MAKE YOUR VACATION PHOTOS MORE INTERESTING

Taking photos when you travel is a given but how often do you get back and realize that no matter where you are your photos are basically of the same things. What I mean are things like monuments, museums and statues.

While you should take those types of iconic photos, to add excitement to your album or photo show add photos of ordinary life like people gathering and doing daily activities.

Take action shots and play with your settings. Things like moving vehicles, bicycles, trains and children playing.

Graffiti and other forms of street art is another interesting focus and it can tell you what’s on peoples minds.

You can also pick one thing to focus on and find that one thing as much as you can. For example doors, windows, colors, ceilings or even faces. Anything you can think of or have a passion for.

Take as many photos as you can, have as much fun as you can and get creative. When you put together your album or photo show it will be a lot more colorful and tell an interesting story.

Ja'Vonne

A Moment in Black History - Flight Attendants

Journalist and nurse Ruth Carol Taylor became the first African American airline flight attendant in the United States when she joined Mohawk Airlines in 1958.

However it was Patricia Banks who paved the way. After graduating from Grace Downs Air Career School in 1956 pursued a career as a flight attendant and was repeatedly denied employment by several airlines for such reasons as age, poor eyesight and the need for dental work.

During a subsequent interview with Capital Airlines, the head flight attendant finally told Ms. Banks that they did not hire Negroes as flight attendants. With the support of Representative Adam Clayton Powell, Ms. Banks filed a complaint against TWA, Mohawk and Capital Airlines with the New York State Commission Against Discrimination. In 1960, they ruled in favor of Ms. Banks and ordered Capital Airlines to hire her within 30 days.

Capital Airlines appealed the decision on the basis of jurisdiction stating they are registered in Washington, DC. The New York State Commission advising Capital Airlines that since they operate and hire in New York city they have jurisdiction and therefore the order stands.

Ja'Vonne's Travel Minute

BEING SOCIAL ON YOUR TRIP

Being social on a trip can be an added experience and if you're a solo travel can be an added companion.

Now, to some it may seem daunting to meet strangers especially in a foreign place, but it does have to. Just like anything else there's an art to being social.

First, where can you meet people? Well, just about anywhere, on the bus or train, at a bar or cafe, at museums or even while you're walking around.

Next, striking up the conversation. That's actually easier than you think. For a local, simply ask for suggestions on where to go and what to do. People love to share their destination with you. For other travelers, you can ask where they've been, where they're going and what brought them there.

If you want to get more official or organized about it, you can use today's resources for doing just that. That's right...There's an app for that too. There's travbuddy, skout and couchsurfing just to name a few where you can even plan to meet ahead of time.

"Remember, the world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page" - St. Augustine

Ja'Vonne

BECOME THE CELEBRITY ON YOUR TRIP

You may not have the bank account or the status of a celebrity, but you can vacation like one.

If you want to make your next trip celebrity worthy do the following things. Go ahead it's fun!

Pick a destination that celebrities visit.You can stay in a modest hotel but hang out at the celebrity’s hot spots.

• Follow your favorite or most popular celebrity on social media to track their shenanigans and whereabouts
• Go to a swanky bar or night club. You can google where the best mixologists and DJ's work and perform
• If you're more laid back, you can go to one of those high-end hotels for coffee, brunch, a cocktail or spa treatment, depending on your budget of course. Some even have day passes that will allow you to use their facilities at their spa or pool. On one of my trips to Dubai, we stayed at the Fairmont Dubai. Our celebrity upgrade was having tea at the Burj al Arab. It was $150 each but well worth it for the experience (#experientialtravel), the view and it was necessary to step foot on the property.

Make sure your wardrobe says celebrity…Noooo you don’t have to break the bank to do it. It’s all about the look not what you spent.

• Your look should be effortless and chic, especially for traveling. You never know who you might run into or who might be lurking when you step off the plane. I have a "go to" travel outfit. Black leggings (the thick pant like kind), a black long cardigan that belts and my new favorite, MK's high-top wedge sneakers. 
• A pair of shades to hide tired eyes
• A scarf is a perfect accessory to add a pop of color or to tie up your hair if necessary
• The perfect tote to carry your essentials in
• And ditch the gym shoes. They're only for the gym and they're not comfortable on a long flight.

Lastly, and this is a MUST….document it all like a paparazzi on social media 

• You must have a camera or just use your cell phone's camera
• Master the "Selfie"
• Get a Selfie Stick. It's a fairly new gadget that you attach your cell phone to for more and better angles.
• Sometimes you don't have to spend a dime to visit those "celebrity places", but you should document it. Make sure you get the name or sign in the background to prove you were there.
• Now this is the fun part....Photo bomb other vacationers. They'll wonder ...Who was that gorgeous creature in my photo?

Ja'Vonne

"Remember, the world is a book and those who do not travel, read only a page."

HOW TO ACHIEVE EXPERIENTIAL TRAVEL

My wish for you this year is to turn your trips into fabulous experiences and unforgettable moments. Create an experience beyond your itinerary. Do the things that will turn you into a story teller. By this I mean; Get up close and personal with the destination. 

Embrace and learn the culture. That could be anything from religion to food. 

Pay attention to the small things like the flowers and the colors. 

Live in the moment and take time to reflect on what you're feeling. 

Meet people you're sharing space with who are traveling from other places.

Find the pulse of a city and immerse yourself...  Like an outdoor cafe or bistro in France to do some people watching, Dance to Zydeco music on the streets of New Orleans, Take a pasta making class in Italy.

Do something luxurious like fine dining, buying one expensive thing or a fabulous spa.

Go to an out of the way place, search for the best view in town and visit neighborhoods.

When taking photos think about telling a story.

I want to leave you with the quote by Aarti Khurana that inspired me to write this. "While you are alive, collect moments not things"

Ja'Vonne Harley

HOW TO KEEP THAT NEW YEAR RESOLUTION TO TRAVEL

It's that time again, time for a resolution and one resolution at the top of a lot of lists is to travel more. How many times have you put travel on your list only to fail to make it happen?

Here are some ways to keep that travel resolution.

• Be specific. Rather than just saying I want to travel, decide where you want to travel.
• Pick a place that is realistic. It doesn't have to be the trip of a lifetime. Think of a place you want to visit that doesn't have an if or when attached to it. Like, if I won the lottery or when I get married.
• Do your research to know how much it will cost, the best time to go, the things to see and do.
• Put the vision in writing or create a vision board including the results of your research.
• Finally, make a date and a plan. Determine how much money to save and create a schedule for saving.
• Keeping your dreams to yourself without action is a sure way to keep a dream a dream.

Happy New Year!
"Remember, the world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page"
Ja'Vonne Harley, Co-Host

Four Over The Counter and Household Product for Your Travels

Packing a medicine bag is essential to your travels. Finding some things in a time of need and especially in a foreign country can be difficult.  There are four over the counter and household products I like that can aid in a medical situation.

First, yellow mustard can be used to alleviate cramps. Mustard has acetic acid, which helps the body make more acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that stimulates your muscles to work.

Second, a histamine blocker as a general dose works for an allergic reaction including anaphylaxis. If there is an anaphylactic shock it can slow down the reaction to an allergen.

Then there's honey, especially dark honey. It can be used to treat conditions associated with asthma. Honey soothes the mucous membranes in your airways that forms in the bronchial tubes and causes airway constriction.

Lastly, Triple Ointment, it contains key ingredients that stop the growth of bacteria and treats bacterial skin infections.

These are types of alternative treatments that can provide you relief, however, they shouldn’t be your only source of treatment in case of an emergency. In case of emergency you should always call 911 and seek professional medical attention.

Ja'Vonne Harley