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Travel Edition: Wonder Women – A Trio of Adventurous

Greetings, Adventure Enthusiasts!

Ready to be whisked away on journeys that tickle your fancy and spice up your life? Whether you're planning a local adventure, a short regional jaunt, or a global escapade, our 3-part "Wonder Women: Tips and Treasures for Your Next Adventure!" series is your go-to guide.


Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone with a growing itch for adventure, this post is for you! Personally, I didn’t dive into heavy travel until I hit 29—and let me tell you, it’s been a wild, eye-opening ride. But in the end, all those adventures led me right back to appreciating the hidden gems of Southwest Louisiana. So, dive in below for some fun, creative tips, and let this inspire you to explore more—both near and far!



Section One: Staycations – Revel in the Riches of Lake Charles Why jet off to distant lands when a world of adventure awaits right in your own backyard? Lake Charles offers a smorgasbord of local delights, making every staycation memorable.


  1. Staycation Highlights in Lake Charles:

Ready to spice up your weekend with a cultural adventure? Try this fun game! Write down different cultures on slips of paper—let’s say you pull ‘Lebanese.’ Now, let the fun begin! Kick off by grabbing lunch at a local Middle Eastern restaurant to get a taste of authentic flavors. Then, hit up a nearby market, grab some ingredients, and challenge yourselves to make a Lebanese dish at home. While you’re cooking, turn up some lively Lebanese music to get in the groove! At dinner, each person shares a cool fact or something fun they learned about the culture. End the night with a Lebanese movie, and just like that—you’ve had a full cultural immersion without ever hopping on a plane! Repeat this for other cultures, and you’ve got a whole lineup of exciting weekends ahead, packed with new foods, music, and discoveries!


Cultural and Leisure Activities:

Lake Charles and surrounding cities, like Moss Bluff, each have their own farmers markets, perfect for a full day of local exploration! Start by making the rounds and experiencing the fresh, local produce and unique offerings. Don’t forget to follow the vendors on Facebook so you can stay in the loop about upcoming festivals and markets, as they frequent locations all around Southwest Louisiana. For art lovers, did you know there are 9 regional art councils in SWLA? Follow our local Arts & Humanities Council to keep up with events and cultural happenings. You can learn more about the regional councils through the Louisiana Division of the Arts https://www.crt.state.la.us/cultural-development/arts/louisiana-division-of-the-arts/. Plus, sign up for the Louisiana Travel Pulse Newsletter https://www.louisianatravel.com for even more local insights and adventures. Spend a day at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum or the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center. Each location offers a dive into the history, artist and culture of Lake Charles and the surrounding areas.


If you’re into treasure hunting, antique shops offer a fun and rewarding day! Today, we visited an antique shop in Moss Bluff with 70 vendors—yes, 70! With great prices and something for everyone, we even found a beautiful antique glass perfume holder with a golden rose topper for just $10. Antique shops are fantastic for finding one-of-a-kind gifts or adding some unique flair to your home decor. Check out our list below for local antique shops, as well as a list of local ethnic markets to further fuel your next adventure! (See a list of local options with links to their FB or website below!).


Weekend Itinerary: Style, Fun, and Flavor!

Friday Evening: Shop at Not Just Christmas Facebook/ Start your weekend at Not Just Christmas Facebook, a holiday lover's paradise! From Mardi Gras to Christmas and everything in between, you’ll find festive decor for any occasion. Support local and grab something to make your celebrations shine.

Dine at Calla Facebook/ End your day with an exquisite dinner at Calla Facebook, where local flavors meet culinary creativity. Whether you're craving fresh seafood or unique dishes, this is a Lake Charles must-try. Don’t forget to plan for brunch tomorrow!


Saturday Morning: Shop at Mia’s Facebook /Kick off your Saturday by heading to Mia’s Facebook, where you’ll find trendy, easy-to-wear outfits and accessories perfect for your weekend plans. Update your wardrobe with stylish looks from this local boutique! Brunch at Calla Facebook/After your shopping spree, enjoy a relaxing brunch at Calla Facebook. Their weekend brunch menu is packed with local, mouth-watering options that’ll fuel you for the rest of the day. Explore Creative Roots Facebook/ Tap into your creative side at Creative Roots Facebook, where you can explore a variety of vendors and take part in fun, unique classes. Check their calendar for upcoming events and get hands-on with art and crafts!


Saturday Afternoon: Visit lil Art House Facebook/ Unleash your inner artist at lil Art House Facebook, an interactive studio where you can create original art pieces from recycled materials. It’s eco-friendly, affordable, and an exciting way to spend the afternoon. Finish the day at Lake Area Adventures Facebook, a family-friendly entertainment center packed with fun! Jump, climb, swim, and more. When you’re ready for a break, grab a bite at The Terrace Facebook, known for its award-winning dishes and local flair.


Checkout T'Pots Facebook prepared meals to free up your time to create you next adventure! Ask them about the natural organic products that they use, providing a health option on your local Cajun favorites! At roughly $10 a meal it is a definitely must try! #Supportlocalbuiness #swla


Markets:


List Antiques Shops, Take The Rounds: 


Restaurant


Activity Ideas: 

Quick Trip Favorites:

Pro Tip: Home - Hidden Gems US This site is all about discovering beautiful, lesser-known spots across the U.S., avoiding the usual tourist traps. You’ll find travel guides, tips, and recommendations to help you explore these hidden gems like a local! Plus, I love the maps they use! Visit their site and Facebook page to plan your next unique adventure right in our backyard! (1) Hidden Gems USA Travel | Facebook

Ready for a Change of Scenery? Quick Trip Ideas to Get Away Without the Long Haul...

If you're craving a getaway but don't want the hassle of a long drive or flight, our quick trip ideas are the perfect solution! For an extra bonus, I highly recommend the GyPSy Guide app for local and regional exploration. We used it on our "Road to Hana" trip in

Hawaii, an incredible 8-hour drive around the island of Maui. With Jack Johnson’s album (and is interviews; he’s from Hawaii!) playing through the speakers, the GyPSy Guide app made the journey even better. It wasn’t intrusive at all—it simply suggested must-see stops along the way, like a detour to a stunning black sand beach and breathtaking waterfalls. The best part? GyPSy Guide offers tours right here in the South, including one for Louisiana! Just purchase, download, and hit the road—the app will guide you to hidden gems and local favorites. Whether you're exploring a new area or rediscovering your home state, it’s the perfect travel companion for any adventure! Travel Tips Archives - GuideAlong


  1. Section Three: Traveling Abroad – Global Ventures Await!

I used to be a bit of a travel snob—until I met Dorothy at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. She was passing through from El Salvador, renewing her visa, and heading to Mexico City. When her small, efficient group invited me to join them, I couldn’t say no! After a couple of weeks, the group split up, and Dorothy and I continued eastward. Over the years, I visited her three more times while she stayed in Mexico. Fluent in Spanish, despite looking "whiter" than I, Dorothy had been traveling to Mexico since she was a teenager. It was a transformative experience for me, pushing me far outside my comfort zone.


Through these travels, I learned to explore in new ways, freeing up more funds for experiences rather than splurging on hotels. For instance, Dorothy and I often split a room with two beds, reducing my accommodation costs from $180–$320 per night to having lodging, food, and excursions for one or two weeks on the same budget! It was an eye-opener, as I had never thought about traveling like that before. I guess I was scared, or maybe it just never crossed my mind.


So, what's my advice? It depends on your trip, who you’re with, and what your goals are. But no matter the plan, get good at setting price filters and sticking to reviews! Hostels are a great option, and many even offer private rooms so you don’t have to share but can still meet interesting travelers. These folks usually have the best tips on hidden gems, local eats, and even traditional village events that aren't on the tourist radar.


Examples of Budget-Friendly Hotel & Hostel (Recommendations):


Hotel Boutique Dawat WTC https://hotelboutiquedawatwtc.com/ - $53/night (tax included)

  • Located in a charming neighborhood in Mexico City with everything you need within a three-block radius. On weekends, enjoy the local farmers market, and don’t miss the nearby Frida Kahlo Museum! Plus, breakfast is included.


Hotel Makech, Bacalar https://makech.hotels-quintana-roo.com/en/ - $44/night (tax included)

  • Escape to this jungle-inspired hideaway with an onsite mini-market and food delivery. It’s a bit away from the Bacalar Lagoon, but worth it for the price! I recommend renting a car in Quintana Roo, Mexico as taxis can be pricey, jumping from $4-$6 per ride to $25 or more, and they can be unavailable after hours.


Amara Tepoztlán - $81/night (tax included)

  • Tepoztlán is a magical mountain town about 1.5 hours from Mexico City, known for its rich culture, the Tepozteco pyramid, and vibrant artisan market. I stopped here on my way to Oaxaca to celebrate Maria Sabina’s birthday with the village—an unforgettable experience!


Lagoon Luxury for a Fraction of the Cost!

Discover the best hotels and places to stay near Huay Pix, Mexico, on Booking.com. Huay Pix is a true hidden gem with crystal-clear blue waters, far from the crowded tourist spots. Start your lagoon tour just south of Tulum in Bacalar, then make your way to Huay Pix. I personally recommend a stop in Chetumal for some boutique shopping. And if you're up for it, you're only 20 minutes away from the Mexico/Belize Free Zone, a great spot for duty-free shopping with products from all over the world. You'll need at least 4 to 6 hours, or even a full day, to see everything!


Hostel Options:

Selina offers a global membership that’s perfect for blending work and play. Check out their vibrant, social hubs around the world, many of which are top event sites. Some destinations will have two, one for parties and events and one for a more chill experience, like the ultra-chill location Selina, at Antiqua Guatemala: see all locations and offers here https://www.selina.com/. Hostelworld Compare options to find the best fit for your trip and budget: https://www.hostelworld.com/.


Pro Tip—always filter by your preference, the highest customer reviews and list price lowest to highest and see what you find!


Across the Pond; Heading East!

Sri Lanka will forever hold a special place in my heart. It's a bit farther from the U.S. than the quick four-hour jaunts I enjoyed while living in the Middle East, but it’s worth every minute of travel time. I know a trip like that can seem out of reach for many—it was for me for much of my life! But thanks to these transformative experiences and helpful people, I’ve learned that your dream destination may be closer than you think.


Check out the tips below and start planning your next adventure!


Smart Travel Hacks & Safety Tips: Quick, Fun, and Effective!


1. Change Your VPN for Privacy & Deals

Travel safely and unlock better flight prices! Using trusted VPNs like NordVPN or ProPrivacy, you can browse securely and access region-specific deals on flights, hotels, and more. Without a VPN, your data is visible and vulnerable—protect yourself while scoring deals!


2. Save Big by Flying Through Hub Airports

Major hubs like New York (JFK), London Heathrow (LHR), and Miami (MIA) often offer the best deals to far-flung destinations. Use tools like Secret Flying and Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going) to find great deals from these hubs. If you find a deal, book a cheap domestic flight to that hub to save even more.


3. Positioning Flights = Cheap Adventures

Find a great international flight from a hub? Book a separate "positioning" flight to that hub. Example: A $500 London to Sri Lanka flight can still save you money if you book a separate $200 flight from Chicago to London. Boom—cheaper and more flexible!


4. Flexible Dates Mean Flexible Deals

Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to search for the cheapest flights by checking flexible date options. You might find a cheaper connection by flying a day earlier or staying an extra night!


5. Check Hostels with Private Rooms

Don't overlook hostels! Many, like those on Hostelworld, offer private rooms with the same social perks. You’ll meet interesting travelers who often know the best local spots. Just make sure to compare prices with local accommodations!


Extra Travel Tips:

  • Lost Passport? Head to the nearest embassy for a temporary one!

  • Long Layover? Use airport lockers to store your luggage and explore the city stress-free.

  • ATM Trouble? Always have backup cash in case of card issues, especially in areas where ATMs are known to malfunction. Trust, this is a real issue! Tulum for example has this problem, the machine will stuck-up your card never to be returned again, and the two western unions are 20 to 30 min apart, driving (with traffic and distance)!


Final Thoughts: Embrace Every Journey

The excitement of planning a trip—whether you're saving up for it or ready to book on a whim—is an adventure in itself. Even when travel isn’t possible, a bit of creative planning can uncover incredible experiences right where you are.


Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Lake Charles, escaping to nearby gems, or embarking on an international adventure, each journey becomes a chapter in your story. Dive into the local culture and history, explore ethnic markets, unique restaurants, and community events. No matter your budget, the spirit of discovery is always within reach. So, pack your sense of adventure and create your own thrilling discovery.


Happy Exploration!



 
 
 

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