I looked back at the hotel, once, then twice, truly questioning if I was going to abandon all of the rules I had set for myself prior to leaving for my first solo trip. I had watched Taken, received countless lectures about the dangers of solo traveling as a young single woman, was fully aware that what I was about to do could backfire in my face, and yet, here I was throwing all of my self-preservation and home-training out of the window.
"Are you coming?" he asked, opening the car door for me.
"Sure!"
Let me preface this article by explaining that I'm typically not a reckless person nor do I advocate for intentionally putting yourself in harm's way, but an overwhelming amount of the research and "do's and dont's" I received prior to leaving for my trip seemed too stringent for this particular vacation. While most "rules" were grounded in ensuring my overall safety, I did not want to travel to a mainstream, touristy location. I did not want to solely interact with the guests in the hotel. I did not want to just stay by the pool the entire trip.
Whether I was going alone or taking others with me, I was going. I wanted an adventure! And, boy, did I have one. Here are 5 solo travel rules that I broke on my first trip to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, that ultimately led to me having one of my favorite vacations so far:
“Stay on the premises around the resort.”
Courtesy of Lydia Lee
The funniest part about this first rule is that I actually believed I was going to stay put all weekend. Prior to my trip, I had researched the hotel spa and all of the wonderful amenities on the grounds and pictured myself relaxing and winding down from all of the craziness that is New York City.
Fast-forward one hour into my trip, I had already met someone by the pool and we were making plans to explore the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.
To me, the best part about solo traveling is that you have total autonomy over your free time. No more waiting for your girls to get ready. No more skipping museums because your friends don't like history. No more sharing a messy hotel room with multiple people. If you want to socialize and explore with others you can, but if you want to rest and relax by yourself, no one is stopping you.
Tip: As great as the hotels and resorts are, don't be entirely against exploring the local areas. The true culture of a city you're visiting often is not fully realized when solely staying in the hotel. If you're nervous about exploring by yourself or going with someone you recently met, try scheduling a walking, bike, or bus tour on Viator.
“Don’t leave the hotel with people you don’t know.”
Courtesy of Lydia Lee
The #1 rule I seemed to receive from most people prior to embarking on my solo trip seemed to revolve around the very real dangers of sex trafficking and date rape.
While not to be taken lightly, I met a guy from Toronto who was around my age, was in the DR on business, had a car, and also wanted to explore – all within one hour of arriving at the hotel. Conventional wisdom should have led me to decline exploring a foreign country with someone I barely knew, but for better or worse, his vibe seemed genuine. I trusted him.
Throughout the time I was there, we went onto explore the colonial ruins of the Santo Domingo, went shopping in local markets, listened to local music performances, and later drove an hour away to take a day trip to the beach in Boca Chica. Had our time together gone sour or I actually ended up in a dangerous situation, perhaps I would feel differently about interacting with men I don't know. But, for this particular trip, it made the difference.
Tip: Trust your gut. If someone or something makes you uncomfortable, steer clear. But, if you happen to meet someone and the vibe seems right, and most importantly, you feel safe, don't entirely discount leaning in.
“Foreign cities are dangerous. Avoid interacting with the locals.”
Courtesy of Lydia Lee
Particularly in regard to Santo Domingo, I read a lot on the city and reputation before this vacation. My decision to travel to Santo Domingo was primarily cost driven – my flight was only $240! But, unlike other cities in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, the travel reviews I read on a number of blogs were less than favorable, especially in regard to safety.
This just might be me, but I feel like every city is "dangerous" in certain areas. Whenever I tell people from my hometown that I live in Brooklyn, they ask if I feel safe since it's supposedly "dangerous". As with any urban metropolis, I often ask people who actually live in a respective city to tell me where to explore and which areas to avoid. Using suggestions from Dominican staff and visitors at the hotel, I then tailored my list of places to visit in Santo Domingo, and it turned out great.
Prior to my trip, I wasn't expecting to love the local culture as much as I did. My family is originally from Jamaica and I felt a surprisingly comparable vibe between parts of Santo Domingo, DR and Kingston and Spanish Town, JA where my parents are from. Like Kingston, a large majority of the city is black or of some variation of black descent, and I really felt like I belonged (when I wasn't speaking Spanglish of course). I would ask questions, try different types of foods, and attempt to start up conversations with a number of people I met throughout my trip. Their warmth and overall friendliness really made a huge impact on my experience. Honestly, it might have made the whole trip.
“Be wary of consuming local foods and drinks.”
Courtesy of Lydia Lee
Similar to the above point, local is not synonymous with unclean or unsafe.
I remember meeting a lady in the hotel who was complaining, going on and on, about how dirty she heard the fruits and vegetables were and how she only wanted to eat food prepared directly in front of her. While water purity can be an issue in some countries, I feel like it's a waste to travel thousands of miles away to a foreign country just to eat chicken nuggets and Cheerios.
I probably ate and drank my whole trip – fried fish on the beach, mangu and salami, papayas, guava, mangoes, rum punch, mojitos, piña coladas – you name it, I had it. And, it was glorious.
Tip: Don't be lame. Try new foods and drinks! If you have concerns about water purity and food sanitation, bottled water and beverages are easily accessible and avoid eating food that has been sitting out for a while.
“Try not to stand out.”
Courtesy of Lydia Lee
While my skin color may have allowed me to blend in most spaces, it was pretty apparent that I was a tourist (especially when taking pictures). But, I don't think being a tourist is inherently a bad thing.
I believe that there is a big difference between being a tourist who simply visits versus appreciates a new place. I have visited countries where tourists are blatantly rude and disrespectful, leaving trash everywhere and talking down to locals. I felt in my core that I loved where I was visiting, tried my best to speak their language, and projected positivity and appreciation overall.
This does not mean walking around naively, flashing money or behaving in ways to attract negative attention, but it does mean not being afraid to engage with those around you and to stand out.
Tip: Being street smart does not mean completely shutting yourself off from the local environment around you. If you feel it's appropriate, don't be afraid to take pictures or even ask someone to take pictures of you. Again, be aware and read the overall vibe, but don't let fear and misconceptions stop you from exploring the world.
Featured Image by Lydia Lee (@hello_lydia).
Did you know that xoNecole has a podcast? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to join us for weekly convos over cocktails (without the early morning hangover.)
Originally published on March 9, 2019
In xoNecole's quarterly series Dope Abodes, we tour the living spaces of millennial women, where they dwell, how they live, and the things they choose to adorn and share their spaces with.
Outside, the brisk January air sent cold shivers up our spines, but inside Jersey-based interior artist Bailey Li's firehouse station loft, warmth radiated from the bright hues and plush fabrics adorning her space.
Everywhere we looked – the textured, downy sofas in the living room, the canopied bedroom boudoir area, the gilded bar cart – vintage artifacts and structurally bold pieces intermingled in a delicate dance. No piece overpowered the other yet demanded attention in its own right. An artistic oxymoron if you will.
Even warmer than the heat radiating from the clusters of candles arranged throughout her space, Bailey's smile drew us in immediately. "Every time I design a space or paint a technique on a wall, I am tapping into infinite intelligence, source energy, and the pulse of unlimited love that I always have access to. I never want to forget to show love and compassion to others who could very well be out in the world feeling alone and/or suffering from depression— especially Black women. If I had my way, everyone would have a well-designed space that makes them feel extraordinary; I truly believe it's essential to one's well being."
Tell us about yourself.
Photo by Ana Rice for xoNecole
"My clients say that I'm an artist. Lately, many of them have been calling me a 'life-changer', which is music to my ears! That's what this is all about for me – transforming spaces and lives through my artistry. I'd like to think of myself as an interior artist/creative who designs spaces, hand paints walls, makes bespoke chairs, and more. Interior design has helped me uncover my true passion—bringing out the best in people by interpreting who they are at their core and translating that through their environments. The impact that my work has on my clients' lives is truly the reward I seek."
Tell us a bit about what environment you were seeking to create in your space and the thought process behind your decorative choices.
Photo by Ana Rice for xoNecole
"My space is representative of three components: who I was, who I am, and most importantly, who I am becoming! Deep down I've always been fearless, it's just who I am. It's exemplified through my work and now my home. My ability to curate and recreate the old with the new, adding a modern pop to an antique is something I've been doing for over 10 years. The craftsmanship and character of antique and vintage pieces are so intriguing to me.
"The fact that I live in a firehouse loft/art gallery blows my mind. It's a creative live/work loft and it speaks to the artist that I have become. I have pushed myself and stretched myself; as a result, many talents I had no idea I possessed emerged. My bespoke chairs and hand-painted walls have become my canvases. I truly feel like an artist in my home and my artistry is being actualized by the fact that I am able to live and create in the same space."
"It's a creative live/work loft and it speaks to the artist that I have become."
How did you approach finding and financing your place?
Photo by Ana Rice for xoNecole
"I live in a creative live/work art gallery loft located in the Valley Arts District of Orange, New Jersey and I've been renting here for two years. Discovering the Valley Arts District through an organization called Hands Inc. was such a huge breakthrough for me. I am able to lease this beautiful firehouse abode at a reasonable rate. I recommend anyone who is an artist/creative to seek out communities that have active art initiatives in place. They typically offer affordable live/work, loft-style spaces to creatives – it's a great way to gain exposure and be surrounded by like-minded people."
How do you feel your space impacts your mental health and happiness?
Photo by Ana Rice for xoNecole
"The shape of furniture, the colors of the walls and floors, the lighting and arrangement of it allabsolutely influences how we feel and perform on a conscious and subconscious level. I'veincluded subliminal reminders and cues that stimulate positive feelings and thoughts throughoutmy space. For instance, if you look closely at my hand-painted copper colored doorway it hasthe words 'You Are Not Alone' inscribed on it. I painted those words as a reminder to myself thatI am not alone; every waking day is proof that the creator is present."
In addition to an apartment tour, xoNecole was able to sit down with Bailey to discuss her design ethos, neuroaesthetics – the impact of our spaces on the way we feel, and some of her favorites pieces present within her Orange, NJ firehouse station loft:
Vaginas Are Lit
Photo by Ana Rice for xoNecole
"Recently, I did an art exhibition where I featured my art installation, 'Vaginas Are Lit'. I created these paintings on canvases with silhouettes [of vaginas] with antique light switch plates and bulbs that lit up. It was an interactive moment for people since they could actually come into the exhibition and 'turn on' the vaginas. Whoopi Goldberg happened to be a fan of [the installation] and ended up purchasing the first two [pieces], which was a very proud moment [for me]. 'I was like, Oh my God, I'm an artist!'"
Sweet Escape
Photo by Ana Rice for xoNecole
"Growing up, there were times that I didn't have my own room. I remember visiting my sister's friend's house when we were young and seeing her bedroom. It was a little girl's dream come true! She had a canopy bed with drapery to match, beautiful pastel walls, and dolls for days. I remember leaving there feeling sad knowing that my grandparents could not afford to give me a room like that.
"As an adult, I can finally have my version of a dream canopy. It's nothing like that little girl's bedroom, but it certainly represents the girl in me. The feminine canopy is juxtaposed with a masculine leather and sheet metal aviator headboard, gauzy sheer drapery with jute trim and huge industrial style metal light fixtures that I also embellished with jute trim.
Although it's one my favorite areas in my apartment, my boudoir was a painstaking process because I did not know where to put my bedroom in this wide open space. I originally had my bed over by where the living room is, and then I decided that I wanted to switch it up. I created this canopy to give me a little bit of privacy and delineate the areas [in the apartment], but still, leave it wide open."
Something Old, Something New
Photo by Ana Rice for xoNecole
"15 years ago, I bid on [this couch] and it was originally Pepto-Bismol pink! I had it reupholstered in the black velvet that you see here today. It was originally in my showroom for sale and I was so happy no one bought it because… it's mine."
On the Run
Photo by Ana Rice for xoNecole
"In my early twenties, I always dreamt of driving around town in a Vespa wearing high heels; my vintage scooter console satiates that desire! Every time I look at it parked in the middle of my loft, I feel adventurous and free.
"I discovered this vintage scooter console at Sierra Trading, believe it or not. I just fell in love. I had to have it. And, it lights up, which I thought was really cool! In a loft space like this, I thought it was a great aesthetic piece that serves a dual purpose. It's a shelf where I can display my favorite objects – my favorite shoes, my favorite books, stones that I love. Again, [this loft] is an open space and it's very hard to find storage and this [console] can be used to show some of my favorite things."
Indoor Picnic
Photo by Ana Rice for xoNecole
"My dining room table is a unique experience. I don't have room for a full-out dining area, but I did want to create an indoor picnic moment where you can have anything from a romantic dinner to a nice little community area where you can catch up with friends."
Click through for more pics of Bailey's gorgeous live/work loft:
Photo by Ana Rice for xoNecole
Bailey Li pictured with writer Lydia Lee
All photos by Ana Rice
For more Bailey Li, give her a follow on Instagram @interiorista_baileyli and @designedbybaileyli.
It's 9:00 AM. Your coworker is asking if you have seen the latest episode of Westworld, but you stare fixedly at your phone. You can't stand the thought of looking her directly in the eyes and actually having to feign interest in the conversation. Your eyes ache and no yawn can soothe the exhaustion that consumes you. Biting your tongue, you accept that you are minutes, no seconds, away from snapping on this coworker, telling her that her eyebrows are drawn unevenly, but then you remember that you haven't had your morning cup of coffee. Crisis averted… for now.
Research finds that over 85% of American adults consume some form of caffeine daily, consuming 164 mg on average. At least 68 million Americans drink three cups of coffee every single day and over 50% of Americans over the age of 18 consume caffeine on a daily basis. Be it coffee, tea, soda, or energy drinks, a majority of the country is dependent on caffeine to drive performance and maintain energy, and it can be dangerous for our health if left unchecked.
Like most students, I had my fair share of all-nighters and excessive caffeine consumption during undergrad. There were definitely moments when I drank so much coffee and tea that it literally would stop working, or worse, have the opposite effect and make me sleepy. Plus, one million Starbucks runs really take a toll on your bank account. I was forced to confront my growing caffeine dependence (and poor time management habits), seeking out sources of energy that did not involve hardcore caffeine consumption. And, so should you.
Here are 5 ways to boost your energy without caffeine:
1.Water
This seems so basic, but drinking more water was really a game changer for me. A 2015 British study found that 1 in 5 people who went to their doctors complaining of severe exhaustion were actually dehydrated. Remember, it's recommended that women drink a minimum of nine cups of water a day while men should drink a minimum of 13. So, stay hydrated and consider drinking a glass of water before reaching for that cup of coffee.
2.Green Smoothies
I have yet to get into the smoothie life, but those who love smoothies swear by it. Green smoothies are packed with natural energy-boosting vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can be a great way to pack in your leafy vegetables and kick off your day. It's your one-stop-shop to boost your health, immune system, and energy.
Reminder: don't go overboard on the sugar, or the health benefits can be diluted!
3.Exercise
You knew this was coming, didn't you? Sorry to state the obvious, but it's no surprise that maintaining a relatively active exercise regimen is an important factor to boost and maintain high energy. Any exercise or physical activity that gets your heart rate up and blood flowing will release endorphins and raise your energy level. Again, your diet plays an important role in your exercise regimen, so try to limit the heavy carbs and sugar and incorporate fiber and greens when you can.
If you're semi-lazy like me, find a friend who will be your gym partner or force yourself to walk to the store rather than drive five minutes every once in a while. It'll pay off in the long run.
4.Vitamins
Omega-3, Coenzyme Q10, and B vitamins (including B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, B12) are generally regarded as good vitamins for energy. For some, it's a lot easier to pop a vitamin in the morning with breakfast (which is also an energy-boosting practice!) than chop up fruits and vegetables for a smoothie. Vitamins can come in powder or pill form, which can then be added to drinks, so it's definitely a convenient option.
It's important to purchase vitamins from verifiable sources since some claim to provide benefits that they actually don't. Furthermore, ensure that your desired vitamins do not mess with any medications or conditions you have (if applicable).
5.Get Rest & Ensure Good Time Management Practices
Maybe you won't need caffeine if you actually get enough sleep because you accomplished all of your tasks when were supposed to and didn't wait until the last minute. *sips tea*
If it is within your control, ensure that you're practicing strong time management and getting a good night's rest. It is recommended that adult women sleep 7-8 hours a night (goals!). Although this is not always possible, take advantage of it when you can.
Sometimes, caffeine consumption can be a habit as much as it is a dependence, so opt for a different drink or snack every once in a while, and see how your moods and preferences change over time.
Featured image by Getty Images
I don't like bugs, I don't do the whole sleeping on the ground thing, and I definitely don't want to share a tent with 10 people. It's just not for me… or so I thought.
Thanks to 5-star treatment from Utah Camping Company, my friends and I went "glamping" at Moosehorn and Mirror Lake in the Uinta Mountains, and it's easily in the Top 5 vacation experiences I've ever had.
Glamping (glam + camping) is the answer to the perceived inconveniences of camping (uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, no bathroom, excessive manual labor, etc.) for those of you out there like me who still want to experience the outdoors. Whether you stay in a renovated cabin, rent a luxury trailer, or opt for or an all-inclusive tent, glamping represents the best of both worlds and makes for an entirely unforgettable getaway.
The fresh air, luxury treatment, beautiful views, and ability to unplug and truly connect with my friends certainly made my first camping trip one to remember… and I'm already planning my next trip.
Here are 5 reasons "glamping" should be your next girls trip:
Luxury Treatment
We opted for a campsite delivery service, meaning that Utah Camping Co. set up our tent at our desired campsite and provided all of the supplies and equipment needed for a great time. Our luxury canvas tent comfortably fit 2 full beds (with memory foam mattresses) and 2 side tables, and came fully furnished with bedding, pillows, and rugs, breakfast and snacks, campfire supplies and seating, board games, and more! I've stayed in 4-5 star hotels with far less luxurious treatment. A tent this size would probably cost me $1800 in prime Manhattan real estate. All we had to do was bring ourselves, a few bottles of our favorite wine, and our Girls' Trip playlist, and we were good to go.
Nature Is BEAUTIFUL And The Options Are Plentiful
According to the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD), as of 2014, there were over 10,000 state park in the United States and according to the US census data from 2010, more than 95% of the land area in the USA is still classified as rural. We spend so much time, energy, and money pining to travel internationally, when many of us haven't even taken advantage of the beautiful attractions in our own country. There were moments when I would stop, look around, and be like, "Wow, I'm really on top of a mountain right now." The sun setting over the hills, sounds of the creek bubbling nearby, and the panoramic views didn't seem real. It was oddly spiritual. There are so many beautiful sights in your own state; don't miss out.
Unplug
We were so far up in the mountains, that we didn't have any phone service for the duration of our trip... and it was for the best. While many campsites are equipped with wifi and electricity, there is a level of peace and relaxation that you are able to achieve when you are not checking your email or social media feeds every 5 minutes. I feel like you are better able to self-reflect, meditate, and be fully present when you are forced to unplug. The next morning, when I woke up to journal, I noticed that I could hear my own thoughts more clearly. It was an inconvenience, turned game-changer.
Genuine Conversations
Another result of being forced to unplug and be present, my friends and I were better able to connect with one another. There is nothing like a wine + game night in the woods. The silence of the setting around you combined with the coziness of a campfire or tent is an outdoorsy twist on sleepover vibes. Whether you travel with a small intimate group, or a large squad of friends, bonding is a mandatory by-product when there is nowhere to hide or distract you from each other.
Relatively Affordable
Depending on where you go, how many people you travel with, and what level of luxury you are aiming for, you can go glamping for a weekend for less than ~$100 per person (excluding gas and food costs). Campsite rental fees can range from $0-30 and tent/cabin rates can range from $50-hundreds a night, which can then be split amongst your group (e.g. a 4 person tent with a king and 2 twin beds for $160/night). I was pleasantly surprised at the value, given the total experience and options to customize your vacation. It's easy to plan and even easier to enjoy. A great 5-star experience for those on a budget and/or looking to try something new.
Images courtesy of @UtahCampingCompany and @Queen_of_Anglin
Everyone should go at least once. Add glamping to your bucket list!
Related: I Did Everything You're NOT Supposed To Do On My First Solo Trip
Trying to salvage the situation and quell the waves of anxiety that kept overcoming me, I repeatedly reassured myself that I could always ask a friend to buy a ticket and join me. But, I wanted to do this. I have been traveling a lot lately, especially taking short international weekend trips, and solo travel had been on my bucket list for several months now. After reading, "Why Every Woman Should Travel Alone At Least Once In Her Life", I decided that this was my chance.
The question was: where would I begin?
Just like our readers, I also turn to xoNecole for life, career, and travel advice and decided to do a little digging. Luckily enough, I found a fewdope articles about solo travel that I used to plan every stage of my first solo trip.
Article: 5 Ways To Travel Solo Like A Boss
Lydia Lee (@hello_lydia)
Like Zaniah suggests in this article, research and schedule drafting were extremely important to me in the beginning stages of my trip planning. So much seems out of your control while solo traveling like making new friends, finding your way around, and ensuring your safety.
Proactive planning is your greatest chance at regaining some of this control. The week before my trip, I sat down for over an hour and drafted an in-depth schedule detailing every single day of my trip and what I intended to do. Friday: pool and spa day, Saturday: walking tour, Sunday: beach trip, etc. Although my planned schedule would ultimately do a complete 180° upon arrival, I felt 100% more comfortable with my plans and was able to begin budgeting and booking tours in advance.
Pro Tip: Safety > Penny Pinching
When it came to booking a place to stay, upon reading this article, I also decided to prioritize staying in a reputable hotel with a concierge and security team. I'm usually the first person to book a cheap Airbnb to save money, but since I was traveling alone, I did not want to leave anything to chance. I even prescheduled taxi service to pick me up from the airport since my flight arrived while it was still dark outside.
No precaution is too great – it's better to over-prepare and tone it down rather than feel like you did not do enough and be left in compromised situations.
Article: Budget Airlines Vs. Major Airlines: Which Is The Better Option?
Although I did not end up booking my trip to any locations on Jovania's compilation of bucket list destinations, I started my search with the 10 cities and countries she recommended. Should I visit Barcelona, Milan, or Montreal? Where could I take a quick trip and get the most bang for my buck?
After reading 10 Places You Can Travel To & Get Warm This Winter, I knew that I definitely wanted to go somewhere tropical. I spent about a week researching San Nicolas, Aruba and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, as both are known to be international locations that are relatively female solo traveler friendly.
Upon doing some research, I decided that I wanted to be in the Caribbean so I could take a direct flight from New York. I also knew that I wanted to visit a Spanish-speaking country, so Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic quickly jumped to the top of my list. After a ridiculously cheap direct flight to Santo Domingo, DR popped up on my Skyscanner app ($240!), I knew that my fate was sealed.
Article: Why Every Woman Should Travel Alone At Least Once In Her Life
Char's article was where my solo travel fantasies all began. At the beginning of her article, she touches on the freedom of solo traveling, and she couldn't have been more accurate.
Solo traveling feels a little rebellious and selfish in the best way. You have complete say over where you do and don't go, when and who you interact with, how much of the bed you take up and when to leave it… You can take the time to self-reflect or completely immerse yourself in new projects. The choice is yours.
I spent so much energy worrying about what could go wrong as I was originally planning out my trip, but all of my fears were silenced as soon as I had the chance to stop, reflect, and fully embrace the experience – the independence was almost intoxicating. I don't think I have ever felt more free.
Article: I Took An 'Eat Pray Love'-Style Vacation Around The World & Here's What I Learned
Lydia Lee (@hello_lydia)
Everyone jokes about the almost satirical self-reflective component of solo traveling, but my personal rendition of the #eatpraylove experience totally caught me off-guard. I went out of my way to make time every day to spend uninterrupted time by myself either by the pool, or during breakfast in the hotel sky lounge to simply reflect. No work, no companions, just me.
On my first day of self-reflection, I found myself reflecting on my goals, progress, and challenges over the past few months in the most kind, self-forgiving manner that I could ever remember. I'm incredibly hard on myself, and for the first time, I felt that I could truly "see" all of the progress I was making. I felt comfortable with the steps I was taking to achieve them. I felt genuinely proud of myself for some of my recent achievements. And, especially proud that I felt brave enough to take this solo trip.
After my second day of self-reflection, I found myself going much deeper. Almost three years after my grandfather's death, I finally grieved. I let thoughts of him fill my mind and allowed myself to feel the pain. This emotional vulnerability then let me feel the pain of past heartbreak and other disappointments that I told myself didn't matter. This emotional detox was way overdue, but much needed.
Featured image by Getty Images.
Related Articles:
A Black Girl's Guide To Traveling On A Budget - Read More
I Jetset On A Budget For An Entire Year With These Travel Hacks - Read More
5 Easy Ways To Make Money While You Travel The World - Read More
Like the true Virgo I am, you better believe that I was up early on my birthday morning, ready to cash in on my free Starbucks drink and had my shopping charts at Sephora and Victoria's Secret needing only to press "confirm". The key to maximizing birthday discounts is picking the few that you are truly interested in and having them set up well in advance.
In order to make the most of the various discounts, note a few tips:
- Make sure you are a rewards member and don't wait until the last minute to sign up. Your email subscription might not kick in immediately, so give yourself some wiggle room.
- More often than not, you usually need to be signed up for a company's e-newsletter (especially for beauty and clothing rewards) in order to get your birthday freebie. And sometimes, you might even be required to purchase something in order to get the freebie.
- Company newsletters do have the potential to spam your email account, so opt to sign up with your "spam email address" and check for discounts 1-2 weeks before your birthday arrives.
- Companies can and frequently change their promotions without notice. Another reason to check in on a particular freebie or discount you are interested in a few days before.
The discounts below represent the most recent offers listed on the respective company websites. Pull out your planner and bookmark some of these special offers. Here are 30 beauty, clothing, and dining discounts you can get on your birthday.
Beauty Specials
From Beauty Bakerie to Sephora, these beauty companies want you to look your best on your special day. Treat yourself to free and discounted cosmetics or even an eyebrow arch on your birthday:
Anthropologie – Birthday Coupon for 15% Off
Bare Minerals – Free Birthday Gift
Beauty Bakerie – Free Birthday Gift
Benefit Cosmetics – Free Brow Arch
Lancome – Free Birthday Gift
NYX Cosmetics – Free Birthday Gift
Sephora – Free Birthday Gift
Smashbox – Free Cosmetics
ULTA Cosmetics – Free Birthday Gift
The Body Shop – $10 Rewards during your birthday month
Clothing Specials
If you are going to treat yourself to some cosmetics, you might as well slide in a new outfit as well. Here are a few options for discounts on your birthday fit:
Banana Republic – Free Birthday Gift
Columbia sportswear – 20% off
Express – Free Birthday Offer
J Crew – 20% off & Free Shipping
Victoria's Secret – Free Birthday Gift
Food & Drink Specials
Unsurprisingly, the birthday food specials are plentiful and usually the most reliable. Bring in your birthday and enjoy a free meal, beverage, or treat.
Applebee's – Free Birthday Special
Cheesecake Factory – Free Ice Cream
Chick-fil-A – Special Birthday Offer
Cinnabon – Free Minibon
Denny's – Free Original Grand Slam® breakfast
Dunkin' Donuts – Free Beverage
Edible Arrangements – Free Assortment
IHOP – Free Meal
Olive Garden – Free Appetizer or Dessert on your Birthday
Panera – Free Pastry
Planet Smoothie – Free Smoothie
Qdoba Mexican Grill – Free Burrito
Sprinkles – Free Cupcake
Starbucks – Free beverage or treat. Plus, 15% off at StarbucksStore.com
Subway – Free Lunch
Teavana – Free Birthday Drink or Loose Tea
Featured image by Shutterstock