Aruba, Aruba, Aruba! Beautiful place but extremely expensive. I stayed at the Renaissance which gave me complimentary access to the flamingo island everyone talks about. This was probably the highlight of my trip. Being so close to them and being able to feed them right out of my hand was really memorable for me. I went with a group of girl friends and we did a car rental. During the day we drove to the other side of the island and visited a lighthouse. Unfortunately for us there was some construction going on so we weren’t able to get as close as we wanted to. Still the views from where we were at were breathtaking. In the night we went to a party on a beach outside the main city. We just happen to be driving around and saw there was a concert going on. We asked if there was an entrance fee and it was completely free!!! We couldn’t really get too close to the stage because it was crowded but we heard the music perfectly fine from behind. While at the party we heard Major Lazer’s signature promo sound and realized we were at his party. It made the whole Aruba experience that much better.

I have never felt so at home with a trip and I’m not even Brazilian!!!! Rio de Janeiro literally has my heart. I can go back here a million times and not get tired. There’s always something to do. My top places to visit while here are Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Selaron stairs and of course the video location of Snoop Dog’s Beautiful Parque Lage. I stayed in an air b n b with a group of friends in the copa cabana area. Getting around was super easy and very affordable. We took mostly Uber to get around and get this: all of the Uber rides were under $6!!! Wow! The nightlife in Rio is the best. You want to go to the Lapa area for the best bars and lounges. I can’t comment on the favelas because I didn’t go but I’ve been told you can book a tour. Not sure how safe it is so I can’t really comment on it. But enjoy this beautiful city and it’s people!

A few years ago I saw the coolest picture of someone in water, inside a glass and next to a crocodile! After a lot of research I found the place. It’s called Crocosaurus Cove and it’s located in Darwin, Australia. I knew I had to go and do this so I added this to the bucket list. I got to Darwin from Sydney via air. Flight was close to 4 hours and very inexpensive (about $150 one way). Once I got here it was very different from Australia’s major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. It looked very “swampy” and I learned that it’s because Darwin is home to many snakes, alligators and crocodiles!!! Well I was there for one thing only and that was to swim with a crocodile. The downtown area is a little sketchy at first sight. A lot of homeless people around but they aren’t harmful at all. There is a Salvation Army in the area so they all hang out over by it. The cool thing about Darwin is that it is home to many indigenous people. So it was very cool seeing that difference from the people is Sydney and then the people in Darwin. I was only there for two nights and I stayed walking distance from the Crocosaurus Cove. The staff is super cool and very chill. The place is like a zoo for reptiles and of course home to the most famous Hollywood crocodile (guess who?!) When you get there you’ll need to sign a waiver and go over the ”what if’s” ... what if things go wrong, ah! This made me a little nervous at first but after getting in the Cage of Death I felt so fearless. I was face to face with a massive 5.5 meter long crocodile. It was the best experience of my life to date. If visiting Australia, step outside your comfort zone and take a trip to this city, it’s unique.

Guayaquil was interesting and different from what I like to visit. I actually went on a trip for work and had some free time so went out and explore. I took an Uber for $5 (transportation is super cheap) to the bottom of the 444 steps (Las Peñas). Go really early in order to get nobody in your future insta pic lol. Once you head up the steps there are stores on your way up. Kee I’m kind of you go super early they may still be closed. Once you reach the top of the 444 step there is a little church and a lighthouse. Warning you can go up the light house just know there are more stairs! After that make your way down and head to carnival rides by the “malecon”. You can the Guayaquil Ferris wheel and get a good view of the city and the local neighborhoods. They kinda look like the favelas from Brazil. Once done here walk along the male on park and make your way to the iguana park. This was probably the highlight of the trip. These guys are huge and very relaxed but be careful not to get smacked by their tails. There is another church across from the park which is very popular and the most important in Guayaquil. There is also shopping near by and is very affordable. Watch your bags and belongings, it can get really crowded.

As a crew member we get special perks when visiting certain places. If you happen to have a long layover in SJO stop by La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Bring your work ID for free entrance! You can Uber it here (around $30) but be warned getting back Uber might not be available and the price for a private can can be double what you pay to get there. There are about three waterfalls so lots of walking and climbing to get around. The place is like a sanctuary for animals and bugs. My favorite thing here was the butterfly habitat. You walk in this enclosed area and the butterflies are flying all over the place. I got to see a cocoon actually hatching! It was literally the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. I felt very comfortable with the staff, they were very friendly and they helped us get a private ride at the end when we couldn’t find an Uber to get back to our hotel hahaha.

I actually went by myself and let me tell you it was amazing! I was super nervous at first but everyone was super nice to me. I got into my Uber from the airport. The driver asked me to sit in the front because it was more “custom” over there. Super cool guy, gave me a little background story about Cairns. Any who I used Down Under Dive as the company for my trip. They picked me up from my hotel in the morning and took me to the pier. Once on the boat they provided light snacks and adult beverages. We went to two different spots for the dive. The instructors were so patient with me. One of them actually took me down to five by myself because I was freaking out and he wanted to make sure I had a memorable experience and had my money’s worth. The people on the cruise were mostly American tourists so I did feel a little awkward at first. Wasn’t sure who to make convo with but eventually a group of people my age invited me over to sit with them and drink together. It needed you being really chill and 3 years later I am still in contact with 2 of the girls from that group. Have fun and be safe!

Milan is literally one of my favorite cities. Last year alone I visited like 10+ times. Aside from the Duomo, the Galleria and the Navigli canals, one of my favorite things is the actual food. When in Milan make your way to the Brera neighborhood. It’s more authentic Italian food and it’s away from the major tourist spot. Not a far walk from the Duomo cathedral. One of my favorite spots to eat is “il Kaimano”. The staff are super friendly and the manager is very funny. If you don’t see something you like on the menu or want to add a special ingredient not mentioned in the menu feel free to let them know. They will make the dish to your likings. It’s the perfect spot to eat. I always get the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. Also keep in mind Milan does the siesta and hours may vary (this particular place does not open on mondays). Enjoy!