Bungee jumping in South Africa

How I Traveled to 28 Countries in 8 Years

ByJewels Rhode

International travel was not a part of my upbringing, but once I started traveling abroad, it brought about an insatiable desire to see more of the world. One of the most popular questions I get is about how I’ve been able to travel so much in such a short period of time. Although many of us would probably love to quit our jobs and travel the world, this is unrealistic for many and not the only way to see the world, as I discovered. Walking you through the past eight years of my life, here are my tips for exploring the world either as a student or while working full-time:

Artwork in Salvador

Things to Do in Salvador Brazil: 13 Culturally-Rich Experiences Worth Having

ByJewels Rhode

During the transatlantic slave trade, millions of Africans were shipped to Brazil to work on sugar plantations, many of whom were sent to Bahia. To date, Brazil has the highest Black population outside of Africa. It was remarkable to witness the preservation and promotion of African culture in Bahia. Here are 13 things to do in Salvador Brazil to get a flavor of its culturally-rich heritage, categorized by neighborhood:

Gallery wall in bedroom

A Traveler’s Guide to Self Care

ByJewels Rhode

Self care is about nurturing your mind, body, and soul. It essentially comes down to doing what makes you feel good and balanced. At first glance, it may seem that talking about “self care” and travel is unnecessary. After all, travel can be viewed as a form of self care (it is definitely a way I nurture my soul). However, a lot of time, energy, and money goes into trip planning and trips themselves. Practicing self care is vital to be able to mentally and physically enjoy traveling. Here are my go-to self care practices that I treat myself to before, during, and after traveling:

African American museum

6 Places to Explore African American History & Culture

ByJewels Rhode

Although Black History month is celebrated in February, our story is shared year-round across the world. Black history spreads across continents, cultures, and centuries. It is so complex and interesting that there is something for everyone. Here are 6 diverse destinations to help travelers delve deeper into African American history and culture:

Sunrise at Charles Bridge

7 Romantic Travel Experiences

ByJewels Rhode

A large majority of my trips (27/28 countries visited) I’ve gone without a bae. This was either because I was single at the moment or I was in a relationship and our availabilities didn’t align. Fun fact about me: I don’t wait for anyone to live my life… I just go! But I have to admit, there are a few experiences I’ve had with friends that I added to my running “Travel with Bae” list. Here are 7 romantic travel experiences to have with bae:

Fireworks in Rio during New Years

New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro: The Complete Guide

ByJewels Rhode

Besides the Brazilian Carnival, one of the largest events in Rio de Janeiro is Réveillion, the New Year’s Eve celebration. This famous party happens on the iconic Copacabana beach. Millions of people come from all over the world to join in on the festivities that include a variety of traditions. Here’s a guide to this grand celebration:

Crowds near Christ the Redeemer

5 Failed Picture Attempts with Christ the Redeemer

ByJewels Rhode

One of Rio de Janeiro’s most recognizable landmarks is Christ the Redeemer. Wherever you go in Rio, you will see this glorious statue watching over the city. It attracts 3,000- 4,000 visitors daily, or over a million visitors each year. People from all over the world travel to come and do the most to get a picture with the statue. However, as you can imagine, with such a popular attraction, picture taking is a challenge! Here are 5 of the 100s of hilarious attempts I made at getting a half-way decent shot with Christ the Redeemer:

A week in Morocco should include a Sahara Desert tour

My Top Travel Moments of 2017

ByJewels Rhode

2017 was the year I vowed to myself to live FULLY & BOLDLY, despite unpleasant surprises life threw my way! I promised myself that no matter what, I would be the owner of my own happiness, which is a process and not an outcome. This year, my journey to living intentionally took me to 7 countries across 4 continents. Here’s a recap of my most memorable domestic and international travel moments of 2017: