Travel Tips: Travel Essentials For Every Trip 2021

TRAVEL TIPS:

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR EVERY TRIP 2021

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I’ve spent a good portion of my life traveling, it was one of the reasons I decided to change gears and give up the life I had to work for an airline instead. During that time I put a lot of thought and effort into making my life easier and packing the right tools to do it.

I will give you the disclaimer that even after 8 years of flying on a weekly basis all over the world, packing is still stressful, and no amount of checklists or triple-checking will take away that nagging feeling of “what did I forget”, so don’t feel too bad if you’re one forgotten toothbrush away from a mid-drive to the airport meltdown. Just remember that most places you’re traveling to will have a way of getting at least the essentials, even if it’s overpriced at the airport before flying into some super remote region of the world.

There are always options.

Packed for my most recent trip to Iceland.

This is my absolute travel essentials list for every trip, regardless of season or destination, take it from a travel expert, you won’t want to go on vacation without them. I’ll post destination-specific packing lists later but this one has those things I can’t leave home without.

• A good travel backpack

My personal pick for travel backpacks is Osprey. Founded in California in 1974, they have a great reputation among hikers and travelers for having the best gear, innovative features, and awesome customer service. They even have a packfinder tool that lets you narrow down your options based on your main activity, length of trip, secondary activities, and so on.

The pack I use is the Farpoint 55L, the price hovers between $170-$200 but at the time of this writing, you can get it on Amazon for $109!

I love the Farpoint because it’s spacious, well built, has a great suspension system that transfers the weight to the hipbelt allowing your back to feel less of the load, and has a ton of really cool features like a zip-off day pack and you can actually stow away the harness and hipbelt with a zip-up layer that will keep it secure in case you have to check the larger bag. In my experience though, this bag fits in just about every airplane as a carry-on (especially if you zip off the daypack).

The zip-off daypack is great for taking your camera gear, snacks, or laptop with you while you’re out on an adventure, like this hike around the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland.

• Packing Cubes

Ospray also has great packing cubes that you can get on Amazon for under $40 that will help keep your bag organized. They have convenient handles and come in several different sizes. If you’re looking for a slightly more budget-friendly set of packing cubes, this set is under $25 and comes with 6 cubes, it also boasts over 13,000 reviews and has a rating of 4.5 stars.

• Light Pack

In addition to having the daypack, it’s always a good idea to bring a light pack, this can be your grocery bag (especially for countries that are environmentally conscious and don’t allow plastic bags), souvenir carrier, your extra clothes for the day, etc. My personal favorite is the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack. It’s foldable and weighs under 4oz.

• My Regular Carry on

If I’m going somewhere for a shorter getaway or one that doesn’t require a backpack where I’ll be staying in one location for most of my stay, I’ll just use my rollaboard bag.

For those of you who aren’t in the airline industry, I’m sure you’ve seen crews walking to their planes pulling what seems like enough bags to be away from home for the next month, truth is we’re probably only leaving for 3-4 days but flight attendants are known for being notoriously bad at overpacking despite doing this for a living. The way our schedules change, you never know if you’re going to need a bathing suit or a winter jacket, so oftentimes we take both. We also have a plethora of other things to pack like our electronic flight manuals, uniforms, food, etc. The point is, we need a good set of bags for it.

Enter TravelPro, most of us in the industry use TravelPro bags for two reasons, affordability, and features. There are bags out there that are arguably more durable and of higher quality like Briggs & Riley and Tumi, but they carry really hefty price tags ($500-$1000), if you can shell out the money then go for it.

TravelPro offers a great line of crew luggage that’s available to the public for purchase without the crazy price tag. We travel weekly and our bags get completely beat up but they hold up to the abuse, so for the average traveler, they should last you forever. My personal rollaboard of choice is the TravelPro Crew Expert Softside (Formally the Crew Max). This bag comes in 20-inch and 21-inch sizes, I’ve had both, and despite it being only an inch, it makes a huge difference, get the bigger bag. This bag is usually around $200-$250 on Amazon. It has awesome features like a J-hook so you can add another bag to the front of it, a large laptop compartment, and a rear zippered sleeve that fits my 12-inch iPad perfectly.

• Travel Pillow

If you’re on a long-haul flight, an overnight redeye or just looking to take a nap, you need a good travel pillow. The Infinity Pillow is a great choice if you have a little extra room in your bag since it’s a tad bit bulky (7”x7”x5.5” when rolled up). It provides great comfort and you can use it for different sleeping positions. You can get it on Amazon for under $40.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more compact option because you’re limited on space the trtl Pillow is my go-to. It folds up so you can pack it away easily and has a neck support system so you can keep your head from tilting forward or backward and waking up like you spent the night folded into a pretzel. It’s also machine washable which is a huge plus. You can get it on Amazon for about $30.

• Rain Jacket

Even in the driest countries, weather can change in an instant. It’s always a good idea to have a rain jacket with you when you travel. Over the summer in Iceland the weather would change from sunny to overcast to rain in a matter of minutes, it reminded me of being back home in Puerto Rico where afternoon showers would pop up and go by like clockwork. If you’ve checked out my Instagram you’ve seen my Columbia Watertight burnt orange rain jacket in a lot of pictures. This jacket is packable, light, breathable, and holds up really well even in strong rain. I chose a bright color specifically because I do a lot of hiking and if there was ever an emergency it will be easy to spot you. It’s also great if you’re a photographer and want to create a stark contrast between you and your surroundings.

• An organizer for your toiletries

Having a good organizer for all your toiletries is definitely a must when traveling. That way you can keep your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant, razor, face moisturizer, after-sun cream, nail clippers, and other necessities all in one place. (I’ll make a separate blog post for essential toiletries but for now, you can click any of these links for my personal picks.)

I personally recommend one that has a hook to hang up in the bathroom, this makes it especially convenient in smaller spaces that are common in hostels, camping areas, and budget vacation rentals.

My personal favorite is the Osprey UltraLight Roll Organizer It’s easy enough to hang in the shower, giving you easy access to all of your toiletries. It also has a wide range of pockets, giving you ample space to store all of your essential travel toiletries. Some bags also have mesh pockets that allow your items to dry while you travel. As a bonus, it also comes with a mirror that can be used a signaling mirror in case of emergencies while camping.

It’s important to note that this is a smaller form factor which is ideal for packing light.

If you want a larger bag for longer trips or bigger toiletries, I suggest the Eagle Creek Pack-It Wallaby. Both are similar and price and have similar features.

• a tide pen

You’re going to be sitting at a café somewhere, espresso in one hand, delicious European pastry in the other, you’ll be distracted enjoying the incredible scenery around you and BAM, you’ve spilled your espresso on your shirt.

I always travel with a tide pen just in case, it can definitely get you out of a jam (or get a jam out of your shirt for that matter).

• Eye Mask

This was my savior in Iceland this summer...

If you’re like me and you can’t sleep once the sun is out then imagine the type of personal hell it is being in a country where the sun doesn’t set during the summer. Luckily I was smart enough to pack an eye mask. I have two different eye masks, one that’s weighted (since I have migraines) and another that I use primarily for travel. The Mavogel Eye Mask is usually under $20 on Amazon (at the time of this writing it’s on sale for $8.39) and has over 34,000 reviews and a rating of 4.5/5 stars.

• Noise canceling headphones

I’ve been on enough planes with screaming babies and hostels with loud bunkmates to know that if your headphones aren’t noise-canceling you’re in for a crappy time.

When I’m on a long flight I usually listen to some tunes to fall asleep, or I’ll put on my favorite true crime podcasts and work on the blog and of course, there’s the occasional Netflix binge (who says you can’t watch an entire season of your favorite show on one flight?). As an Apple user, I obviously have to go with the AirPod Pros. They’re a pretty affordable option when it comes to noise-canceling headphones and provide pretty great quality sound and voice calls. You can get them on Amazon right now for under $200.

Another great option if you’re not an Apple user or you just want a different pair of buds is the Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Earbuds, they offer some of the best sound quality and most effective noise-canceling of any earbuds. Another obvious contender is the Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds. Bose has been a leading brand in headphones and sound systems since 1964 and for good reason, they definitely make a great product. But the Sony earbuds, in my opinion, are a little better and they carry a near-identical price tag of $278 for the Sony Earbuds and $279 for the Bose Earbuds.

• power bank

Whether you’re going to be out on a hike all day, taking a budget airline that doesn’t have power outlets, or just wandering around the city doing some sightseeing, the last thing you want is your phone to die while your simultaneously google mapping, translating and doing currency conversions, not to mention the countless photo ops you’re going to miss because you drained the battery Snapchatting your friends how much fun you’re having while they’re stuck at home.

If you’ve read my post on Travel Video and Photo Gear you’ll know I’m a big fan of Anker Power Banks. I have four different power banks that I use depending on the application.

• Anker PowerCore Slim for quick trips. Under $25 on Amazon.

• Anker PowerCore 26800 for when you need to charge all your devices on Amazon for $69

• Anker Wireless Power Bank 10,000mAh this one is new and is my personal favorite since it supports wireless charging. Get it for $49.

Bagsmart Cable Storage and Anker PowerCore

If you’re going to be hiking and camping where you won’t have access to power then the OUTXE 25000mAh Wireless Solar Power Bank is the best choice. A full charge will definitely take a while but you can clip it to your backpack using a carabiner while you hike so it charges while you’re out hiking or camping. It also has a built-in flashlight and is fully waterproof so it’s made to withstand elements.

• Cable storage

Since you’re bringing all of your electronics with you, you’re probably carrying around 15 different cables in your pack. Keep them organized with this cable organizer from Bagsmart. It lets you carry all the cables you’ll need and has an interior zippered pocket for memory cards.

• Wet wipes

Wet Ones Wet Wipes are perfect for when you need to freshen up after a long hike and a shower isn’t an option, that’s why I use the extra gentle ones. You can also use them to wipe down surfaces on the plane, which is super important right now as we’re still in the middle of a pandemic you can never be too careful. (Plus those tray tables are probably the most filthy surfaces on the aircraft, take it from someone who’s worked on one.)

• Travel First Aid Kit

Having a little first aid kit is absolutely a must when you travel. Even if you’re not going anywhere remote, it can be difficult to find even basic medications in certain countries that may possibly have more stringent laws on over-the-counter products, or simply much more expensive in comparison to the prices you pay back home. When it comes to my personal medication I usually keep enough to last more than several days after my intended return date to account for changes in plans (intentional or unintentional).

This first aid kit from amazon has all the basics but you should also keep things like Dramamine/Bonine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Benadryl, Benadryl Stick/Spray, eye drops, and Immodium.

• Sandals

I’m more of a flip-flop kind of guy but regardless, sandals are a must have when you travel. Even if you’re going to a place where you don’t think sandals are necessary. I’ve used my sandals in the middle of winter in Iceland while walking around the showers in the Blue Lagoon or the thermal pools, I’ve used them on the beaches in the Caribbean, or just walking around the hostel in Amsterdam. Having sandals is a quick and convenient way to get some footwear on while indoors or outdoors.

If you want a great waterproof sandal these Birkenstock Essentials Unisex Arizona EVA Sandals are waterproof, lightweight, and washable. They also come in several different colors.

If you’re like me and you’re all about the flip-flop life, my Crocs Classic Flip Flops are the way to go. They might not be the prettiest but they are definitely the most functional, and surprisingly comfortable flops I’ve ever had.

• Running Shoes and Hiking Boots

Having a comfortable pair of shoes is incredibly important. I usually travel with a pair of running shoes that I use for the airport or walking around cities if I know I’m going to be on my feet all day. I also use a pair of solid color shoes that are practical and can be worn with just about anything.

Depending on where I’m going I usually also bring a pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes. The lightweight hiking shoes I typically use when I’m going to places where the terrain isn't that extreme. For more challenging hikes like waterfalls in Costa Rica or Glaciers in Iceland, I have a pair of Timberland Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots.

• Compression socks

If you’re on a long haul flight or a long road trip, it’s super important to get up from time to time and walk around or stretch a little bit. Just don’t be that obnoxious person that’s going to go back to the airplane galley while the crew is trying to work and start doing your Pilates routine, I promise you, despite the smile from the cabin crew and them telling you it’s fine, they are secretly burning up inside with the desire to push the button on your ejector seat. Okay, maybe there’s no ejector seat, but that’s what they’re thinking. Wearing compression socks while traveling can be very beneficial as they can improve circulation and prevent swelling in your feet and legs.

• a copy of your passport

Your passport is, of course, the most important item to remember for an international trip. But you should also bring along at least one passport photo and a color photocopy of the pages with your information on the off chance you lose it abroad. The U.S. State Department's website has more information about what to do when your passport is lost or stolen.

• Carabiners

I usually travel with at least 2 carabiners, not for climbing but for being able to attach things to my backpack like my hiking shoes, that way I don’t have to pack them or my camera bag when I’m out on a trail hike. They’re also useful if you’re getting groceries since you can attach multiple bags to one carabiner to make carrying easier. They’re also great for camping if you need to keep something elevated since you can use them to keep things off the ground and attach them to a tree.

• international travel power adapter

If you’ve read my blog post about Travel Blogging and Camera Gear you’ll know I always travel with a power adapter. It’s important to have one with you since you’ll likely encounter different outlets on your international travels, especially if you’re traveling to Europe or Asia. If you read my country info when writing a new destination blog post I usually post the type of power outlet they use just in case.

This power adapter from amazon has been my favorite so far, it has a ton of different features and works with any power outlet.

• Inflight entertainment and on the go editing

When I travel I usually like to bring my computer with me, the downside is that I have a 15-inch Macbook Pro, not exactly light or small. I recently upgraded to a brand new Apple iPad Pro and I absolutely LOVE it. It uses the same new M1 chip that’s being installed in the Macbooks and iMacs so it’s lightning-fast. I got an additional keyboard with it which allows me to leave the Macbook at home while I’m on vacation and keep typing up blog posts on the road. That said, it will never replace the raw power of my Macbook so doing full-blown video or photo edits is a little harder. However, it’s got enough power that I can do small edits and tweaks on the fly while also being able to download all my favorite Netflix shows in advance so I can binge-watch them on flights. Or I can take my whole iBooks and Kindle libraries with me if I want to read.

• Sunglasses

Whether you’re laying out on the beach, hiking up to the top of a mountain, walking through the snow on a bright winter day, some polarized sunglasses are a total must. There’s no reason you should drop an absurd amount of money on sunglasses when there’s a good chance you could lose them, drop them, or break them. Especially if you’re out on a crazy hike. That’s why I get a cheap pair from Amazon like these ones.

• A good camera

As someone who takes thousands of pictures on every vacation, a good camera is important to have. That said, there’s no better camera than the one you have in your hand. Just about every modern phone has a camera ranging from decent to great, don’t underestimate what you can do with it. I also use a GoPro, DJI Drone, and a DSLR.

If you want a full list of the equipment I use for Travel Blogging, Video and Photography check out this blog post.

A Few Extras to Consider

• face masks

Since we'll all be wearing protective face coverings on planes and possibly in public for the foreseeable future, you'll want to make sure yours is comfortable to wear for long periods of time and potentially while huffing and puffing your way through the airport while running to catch your next flight. My choice is the Under Armor Sports Mask, you can use them for working out, they’re comfortable and very durable.

• SinkSuds Travel Laundry Detergent

You never know if you’re going to need to do a little light laundry while you’re on the road. Your plans could change and extend your trip, you could be canceled abroad. The place you’re staying might not have laundry services. SinkSuds Travel Laundry Detergent is perfect for washing clothes in the sink or tub. It helps eliminate odors and is TSA compliant.

• Lifestraw

Lifestraws are a great thing to take with you especially if you’re camping or in a country where the tap water isn’t safe. I always have one with me just in case. A lifestraw, is a straw that filters bacteria, parasites & microplastics from water as you drink. Ideal for hiking, camping, survival, and emergencies. Think about it this way, what your Britta water filter does at home but in the palm of your hand.

• Muscle recovery cream

Indie Lee I-Recover Mind & Body Gel works great for muscle recovery and helping you relax after a strenuous day of hiking or climbing. It’s not cheap but it’s worth every penny.

• A travel hotspot

This is definitely something I recommend if you want to have better internet speeds while abroad. While I do have an international plan on my phone, the speeds are capped and they become slow pretty quick. I’ve rented portable hotspots from car rental companies but the price adds up quickly. The last time we used one in Iceland the price was about $13 per day.

There are two hotspots I’ve used that I highly recommend and both are great for different reasons.

The Urozetta Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot enables you to embrace the flexibility of parent company Urocomm's cloud SIM system, which means you don't have to hunt down a local SIM card in every country you visit – you simply open up the app on your phone add credit to your account (check inside the app for current prices, which are definitely competitive).

Simple to set up, secure to use, reliable in operation... there's not much more you can ask from the Huawei E5577-321. Huawei knows a few things about making gadgets of course, and this hotspot is compact and well-built – it's perfect for popping in a bag or suitcase and taking with you wherever you go. This was actually the mobile hotspot that I rented from Blue Rental Car in Iceland on both of my most recent trips.

• an extension cord

My extension cord comes with me on any international trip I take. Depending on where I'm staying, it can be hard to find enough outlets—and sometimes, those I do find are hidden or out-of-reach. But when I bring an extension cord with me, it becomes a lot easier to keep my devices charged. It’s also great to plug into your international travel adapter because the adapter is typically just one outlet. Anker is by far my choice for just about everything when it comes to power adapters and battery packs, their extension cord is no exception.

• Duct tape or gorilla tape

You just never know when you might be on a flight and a passenger acts up and needs to be mummified to the seat in order to contain them… I’m totally kidding, for my friends in aviation I hope you got a good laugh out of that.

Honestly speaking though, having a little roll of tape can be super beneficial while traveling. Broken zippers, a rip in the tent, a little hole in your jacket, you name it. I usually carry a little roll of gorilla tape for such occasions.

And that’s my list!

If you think there’s something that I should put on the list, leave me a comment below and I’ll give you my thoughts on it. As always I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read, share, comment, and help me continue to build my blog and write about my adventures. ❤️

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Destination - Rincón, Puerto Rico

Destination - Rincón, Puerto Rico

Domes Beach Drone Shot, Rincón, Puerto Rico via @DRIMedia Instagram

Rincón, a town known for surfing, whale watching, beautiful sunsets, and world-class snorkeling. The place of my birth, where I spent the first 15 years of my life. A place most people dream of visiting, but I was fortunate enough to call home. I’m stoked to make my first Travel Destination blog post about my laid-back little corner of paradise, there’s no place like home, especially when that home is Rincón.

About Rincón

Rincón is a small town on the west coast of Puerto Rico that was founded in 1771 by Don Luis de Añasco, who previously founded Añasco in 1733, with a population of roughly 14,000 people. The word Rincón actually means Corner in Spanish, which is fitting since the town is located on the westernmost point of the island. Rincón is made up of 9 “barrios”, think of them as subdivisions, and “el pueblo” which is the town square. The 9 barrios are; Atalaya, Barrero, Calvache, Cruces, Ensenada, Jagüey, Pueblo (not to be confused with Barrio-Pueblo, Puntas, Rincon barrio-pueblo(town square), and Rio Grande. The “pueblo” area of the town, like all towns in Puerto Rico, is home to the municipal buildings, central square, and a large Catholic Church. Rincón is home to many of the most popular surfing beaches in Puerto Rico, including Domes, Marias, Tres Palmas, Sandy Beach, and Pools Beach, to name a few. Because of the way Rincón is situated on the north side of town the beaches are part of the Atlantic Ocean but the South Side of town is where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic, on occasion you can actually see the change in color for the two bodies of water.

Why Rincón is Famous

On November 7th, 1968 Rincón hosted the World Surfing Championships, It also was the last time that Surfers represented their countries-until the 2020 Summer Olympics. Fred Hemmings was the Champion and went on to become a State Senator in Hawai’i. Over the years, other Champions and Legends like Nat Young, Reno Abellira(no relation, although I’ve been linked to Abellira, my name actually originated from my grandfather, Guerino, AKA Reno) and David Nuuhiva, have returned to Rincón to surf, look to the sunsets and recall the Golden Era of Surfing. They all met again in November 2018 to see young surfers compete at the WSL Longboard Competition and make their own History.

Since the 1968 Championship, Rincón has been a destination for surfers from all over the world and is known as the Surf Capital of the Caribbean.

Fred Hemmings 1968, via Twitter

Contest Crowd 1968

things to do in Rincón

Black Eagle Marina, Rincón - via @DRIMedia Instagram

1. Hit the beach - free

Rincón has some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Puerto Rico. With more than 8 miles of coastline, every one of Rincons beaches has its own unique personality. Most of the beaches in Rincón are smaller, some are fairly secluded, but all of them offer a wide variety of activities like surfing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and other water sports.

Keep your eyes peeled while walking the beaches in Rincón, it’s one of the most bountiful places to find seaglass and sea shells you’ll ever visit.

Punta Higüeras Lighthouse & Domes Beach, Austin Bell

2. The Punta Higüeras Lighthouse and Domes Beach - Free

Built in 1892, the historic The Punta Higüera Lighthouse rises over 100 feet and is still fully operational. The 26,000-candlepower light was automated in 1933 and still helps ships navigate the ‘Pasaje de la Mona’ (Mona Passage). The park surrounding the lighthouse is full of little gazebos and lookouts at the top of the sea cliffs that give you a birds-eye view of Desecheo Island. It’s a perfect place to catch the sunset, have a picnic, grab a drink at Ola Sunset Cafe, and if you happen to be there from January to March you might be able to see the humpback whales.

Just to the right of the lighthouse, there’s the iconic green dome (Boiling Nuclear Superheater BONUS Reactor Facility) that gives Domes beach the name. The Dome was the first nuclear power plant in the Caribbean, originally built in 1960 and decommissioned in 1968. Today, it is known as the BONUS Technological Museum run by the local Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), visits are by appointment only.

Rincon train tracks 1917

For an added experience, take the trail between the ocean and the Dome and you’ll come to an old Spanish, the wall was originally built for the railroad that used to run along the coast.

Steps Beach & Tres Palmas Marine Preserve

3. Go snorkeling at the tres palmas marine reserve - $

The Tres Palmas marine reserve stretches from Little Malibu (close to the marina) all the way to Dogmans Beach and fully encompasses Steps Beach. It was established through a community effort in 2004 to protect the area's marine biodiversity, including the unique elkhorn coral. Because of this kaleidoscopic reef, there’s a ton of tropical fish, sea turtles and sponges and different types of coral to admire.

The most recognized beach in the reserve is Steps Beach which is known for the iconic cement stoop that sits on top of the rocks right at the edge of the waves which makes for a great photo op, especially around sunset. The beach is also great for a stroll or just laying out if you don’t want to snorkel. Because the surf tends to pick up during the winter months it might be a little too rough to go snorkeling, it’s typically flat during the summer (except for the occasional passing storm) so the early summer months make for more snorkeling opportunities.

During the winter surfing season, Tres Palmas is known for having some of the most incredible surf in all of Puerto Rico (and the Caribbean for that matter).

If you need snorkel or scuba gear, go see our friends at Taino Divers they’ve been doing scuba and snorkel charters in Rincón since 1997. Pro tip: while you’re getting your snorkel gear, stop into Shipwreck Bar and Grill and try their tacos for lunch! (Everything on the menu is outstanding, so make sure you come back for dinner and try some fresh fish.

Desecheo Island, Taino Divers

4. charters to desecheo island - $$-$$$

While we’re on the subject of snorkel and scuba, nothing compares to the world class scuba diving and snorkeling at Desecheo Island. Desecheo is a small uninhabited island located in the northeast of the Mona Passage; 13 miles from Rincón It has a land area of only 0.589 sq miles. During the 18th century the island was used by smugglers, pirates and bandits to hunt imported feral goats. During World War II, and until 1952, the island was used as a bombing range by the United States Armed Forces. From 1952 to 1964 the United States Air Force used Desecheo for survival training. In 1976 administration of the island was given to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and in 1983 it was designated as a National Wildlife Refuge. In 2000 it received a Marine reserve designation and fishing is allowed within 1/2 mile around the island.

Because Desecheo is uninhabited and theres virtually no human presence aside from fishermen and scuba/snorkeling charters, the water surrounding Desecheo is crystal clear with common visibility ranging from 100 to 150 feet (31 to 46 m).

I’ve been fortunate to have been to Desecheo at least a dozen times with my friends over at Taino Divers. It’s always a great experience and totally worth it.

Taino Divers offers both snorkel and scuba charters to Desecheo daily (weather permitting). For Information on rates and availability click here. They also offer sunset cruises, scuba certifications, whale watching charters, and afternoon local charters.

5. Go surfing - Free - $$

If you’re visiting Rincón during the winter surf season (typically November - April), you should definitely give surfing a try. Rincón is obviously a surfing mecca in the Caribbean, there’s a ton of great beaches to surf at for all levels of experience. If you don’t know how to surf you should consider taking a lesson. While there’s a ton of different surf schools in Rincón, our great friends Chikako and Damiano at Rincón Paddleboards give great guided lessons for individuals and groups. And if you happen to visit on a day when it’s flat, they also rent out paddleboards (as the name implies). It’s a great way to spend a few hours getting in some great exercise while enjoying the crystal clear waters around Rincón.

Rincon Paddleboards also offers delivery if you want them to bring your paddleboard to your vacation rental. don’t forget to tell them Reno sent you!

Due to Rincóns unique position and shape there’s north facing and south facing beaches, depending on the swell direction you can find great surf on either side of Rincón. I’ll make another post soon on the different beaches in Rincón and great places to surf or just hang out.

Sunset, Villa Cofresí

6. Have a “pirata” while catching the sunset at villa cofresí - $

You’re in Puerto Rico, you’re drinking rum.

If you’re looking for one of the coolest places to catch the sunset and have a drink that’s exclusive to Rincón, take a quick drive to Villa Cofresí.

The name of the hotel pays homage to the great pirate Roberto Cofresí, he was born into a noble family, but the political and economic difficulties faced by the island as a colony of the Spanish Empire during the Latin American wars of independence meant that his household was poor. Cofresí worked at sea from an early age which familiarized him with the region's geography, but it provided only a modest salary, and he eventually decided to abandon the sailor's life and became a pirate. He had previous links to land-based criminal activities, but the reason for Cofresí's change of vocation is unknown; historians speculate that he may have worked as a privateer aboard El Scipión, a ship owned by one of his cousins. At the height of his career, Cofresí evaded capture by vessels from Spain, Gran Colombia, the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, and the United States. He commanded several small-draft vessels, the best known a fast six-gun sloop named Anne, and he had a preference for speed and maneuverability over firepower. 

Villa Cofresí has a really cool outdoor bar in the shape of a triangle, there are beautiful views of the ocean and Desecheo Island, a perfect backdrop while you sip a “Pirata” (Spanish for Pirate).

The Pirata is one of the most iconic drinks in Rincón, bartenders start by cutting the top of a coconut with a machete right behind the bar, then they mix up gold rum, light rum, coconut rum, 151 proof rum, creme de cacao, coconut water, coconut milk and cream of coconut, and pour it all right back into the coconut and top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Here’s a little video of the bartenders cutting up coconuts and making Piratas.

At Villa Cofresí they also have a wonderful restaurant called La Ana de Cofresí, taking it’s name from the pirate Cofresís’ famous six fun sloop. La Ana de Cofresí was one of the first restaurants in Rincòn, originally opened in 1965, it’s evolved from the rustic zinc roof and open air to a full service restaurant serving some great Puerto Rican comfort food and fresh caught seafood.

Via @DRIMedia Instagram

7. Go whale watching (seasonal) - free - $$

Rincón is known for having incredible surfing and unbelievable sunsets, but did you know Rincón is also known for being one of the most active whale watching locations in Puerto Rico?

During the winter months (as early as December and as late as April, peaking around February), humpback whales begin their migration north to the colder waters of the Atlantic and pass directly through the Mona Passage while mating and calving, which means there’s a good chance you can spot one of these elusive gentle giants from one of Rincóns beaches. Keep in mind, there’s no guarantee but if you take my advice and visit the Light House or book a sunset tour on Taino Divers, your chances will be far greater as both options will give you a better vantage point. These majestic creatures reach lengths of up to 50 feet long and weigh as much as 50 tons, they come up to replenish their oxygen supply every 15-30 minutes before diving down depths of up to 700 feet.

The best time to see them is early in the morning or in the evening just before sunset. Most of the time you’ll see a "spout” or puff of mist coming from the water’s surface but if you’re lucky you’ll see them breach or slap their tails on the water.

For sailing fans, Katarina Sail Charters also offers fully inclusive sunset cruises on their 32-foot catamaran that has room for up to 17 people. Sunset cruises range from $30-$60 and include drinks, snacks, and some adult beverages. If you want a more intimate setting, you can also book a private charter for either groups or couples.

Via Pintos R Us

8. ride the trails with pintos r us - $$

Pintos “R” Us offers guided horseback riding tours along beaches, the lighthouse, and some really cool trails that take you down by Domes beach. They offer group packages for up to 12 people, private rides if you want something more intimate and pony rides for kids from 2-8 years old. If you’re getting married, having a party or birthday in Rincón and want to take some great pictures on the beach you can also book a special package.

Mofongo, Flamboyan Restaurant via @DRI Media Instagram

9. Eat some mofongo - $

There isn’t a more Puerto Rican dish in existence than Mofongo. Plantains are picked green and fried, then mashed with salt, garlic, broth, and olive oil in a wooden pilón (mortar and pestle). If you’ve never had a fried green plantain before, picture a potato and a banana having a baby. It’s starchy like a potato, but they don’t become sweet until they ripen. Classic Mofongo is made with chicharrón (fried pork rind), but there’s tons of variations. Seafood Mofongo, churrasco mofongo (steak mofongo, pictured above), Mofongo relleno (stuffed like it is in the picture), mofongo a la criolla (mofongo served with a tomato-based sauce), the list goes on. My absolute favorite mofongo is actually called trifongo, it’s made with green plantain, ripe plantain, and yucca, then stuffed with churrasco. Red Flamboyan is by far one of my favorite places to eat in Rincón, the name comes from the Flamboyan trees that bloom with bright red flowers during the summer. They have some of the best Puerto Rican food on the entire west coast and a great drink list.

The space is also very airy set in what feels like an old house with windows facing the tree canopy.

Tamboo Drone Shot via @DRI Media Instagram

10. have a drink at one of americas top beach bars - $

Just steps down the street from my Airbnb (The Puntas Tree House), is the Tamboo Beside the Pointe. As their slogan says, they’re “on the beach, where you should be!” and they couldn’t be more right. The Tamboo has been a long-standing destination bar for longer than I’ve been alive. I actually had the pleasure of bartending here many moons ago, it was actually the first place I had ever bartended and where I learned to sling a pretty mean drink. The Tamboo has been featured in Esquire Magazines Best Bars in America list twice, Condé Nast, USA Today’s Top 10 Best Bars in the Caribbean, and Lonely Planet just to name a few. The Tamboo also has one of the coolest beach front decks on earth, with a great view of Sandy Beach. It’s a great vantage point for whale watching during the winter months.

The Tamboo has also been recognized as having the best Mojito in all of Puerto Rico.

11. get some souvenirs at the rincón art walk - $-$$

Every Thursday, just after sunset, the Rincón town square lights up with music, art, and culture. Hundreds of locals and visitors flock downtown to check out the now thriving artisan scene, enjoy the nightlife grab some grub. After years of business closures and what felt like a dying downtown scene, the Art Walk brought new life to the town square and the surrounding businesses. Many new restaurants have opened up downtown and we even have a farmers market on Sundays now. Check out the video above to get an idea of what you can look forward to at the Art Walk.

If you want to read a great article on how the Art Walk came about, click here.

Via Anette Naber

12. visit the farmers market - $

Early on Sunday mornings, while the Catholic church bells ring, farmers and artisans put up tents in the town square to sell everything from fresh herbs and vegetables to locally produced eggs, locally made cheeses, and avocados. You can also find plantain products, coconuts, chocolates, freshly baked bread or desserts, organic juices, oil extracts, vegan-friendly food items, and a variety of foods used in local dishes. The vibe is cheerful and fun, kids usually play around the square, people sip on their morning coffee, it’s a great way to soak in the Sunday life in Rincón.

If you happen to miss the Farmers Market, don’t worry, along the roads in and out of Rincón you’ll find fruit and vegetable vendors selling anything that’s currently in season.

Flying Fish Parasail, Rincón, Puerto Rico

13. get a birds eye view with flying fish parasail - $$

There’s no shortage of fun things to do down at the Black Eagle Marina, and if you’ve never been parasailing, there’s no better place to do it than Rincón. Flying Fish Parasail is the only parasailing operation on the entire West Coast of Puerto Rico, they’ve been flying visitors to Rincón since 2007. Originally started by Craig and Michelle Prothers the boat is now captained by their son Jesse, a very cool dude I had the pleasure of growing up with. You’ll fly as high as 500 feet in the air and it’s safe for people of all ages. It’s also a great way to spot whales during the winter months.

If you’re looking for a great healthy snack before or after your parasailing adventure go check out the Juice Box, owned by Jesse’s sister Ruby.

Don’t forget to grab one of these super cool reusable Rincón bamboo straws for your delicious green juice. The straws are handmade by BAMBOOzle Straws.

There you have it, the ultimate Rincón things to do list! Have you been to Rincón before? Did I miss one of your favorite things to do?

Let me know in the comments below!

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Getting Started with Weight Loss and Fitness: The Best Apps to Track Your Fitness Goals in 2021

Getting Started with Weight Loss and Fitness

One of the things I hear the most when it comes to my weight loss and fitness progress is how do I start? What do I do? Is there an app out there that can help? What should I focus on? - While there’s no set routine, or diet that will work for everyone, there are certain things you can do to get started in the right direction. In this multi-part series of blog posts, I’m going to cover the things I did to get started on my journey, the apps, and gadgets that helped me along the way, and the hard lessons I learned during my journey. If you’re looking for advice on supplements you can check out my blog post on The best supplements I’ve used to burn fat, lose weight and gain lean muscle by clicking here.

The Best Apps to Track Your Fitness Goals in 2021

The Apps

Best Overall App: My Fitness Pal

Best Workout Tracker: Strong App

Apple Watch App for Zone Training: Zones For Training

Best Quick/Body Weight Workout App: 7 Minute Workout by Johnson & Johnson

Best Yoga Service: Glo

Best App for Finding New Exercises: Full Fitness

The Apps

One of the first things I learned about weight loss was no matter how much I lifted or how much I worked out if my nutrition wasn’t right, it really wouldn’t matter. I would spend literally hours in the gym, but I’d get home and “reward” myself with ridiculous meals that I thought were “healthy” but as it turns out, they were anything but healthy.

When it comes to weight loss, nutrition plays a huge part, more than you would think. About 80% of it is nutrition and the rest is your weight training or cardio routines. It’s also very important to note that the key here is going to be consistency, my good friend and personal trainer Hans told me this and it has stuck ever since, it takes 21 days to make a habit and 90 days to make it a lifestyle. This is a great rule of thumb but keep in mind everyone is different and it can take people up to 200 days to fully form a new habit, the takeaway here is: commit to it. No matter what, just commit. This is where a lot of these apps come in handy. You can use them to track your nutrition, set notifications, and reminders to help you get off the couch, compete against yourself to achieve your next PR (Personal Record), the list goes on.

Photograph by Andrew Harrer—Bloomberg/Getty Images

My Fitness Pal

My Fitness Pal is one of the best and most robust apps available when it comes to fitness and lifestyle changes. If there’s a single app I would recommend above all others, this is the one. My Fitness Pal is known for the ability to easily log your daily caloric intake with a built-in database of over 6 million foods (and counting) and accurately give you a breakdown of your Macronutrients along with more detailed information like net carbs, fiber, cholesterol, and sodium intake among other nutritional info. You can input your meals by either searching the database, scanning the barcode or, as of a recent update, by taking a picture of the individual items on your plate (I.E. an apple, a piece of bread, etc.). In addition to logging meals, it logs exercise stats, helps you change your habits to meet personal health goals, has a ton of workouts, recipes, and offers unparalleled customization for each of its assets.

It integrates with more than 50 apps and devices to sync all of your workouts, and it has a library of over 350 cardio and strength sessions if you need a jumping-off point.

My Fitness Pal also includes a restaurant logger that will guarantee no calorie goes uncounted when you go out to eat. It has enough features to fill this entire list, while just about all the features included with the app are free, there’s a premium plan that in my experience is worth the price to unlock the apps full potential.

Strong App

Before I started using the Strong App, I was logging my workouts with the old-fashioned notebook and a pen and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that for the majority of the people out there who are just starting out. No matter what I would recommend keeping some kind of journal with a date, the exercises performed, start and end time, weight lifted, and your rep count. This will help you keep track of your progress and give you something to aim for on your next workout. It will also help you remember what days you worked what muscle groups and plan your workouts so you can create a well-rounded workout routine. For people who want to take their tracking to a higher level, the Strong app is a perfect way of doing it. Strong lets you build workout routines with an extensive list of classic and well-known exercises, but if you’re like me and you do research online for your routines, you can create a new exercise pretty easily. The app is super user-friendly, it tracks everything from your 1RM (1 Rep Max), to your Personal Records, muscle growth, strength improvements, and so on. I’ve been using the Strong app for almost two years and it’s helped me tremendously. Plus, if you’re like me, and you leave your friggin notebook somewhere on a layover, you don’t have to worry about losing any information because the app is cloud-based and syncs after every workout.

Zones for Training

As the name implies this app focuses on Zone Training. What is zone training? To put it simply, zone training focuses on workouts that keep your heart rate in a specific “zone” to maximize weight loss or fitness. Your training plan can (and should) include workouts in all five zones. This HR zones chart shows the level of intensity and percentage of Maximum Heart Rate used in each one.

Zone 1: Very Light - 50% - 60% Of Your Maximum Heart Rate

Zone 2: Light - 60% - 70% Of Your Maximum Heart Rate

Zone 3: Moderate - 70% - 80% Of Your Maximum Heart Rate

Zone 4: Hard - 80% - 90% Of Your Maximum Heart Rate

Zone 5: Maximum - 90% - 100% Of Maximum Your Heart Rate

Zone training has become even more popular in the last few years with entire gyms dedicating themselves to focusing purely on zone training, gyms like Orange Theory, which was founded in 2010 and over the last 11 years have grown to over 1200 studios in all 50 states and 23 countries. I could probably write an entire blog post on zone training but for now, those who want to start learning about it can use this app which pairs really well with apple watch users.

7 Minute Workout by J&J

If you’re like me, your schedule is insanely busy. On top of that, being an airline crew member, I never know what type of gym to expect when I’m on layover, hotel gyms vary wildly from having full blown professional gyms to having a treadmill and a thrown together set of 25 year old dumbbells that only go up to 40lbs. Even worse, sometimes I’m getting off the hotel shuttle van only to realize I have to be back at the airport in less than 10 hours. No matter how short my layover is or how busy my day has gotten, I know I have at least 7 minutes. That’s the concept behind the 7M workout apps. A performance coach and exercise physiologist from the Human Performance Institute in Orlando, FL, came up with this program to give their busy clients a more efficient yet still effective workout. They've put together a series of 12 different exercises that work the upper body, lower body, and core. It’s important to note that this is not a magical elixir that will suddenly transform your body into that perfect bikini ready summer bod. This is a good compliment to your workout routine when you have nothing but your bodyweight and only a little while to work out. You can manage intensity and if you happen to have say 30 minutes at your disposal, you can run the app more than once to get in a longer workout. Typically the exercises last for about 30 seconds and the rest between sets is about 5 seconds so it elevates your heart rate, gets your blood flowing and burns a few calories off which is always beneficial no matter what your day is like. This is also a great way to warm up your whole body before you get your real daily workout in.

Glo Yoga App

For the beginner or the advanced yogi, Glo is not only an awesome app but also a full-blown yoga class service. They offer classes on multiple platforms so you can switch from your phone to your computer browser to your tablet. Glo starts around $18 a month and gives you the option to personalize your classes and styles with a quick questionnaire so you can choose the exact intensity you’re looking for. They also offer live classes during the week so you can actually interact with a real person and not just a recording. Since I’m a total yoga noob that had no idea what I was doing, Glo was perfect.

Full Fitness : Exercise Workout Traine‪r‬ 

We’ve all been there, you just started working out, you know how to do 3 or 4 exercises, you look around and see an ocean of equipment, barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, cowbells, smith machines, squat racks… Ok, maybe not cowbell, but there’s a ton of gym equipment you have never used before and your brain immediately goes into a total panic attack because you don’t want to look foolish but you also have no idea what you’re doing. Enter the Full Fitness App. This app was a tremendous help when I was just getting started again in the gym. It had been years since I did any type of lifting and my experience came mostly from the ROTC and sports training and it had been ages since I did any of that. Full Fitness gives you the ability to narrow down what muscle group you want to workout and then select what type of equipment you have at your disposal, including bodyweight exercises, on top of that there’s an image demonstrating how to perform the exercise and you can also click to see a video clip of someone actually performing it. While this app has plenty of other features like logging workout routines and a handful of fitness programs, I used it mostly to learn what I could do with the equipment I had at hand. This helped me avoid being that person that’s ping-ponging around the gym aimlessly without a plan and looking lost while trying to play it off cool like I know what I’m doing there.

Pros and Cons of Fitness Apps

Fitness apps can be very beneficial to your overall routine when you consider they can help you track your exercise achievements, caloric burn, nutrition, and overall progress which helps keep you motivated and gives you a chance to compete against yourself and set a target to shoot for which has been super beneficial during my journey to losing weight and getting into the best shape I’ve ever been in. They also give you the opportunity to “get your feet wet” with fitness if you’re not ready to commit to a gym or personal trainer, although they will never replace the knowledge or hands-on benefits of having a dedicated trainer if you can afford it. On the downside, if you rely too heavily on fitness apps, you’re missing out on the other great benefits from working out like social interaction, shared experiences, camaraderie, and personalized feedback that you’d get in the gym or in group classes. If you’re a person that’s tied to your phone, working out also gives you the opportunity to take a break from the digital world so the last thing you want is to dive even deeper into never putting your phone down.

How much do fitness apps cost?

The price for fitness apps varies pretty greatly, there are apps that are free to download, but unlocking their full potential requires some form of payment. This can be a one-time $2-$10 fee or in some cases a yearly(MyFitnessPal) or even monthly(Yoga Glo) subscription that can be anywhere between $20-$40.

The Bottom Line

While fitness apps are great and certainly should be looked at when you’re starting your fitness routines, it ultimately comes down to what you’re expectations are and your level of motivation. If you’re a self-starter that doesn't need someone to tell them when to work out, you’re highly motivated and ready to start working out right now, these apps can provide a jumping-off point to get you started. If you need that extra push, no workout app will ever replace the type of motivation you’ll get from someone who is financially inclined to get you the results you want. Regardless, some apps like MyFitnessPal should be incorporated into everyone’s routines because it gives you one of the most crucial parts of weight loss and fitness, which is tracking nutrition.

If you’re someone who is busy, can’t get on a regular gym schedule, and needs help with things you can do at home or without a gym membership, some of the apps above are worth the look.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATES AND BLOG POSTS AND DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW ME ON MY LIFESTYLE IG👇🏽!

@DRIFITNESSLIFESTYLE

The supplements I use to burn fat, lose weight and gain muscle.

The best supplements I’ve used to burn fat, lose weight and gain lean muscle.

There’s no doubt that you can lose weight and gain muscle by eating the right foods and lifting weights. But if you really want to maximize your potential and get better results, supplements are a great option.

During my fitness journey, I’ve tried a lot of different supplements, different brands, and combinations. I should also put a disclaimer here that the supplements I use are natural or made up of natural ingredients.

Most of these supplements have been absolutely crucial in my journey to losing weight and getting in shape, others simply helped along the way and if you can afford to add them to your routine they are worth a serious look.

If you want to purchase any of the items below, please use the links to help support my site, thanks!

#1 Protein Powders

Protein like whey and casein can help improve your muscles' ability to recover and adapt after strenuous exercise. In fact, consumption of whey protein has been found to stimulate muscle protein synthesis to a greater degree than other proteins.

Blends of protein, like whey and casein, have been shown to promote muscle hypertrophy and improve body composition to a greater extent than soy-based proteins when consumed after resistance exercise.

The combination of fast-digesting whey and slow-digesting casein keep the body in a highly anabolic environment for a prolonged period of time, helping to keep rates of protein synthesis up, while minimizing any muscle breakdown.

Lifters who follow high-volume or high-intensity resistance-training programs, as many bodybuilders do, may also benefit from carbohydrate intake immediately post-workout. Compared with a placebo, carbohydrates combined with protein immediately post-workout and one hour after a bout of resistance exercise have been shown to increase insulin levels and rates of glycogen resynthesis.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey

Whey protein is one of the healthiest ways to add more protein to your diet. It's a quality protein source that is absorbed and utilized efficiently by the human body. This is particularly important for athletes, bodybuilders or people who need to gain muscle mass and strength while losing fat, it’s the most crucial for pushing protein synthesis. Whey is a milk protein that has a high level of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs, also on our list). Whey is high on my list because it digests fast and gets to your muscles quickly to start building muscle. Whey also contains peptides (small proteins) that increase blood flow to the muscles. This is why we always recommend consuming whey protein immediately after training.

I use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey because it’s made up of whey protein Isolates and 5.5 grams of BCAA’s per scoop and mixes easily, even without a shaker bottle.

Get it on Amazon

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Casein

Casein is a slow-digesting protein that’s also derived from dairy. It releases amino acids slowly, so I usually take it before bed to help with recovery and reduce muscle breakdown, or catabolism, while asleep. It’s also great for a post-workout snack, I usually blend whey and casein to make a more effective protein shake.

I use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Casein because it’s one of the best micellar proteins available.

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#2 Pre-Workout/Caffeine

Caffeine is one of the most widely used stimulants in the world, we get it in our morning coffee, tea, and energy drinks to give us a pick-me-up during a long day.

Caffeine has also proven to be one of the most effective ergogenic aids in both endurance exercise and high-intensity activity. Caffeine has been shown to decrease rates of fatigue and lower perception of effort, which may be of benefit during high-intensity, high-volume workouts, or if you just need a little boost before hitting the weights.

I use two different types of pre-workout, it’s important to note that I use them because they are more than just caffeine, they contain other great supplements that help when it comes to creating focus and hitting the gym. Below is a little info on both so you can make the decision on which one sounds better for you.

Pre JYM

Pre Jym is the winner when it comes to mental enhancement. It has 300mg of caffeine, which provides a clear boost before hitting the gym, especially on those sleepy days where you can’t get a good night's rest (something I struggle with pretty frequently).

It also has higher quantities of Tyrosine, which is known to increase our cognitive functions, and focus in the gym. Sometimes having an extra mental edge can give us a massive boost in the gym.

Pre Jym is also better for muscle recovery with a better BCAA ratio.

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Pre-Kaged

 Pre-Kaged is better for increasing vasodilation and muscle power during exercise. This is due it having a much higher concentration of Taurine and Betaine.

Taurine is known for increasing vasodilation, which allows the blood to pump through the body more easily. Betaine is known for giving its users extra power during a session and is associated with improving strength and muscle mass.

Pre Jym does contain these ingredients but in much lower doses. So as far as getting a good pump is concerned, Pre-Kaged takes the win.

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Which one should you choose?

Both are very similar and all in all, are great options for pre-workout no matter which one you go with. If you prefer more mental focus vs physical pump Pre Jym is the better choice it also contains more creatine and a better ratio of BCAA’s, which may prove beneficial for developing more muscle over the long term. If you’re looking to hit that major PR and push your 1RM then go with the Pre-Kaged

#3 Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s)

Whether you’re an athlete or just a casual lifter, there’s no reason you shouldn’t incorporate BCAA’s into your supplement regimen. You’ll notice that the protein powders and pre-workouts that I use also contain BCAA’s. Branched-chain amino acids refer to leucine, isoleucine, and valine, the absolute most important amino acids for repairing and building muscle tissue. Leucine is the most critical of the three, as research shows that it can stimulate muscle protein synthesis on its own. Yet it’s still best to take all three together, since they work in synergy to provide a multitude of benefits, including muscle growth, increased energy during workouts, the blunting of cortisol (a catabolic hormone that inhibits testosterone and increases muscle breakdown), and decreased delayed-onset muscle soreness. Besides the fact that they taste delicious, sipping on BCAAs between sets may help speed up the recovery and repair processes after a tough workout. Look for BCAA products that provide leucine at a ratio of 2:1 per dose of isoleucine and valine. For example, if you take a 5-gram dose of BCAAs, about 2.5 grams should be from leucine, 1.25 grams from isoleucine, and 1.25 grams from valine. (Like the ones I mentioned above)

XTEND ELITE BCAA’S

I’ve been using XTEND Elite BCAA’s for a long time now, they have pretty great flavors (the Island Punch Fusion is my favorite), it’s sugar-free, has electrolytes to help you rehydrate while you’re working out and as an added bonus, it also contains Beta-Alanine. In the body, the amino acid beta-alanine is combined with another amino, histidine, to form carnosine(or CarnoSyn as XTEND refers to it). Research shows that when muscles have higher levels of carnosine, they have more strength and endurance. Carnosine appears to increase the muscle fibers’ ability to contract with more force and to do so longer without fatiguing. Several studies reported increases in muscle strength and power in athletes who took beta-alanine. One recent study found that subjects who took beta-alanine along with creatine gained more muscle mass and lost more body fat than subjects who took only creatine.

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#4 NO Boosters

Nitrate-rich foods like beets, radishes, and pomegranates are a great way to boost the production of nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule, found throughout the body, that’s involved in multiple processes. Bodybuilders are most interested in NO’s ability to dilate blood vessels, which allows more blood flow to the muscles for enhanced delivery of oxygen, nutrients, anabolic hormones, and water (blood is mostly water, after all). This gives you more energy during your workout, an enhanced muscle pump, and better muscle recovery and growth after the workout. NO boosters don’t provide NO directly, but rather deliver it in the form of the amino acid arginine, which is readily converted to NO in the body.

ZHOU N.O. Pro

ZHOU N.O. Pro is my go-to NO booster because the blend of supplements takes advantage of the nitric oxide boosting properties of L-arginine, L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, and L-citrulline alongside beet root powder, which is a fairly newly discovered but highly effective nitric oxide booster. Having Citrulline Malate is a huge plus because it’s an "antifatigue" supplement. In fact, if you were to travel back in time about 40 years, you'd find CM being prescribed to treat both mental and physical fatigue in post-surgery patients. More recently, CM has become popular for its performance-boosting effects.

The benefits seen with CM supplementation are most likely attributed to the synergistic combination of both L-citrulline and malate, which may help to increase rates of ATP during exercise, followed by increased rates of PCr recovery after exercise. Just a single dose (8 grams) has shown to increase reps and reduce soreness at 24-48 hours post-exercise compared to a placebo. Plus, it’s vegan!

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#5 Glutamine

While this nonessential amino acid may not deliver earth-shattering PRs or extreme muscle growth, it does play an important role in repair and recovery. Glutamine works by removing excess ammonia, which can accumulate during intense exercise, helping to regulate your body's acid-base balance. Individuals who are engaged in heavy resistance training, two-a-day training splits, or are in a calorie deficit may benefit from the extra support of glutamine supplementation.

Optimum Nutrition Glutamine Caps

Optimum Nutrition makes another appearance on the list. Truth is, they make excellent supplements. There’s a ton of great quality brands out there, I just prefer some of their products over others. Optimum Nutrition Glutamine Caps are formulated to provide 1 gram of pure L-Glutamine per capsule.

Get it on Amazon

#6 Carnitine

Carnitine plays a critical role in energy production. It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria so they can be oxidized ("burned") to produce energy. It also transports the toxic compounds generated out of this cellular organelle to prevent their accumulation

Dr. Martins L-Carnitine

Besides being a popular fat-loss supplement, carnitine is now known to enhance muscle growth through a number of mechanisms, all of which are supported by clinical research. For one, carnitine can increase blood flow to muscles, which means it provides similar benefits to NO boosters. It also increases testosterone levels post-workout and the amount of T receptors inside muscle cells, which allows more testosterone to stimulate more growth. In addition, carnitine supplements have been found to increase levels of IGF-1. Add all these benefits together and you have the potential to gain enormous amounts of muscle.

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#7 Multi-Vitamin

As kids, many of us took daily chewable multivitamins, and for a lot of us, that habit has continued into adulthood – about one-third of American adults take multivitamins.

Some people take multivitamins for the comfort of knowing they’re filling potential nutrient gaps. Others take them with the belief that they’re boosting their immune system, improving their brain function or skin tone, or enhancing hair health or health in general.

People who benefit from taking an appropriate multivitamin include those who are eating or absorbing fewer calories (dieters, for example) so for those looking to shed weight or those who are older.

GNC Mega Men Sport

Despite the super cheesy-macho-fragile masculinity in the name “MEGA MEN”, I like this multivitamin blend. It contains beta-alanine and carnatine which I covered above, so for people who are interested in lifting, it’s a pretty good multivitamin.

Get it on Amazon

#8 Fish Oil/Krill Oil

Fish oils are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which provide myriad benefits for the body. For strength athletes and bodybuilders, we're most concerned with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Intense resistance training can cause microscopic tears in your muscle fibers, leading to muscle damage and inflammation. While some inflammation is desirable, too much can delay the post-exercise recovery process.

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce post-exercise muscle soreness and speed up the recovery process, getting you ready for your next session with the weights.[20,21] As an added benefit, when combined with BCAAs and carbs, omega-3s can increase protein synthesis rates, leading to greater gains in muscle mass.

Antarctic Krill Oil

Fish oil, which is derived from fatty fish like anchovies, mackerel and salmon, is one of the most popular dietary supplements in the world.

Its health benefits primarily come from two types of omega-3 fatty acids — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both have been shown to improve heart and brain health, among other benefits.

Recently, a supplement called krill oil has emerged as another product rich in EPA and DHA. Some people even claim that krill oil offers more benefits than fish oil.

I use Krill Oil because isolated astaxanthin lowers triglycerides and increases “good” HDL cholesterol in people with mildly elevated blood lipids and also krill oil is more effective than fish oil at lowering blood sugar, triglycerides and “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Get it on Amazon

#9 CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)

Linoleic acid is the most common omega-6 fatty acid, found in large amounts in vegetable oils but also in various other foods in smaller amounts. The “conjugated” prefix has to do with the arrangement of the double bonds in the fatty acid molecule.

There are 28 different forms of CLA .

The difference between these forms is that their double bonds are arranged in various ways. It’s important to keep in mind that something as minuscule as this can make a world of difference to our cells. CLA is essentially a type of polyunsaturated, omega-6 fatty acid. In other words, it’s technically a trans fat — but a natural type of trans fat that occurs in many healthy foods. Some studies indicate that CLA can cause significant fat loss in humans. It may also improve body composition by reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass.

Naturwise Elite CLA

While the jury is still out on whether CLA is actually effective or not, I’ve made it a part of my supplements because I figure it can’t hurt. Polyunsaturated fats can lead to lowering your testosterone levels, however, I don’t have an issue with that. Naturewise CLA is naturally derived from pure, premium quality, non-GMO safflower oil and is stimulant-free.

Get it on Amazon

#10 Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb with multiple health benefits. It can reduce anxiety and stress, help fight depression, boost fertility and testosterone in men, and even boost brain function. It’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body manage stress.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a new addition to my daily supplements. Since adding it I definitely feel way less stressed, my anxiety has also started to become more manageable and there’s a long list of benefits that are being studied about ashwagandha. Some of the highlights include: reducing blood sugar levels, anticancer properties, reducing cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety, reducing depression, boosting testosterone and fertility in men (watch out gentlemen, that’s a dangerous combo!), increased muscle mass and strength, reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, increasing brain function and memory. In short, it’s a safe supplement that has been linked to a ton of benefits and it’s worth the very cheap price.

Get it on Amazon

#11 Green Tea Extract

Many studies have shown that green tea extract can promote weight loss, blood sugar regulation, disease prevention, and exercise recovery. It can also help keep your skin and liver healthy, reduce blood fat levels, regulate blood pressure and improve brain health.

Zhou Green Tea Extract

Zhou makes an appearance again with another awesome product, their Green Tea Extract is awesome. Green tea is one of the most commonly consumed teas in the world.

Green tea extract is its concentrated form, with just one capsule containing the same amount of active ingredients as an average cup of green tea.

Like green tea, green tea extract is a great source of antioxidants. These have been credited with a range of health benefits, from promoting heart, liver, and brain health to improving your skin and even reducing the risk of cancer.

What’s more, many studies have looked at green tea extract’s ability to aid weight loss. In fact, many weight loss products list it as a key ingredient.

Get it on Amazon

The Bottom Line

There’s no shortage of supplements out there, these are just the ones I’ve used and they work for me. I’ve read up on all of them and like most things, there's usually a lot of studies to support the findings and studies that try to dispute them, so take your time to read up and make your own decision. None of these supplements are going to replace a healthy diet or exercise, and depending entirely on the supplements won’t have any effect if you don’t establish a real routine and make a permanent lifestyle change that focuses on healthier living and fitness. I can tell you with certainty that there’s no “diet pill” out there that will make you lose weight and look muscular, if it were that easy gyms would be out of business.

I hope you liked this post and look forward to reading more about the changes I’ve made to achieve a healthier lifestyle, by clicking the links to purchase these items you’ll be directly supporting my site and my ability to keep it going.

If you have any feedback please leave it in a comment below so I can keep improving it!

References

www.bodybuilding.com

www.mensjournal.com

www.healthline.com

About Me

Hey There!

I’m Reno.

I’m a Puerto Rico native living in Delaware but based out of Fort Lauderdale as an inflight crew member at a major US airline. Basically, I can work and stay anywhere, so I spend as much time as I can traveling, hiking, focusing on fitness, and working on my various projects. Most of my wanderlust centers around food, culture, crime stories but you’ll find a ton of different subjects on my blogs and podcasts.

I hope this blog inspires you to explore new places, do new things, and experience the world. Feel free to leave a comment or follow me on social media! 

STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATES AND BLOG POSTS AND DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW ME ON MY LIFESTYLE IG👇🏽!

@DRIFITNESSLIFESTYLE

Travel Video and Photo Gear: The Definitive Travel Blogging Gear List For Beginners (and experienced bloggers alike!) Updated: January 2021

*Note: I am not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the products listed below or pictured. I own these and am basing my opinions solely on my first-hand experience. Any links contained in the article are for reference.

I often get asked, “What cameras and gear do you use to capture your travel shots and videos?”

In this post, I want to share the cameras, accessories and other gear that I use to create all of the videos and photography you’ve seen on my social media platforms and on this blog. There’s also a big misconception that to take great pictures or videos you need incredibly expensive gear. I want to disprove that (the gear I use ranges in price, however, I can probably give some recommendations to choose from when deciding the best camera and vlogging equipment for your own video and travels.)

Since this is the gear I’ll be starting out with I’ll be updating the list frequently as I plan and purchase more gear and grow my blog.

If you want to purchase any of the items below, please use the links to help support my site, thanks!

The Gear

Shooting wildlife in Pennsylvania, Nikon D5500 / Nikon Nikkor 18-55mm Lens

Main Camera: Nikon D5500

Nikon has several cameras aimed at beginners, the 3000 series cameras that are designed for outright novices and the 5000 series (like my D5500) that are aimed at people with a little more experience but not necessarily an expert camera by any means. For someone on a budget, this camera offers a great start. It does pretty much everything, from wide panoramic shots of landscapes to close-ups of food or people’s faces. I actually bought this before I began making videos, as it’s considered one of the best DSLRs for intermediate photographers, and it’s pretty easy to use. You can also change the lens so when you feel ready to step up your game you can just get another lens. Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, Voigtländer, Zeiss, Samyang just to name a few, make lenses for Nikon cameras. Note that some of these may be manual focus only, both at the high end (Zeiss, Voigtländer) and budget end (Samyang). Adding a lens and a tripod can unlock new abilities like long exposure night time photography (like capturing the northern lights in Iceland or getting some really cool pictures of streaking fireworks).

Find it:

Nikon D5500 on Fumfie

Nikon D5500 on Amazon

Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights), Iceland - Shot with the Nikon D5500

Black Eagle Marina, Rincón, Puerto Rico - Shot with iPhone 11 Pro

The Camera in my Hands: iPhone 11 Pro

There’s a saying that goes that the best camera is the one you have with you. Of course, having a DSLR at all times sounds great, but sometimes you need to use the one you have in your hands. Thanks to huge leaps forward in technology, phones now have amazing photo capabilities. Your smartphone can take outstanding pictures that you can make look like a DSLR photo with a few small editing tweaks. I love using my iPhone 11 Pro because of the different lens options that give me the ability to zoom in further, take great macro shots like food shots and now some pretty impressive wide-angle shots.

Find it

iPhone 11 Pro on Apple

iphone 11 (Renewed) on amazon

Sunset, Rincón, Puerto Rico - Shot with iPhone 11 Pro

Action Camera: GoPro Hero 5 Black (Recently upgraded to the GoPro Hero 8 Black)

The GoPro is my action camera, this is the camera I used anytime I don’t want to risk getting my DSLR or iPhone wet, dirty or risk breaking it in rough conditions. I’ve taken my GoPro everywhere, on boats, underwater, paddleboarding in the Caribbean, the frozen cliffs of Dyrhólaey, Iceland, you name it. The GoPro also offers a ton of custom mounts, screws, housings, and accessories which make it a great all-purpose camera. Since the Hero 8 was a recent acquisition (December 2019) I don’t have any content with it yet.

Find it

GoPro Hero 8 Black on Amazon

GoPro hero 8 Bundle from amazon

GoPro Hero 8 Black Official Website

Time-Lapse Sunset at Gradac Park, Dubrovnik, Croatia Shot with a GoPro Hero 5 Black

Drones: DJI Mavic Pro & DJI Mavic Mini

The DJI Mavic Pro has been in my lineup pretty much since they launched it a few years ago. Since then it’s been my absolute favorite piece of equipment. Having the drone allows you to see the places you’re visiting form an entirely different perspective, a birds-eye view of skylines, cityscapes, mountains, beaches, and the list goes on and on, you can check out my drone photo gallery here. The drone also gives you a great way to capture pictures of yourself when you’re on vacation and traveling solo, sometimes when you’re standing on a cliff overlooking the black sand beaches of Iceland it’s a little tough to find someone to capture that amazing shot of you, with the drone you’ll never need to worry again. The Mavic Pro and its successors (The Mavic Pro 2 and the Mavic Zoom)  offer great quality shots and exceptional portability.

The newest member of the family, the DJI Mavic Mini which I recently purchased, takes portability to a whole new level. The drone weighs just 249grams coming in just below the FAA requirement to register the drone (the requirement is 250g). The Mavic Mini doesn’t offer all of the same robust features the larger models offer but if you’re just looking to capture some great photo and video, this drone definitely does the trick. The other huge benefit to the Mavic Mini is the price tag, this drone is less than $400 (and the Fly More Combo, which I definitely recommend buying, is only $499 so you get some added batteries and take your flying time to the next level).

Since I have a huge passion for drones I’ll be writing a separate post all about how to use drones, register with the FAA, best drones on the market and tons more in the coming weeks.

FIND IT

GET $10 OFF ANYTHING AT DJI BY CLICKING THIS LINK

DJI Mavic Mini 2 Bundle on Amazon

DJI Mavic Mini 2 on Amazon

DJI Mavic 2 Pro Zoom on Amazon

DJI Mavic 2 pro on amazon

Check out the video I captured below on my first drone flight with the Mavic Mini:

DJI Mavic Mini Drone test flight in Rincon, Puerto Rico by DRI Media

Travel Blogging Useful Accessories

Extra Batteries and Battery Packs

Whether it’s an extra battery for your DSLR, Drone or your GoPro if you’re planning on making videos, you will need another battery. Especially if you’re out and about all day without chance of recharging, you don’t want to be out filming or at the end of a beautiful trail hike and your camera dies right before snapping that last shot. That’s where extra batteries and battery packs come in.

When it comes to drones I always recommend getting the Fly More Combos from DJI, The fly more combo will typically come with 2 additional batters which will triple your flight time. For the GoPro, I’ve always gotten my additional batteries from amazon, while there’s plenty of third party companies that make batteries and accessories for the GoPro, I prefer using the official GoPro battery.

When it comes to battery packs to charge my phone, table or other devices if I’m a pinch, you can’t go wrong with Anker, they’re a global leader in battery technology and provide a solid product at reasonable prices. I use the Anker PowerCore 26800, it can charge my iPhone battery several times over and boasts three USB ports and 2 rapid recharging ports so you can recharge quickly when you plug it back in.

FIND IT

ANKER POWERCOREW 26800 ON AMAZON

Sunsets & Tulips Shot with the Nikon D5500

Memory Cards

Not all memory cards are created equal and just like having extra batteries you don’t want to get an epic photo opportunity only to find that you need to quickly delete videos and photos from your memory card to accommodate some new shots.

This next part is a little technical but hopefully helps explain why you need a quality card with some high speed writing capability. Firstly, most cameras use a MicroSD card, you can also get an adapter to turn your MicroSD into an SD card(Like the one my Nikon D5500 uses) if you don’t want to spend money on two different types of cards. DJI Drones and GoPro cameras both use MicroSD as their standard format card.

Why Do You Need a High-Speed SD Card?

When you film at 4k@60fps, 1080p@240fps or other demanding video settings, the camera uses the H.256 codec – instead of H.264 – and writes video files at 12MB/s. This requires a fast microSD card known as UHS-1 V30 or U3 (writing speed of 30MB/s). UHS stands for “Ultra High Speed”. Slower microSD card categories like Class 10 (writing speed 10MB/s) or below won’t work with demanding video settings.

Sounds a bit confusing? The chart below can help you figure out what speed class you need for each video format.

Graphic via SD Association

The other important thing to consider is storage space. With GoPro and DJI Drones both taking 4k video and taking having RAW format picture capabilities, having a lot of storage room is important. I recommend getting a card with at least 64GB of space if you can pony up a little more money get a 128GB card and you won’t have to worry about running out space at all.

Below is my list of top memory cards from budget-friendly cards to ultra-high-speed and high-end V90 cards

BUDGET FRIENDLY MEMORY CARDS

SAMSUNG 128GB EVO PLUS UHS-I CLASS 10 MICRO SD ON AMAZON

SANDISK 128GB EXTREME MICROSDXC UHS-I $24 ON AMAZON

HIGH-END MEMORY CARDS

DELKIN DEVICES 64GB POWER MICROSDXC UHS-II (U3/V90) ON AMAZON

LEXAR PROFESSIONAL 2000X 128GB MICROSDXC UHS-II CARD $80 ON AMAZON

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Paddle boarding in Rincón, Puerto Rico. Shot with a GoPro Hero 5 Black

GoPro Floaty

If you’re planning on using your GoPro in water, which is one of the best uses for the GoPro, a floaty is essential. It will ensure that when you drop it, or it detaches itself from wherever it is you have attached it (because it will happen) it doesn’t sink to the bottom of the ocean and you lose it forever. It’s nice and bright and orange too so it’ll be easy to find.

FIND IT

GOPRO HERO 8 FLOATY ON AMAZON

Srđ Mountain overlooking Dubrovnik, Croatia shot with a GoPro Hero 5 Back

Selfie Sticks & Hand Grips

I know what you’re thinking, the selfie stick is the ultimate guilty camera accessory. I’ll be the first to admit, I feel super weird when using the selfie stick, something about holding out a stick and taking a selfie, especially in public, makes me feel like I’m ‘that tourist’. But selfie sticks can come in super handy, especially when there’s nobody around to take a picture of you and you have a great background. There’s all kinds of selfie sticks and handgrips that serve different functions and most of them will come with interchangeable mounts so you can use them for your phone, GoPro and even DSLR’s. They also come in different price points so I’ve made a list of my favorites from budget friendly options up to higher end monopod options.

FIND IT

19” WATERPROOF SELFIE STICK FOR GOPRO $9 ON AMAZON

BRIGHT YELLOW FLOATING HAND GRIP FOR OSMO/GOPRO $7 ON AMAZON

4 IN 1 BLUETOOTH SELFIE STICK WITH REMOTE $26 ON AMAZON

MANFROTTO XPRO MONOPOD FAMILY $160-$230 ON AMAZON

Underwater shot at Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, Rincón, Puerto Rico shot with a GoPro Hero 5 (No Red Filter)

GoPro Filters

Underwater Video has been changing quickly. Divers, adventurers and travelers alike want to share their underwater adventures on social media platforms and there’s no easier way to capture your moment than with a GoPro camera. The GoPro is a serious player due to its small size, great video quality, features for underwater & topside use, low price point, and wide range of accessories. There is a growing number of videographers building amazing portfolios with nothing but GoPro cameras. 

There are many different filters available for the entire line of GoPro Cameras (although with the changes to the auto white balance features and the addition of Global Tone Mapping since the Hero 6, the GoPro does well to compensate for the lack of a filter)that increase the camera’s versatility, allowing for more creative shots on land and underwater. Polar Pro makes an excellent range of glass filters for all GoPro models that I’ve used. The filters snap onto the GoPro securely and easily, and the glass makes them very scratch resistant with higher optical properties than plastic. The range of filters includes:

• Red Filter:  Used in blue water

• Magenta Filter:  Used in green water

• Macro Filter:  Used to shoot small subjects

• Switchblade Filter:  Flip between red filter for a wide-angle and macro lens for small subjects

• Polarizing Filter:  Used topside to control reflected light

• Neutral Density Filter:  Used topside to slow the shutter speed

I’ll make a more in-depth guide in the future for the differences between GoPro filters and accessories.

FIND IT

GOPRO FILTERS FROM POLAR PRO

Budget pack from amazon

Hawksbill Turtle shot with a GoPro using a Red Filter

External Storage Drives

Shooting pictures and videos, especially in 4k and large formats like RAW, takes up a tremendous amount of space and, unless you’ve paid to have your built-in computer storage upgraded, you’re going to end up filling up your hard drive pretty quickly(plus it’s a great way to backup your hard-earned pictures, nothing stinks more than taking dozens of pictures and then losing or damaging your device). I recommend getting a Solid State Drive, they’re more reliable than traditional hard drives, they don’t break as easily and they offer faster read and write speeds which is crucial for large photo and video editing and moving files of size, they are also a little more money but well worth it. I recommend getting at least 2TB of space.

FIND IT

VECTOTECH RAPID EXTERNAL SSD ON AMAZON

The view from the Minčeta Tower, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Rode Mic and Deadcats

Getting an external microphone and deadcat (the synthetic fur covers on microphones in video production are often referred to as a “dead cat” or “wind muff”, these funny-looking covers can block wind from hitting the microphone, therefore reducing the wind noise from being recorded.) is great way of making your audio clear, especially if your planning on doing some vlogging. The new GoPro Hero 8 actually has an awesome new Media Mod that has a built-in Mic, expansion port and HDMI port.

FIND IT

RODE VIDEOMICRO COMPACT ON-CAMERA MICROPHONE WITH RYCOTE LYRE SHOCK MOUNT ON AMAZON

MOVO VXR10 UNIVERSAL VIDEO MICROPHONE WITH SHOCK MOUNT

GOPRO MEDIA MOD

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Welcome to DRI Media

Welcome to DRI Media

I’m Reno, welcome to my little corner of the internet! I’m an Italian-Puerto Rican travel blogger and content creator technically based in Rehoboth Beach, DE and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but I’m always on the move.

I’ve been traveling and working as an airline crew member full time since 2014 when I quit my job to pursue this unconventional dream…

I started DRI Media when I was working full time in the hospitality industry in Puerto Rico. I went to school for computer engineering and saw a real opportunity to help small businesses grow their web presence with affordable web design.

After working in the hospitality industry for my entire life, I wanted to do something else. I began exploring the field of aviation because I wanted to continue seeing the world and after a few conversations with friends in the industry, I applied to became a crew member.

Since then I’ve continued to make websites and work part-time in the hospitality field but I’ve always loved traveling, photography, and sharing stories and advice, so this blog seemed like the obvious way to put those passions together.

On DRI Media, you’ll find all sorts of travel tips; from detailed itineraries to city guides, hike overviews and packing lists, food pictures, recommendations, and in my downtime from travel I’ll post about my weight loss journey and snippets on what I’ve done to improve myself and my health.

I’m here to show you that travel is an experience not to be missed, and to help you plan your trips in the most efficient and effective way.

The site is brand new and it’s still pretty basic at the moment so bear with me while I start posting and updating the site!

If you’re interested in collaborations, consulting, marketing or design work please click here for more info.

Stay tuned for more updates and blog posts and don’t forget to follow me on IG 👇🏽!

View this post on Instagram

#Saxhóll Crater, Snæfellsness, Iceland 🇮🇸 ________________________________________ Saxhóll is one of the most popular craters on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, found 9 km (5.5 mi) south of Hellissandur on the peninsula's western-most tip. Saxhóll is an excellent sightseeing attraction for those who do not want to hike too far. The crater is approximately 100 m (100 ft) high with a useful walking path and steps in order to make the ascent as easy as possible for guests. This makes for a simple alternative to visiting Eldborg crater on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula which requires a two and a half hour hike to visit. Saxhóll is, in fact, two craters, though most guests will only summit the first due to its close proximity to the road, Útnesvegur (Nr. 574). From the top of the crater, one is blessed with incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean and the expansive, dried lava fields of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Saxhóll is one of the best examples of seeing a crater in Iceland that once shot hot magma from the earth, sculpting the landscape around it . . . . . . . #iceland #travel #travelblogger #snaefellsnes #snaefellsnesspeninsula #crewlife #live #life #love #lovenow #travellife #vacation #backpacking #europe #budgettravel #backpacker #photography #photooftheday #drimedia #hiking #crater #volcano

A post shared by Reno Intreglia Travel Blogger (@drimedia) on Aug 28, 2019 at 7:18am PDT