The Travel Seven: Monique Carswell
Name: Monique Carswell
Home City/Country: Bronx, NY/USA
Occupation: Marketer
Website/Links: Monique Myles Carswell
Passport Stamps Include: Dubai, Israel, China, Morocco, Nicaragua, South Africa, France, Costa Rica, the Caribbean and more.
1. My best travel memory so far is… My husband hiring a tailor to come to our riad in Marrakesh, Morocco to make me a custom caftan and a henna artist to tattoo me and later that night, local musicians to play Gnawa music just for us and the innkeeper. I also had some of the best meals of my life throughout Morocco and Les Bains de Marrakech is one of the best spas I've ever experienced.
2. My favorite hotel & why… The Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa because of it's beauty and service. They've done an incredible job bringing the outdoors inside, in both the rooms and common areas. The bathrooms in particular are architecturally stunning that include soaker tubs with a sea view, a rainfall shower, double sinks and Lanvin bath products to boot. Your dedicated bellman and the concierge go out of their way to ensure every detail of your stay both on the property and off-site are well managed, even providing their cell phone number for you to call them on their off day if necessary. Not to mention, the room balconies are so big you could host a party.
3. My must-haves on any flight are… Quality earplugs, thick socks, disposable slippers for overnights, eye mask with an adjustable strap, hand sanitizer and/or wipes, lotion that can be used on the face and body, snacks (preferably nuts, fresh fruit and/or cut veggies), quality head phones and as many unread magazines from home that I can carry, that I toss on the way back.
4. When I’m on the road, I absolutely hate… Less than clean accommodations, bad service/staff, travel companions with poor attitudes or are unwilling to get outside their comfort zones, and if I'm forced to check my bag by airline staff.
5. My dream destination or vacation is… Trekking the Inca Trail and climbing the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, but in style. :-)
6. The three things I can’t travel without are… A Beats Pill, colorful shawl/wrap, and a Nikon DSLR camera.
7. The top lesson I’ve learned while traveling is… Talk to as many locals as possible, represent your hometown well (people remember and tell encounters to other travelers), do your best to at least sample food that is offered to you that you would not eat under normal circumstances (unless it will truly make you sick), book a spa treatment if you have the cash and time, research and take advantage of the complimentary amenities offered (i.e. shuttle service, tours, tastings, 2 for 1 passes, etc.). Most importantly, relax and enjoy whatever comes!-
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