Zion Itinerary

Where to Stay

With our group of 7, it was important to us to find a place that was large enough for us to stay together. We decided on the Lafave Luxury Villas, luxurious rentals only a mile away from the Zion main entrance and located centrally in the little town of Springdale. It was the perfect base to come back to relax after a day of hiking! We also considered glamping at AutoCamp Zion, but ultimately decided against it since none of the accommodations could house us together. Worth a look if you’re going with a smaller group!

What to Do

I love being active on trips and I was so excited to see some iconic sights while we visited Zion. We started our trip with The Narrows – roughly a 5-6 mile hike round trip – and I cannot recommend Zion Guru Guided Tours enough! With your booking they guide you through the trail, pointing out key facts and answering questions, but they also supply you with specialized footwear and neoprene socks (both necessary for the water sections), a walking pole and a dry day pack to put your water bottle, snacks, and phone. You won’t regret doing this hike – or seeing mountain goats along the route!

After our first long day of hiking, we gave our legs a break and explored Springdale – the gateway town to Zion. There are a bunch of cute boutiques to get cute clothes, jewelry, and hiking gear, but my favorite part of the day had to be our spa day. We went to Deep Canyon Spa at Flanigan’s Resort and the salt stone massage was absolutely luxurious after a long day of hiking.

After a day of relaxing fun, it was back to the primary purpose of our trip – hiking Zion and seeing all the views! We decided to do a couple hikes solo instead of using a guide and two that we loved were the Emerald Pools Trail and the Grotto Trail. The Emerald Pools Trail is stunning with 3 levels of pools and waterfalls, a less intense trail than the narrows that’s a little over 2 miles round trip – so great for an easy morning hike! The Grotto Trail is another easy hike (1 mile round trip) that’s relatively flat, but you can see tons of wildlife along the loop. Another great option for when your legs are still recovering from The Narrows!

If you’ve been following me for a bit you know I love a guided e-bike tour – so I jumped at the opportunity to take one through Zion! It was an easier way to see more of this National Park in the few days we were exploring. Endorphins were at an all time high from all the movement I was doing over this trip!

Since we were typically on the go and having early mornings and long afternoons out on the trail, it was important to us to get quick and healthy meals that we could take on the go with us. A couple spots we loved for yummy breakfasts were Oscar’s Cafe (hearty & delicious food) and FeelLove Coffee (great coffee and healthy bites). We loved being able to power up quickly and head out on the trail! Another must stop to dine is King’s Landing Bistro – an American/European fusion bistro that delivers all the views of Zion and seriously good food. Highly recommend making a reservation so you can get a good spot!

There’s truly so much to do in Zion – from guided tours to solo hikes and exploring the nearby town, you will be able to fill your trip up with incredible views!

What to Wear

When I packed my suitcase for this trip, it was important to me to be prepared for all the hiking and walking we would be doing! I packed clothes that would be comfortable for movement while keeping me cool and boots that would protect my feet without leaving blisters. Below I’m sharing some of my must haves for this trip to help you prepare for yours!

Shop the must haves:
one | two | three
four | five | six

I can’t stress enough how important it is to invest in a good pair of hiking boots to keep your feet protected! Tennis shoes work, but they don’t have the same grip in the treads like hiking boots, which are also made to protect your ankles from rolling/sprains. Pair them with some thick, moisture wicking socks and your feet will thank you for protecting them from blisters!

We didn’t dress up much on our trip, but we did have one fabulous girls night out where I got to wear this romper from Abercrombie that I’m obsessed with! It was so fun to feel cute after a day of hiking with my girls and have some cocktails at Bit N’ Spur – which is a must add to your trip for delicious tex-mex style food and cocktails!

Outfit details:
Romper | Boots | Earrings

This Zion girls trip was easily one of my top favorite trips—combining my love of time spent with my girls and getting my body moving! There’s just something about fresh air, stunning views, and belly laughs with your people that fills your soul in the best way. I left feeling recharged, inspired, and already dreaming up our next adventure. If Zion’s not on your list yet, trust me—it should be.

xo
Ana B.

Head to my LTK to find all my travel recs and must haves!

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Where We Stayed

We were lucky enough to get a room at the Kimpton, a thirty minute drive from the airport. The grounds were absolutely beautiful. There were plenty of available areas to lounge and enjoy sunbathing at this beachfront resort, with a gorgeous oversized pool and beachfront bars and restaurants for a cocktail and delicious eats from sunrise to sunset. The coral reefs were just steps away and snorkeling gear was available at no costs to the guests. As a spa junky, I was incredibly impressed with the service and fully equipped private relaxation area. There were multiple pools at all temperatures including a cold plunge and steaming hot jacuzzis. We also used the oversized gym multiple times. It was well equipped with all types of machines and had floor to ceiling glass windows for beautiful views while you break a sweat.

What I Wore

I kept all my outfits light and breezy, just taking a light sweater in case of a breeze. Linen pants, cotton dresses and shirts were a must. I bought a selection of bathing suits and cover ups from Cupshe and I am loving their unique styles and comfortable fit at an affordable price. I’ve put my favorite Swimwear Essentials together for you to easily shop!

What We Did

Our group enjoyed a mix of relaxation and adventure while in Roatan! Some of our group enjoyed a day of golf at Black Pearl and really loved the beautiful grounds. The true highlight for me was a trip to Maya Eden, an eco park tour where we got to see monkeys, sloths and exotic birds up close and personal. The sloth was especially cute! We also got a tour of a one-of-a-kind butterfly and hummingbird sanctuary, which felt wonderfully magical. We booked our tour through Kimpton which provided transportation and entry tickets. We spent a lot of time on the beach, snorkeling and sunbathing. While I booked my spa through the hotel and made a day out of enjoying the facilities, some chose to do a beachside massage with the locals, who also offer hair braiding and unique trinkets for sale.

What We Ate

We ate most of our meals at the Kimpton which offered the best baleadas for breakfast! Baleadas is a Honduran dish made up of fresh tortillas topped with refried beans, scrambled eggs, cheese, and cream. Yum! You can really get them made any way you want. We also loved the Picoso burgers at the Sea Cat, their delicious fries and jerk chicken wings! Dinner at Alera is a must! I recommend the Cowboy Ribeye and Grilled Red Snapper as well as the Chocolate Nemesis for dessert (pictured). We also ventured off to Luna Muna for dinner one night! The restaurant is absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed the seafood dishes as well!

Our trip lasted just five days which felt a little short but we would definitely recommend it, and plan to visit again with our children in the future! There was a lot more shopping, restaurants and beach time we’d love to experience again! 

xo,
Ana B

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A yearly trip with my best girlfriends is part of my self-care ritual. As busy working women and moms, it’s so easy to forget to take time for ourselves, but I find that these little getaways make me a better person overall! This year we decided on a relaxing trip to Charleston and I’m sharing our full itinerary so you can plan your own girls trip or get ideas for a bachelorette!

The Itinerary

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Where We Stayed

My friends and I love to stay in AirBnbs when we travel, not only because it’s usually more cost effective, but it allows us more freedom to all hang out. We love a slow morning where we can make or order breakfast and lounge in our pjs before getting ready to explore! In Charleston, we stayed in this beautiful AirBnb downtown that had us within walking distance to lots of things we wanted to see and do! With 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, there was plenty of space for our group to rest and get ready each day. 

Let’s Talk Food

If you know me, you know I love good food and boy did Charleston deliver! Charleston has an amazing food scene that is perfect for all foodies. From fresh seafood and oysters to traditional Southern fare, it has something for everyone. Circe’s Grotto is a must stop for insanely good sandwiches, but get there early as there WILL be a line!It’s best to make reservations in advance to avoid a long wait for a table. For instance, Miller’s All Day is a fabulous spot, but if you don’t have a reservation you can expect a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour. 

One of my favorite dinner spots was Mesu – a Mexican and sushi fusion spot that made my taste buds do a happy dance. You’ll love the Mexican street corn! Another spot you must get reservations at is 82 Queen, which is open for lunch, dinner, or brunch! The award winning she-crab soup did not disappoint and the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese is a MUST try.

Things To Do

A big draw to our trip was having a day of relaxation. We planned a spa day at Earthling Day Spa and loved the experience. I booked their Perfect Morning Package – a 3-in-1 package that included a full body scrub, massage, and facial. I truly felt so pampered and relaxed at the end of the 3 hour package. My face and body were glowing!

A trip for me is not complete without a walking food tour of the local gastronomy scene. You get to eat an assortment of amazing savories and sweets, while walking it off between each stop. A win-win in my book! Two of my favorite stops on the tour were A.W. Shucks Seafood Shack that had a seafood boil bursting with flavor and Republic Ice Cream that satisfied my sweet tooth with their creamy ice cream.

Did you really go to Charleston if you didn’t go tour Rainbow Row? These 13 brightly colored historical homes are some of the oldest homes still standing in Charleston and worth taking the time to see. Don’t forget to stop by the famous pineapple fountain for a few pictures before you leave!

Time To Shop!

I love going shopping on my trips and Charleston had so many options to choose from. Not to mention the shops themselves were so beautiful! A couple of my must stops are Uncommon James, Gorjana, and Dress Up Charleston. Uncommon James has a beautifully curated selection by Kristin Cavallari, of Laguna Beach and The Hills, that range for dainty necklaces perfect for layering to candles and skin care for pampering yourself while Gorjana features stunning solid gold jewelry and higher end fine jewelry with diamonds and other precious gems. I recommend purchasing their Laguna candle for a delicious coastal scent. Dress Up Charleston is a boutique filled with cute yet comfortably priced clothing with a range of boho tops and flowing floral dresses. I picked up a cute Charleston oversized sweatshirt there.

I hope this guide is helpful for your next Charleston trip! What are some of your favorite spots in Charleston? Comment below!

Xo, Ana B.

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Where We Stayed:

Since this was the tail end of a busy trip, we decided to stay put in Vernazza, also considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of Italy. We rented La Casa dell’Eroico Vino, an airbnb where we could relax with a gorgeous view of the beach and main square, perfect for people watching. The airbnb was awesome! My only complaint was the lack of AC in the sweltering summer heat, but it’s common to not have AC in Italy, especially in the more authentic places. Many people opt for day trips to Cinque Terre so the trains were extremely busy at times! We definitely felt like sardines on the train at one point, but it was worth the overnight stay as the early mornings and late evenings were less crowded and more enjoyable. 

What We Wore:

Because Cinque Terre is a hiking and beachy town, the less clothes the better, especially in the summer months. We spent most days in our bathing suits and cotton or athletic clothes to stay as cool as possible. Check out my post on my poolside essentials which includes some of the swimsuits I packed!

Where We Ate: 

We had an incredible breakfast experience at Il Pirata Delle Cinque Terre. We had delicious coffee, eggs and bacon, but the star of the show is their famous cannolis and pistachio pastries. Cinque Terre has the benefit of beautiful views and the location of Ristorante La Torre was amazing! We enjoyed their pasta with pesto and prawns. Their selection of desserts were delicious but the views made the dinner a memorable experience. For a casual meal, we loved the pizza at Nusesa Pizzeria Cocktail Bar and for an added bonus all the waiters were incredibly gorgeous!  

What We Did:

Cinque Terre is most known for its hiking. The summer months can be brutally hot so I recommend an early or late evening hike, and taking advantage of the beach during the day. It’s also fun to pop into the various shops and markets to sample the fresh fruit and gelato, and hunt for unique souvenirs, accessories and clothing. You can also book boat tours at Cinque Terre which I would have loved to do! There’s always next time!  

As you plan your unforgettable adventure in Cinque Terre, don’t forget to explore my other Italy guides on Rome’s timeless beauty and Florence & Tuscany’s enchanting landscapes. 

Buon viaggio!

XO, 
Ana B

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Where We Stayed:

In Tuscany, we stayed in two different areas. The first was the countryside for my client Katharine’s wedding at Pescaia Resort. I will be sharing more about this venue and wedding soon but it was an absolute picturesque villa. This area does require the use of a rental car as Taxis are hard to come by. You can also schedule car service through the resort, but because it is remote, a rental car is a better option for exploring the area further.

After the beautiful wedding festivities, we took another train to Florence – truly one of my favorite cities in Italy. It is smaller than Rome and feels old worldly with buildings dating back to the sixth and seventh centuries. We had a beautiful stay at Hotel Lungarno with an epic location along the Arno River and a short distance from Ponte Vecchio. During a previous stay, we booked the historic Hotel Brunelleschi and had an enjoyable experience.  

What We Wore: 

Tuscany has so many places for photo ops. It’s definitely worth bringing some cute but comfortable outfits for your photos. Check out my Italy Packing List here! You can find my pink dress at Salome in Rome.

Where We Ate: 

We had incredible meals at Pescaia Resort during the wedding festivities, including the most delicious pastries and truffle pasta. In Florence, we made reservations in advance at our absolutely favorite gnocchi restaurant, Osteria Santo Spirito. Another notable mention goes to Trattoria ZaZa for their cool ambiance and famous Florentine steak, a must try! I recommend making reservations in advance to avoid long wait times.

What We Did:  

Florence is a very walkable city with all the major sites in close proximity. While it’s easy to just walk around and experience the city, we took a street food tour through Get Your Guide to try the local fair and learn more about the city. My favorite picturesque spots to visit, shop and spend a little more time are the Piazza Della Signoria, a famous square where you will find a replica of the David and the fountain of Neptune, Il Duomo, the third largest cathedral in the world, and Ponte Vecchio, a bridge dating back to the Middle Ages that now has little shops selling all kinds of jewelry, art and trinkets.

Where We Shopped:

Florence has some of the best shopping to offer. You can find all the luxury name brand stores off the small streets near Piazza Della Signoria. However Florence offers an Outlet Mall just a short drive away offering all the name brands at discounted prices. 

You can find my purple dress here and sandals here – A perfect vacation fit that’s cute and comfortable for walking the city. Check out my recent Travel Guide to Rome for more! 

XO,
Ana B.

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Where We Stayed:

We had a lovely stay at St Regis Rome, a luxury hotel in a central location to shops and sights. The St. Regis has gorgeously appointed rooms and a delicious breakfast buffet every morning. The staff at the St. Regis we’re so helpful and kind. I especially loved seeing all the ladies wearing unique skirts that represented the hotel in different ways. For a second option that’s more affordable, I recommend Le Meridien. It’s a nice and clean hotel walking distance to all the major attractions with a cute rooftop bar.

What We Wore: 

Since our trip was during the hottest months, I opted for breezy dresses and linen pants or shorts with a cute pair of white sneakers or sandals. Check out my Italy Packing List and Summer Wardrobe Staples posts.

Where We Ate: 

We had the most epic cacio e pepe, carbonara and bolognese at Osteria Da Fortunata. It was so good we ended up going twice! There’s typically a line of people waiting, but it moves quickly and is so worth the wait! We stopped by Giolitti twice for the most delicious gelato you’ve ever had! They top every gelato with a small scoop of delicious cream! The pistachio was my favorite. For the more popular restaurants, I recommend calling to make a reservation and checking on the dress code in advance. 

What We Did:  

Since we stayed in Rome for three days, I scheduled a three hour e-bike tour through Get Your Guide. I typically like to schedule a tour the day after arriving in the city so that we quickly get acquainted with the main attractions and can return to them at our leisure. We loved that our bike tour took us through some of the lesser known attractions such as the Aventine Keyhole and Orange Garden aka Giardino degli Aranci. My family loves to bike or scooter so we prefer these over walking tours. In a previous visit to Rome, we did a walking food tour of Rome and Colosseum walking tour, which is always fun to experience at least once! 

Where We Shopped: 

Italy in general is a shopping mecca and Rome does not disappoint. My favorite is spending a day at Via Del Corso and popping in at all the shops. There you can find all the luxury stores that are popular, but a few local favorites include Salomè, a women’s boutique, and Paul Taylor and Dan John for men’s clothing.

You can find my outfit set here and my sandals here, both from Mod&Soul! Let me know if you have any Rome favorites you’d like to share, I learn so much from our readers. Check out my recent travel Guide to Tuscany and Florence for more! 

XO,
Ana B.

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For Her

Shop my list:

one | two | three | four | five | six
seven | eight | nine | ten | eleven | twelve

I love bringing a solid dress and a print dress with me on trips as it gives me more options for day and night. Bringing a jumpsuit is also key because I can dress it up or down with a cute necklace and earrings! Comfy shorts, a tank and a tee are essential for days you know you’ll be walking around and I also like to toss a cardi in my bag in case there are any cool evenings. Speaking of days in the sun, I always pack a cute pair of sunglasses and comfortable sandals so I can keep walking all day. And my packing list wouldn’t be complete without my MAB Beauty gloss to round out every look!

For Him

Shop the list:

one | two | three | four | five
six | seven | eight | nine | ten

For Pablo and Diego, having comfortable clothes that are still stylish is key! That’s why we went with multiple of their super soft pocket tees and their (re)sourced everywhere shorts in black and a color. White, cotton, chino style pants allow them the option of day or night while also keeping cool in the sunlight. We love a good linen button-down and Madewell has so many options! We went with a blue stripe, neutral wave, and white textural stripe to mix and match with pants/shorts. Their suitcase isn’t complete without a cap and sunglasses to keep their faces shaded and comfy sneakers for all the exploring we plan to do!

Want to go to Italy yourself, but not sure where to go or what to do? Check out my blog post on Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Rome!

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We stayed at the Royal Sonesta right off famous Bourbon Street, which felt like a beautiful respite from the party going on outside. The hotel is quite upscale and large, with a rooftop pool,  a cafe, cajun restaurant, and a Jazz club where we enjoyed a lively and soulful band.

Day 1

We arrived a few days before the group and booked a VIP Swamp tour through Cajun Encounters Tour Co. It was a short 30 minute tour bus drive to the meeting location. Our guide took us through a small boat tour of Honey Island Swamp where we saw wildlife, exotic birds and gators up close. It truly felt like a scene out of Disney’s Princess and the Frog movie. I love being out in nature and the experience is a must!

Later that evening, we took a walk to the famous Cafe Du Monde for the tastiest warm, sweet beignets and delicious coffee. My mouth waters just thinking about it! I recommend going during a weekday or off hours as the lines get very long. So worth it!

Day 2

The next day we had reservations for a Couples Massage at the Ritz Carlton just walking distance from our hotel. The spa is grand and includes the use of a sauna, whirlpool, and steam rooms. The massages were some of the best we’ve had. I recommend taking a bathing suit to enjoy the other amenities at your leisure.

For dinner, we enjoyed Cajun fare at Restaurant Revolucion. The stand out selections were the blue crab beignet appetizer, lobster and black garlic linguine, and the Triptych of Quail. The service was exceptional and the atmosphere was overall inviting.

Day 3

Our group arrived on day 3 and we headed to a lively little Irish bar Erin Rose off Bourbon Street for the tastiest Frozen Irish Coffee and Shrimp PoBoys you’ve ever had!  

We were lucky enough to be there during the French Quarter Festival unplanned, but it was a perfect added bonus. New Orleans has more than 130 festivals yearly, but locals told us this was the best for its selection of live music and food! You can spend all day here, all you’ll need are some lawn chairs or a blanket.

Day 4

As if we hadn’t eaten enough, we took a small group food tour through New Orleans. On this tour we got to try classic New Orlean staples like the Muffaletta sandwich and learn about the city’s history while touring foodie hot spots.

Every day we took the time to pop into the various bars and restaurants. It seems like there was live music at every turn! Here are some other notable stops during our stay: 

-The renowned Cats Meow Karaoke for some live singing.

-Bloody Marys at High Grace 

-Brunch at Ruby Slippers. (Make a reservation! This place is popular.)

–Chargrilled Oysters at Acme Oysters.

–Squid Ink, Roasted Cauliflower and Pizza at Domenica.

New Orleans is definitely a unique place full of culture, music and delicious food! I’m so glad I got to experience it at least once. 

Xo,

Ana B.

Want more travel inspo? Check out my blog on my recent Carnival Cruise Trip or my Greece Travel Guide!

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Shop my essentials:

one | two | three | four | five
six | seven | eight | nine | ten

1.Beis The 29-Inch Rolling Spinner Suitcase
2.Beis Weekender Water Repellent Tote Bag
3.Canboc Power Cord Carrying Case
4.Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen
5.Nike Women’s W Air Max 270
6.OEE Packing Organizers
7.MAB Beauty Lip Gloss
8.Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
9.BAGSMART Jewelry Organizer Travel Case
10.Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

Want more of my travel essentials? Click here for my Travel Beauty Must Haves!

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Highlights of the boat: 

   The boat felt really modern and new! There were 24/7 activities for every age group in the family (karaoke, comedy shows, casino, dance parties, trivia, family feud, and much more) so no one was bored! My kids loved all the cruise activities including the waterpark and slides, basketball court, roller coaster, mini golf, arcade, ropes course, pools and jacuzzis. 

    The cruise had a variety of foods with specialty restaurants, coffee shops and bars. We enjoyed 24/7 buffets, ice cream and speciality foods like Shaq’s Big Chicken, which my kids ate daily! I personally loved Guy’s Burger Joint, the gorgeous bars (the Cucumber Sunrise at Alchemy was a highlight!) and the more upscale restaurants offered by the boat.

    The boarding and safety protocols were quick and streamlined. Getting on and off the boat was efficient and easy with their new technology. The cruise had an adult only area which was great when you needed a break from the littles. The cruise has an online app (you should download before arriving) which made it easy to communicate with our friends on the boat, plan for activities, and make reservations. I visited the spa twice for massages (one day was half off!) and made it to the beautiful gym daily.  

The rooms and bathrooms were spacious and modern. We stayed on deck 14 which had a great view from the balcony. The staff were incredibly polite and helpful, and kept the boat and our room extremely clean at all times. The cruise director Donkey was a highlight! He had a cheerful and fun personality. Our kids enjoyed hearing his announcements daily and seeing him during the live performances.

Highlights of the Island stops: 

First stop: Atlantis, Bahamas – we got passes to the waterpark ahead of time and the kids loved the aquarium, the water slides and the beach!

Second stop: Puerto Plata, DR – we did a hiking and waterfalls excursion which definitely made us work up a sweat but was a fun and unique experience for the family 

Third stop: Grand Turk– one of the most gorgeous beaches I’ve ever been to! We did some snorkeling (you can rent gear right on the beach), but mostly laid out and enjoyed the hot sun. Don’t forget to apply and reapply sunscreen from your head to your toes, you’ll need it!  

The Cons

Although there weren’t too many cons, I thought it would be fair to consider these. The ship had a party feel and felt pretty busy. If you’re looking for less crowds, this is not the boat. Reservations for the upscale restaurants, excursions and the spa have to be made in advance to guarantee your spots. It’s a boat! No matter the size, you occasionally feel the boat sway so it’s best to take nausea patches or nausea medicine. Wifi is only available at an extra cost, so be prepared to pay if you want to be connected with those off the ship. 

Let me know if you’ve cruised or if this entices you take on a new adventure!  

Xo, Ana B

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