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  • YOUR GUIDE TO VISITING FOUR COUNTRIES IN ONE TRIP St. MAARTEN, St. MARTIN, ANGUILLA & ST. BARTHELEMY

    Let me give you a scenario to make you fall in love with this idea; Wake up in St. Maarten, have breakfast in St. Martin (at Reveil), and lunch in Anguilla or St. Barts. If you wish to island hop, you need to choose a base and for us, we chose the perfect base – St. Maarten. Why do I say it was the perfect choice? Because among all these countries, St. Maarten is easier to get to (it has more flight options and it’s cheaper to fly there), accommodation is cheaper there since it is more touristy than Anguilla and St. Barthelemy. This guide is just to show you that island hopping is possible, and you can choose to do it your way by deciding on your main country then hop on the others.

    If SXM is your base, I want you to ask yourself two questions; what side of the island is your hotel located? Is it the Dutch side or the French side? Once you know the answer, how far is your hotel from Marigot (The ferry terminal on the French side) and Philipsburg (where the ferry terminal on the Dutch side is located). You might be wondering why this matters and I am going to tell you. Knowing this information is core because it will help you save on taxi cost, and drive time. I did not have this information when I was planning my own trip, and I paid the cost for it, so you don’t have to.

    Every blog I came across only talked about Marigot as the terminal for the ferries. While booking, I saw Philipsburg, but I did not bother choosing it since it wasn’t Marigot. Come to find out, Philipsburg was very close to my hotel and 15mins closer to St. Barthelemy. Thanks to this guide, you are about to have firsthand knowledge to help you have a better and smoother island-hopping experience. Since all my trips were made from Marigot, I will be talking about Marigot. Now that you have figured out the ferry terminal you will be using, let’s start hopping islands.

    DAY TRIP TO ANGUILLA

    The first country we traveled to was Anguilla which is located north of St. Martin and only 20mins from Marigot to Bowling point in Anguilla. The ferry leaves everyday frequently and there is a schedule you can refer to. We left for Anguilla with the 9:30am ferry and we were in Anguilla before 10am. Talk about having dinner in St. Marteen and breakfast in Anguilla.

    You need your passport – you are going to another country; you will be stamped out of St. Martin and stamped into Anguilla.

    You need cash. You pay cash only ($30) for the ferry to Anguilla on board. You cannot buy tickets before time for this. You show up, pay a departure tax (7 euro per adult) – you can pay with either cash or card for the tax (remember, they only accept euro in this country – St. Martin). After payment for the departure tax is made, you will be handed a receipt and a card that lets you get on the boat.

    Proceed through security like the airport, and then through immigration. It is a quick process. You have now made it to the waiting area to board your ferry. Once you board, there is a quick safety display like what we watch before a flight. Once cleared to leave, 20mins later you are in another country. The water is very calm, and the ride is so smooth. If you get seasick, please take your medication before the trip and I will advise you to sit on the upper deck of the ferry. Though the water was calm, people still got seasick.

    Disembark from the boat and walk to immigration. Just like the immigration area at your airport, no video recordings or use of phone is allowed in this area. The immigration officer just asks you a few questions and stamps you in (another stamp in your passport, yayyyy).

    Welcome to Anguilla, a British territory, and the Caribbean’s best kept secret.

    A few things to know

    Visa/Entry Requirement: If you are visiting from SXM, you do not need a visa.

    Language: English is their official language. It is a British territory, what else will they speak?

    Airport: If you are planning a trip to Anguilla, you can also fly directly there. The airport code is AXA for Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport. You can also fly from St. Martin to Anguilla, and the flight time is 8mins.

    Currency: Their local currency is the East Caribbean Dollar, but USD is widely accepted everywhere.

    How do you plan on moving around for the day? Most people do a car rental which costs $60/per day. One thing to note, they drive on the left side of the road. Also, if you decide to rent a car, remember to give yourself enough time to put fuel and return the car before getting on the ferry. There are taxis readily available outside the ferry terminal. We were so lucky to get our driver who I will put his business card below. He gave us a 2hr tour (which costs $90) of the island and it was a great way to see Anguilla. The tour ends where you wish to spend the day chilling before heading back to St. Martin.

    Nell’s Taxi & Tours – 264-235-6409/ 264-581-8835

    Email: nell’staxiservice.anguilla@gmail.com

    If you wish to spend the day at Savi beach club (located in Meads Bay), it costs an additional $27 from here back to the ferry terminal. If you choose Shoal Bay, it costs an additional $45. The cost is not part of the $90. $90 is the cost of a 2hr tour of the island.

    Now it’s time to explore the island. You will notice there is a lot of untouched land, if you want to invest in Anguilla, you can buy land or property. The driver goes over Anguilla’s history as he drives around, be prepared to learn a lot.

    The first stop we made was at the aurora villas – a beautiful hotel. We went to the beach there, soaked in its beauty, took pictures and returned to the car when we were ready.

    Next up was the Belmond hotel, another beautiful hotel with a gorgeous beach and killer views.

    From here, we headed to the Arch (you pay $5 per person to see the Arch). Due to erosion, you can no longer climb on the arch.

    Next stop was this lookout point and the view from here? Left us in awe, I’m talking drop dead gorgeous.

    From there, we drove to Shoal Bay which is where we spent the rest of our day eating, swimming and lounging. The restaurant we ate at is called Elodia’s beach bar and eating there comes with beach chairs and umbrellas. They show you your beach chair(s) and umbrella which is yours for the whole time you are there. You have free beach chairs and umbrellas if you are eating at their restaurant. They have clean changing rooms if you need one to change into your swimsuit and clean bathrooms too. The changing room is separate from the bathroom (even better).

    When the driver dropped us off, we agreed on a time for him to take us back to the ferry terminal. He showed up on time and we left. Remember I said you do not buy your tickets before time, here is the catch. If you plan on leaving Anguilla, show up very early before the departure time. Because if the boat is full, you must wait for the next boat which leaves in 45mins or an hour depending on the time of day. We arrived early, for the 4:30 boat. Tell me why I convinced my friends to go get souvenirs (which we ended up not buying). As we were walking there, our driver met us and told us if the boat is full, we will not get on. We turned back and guess what? We didn’t make the 4:30pm boat. We were next in line when we were told the boat was full. We then had to pay for the next boat. You pay $30 here, move to another window where you pay a departure tax ($9 each), get stamped out by immigration, go through security and enter the waiting room.

    It was finally 5:15pm and we could not board. Mind you, the boat we missed left on time. When it was our time, the boat left to go get fuel. What a price to pay. 30mins later, we were finally on our way back to St. Martin. 20mins later, we were back like we never left. Got stamped in and our taxi was outside waiting for us.

    DAY TRIP TO ST. BARTHELEMY

    A little history, St. Barthelemy was colonized by the French in 1648. Due to the poor quality of its soil, St. Barts was traded to Sweden in exchange for a warehouse in Goteborg. After experiencing challenges like hurricanes, fire in Gustavia and battles with the English, they decided to return the island back to France which made it part of Guadeloupe. Years ago, David Rockerfeller bought a property there and made it for rich American travelers seeking tranquility. That continued and has remained the playground of the rich.

    Saint Barthelemy also known as St. Barts, St. Barths or St. Barth is the playground of the rich. I am talking a fleet of luxury yachts, luxury boutiques, French inspired dining and beautiful beaches. It is so European, imagine Europe meets Caribbean.

    A day trip from SXM to St. Barts is done either by high-speed ferry (which takes 45mins – 60mins) or by air for just 15mins. We went by boat and it was the most scenic ride ever. The crossing is very rough, be prepared. If you get seasick, drink your medicine. If you do not get seasick, also drink some medicine because that ride to St. Barts will test you. We traveled with Voyager and they sell seasickness bracelets – never seen that before. So cool. If you are thinking of where to sit, my advice will be, sit upstairs. The sea breeze helps especially if you get seasick.

    With St. Barts, you can purchase your ticket online. Our tickets were purchased on Stmartinbookings.com for $88 and it included taxes and fees. You can also purchase tickets from the Great Bay Express, this leaves from Philipsburg.

    A valid passport is required to travel to St. Barts. Once you arrive at the Gustavia harbor, you will go through immigration first. You can rent a car to explore but know the roads are windy. You can also arrange for a taxi in advance to take you around.

    Know Before You Go

    Visa/Entry Requirement: If you are visiting from SXM, you do not need a visa.

    Language: French is their official language. It is a French territory.

    Airport: If you are planning a trip to St. Barts, you can also fly there directly. The airport code is SBH for Gustaf III Airport. You can also fly from St. Martin to St. Barts, and the flight time is 15mins.

    Currency: Their local currency is the Euro, but USD is widely accepted everywhere. Cards are also accepted.

    Sightseeing

    If you plan to do any kind of shopping, I will advise you to do that first because the shops close for lunch and only open back up at 2:30pm.

    1. GUSTAVIA: This is the capital of St. Barts. Walk around the city of Gustavia and enjoy the Swedish colonial architecture.
    2. SHOPPING: This is a major activity here due to the presence of many designer stores and at Duty free prices. Please note: the stores are open Monday to Saturday from 9am – 12pm, and from 2:30pm – 6pm and closed on Sundays. Plan accordingly.
    3. SHELL BEACH: Just a short walk from Gustavia and a must see. This beach is covered in shell and not sand, the water is calm and clear. Never seen a beach covered in shell before.
    4. FORT KARL: This is a short walk from the center of Gustavia or from Shell Beach. Get here and climb the stairs for some panoramic views of the island.
    5. VISIT A BAKERY: St. Barts is a French territory, and the French are known to have the best pastries. It only makes sense to try some there. We went to this bakery called Carambole and enjoyed some French goodness.

    St. Barts has a wide range of dining options from casual dining to fancy, so plan accordingly. They also have beach clubs like Nikki and Gypsea, if beach clubs are your thing, you can spend your day at a beach club.

    After all the sightseeing and exploring, we had a few hours left before it was time to head back to St. Martin. We decided to eat at a restaurant opposite the ferry terminal. It was very convenient. When it was time to go, we got in line early so we could go upstairs and sit there. If you are just visiting on a day trip, you do not need to check in at the counter before departure. The lady might announce she is missing a few people who haven’t checked in yet do not panic and leave your spot in line. What she says does not apply to day trippers. Once you board the ferry, the ride is smoother, the water is calmer, and you will be back in St. Martin in 60mins.

    You can do an island tour between St. Martin and Sint Maarten. This is a good way to see both islands. For St. Martin, explore the beautiful beaches, beach clubs, French cuisine and Grand Case area.

    For Sint Maarten, get on the steepest zipline in the world – the flying Dutchman. If you do not want to zipline, you can still get to the top of sentry hill to enjoy the best view of the island. other things to do in Sint Maarten is visit Maho beach to watch planes land and take off, take a rhum tour to learn about Topper’s – a local rum, and explore the vibrant nightlife and casino scene of Sint Maarten.

    This is how you island hop when in SXM and visit 4 countries on one trip without taking another flight.

  • A Travel Guide to Sint Maarten: Things to See, Do, & Experience

    This is a Caribbean island that is divided between France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The northern part of the island is owned by France, and it is called Saint Martin, while the southern part is owned by the Netherlands and it is called Sint Maarten. Though the island is a territory of two European Union members, only the French side of the island is part of EU.

    Both territories Saint Martin and Sint Maarten together are referred to as SXM. The two main cities on the island are Marigot (which is the capital of Saint Martin), and Philipsburg (which is the capital of Sint Maarten). The island is generally hilly with mountain peaks, and the houses are in the middle lower part like a valley. This gives you great views of the island from a lot of places. The island is located close to Anguilla and Saint Barthelemy.

    This island blends the cultures of the French and Dutch beautifully, creating a unique experience for each visitor. The island has something for everyone; whether you are visiting to explore their rich cultural heritage, the vibrant nightlife of the Dutch side, savor the gourmet cuisine of the French side or just to enjoy their beautiful beaches (they have 37 beaches), it is worth visiting. The island blends European elegance with Caribbean warmth thanks to its French and Dutch sides.

    Even though the island is two countries, the border crossing between both countries is the smoothest with no border control. You just go in and out between both countries.

    SINT MAARTEN VS SAINT MARTIN

    When I tell you SXM is one island, two countries, it’s no joke. Both countries operate as separate bodies from politics, cost of living, to rules of what is legal and illegal in which country. It is important to know these things, so you don’t get into trouble.

    When it comes to accommodation, the Dutch side is more budget friendly and has more options than the French side.

    Know Before You Go

    Visa/Entry Requirement: US and Canada citizens do not require a visa if staying for less than 90 days. Check the visa requirement from your country to SXM. I hear the visa process is easy. Before your trip, make sure your passport is still valid for at least 3 months. Arriving SXM, the immigration process is mostly automated and seamless. You walk up to a machine, scan your passport, take a picture and enter your information. Once you get the okay sign or green light on your machine, you walk to the exit where you take another photo for the gate to open and you are in the country, ready to explore. If you are not tech savvy, don’t worry there are friendly staff ready to guide you through the process.

    Airport: The main airport of the island is called Princess Juliana International Airport, and the airport code is SXM. This airport is located on the Dutch side. The French side has a small airport in Grand Case which service flights mostly from the neighboring islands. If you are coming from the US or internationally, you will be flying into SXM. There are direct flights from the US and Canada from different cities. We flew directly from Charlotte to SXM with a flight time of 3hrs 16mins.

    Language: The main language is French in Saint Martin and English and Dutch in Sint Maarten. Other local languages spoken on the island include Creole, Spanish and Papiamento. But English is widely spoken on the island as well.

    Currency: The island has different currencies for each side. The main currency in Saint Martin is Euro and in Sint Maarten is the Antillean Guilder (ANG) and USD. Cards are also widely accepted even in taxis, but cash is king. If you plan on using cash for most transactions, I’ll advise you have a mix of Euro and USD to be safe.

    Weather: The island has a tropical weather. Rainy season from August to December and Dry season from January to April. Because of the island’s location, it gets hurricane threats during hurricane season (late summer, early fall) – plan accordingly. Make the weather channel your friend and be cautious when traveling during this period.

    Plugs: The Dutch side has US plugs while the French side has EU plugs. Carry a universal adapter to be on a safe side, in case you find yourself on either side of the island, you can charge your devices.

    Transportation: A cheaper option is renting a car for your trip. They drive on the normal side of the road like we do in the US. But our main concern was finding parking, paying for parking and all the worries that come with driving. So, we opted for a not so cheap but convenient option – taxi. There are many taxis available right outside the airport. Our taxi driver was nice and I will recommend him. We also used another taxi service from our hotel, and I will also recommend her as well. Now you have options.

    Joel Taxi services – +1 721-580-6804/ +590-590-07-12-49

    Bianchi’s Taxi & Tours – +1 721-559-1156/ +1 721-520-5014

    Where to Stay

    When it comes to accommodation, SXM has a wide range of hotels, resorts, and Airbnb. Your budget will help you decide. Sint Maarten has a more vibrant nightlife while Saint Martin is quieter and more laid back.

    When it comes to deciding on where to stay, we have a few things that help with decision making. Firstly, we love luxury, and we love earning points on each stay. As a Marriott Bonvoy member, that was easy. We stayed at the JW Marriott St. Marteen Beach Resort & Spa. This hotel is located on the Dutch side of the island and about 30mins from the Airport.

    It is a beautiful property located on the beach. Upon arrival, you get a welcome drink – which is your choice of a rum punch or juice. The check-in process was smooth, but sadly our room wasn’t ready.

    The neutral tone decoration did it for me. Lately, I have been drawn to hotel brands with neutral tone decoration like the Six Senses. Those hotels just make me happy (I digress).

    We booked an oceanfront room (we only do oceanfront when we visit the Caribbean) and it was quite a walk to our room. But once we stepped into our room? We were in love. Worth every $$$ spent. The bathtub, the clean minimal neutral room decor and a beautiful view. If you are here from Instagram, you know I’m a sucker for a great view.

    Quick story, when we checked in, our room wasn’t ready. We decided to go out and eat. By the time we returned, it was already dark, but our room was ready. The hotel staff admired us so much. Oh, you all are so beautiful, oh I love your accent (we be pidgin box). That was our first interaction – lovely and cute. You know how you see a cute baby and you can’t stop saying how adorable she looks until she opens her mouth to speak or cry? And you are like, take her away, that was exactly the scene. When we got to our room, we realized we were on the first floor, and once you open the door to the balcony, you see cabanas and not the ocean. The cabanas were blocking the ocean view (more like cabana view). We were pissed, and the birthday girl stumped out to the front desk. Thankfully, they switched our room to a higher floor, and it fixed that problem. I’m sure they didn’t recognize the birthday girl when she returned to the front desk, her real accent came out. We had an amazing stay and if you are a lover of luxury and the fine things of life, then you just found your next hotel in St. Maarten.

    The hotel has a gym, Spa, three restaurants, two pools, beach, shops and bars.

    Best Things To Do In St. Maarten

    Take day trips to Anguilla and St. Barthelemy

    Have a beach day

    Visit Maho beach and watch planes land and take off (this is such a popular activity, but I just wasn’t interested in doing it).

    Book a rhum tour to learn about the island’s local rhum Topper’s.

    Have a tour of the Island – the island is not big, it takes about 2hrs.

    Flying Dutchman: This is the steepest zipline in the world.We did this and loved it. We booked it on Viator for $109/per person. You can buy your ticket there as well. You can decide not to do the flying Dutchman and just opt for the chair lift ride up sentry hill and back to enjoy the breathtaking views. The chair lift goes very slow and the views keep you in awe. If you are doing the flying Dutchman, plan to do it on a day you have nothing to do because it will take a huge amount of your day. The wait to get on the zipline is about 1hr 30mins on a good day (I am not even exaggerating). There is a bar at the top where you can get a drink while you wait (there is also a line here). But the views from here are gorgeous. It distracts you from focusing on the wait or thinking about how scary flying down the zipline feels. Once you are done with this activity, they direct you to the gift shop to get copies of pictures and videos. A picture is $10 and a video is $20 all made available to you digitally.

    Where to eat

    Captain’s Rib Shack is the spot if you want to have good island food

    Jax Steak house for a fancy dinner.

    SXM is a beautiful destination with friendly locals, beautiful landscapes, good food, vibrant nightlife and the perfect location for island hopping. I will share a detailed guide on how to island hop on your trip to SXM. If you read this till the end, make sure you add SXM to your travel bucket list.

  • THE PERFECT ONE WEEK GUIDE TO BORA BORA

    Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

    Bora Bora was a trip of a lifetime for me. I first heard of Bora Bora sometime in 2014/2015 on our Ex-student WhatsApp group. One of our schoolmate (let’s call her Gina) was posting pictures on Facebook with Bora Bora as the location and another school mate of ours (let’s call her Ciara) thought it can’t be and wore her CIA hat. Only to discover that it was a lie – Gina was not in Bora Bora. All the pictures Gina had been posting were from Google. The issue was hot in the group because there was a ‘caught’. I have never laughed so hard in my life. They were at it for weeks. Ciara kept on saying if you are or were in Bora Bora share a picture of you there. Crickets………

    I googled Bora Bora to see what was so special about it that someone had to lie about going there. I was blown away by its beauty. I took a screenshot and sent it to the group saying, “this is heaven on earth, and I must visit it one day”. I didn’t know when. I started doing my research and that was how I got an idea of how much flights and hotels cost. I started saving towards it and 9 years later, I gave myself that trip as a 35th birthday gift. Best gift ever.

    The island of Bora Bora is located Northwest of Tahiti and about 50mins from Papeete. The airport is located on its own private motu. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a fragrant flower lei and transferred by boat to your resort. You fall in love with this island right before you touchdown. The view from the window of the left side of the plane is unforgettable (refer to my step-by-step guide to Bora Bora for the most detailed guide ever).

    The population of Bora Bora is about 11000 people. The island is very safe with extremely low crime levels. Bora Bora is known for its gorgeous views of Mt. Otemanu, overwater bungalows, crystal clear lagoon, and incredible marine life. If you have Bora Bora on your bucket list, do not stop at just saving images of it. Save up and make this dream trip a reality. It is the perfect vacation for everyone and anyone. From the moment you arrive, each experience continues to exceed your expectations.

    Getting There

    Remember that you are changing time zones, so be mindful of your arrival time and date.

    From Charlotte, we flew with American Airlines to LAX. We had about a 4-hour layover in Los Angeles before boarding our flight to Papeete. From there, we flew business class with Air Tahiti Nui and those 8 hours absolutely flew by. The service, comfort, and hospitality were truly exceptional and made the long-haul journey feel effortless.

    Since we arrived late in Tahiti (around 11 PM) and our flight to Bora Bora was scheduled for 7 AM the next morning, we booked a stay at Tahiti Airport Motel. Located directly across from the airport, it was the perfect place to spend the night. Clean, convenient, and surprisingly spacious, it did exactly what we needed after a long travel day. When we arrived, we took a taxi to the hotel and paid $20. The next morning, we walked to the airport. That is how close the hotel is to the airport.

    Our bags didn’t make it to Tahiti, but Air Tahiti Nui handled it well. They provided us with a generous toiletry kit which even included pajamas along with a $100 reimbursement. Thankfully, our luggage arrived the next day, so it all worked out in the end.

    If you are traveling to Bora Bora, spending a week there is ideal. Here is how to spend the perfect week in paradise.

    Day 1 – Arrival and check-in. unpack and get familiar with the resort property.

    Day 2 – Visit the main island and explore the city of Vaitape.

    Day 3 – Have canoe breakfast delivery and spend the day enjoying the resort.

    Day 4 – Photoshoot day and explore the Lagoonarium at the resort.

    Day 5 – Half day excursion with Lagoon service

    Day 6 – Have a Spa Day.

    Day 7 – Travel day back home.

    Where To Stay

    Bora Bora has one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons and one of the best ways to experience the crystal-clear waters is by staying in an over water bungalow at a luxury resort like Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa – which is where we stayed. Staying at this resort gives you the best view of Mt. Otemanu. This resort has beach villas, and different categories of overwater bungalows.

    Upon arrival, you are welcomed with the sound of the Piu and beautiful ladies smiling as your boat pulls up. The welcome is so warm and inviting. Once you get off the boat, you do not lift a finger. The staff takes your luggage and there is a golf cart waiting. You and your luggage get whisked off to the reception area. At check-in, you are welcomed with cold towels and vanilla infused water to keep you refreshed.

    If you arrive early before check-in time (like we did), the resort has day rooms. You are given a key to your assigned day room. These day rooms have a couch, shower, toilet and AC. These day rooms are also available on the day you checkout. If your flight is in the evening, you can enjoy the resort, swim, play etc and when it’s time to go, you can use your assigned day room to shower, change and prepare for your departure. If you arrive in the morning before check-in, you can take a shower, change your clothes and start enjoying the resort and whenever your room is ready, they will send you an email. By the time you get the email, your luggage will be in your room already. The driver picks you up with a golf cart and takes you to your villa. Once you get there, you are given a tour of your villa with important information you will need. At the airport, the hotel gives each guest a personalized water bottle. Such a thoughtful gift especially because Bora Bora is very hot, you will need to stay hydrated.

    Staying here, you will spend your day snorkeling in the shadow of Mt. Otemanu, indulging in Spa treatments, drinking out of a coconut, and dining on fresh seafood……. Heaven!

    Things to Do In Bora Bora

    Bora Bora is the ultimate destination for relaxation, which is what we mostly did. You might have a few bucket list activities to do here but avoid overloading your itinerary. You are paying thousands of dollars for the resort; you might as well enjoy it. Here are things to do when you visit Bora Bora.

    VISIT THE MAIN ISLAND

    I highly recommend you dedicate a day to visit the main island of Bora Bora called Vaitape. You get to buy souvenirs from there at a cheaper rate, tour the small island, and get to experience life with the locals outside your resort. To visit from Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, you take a shuttle boat to Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana (which happens to be on the main island). There is a boat schedule at the front desk, and it costs 3900CPF ($39) per person for a round trip. Shop for gifts at the Vaitape marketplace where they sell traditional goods like leis, tiare soap and oils, vanilla, shell necklaces, island clothing, and jewelry (Black Tahitian pearl). You will also get to enjoy street musicians playing the ukulele.

    While on the mainland, admire the island inspired architecture. There is this beautiful yellow church in Vaitape called Temple Ebene Ezera de Vaitape.

    VISIT MATIRA BEACH

    This beach is one you must visit when you are on the mainland. It is located right across the Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana. This beach has been voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. White sand, soft powdery sand, turquoise water, and shallow water make it good for swimming. It is a public beach, but there are no large crowds nor traffic. Matira beach feels remote and untouched. You can snorkel, swim and sunbathe here.

    TIP: This beach does not have a ton of shade. Pack a shade umbrella if you have one, a hat, and lots of sunscreen.

    STAY IN AN OVERWATER BUNGALOW

    Splurge and stay in an overwater bungalow even for a night or two. We stayed in an overwater bungalow our entire time in Bora Bora. Jumping straight into the turquoise lagoon water is unforgettable. If you bring floaties, you can tie them to your bungalow and just float in the lagoon while the sun set.

    GO SWIMMING WITH SHARKS AND STINGRAYS

    This excursion is a must when in Bora Bora. It was a bucket list item for me, and I was just happy to be ticking it off finally. Since it was a bucket list item of mine, it was the only time I was ready to leave the resort for an activity. Booking this activity allows you to start by swimming with stingrays, snorkeling in the coral garden (seeing the I love Bora Bora sign underwater was a nice touch), and then end the tour by swimming with black tip sharks. One word to describe this experience is exhilarating. There are two options for the excursion – half day (what we chose) and full day. There are different companies to choose from, so find what works best for you per your budget and time wise. We did our tour with lagoon service (which we booked directly through the concierge at the hotel), and our guide Nico was the best.

    A CANOE BREAKFAST DELIVERY

    Having your breakfast delivered on a canoe is a must-have experience. I had a canoe breakfast delivery on the morning of my birthday – talk about a dream come true moment. They announce their arrival by blowing a conch shell and that sound awakens gratitude in you. While the breakfast table is being set up, you get a ride around the lagoon. Such a moment.

    BOOK A PHOTOSHOOT

    How else will you bring your memories back?

    GET A FLOWER CROWN

    You will have a real-life Moana moment when you get a flower crown and wear it.

    HAVE A POLYNESIAN MASSAGE

    A trip to French Polynesia is not complete without a Polynesian massage. Being in Bora Bora is relaxing but take the relaxation up a notch by booking a Polynesian massage. You get to watch the fish swim through the glass floor while getting your massage done. Our hotel has the best spa in Bora Bora and we made use of it. I also took my first cold plunge in Bora Bora at the spa. When you book a spa session, it gives you access to the whole spa facility for the day.

    ENJOY THE SUNSETS

    The sunsets in Bora Bora are spectacular, take advantage of watching them daily. Something to note is, Bora Bora has no night life. Also, most restaurants close early. Well, you are traveling to Bora Bora to slow down and relax right? Plan to do just that.

    EMBRACE THE TAHITIAN CULTURE

     Tahitians are so kind and hospitable. From the moment you arrive at the airport in Tahiti, you are welcomed by live Tahitian singers and dancers performing for you. We were also greeted with fresh flower leis at the desk of our hotel at the airport in Bora Bora. You are welcomed by the sound of a piu when you arrive at the resort. Tahitians learn French, Tahitian, and English in school, making them ready to speak to you.

    CULTURAL DEMONSTRATION AT THE HOTEL

     These are free activities offered by the resort daily. At our resort, they had different activities daily at 12pm. We learned how to open coconuts, braid coconut leaves into bags (Chanel who?), caps, and headbands, and make posisson cru (their national dish). This is a fun way to get to know the culture. We all looked forward to 12pm everyday just to learn something new and interact with other guests. There is also a cultural night at the resort where they perform and dance during dinner. After giving us a show, they walk around and select guests randomly to join them on stage. So fun and entertaining.

    GO KAYAKING IN THE LAGOON

     The resort offers water sport activities like kayaking and paddleboards. They provide complimentary kayaks and paddleboards for the guests on a first come, first serve basis. Such a fun way to explore the lagoon.

    Our resort has a lagoonarium where you can swim with the fish. The lagoonarium has some beautiful, colorful fish. There is also a beautiful chapel overlooking the lagoonarium and Mt. Otemanu – very picturesque. If you want a romantic candlelit dinner by the lagoonarium, the hotel can set that up for you. Saw a few during our stay and we could not stop with awwwwww.

    Swimming in Bora Bora

    The above activities are the things we did in Bora Bora during our visit. There are other activities that can be done like jet ski, helicopter ride, day trip to the love shaped island, hike Mt. Pahia, 4×4 safaris, and sunset cruise. Pick whichever activity you will love to do in Bora Bora and enjoy it.

    Restaurants To Check out

    If you are a lover of restaurants, here is a list of some restaurants to check out when you visit. Please note, it involves you getting on the shuttle (boat) from point A to B.

    Bloody Mary’s (it was under construction when we were there)

    La Villa Mahana

    Bora Bora beach club

    St. James

    You made it to the end, hope this encourages you to make that trip to Bora Bora happen.

  • STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO BORA BORA

    Bora Bora aka the pearl of the pacific is the most beautiful destination I have visited. A place so beautiful, it was named twice – Bora Bora. This is a detailed guide on everything you need to know about Bora Bora. This is 10 years of research put down in writing, so it helps you with planning a trip to paradise.

    FUN FACTS ABOUT BORA BORA

    • Bora Bora is a product of a volcanic eruption.
    • All citizens of France are citizens of French Polynesia/Tahiti. In the same light, Tahitians are French citizens with complete civil and political rights.
    • The capital of Bora Bora is Vaitape.
    • The mayor of Bora Bora has been Gaston Tong Sang since July 1989.
    • There is no B in the Tahitian language. Considering the name, that seems impossible right? There are only 13 letters in the Tahitian language and B is not one of them. Bora Bora was not what it was named, it was originally named Pora Pora which means first born. Since the Tahitians believe it was the first island created after Raiatea. When the English settlers arrived on the island, they misheard Pora Pora for Bora Bora and that is how the name stuck. I can’t imagine this beautiful island being called Pora Pora – it sounds more like poorer poorer and that does not match this beautiful island. The name Bora Bora is what we call a beautiful mistake.
    • The Tahitian language is simple with only 13 letters and 1000 words. It has 5 vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and 8 consonants (f, h, m, n, p, r, t, v). This makes learning the language very easy. An apostrophe (‘) indicates a short pause, and there are lots of repetition in the words. This language sounds like Music.
    • Tahitians show the world their relationship status with flowers. Flowers are used as green and red-light system when it comes to flirting or asking a woman out. Wearing a flower on your right ear means you are single and ready to mingle and if you are in a relationship, you wear a flower on your left ear.
    • Have you ever heard of black pearls? This is where it is being produced. Black pearls are not really common. When you hear the word pearls, most of us think shimmering cream or white color. But black pearls do exist and they are produced by black lipped oysters which are in abundance in the French Polynesian waters. These rare stones don’t come cheap. One thing I will advise is, make sure you buy black pearls when in French Polynesia.
    • Tattoos are considered a sacred art in Bora Bora. They have the most beautiful tattoos I have seen in my life. Also, tattoos are looked upon as a sign of beauty by the locals.
    • The volcano that sits in the middle of Bora Bora has 2 peaks – Mt. Otemanu and Mt. Pahia. The highest point on the island is Mt. Otemanu.
    • The motto of Bora Bora is “aita pea pea” which means no problem or not to worry.
    • The main product in Bora Bora is coconut, and they have learned the art of using it for everything. Just think about anything you can use coconut to make and more, they do it. If you hate coconuts or do not eat coconuts, then visiting Bora Bora is not for you. You eat coconuts in everything, drink coconut, make bags with coconut leaves etc. Another thing they use a lot after coconut is vanilla.
    • The national dish of Bora Bora is poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk). I did not try it, but a lot of people rave about how good it tastes. I am not a lover of raw food hence I can’t relate.
    • Tahitian letterboxes are for bread deliveries, not letters.
    • Hawaii gets more visitors in 10 days than Bora Bora in an entire year. That should give you an idea of how raw an untouched the beauty of this island is. Less tourists = raw untouched natural beauty. Bora Bora has such a low number of visitors because it is a very expensive destination. The most expensive destination I have visited.
    • The movie couples retreat was filmed at the St. Regis resort in Bora Bora. You can watch the movie to see how beautiful the island is.
    • Bora bora is in the middle of nowhere. New Zealand is the closest large country to Bora Bora, and it is still 927 miles away. A lot of travelers pair Bora Bora with New Zealand, some of the people I talked to during my stay were coming from New Zealand or headed there.
    • There are no direct international flights to Bora Bora. You must make a stop in Tahiti.

    HOW TO GET TO BORA BORA

    The airport code for Bora Bora’s airport is BOB. All flights must stop in Papeete (PPT), the airport in Tahiti, before boarding another flight to Bora Bora. If you are flying from the US, you will have a layover either in LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) or SFO (San Francisco International Airport), and rarely in SEA (Seattle-Tacoma International airport).

    From LAX, your best option is Air Tahiti Nui (what we used) which is their local airline, or Air France. If you are flying with Air Tahiti Nui, please note that it leaves from another airport within LAX. Don’t think it is just another gate or terminal; it is very far. If you have a short layover in LAX on your way to Bora Bora, sprint to Air Tahiti Nui’s airport/gate else you will miss your flight.

    From SFO, your best option is United Airlines or French-bee. From Honolulu, Hawaiian Airlines leaves once per week.

    The flight time from LAX to Papeete is approximately 8 – 9 hours from the West Coast. Most flights arrive at night and require an overnight stay in Papeete before leaving for the other islands. Once you get to Papeete, you might have a few hours or an overnight layover (like we did). If you have an overnight layover, I will recommend staying at the Airport Motel. It is located across the airport – very convenient.

    The only way to get to Bora Bora from Tahiti is with either Air Moana or Air Tahiti. Please note: Air Tahiti is different from Air Tahiti Nui. When booking your flight, I’ll advise you to search for roundtrip tickets from your state directly to Bora Bora. The cost of tickets to Bora Bora are at the high end of $1000 to early $2000’s ($1600 – $2300 from the East Coast). Refrain from buying separate flights to save money. If there are any flight delays or cancellations, you will spend double that amount.

    The flight time from Tahiti to Bora Bora is between 45 – 50mins from take-off to landing. This is the most scenic flight I have been on. Sit on the left side of the plane flying into Bora Bora. For the best unobstructed view of Bora Bora, sit in the first 4 rows on the left side of the plane or sit on the right side from Bora Bora to Tahiti. One thing to know if flying with Air Tahiti is that they have an open seating policy. Try to be in front of the line once boarding starts. This gives you the opportunity to make the first 4 rows on the left side of the plane for the best unobstructed views of Bora Bora.

    The Bora Bora airport is on its own private Motu (island). Once you arrive, you will need a boat transfer to your resort. The resorts are located on their private motus or islets. Locate your hotel’s desk/stand, walk up to them and you will be greeted with a broad smile and a fragrant flower lei. You need to add airport transfer to your hotel reservation. It is an additional charge.

    If you are staying in an Airbnb on the mainland of Vaitape, Air Tahiti provides a free ferry for its passengers from the Bora Bora airport to the main island of Vaitape.

    THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

    1. Currency: The main currency of French Polynesia is the French Pacific Francs (XPF), with the symbol being F or CFP. 1 USD = 100 CFP, but USD is widely accepted everywhere. Credit cards are also accepted in most places, but remember cash is king especially with smaller purchases. Also, if you are traveling with USD, make sure you have small bills like $20 and not $100 because if you need to pay for a purchase that is less than $100, they have a hard time with change and if the resort has to change money for you, they charge a fee.
    2. Language: The official language is French. Tahitians learn French, English and Tahitian in school. You do not have a problem if you speak any of these languages.
    3. Plugs: The power plugs are the same as the EU. The standard voltage is 110/220v. My advice is, buy a universal adapter.
    4. Tipping: Tipping is not expected by hotel and restaurant staff but are appreciated. It is still a good way to show appreciation for great service.
    5. Drinking water: Tap water is drinkable in Bora Bora. Whenever you go to a restaurant and you are asked; still or sparkling water? Just say tap water or the free one.

    BEST TIME TO VISIT

    May – October is the best time to visit due to less rain, less humidity, and overall beautiful weather. Please note this season is also high season and this means everything is expensive, especially flights and hotels. You can consider going in the shoulder months April and November because it is cheaper. But this will be a big gamble with the weather, could be a hit or miss. We visited in May and the weather was perfect. The ideal time to spend in Bora Bora is one week.

    WHO IS BORA BORA FOR?

    This is one of my most asked questions. Bora Bora is for everyone. Families, girls’ trip, couples and solo travelers (though it will be extremely expensive to go solo). During our trip, we saw a lot of older couples, some honeymooners, and families. We were on a girls’ trip and we stood out. Young black girls in Bora Bora, we did that!

    WHERE TO STAY IN BORA BORA

    It is important to know that Bora Bora has less than 10 resorts and they are St. Regis (Marriott), Four Seasons, Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa (IHG), Intercontinental Le Moana Bora Bora Resort (IHG), Le Bora Bora by Pearl, The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa (Marriott), and Conrad Nui (Hilton).

    Bora Bora is a luxury vacation and the perfect place to splurge and stay at an overwater bungalow. The resorts have beach villas that are cheaper. There was no way I was going to Bora Bora and not staying at an overwater bungalow. I wanted to experience it here first, and I am glad I did. There are also Airbnbs which are all located on the main island. I did not stay at an Airbnb, so I don’t have anything to say except that they are cheaper.

    WAYS TO SAVE WHEN TRAVELING TO BORA BORA

    1. Travel during shoulder months (April and November). Prices look attractive and it is cheaper to go during these months. Going to Bora Bora during the months of December – March is the cheapest. This is the rainy season, and it can make or mar your trip. But you will save a lot of money going during this time.
    2. Use points to book flights and hotels. Some resorts let you redeem points for your stay. If you have lots of points, you can even have your stay for free or close to nothing. Marriott, IHG and Hilton have properties here.
    3. Split your stay between the mainland and the resort. Airbnb are very cheap, so you can stay at an Airbnb for more days and spend a day or 2 at a resort just to have the overwater bungalow experience. Also, you can split your stay between overwater bungalows and beach villas. The beach villas at the resort are cheaper and spending more days at the beach villa and a night or 2 at the overwater bungalow will save you a lot of money.
    4. Look for deals at Costco. They have amazing deals. I heard people get too good to be true deals there. You can also book directly on the hotel’s website; they sometimes have good deals there. I booked directly with the hotel, and it worked well for my group.
    5. Pack snacks and bring alcohol. Most deals will have breakfast included, but between breakfast and dinner, hunger can hit hard. This is when those snacks will come in handy. Just know, everything in Bora Bora is very expensive. A cocktail costs $30 and if you bring alcohol, you can mix it with juice or soda in your room. Make use of happy hour as drinks are 50% off. Plus, you need to drink the cocktail in the engraved coconut with Mt. Otemanu and Bora Bora on it this is when happy hour prices come in handy.

    MUST PACK

    • Sunscreen (reef safe)
    • Floaties
    • Hats
    • Lots of swimsuits
    • Flashlight (it gets dark)
    • Water shoes
    • Underwater camera
    • Sunglasses

    It is a sun destination, do not over pack. Don’t bother dressing up, you will be the only one looking that way. Pack cute flowy dresses, they will do the magic.

    THE MOST IMPORTANT TAHITIAN WORDS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

    Who needs duolingo when they are part of Estelle’s Lens community? Here are a few words you will hear everyday and it will be nice to respond to the locals. Their eyes light up when you speak Tahitian words to them.

    1. Ia Orana (Yo-rah-nah) – Hello
    2. Mauruuru (Mah-roo-roo) – Thank you
    3. Mauruuru Roa (Mah-roo-roo-roa) – Thank you very much
    4. Aita Pe’a Pe’a (Eye-etah pay-ah pay-ah) – No problem or you are welcome
    5. Manuia (Mah-nwee-ah) – Cheers (very useful during happy hour)
    6. Nana (nah-nah) – Bye (everyone hates this especially because no one wants to leave)
    7. Moana – Ocean
    8. Maeva (Mah-yeh-vah) – Welcome

    Making it to the end of this blog makes you 70% ready to visit Bora Bora. You now have first-hand knowledge about this beautiful place and only need to start saving up to visit it your way when you are ready.

  • The Ultimate Montego Bay, Jamaica Travel Guide

    Montego Bay Jamaica or Mo Bay as it is fondly called has my heart. My first trip was to Montego Bay and that is where my love for travel was born. Montego Bay, Jamaica happens to be one of my favorite travel destinations for so many reasons. Their hospitality is top notch, the locals are so friendly, the location is perfect (not a long flight), the water is clear, the nightlife is insane, the food is palatable, and the vibe is great for everyone and anyone. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, culture or a combination of these, you can never go wrong with Montego Bay Jamaica. I have been there twice, and I am here to share everything you will need to know to have a great trip to Mo Bay.

    Know Before You Go

    If you have been thinking about visiting Montego Bay Jamaica and reading this, you are about to have the best trip ever.

    1. Airport: If you must get to Montego Bay then you will most likely be flying there. The airport code is MBJ – Sangster International Airport. Most airports in the US and Canada have direct flights to MBJ.
    2. Best time to visit: December to April offers the best weather but it is a tropical destination with warm weather all year round. Be extra cautious when traveling during hurricane season.
    3. Currency: The local currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD) expect to use USD in tourist areas. Credit cards are also accepted but carry cash for small vendors.
    4. Entry Requirement: US Citizens and Canadians can travel to Jamaica without a visa. Green card holders do not require a visa; they need a valid passport and their green card for entry. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
    5. Language: Jamaica is the biggest English-speaking country in the Caribbean. English is widely spoken everywhere. The local language is Patois.
    6. Getting Around: They drive on the left side of the road if you are thinking of renting a car. Always use licensed authorized taxis.
    7. Voltage: 110V same as in the US and Canada, hence no adapter is needed if coming from the US or Canada.
    8. Etiquette: Camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in Jamaica. Bargaining is expected in markets but be mindful.
    9. Safety and Security: Resort areas are generally safe. Violent crime still exists in some areas of the city. So be cautious, use registered tour operators and avoid isolated spots solo. I never felt unsafe in Jamaica.

    Where to Stay

    Montego Bay Jamaica has an array of options when it comes to accommodation. Most of the hotels are all inclusive, a few regular hotels and Airbnb. Whatever your vibe is, Montego Bay has something for you.  I have been to Montego Bay twice and stayed at 3 different hotels. All these 3 hotels had different vibes and different price points, but I enjoyed my stay and will recommend them.

    RIU Montego Bay – When I first visited in May 2018, we stayed here. This is an all-inclusive resort, family friendly and budget friendly. It has lots of buffet style restaurants, multiple pool parties, vibrant nightlife and a kids’ club. This resort is perfect for social travelers, who are budget conscious, family friendly and love all inclusive.

    Riu Reggae Montego Bay is an all-inclusive adult only resort. It is part of the RIU family hotel chain. Staying here gives you access to the other RIU properties (RIU Palace and RIU Montego Bay). It is known for its themed events and daily entertainments. The perfect place for adults wanting a party atmosphere, lively night life and a beautiful beach scene.

    Breathless Montego Bay is a luxury adult only all-inclusive resort. It is stylish, modern and unlimited luxury all included. Their rooftop bar and pool take it. They also have live DJs, themed parties and lively entertainment. With its sister resort – Secrets wild orchid, you get access to this property – the beach, restaurants and pools. So, it’s like paying for one resort and enjoying 2 luxury resorts. One thing to know is that Breathless Montego Bay does not have a beach, but you can access the beach by visiting Secrets. That is where the beach is located. Secrets is a very short walk from Breathless, and they are even connected through a walk bridge.

    All three properties are all-inclusive. The most expensive is Breathless Montego Bay and the cheapest is RIU Montego Bay.

    Location wise, RIU hotels are perfectly located. They are closest to the airport, and you get a feel of the people.

     If you want quiet, romantic, luxury and wild parties – Breathless is the hotel for you.

    If you want fun and a good time – RIU Reggae Montego Bay is exactly where you want to be.

    If you are traveling with kids but are down for a good time while staying within budget – RIU Montego Bay.

    Things to do

    Montego Bay Jamaica is a location with lots of things to do. What you should note is, where these activities are located are very far from the resort/tourist area of Montego Bay. I am talking about a minimum of 2hrs drive one way, plan to be out all day. You get picked up by the tour company very early (be ready in the lobby at the pickup time you are given, because they are time conscious) and only return in the evening after 5pm.

    1. Dunn’s River Falls: This is a popular waterfall near Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Climbing the waterfall is a popular activity with the help of a tour guide. The falls have uneven terrain that forms like stairs which is what you climb. The tour guude instructs you to hold hands and form a human chain for the climb. The climb takes about 1hr 30mins with photo breaks along the way. It does not get hot here because of the lush vegetation in the area that covers the falls, keeping the sun away and you, cool during the hike. It is a fun activity to try, and you will be proud you did it. To prepare for this, you need towels (to dry yourself up after the hike). Water shoes are a must. To prevent slip and fall, you must wear water shoes. You won’t be allowed to do the hike without water shoes; they sell them there as well. You also need a plastic pouch for your phone. Wear a swimwear that you can move in freely since you will be getting wet – it is a water activity. Cost wise I did it in 2018 and the price is different now.
    2. ATV Jungle tour: This is also a full day activity, be prepared for it. For this activity, the amount you pay gives you the liberty to choose 3 activities you want to do, and, in the order, you want to do them. We chose ATV, Ziplining, and Horseback riding. We started with ATV for the thrill and adrenaline rush and enjoyed it. After that, we were directed to go for ziplining. Another thrilling experience. I am not scared of heights, so I really enjoyed it. I think I enjoyed it more than the ATV. It was about 7 Ziplines and it gets higher as you go. We had a lunch break which was included in the cost and then went horseback riding as the last activity. This was the last activity because we had to get in water. It was my second time doing this activity and I enjoyed doing it with my girls. The truth is, I don’t like horseback riding just because it is an animal and you don’t know how a harmless kick will be interpreted by the horse.
    3. Rick’s Café: You cannot go to Jamaica and not make a trip to Rick’s café. If you did that, then you need to plan another trip to Jamaica because you haven’t been yet. What a way to spend your day. Rick’s café is in Negril Jamaica (everywhere from Montego Bay is such a drive). This is a very popular spot in Negril which opens daily at noon to enjoy cliff diving, live music, good food and watch the sunset. It has a very lively and scenic atmosphere. It really gives you an idea of the Jamaican culture – happy, music, party and fun. I highly recommend this.
    4. Bambo Rafting: The most chill and relaxing activity in Jamaica. Bambo rafting on Martha Brae River is a lovely activity. You get a ride around the river while enjoying music, fruit punch or drink of your choice and some good jerk meal cooked by a local along the riverbank. Then, you get to enjoy either a foot or full body limestone massage by your guide – relaxing. By the end of this tour, you return revived. For all my non-thrill seekers, this is for you.
    5. Enjoy your resort, you actually paid money for this so spend a day enjoying the resort (I am also speaking to myself) I am guilty about this. Book the nice resorts with every fun thing and only lay my head there to sleep and I am out.
    6. Visit the local market: if cultural immersion is what you enjoy when you travel, then you must do this. There is a craft market we visited (I don’t remember the name), where we bought lots of souvenirs. You are free to bargain but be mindful not to bargain them out of business. It is also a good way of supporting the locals. We also visited a fruit market. Jamaica has lots of tropical and exotic fruits. We still think about the juicy and sweet soursop we bought, among other fruits. We enjoyed it so much, it left a mark in our hearts.

    There are so many different activities you can do in Jamaica, but these are the ones I did both times I have visited and I will recommend.

    Jamaica is a great location for a quick trip, long weekend trip or one week trip. Any number of days you decide to spend in Jamaica will sure reward you with a good time. Whether you are going through a heart break, just a thrill seeker, an adventurer, a family reunion, or you just want solitude, Jamaica has something for you. And when you return, you won’t stop talking about it nor stop thinking about when you will return to Jamaica.

    Jamaica! No problem.

  • How Travel Healed Me and Awakened My Adventurous Spirit

    Hello, welcome to my corner!

    Starting this blog feels surreal — a mix of excitement, nerves, and gratitude. I have come a long way from the girl who once dreamed of a quiet life in finance. Winning the U.S. green card lottery opened a new chapter, but it was travel that truly transformed me. My first trip to Jamaica didn’t just celebrate a birthday. It changed the way I see myself and the world. This is my very first post, and the one word that best describes how I feel right now is unbelievable. Estelle, writing a blog? They say, never say never! This has been a long time coming, and I’m so glad I finally started. Yay me! 😊

    A Little About Me

    I am originally from Cameroon, and I currently live and work in the United States. I won my green card through the Diversity Visa Lottery which some might call it luck, but I call it God’s grace. Growing up, I wanted to be an accountant and work in a bank. I even wrote it in my “memoire book” back in secondary school. Well… news flash! I’m not an accountant, and I can’t imagine working in accounting now – no offense to accountants. But I do work in finance, so that’s close enough, right? As a child, I loved playing it safe and staying in my comfort zone. It kept me out of trouble, and before I knew it, I had become my parents favorite child. Today, I am a different person. I love to travel, I am adventurous, and I still love numbers.

    My Turning Point

    How did I go from being the comfort-zone girl to an adventurer and travel lover? During one of the darkest seasons of my life, I decided to celebrate my birthday in Jamaica. My friends and I traveled to Montego Bay, and that trip changed everything. Somewhere between the ocean breeze and the sunsets, I found peace. I found joy. I found me. That journey opened a new chapter — one filled with discovery, adventure, and gratitude. That’s when I realized: travel heals. Through travel, I have discovered parts of myself I never knew existed.

    To you, it’s just another picture of girls just posing. But to me, it is the place that changed my life.

    Living Without Fear

    Now, I dare to live. I do everything I set my mind to, without letting fear of failure, or fear of judgment stop me. Starting this blog is part of that journey. Maybe I’ll love it, maybe I’ll fail at it. But either way, I’ll be proud that I tried. Sometimes we sit on ideas, waiting for “next year”, but the truth is, time is fleeting. Get up and do it now. Do it unsure, do it afraid, do it confused. One day, you’ll look back and be proud you did. You’ll never know what’s possible if you never try.

    The Journey Begins

    Writing this post feels like closing one chapter and opening another. I don’t know where this blogging journey will take me, but I’m excited to find out. If you’ve ever felt stuck or afraid to try something new, take this as your sign. Start now! You might just discover a new version of yourself along the way. Travel taught me that healing doesn’t happen all at once. It unfolds one journey, one experience, one step at a time. Wherever you are in your own story, I hope you choose courage over comfort. The world has a way of revealing who we are when we dare to explore it. So here’s to stepping out of comfort zones, embracing the unknown, and saying yes to the adventures that shape us. Thank you for reading my very first blog post. It means the world to me!

    I’d love to hear from you: What moment or journey helped you discover more about yourself? Share your story in the comments or connect with me, let’s keep inspiring each other to live fully and fearlessly.

    Until the next adventure,

    Estelle 🌴