For that reason, this small piece of paradise is increasingly becoming a top destination for those in the search of luxury holidays and honeymoons. The island is home to numerous five-star resorts, which offer a wide range of amenities such as luxury villas, first-class golf resorts, private tours and more.

Le Saint Geran Mauritius is considered to be the “Great Dame” resort of the island, with its own private peninsula right on the edge of the Indian Ocean.

Another hot resort is the the Le Touessrok. Le Touessrok Mauritius is considered to be the epitome of chic sophistication on the island. The resort even has butlers that can cater to (most) your every need…and even remember such details as how you like your coffee in the morning and your cocktails in the evening. Talk about service!

If you’re scoping out unique locales for a luxurious honeymoon or romantic vacation, look into Mauritius. This is definitely a place were splurging is a requirement…not an option. So, plan early and budget wisely, and you and your sweetie will be getting the star treatment in this African playground in no time.

Check out the video at the bottom! I’m a very good swimmer, but my question is how in the world do you get out of all that rushing water once you jump in? Does anyone know…I’m curious.

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Africa

The Devil's Swimming Pool

Children in the care of thrill seekers :o)

The question is: Would you dare?

My Real Answer: In the words of my co-worker, “Hell naw, you can NOT tell water what to do”.

My Political Answer: Adventure and be safe.
(*Disclaimer: Two JetSet Divas are not responsible for the personal high risk travel decisions that you make.)

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.

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.

When I heard about Alicia Keys’ initiative to spread awareness about the devastating AIDS epidemic in Africa through her documentary, Alicia in Africa: A Journey to the Motherland, I knew that I wanted to learn more about it. Alicia has also been instrumental in affecting change through her foundation Keep a Child Alive, which has been responsible for providing families and children with treatment and care in which they would otherwise be unable to afford.

The documentary chronicles Alicia’s month-long trip to Africa as she visits communities affected by HIV and AIDS. Directed by South African filmmaker Earle Sebastian, the real life stories of families in the film are both heartbreaking and inspiring.

It is a dream of mine to visit Africa, but it is a bigger dream that the pain and suffering caused by AIDS throughout this continent will cease. I commend Alicia for doing her part, and I have definitely been inspired to do mine.

Please share this video. Awareness is the first step toward change.

During our visit to Italy last Fall, my wallet had a rude awakening. As the trip drew nearer, I knew it was time to face the music and research the currency exchange rates. Let’s not forget those service fees tacked on for good measure. At that time, it was going to cost me roughly $1.60 for every Euro I planned to spend. OUCH! I almost convinced myself that the pizza and gelato were just as good here at home. Nah.

A great strategy for overcoming the exchange rates and getting the most ‘bang for your buck’, could possibly be planning your vacation around them. There are still some destinations where the exchange rate is more favorable. The February issue of Conde Nast Traveler magazine uncovers some of these hidden gems in its article, Dollar Power, and I’m passing them on to you, my Divas.
Your purse can thank me later.

Some Currency Super Stars:
1. Costa Rica
Value of $1 five years ago: 384.70 Colones
Value of $1 today*: 495.35 Colones
Increase of nearly 40 percent

2. Laos
Value of $1 five years ago: 7,905 Kip
Value of $1 today: 9,297 Kip
Increase of nearly 20 percent
3. Egypt
Value of $1 five years ago: 4.6 Egyptian pounds
Value of $1 today: 5.51 Egyptian pounds
Increase of nearly 20 percent

Honorable mentions:
Maldives, Barbados, St.Kitts, St. Lucia, Turkey, Ecuador, Panama

Ever seen an $18 hot chocolate? Well, here it is…from Venice, with love.

For some perspective on my spending in Italy: $1 today is equivalent to .68 Euros…
Costa Rica, here we come!

To calculate more currency exchange rates, visit XE.com

*currency rate as of 1/20/2008

St. Lucia

Hey Divas, it’s the begining of the year and it’s time to get those travel plans in order. Are you looking for the It places to visit this year? Well, look no further.

Condé Nast Traveler magazine recently published its annual ‘2008 It List’ on its Concierge website. The list includes up-and-coming destinations and old favorites that owe another visit.

From islands in China to beachfronts in Mozambique, this ecletic list is sure to get you daydreaming about your next vacation. But, don’t stop there…make sure you turn those dreams into reality!

Mozambique

The 2008 IT List:
Mozambique
St. Lucia
Montenegro
Ecuador
Sicily
Oman
San Diego, CA
Hainan Island, China
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Paris, France