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Don’t Just Pack Outfits| Pack a Safety Net: Why Travel Insurance Is The Most Important

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.

What Is Travel Insurance and Why Do You Need It?

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.

Cruise travel also comes with unique challenges:

•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.

But I 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.

Travel W/ Superior Sista https://square.link/u/q6mydNDs

Visiting Atlanta for the First Time? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

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.

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.

World of Coca-Cola (Downtown): A fun experience for all ages.

Six Flags Over Georgia: For thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies.

Where to Stay: Best Areas and Hotels

Stay where you can access the fun without the stress:

Midtown : Central, walkable, artsy. Hotels: The Starling, Loews Atlanta, Moxy Midtown.

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.

Atlanta Experiences That Hit Different

High Museum of Art (Midtown): A must see for art lovers.

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:

@ATLPeachyEats @ExploreGwinnett @HungryHomegirl @VibesATL @ATL.Hotspots @AtlantaFoodFinders @EventsAndFestivalsPage

Be in the know:

@atluncensorednews

@atlscoop

Final Thoughts

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.

Why San Juan Puerto Rico is One of My Favorite Places I’ve Visited

Tótem Telúrico

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.

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.

Our 4-Day Baja Mexico Cruise on Carnival Radiance: The Real Recap

Carnival Radiance

Let me start by saying this:

I highly recommend arriving a day early before any cruise. It’s a peace of mind , and you can ease into your trip with some good food and a comfy bed. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown, which was cute, clean, and walking distance to restaurants and shops. Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles was right there, so yes chicken and waffles were a pre-cruise necessity.

This trip was a chill one. I wanted us to truly enjoy ourselves but relax. Our last cruise we were wore out. My daughter and I had already done a Caribbean, so a Mexico cruise was a new adventure. I also wanted to see more of California without being too busy. That’s why we cruised out of Long Beach vacation mode without overplanning.

Carnival Radiance Room:

I picked it myself (learned from last time). Near the elevator, because walking 3 miles to your cabin with food in hand? No thanks. Beverage plan: Got Bottomless Bubbles for both of us. No alcohol package. I’m not getting lit on mom duty. Instead, I loaded some cash onto my account and treated myself to a drink or two here and there. It was just what I needed. I never feel

Let’s break down the trip day by day:

Monday – Long Beach Departure

Boarding was easy, but let me warn you, the porters outside are hustling for tips like their rent is due tonight. “I’ll get your bags to your room faster” sir, please. You say that to everyone.

Once on the ship, we did our muster drill… sort of. The guy barely looked at us and didn’t check off our names. Later, I checked the app (as every anxious cruiser does), and surprise! It didn’t say we completed it. I had to track someone down to fix it so yes, it is a big deal.

Next, we hit Guy’s Burger Joint because that’s basically a cruise tradition. Room was ready… kinda. I was mid-pee when the room attendant knocked to vacuum. Sir, I love cleanliness, but timing is key.

We had Anytime Dining, which I actually prefer. It’s nice not having to sprint to dinner in your heels. The main dining room food? Fire. The service? Top tier. After dinner, we wandered, took pics, and settled in. My daughter skipped the kids’ club as usual. I scanned the event calendar hoping for a solid show, but let’s just say Carnival Radiance isn’t winning any Broadway awards. The club scene I skipped out of this night because there was nothing exciting going on.

Tuesday – Catalina Island

We had breakfast in the main dining room definitely better than the chaotic buffet. Catalina is stunning, but getting off the ship was a little… chaotic. You have to take a small boat to shore, and the line was long and disorganized. Get there early or prepare to wait.

We did a submarine tour and walked around. Catalina Island is peaceful, charming, and honestly perfect for a romantic getaway or family day.

Dinner again in the MDR. Still delicious. Still wishing there was a real show afterward.

Wednesday – Ensenada, Mexico

Now this was the highlight. We booked a local tour guide who showed us around. We hit up a beach, stopped at a restaurant where I had the best tacos of my life (I’m not being dramatic).

We wandered into the city, and found a churro so good I considered moving to Ensenada. Panhandlers were everywhere, though. I was warned, but it still caught me off guard.

I bought some souvenirs from family-owned shops. Support small businesses, y’all! Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get back to the port. The line to reboard the ship? Long. Stressful. Borderline chaotic.

Dinner back on the ship. More exploration. Still nothing entertaining. At this point I was like, Where are the damn shows? I kept comparing this is no Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas… and Carnival Radiance just wasn’t hitting like that.

Thursday – Fun Day at Sea

We wandered. Ate. I went to a raffle and lost, of course. Hit the casino while my daughter played in the arcade. This was our laziest day which was kinda the point. Something weird happen. I had noticed a guy solo throughout the cruise. I’m very intuitive so I notice everything and everyone. My daughter said she saw him taking pictures of ….peoples toes as they were walking by.

Biggest tip? The BBQ restaurant was only open on this day, and the line was LONG. Worth it, though. We were mid-brisket when we spotted a whale. Yes, an actual whale sighting. Highlight of the day.

Friday – Debarkation + Extra Night in Seal Beach

By the time Friday rolled around, I was ready to get off. The ship had a nasty sewer smell that just lingered the whole trip. Like… are we on the water or in the pipes? I wasn’t the only one who noticed. Other guests complained too, but the staff didn’t seem fazed. Maybe they’d just gone nose-blind.

Debarkation was smooth, no drama. We spent one more night in Seal Beach at The Pacific Inn, which was adorable. Walking distance to the beach, quiet streets, and full of cute restaurants and shops. The perfect way to end our trip.

On the Food

Let’s talk about the real star of the trip the food. Carnival might’ve skimped on live entertainment, but they sure didn’t miss in the kitchen. The main dining room? 10/10 recommend. We had dinner there every night and the service was so friendly I almost invited them to my birthday. Especially when the waitress told me I looked young and couldn’t believe I was the mom to a pre-teen. The food was actually seasoned (shoutout to the buttered escargot and that melting chocolate cake that had no business being that good).

The buffet on the other hand… chaotic. I felt like I was in a mall food court during a Black Friday sale. But if you can survive the crowd, BlueIguana for breakfast burritos and Guy’s Burger Joint for a quick bite will do you right. Oh, and the sea day BBQ? Worth the wait and the meat sweats.

Theme Nights & What to Pack

Carnival had one official “Elegant Night,” which I take serious. . I wore a long fitted dress, kept the makeup simple, and it was my favorite outfit.

Honestly, the vibe was laid-back but people definitely showed up for dinner and we did so every night.

Final Thoughts

Look I am not a person who complains on vacation. I make the best out of things. To vacation is a blessing and privilege. This wasn’t a bad cruise. It was relaxing. We saw new places. We ate like queens. But Carnival Radiance is clearly an older ship, and it shows. No real entertainment, smells you can’t un-smell, and a vibe that didn’t match the energy we’ve seen on other cruises.

I’d cruise Carnival again but next time, on a newer ship. And with more theater shows. A little razzle dazzle goes a long way.

My First Trip to Guatemala: What I Loved & What I’d Do Differently

A Mother & Daughter Post-Christmas Escape

The day after Christmas, I packed my bags, grabbed my 12-year-old, and hopped on a flight to Guatemala. No overthinking, just vibes. I was ready for an adventure, some good food, and a break from reality.

Getting to Antigua: Airport & First Impressions

Landing in Guatemala City was pretty straightforward. After going through customs, I had to fill out a visitor form nothing complicated, just your basic travel info. Before heading outside, I exchanged my U.S. dollars for quetzales at the airport currency exchange. Some places do take U.S. dollars, but using quetzales makes life easier.

Stepping outside, I spotted a driver holding a sign with my name. He was ready to take us straight to Antigua, and after a long flight, I was definitely not about to argue with that plan. The drive was about an hour, and before I knew it, we were pulling up to Hotel Soleil La Antigua.

First impression? The hotel was beautiful and full of culture, but the room wasn’t ready yet. No big deal we dropped our bags and headed out to explore.

Would I Stay at Hotel Soleil Again?

Honestly… probably not. It was a great pick for a first-time visit because it felt safe with its gated setup, and the grounds were nice. But the area? Way too congested. The traffic was nonstop, and just trying to cross the street felt like a life-or-death mission. Plus, the hotel’s utilities were pretty dated. Next time, I’d look for something in a less hectic area.

Hotel Soleil La Antigua

Day 1: Antigua Streets, The Arch & Sight Seeing

We started off by walking around Antigua, taking in the scenery. The city is gorgeous cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, volcano views. The Arco de Santa Catalina was our first big stop, but it was packed. Between tourists and influencers doing full-on photoshoots, getting a clear shot was not happening.

After that, we wandered through the streets, soaking in the atmosphere. There were so many people out just enjoying themselves. We tried some street food, but didn’t get any good pictures because of the crowd. (Trust me, it was so good.)

We grabbed dinner at Frida’s while in the main town. The food was flavorful, the drink I had was strong, and the whole place had an artsy, lively vibe. Definitely a great spot for our first meal in Antigua.

Day 2: The Long Ride to Lake Atitlán & San Juan La Laguna

We were up early for our day trip to Lake Atitlán with Xocomil Tours 5:30am. Now, let me just say this, the ride is long, there are no stops, and some areas get super foggy. If you get motion sickness, take something beforehand. Also, bring snacks because there are no food stops on the way, and everyone in the shuttle was dead silent the whole ride which was okay with me. This ride was about 2 1/2 hours. How we did it? Well because of the rocking roads, there wasn’t no chance of a nap. I made use I had movies, music downloaded on our devices. Also battery packs to charge those devices.

Once we got to Panajachel, we took a boat across the lake ($20 per person) to San Juan La Laguna which turned out to be my favorite spot. As soon as we got off, tuk-tuk drivers were waiting, offering tours. We hopped in one and let them take us around to different experiences:

• Chocolate-Making Class – We roasted cacao beans, peeled them by hand, and ground them into a paste to make real Guatemalan chocolate.

• Bee Farm Tour – We got up close with stingless bees and tasted different types of honey, straight from the hive.

• Textile Weaving Demo – Watching the local women hand-weave fabrics was unreal. Everything is made using traditional techniques, and the level of skill they have is crazy.

San Juan was so peaceful and authentic, way less crowded than Panajachel. After finishing up, we took the boat back, then endured the long, quiet ride back to Antigua.

Day 3: Finally Got That Arco Picture & Hobbit Dreams

This time, we woke up early and went back to the Arco de Santa Catalina before the crowds hit. Much better experience I actually got a good picture!

From there, we grabbed breakfast at Café Condesa, which was cute and cozy, then headed to Hobbitenango. The Uber ride was about $20, but Uber won’t take you all the way up. We had to switch to a local taxi for the final stretch.

Hobbitenango was straight out of a storybook. Hobbit houses, insane mountain views, and just a really peaceful vibe. If you’re looking for a chill, nature-filled spot (without hiking for hours), this is it.

After heading back to Antigua, we packed up and took a shuttle to Hilton Garden Inn Guatemala City for our last night.

Day 4: Heading Home

With an early flight the next morning, staying near the airport was the best call. The Hilton Garden Inn Guatemala City was comfortable, convenient, and stress-free. After a quick breakfast, it was time to head to the airport and say goodbye to Guatemala at least for now.

Final Thoughts: Was Guatemala Safe & Would I Go Back?

So, did I feel safe traveling to Guatemala as a Black woman with my pre-teen daughter? Absolutely. I always take extra precautions when I travel booking trusted drivers in advance, using Uber within the city, and staying aware of my surroundings. The only issue I ran into was an Uber driver claiming he only took cash (which I knew wasn’t true). I canceled immediately and reported it once I got back to the U.S. Other than that, I had no problems.

I even ran into a few other Black women from the U.S., which is always nice to see when traveling abroad. Everywhere we went, people were kind, respectful, and welcoming. My daughter and I had an amazing experience, and I’d absolutely recommend Guatemala to anyone looking for a mix of culture, history, and adventure.

I chose Guatemala because I wanted somewhere rich in culture, with a deep history, and based on the reviews from other women travelers who said they felt safe. It checked all my boxes beautiful scenery, immersive experiences, and an affordable post-Christmas trip.

Would I go back? 100%. There’s so much more to see, and I already know I’d do a few things differently next time. But one thing’s for sure, Guatemala left a lasting impression, and I’m not done with it yet.

San Juan La Laguna

Travel Services I Used

• Shuttles & Transfers: GuateGo

• Lake Atitlán Tour: Xocomil Tours

• Hobbitenango & Other Activities: Viator

Check out my previous blog on safety tips traveling as a woman https://superiorsista.travel.blog/2025/03/13/how-to-stay-safe-as-a-woman-solo-traveling-abroad/