In need of a fabulous vacay? These tips will help you stretch your coins and get more out of your next getaway.
Looking for a luxe vacation on a budget? Maybe you’ve decided to throw caution to the wind and become a digital nomad. The biggest obstacle to turning your travel dreams into a reality is a spending plan.
If you’re looking for ways to maximize your travel funds – or stay on the road as long as possible – read on. These tips will help you stretch your coins and get more out of your getaway.
Shop the deal, not the destination.
Most of us, when deciding on a vacation destination, start by narrowing down the list of places we’d like to visit. Once we’ve settled on a locale, we then search for flights, hotels, activities, and tours.
If you want your dollars to take your further in our big, wide world, try doing the opposite. Start by searching for deals anywhere.
Be open to locations you might not have considered for a getaway. Most travel sites like Google Flights and Momondo now have the option to “Explore Anywhere” by date.
There are tons of interesting destinations to explore – from major tourist hubs to off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. Choose a destination by cost to value and watch your travel fund take you further.
Grab a great travel credit card.
Before you hit the road, grab a credit card that will protect you as you travel and reward you for your purchases. Cards like the American Express Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire line – both Preferred and Reserve – offer great rewards points rates and the ability to transfer points to hotels and airlines.
Add their purchase protection policies, travel insurance, and lack of foreign transaction fees, and they’ll prove to be useful tools in your travel arsenal.
Make airport navigation a breeze.
If you’ve ever been through a busy airport, you know how important it is to be efficient and minimize stress.
Today, there are tons of modern programs designed to help you navigate security and arrive at your gate worry-free. If you haven’t applied for TSA PreCheck, this is your sign. Having a Known Traveler Number is a strong value-add for any girl on the go.
You’ll enter security through a dedicated lane where wait times are often significantly shorter than the general security lines. Better still, there’s no requirement to remove your shoes or electronics. The $85 fee gives you access for five years, and many top-tier credit cards now cover the cost.
Traveler Pro-tip: If you travel internationally, apply for the Global Entry program instead of TSA PreCheck. Global Entry gives you access to a dedicated re-entry lane when returning from any trip abroad and includes TSA PreCheck. The application fee is $100, and approval also lasts for five years.
Add a little luxe with lounge access.
Have you ever felt like you needed a vacation after your vacation? It’s no surprise – travel can be stressful, and long days spent in terminals surrounded by strangers can be daunting. That’s where lounge access comes in.
Once thought to only be accessible to the business class traveler or the wealthy, lounges have become far more popular in recent years. Partnerships between major airlines and high-end credit card merchants have made the lounge experience more egalitarian than ever.
If you’re looking to relax away from the crowds in the main terminal, a lounge visit may be ideal. Most offer a reasonable food spread, beverage options and more comfortable seating than the main public areas. Some add on rest areas, massages, showers, and other specialty amenities.
Ready to luxuriate in the lounge before your next flight? Check your credit cards to see if you have complimentary Priority Pass membership.
It will give you access to hundreds of lounges around the world. If not, the American Express Platinum card offers Priority Pass and access to its global network of Centurion Lounges.
If membership isn’t available through a credit card, check your ticket type. Many business-class or above tickets include complimentary lounge access.
Some airline lounges also offer day passes for purchase. Be sure to check online for availability before arrival.
However you choose to access a lounge, your trip is bound to a bit more comfy because of it.
Pre-purchase airport transport.
While we recommend experiencing local public transport in the cities you visit, trying to grab a bus after a flight is not the time to do it. Public transport to and from an airport can be challenging – especially if you don’t speak the language.
Put your mind at ease by pre-arranging your airport to hotel transfer. If your accommodations offer an airport shuttle, take advantage.
Otherwise, research transfer options and book prior to arriving. If you make your hotel reservations through a 3rd party booking provider, you’ll often be offered a transfer deal on the confirmation page. Keep an eye out for it.
Become elite (with your favorite hotels).
An easy way to enjoy luxe perks on your next trip is to achieve elite status with your favorite hotel group. Every program is free to join, and you receive credit toward elite status with every affiliated hotel stay.
Why Elite Status Matters
Becoming an elite guest of your favorite hotel group gives you access to additional amenities and features not usually offered to the average guest. Status can give you early/late checkout, complimentary breakfast or dining credit, club level access, bonus points toward free future stays and much more.
If you’re not signed up with all the hotels you regularly visit, do it today. Right now.
You deserve the most bang for your buck when planning a vacation.
In a world where prices seem to be increasing by the day, the luxury of travel may feel out of reach. It doesn’t have to be. If you implement a few of these tips, your travel dollars will take you further.
GO! There’s nothing -including money – stopping you.
Looking for tips on solo travel? Check out Bankable for more.
We Came Together, We Leave Together: How to Survive a Girls’ Trip
TrendingHow a Girls’ Trip to Cabo Sparked a Very Necessary Conversation about Finances and Friendship
Unless you’ve been under a social media rock, you’ve seen the recent bombardment of posts about the #cabogirlstrip. As the story goes, a group of young women set off for the idyllic destination to celebrate the birthday of a girl in their friend group.
The saga of Kaleah Denise, Nutella, and Nunu has kept the internet ablaze over the past several days.
Despite the best intentions, the trip got off to a rocky start due to financial disagreements between a few girls who didn’t know each other well.
It seems it was all downhill from there.
The posts began spreading like wildfire before the trip even ended and the frenzy only grew after the crew returned and more girls added their perspective.
Even though it’s been reported that much of the original story was…unreliable at best, the incident has inspired conversation across the web about finances, expectations, and the bonds of friendship on girls’ trips.
If you’re planning a girls’ trip and you prefer fun in the sun to fussing over finances, here are a few tips to ensure your friend group comes back intact.
Keep the group tight.
If you have a wide circle of friends, it’s natural to want to introduce them and hope everyone hits it off. A girls’ trip is not the place for said intros. The best travel partners are those who know each other well in advance, get along, and understand each other’s lifestyles and travel tastes.
No one wants to be stuck with a girl she doesn’t vibe with for a week.
Stick to this rule: No new friends on girls’ trips.
Ladies, leave your man at home.
This should go without saying, but it’s called a girls’ trip for a reason – no boys (or baes) allowed. If your bestie can’t stand to be separated from her new boo – physically or virtually – this isn’t the trip for her. Partners (of either gender) should not be included on a girls’ trip.
The presence of a couple will ruin the dynamic of the group, and often puts a damper on excursions and activities. Sweethearts are for couples’ trips only.
Travel in your tax bracket.
Social media has conditioned us to think that every black girls’ trip is a luxury getaway where the girls cash out like Griselda Blanco. That simply isn’t the case.
Communicating the style of trip (luxury, mid-range, budget-friendly, etc.) and an estimated budget is key to a friction-free girls’ trip. Let your friends decide how much they can splash out to be included in the fun. If someone can’t tag along on the baller trips, don’t make them feel shame for it, either.
Talk travel styles before you take off.
If you and your crew have decided this girls’ trip is worth the trouble, your group chat should be humming. More important than what getaway outfits you’re packing is clear communication about your group’s preferred travel styles.
People view vacations differently. Some want to spend all day relaxing with a cocktail by the pool. Others want to mix it up with the locals and see all the hottest sights. Some love a packed itinerary. Others hate it.
Looking for a luxury getaway? Start your search with this fabulous SE Asia hotel.
Do you know your girls?
The quickest way to ruin what could be a fabulous girls’ getaway is mismatched travel expectations. Before you book anything, talk it out.
Communicate the potential plans and activities in advance. Allow your friends to decide if the itinerary and style of travel is a fit for them.
If some girls decide the itinerary isn’t their style, but they choose to come hang out anyway, be graceful with those who skip a few excursions. Your group will thank you for it.
We came together; we leave together.
Every Black girl who’s ever spent a night out with her crew knows this adage. For the sake of safety and camaraderie, it goes back as far as time.
The same applies when traveling away from home.
No matter how wild, heated, or frustrated the group gets, you need to stick together and look out for one another. When you’re in an unfamiliar place far from home, your girls are all you’ve got.
Never let petty squabbles put any of your friends in harm’s way.
Even if you discover that the relationship is no longer viable after the trip, your number one priority must be that the entire group make it home safely.
We’ve seen and heard too many stories of vibrant, young Black women who travel together and someone doesn’t make it back. Don’t let that be you – or anyone you know.
Whatever the issue, your safety matters more.
Do your best. Don’t stress the rest.
No matter your intentions, sometimes girls’ trips don’t go to plan. Social media is littered with horror stories of broken friendships and travel misunderstandings.
Even though you may not be able to avoid every mishap on your next girls’ adventure, these tips will help you and your crew get along and – hopefully – make it home unscathed.
If not, just try to keep it off social media.
Cheers to a summer of fun and memories – without the frustration.
Have you ever survived a girls’ trip gone wrong? Give us your tips in the comments!
Cash Me If You Can: The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Wallet Smart Travel
On the MoneyIn need of a fabulous vacay? These tips will help you stretch your coins and get more out of your next getaway.
Looking for a luxe vacation on a budget? Maybe you’ve decided to throw caution to the wind and become a digital nomad. The biggest obstacle to turning your travel dreams into a reality is a spending plan.
If you’re looking for ways to maximize your travel funds – or stay on the road as long as possible – read on. These tips will help you stretch your coins and get more out of your getaway.
Shop the deal, not the destination.
Most of us, when deciding on a vacation destination, start by narrowing down the list of places we’d like to visit. Once we’ve settled on a locale, we then search for flights, hotels, activities, and tours.
If you want your dollars to take your further in our big, wide world, try doing the opposite. Start by searching for deals anywhere.
Be open to locations you might not have considered for a getaway. Most travel sites like Google Flights and Momondo now have the option to “Explore Anywhere” by date.
There are tons of interesting destinations to explore – from major tourist hubs to off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. Choose a destination by cost to value and watch your travel fund take you further.
Grab a great travel credit card.
Before you hit the road, grab a credit card that will protect you as you travel and reward you for your purchases. Cards like the American Express Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire line – both Preferred and Reserve – offer great rewards points rates and the ability to transfer points to hotels and airlines.
Add their purchase protection policies, travel insurance, and lack of foreign transaction fees, and they’ll prove to be useful tools in your travel arsenal.
Make airport navigation a breeze.
If you’ve ever been through a busy airport, you know how important it is to be efficient and minimize stress.
Today, there are tons of modern programs designed to help you navigate security and arrive at your gate worry-free. If you haven’t applied for TSA PreCheck, this is your sign. Having a Known Traveler Number is a strong value-add for any girl on the go.
You’ll enter security through a dedicated lane where wait times are often significantly shorter than the general security lines. Better still, there’s no requirement to remove your shoes or electronics. The $85 fee gives you access for five years, and many top-tier credit cards now cover the cost.
Traveler Pro-tip: If you travel internationally, apply for the Global Entry program instead of TSA PreCheck. Global Entry gives you access to a dedicated re-entry lane when returning from any trip abroad and includes TSA PreCheck. The application fee is $100, and approval also lasts for five years.
Add a little luxe with lounge access.
Have you ever felt like you needed a vacation after your vacation? It’s no surprise – travel can be stressful, and long days spent in terminals surrounded by strangers can be daunting. That’s where lounge access comes in.
Once thought to only be accessible to the business class traveler or the wealthy, lounges have become far more popular in recent years. Partnerships between major airlines and high-end credit card merchants have made the lounge experience more egalitarian than ever.
If you’re looking to relax away from the crowds in the main terminal, a lounge visit may be ideal. Most offer a reasonable food spread, beverage options and more comfortable seating than the main public areas. Some add on rest areas, massages, showers, and other specialty amenities.
Ready to luxuriate in the lounge before your next flight? Check your credit cards to see if you have complimentary Priority Pass membership.
It will give you access to hundreds of lounges around the world. If not, the American Express Platinum card offers Priority Pass and access to its global network of Centurion Lounges.
If membership isn’t available through a credit card, check your ticket type. Many business-class or above tickets include complimentary lounge access.
Some airline lounges also offer day passes for purchase. Be sure to check online for availability before arrival.
However you choose to access a lounge, your trip is bound to a bit more comfy because of it.
Pre-purchase airport transport.
While we recommend experiencing local public transport in the cities you visit, trying to grab a bus after a flight is not the time to do it. Public transport to and from an airport can be challenging – especially if you don’t speak the language.
Put your mind at ease by pre-arranging your airport to hotel transfer. If your accommodations offer an airport shuttle, take advantage.
Otherwise, research transfer options and book prior to arriving. If you make your hotel reservations through a 3rd party booking provider, you’ll often be offered a transfer deal on the confirmation page. Keep an eye out for it.
Become elite (with your favorite hotels).
An easy way to enjoy luxe perks on your next trip is to achieve elite status with your favorite hotel group. Every program is free to join, and you receive credit toward elite status with every affiliated hotel stay.
Why Elite Status Matters
Becoming an elite guest of your favorite hotel group gives you access to additional amenities and features not usually offered to the average guest. Status can give you early/late checkout, complimentary breakfast or dining credit, club level access, bonus points toward free future stays and much more.
If you’re not signed up with all the hotels you regularly visit, do it today. Right now.
You deserve the most bang for your buck when planning a vacation.
In a world where prices seem to be increasing by the day, the luxury of travel may feel out of reach. It doesn’t have to be. If you implement a few of these tips, your travel dollars will take you further.
GO! There’s nothing -including money – stopping you.
Looking for tips on solo travel? Check out Bankable for more.
Fine Dining. Fine Details. Dinner at Tanaman, Bali
A Matter of TasteVegan fine dining is a bit of a brass ring.
There are a few hallowed eateries that do it well in the States, like Eleven Madison Park in New York, Shojin in LA, or the now shuttered Candle 79, but options can be far more limited when traveling abroad.
As one would imagine, the culinary heritage of the island of Bali emphasizes seafood and a variety of meats. Dishes like Nasi Campur boast everything from chicken to fish, but there are a surprisingly number of outlets offering plant-based versions.
Bali’s Blossoming Vegan Food Scene
Image courtesy of the establishment.
In areas like Seminyak, Ubud, and Canggu, vegan restaurants are springing up to meet the demand of uncompromising, health- focused travelers. One staple of the community is Tanaman, a pure, plant-based offering from the world-famous Potato Head Beach Club.
Located inside the main structure of the club, Tanaman delights the senses with rich teak wood furnishings and rustic linens. The vibe is distinctly tropical, punctuated with the restraint and elegance often associated with Asian design.
Once seated, the scope of the restaurant become clear. This is an establishment clearly planned with style and sustainability in mind. The use of natural materials is front and center, and the live trees throughout usher nature into the dining experience.
The New Fusion: New Twists on Classic Dishes
Menu offerings include fresh twists on Indonesian classics and innovative fusion- style dishes influenced by the culinary richness of the region.
Tanaman offers a nine-course tasting menu which was unavailable on the evening of my visit.
On the recommendation of the host, I opted for the bayam (spinach chips) and sate jamur (wood ear mushroom satay).
Bayam is a traditional street food in Indonesia, and Tanaman’s modern twist on it offers a fresh way of consuming the hearty dish. Spinach leaves are lightly battered and fried crisp and dusted with a pungent curry powder.
The sate jamur, a plant-based alternative to the plethora of meat sates on offer in Bali, was hearty and lived up to its counterparts.
Presented on wooden skewers, the mushrooms were charred and smoky, with hints of sweetness from the basting sauce.
Though both dishes were nice introductions to the restaurant, they lacked the depth I hoped for. Similar dishes from hometown warungs, small traditional restaurants, offer more poignant flavors. The flavor profiles were adequate, but there was no wow factor. Given that Tanaman is a small-plate style restaurant, perhaps the tasting menu offers a fuller sensory experience.
In terms of value, dishes are priced on par with high-end casual fare in the area, which is significantly higher than more local eateries nearby. If you can catch the set tasting menu on Friday or Saturday, Tanaman offers a worthwhile look into high-end vegan Indonesian cuisine.
If you’re visiting Potato Head during your time in Bali, Tanaman is a good way to top off a day of sun, friends, and fun. Pop up for the Friday or Saturday tasting seatings and you’re golden. If you’re looking for a more traditional fine experience for date night or a special occasion, consider Aperitif or Mozaic.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Revisiting a Classic at 30,000 ft.: The Richest Man in Babylon
Art & Culture, The ShelfThis 1920s tome has become a cult classic among the wealth-minded and financially savvy.
Depending on your style of travel, you do one of three things while flying: watch movies, read, or sleep.
For the bibliophiles among us, we’d like to suggest a classic read that’s good for the mind and the wallet – George S. Clason’s The Richest Man in Babylon.
What started out as a series of educational pamphlets distributed by banks in the 1920s has become a cult classic among the wealth-minded and financially savvy.
Still in print today, the book gives powerful financial lessons through a series of vignettes, similar to parables, about wealthy Babylonian merchant Arkad and two young men who aspire to create their own fortunes.
Explore its pages to learn Arkad’s story, his “Seven Cures for a Lean Purse” and the “Five Laws of Gold.”
If you only implement the first Cure, you’ll have gotten your money’s worth from the tale.
At 144 pages, the book is short enough to finish on a long-haul flight with time to spare – and chock full of smart money moves.
Next time you take to the friendly skies, bring along a copy, and you’ll be (mentally) richer by the time you deplane.
5 out of 5 stars.
Grab Your Copy Now
It’s Our Pleasure: Celebrating Life at the St. Regis Bangkok
TravelInside Bangkok’s Best Classic Hotel
Have you ever visited a hotel that felt like home? From the moment you stepped inside, every need was taken care of, and you not only felt welcome, but wanted.
That is the spirit of the St. Regis Hotel Bangkok.
I decided to pay them a visit to celebrate my most recent birthday. The location, staff, and amenities did not disappoint.
Located in the Siam area of the sprawling Bangkok metropolis, the St. Regis offers stunning vistas of this incredible city. Its proximity to the famous Lumphini Park offers views and access to a marvelous green space less than a 5-minute walk from your room.
AN EFFERVESCENT WELCOME
When entering the property, your senses are delighted by the expansive foyer and sumptuous furnishings. Fresh flowers catch the eye, followed by the wow factor of the St. Regis’s signature fragrance, Caroline’s Four Hundred. The gourmet bakery kiosk to the left is a welcome surprise. You’ll find its case filled with delicious looking bite-sized treats.
A team member joins you at the entrance and makes his or her introduction. They will guide you to the reception area, where specialists like Li beckon you to sit and chat while they handle your check-in details.
After check-in, the Guest Services team offered me a seat in the hotel lounge because, they stated, “your room is ready, but the housekeeper needs a few moments to complete finishing touches.” I obliged, not knowing what touches they were working on. Five minutes later, the Concierge accompanied me to my room.
THE IN-ROOM EXPERIENCE
Each room is well-appointed, with comfortable seating, workspace, and plush linens. The decor is a modern interpretation of the details of the first St Regis, which opened in New York in 1904.
Great attention is dedicated to your comfort, from the warm, neutral tones used in the space to the 24-hour butler service.
IT’S IN THE DETAILS
My room had been decorated in white and gold balloons (my signature colors) and an array of fresh fruit and desserts awaited me. Though I hadn’t mentioned the reason for my stay, the AmEx Platinum concierge had called ahead to arrange a vegan and gluten-free tea service for me.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Somehow, the message had been passed to the entire staff that I was celebrating my birthday. Every detail of my stay – from my room with its stunning view, to my afternoon tea and on-site dinner, felt extra special.
The St. Regis Bangkok does not normally offer a vegan or gluten-free tea service. When my Concierge contacted them, they enthusiastically agreed to host me for me special day. They created a lovely selection of offerings for my tea tray, all of which met my dining requirements.
LITTLE DELIGHTS
The property boasts a wide array of amenities to cater to the tastes of any guest.
From the Clinique La Prairie Spa, to the outdoor pool with its cityscape view, there’s is lots to enjoy.
Dining on the premises includes the Michelin starred IGNIV restaurant, omakase at Sushi Kishin, and several other venues offering a variety of cuisine.
A highlight of evenings at St. Regis hotels is the nightly champagne sabering.
Grab your glass and take in the view before setting out for the night.
THE VERDICT
When visiting a 5-star hotel, it’s the fine details that set a property apart from its competitors. Does the staff remember your name? Is the service anticipatory? Is the property well-appointed, with stylish flourishes and quality amenities throughout?
St. Regis Bangkok meets the mark in every area. From its spacious guestrooms to the butler service & tea before bed, every thought is set to guest comfort and ease.
Throughout your stay, you’ll find little moments that delight the senses – like the life-sized St. Regis teddy bear nestled near the elevators on the main floor, or taking in the view with a glass of champagne at sunset.
With its exceptional service and quality guest experience, the St. Regis is an excellent choice for your next visit to Bangkok.
5 out of 5 stars.