Why I Love to Travel

Our daily routines in life can bring us fleeting moments of joy and satisfaction every day… That first sip of coffee in the morning as the rising sun reflects majestically through your kitchen window… A broad smile from a friendly stranger as you prepare to endure your morning commute…  Hearing a “job well done” from your coworkers after you successfully complete an important project…

As you live your life, it’s important to realize that, even in the most mundane of everyday experiences, you can always derive happiness… However, for someone like me, who longs for thrills and adventure, the monotony of normalcy needs to be broken up… And that’s why I love to travel!

To me, traveling is so many things… It’s an escape from the doldrums of life… An awakening of the senses… An outlet for adventure… An opportunity to learn about different cultures and see the many wonders of the world nature has to offer… A chance to connect with people and share emotions on a human level… And overall, to view this wonderful planet from the perspectives of those who are not like me!

When I’m traveling, especially to some of the more exotic places I’ve been to like Iceland, Bolivia, Peru, and Jordan, I feel so alive… It’s almost as if I reach a higher level of consciousness… The adrenaline that rushes through me and the emotions I experience are almost beyond description… During my times of travel, I feel invincible and I’m addicted to that feeling!

There are many people out there who take “breaks” from their careers and everyday lives just so they can travel… Some even devote their lives to travel and build their careers around traveling… I have a great deal of respect and admiration for these people because I believe traveling is so important and that everyone should do it… But, what I would like everyone to know is that you don’t have to necessarily quit your job or indefinitely pause your daily routines just to travel… I maintain a full-time job as a Project Manager in New York City, and I am still able to make the time to go on several trips a year… As the old cliché goes, “if there’s a will, there’s a way!”

My message to those of you who have careers that you can’t leave, but still really want to travel, is find a way! Please use my stories and experiences as inspiration and guidance… There is no doubt that our lives can be busy and chaotic, but if you really want to do something and you set your mind to it, you can accomplish it… I believe in you… Don’t let your life slip away without experiencing all of the amazing things this world has to offer!

20 Tips You Should Know When Visiting NYC

Plan on visiting the Big Apple any time soon? Just remember, it didn’t get its name “the concrete jungle” for no reason. We do things quick around here, it’s how we’ve been raised. We want things done now, and we don’t like waiting. We are living the fast life and expect you to keep up. I’m not saying it’s the right way, but its best to adapt.

These rules are meant for people who have manners, and want to follow the cultural norm, so here goes. Here are 20 tips to follow that are part of normal everyday New York life. They are not mandatory rules, but tips to avoid getting on someone's bad side.

1. Don’t just stop walking. Your not the only person on the street, and you never will be in New York City. There are 8.6 million people living here, be considerate. That selfie could be taken; just pull of to the side. Think of walking in NY like a car on the highway, you don’t want to get rear ended. In places like Times Square - there are people actually rushing to get to work, at least peak over your shoulder to make sure if you suddenly stop your not right in someone’s way.

2. Don’t take up the whole path of a walkway. If you are walking with three or more people, don’t all walk side by side. People need to get passed you! Be considerate.

3. Keep right, especially during rush hour while riding escalators and on stairs . Places like London even have signs all through their subways that say KEEP RIGHT. It’s almost as if it’s yelling at you, but the left lane is normally for people rushing to get somewhere, it’s for the ones that are going to quickly run up the stairs or escalators, and not for those who don’t know where they are going and or walking slow. The right lane is for the snails.

4. Have your metro card ready before getting to the turnstile. When someone is rushing to catch that train the last thing that want is get behind someone blocking the turnstile who can’t find their metro card!

5. Let people out of subways first. Don’t be that person running into the cart before people get off just to get a seat.

6. Subways have rats, don’t panic! You can stare at them and make sure they don’t get anywhere near you, but don’t make a scene. Roaches however are unacceptable.

6. Don't take up more than one seat. Unless you can show me proof of a second fare being paid for your jacket or purse, your belongings don’t get their own seat. NOT EVEN ON THE LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD IS THIS ACCEPTABLE!

7. If you’re going to have a phone conversation accept that others will listen to it, judge you, and 100 percent think you are an inconsiderate person.

8.Nobody wants to hear your music/video/game or any noises from you. We all just want to relax and pretend you're not there.

9.Empty subway carts are usually empty for some reason. Don’t find out what it is.

10. I didn’t think this needed to be said, but it does. Don’t clip your toenails. It’s gross. Don’t even clip your nails, even if your putting the clippings nicely somewhere.

11. Give up your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, and children! I can’t believe how many times I see young men try so hard to turn a blind eye to the elderly or pregnant women.

12. No man spreading. That's when you leave your legs wide open and make the person next to you squished and uncomfortable.

13. Netflix has a rumored Human resource policy that we should all adapt to, no staring at someone for more than two seconds. It just makes the other person uncomfortable.

14. Don’t smell offensive. Think about what you ate, or what you have been doing. If you just got done going all out playing basketball in 90 degree weather chances are you smell bad. Try to avoid being next to people especially in tight confinements.

15. Unless someone is right behind you, don’t hold the doors. If you are keeping anyone from getting where they need to get for more than a minute, you’re going to be on someone’s shit list. You’ve been warned!

16. Tipping is 100 percent a thing, and the norm is 18 - 20 percent.

17. Apologize! If you accidentally bump into or step on someone, just say sorry. I know we have a reputation of being mean, but we definitely soften up a bit with a polite excuse me or sorry.

18. The people in costumes in Times Square/Battery Park can not force you to pay a certain price for a picture! You can give them whatever you want, and just stay away from fake Buddhists asking for money.

19. If it's safe to cross the street, cross it regardless of the street signs.

20. Some of the greatest people on earth are here in New York, so don’t be scared of us. Just be aware and have some common sense!

Visiting New York is definitely a dream for many people, just keep these rules in mind and enjoy the city that never sleeps!

Tips on Traveling to Jordan

Ever since Petra became one of the New World Wonders, I know it has been on many Instagrammer’s bucket list. However, since it is right in the middle of countries like Israel, Syria, and Iraq, it’s often thought to be unsafe and dangerous.  After my recent trip there, I can wholeheartedly say that is inaccurate! It’s actually safe, modern, and definitely a place you should consider going to in the near future.  Although I 100% advise you to visit Jordan, there are a few things I learned during my stay that I would like to tell you about. Please read on to find out some important information to keep in mind.

1. Yes, Jordan has Uber! I was able to easily get Uber drivers from the airport and in the city, but it’s not exactly welcomed by the government. As such, there are a few strange things your Uber driver might do. For instance, the drivers won’t pick you up from the airport taxi center and instead will meet you in the parking lot. The drivers told me that sometimes airport security will fine drivers for picking up or dropping off clients, especially at the airport. Because of this, some Uber drivers will refuse to go. If they do decide to go, some will even ask you to sit in the front seat to seem like a friend. The good news is that eventually you will get an Uber driver that will take you, but it just might be a little harder if your destination or pickup is the airport. Regardless, I always found that the price was very cheap for a taxi and the drivers were always really friendly. You might even be able to find an Uber driver who you wouldn’t mind hanging out with, and they’ll even volunteer to drive your group around and show you cool spots in Jordan, like a beautiful restaurant called Oriental that overlooks Israel- Thanks Tahmer!

2. Smiling at others is not common! Unlike America, where you can (sometimes) give someone a warm smile without being considered crazy, it’s thought of as strange to do that in Jordan… And if you’re a female and smile at a man, it could be taken as flirting… He might even ask for your number if you smile at him, so be careful!

3. You will be doing A LOT of walking at Petra. The world wonder is definitely a must see, but be ready to hike a few miles, especially if you want those amazing, high views of the treasury. You’ll also need to do a little climbing as well, so be prepared… One thing I also learned by experiencing the area is that you should always follow the makeshift signs to “the best view in all of Petra”… You might even find yourself sitting in a cave with a beautiful opening that overlooks Petra while you are being given warm tea by the Bedouins and watching the sun set!

4. It’s very hard to find alcohol. There is a big tax on it, which is why most places don’t sell it. This is not where you want to go if you are just into drinking and partying… You will however be able to find it at very “touristy” locations like The Dead Sea, but be prepared to pay up… Unless you can find a spot with happy hour like my group did at the Dead Sea Spa Resort!

5. Jordan is expensive… It’s very near Western prices. I can’t complain because I am used to those kinds of prices, being that I am from the US, but I have to admit I was not expecting it.

Overall, Jordan, and Petra in particular, are wonderful places to visit. They are safe, entertaining, and rich in culture and history. Having now had the experience, I would highly recommend taking a trip there. I promise you won’t regret it! (If you have specific questions you would like to ask me about Jordan or Petra, please do not hesitate to reach out to me using the contact form on my website.)

My Morning Routine

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

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Productive Habits

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

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Top 10 Places to Visit

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Nulla vitae elit libero, a pharetra augue. Etiam porta sem malesuada magna mollis euismod. Nullam id dolor id nibh ultricies vehicula ut id elit.

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