Conquering the World, One Drink at a Time Ever since I first heard about Drinking Around the World at Epcot, it’s been at the top of my Disney bucket list. The idea of sipping my way through 11 countries, experiencing different flavors and cultures, sounded like the ultimate challenge. So, I rallied my best drinking buddies, and set off on an adventure I wouldn’t soon forget.  Stop #1: Mexico 🇲🇽 - We got off to a fiery start in Mexico! I don't drink and tell so I wont mention which one of my friends added a floater to her drink at stop 1! La Cava del Tequila is a dimly lit and feels like a hidden treasure when you step inside. I kicked off my Drinking Around the World (DATW) with a classic Avocado Margarita ($19.50), it was creamy, refreshing a dangerously smooth. The girls had a Wild One ($18.00) and The Cucumber ($17.00).  Stop #2: Norway 🇳🇴 - We had the famous frozen Viking Coffee, a cocktail made with Bailey's Irish Cream, Kamora Coffee Liqueur, coffee, coffee-chocolate sauce, and garnished with a coffee-chocolate crunch. This cocktail was the drink gave me the energy boost I knew that I would to get through all 11 drinks on our DATW day.  Stop #3: China 🇨🇳 - Esthetically this is in my top 3 pavillions at EPCOT. I added Boba ($1.50) to my Kung Fu Punch ($13.95). I was tempted to try the Dragon Blossum Draft beer but I'm a sucker for boba.  Stop #4: Germany 🇩🇪 -By the time we made it to Germany, the vibe had shifted and I was starting to feel the drinks of the morning. I had the classic Schöfferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen ($19.75). It was light and refreshing with light notes of citrus and spice with low bitterness. If you are not a big fan of beer I think you will still be able to enjoy this drink as it resembles a hard cider in my opinion. Des is pictured with a stout beer.  Stop #5: Italy 🇮🇹 - The Limoncello Mule ($19) served at the Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria is a refreshing cocktail that combines Italian flavors with a classic mule twist. This beverage features a blend of Wild Sardinia Italian Vodka, Limoncello, peach purée, orange juice, lime juice, and ginger beer.  Stop #6: USA 🇺🇸 - The girls decided to go with the fan favorite The Frozen Mint Julep ($17). While I had a Texas Mule ($16) is a bold twist on the classic Moscow Mule, featuring the smooth kick of Texas-made whiskey or bourbon, combined with spicy ginger beer and fresh lime juice. This refreshing cocktail offers a balanced blend of warmth, zest, and a bit of Southern charm, often garnished with a lime wedge or fresh mint.  Stop #7: Japan 🇯🇵 - At this point on our DATW adventure I one of us about to tap out. Again, I dont drink and tell but it wasn't me .😏 For this very reason we decided it would be wise to switch to flights so that everyone MIGHT make it to the end. Tokyo Sunset: A tropical blend of coconut rum, crème de banana, peach schnapps, and pineapple juice, resulting in a fruity and sweet flavor profile. Violet Sake: A fan-favorite concoction mixing sake with purple pear and lime juice, offering a refreshing and slightly tangy taste. Seasonal Sake: I do not remember which one this was and didn't take a picture of the menu. . . it was good tho 🤷🏽♀️.  Stop #8: Morocco 🇲🇦 - By the time we reached Morocco, I was grateful again that we decided to go with another drink flight. The flight consisted of 3 hard ciders which were all light and refreshing. The flight consited of Maeloc Strawberry Hard Cider, Keel Farms Blackberry Pear Hard Cider, and 3 Daughters Brewing Fig Hard Cider. This flight paired perfectly with the Spiced Lamb Kefta.  Stop #9: France 🇫🇷 - The MVP of DrinksI’d been waiting for this one: the legendary Grand Marnier Orange Slush in France. It lived up to the hype—sweet, citrusy, and boozy enough to keep things fun. We added an extra shot of Grand Marnier. This one is definitely a park favorite because most people in line were there for a second drink and had the infamous orange cup.  Stop #10: United Kingdom 🇬🇧 - With only two stops left, we powered through. The UK’s Welsh Dragon was a welcome change from the heavier drinks earlier in the day. Usually I would have gone with a beer of some sort but I was just trying to make it to the end.  Stop #11: Canada 🇨🇦 - The Ottawa Apple is a popular cocktail available at EPCOT's Canada Pavilion, known for its delightful blend of Canadian whisky and fruit flavors. This refreshing drink combines Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, apple infusion, and cranberry juice, resulting in a beverage that's both sweet and tart. Pro Tips for Future Explorers:  ✔️ Pace yourself – 11 drinks is no joke. Water is your best friend.
✔️ Eat along the way – Soft pretzels in Germany and tacos in Mexico will save you. ✔️ Start early – This is a marathon, not a sprint. ✔️ Enjoy the culture – Stop and appreciate the details in each pavilion. ✔️ If you are in a group get the flights! Not only will it save you money but it could also save your liver. Have you taken on this challenge? Which country was your favorite stop? Let me know if you'd like any more tweaks! 😊
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 As a first-time attendee, I was awestruck by the sheer energy and joy that permeated every aspect of the festivities. A unique feature of Trinidad Carnival is the build up that whips you into a fever pitch of excitement before the event. Most events require weeks to prepare for while Carnival requires months. The months leading up to Carnival are a whirlwind of group chats, buying fete tickets, making payments on your costume, and purchasing all the items to help you survive the road. Here is my fete schedule schedule for Trinidad Carnival 2024. THURS AM ~ AM BEACH 
Maracas Beach/Beach Wear THURSDAY PM ~ TRIBE IGNITE  Drinks Inclusive/Food for purchase Theme - Tiki Port of Spain (Down Town) Fete Wear FRIDAY AM ~ SILENT MORNING BOAT RIDE  All Inclusive Beach and Boat Party West Trinidad/Beach Wear FRIDAY PM ~ PHUKET  All Inclusive (Pour Your Own Bar) Club Anchorage/Fete Wear SATURDAY AM ~ AM BUSH  All inclusive Street Parade (Dirty) Paint and Water Surprise location T-shirt Provided/ Swimsuit (purchase) SUNDAY AM ~ BREAKFAST IS  All Inclusive Breakfast Fete Stadium Fete Wear MONDAY AM ~ JOSIE'S JAMISHNESS JOUVERT  All inclusive Dirty - Paint and Water Downtown/Dirty Wear T-shirt Provided CARNIVAL MONDAY  Carnival Monday Street parade Downtown Monday Wear CARNIVAL TUESDAY
 Thailand is a captivating Southeast Asian gem that effortlessly blends ancient traditions with modern vibrancy. It's a country that caters to all types of travelers, but especially those seeking affordable adventures and solo exploration. It was also the destination of my first solo trip in 2019 and will forever hold a special place in my heart. The Thai people are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature which is why the country is known as the land of The Land of Smiles. There is a low crime rate which makes it a safe country for solo travelers. Immerse yourself in the rich Thai culture by visiting any of the temples, there are over 40,000 in Thailand.
While I was in Thailand I had the pleasure of visiting three of its cities which were all beautiful and offered a unique travel experience. The first stop on my trip was the capital city Bangkok, a city with a mix of ancient temples, vibrant nightlife, and delicious street food. The next stop on my Thai adventure was the charming city of Chiang Mai. The city is surrounded by stunning mountains and lush forests, perfect for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts. After 3 days I moved on to my final stop, Krabi, a beach city in the South. Krabi is a gorgeous gateway and some of Thailand's most beautiful islands, including Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Hong. These islands have pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making them perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Thailand is a budget travelers paradise due to its affordable accommodation. Thailand offers a wide range of accommodations for every budget. You can stay in hostels for under $20 a night or you can enjoy a luxury resort for much less than you will pay for at home. There are numerous free attractions, beaches, markets and temples for you to explore. Transportation is efficient and cheap with options ranging from tuk tuks to ferries. One can not forget to mention all of the delicious and affordable street food. There wasn't a single meal that didn't tantalize my taste buds while I was in Thailand. Thailand offers an unforgettable experience so, pack your bags and embark on your Thai adventure today! Have you travelled solo?  Packing light is a game-changer. It not only simplifies your travel experience but also reduces stress and saves you money on baggage fees. Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently for any trip:
1. Make a Packing List
Do you have any specific packing questions or tips to share? Let me know below! Yearning for Trinidad Carnival  Tabanaca: the feeling once Trinidad Carnival has ended. It refers to a state of melancholy or sadness that people experience as the excitement and energy of Carnival fades away. It's a bittersweet feeling, a longing for the vibrant atmosphere and the camaraderie shared during the celebrations. Simple definition, Tabanaca is the post-Carnival blues. I long for the moment when the first notes of soca music pierce the air. The anticipation builds as I don my colorful costume, ready to join the thousands of masqueraders, each a masterpiece of creativity and self-expression. The euphoria is infectious, the camaraderie undeniable. More than just the grand spectacle, I cherish the quiet moments: the warm embrace of the Caribbean sun, the taste of authentic Trini cuisine, the genuine warmth of the people. I dream of exploring the island's lush landscapes, from the serene beaches to the breathtaking rainforests. As the countdown to the next Carnival begins, I can't help but feel a sense of longing. Until then, I'll immerse myself in the music, the memories, and the unwavering hope that the next Carnival will be even more extraordinary. Have you ever experienced Trinidad Carnival? What are your favorite Carnival memories? Keywords: Trinidad Carnival, Caribbean Carnival, travel, culture, music, festival, experience, tabanaca
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