The Trekking Pawns' Diary

Image:  neworleans.com Whenever we plan a cruise, we always arrive at least one day early—it’s the golden rule for avoiding travel-induced stress! For our upcoming Caribbean cruise from New Orleans , we’ve taken it a step further by arriving two nights early. Our first night is just a pit stop to rest, but our second day? It’s all about immersing ourselves in the magic of the Crescent City. We’ve been researching New Orleans neighborhoods to decide where to stay, and today we’re diving into the Central Business District (CBD) —a neighborhood that promises a mix of convenience, charm, and sophistication. Why the Central Business District Caught Our Eye The CBD is the professional hub of New Orleans, located just a stone’s throw from the bustling French Quarter. Unlike the Quarter’s nonstop energy, the CBD offers a more subdued, business-like vibe—perfect if you want to be close to the action but not right in the middle of it. What We Love About the CBD: Prime Location : Walking dist...

Image:  neworleans.com When it comes to travel, our motto is simple: “Plan ahead, but leave room for surprises.” That’s why we’re arriving in New Orleans two nights before our cruise departs—because missing out on NOLA due to a delayed flight would be a tragedy. The first night will be a blur (thank you, late-night flight), but our second day? That’s reserved for adventure! We’ve been doing a deep dive into New Orleans neighborhoods to decide where to stay and explore, and today, we’re spotlighting two vibrant areas: Marigny and Bywater . They’re neighbors—just like us—and brimming with character. Marigny: A Stone’s Throw from the French Quarter The Marigny is perfect if you want to stay close to the energy of the French Quarter while enjoying a slightly quieter vibe. Picture colorful Creole cottages, streets adorned with Mardi Gras beads, and the iconic Frenchmen Street —a hub of live music that rivals Bourbon Street without the tourist overload. Why We Love Marigny: Location, Lo...

Whenever we plan a cruise, arriving a day early is non-negotiable—airline delays are no joke, and missing the ship isn’t the kind of adventure we’re after. This time, we’ve gone one better and booked two nights in New Orleans before our Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Getaway. After arriving late on our first night (just enough time to crash at the hotel), we’ll have a full day to dive into the magic of NOLA. We’re considering renting a car, but first, we need to figure out which neighborhood we want to stay in. New Orleans is a patchwork of vibrant, unique areas, each with its own character, and we’ve been doing some research to narrow down our options. Our plan? Spend one day exploring each neighborhood we’re curious about and then decide where we’d love to call home for our brief stay. Image: booking.com The French Quarter : The Heart of New Orleans The French Quarter is what most people picture when they think of New Orleans. From its wrought-iron balconies to its lively streets...

Image credit: Mundo Hey, adventure-seekers! Let me tell you about my latest Vegas escapade—checking out the newest, wildest attraction on the Strip: The Sphere ! This isn’t just another cool venue; it’s an absolute marvel that combines tech, art, and entertainment in mind-blowing ways. Imagine a colossal, glowing orb in the heart of Vegas, lighting up the skyline with everything from epic landscapes to trippy, psychedelic visuals. If you’re heading to Vegas anytime soon, put this one at the top of your list! What Exactly is The Sphere? The Sphere, located next to The Venetian, is one of the largest spherical structures in the world, and it's made of LED screens inside and out! This thing can display any image imaginable, turning it into a moon one day and a planet-sized eyeball the next. It’s already become an icon, drawing people from all over to snap photos, gawk at its displays, and experience some of the wildest visuals ever. But it’s not just a big, pretty globe—inside, it’s ...

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to experience the Vegas nightlife, club crawl packages might sound like the perfect solution. They typically include transportation on a party bus, entry to multiple clubs, and sometimes even free drinks. We’ve given it a go, and while it’s definitely an experience, we’ve picked up a few tips to help you make the most of your night. How It Works With a club crawl package , you’ll hop between a curated lineup of clubs, often with VIP entry and a lively crowd to party with. The party bus rides between stops can be a blast—think music, drinks, and dancing as you cruise down the Strip. But here’s the thing: sometimes, it’s better to bend the rules and do things your way. Our Pro Tip: Stay Where the Vibes Are Right If you find a club you’re really enjoying, just stay there. There’s no rule saying you have to stick with the crawl for the entire itinerary. In fact, hopping from a great club to the next stop might mean leaving behind a fun, packed danc...

We had a follower ask about clubs, so here is our response! Gone are the days of sweet-talking bouncers to get on the no-cover guest list. Now, it’s as simple as visiting No Cover Nightclubs , filling out a quick form, and getting a QR code emailed straight to you. Show the code at the door, and voilà, you're on the list. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, here’s the real deal. How It Works Yes, it’s easy to sign up, and yes, it’s technically free to get in. However, what the fine print (or lack of it) doesn’t tell you is how much waiting, crowding, and compromising you’re in for. And you'll beed an equal ratio or more of females to males. Let’s break it down: The Waiting Game As a guest list attendee, you’ll join a separate line from the ticket holders. This line moves much slower because ticket holders are prioritized. If you arrive after 11 PM, brace yourself for 1-2 hours of standing around. Arriving earlier (around 10-10:30 PM) will cut your wait time to 10-30 minutes, but ...

Hey, adventure-loving friends! Vegas is famous for its flashy casinos, nightlife, and lights, but for us, it’s the shows that really steal the spotlight. From magic tricks to mind-blowing stunts, this city has a wild mix of entertainment, and we’re here for it! Here are a few shows on our radar, each with its own unique vibe. Who's ready for some laughs, gasps, and all-out fun? Even better, these shows are budget friendly! (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.) 1. Adam London’s Laughternoon Comedy Magic Show This one is for the big kids and the little ones at heart. Adam London’s Laughternoon has been delighting crowds for over a decade with his quirky brand of family-friendly comedy magic. Think sleight-of-hand tricks, lots of laughs, and even some rubber duckies! Adam’s been honing his magic skills at famous comedy venues like L.A. Comedy ...

Hello, travel lovers! This weekend, we're off to Las Vegas , but not quite how you'd expect. Forget the typical Strip clubs and casinos! Instead, we’re diving into the other side of Vegas—exploring quirky museums, savoring unique eats, and taking a side trip to the Hoover Dam. We’re renting a car, staying off the Strip, and soaking up all the best spots that make Vegas more than neon lights. So pack those layers, grab your camera, and get ready for a weekend packed with adventure ! What’s the Weather Like? November in Vegas means mild days and chilly nights. Daytime temps hover around 60°F (15°C) and dip into the 40s°F (7°C) after dark. Think cozy layers! We’ll pack tees, long sleeves, and a light jacket for the evening, plus comfy shoes, sunglasses, and a water bottle for our exploring spree. Our Off-the-Strip Weekend Itinerary Friday Night: Arrival & First Bites Check-in at the Resort: We’re keeping it laid-back at a resort off the Strip, where we’ll have a chill space t...

Hello, fellow adventurers! With Halloween behind us and winter just around the corner, our thoughts are drifting back to the festive beauty of London. The holiday season there is something truly magical, with twinkling lights, cozy nooks, and a bustling energy that we can’t help but miss! So, in the spirit of daydreaming, we’ve put together the perfect 7-day London holiday itinerary. If we were to return, here’s exactly how we’d soak up the festive cheer. Day 1: Arrive and Settle In Where to Stay: The Langham : For classic London charm and holiday décor that looks straight out of a storybook. Treehouse London : A bit more modern with fun, cozy vibes. Plus, they have epic views of the city! Covent Garden Hotel : Right in the heart of festive magic, with a homey, boutique feel. What to Pack London in December is crisp and chilly, so pack cozy layers! We’d bring: A warm coat (wool or down) Cozy scarves and gloves Waterproof boots (for those surprise London showers!) A few dressy outfits f...

Hey everyone! While we’re busy brushing up on our French for our trip to Nice, we couldn’t resist a little daydream escape to… Las Vegas! There’s no city quite like it, with neon lights, a buzzing nightlife, and endless activities. So, here’s our ultimate weekend itinerary to help you soak up all the Vegas magic. (Any links you click on or book with will not cost you anything extra, but we may receive perks from affiliates) Las Vegas in November: What to Expect November is a perfect time to hit up Vegas. The temperatures are cooler, hovering around a comfortable 50-70°F (10-21°C). Gone is the intense summer heat, making it ideal for exploring the Strip without melting into the sidewalk. Pack light layers—think a couple of t-shirts, a light sweater or jacket for the evenings, and comfortable walking shoes. Vegas might be glam, but comfort is key! November also brings some exciting events, from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series to special Thanksgiving feasts. And if you’re lucky, you mi...