Nicki's Newsletter #5
Hey Everyone!
I hope everyone is doing well. I have been extremely busy traveling, catching up on things at home and preparing for multiple work and personal trips. Summer is always my busy season!
There is something I want to address since I have seen some messages come through about it. What happened at Sandals in the Bahamas is very sad and tragic. If you do not know already, three people passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning. This was an isolated incident, but totally understand if you decide to cancel your trip there. I do want to say, I have had carbon monoxide poisoning. In fact my mom and brother got it as well – as we got it at home. This can happen anywhere. We all could have died that night if I hadn’t acted swiftly and took action. But now, I have a carbon monoxide detector in every room of my house and I travel with one (for peace of mind). Again, this is a very sad situation, but it was also a very isolated one.
I have spoken with several of you in private message on Instagram about this and I did share the portable carbon monoxide detector I travel with. The thing about carbon monoxide is that you cannot smell it and don’t know it is happening.
I would recommend talking to Sandals if you have any direct questions about upcoming bookings as I do not work for them.
Travel deals! As you know, I only like to share what I think is an absolute bargain. Here is what I found this week:
Thailand - $399 for 7 nights - you could even upgrade to an oceanfront jacuzzi villa for $999
Dominican Republic - $549 per person includes flights (check locations) and 4 nights at a 5 star all-inclusive
Side note: Isla Bella Beach Resort, where I stayed in the middle keys in Florida, did offer a discount and VIP amenity to anyone who books through this link. I get nothing for you booking – I just asked them for a discount since some of you reached out. I do not know how long this is good for, so I would get it if you want it. Here are the videos for the resort I made: Instagram or Tiktok (videos are the same).
My Travels:
I just got back from an incredible trip through the Florida Keys. Honestly, the itinerary was amazing. The only thing I wish I had more time for was nightlife in Key West, but I was so exhausted every day I was falling asleep around 9-10pm – which is strange because I go to bed typically around 1-3am at home. Anyway – it was amazing and I linked my itinerary below!
I *think* my next trip is to Riviera Maya, Mexico in about a week .. unless one of these contracts I am working on comes through and I end up elsewhere briefly. As for Mexico – I am visiting two resorts a lot of you ask about all the time. So I am excited to share that with you.
Social Media:
I know some of you only follow me on my blog and/or a social media – but I do have several channels you can find me on (if you want):
New on the Blog:
Aruba Guide: Where to stay, dine + what to do
Popular articles:
Prettiest Cities in Italy not to Miss
Products I am LOVING!
This is actually BIG NEWS – DJI is finally releasing the DJI Mini 3 Pro which shoots portrait (vertical video) which is what everyone should be after who makes content on social media for travel, or for fun. Tiktok, Instagram, Pinterest, even YouTube Shorts – all vertical video. I already ordered mine so that I get it as soon as it comes out soon!! I have used several DJI drones and swear by them – the mini is especially nice. I have the DJI Mini 2 and the quality is outstanding.
So many of you guys got the refillable perfume bottles and I hope you love them as much as I do. They will forever be my favorite travel hack for packing.
Waterproof bags – I love, love, LOVE these bags. Perfect for wet clothes, swimsuits or even toiletries to make sure everything in your luggage stays dry.
Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector – I know I mentioned it above, but just in case you missed it.
Waterproof pouch – this is *technically* a makeup bag and you can use it for that but I am using it for common medicines and covid tests. For some reason this year I have been sick a few times and I usually travel with a couple things, but on long-haul trips, especially out of the country or in remote destinations, trying to find very specific medication is challenging. So I am taking no chances and bringing everything I know and love that works for me. I have been sick in countries all over the world and could not find any medication to cure it and I was miserable – I refuse to do that again. So I just am building this waterproof bag into a medication bag and with covid tests that I can use to come back to the USA with.
Door Stopper – as someone who travels solo and even when I don’t, I LOVE this. You just put it under your room door when you go in and if anyone tries to open the door, the alarm on the stopper goes off. I have recommended this a lot – but you should do everything in your power to protect yourself when you travel, especially solo. I am taking it with me to Florida!
Summer travel plans are here and it is very warm in many destinations around the world right now. Please do not forget to use reef safe sunscreen in the ocean. I have been using this brand for years and never leave home without it. Bonus – it smells nice. When I am just in the pool or outside, I use this cheap 100 SPF – and you can laugh, but I am Irish and Scottish. I burn so fast and it is painful.
Amazon Store Front – you can find all my favorite items here.
*Please note - if you do purchase anything through my links, I may make a small commission.*
My Products:
Instagram Reels for travel creators – Yesterday I celebrated my 1 year anniversary on my Instagram account @nicolemsunderland - and I am so blown away by how much I have grown in just a year (nearly 300K) and all the new work and friends I have made from it. Even if you don’t get this e-book, I want you to know you can do anything you put your mind to.
Edit your photos like me - I created presets awhile back and you can edit your photos with easy 1 step presets.
Get Paid to Travel - if you are ready to leave the 9-5 and live a life of travel, my comprehensive e-book teaches everything! You will need to put in the work, but it has been the most rewarding career and business.