travel – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: travel

Broadway | The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise

Posted on June 4, 2023June 4, 2023 by Adventures in Polishland

The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise

Playing at Broadhurst Theatre

Musical or play? Musical

Lottery or Rush Tickets? Digital Lottery Available through Telecharge

What I Paid: $45.00 – Digital Lottery Win!

Official Website: https://abeautifulnoisethemusical.com/

The story of the legendary Neil Diamond comes to life on stage in an uplifting new musical featuring all his hit songs, including “Sweet Caroline,” “America,” and “Cracklin’ Rosie.” From those exhilarating early days in New York to the sold-out spectacles that defined his career, A Beautiful Noise explores the life of a rock icon through the music that made him “a national treasure” (Los Angeles Times).

Directed by Tony Award® winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), choreographed by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (Once, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and written by four-time Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Two Popes), A Beautiful Noise is a thrilling look at an artist’s search for himself and a celebration of the enduring power of his music.

REVIEW

I recently visited New York City for a long weekend with the goal to see as many Broadway shows as possible in just two and a half days. While I booked a few tickets in advance, I also wanted to enter some lotteries and go to a couple shows spontaneously. Luckily, I won the lottery for The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise on the first try! For $45.00, I sat in Orchestra Center, Row O. This was a great seat, and I had the perfect view of the stage.

This is a jukebox musical featuring Neil Diamond’s songs, while also telling his life story. The show begins with present day Neil visiting his therapist. At first, he is reluctant to talk about his life, but she finally gets him to open up by going through his songbook. The audience then gets to follow Neil from the start of his music career as a songwriter, through his international stardom, and ending with where is he today.

I think it is clever to have two actors play Neil Diamond – the “Now” Neil is played by Mark Jacoby and the “Then” Neil is Will Swenson. I was so excited to see Will in this show (I loved him in Priscilla Queen of the Desert!). He does a wonderful job at showing the juxtaposition of how great Neil feels on stage as a performer with how depressed he feels in his daily life.

Moreover, I learned so much about Neil Diamond in this show. While I was familiar with many of the songs, I truly knew nothing about his life. I was impressed that that show is very honest and does not hold back when it comes to Neil’s infidelity and mental health struggles. Because the show isn’t sugar-coated, it feels very genuine, and I appreciate that real-life Neil allows so much to be shared with the audience.

My favorite moments of the show are, of course, the big musical numbers where “Then” Neil (Will) is adorned in a sparkly outfit. There is an interesting experience where Will breaks the fourth wall, addresses the “Broadway” crowd, and even encourages a bit of audience participation, which is usually a huge no-no on Broadway. I found these moments so much fun, especially the curtain call!

I also have to shout out Robyn Hurder, who plays Neil’s second wife Marcia Murphy. Robyn is an incredible performer! Her solo numbers are amazing, and her vocals and dance abilities are top notch. She truly owns the stage when she’s on it, and I’m so glad I got to see her perform. Speaking of dancing, the ensemble in this show is wonderful as well. I loved watching all of the dance numbers throughout the show.

Overall, I am so glad I won the lottery and got to see A Beautiful Noise on Broadway. If you are a Neil Diamond fan, this show is an absolute must see. That being said, even if you are not familiar with Neil’s work, I still think this show can be enjoyed by anyone. It’s a great mix of entertaining, show-stopping performances with more emotional real-life moments. If you want to have a night out that is so good, so good, so good, look no further than A Beautiful Noise!

STAGE DOOR

The Stage Door is directly to your right when you exit the theater. I saw a Friday evening performance, and very few audience members were waiting to get signed playbills. I think this is partly because the crowd at A Beautiful Noise is generally older in age, and it’s often the younger audience members who go to the Stage Door.

Security let us know right away that Will Swenson does not come out to sign Playbills. That was a bit disappointing, but I appreciated that we were told in advance.

Most of the cast rushed out the door quite quickly, but I was very thankful that Jess Leprotto (who I saw twice in Newsies and loved!), Linda Powell, and Robyn Hurder stopped to sign our Playbills. They were all very nice, and it was great to chat with them for a moment. All in all, I had a wonderful experience at A Beautiful Noise!

Follow @adventuresinpolishland on Instagram for more!

How to Eat Vegan at a Hotel Continental Breakfast Buffet | #WhatVegansEat

Posted on April 12, 2018May 14, 2018 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I am excited to share with you how I recently ate vegan while traveling. Many hotels offer a complimentary continental breakfast with your stay, and I definitely want to take advantage of that perk to save money on the go. While at first the breakfast buffet might seem intimidating, there are bound to be at least a few options for those of us with a vegan lifestyle. This post will share with you all of the vegan options I found at the Fairfield Inn & Suites during a recent stay.

I am not affiliated with the Fairfield Inn & Suites. Ebates referral link used. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites is a business hotel with limited amenities. In fact, the location where I stayed was very simple. There is no restaurant, bar, pool, gift shop, or anything that you might see at a hotel aimed at tourists. I appreciated that the hotel is very clean and simple, and equips the rooms with things like free WiFi and a microwave and mini fridge. If you like efficiency, the Fairfield Inn & Suites is a great place to stay. Of course, I also appreciate that a continental breakfast buffet is included! I was very happy to see a handful of vegan options that allowed me to easily fill up before heading out the door.

Let’s begin with my favorite vegan option available – the oatmeal bar! I double checked with hotel staff that the oatmeal was prepared with water, and not a dairy product like milk. I was also super excited for all of the vegan toppings available. The toppings included are dates, apricots, walnuts, almonds, raisins, and brown sugar. There is even a bottle of agave next to the oatmeal bar (no honey here!). If you stay away from sugar that may have been filtered with bone char (more info on that HERE), avoid the brown sugar. Everything else in the oatmeal bar is vegan, though! I even added some maple syrup from the waffle area to my oatmeal for added flavor.

The buffet also includes a section with fresh fruit. There are bananas and apples available daily. The two domed cases held different fruit depending on the day. This day there was cantaloupe and grapes, but I also saw pineapple and mixed fruit during my stay. Whether I wanted to add some fresh fruit to my breakfast, or grab an apple for later, I was glad that fruit was always available for me.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites also offers a variety of breads and bagels for toasting. Bagels are almost always vegan, especially plain bagels. If you want to double check the bread’s ingredients before eating them, ask the staff at your hotel. During my stay, there was always a staff member available during breakfast who was more than happy to answer any questions I had. I absolutely love bagels, so I did enjoy a couple during my stay. Toppings for toast included peanut butter and fruit spreads.

Last but not least, I wanted to quickly mention the cereal bar. While the cereals can rotate depending on the day, the varieties available during my stay were Frosted Flakes, Kellogg’s Granola, and Raisin Bran. All of these cereal varieties do contain micro-ingredients that are not vegan. That being said, I like to follow PETA’s suggestion and not worry about these micro-ingredients, especially in situations like this one where this cereal might be your only food option. You can learn more about PETA’s stance on the organization’s website HERE. Of course, you have to do what you feel comfortable with, and I decided not to eat these cereals because there were other vegan options available to me at this particular hotel. I would love to see this hotel offer some dairy-free milk options, too!

In the end, I hope this blog post helped you to discover that vegan options can easily be found at a hotel continental breakfast buffet! As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, the hotel I stayed at is very basic, so there is a good chance that a larger hotel would have even more vegan options! While I am in no way affiliated with Fairfield Inn & Suites, I do recommend this hotel chain. I’ve had a great experience during each stay, and I love that my breakfast is included. Make sure you book your trip through Ebates HERE to earn cash back on your stay.

What vegan options have you found at a hotel breakfast buffet?

Let me know in the comments!

Follow me on Instagram HERE for daily vegan lifestyle posts.

Oh, Hello Stationery Co. Makeup Bag Review

Posted on May 18, 2017May 18, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I am excited to share with you a makeup bag from one of my favorite small businesses, Oh, Hello Stationery Co. I first stumbled upon this online store in the planner community, and have purchased the brand’s stickers for nearly two years now. Oh, Hello has since expanded its product line to include enamel pins, mugs, and more. One of the newest available products is makeup bags! I was sent one as a gift from the company, and couldn’t wait to show it off here on my blog. I think many of you will love these fabulous and affordable makeup bags!

The Oh, Hello makeup bags are made from neoprene material, similar to many laptop and tablet cases. Each bag features an original design from the brand on the front panel, and a solid black background. While there are 10 designs available for purchase on the Oh, Hello website HERE, if there is a pattern from the brand that you enjoy, you can email the shop for a custom order. I picked out the design called Sage Victorian, which is from a past sticker kit. In addition to choosing a design, you can also opt to customize the bag with your name or a short quote.

The first thing I noticed about the makeup bag is how big it is! The bag measures 9.5 x 5.75 inches, and I put a standard size Ipsy bag next to it in the photo above so you can see how it compares. I appreciate that the bag comes with a sturdy zipper as well, so I don’t need to worry about it opening in my suitcase during travel.

I wanted you to see the size of the makeup bag in action. I put together the makeup products that I would bring with me for a vacation, and they all easily fit into the bag with room to spare. When I travel with this bag, I will also put in my makeup brushes! I can’t believe how much easily fits into this bag. The one thing I don’t like about the bag, however, is also something I do like, and that is the lack of structure. I like to organize my items when packing, but with this makeup bag everything is just thrown in due to the stretchy fabric. That being said, this stretch allows you to pack products that are all different shapes and sizes, as the fabric adjusts to the shape of the items. Thus, while I would ideally like a bag with more structure or compartments, I also love that the bag easily fits everything I need and more.

All in all, I am beyond happy with my new makeup bag from Oh, Hello Stationery Co.! This will definitely be my new go-to bag for travel. The makeup bag retails for just $13.95 on Oh Hello’s website HERE. This is a great deal for any makeup bag, but especially one from a small business featuring a unique design you can’t get anywhere else. If you shop this weekend, May 19 – May 21, 2017, you can save 25% on your entire Oh, Hello purchase through the Planner Boss Collective Sale (full details HERE). If you miss the sale, you can still save 15% using my coupon code POLISH15 at checkout any time. I look forward to using this makeup bag and buying some as gifts for friends during the holidays!

Do you have a go-to makeup bag? Let me know in the comments!

The product in this post was a gift from the brand. This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

5 Beauty Must-Haves for Your Los Angeles Vacation

Posted on August 31, 2016August 31, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I’m excited to share with you my top must-have beauty products for when I travel to Los Angeles. I visit Los Angeles about 1-2 times per year because I have family there, and I’ve become quite the veteran at packing for the trip. Los Angeles has a very unique climate, especially for someone like me who lives on the East Coast of the United States. The dry heat of LA can really affect your skin and hair, so I’ve put together a list of the absolute necessities to help you fill your makeup bag. Let me share my beauty must-haves for any Los Angeles vacation!

1. Face Wipes Travel Pack

Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Cleansing Facial Wipes [BUY]

I am a huge cleansing wipe junkie, and that doesn’t change when I travel! I like to pick up a travel pack at Target so that I can use the wipes while traveling, and toss them before coming home. The reason I recommend the Yes to Blueberries wipes for Los Angeles is because they not only help to cleanse the skin, but they help moisturize as well. Wipes are perfect for cooling off in the sun, and keeping the skin clean while out and about. Keep this pouch in your beach bag so you can freshen up on the go!

2. Mini Dry Shampoo

Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo [BUY]

Next up is a travel size dry shampoo. My hair gets oily really easily, so I rely on dry shampoo to keep it looking fresh between washes. Whether you’re visiting the beach, spending the day at a theme park, or simply hoping to give your hair a boost before going out, dry shampoo is a must. I’ve never tried the Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo before, but I found it in Target’s travel section, so I decided to pick it up. Dry shampoo is one of those products you just can’t decant into a smaller bottle, so I spend a few extra dollars for a mini one.

3. Foundation Stick

ELF Cosmetics Moisturizing Foundation Stick [BUY]

I absolutely love bringing stick foundation with me on vacation. Not only is it really simple to apply with just your fingers, but it doesn’t need to be packed in your 3-1-1 bag because it’s not liquid! I like the ELF Cosmetics stick foundation because it has a moisturizing formula. My skin gets very dry on the flight to Los Angeles, and in LA’s natural climate, so every bit of added moisturization helps. You can see a full review of this product HERE.

4. Facial Sunscreen

Tarte TarteGuard SPF 30 [BUY]

Next up is a facial sunscreen, which is an absolute necessity if you are spending a lot of your vacation outside. I normally use a foundation or primer with SPF in it, as I’m not in the sun enough for a dedicated sunscreen. However, in Los Angeles I’m often at an outdoor park, eating outside, etc., so it’s nice to have a stronger SPF for my face. I got this Tarte sunscreen in a subscription box, and I love the light consistency.

5. Translucent Powder

ELF Cosmetics Translucent Mattifying Powder [BUY]

Last but not least is a translucent and mattifying powder. My skin gets really oily, even in a dry heat, so I like to set my face with powder every day. I recently got the ELF Cosmetics powder, and I love this compact for travel because it has a huge mirror that makes touching up easy. Plus, the packaging is slim and sleek to fit in my purse.

That wraps up my top beauty must-haves for any Los Angeles vacation! I hope you found this post helpful as you pack for your trip. If you need more travel tips, make sure to check out my Jet Away June series HERE for packing advice, airplane travel, and more. I hope you have a fun and safe vacation to Los Angeles!

What are your beauty must-haves for vacation? Share in a comment!

This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

January 2016 Favorites | Skincare, Hobbies, & More!

Posted on February 2, 2016January 30, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

January Favorites | Skincare, Hobbies, & More!

Happy Tuesday! I can’t believe the first month of 2016 has already come to a close. January was a good month for me, and one that was completely outside of normal. I was traveling for a week during the month, and unfortunately came down with a bad cold for a couple weeks. You will be able to see how that really impacted my favorites this month, so let’s go ahead and jump right into the post!

SKINCARE

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy [HAUL] [BUY]

I recently purchased a travel kit from First Aid Beauty because I knew it would come in handy on my vacation. When I came down with a cold during the trip, this lip balm was my absolute savior! My lips were already dry in the Los Angeles climate, but with my cold I really needed the added moisture. I am beyond in love with this lip balm. It is truly hydrating, and very healing.

HAIR CARE

L'Oreal Blow Dry It Heat Protectant

L’Oreal Blow Dry It Quick Dry Primer Spray [BUY]

I ran out of heat protectant, so I picked up this one because it was super affordable at CVS and I had a coupon. I’m so glad I got it! My first impression was that it smelled great, and then I noticed how nice my hair looks and feels after using it. My thin and dull hair becomes shiny and smooth, but it’s not greasy or weighed down at all! Talk about a win-win!

TRAVEL NECESSITY

Kleenex Slim Pack

Kleenex Slim Pack [BUY]

This might be a random favorite, but I really appreciate these Slim Packs from Kleenex! I always keep tissues in my purse, and I really needed them this month. The Slim Packs are awesome because they don’t bulk up your purse and because the tissues inside are well protected. I never have to throw out any of the tissues because they got dirty! Plus, I refilled this several times to get more bang for my buck.

STATIONARY

Erin Condren Jot Your Thought Journals [BUY]

You all know I love my Erin Condren Life Planner, and I recently fell for the brand’s journals as well. The Jot Your Thought Journals are cute, little notebooks. I use one as a book journal and one as a blog journal. The covers are really sturdy, the pages are thick and strong, and the designs are nice, too. I also think they are very affordable – you can get a trio for just $15! I gave some as Christmas gifts and bought some for myself.

FASHION

Madden Girl Ruxben Booties [BUY]

It was really hard for me to find boots this year, and I finally decided to just get some booties. I found these super cute booties at my local DSW. They are very warm and really comfortable. I love the little knit portion around the ankle, and the fold-over detail. If you’re a wide calf girl struggling to find boots, give these a try!

HOBBY

Reading

Follow My Bookstagram HERE

I’ve been a bookworm since I started reading, but this past month I read seven books! There is something about winter that just makes me want to cozy up with a book. I read quite a wide array of books this month, too – adult, young adult, and new adult, fiction and nonfiction, science fiction, contemporary, romance, and mystery! Wow! Let me know if you’ve read any of the books pictured and your thoughts in the comments! Of course, I have (or will have) a full, non-spoiler review of each book on this blog in the Books section HERE.

LIFE

Family Time

Last but not least, I have to mention the special family time I enjoyed this month! My trip to LA was to visit family, and I got to see my nephew in person for the first time in over a year! Even though I speak with him on FaceTime regularly, there is something very special about hugging him and playing with him in person. The picture above shows us in the car – he loves to rest his little foot on my arm when I’m sitting with him in the back seat! Being an aunt is the best!

That brings us to the end of my January 2016 favorites! I hope you enjoyed reading about all my loves this month. As always, please feel free to share your favorites in the comments. I would love to know what products you’ve discovered, what hobbies you’re enjoying, or anything else going on in your life. You can also use the hashtag #PolishlandFaves on social media to share photos with me!

This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

DIY Travel Nail Kit

Posted on November 18, 2015November 18, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Now that we are headed into the holiday season, I thought it was the perfect time to put together a DIY Travel Nail Kit! Whether you need a touch up on a weekend getaway, or some manicure options during a longer trip, I’ve got you (and your nails!) covered. I never used to travel with nail polish until college. During my winter break I was away from my nail polish collection for a few weeks, so I wanted to make sure I had a few options on hand. Let me show you everything I pack with me to keep my manicure in shape!

First things first, I highly recommend dedicating a small makeup bag to your nail kit. That way if things go wrong and your nail polish bottles break or spill, nothing else will get ruined. That being said, I always keep a spare piece of bubble wrap in my nail kit so I can keep everything secure. Don’t forget that if you are flying, you’ll need to put your nail polish in your checked luggage, or abide by the 3-1-1 rule (more on that HERE).

As for the items inside my kit, I make sure to have at least five things with me, four of which are pictured above for you:

Sally Hansen Double Duty – This is a base coat and a top coat in one! I’ve used it for years, and while it’s not my favorite top coat option, it’s a great one both for the price and the convenience. I often use it at home as a base coat, and it’s the logical choice for travel. Find it at your local drugstore, or online HERE.
Neutral or Pink Nail Polish – When traveling, it is best to find a nail polish that will work for any occasion and any outfit. I recommend a neutral shade, such as a beige or tan, or my go to polish color – pink! I love Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Peachy Breeze because it can work for a professional event, but is also fun for your beach vacation. Plus, a fast-dry formula is perfect for on the go.
Glitter Top Coat – Your manicure options will double with a glitter top coat! Keep one on hand for a night out, holiday party, or simply a change of pace. This can layer right over your other nail polish so you don’t need to worry about remover or touch ups. I grabbed Milani Color Statement in Club Lights, but choose any glitter you love for your kit!
Mini Emery Boards – I always keep an emery board in my purse, and I, of course, keep at least two in my travel nail kit. You never know when your nails will break, especially with the drying atmosphere of an airplane! I’ve used some of the tiny emery boards before, and those just don’t cut it. I received these black ones for review, and am in love! They are the perfect size at 3.5 inches long – they fit easily in my makeup bag, but are still big enough to hold easily. Plus, you can get a 50 pack for just $10 on Amazon HERE. I highly recommend grabbing a pack to keep you stocked up. They even make a great stocking stuffer!
Nail Polish Remover Pads – I don’t have any on hand to show you, but nail polish remover pads are perfect for travel! Who wants to carry a bottle of nail polish remover?! I’ve had great luck with the butterLONDON Scrubbers, which I think is worth splurging on for special occasions. I usually wait to take off my nail polish once I’m back at home, but these are a great option for those of you who want to switch it up on the road!

All in all, taking care of your nails while traveling can be super easy and non-stressful with a DIY Travel Nail Kit! This kit makes the perfect holiday gift for your friends and family, but don’t forget to create one for yourself! You can also feel free to add in hand cream for some added moisture during the winter months. It all depends on your personal needs! I hope this post brought you some inspiration, and I’m wishing you safe travels!

What’s in your Travel Nail Kit? Let me know in the comments!

Some of the products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Back to School Week | What’s in My School Bag?

Posted on August 27, 2015August 27, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I am taking you inside of my school bag to see what I carried around with me as a student. I have both photos and a video for you, so you can really get a good idea of how I pack and organize everything. I tend to carry around just a little more than I actually need so that I’m prepared for any situation. At the same time, I make sure that my bag isn’t too heavy. It’s definitely a balance, and I’m going to share my tips and tricks with you. Let’s get started!

I like to carry a tote bag instead of a backpack, just because I find that it’s more my style, but also let’s me have more control over my belongings. If items are right under my arm, it’s easier for me to keep an eye on them than if they are behind my back. Plus, a tote bag can double easily for a carry on or regular purse. This one is from H&M and called the Shopper. It retails for just $24.99, but is super sturdy and can fit a LOT of stuff in it. I used it when I moved to carry two laptops, my iPad, my purse essentials, my planner, and a lot more. I highly recommend it! You can buy it HERE.

TECHNOLOGY

The type of technology you carry in your bag will be dependent on your schooling situation. In college, I used regular notebooks until I got my iPad. Then I used the app UPad to handwrite my notes using a stylus. That allowed me to cut down on what I was carrying, and easily transition from handwritten notes to electronic notes. You can download UPad HERE for $5.99 – it’s worth the price if you use it often! The stylus I use is from Boxwave, and comes in a variety of colors. It’s only $7.50 on Amazon HERE.

In law school, I used a 13-inch MacBook Air. It is very lightweight, but still makes typing up lots of notes really easy. You can use the education discount at Apple to get $100 off your purchase when you show proof that you are a student, or shop on Amazon HERE for a discount as well. As for your chargers, use a pouch to keep them organized. Otherwise, your wires will get tangled up in a mess!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Despite using a laptop or tablet to take notes, I like to have a sturdy notebook on hand for meetings, or for those classes where the professor doesn’t allow computers. Five Star notebooks are my favorite because of the sturdy cover and high quality paper. They are a bit more expensive, but will last all year. Of course, I need to have my Erin Condren Life Planner (more info on it HERE). Lastly, I use a Sephora case for all of my school supplies, such as pens, pencils, highlighters, and more.

PURSE ESSENTIALS

My school bag doubles as a purse, so I keep all of my essentials in it as well. This includes my Firmoo Prescription Sunglasses (review HERE), an umbrella, an emergency beauty pouch, and my wallet. You can see everything I keep in my beauty bag by watching the video embedded in this post.

VERTICAL ORGANIZATION

When packing my school bag, I like to stand everything up vertically instead of just tossing in the pouches and such. That allows me to find whatever I need, plus it saves room in my bag. Pouches really help to keep everything in place as well. This system is especially useful for a bag like this one, where there are no pockets or zippered compartments inside.

____________

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I keep in my school bag, and how I pack it all. Of course, you will probably need to toss in a textbook or two depending on your program. That’s another reason why I love the MacBook Air and iPad – it lightens up your load! Definitely let me know in the comments what your school necessities are! I would love to know!

This post contains some affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclose Policy for more information.

Jet Away June Wrap Up | It’s Time to Book Your Trip!

Posted on July 1, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Now that it’s July, Jet Away June has come to a close. I hope you all enjoyed the themed month! You can see all of my Jet Away June posts in one place by clicking on the Jet Away June category HERE. In June, I shared many of my own personal travel tips with all of you, so I thought it fitting that I wrap up the month by sharing the websites I like to use to book my trips.

MY FAVORITE AIRLINE

Flying can be very uncomfortable, especially if you don’t fly often. I’ve recently tried JetBlue for the first time, and it is now my go-to airline. Not only are the seats more comfortable than other planes, because you have extra legroom, but each passenger gets her own TV with several different channels to watch for free. Plus, you get free, unlimited snacks! How awesome is that?! JetBlue employees are also really nice. Like any airline, there have been some bad press about JetBlue in the news, but it’s honestly the best airline I’ve ever taken!

FINDING A CHEAP FLIGHT

My first step is always using Kayak to find a cheap flight. While JetBlue is definitely my personal favorite, I’m willing to fly on another airline if it is substantially cheaper. Kayak is a great tool that finds the most affordable flights from many airlines in one place. They also offer what is called “hacker” flights that combine flights from different airlines to save you even more money. I’ve neve purchased from Kayak directly, but I always use it to search before I shop.

THE PERFECT ONE-SHOP-STOP FOR BOOKING YOUR TRIP

If you’re looking for affordable flights, hotels, rental cars, and more, Orbitz is definitely a great option! You can book your flight and hotel separately, or pick a package deal. I used Orbitz for the first time a few months back and had a great experience. On top of the every day low prices, Orbitz also has a rewards program and they send out coupons all the time!

EARN CASH BACK

Finally, don’t forget to use Ebates when you book your trip online! Many websites, such as Orbitz, offer you cash back when you book your vacation. Flights and hotels can be very expensive, so every bit that you can save counts!

Well, that wraps up my Jet Away June month! I hope you enjoyed all of my posts and found them helpful. Let me know in the comments where you’ll be traveling this summer. I’d love to hear all about your trip!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Jet Away June | Airport Security 101

Posted on June 18, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! It’s time for another Jet Away June post! If you’re traveling via airplane this summer, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to go through airport security. For those who don’t travel very often, airport security can be a frightening unknown. There are what seems like endless rules to follow, and everyone dreads the long lines. I’m hoping that my post today will help ease your stress. I’ve come up with three simple steps to ensure you airport security success!

1. Know the Rules and Process

As I mentioned in my What’s in My “Liquids” Bag? post, the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) is the governmental agency in charge of airport security. Of course, the most important step for anyone to take before flying is to become familiar with the TSA website HERE. That’s where you can find the official rules. If you have any questions that this post leaves unanswered, definitely contact the TSA directly, as this post is just regarding my own personal tips and experiences. The TSA agents at the airport will also help you if you have any last minute questions. Just remember to be polite!

The process at security is simple. First, you show your ID and boarding pass to an agent. Then, you place your items into bins and onto the conveyer belt. This requires you to remove your shoes, take out your liquids bag, and remove your laptop from your carry-on (tablets and cell phones can remain in you bags). Next, an agent will direct you through the body scanner. Then you can retrieve your belongings. That’s it!

2. Plan Ahead

To make your visit at airport security as easy and painless as possible, have a plan. Here is what my plan is when I fly:

Have ID and Boarding Pass in Hand – As soon as I get to the airport, I take out my ID and Boarding Pass. The first checkpoint through security will look at both of these documents, so if you have them ready the process will move quickly.
Create an Order – Once your ID is checked, you usually only need to wait a few minutes before you start putting your belongings in the bins and on the conveyer belt. I plan the order in which I do things so I don’t scramble at the last minute: backpack/carry-on goes first, then a bin with my laptop and liquids bag, and finally a bin with my purse, shoes, and jacket.

Once your items are on the conveyer belt, a TSA agent will ask you to step through the body scanner. Then, all you need to do is retrieve your belongings and you’re done! Because you planned ahead, you’ll be able to grab your things and make room for the next person.

3. Be Patient

My last tip is simple – remain calm and be patient! Remember that the TSA agents are there to keep you safe, and will encounter thousands of passengers in a single day. If you have a question, ask politely and they will help you. If something goes wrong, which it shouldn’t, patience is key.

Always anticipate that the lines at airport security may be long. If you give yourself extra time, you’ll have no reason to panic. There are several factors that can affect how early you should arrive at the airport, such as time of day, time of year, and geographic location. I like to be at the airport about 1 hour and 30 minutes before my flight leaves. I would rather spend some extra time at the gate than miss my flight!

That’s it for my three simple tips to airport security! I hope you found them helpful. If you have any extra tips, please share them in the comments!

Jet Away June | Announcement & Welcome

Posted on June 1, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! Today is the first of June, and I’ve decided to make June a special month here at Adventures in Polishland. Summer is a time when many of us like to travel, and because I’m making a couple trips to Los Angeles this summer I was inspired to write a series of blog posts all about traveling. Thus, welcome to Jet Away June!

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during June I’ll be writing posts related to traveling, with, of course, an emphasis on beauty. Get ready for packing tips, fashion ideas, and even airport security 101 – I have a lot of fun and interesting things to share with you during Jet Away June! Plus, in addition to my Jet Away June posts, I will still be posting my regular beauty and nail polish reviews on the other days of the week when I have something else to share with you.

I hope you are as excited for Jet Away June as I am! This themed month will officially begin tomorrow with my first post. If you have any questions related to travel, or any blog posts that you would live to see during Jet Away June, please let me know in the comments! Plus, feel free to use the hashtag #JetAwayJune on social media to connect with me throughout the month.