At this point, Rih, we're like f*ck the album. Well, not really, but I say that to put emphasis on the fact that sis has had her foot on our necks all damn year. From adding new shades to her already inclusive makeup line to becoming the first Black woman, excuse me, the first woman EVER to create a fashion house with LMVH, Rihanna is truly about her business, but all work and no play makes Rih a very sad girl. That's exactly why amidst her many entrepreneurial endeavors Rihanna always makes time for a vacation.
In Rihanna's latest creative endeavor, a 500-page, 15-pound visual autobiography, she reveals 1000 never-before-seen images, and among beauty, style, and getting lit, travel was also a recurring theme. In a previous interview with Atlas, the singer shared that jet-setting has been the most valuable form of education that money can buy:
"There is no doubt travel is among the best education you are going to get. Opening yourself up to other countries, other cultures, how people live. There are some things you can't learn from a book – and I feel truly blessed to have seen so many different countries."
She also shared that among all of the places she's been, there's no place like home.
"I always feel relaxed in Barbados. I'm so blessed to be able to say I love what I do. But because I have such a busy schedule, I like to totally switch off when I have downtime. And in Barbados, I feel like I can really do that."
The hustle mentality has the potential to hustle you out of your peace of mind, and Rihanna had this piece of advice for women who are at risk of letting "the grind" grind them to death:
"If I am traveling for work it's different because I am working – but on vacation, it's just switching off and being at peace. No matter how busy we are, everybody needs to learn that on vacation: life can wait for a week."
In Rihanna's new self-titled book, she gave us some much-needed travel inspiration that will have you ready to book a flight on your lunch break.
Here are 4 Rihanna-inspired vacay destinations that you should check out ASAP:
1. Crete, Greece
2013
Dennis Leupold/Courtesy of Phaidon
According to mythology, Crete is the birthplace of Zeus and might just have the potential to awaken your inner goddess, too. Complete with pink-sand beaches, quaint eateries, and picturesque mountains, this vacay destination is known as the largest island in Greece and just might just be the low-key getaway you didn't know you needed.
2. Rio de Janeiro
2014
Dennis Leupold/Courtesy of Phaidon
Home of the Brazilian Carnaval Festival, Rio de Janeiro is the perfect place to learn the samba and get your entire life at Copacabana, which is the biggest beach in the world. While this may not be the best place to travel solo, Rio should definitely be up for consideration when planning your next group trip.
3. Oahu, Hawaii
2015
Dennis Leupold/Courtesy of Phaidon
Rihanna ate mangos on the beach with her bestie and now I, too, must eat mangos on the beach in Oahu, Hawaii with my bestie. Home of Waikiki Beach, the island is warm year-round and might just be the key to getting your seasonal depression all the way together.
4. Turks & Caicos
2018
Dennis Leupold/Courtesy of Phaidon
Another vacay destination that stays warm year-round, Turks and Caicos is the luxury getaway that you deserve. While this trip may cost you a few extra coins, opportunities to scuba dive at the territory's 14-mile barrier reef and experience world-renowned food and hospitality make the trip well worth the price.
Featured image by Instagram/@badgalriri.
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