Summer is officially here! That means it’s time to get those vacation days approved and book a long overdue getaway. Before you head out of town, read insider travel tips from jet-setting gurus Andrea Adams (yellow) and Teri Johnson (white) of Travelista. Since 2005, these Florida A&M MBA grads have been gallivanting across the globe soaking up various cultures for their Web site and other exciting digital and film platforms.
Where to Stay: Andrea and Teri are smitten by the Hotel Gansevoort South. This hip boutique already has legions of fans in The Big Apple, now the outpost below the Mason Dixon line is poppin’ and complete with a rooftop pool and sleek restaurants and lounges promise not to disappoint.
Where to Go: They suggest trying a salsa lesson at Yuca Club, which is located on the bustling Lincoln Road. Stay well into the night for the lively dance party.
Where to Eat: Andrea and Teri recommend taking a break from the touristy Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road and heading to Little Cuba for authentic Latin cuisine.
Where the Men Are: Men of all nationalities are wandering around Miami, so explore. These traveling vets suggest checking out the array of film festivals and other cultural events to meet a potential suitor.
Collectively Andrea and Teri speak five languages and have traveled to 55 countries. From all of their jet-setting, they’ve discovered it is much easier to travel with a universal charger. “That way, you can charge your iPod, BlackBerry, laptop and digital camera all with one device,” says Andrea (right).
Budget Bite: Teri advises stocking up on beauty samples at your local department store cosmetics counter for free travel-size products. That way you can store them in your carry-on bag without being harassed by airport security.
Where to Stay: Head to the world wide Web (Travelista suggests quikbook.com) for steals and deals on hotel rates all over the city. Since you won’t be in your room very much, don’t worry about staying in a top-notch hotel if your finances are less than ideal.
Where to Go: Don’t be the tourist in Times Square who looks like a tourist, warn the Travelista ladies. Check a site like experienceharlem.com for an out-of-the-box experience in The Big Apple.
Where to Eat: Insiders like Andrea and Teri enjoy the laid-back vibe at Habana Outpost in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, for Cuban fare. Nectar is a wine bar in Harlem that the jet-setters also recommend for NYC visitors.
Where the Men Are: Since most “movers and shakers” in NYC hang out on weekdays, the Travelistas suggest ladies book their trips accordingly. They add that the men are everywhere in New York City but also advise planning a picnic in the Sheep’s Meadow area of Central Park for great people watching.
Where to Stay: Andrea and Teri suggest the Half Moon resort which can typically be pricey by most standards but is running specials throughout the summer months. If the prices are still too steep, they suggest renting a villa with a bunch of girlfriends to trim costs.
Where to Go: These ladies claim that Dunn River Falls is an absolute must. If you decide to stay in Montego Bay, take a day trip to Negril or Ocho Rios.
Packing Essentials: Pack lots of white! People of color look great in white in addition to bright, primary colors, according to these fashionable globetrotters.
Where to Eat: The food is generally outstanding in Jamaica and the prices are very wallet-friendly, so these ladies challenge visitors to try a new and spicy dish from a local dive that they normally wouldn’t eat stateside.
Where the Men Are: Just look around you, they might be working right in your hotel. Ask locals that you trust about hot spots near or around the hotel and get your groove back like Stella!
Budget Bite: One of the most important things to remember when booking travel is to rack up airline miles whenever and wherever possible. “A lot of these airlines have partners so we know who Air France is partners with in the U.S. Not only is this good for free or discounted trips but it can also bump you up to first class,” schools Teri.
Where to Stay: Try the Dana Hotel in downtown Chicago so that you can dine at Aja Steak and enjoy a treatment at the spa without even having to leave the building.
Where to Go: Window shopping at upscale boutiques along Michigan Avenue is a treat. The recently opened Shrine Club has beautiful people, an artsy scene, and tons of fashionistas.
Where To Eat: The cool Park 52 restaurant in Hyde Park and hip Exposure Tappas Supper Bar in South Loop are Windy City faves of Andrea and Teri.
Where the Men Are: The Old School House Music Picnic on July 11 is the best outdoor party for black professionals in Chi-Town, according to the Travelistas.
Packing Essentials: In addition to your normal summer faves, be sure to toss your cashmere scarf in your carry-on for chilly nights.
Where to Stay: These shakers suggest staying centrally located in Santa Monica or West Hollywood to be close to all the action.
Where to Go: The bar at the Huntley Hotel has a great rooftop view and a wide range of interesting and often international guests. Also try the Hotel Sofitel which houses Randy Gerber’s Stone Rose Bar.
Packing Essentials: The look in La La land is quintessential casual chic. A washed-out tee, relaxed shorts and cute boots work for day. Big shades are a must.
Where to Eat: For Mexican food with a splash of soul, try Sky’s Taco’s on Pico Boulevard. Katana Restaurant is a lively bar/restaurant with a great patio overlooking Sunset Boulevard. The food is pan-Asian and yummy cocktails add to the fun.
Where the Men Are: The Santa Monica Stairs is a great communal workout on L.A.‘s West Side. It’s also a good place to “run into” like-minded health-conscious individuals. Once you find your single, eligible man while touring L.A., have a great “first date” over lunch at the Getty Museum and enjoy art, food, and a spectacular view.
“We met while studying at FAMU and first traveled together on Spring Break to Puerto Rico. Every year our trips got better and better. After we graduated we continued to travel together and before one of our excursions to Italy we decided to record some of the trip. When we returned we showed footage to friends who happened to be producers and Travelista kicked off from there,” explains Andrea.
For more stylish and fun travel tips from Andrea and Teri, visit them here.