Ana Rebeca 2/12/16 Ana Rebeca 2/12/16

Locals Only: 6 Reasons Why Locals Are the Best Travel Guides

Wouldn't it be great to be a local everywhere you went? Now it's possible to connect with locals wherever you travel to get the best advice. After all, locals know best and here are 6 reasons why.

Locals Only: 6 Reasons Why Locals Are The Best Travel Guides

Wouldn't it be so great if you could be a local everywhere you traveled? You would know the best burger in town, which bartender serves the stiffest drinks, the best thrift shop to score vintage designer duds, or even the prettiest spot in the park... It would be amazing (and not to mention save a ton of time on trip planning)!

Well, even though that's not possible...what if you had a local friend in every city? Someone who shares or understands your interests. Someone you could trust to give you the best advice on where to go and what to see. Someone you could text and get second-by-second updates on what to do next. After all, everyone knows that locals know best! Here are 6 reasons why locals are the best travel guides.

1. You connect with a human being, not automated suggestions

Sure, Yelp and TripAdvisor are great sources to use for traveling; but consulting a local about what the 'real' great things to do are is priceless. How else are you supposed to find that obscure, seedy dive bar in the middle of a *probably* questionable neighborhood if you don't ask a local?!

Using a local as your tour guide is the best option because you get a personalized connection and the opportunity to chat in real-time about suggestions. The world we live in is so driven by technology that it's nice to get back to connecting one-on-one with another person to discover information. It's easy to get overwhelmed with so many automated messages constantly coming at us--especially for travel recommendations.

2. They understand how to match your interests with their recommendations

*Juliette Restaurant, Brooklyn, 135 N 5th St*

Have you ever been in the mood for something while traveling and can't seem to find exactly what you're looking for? Like, maybe you're trying to find cheap-but-awesome Korean BBQ shrimp tacos at a chill restaurant that serves craft beer...or maybe a cocktail lounge that makes you feel like you've escaped into Alice and Wonderland. If you typed those things into a search engine, you probably wouldn't find what you're looking for.

Locals know these kinds of things. They know exactly the kinds of places that match your interests and will deliver to the best of their knowledge. "I want to walk into a speakeasy that feels like I stepped back in time into The Great Gatsby." "Done." "I want a restaurant/bar that feels like I just got done surfing with my friends in Hawaii." "Got it." "I want a coffee so strong that will keep me up until tomorrow." "Strange, but ok!" Locals will always share the best of what you're looking for.

3. They are flexible with your time and money

Another great thing about connecting with a local one-on-one is that you can be honest with them about your time frame or budget. Whether you only have 2 hours to explore and an unlimited budget or the entire day and you want to only do free things, locals will always give you the top suggestions based on your parameters.

Since they know the lay of the land, they can give you personalized suggestions on what to do or what to skip based on your time and money situation. They can also tell you when to visit certain spots based on their knowledge of the city. Maybe you want to beat rush hour or wait until everyone is busy with lunch. Locals always know these secret little details.

4. They give you the best of the best

*Blind Barber, Brooklyn, 524 Lorimer St*

When you're visiting somewhere new and getting advice from a local, they typically want to make sure that you walk away from that trip raving about how amazing XYZ location is. It's that hometown pride! They would never want you going around the world bashing the city the live in. You're going to be 'in the know' with a local's tips.

Locals will always give you the best of the best recommendations. You'll get the real inside scoop on where the best burger is, where the best bars are, where the trendiest speakeasy is, etc. It's much more exciting to feel like an insider and get exclusive advice from someone who actually lives there versus finding something with high or decent Yelp reviews.

5. You get a personalized itinerary

Not only are locals great at recommending places to go, see, and eat, but they could also give you a personalized itinerary based on your needs and desires. Whether you prefer specific instructions, loose suggestions, or comprehensive lists to select from, locals will know what to provide you with to really customize your visit.

Maybe you want to spend the entire day exploring their neighborhood and want an exact minute-by-minute itinerary; or maybe you want casual suggestions to pick and choose from throughout the weekend. Either way, locals have that inside knowledge to make sure you're getting everything you want out of the experience.

6. It saves you time from planning

*Woops Bakeshop, Brooklyn, 548 Driggs Ave*

Probably the best part of consulting a local about what to do in their city is the amount of time it saves you from all the planning. Forget spending hours on TripAdvisor, Pinterest, or travel forums. Save all of that time for something better and just have a local do all the planning for you! After all, they've already experienced it first-hand and know what's best. That aspect alone is priceless.

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Thankfully, this experience actually is possible! You CAN have a local friend in every city. With the innovative travel app Lokely, you can easily connect with like-minded locals around the world to get real-time advice on what to do wherever you're traveling. Imagine it: You'll instantly know the best bakery, the corner with the coolest street art, the clubs with the best music, or that speakeasy that is hidden behind the dumpster.

I used Lokely for the first time earlier this week when I explored the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg for a day. I had an awesome experience and could not have been happier with all of the unique local spots I was able to see because of my personalized itinerary from a local! I was even able to text them through the app and pick who I wanted to partner with based on our common interests.

You can download Lokely for free on the app store or click here. Set up your profile and start connecting with locals who share your interests today. Remember: Locals know best!

This post was sponsored by Lokely App. All opinions are my own.

3 Daily Habits to Increase Your Instagram Engagement

Having a high number of followers means nothing if you don't have the engagement to back it up. Discover 3 simple ways you can increase your Instagram engagement every day.

3 Daily Habits to Increase Your Instagram Engagement

Everyone out there is talking about 'how to grow your Instagram following' and 'how to get more followers fast on Instagram'; but what about the engagement that you have with those followers once you find them? A high number of followers means nothing if you don't have the engagement to back it up.

Brands and sponsors are starting to see that high engagement beats high following, which is great for bloggers, entrepreneurs, or brands who are just starting out or are already established. Work with what you already have and get people excited about your brand so you can continue to grow your business.

Luckily there are little things you can do every day to start boosting those engagement numbers to get more of your community responding. Here are 3 daily habits you can implement to increase your Instagram engagement.

*PS: You can watch my FREE INSTAGRAM TRAINING by clicking RIGHT HERE!

1. Consistently upload amazing content

Possibly the easiest and most important thing for you to do every day on Instagram is consistently upload stellar content. Doing this will do 3 things: It will allow you to continue to build your profile, attract new followers, and keep existing followers.

When potential new followers come to your account for the first time, they will judge your profile in less than 2 seconds to decide if they want to follow you or not. If you are constantly putting out great photos that look consistent (similar color schemes, common themes, same layouts, consistent posting schedule, etc.) it will entice people to hit that "Follow" button. People love consistency, so make sure you stick to it.

On the other side of that, you need to make sure you are uploading interesting photos to keep your current followers engaged as well. Give them the types of photos that made them excited to join your community in the first place. All it takes is 1 bad or annoying photo for people to hit "Unfollow."

If you're stuck on what types of photos receive the best engagement, take cues from the pros (I'm serious!). Look on popular accounts and see what's working for them. It's perfectly fine to seek out inspiration and get ideas for what you want to create. I do this every single day. I'll give you a couple hints: lighter photos outperform darker ones; selfies typically get 38% higher engagement; and popular landmarks and cityscapes typically get very high engagement.

Be consistent. Put out amazing content.

2. Find new accounts to connect with

People need to think of Instagram like it's a giant networking event. How do you expect to get noticed if you're sitting in the corner by yourself and not getting out into the room and meeting other people? The best way to grow your engagement (and your account) is by finding new accounts to connect with every day.

If you haven't already, figure out what niche your account fits into and then look for other people in your space to connect with. You can do this by searching hashtags, geotags, utilizing the IG Explore tab, or simply doing a Google search (ex: "best travel instagram accounts"). You can even look on your favorite accounts and see who they are following or who their followers are and connect with them.

Once you find these other accounts, be the first to engage with them. Follow them, like their pictures, comment on their pictures, share their pictures, tell them you love their feed, visit their blogs... You get the point. What you are ultimately doing is creating a community of people who have the same interests as you.

After you connect with new accounts every day, you will start to see the growth happening. Those same people who you reached out to will come back to your profile when they see your activity. They might also follow you, like your pictures, comment on your pictures, etc. It is an amazing chain reaction of networking that you can practice each day! Try connecting with a few more accounts each day and see where it gets you.

3. Respond to every comment

Nurturing your existing community is one of the biggest ways to increase your Instagram engagement. Something as simple as responding to comments left by your followers can make a huge difference in the long run.

Responding to comments humanizes you instead of making your followers feel like they are following someone they will never get in touch with. It makes them feel like they are part of the community and that you appreciate their support. There is something so special about a simple "Thanks!" (or any kind of acknowledgment) that makes your followers feel valued and keeps them around.

I understand that as your account grows, responding to every comment could take a lot of time and not be as productive (I sometimes only respond to comments every few days). Luckily there are plenty of other ways to engage with your current followers that don't include responding to comments. You can like their photos in return, feature their photos, leave nice comments on their account, etc. Remember: You're trying to build a community here, so make sure you're tending to it every day.

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The ultimate key to making these things successful is consistency.

You will only be able to build a strong and engaged Instagram community if you are consistent with these habits every day.

Put out great content, connect with new people, and engage with your existing followers. It takes a bit of time, but the results will be magnificent!

Want to learn how to get paid for your passion on Instagram and start making money with the following you already have?

My Instagram E-Course for bloggers, brands, and creatives will show you the way.

JUST CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

*PS: You can watch my FREE INSTAGRAM TRAINING by clicking RIGHT HERE!

Join me on Instagram! @thecitysidewalks

World's Best Cities for Romance

It's time for you and your lover to pack your bags and take a romantic trip together this year. Head to one of these international cities for romance and get ready to fall in love all over again.

World's Best Cities for Romance

Valentine's Day is coming up and love is in the air right now. Have you thought about taking a romantic vacation sometime this year with your partner? In the spirit of love--aka the world's universal language--we're counting down the world's best cities for romance. Visit one of these 15 cities and get ready to fall in love all over again!

1. Paris, France

The ultimate city of love! Nothing beats Paris when it comes to love. Romantic walks down the Seine, picnics in the Jardin du Luxembourg, freshly made macaroons and baguettes, the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower... It doesn't get any better than Paris. Come here and fall just as much in love with the city as you are with your honey.

2. Quebec City, Canada

This darling Canadian city is the perfect combination of old world charm, natural beauty, and new world conveniences. When you walk through Old Quebec you feel as if you have been transported straight to the 16th century. Stop by areas like Parc National de la Jacques Cartier to take in the gorgeous natural landscapes of the park, and then head to a Nordic spa, like Siberia Spa, to enjoy a little R&R with your partner.

3. Punta Mita, Mexico

This luxurious beach city is located just outside of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Punta Mita offers visitors gorgeous views of the Pacific, white sandy beaches, and high-class accommodations like the St. Regis and the Four Seasons (shown above). Come here if you and your lover enjoy relaxing in private cabanas along the beach, hitting the golf course for the day, spending the day at the spa, or seeing a more relaxed, quiet side of Mexico.

4. Florence, Italy

It's easy to see why so many European artists came to Florence to find their inspiration. This city is so charming and romantic because each corner is cuter than the next. Try some homemade pasta at a local spot, hold hands walking through Ponte Vecchio, eat gelato around the city, or kiss while looking over the Piazza Michelangelo.

5. Kyoto, Japan

*Image via travelsandpictures.wordpress.com*

This refined city in Japan is known for a slower pace of life and classic temples and gardens. See all of the historic Buddhist temples around the city, catch a glimpse of the Geishas in the Gion district, walk through the bamboo forest at Arashiyama, or see the famous gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha. Try to head to Kyoto during cherry blossom season when the trees are all in bloom!

6. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Not only is this city incredibly easy to get to from the United States (hello--you don't need a passport!), but it also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stay in El Convento in Old San Juan--which is an adorbale convent-turned-hotel--and then roam the streets of the old town through the day. Make sure you don't miss Flamenco Beach in Culebra, which is just a short ferry ride away from the coast of the island. It is stunning.

7. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is home to beautiful castles, 16th century architecture, cobble-stone streets, and stunning baroque decor. Stroll the streets and grab some food at a local cafe, enjoy some beer over a Czech dinner, or take a boat cruise along the Vltava River. Be sure to check out the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa, which is a castle-turned-hotel, for some great romantic vibes.

8. Santorini, Greece

Greece is more affordable than ever to visit, which makes it a perfect time to see the picturesque city of Santorini. Make sure you head to the edge of the town to see amazing views--sunrise, mid-day, and especially sunset--of the coastline. There's no arguing that the white and blue architecture of this town is incredibly dreamy!

9. Togean Islands, Indonesia

A lot of people immediately think of Bali when they think of places to see in Indonesia, but there are plenty of other great places to see too! The Togean Islands is an amazing romantic escape for travelers who want a more quiet and less touristy view of Indonesia. Purple sunsets, island life, and beautiful waters. What more do you need? Try island hopping around Karina beach or checking out Bajo Village during your visit.

10. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is a great city for romantics who love both the city and the natural worlds. Stay in the city center for shopping, great food, and galleries, the Yarra Valley for wineries, or hit up Great Ocean Road for some beaches, backpacking, or camping. If you're into the arts, be sure to check out the Southbank for plenty of things to do!

11. Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives

You really can't go wrong with anywhere in the Maldives, but Landaa Giraavaru is home to one of the most luxurious Four Seasons hotels in the world. The Maldives are known for their gorgeous, crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and romantic cabanas. Stay at a house along the water and be secluded with your partner, or stay at a 5-star hotel and be pampered all day long at the resort.

12. Cotswolds, England

Cotswolds literally looks like a real-life, fairytale town. Rent out a cottage and stroll the streets to see the beautiful town and it's gorgeous natural background. Have a picnic near Hidcote Manor Garden, go to one of the local cathedrals, or walk down Arlington Row.

13. Barcelona, Spain

If you have seen Vicky Cristina Barcelona, you know that this city is a must-see for romantics. Barcelona is perfect for roaming the streets to find adorable local spots. Indulge in some Catalan cuisine, take in the gothic style architecture, hit the beach for the day, or wander around Gaudi's Park Güell. This city comes alive at night, so don't forget to take a siesta and go out around 10pm for some tapas to start the night!

14. Bruges, Belgium

Even though it is rainy throughout most of the year in Bruges, the rain somehow adds to the charm of this amazing Belgian city. Walk hand-in-hand along the canals, stop in at a chocolate shop, share some waffles or fries at a local spot, or take in some of the unique Gothic style architecture around the city.

15. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Grab your dancing shoes and head straight to Buenos Aires for a hot, steamy getaway with your lover. Argentina is oozing with passion--from the food, to the tango, to the streets. The culture is alive and vibrant here, which makes it a must see for romantics. Share tapas over dinner, stroll the streets of La Boca, and definitely give tango a try!

What are your favorite romantic cities around the world? List your favorites below!

PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!

15 Romantic Getaways in the U.S.

Ditch the flowers and chocolates this year and sweep your lover off their feet with a lovely weekend vacation. Travel to one of these 15 romantic getaways in the United States!

15 Romantic Getaways in the U.S.

Love is in the air: Valentine's Day is just around the corner! If you haven't made your plans yet, why not surprise your honey with a lovely weekend vacation? Ditch the chocolates and roses for some much needed R&R at a cozy hotel. Here are 15 romantic getaways in the U.S. to make your Valentine's weekend as sweet as can be.

Sedona, Arizona

Starting out the list of romantic getaways is Sedona, Arizona. Consider going off the grid for the weekend with your partner and just taking in the nature around you. If hiking in nature isn't your thing, consider staying at one of Sedona's many spa resorts and enjoying some 5-star treatments. It's definitely a great city to escape and relax, away from all the hustle and bustle.

Miami, Florida

When you get to Miami you almost feel like you've escaped into another world. The air is spicier, the people are hotter, and the music is louder. It's a wonderful place to be. Hit South Beach by morning, stroll Ocean or Collins Avenue by afternoon, have dinner along Española Way in the evening, and end the night at a bumping night club. This city is a great escape for any fun, adventurous couple.

Big Sur, California

Get back to nature when you visit Big Sur, California. This town boasts some of the country's most exquisite views of the Pacific Ocean just along California's coastline. Stay at a luxurious spa or inn and get the royal treatment in between your hikes or drives through nature. Make sure you set aside plenty of time to take in those views!

Charleston, South Carolina

Enjoy the Southern comfort when you visit Charleston, South Carolina. This gorgeous town is known for its quaint B&Bs and luxurious hotel mansions, which makes it an excellent weekend destination for you and your love. Wander the tree-lined streets or take a carriage ride down the road to see stunning, old architecture.

Park City, Utah

Whether you like to hit the slopes or not, you really can't miss a romantic weekend in Park City, Utah. Rent one of those cute colorful cabins downtown, or stay in a ski-in/ski-out lodge along the mountains in Deer Valley. If you're really feeling the need to splurge, look into staying at the St. Regis Deer Valley and you'll be thrilled about the views you get to take in.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Feed your natural instincts for the weekend at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This could truly be an off-the-grid, natural experience for you and your partner to enjoy together. Go hiking together, take a hot air balloon ride, take a dip in the hot springs, spend the weekend at the spa, or cuddle up in a cabin in the woods.

La Jolla, California

There is so much to love about La Jolla, California. This cute SoCal town is full of romantic things to do for the weekend. Stay at La Valencia hotel, stroll through the town, see the animals at the cove, or watch the sunset over the beach. For a full weekend guide to La Jolla, click here!

New York, New York

New York will always hold a special place in my heart because it's where I fell in love. This city has everything for couples to do. Any type of restaurant you want, the best shows in the world, the most amazing urban parks, shopping, architecture... Ugh, the list goes on and on. NYC is truly a paradise for couples who love the city.

Savannah, Georgia

Steal kisses from your lover as you stroll down the charming Southern streets of Savannah, Georgia. No doubt you'll fall deeper in love in this quaint little town filled with cobblestone streets, Spanish moss, and waterfront architecture. Stay at a romantic inn or rent a house in the historic district of town. You really can't go wrong when you're in Savannah!

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Most people think to head to Cape Cod during the summer; but why not skip the crowds and save some money by heading there during the winter season? The views are just as gorgeous, but you'll likely find better deals. Cozy up with your love to look for light houses or watch the sunset over the water.

Maui, Hawaii

If you're lucky enough to be close to Hawaii (aka living on the west coast), consider hopping on a flight and heading over to Maui for a romantic weekend. Relax on the beach for the weekend, take the Road to Hana, visit one of the many picturesque waterfalls, or just hang around the spa for the weekend. It's Hawaii...are there really any bad choices?

Napa, California

Maybe it's all the wine, the luscious landscapes, or the tasty food scene, but Napa, California just oozes romance and luxury. This city, which is just a short drive away from San Francisco, is a great couples getaway that you can't miss out on. Sit back, sip your wine, and hold your honey's hand while soaking in the Napa sunset over the rolling vineyard hills.

Portland, Oregon

If you and your partner are into having a quirky, fun weekend, try out Portland, Oregon. This city is filled with unique things to do and places to go. They are known for their food and drink scene (craft beers, anyone?), as well as their incredible proximity to natural beauty. Make sure you visit at least one of the many parks nearby!

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, my home sweet home. It's impossible not to fall in love with this city when you visit with your lover. There's food, architecture, world-class museums, and so much more. You really can't go wrong when you spend time here; but if you want a killer view, hit up the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building. You will be thankful you didn't miss those views.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Whether your idea of a romantic weekend means eating your worries away with delicious cajun food, snuggling up listening to great music, or partying it up with the best of them on Bourbon street, New Orleans is sure to sweep you off your feet. Visit this sensual city for the weekend and take in the unique NOLA architecture, listen to jazz music, or stroll through Jackson Square.

What are your favorite romantic getaways in the United States? Comment below with other great suggestions!

PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!

Free Things to Do in New York City

NYC is expensive, but there are plenty of things to do around here that prove "free" doesn't have to mean "shitty." Check out these free things to do in New York City that help you stay active and explore culture.

Free Things to Do in New York City: 5 Ways to Be Active & 5 Ways to Explore Culture

New York City is expensive. Like, really expensive. A great cocktail starts at $15, dinner for two can easily be $100, taxis are almost $4 before you even move the car, and I'm not even going to get started on the cost of real estate...

It's easy to see your hard-earned money go quickly down the drain in New York City, so finding things to do for free (or on the reallll cheap) is so helpful to make sure this city doesn't suck you dry. Luckily I've been able to find some amazing things to do here that prove "free" doesn't have to mean "shitty." Here are some tips for free things to do in New York City in order to be active and explore culture.

5 Ways to Be Active:

1. Yoga To The People

This is hands down my favorite thing on this post. Yoga To The People is an amazing yoga studio (with multiple locations throughout the city) that offers free/affordable yoga classes to the masses. It is donation based, so you can pay what you are comfortable paying. And if you don't have a yoga mat, you can rent one for just $2. The classes are really, really good and very popular amongst New Yorkers. Go channel your inner yogi now!

2. Walk the High Line

The High Line is a beautiful, old, elevated railroad track that has been turned into an outdoor park/walkway for pedestrians. It connects the Meatpacking District, Chelsea, and bits of Hell's Kitchen all by this one stretch of track. You'll get amazing views of the city, the river, and even New Jersey by walking through the High Line. It's really great to come when it's nice and sunny out too.

3. Walk, bike, or skate across the Brooklyn Bridge

There's no better way to get stunning cityscape views of Manhattan and Brooklyn than by crossing the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Marvel at this architectural beauty while walking, biking, or skating 1.134 miles to cross it one-way. You'll definitely want to stop for pictures if you haven't already because it's too pretty not to oogle at the views from here.

4. Pick a neighborhood and walk around

Picking a neighborhood to get lost in and explore is a wonderful way to stay active and get to know the city better. My boyfriend and I love doing this on our days off together. We just pick a place that we want to get a deeper look at and spend the day wandering the streets. It's a fun way to walk a few miles on any afternoon.

5. Go Kayaking on the Hudson

If you're into kayaking, try out the free tours that you can take at the Downtown Boathouse. This company offers free tours and classes throughout the week when the weather is warmer. Services usually open up around April of every year.

Also try: Free ice skating or yoga in Bryant Park, biking around the city, or free yoga in Times Square in the summer.

5 Way to Explore Culture:

1. Visit Museums, Zoos, or Gardens

Many tourists aren't privy to the fact that NYC museums can actually be free to get into. There are tons of wonderful places that are either donation based or offer free nights to visit. Here are some great spots to check out:

African Burial Ground: Free all the time
American Museum of Natural History: Free the last hour it's open and admission price is "suggested"
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens: Free on Tuesdays and from 10am-12pm on Saturdays
Brooklyn Museum: Free first Saturday of the month
Bronx Museum: Free all the time
Bronx Zoo: Free on Wednesdays
El Museo del Barrio: Free the third Saturday of the month
Fashion Institute of Technology Museum: Free all the time
Guggenheim Museum: Free from 5:45-7:45pm on Saturdays
Hispanic Society of America Museum & Library: Free all the time
Japan Society: Free from 6-9pm on Fridays
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Admission price is "suggested"
MoMA: Free from 4-8pm on Fridays
National Museum of the American Indian: Free all the time
New York Botanical Garden: Free all day Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9-10am
New York Earth Room: Free all the time
New York Historical Society: Free from 6-8pm on Fridays
New York Aquarium: Free 3pm Fridays and 4pm in the summer
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: Free all the time
Socrates Sculpture Park: Free all the time (light shows & movies on Wednesdays in the summer)
Whitney Museum of American Art: Free from 7-9:30 on Fridays
9/11 Memorial Museum: Free from 5-8pm on Tuesdays

2. Hang in Parks

New York has plenty of parks to love throughout the city. Central Park, Bryant Park, Riverside Park, Battery Park, Madison Square Park, Washington Square Park, and the list goes on and on. Take a picnic and hang out in one of the many parks, see Shakespeare in the Park in Central Park, or catch a movie on the Astoria Park Great Lawn. All for free, and all for your enjoyment!

3. Take a Brooklyn Brewery Tour

The Brooklyn Brewery has been gaining more and more notoriety over the last few years, and hosting free tours every week has been a vital role in growing their presence in the community. Stop by the Brooklyn Brewery for a free tour every weekend to see how your favorite NYC beer is made. Tours are free from 1-5pm on Saturdays and 1-4pm on Sundays.

4. Sightsee in Midtown

There are so many modern and iconic beauties to love in Midtown. You can do any of the following things for free around this neighborhood:

Visit the New York Public Library
Walk through Grand Central Station to see the architecture
See Rockefeller Center (and the Christmas tree/lights on 5th Avenue during the holidays)
Take in the energy at Times Square
Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral
See the Empire State Building
See the Chrysler Building

5. Go to TV show tapings

Did you know that a lot of your favorite TV show tapings are actually free to attend? Yep! Jimmy Fallon, Kelly & Michael, The Today Show, and so many more! All you have to do is either show up or reserve your tickets ahead of time and get there early. Here is a list of shows that are currently offering free tickets to studio audiences.

Also try: Seeing the art in the Chelsea galleries, visiting Governor's Island, taking a tour at the Federal Reserve, or calling ahead at Juilliard to score free tickets to performances.

What are other free things you like to do around NYC? List any recommendations below!

PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!

8 Reasons Why You Can't Miss Out On the Women In Travel Summit

Join me in Southern California this year for Women In Travel Summit! I promise, you won't want to miss it. I've even provided a FREE discount code for you to get your tickets today!

8 Reasons Why You Can't Miss Out On The Women In Travel Summit

Plus a FREE Discount Code for 10% off!

Attention ladies who love to travel! Clear your schedules March 18-20 because I have the perfect weekend getaway for you. The women's travel community Wanderful is putting on their annual Women In Travel Summit and you seriously cannot miss out on this.

If you haven't been before, it is basically an amazing group of women from all over the world who come together over their passion for travel. Doesn't matter if you are an old/new blogger, travel industry professional, or just love to travel whenever you get the chance...this is definitely a community worth being part of.

This year's summit is taking place on March 18-20, 2016, in sunny Southern California. If you're on the fence, or just don't know a lot about it, here are 8 reasons why you can't miss out on WITS 2016!

1. Escape to SoCal for the weekend

The winter blues are in full swing right now, and there is really nothing better than escaping to a warm destination to feel good again. This year's conference is being held at the Hotel Irvine in Irvine, California. Orange County, beaches, shopping, and sunshine in the winter sounds good to me!

Irvine is booming right now and has so much to offer in addition to being super close to hot spots like Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, La Jolla, San Diego, and more! It is also just a quick drive from LAX airport in case you were hoping to hang around Los Angeles before or after the conference.

2. Meet other women who share your passion

The thing I love most about WITS is that it brings together incredible women from all over the world who all have 1 thing in common: their love for travel. You'll be able to meet bloggers, fellow travelers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. There's something even more special about it being all women though. Like we are all here to support and connect with each other :)

I seriously can't emphasize enough how amazing of a community it is. I have formed and bonded long-term friendships with many of the women I met and mingled with at every WITS. Everyone I've met has been very genuine and there to have a great time!

3. Free tours and activities

If you've never been to a travel conference or summit, one of the best perks is the free goodies. You will have the opportunity to go on exclusive tours and excursions before and after the conference all in exchange for doing what you do best: Sharing your experiences with others!

This year there will be opportunities to see many parts of Southern California including Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, and many more. A full list of activities will be available before the conference for everyone who is registered.

4. A chance to Market yourself or your business

If you're an entrepreneur, blogger, or business owner, think of WITS as a weekend vacation, with a giant networking party, where you will also learn a lot. It is the perfect opportunity for you to meet and mingle with other people in order to market yourself or your business.

Last year, there were women who were writing books, launching blogs, or starting partnerships and they were able to network with the women there and share their endeavors. It is a great place to start and grow business relationships for whatever you are currently working on. Make sure you don't forget your business cards!

5. Learn amazing and diverse content

At the core of it, WITS is a conference for people to come and learn from other like-minded individuals. What I love most about the content at WITS is how organized it is. The content is always really great and consistent. It's cool to listen to the different speakers too, and there's a chance you might recognize some of them too!

There are typically 3 main categories (or "tracks" as they call them) that you can choose from: Entrepreneur, Blogger, and Traveler. Throughout the weekend, there are sessions going on in each of these categories. You can mix and match which ones you attend and get a taste of each of them (this is my preferred method), or you can stick to one for the whole weekend and learn as much as you can within that category.

6. Meet Industry Reps Face-to-Face

In addition to attracting bloggers, entrepreneurs, and travelers alike, WITS is also a great place to meet Travel Industry Reps. Whether they are representatives from tourism boards, airlines, product lines, or anything else, it is a prime opportunity for you to network and meet these people to get your name out. You can learn first hand what these companies are looking for in terms of partnerships or freelance opportunities.

Last year at WITS, I had the pleasure of meeting a representative from the Quebec City CVB and she taught me so much about how to break into the industry as a new blogger. She shared a lot of do's and don'ts of the industry, which helped me start new partnerships with companies that I worked with after.

7. You could get jobs because of it

Piggy-backing off of my last point, when you meet industry reps and other people at this massive networking event, there is a good chance you could get an awesome business opportunity because of it. All you have to do is put in the effort of networking a little bit and knowing when you can offer your expertise to people who need it. It is a perfect return on your investment!

Just because I simply attended WITS last year, I got a sponsored press trip to Quebec City, I was invited to join the WITS Planning Team, and I got my blog recognized by a few big-name brands. One of my friends met a business coach who helped her write a book, and another friend got to start new brand sponsorships with companies she met there. There are seriously so many great opportunities that can come out of this event that it is ridiculous not to go.

8. Parties!

Last, but certainly not least, are all the fun parties you will get to attend when you come to WITS. Maybe I'm a little biased because I'm a leader on the Events Committee, but take that as a hint that we've got something special up our sleeves for you. All of the events this year are going to be really exciting and come with plenty of food, activities, beverages (maybe some of the adult kind?!?!), and goodies!

So there you have it! 8 reasons why you can't miss out on the Women In Travel Summit this year. Are you ready to join me in California this March 18-20?!

AND GUESS WHAT? I have a special discount code for you to get 10% off your ticket right now too. Just use the code "anawits" when you check out!

Get My WITS Ticket Now!

*Cover and Pin image via favim.com

A Weekend Guide to Newport Beach

Surf's up everybody! Time to head to Newport Beach for the weekend. Find out what to eat, where to stay, and what to do on any budget.

A Weekend Guide to Newport Beach

Surf's up everybody! We're heading to Newport Beach, California for the weekend. This lively SoCal hot spot is a great weekend getaway for people of all ages who are looking to soak in the sun and feel the vibes of the town.

Grab your surfboard and hit the waves (or watch the pros do it at The Wedge) in the morning. Walk the pier or the beach after brunch at a local spot, then head to Balboa or Fashion Island for some afternoon shopping. Top the night off with dining and drinking at one of Newport's hottest restaurants. This guide is your perfect go-to manual for finding places to eat, sleep, and hang out on any budget in Newport Beach!

Budget:

Cassidy’s Bar & Grill, 2603 Newport Blvd
Crocker’s The Well Dressed Frank, 211 Marine Ave, Ste A
The Trough, 705 E Balboa Blvd
Lotus Bistro, 325 Old Newport Blvd, Ste 1
Wild Taco, 407 31st St

Also try: My Galley, Cafe Zuzu & Coco, Blue Mediterranean Cafe, or Big Belly Deli

Moderate:

The Beachcomber Cafe, 15 Crystal Cove
The Cannery, 3010 Lafayette Rd
Mama D’s Italian Kitchen, 3012 Newport Blvd
True Food Kitchen, 451 Newport Center Dr
C’est Si Bon, 149 Riverside Ave

Also try: Bluewater Grill, R+D Kitchen, Juliette Kitchen & Bar, or The Beach Barrel

Luxury:

A Restaurant, 3334 W Coast Hwy
Kitayama, 101 Bayview Pl
Javier’s, 7832 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Mastro’s Ocean Club, 8112 E Coast Hwy
Andrea at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Rd S

Also try: 21 Oceanfront, The Winery, or San Shi Go