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Discover exclusive destinations, indulge in opulence, and redefine your travel experience. Join me in this world of lavish escapades, from secluded paradises to cultural immersions in style.

November 6, 2016

Hotel Elysee: A Parisian Paradise in the Heart of NYC

Looking for Parisian sophistication on the East Coast? For those planning a trip to the “City that Never Sleeps” this holiday season, a stay at New York’s beautiful Hotel Elysee...

October 9, 2016

A Guide to the Windy City: Chicago, Illinois

I was lucky enough to visit gorgeous Chicago, Illinois this summer to experience all of the best bites, sights, and sips that the Windy City had to offer. I do...

September 17, 2016

Hotel Review: NYC’s Library Hotel Collection

When it comes to planning a trip to the Big Apple, it can be a daunting task trying to decide when, where, and how to book a hotel. With so...

September 10, 2016

A First Timer’s Guide to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I’ve experienced the cultures of many different cities throughout my time as travel bloggers, but there’s one city in particular that officially stole my heart, and for good reason. Philadelphia,...

August 30, 2016

Barefoot Refresh Spritzers

As the last days of summer quickly come to a close, I want to take the time to introduce you to my new favorite summertime beverage – Barefoot Refresh Spritzers! This...

June 29, 2016

DC Staycation: The Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel

Beneath the shadow of the nation’s Capitol and among the bustling sidewalks, brick clad, and marble landmarks of Washington DC‘s Capitol Hill neighborhood, sits a lively and iconic tourist hub that...

May 16, 2016

DC Chocolate Festival

Do you believe that everyone should have access to great chocolate? We sure do! Thankfully, our friends at The DC Chocolate House agree, which is why they organized and hosted the first...

January 19, 2016

Barrel Whiskey Lounge

Surrounded by the glow of the nation’s Capitol, amongst the hustle and bustle of thousands of the country’s most rich and powerful, lies a monumental attraction of a different kind...

December 25, 2015

Yuletide Treats: Reindeer Punch and Chocolate “Top-hats”

Merry Christmas, y’all! If you are like us (and probably everybody else), you are eating your weight in sugar cookies – hopefully accompanied by some champagne or prosecco. Since it’s...

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🎄✨HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY🎁💫

It’s the season for giving, and I want to give a little something back to you! 💝

I’m partnering with @bottlebottle_official to help keep you hydrated and healthy for your 2024 adventures with a chance to win one of their 40oz Chill Tumblers ✈️

I’ve been using mine while on local hikes and road trips and they are super lightweight and durable — perfect for travel and on-the-go lifestyles.

ᴛᴏ ᴇɴᴛᴇʀ:
• Follow @eastcoastcontessa + @bottlebottle_official

• Like this post

• Tag a friend in the comments (Each comment = 1 entry)

** BONUS entry: Share to your story (tag @eastcoastcontessa + @bottlebottle_official)!

A total of *three* winners will be randomly selected and each will get to select a 40oz Chill Tumbler.

This giveaway is closed and winners have been notified. Thanks to all who participated! 🎉 #sponsored

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Welcome to Portugal’s “Black Island” 🖤

Known as Pico Island, it’s the second-largest island in the Azores, and home to miles of striking volcanic landscape. You can also find Portugal's highest mountain here (Pico Mountain)!

If you’re planning a trip to @visitazores, this is an island you absolutely can’t miss.

📍save the below recs for your next trip ♥️

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲:
- Aldeia Das Adegas 🏠 This property includes 10 unique and cozy homes made with volcanic rock. Each home is equipped with a full kitchen, internet broadband Wi-Fi, individual air-conditioning in bedrooms and living rooms, LCD TV’s, and solar panels for hot water.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 / 𝐝𝐨:
- Prainha do Norte hiking trail. This circular trail is rated as moderately challenging with a length of 7.8km (just under 5 miles).
- Mountain House. It’s an obligatory stop for those who want to climb Pico Mountain, but those not climbing can also visit to enjoy a bar / cafe with amazing panoramic views.
- @azoreswinecompany. Founded in 2014, the Azores Wine Company makes volcanic wines using unique grapes. The winery also has breathtaking views of the ocean on one side and Pico mountain on the other 😍

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐭:
- Pico Restaurant. Located at the @azoreswinecompany, the restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience around a “sharing table” with an open kitchen concept. You can also take in sweeping views of the ocean and vineyards while you dine.
- Pastelaria Machado for freshly made local pastries and sandwiches. Try a Bola de Berlim (custard donut) 🤤
- O Cinco in Madalena serves gourmet burgers and fresh seafood. Try the tuna steak, the hamburger in bolo lêvedo, and the passion fruit sangria!

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:
- @sataazoresairlines_official offers regular direct flights from NYC’s JFK Airport to Sao Miguel, and daily inter-island flights between all nine islands. ✈️

Are you adding @visitazores to your travel bucket list in 2024? #hosted #VisitAzores

📸: Photo one taken by @krismariawanders

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Looking to sell, buy, or trade your car from the comfort of your home? You’ll want to check out @driveway_hq!

Driveway.com makes it easy to find the value of your current vehicle through a convenient evaluation process that only takes a few minutes. Instant offers are valid for 7 days.

When you’re ready to buy, its inventory of more than 30,000 new and used cars makes finding the perfect one a breeze. Simply search inventory by year, make, model, color, gas milage, and more. Driveway will even pick up your old car or deliver your new one right to your doorstep!

As someone with a busy travel schedule, Driveway takes the stress and hassle out of searching for a new car so I can explore on my own time. From road trips in the mountains to quick spins around the city, wherever I’m going it helps me get there.

Driveway. The way better way to buy and sell your car online. # AD

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Love from Terceira Island ♥️

Tucked away in the middle of the Atlantic, @visitazores is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the world, but close enough to mainland Portugal and the East Coast of the U.S. to make for the perfect getaway.

The second most populated Azorean Island (and the third largest by land area), Terceira boasts epic hiking trails, breathtaking viewpoints, pristine nature, and the Azores’ oldest city, Angra do Heroísmo.

These islands can be reached in less than 5 hours on a direct flight from JFK with @sataazoresairlines_official. Would you visit?

Let us know which photo is your favorite in the comments below! #VisitAzores #hosted

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𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐳𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 💌

Located just 930 miles directly west of Lisbon, this gem of the Atlantic is the perfect blend of Hawaii and Iceland. And the best part? You can get there from New York’s JFK in just 4.5 hours — 7 hours less than it takes to fly to Hawaii! 🤯

@sataazoresairlines_official offers direct flights twice a week from JFK to Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel — the largest island in the archipelago. This was mine and @krismariawanders first stop on our adventure with @visitazores! #hosted

Some can’t miss activities to enjoy on São Miguel include:

⁃ Exploring Sete Cidades Lake and kayaking / biking with @futurismoazoresadventures (photo 1)
⁃ Hiking Visto do Rei at sunset (photo 2)
⁃ Climbing the 110 stairs at Nossa Senhora da Paz for amazing views (photo 3 + 5)
⁃ Wandering through the fields of Europe’s oldest still-operational tea farm! (Photo 4)
⁃ Canyoning at Natural Park of Ribeira dos Caldeiros (photo 6)
⁃ A boat ride around Vila Franca do Campo Islet with @espiritoazulazores 🌈 (Photo 7)

Have you added The Azores Islands to your 2024 bucketlist yet? #VisitAzores #azoreswhatelse #azoreslovers #discoverazores #azoresairlines

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of traveling, it’s that sometimes less is more — especially when it comes to packing. {ad}

These days, I’ve definitely been utilizing carry on’s rather than checking a bag but, I’m not exactly the lightest packer 🤭 so I’ve had to master the art of maximizing less space.

This is where Pebbler packing cubes come in! 🫶🏻

Pebbler’s chic five piece set includes a convenient laundry bag and comes in sleek colors like black and sand. Let me tell you — they make packing, unpacking, and organizing clothes a breeze. Made of water-resistant material, double zippers for easy access, and breathable mesh, they help keep clothes wrinkle free, save space, and make for a smoother travel experience. They are the ultimate travel and packing essential!

Tap the link in my bio and use code “𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐗𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐀𝟏𝟓” for 15% off your Pebbler order to enjoy a smoother, lighter journey on your next adventure!

#PebblerPartner #Amazontravelfinds #travelhack #packinghack #Pebblerpackingcubes #packwithme

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$𝟓 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐚, 𝐓𝐍: 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟑! @visitchatt 1. @lodgecastiron Museum + @sopitt_bigbadbreakfast. Located in the heart of cast iron’s hometown of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, this museum is a must for those who love cooking, history, food culture, and very large skillets! After the museum, grab brunch at Big Bad Breakfast (the chicken + waffles and cornbread omelet are 😍) 2. @rembrandtscoffeehouse. This cozy European style cafe serves unique coffee drinks and teas, fresh-baked breads, breakfast sandwiches, and beautiful pastries. Try a raspberry vanilla iced brew with an Egg + cheese biscuit sammy ♥️ 3. @huntermuseum of American Art. Built in 1905, it became an art museum in 1952. It’s collection spans the history of American art from the colonial period to the present day and includes paintings, sculptures, contemporary studio glass, and crafts. The views of the Tennessee River from here aren’t shabby either! 4. @hellomontyonmain. This chill Southside hang out serves amazing beer, craft cocktails, and shareable plates. Order the Cast Iron Cheese Dip, the Fried Brussel Sprouts, and the Cast Iron Caramel Apple Crisp. 5. @meanmugcoffeehouse. Established in 2011, this quirky, lively coffeehouse boasts reclaimed wood & brick accents and serves unique coffees and light bites. Order a Mean Mug Nitro Cold Brew with Peach cold foam, and an egg + avocado toast! *don’t forget to check out the @kelseymontagueart mural next door for a fun photo opp!* Are you planning to visit Chattanooga, Tennessee soon? 🇺🇸 {Ad} #hosted ————————— #VisitChatt #ChattanoogaTN #Chattanooga #tnvacation • Southeast USA • Visit the USA • USA roadtrip • summer road trip •$

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$5 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙤𝙜𝙖, 𝙏𝙚𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙚: 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 2! If I learned anything during my recent trip to @visitchatt, it’s that there’s so much more to the city than meets the eye. It’s home to some of the most popular attractions in the US, sure, but it also boasts plenty of hidden gems and unique local experiences. Add these 5 locations to your Chattanooga itinerary (you won’t regret it!): - Tennessee Aquarium @tennesseeaquarium. Home to more than 12,000 animals representing close to 800 species, it features two sections (Ocean and River) and is one of the largest aquariums in the U.S. - 1885 Grill @1885grillstelmo. This southern coastal restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, high quality steaks, and comforting soul food. Order their wings with Carolina Gold BBQ! - Rock City Gardens @seerockcity. Located on Lookout Mountain, Rock City Gardens features a 4,100-foot Enchanted Trail with incredible rock formations, magical caves, native plant species, waterfalls, and a panoramic view of Seven States! - Massey’s Kitchen @masseyskitchenlookout. This Mediterranean inspired restaurant just opened in June and is Chattanooga’s new hot spot. The food is incredible and their outdoor patio is perfect for dining al fresco. Order the baked feta 🤤 - The Read House Hotel @readhousehotel. This historic jazz era hotel from the 1870’s has hosted famous people including Oprah, Winston Churchill, Walt Disney, and Elvis Presley. It’s even rumored to have a permanent guest — a ghost in room 311! Keep an eye out for Part 3 and let me know which location you would visit first! 🇺🇸 {ad} #hosted ___________________ #VisitChatt #VisitChattanooga #Chattanoooga #ChattanoogaTN #onlyinTennessee #tennesseeaquarium #tnvacation • southeast U.S. • U.S. road trip • visit the U.S. • United States travel •$

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If you’re looking for the perfect end of summer U.S. vacation destination, Chattanooga, Tennessee is it. @visitchatt 🇺🇸

I recently spent a few days exploring this lively town for the first time, and unsurprisingly found so much to love about it. If you’re planning a trip to the U.S. soon — or you live here and want to explore more of your own backyard — you won’t regret putting it on your travel bucket list.

To help you plan, below are 5 things not to miss when in The Scenic City:

📍Ruby Falls (@rubyfallscave) Millions of years old but discovered in 1928, it’s the largest underground waterfall in the U.S., and is located more than 1,120 feet under the surface.
📍Wildflower Tea Shop & Apothecary (@wildflowerteashop) This whimsical vegan-friendly coffee and tea shop stocks a wide variety of loose leaf teas and herbs and other locally made products. I recommend getting the Iced Chocolate Chai with oat milk for a cold treat!
📍Lookout Mountain Incline Railway (@ridetheincline) With a 72.7% grade, it’s one of the steepest passenger railways in the world. The ride is well worth it with stunning views of Lookout Mountain from the top!
📍Frazier Five and Dime (@frazierfiveanddime) Anything you order at this North Shore eatery will be 10/10, but I especially loved the street corn with hot Funyuns and the cheesy cauliflower au gratin 🤤
📍Walnut Street Bridge. With a 1/2-mile span, it’s one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world and provides amazing view of the riverfront.

Which location would you visit first? Let me know in the comments below, and stay tuned for parts 2 + 3!
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#VisitChatt #VisitChattanooga #chattanoogatn #chattanoogatennessee #onlyintennessee (AD) *hosted* • USA Travel • USA Explores • summer travel • visit the USA •

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Welcome to one of the most underrated southern cities in the U.S.: @visitchatt!

While most travelers flock to Music City year after year, just a couple hours drive southeast you’ll find a true gem hidden in the lively city of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Here’s some fun facts about the “The Scenic City”:

✧ MoonPies were invented here! These graham cracker marshmallow sandwiches are covered entirely in melted chocolate and are so delicious.

✧ It’s home to the Incline Railway, one of the steepest passenger railway lines in the world!

✧ Chattanooga boasts one of the largest collections of American art in the country at the Hunter Museum.

✧ One of the world's longest pedestrian bridges can also be found in Chattanooga.

I’ll be sharing more from my time in @visitchatt, and you can also see what I experienced there by clicking on my Chattanooga highlight badge above.

Have you visited Chattanooga yet?
📍: Chattanooga Choo Choo
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#VisitChatt #VisitChattanooga #Chattanooga #chattanoogatennessee | southern cities | summer travel | summer road trips | visit the USA |

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What amenity is most important to you when booking an all-inclusive resort?

There are a few for me, but as a foodie, I want to make sure the property I choose has plenty of amazing restaurants on site!

During my time in Cartagena, Colombia, I was so impressed with the array of food selection at @dreamsresorts @dreamskaribana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort. With six restaurants, four themed bars, and 24-hour room service, guests can enjoy unlimited local and international cuisines through their all-inclusive Unlimited Luxury experience.

My mom and I enjoyed a luxurious room service breakfast by our swim out pool, ate fresh local fish with coconut rice on the beach, sampled ceviche at an international buffet, and were treated to a five-course Italian meal with an international wine-pairing. It was all such a highlight of our trip!

If you’re a foodie too and want to experience the magic of Colombian cuisine, book your all inclusive beach vacation with @beachboundvacations! The online travel agency is a one-stop-shop for booking luxurious resorts, flights, hotels, transfers, and fun excursions. Visit Beachbound.com and browse through 70 destinations – including Cartagena – to find your perfect beach.

Don’t forget to sign up for email and SMS to get $150 off your first booking!

#BeachBound #WhatAreYouBoundFor #DreamsResorts • Cartagena travel • Colombia travelers • all inclusive resorts • South America travel • Cartagena de Indias •
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PSA: The person who sent you this wants to plan a trip to Cartagena, Colombia 🇨🇴

There are a million reasons why Cartagena deserves a spot on your travel bucket list, but since I can’t list them *all*, here are a few:

𝐀𝐧 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞:
Cartagena is home to some of the best restaurants in Colombia from high-end eateries and charming cafes, to the finest seafood and unfussy local markets.

𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬:
Cartagena boasts vibrant, laid-back neighborhoods with stunning street-art, hip cocktail bars, street performers, food stalls, and rooftop restaurants.

𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬:
Enjoy a beach close to the city or take a boat to the nearby islands (Rosario, Playa Blanca, or Isla Grande). Some resorts even offer private beach experiences such as the Beach Club at @dreamsresorts Karibana Cartagena.

You can plan your very own Cartagena adventure using @beachbound, an online travel agency that allows travelers to plan every aspect of their luxury beach vacations all in one place. In addition to Cartagena, you can choose from 69 other destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, and the U.S.

If you want to save even more money, sign up for email and SMS texts and receive $150 off your first booking 💕#BeachBound #WhatareYouBoundFor #dreamsresorts
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Cartagena • Colombia travel • Cartagena de Indias • South America • summer vacation •

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Food and travel are intertwined. Almost any memorable journey starts (and ends) with a great meal, and my trip to Cartagena was no exception 🇨🇴

Cartagena has just about any type of cuisine a traveler could want or imagine. From local delicacies to unique international fare, during our stay at @dreamsresorts Karibana Cartagena, we were able to taste foods from all over the world at each of their five on-site restaurants. From the freshest local seafood to freshly baked pastries, it was an amazing experience!

Everything we ate was absolutely delicious, but my favorites are below:

• Fried fish (pescado frito)
• Caramelized banana pancakes
• Torta de Tres leches
• Coconut rice
• Coconut fish soup (sancocho de pescado con coco)
• Colombian style arepas (with quesito Colombiano)
• Guava and cheese pastries (Pastel Gloria)
• Oyster au Gratin
• Seafood risotto with truffle smoke
• Pasta alla Ruota (pasta in a cheese wheel)
• Copoazú ice cream (white chocolate)
• Chicken pasteles
• Colombian empanadas

Which of these would you try first? 🍲🍤🍮🥥🦪🥭

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@dreamskaribana #BeachBound #WhatareyouBoundFor #cartagenadeindias #colombiatravel #cartagenacolombia #colombianfood

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