BEACH IN GREAT BRITAIN?!

Those looking to make their getaway to Great Britain have a lot more to consider than just castles, cobblestones, and clock towers (although those are pretty rad too). Just around the corner from London are tons of lovely beaches perfect for a day-trip to soak up some sun. Here are a few tips and tricks for making the most from your vacation.

01. Try the Train for Fast Travel

Travelers looking to take to the beach will be in for a rude awakening when beach weather arrives in Britain. Although there are loads of terrific beaches and attractions to see a short drive outside of the city, the roads to the coast will be packed with people who had the same idea. Catching a train to Brighton or Essex will be your best bet to cut down on cost, time, and stress if you're trying to hit the waves. Metro UK has some excellent recommendations for trip-worthy beaches only a train ride away from the heart of London.

02. Don't Forget the Sunscreen

Even though England isn't necessarily known for its warm and sunny weather that doesn't mean you should leave the house unprotected. Even if it's an overcast day it's important to put on some effective sunblock. We'd recommend a minimum of SPF 30 to keep yourself safe from the sun's rays. You'll still get that tan you're looking for and your skin will thank you. 

03. Find Your Footing with Comfortable Shoes

Some of the beaches in the UK aren't outfitted with the shimmering sands to which Americans may find themselves more accustomed. Brighton is an example of a "shingle beach" lined with layers of small, smooth pebbles and cobbles of varying stones. While breathtakingly beautiful, these aren't necessarily the shores you want to lie down on and soak up some rays. Be sure to come prepared or you'll find a hard time for your poor feet. 

04. Splurge on a New Suit and Stylish Sunglasses

Again, London has some of the best shops in the world and you're on vacation, so why not splurge a little? Grab a new suit and some shades before you swing by the sea. British Airways has a nice breakdown of the smorgasbord of shops that should have all you need to be ready for summer. You can indulge in some high fashion at Harrods or go on a shopping spree at Selfridges. Fashionistas looking for a quick fix can check out the offerings at TopShop for some of the hottest items in the world of affordable fast fashion. 

05. Plan Ahead for Family Fun

Like most beach destinations, there's a lot more to do than just lounge by the water. Those looking for attractions, shopping, and restaurants will be greeted by a wealth of options in case the weather turns foul. Tourists can hit the famous open market, take a walk on the well-known piers, or even visit top-notch aquariums. Rain or shine, there's no shortage of great things to do on the beach or the boardwalk, so come prepared with a gameplan to get the most from your trip. 

With these tips, you'll find yourself fully prepared to take on tourist season. Suit up and start your own adventure!

GRINDTV FEATURE: TRAVELING WITH FRIENDS

We're sharing tips for traveling with long-distance friends on GrindTV! Check out our article here and get our inside scoop on how we make adventures happen with all the milage between us. That's the thing about travel - once you make it a priority you'll always be looking for ways to make it a part of your life, and often times that requires a little creativity and a lot of patience. It's hard living apart and making plans can be discouraging if you don't quite know how to organize your life in a way that aligns with what your heart really wants. 

We're breaking it down for you to get you on the road (or plane) with your buddies this summer! Check out our tips and be sure to read the full article over here!

1. You'll need some lead time
2. Use online tools to organize travel plans
3. Figure out a system for sharing expenses
4. Decide on a point person
5. Put it to a vote
6. Save your best behavior for each other

HOW TO: PLAN AN EPIC SPRING BREAK

Are you planning an epic trip for Spring Break this year?! We've got you covered on our feature with Without Walls with tips on how to tackle your adventure bucket list and hit the open road with a couple of your best friends. Read our interview here!

In a nut: 

1. Be Resourceful

2. Think Outside the Box

3. Communication is Key

4. Everyone Travels Differently, and That's OK

5. Plan the Big Stuff, and Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

We don't let milage get between us when it comes to having fun and traveling together. As you know, the sisterhood is far more clever than that. From creating secret moodboards on Pinterest to pin all our plans to Google hangouts online we've mastered the art of planning to make things happen. We've all got our own jobs and our busy lives with very different schedules - but like mama always said, where there's a will there's a way. And we will never stop exploring!

TRAVELING DURING PREGNANCY

image via Pinterest

Traveling when pregnant can be tricky! Not only gauging what you need to pack, but making sure you are prepared in case the inevitable happens. It might seem intimidating to sit on a plane for an extended amount of time or sleep in a strange hotel room, but this is your time! This is your chance to get away and treat yourself! Plan something that you can really enjoy while pregnant and time it right with your doctor.

Here is my comprehensive checklist for staying healthy and comfortable when traveling pregnant.

1. A list of unsafe foods: Know what is ok and not ok to eat while pregnant. Double check with your doctor about what is safe to eat, and some may even recommend to avoid fruit and vegetables depending on where you go. Limit gas producing foods to avoid discomfort and bloating. Pack healthy snacks and bottled water to avoid getting sick or anything that can be dangerous to your baby.

2. Medical records or doctor's note: Ask your doctor for a copy of your medical records just in case you need to go to the hospital while abroad. If you are further along in your pregnancy a doctor's note might be necessary to fly, but it is usually recommended to travel while in your second trimester (14-28 weeks) when medical emergencies are least likely to occur. While you're at it make sure to check with your doctor about getting your flu vaccine before you go!

3. Know where nearest hospital is: If you are a high-risk or complicated pregnancy (like me) find out what care facilities are available in the off-chance something goes wrong.

4. Pack your supplements: This includes prenatal vitamins, fiber supplements, hemorrhoid essentials if you suffer from them, anti-itch creams, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and anything else that might make you more comfortable.

5. Book an aisle seat: For frequent trips to the bathroom or walking around when you need to book an aisle seat on the plane. Make sure [if you are driving] your car/rental car has a working air conditioning before hitting the road since pregnancy can make you feel overheated. Always wear your seatbelt in cars and airplanes and don't be afraid to ask for anything you might need to make you more comfortable. Bring on the extra pillows please!

6. Wash your hands often, drink plenty of water, keep moving to avoid muscle cramps, and prop your feet up to reduce swelling.

7. Dress to stay comfortable: Don't worry too much about dressing to impress! Pack key items and layering pieces that are easy to change with the ups and downs of traveling. Think leggings, comfy socks, flip flops, flats, and a cardigan for your travel outfit!

Remember this is YOUR time before baby comes, and you will be so glad you prioritized yourself for a fun and relaxing trip.

HOW TO: PACK FOR A BABYMOON

My husband and I are going on a babymoon to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! We will be there for 5 days and my son Van will be staying with his grandparents while we're away. I'll miss him like crazy, but I am so excited to take some time for myself before baby #2 comes.

It's hard to know what to pack when you are limited to a suitcase and let alone when you are pregnant. After checking the forecast I made a list of basics so my luggage is manageable.

What to pack for a tropical babymoon:

-mix and match tops

-button up

-fun sweater

-swimsuits

-cover ups

-maternity shorts

-black/denim maternity pants

-leggings

-something dressy

-supportive shoes

-flip flops/sandals

-beach hat

-sunglasses

Stay tuned for more information on traveling when pregnant and follow @travelingtriplets on Instagram for updates on our daily adventures!

SOUTH BEACH STATE PARK

If you're ever in the mood for something a little different than the usual tent camping or hotel room, then renting a yurt might be just the thing you're looking for! With a little of the best from both worlds, you can enjoy comfort and the feeling of being outdoors at the same time.

WHERE TO STAY: LOS OSOS

Destination: Baywood Inn / Location: Los Osos, California / Accommodations: Start at $100+

In planning our sister road trip to Big Sur, I mapped out campsites and roadside pit stops and among all the fuss I made sure to include a few nights at a little cabin or B&B to freshen up and relax without smelling like a campfire. When I found this darling little B&B in the sleepy town of Los Osos, I knew I had to snag a room before they were gone on a holiday weekend. It was perfect. The location was right on the water overlooking the beautiful Morro Bay with a long dock to take walks down, and restaurants just feet away to enjoy with the complimentary coupon Baywood Inn provides. 

I have to say - the service here was SUPERB. By far some of the nicest, coolest most down to earth customer service I'd ever received. They were amazing to us, and when they found out it was our birthday they even gave us a free upgrade! The people in this area enjoy a slow life and are warm and inviting. Just a few miles from Montana de Oro State Park and a short drive to downtown for movie theaters, shopping and eating we couldn't have been more pleased.

We chose the cabin room for obvious reasons, and were so happy and cozy with a gas-powered fire to keep us warm. After taking turns showering and catching up on a little social media, we ordered in some food and ate dinner while snuggling up to a romantic movie and slurping chocolate malt milkshakes till they were gone. It was the perfect place to relax and put our feet up. We all three slept comfortably on the bed, intertwined just like the days back in mama's womb. I think she this sister slumber party would have been a scene that would make any mama's heart swell. 

HOW TO: JUMP START YOUR CAR

Sometimes in life things go terribly wrong. Like when you think it's a brilliant idea to sit in your car (without the engine on or running) to charge up your phone for a little extra juice. Or when you think it's even better to end up sitting far longer than expected, say...an hour, to pass the juice around to each sister's phone... yeah, we can be a little dense sometimes, haha.

I just remember trying to start my car when we were ready to move on and done with our ghetto parking lot picnic lunch and having a total panic attack when it wouldn't start. My first thoughts, "We're three girls alone! We have no boys to help! Our phones are almost dead! Who will we call?! We don't have AAA anymore, BAHHHH!" ... for goodness sake, I didn't even have jumper cables in my car.

That's when Lisa in her almighty confidence and power put her foot down and said, "Dude, chill out." and started delegating. "Kylie, go to the road with your thumb up and wave people down to help. Megan, try to see if you can call dad (yep, still calling dad at 26 years old haha)." I was like, "Well what are you doing?!" And she said, "Not freaking out." Point taken. It could have been due to my lack of sleep from hard grounds or just the fact that I felt a burden of responsibility being my vehicle and all, that I may or may not have overreacted.

Luckily within about 20 minutes we waved down an army dude who was super nice and super helpful, had jumper cables and a Mustang with enough power to give us juice to get going again. This was a learning experience for us - to always have jumper cables in your car. Never charge a phone when the engine is not running. And don't be afraid to approach strangers in times of need.

So there you have it. Big girl doing big girl things even though I'd rather just curl up in a ball. The last pic is my joy after my little meltdown when I realized all was good in the world, again. After having a couple other people try to jump us and fail, we were grateful to the Mustang for being there when we needed them. Here's to kind strangers on the road! And the lovely abandoned Piedras Blancas Motel for sponsoring our afternoon, haha.

7 WONDERS OF OREGON

Have you heard of Travel Oregon? Visit their site for details on trip ideas, what to see and do, places to stay, travel deals, and how to get around Oregon. Next week I'm going to take you for a tour of the 7 Wonders of Oregon I have visited thus far. I'm hoping to see all 7 wonders before the end of this year and even re-visit a few. If you're itching for the road trip of a lifetime you have come to the right place!

7 Wonders of Oregon check list:
-The Oregon Coast [check]
-The Colombia River Gorge [check]
-The Painted Hills [check]
-Smith Rock [check]
-The Wallowas [check]
-Mt. Hood
-Crater Lake

HOW TO: RENT A MOTORBIKE IN NICARAGUA

all the way from nicaragua...watch this video to learn more about renting motorbikes and cruising around a foreign country for cheap and without a hitch! i make these fun and informative videos for you guys to enjoy and to make things a little more interesting than just looking at photos. it's a great way to get the information you need for traveling, but also to get a real feel for what it's like over there. check it out and let me know if this is something you want to see more of!

HOW TO: ISLA DE OMETEPE

Isla de Ometepe is an island in Nicaragua formed from two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua, Central America's largest lake. Its name derives from the word Nahuatl, meaning two mountains.

To get to Isla de Ometepe you have to take a boat. There are even small canoes you can rent to paddle across. We took the lancha (the cheapest form of transportation, a rickety boat) across the lake for about $2 per person. The ferry is nicer, more spacious and stable but costs a few bucks more and departs less frequently. Lanchas leave about every 45 minutes (see here). Between November and February the winds make the water super choppy, and we were there in February so it was super rough. I get car sick and sea sick, so I knew I was in for an adventure!


It takes about an hour to cross the lake, and you depart from the port town San Jorge and arrive on Moyogalpa. I was sick almost immediately. They put me in the belly of the boat and I managed to find a window. Everything below is tarped closed, so you can't see outside and it's dark and cramped (see here). I was about to hurl all my breakfast so I forced my arm underneath the tarp and create a tiny little hole using an already existing one. It was a life saver! I held my mouth to the hole like I was dying and breathed in the fresh air. I didn't care that I was getting soaked, and another tourist behind me thanked me for the "peep hole," haha. The water came rushing in and was sloshing at our feet, so be sure to keep your bags and belongings off the ground.

The people are kind, waving and smiling as you pass by on bicycle or foot. There's lots of livestock and farm animals as people farm there for a living. Many families have parakeets and parrots as pets - which I thought was awesome. It's easy to get around, and cheap to get what you need. We hitch-hiked with some nice Austrians and made friends along the way.


One of my favorite things about Isla de Ometepe was the friendly people and the solitude it provides. This island is special. People let you enjoy your time in nature without being overly intrusive or haggling for tourism. Depending on which side of the island you choose to stay on, there's all kinds of adventures to have from kayaking to monkey island where there are a bunch of rescued monkeys living (be careful, they like to jump in your boat and attack people, haha) to winding down on the docks to your favorite book as the sun goes down.

Once you're there, it's incredible. Such a beautiful, quiet and peaceful place. We made our way to Merida, a few hours by bus across the island to the far side by Volcan Maderas. We made ourselves comfortable at Hacienda Merida, an AMAZING hostel for about $6-8 per person that we totally recommend. Our room was perfect for Valentine's Day. Next to the hostel there's a school for elementary aged children where you can volunteer to teach and help with the kids. The hostel has a breakfast and dinner buffet, and they literally ring a bell calling everyone to get ready to eat together. I loved the sense of community I felt when staying here. Hammocks are strung everywhere and other travelers are all very respectful to the quiet nature of the place.


If you're staying on the Merida side of the island, be sure to hike to the waterfall on Volcan Madera and cool off after a grueling hike. We left after breakfast and made it there in good time for lunch. Near the end of the hike (the last few miles) the terrain is pretty rough and jungly, and coupled with the humidity and elevation it was pretty intense even for the gym-goers! I was huffing and puffing, and I thought I was in shape! The water at the top was super refreshing.

Isla de Ometepe is a tropical island with tons of outdoors activities from hiking, biking, and sailing to kayaking, horse back riding and fishing. There is so much to do to keep you busy, but it is fabulously calm with little to no crowds. We could have stayed here for weeks exploring the island. If you're headed to Central America, this is a definite must see.

LOS PENASQUITOS TRAIL

Activity: Hike // Destination: Los Penasquitos Trail // Location: Rancho Penasquitos, CA

San Diego has more to offer besides fun surf and great weather. Los Penasquitos Canyon is located in Rancho Penasquitos, providing a 6.1 mile loop for hikers and bikers. We decided to blaze our way to this rad little water hole to cool off. Most of the hike will take you through the desert and along a pretty stream, making it perfectly family and/or dog friendly. Despite California's drought, we were pleasantly surprised with the falls. Get outside and explore! There is so much to see within our tiny atlas and hikes are the perfect way to do just that.

I WANNA TRAVEL...BUT I GOT NO MONEY!

Did you know we are not trust fund babies? (If you are, we don't have beef with you, power to ya). People can often jump to their own creative conclusions about how we travel so much. It's no special secret and it's certainly no hidden pile of money or endless incoming funds... it's simple. It's called budgeting and sticking to it. We work for what we earn and as you can imagine, traveling is not cheap. A lot of times it seems impossible to do those dream trips we keep pinning on Pinterest. It can be discouraging as we drown ourselves in social media and see other people doing fun things and start thinking our lives are rather boring or uninteresting and that we're "stuck."

If any of this resonates with you, we are here to tell you to STOP! YOU ARE NEVER STUCK. We always have a choice. We always have the power to change. And if there's something you don't like about your life or yourself, change it. Do something about it. Quit wallowing and take action. It takes motivation, determination, and commitment.

In past posts, we've talked about budgeting. We've even offered our readers a copy of our budget sheet template to use for themselves when planning a trip or trying to gain control of their finances. It's something I think even we ourselves forget about, but we get emails trickling in over the years requesting for a copy. A new email today reminded me of what a great resource it is to have a budget template.

I have made our budget template downloadable for free HERE. If you want a copy, check it out. This is a great way to get started on planning your summer dream trip! Even if it takes you a year or more to get there, somewhere! ANYWHERE! You can DO IT. 

Start saving today. Practice saying NO. Doing without. 

Forgoing something good for something better. 

That's the secret. 

TASTY TUESDAY - MOTHER'S DAY

Don't panic! Mother's Day is this weekend and you have no idea what you're going to do for mamasita? If you're lucky enough to be a kid living at home, you can woo your mom with this light spring salad for lunch or a mid-day pick me up, after you've drowned her in pancakes and bacon. It's super easy and super yummy, and her waistline will appreciate the gesture. Try it out and click here for full recipe!

VIDEO! NICARAGUA BEACHCOMBING

Little bits + pieces of San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua. 

Watch this video to learn what to do and where to go. Such a pretty little spot.