Episode 41: Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly While Traveling

Episode 41: Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly While Traveling

Podcast
  Today’s episode is a bit different. Usually, when I talk about taking a trip, I talk air travel. But, sometimes you just want to get into your car and take a long drive somewhere and have a good time with family or friends. Especially during the pandemic, where people are either uncomfortable with flying or there are some restrictions on flights, taking a road trip is a great way to still go out and experience different places. Joining me today, is Tripp Peek. He is the Director of Retail Operations at Tire Discounters, the largest 100% family-owned and operated independent tire provider in the US. We’re going to be talking about how to ensure your vehicle is good to go for a long-distance trip. Here are some tips to…
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Episode 40: Work and Wanderlust

Episode 40: Work and Wanderlust

Podcast
  There are so many people telling you to quit your job, sell your belongings, and travel the world on $50 a day. That’s one way of doing it, but it’s not for everyone. If you have a 9-to-5 job, you can travel the world and still collect your salary! Don’t believe me? I’ve been working a full-time job in corporate America for 22 years, and I’ve been travelling to all sorts of places. Since the pandemic started, and my company has allowed us to work remotely, I have been able to work from several vacation destinations. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your work and travel: [05:42] Plan your work and travel. If you’re travelling for work, consider adding a few days…
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Episode 39: How to Plan a Perfect Vacation with your Friends

Episode 39: How to Plan a Perfect Vacation with your Friends

Podcast
  Are you planning to book a vacation with a friend? I love travelling with friends as much as the next person! It’s guaranteed fun, laughter, and great memories. However, before you can get to having all that fun, you could find yourself going down a difficult and stressful road. In the words of George Costanza from Seinfeld: some trips are relationship killers. If you’re not properly prepared, or you don’t see the red flags, your trip could go very wrong. So, I came up with a list of tips to help you get to that fun trip with the right friends. Let’s get to it: [02:04] Purchase travel insurance. If you’re travelling with another person, always purchase travel insurance. What if something happens and they cancel? You’re going to want…
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How to Take Good Photos While Traveling Alone

How to Take Good Photos While Traveling Alone

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Product
If you travel alone like me, then you know how hard it is to take good photos.  Besides enjoying your vacation by immersing yourself in the destination and being in the moment, capturing good photos is the next best thing.  After all, we live in a society that is all about posting good pictures while traveling.  And just because you are a solo traveler does not mean you can’t capture those quality moments you’ll want to remember. After traveling alone several times and returning from my trips without those moments captured, I thought to myself, “This is not fair!  I wish I would not have been so scared to ask someone to take my picture!”  Returning home with feelings of regret was getting old, so I knew I had to make a change. And the…
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Episode 38:  Planet Hollywood Cancun Review – My Experience

Episode 38: Planet Hollywood Cancun Review – My Experience

Podcast
  In February of 2021, I went to Planet Hollywood in Cancun. I was supposed to go in May 2020, but Covid-19 put that plan on hold until finally giving me a chance to go in February 2021 for some Valentine’s self-love. Even after such a long delay, my stay there was absolutely worth the wait, and I will suggest it to anyone looking for an incredible experience in Cancun. Highlights from this episode: [02:16] Two sides of the resort. There’s a family side with 566 suites, and an adult-only side with 332 suites.  I usually stay on the adult-only side of resorts if they have one - I don’t have kids, and I’m not about to go to a party and turn up around kids all the time. The family…
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Solo Travel (I’m Moving On to Something Better)

Solo Travel (I’m Moving On to Something Better)

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Inspiration
What do you do when you come across an amazing vacation package with an amazing price?  You do what lots of people would do – send out a group text to your friends, shouting about a great travel opportunity, and hope everyone is on board.  These are the same people that you have been talking to all day, but then there is radio silence – no one responds.  Every time a notification goes off on your phone, you are picking it up to see if anyone responded to your travel idea because it is such an amazing deal and you don’t want to miss out.  You are waiting by the phone hoping that someone will respond, that someone will acknowledge you.  But nothing. Now you are at the fork in the road – in one…
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Episode 37: COVID-19 Testing Required for U.S. Entry – My Experience

Episode 37: COVID-19 Testing Required for U.S. Entry – My Experience

Podcast
[podcast_subscribe id="715"] I was in Cabo, Mexico, when I heard about the new executive order that requires passengers to have a negative COVID-19 test to enter the US, so I decided to get back to the US rather than risk getting stuck in Mexico. With 2021 coming around, travelers were excited to get back to traveling, and the prospect of getting stuck in another country because of a COVID-19 test put those plans on hold for many people. Being on vacation and having to find a lab and arrange transportation to and from that lab just adds an extra layer of stress to that vacation. So, I heard of a resort in Mexico that opened recently, Planet Hollywood, and they offer Covid tests on-site, and I decided to try this…
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Work + Wanderlust: How To Travel While Working Full-Time

Work + Wanderlust: How To Travel While Working Full-Time

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Tips
If you are not aware, I have a full-time job. I know that may be hard to believe for some people because it appears that I am always traveling. However, I get four weeks of vacation each year, and I use them all! Trust and believe. Now, I know that the pandemic has been brutal for some people, and I genuinely empathize with everyone. However, the side effects of the pandemic have been beneficial for me in so many ways. Listen to my podcast episode below of how my summer went during COVID-19. One of the best ways the pandemic has benefited me is the fact that my company has had us working from home since the pandemic hit in March of 2020. Working from home has allowed me the…
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Episode 36: Solo Travel That’s Good For The Soul

Episode 36: Solo Travel That’s Good For The Soul

Podcast
  In this episode, I talk to Catherine Smith from Her Bags Were Packed. Her Bags Were Packed is about helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel. In this episode, Catherine drops so many beautiful gems and words of wisdom that will truly help you get on the path to discover your truest self, overcome challenges, and be a badass - not only while traveling but in all areas of your life. And the best part is, you don’t need anyone else to do it. Highlights from this episode: [01:56] Solo travel is therapy.Catherine’s philosophy is that solo travel allows you to be independent and discover more about yourself than you would if you were travelling with someone else - you are forced to deal with and process your own challenges…
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Here’s What You Need To Know About Planet Hollywood Cancun

Here’s What You Need To Know About Planet Hollywood Cancun

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Resort Reviews
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and love, and by that, I mean self-love…I jumped on a plane and headed to Mexico, not only to celebrate the day with myself but to check out the brand new Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Cancun. Entering Mexico Currently, there are no COVID-19 protocols or requirements to travel to and gain entry into Mexico.  A passport is required, as usual, and that is about it.  However, as of January 26, 2021, a negative PCR test is required for all travelers flying into the United States aged two and older.  You must take the test no more than three days before your flight. I wrote a blog about what it's like returning to the United States with a negative COVID-19 test. My original travel date…
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