Welcome to Superior Sista Travels! This is my space to share my adventures as a solo traveler and a mom exploring the world with my daughter. From vibrant cities to hidden gems, I embrace the beauty of travel, culture, and new experiences. Whether I’m navigating a solo journey or creating unforgettable memories with my child. I’m here to inspire and empower other women especially women to explore fearlessly, travel smart, and enjoy every moment. Follow along for travel tips, destination highlights, and stories from the road as I prove that adventure has no limits!
As someone who travels sometimes solo, or with my daughter, my suitcase isn’t the only thing I make sure is in order before a trip. Yes, I plan my outfits. Yes, I obsess over the itinerary, but my real first step after booking a flight or cruise? Securing travel insurance. Because cute sandals won’t help you if you break your ankle on an ATV in Costa Rica. And your matching mother and daughter outfits won’t mean a thing if one of you ends up needing emergency care in another country.
I always turn to Travel Insured International. It’s been my go to for years. It’s affordable, reliable, and has come through when it counted. But I didn’t get serious about travel insurance just because I like paperwork. I’ve seen too many horror stories online and in real life from people who thought they didn’t need it… until they really did.
Like that viral story of the woman who had a stroke on a cruise and had to be airlifted off the ship, only to find out she didn’t have international coverage. Or the family whose toddler got seriously sick abroad and had to pay out of pocket for tens of thousands of dollars because their U.S. health insurance didn’t cover overseas care. These stories remind me why travel insurance is a must, not a maybe. I don’t play about me and mine safety.
You may be reading this thinking, “Oh I’m healthy, I travel often, I don’t need this.” Why waste money on a what if? But let me ask you, do you say that when it comes to car insurance? Or your home insurance? Exactly! Insurance is there for the what if. And when you’re in another country, they’ve got their own rules, laws, and systems. What flies in the U.S. might not mean a thing abroad. The goal is to go on vacation, have a time, and make it back home safe and sound. Don’t let a medical emergency or unexpected mishap catch you slipping. Let’s continue.
Travel insurance is basically your safety net when you’re out living your best life far from home. It covers a range of unexpected things like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, delays, and even emergency evacuations. Whether you’re flying to another country or hopping on a cruise, you’re stepping into the unknown and that’s where insurance comes in.
Think of it like this, your regular health insurance might not work abroad, and the airline isn’t responsible if your bags disappear into the travel void. If you’re stuck overseas with a broken ankle or a sudden illness, that hospital bill will be coming out of your pocket, unless you’re covered. And don’t even get me started on cruise ships, where international waters can get tricky real quick.
Travel insurance gives you peace of mind. It’s not just about “if something happens,” it’s about knowing you’ve got backup if it does. Here are some I recommend to you that are for the budget friendly ones with still good coverage and the ones who are premium.
My Top Travel Insurance Providers I Recommend
Not all travel insurance is created equal and not everyone’s budget or needs are the same. Here are my top picks based on value, flexibility, and real world experiences:
💸 Affordable Picks
Travel Insured International: This one’s my personal go to. I’ve used them for a few international trips and cruises, and I’ve had nothing but a smooth experience. Their plans are affordable , and they don’t skimp on coverage.
Seven Corners: Great for travelers who want to customize their plan without breaking the bank. Their “Wander Frequent Traveler” option is clutch if you travel often throughout the year.
🔐 Top Notch Coverage
World Nomads: If you’re the kind of traveler who’s hiking volcanoes, ATV riding, or doing anything with a little thrill, this one’s for you. They’re known for strong adventure sports coverage.
Allianz Global Assistance: Considered one of the most trusted companies globally, Allianz is ideal for those who want strong medical and trip cancellation benefits, especially on long or expensive trips.
Travel Insurance for Cruises: What You Need to Know
Cruising isn’t the same as flying somewhere and booking a hotel. Once you’re out at sea, you’re in international waters, which means your personal health insurance may not cover you. And let’s be real: if something goes left while you’re onboard, that floating hospital visit can come with a floating bill too. You can be 12 miles from a port and your personal insurance won’t cover you.
•Missed or skipped ports (it happens more often than you think)
•Onboard medical care with limited facilities
•Delays due to weather
• Needing evacuation or transport back to the mainland
Travelex Insurance Services – Known for cruise specific plans that cover missed connections and onboard care.
Travel Guard by AIG – Offers strong trip delay and emergency evacuation coverage for cruisers.
Nationwide Cruise Insurance – Specifically designed with cruisers in mind, including port of call protections.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection – Their “ExactCare” plans offer quick claims and solid cruise add-ons.
Allianz Global Assistance – Yes, again! They offer cruise-focused upgrades and excellent emergency response resources.
Why Can’t I Just Buy Insurance Through the Cruise Line?
You can buy travel insurance through your cruise line and many people do. I have myself. But here’s the catch, cruise line insurance is like buying a store brand charger for your phone. It will probably work… but it won’t always give you the fastest charge, and it won’t always cover everything you actually need.
Pros of Buying Cruise Line Insurance
Convenient: It’s right there at checkout. Easy, one click add on. Tied to your booking, and if your cruise gets canceled or delayed by them, their policy usually kicks in quick. Sometimes cheaper upfront. The basic coverage may look more affordable but that’s usually because it’s basic.
⚠️ Cons of Cruise Line Insurance
Limited medical coverage: Many cruise line policies cap emergency medical benefits at a lower amount than third party insurers.
Lack of flexibility: Their policies usually only cover issues directly related to the cruise, not your flights, pre-post hotel stays, or excursions you booked yourself. Claim process may be slower if something goes wrong on the cruise, they may want to investigate first. You’re also dealing with the same company you’re trying to make a claim against, which can be tricky.
Less protection if you cancel for your own reasons: Third party plans often offer “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) add ons and cruise line insurance rarely does.
If your cruise is short, basic, and you didn’t add on flights or pre travel extras, then the cruise line’s policy might work fine. But if you’ve invested in airfare, hotel stays, and excursions or you’re traveling with kids, elders, or anyone with health concerns, go with a third party provider. It’s usually more protective , more flexible, and covers more situations outside the cruise line control.
ButI Have a Travel Credit Card
If you’ve got a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum, or Capital One Venture, you might be thinking: “Why buy insurance when my card already covers travel stuff?” And hey, you’re not wrong to ask. But here’s the full picture:
What Travel Credit Cards Usually Cover:
Trip cancellation or interruption (if you booked the trip with the card). Baggage delay and loss Rental car coverage.
That’s great for minor hiccups like a delayed flight or lost luggage. But when it comes to serious medical emergencies, international hospital visits, or canceling a trip for personal reasons, that’s where the card coverage falls short. Still , get those points! Think of it like bringing a hoodie to a snowstorm. It might help, but don’t skip the coat .
You Got The Coverage, Now You Need To File A Claim:
1. Know Your Policy Before You Go
Take 10 minutes to read the fine print. Know what’s covered, what’s not, and what paperwork you’ll need. Don’t wait until something bad hits to start flipping pages. Do what I do, copy past into chat gbt. Ask it to explain it to you like a 5th grader.
2. Document Everything
Receipts, emails, screenshots, boarding passes, doctor notes, save it all. I honestly would go as far as recording conversations with doctors or nurses. When you are talking hundreds of dollars, every receipt counts.
3. Report It ASAP
If your luggage gets lost or your trip gets delayed, report it immediately, at the airport, with your hotel, or to the travel insurance provider. Don’t wait until you’re back home to speak up.
4. File Quickly and Thoroughly
Most insurers give you a tight window like 20-30 days post-trip to submit your claim. Include every document and give the full story. Don’t lie! Please don’t lie. These are people who investigate claims on a regular. Missing info or lying is a fast way to get denied.
5. Be Clear, Calm, and Complete
Treat it like a mini legal claim. Stick to facts, keep it professional, and don’t leave blanks. Even small omissions can delay or kill your payout.
Stupid Myths You Need to Stop Believing
•I’m healthy, I don’t need travel insurance.
•The airline will refund me
•I can just buy it the day before I leave
•My credit card covers everything
•Insurance companies don’t pay claims anyway
Real Coverage, Real Peace of Mind
For my previous trip, I used Travel Insured International to cover both myself and my 12 year-old. The total cost for our policy was just $49, and it covered everything from trip cancellation and delay to $100,000 in medical coverage and $1 million in emergency evacuation. It even included perks like missed connection coverage, political evacuation, and baggage delay reimbursement. I didn’t have to file a claim (thankfully!), but knowing we were protected gave me serious peace of mind while traveling internationally as a mom.
$49 for all that? You’re probably thinking what’s the catch? But there really wasn’t one. That was just the basic and covered trip cancellation, trip delay, missed cruise or tour connections, $100,000 in medical coverage, $1 million in emergency evacuation, and even political evacuation, baggage delay, and pet kennel coverage (yep, even that).
Listen, travel is one of the best investments you can make in your life. Some of us save up to travel. But while you’re planning the fun stuff , the excursions, outfits, and restaurants , don’t skip the safety part. Travel insurance isn’t just a formality, it’s my peace of mind. Whether you’re hopping on a cruise, flying internationally, or just taking a weekend trip with your kid, protect yourself. You never want to be the person stuck in a foreign country with a medical emergency and no support. I know me, I have a weak immune system. So on top of me having my medicine and vitamins, I’m no fool.
Trust me , for less than the cost of dinner and drinks, you can make sure you’re covered if life happens. You’ll be glad you didn’t skip it.
Let me tell y’all about my day in Catalina Island aka one of the most unexpectedly beautiful little escapes I’ve been to lately. It definitely gives very much little Italy. I’m sure The California natives don’t find this as a gem. For the rest of us this is my take. I stopped there on a Carnival cruise and even though I was only there for the day, I did a lot and still left feeling like I need a full weekend trip next time with my future husband.
First stop? The Submarine Tour.
Yes, I went full tourist mode and got in one of those semi-submarine boats, and it was actually really cool. Yes I know it may sound scary, but we weren’t going to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. You’re not fully underwater, but you’re low enough to see the fish and coral, and they even give you fish food to shoot out so the fish swarm right in front of your window. It’s fun and chill, and you can bring kids or go solo like me. Either way, it’s a peaceful little start to your Catalina day.
After the tour, I headed straight for Descanso Beach. You can rent a beach chair and umbrella (which I did because I’m not built for that direct sun anymore), and just vibe. There’s also a beach club right there if you want drinks or snacks while you lounge.
And if you’re trying to get around and explore more of the island, definitely rent a golf cart. That’s how most people move around Avalon, and it’s a fun way to see the hills, neighborhoods, and those crazy views from above the harbor. There’s even a botanical garden tucked away up the hill if you’ve got time.
How to Get There (if you’re not cruising like I did)
If you’re in SoCal, you can take the ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, or Newport Beach. The ride is only about an hour and the views on the way are a whole vibe too. It’s a perfect weekend getaway without needing to hop on a plane.
Where to Eat – My Top 5 Picks
Yes, I peeked into menus and did some food stalking so y’all don’t have to. There are only so many restaurants I can try in a day.
Bluewater Avalon – Fresh seafood and waterfront views. Get the clam chowder and thank me later. The Lobster Trap – Dive-y in the best way. Casual, great fish tacos. Descanso Beach Club – Eat, drink, beach. Repeat. Lloyd’s of Avalon – Candy and ice cream heaven. Perfect for a little sweet treat before heading back to the boat or ferry. Maggie’s Blue Rose – Cute spot for Mexican food and margaritas.
Where to Stay If You’re Doing an Overnight Trip
If I had more than a day, these are the places I’d check out:
Hotel Atwater – Chic but not too pricey. Great location near the pier. Pavilion Hotel – Right on the beach walk. Cozy vibes and includes wine hour! Aurora Hotel – A little tucked away, quiet, and has a rooftop deck. Seaport Village Inn – Family-friendly and affordable. Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel – For the views alone. It sits above town and has a nice historic feel.
Final Thoughts
My daughter and I loved it very much. It’s a place I felt a peace at. Most people who love on the island get around by walking, biking, or renting golf carts. Residents even have to apply for a permit to have their own car. & it is usually one car per household. I learned a lot from the walking tour as well. Catalina is giving romantic getaway, solo self-care retreat, and girls’ trip energy all in one. Whether you’re cruising in like I did, or taking the ferry over from the coast, the island’s charm hits you right away. The water is clear, the pace is slow, and there’s just something magical about it. I really enjoy it. The fact I think about it often means I need to go again. Next time, I’m staying longer. And maybe doing zip-lining. Or kayaking. Or both.
For my 30th birthday, I decided to treat myself to something truly special my first international trip! I chose to stay at the Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island, an adults-only resort in the Bahamas. It was the perfect getaway, offering stunning beachfront views, delicious food, and endless drinks to celebrate my milestone birthday.
The resort was filled with couples and groups of friends, but honestly, I never felt lonely. Everyone was so friendly, and the staff were genuinely welcoming. Although the men in the Bahamas, along with some of the hotel staff, were quite flirtatious, I didn’t feel unsafe at any point. That was until I had an odd experience on the beach. A gentleman staying at the resort approached me and asked if I was also staying there. He even went so far as to ask what floor I was on. I was completely stunned and immediately recorded the exchange. After a brief conversation, I was able to politely get him to leave.
I was proud to have planned and booked everything myself. From airport transfers to activities, I handled it all! I booked a walking food tour and another van tour, both through Viator. I also made sure to arrange my cab service ahead of time for smooth airport pickups and drop-offs. I did have one experience with a driver who I wouldn’t book again. Although nothing about his service was overtly wrong, his flirtation was uncomfortable and off-putting.
The Bahamas as a whole was absolutely amazing, and I’d definitely return to Riu Palace Paradise Island again. That said, I’d prefer to explore other locations to compare. For solo travelers, this hotel is a perfect first stop, but I would recommend taking a few precautions. I’d suggest purchasing a door stopper for added security and being mindful of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone.
A highlight of my stay was when they upgraded my room at check-in to celebrate my birthday and even offered me a complimentary drink. Such a thoughtful touch!
Overall, my first international birthday trip was unforgettable. The Bahamas welcomed me with open arms, and I can’t wait for my next solo adventure.
I moved to Atlanta in 2010 to attend college. Back then, rent was $650, and the city still had that raw, electric charm. A lot has changed gentrification is in full swing, parking prices make no sense, and some of the staple spots are long gone. But Atlanta still knows how to show out. Whether you’re coming for the culture, the food, or just to vibe, let me help you figure out your game plan for visiting ATL for the first time.
2010 ATL
Historic Stops That Still Hit
Start with some of the soul of the city:
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park:
Walk through Dr. King’s neighborhood, visit Ebenezer Baptist Church, and take in the history.
The Atlanta University Center: Tour the campuses of Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta Black excellence lives here.
Sweet Auburn District : A once thriving hub of Black owned businesses, with deep civil rights roots.
The Wren’s Nest : Home of Joel Chandler Harris, who published African-American folktales like the Uncle Remus stories. History, but told with a side eye.
Best Wing Spots in the City
Let’s not play, wings are serious business in Atlanta.
American Deli – You can’t go wrong. Hot lemon pepper wet? Say less. Be aware all of them aren’t the same. The West End Mall one gets great reviews. Since I am in metro Atlanta, my go to one is on Lawrenceville Hwy.
J.R. Crickets: Their signature “lemon pepper sprinkles” started a movement.
Wing Bar: Off Candler Rd. and still undefeated.
Trap City Chicken: Fire flavor combos with ATL attitude.
Soul Food That Feeds the Spirit
Pull up with an appetite:
Busy Bee Cafe: A historic Black-owned staple since 1947. Fried chicken, collards, cornbread.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room: Touristy? A little. But the food is legit Southern comfort.
Paschal’s: Where civil rights leaders used to break bread. The legacy lives on in the food.
Brunch Spots to Bookmark
We take brunch seriously here. Drinks flowing. Music loud. Plates stacked, and grass walls.
Breakfast Boys : Black-owned, brunch vibes on 10.
Toast on Lenox : Trendy but worth the wait.
Milk and Honey: Get the shrimp and grits and thank me later.
The Breakfast Bar : For chill brunch energy with solid Southern staples.
Things to Do With Kids (Or Your Inner Kid)
Georgia Aquarium : One of the largest in the world. Whales, sharks the usual.
Zoo Atlanta: Elephants, gorillas, and pandas? Yup. World of Coca-Cola. Learn the history, taste global flavors, leave hyped up.
Sloomoo Institute Atlanta : Get slimed and live out your childhood dreams.
Downtown : Close to attractions. Hotels: Marriott Marquis, Hotel Clermont.
Buckhead: Bougie energy, great shopping. Hotels: InterContinental, Waldorf Astoria. Old Fourth Ward – If you want a more local feel near Ponce City Market.
Bonus: Metro Atlanta Gems
If you’re venturing outside the city:
Buford Highway : A multicultural food paradise. Tacos, pho, Korean BBQ, bubble tea, just go.
Duluth: Great sushi, Korean cafes, boba shops. Chill suburb with global flavor.
Catch a Game: ATL Sports Scene
If you’re in town during these seasons, check out a game:
Atlanta Braves (MLB) : April to October. Games at Truist Park.
Atlanta Hawks (NBA) : October to April. Games at State Farm Arena.
Atlanta Falcons (NFL) : September to January. Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta United FC (MLS) : February to October. Also at Mercedes-Benz and the crowd stays lit.
ATL Vibe (Pro Volleyball) : March to June. Catch the new energy.
Atlanta Dream (WNBA): May to September. Games are held at Gateway Center Arena in College Park. The energy is top tier.
Nightlife Picks (Let’s Get Into It)
Whether you want to two-step or twerk, Atlanta’s got a spot:
Rock Steady : Afrobeat, R&B, real grown and sexy energy.
MJQ Concourse : Underground vibes, eclectic mix. Hip hop to indie.
Revel: Located in West Midtown, Revel is one of Atlanta’s newer nightlife.
Bulldogs: (LGBT) scene.
Suite Lounge : R&B Wednesdays go crazy.
Fellaship.ATL (Downtown): This upscale cigar lounge and restaurant, co-owned by NFL star Cam Newton
Candlelight Concert Series. For a more chill night, live music by candlelight in cool venues.
Indiehouse Modern Fragrance Bar (Alpharetta): Make your own custom fragrance or candle while sipping drinks and relaxing in a chic setting.
Jeju Sauna (Duluth): A 24/7 Korean spa experience with heated rooms, communal spaces, and body scrubs.
Atlanta Botanical Garden: A peaceful 30-acre garden in Midtown
Illuminarium (Beltline): Immersive 360-degree projections that take you to outer space, wildlife adventures, and the deep sea.
The Dirty Tea: A unique tea lounge offering an elevated experience with creative twists on traditional teas.
Painting with a Twist (Multiple Locations): Sip wine, paint, and laugh no art skills required. A fun and easy way to unleash your creative side.
Radio Stations That Keep You Tapped In
If you really want to feel the city, Atlanta radio keeps you in the know with music, events, and culture. Hot 107.9 is the spot for hip hop and new music, with hosts that stay tapped into the streets. V-103 blends R&B, throwbacks, and current hits with city news, interviews, and events. Streetz 94.5 keeps it extra raw and community-focused for indie artists and unfiltered vibes. Want to switch it up? Power 96.1 and Star 94.1 are your go to pop stations, playing Top 40 hits and keeping you updated on mainstream music and celeb news. For soulful sounds and community topics, check out KISS 104.1, or dive deeper with WRFG 89.3, Atlanta’s community radio station.
Instagram Accounts to Follow for Events, Food, and What’s Hot
Keep your feed full of what’s going on in the city:
Atlanta has its good and bad like all major cities. The culture, chaos, creativity, and community is what makes it unique . Whether you’re here for the food, the music, the history, or the turn up, there’s something here that’ll leave a mark on you. No one should ever be bored when there is so much to do. Whether in the city or metro Atlanta. Just make sure you don’t touch down thinking you can see it all in one weekend. ATL deserves more than a quick trip. Soak it in slow.
For my birthday, I decided to take a last minute trip with my daughter and Puerto Rico was calling our names. I wanted something warm, easy to get to, and rich in culture without the stress of international travel since it was a spurge trip. San Juan delivered all that and more.
I Love PR Sign
One of the best parts? You don’t need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico if you’re coming from the U.S. It’s a U.S. territory, so a state issued ID is all you technically need to fly in. That said, I still recommend bringing your passport. Anytime you’re flying over water, it’s smart to have one just in case your plane needs to land in another country, you want the option to actually leave the airport if that ever happens.
Now, let’s talk about when we got there, where we stayed, what we ate, and why this trip was one of my favorites.
We landed in San Juan with no issues. I had pre booked an airport transfer through Viator, which I always do for international trips. If you’ve never used it, Viator is a travel booking app where you can reserve everything from tours to airport pickups.
Our driver was already waiting when we landed, holding a sign with my name on it. After a cool ride, we pulled up to our hotel, quickly.
We stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton San Juan, and it was perfect. Check in was smooth, the staff was super friendly, and bonus our room was ready early. The hotel had such a chill, modern vibe and just enough to feel like a treat without being over the top.
The pool and hot tub area is so stunning. At night, the hot tub lights up. There’s a beach within walking distance, but if you’re not in the mood, the hotel has a complimentary shuttle to take you there and back. Convenience? 10/10.
Another major win: the location. We were in a safe, walkable neighborhood with a Starbucks, local restaurants, and even a grocery store right across the street. It made grabbing snacks, souvenirs, or a quick bite super easy. And as a mom, feeling safe walking around with my daughter meant everything and why I picked this hotel.
Puerto Rico is a foodie’s dream and San Juan really showed out. I don’t understand why others don’t brag about their food. It’s slightly different from your usual Spanish food but in a good way. While we didn’t go too adventurous, the cultural flavor still came through. From street side empanadas to mofongo plates, the food was so good, flavorful, and full of love. We tried many dishes on a food tour as well. It’s the best thing you can do on any vacation.
One of my favorite parts of Puerto Rican culture is how much art and history is infused into daily life. Whether it’s the colorful murals on every corner or live music in the plaza, it feels like the island is always celebrating something.
Our trip was 4 days but was packed with so much in little time. We kept it chill but everything we did was worth it.
Cuartel de Ballajá
We took an Old San Juan City Walking Tour (booked on Viator too), and it gave us so much insight into the island’s history. The cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and historic forts make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. Our guide walked us through stories of Spanish rule, local legends, and even pointed out some of the oldest buildings on the island. Just please wear sneakers ! The cobblestone and hills almost took me out.
Another memory was visiting El Yunque Rainforest Puerto Rico’s main attraction. It’s the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, and even though we didn’t hike every trail, just being surrounded by the greenery and hearing the waterfalls made the experience unforgettable.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. This museum is so stunning, has lots of Puerto Rico’s artistic heritage. From contemporary pieces to historical works, it’s a nice space that brings together local talent and cultural pieces. We spent 2 hours exploring and I loved how the museum felt like a mix of art, with history. It was a perfect way to end the trip.
Final Thoughts: Why Puerto Rico Stole My Heart
San Juan gave everything I wanted from a birthday trip and more. It felt like stepping into another culture, without leaving the comfort of U.S. territory. From the food, to the friendly locals, to the rich history and laid back beauty, Puerto Rico has officially earned a spot at the top of my favorite places list. It’s a trip I always talk about.
It was the perfect mix of culture, good vibes and tropical.
Superior Sista Travels 