However, sifting through your wardrobe to curate these looks can often feel daunting, especially if you’re trying not to check in your luggage. This style guide will help you streamline your packing list while looking fabulous during your getaway.

Blending Style and Comfort

Dressing appropriately for warmer climates doesn’t mean sacrificing style for comfort. Let’s begin by stripping back to basics. In warmer climates, an excellent first layer includes cotton tank tops for women. They’re versatile, comfortable, and can be mixed and matched with various bottoms. The breathable nature of cotton fabric ensures you remain cool while navigating the vibrant city streets and exploring popular landmarks. Pair your tank top with flowy, wide-legged trousers for an air of casual elegance. During the summer, transition to a colorful midi-length skirt for dinner or an oversized cardigan and jeans for the fall.

Stylish Outerwear for Changing Climates

When it comes to city breaks, it’s essential to prepare for a rapidly changing climate. A lightweight, foldable raincoat can be a game-changer when the weather turns unexpectedly. Not only does it protect you from unexpected drizzles, but it also adds an extra layer when the temperature cools down. For a more upmarket option, an oversized denim jacket will lend an air of sophistication to your outfit, perfect for city dinners or nights at a trendy cocktail bar.

Chic Footwear: Walking in Style

Walking is inevitable on city trips, so uncomfortable footwear can quickly ruin your experience. Pack comfortable yet trendy shoes like oxfords or loafers, a timeless option for a polished look that won’t compromise comfort. For women who prefer the laid-back look, stylish sneakers or flat leather sandals are perfect, ensuring ease and style. In winter, a structured knee-high, flat-heeled boot works with dresses and jeans.

Accessorize Your Outfit

Accessories are the exclamation points of any outfit, and for urban excursions, they play functional and ornamental roles. A stylish yet practical crossbody bag is a must for keeping your essentials safe, especially in crowded landmarks and the metro. A pair of trendy sunglasses will protect your eyes from harsh urban light while adding a chic factor to your look. Scarves, too, offer a dual purpose — they not only ward off unexpected chills but also add a pop of color and dimension to your outfit.

Evening Elegance: Transitioning Your Look

Seamlessly transitioning from day to night is key to packing your weekend bag. You want outfits that can quickly be elevated with a quick switch or an addition. Change out of your practical flats into a pair of refined heeled booties. Swap cotton tank tops for women for a sophisticated silk blouse or a stylish off-the-shoulder top for dinner at an upscale restaurant. Add a statement necklace and red lipstick, and you’re ready for your evening city adventures.

Urban Beauty Essentials

Just as your clothing should be functional and chic, your beauty regime should reflect the demands of the city. Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with a high SPF to protect your skin. Touch up with a natural, long-lasting makeup foundation and a light tint on your lips. A small bottle of fragrance can freshen you up during the day. Carry some oil-blend blotting paper for oily spots and shine, an easy solution to stay fresh-faced and glowing.

There’s no reason your weekend city break style should be anything less than inspirational. As the saying goes: “You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.” So, pack your bags with these sartorial tips, and get ready to explore a new city with a sophisticated look.

The post Urban Elegance: How to Dress for a Weekend City Break appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Exploring Mexico’s Cultural Riches Together

One of Mexico’s most rewarding aspects of group travel is experiencing its rich cultural heritage. Sites like Chichen Itzá and Teotihuacán provide awe-inspiring glimpses into ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations. Exploring these landmarks as a group allows for shared moments of wonder and the chance to learn together.

Local festivals like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) are another fantastic way to immerse your group in Mexico’s traditions. Participating in these events fosters a deeper appreciation for the country’s customs while creating unforgettable memories. Using a Mexico tourist eSIM ensures your group can easily coordinate schedules and find the best spots to celebrate.

Enjoying the Great Outdoors

Mexico’s diverse landscapes offer endless opportunities for group adventures. The beaches of Tulúm or Playa del Carmen are perfect for relaxing together, while the cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula invite your group to dive into unique natural wonders.

For those seeking adventure, hiking in Copper Canyon or exploring the lush jungles of Chiapas provides thrilling experiences that bring your group closer. Activities like zip-lining, snorkeling, or kayaking are even more enjoyable when shared, turning ordinary outings into extraordinary stories. With a Mexico travel eSIM, your group can instantly stay connected, capturing and sharing these adventures. Also, having a local number makes it easier to call local businesses to book tours or make restaurant reservations.

Culinary Experiences to Savor

Food brings people together, and Mexico’s culinary scene is a feast for groups. From indulging in tacos al pastor at bustling street markets to enjoying multi-course meals at traditional restaurants, every bite becomes a shared experience.

Consider taking a cooking class as a group to learn the secrets behind authentic Mexican dishes. These classes are fun and provide skills you can use long after your trip. With reliable connectivity from a Mexico travel eSIM, your group can easily find the best food spots or book culinary experiences, ensuring everyone is satisfied.

Group-Friendly Accommodations

Choosing the right accommodations can make or break a group trip. Mexico offers many options, from spacious vacation rentals to all-inclusive resorts. Staying together under one roof fosters bonding and makes it easier to plan daily activities.

Coordinate with your group on the activities you would like to do. If you’re planning a more adventurous trip, look into a vacation home to use as a hub to relax after a day of sightseeing. Many resorts cater specifically to groups, offering amenities like shared lounges, private pools, and group excursion packages. Being able to communicate gives the group more freedom to do some solo exploration as well. Using a Mexico travel, eSIM helps ensure everyone stays in touch, whether you’re coordinating morning coffee runs or planning your next outing.

Building Stronger Connections

Group travel is more than just exploring new places—it’s an opportunity to strengthen relationships and create new memories. Whether you’re reconnecting with family, deepening friendships, or fostering team spirit among colleagues, traveling together creates shared experiences that build lasting bonds.

Moments like watching the sunrise over the Mayan ruins, laughing over a shared plate of churros, or overcoming challenges together during an adventure solidify connections. Staying connected with a Mexico eSIM ensures your group can focus on these meaningful interactions without the distractions of logistical hurdles.

Practical Tips for Seamless Group Travel

While group travel can be enriching, it comes with challenges. Effective communication is key, and tools like a Mexico eSIM simplify coordination, allowing your group to share itineraries, stay on schedule, and quickly adapt to any changes.

Setting clear expectations and roles within the group can also help things run smoothly. Assign someone to handle bookings, another to manage transportation, and someone else to research local attractions. Packing light and leaving room for flexibility in your plans ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable trip for everyone.

Conclusion

Mexico is a destination that invites discovery, excitement, and togetherness, making it perfect for group travel. Whether exploring ancient ruins, savoring world-class cuisine, or bonding over shared adventures in the great outdoors, this country offers experiences that transform relationships and create lifelong memories.

With the help of a Mexico tourist eSIM, you can easily navigate the complexities of group travel, ensuring seamless communication and connectivity throughout your journey. From the vibrant streets of Mexico City to the tranquil beaches of the Riviera Maya, Mexico promises a collective wanderlust experience that will leave your group closer and more inspired than ever.

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However, VPNs are not only for expats or digital nomads. If you are traveling abroad, I recommend you get a VPN. From protecting your accounts to streaming your favorite shows, let’s explore 8 reasons why you need a VPN for your next trip.

8 reasons why you need a VPN while traveling

1. Prevent identity theft

Before setting off on your new adventure, you might put locks on your suitcases and tuck away your passport — anything to protect your belongings. However, your precious digital assets are often disregarded. Identity theft is a destructive crime that can cost you everything, and unfortunately, travelers are a common target for this crime. Using a VPN as you travel gives you a layer of protection from identity theft.

2. Access sensitive accounts

At some point, while you’re on the road, you’ll need to check your bank accounts, credit cards, and other sensitive accounts. Without the added encryption from a VPN, your banking passwords, emails, and credit card numbers can be leaked.

Flick on that VPN, and you can comfortably check on your finances and emails without the worry of any snoops looking in. 

3. Watch region-specific TV shows

I know this sounds shallow, but keeping up with your TV shows is one of the reasons why you need a VPN–no spoiler alerts on vacation! Thanks to my VPN, I’ve been able to stay current on my TV shows, especially my HBO series like Game of Thrones or Succession. Thanks to the location spoofing abilities of a VPN, you can keep up with all of your home-based streaming platforms.

VPNs like Surfshark specialize in bypassing geo-restrictions. All you have to do is pick your country of origin (or any other country you want to stream from), wait for it to connect, and continue streaming.

4. Keep up to date with local news

Although I live in Brussels most of the year, I stay in tune with my Washington, DC-based news. Online news publications also tend to place geo-restrictions on their content, only offering it to locals. Just like streaming, you can still access your favorite region-specific news, blogs, and other publications with a VPN.

You’ll need to be careful with this one though, as you could be breaking local law without realizing it. If the country you’re vacationing in has blocked the site, it could be that it’s illegal to access it in the first place. Check the local laws to ensure you’re not going to get in trouble! 

5. Encrypt your data on public WiFi

Whenever, I stop in a cafe or hotel, the first thing I do is hop on WiFi so I am not expending my data, however being on public networks can expose you to network vulnerabilities. Just because free WiFi is convenient and highly available doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Password-free internet connections often signify a lack of encryption. This makes it pretty easy for a hacker to infiltrate the network and steal user data. Data encryption is another great reason to have a VPN so you can ensure you’re never vulnerable on public WiFi.

6. Keep hackers out of your social media

The trip didn’t happen if you didn’t post in on social! On compromised networks, social media accounts are a profitable target for hackers.

Most social media account credentials end up being sold on the dark web to scammers. So before any of your friends claim that you scammed them over Facebook, ensure you’re checking your socials over a VPN.

7. Secure your remote working environment

It doesn’t matter if you’re a digital nomad or trying to get off the grid — there’s always a chance you need to check in with work. However, accessing corporate networks from abroad can cause disastrous data leaks.

Hackers only need one weak point to gain access to corporate networks. So, even if you’re only checking your work emails, it’s best to be on the safe side and encrypt your connection with a VPN. 

8. Save money on travel expenses

One of the least-known benefits of using a VPN while traveling is that you can actually save money. Everything from flight tickets to accommodation is priced differently depending on your location in the world. I like to play around with different countries with my VPN to see what kind of flight deals I can get. 

Sometimes, affluent countries are served higher prices, or an airline’s home country will get special deals. Through trial and error, you can score some significant savings on your holiday by shopping over a VPN.

Verdict

Here are my Dining Traveler reasons why you need a VPN while traveling. VPNs offer travelers an array of features — never again miss out on an episode of your favorite TV show or become the victim of identity theft. I hate spoiler alerts, so I am happy to be able to be able to access my US-based streaming devices without a problem via VPN! 

The post 8 Reasons To Think Again Before Traveling Without A VPN appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

First Day Trip from Dubrovnik: Montenegro

With its gorgeous mountains and views of the Adriatic, you will delight in all that Montenegro has to offer.

What to See on a Daytrip to Montenegro:

• Ston: En route to Montenegro stop in Ston, a gorgeous town in southern Dalmatia. The town walls are longer than those in Dubrovnik, built in the 14th century, and the town has oyster beds that are said to produce the most delicious oysters in the world! A visit to this part of the Peljesac Peninsula is highly recommended.
• Perast: Upon entering Montenegro your breath will be taken away at the sight of the shimmering sea and majestic mountains. As you approach the Bay of Kotor, take the time to visit the small town of Perast. Home to a cathedral from the 15th century, a bell tower, and a square. You will also have the opportunity to take a short boat ride to the small island off the coast of Perast, called Our Lady of the Rocks which is home to a church and an adjacent museum. This is a must-do during your day trip from Dubrovnik.
• Kotor: Just beyond Perast, is the medieval port town in Montenegro called Kotor, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by fortified walls, you must make time to wander the winding cobblestone lanes of Kotor and admire the Romanesque churches and ancient buildings. Cat lovers, be sure to stop by the Kotor Cat Museum!

Where to Eat:

• Persat Lake Promenade: For coffee and a pastry!
• Marshall’s Gelato: For a delicious, sweet treat in Kotor
• Catovica Mlini: This is truly one of the most beautiful and charming restaurants I have ever visited. Just beyond Kotor, in a Montenegrin town called Morinj, is this family-owned venue that is over 200 years old and includes old flour mills, a gorgeous tavern, and outdoor dining space that is complete with gardens, ponds, streams, gazebos, and small bridges. It is romantic and elegant, with impeccable service. Treat yourself to an indulgent lunch with wine, cheese, bread, and dishes like pasta tossed with shards of zucchini and bathed in a saffron cream sauce.

• On your way to and from Ston you’ll see signs for oysters and other seafood; you can’t go wrong with a dozen fresh-shucked oysters or a pot of mussels at any of them.

Second Day Trip from Dubrovnik: Bosnia

With its multicultural heritage and medieval ambiance you will walk away from your trip to Bosnia feeling like you took a step back in time.

What to See in Bosnia:

• Kravica Waterfall: This gorgeous cascade should be your first stop when taking a day trip from Dubrvnik to Bosnia. Located in Herzegovina in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the Trebižat River, the waterfall pours into a gorgeous green pool where you can swim, soak or splash around.

• Mostar: There is much to see in this old town, including the famous Mostar Bridge, also called Stari Most, a 16th century bridge that was rebuilt after it collapsed due to shelling in 1993 during the Croat-Bosnian war. Views of the bridge from below and from the bridge overlooking the city are not to be missed. Next, visit the old town of Mostar, where you can peruse shops in the bazaar, wander the cobblestone streets, and take in sights like the Koski Mehmed Pasha mosque, a visually stunning 16th century mosque.

Where to Eat:

• Restoran Vodopad Kravice: Treat yourself to a cold beer at the waterfall adjacent café
• Restaurant Sadrvan: Located in the old town in Mostar this streetside café is perfect for both sampling Bosnian food and absorbing the local culture. Order lots of dishes to share so you can sample items like a platter of grilled mushrooms, zucchini and tomatoes smothered in cheese, potatoes roasted with herbs, creamy rice cooked with mushrooms, warm bread, baklava, and local tea and coffee.
• If you want a meal with a view, there are restaurants and bars with patio seating all along the Neretva River that runs through Mostar. Review your options from the bridge, and then stroll over there for a charming all-fresco lunch or dinner.

Day Trips From Dubrovnik: The Verdict

When visiting Croatia, take the time for these dreamy day trips from Dubrovnik. That’s one of the highlights of traveling to Eastern Europe: you can experience multiple countries in a short amount of time.

The post Delightful Day Trips from Dubrovnik: Montenegro and Bosnia appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Where to Stay in Montevideo

We spent a total of three nights on our weekend trip to Montevideo. We stayed in the tiny, quaint Hotel Palacio, which met all of our needs: close to different local sites and cafes, comfortable, and affordable. The hotel is located in the Cuidad Vieja, which is the old part of town where you can find most of the historical sites. It is within walking distance of the Cordón and Palermo neighborhoods, where you can find many of the best bars and restaurants in Montevideo!

What to do

Curioso City Walking Tour: We loved this walk through the Cuidad Vieja, where we learned all about Uruguay’s history. We visited Independence Square, stopped at the famous Puerto Mercado, took pictures at the Cuidadela Gate, and went into the Artigas Mausoleum. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the city and gave us detailed insight into the culture, politics, and history of Uruguay at large.

A Stroll Along La Rambla: La Rambla is one of the longest sidewalks in the world, and it happens to be along Montevideo’s beautiful waterfront. During a walk along La Rambla, you will see surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, volleyball players, musicians, beachside cafes, and more. Because we visited Uruguay in December, during its summer, the beach was packed with locals enjoying the warm weather. The walkway links Cuidad Vieja with Carrasco, although we didn’t walk quite that far. We strolled for several miles and then jumped off for a cocktail in Cordón. I highly recommend spending an afternoon wandering down La Rambla during your weekend in Montevideo. It’s a great way to enjoy the local life!

Where to Eat and Drink

Our weekend in Montevideo was not without several delicious culinary experiences. We tried to visit spots in the ciudad vieja and different neighborhoods such as Cordón and Carrasco.

Escaramuza Café: We loved this gorgeous café in Cordon so much that we went back twice. You enter first into a charming bookstore, where the bookshelves are filled with books all the way to the ceiling, and then walk straight back into a plant and light-filled patio, where guests lounge for hours over coffee and the most delicious pastries, including an absolutely divine dulce de leche lava cake. From scones to brownies to tortas to tartas this spot is a dessert lovers’ paradise and a dreamy location for whiling away an afternoon during your weekend in Montevideo.

Federacion: Check out this sidewalk café and treat yourself to hot chocolate and a buttery croissant.

Cafe Brasilero: Small but historically significant as the oldest cafe in Montevideo, a stop at this cafe is an absolute must during a weekend in Montevideo. Located in Cuidad Vieja, we found the cafe to be relaxing and cozy, with great cappuccinos!

Café La Farmacia: This is a great breakfast spot in Ciudad Vieja, with a charming old-world ambiance, warm lattes, and simple breakfast dishes like avocado toast and cheese empanadas.

Dueto Cocina Urbana: Like Argentina, Uruguay serves up plenty of delicious Italian fare, thanks to the influence of Italian immigrants. Dueto is a charming and elegant venue with simple Italian fare, including pastas, freshly made bread, salads, and desserts. Helpful tip: This restaurant is right next door to Hotel Palacio in the Cuidad Vieja!

Manzanar: For a super trendy dining experience during your weekend in Montevideo, try Manzanar. Tasty cocktails combined with a hip décor and menu eclectic menu featuring everything from pizza to sushi, we ate, drank and people watched for hours. Manzanar is located in Carrasco, a neighborhood that is a on the other side of town from the old city, but is a modern, high-end part of town where some of the more upscale dining venues are located.

Namaste: It’s always interesting to see how other countries interpret the cuisine of other cultures. We visited this unique spot for lunch and indulged in a fusion fare that included wok-fried noodles, curry-infused risotto, and vegetarian chivitos, which are traditional Uruguayan sandwiches.

Baker’s Bar, KFE, and Office Bar: Fun and filled with locals. Stop by any of these spots for a quick drink on your way to dinner or after dinner!

The Verdict

A weekend in Montevideo is fun, interesting, and relaxing. From the historical sites to the bevy of cafes to the lovely beachfront La Rambla to the variety of dining options, we had a blast and highly recommend this city for visiting!

The post Adventures in Uruguay: A Weekend in Montevideo appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Where to Stay in Roatán

Ibagari Hotel: This hotel is one of the dreamiest places I have been lucky enough to visit. There is nowhere else I would recommend staying in Roatán. The reasons in favor of choosing Igabari are multi-faceted.

First, the rooms. The suites at Ibagari are huge, with private plunge pools, patios, and gorgeous showers. Our room featured a king bed with slide doors that opened up to a patio complete with a cool private pool, lush vegetation, lounge chairs, and a small dining table for in-suite snacks. We loved relaxing in our little pool with beers from our mini fridge and in our lounge chairs with coffee first thing in the morning.

Second, the amenities. Ibagari, a private beachfront hotel, has a gorgeous pool with a hot tub, an alfresco library for reading and lounging, and plenty of lounge chairs along the ocean where you can lay out and read a good book while listening to the sound of the waves crashing. A hotel gift shop has souvenirs and necessary items you may have forgotten at home, like sunscreen and painkillers.

Finally, the service. The staff is incredibly charming and offers extras like an evening champagne toast at sunset, live music at dinner time, and recommendations for cocktails. No request was too small for the friendly team at Igabari!

What to Do:

Explore the Barrier Reef: One of the main attractions of Roatán is that it features the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Which in turn, makes Ibagari an ideal venue for exploring Roatán because it includes an on-site scuba shop that offers scuba classes for certification and daily snorkeling tours. We decided to go on a snorkeling tour which was absolutely phenomenal. Our tour only included four people, and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in educating us about what fish we would see. We made three stops and could see everything from luminous rainbow parrotfish, barracudas, angelfish, coral, turtles, and so much more. The team brought along a cooler of beer, water, and bubbles to enjoy on the boat in between stops and tasty snacks.

Take a Sunset Cruise: One evening, we took a private sunset cruise, complete with a cheese plate of local cheeses, fresh fruit, and sparkling wine. We admired the glistening water, the cool breeze, and the colorful sunset. It was a spectacular way to take in everything the Caribbean offers.

Visit the Spa: Ibagari Hotel has an excellent spa. I indulged in a super relaxing massage more than once!  

Walk the Island: From Igabari, you can walk along the ocean and visit other resorts and even get to the west end downtown area of Roatan, where they have shops and cafes.

What to Eat and Drink:

Luna Muna: The Ibagari hotel has a lovely on-site restaurant with a diverse menu. For breakfast, I recommend avocado toast with poached eggs, pancakes, or the caracola breakfast. Caracola refers to the local community, and so this breakfast is a great way to sample a traditional Honduran Bay breakfast. Eggs cooked to order are served with meaty red beans, fried plantains, local cheese, slice avocado, and a tomato dipping sauce. It is super hearty and flavorful. And DEFINITELY get the freshly squeezed juice of the day! We enjoyed watermelon juice one day, pineapple the next, and even a delicious cantaloupe juice. For lunch, try the lentils bowl with yuca fried bread and the pasta with freshly made pesto for dinner. Cocktails are made with fresh fruits grown in Roatán, and local beers are perfect as a poolside beverage. If you love the cocktails as much as we did, you can sign up for a cocktail-making class!

The Verdict:

Igabari gave us exactly what we needed: time outdoors, beautiful sunsets, pool and beach time, and the chance to slow down and enjoy life.

The post Escapes: The Ibagari Hotel in Roatan, Honduras appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

I have not done much travel in the Middle East, so a layover in Doha, Qatar seemed like a good opportunity to see a different part of the world. While I didn’t really know what to expect, Doha was lovely surprise – there was delicious food and plenty to do for a day. Here are my tips is you happen to have an overnight layover in Doha as well.

Where to Stay

Al Bidda Boutique Hotel: Downtown Doha is mostly concrete and skyscrapers, so I recommend staying in the Souq Waqif, which is the old part of town. Souq Waqif means “standing market” which is fitting because the area is consists of a huge market with shops selling clothes, handicrafts, ornaments, spices, jewelry, and more. The area also includes a series of Tivoli hotels called the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels.

The group of nine hotels are all walking distance from one another; all of them are opulent and Arabian-themed. We chose to stay in the Al Bidda boutique hotel, which featured a gorgeous lobby restaurant, massive rooms with a sitting area, walk in shower and stand alone tub. Service was impeccable, and all of the Souq Waqif hotels have any kind of amenity you could possibly want. It’s the perfect place to stay during a long layover in Doha, Qatar.

Where to Eat

 
There are plenty of places to eat during a long layover in Doha, Qatar. Most of the Souq Waqif hotels have a restaurant. Since you can walk in between the hotels you can choose to eat any of the restaurants. Considering how hot it is I do recommend that you take advantage of the free golf cart transport between hotels. Hotel staff will make a quick call and a chauffeured cart will appear in front of the hotel in a matter of minutes!

Al Terrace: We took a ride over to the Al Mirqub hotel from our hotel, where we had a decadent lunch at Al Terrace. The Lebanese restaurant serves delicious Middle Eastern fare; we stuffed our faces with hummus, pita, fresh salads, falafel, potatoes, fresh juices and more.

Spice Market: Because we wanted wine with our dinner, we jumped in an Uber to downtown. Qatar is largely a dry country, but Western-owned hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. We enjoyed spring rolls, dumplings, curries, fried rice and wok fried vegetables in an ornate, romantic setting.

What to Do During a Long Layover in Doha, Qatar

Experience the Souq Waqif

Take your time and wander through the souq at your leisure. Even if you don’t buy anything it is fun to wander through the market and see all of the interesting items for sale. Stop for an ice cream… or an iced coffee! I highly recommend a cold treat because Doha is brutally hot! Even in October it was 107 degrees! The market opens up at 4pm, due to the heat, so it’s a great pre-dinner activity.

Visit a Spa

One of the best things you can do during a long layover in Doha, is to get a massage! During the day, when it is too hot to be outside, I highly recommend treating to yourself to some spa treatments at one of the Souq Waqif hotels. I got a massage and it was delightful. There are steam rooms and gyms you can use, and the quality of the massage was surreal. I got to choose the scent of oils used, and the atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing.

The Verdict

The opulence of Doha alone is something to marvel at. From service to cleanliness to art and architecture, you will marvel when visiting this city. A long layover in Doha, Qatar is certainly not a waste and is undoubtedly an incredibly unique experience!

The post An Opulent Layover: Doha, Qatar appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Everybody from the southern coast from the island has been affected in one way or another. “Then you see my town, Guayanilla and its neighbors Guánica, and Yauco and that’s something else,” says my aunt Carmen. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done to get back to we were. But like we say in the south “yo no me quito” (I am not leaving).” She would like to see a more centralized system to figure out which businesses are open in the south as many are working with limited hours. 

Chef Jorge Rivera, the owner of Chef Creations in Ponce, Puerto Rico says that they are currently open only for lunch due to the damages of the town center of Ponce where his restaurant is located. “The business owners of the neighborhood are getting together to see what’s the best way to move forward and continue to operate,” says Jorge.

The past few years have been challenging for Puerto Rico: an economic crisis, a devastating hurricane, an ousted governor, and now earthquakes. From the outside, it can seem like a frightening place, especially when the media has the tendency to focus on the images of destruction. I totally get it, news about corrupt politicians get the view and comments. There are plenty of articles about the destruction and corruption. However, I want to talk about something else. I want to share the stories of those who are behind the scenes in the hospitality business, making an honest living and aiding the economic growth of the island. 

I recently co-hosted a fundraiser at a Puerto Rican owned restaurant called High Street Café. The owners, Manuel and Karla Iguina lent their space and food to raise funds for ConPRmetidos, a Puerto Rico-based non-profit that is providing direct assistance on the ground since 2012. The director of the program, Isabel Rollán said something very impactful at our event: “For those who want to help Puerto Rico, the best way you can do it is by visiting us and supporting our local businesses.”

During and after the string of earthquakes, I started to reach out to my small business owner friends and acquaintances, many of them I met while producing The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico. All of them talk about the challenges they are facing with their businesses given the latest crisis. When I reached out to Sylvia DeMarco, owner of Finca Victoria in Vieques and The Dreamcatcher in San Juan for her perspective, she apologized for not getting back to me sooner, but she was dealing with a flurry of cancelations. Sadly that has been the norm with many of the people I’ve spoken to.  

During my trips after Hurricane Maria, I got to hear Sylvia’s story and many others. How they reinvented themselves after the Hurricane or how they took large bets and expanded their business because they believed in Puerto Rico. So many of them were finally crawling out of the red after Hurricane Maria and now they have the deal with the constant threats of earthquakes. The past two years these business owners experienced growth and were gearing for the high tourism season which begins in January. Now they risk seeing all their efforts go backward due to the current situation. 

Carmen Portela is the co-founder of local tour operator Local Guest. Her company had three large group cancellations after the news of the earthquakes. “We’re a small tourism enterprise that works with local communities and entrepreneurs,” says Carmen. “Tourism is our livelihood and these difficult times have brought trip cancelations that affect our entire ecosystem. We invite travelers to keep their traveling plans since our island is eager to welcome you.”

“Puerto Rico is eager to welcome you” is a recurring phrase I hear from people throughout the island. Even those who are not directly involved in the tourism business have shared the map that Discover Puerto Rico shared to highlight where the damage is concentrated. The earthquakes, although felt all the way in San Juan, were very centralized on the southwest coast of the island. There is no damage in other tourist-friendly areas such as Rincon, San Juan, Dorado, Luquillo, Fajardo, Vieques, and Culebra. 

Some business owners such as Paulina Salach Antonetti, owner of The Spoon Experience, a food tour company in San Juan see a disconnect between what you see in the news versus the reality across the island.  “If you’re looking at the news from outside of Puerto Rico, you may be shocked by the headlines and the heart-breaking images,” says Paulina. “Our hearts are with our neighbors in the South who have been through so much. If you’re wondering if you should visit Puerto Rico after the earthquakes, please do! Perhaps you feel guilty about enjoying yourself while others are suffering, please know that the island as a whole (most of which has been unaffected by the quakes) needs and appreciates your business.”

I agree with Paulina. I sometimes see a contrast between the disaster porn we see in the news and the reality on the ground. I was confused when I saw all these images of destruction but at the same time, I also saw my friends and family going out to the beach, hanging out at bars, or going on family outings to the countryside. Don’t get me wrong… there is a lot of work to do in Puerto Rico, however, there are many positive things happening that are hidden in the news. Many are in the hospitality business and many are being led by women.

Chef Erika Sanchez recently opened the restaurant Wicked Lily in Condado, a busy tourist area. She wants to hold the leaders accountable for the current situation. “There is no major disaster in Puerto Rico worse than our “leaders” and politicians,” says Erika. There is no earthquake, storm, or hurricane that can destroy our economy and tourism greater than the politicians with their incompetence and badly played games. Puerto Rico is open for business and the world needs to know not to be afraid, we, the people are still the same, ready to welcome them, and show our enchantment!”

Not to be biased, but this is what I love about mi gente the most. The resiliency. I think it would be easy for me to have a different perspective if I only read the news and not know the people. But when you sit down and talk to people who could comfortably be living anywhere else on the mainland and yet you see them operating their businesses, making it happen and growing the economy at the micro-level. It is easy to see the mismanagement and corruption in and judge as if it doesn’t happen in the rest of the United States. But I encourage you to look beyond the headlines and talk to the Puerto Rican people. Ask questions! Puerto Ricans love to talk!

Many people ask me “if I can’t travel to Puerto Rico after the earthquakes for whatever reason, what else can I do to help?” Here are a few organizations that I have personally volunteered with and witnessed their great work on the island: ConPRmetidos, Friends of Puerto Rico, and World Central Kitchen. 

My work schedule prevents me from traveling to Puerto Rico right now as much as I would love to return and help. A recent visitor shared her perspective with me. “Puerto Rico is absolutely open for visitors; in fact, they’re relying on those visitors more than ever,” said Cara O’Donnell, who recently returned from spending a few days in San Juan. “I heard from so many people who were surprised we were still planning to go after news of the earthquakes, but most of the island isn’t affected at all. The entire island is relying on visitors to boost its struggling economy.” If you’re asking yourself “should I travel to Puerto Rico after the earthquakes?” I hope that these stories of real people, people who have been directly affected by these events can inspire you to visit la isla del encanto. 

The post Thoughts: Traveling to Puerto Rico After the Earthquakes appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

The Location

Coconut Grove is a picturesque neighborhood with access to the beach and lined with quaint shops and restaurants. You can get away spending a few days in the neighborhood without having to venture further. The vibe is very local: as I went to Panther Coffee in the mornings I ran into plenty of people walking their dogs and families taking their kids to school. I enjoy staying in places with a residential feel as they give me an idea of how locals live.

The Amenities

When looking for where to stay in Coconut Grove or the rest of Miami for that matter, a rooftop pool is a must. The pool at The Mayfair Coconut Grove has a bar, some cozy cabanas, and an enviable view to the sea. The property also has a Jurlique Spa with beautiful Art Nouveau glass windows. The outdoor courtyard is perfect to relax with a cocktail or a glass of wine after a long day. Needless to say, it would be easy to stay a weekend at The Mayfair without even leaving the property.

The Rooms

The rooms and large and comfortable. Bonus: most rooms also have an outdoor hot tub in the balcony. The higher level rooms also have hot tubs inside the rooms. Because, Miami. The décor is a bit dated but the General Manager confirmed that The Mayfair Coconut Grove is gearing up for a major room renovation in the near future so will definitely look forward to seeing what they do with it.

The Food

I only had the opportunity to enjoy breakfast at The Mayfair Coconut Grove. The Mayfair Kitchen has a diverse breakfast menu with wood-fired breakfast sandwiches to some lighter dishes. I’m trying to eat a bit lighter these days so I appreciated the variety of healthy options on the menu. I ordered a spinach frittata with feta cheese that was delicious along with a cortado because when in Miami one must have a strong Cuban coffee! I also hosted an event for my book launch at The Mayfair and they did an excellent job with the setup and service.

Where to Stay in Coconut Grove: The Mayfair

If you’re looking for where to stay in Coconut Grove, The Mayfair Coconut Grove is definitely a great choice. The rates are reasonable, especially now that low season is upon us, the atmosphere is intimate, and you will experience friendly service throughout. I highly recommend.

The Mayfair Coconut Grove, 3000 Florida Ave, Coconut Grove, FL, Website

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Many friends and readers ask me about gift ideas for the people who have it all. I always respond with, “Give them an experience.” One gift that will get you brownie points with a loved one is an epic spa treatment. If you’re looking for spas in the Washington, DC area, here are my top picks:

Salamander Washington, DC Spa

This stunning slice of zen near the waterfront is one of the most beautiful spas in Washington, DC, and is currently going through a full renovation as Salamander Hotels acquired the former Mandarin Oriental Hotel in 2022. When you book a treatment, make sure you make time to access its fitness center, sauna, steam room, and plunge pool. My favorite feature of the sauna is its crystal steam room. I am a bit claustrophobic, but I always feel calm and refreshed when going into the room. Bonus: The spa closes at 9 pm, so treat yourself to a spa treatment after a stressful day at work.

Dining Traveler Tip: If you book your treatment during the weekday to avoid the crowds.
Spa at Mandarin Oriental, 1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC, Website 

Spa at Four Seasons

This luxurious escape located in Georgetown is another favorite luxury spa in the city. Start with a workout in their fabulous fitness center, take a dip in the whirlpool, and treat yourself to a massage or facial. Feeling bold? Book one of their luxurious facials, such as the gold and diamond facial. This treatment begins with an intense exfoliation and ends with LED light therapy. End your day of pampering with a glass of champagne at Bourbon Steak.

Dining Traveler Tip: book your treatment during a weekday for a discounted rate.
Four Seasons, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, Website 

The Waldorf Astoria Spa at The Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC

One of the newest additions to luxury spas in Washington, DC, is the Waldorf Astoria Spa. This luxe spa focuses on wellness, offering six different treatment rooms. They also have a Himalayan Salt Therapy Room available for 30-minute sessions and a quiet space called The Sanctuary, which has private areas for relaxation. The spa also offers customized treatments for those looking for extra TLC. They also emphasize sustainability in their operations, balancing luxury with environmental responsibility.

Dining Traveler Tip: Make a whole day at The Waldorf Astoria DC and book a table at Bazaar by Jose Andres for the ultimate luxury day off.

The Waldorf Astoria Spa, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, Website.

The Willard Spa at the Willard InterContinental

The Willard Spa at Willard InterContinental is the perfect place for a midday escape. The spa in Washington, DC is collocated with the fitness center of the hotel if you’re motivated to get a workout before your treatment. From facials to massages, it also has a wide selection of treatments available. If you need a quick escape, take advantage of their mini-facials or 30-minute massages.

Dining Traveler Tip: After your treatment, head to their Cafe du Park terrace on a sunny day for a latte and people-watching.
The Willard Spa at the Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, Website

The Spa at Hotel Washington

Situated just steps from the White House, The Spa at Hotel Washington stands out as a place of tranquility and indulgence in Washington, DC. While the world outside buzzes with activity, inside the spa, the focus is solely on deep relaxation. This spa in Washington, DC, is popular with travelers and locals alike looking for a little break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Urban Detox Facial is a popular treatment amongst regulars.

Dining Traveler Tip: After your treatment, catch some of the best views of DC from the VUE Rooftop at Hotel Washington.
The Spa at Hotel Washington, 3100 South Street NW, Washington, DC, Website

Spa at Ritz Carlton Georgetown

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown is located on a quiet side street in one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Washington, DC. From facials to massages to waxing, the spa offers a full-service menu of luxurious treatments. They also feature seasonal packages from chocolate decadence facials to an upcoming homage to the Cherry Blossom season. The spa also uses ESPA, one of the top spa products. The ESPA facial oil is amazing, especially when you have just returned from a long trip!

Dining Traveler Tip: If weather permits, treat yourself to a glass of wine in their gorgeous patio area.
Ritz Carlton Georgetown Spa, 3100 South Street NW, Washington, DC, Website

The Spa at MGM National Harbor

The Spa at MGM National Harbor provides a serene, 27,000-square-foot sanctuary with eleven beautifully appointed spa rooms, a comprehensive salon, and a cutting-edge fitness center. The signature treatments are expertly designed for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.

Dining Traveler Tip: Book your spa treatment in tandem with a concert or an indulgent dinner at MGM National Harbor.

The Spa at MGM National Harbor, 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD, Website

Salamander Resort and Spa

Ok, I know that the post is about spas in Washington, DC, but I had to include this one, even if it’s an hour’s drive from the city.  This gorgeous property in the heart of Virginia’s horse and wine country is worth the trip! Take the day off because you can make a whole day of their spa experience as there is a pool exclusively for Spa guests, indoor whirlpools, saunas, and a luxurious relaxation room. Better yet, stay the night!

Dining Traveler Tip: Grab a laid-back delicious lunch with locally sourced ingredients at Market Salamander, just a short drive from the main property.
Salamander Resort and Spa, 500 N Pendleton St, Middleburg, VA, Website

Spas in Washington, DC: The Verdict

This city can be busy and stressful, but there are plenty of places that you can escape for some luxurious relaxation.

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