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Jumat, 28 November 2014

Win $1,000 in Christmas Gifts in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway


I'm happy to announce the return of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway this year. Featuring fifteen local to Jacksonville businesses that showcase the best of the First Coast. I debuted the items during my Local Gift Ideas Segment on News 4 Jax, and now you have a chance to take a closer look and more importantly enter to win. 

The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Event
Win over $1,000 in prizes

...

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don't forget to subscribe for updates on more great giveaways! 





Giveaway made possible by:
Salt Life

*Winner must be available to pick up prize package in person.

May the odds be ever in your favor! 


Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media

Jumat, 21 November 2014

Travel Secrets on The Chat | Amy West Travel Media Appearance



This week I joined the beautiful and intelligent ladies of The Chat to discuss some Travel Secrets. We discussed the much debated topic of the best day to book a flight, which sites are best to book with, and where to find the best local finds. These ladies are no strangers to great travel both domestic and abroad so I really enjoyed the honest conversation and open table. Here are the highlights. 












  1. Best day to book flight…
This is a big discussion topic. As soon as you think you know the answer it changes. One article in question says that Sunday may be the best new day to book flights rather than the traditionally held Tuesday. This is not to say what the best day to fly is, just the best day to book. Most travel experts hold that this is not a concrete statement though and it’s best to watch rates fluctuate and compare prices. Some airlines such as Jet Blue are better than others about adjusting their prices by volume aka supply and demand. The more popular flights will have lower rates earlier on when the flight is less full and that rate will go up as the availabilty decreases. Ultimately, airlines are routinely changing their algorithyms so it might be less about what day you are booking and more about what online sites you are booking with.

  1. Best Online Site to Book On
Great sites to search for flights and compare





  1. Rates Can Vary Based on Length of Stay
Your hotel rate may vary greatly based on days booked. Compare rates between 3 and 7 days. Especially for big vacation spots like the Caribbean destination Coconut Bay in St. Lucia whose reservations book in 7 day intervals. You may have a higher rate for staying 2 days vs 3 or 7.

  1. Best Websites to Find Out Where the Locals Go

I write for 10Best.com as the local expert for Jacksonville. The site has city guides for many of the major cities across the US and is a great resource to find the best food, hotels, shopping, and attractions in any given city. You can even make your voice heard with their 10Best Readers Choice Awards.

Another great site is TastingTable.com which has city guides soley dedicated for foodies.
  1. Local Non-Profit Luxury Destination

Horse Stamp Inn Bed and Breakfast and Wedding Venue is now also a Non-Profit Ranch.
This luxury Bed and Breakfast is like Pottery Barn come to life with it's gorgeous luxe accommodations. Incredible Inn Keepers Tom and Kris Hutcheson are now opening up their doors to Wounded Warriors and Missionaries to serve as a place of rest and healing. If you know someone in need of rest who falls into one of these categories, send them to the website to inquire about a stay.


So what are your favorite Travel Secrets? Sound off in the comments and let me in on your tips and tricks. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West



Watch the full segment here.



Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Selasa, 18 November 2014

My Caribbean Bikini Journal | Lisa Kaminski Swim and Resort Wear Recap





My recent whirlwind trip to the Caribbean was nothing short of exotic, breathtaking, and inspiring. In preparation for this three part adventure I knew there was only one designer I was interested in using for my wardrobe while I was filming excursions for Coconut Bay in St. Lucia and then reviewing b2 Hotel in downtown Miami, and Scrub Island Resort in the BVI. Lisa Kaminski's swim and resort wear has been featured before on my blog and her pieces never fail to strike the perfect silhouette. Whether you are dressing up or down her collectible designs make a scene and turn heads. I confess swim wear has always been a little tricky on my curvy figure. However there is just something about Lisa's designs that make me feel like a million bucks. She truly knows how to wield a special kind of magic in her garments. The kind of magic that might just convince you that romance, adventure, and intrigue are still very much alive. 
The Essentials

When traveling I need pieces that 
A. Resist Wrinkling 
B. Are lightweight and easy to pack. 
C. Are versatile for a variety of occasions. 
D. Are fashionable and appropriate for the destination. 
Lisa's work fell into all of these categories especially since I was traveling to luxurious island destinations I would need to be be able to dress up or down for. 
Also keep in mind I brought my wardrobe for filming so this was a complete styled shoot requiring me to pack swim wear, dresses, and activewear not to mention accessories and makeup. 
Everything in one medium carry on bag and a tote bag for my electronics and purse.
Loved this organized bag where I kept accessories, makeup, and toiletries. 

I'm big on traveling light and made 9 days worth of traveling to St. Lucia, Miami, and Scrub Island fit into one medium carry on bag. Yes that includes shoes! See my packing tips here. I believe in wearing your biggest items on travel days so I wore one of my hats, my jean jacket in case of cool weather and airport ac, and my biggest shoes which were calf length sandals. 

Luxurious


This dress! By far the sexiest thing I think I may have worn the whole trip. There is a slit in the leg that goes for miles. I felt like a sexy castaway with the great use of color and finishing details like the rope you tie the halter with. The wind certainly gave it a dramatic flair convincing me that I will just need to carry a fan around with me when I wear this in the future. 
iPhone shot

Remember this dress? Check out the bikini version below!
The Barcelona Swimsuit Love the bikini version! 
Sexy
Like I said there is just something about Lisa's work that makes you feel amazing. I think she just really knows that a woman's body should be celebrated and isn't afraid to design for curves. Her fabrics are silky and vibrant, simultaneously standing out while keeping you comfortable. 

The sexy Revered II mono-kini made me feel like a Bond Girl

These sexy mono-kinis were major fan favs. 


Elegant

Lisa's fashionable daytime designs are both chic and functional and look stellar on their own or layered with one of her luxe bikini's underneath. Gotta be ready for poolside at a moments notice after all. 

The Soleil Tunic was a match for the Caribbean sunshine! 


Playful

We all know that relaxing while on getaway is a must! But so having fun! It's essential that an island wardrobe be comfy enough to get out there and experience the adventure that awaits! I think it's safe to say these designs covered all the bases. 


Love this shot provided by Bclip for Coconut Bay Resort in St. Lucia with the famous Pitons in the background. 

I wore this versatile maxi quite a bit. Flattering, yet still colorful and light enough for the warm tropics.  

A few more behind the scenes shots from my instagram account. 

This dress was perfect pool side or topped with a jacket for the airport. 

What's hotter than a white bikini on a Catamaran? 

Going Snorkeling in this cute fish print. Contrasting prints with the multicolored cover up. 

That black mono-kini making an appearance again. 

Coconut Bay Resort provided lots of sun hats and wraps from their boutique. 
Drooling over Lisa Kaminski's designs? Collect them for yourself on her website, or find her work at Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, FL.  As for me, I continue to add to my LK collection as she introduces each new inspired season. 

Until then....

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West


More great reviews from my travels coming soon! 

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.