Kate’s Travel Playlist – Track 4: “Cangote” (Music)

I don’t know what she is saying. And I don’t care. I just love this woman’s voice and silky smooth rhythms.

This week I am featuring the Brazilian tunes of:

Céu

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Spirit Airlines Put Me in Bad Spirits

I’m on my way to Mexico for a girlfriend getaway!

About a month ago we booked our flights using Priceline. And we decided on Spirit Airlines because they offered the cheapest flights. Flying Spirit meant $100 less on the fare. Score!

Of course, we are not dummies. We knew this low budget carrier would not be as great as other airlines. But I did not expect them to stoop quite as low as they did.

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Travel Tips: Travel and Politics (Video)

Engaging in political conversations while traveling can provide you with different world views and also reveal surprising cultural misunderstandings. Personally, I think it is fascinating to learn about how American culture and politics are viewed by foreigners. I also find it interesting to learn about the different relationships people in other countries have with their own governments in comparison to my experiences at home.

That said, here are some tips to keep in mind before you jump into any politically charged conversations while abroad.

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Kate’s Travel Playlist – Track 3: “Leonel, el Feo” (Music)

These modern artists are influenced by Argentinian and Uruguayan rock, hip hop and electronic music. And some of their songs are in French. Their music is mysterious and sensual. And it makes you want to dance and chill out all at once.

This week I am featuring electronic tango music from:

Bajo Fondo Tango Club

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Sweet Ronda, Spain (Photos)

There she is in the distance, a cluster of whitewashed homes with terracotta roofs perched atop a cliff in a lush, Spanish countryside; straight out of a fairy-tale.

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Travel Tips: Getting a More Authentic Experience (Video)

Here are some quick travel ideas about how to explore the local culture on your next trip.

But remember it is all about your perspective and how you take advantage of each situation. Here is what I mean…

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Kate’s Travel Playlist – Track 2: “De Pies a Cabeza” (Music)

This is one of my favorite bands ever. They have album after album of international hits. And some people refer to them as the Beatles of the Latin world.

This week I am featuring the romantic, rock music of:

Mana

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How a Night in Paris Changed My Life

Back during my final semester of college, I was living in Paris with a host family. Within the first month of being there, one of their daughters, Mathilde, asked me if I’d join her and her friends for dinner. Elated that I’d be included in a real French gathering, I accepted.

She said everyone would be coming from work, so I shouldn’t dress up too much.  But there would be about 15 people at dinner.  I thought, “where could you go with 15 people for dinner?” In any case, I figured it would be fun and I’d make a bunch of new friends.

Little did I know, that dinner would initiate a chain of unexpected events and subsequently change the course of my life. Continue reading

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Travel Tips: Mastering the First Impression (Video)

Developing relationships with new people you meet along your journey is often a big part of travel. Making local friends and acquaintances can enhance your trip on many levels from providing you with good company and itinerary suggestions to teaching you about the native culture and how to stay safe. To me, making local contacts is paramount.

As it is anywhere, you only have one chance to make that first impression.  And while traveling, you’ll be making a lot of first impressions.  So here goes…

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Kate’s Travel Playlist – Track 1: “La Vengeance d’une Louve” (Music)

Like most travelers I know, I cherish the music I discover while abroad. And I have decided to share some of it with you here. So this is the first track of my music series, Kate’s Travel Playlist.

Music is one of the many treasures to uncover while traveling. As the easiest point of entry into other ways of life, it allows us to relate to different cultures like nothing else. We get to take it home with us. And any time we listen to that song or album from a trip, it instantly transports us back to the place and time we discovered it.

This week I am featuring the sexy, French vocals of:

Brigitte

A friend I made in Paris shared Brigitte’s music with me.  This pair of vixens have quickly become my go-to artists when I want to chill out.  Here’s one of their many songs I love. Enjoy.

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