Well, look at that! It’s almost 2023. I’ve been off jet-setting around the world this year and finally have some downtime to decompress, put my feet up and think about what kind of rich, luxurious, upscale experiences I want to have next year.
Here are some great ideas I want to share, you know, so we can step into our Rich Auntie Vibes even more and sprinkle our Black girl magic so often we might as well put it in our water!
The following are a few Rich Auntie-approved New Year’s Resolutions:
Make Self-Care a Habit: Girlfriend, you work so hard, BUT are fun and self-care ever the top things on your to-do list? Make a habit of putting “F U N” as your to-do thing every single day, whether it’s sipping a glass of bubbly, dancing to your favorite song, or slathering yourself with a luxurious lotion after a warm Epsom bath at night.
Schedule Regular Getaways: That bucket list isn’t going to cross itself off! Every 3 months, schedule a trip. It doesn’t have to be international, although Travel Divas has the most AMAZING international experiences close and far away from home, such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. Truth is … you need to make a regular habit of sprinkling your Black girl magic around at least 3x-4x a year.
Take a Random Day Trip: Spontaneity and doing what you want is 100% Rich Auntie Vibes. Put away the laptop, clock out of the mental stress, and take an unplanned day trip to another city. There’s gotta be a vineyard somewhere that’s calling your name. Just do it!
Try New Cuisines Once a Month: You can expand your palette even if you can’t stamp your passport. Try a new culinary experience once a month – fusion restaurants, hole-in-the-walls and even treat yourself to an upscale 5-star experience at a fancy hotel. Remember … you’re worth it.
Spend More Time Living & Less Time Working: Make a promise to yourself – right now – to spend more time away from your desk. Now, the best way to do this is to hang with us across the world. That is so we can pamper you and help you forget about your too-long to-do list. Did I mention you’ll make lifelong friends AND memories?
Make 2023 the year you live your best life, girlfriend! Start by treating yourself to the gift of imagination and take a peek at all the breathtaking destinations we’re inviting you to right here: www.traveldivas.com/trips
2022 was a year filled with change, but 1 thing stayed consistent all year long: The Travel Divas showed up and showed out!
We loved turning up with you in every corner of the globe during 2022, and we can’t stop reminiscing on all the fun we’ve had this year.
Read on to take a trip down memory lane with us and look back on a few of our 2022 highlights!
Highlight #1: Egypt
Egypt owes us nothing!
We spent 9 days in Egypt this March, and we hit up Cairo, Aswan and Luxor while we were there. Thanks to its unique blend of ancient culture and modernity, Egypt is always 1 of our favorite countries to visit.
We marveled at the Pyramid of Giza, explored ancient temples dedicated to Egyptian gods and goddesses, cruised down the Nile and turned up during a Sound & Light show at the pyramids.
Highlight #2: Dubai
This trip was one for the books!
Each year, our Dubai Glam trip gets better and better. And the May and November versions were definitely our best yet.
Our hotel, the Sheraton at the Mall of the Emirates, made it easy to get our beauty rest and our looks for the night in one fell swoop.
When we weren’t shopping and kicking back at our wildly luxurious hotel, we were out exploring Dubai and getting a taste of life in the United Arab Emirates.
And we made sure to snap plenty of pics for the ‘gram on our Modern Dubai City Tour and our desert safari. The Divas looked so fly on camelback!
Highlight #3: Hawaii
Whew, Waikiki in September was an absolute dream!
Our resort was just steps from the white sand and blue water of Waikiki Beach, and we loved waking up to fabulous views every single day.
Like all our trips, this Waikiki getaway was filled with experiences and events to bring the whole Travel Divas crew closer. We loved learning more about Polynesian culture with y’all during our luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
And we’ll never forget the memories we made during our lit all-white welcome reception! (If you know, you know!)
Highlight #4: South of France
Now, September and October were filled to the brim with luxury.
We bid au revoir to all our worries and headed to the South of France for a decadent, ultra-relaxing vacation.
We hit up Nice, Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Monte Carlo to indulge in the very best the fabulous French Riviera has to offer.
Between our champagne brunch, rooftop dinner in Nice and our visit to a local winery, each day was filled with luxurious excursions that had us feeling like Bey on her yearly yacht trip!
Highlight #5: Singapore and Malaysia
This October we hit up not 1, but 2 of Asia’s hottest vacation spots!
In Singapore, we embarked on an adventure-filled night safari and treated ourselves to an island getaway on Sentosa Island. Crazy Rich Asians who?!
We kept the South Asia vibes going in beautiful Malaysia, with stops in super-chic Kuala Lumpur and the historic city of Malacca. Of course, we ate yummy food the whole way through!
Highlight #6: London
We sprinkled a lil’ Black girl magic in London this October on a glamorous trip that would make even the royals jealous!
We lived our best Bridgerton lives on this London getaway and treated ourselves to our heart’s content.
Every second of this trip was filled with luxury. Some of our favorite parts were touring the city in vintage taxis, sipping on afternoon tea, touring Windsor Castle and going to a concert at the Royal Opera House.
Highlight #7: Los Cabos
Sis, we shut Los Cabos DOWN and looked fabulous doing it!
We headed down to Mexico in October for a trip to Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos. While there, we kept the all-white theme going for 5 days straight and served major monochrome lewks during our welcome event, pool party, catamaran cruise and sunset farewell party.
The Travel Divas also treated themselves to some serious rest and relaxation at our all-inclusive resort. We’re so glad you all enjoyed your spa treatments, beach days and personal butler services!
Highlight #8: South Africa
November was all about visiting the Motherland, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
We headed down to South Africa to take in the country’s rich culture and natural wonders.
We hit the city of Cape Town hard, tasting authentic South African wine and marveling at the breathtaking Victoria Falls.
And although South Africa is more than a wildlife destination, we did throw in a few safari excursions for our most adventurous Travel Divas! We loved getting up close and personal with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, leopards and other wild animals.
Highlight #9: Ghana
The Motherland tour continued when we let the hot West African sun heat us up this winter.
Our trips to Ghana were filled with opportunities to celebrate our ancestors, reconnect with our roots and explore Ghana’s rich history and vibrant present.
We’ll never forget turning up with you at the Black and Gold “Welcome Home” dinner party, meeting locals in the villages and the fun-filled nights in the streets of Accra.
We did more than party, though. Our lives were forever changed after walking in our ancestors’ footsteps through the Door of No Return, visiting the castles where our people were held captive before embarking on the Middle Passage and receiving our African names from Ghanaian elders during a naming ceremony.
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While 2022 will always hold a special place in our hearts, we can’t wait to make even more memories with you next year! We’ve got tons of epic trips planned for 2023. Book your next Travel Divas getaway here: https://thetraveldivas.com/trips/
There’s truly nothing like eating brunch during the holidays – spending time with the family, looking your best, and sprinkling your Black girl magic someplace else other than your house.
That’s why we’ve gathered together a few spots for you to jet set to around the world, all so you can experience elevated bougie brunches with a dash of holiday spirit and a sprinkle of Black girl magic.
Here are a few spots that put the “holiday” in “holiday brunch” …
Deck The Halls in Dubai
If there’s one place that knows how to party and get in the holiday spirit, it’s Dubai. And let’s not even get started on the delicious holiday brunch that is to die for. Are you ready for a bougie brunch at one of the city’s most luxurious, upscale, and festive hotels?
Listen, y’all know that Australia is the Queen Diva of coral reefs, right? Trust us when we say those snatch-your-breath-away photos of life under the sea pale in comparison to the awe-inspiring experience you’ll get first-hand.
Christmas in Cabo
Ready to tantalize your tastebuds in Los Cabos? Rock out to the sound of the ocean while sipping on (and spilling) tea, lapping up mimosas, and eating brunch with the girlfriends at the Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos. No questions asked … this seaside escape is perfect for sprinkling your Black girl magic.
Want more travel inspiration? Get ready to sprinkle your Black girl magic all over the world with more tips and lists just like this when you subscribe to the Travel Divas email list: http://bit.ly/TD-signup.
Get your hips oiled for hulas and your mind right for unforgettable memories. Here are the top three reasons you should say aloha in Hawaii:
#1: 6 Nights at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki
With late-night soaks in hydro spa tubs, a terrace with views of the Pacific Ocean, and the most comfortable sheets you’ve ever slept in, the time spent in your enclave at the Hyatt Regency in Waikiki is guaranteed to be one you and your bae reminiscence on for years to come.
#2: All-White Reception
Nothing says relaxation, leisure, and the beach more than an all-white affair. Bring your best all-white ’fit and get ready to be welcomed to Hawaii in style since our all-white reception will be one for your travel history books.
#3: Luau All Night
Witness a traditional Hawaiian luau with hula, music, and Hawaiian staples including poke, salmon, beer, and more during your excursion to the Polynesian Center. Before the night begins, learn about the rich royal history of Hawaii, before it became a U.S. state.
Ready to spend some well-needed away from the house and the responsibilities of life? Do just that while laying out on the beach sipping Piña Coladas and basking in the sun when you come with us to Hawaii!
Listen, there’s no shame in our game: we love to curl up under a plush, weighted blanket with a cup of salted caramel hot chocolate, some buttery popcorn, fuzzy socks, and the remote stuck on the Hallmark channel when the cold weather rolls around.
But sometimes, do you ever wish you could go all Queen Latifah in “Last Holiday” and just jump straight into your favorite Christmas movie?
You might think warm tropical destinations are the best places for a Diva to travel when the temperature drops but the truth is, a winter vacation can truly be magical in the right location!
And that’s exactly why we’re headed to Switzerland, one of Europe’s coziest and most luxurious enclaves in 2023.
Come with us as we turn your Christmas movie dreams into reality with the most dazzling winter wonderland excursions and accommodations. Take a look at what we have planned in Geneva and Montreux:
Dine on Lake Geneva on a Cozy Evening Cruise
Bring your most stylish wool coat and over-the-knee boots, along with your Black girl magic, as you relish in the most decadent Swiss fondue dinner while sailing along the banks of Lake Geneva.
Delight in the Wonders of Swiss Watchmaking
The Swiss are known worldwide for handcrafting ultra-premium timepieces. Visit some of the most prestigious mechanical watchmakers’ boutiques as you learn about the ancient art of watchmaking – it’s more involved than you think!
Visit the United Nation Palace
Geneva, Switzerland is home to the famed and grand United Nation Palace where some of the world’s biggest decisions are made. The Swiss are known for keeping the peace, so your drama-free vibes will fit right in.
Shop at the Montreux Noel Market
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a holiday shopping spree! Whip out your Amex for a magical stroll through this famous Swiss market after a beautiful day of indulging in Swiss culinary traditions, a guided tour of the Grand Theatre, and brunch in one of Geneva’s most elegant ballrooms.
It’s Giving Bond Girl Vibes at the Chillon Castle
Get dressed up for a night of adventure at an exclusive Travel Divas-hosted gala at the breathtaking Chillon Castle. Leave no stone unturned and no detail unnoticed with your outfit, hair, and makeup tonight!
We promise you’ll never go back to celebrating the holidays the same after you join us in Switzerland from November 30 to December 8, 2023.
Come sprinkle your Black girl magic in a winter wonderland with us here:
We were 100% transparent with you the other day. Simply, you need travel insurance, Travel Diva.
It isn’t optional. It isn’t just nice to have. It’s a must. It’s the same way you need your passport and airplane ticket to get to your destination. You NEED travel insurance.
YOU are your biggest investment. Travel insurance protects you, your hard-earned coin, your health, and your sanity.
Don’t let lost luggage, missed flights, health emergencies in a foreign country, a stolen passport, a bankrupt cruise line, a car accident, a sick relative, or some massive country-wide attack, outage, or major event stop you from doing just that.
I know … it sounds unlikely, but let’s be honest … divas don’t wait until the worst happens. They protect themselves ahead of time, so they can live their lives in peace knowing they’re secure.
We want you to be prepared. If you haven’t purchased travel insurance yet, here are 10 reasons why you need to:
It’s 10 PM. You and your Black girl magic posse arrive at the airport so you can slide into your connecting flight. The problem? They’ve “kindly” informed you your flight is canceled but you still need to fly out now.
Your Rx meds were in the bag you checked. You go to pick it up and the airport has lost your bag. You need to locate your bag ASAP and get your emergency prescription filled.
Those pickpocket rumors in Rome ended up being truer than you thought. Your passport and wallet have been stolen, and you have no clue who to go to for emergency cash and passport replacement.
God forbid, but you’ve been in an accident and need more than basic first aid. Unfortunately, you don’t know who to call to get you evaluated and what type of care you need.
Someone in your family falls seriously ill right before your trip. You need to cancel … but don’t know what happens to your non-refundable deposits or prepayments.
You arrive in sunny, lush, melanin-rich St. Thomas … but your luggage doesn’t. You need reimbursement to replace or cover your necessities while they search for it. Who’s covering the cost?
The cruise line, airline, or tour operator goes bankrupt, along with your non-refundable expenses and your way to get to your destination.
You got too excited pretending to be Naomi Campbell in the streets of Cartagena and twisted your ankle. You don’t speak Spanish and nobody around you speaks English, and you need a doctor ASAP.
Three weeks before you’re scheduled to sprinkle your magic, a terrorist attack occurs in your destination city. You want to cancel and need to know who’s going to reimburse you.
Another hurricane hits the coast while you’re sipping margaritas at a beach resort in Florida, and you’re forced to evacuate the resort. You don’t know who to go to for help or reimbursement.
The main trend in all 10 scenarios is figuring out who will help you should something go wrong.
Black Girl Magic
It turns out, that who is actually a what … travel insurance. We strongly suggest you purchase travel protection coverage along with your Black girl magic vacation package.
Better to have and not need than to need it and not have it.
Here are a few vendors we’ve worked with. But check with your credit card company for options or Google travel protection.
You’re excited about your trip, right? You’re ready to rip and run these streets and sprinkle your Black girl magic all over.
You’ve been busting your behind saving up your coin to treat yourself and get away from all the stress. So, there couldn’t possibly be a reason why a hardworking, highly intelligent boss chick like yourself would want anything to get in the way of that.
We’re all about keeping it real with you, so please don’t make this common travel mistake:
Failure to purchase travel insurance.
Like, don’t even think about traveling without travel insurance. These times are not like when you might’ve traveled in the past. With cancellations, delays, and all types of service disruptions happening more often and the last thing you want to do is lose out because you didn’t think you needed travel insurance.
Stay Ready
One thing a Travel Diva always does is stay ready so she doesn’t have to get ready. So be a Diva and purchase travel insurance right now, if you haven’t done so. And do your research and get good insurance that covers you for things you don’t even think you need to be covered for because you just never know …
You’ll thank us later!
Catch that tea, sis!
Feel free to gallivant and check out a trip you could use it for.
Here at Travel Divas, we’re firm believers that luxury experiences don’t have to happen solely in Europe.
No, you see, there’s a different kind of “je ne sais quoi” you’ll find when you venture out on the road less traveled.
And the culturally rich country of Ghana is no exception. In the land of jollof rice (though the Nigerians may fight us on that one), this west African kingdom is brimming with Black girl magic.
While you could spend weeks on end exploring Ghana’s gems, we’ve put together 6 quintessential excursions you won’t want to miss when you visit the Motherland with us in 2023.
Let’s dive in:
#1: Receive Your African Name There’s a reason ex-pats travel from across the world every winter to return to Ghana. Besides the sunshine, there’s nothing more heartwarming than being welcomed home. And you’ll fit right in after receiving a traditional Ghanaian moniker at our exclusive African Naming Ceremony.
Your new name will remind you that you’re part of something bigger, a global family ready to welcome you with open arms.
#2: Visit the Door of No Return This symbolic door is a powerful part of history, representing the last glimpse of Africa many enslaved people saw before being ripped away from the continent. Bring the tissues, sis. We can’t promise your makeup will stay intact, but we can guarantee that you’ll never be the same after your visit.
#3: Shop at the Largest Open-Air Market in Ghana Lighten up the mood with a bit of shopping at Kejetia Market, the largest open-air market in West Africa. With over 10,000 stores (yes, 10K!), the market is bustling with Ghanaian culture. Put your haggling hat on and keep your eye peeled for the finest African fabrics and handcrafted goods here.
#4: Go Royal at Manhyia Palace Visit the official residence of the Asantehene of Asanteman – the king of the Ashanti. Now a museum, you’ll be amazed by the large amount of historical African art displayed on its walls.
#5: Leave Your Mark at Elmina Castle This UNESCO World Heritage Site was one of the first trading posts built by the Portuguese in the late 1400s and was a key stop on the Atlantic slave trade route. Restored in the 90’s, visiting one of the first European constructions on the continent will give you an inside view at how trade shaped the world.
#6: Visit the Birthplace of Adinkra Cloth Ever see colorful African attire with those bold, powerful symbols stamped on them? That’s Adinkra cloth. And when you come to the village of Ntonso with us, you’ll learn more about their origins and watch how local artisans create the legendary cloth from scratch.
We’d keep going, but by the time we’re done sharing all the ways you can sprinkle your Black girl magic in Ghana with us, the few remaining spots we have left will be sold out.
Imagine yourself in the tropics, surrounded by white-sand beaches and swaying palm trees. The sun is shining and the clear-blue Caribbean waters are as refreshing as the rum punch your private butler just delivered.
Now, this may sound like a scene out of your favorite beach read a romance novel, but this groove is real when you join us for Jamaica 2023, Part 2 at the Hideaway at Royalton Negril, a luxury resort nestled on the north coast of Jamaica.
This amazing resort offers spacious suites with ocean views and a wide range of luxurious amenities. You’ll enjoy world-class dining, top-notch service, and plenty of activities to keep you busy, from swimming and snorkeling to yoga and meditation.
So, let’s take a peek at what this trip has in store for us, Divas!
Luxurious Accommodations Hideaway at Royalton Negril has “soft life” written all over it! From the rain shower and spacious soaking tub in your modern and luxurious suite to your private terrace where you can take in expansive views of the lush Jamaican countryside, the Hideaway is a slice of heaven.
And if that’s not enough, we’re going all out and making you a Diamond Club member while you’re there. That means access to a private beach and pool, personalized butler service, and members-only treatment at the resort’s restaurants and spa.
Get ready to turn your Diva levels all the way up – you’ll be spoiled rotten by the time we leave!
Exclusive Diva Events The best part of any Travel Divas trip is the moments we share together as a group – and there will be plenty of those when we arrive in Jamaica!
We’ll start with a private welcome event where you’ll meet the crew and keep the fun going at our “RED” Swimsuit Pool Party! The poolside pics are sure to be HOT.
Then, meet us at the Floppy Hats Champagne Brunch and an All-White Cocktail Reception where we’ll sip a little something nice, as our Jamaican hosts would say. Might we suggest a local rum?
