Botanical Gardens in Swaziland

Monique and I both attended Crossroads School, an extremely small college prepratory high school in St. Louis, MO. I recently learned of her trip to Africa and after viewing what must have been about 500 pictures (I’m just playing, maybe it was 200 pictures…and just MAYBE I looked at all of them) in the Kodak Gallery, there was no doubt that she had to be featured as our JetSet Diva of the Month. Please read her ‘virtual interview’.

Recently you visited South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland… How did you choose such a beautiful land to visit? I always wanted to go to Africa for my dream trip, and I’ve actually been to Tunisia, northern Africa, but it was nothing like everyone imagined Africa to be. One of my good friend’s was sent to Lesotho for her Peace Corps assignment in November 2006 and that’s when I decided that I would go to the southern part of the continent and I had at least 2 years to plan.

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve Park

Did you immerse yourself in the culture? What are the glaring differences in everyday life between Africa and the USA?
I immersed myself in the culture immediately because I stayed with two of my friends in a hut, with no running water for 3 nights. We had to fetch water and boil it to use it. I used an outhouse for a toilet. I definitely made use of hand sanitizer, baby wipes, and Ponds facial wipes…LOL. I visited the village school where my friend taught and hung with the students there. The students who attended the school ranged in age from 9 to early 20s, which was definitely a major difference from the states.

What are some of the other places you have visited domestically and internationally? Which is your favorite location and why? I visited too many places domestically to list, but the west coast is definitely one of my favorite places. Internationally, I’ve been to Costa Rica, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Andorra, Tunisia, Germany, and Italy. Of those places, it’s toss up between Spain and Italy. I think I’m a little bias towards Spain because that’s where I studied abroad in Barcelona for 3 months, so I was more comfortable with the culture, language, and people.

Coast of the Indian Ocean

When planning a trip, how much do you consider affordability and what tactics do you use to keep your trip on budget?
I’m a very fugal person, so cost is always considered. There are a few key ways to keep cost down on a trip…
1. LODGING: If you can, visit a place where you know someone (friends or family). Having a free place to stay for a few nights could save you money. If you don’t anyone in the place you’re visiting, look into hostels instead of hotels. You can get some of the same amenities for cheaper.
2. FOOD: Buying groceries and preparing my own food has saved me hundreds of dollars on my trips. You can always eat PB&J, a granola bar and a piece of fruit for lunch. You can have a nicer dinner that way.
3. MONEY: Exchange a small amount of money in the beginning. Sometimes when you have more money, you tend to spend it. If you have a limited amount of money you will be less likely to buy unnecessary things. You can always use an ATM or a credit card and get a better exchange rate.
4. SOUVENIRS: This is always gets people in trouble. I know family and friends tell you to bring them something back, but gifts can seriously hurt you. Think of creative, thoughtful, and cheap gifts that people can’t get back home, and they’ll love it.

What is your dream destination?
Before my trip, it was Africa, but since I’ve been now I would have to say India or Japan now.


What are your next vacation plans?
I’m thinking of doing Carnival in South America in 2009. We’ll see how that works out!

Final thoughts…
1. Pack light in one big travel pack. I never had to worry about my luggage being lost or having to wait in baggage claim because I traveled with an oversized travel back pack.

2. Make copies of all travel documents so you don’t have to carry them around with you when you go to places like a beach, club, or any activity. Leave copies back home too.

Give us your best shot(s) (a photo from your travels) and the story behind it.
I love these pics of the giraffe!! I took them on a safari through Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in the Kwazulu-Natal area of South Africa.





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Want to share your travel experiences? Join our online community…and you just might be featured in our JetSet Diva or JetSetter (we’ve got love for the guys too!) of the Month column.

I looked near and far - read all the email newsletters - checked out all the event sites - looked at EVERY ning community site we belong to - “Googled” my fingers off and I am now ready to present to you the Hottest List (self-proclaimed) of Summer and Fall 2008 Festivals.

Bahamas Junkanoo Summer Festival
Date: June 12th - August 19th
Place: Grand Bahama Island, Nassau, Bahamas

Reggae Sumfest 2008
Date: July 17th - 19th
Place: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Performers: Lil’ Wayne, Keisha Cole, T-Pain, Elephant Man, Beenie Man and more…

Party in Palm Springs
Date: July 25th - 27th
Place: Palm Springs, California (Palm Springs Wyndham Resort)

Adamari Caribbean Summer Festival 2008
Date: July 27th
Place: Long Island Queen Mary Park - Long Beach, California
Price: $50 in Advance, $60 at the gate, $100 VIP, 9 & under Free
Performers: Shabba Ranks, Lady Saw, Junior Reid, Cham, Felisa Marisol, Richie Kupone and more…

The 5th Annual Turks And Caicos Music and Cultural Festival
Date: July 28th - August 4th
Place: Turks and Caicos
Performers: Lionel Richie, LL Cool J, Anita Baker, Ne-Yo, Rickey Smiley and more…

Barbados Crop Over
Date: July 28th - August 4th
Place: Barbados

Caribana
Date: July 31st - August 4th
Place: Toronto, Canada

A.T.I - R.T.I Weekend (A.K.A Jamaica Independence Weekend)
Date: July 31st - August 4th
Place: Negril, Jamaica

Lollapalooza
When: Aug. 1-3
Where: Chicago, IL
It will cost you: $190-$205/three-day pass
Headliners: Kanye West, Gnarls Barkley, Radiohead, Lupe Fiasco, Rage Against the Machine and more…

Anguilla Summer Festival 2008
Date: August 2nd - 12th
Place: Northern Leeward Islands - Anguilla, BWI
11 days of carnival and boatracing activities

The London Notting Hill Carnival
Date: August 22-25, 2008
Place: London, England (Notting Hill)

Labor Day Getaway Weekend
Date: August 29 - Sept 1, 2008
Place: San Juan, Puerto Rico

BumberShoot
Seattle’s Music & Art Festival
Date: August 30 - September 1, 2008
Place: Seattle, WA - Seattle Center
Featuring: Keyshia Cole, T.I., Stone Temple Pilots, Neko, Estelle, Adele, Jakob Dylan, !!! and much much more….too much to list!

Mr. Caribbean International 2008
Date: October 6 -13, 2008
Place: Hedonism III

Bermuda Music Festival
Date: October 1-4, 2008
Place: Bermuda
Performers: Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Steve Harvey, Bill Bellamy, Aaron Nevile and more…

That’s all I got! If you venture out let us know about. Upload your pictures to the Jet Set Community www.TwoJetSetDivas.ning.com

Contributing Source: Black Beach Week.com
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Carrie and I attended undergraduate school together at Xavier University of Louisiana. Through our alumni website we were recently in touch and I realized that she likes to travel as much as we do! With travels to Africa, Costa Rica, South America and throughout the United States (and her willingness to answer a ton of questions on the fly) she became our JetSet Diva of the Month. Please read her ‘virtual interview’.






Recently you visited Zimbabwe in South Africa . How did you choose such a beautiful land to visit? I was chosen to participate in a medical mission trip with an organization called Operation of Hope. This organization operates on children with cleft lip and/or palate or with vascualr malformations. The goal is to supply the families and communities with needed but unattainable servicees. Once I realized I was going I read up on Zimbabwe and found that it has some natural wonders that I would not want to miss.

Did you immerse yourself in the culture? What are the glaring differences in everyday life between Zimbabwe and the USA?
Because of our busy schedules we did not do many things outside of the hospital during the work week. My immersion was really with the hospital staff who were so gracious and helpful. Through them, I learned many things about the Zimbabwe culture and traditions. During the time that we visited Zim (a nickname for the country) the people were going through political turmoil with the presedential elections. Zim, I found, was in the past a flourishing country at the time of its independence from Great Britain in 1980. However, over the last ten years, this country that had been one of the most literate and economically stable nations in south africa, has changed drastically. 90% of the population is unemployed, there are food shortages, access to health care is almost nonexistent, inflation rate is 2.2 million percent, the younger generation is becoming more and more illiterate, and in order to survive many of the successful, educated and intelligent professionals are leaving the country. So why was this a great trip? Because of the people. They were most welcoming people I’ve met. There were no differences between us after introductions. I was considered a sister and not an American or a black from the U.S. There was so much fire inside of them to make their country better for its people. They are a peaceful people with contentment, patience, and understanding that I could not match. I was overwhelmed with their qualities in light of the political turmoil and economic hardships. It made me appreciate the spoils I have at home and shed a new light on how I treat people or the things I take for granted.

What are some of the other places you have visited domestically and internationally? Which is your favorite location and why? I’ve been to Africa, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Mexico… Almost every state domestically except Alaska and Hawaii. My favorite location was my recent trip to Zimbabwe.
The scenery is outstanding. The air is fresh and bush was so beautiful. I can understand how it is the beginning of life for us. Once I deplaned and took in the first sight, I was completely overwhelmed with calm and tranquility like I was finally home. During my 3 week trip we went to local markets, met artists, graduate students, and everyday people. The highlight of the trip was our weekend excursion to a safari park where we were engulfed by nature. We rode elephants, played with them in the water, we went on a lion hunt where we watched a feeding–at night!! We played with lion cubs, did a horsebacking riding safari tour, particpated in local dancing and ate local cuisine. It was great!

When planning a trip, how much do you consider affordability and what tactics do you use to keep your trip on budget?
I’ve never been good with budgets, but I only take a limited amount of money. I buy gifts for family and friends first, then myself. I always buy what will match the decor of my home, not just what looks good. I never buy around the resort or hotel. I try to take obscure tours (will guides of course) to areas where the people are. Those are the best shopping trips. Also, I talk to people I meet. In Nicaragua, we met an American couple that retired there while coming out of a restaurant. She took us shopping and showed us the real exprience. The only time I consider affordability is in deciding how long I need to stash money to afford my trip!

What is your dream destination?
Ive always wanted to go the Australia, but my dream is to travel through South America and see every city…..like Che Guevara!


Final thoughts…
Travel, Travel, Travel…..by yourself, with friends, or with a mate, but its an experience you will never forget!!!!

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Want to share your travel experiences? Join our online community…and you just might be featured in our JetSet Diva or JetSetter (we’ve got love for the guys too!) of the Month column.

Which is your favorite location and why? What’s your dream destination?
I would say that my favorite destination has been Paris. I’ve been there so many times since I was a girl. I adore Paris, and my favorite past-times have been shopping in the food, clothing, and antique markets where I can find incredible deals and haggle with the vendors. I love the carousels, and I love taking a bike ride down the Champs Élysées and around the Eiffel Tower at night when it lights up. I love taking an African dance class in the Belleville section, and then heading over to one of the cheap Vietnamese, Arab or Indian restaurants for a savory meal. Or sometimes I will buy a freshly roasted chicken and a baguette there at a fraction of the price of what it would cost in other parts of the city. There is nothing like walking through the Barbés section where African and Arab vendors line the streets with exotic spices and produce. I love getting a cup of mint tea from one of the street vendors, and I have been chasing that taste here in the U.S. I can’t find it.

I would love to go to the south of France and to Tuscany. I have friends staying in both, so it should be exciting!

When planning a trip, how much do you consider affordability and what tactics do you use to keep your trip on budget? Many of my friends and family don’t know that when I decide to take a trip, it has actually been planned months in advance. I’m just very secretive about it, until maybe a month, or even weeks or days before I depart. So people don’t realize that, as spontaneous as I may seem, travel takes a good amount of planning and research. I usually buy my tickets from hotwire.com, lastminute.com, or a local travel agent specializing in fares to the area I am going to. I am a very budgeted traveler, so I try to make my dollar stretch.

When I am looking for a hotel, I try to find something that is inexpensive and clean, although sometimes it’s hard when you don’t know the area. I think people should remind themselves that they are going on vacation to view the area, not be in a hotel–I actually spend very little time in my hotels, so luxury is never at the top of my list.

As for food, I try to buy things in America that I think will be expensive in the area I am going to. For many developing countries, any export is exorbitantly expensive, so I bring hair products and toiletries. Bottled water can always be purchased in town, and is usually a pittance, so there is no need to bring large amounts of water in your luggage. I try to set an amount for what I would like to spend each day, but if you are traveling to many places, you may find something in one area, that you may not find in another. For instance, when I was in Jaipur, I found a very elaborate embroidered bed sheet that is native to the Rajisthani state. I had not seen it in Delhi or in Agra, and if I didn’t purchase it, I might not have it today. It caused me to go over budget, but I will never regret it. Know the difference between an impulse buy and something truly unique.

What are your next vacation plans?
My next vacation will be to my family’s native country, Haiti. I have never been there, and I am teased constantly for traveling the world while never having been to Haiti. In 2009 I will visit Japan, and stay there for a year or more possibly.

Any words of travel wisdom you’d like to share?
Keep your money, and your documents as close to your body as possible. I often carry a waterproof neck pouch that hides discreetly under my clothes. I like the neck pouch better than the waist pouch because there is less chance of it falling off your hips from the constant movement, or from pickpockets finding the buckle and loosening it. It also helps that if you need to quickly show your documents it is quickly available. And I always send a copy of my documents to my closest friends, and a family member, and keep a photocopy inside my luggage.

Another tip: Make friends! I have friends in most of the places I visit and some in places I would like to visit. Making friends gives you hookups to hotels and the insider life. You see more, do more, and spend less, when you have a friend in your favorite city.

Give us your best shot (a photo from your travels) and the story behind it.
It’s a toss-up between

1: My visit to Stonehenge in England. The complete monument is so small, it could fit in half my apartment. Seriously.







2: My equally entertaining, albeit strange, visit to the English home of local celebrity Margaret Tyler, a retired woman who has transformed her house into a shrine to the monarchy. Here, I am sipping tea with the Queen and Princess Di.




Final thoughts…
I love life, and I always try to encourage others to enjoy it just the same. Part of this is getting out of our normal comfortable bubbles, and seeing and experiencing the world first-hand. I want more sisters to do this, more frequently. There are ways-you just have to set your mind to it, and decide that you will not live in a box! Always ask yourself- “If I died today, could I say that I’ve had an exciting life?” My own answer is YES! Live life to the fullest, and cherish every day as if it were your last!

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Want to share your travel experiences? Join our online community…and you just might be featured in our JetSet Diva or JetSetter (we’ve got love for the guys too!) of the Month column.