Travel Like RiRi: 4 Bad Gal-Approved Vacay Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List ASAP
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-approved vacation destinations that you should check out ASAP:
1.Crete, Greece
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, Brazil
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
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
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 DFree / Shutterstock.com
- International Bad Gal, Rihanna's Vogue Magazine Guide To Tourism ›
- Rihanna Promoting Barbados Tourism - YouTube ›
- Rihanna to Attend Crop Over in Barbados This Year | Travel Agent ... ›
- 6 Vacations That Drake and Rihanna Should Take Together | Travel ... ›
- Where to travel based on your favourite Rihanna song - Lonely Planet ›
- Favorite Celebrity Vacation Spots Of Beyonce, Reese Witherspoon ... ›
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
6 Spring Events To Boost Your Professional And Social Networks
When spring arrives, we all want to be outside, looking fabulous, and back to socializing. And now is the perfect time to add a few great events to your calendar to get you through the quarter in order to make new friends, build new partnerships, and talk new opportunities to level up.
Spring is a high season for networking and social events for Black women, with many organizations and event entrepreneurs booking prime locations and offering dynamic experiences that you can maximize in whatever way possible. Write down your goals, and get out there. Start with a few of these events between now and the start of summer:
New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, April 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is a 10-day event held over two weekends, bringing together thousands of musicians, craftspeople, and food lovers to share in common threads of culture in the heart of New Orleans. You'll get to enjoy works by artisans local to Louisiana as well as from across the U.S. and around the world.
Black Food Truck Festival, April 26-28
Hosted in Charleston, S.C., the Black Food Truck Festival includes an opening party, access to more than two dozen food truck vendors, and a time to workout with other attendees. Charleston has long been known as a Southern foodie destination, with global recognition due to James Beard-awarded chefs heading popular restaurants there and a renewed focus on Gullah and Geechee culture and food in the region. And what better conversation ice-breaker than to talk about food with a new acquaintance?
Black Women's Mental Health Conference, May 4
Hosted by New York University, this is a one-day event to tackle issues of mental wellness and health that uniquely affect Black women and girls. The keynote speaker for this year is Kim Young, MSW, LCSW, founder of Dope Black Social Worker® and host of the podcast Revolutionary Hoodrat, and leading licensed professionals in the field will offer their insights and share their experiences. And, of course, no college-led event is without time blocked specifically for networking.
Strength of a Woman Festival, May 11-12
Anything with Mary J. Blige headlining or leading is a win, especially if we're talking about women's empowerment and enjoyment. This event will be held in New York City, and beyond the performances from some of our favorites like Muni Long, Jill Scott, and The Clark Sisters, there will be a Gospel Brunch. And even if you're not able to attend or concerts aren't your thing, just being in the city during that time will mean you're bound to run into plenty of other women to network with at local bars and restaurants nearby.
Carefree Black Girl Cookout, May 4
Held in the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., this is a day festival amplifying the voices and brands of Black women entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. There will be vendors, glam and beauty bars, and complimentary meals for the first hour (according to the platform's website). They're hosting another cookout in Philadelphia on May 25.
Black Women Leading Live, May 13-16
Touted as an “intimate retreat + conference,” this Virginia Beach, VA event will be held on a resort and is offering a professional development experience led by Laura Knights, founder of the Black Woman Leading® program and podcast. It’s an ideal fit if you’re a mid-level or senior professional, as the topics and approach are set to cater to those levels of career experience, with coaches and speakers pouring into attendees with a holistic approach.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by PIKSEL/Getty Images
