Category: Travel

Travel

Instagram-Worthy Flower Fields to Visit in Spring 2022

thepostgraduate

The beginning of Spring is the return of floral beauty in many parts of the US. Over a period of just a few weeks, the growth of tens of thousands of flower species is triggered in fields, on mountains and anywhere else their seeds blow and flourish.

While some are permanent, some are fleeting. Go see them while you can, and take lots of great photos! Here are four absolutely beautiful locations where you can immerse yourself in fresh, floral beauty.

Wild Berry Farm (Saddler, Texas)

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Nothing says Spring like sunflowers! Visit Wild Berry Farm to skip through a field of thousands. When you’re finished, be sure to check out some of its fresh, farm-grown fruits including blackberries, elderberries and blue berries.

Purple Haze Lavender Farm (Sequim, Washington)

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Take a relaxing stroll through lush rows of one of the most stress-relieving herbs on earth. Lavender at Purple Haze includes both purple and white plants! Take in all the smells, and if one of your friends can’t make it, be sure to pick a bouquet for them as a thoughtful souvenir.

Wooden Farm Shoe Tulip Farm (Woodburn, Oregon)

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Lift your spirit with over 40 acres of multicolored tulips! Don’t forget to capture a photo of the state of Oregon’s stunning Mt. Hood in the background (which, between you and us, is actually a stratovolcano).

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (Lancaster, California)

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Flowers in the dessert? From Mid-February through May, the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat glistens with wild poppies whose color changes day to day. The site contains eight miles of trails with wheelchair access and several resting areas.

Spring has (almost) sprung! Enjoy the beauty of new growth and flourish.

Sincerely,

Post Graduate 

Travel

Christmas Traditions From 6 Different Continents

thepostgraduate

How would you like to taste warm, creamy fondue from Switzerland family-style or surprise your friends with loud music after 10 P.M. Puerto Rican Parranda style? While travel restrictions may still be in place in some parts of the world, you can still travel using taste, sound, art and more. Keeping reading to learn how you can have a multi-cultural Christmas, with customs from six different continents, from the comfort of your own home!

Asia: The Philippines 

Parols: Handmade Paper Lanterns

You know it’s Christmas in the Philippines when the streets begin to glow from the light of carefully-decorated Parols. The star-shaped Christmas lanterns are hung either indoors or outside to symbolize the star the Wise Men followed to find their way to Jesus. All you need to make them are bamboo sticks, paper and glue or rubber bands. Parols can also be handmade using capiz, a high-quality transparent seashell that can be cut and formed into different shapes.

Africa: South Africa

Christmas Picnics

Christmas comes to South Africa in the summertime. Most families celebrate with food and fun in the sun including beach days and outdoor feasts. The southern-most African nation offers a vast array of scenic outdoor venues for families to enjoy and exchange gifts while basking in natural beauty.

Europe: Switzerland

Hot Pots of Fondue

Since the 18th Century, the Swiss have enjoyed warm pots of fondue, family-style, during the winter months. Groups of Swiss cheese lovers get a crunchy European-baked loaf of bread, break it into small chunks, and take turns dipping it into the smooth, cheesy mixture with fondue forks. Serious cheese twirlers usually use a blend of Gruyere and another high-quality cheese like Appenzeller or Raclette. Don’t forget to peel the toasted cheese from the bottom of the pot and eat it!

South America: Peru

Chocolatadas 

Every year in Peru, organizations, businesses and other groups come together to prepare traditional Peruvian Hot Chocolate and sweet Paneton cake and pass it out to children and families in the most remote, working-class areas of the nation. Children also receive gifts that they otherwise would not from those who choose to participate. 

North American Caribien: Puerto Rico

Parrandas

Everyone loves a surprise, especially when it involves classic Christmas music, friends and food! That’s what Puerto Rican originated Parrandas are. Sometime after around 10 pm, a group of singers and musicians shows up quietly outside an unsuspecting friends house. All at once, everyone starts singing and playing instruments loud enough to wake the home’s occupants, and before COVID, the home owner would let everyone in for a long night of festive partying. 

In many cases, home owners are given a hint and prepare many traditional dishes and treats such as roasted pork or Coquito before hand. The crowd goes from house to house surprising more homeowners and amassing more treats well into the wee hours of the morning. 

Australia

Backyard Cricket 

What better way to work-off Christmas calories than a game a Cricket? In the Land Down Under, families and friends use Cricket as a way to pass time waiting for food or as a fun post-meal fellowship. Australians, who also get a warm, summery Christmas, play the portable game almost anywhere, but very commonly, in backyards!

What are some of your family’s Christmas traditions? Let us know in the comments!

Wishing You a Festive Family and Friend-Filled Holiday!

Post Graduate

Travel

5 Scenic Airbnb Cabins You’ll Want to Rent this Fall 2021 for Peace & Purpose

thepostgraduate

Fall cabin getaways are so peaceful and cozy! It’s just you (and your travel buddies), beautiful autumn trees, streams, lakes, and mountains.

No stress and no formal schedule – the quiet hum of nature gives your thoughts and dreams the courage to come out, and before you know it, you’re re-inspired.

Sometimes the most taxing part is securing the cabin itself. After that, it’s all smooth autumn sailing. Get a head start on your trip with these cabin destination ideas.

1. Smoky Mountains (Tennessee): New Modern Mountain Views Cabin

Get spectacular views of the United States’ most popular national park, the Great Smoky Mountains, with this cozy new cabin made for up to eight guests. Gather outside or indoors to watch over 100 species of trees transition to their warm, autumn colors.

Price: $243/night 

Guests: 8

Bedrooms: 3

Beds: 4

2. Blue Ridge Mountains (North Carolina): Luxury Blue Ridge Cabin

Get away from the fuss of the city with a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Visitors can take a hike along one of its many trails, go pick apples at the Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill or engage in other relaxing activities with friends or family. 

Price: $225/night

Guests: 6

Bedrooms: 3

Beds: 4

3. Catskills Mountains Area (New York): A Black A- Frame Sustainable Catskills Cabin

Rent your very own A-Frame on a private road in the Catskills Forest. Enjoy this renovated 1960s cabin and its original wood ceilings during a quiet weekend with friends and be sure to use its accommodating outdoor amenities.

Price: $296/night

Guests: 4

Bedrooms: 2

Beds: 2

4. Rocky Mountains (Colorado): 1914 Cabin Bordering Forest, Fishing & Views

Travel through time with this vintage cabin with Rocky Mountain views. Sing songs by the fire or grill in the backyard while planning your next hike. Be on the lookout for elk, bears and other wildlife if you’re an animal lover!

Price: $259/night

Guests: 4

Bedrooms: 1

Beds: 3

5. The Ozark Mountains (Arkansas): Modern A Frame Cabin of The Ozarks

Take some time off in an architectural wonder. This six-bedroom modern cabin has eight balconies and overlooks the seasonal White River. Equipped with three hammocks, a grill and an umbrella, this cabin will give you an experience you’ll never forget.

Price: $231/night

Guests: 6

Bedrooms: 3

Beds: 5

Getting away is one of the best ways to regain clarity about life and purpose. Have any other cabin suggestions? Let us know in the comments.

Purposefully,

Post Graduate

Travel

Spring Picnic Essentials| Blankets, Baskets and Beyond!

thepostgraduate

Want to plan the perfect picnic this Spring? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a checklist of everything you’ll need, plus a few items that will add a little extra pizzazz!

Picnic Blanket

Make sure your picnic has a strong foundation. Get a blanket big enough for you, your guests and your food. Pick something that provides a comfortable layer between you and the ground and can withstand any spills or stains. 

Picnic Basket

Don’t forget the food! Picnic baskets aren’t just for aesthetics, though they make for a stylish, Spring backdrop. The compact carrying cases eliminate the need for multiple trips to the car and can help save space on the blanket during your event. Choose a basket that meets your needs and suits your aesthetic.

Plates

Keep your picnic clean and carefree with a sturdy set of plates. They can be temporary and recyclable or you can use this as an excuse to buy classy china. It’s up to you!

Utensils 

Unless you’re serving only finger foods, you’ll want to make sure you bring a nice pack of utensils. You may not need knives, but you’ll probably want at least forks and spoons. 

Pitcher

Instead of weighing down your picnic basket with multiple, individualized drinks, make something tasty and pour it into a pitcher. It’s both photogenic and convenient. 

Glasses

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time for a toast! Bring glasses, tumblers, mugs or whatever makes the most sense for your gathering. 

Serving Dishes and Utensils

Food can be kept in the packaging it came in or it can be placed in bowls and on platters. These can match your backdrop or, if you’re keeping it casual, they don’t have to. Use what you have at home, or get something that can be used for your next outdoor gathering. The same goes for serving utensils.

Flowers

Finish it all off with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Place them in the center of your blanket and arrange your food and drinks around them.

Decorations

For the creative at heart, this is your time to shine! Bring photos, fairy lights, or statement pieces to bring everything together. Get some good pictures and impress your guests!

Take a picture and tag us in your Spring picnic photos. You’ve got this!

Always Happy to Help,

Post Graduate

Travel

Virtual Reality: How to Travel the World in A Day

thepostgraduate

This post contains affiliate links that help us stay in operation.

What if you could travel to all your favorite international destinations in just one day, without leaving home? No plane tickets, no hotel reservations, no itinerary, just vibes…virtual vibes!

With the latest virtual reality technology, you can go anywhere in the world, and even invite friends, hassle free. Apps like Wander create realistic, highly-visual travel experiences that allow VR headset users to explore the most sought-after travel destinations across the globe.

After opening the app, users can type in where in the world they want to go and pinpoint specific locations within that area using the map feature. If you’re a solo traveller, you can go alone, and if you’re used to exciting excursions with friends, you can ask them to put on their headsets and invite them to a virtual getaway.

Users can change app settings, such as navigation style, based on their comfort level and customize their experiences in the way that’s most enjoyable for them. 

VR apps like Google Earth provide similar global travel experiences, while others like Let Hawaii Happen and Around Egypt provide more guided trips through specific destinations. Some apps even allow you to go back in time and see how places looked during different eras. The choice is yours! 

Many use VR travel apps to plan their next in-person vacation, relive an unforgettable trip or purely for entertainment. There aren’t any rules, just fun. In additional to travel, there are a host of other things you can do with a VR headset like exercise, watch 360 degree movies, attend live events and even complete tasks for works.

Some of the most popular VR headsets include the Oculus Quest 2, Play Station VR and the HTC Vive. Each has its own unique features and perks.

Where would you go or what would you do with your VR headset? Maybe you can finally go on that post graduation trip, virtually!

Bon Voyage Virtuel!

Post Graduate

Travel

Road Trip Essentials for Safe, Socially Distant Travel

thepostgraduate

This post contains affiliate links that help us stay in operation.

With COVID-19 still in our midst, many are continuing to take precautions when it comes to traveling. Just after Labor Day, people begin to express how they missed taking their annual summer vacations.

As the weather cools in many parts of the country, and COVID-19 safety measures evolve, travelers are hoping to somehow get a safe, socially-distant trip in even if it means staying closer to home than normal.

For those craving a break from 24-hour home life, a road trip may be the best option. Most will be surprised to know that almost every metropolitan area has a scenic route no longer that an hour or two outside of town. Be sure to check for scenic spots in your state.

The truly adventurous may want to travel across country taking breaks to sleep in their cars or even at camp sites, weather permitting. The choice it totally up to you. We’ve provided a list of travel essentials for a safe, socially distant road trip that you’ll never forget.

  • Portable Charger or Car Charger

There will probably never be a year like 2020 ever again! (Let’s hope not.) This fact coupled with the beautiful scenery you’ll see along the way will make you want to take plenty of photos and videos as a keepsake. You’ll probably also want to get at least a few good video clips for your social stores.

You most certainly don’t want your battery to run out miles aways from wherever it is you think you will be able to charge it. Be sure to bring a sturdy portable charger or a car charger.

  • Snacks & Drinks

What’s any trip without snacks and drinks? Be sure to stock up on your all-time favorites to make the ride even more of a treat! Grab that pastry you’ve been wanting to try or those veggie chips you’ve been wanting to taste. Now is the time.

  • Music

Use your favorite music streaming service to create a playlist of your favorite driving tunes before you go. Most services give you a total calculation of how long your playlist is, so if you’d like, you can time your playlist to match the duration of your trip. 

If you’re more of a podcast person, you can make a playlist of your favorite shows. This will keep you company if traveling alone and create interesting talking points if you’re with a group.

  • Blanket 

Blankets are multi-functional. You can use them to get cozy on the way to your destination, especially if you live in a place that experiences all for seasons. You can ball them up and turn them into a pillow or you can spread them out for a picnic stop at a scenic location.

Just bring one so you won’t regret it.

  • Sanitizers, Masks & Virus Protection

Remember, COVID is still a threat. Be sure to stock up on hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, masks, a thermometer and everything you need to keep yourself safe!

  • Trash Bin  

After several snacks and iced coffee, you’ll probably have a good amount of trash. Don’t let a messy vehicle make your trip uncomfortable. Also, if you’re taking your voyage outdoors, you won’t want to leave litter. Designate an easily portable trash receptacle for life on the road.

Are you thinking of taking a road trip? Take a few photos, and tag us! We want to know how it goes.

Happy Travels!

The Post Graduate