Elona the Explorer

Austin, TX

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” id=””][fusion_text]This is the ultimate destination for mouth watering food, entertainment, adventure, and a good glimpse at Southwestern culture. Did I mention mouth watering food ? You can find packages for as low as $500 on Expedia.  I recommend staying in the downtown area of Austin. 6th street is a popular bar / restaurant area so you want to be walking distance away without having to drive. If you’re going to Austin, definitely consider renting a car because outside the city itself  there are plenty of things to do. I found this awesome app called Turo which is the airbnb for cars. There is no hassle and no long wait times at airport car rental companies. There’s a substantial selection of cars so you might just get to drive around in the car of your dreams for the weekend. I drove around in a  Jeep Wrangler with the top down and it was  a m a z i n g.  Get $25 off your first rental =)[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” id=””][fusion_text] 1. Franklin’s BBQ.  [/fusion_text][fusion_text] With over 3,000 Yelp reviews averaging 4.5 stars – Franklin’s BBQ is the epitome of delicious BBQ cuisine arguably in the entire country. Franklin’s is a must if you’re in Austin. I recommend going on a Thursday morning and plan on waiting in line for at least 2 hours. If you think that’s crazy – between Friday and Sunday people line up from as early as 6 AM for the 11 AM opening time. One word: Brisket. The super friendly employees come around every few minutes to tell you what your estimated wait time is and what is left of the meats. When the meat sells out, Franklin’s closes for the day – this usually happens around 2/3PM. You know what they say … the early bird gets the worm.  [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” id=””][fusion_text] 2. Chicken Fried Steak [/fusion_text][fusion_text]Don’t worry, I haven’t heard of this either until I got to Texas. Jack Allen’s Kitchen is a farm to kitchen upscale Southwestern restaurant. Their deep fried steak is served with home made gravy, mashed potatoes, and fresh vegetables – it’s one of the best in Austin, and at $14 – you will probably not eat again for the rest of the day.    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” id=””][fusion_text] 3. Jacob’s Well  [/fusion_text][fusion_text] Jacob’s Well is a popular swimming hole in in the Village of Wimberly. Water in the well flows from over 140 feet below the surface. It is an absolutely enchanting natural spring to visit. Reservations are required ! Entrance costs only $9 (cards accepted only) and you can bring food and drinks and stay for a whole day. I highly recommend bringing water to always stay hydrated as it is not only hot, but there are also no stores in close proximity.  The water is beautiful but it is freezing ! [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” id=””][fusion_text] 4. Kraus Springs [/fusion_text][fusion_text]Welcome to the biggest pool party you will ever attend (& the cheapest too). Nested about 40 minutes away from Austin, Kraus Springs is a hidden gem that I am so happy I found. If you are looking for a beautiful place to swim, a great crowd, and a striking hike – this is the place to be. For a $7 cash only entrance fee – you will be a part of a huge “pool (natural spring)” party, you’ll have access to a camp grounds and fishing, and lot’s of space to explore! Recommendations for Kraus springs: treat this like a beach day and bring something to sit on, a cooler (no bottles allowed), and most importantly water shoes. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” id=””][fusion_text] 5. The Oasis at Lake Travis [/fusion_text][fusion_text]If you already added 1-4 to your Austin bucket list, sneak this one in to the top. The Oasis at Lake Travis has the most beautiful sunset you will ever see. The Oasis is the largest outdoor restaurant in Texas and visitors from all over come to watch the sunset. The location is very petite and lively – there is around a one and a half hour wait time for a table outside during the sunset hour. Luckily you can get drinks and explore the beautiful small oasis. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” id=””][fusion_text] 6. 6th Street [/fusion_text][fusion_text]6th street, a.k.a, dirty sixth – is one of the most iconic streets in Austin. The west, east, and “dirty” sides of sixth street offer a huge variety of bars, pubs, and clubs. You should start in the classy and haunted Driskill hotel -and end with one dollar shots, play a jumbo game of jenga and then visit a boozy arcade. Party ends at 2 AM – but with the University of Texas a few blocks away, you are sure to find an after party. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” id=””][fusion_text] 7. Other Cool Things to See & Do [/fusion_text][fusion_text]See some cool airstreams: Shoot a gun … or a rifle at Red’s Indoor Range: Eat a donut at Voodoo Donuts – they offer donut’s with bacon (you know, if you’re into that type of thing) : Visit the Hamilton Pool,

Copenhagen

If you think your layover isn’t long enough to see the beauty of Copenhagen, think again. Here is what you can see, eat and do in this electric Nordic town!

Five Things You Should do in NYC – Now !

No Money ? No Problem ! (yes, even in NYC). If you’re planning to visit NYC, or if you live here, here is a compilation of some cool events and activities to partake in regardless of your budget !  1. Fly a Plane – $100-$200 If you looked at my home page you probably noticed the huge photo of me flying across the Long Island sound. It was one of most breathtaking experiences of my life ! Learn to navigate a single engine plane on the ground, take-off, and fly in the air with the instructor, and you can bring your friend. Oh, and did I mention that you get priceless views of NYC ? Yeah, that too.  Book your flight here ! 2. See a Concert – Free Central Park hosts a series of Summer concerts every year. This year has quite an impressive line-up including performances by Pitbull, Ariana Grande, Sia, and more. Doors open at 6AM and concerts air live on the “Good Morning America” show from 7 – 9AM. See the Summer 2016 Schedule here ! 3. Manhattan Henge – Free Also known as the Manhattan Solstice, the Manhattan Henge signifies the time when the setting sun is aligned with the east–west streets of the main street grid of Manhattan. It only happens twice a year and you can still catch it July 11th and 12th 2016 at 8:20 PM and 8:30 PM respectively.  Where can you see it? – 14th street – 23rd street – 34th street – 42nd street Learn more about the Manhattan Henge! 4. Paint and Sip – $19 You’ve probably noticed an influx of pictures on your timeline of people holding up paintings that they made. Learning to paint from a professional while drinking a glass of wine has gained so much publicity in the last few years. Your local bars, restaurants, and art studio’s have probably all hosted such an event. Take it a step further by learning to paint on a glass that you get to take home ! Learn More about Paint and Sip Here! 5. NYC 360 – Free Free Tours by Foot is a wonderful organization that offers pay-as-you-wish walking tours, food, bike and bus tours around NYC. Freelance tour guides lead you around NYC without any costs. You get to choose what the tour was worth (if anything) – after its over so you know the tour guide will do his or her best the whole time !  Get More Info Here!

Côte d’Azur

The Mediterranean Coast of southeastern France boasts its authenticity and luxury. The stunning beaches, food, and views are to die for.

Le Bernardin, NYC

Nested in the concrete branches of New York City’s Midtown district is Le Bernardin, which humbly boasts its 3 Michelin Stars.

L’Epicure, Paris

There is so much to admire about Epicure – the infallible service, the beautiful and opulent comfort serving as a fabulous garnish to an impeccable meal. Few places can rival the caliber of what Eric Frechon’s culinary experience has to offer here at Epicure. Undeniably this was the best experience I’ve had – making its way to the top of my list of culinary endeavors.

The Viceroy Bali

A lazy sunrise scrambles as it makes its way to the top of the cotton candy skies. The black silhouettes of scattered bony palm trees begin to show shades of green under the morning rays. Somewhere in the distance, the sound of a waterfall grazes your palette of your ears. A peach colored cloud hangs above the infinity pool, unaccompanied. Your day is just about to begin, and you already realize that you never want to leave.

Bali

From living in a Balinese tree-house to living in the most luxurious 5-star resort that Bali has to offer, The Viceroy – follow me as I show you how to make the best out of four days in Bali, Indonesia !