BLOG
This section of my blog is dedicated to everything travel related; both local and international. I plan to take a trips around the world and share tips on places to go, eat, and how to get there. Stay tuned for all of my adventures!
The Only Way to Is Through
It’s been a long time since my last post, and to be honest, I didn’t think there would be another one. Not only had I lost my motivation to write and my connection to myself, but I’ve felt like I’ve lost my spark. I used to be so naturally high off life itself and...
“Bloom Where You Are Planted” –
Until It Is Time to Find a Bigger Pot. I recently met someone who reminds me a lot of myself in certain ways and yet we are different in others. However, we have one huge thing in common. We know we’re not happy living where we are currently living. He lives in...
Dedicating Time to My Passions
Part of this journey of finding the pieces of me that I feel have been missing or hiding lately is rediscovering my passions. You would think that’s an easy task. You just go out and do the things that you like. The crazy thing about life is that if you don’t...
Riding the Waves of Life and Finding the Flow
Before me making my first blog post this year I kept hearing this calling to write but I refused to listen to that voice in my head that kept saying, “Write again. You need to write again.” The words kept whispering in my mind for months until I finally sat down and...
When Life Humbles You Twice in the Same Day
Ever wake up in a bad mood and everything seems to just not go your way from the moment your feet hit the floor? That was me the other day. Pissed off at the world for absolutely no reason. Then life decided to serve me not one, but two slices of humble pie.
Where in the World Is Janel?
Maybe lately you’ve been thinking, “Where in the world is Janel?” She doesn’t post anything anymore, she doesn’t tell crazy stories on Instagram anymore, and she hasn't posted a selfie in ages. She's disappeared. Honestly, I’ve been thinking the same. Where in the...
To the Boy With the Biggest Heart
Today marks exactly one month since my cousin took his own life. On November 11th, 2021, the unimaginable happened. My baby cousin decided to leave this world behind in hopes to end his suffering. Death and loss are not foreign subjects to my family. We’re very well...
2020 Reflections
When any year comes to an end, we all reflect on what the year has been for us. Most of the time, we run down the list of accomplishments, failures, or major life events such as deaths, weddings, babies, etc. This year, everyone's most significant achievement is...
The Best Christmas Lights In Louisville-For Free!
This year the holidays look very different for a lot of us. Many of us will not be able to celebrate with our families or friends like we typically do. To help bring some holiday cheer to those who cannot celebrate the way they are used to, I've found the top 5 spots...
Louisville’s Unique Holiday Gift Guide 2020 Edition
With one week left before Christmas and we are right in the middle of Hanukkah, I know my fellow last-minute shoppers are probably searching high and low for the perfect gift for their loved ones. 2020 has been a challenging year for us all, especially small business...
Happy Thanksgiving!
I have so much to be grateful for and not just this year but every year. I'm healthy, I have my family and friends, I was able to travel at the beginning of the year, and I've rediscovered some of my passions. Honestly, my gratitude list could go on forever. However,...
5 Best Things to Do in Bali, Indonesia
1. Visit Tegallalang in Ubud An excellent way to avoid the hustle and bustle of city life is by spending time in nature. One of the popular ways to do this in Bali is by visiting a rice paddy. The most popular being Tegallalang in Ubud is the one featured in my photo....
Best 3 Things to Do in CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA
The third stop on our virtual tour is in my favorite Australian city, Cairns. Yes, Cairns beats Sydney in my book. I know, call me crazy, but there is a good reason why I fell in love with Cairns immediately. First and foremost, the climate. Cairns has a very tropical...
Top 5 Things to Do in ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA
If you have been following my virtual journey on Instagram, you know the second city we visited in Australia is Adelaide. Adelaida is in South Australia, and if you are like me, you probably have never heard of it until now. I'm going to be fully transparent and admit...
Your Guide to SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Welcome to the land down under! Or for my fellow Americans, the other side of the world--literally. Our first stop is Sydney, Australia, and this post highlights my must-sees and must-dos while in Sydney! First up, the must-sees. This includes areas and attractions to...
A Month of Pride, a Lifetime of Love
This past Saturday, I attended a wedding that was nothing less than magical. It occurred on June 20th, 2020, which happened to be the same day as the Summer Solstice, otherwise known as the longest day of the year, during pride month and a global pandemic. Apart from...
What Happened to Travel?
If you've been following me for a while, then you know that my blog's primary focus has always been travel. Whether it be descriptions of destinations, top things-to-do lists, or retelling stories of my adventures around the world, the main focus has already been...
Our Rainbow on Earth
Before you read this post, I find it necessary to first say to you, my audience, that I write this piece without the intent of offending anyone. I do not write this post to speak on the black experience in the U.S. or to take anything away from my loved ones who live...
Not Allowing Others to Negatively Effect Me
Up until the other day, I had been doing a good job of staying as positive as possible about this entire situation. After seeing several posts on the internet about how someone else's health and well being isn't as important as one's liberty, I lost it. The posts were...
Happy Birthday, Sis
My sister is turning 30 years old tomorrow. This birthday is going to be like any other because, for the first time in 30 years, I won't be able to wish her a happy birthday in person, nor will I be able to hug her. Something so simple as a hug has now turned into...
Resting and Resetting
Quarantine has taken control of most people's lives by now, which has brought up many ideas on what each of us should be doing to remain productive. One of the things that most people are doing during these times is watching to see what others do via social media....
Quarantine as a Traveler
My thoughts as someone who is not used to being stuck in one place.
Boquete, Panamá
Boquete, Panamá-How to get there, where to stay and where to eat.
Havana, Cuba Tips
One of the most challenging parts of trip planning is figuring out where to stay and also what to eat. I mean, everyone needs a good meal and place to lay their head down at night. Am I right? This list is to help take some of the headaches out of organizing your trip...
6 Things to Do in Havana
Havana seems to be on the tip of every traveler’s tongue these days and with good reason. Havana is a place that ignites warmth within the coldest of hearts as it is one of the sexiest cities you can visit. Havana is intoxicating to the senses. There are gorgeous men...
A Year Without My Dad
One year. Three hundred sixty-five days since I physically felt my heart shatter when I heard my mom say the words, "Your dad had a heart attack and passed away in his sleep." Honestly, I never expected to listen to those words. When someone tells you that a loved one...
2020 Bucket List
A new year typically means a new beginning, and with that fresh start comes new dreams. I figure what better way to start 2020 than publishing my bucket list for 2020. I have chosen the Top 10 Destinations that I would like to visit in 2020. Does making this list mean...
2019 Reflections
2019 started like any other year, filled with hope, happiness, and exciting plans to put into action. The only difference to the start of my 2019 ways that I rang it in by jumping on a hotel bed in Nepal with one of my best friends. I said exactly what most of us...
A Dessert That Tastes like a Dream
Louisville just got a little tastier thanks to Pastelitos by Annia. For those who do not know what pastelitos are, they are a delicious Cuban puff pastry that can put a smile even on the grumpiest face. Annia Garces, a local baker originally from Cuba, has taken the...
Top 5 Luxury Destinations for 2020
Although I know how to stretch a dollar when it comes to traveling, I also know when to indulge on pricier destinations. I'm no foreigner to the concept of "making it rain" when the amount of money that I plan to spend is worth the experience I plan to have. When it...
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Destinations for 2020
With 2020 right around the corner, it's time to start thinking of all of the beautiful places that the year can take you. I typically start planning trips six months ahead of time, but when the new year approaches, I begin to get more realistic about where exactly I...
Louisville’s Unique Holiday Gift Guide
First and foremost, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone is enjoying their time with their closest friends and family today. Seeing how it is Thanksgiving, tomorrow is Black Friday and Saturday is Shop Small Saturday, so I figured this is the perfect opportunity to...
Taco Choza: Not Your Ordinary Taco Shack
The other day I was able to visit and experience St. Matthew's newest taco sensation, Taco Choza. Taco Choza is a small Mexican restaurant that is making big waves amongst the taco aficionados in Louisville. It's known for its amazing tacos and excellent dining...
The Beauty of Bali
What is it about Bali that makes it so unique for everyone who visits? I've tried to come up with the best way to describe Bali to the world, and quite honestly, finding the words to describe such a magical island is almost impossible. My personal experience in Bali...
The Perfect Day in Barcelona
My favorite European city is usually at the top of most people's bucket lists and for a good reason. Barcelona is home to amazing Guadí architecture, Mediterranean views, and of course, fantastic tapas (small plates) and cervezas. It's a city that takes you in and...
Top 10 Things to Do in Louisville During Fall
It's that particular time of year where the air gets crisp, the leaves begin to change color, and the smell of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes is all around you. It is also when everyone is suddenly excited to wear layers of clothes, only to have to strip the majority...
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky
I was born and raised in Louisville the majority of my life, and I had no clue that we have a waterfall known as "The Niagara of the South." Nor did I know how easily accessible it is. It is an easy drive from Louisville, around two and a half hours depending on the...
WANT TO WORK WITH ME?
I have a passion for showcasing local and international hidden gems and would love the opportunity to create custom content for your business to help spread the word about everything you have to offer!
GET IN TOUCH
Whether to talk about travel, food, or potential collaboration opportunities, I’m here for you!
janelhaswings@gmail.com