FOODIE FRIDAY: SACHET ALL DAY

Written by Lauren Bailey

Featuring: Sachet

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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C/O KATHY TRAN

Sachet is a new Mediterranean restaurant that just opened in Highland Park. We went last weekend for a friend’s birthday!

C/O KATHY TRAN

C/O KATHY TRAN

When you first walk in, the ambiance of the place is outstanding. I loved the air plants that were hanging over the bar. We sat down at the bar while we waited for our table and ordered a couple cocktails. My husband was super excited that they had the beer Mythos because it took him back to when he visited Greece with one of his best friends. I ordered the Xoriguer Mahon to start and I was not disappointed!!

Sachet was not the traditional Mediterranean food that you think of when you think Mediterranean. I felt it had a more Middle Eastern Flare. The food was very light and fresh. We did family style when ordering and by the time it came to order a main meal we were stuffed!

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WHAT WE ORDERED:

MEZE:

PISTACHIO AND MARCONA

BROCCOLINI

SPICY CARROT TABBOULEH

SPICY ROASTED EGGPLANT

COMPRESSED MELON

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PITA

C/O YELP

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SALAD:

GREEK

APPETIZER:

PITA

ARANCINI

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ARANCINI

C/O YELP

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PASTA:

SPICY GOAT RIGATONI

SPELT FUSILLI

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SPICY GOAT RIGATONI

C/O YELP

If you’re into wine, have the Sommelier come over and recommend something to you! I ordered a glass of the Belle-Vue “La Renaissance/Le Chateau” Cabernet, Mt. Lebanon, Lebanon 2011. It was so refreshing and light. I am a huge fan of red wine, specifically Pinot Noir, and when we were in Budapest I had one that was amazing. That is all I said to the Sommelier and he delivered!

if you’ve been thinking about checking Sachet out, then do it ASAP! 😋

See my review on Yelp!

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About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance and eat great food while doing so!

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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FOODIE FRIDAY: MEMPHIS VEGAN EATS PART 2

Featuring Global Cafe, City Silo, RP Tracks

Written by Ashton Few

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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Global Cafe is another fabulous restaurant at Crosstown Concourse. They offer Syrian, Sudanese, and Venezuelan food made fresh by immigrants and refugees. Not only are you eating delicious food with fresh ingredients, but you are also helping to transform the lives of the ones that work there.

Not everything is vegan or vegetarian so don't go in and order one of everything, but I do suggest getting one of every vegan thing! The falafel and hummus are the absolute best! Grab some stuffed grape leaves, the traditional Venezuelan meal, a yummy drink from the bar, and enjoy them outside if the weather permits. Most items are made vegan and then you can add meat, but be sure to ask!

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Mostly vegetarian but also offers local farm raised chicken, City Silo is the perfect spot to go with your friends that think they can't have a meal without meat. Compromise, right?

C/O MRS HIPPIES BAKED GOODS

It is difficult to pick a favorite salad because they are all SO. GOOD. If I am eating out, I don't typically pick a salad because, when you're vegan, you can usually make it better at home. After your remove all of the toppings that aren't vegan, you are often left with lettuce and oil and vinegar dressing. The salads here are not those salads! Make a small modification to make it vegan and you will still have plenty of toppings to satisfy all of your cravings. You will not be disappointed by any of their burgers or sandwiches (get the vegan bun) either. I can't begin to tell you how delicious the BBQ Bowl and Buffalo Tempeh + Sesame Cauliflower Bowl are! Pick a base of quinoa, brown rice, or zucchini noodles with any of these. City Silo also has smoothies, juices, acai bowls, kombucha, coffee, local beer, wine, cocktails, and more. You might want to visit this place twice in one day!

C/O THE MEMPHIS VEGAN

C/O BIANCA PHILLIPS

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I may have saved the best for last because you can't beat the BBQ Tofu at R.P. Tracks.

C/O @lacomidajeremie

If your meat-eating friends have a taste of this, they will regret ordering anything else. The BBQ Tofu Nachos are always a favorite (you could share these, but you will not want to!) but be sure to order without cheese and sour cream for the vegan version.

C/O THE CHUBBY VEG

You can get the BBQ Tofu in a quesadilla, a sandwich, or as sticks. Speaking of sticks, you can get these lemongrass style or buffalo. They even have Imagine Vegan Cafe ranch for dipping! If a burger is what you're feeling, the Veggie Melt is a patty melt with a Beyond burger patty (go sans cheese for vegan). They even have the Beyond Brat so you can order their Homewrecker Dog.

You'll want a side of waffle fries and regular fries, because who can choose?! Wash it all down with a local draft beer such as Meddlesome's 201 Hoplar. This place stays open until 3:00 AM so it's great for those late-night munchies!

While Memphis may not have a ton of options for vegans, they are evolving daily and restaurants are becoming more aware of the demand for plant-based menu options. Memphis is a great city with lots of history, multiple venues with local and world-famous musicians playing nightly, great food, eclectic people, and good ole southern charm! It's worth adding to your travel list at least once!

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About me:

Hey there, I’m Ashton! I’m 30 years old and living in Memphis, TN with my hubby and adorable Frenchie, Psilo! I love traveling anywhere our RV will take us, and places far beyond. I have recently found a love of yoga and can’t wait to see where that takes me! I have always had a passion for food so I love getting creative and making vegan versions of childhood favorites for our family!

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Follow me: @smashton901

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FOODIE FRIDAY: MEMPHIS VEGAN EATS PART 1

Featuring Imagine Vegan Cafe and Crosstown Arts Cafe

Written by Ashton Few

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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Being vegan or vegetarian in, arguably, the BBQ capital is not always easy, but these five restaurants give you more than the go-to of a bland salad and fries. If you think you can't eat your southern comfort foods just because you're vegan, these restaurants will quickly prove you wrong!

First up is the only completely vegan restaurant, Imagine Vegan Cafe. Their menu may say things like steak burger, cheese, and bacon but no animal products can be found in any of their food. Their menu urges you to go ahead and order whatever you want since it's all vegan and, trust me, you will want some of everything!

With that being said, the Appetizer Sampler is a great start to give you a little of a lot of things: Dogs 'n Blankets, Potato Skins, Wings, Chicken Nuggets, and Hush-puppies! You don't want to leave here without getting the Cheese Sticks, though! They are house breaded and deep fried and absolutely amazing! You better come hungry because the Chicken Drumsticks are a must as well! These are also house breaded and deep fried and the guys at Imagine do it right! They make and bottle their own honey mustard and ranch dressing and you'll want one of each for those drumsticks, and a bottle of each to take home! Leave a little room for dessert or take some home with you if you're too stuffed.

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Next up is Crosstown Arts Cafe at Crosstown Concourse. This cafe is vegetarian, but they label everything that is vegan (as well as gluten free) and most items can be made vegan with a simple modification. Crosstown Concourse is an amazing space with restaurants, a brewery, shopping, living spaces, and more. If you are in Memphis, this is a must see! Take some time to visit each area, admire the art, and read about the history of the building. There are some really cool things here!

C/O @CROSSTOWNARTS

C/O @CROSSTOWNARTS

Crosstown Arts Cafe has an ALWAYS menu, and a TODAY menu with specials of the day. I recommend getting “Let's hear it faux the boy” off the ALWAYS menu. It's a fried oyster mushroom po' boy with lettuce, tomato, onion, and remoulade on a baguette. You're still in Memphis, but you'll think you've jumped a train to New Orleans! The Big Ass Salad changes daily and always delivers. Since the TODAY menu is always changing, I can't tell you what to get, but I can tell you that I have loved every single thing I ever had here. Seriously, it's all ridiculously good! If they happen to have fried green tomatoes, don't miss out on these! Grab a sweet treat off the counter if you have room for dessert!

C/O @CROSSTOWNARTS

C/O @CROSSTOWNARTS

While Memphis may not have a ton of options for vegans, they are evolving daily and restaurants are becoming more aware of the demand for plant-based menu options. Memphis is a great city with lots of history, multiple venues with local and world-famous musicians playing nightly, great food, eclectic people, and good ole southern charm! It's worth adding to your travel list at least once!

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About me:

Hey there, I’m Ashton! I’m 30 years old and living in Memphis, TN with my hubby and adorable Frenchie, Psilo! I love traveling anywhere our RV will take us, and places far beyond. I have recently found a love of yoga and can’t wait to see where that takes me! I have always had a passion for food so I love getting creative and making vegan versions of childhood favorites for our family!

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Follow me: @smashton901

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HOW TO PLAN AN ULTIMATE THAILAND ITINERARY

www.thatblondetravels.com

Written by: Lauren Bailey

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If you have any suggestions for can’t miss places to see or places to eat, please leave them in the comments below!

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When I was in school, I spent an amazing 5 weeks in Thailand learning about their hospital system and pharmacy practices. It was such an amazing 5 weeks that I have been dying to go back ever since I left. The people, the food, the scenery were all so amazing and all came together to make an ever-lasting impression on my mind and heart.

Outlined below is my version of the ultimate Thailand itinerary with some can’t miss stops along the way.

PROPOSED 11 DAY/10 NIGHT ITINERARY

Here’s what a typical 11 day Thailand itinerary looks like:

Bangkok (2 nights)

Chiang Mai (3 nights)

Chiang Rai (1 night)

Phuket (4 nights)

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Total days: 11

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BANGKOK

Where to stay:

Riva Surya Bangkok

Anantara Riverside Bangkok

Grand Hyatt Erawan

What to do:

Bangkok Highlights: City, Temples and Klong Tour:
In the morning, visit two of the most impressive sights in the city. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Po is an enormous Buddha covered in gold leaf, lying majestically on its side. The Grand Palace has no equal and is a must-see for every visitor to Bangkok. Built by King Rama I in 1782, it was the centre of power for more than 150 years; today it is Bangkok's most celebrated landmark. Within the compound is the Temple of The Emerald Buddha - Wat Pra Kaew - which houses Thailand's most precious image of the Lord Buddha.

In the afternoon, travel along the picturesque Chao Phraya River through the klongs (canals) of Thonburi. Observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways which gave the city the name Venice of the East. Finally, pay a visit to one of the city's most photographed sites, the shimmering Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The majestic shrine has a pagoda of 79m high. It is decorated with glazed ceramic pieces that reflect the sun's rays and give the temple its name.

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CHIANG MAI

Where to stay:

Akyra Manor

Siripanna Villa Resort and Spa

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

What to do:

Chiang Mai City Tour:

Your afternoon tour takes you around the famous city for an up-close and personal look at some of its most notable temples, as well as stops at its old city walls, gates, and moat. The highlight of this trip is Wat Pan Tao, built in the typical wooden northern-Thailand architecture, with exquisite fine carving on the eaves and door. Proceed to Wat Jet Yod with its seven spires and incredible architecture commemorating the year 2000 of the Buddha era. Then drive up to Doi Suthep to visit Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep (built in A.D. 1384). Wat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha.

Elephant Nature Park:

This tour begins by picking you up at your hotel in a private vehicle. Once you arrive, you will have a quick safety briefing and then you will be taken across the river to meet the magnificent elephants. These elephants have been rescued from distressing situations all over Thailand. The team at the park have worked hard towards building trust with the animals by showing them love, respect and care as many of the elephants have experienced harsh mistreatment from humans in the past. Because of this, riding the elephants is not allowed at the sanctuary.
As you meet the elephants, you will be taught basic language and signals to help to communicate and interact with the elephants throughout the day. After the group takes a break for lunch, continue practicing your elephant communication skills and walk them to the nearby river.
If time remains, you will go the Elephant Kitchen before departing from the Elephant Nature Park. In this kitchen food is prepared for the elephants. Many of the elephants that live here don't have strong digestive systems, so special food must be prepared for them.

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CHIANG RAI

Where to stay:

The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa

Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

What to do:

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: On the way, visit Hot Spring Baan Pong Nam Ron. Visit Wat Rong Khun or the "White Temple". This temple is unique from other temples in that it has been constructed entirely in a radiant white color with sparking reflections from mirrored glass mosaics embedded in the white plaster. Continue on to take a long-tailed boat cruise approximately 1 hour to visit Karen hill tribe village.

Chiang Rai to Phuket: Drive through the Golden Triangle area where the mighty Mae Khong and Ruakrivers meet, forming a natural boundary between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. Visit the Opium Museum before moving on to the old city of Chiang Saen (A.D.1260), where you can marvel at the magnificent ancient ruins and temples. Drop off at Chiang Rai Airport for flight to Phuket

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PHUKET

Where to stay:

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Paresa Resort Phuket

Angsana Villas Resort

What to do:

Phi Phi Island Tour by Join Speedboat:

Take a speed boat to Phi Phi island. Enjoy a swim/snorkel stop at its beach. Drive to Phi Phi Ley, famous for its birds nests.

Depart for Maya Bay and Phi Phi Island. Relax at Maya Bay (where The Beach was partially filmed). Snorkel and swim in clear water at Loh Samah and Pileh Cove. Visit the Viking Cave, now home to nest producing swallows. Feed the local inhabitants at The Monkey Beach. Appreciate the magnificent marine life at the Hin Klang (Great Coral Reef). Lunch will be served at Phi Phi Natural Resort (Private beach). After lunch, explore Bamboo Island, a flat beautiful island blending white sand and very clear water. Relax on the beach or swim and snorkel. There is also a nice coral reef near the beach.

Thai Cookery School from Phuket:

Learn how to prepare your ingredients, how to portion the herbs and even a little about the effects of certain herbs.

Phang Nga Bay and Khai Island from Phuket by Speedboat:

This special full day trip offers you the excursion for exploring Phang Nga Bay and visit Khai Nai Islandby speedboat. The discovery of Phang Nga Bay will make you excited with lot of fascinating islands and limestone outcrops.

Along the bay you will enjoy with the scenic views of fauna and flora at Panak Island and and visit the amazing limestone mountains at Hong Island by canoes. This trip also offer you the visit to Tapu Island also known as James Bond Island. Afterwards go to through Mangrove swamp and pass Tham Lod Noi and Lod Yai.

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FAQS

What time of year is best to visit Thailand?
Dry season is typically between the end of November and the end of April. While Thailand's rainy season typically begins after July and runs through October, it isn’t unlikely for major storms to arrive as early as May. April and early May are considered the “hottest” season in the hot, hotter, and hottest classification of Thai climate. Temperatures can surpass 104 degrees, so if you can’t handle the heat, plan your trip for a few months earlier. [T+L]

What was your favorite city in Thailand?
My favorite city in Thailand was Chiang Mai! I loved all the night markets and delicious food. Also, it helped that it was one of the cheaper cities amid the tourist destinations in Thailand.

How long do I need for a trip to Thailand?
If you really want to experience Thailand and the culture, then I wouldn’t go for less than 10 nights. You can definitely fit in a lot in a short amount of time but you will need a vacation from your vacation when you get home!

What’s the best way to get around in Thailand?
In the city, the best way to get around is either walking or getting a Tuk-tuk to take you form A to B.

From city to city, you can take an overnight bus for very cheap. We did this to go from Chiang Mai to Bangkok for the weekend and it was super cheap! We even upgraded to first class and watched Bridesmaids in Thai.

Otherwise, flying is also available for a very reasonable price via local airlines!

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This is just one example of an ultimate adventure to Thailand! There are so many places to see and so many foods to try that it is hard to put everything on a list in one place!

If you’ve been to Thailand before, leave a comment below about what your favorite thing that you did was and why!

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About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance.

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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Need help planning and booking your own Thailand Adventure? Send me an email!

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FOODIE FRIDAY: WAITING FOR LUCIA

Written by Lauren Bailey

Featuring: Lucia

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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My husband and I decided to make a date night at a local restaurant called Lucia. I don’t know if you guys have ever been there, but it takes about 2 months to get a reservation! I put in my reservation for July in May!

WHAT WE ORDERED:

For starters, they bring out homemade sourdough bread with fresh butter and sea salt. I love bread and this is seriously some of the best that I’ve ever had. The sea salt butter really kicks it up a notch!

For an appetizer, we ordered the Merry Goat Round with arugula. Fantastic!

C/O RESERVATIONS FOR DAMON RICHARD

PRIMI:

We ordered two primi courses:

Risotto bianco with shrimp, pancetta, and corn

Gnocchi with basil pesto, Texas red potato, and green beans

The gnocchi was by far my favorite thing that we ordered! Definitely give it a try! I’m not a huge fan of risotto so I’m not sure why I ordered it, but it was still delicious. If you’re not a huge risotto fan either, then give this a try and it might change your mind!

C/O YELP

C/O YELP

SECONDI:

We ordered A Bar N Wagyu coulotte with Texas purple hull peas, kohlrabi, soubise & salsa verde.

The meat was so tender and juicy and cooked just the way I like it!

If you are thinking about trying to get a reservation at Lucia, set a reminder in your calendar to book the date that you’re looking at 2 months in advance! It is definitely worth the wait!

See my review on Yelp!

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About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance and eat great food while doing so!

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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VACATION PLANNING: SOME UPDATED OPTIONS

Written by Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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HELLO!

I am excited to announce that I have partnered with a travel wholesaler to specialize in luxury safaris and south pacific adventures! These will be custom bespoke itineraries that are tailored specifically to you!

I am working on some preliminary itineraries right now and will post some examples soon!

You can find information about custom African vacations here. These locations include: South Africa, Botswana, Kenya/Tanzania, Uganda/Rwanda, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles/Mozambique. You can find information about budget and how long you would need for a trip to that location.

You can find information about custom South Pacific vacations here. These locations include: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands.

I am also working on a South East Asia page as well and will update it here as soon as it is finished! These locations will include: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Hong Kong, Japan, and China.

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For more information, please visit the pages linked below or send me an email at lauren@thatblondetravels.com.

Thank you!

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About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance.

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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HOW TO PLAN YOUR OWN ANDALUSIA SPAIN TRIP

www.thatblondetravels.com

Written by: Lauren Bailey

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If you have any suggestions for can’t miss places to see or places to eat, please leave them in the comments below!

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When you think of Spain, what is the first place that you imagine? Is it Barcelona? Is it Madrid? Or could it be an island such as Ibiza?

All of these places came to mind when I was working on our 9 day/8 night Spain itinerary. I ultimately thought about what I value when I travel, beautiful scenery, less crowds, adventure, and good weather, to determine the locations that we would travel to. In this post, I am going to share my planned itinerary for our trip to Spain and some of the resources that I used while planning it!

PROPOSED 9 DAY/8 NIGHT ITINERARY

Here’s what our 9 day Southern Spain itinerary looks like:

Mallorca (3 nights)

Seville (2 nights)

Granada (2 nights)

Madrid (1 night)

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Total days: 9

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MALLORCA

Mallorca (pronouced "Mah-YOR-ka") is the largest of three tiny islands off the coast of Spain known as the Balearic Islands.

How to get here: Direct flights are available from Madrid International Airport into Palma at multiple times per day for very cheap! I think our flight was ~30 euro on Ryanair.

What we’re doing: This is still tbd but I would love to eat at some local restaurants that feature Michelin Star chefs and do plenty of hiking and relaxing!

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SEVILLE

Seville is the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region. It is well-known for flamenco dancing and the Alcázar castle that was built during the Moorish Almohad dynasty.

Where we’re staying: Hotel Rey Alfonso X

What we’re doing: Once we get into Seville from Mallorca, we are doing a free walking tour of Seville with Hello Sevilla Tours.

After lunch, we will make our way to The Real Alcázar de Sevilla.

Dinner at sunset at the Metropol Parasol, followed later in the evening by the Flamenco Show at Casa de la Memoria.

The next day we plan to do a day trip to either Cadiz or Arcos de la Frontera. - Will keep you updated on our decision! :)

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GRANADA

Granada is a city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's most famous landmark is the Alhambra that dates back to the Moorish occupation.

Where we’re staying: Hotel Hospes Palacio de Los Patos

What we’re doing: When driving from Seville to Granada, we plan on driving through the Sierra Nevada mountains and stopping in Rhonda and then proceding to do the Caminito Del Rey hike.

We plan to visit the Alhambra of course and then a couple free walking tours as well.

Mostly I’m excited about our hike in Caminito Del Rey (It looks magical!).

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MADRID

Where we’re staying: Catalonia Plaza Mayor

What we’re doing: While in Madrid, we will be doing two city walking tours and possibly a tapas tour. If you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!

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FAQS

What time of year is best to visit Southern Spain?
The best time to visit Spain is typically in the spring (March to May) or during the fall (September to November). At these times, you'll likely find fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and the best weather (even for hitting the beach!). [Trip Savvy]

What was your favorite city in Southern Spain?
TBD! Come back in November for the answer to this question!

How long do I need for a trip to Southern Spain?
Well this question is pretty subjective. We have 9 total days (including travel) and I had a VERY hard time deciding between the cities that I wanted to visit and stay in vs doing day trips to. In the end, I decided to go to Mallorca, Seville, Granada, and Madrid. When driving from Seville to Granada, we plan on driving through the Sierra Nevada mountains and stopping in Rhonda and doing the Caminito Del Rey hike. I feel like if you wanted to see the whole Andalusia coast, then you would probably need around 14 days. I will report back once we return!

What’s the best way to get around in Southern Spain?
This questions depends on the time and money that you have at your disposal. We are flying from Mallorca to Seville and then renting a car for day trips and to drive to Granada. We were going to take the bus back from Granada to Madrid, but the flights were so cheap that we booked one of those instead.

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About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance.

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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Need help planning and booking your own Southern Spain trip? Send me an email!

FOODIE ADVENTURES IN MEXICO CITY

Written by Grace Lee

Featuring: Loma Linda Insurgentes Sur Restaurant

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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Featuring: Loma Linda Insurgentes Sur Restaurant

We went to Mexico City (MXC) to attend a Studio House Mafia concert and to celebrate a friend's birthday. This was my first time visiting MXC and I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the people were and by the amazing food for such cheap prices!

This is a post about my experience at the Loma Linda Insurgentes Sur Restaurant and the delicious food that we ate there.

Perfect restaurant if you are celebrating a special occasion.

Savory bone marrow

Excellent service by our waiter friends!

So refreshing and fruity! Easily down 3 of these no problem. But pace yourself! Tasty but deceivingly strong.

Featuring: Loma Linda Restaurant

About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance. I love to go on food adventures in and outside of DFW and explore other culture's cuisines!

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Follow me: @dailyglee4

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