Revive Your Soul: Ideal Places to Plan a Reset Trip

This is a guest post by Marjorie Jones

If you feel like you are in an endless cycle of stress or burnout, you are not alone. In the U.S., the majority of Americans admit to feeling stress. There are various reasons for it, including anxiety over finances, healthcare, climate, and violence. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, it might be time to take a self-care "reset" trip. 

 Palm Springs, California

First, you must ask yourself, can you afford to vacation anywhere? Most people have to put together a budget. However, understanding your finances and how to reach your financial goals by doing something you love can help you make plans to hit up Palm Springs, California.

 Palm Springs is a popular resort destination. You can spend your days lounging by the pool or head to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. The city has museums, botanical gardens, and plenty of outdoor activities to take part in. Take in breathtaking views at the Tahquitz Canyon, a waterfall tucked into a canyon.

 Sedona, Arizona

Sedona has a breathtaking landscape and a thriving town. At night, experience the stars above the canyons or live entertainment downtown. You can even check out the UFO tour and share some of the anomalies in the night sky.

Traveling to Sedona provides you with a break from everyday life while blending beautiful Arizona nature with a lively town full of museums, dining, bowling, and other recreation.

 If you fall in love with Sedona, consider a vacation home in the city. Remember that purchasing a vacation home requires a substantial downpayment of 20% or more. If you struggle to afford that much, you could take a second mortgage out on your house or use a home equity loan to purchase the property.

 Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a diverse city. While your first impression may be the towering skyscrapers and shopping district, you will also notice the surrounding mountains, many parks, and fresh Washington air. In Seattle, many people find themselves at the Seattle Center, checking out the Space Needle and Museum of Pop Culture.

 Outside of Seattle, you can see Mt. Rainier and visit various wilderness parks with hiking, backpacking, camping, swimming, and other outdoor recreational activities. When you find yourself hiking on one of the many trails surrounding the Seattle area, you might feel a complete shift in your mood. Experts explain that spending time outdoors can reduce your anxiety and give you a moment to breathe and relax at the moment.

 Houston, Texas

While in Houston, you can enjoy various outdoor recreational activities to soothe your mind and calm your soul. Additionally, there are parks, museums, walking tours, and tea parties to entertain yourself with.

 Look for discounted tickets online if you want to snag a deal on Astros tickets. You can filter the tickets by price, date, range, and seat rating. Some sellers offer an interactive seating chart for a 360-degree virtual in-seat view.

 Sometimes, you must break away from everyday life and do something for yourself. Your mental health matters and can impact your physical health and your ability to function in your day-to-day life. You should feel refreshed when you return home from a "reset" trip.

About The Author

Marjorie Jones created Working Class Wow because she knows you don’t need a big budget to make your business look like a million bucks! From a well-designed logo and a carefully-crafted website to grammatically-correct copy and professionally-printed marketing materials, it is entirely possible (and surprisingly affordable) to bring a little “Working Class WOW” to your small business to build your brand, improve relationships with customers, and benefit the bottom line. WorkingClassWow.com can show you how.

My Travel Experience During COVID

Although US Citizens are currently banned from about 33 countries (27 countries of the EU, Canada, Bahamas, China, Japan and New Zealand), there are countries whose borders have re-opened for visitors. Some of these countries include most of the Caribbean, Mexico, Turkey and Maldives.

My husband and I love to travel! So needless to say when we were able to safely do so again, we were (cautiously) on board. We decided to take an early Anniversary trip to Mexico and are currently staying at Secrets The Vine Resort in Cancun.

Airport Experience In The U.S

We flew on American Airlines out of Pittsburgh into Cancun International Airport with a connection in Philadelphia. Masks were 100% required throughout all the airports and even on our flights. Moving through the airports was easy and efficient as not many people are traveling these days. Upon boarding the aircrafts, we were given goodie bags containing bottled water, a snack (pretzels) and hand sanitizing towelettes.

Tip: Travel with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes to wipe down your seats, arm rests and tray table.

Airport Experience in Mexico

Once we landed in Mexico, we were instructed to remain seated and deplane the aircraft by row allowing a safe distance between passengers. Customs officers were more efficient than usual and wore masks and face shields. Even though there were long lines, we spent less than 15 minutes getting through immigration. Once through customs, we retrieved our luggage from baggage claim (which were off the belts and waiting) and we exited to our prepaid private transportation.

Our driver also wore a mask for the duration of our short 25 minute trip to our hotel.

Resort COVID Precautions

The resort has gone above and beyond to ensure guests feel safe. Some things that have been implemented are:

• Mandatory mask requirement upon arrival/check-in

• Social distancing in lobby and common areas

• Luggage sanitized upon arrival before being taken to our rooms

• Hand Sanitizer stations throughout the resort

• Social distancing on elevators ( 2 guest limit)

• Staff required to wear masks and face shields at all times

• All items are covered and/or placed in sanitized packages (see images below)

• Beach chairs and loungers are sprayed down (sanitized) the minute someone gets up.

• No buffet services

• The utilization of e-menus (must carry cell phone around to scan) versus paper menus

Luggage with sanitized seal

All drink ware covered in sealed & sanitized packages

TV Remote control covered in sealed & sanitized packages

iPad covered in sealed and sanitized packages

All drink ware covered in sanitized packages

These are only a few photos of the measures our hotel is taking. Not pictured are the sealed vanity items like body gel, shampoo, conditioner, soaps, etc.

An informative image of all the precautions all AMResorts are taking to ensure safety of all guests

Returning To The US

When returning to the US from Mexico in particular, you will be required to scan a QR code at the airport which takes you to a questionnaire. The questionnaire includes biographical information (name, date, etc), if you have experienced symptoms of COVID, the countries you’ve visited in the last 14 days and your flight information. You will not be allowed into the security check point area without filling out the questionnaire and providing the resulting QR code to the gate agent. This is their way of tracking who goes in and out of the country.

Once back in the US, airports and specifically airline carriers are not operating at full capacity and you may have a longer than normal wait time in your connecting city. Most stores and restaurants in the airports are still closed and If you’re accustomed to going to the lounges, very few are open.

If you do get the itch to travel, do your homework and take necessary precautions. Safe travels!

The Great Escape to Cartagena, Colombia

When a colleague of mine invited me on a ladies trip to Cartagena, Colombia, I without hesitation said yes! As I mentioned before, I love to travel! Any opportunity to experience a new place and culture is always a go in my book. We spent four days in beautiful Cartagena, exploring the city, submerging ourselves in the culture, enjoying the amazing cuisine and even finding time to participate in a community service project. The entire experience was amazing and I can’t wait to visit again with my husband in tow.

I have to admit, I almost didn’t make it on this trip. Our itinerary was set 6 months prior but just as we were scheduled to leave, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) was made a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). I made the conscious decision to proceed with the trip despite family recommendations. The airline that had a 7 hour wait to cancel flights so by the time anyone answered we would have been half way to Colombia. In hindsight, I am glad I didn’t cancel because it was such an amazing experience.

Weekend Cartagena Itinerary

Thursday

We arrived at the Rafael Nunez International Airport in Cartagena (CTG) around noon where there was about a 45 minute wait to get through customs, but one of the ladies on our trip mentioned that it is usually a breeze to get through and the delay may have been due to coronavirus precautions. We were then taken to our hotel via private transport.

Where We Stayed:

We booked our stay at Allure Chocolat hotel by Karisma, a beautiful four-pearl boutique hotel set in the heart of Cartagena within walking distance to the historic walled city center and Getsemani. When we arrived however the manager informed us their computer system crashed and the reservations were cancelled. They instead had us stay at their sister property Allure Bon Bon hotel by Karisma, a short four minute walk away. The Bon Bon was a smaller hotel but just as amazing and we were able to enjoy the amenities of both hotels including all meals (free of charge) in addition to being refunded a night’s stay - Win! We enjoyed an amazing lunch at Allure Chocolat’s Restaurante Red Knife before freshening up and heading out for an incredible horse drawn carriage ride tour of the walled city and a scrumptious seafood dinner at El Santisimo.

Restaurante Red Knife - This is the restaurant of our main hotel where we enjoyed lunch everyday. They have 4.5 star rating on trip advisor and the food is amazing. If you end up here, try the grilled sea bass or salmon.

Restaurante Red Knife

The Bread was amazing

Sea bass with creamy yuca & casserole jus - divine!

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride/Tour - We booked our horse drawn carriage tour of the walled city through Panamericana. Our bus picked us up at our hotel around 7pm and took us to the meeting point to board our carriages. Our tour took us through the walled city where we enjoyed street vendors and the well lit night scenery. We window shopped all the boutiques and shops from our carriage and were even entertained and serenaded by local artists. Our english speaking tour guide was amazing even though it was challenging to hear him over the horse trotting.

El Santisimo Restaurante - This is where the tour ended and where we had dinner. It is rated 4 stars on trip advisor but I could easily give it 5 stars. We enjoyed various seafood dishes that were all very fresh and seasoned to perfection. The restaurant also carries chicken and beef dishes to suit any palate. An inviting atmosphere with excellent service - the food was the best I’ve had in ages.

I do not remember the names of these dishes but they were all delicious! The menu on their website has not been updated so I can’t recommend the dishes by name, but rest assured they were all delicious.

Friday

This day was filled with exploration and adventure. The great thing about Cartagena is that almost anywhere is accessible by foot. We explored the neighborhood of Getsemani - the hip new community for soaking up local culture. Pizzerias and casual bistros serving up Colombian staples line the streets, which are well known for their vivid murals. Local artists and residents decorate the streets to bring an exquisite experience. Brewpubs, cocktail bars, and Salsa bars keep the party vibe going.

I really loved the colorful doors throughout Cartagena and learned about the significance of the door knockers. “A tal casa tal aldaba,” or “To each house its door knocker” refers to the practice of displaying a resident’s social status or profession on their front door through the design of its knocker. A knocker shaped as a fish or other sea creature meant the owner of the house was a member of the sea merchant community, or some other trade related to the sea. Lion head door knockers represented members of the army, militia leaders, and other protectors of the city. The clergy, meanwhile, marked their homes with knockers in the shape of hands. A home with a lizard-shaped knocker were those of high society members, typically with some kind of royal connection. In all cases, the size and quality of the door knocker was also demonstrative of the resident’s social status: If you wanted to show off your credentials to passersby, only a finely crafted big brass knocker would do.

When you walk through this close knit community you’re greeted by vibrant depictions of Caribbean life displayed on the crumbling stucco walls of authentic Spanish Colonial buildings. Almost every street is lined with Getsemani Graffiti with bright murals showcasing culturally significant images from the historic to the modern.

Actual mural of this Getsemani local painted by a Getsemani local artist.

As afternoon approached we headed back in the direction of our hotel to freshen up and get ready for our community service project - but not before having another delicious meal at Restaurante Red Knife.

After lunch we got ourselves freshened up and packed our luggage filled with dental supplies including toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouth rinses and floss. In addition we had school supplies including book bags, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, crayons, folder pages, puzzles etc to give to orphans of the orphanage located in La Boquilla. It was a deeply satisfying experience. It was the first time this orphanage had ever been visited from the outside and the first time that they’d ever received donations. The pastor was so thankful and grateful. This is easily one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

The experience of visiting the orphanage and giving back to the local community touched us all so deeply that we decided all of our travels together will have some purpose to it and bear a humanitarian side. Our travel group is now called Travel On Purpose (TOP).

After our community service project we took a historical walking tour where we learned all about the history of Cartagena and shopped for emeralds, coffee and chocolate.

Did you know that Colombia mines and produces the most emeralds for the global market. It is estimated that Colombia accounts for 70-90% of the world's emerald market. The more you know!

Saturday

This was an early day, as we took a break from the busy city life to venture out to Rosario Islands. Our day started at 7:30am - our bus picked us up at our hotel and took us to the coastal town of Barú where we were whisked away by speedboat to the beautiful and picturesque Rosario Islands where we swam, snorkeled, sun bathed and enjoyed the local cuisine.

The boat ride going to Rosario Islands was smooth but the return was treacherous! The ocean was really rough and I acquired some bruises from holding on for dear life. Tip: If you do venture out to Rosario Islands, go very early and leave before 2pm. If you leave any later the seas may be too rough for you to return to Cartagena resulting in you spending the night on the Island.

Sunday

This was our last day in Colombia, it was bittersweet but we woke up early so that we could enjoy our last beautiful sunrise and delicious breakfast at Allure Chocolat. After breakfast we lounged around a bit before we were picked up and taken to the airport.

Entrance to the walled City. I sure will miss this view.

The next day Colombia closed their borders and travel in and out of the country was banned in light of the Coronavirus. We got out just in time.

Overall, I am very happy that I didn’t cancel this trip to Cartagena. I would go back in a heart beat! I am also happy to report that we have been back from our trip for 17 days and are all symptom and virus free. My husband and I are already planning to visit once the borders have re-opened.

How to Make The Most Out of A Long Weekend In Iceland

My husband and I love to travel! We’ve come up with a theory that, usually around the 6 week mark from our last vacation is when we feel that itch to hop on an airplane again.

Our most recent adventure brought us to Iceland. Iceland is popularly known as the land of fire and ice and I’ve never come across a more accurate description of a place. The local people are extremely warm and welcoming, despite the cold temperatures. We spent a long weekend there and tried to experience as much as possible during our short stay. Here’s how we made the most out of our long weekend trip in Iceland:

Planning our Trip

The word planning is a bit of a stretch. This trip was very spontaneous! We pretty much booked the flights and hotel on Expedia and added the activities. We flew into Keflavik International Airport (KEF) via Jet Blue and Iceland Air from Pittsburgh with a layover in Boston.

Best Times To Visit

We took our trip to Iceland at the end of January. Needless to say, it was COLD. I would not recommend going during the winter months unless you have a penchant for cold weather. The best times to visit, as told by the locals, is during the summer months. However, if you want to see the Northern lights early Spring or early Fall is best.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Foss Hotel in Reykjavik. It is a really nice, boutique hotel located right in the heart of the city and in walking distance to the city/town center where all the shops and restaurants are. It’s also near the water so there was a nice view from our hotel room window. A delicious buffet breakfast was included with our stay. The other great thing about staying here is that it was right next to a bus stop (Bus stop #12 to be exact). It is important to note that tours and excursions will pick you up at the bus stop closest to where you’re staying so it is a god idea to stay somewhere very close to avoid walking too far. There are plenty of lodging options in Reykjavik- small boutique hotels, apartments and Airbnb’s are available.

Hotel Lobby

View of the city from hotel

Extended hotel lobby/cafe

View from our hotel room window

Weekend Itinerary:

Friday - After arriving at the airport, we got a private transfer to our hotel in the city of Reykjavik. It took about 45 mins from the airport to our hotel and since we got in late and were tired, we took a 4 hour nap and began our day around 9am on Saturday morning.

Saturday - After breakfast we went on a walking tour of city center and of course did a little shopping. There are countless ways to spend time in the city, but we decided to walk through the harbour district of Grandi which in recent years has been developed from an industrial area to an artistic venue filled with workshops and galleries. We also explored the main shopping street, Laugavegur. Later that evening, around 8pm our shuttle picked us up for a Northern Lights tour.

Walking around the city

The Northern Lights

What would a trip to Iceland be without seeing one of its famous attractions, the Northern Lights? One thing to note here is if you are planning your trip in advance, there is no way to know when you will have the best weather conditions for this beautiful natural event. Lucky for us, after braving 3 hours in the freezing cold(heated buses are available when you need a break from the cold), the lights showed up and lit up the night’s sky. If you want great pics it’s best to take a professional camera and a tripod. We used our iPhones and downloaded the app Nightcap.

Sunday - This was a full twelve hour day of adventure. We did the popular Golden Circle Tour topped off by a visit to the Blue Lagoon.

Ready for our Tour!

The Golden Circle Tour

The Golden Circle tour by GeoIceland was a great choice as it took us to the most popular destinations. Our guide was very knowledgeable and the group was relatively small, around 12 people.

• Kerio - We drove through Nesjavellir, where pillars of steam rise from the all-encompassing mountains and followed the winding road until it took us to Kerið, an otherworldly volcanic crater which embraces a lake in the crater's bottom. This lake, however was frozen over at this time of year.

• Geyser Hot Spring - One of the amazing things about Iceland is that despite the cold temperatures, the land is bursting with fire. Iceland is highly geologically active with many volcanoes, hot springs and geysers. The Haukadalur area is a popular tourist spot, where visitors can see Strokkur and Geysir, which are the two biggest geysers there. The first erupts every 5-10 minutes. Here you relax and take in the scenery over a cup of coffee and even pick up souvenirs at the on site shop.

• Gulfoss Waterfall - A short distance away, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, Iceland's single most popular attraction, awaits you. You follow a footpath all the way to the river's edge and as you look down into the gorge, you manage to get a sense of this waterfall's unspeakable power. The Gullfoss waterfall is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland and although it’s not the biggest waterfall, it certainly is magnificent.

The next stop was the Þingvellir National Park, where we walked the rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and explored the beautiful area which is fundamental to Iceland's history: the Icelandic parliament, Alþingi, was founded in Þingvellir in 930 and held its sessions here until 1799. This is the cradle of Icelandic culture, unchanged for millennia, and every rock and pebble has a story to tell. 

Through the valley

North America on my right, Europe on my left

The Blue Lagoon

Looking for the ultimate Icelandic spa experience? Then you need to visit the Blue Lagoon, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. It is one of the 25 wonders of the world and is a geothermal spa that stays at around 102 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.

Monday - On our last day we woke up early and enjoyed a hearty breakfast, took a walk around city center one last time before being transported back to the airport.

Visiting Iceland was perfect for a weekend getaway. I’m not sure if I would have stayed longer even if the opportunity presented itself. It’s not the typical jet off to a tropical Island that I’ve become accustomed to but it was a nice change. I learned a little bit of history and experienced a different culture and way of living. Definitely recommend!

Jamaica: Dental Helping Hands

The DHH team was in Jamaica recently where over 500 patients received essential and life changing dental care.

The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment. The founders of the organization have a solid mission of giving back to people of our respective communities and countries.

Our latest mission took us to St. Ann, Jamaica in the town of Cascade, where Dr. Patrice Smith, her husband Dr. Reginald Baker, Dr. Mark Edwards (Dean of The University of Technology College of Dentistry), Curtis Foster, RDH and a team of 11 dental students from The University of Technology College of Dentistry (UTech COD) and 20 dental hygiene students from Northern Caribbean University (NCU) rendered dental treatment to over 500 patients.

The Dream Team - 3 doctors, 1 RDH, 11 dental students and 20 dental hygiene students

The mission took place at Cascade Primary School

A steady flow of patients waiting to be registered

Dr. Mark Edwards performing extraction procedure of a badly decayed tooth

The DHH team spent a total of 8 hours in Cascade and rendered essential dental care ranging from simple extractions, surgical extractions, dental prophylaxis (cleanings) and scaling & root planing. Patients also received fluoride treatment, toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss to continue at home dental care.

Dr. Baker performing examination

Dr. Smith with UTech dental student as anesthesia is being administered

We always aim is to empower and support the communities we serve by partnering with local dental professionals to share knowledge. By providing communities with education on preventative measures to improve dental health, we honor, support and empower those with less and assist them in becoming self-sufficient. One of our goals is to focus on preventative education while providing patients with a safe environment for necessary care.

Our trip was a success. Exactly 507 individuals received much needed dental care. A huge part of our team’s success stems from individuals like yourself who see a need and donate either time, supplies or money. These donations go a very long way in the lives of the people we serve.

The DHH team is on a mission to not only improve the dental health but the overall quality of life of the lives we come in contact with . We will continue our mission to serve and provide these communities with much needed dental services.

If you would like to join us or donate to our cause, visit our website www.dentalhelpinghands.org and follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram.

Reasons You Need To Visit Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and one of the dreamiest destinations to travel to. This summer I happened to have my wedding there and it was hands down one of the most beautiful places I’ve been. Shaped like an inverted “Y, “ surrounded by mountains and dotted with charming waterfront villas and open air restaurants - Lake Como is the most picturesque travel destinations. It is a very dreamy and mysterious place - with its faded veneer of old money gentility, picturesque Victorian gardens, and lakeshore villas and restaurants. Lake Como is the perfect relaxing place to spend the summer and is well worth the visit.

Lake Como - shaped like an inverted “Y”

Villa on Lake Como

Restaurant on Lake Como

Best Times To Visit

Lake Como is a popular weekend getaway destination for Milanese looking to get away from the crowds of Milan, so if you are trying to beat the crowds weekdays would be best. The cheapest and less crowded times to travel to Lake Como is during the off seasons, i.e April to mid-June or September and October. The temperatures at this time are perfect since it’s not during the hot Italian summer or the cold winter. Peak season begins at the end of June through August - this is most exciting time with lots of bustling tourists, these are also the warmest months of the year. I personally enjoy warmer climates and the excitement of bustling crowds so I opted to visit in mid August.

How To Get There

The easiest way to get to Lake Como is via Milan. The closest of the two airports in Milan to Lake Como is Milan-Malpensa (MXP). From there you can opt to take a taxi or get a rental car and drive 45 minutes to Lake Como or take the 1 hour train ride from Milan. If taking the train head to Milan’s central station, Milano centrale - you can browse schedules and purchase tickets online here.

Where To Stay

There are lots of gorgeous villas and hotels in Lake Como and the “best” towns to stay in are debatable. But, I would recommend staying in the towns of Como, Varenna, Bellagio, Tremezzo or Laglio. For my wedding weekend I stayed in the towns of Laglio and Moltrasio - I will also note that the famous actor George Clooney’s villa is in Laglio.

My recommended villa’s (also the only ones that I am familiar with) are: Villa Vittoria (where some of our wedding guests stayed and is just a few doors away from Villa Oleandra - George Clooney’s home), Villa Regina Teodolindo (also close to George Clooney’s home), Villa Lario, Villa D’Este, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, and Grand Hotel Imperiale (another venue where or wedding guests stayed).

From the bedroom window at Villa Vittoria in Laglio

View from the Lake View Suite - Villa Vittoria

View from our Suite at Villa Vittoria

Grand Hotel Imperiale - Moltrasio

Town of Moltrasio

Things To Do

The best way to properly enjoy Lake Como and enjoy all it has to offer is to pick a place as your home base and then take advantage of the ferries which traverse the Como villages everyday. There are also the options of fast boats, slow boats, private boats and buses (which is much slower). Visit the towns/villages and just explore.

The Prettiest and Most Popular Towns are:

Town of Como

• Como

  • Perhaps one of the Lake’s largest, most vibrant and also, most popular towns, is Como. It is filled with lively cafes, authentic Trattoria and plenty of places to sample Italian Gelato - Como is a great place to spend a day exploring. One of the highlights of Como is the spectacular Duomo, with its grand, dominating façade, and equally astonishing interior.

Town of Bellagio

• Bellagio

  • Bellagio is by far the most famous town on Lake Como. It is famed for its majestic Italian villas over-looking the Lake, and for being the home to famous individuals. Take a ferry across and enjoy perusing the vast variety of shops, restaurants, wineries and Villas. There’s a beach (yes, you heard right), hiking trails and areas that offer water sports like kayaking and pale boarding. If you want to just take it easy, find a cafe or spa and unwind.

Town of Varenna - Villa Monastero

• Varenna

  • Varenna is a small fishing village that has a plethora of authentic Italian eateries that serve up traditional dishes with locally sourced ingredients. it’s a great place to sample local wines, as well as experiment with the abundance of gelato flavors. See Villa Monastero for sight seeing.

Town of Tremezzo - Villa Carlotta

• Tremezzo

  • One of the most popular tourist towns on Lake Como is Tremezzo, meaning that it is built up with gran hotels and incredible villas. Tremezzo is one of the most beautiful towns on the entire Lake. It’s usually a stop over point for tourists visiting Bellagio. Like most towns in Lake Como, there are a lot of villas to explore; most notably Villa Carlotta, with its grand white façade and commanding size.

Town of Lenno - Villa del Balbianello

• Lenno

  • Lenno is famous for Villa del Balbianello (where I got married). It’s a picture perfect estate that was also used as a set in the movies Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale (James Bond). This i the most romantic place to have a wedding.

Town of Cernobbio - Villa D’Este

• Cernobbio

  • Cernobbio is famous for its luxury hotels catering to the rich and famous. It has a peaceful, cosmopolitan vibe and is home to Villa D’Este -which was the original summer home for a cardinal but now a luxury hotel. It’s also the home of Villa Erba.

Lake Como offers visitors a variety of different attractions, from its spectacular natural scenery, hiking trails, beaches and gorgeous towns and villages that are quintessentially Italian. Whether you prefer to be in the centre of activity or prefer being more isolated and enticed by the local way of life, Lake Como has something for everyone to enjoy.

Paradise Found: Turks & Caicos Islands

Turks & Caicos is one of the most beautiful Caribbean Islands I’ve visited! (besides Jamaica, of course - I’m biased). It’s surrounded by the largest sand banks in the world which allows for crystal clear, turquoise blue water. It is scenic, quiet and a lot less touristy than other surrounding islands. It is truly paradise!

On My way to Turks & Caicos!

My girlfriends and I recently enjoyed a long weekend “girls trip” to this beautiful island. This was in the month of November when the temperatures in the northeastern parts of the United States were rapidly falling and we were all in need of a little sunshine.

We spent 5 days on this breathtakingly beautiful island and the only thing I (kind of) regret is not photo documenting the entire trip. But, that is the magic of this place; It makes you slow down, unplug and completely immerse yourself in all it’s splendor.

Below you will find a travel guide that can be handy if you ever find yourself planning a getaway to beautiful Turks and Caicos. A fair warning - Turks is not a cheap place by any stretch of the imagination. It is very much geared towards luxury and not at all considered a budget destination.

Grace Bay Beach

How To Get There:

Several islands make up the Turks & Caicos Islands and thus there are several airports. Since we were going to Providenciales , we flew into the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) which is the main airport on the island. We all flew separately from different North East airports. The cost from New York (JFK), Washington, DC (DCA) and Pittsburgh (PIT) ranges from $450-$600 at that time of year.

We also rented a car upon arrival so that we could not only get to our villa in Provo but enjoy exploring the Island. We rented from Grace Bay Car Rentals for around $220 for 5 days.

Commute from the airport to our Villa

You can get around via Taxi or rental car. If you are staying at a hotel in Grace Bay (touristy area) and have no plans to leave your resort then this might be unnecessary. However, if you’re staying away from the resort area (like we did), you will need a rental car to get around. Keep in mind that in Turks and Caicos, they drive on the left (the British way). Most steering wheels will be on the right. Not to worry if this freaks you out initially, my American friends adjusted quite quickly.

Local Currency:

The local currency is the United States Dollar (USD), so no conversions to worry about for my American friends.

Weather:

Since this is the Caribbean, expect tropical weather. The average temperature ranges between 80-90 degrees year round with sprinkles of showers randomly which seizes quite quickly.

Where We Stayed:

Our Villa was exquisite! We stayed at Sunrise Ridge - the main house, and it was phenomenal. It is located in the exclusive Turtle Tail neighborhood of Providenciales and is a 5 acre estate set on one of the highest points of the Turks and Caicos islands.  The ridge has captivating views of the Ocean, Flamingo Lake and the island of Providenciales. Our villa came decked with a swimming pool, Barbecue, outside dining, private decks and a fire pit.  It had everything we needed and was stocked with things from blenders to coffee makers to beach chairs, umbrellas and coolers. Cost was ~$1000/night and varies depending on the time of year.

Aerial View of our Villa

Ocean View From The Pool Deck of Our Villa

This Hammock By The Pool Was My Favorite Spot.

The Courtyard Where I Had My Morning Tea Each Day

View From The Living Room

Kitchen and Dining Room

View From The Bedroom

Food:

• Since we stayed in a villa, we stocked up on food at the nearby grocery store - Graceway IGA Supermarket, which was about 10 minutes away. Even though we had ample food at the house we wanted to experience the restaurants on the island.

• The Deck at Seven Stars - We went here on our first night in Turks for something quick to eat. We ended up grabbing bar food (choice from the menu) and was quite satisfied. The conch fritters are divine.

• Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar at Grace Bay Resorts - Go here on a Saturday night when there are lots of people and the energy is high. However, expect long wait times for food as they get super busy. The food and drinks here are quite pricey but really good.

• Coco Bistro - Located in the heart of Grace Bay in walking distance of all the resorts. The food and atmosphere are really nice and a must try.

• Hemmingway’s - We ate here on our last night in Turks. The ambience, customer service, food and drinks are excellent! I had the curried lobster and wanted more when it was done.

Don’t let the look of this fool you. I waited a very long time for this Grouper from Infiniti Restaurant and it was worth every second.

What To Do:

You go to Turks because of the beaches! and the main one is Grace Bay Beach on the north side of Providenciales.

• Horse back riding tour with Provo Ponies - this was quite fun and rather relaxing.

• Sunset drinks at the very modern, and sleek boutique Hotel Gansevoort - One of the best things here is the beach bar. The drinks are really good and they make a mean mojito.

• Snorkeling at Turtle Cove - We didn’t make it here but were told by the locals that this is the spot for snorkeling as Smith’s Reef is VERY beautiful.

• Bonefishing at Juba Point Salina - If you’re into bone fishing, this is where it’s done because of the low depths of the water. The water here isn’t suitable for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding or anything of that nature.

• Flamingo Lake to see the flamingos - Want to go flamingo spotting? Flamingo pond is where you want to go. The number of flamingos will vary with the time of year.

Soothing Horse Back Ride with Provo Ponies

As I mentioned, the one thing I (kind of) regret is not taking more photos. If I had thought about doing a travel guide I certainly would have. However, a visit to Turks and Caicos should definitely be on your bucket list in my opinion. It is one of those very simple yet breathtakingly beautiful destinations that you ought to experience. Of course, do your research and have an open mind.

Experience does for the soul what education does for the mind. - Casey Neistat

And we’re out.

Tanzania: Dental Helping Hands

The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment. The founders of the organization have a solid mission of giving back to people of our respective communities and countries.

Our latest mission took us to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Dr. Patrick Christopher (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery resident and President of our non-profit Organization) and a team of other surgeons and volunteers performed life saving and life altering surgeries for individuals who were in dire need.

The DHH team spent four days in Tanzania and performed trauma surgeries, cleft lip & palate repair, facial reconstruction, keloid repair, and tumor removals.

Tumors on right side of patient’s face

Patient prepped and ready for tumor removal surgery

Our trip was a success. Seven (7) individuals in dire need of care were able to receive life altering surgeries at no cost. A huge part of our team’s success stems from individuals like yourself who see there’s a need and donate either time, supplies or money. These donations go a very long way in the lives of the people we serve.

In 2019 we will continue our mission to serve and provide these communities with much needed dental services. Services we typically offer include dental cleanings, extractions, fillings, root canals, and even surgical intervention. We provide education and supplies to help maintain their oral health long after we are gone.

Please help us continue to serve the underserved by donating to our non-profit here.

Ghana: Dental Helping Hands

Earlier this year the DHH team was in Ghana where over 5000 patients received essential and life saving dental care.

The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment. The founders of the organization have a solid mission of giving back to people of our respective communities and countries.

Our latest mission took us to Tamale, Ghana on the continent of Africa, where Dr. Rasheeda Johnson and a team of other dental specialists and volunteers rendered dental treatment to over 5000 patients! 

The DHH team spent four days in Tamale. On day one approximately 1000 patients registered and received essential dental care ranging from extractions, restorations (fillings), dental cleanings and minor surgery. Individuals of all age ranges were seen including children! For the next three days over 4000 patients received dental treatment, were given shoes, toothbrushes, toothpaste and even laptop computers.

Day one: 1000 patients registered and waiting for dental treatment

Patients seated and waiting their turn for dental treatment

Dr. Rasheeda Johnson and the kids after educating them all on proper hygiene and brushing habits. All the kids received fluoride treatment and a supply toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Dr. Rasheeda Johnson with some of the elders of the community

Dr. Rasheeda Johnson hard at work extracting this gentleman's severely decayed tooth.

Dr. Rasheeda Johnson loves the kids!

“If we want to change the world, we must first develop a bright future for the children”

— Anon

In four days the DHH team delivered dental care to over 5000 patients! In addition to that over 500 pairs of shoes were donated, 250 toothbrushes distributed, and three University students received a laptop to help with their studies. 

The DHH team is on a mission to not only improve the dental health but the overall quality of life of the lives we come in contact with . 

If you would like to join us or donate to our cause, visit our website www.dentalhelpinghands.org and follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram.

Venice, Italy

I love Italy! I haven't been to very many cities, but of the ones I've visited Venice is my favorite. I love the fact that it is small enough to explore in just a few hours and not miss a thing. You can go cafe-hopping for coffee, wine, pizza and gelato; go shopping; sit and relax in the small squares; take a ride on a water taxi or gondola and so much more.

Venice is known as the city of canals. The city literally sits on water. There are no roads and everyone gets around by Gondola, water taxi or by foot.

St. Mark's Square is the heart of Venice. It is always extremely busy with lots of tourists and locals going to and fro. It's the perfect spot to people watch.

Piazza San Marco

St. Mark's Basilica

Busy Busy St. Marl's Square

The Campanile Di San Marco is the bell tower of Veniceand offers the best view of city. Catch the elevator to the top to check out the scenic view! 

The Ponte di Rialto is Venice' most famous bridge which spans the Grand Canal. This is the magnificent view of the city from the Rialto Bride. I took many many selfies (which I will spare you), but it is especially breathtaking at sunset.

A trip to Venice would not be complete without the infamous Gondola Ride! 

The world famous art of Lace Making - Here this lady demonstrates how lace is made. It is so intricate and takes many many years to complete.

Lace making

Lace Making

Beautiful Canals and allies for lots of Photo ops!

FOOD! From Pizza to Pasta to Gelato, I could not stop eating. The taste of authentic Italian cuisine is quite different from what I had been accustomed to.

If a trip to Italy is on your mind, you must have Venice on the itinerary! I took this trip back in 2015 and my memories of this place are still very vivid. If you have questions about tours and accommodations reach out via email.

Creating a Life You Don't Need a Vacation From

I came across a meme on Instagram that said "Create a Life You Don't Need a Vacation From" and it resonated with me quite deeply. It made me reflect on my own life and ask some really deep questions: Am I living in my purpose? Do I love what I do? If I didn't get paid for my work, would I still enjoy it? Am I living my best life? 

In general my answer is yes to all of the above. However, there are areas where I could certainly be doing better. It made me think of so many people who constantly wait for the weekend or wait for vacation or  holiday until they can finally relax and have some fun. Don't get me wrong, I love a vacation like anyone else. But there is a difference between feeling like you need a vacation and actually just enjoy taking them. I personally try to take a small vacay almost every weekend. It makes me happy!

I don't ever want to be in a position where my adulthood includes days that I'm just trying to get through so that I can get to two weeks of vacation. I don't ever want to be in a position where I am waiting on retirement to enjoy life.

So, what exactly does it mean to create a life you don't need a vacation from? This will be personal to every individual but in general it is striking a balance between :

1. Being challenging enough to keep you stimulated, yet comfortable enough to not feel constantly stressed out.

2. Having a sense of purpose and meaning, to get you excited to wake up in the morning, but having some idle downtime to just be, without having to do.

3. Incorporating things you love to do on a daily basis, but being realistic that there would also be other things that just have to get done.

The key, I've found, is to be intentional in all that you do. You have to wake up each day with a vision backed by intention and fueled with purpose.  

Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life - Anon

Some things that I have incorporated that really helped me in this area, and that might help you as well include:

1. Taking Care of Mind, Body and Spirit - Many times when we feel unhappy is because we are not nourishing an aspect of our lives. Eating healthy, exercising and getting sufficient sleep are very important. Strike a balance! Sometimes we need to turn the tv off, get off of social media and spend time with ourselves. There are a lot of things on the internet that are simply distractions from our purpose. Do not get caught up. Cultivate an attitude or gratitude for the life you have built up to this point, enjoy where you are right now.

2. Stop Complaining - I'm not always good at this and continue to make progress in this area. It is simply useless to complain. It makes you miserable and changes nothing. There is so much to be grateful for! I started keeping a gratitude journal and there is a prayer I keep in the notes app on my phone: " God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I cannot accept, and the wisdom to know the difference." If you're in a situation where you're simply not happy, take steps to remove yourself.

3. Be Intentional - Wake up each day and set your intention: I will be happy today. Today will be fantastic and I will complete all my tasks in a timely manner. No one will steal my joy today. I will work out and eat clean today. I am amazing! I am the best orthodontist and I will create some beautiful smiles today. I am going to rock these 24 hours! etc. You will be amazed at how these simple intentions will alter your mood and set the tone for the rest of your day. Be happy! and take steps to live a life you don't need a break from.

Sudan: Dental Helping Hands

The DHH team was recently in Sudan where over 700 patients received essential and life saving dental care.

The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment. The founders of the organization have a solid mission of giving back to people of our respective communities and countries.

Our latest mission took us to Sudan on the continent of Africa, where Dr. Patrick Christopher (4th yr OMFS resident) was born and raised.  Over a couple days Dr. Christopher was able to visit different cities like Khartoum and Kassala where approximately 700 individuals received dental treatment ranging from extractions (surgical and non-surgical), restorations (fillings), dental cleanings and other surgical intervention.

Dr. Christopher performing extraction of a native woman in pain from tooth decay

Dr. Christopher performing necessary preventive care.

Dr. Christopher and craniofacial team performing a cleft lip and palate repair

Dr. Christopher anesthetizing patient before performing extraction of abscessed tooth

Dr. Christopher performing multiple extractions on a 9 year old.

“Oral healthcare in many developing nations is unfortunately limited to major cities or the upper class. This 9 year old was one of the kids we treated in a rural Sudan city with multiple extractions. As Maxillofacial surgery residents, we have an uncontrollable itch to do major head & neck surgical cases but sometimes it’s the “simple” cases that are worth breaking your neck and back for...literally. ”

— Dr. Patrick Christopher (OMFS resident)

Of course, no mission trip is complete without spending time and enjoying the local life. When Dr. Christopher wasn't working, he could be found sight seeing and hanging out with the locals.

Photos below are for your viewing pleasure. Sudan, uncut.

If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer and/ or donate, visit our website www.dentalhelpinghands.org. Also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Bucket Listing in Costa Rica

In the month of March, a few friends and I decided to visit Costa Rica to celebrate our birthdays. Costa Rica has been on my bucket list of places in the world to visit and I finally made it!

When you hear of Costa Rica, you immediately think rainforest, jungle, beaches, volcanoes and biodiversity. I couldn't wait to indulge and experience the culture, food, traditions, the jungle and to do one thing I always wanted to do: ziplane across the jungle!

We stayed on the western side of the country at the Riu Palace Costa Rica. The hotel is tucked between lush mountains so you're completely surrounded by nature. It's a beautiful hotel which I recommend but it is very, very quiet. If you want something more up beat, this is not the place for you.

Beautiful Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica

We spent a total of 4 days in Cosa Rica and enjoyed the beaches, lounging by the pool, experiencing different foods and the over-all culture, skiing, horseback riding, tubing, hiking and the best part, zip lining through the jungle.

We rode horses through the jungle, up and down very steep and rocky hills and through rivers and streams.

Queens are born in March! before zip lining

Bucket list item: check!

I am a true water baby

We spent our last night celebrating our birthdays with the locals. It was a fun night of salsa, bachata and all around good times!

I will save us the embarrassment by not posting the videos of us dancing, lol

March Babies

Costa Rica was a really good time. We were on the western side of the country but was told the Eastern side is really really fun! I plan to go back one day. However, since it's checked off the bucket list that re-visit is on low priority.

Any questions about a trip to Costa Rica feel free to reach out.

Winter Escape: Cancun, Mexico

When the seasons change, the temperature drops and it gets cold outside we all fantasize about having a vacation home somewhere tropical, right? The best antidote for when the times get super chilly is a nice getaway to somewhere warm and sunny - perhaps with sand and beach.

I'm an island girl! and while Jamaica, my homeland will forever be the best tropical destination, Mexico comes in pretty close. 

"Infinity's Edge" - Sipping margaritas in one of Breathless Resorts' infinity pools

There are a lot of fun things to do in Mexico! you can indulge in all sorts of fun excursions from Cancun, Tulum, Los Cabos to Playa del Carmen! But when I'm tired from my busy work life and just need a relaxing break an all-inclusive in Cancun is my favorite go-to.

If you're planning a trip to Mexico some time in the near future, I highly recommend the all-inclusive resorts Secrets the Vine and Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa. 

Enjoy snippets of my most recent getaways below:

Enjoying the col breeze under a palm tree at Breathless Resort

 Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa:

 If you're looking for an adult only, luxury experience this is the spot for you! There's a section of this hotel for everyone. It's also the entertainment mecca of the all-inclusive hotels in Cancun and does not skimp on foam parties, pool parties, clubbing, dining and so much more.

Relaxing on the balcony before breakfast

Secrets The Vine

You MUST go to Secrets The Vine! This adults only resort is the definition of sophistication and elegance. Picturesque balcony views, fine dining and world class service makes this one of my favorites. 

Breakfast with a View

This is the life!

Pool side with a drink and a great book. Relaxation at it's best

The pictures above do these resorts no justice at all. Do a quick google search for the resorts and plan your get away today!

Verona, Italy: Think Shakespeare and Romance

I have been to a few European countries and Italy is one of my favorites. Just about an hour away from bustling, vibrant Venice lies the quiet, easy-going, romance-filled, Verona. I visited Verona for a day on a European Tour and it was pretty magical! 

Verona was made famous by Shakespeare’s lovers, "Romeo and Juliet” and is widely revered as the city of love. Many people traveling from Milan to Venice typically make a pit stop in Verona to see the famous Juliet House where the real life Capello family once resided. The house has a cute and admittedly romantic courtyard with the balcony where Juliet stood and called out to her lover Romeo. Tourists from all over the world can be seen posing and rubbing on Juliet’s bronze breast, hoping to get lucky in love. Verona is so famous for love that it gets countless love letters addressed to Juliet. Seriously, google the Juliet Club. The city has hundreds of volunteers who take on the task of reading and answering these love letters.

Juliet's balcony overlooking the Romantic Courtyard where Juliet's bronze statue stands

Despite the romance of Verona it has a very rich history. It was considered a rest spot for traveling Romans and thus has a wealth of Roman Ruins along. It also has an amphitheater which is the third largest in the world an dates back to the first century A.D.

Outside of the Amphitheater

Inside of the Amphitheater

Just a short walk from the amphitheater is the market square, Piazza Erbe, where local vendors sell produce and souvenirs. It is said that this market square existed since Roman times.

Piazza Erbe (Market Square)

Local vendors and their kiosks selling fresh produce and souvenirs

While I thoroughly enjoyed seeing The Juliet House and learning of Verona's rich history, my absolute favorite part of Verona was Gelato and shopping!!

Happy camper after getting yummy Gelato!

Gelato!