When it comes to traveling, the hardest part isn’t packing, as I’ve become quite the professional in that aspect. It isn’t planning the itinerary or even figuring out the exchange rate. It is the dreadful drive to and from LAX, and it is during those drives that I wished I lived closer to LA. Fortunately, my wish came true with our latest trip and it gave me more than I asked for, including a futuristic butler name Hannah.

Winter in Los Angeles typically consists of 70 to 80-degree temperatures in the daytime, a handful of rainy days where people all of sudden forget how to drive, and occasional low 60’s, when everyone complains that it’s freezing on Facebook. Fortunately, this “cold front” occurred while I was in Park City, Utah, where it was snowing and about 4-degrees, but was one of the best experiences I ever had.

Earlier in February, KSOLE and I flew to Phoenix to attend The Workshop, a conference by Bloguettes. The two-day conference covered a range of topics such as content creation, social media marketing, small businesses, how to start a podcast and so much more.

Catalina Island is often underrated and misunderstood, but even after 3 trips, I still find that there's always something new to do. 

Less than an hour away and with ports in Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point, there really isn't a better way to getaway last minute than to the island. Did I mention that Catalina Express is also comfortable, spacious, and sails so smoothly that I fell asleep both ways? True story.

One of the top three questions I get often on Instagram is, "what app is that? what app did you use for that?" While I don't mind sharing what I'm using, it can get quite repetitive answering the same questions over and over again.

Therefore, I decided to compile my top 8 apps into a blog post so I can just say, "click here" instead :)

Granted that I’ve only stayed at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth (back in Nov), my first impression and experience at that one was beyond expectations that I fell in love immediately after that stay. So much so that I didn’t hesitate to jump on a plane to Quebec for the 125th Anniversary of the Fairmont Frontenac.  

One of the trendiest boutique hotels in Waikiki, The Laylow is part of the Autograph Collection by the Marriott and is located right across the street from the very popular - Marukame Udon.

Inspired by aloha chic, Alohilani is a blend of indoor and outdoor luxury located right across the beach in Waikiki. With a selection of views to choose from, you're guaranteed to wake up refreshed and inspired. 

30 years later and I finally get the birthday party I've always wanted! Growing up, my birthday celebrations were small and only included family members - all 5 of them. I never got a sweet 16, nothing to celebrate me being an adult at 18, and I don't even remember what I did for my 21st. Wait, was it Dave & Busters? 

We all fall into a creative rut once in awhile and while I normally kick myself out of it within a few days, the last month of 2017 ended up being one of the worst creative blocks I've experienced. Granted it was the holiday season so things were hectic, but I had accidentally taken on way too much and therefore, I exhausted myself - mentally, physically, and emotionally.

The last stay of the year should be at a place that is calm, relaxing, and ultimately filled with views of your preference. In my case, an ocean front hotel room at Malibu Beach Inn was the perfect way to end 2017 and our stay exceed our expectations. 

Wrapping up the year with last minute shopping and a drive through Hasting Ranch to see the houses that are beautifully lit this time of year.

Whenever I decided upon a place to stay on my trips, the first thing I look at is Instagram. I like to see what the property offers and who's stayed that (that I either follow or know). I also want to make sure the accommodation is picture worthy.

However, with my trip to Cook Islands, I took another route and went off a list of suggestions from the tourism board. I went through the list, went through the websites of the accommodations and chose Ikurangi Eco Retreat for two reasons.

How often do you take time out for yourself? When was the last time you did something just for you?

We often put ourselves last and make others a priority, which is great, but in order to function at our best we need to be able to take care of ourselves first. 

Scroll through Instagram and you'll see a ton of images from Bali, Hawaii, Santorini, and Paris because that's where people typically dream of vacationing. However mention Cook Islands and you'll get 9 out of 10 people asking, "where's that?" This includes our cellphone providers (AT&T and T-Mobile), who had to Google where the country was before telling us that they do not provide coverage there. 

Touchdown – Montreal, the city known for poutine, architecture, and their love for Leonard Cohen.

It was my first time visiting Montreal, second time visiting Canada overall - and I’m already in love. The people are just so damn polite and the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth’s staff was beyond welcoming. 

Is it just me or does gift giving get harder as the years go on?

On our first holiday together, I made a photo book (of us). On this fifth holiday together, I decided to go back to the basics – this time, showcasing his talent and love for cars, and in particular, Porsches. 

Located right by the river is the historically popular hotel, Majestic Hotel Saigon. A hotel that my father remembers from his own teenage years in Ho Chi Minh and one that is loved by many tourists for its prime location in District 1.

Traveling, the ultimate test of any friendship and relationship. If you can survive a trip with your friend, well your friendship is pretty solid. 

When it comes to traveling, I am super cautious about who I take my trips with. After all, you're going to be spending everyday with this person for X amount of days. If it ends up going sour, you can't really do anything about it. But, if it ends up being one of the best trips ever, you've found your ideal travel buddy.