travel Archives - Girls Who Brunch

August 24, 2018

Maui Travel Guide

Swimsuit: Onia // Shorts: Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Franco Sarto

A couple weeks ago, I was able to go to Maui for a few days to see my friends Tom and Ivette get married. They had the most beautiful ceremony at Gannons in Maui, overlooking the ocean. Since my friends were getting married, I was able to add a couple days to the trip and make it a fun vacation. I wanted to share with you guys some of my favorite places that you need to visit if you’re in Maui!

WHERE TO STAY

Days Inn – This was one of the cheapest hotel options on the island and the hotel itself isn’t the greatest. The rooms are SUPER small. However, it’s right on the ocean. The location in Kihei is great, you can walk or uber around. It’s nice because you can just walk right outside your room and be on the beach. There are also two restaurants right outside so if you want to grab a quick bite you can.

Four Seasons Maui – If you can afford this, stay here. The Four Seasons is huge and incredibly beautiful. Highly recommend if you can afford it!

AirBnb – Most of my friends got airbnb’s for this trip. They all said it was the most affordable option and a lot of them really enjoyed their stay. One of the Airbnb hosts even cooked some fresh banana bread for my friend!

WHERE TO EAT

Piko Cafe – Don’t be fooled by this little hole in the wall at a strip mall. Piko Cafe had THE BEST Loco Moco I had all trip, and trust that I tried quiet a few places. This is a local spot, our Uber driver was very impressed that we had actually heard about it. That’s when you know it’s good. Definitely come here for breakfast.

Kihei Caffe – Such a fun brunch spot. Go early because they always have a line, and for good reason. The food here is delish and they have so many options!

Thai Food by Pranee – If you do Road to Hana definitely stop here for lunch. OMG. Literally some of the best Thai Food I’ve ever had. And be forewarned, their spicy is SPICY.

WHAT TO DO

Four Seasons Maui Spa – I was able to get a lymphatic drainage massage oceanside on the first day of my trip. It was much needed and honestly one of the best massages I’ve ever gotten. Definitely pay the extra $20 for oceanside service. It’s so relaxing to hear the waves crashing as you drift off into relaxation.

Old Lahaina Luau – This was my second luau ever. I went to one in Oahu a couple of years ago. These are always super fun and a must see if you are visiting Hawaii. It’s great because it’s open bar, amazing buffet food and you get to see a show. Many locals told us the Old Lahaina Luau was the best on the island so I’m glad we were able to go.

Road to Hana – I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t really looking forward to doing this because I hate being in the car for long but I’m SO glad I did! Highly recommend renting a convertible for this trip. It’s such a beautiful drive and you get to see some amazing scenes of waterfalls and beaches such as the Black Sand and Red Sand beach.

Swimsuit: Onia {on sale!} // Shorts: Abercrombie {similar}

If you guys have been to Maui, I would love to hear what you did in the comments below!

March 13, 2018

48 Hours in Charleston

Two weekends ago, I went to Charleston, SC for my birthday. I had never been to Charleston before but I’ve been curious about it since becoming obsessed with Southern Charm. Shep or Austen, if you’re single…call me. It looks like such a charming and quant town and I’ve been seeing more and more people travel there lately. I couldn’t wait to go. We only spent 48 hours in Charleston, but it was definitely enough to get a lot of things in! Here are some of the places I would recommend going if you are visiting Charleston for a short weekend trip.

To Do

Rainbow Row: Rainbow Row is located in downtown Charleston. It’s got the most beautiful painted buildings (picture above and below). This is a photographers dream. It’s absolutely stunning.

Magnolia Plantation: Located about 20 minutes outside of downtown, this plantation is worth the drive. They have stunning landscape and gardens. You can take tours of the plantation or just walk around like we did.

King Street: Now this is kind of generic because King St. runs pretty much all throughout Charleston but it’s got the best shopping. It’s such a cute street with tons of different places to stop in and shop, or eat.

Ride a Rickshaw: When you’re walking down the streets of Charleston, you’ll notice a bunch of guys on bikes driving people around town. We took two rickshaw rides during our stay and not only was it super fun but it was a great way to see the town.

Eat and Drink

The Gin Joint: This was one of my favorite spots we went to. It’s a small hole in the wall dive bar. They have this drink called the Bartender’s Choice where you choose two words from a list and the bartender makes you whatever he wants. I highly recommend this, it’s super fun to do. They also had DELICIOUS bar food. The pretzels were amazing.

Cannon Green: This was my favorite brunch spot. Not only is it visually stunning, the food was incredible. They had this banana bread that we shared and it was seriously to die for. They also had a DJ spinning tunes on Sunday, and they give you cute little cards to request a song. The extra touch did not go unnoticed!

Restoration Rooftop Bar: We stopped by here after a long day of walking for a drink and snacks. They had delicious cocktails and the most yummy cheese board.

Black Tap Coffee: I’m obsessed with Julia from Gal Meets Glam and she recommended this coffee place so I had to go. I got a brown sugar iced latte and it was SO SO good. I’m still dreaming about it.

Overall, my trip to Charleston was such a blast. I would love to visit the city again and explore some more! If you guys have ever been to Charleston, let me know your favorite spots so I can add them on the list for next time!

October 18, 2016

5 Travel Tips You Need To Know

I’ve done my fair share of traveling through the years. Whether you’re traveling abroad, or even for a quick weekend away here are some travel tips I’ve picked up along the way.

1. Use a Rewards Credit Card

Reward credit cards are my jam. Seriously, you can get free airline tickets for just going about your life and spending like you normally would. I have two airline credit cards that I put EVERY purchase on. The two CC’s that I use are the Delta American Express card, and American Airlines Barclay card. I’ve been able to redeem miles on both cards to get free flights! If you use your credit card often, I highly recommend getting an airline card that will rack up miles. **If anyone wants a referral to get FREE miles when they sign up, leave your email below!**

2. Use Hopper to Track Best Airline Fares

If you haven’t heard of Hopper, what are you doing? I mentioned Hopper in a previous post about my favorite phone apps. If you’re planning a trip, download Hopper and put in the dates of your trip. Hopper will keep track of when airlines reduce prices and send you push notifications straight to your phone. They will tell you if they think the price is as low as it will get or if they think you should wait to book.

3. Call Your Banks Ahead of Time

This might sound like common knowledge but you would be surprised how many people forget this step. If you are traveling far, be sure to call your bank and let them know where and when you will be traveling. Nothing is worse than to get to your destination and try to use your credit card, only to be declined. Give your bank a heads up so you don’t have to deal with them later.

4. Properly Pack Your Carry-On

Traveling is all fun and games until someone loses your luggage. Unfortunately this has happened to me many times. As much as this sucks and it’s totally OK to freak out when it happens, if you prep your carry-on you can freak out a little less. Always pack an extra set of clothes in your suitcase. If the airline loses your luggage you don’t want to be stuck wearing the same outfit you wore on the plane. I also like to keep my makeup in my carry-on (make sure it’s TSA approved!). Also don’t forget to pack your chargers. The worst thing that could happen is you lose your luggage and your phone dies! Remember to pack items to make your flight experience a good one. My in-flight essentials are an eye mask, ear plugs, and headphones. It’s better to be over prepared than not.

5. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Okay, so now you’re on a flight. Planes are notorious for drying out your skin. The best way to combat the dry air is by hydrating. I always like to buy a big water bottle before getting on the plane and start drinking it before take off. Once the flight attendants come around and offer drinks, I like to stick to water as well. Another tip for long flights is to put on moisturizer or a face mask. If you don’t want to scare the people around you, choose a face mask that will dry clear. Some of my favorites are by Sisley, and Laneige.

Let me know in the comments below if you guys have any other travel tips! Happy traveling!

September 20, 2016

A Day At The Getty

Shirt: H&M // Jeans: Frame Denim {similar} // Bag: Gucci {similar} // Sunglasses: Foster Grant {similar} // Necklace: LVL Collective {similar} and BaubleBar // Ring: LVL Collective // Earrings: Anita Ko // Shoes: Anthropologie {similar}

Last week my mom came to town which was super exciting because it had been a couple years since she was in LA. Most of the week we just hung out around the house while my mom cooked all of my favorite home cooked meals (#winning)! On the last day of her trip, my roommates and I took her to The Getty museum. We went to the Brentwood location, not the Malibu one. This was my first time at The Getty. I had heard great things from a lot of people, but I was still shocked to see how beautiful the grounds were. The Getty has one of the most spectacular views of all of LA.

While at The Getty, we checked out one of the buildings with paintings and photography. We saw Monet and Van Gough paintings, which were really awesome to see up close. After checking out the artwork, we walked over to the garden. The garden was so beautiful, serious GOALS. The scenery was incredible. I enjoyed walking around and just looking at the architecture of the buildings just as much as the artwork inside of them.

If you like museums and are in the LA area, I highly recommend checking out The Getty. I would definitely go back again and check out some of their other exhibits!

December 15, 2015

48 Hours in San Francisco

This past weekend, Brigitte and Becca and I traveled to San Francisco to visit my friend Sarah who was in town for a convention. None of us had ever been to San Francisco before so we embarked on this crazy 48 hour adventure. We tried to fit as many fun things into our schedule as we could. We ended up walking ALOT (about 30,000 steps according to Brigitte’s Fitbit to be exact). Here were some of my favorite spots in San Francisco.

Ghirardelli Square: Located near Fisherman’s Wharf, we took a stroll to Ghirardelli Square. At the square, they had the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate Manufactory. If you are of lover of ice cream, this is a must have. Their hot fudge is to die for. I got the Ocean Beach with Caramel and Hot Fudge, it was the bomb.com.

Alcatraz: Go. If you’re in San Francisco, go. This is a must see attraction. Definitely buy tickets ahead of time because the tours sell out. You get to take a nice ferry ride over to Alcatraz, where you can see views of the entire city. Once on the island you take an audio tour through the prison grounds. There’s so much history on this island and it’s crazy to see the actual location of the prison. If you like history, definitely go check out Alcatraz.

The Butler and The Chef: Brunch is one of my favorite meals, if you couldn’t tell by the name of my blog. This little French bistro is definitely worth the wait. Their food is AMAZING. Everything is so freshly made, and tastes so good. Not to mention they bring you pieces of fudge with your check. It’s SO good.

Dandelion Chocolate: Another fabulous chocolate spot in SF. This place is more for the refined palette, those who like dark and bittersweet chocolate. Brigitte and I went here and ordered basically everything on their menu. Although we weren’t able to finish it all, it was definitely worth the purchase. Also, get their homemade marshmallow, it’s everything.

Tacolicious: For our last meal in SF, we got some Mexican at Tacolicious. There was a huge wait, and it was because the food and drinks were delicious. Their queso and carnitas tacos were my favorite. For those drinkers out there who like a little spice in their life, get the Margarita Picante, it’s muy deliciouso.

What are your favorite spots in SF?

April 27, 2015

The Blues

Shirt: Blue by Saks Fifth Avenue // Jeans: Frame Denim // Bag: Gucci // Shoes: Steve Madden (similar) // Necklace: BaubleBar (similar) // Sunglasses: Stephane Christian in Monroe

Last week I was fortunate enough to travel to Korea with my parents to visit family that I hadn’t seen in about eight years. On Tuesday, my parents and I traveled into Seoul to visit some family friends. Earlier that morning I had stopped by the store and picked up these AMAZING Stephane Christian sunglasses. I’m OBSESSED. Living in California has officially made me a sunglasses girl.

Later that day my dad dropped me off at Itaewon so that I could do a little shopping. There were street vendors as well as a bunch of different boutiques both Korean and American. I picked up a bunch of small cosmetic items which I will be doing a haul post shortly! I also got a delicious Green Tea Bubble Tea which was definitely the highlight of my day. It was fun to see all the different Korean stores and check out the brands that weren’t available in the States. I definitely wish I had more time to explore and shop. If you’re ever in Seoul, definitely take a walk in Itaewon…it’s a sight to see!

PS: This necklace I’m wearing was a safety hazard and almost didn’t get me through security. Luckily, I made it through with both myself and my necklace!

April 15, 2015

What’s In My Carry-On

Traveling for me is a love-hate relationship. I love to travel the world and explore new places, but I hate packing and unpacking (and the actual “travel” part of the trip). Since I’m going to Korea in a couple days, I wanted to share with you what items I will be bringing in my carry-on.

1. Laptop – This is a MUST, especially on those long international flights where there is a lot of waiting around. Catch up on emails, watch a movie or just surf the web.

2. Camera – If I’m traveling some where special, especially outside of the country, I like to bring my Digital SLR camera. There’s nothing better than looking back through old pictures, so it’s nice to have them on a camera vs. a phone.

3. Sleep Eye Mask – I’m one of those people that needs complete darkness to sleep, so an eye mask is crucial for some in-flight shut eye.

4. Extra Set of Clothes – There have been multiple times when my luggage unfortunately gets “lost” at the airport. That being said, you want to be prepared with at least one extra set of clothes, just in case.

5. Basic Makeup – Just like the above, in case the airlines decide to lose your bags, I like to keep my basic makeup with me; foundation, mascara, eyeliner, blush.

6. Moisturizer – Airplanes are notorious for drying out your skin. The recycled air on planes sucks out all the moisture in your face. I like to apply a moisturizer or night cream on my face as soon as I get on a plane to ensure that my skin behaves the rest of the trip.

7. Neck Pillow – Sleeping on a plane is never comfortable, but having a neck pillow can assist slightly in helping you fall asleep.

8. Headphones – Although most airplanes provide headphones for you, I like to bring my own heavy-duty noise canceling headphones.

9. Earplugs – Nothing is worse than a snoring person or crying baby on a flight when you’re trying to sleep. Bring earplugs, you’ll thank me later.

10. Wallet – Of course when traveling you don’t want to forget the essentials; money, ID and your passport.

What do you like to bring in your carry-on?

December 30, 2014

What’s In My Travel Makeup Bag

For someone who is a makeup hoarder like myself, it’s difficult to only choose a few items to take with you on vacation. Lucky for me, this cute bag by Pamela Barsky is big enough to hold all of my favorite essentials (and the quote basically sums up my life). Here is what is currently in my travel makeup bag:

1. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation in Beige

2. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink

3. MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural in Medium

4. MAC Mineralized Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle

5. MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly

6. MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW20

7. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer

8. Nars Blush in Desire

9. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Flush

10. e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit in Medium

11. Rimmel London ScandalEyes Retro Glam Mascara in Extreme Black