I am an over packer - there I said it. It feels good to get that off my chest so now we can move on to more important things, like Away’s new expandable luggage!

I recently acquired Away’s new expandable luggage because I needed a new suitcase for an upcoming trip. The plan was to be in Peru for 2 weeks and then return and leave the next day for Manchester and Edinburgh. ‘Rona happened and messed up my travel plans, hence not actually needing another suitcase after all.

Regardless, I was able to test the new suitcase out on our girl’s trip in February to Mexico. I know, I know, why do you need a medium size suitcase to go to the beach?!? (We’ve already established that I’m an over packer..sooooo - let me live! LOL!) I really did just want to test this new bag out though so I could make sure that it would work for me and I got a free checked bag so, why not?

Compared to their normal Medium hard sided luggage - this bag can fit a lot more. I often have trouble getting the regular medium to fit all of my stuff so this is really nice.

All-in-all, I really loved this new Away bag! I had actually ordered another suitcase set that was recommended by another blogger off of Amazon. It was terrible. The set was $130. The wheels did not glide well and the zipper was crap (I could see it busting open after one use.). I know that Away bags can be rather pricey, but I believe that they are completely worth it! Not only are the bags great, but their customer service is phenomenal as well. I had my handle get stuck open on a trip and I mailed it to them and they fixed it at no charge and no charge on shipping either!

Just think of these bags as an investment into your travel future. Your future self will thank you!

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All images provide by Away Travel

Excellence Riviera Cancun is located right outside of the hotel zone and only about 20 minutes from the airport. This hotel is relatively small compared to other all-inclusive resorts that are in the area. We just returned from a 5 day/4 night stay in one of their Jr Suite Rooms. This was our annual girl’s trip (7 of us went) and it was well..excellent (pun intended lol) This was my second time here and I will definitely be returning!

When we arrived, we were greeted with an ice cold glass of champagne by the bellman. They took our luggage and we proceeded to the check-in counter. We arrived very early so we were not able to check-in right away, which was fine, because we went and had lunch at the buffet and then headed to the pool.

Excellence Riviera Cancun has 7 different restaurants of which we tried all but the French. All of the food is phenomenal, my favorite is Basmati, the Indian restaurant. I know what you’re thinking, “Indian food in Mexico..”, but take my word, it was delicious! With there being 7 of us, it was at sometimes difficult for us to get a table at restaurants during peak times, but the hotel staff was very accommodating in getting us seated in a timely manner. If the wait was going to be awhile, we headed to The Flavor Market, Spanish tapas restaurant, for some yummy tapas and sangria.

The only restaurant that we thought we were not going to be able to eat at was the hibachi grill because they only take reservations the day of. One of the hotel concierges ended up helping us out on the last day since we had such a big group. The hibachi show is not to be missed! The chef on the grill was very entertaining and did some unique things that I have not seen at other hibachi restaurants so it was really fun!

On Friday night was the Mexican Fiesta. This was a blast! We ended up getting several tables to do shots with us and the seven of us finished off a bottle of Don Julio. Miguel and Edwin were so fun and Miguel was such a sport with dancing (It was hilarious!)

Last but definitely not least, the drink service at the beach was outstanding! Armando took such great care of us (all 7 of us!) and gave us the nicknames of Sirenas and Cowboys, haha! He was so fun! I can’t forget Ivan either who also served us at the beach and would anticipate our orders before we even asked for it!

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Image C/O Crystal

Image C/O Crystal

This was definitely a girl’s trip for the books! We had such a great time and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Excellence Riviera Cancun!

Contact me to book your stay at Excellence today!

Disclaimer: This post contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees, but support me to keep this site running!

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I travel A LOT. I own two bags currently from LO & SONS and they are the best! They fit so much in them and they really help to keep you organized while traveling abroad.

I just noticed that they’re having a sale (up to 50% off) a lot of their bags.

Here are the ones that I would recommend:

THE OG 2 LARGE

I have this one in black with the gold hardware. Originally 333 - 338 and on sale for 233.10 - 236.60.

The O.G. 2 Large: Lightweight Overnight Tr...

The Lo & Sons O.G. 2 is a lightweight yet super functional overnight travel bag designe... [More]

Price: $236.60

Buy Now

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THE CATALINA DELUXE

I have the onyx. Originally 153 - 158 and on sale for 107.10 - 110.60.

The Catalina Deluxe Large: Women's Weekend...

The Catalina Deluxe weekender is available in 13 different colors: dove grey, thistle, ... [More]

Price: $158.00

Buy Now

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THE WAVERLY 2

I just bought this one. I have been on the hunt for a small cross-body/belt-bag for when I travel. I bought the black with gold hardware (sensing a trend haha) in the saffiano leather. I got the saffiano over the nappa leather since the saffiano is specially treated to be scratch and weather-resistant so it doesn’t show as much wear.

The Waverley 2 Large - Convertible Leather...

The Lo & Sons Waverley 2 was designed with an adjustable strap which allows to convert ... [More]

Price: $175.00

Buy Now

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If you buy one, let me know what your thoughts are! :)

I hope that everyone had a great holiday season spending it with loved ones and friends! I took this time to relax and recharge.

I spent Christmas in Mississippi with my family. We ate so much food! I am still detoxing from that. I spent New Year’s at the hospital working and then went to bed early since I also worked the next day. (I know, no fun!)

This post is slightly delayed but I wanted to make sure that I had enough time to reflect and recharge for the upcoming year. The year 2019 was a busy year for me. I started my own travel agency and lifestyle/travel blog, “That Blonde Travels”, went on some memorable back to back trips (see Iceland and Spain and Eastern Europe), and planned a ton of amazing trips for people!

I wanted to take a moment and share my 2020 goals and travel plans with you. I want to make this space as useful and inspiring for you as possible, so if there’s something you want to see on my blog (or elsewhere), please share it with me in the comments below to help me plan out my areas of focus for 2020.

MY 2020 GOALS

Here’s what I want to achieve in the first half of 2020:

Work on cohesive branding for my travel business plus blog. This is something that I neglected during the start of my business and I want to make sure that the branding really reflects my personality and vision.

Edit photos from past trips. I really want to focus on editing my photos so that I can post some of my own shots to my blog and also for a more cohesive look on instagram.

Make additional updates to my website. I want to update my homepage better highlight my business and get more readers on my blog, create a better landing page for Instagram, update my email list opt-in, and add an ‘about me’ section to the bottom of blog posts for new readers.

Spend time learning SEO and updating all my webpages to get more unique views.

Launch a new webshop. I want to make pre-built itineraries to popular destinations that people can purchase and do-it their-self.

MY 2020 TRAVEL PLANS

January – Spending the month recharging and getting trips ready for the rest of the year.

February – I’ll be heading on a girl’s trip to one of my favorite resorts in Mexico, Excellence Riviera Cancun.

March – I will be heading to London and Paris with my cousin due to a super cheap flight deal that I found! I cannot wait. I have never been to these cities. I can’t wait to eat and see all the things.

April – We’re heading back to the Masters in Augusta, GA. For those that have never been, this is such a fun experience and the food is delicious!

May – My group trip to Peru is taking place this month. If you haven’t checked it, then please take a look (It’s going to be amazing!)

June – I am heading back to Mexico with my hubby to check out an amazing new resort that I have already booked for 2 couples. The food is supposed to be excellent so I can’t wait to try it out!

August – We are going on a Safari in Kenya and then extending the trip to either Norway or Amsterdam + Bruges + Brussels or Paris (still haven’t decided). I really want to do Norway but I feel like I need more days there than 7.

September/October – PTO freeze at my hospital due to our new 200 bed tower opening so unfortunately no vacations planned this month.

WHAT’S NEXT

At the moment I have at least 15 blog post drafts sitting in my notes, some from my time in New Zealand, Spain, and Eastern Europe. So, I’m pushing to get those out to you over the next few months.

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Thank you for your continued support and for all the kind messages. They keep me going, and they inspire me on a daily basis. Cheers to 2020, let’s make this year one to remember!

Written by: Lauren Pijut

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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The holidays are the perfect time to curl up under a blanket with a festive book and cup of hot chocolate. Today, I'm going to share my favorite holiday book authors.

The first is a series by Elin Hilderbrand called 'The Winter Series'- there are a total of four books in this collection. It follows the same family, owners of a charming bed and breakfast, through four Christmases on Nantucket. You may laugh and cry, but you won't be disappointed!

Her new winter novels are part of the Paradise Series, set in the Bahamas, the second one just came out this October. I have read the first book in this series and must say I prefer the ones set in Nantucket so far. It's hard to get in the holiday mood when it's taking place at the beach, at least for this mid-western gal!

One Day in December was a Reese Book Club x Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick last year. I devoured this book- it is basically a Hallmark Movie. So if you are into the cheesy romantics- this one is for you!

I haven't read read books by Mary Kay Andrews or Nancy Thayer, but I know they release new holiday reads every year!

Is there a book or author that gets you in the spirit?! Comment Below!!

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Disclaimer: This Holiday Reading List contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees but support me to keep this site running!

** will continue to update this while all the sales are coming out so stay tunned! **

PLEASANT HOLIDAYS DEALS:

• ASIA | THAILAND

  • Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok | Stay 4/Pay 3. Valid for travel through 10/01/2020.

• CARIBBEAN | DOMINICAN REBUBLIC

  • Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana | Up to 50% Off room rate and room upgrade* In select room categories PLUS Limitless Resort Credit! Book 11/25/19 - 12/3/19 for travel 11/25/19 - 12/20/20. *Room upgrade valid for travel through 12/21/19.

  • Majestic Mirage Punta Cana | Up to 55% Off! Book by 11/30/19 for travel 12/24/19 - 12/23/20.

• CARIBBEAN | JAMAICA

  • Couples Negril | 7th Night FREE PLUS $250 Resort Credid. Book 11/26/19 - 12/2/19 for travel 4/16/20 - 12/24/20.

• COSTA RICA | GUANACASTE

  • Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica | Kids stay FREE! Book by 12/9/19 for select travel through 12/23/20.

  • The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal | Up to 43% Off! Bookings made by 11/30/19 for travel 1/2/20 - 4/30/20.

• EUROPE | PARIS

  • Hotel Napoleon Champs Elysees Paris | 20% Off. Valid for travel through 3/29/19.

• EUROPE | FLORENCE, ITALY

  • Hotel Brunelleschi | Stay 3/Pay 2. Valid for travel 1/10/20-2/29/20

• HAWAII | MAUI

  • Grand Wailea | Up to 50% Off, and receive a $15 resort credit per person per day (based on double occupancy) and 15% Off spa services. Valid for ravel through 12/24/20.

• HAWAII | OAHU

  • Moana Surfridger, A Westin Resort & Spa | Up to 50% Off, and receive daily Beach Club access for two and 15% Off spa services. Valid for travel through 1/2/21.

• MEXICO | CANCUN

  • Paradisus Cancun | Up to 45% Off and receive up to $1500 in resort coupons PLUS kids 12 & younger stay FREE*. Book 11/25/19-12/4/19 for travel 11/25/19 - 12/22/20. *Kids FREE promotion does not apply to travel 12/22/19 - 12/31/19 and 1/1//20 - 4/17/20; resort credit does not apply to travel 12/23/19 - 1/2/20.

• MEXICO | RIVIERA MAYA

  • The Fives Beach Resort & Residences | Up to 60% Off! Book by 12/5/19 for travel through 12/20/20.

• TAHITI | BORA BORA

  • Le Meridien Bora Bora | Up to 40% Off and receive dialy breakfast with a min 3-night stay. Book by 11/30/19 for travel 12/1/19 - 2/29/20.

• TAHITI | TAHAA

  • Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa | Up to 30% Off and receive daily breakfast and dinner with min 3-night stay. Valid for travel through 12/19/19 and 1/6/20 - 4/30/20.

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Check back in the next few days for Black Friday Sales and Cyber Monday deals!

Disclaimer: This post contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees, but support me to keep this site running!

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ABERCROMBIE | 50% Off select styles

AMERICAN EAGLE | 40% Off plus Free Shipping

ANN TAYLOR | 50% Off Everything for cardmembers & 40% Off full-price tops and shoes with code TOPTHIS

ANTHROPOLOGIE | 50% Off select styles

EXPRESS |  50% Off when you sign up for Next rewards

FOREVER21 | 50% Off select styles

FRANCESCAS | 40% Off all gifts

GAP | 40% off everything with code FORTY

J.CREW | 30% off full price with code BRRR

J.CREW FACTORY | Up to extra 50% off clearance with code EXTRAGOOD

LOFT | 50% off for cardholders with code LOVELOFT & 40% off for non-cardmembers with GIFTYOURSELF

LULU’S | 25% off with code FRIDAY25

NORDSTROM | Up to 50% Off

NORDSTROM RACK | Stock up on holiday gifts here!

OLD NAVY | 50% off with code VIP for cardmembers

TARGET | Too many to list!

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Check back in the next few days for Black Friday Sales and Cyber Monday deals!

Written by Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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When I was in Prague back in March, we went to one of the most interesting bars that I have ever been. While Prague has some very intriguing bars all around, I found that the Shrink’s Office was thought-provoking to say the least.

C/O Shrink’s Office

The Shrink’s Office has more of a speakeasy feel than a bar scene. When you enter from the street, you walk into a small bar area and then you walk straight back to the wall where there is a cage and a demon image on the wall. A little disturbing, but it was fine. We rang the doorbell and the wall opens. You are then led down a narrow staircase to a bar/lounge area that is almost pitch black.

Interestingly, the menus are Rorschach tests (Ink Blot Tests). They have no information on them and you order your drink based on the photo that you are most drawn to. (Don’t worry, if you are having trouble the server will definitely help!)

Of course, I would pick the most brightly colored one where the center resembles a pineapple. Ha! Once the drinks came out, they were all so different from what you would expect! Mine was the martini looking one, Wendi’s was the banana pudding looking one, Lauren’s was the spaceship, and Neena’s was the most normal of all of them resembling an Old Fashion.

If you’re heading to Prague anytime soon, then I highly recommend checking this place out!

C/O Shrink’s Office

AnonymouS Shrink's Office

Cocktail Therapy

Phone: +420 608 911 884 Booking

Location: Jungmannova 11, Prague 1

Website: AnonymouS Shrink’s Office