Who would’ve known that Savannah & Charleston were considered “rival sister cities”. I’ve always heard how amazing these two cities were, so why not take a road trip explore. Both are best known for historical beauty, gardens,historic buildings predating the Civil War. Yet Charleston and Savannah offer much more than their picture-ready cobblestone streets and classical architecture. The historic homes, galleries, and restaurants can all be experienced on foot (or bike), but to get from one city to another is a 2-hour drive.

Things to do:

• Forsyth Park (Savannah)

• River Street Sweets (Savannah)

• Haunted Tours (Savannah)

• SCAD (Savannah)

• Rainbow Row (Charleston)

• Horse Carriage Ride (Charleston)

Where to eat:

• The Collins Quarters (Savannah)

• The Grey (Savannah)

• Magnolias (Charleston)

I have never really been on a road-trip but somehow, someway, my husband convinced me to make the drive up from Florida to New York — stopping by Savannah and Charleston on the way. Took us about 7 hours to get to Savannah so we left at 1 am to make the most of our day (crazy, I know). A car full of snacks, music, and “alternating” drivers (I drove for an hour). Savannah is one of the most romantic cities in the US. Its historic district is only more romantic with its horse-drawn carriages and storybook mansions that predate the Civil War…

The largest city in Morocco, Casablanca, with parisian Art Deco, the beach, and authentic moroccan vibes, yet without all the tourism. a delightful place to wander around and soak up the elegance and bustling atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the city as its unbridled authentic self through its beautiful history and mystique. If you’re in Casablanca for the day, here’s a little firsthand experience of what I did with my time.

Simply Gharib Travel Guide To:

Casablanca, Morocco

Though not as atmospheric as other Moroccan cities, the city's handsome Moorish buildings, which meld French-colonial design and traditional Moroccan style, are beautiful to admire. If you’re in Casablanca for the day, here’s a little firsthand post of exactly what I did with my time.

From the AIRPORT TO CITY to day, afternoon, and night activities

DAY TRIP: CASABLANCA, MOROCCO

       VISIT HASSAN II MOSQUE
       PASS BY RICK’S CAFE
       WANDER THROUGH MOHAMMED V SQUARE
       VISIT MAHAKAMA DU PACHA
   ---
       DINNER @ AL MOUNIA
       NIGHT @ SOFITEL ROOFTOP

The Magic City - With its melting pot of diversity, Miami is like no other party city in America. It’s the perfect blend of a beach town and dynamic metropolitan city, with the best of the day and nightlife. The Miami culture is in the music, food, fashion and art.  If you're visiting and want to see a bit of everything, here is a curated list of my top picks to give a glimpse of Miami.

Simply Gharib Travel Guide To:

Miami, FL

Living in Miami for a few years, I’ve learned a thing or two about where to go and what to do here. I call it the 6th borough, since to me it feels like an extension of New York.

There a so many things to do in Miami – from beaches to parties to art – I personally love Miami’s art culture and food scene.

Miami, FL

WHERE TO GO OUT: 

• Wynwood Walls: unique outdoor street murals by artists

• Perez Art Museum: contemporary (20th and 21st century) art.

• Basement: club lounge with a bowling alley and ice-skating rink.

• Lagniappe: chill bar, with beer and wine, live music, and patio furniture.

• LIV: the as-seen-in-music-videos atmosphere of your club dreams.

Where to shop:

• Miami Design District – upscale designers

• Lincoln Road

• Brickell City Centre – central outdoor mall

BEST CAFE:

• Small Tea

• Panther Coffee

• OTL

• Dr. Smood

WHERE TO EAT:

• Drunken Dragon: hidden restaurant with Korean BBQ (family-style).

• Komodo: southeast Asian cuisine with a South Florida vibes

• Seaspice: perfect spot for brunch on Miami River.

• Beaker & Grey: trendy Wynwood place with amazing cocktails/ food.

• Coyo: delicious tacos (home base in Wynwood).

Over the years (since Miami is such an awesome vacation spot) I’ve suggested all my favorite restaurants, places to visit, and nightlife I love, to friends who visit Miami. So now I’ve decided to include a Miami post (of all my personal suggestions) to share will all!

THERE ARE TOWERING VOLCANO PEAKS, HIKE-WORTHY AMAZONIAN RAIN FOREST, INDIGENOUS VILLAGES, AND OF COURSE STUNNING VIEWS. WHEN IT COMES TO ADVENTURE, YOU CAN’T GO WRONG IN ECUADOR, especially spots like Quilotoa, Tena, and Banos. When it comes to Ecuador’s capital, Quito, THEre are MONUMENTS AND 17TH-CENTURY ARCHITECTURAL FACADES, PICTURESQUE PLAZAS AND MAGNIFICENT CHURCHES. ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIES IN SOUTH AMERICA, DEFINITELY A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT! 

Things to do:

• Teleferiqo: ride up the volcano, see Quito from above

• Mitad Del Mundo: Quito's middle of the world

• Shiripuno Tribe: Indigenous tribe in Misahualli

• Umbuni Waterfall: Tena tour of Amazon forest

• Pichincha Volcano: hike, horseback ride

• Hop On/Off bus: hit all the historic spots of Quito at once

Best Cafes:

• Cyrano: affordable coffee & bakery shop

• Honey & Honey: coffee/tea spot in Plaza Foch

Where to eat:

• Q Restaurant: modern Ecuadorian dishes

• Zinc Gastro Bar: fun, great spot for brunch

• Urko Cocina Local: cozy, casual Ecuadorian food

• Cafe Plaza Grande: Old Quito lunch/dinner

• Nubori: sushi in Ecuador

Where to Shop:

• Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal: local artisan market

• Otovalo: hop on a bus to their huge Saturday artisan market

• Shepherd: Quito’s eclectic local shop