that you are at a casino gratuitous with comps. Getting free drinks with the chance of a jackpot is enough to make anyone giddy. Maintain enough of your wits to gamble and be sure to tip the cocktail waitresses and you could end up drinking for free all night! Plus, if you save money on the drinks then you will have more money to spend on online casino games once you return home.

5. Skip the nightclubs: Paying a cover to get into a nightclub is a surefire way to have an expensive night in Las Vegas, since after the cover you will still have to buy all your own drinks. Unless you are a total babe, that is. There are plenty of lounges and bars that are lively enough each night of the week. Plus, these are the places that will have killer happy hour specials that will save you even more money. Skip out on the sweaty body rubbing and post up at a cheaper Las Vegas bar.

6. Practice booze budgeting: Budgeting your money in Las Vegas is important if you plan on drinking, however it should really be practiced no matter what your purpose for travel is. Having a plan of how much money you can afford to spend on meals, booze, attractions, and the like will keep you aware of where you stand financially and will allow you to spend money responsibly in Las Vegas. Of course, it is easy to get carried away once you have started, but at least you can say you tried.

7. Strippers are expensive: This one probably goes hand in hand with number six. Strip clubs, for men and women, can turn into a ridiculously expensive affair. For those looking to spend as little money as possible in Las Vegas, strip clubs can be a disaster area. Stay away from money vacuums or budget yourself accordingly.

8. Internet is too: Perhaps not so surprisingly, many Las Vegas hotels do not offer free wireless internet access or they include it in a hidden nightly resort fee that will really perturb you when you check out. If the hotel you are looking at offers complimentary wireless internet, check if they charge a resort fee. Internet can be an expensive amenity in Las Vegas. Decide if you will need it or not as part of your hotel booking process.

9. Free is better: Not everything in Las Vegas is shiny and expensive! Okay, most things are at least shiny. It is true that the majority of shows and attractions are expensive, but there are also a wide variety of free things in Las Vegas. During the day, learn to play a casino game for free at your Las Vegas hotel or take a walk around the Flamingo’s Wildlife Habitat to kill time. At night check out free light shows like the Bellagio Fountains or Fremont Street Experience. Exploring the internet before you travel will give you a good idea of where to be and when for free fun.

10. Avoid hotel gift shops: Avoid Las Vegas hotel gift shops like the plague since they are guaranteed to be very overpriced. Do not feel bad if you head home souvenir-less. There is always next time!

Ask Andi Anything + Giveaway (Part 2)

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Andi Perullo de Ledesma

Q6. Any negatives about Argentina?

A6. The thing I dislike the most about my adopted second home is the time in which most people eat dinner. I grew up eating dinner every night at 6:30PM. When I moved to New York City for Graduate School I begrudgingly began eating at 8PM to accommodate my friends. However, most Argentineans do not sit down to eat until 11PM and there have been many occasions where I have even eaten after midnight. This has been the hardest thing for my Argentinean husband to adapt to now that he is living in the United States. Other than that, how can you find anything negative about a country where it is normal to see people dancing tango in the streets? Okay, maybe the traffic there drives me a little crazy sometimes too!

Q7. What was your worst experience during your travels?

A7. Despite my undying love for travel, I have had some horrible moments on the road. Nonetheless, I strongly believe that in order to experience and appreciate the best of life you have to experience the worst as well. I think the worst was in Madrid, Spain. I had just come from the train station where I had purchased tickets to Toledo, when I realized that my wallet and brand new camera had been stolen from my purse while I was on the subway on New Year’s Eve. Inside my wallet, which I had bought the day before with my Christmas money at Prada, were the train tickets, my beloved passport, my money, my license, and my credit cards. I think I lost about $2,000 that day, plus all of my priceless photos. I definitely learned to be more aware of my surroundings after that.

Q8. If you could change three things about your wedding what would they be?

A8. I would have had my Grandparents there (they were not in good enough health to fly), I would have had pink peonies as my bouquet (they were impossible to find in Buenos Aires that time of the year), and I would not have stressed out as much I did on the Big Day (all that really matters at the end of the day is the marriage, not the wedding).

Q9. What country were you the most nervous about visiting? When you arrived how did you feel?

A9. Without a doubt Cuba, simply because I was sneaking into the country illegally and the penalty of getting caught can be either a hefty fine or jail time. Thankfully, I did not get caught, but I did experience some major nerves passing through customs going and coming.

Q10. If you have visitors coming to your hometown for the day, where do you take them?

A10. It really depends on what time of the year it is, but a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina would absolutely require a dinner at my Dad’s restaurant the Cajun Queen. It is the best food in the Queen City, plus there is live jazz! I would also take visitors for a stroll in our lovely Uptown with a stop at the Mint Museum and drinks at the Ritz Carlton.

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Guest Post: Which Greek Island Suits You?

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Andi Perullo de Ledesma

With more than two thousand Greek Islands to choose from, no wonder it is a hard decision. But like all holiday destinations, knowing how you want to spend your time helps you to choose the right one for you.

Crete

This island is the largest of the Greek islands. Its main town Malia is a party-loving destination, which is as hedonistic as Ibiza. If that is what you are looking for that is fine, but if not, there are many other Crete attractions for you to explore. Some beautiful beaches, mountains, and amazing gorges for starters. In fact, Samaria Gorge is the biggest in Europe. Great if you want to enjoy some hiking. The trail here is a manageable ten miles. Rather you than us! A trip to Knossos Palace will woo those who like a bit of history with their holiday. It dates back to the ancient Minoan civilization.

Rhodes

This island nestles into the Turkish coastline and boasts a mild climate all year round. If you are choosing it for your cheap or all-inclusive holiday this year, it has lots going on. Rhodes Old Town is only part of the story for history buffs. Lindos, a pretty mountain town, has its own Acropolis, which is worth the climb. There are plenty of other ancient sites to discover on the island too. But, of course, it is a holiday and you will be looking for great beaches and probably some nightlife. You will not be disappointed. Faliraki is party central on Rhodes, so head there if you are looking for constant fun. If something more chilled out and relaxing is your preference, then check out the beaches. Faliraki Beach is busy, yet beautiful, and Ixia Beach is great for surfing. Prassonissi Beach is favored by wind surfers at the height of summer. It has two sandy coves and an island that is close enough to swim or walk to depending on the tide. One of the best beaches is Tsambika, which is calm with beautiful turquoise waters and golden sands. Wish you were there?

Kos

Kos is close enough to Rhodes and to Bodrum in Turkey for a day trip by boat. That is if you can tear yourself away from this gorgeous island. If you stay put, there are great beaches and lots of historic sites to visit. See the Temple of Asclepeion near to Kos Town, where Hippocrates practiced the first medicine, or the ancient market ruins, which are in the town’s center. Tigaki Beach has ten kilometers of white sand and shallow waters, thus it is great for families. Kefalos claims the most stunning beach on the island, whilst the long beach nearby, Exotic (to give it its common name), has everything you need to enjoy some calm, relaxing time in the sun.

Whichever Greek island you choose for your cheap or all-inclusive break, we know you will love it!