Britt off the Beaten

06/12/2024

📸Picture this? You’re in Thailand with your sister and baby, and a mom and baby 🐘 wander to your doorstep to gently wake you up in the morning. Later, as you’re feeding another elephant, one strolls by—and you find out they’re sisters!

🐘Elephant season is upon us! Don’t miss this chance to experience Thailand’s gentle giants in their natural element🍃
In Thailand, elephants not only serve as symbols of strength and wisdom, but they also represent family. Living in close-knit herds, they eat, play, and grow together.
Thanks to rising demand for ethical tourism, many organizations now prioritize humane and sustainable ways to visit with the elephants.

✨ Some of the Best ways to interact with 🐘responsibly:
* River bathing (their favorite pastime!)
* elephant social hour 🍹 (your favorite pastime!😉)
* elephant forest walk… believe it or not these giants love to work! And even better, they love to eat😄🎋

our tourism plays a huge role in their longevity and livelihood! And Trust me on this, there’s nothing like a baby elephant hug to cure the winter blues🥹

🌏Ready to make it happen?
I’m accepting requests for personalized itineraries or you can choose from my tried-and-tested premade Thailand itineraries. 🌟

dm .o.t.b.travelexperiences for free consultation 🤗

09/04/2024

🎭🤹AN EXQUISITE CARNIVALE YOU RARELY SEE.

This year, I had the opportunity to attend the elegant and exclusive Venetian Carnival, which was very different from the street parties, live band, risqué dress, and twerk dancing that I often see associated with this event.

✨What sets Venetian Carnivale apart?✨

Unlike other Carnivales, Venetians favor a more poised, renaissance-inspired celebration.

Participants wander the old streets and piazzas dressed in elaborate period costumes and mysterious masks, transforming the lagoon into a medieval reenactment…(they REAALLY get into character).

It took me a second to realize that for many visitors, the allure of Venetian Carnivale lies in spectating rather than participating.

So with that being said:
✨how do you experience Venetian Carnivale ? ✨

At the most basic level, roaming around and photographing unique costumes in the city’s most iconic locations, is the highlight of the day. there are also many free events in the squares. If you wanted to join in ‘the art of disguise,’ you could simply stop by one of the many ‘mask workshops’ and get one made!

However, with proper planning, one could indulge in the full once-in-a-lifetime Venetian Carnival experience, which includes getting a tailored costume inspired by the 18th century, professional hair and makeup, getting your picture taken around town like a celebrity, and attending exclusive parties, or balls as they call them in Gatsby style.
These soirées offer a glimpse into the opulent world of Venetian high society during this time. They feature live music, belly dancers, magicians, jugglers, and convivial themed dinners.

🎩👑💫
IT’S A BUCKETLIST EXPERIENCE!

04/04/2024

🇮🇹🏛️I found an excellent day trip option for your Northern Italy itinerary!

Last week, I got the opportunity to tour Vicenza, a town in Northern Italy.
Ever heard of it? If not, you aren’t alone.
Even in the shadow of its neighbor Venice, this small off-the-beaten-path jewel is very impressive, and the locals will be impressed that you know about it!

In just a few days, the city captivated me with its medieval architecture and relaxed atmosphere. Having visited Venice a few times, I can certainly say that a day trip to Vicenza would be a breath of fresh air!

📍 Where is Vicenza?
Vicenza is nestled in the beautiful Veneto region of northern Italy, just between Venice and Verona. It’s a charming city with a rich history and stunning architecture.

🌟 What is Vicenza known for?
Vicenza is famous for its stunning Palladian architecture, masterminded by the legendary Andrea Palladio. From elegant villas (*one which inspired the design for the White House!) to grand palaces, the city is a living museum of his work.

⏱️ How long do you need?
You can get a taste of Vicenza in a day, but to truly soak in its beauty and explore its treasures, plan for at least two or three days.

🚶‍♂️ How to visit?
You can easily hop on a train from Venice or Verona, or drive if you prefer the freedom.

🎉 Fun facts about Vicenza:
-There’s a U.S. military base here so you’ll find many Americans, friendly, English speaking Italians :), and western style restaurants
-Vicenza province is one of the largest provinces in Veneto region
-Vicenza houses the FIRST covered theater! (Designed by…guess who?:)
- Vicenza is often called the “City of Gold” due to its thriving jewelry industry
- The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mainly thanks to Palladio and his works
-Vicenza was once enclosed by 13-century walls and today you can still see the leftover towers

🟠Have you heard of Vicenza? Would you visit ?

14/02/2024

💕Happy V day from the City of Romeo & Juliet!

Last year, I made a mental note to travel more intentionally, and specifically around special events in the world.

This year, I took advantage of my present long stay in Rome and hopped over to Venice for Carnivale then today, Verona for their last day of Valentines celebrations!!

They celebrated 5 days with decorations and events around the city.

Not too many people talk about Verona especially in comparison to Venice. I’m in LOVE! (No pun intended) haha. People I’ve spoken to around Italy have only spoken highly about it and I confirm! 💋😍

05/01/2024

https://youtu.be/qFhIOsSlpSE?si=YKtlYu4S97hSIMkA

New video! I’m trying something new on my channel. Would love your support and feedback 🙏🏾

This was my biggest lesson of 2023…Note: I’m playing with the style of my videos to tell the stories I truly want to tell…a mix of my own personal growth thr...

04/12/2023

🗓️ 2019 marked the year before I found myself entangled in the web of internet trends and competitive blogging.

I sat alone at Colleen’s Cannery in Haiku, HI- lost within the pages of my journal when a guy approaches, curious about my origins.

He sat across from me, as we chatted briefly, eventually swapping info to meet later in Paia. There, he admitted that I caught his eye because he ‘hadn’t seen anyone write in a notebook in like 10 years.’ 😹

I giggled, unsure if it was a playful dig, but also it dawned on me..
in the age of iPads and smartphones, my beloved journal was no longer ‘in style,’ and I was blissfully unaware.

Since childhood, I’ve been tied to the practice of journal writing.

like that scene in Harry Potter when Dumbledore takes the wand to his head, and the memories magically spill out. That’s how it feels when I drag ink across a sheet of paper – completely absorbed in the moment, letting words flow effortlessly from my fingers.

So, three weeks ago, while wandering through Italy and my phone decided to die, I didn’t panic. Instead, I took refuge in a cafe, quickly recalling my ‘archaic tools’ to see me through the night.

I sat alone scribbling away, & before long, I was immersed in the scene.

The chatter of four Italian men filled the room as we sat closely, along the windows of the outdoor patio. When I excused myself to use the restroom, the chatter hushed as I passed each table. I’m guessing they were shocked to see me in their local tavern during this season, if at all.🍂

Across the street, a group exited from the opera, wrapped in coats and engaged in cheerful conversation—
A simple moment, unique to this time of year when the post-summer air no longer attracts tourists and festivities have gone, leaving empty cobblestone streets to be filled with the aroma of comfort food drifting from the chimneys of residents who’ve returned home.

I sat, lost in thought, cramming as much detail as I could onto two sides of the scratch paper to remind myself of the unhurried beauty that exists outside screens...
and the timeless value of pen and paper. 🖋️✍🏾📝

07/10/2023

https://youtu.be/tIOM4b69ojc?si=ymcD_W9FpuJHfqjv

I arrived to Phuket at 10pm after a 4 hour minibus ride and what I do??? Wake up at 730 for a 5 hour solo hike through the forest 😅