Traveling Light! - Can you?

Racquel with her backpack and carryon

In todays travels where almost all airlines charges for luggage and weight of luggage, traveling light has taken on more importance in travel planning. Gone are the days when we would pack 2 checked luggage for a 5 day trip to the Caribbean since the luggage cost was also included in our ticket.  Well, that's the days of old!

Traveling light can make your travels more enjoyable and stress-free. Carrying a heavy bag can be tiring and can limit your mobility, making it difficult to enjoy your travels to the fullest. Here are some tips to help you pack light for your next trip:

1. Make a packing list: Before you start packing, make a list of the items you need for your trip. Consider the activities you'll be doing, the climate you'll be in, and the length of your stay. This will help you identify what's essential and what can be left behind.
   

   
   
   
2. Pack versatile clothing: Choose clothing that can be worn in multiple combinations, so you don't need to bring as many pieces. Pack neutral-colored items that can be dressed up or down, and layer clothing for versatility.
   
   

   
   

   

   Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

   
   
3. Leave the bulky items behind: Leave heavy items like books and extra pairs of shoes at home. Instead, bring a lightweight and portable electronic device to store your books, music, and other media.

   

   Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash

   
   
   
   
   
4. Utilize packing aids: Packing aids like compression bags and packing cubes can help you maximize your space and keep your clothes organized. They also make it easier to find what you need in your bag.
   
   
   
   
5. Limit your toiletries: Travel-sized toiletries are essential for packing light. Bring only what you need and opt for multi-use products like a shampoo-conditioner combo to save space.   
   
   
   
   
6. Consider renting or buying on arrival: Consider renting or buying items like a stroller or beach gear on arrival, instead of packing them. This can save you space and reduce the weight of your luggage.

Packing light just makes your travels more enjoyable and stress-free. By following these tips, you can pack everything you need while minimizing the weight and bulk of your luggage. Happy travels!

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10 Reasons to visit Morocco

Why you should visit Morocco? 

1. Rich Culture & History

2. Stunning Architecture

3. Delicious Cuisine

4. Beautiful Landscapes

5. Unique Shopping Experiences

6. Warm Hospitality

7. Awe-Inspiring Mosques

8. Relaxing Hammams

9. Thrilling Adventure Activities

10. Unforgettable Experiences

Rich culture and history: Morocco is a country rich in history and culture, with influences from Berbers, Arabs, and French. Visiting Morocco is like traveling back in time to the medieval era, with its stunning architecture and historical sites.

Stunning landscapes: Morocco boasts stunning landscapes, from the majestic Atlas Mountains to the endless sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. Whether you are an avid hiker or simply love taking in breathtaking views, Morocco is a must-visit destination.

Delicious cuisine: Moroccan cuisine is a fusion of Berber, Arab, and French flavors, with a focus on fresh ingredients and spices. From tangy tagines to flaky pastries, Moroccan food is a feast for the senses.

Friendly people: Moroccans are known for their hospitality and kindness, making it a welcoming and friendly destination for travelers. You’ll find that the people of Morocco are eager to share their culture and heritage with visitors.

Affordable: Morocco is an affordable destination for travelers, with many budget-friendly options for accommodation, food, and activities. This makes it a great option for those who want to travel and experience new cultures without breaking the bank.

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The beauty of Guatemala

Lake Atitlan, located in the Guatemalan highlands, is a breathtakingly beautiful destination that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in natural beauty, indigenous culture, and outdoor adventure. The lake is surrounded by three volcanoes and is known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, as well as its clear blue waters. Visitors can explore the traditional Mayan villages that surround the lake, each with its unique character and customs, and experience the vibrant culture of the region through food, art, and music.

Panajachel: Panajachel is the largest town on the shores of Lake Atitlan and serves as a hub for transportation, shopping, and dining. It's a great place to start your exploration of the lake, and visitors can take boat rides to other towns and villages from here.

San Pedro La Laguna: San Pedro La Laguna is a bustling and lively village with a bohemian vibe. It's popular with backpackers and offers plenty of budget-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and bars. The village is known for its Spanish language schools and its lively nightlife.

Santiago Atitlan: Santiago Atitlan is a traditional Mayan village known for its textile production and weaving cooperatives. Visitors can explore the village's narrow streets, visit the local market, and learn about the history and culture of the Tz'utujil people.

San Juan La Laguna: San Juan La Laguna is a peaceful and picturesque village known for its vibrant murals and art galleries. Visitors can learn about the traditional techniques used to create textiles, paintings, and ceramics, and purchase handmade crafts from local artisans.

Santa Cruz La Laguna: Santa Cruz La Laguna is a small and secluded village that can only be accessed by boat. It's a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Atitlan. Visitors can hike to the top of the village for stunning views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes.

San Marcos La Laguna: San Marcos La Laguna is a spiritual and wellness-focused village that attracts yoga enthusiasts and meditation practitioners from around the world. Visitors can take part in classes and workshops, indulge in spa treatments, and explore the village's beautiful gardens and natural hot springs.

 Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities, while those seeking relaxation can indulge in spa treatments or simply take in the serene surroundings. 

Lake Atitlan is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Let Laugh Travel Live start the planning on your next adventure today!

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Why You should Travel in 2023

 
Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. It exposes you to new cultures, landscapes, and ways of living. Whether you're embarking on a road trip, backpacking through Europe, or taking a cruise, the benefits of traveling are numerous and long-lasting.

Here are some reasons why you should start planning your next trip today:

1. Broadens your horizons: Traveling takes you out of your comfort zone and exposes you to new perspectives, beliefs, and values. This can help you broaden your understanding of the world and develop a more open-minded and tolerant outlook on life.

   

   Cenote Saamal in Mexico

   
   
2. Improves mental health: Travel can help reduce stress and boost mental wellness by providing a break from routine and a change of scenery. It allows you to step away from work, responsibilities, and the daily grind to focus on yourself and recharge.
   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   Cultural Dance of the Mayans

   
   
3. Enhances personal growth: Traveling forces you to step outside of your comfort zone and face new challenges, which can lead to significant personal growth. When you're traveling, you may be required to navigate unfamiliar environments, communicate with people who speak different languages, and try new foods and activities. These experiences help you build confidence and independence, and can help you develop a more resilient and adaptable attitude towards life.

   Traveling also offers a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of life. This can broaden your perspective and help you develop a more tolerant and open-minded outlook on the world. When you return home, you may find that you have a new appreciation for the cultural differences that make the world such a rich and diverse place.

   In addition, traveling can provide you with a sense of adventure and a feeling of accomplishment. Whether you're climbing a mountain, exploring a new city, or immersing yourself in a foreign culture, the experiences you have while traveling can give you a sense of purpose and a sense of pride in your abilities.Top of Form

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4. Strengthens relationships: Whether you're traveling solo, with family, friends, or a significant other, spending time in a new environment can strengthen your relationships and create lasting memories.

   

   Chichen Itza Pyramid

5. Provides a unique education: Traveling offers a unique form of education that goes beyond the traditional classroom experience. When you travel, you get the opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures, witness historical events and landmarks, and engage with local communities. This hands-on learning experience can bring history and culture to life, making it more meaningful and memorable than what you could learn from books or a screen.

6.  For example, visiting a historical site such as the Roman Colosseum in Italy, the Great Pyramids of Egypt or Chichen Itza in Mexico provides a tangible connection to the past that can be difficult to achieve through reading or watching documentaries. By experiencing these places first-hand, you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the history and culture that shaped our world.

    Additionally, traveling can also provide a unique education in the arts. By visiting museums, galleries, and cultural events, you can gain exposure to new forms of art, music, and architecture that you might not have encountered otherwise. This can broaden your cultural knowledge and deepen your appreciation for the arts.

   

   Cenote Saamal 

   
   
   

In conclusion, traveling is a life-changing experience that provides numerous benefits for your personal and professional growth. Whether you're exploring new cultures, learning about the world, or strengthening relationships, the experiences you have while traveling will enrich your life and stay with you for a lifetime.

Traveling broadens your horizons by exposing you to new perspectives and ways of life, and can help you develop a more open-minded and tolerant outlook. It improves your mental health by providing a break from routine and a change of scenery, and can enhance your personal growth by building confidence, independence, and adaptability. Traveling also strengthens relationships by providing opportunities for quality time and shared experiences, and provides a unique education by exposing you to different cultures, historical events, and art.

So, don't let fear or hesitation hold you back. Embrace the opportunities that travel provides and start planning your next adventure today. The benefits of traveling are endless and the memories you create will stay with you for a lifetime.

So, what are you waiting for? 

Let Laugh Travel Live start the planning on your next adventure today!

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Budget Travel in 2022

Is budget travel a thing of the past or is it still doable? How is it even possible in today’s economy?

There are many levels to budget traveling whether in one’s own country or outside of one’s country. For this article I will solely focus on budget travel outside of one’s own country as that is my niche.

Budget travel is still doable once you are willing to roll with the tides of restrictions: oftentimes a budget friendly fare (which with my experience and depending on the continent is always under $600 for me to even consider it a steal/deal) has restrictions such as specific dates for travel, no ticket changes, connecting flights, and/or length of time allowable to travel.

There is always a sale or error fares to somewhere around the globe. ALWAYS! The choice is up to you if you are flexible as the traveler. It is important to learn the peak seasons of places you wish to travel as often off-peak seasons are the cheapest. Not having any hang-ups about specific countries or travel time broadens the pickings for budget travelers like myself.

Also important in booking budget trips is that once a ticket is on sale or the infamous "error fare" is posted, there is a limited time to book. My recommendation is always “book” the ticket as most platforms have a twenty-four hour cancellation policy. Since I do not have a specific time nor country I want to travel to, as long as a sale fare is available that passes the Laugh Travel Live budget steal/deal, I am booking it.

To recap:

1. Be open to travel on the times allotted for cheap fares

2. Be open to travel to the countries that have sales fares available

3. Book ASAP, preferably within twenty-four hours of finding an exceptionally cheap ticket

Share below your experience of any budget-friendly trips you have been on!

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5 Tips to Stay Safe as a Female Solo Traveler

I have had many friends and acquaintances throughout the years ask me, "How do you travel so often as a solo traveler," or, "Aren't you afraid? How do you stay safe?" Well, thanks for asking! Below are my personal top five tips in staying safe while traveling to any unfamiliar location:

1. Hotel/Airbnb - I always thoroughly research the area in which I will stay based upon my chosen activities, as that will heavily determine my hotel/Airbnb. This is because I prefer staying as close as possible to activities and/or walking distance to shopping, restaurants, etc. This has the added benefit of keeping you close to public areas and places with high-foot traffic, ensuring that people are around should anything go wrong and deterring others from committing any wrongdoings.

2. Excursions - I only book shared excursions through platforms such as Viator, TripAdvisor etc. Doing this ensures that I am not alone on an excursion in a country I am not familiar with.

3. Airport pick-up/drop-off - I always use a third party airport pick-up and drop-off service such as Uber/Taxi. (You can check my link for affiliates that I partner with for cool deals on Laugh Travel Live )

4. Location sharing - I have a trusted group that includes my family and friends that always have my location via Google location sharing. This feature is permanently on whether I am in or out of the country so that they know my location at all times.  

5. Sharing my daily itinerary - I share my daily activities with my trusted group and keep in touch throughout the day.

Doing these five simple things aids greatly in my safety and keeps my family and friends at ease, knowing that I am okay as I traverse through a new country.

What are your safety mechanisms when you travel? Share below some of the things you do so that we can learn from one another.

Stay tuned for more tips and tricks as a solo traveler! If you have suggestions on more topics to cover, leave your suggestions below.

                                                    Antigua, Guatemala - ATV Excursion 

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2020 Travel in Review

2020 Travel in Review... 

What a year it was! .. 

Despite what has happened throughout the year I started out strong with the 1st trip in January to Cartengena Colombia 🇨🇴 and I absolutely loved it. My favorite part was visiting San Basilio de Palenque the first freed black town.. 

My 2nd trip was in February on a steal of deal by Delta to Belgium Brussel 🇧🇪 then took the train to Cologne Germany 🇩🇪 and Amsterdam Netherlands 🇳🇱.  This trip end up being a solo trip and I had fun criss crossing Europe.  I will have to tell the story one day of how I almost missed my train to Amsterdam being at the wrong train station in Brussels. 😅😂

My 3rd trip was in March just as Covid started being a real thing on the news and all countries taking it serious except for the 🇺🇸...boy oh boy a steaaaaaallll of a deal to El Salvador 🇸🇻 we got.  Learned  a lot about their volcanoes and all the activities of it.  My favorite tho was learning about the Mayan and seeing all they built. Those people were short but little geniuses.

My 4th trip was in November after a long hiatus due to covid we got another steal of a deal to Antigua 🇦🇬 .  What a beautiful getaway it was .. Followed all the protocols to go and come back covid free. Life was for Living even more because I even tried doing some activity out of my element.   Those who know me, knows i don't like certain activities.  I will pay to go to the activity but won't take part..  i nominate myself to be the resident picture lady 😆  but not this time i actually  went in the water at the stingray village experience for 3 HOT HOT HOT minutes 😆 🤣 😂. 

My 5th and final trip was to the land of my birth Jamaica 🇯🇲.   Just a quick retreat, did some much needed business, got my hair done and seeing family ... it was a good vibe.  Jamaica is always a vibe.  The best part is the food 😋 you just can't get enough.

2020 has reinforce for me that LIVING intentionally is a MUST.  I am not sure how you choose to live but however you do make sure it fulfills you.  

I love hopping around the globe, it honestly makes my heart sings to learn and see other cultures, especially  the people on how much we are alike than apart.. 

My hope and wish  for 2021 is to stay present in all situation and LAUGH,  TRAVEL and most importantly LIVE! 

#laughtravellive #caribbeangirl #onelifetolive #livinglifegolden #2020memories #2021ready