Travel/Leisure – ThySistas.com

Black Women and Money: Savannah James Opens a Conversation About Friendship.

Brenda Poole — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 01:21:56 +0000

(ThySistas.com) Picture the group chat on a Tuesday night. One sister drops a screenshot of a boarding pass, first class to Tulum, wheels up Friday, who’s rolling. A couple of the Sistas fire back heart eyes and start packing in their minds. Then another reads that same message, grins at the phone for a second, and quietly turns it face down. The light bill is due. And the car note is right behind it, same as always. Nobody typed a single wrong word. Nobody meant a lick of harm. Even so, something shifted inside that little glowing box, and every grown woman reading this knows the exact feeling.

That weight rarely gets named out loud. It lives in the space between people who genuinely care for each other, folks who would show up at 3 a.m. without asking a single question, yet somehow keep landing on opposite ends of a dinner check.

Savannah James has spent the past couple of years building a whole platform on the honesty that runs between girlfriends. The podcast she hosts alongside April McDaniel, “Everybody’s Crazy,” launched in 2024 and returned with another season in August 2026. Their friendship stretches back well over a decade. Savannah has recalled meeting April at an NBA event in Las Vegas while she was pregnant, with April immediately telling her to sit down and taking care of her. All these years later, the two are cracking jokes, hopping flights together, fielding calls from strangers with their own messy situations and talking publicly about the complications that can exist inside even the strongest friendships.

That kind of bond is the whole point of what I want to sit with today.

The Akron native lives inside a rarefied world now. She launched her skincare brand Reframe in 2025. There are fashion events, business ventures, a famous husband whose career has kept the family under public lights for decades, two older sons building lives of their own and a daughter still growing up while watching her mother step more fully into her own lane. Savannah spent years describing herself as somebody who played the background while raising children and supporting her husband. These days, she is putting more of herself out front. And when you exist at that altitude, the math of a getaway looks nothing like it does for the sister stretching a check to Sunday.

Here is where things turn thorny for regular folks. Say two women came up together, braided each other’s edges in a dorm room, cried at the same funerals, held each other through the divorces. One hits a stretch of real abundance. Promotion, marriage, a business that finally pops. The other is doing fine, just fine in that ordinary way where the budget has a mind of its own and a spa weekend means telling something else no. What happens to the closeness then?

The competition creeps in sideways. It almost never announces itself. Sometimes it looks like a sister maxing a card she cannot cover, just to hang on the trip. Other times it is somebody pulling back from the group altogether, going quiet, letting calls slide to voicemail, because pretending gets exhausting and honesty feels like a confession. Or it is the one holding the cash reading every hesitation as coldness, wondering why the invitations keep getting declined.

So let me lay the uncomfortable question on the table, the one that has been circling my mind lately. If you are sitting on plenty, is it not a touch selfish to plan the fancy vacation, book the pricey table, chase the spontaneous flight, and never once offer to bring along a girl who cannot swing it? Is that true friendship, or just enjoying the company of folks who happen to keep up?

I sat with that a good while, because both answers have teeth.

One side makes a strong case that a true bond means reaching back. What is abundance even for if not to bless the people who stood with you before the money showed up? Covering a plane seat for the sister who held you down is not charity. It is memory. The Black women who make up our village are not accessories to enjoy only when the vibes line up. If the resources sit right there and the affection is genuine, letting a beloved friend miss every moment because money keeps getting in the way can eventually begin to feel less like honoring pride and more like guarding your own ease.

The other side reminds us that grown folks carry dignity, and cash can poison a bond quicker than distance ever could. Constant covering hardens into a tally nobody agreed to keep. The one always paying can begin to feel used, or worse, start seeing the other as a project instead of a peer. And the one always being carried can lose the very thing that made the connection feel level to begin with. Not every Sista wants a benefactor. Plenty would rather split a cheaper meal and hold their footing than sip champagne on somebody else’s dime and feel like the charity case at the table.

Both things hold at the same time. That is how truth usually behaves, refusing to sit neat on either side.

What I circle back to is that the poison is hardly ever the dollars themselves. It is the silence wrapped around them. Black women get raised, so many of us, to swallow the hard talk and grin through the strain. We will dissect anybody else’s business before admitting our own account is running thin. So the invite lands, and rather than saying baby, I love you, that flight is not in my budget this month, can we do a cookout at my place instead, we ghost. We let a whole friendship fade out instead of speaking one honest sentence about the wallet.

The one with means owns a piece of this too. There is a way to bless people that leaves pride intact, and a way that plants a flag. Handling a bill without a word, no announcement, no group chat receipt, no reminder six months down the road, that is grace. Turning it into a whole production about who paid for what converts a gift into a leash. If you are running a scoreboard, you never truly gave a thing.

Savannah and April offer a timely example because they recently talked about this exact tension instead of pretending it does not exist. During a September 28 appearance on Boardroom’s “Mental Wealth,” April said plainly that the two women live different financial lifestyles. She explained that when they travel, they plan ahead so she has time to budget. She also said she does not feel the need to sit in first class just because Savannah does. Viewers have apparently questioned why Savannah might be in first while April is in business, but April’s answer was refreshingly grown: Savannah has accommodated where she is financially, and April does not expect her friend’s bank account to erase her own boundaries. Two Black women can love each other, travel together and remain close without pretending their wallets match.

Maybe that is the whole assignment for the rest of us. Quit performing. A getaway you cannot afford is not worth the debt or the resentment, and a friend worth holding onto will never make you choose between the vacation and your peace. Maybe she pays sometimes. Maybe you sit in different sections of the plane. Maybe the whole crew trades the resort for somebody’s backyard one year. Friendship does not have to look financially equal every single time to remain emotionally equal. If a bond only lasts while the spending stays even, it was standing on sand the entire time.

So check the Sistas in your corner. Not with your bank app, with your honesty. Tell the truth about what you can and cannot do. Offer help in a way that honors the person on the receiving end. And if a woman ever loves you less because your pockets got lighter, believe her the first time. Real sisterhood was never up for sale, and the ones who understood that were never counting your coins to begin with.

Staff Writer: Brenda Poole

BP writes about entertainment, relationships, faith, and life in general… She enjoys speaking on things Black women can relate to and hopefully giving a sista something useful along the way…

Feel free to email her at BrendaP@ThySistas.com.

Finding Freedom and Belonging in the Great Outdoors.

Raven Jones — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:48:40 +0000

(ThySistas.com) There is one photograph on my phone I keep returning to, more often than I would care to admit. My daughter took it a couple summers ago, up on a ridge in the Blue Ridge Mountains, my arms thrown wide and my hair pushed off my face. You can see the sweat on me, and it was the good kind, the kind you have to earn. For the longest time I could not put my finger on what kept snagging my attention. The view was lovely, no denying that. That was not the part that hooked me, though. What got me was being up there at all. My whole self, planted on a patch of the world that history had spent ages hinting was never meant to hold a woman who looked like me.

I came up believing some places wore signs you could not actually see. Not the ones bolted to walls back in Jim Crow, though my grandmother remembered plenty of those firsthand. I mean the sneakier kind, the ones that set up shop in your head. They murmur to a little brown girl that camping is a white folks’ thing. That hiking is a pastime for people with trust funds and four hundred dollar boots. The beach was fine for a cookout, but that wilder stretch of coastline further along? Meant for somebody else to enjoy. Not one soul ever said it to my face. The message reached me all the same, slipped into commercials and glossy magazine spreads where the peaks came pre stocked with families who resembled mine not one bit.

Most of my grown life, I took that setup at face value and never poked at it. A vacation was a city, or a cruise, or the family piling into a rented hall for a reunion. Sleeping in a tent out under some pines? That felt strange to me, almost silly, like squeezing into shoes a size too small and pretending they fit fine. Then everything turned over at once. The marriage ended. My kids grew up and scattered into their own busy lives, and the house went so still it started leaning on me. One afternoon a coworker asked if I wanted to tag along on a hike near a state park. I nearly turned her down. Some worn out corner of me, sick of shrinking, said yes anyway.

That first walk pried me open. My lungs burned. My knees filed complaints. Out there as the only brown face on that entire trail, I felt each glance land on me, real or imagined. By the second mile, though, the self consciousness just lifted off, the way morning fog gives up once the sun climbs, and underneath was something clean. Birdsong I had strolled past my entire life without ever hearing. Moss on a wet rock, greener than I knew that color came. A forest hush so thick it asked nothing of me and still handed over the world. I cried some on the drive home. Could not have told you the reason if you paid me.

Here is the piece I finally worked out. Representation, the word we throw around so loosely, means faces on a screen or bodies filling a boardroom. Hardly ever does it mean who feels at ease beside a mountain lake as dawn breaks. That second sort of belonging sinks just as far into a person, maybe further. My folks go far, far back with the land, a bond that got twisted and stolen and steeped in hurt. People in my bloodline worked soil they had no right to own. They wore their bodies down in fields no human should have to. Then emancipation came, and generations later, even many public parks and recreation spaces were shaped by segregation.

That wound goes down deep, and it never healed on its own. A lot of the national treasures we brag about took shape during years when Black families faced segregated facilities, restricted access, or outright exclusion from public recreation spaces. My grandmother could sit you down with stories. The leftover of that shutting out still hangs in the shared memory, all these years past the laws changing. It turns up as a hesitation, as the hunch that the trail is not really for us, as the quiet choice to just stay home where the welcome is a sure thing.

But the ground is shifting under all of it, and I am glad to be part of the push. Sisters everywhere are lacing up boots and hauling kayaks down to the water and bedding down beneath stars somebody once swore were not theirs to sleep under. Groups have sprung up, names that put us and open country in the same breath. Folks meet for hikes, plan camping trips, take themselves off on slow weekends by the water and dare anybody to say they don’t belong. They post the pictures online with a joy that borders on defiant, and every last shot says the same thing without a caption. We are here. We belong here too. We are through asking permission.

There is a kind of healing I find out there that I have never found anywhere else. Black women haul around a staggering amount. We are meant to keep the family stitched together, fight our corner at work, choke down the little insults and grin through them. Stay strong, forever strong, long past where the strength quits being a gift and hardens into a cage we cannot climb out of. A wild trail could not care less about any of it. The ocean has no clue what your job title is, or which colleague spoiled your Tuesday. I have waded out waist deep into a cold lake, watched the light shatter across the top of it, and felt the entire load slide off me. Rest, at last. Space to go soft. And freedom, that word my ancestors bled over, becomes a thing your own two hands can hold.

Some folks will read all this and wonder why it even needs saying. Just go outside, they figure. If only it worked that easy. Feeling at home in a place gets built across generations, handed down parent to child like somebody’s guarded recipe. When your line got shut out of that handing down, you end up building the ease yourself, brick by brick, hike by hike, telling your daughters and your nieces and every young woman watching you that these mountains belong to them by birthright. Nobody passed us the key. So we are cutting our own.

These days I keep heading back out. Twice now I have caught the sun coming up over sand dunes and slept next to a river loud enough to wash my worries clean out. I have stood at the base of redwoods older than this whole country and, wouldn’t you know it, felt bigger rather than smaller. Each campground I settle into, every peak I reach on these creaky middle aged knees, chips away at an old lie. I am telling the world, and even more the woman in the mirror, that the wild gorgeous corners of this earth were made with me in mind too.

If you are a Sista and your chest leaned toward this while you read, do not let yourself argue out of it. Find a trail near where you live. Bring somebody with you, or head out solo with a full water bottle and plain nerve. Get to the spot where the treetops open onto sky and let yourself take up all the room you want. The wilderness is patient. It has been saving us a place the whole time, and every bit of it is ours to breathe.

Staff Writer; Raven Jones

Raven writes about music, relationships, and the everyday ups and downs of Black women… She keeps it honest, encourages other sistas, and can be reached at RavenJ@ThySistas.com.

Some of the Best Activities Can Be Free.

ThySista — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:26:24 +0000

(ThySistas.com) There’s no need to spend a lot of money to have a great time. In Charleston, there are plenty of free activities that will keep you entertained for hours on end. From exploring the city’s open spaces to taking part in cultural events, you’ll never run out of things to do without spending a cent. Or penny, perhaps, depending on what part of the world you are from.

The Best Free Activities in Charleston and beyond are there to be found as well as the equivalent inside the hotels when there are complimentary amenities to be taken advantage of as all part of the package on offer. These free hotel add-ons can in a sense be considered as free as open space. They are to attract us to particular hotels. They are something to weigh up when we are working out which hotel offers us the most for our money.

The beaches and parks of Charleston

If you head to beaches and parks then you can often enjoy the great outdoors without paying admission fees. It does depend on how far you wish to extend your sightseeing or sense of adventure and whether you also wish to be dined or entertained.

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission operates a variety of parks and facilities, including the James Island County Park, Mount Pleasant Pier Park, the Palmetto Islands County Park, and more. These parks offer a variety of activities, from swimming and fishing to hiking and biking.

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, Charleston also has some beautiful beaches to explore. Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Kiawah Island are all great options, and they all offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. So grab your sunscreen and head on out!

Exploring can cost nothing

It costs nothing to look around. You can observe the exterior architecture of historic buildings without having to enter them.

We can photograph the tops or bottoms of interesting buildings to have something to research further or talk about once we have returned home. These are the memories we form of a place and not everything can stay in our head whatever impact it has on us. Charleston tends to be a place described as love at first sight.

Some of the locals will take Charleston’s views for granted, while others will continue to appreciate them as if it was the first time they had seen them. You can stay in a hotel to get the flavor of a place to then make it your home later on. Visit as an individual or family and see just what the locals have to say. However, the view requires no words to appreciate and know how special it is.

Complimentary services at hotels

When we visit Charleston or any other place, we often choose to stay in hotels. While this means that we have to pay for our accommodation, many hotels also offer complimentary services that can save us money. For example, many hotels offer free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking.

Some hotels also offer free shuttle services to and from the airport, as well as to popular attractions in the area. This can save you a lot of money on transportation costs, and it’s a great way to get around Charleston without having to rent a car.

So when you’re looking for a place to stay in Charleston, be sure to check out the complimentary services that each hotel offers. You might be surprised at just how much you can save!

Charleston’s cultural events

Charleston is home to some cultural events that are free and open to the public. These include the Spoleto Festival USA, an annual performing arts festival that features opera, theater, dance, and music; the Charleston Wine and Food Festival, a four-day event that celebrates Charleston’s culinary scene; and Piccolo Spoleto, a two-week festival that features more than 500 performing and visual artists.

So if you’re looking for something to do in Charleston, be sure to check out the city’s cultural calendar. You’re sure to find something that interests you, and you might even discover a new favorite artist or band.

Charleston’s free attractions

There are several free attractions in Charleston that are sure to please everyone in your group. You can check for any admission fees, or be prepared to donate something to the cause.

Some things are worth paying to see, though. For history buffs, Charleston is home to several historic sites, including the Charleston Museum, the Old Slave Mart Museum, and the Fort Sumter National Monument. Art lovers will enjoy Charleston’s many art galleries, and families will love the Charleston Children’s Museum.

Whether you’re looking for a free activity for yourself or your family, Charleston has something to offer. Be sure to check out the city’s website for a full list of free attractions.

Staff Writer; Carla Poole

Small Town Success: 6 Types of Business That Thrive in Small Towns.

ThySista — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 15:51:55 +0000

(ThySistas.com) Small towns offer challenges in terms of business opportunities. Choose the right type of business, and it’ll do well. Choose one that doesn’t meet the needs of the residents, however, and it’ll fail quickly. Small towns have limited clientele, and residents often resist change and react strongly to poor service. So, if you’re hoping to start a business in a small town, it’s essential to do plenty of research before launch day.

To get you started, let’s take a look at some of the most successful business niches in small towns. While every place is unique, it’s hard to go wrong with the following business ideas:

Small Town Lawyer

Mention the word lawyer, and most people think of a power attorney in an expensive suit operating from a high-rise skyscraper in New York or some other big city. While many big-wig attorneys do fit this image, a small-town lawyer can be just as successful and respected by the community.

For example, one Albury lawyer we know thrives by emphasizing the human side of the law, catering to the emotional and intellectual aspects of commercial law. It’s this dedication to empowering their clients that makes them such a big success in their small community.

Small Town Dining

Restaurants are always a sure bet in a small town as long as you give the residents something they want or don’t already have. Rather than copying an existing diner or fine-dining establishment, do some research and create a dining experience they don’t already have. Offer good food and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat business and invites residents from surrounding communities to visit as well. Whether it’s New York-style pizza or some other unique food experience, there’s almost always room for another great restaurant in every small town.

Bars and Coffee Shops

What beverages do people drink most often? If you said coffee and alcohol, you’d be correct. Bars and coffee shops give people a place to socialize while enjoying their favorite beverages. So, if you’re looking for instant success in any small town, start one of these popular hot spots. Better yet, create a hybrid of the two to bring in patrons almost 24 hours a day.

Liquor Store

State laws can be tricky, but if you want to open one of the most lucrative businesses in a small town, it pays to follow through. Opening a liquor store in a small town where the grocery stores aren’t allowed to sell alcohol means yours would be the only liquor around. Unless you provide horrible customer service or have outrageous prices, you’re sure to bring in a tidy profit.

If you are serious about this business, you need to understand the licensing requirements and follow all local and provincial regulations. You could even consider starting a distillery in Ontario or other provinces with plenty of small towns. It is a great way to expand your business legally and creatively. With the right license in place, you can sell your own crafted spirits and attract loyal customers who appreciate both quality and compliance. Navigating the rules may seem complex, but getting it right sets you apart from anyone trying to operate without proper authorization.

Auto Shop

Almost everyone owns at least one car, which means there’s always a need for towing and auto repairs. If your small town is some distance from a bigger city, opening an automotive repair shop and offering towing services can put you in high demand.

Pet Services

Pets can be a near-limitless source of income in small towns. From pet stores and grooming services to veterinary and boarding needs, there are many opportunities for earning a living catering to the furry side of your small town’s population. Further, since the onset of the pandemic, more people than ever own pets, placing these businesses in high demand almost everywhere.

If you’re looking to start a business in a small town, do yourself a favor and find out what its residents need. By meeting their needs, your business stands a better chance of thriving in the long term.

Staff Writer; Carla Brown

How to Have the Best Honeymoon with Your Loved One.

ThySista — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 14:43:57 +0000

(ThySistas.com) Your honeymoon should be one of the most memorable and special trips of your life. Planning ahead and keeping a few key things in mind can help ensure that your honeymoon is everything you dreamed it would be. Here are a few tips to help plan an unforgettable trip:

Decide how long to go for

The main factor that will influence your plan is how long you’re planning on being away for. If you’re looking to relax and enjoy some quality time together, a longer trip may be right for you. This will give you the chance to reflect on and process the memories of your wedding, which should help you to remember it for years to come. Staying for longer can even work out cheaper too, with these extended stay hotels in tampa, florida, and others like it, often giving much better rates than normal short stay hotels.

However, if you’re tight on time or budget, a shorter trip can still be special. It might be hard to fit everything you want to do into a shorter time, but with some clever planning it’s absolutely possible. Consider going somewhere high-impact, so even if you’re not there for long, you’ll still have plenty of stunning memories to look back on.

Choosing the right destination:

Once you’ve figured out your time frame, it’s time to pick the perfect destination. Think about the kind of trip you both want—are you dreaming of a laid-back beach escape or something more adventurous? If one of you loves the city while the other prefers the great outdoors, you might need to find a middle ground. Once you have a general idea, start researching places that match your vibe. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and natural beauty, a galapagos trip could be just what you need. With breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and plenty of opportunities to explore, it’s a destination that promises an unforgettable experience.

Choosing the right accommodation

After you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to start thinking about accommodation. When selecting a place to stay on your honeymoon, be sure to consider things like cost, location, and amenities. You may also want to think about booking a room with a view or opting for a more private setting. If you’re adventurous, Madikwe Safari Lodges offer exclusive opportunities to see a rich diversity of fauna and flora on South African plains to make your honeymoon truly memorable.

Many places also offer honeymoon suites, which come with added perks such as free champagne or an extra-large bed. Ideally, you want a deeply personal experience, so a family-run hotel or apartment may be your best bet. Just remember to read the reviews before booking – accommodation can either make or break your honeymoon!

For couples dreaming of an escape that perfectly reflects their unique vision, the expertise of a specialist travel planner can be invaluable. These professionals excel at curating truly bespoke experiences, moving beyond standard packages to craft itineraries that include hand-picked luxury resorts and private hideaways. This approach ensures every detail, from the destination to the daily activities, is meticulously tailored to your preferences, providing peace of mind and 24/7 support. Opting for luxury tailor-made honeymoons allows you to relax and immerse yourselves fully in the magic of your first journey as a married couple, knowing every aspect is expertly managed.

Packing for your honeymoon

After you’ve sorted out all the logistics of your trip, it’s time to start packing! When packing for your honeymoon, be sure to pack items that are both functional and stylish. You’ll want to pack clothes that are comfortable and suitable for the climate of your destination. If you’re planning on doing any activities, be sure to pack appropriate gear. As this is a romantic getaway, remember to pack your best underwear – this isn’t the time for boxers with holes in or bras with loose wires. Flattering underwear can really spice up the evening, so ensure it’s packed, and don’t forget some sexy swimwear!

What to do on your honeymoon:

Once you’ve arrived at your destination and settled into your accommodation, it’s time to actually start enjoying your honeymoon! Be sure to take advantage of all the activities and attractions that your destination has to offer. If you’re looking for ideas, many travel websites and blogs have lists of things to do in specific destinations. Remember to record your memories – take lots of photos and videos and write down your favourite moments together. This is a trip you’ll want to remember forever!

Conclusion

Your honeymoon should be a special, once-in-a-lifetime trip that you remember forever. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your honeymoon is everything you’ve dreamed of, so start planning today and enjoy a truly magical experience with the one you love.

Staff Writer; Shelia Shaw

4 Benefits of Traveling as a Family.

ThySista — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 16:41:06 +0000

(ThySistas.com) Traveling and seeing the world is one of the things that many Americans love to experience as often as possible. While solo travel is more common these days, nothing quite beats a trip to somewhere fun with the whole family, creating unforgettable memories that can last a lifetime. Especially with social media being the modern-day way of scrapbooking – in fact, the majority of travelers these days share their photos on social media with traveling, including 97% of Millennials according to Martech Zone, there’s really no better way to engrave those precious moments.

Of course, embarking on an adventure with the family not only makes for a great time, but it comes with many benefits, including these.

Quality Time Together

While all families have their good and bad days, most people would agree that spending quality time together is just as important as anything else. Being able to travel as a family on a vacation or weekend trip is a special event, as it can be difficult to coordinate schedules so that everyone can go. Not only are experiencing tourist attractions and activities fun to do as a group, but it also makes the travel portion less boring when you have someone to talk to on long flights or drives.

Splitting Expenses for Cheaper Travel

Another big advantage of traveling with family, especially adult family members, is being able to share the expenses of your trip. Meals, food for the hotel, the Manila car rental, fuel, and even some attractions are usually more cost-effective when you have someone to split the bill with. When you’re traveling by yourself, those little expenses add up pretty quickly, especially when you’re trying to save up for one of those beautiful Los Angeles homes for sale. While not all vacations require a large budget, saving every penny helps in the long run.

You Have Safety in Numbers

Traveling in a group means that there are more of you together, so it won’t be as easy for someone to pick your pocket, run off with your purse or cause you physical harm. One of the best benefits of traveling together as a family is having someone always with you to watch your back, and while most hotels and tourist areas are heavily trafficked, it never hurts to have backup support. Also, would-be criminals are less likely to target someone in a group as opposed to a solo traveler.

There’s Never a Lonely or Dull Moment

Even though it can be difficult to get everyone on board when it comes to wanting to do the same things or see the same places, traveling as a family means there won’t be any lonely days either. While there is some benefit for doing whatever you want as a lone traveler, some trips are just more enjoyable with others to share the time with. Especially during the evenings when it’s time to turn in after a long day of sightseeing, it can be fun to share a drink or play a board game in your hotel, B&B, or another accommodation before turning in for the night.

Staff Writer; Samantha Jackson

3 Reasons Why Your Car Will Be Your Best Friend This Summer.

ThySista — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 20:20:57 +0000

(ThyBlackMan.com) Summer is here, and so is holiday time. However, this year, jumping on a plane, exploring far-away cultures, and trying exotic food right where it comes from is not in the plans. With the current travel restrictions and social distancing measures, any holidaymaker or traveler had to change itinerary and travel plans.

Even if the travel restrictions were not in place, the fear of getting stuck in public transports such as trains, planes, and busses for hours is a factor to consider. Instead, your car can help you enjoy any holiday, anywhere you want. You need to gear up for your upcoming road trip with your girlfriends!

It Can Get You Anywhere, Safely

One of the reasons you should get your car ready for this summer’s adventure is that your vehicle – for how old or small it might be – is the only way to get around without the constant thought or fear of contagion. Of course, within limits!

If you plan on driving right into the city center and enjoying the city life, it might still be dangerous. However, having a car also means that you can start planning for a camping trip in the middle of nature.

If you have decided to go with your partner or closest members of your family, you won’t need to worry about being in an indoor space with many others. Conversely, if you need to commute from and work every day, this technique allows you to avoid public transport systems.

Road Trips Are In!

As the pandemic started to spread across countries, we have all started to lose hope in terms of summer holidays and trips abroad. While flying, entering an airport, and staying in large hotels are all activities that still involve a degree of risk of contagion, you can substitute the holiday you had planned for a safer road trip.

Of course, this holiday might require you to dedicate more time to the planning of your trip and travel agencies might not be able to help you that much after all. At the same time, road trips don’t necessarily have to get you to the other side of the country. Instead, local beauties are all there for you to explore.

Before setting off for your adventure, make sure your car is geared up for such a trip. Depending on your vehicle’s type and age, you might need to find adequate parts to increase efficiency and improve your on-the-road experience. If you are not a car expert yourself, ask experts such as Tcsupfitting.com.

Drive-In Cinemas and Restaurants Are the Way Forward

Sometimes we are indeed spending too much on our cars. However, this summer, some of those costs are worth it. Indeed, without a car, the experiences to live during the good weather months might be limited. Due to today’s social distancing measures, many businesses have revisited the way they operate. Therefore, this summer, it will all be about drive-in cinemas and drive-through restaurants. Get your car ready with all the accessories and equipment you need to enjoy these moments with your friends best. Don’t forget a cup holder!

Staff Writer; Laura Ross

Safety Considerations to Make Ahead of Your Road Trip.

ThySista — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 16:08:44 +0000

(ThySistas.com) If you’re planning a big road trip, you’re probably excited to hit the road and begin your adventure. That’s totally understandable and something that you’ll definitely get a lot out of. But before you do hit the road, it’s worth making some safety considerations. That way, you’ll avoid any of the problems that often arise when doing a lot of driving. It’s important to remember that the road can be dangerous and you shouldn’t underestimate the risks.

Plan Out Driving Times and Rotations

If you’re taking this road trip with another person and you’re going to be sharing driving duties, it’s a good idea to plan this out ahead of time. That way, you’ll know when each of you will be driving and when you’ll rotate so that no one gets tired at the wheel. The risk of falling asleep at the wheel is a real one and the results of that can, of course, be devastating.

Secure Your Vehicle

You’re going to want your vehicle to be as safe and secure as possible. If someone is able to break into it and steal it, you’re going to be left stranded and vulnerable and that’s the last thing you want. Put a security system in place that can complement the in-built locking system. That way, you’ll give your vehicle an extra layer of protection and security.

Know the Risks and Dangers Ahead of You

There are lots of risks and danger out there, and these will differ depending on where you’re driving, what the conditions are like and a range of other factors. There are over 160 wrecks per day on the road, so there’s always going to be a risk of getting involved in a collision, no matter where in the world you’re driving; that’s something that can’t be ignored.

Get Your Car Checked Out

It’s also a good idea to have your car given the once over by a mechanic before you hit the road. They’ll be able to spot any faults that might lead to safety issues while you’re driving. It’s best to have any minor faults fixed ahead of your road trip so they don’t end up getting worse while you’re out there driving.

Stock Up on Supplies

You should make sure that you have plenty of supplies in your car before you start your road trip. Safety items like high visibility jackets and spare wheels, as well as any tools you might need, will help you to deal with a range of situations in the safest way possible. Ideally, you won’t need to use any of these things, but it’s good to have them regardless.

Nothing matters more than safety when you’re on the road, and that applies to your road trip as well. Of course, you want to have fun and enjoy the experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t also do it in a safe way. The advice and ideas above will help you to do exactly that, so make the most of them.

Staff Writer; Lisa Jacobs

European Locations So Rich in History That You Need To Visit.

ThySista — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 16:16:40 +0000

(ThySistas.com) For those of us who deem ourselves to be history buffs, we tend to find the historical treasures in any of the holiday destinations we visit. Whether it’s a ruin tucked away from the beaten path, or a museum filled with unique artefacts that give us insight into life hundreds of years ago, the historical culture can keep us entertained for hours. So, whether you’re looking to renew an e111, or you’re already searching for flights, here are a few of the best European destinations with the richest histories.

Rome, Italy

Chances are you’ve studied Roman history at some point in your childhood, so where better to start a historical holiday bucket list? Legend suggests that Rome came about when two twin boys, who had been raised by a she-wolf, founded the city in 753 BC. The Roman Colosseum was built years later, and the city now, of course, plays host to the Pantheon, the Vatican City, St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican museums. At the Vatican Museums, you’ll even see some of the most famous and treasured paintings, ceilings, tapestries and sculptures in the world, not least including those in the Sistine Chapel.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is more than just beaches and a bit of unique architecture. In fact, all of these stunning spots have their own rich history. Take the buildings, for example – much of the unique designs come from architect Anton Gaudi, who completely changed the face of Catalonian architecture. Others can be found in the Gothic Quarter, where you’ll find everything from flamenco, to traditional festivals littered around the city. The history itself dates back up to 2000 years, much of which can be discovered in the plentiful museums, not least including the Museu d’Historia de Catalunya.

Athens, Greece

As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is a must-visit for anyone with even the slightest interest in Greek history. Home to enchanting mystery surrounding Greek Mythology, Athens is a capital city full of wonder. Stop by Acropolis, a protected World Heritage site, before heading on to the countless other 5th Century BC landmarks dotted around the city. The Parthenon temple is another must-see, as a masterpiece dedicated to the goddess Athena and a true insight into the impressive and unique architecture of ancient Greece.

Berlin, Germany

For fans of more modern history, Berlin offers a unique insight into World War II Germany. With plentiful memorials and countless museums to explore (many of which are on Museum Island!), there’s plenty to do here, even on rainy days. When the weather is a little nicer, you can head over to the Berlin Wall, and see the towering brick that once divided the city, now coated in over 100 panels of incredible and moving artwork. You can visit the Topography of Terror and the Jewish Museum if you want to delve a little deeper into the holocaust, before heading to the Holocaust Memorial to pay your respects and take a moment to reflect.

Paris, France

If your historic interest is of a more artistic variety, Paris is a must-visit. With the incredibly famous Le Louvre art gallery housing some of the most incredible and famous paintings in the world, not least including the Mona Lisa, you could spend a day or two exploring this gallery alone. Step out of the galleries and into the museums, and you’ll find out everything you could want to know about Joan of Arc, the reign of King Louis XIV, the French Revolution, The Renaissance and, of course, the World Wars.

While Europe is full of incredible cities with plenty of history to explore, the above are just some of the richest. From Paris, to Rome, through to Berlin, Athens and Barcelona, each one offers an unforgettable holiday for history buffs. Where will you visit first?

Staff Writer; Sherry Wall

3 Tips for Getting a Deeper Sense of Adventure on Your Travels.

ThySista — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 22:55:39 +0000

(ThySistas.com) Often, when we go travelling, the point is pretty much to relax, unwind, and leave the responsibilities of normal life behind for a while.

But, at other times, the whole reason we get away from home isn’t to “chill out,” but to have an adventure, and to collect some of those memories that make life interesting.

If you’re out on a vacation looking for adventure, then you’re pretty likely to be disappointed if you stick to all the conventional tourist routes and hotspots, and don’t take any chances, or try anything different.

Here are a few tips for actually getting a deeper sense of adventure on your travels, especially if you’ve been disappointed before.

Travel in an RV

Travelling in an RV is a completely different experience to travelling by plane, train, or automobile, and staying in hotels. And, in fact, travelling in an RV may be one of the best ways of ensuring you get to have a more adventurous time on your travels.

When you’re in RV, you are, pretty much by default, on a road trip and are in a position to easily head off at a moment’s notice to explore new locations, and try out new things.

Your entire “camp,” so to speak, is the vehicle you’re driving around in, and there’s little to stop you parking someone new every night, and exploring somewhere new every day.

If you rent an RV from a company like Halterman’s RV, you may not necessarily end up covering a huge amount of ground. But you have the option to – and that’s where a lot of the adventure lies.

Push yourself to try unusual things that fall outside your comfort zone

If you do the same things you always do at home, when travelling, why would you expect that your experience would be an “adventure?”

“Adventure” is mostly a matter of experiencing new things, taking risks, and expanding your horizons in one way or another. If you are just staying in your comfort zone, it’s more or less impossible to have those kinds of adventurous experiences – unless some external situation forces you to respond.

When you’re travelling, push yourself to try unusual things that fall outside your comfort zone – just so long as they are not against your values or your ethics.

Trying a new type of food, going SCUBA-diving, and all sorts of other things can give you a whole new insight in life, and often a decent adrenaline rush, too.

Plan things out a bit less, and “go with the flow” a bit more

It’s not very easy to feel that you are having an adventure, if you are simply crossing off items on a highly specific checklist that you drew up months ago – but a lot of us, when we travel, do like to have everything perfectly mapped out, with flawless itineraries that account for every spare minute of the day.

Sure, you should have some idea of a few of the highlights you want to see when you’re travelling, and you should consider basic logistics such as opening times for various attractions, but if it’s an adventure you’re after, it could be a good idea to go with the flow more and to plan things out a bit less.

Maybe you wake up one day on your travels and decide that something on the horizon looks interesting enough to check out. So, maybe checking it out is the right way to go after all, even if it’s not in the itinerary.