It’s pronounced “New OAR-linz”

The soothing sounds of jazz as we casually walked down Bourbon St. as we patiently wait to glide into the night life which has absolutely NO comparison to any city. New Orleans, an experience one should aspire to have. She is beautiful, she is unique, she loves life, she is unashamed, she loves to party , watch others live life and apologizes to know one! She is The one and only New Orleans. One may say she has a Charm, a Glow like no other, a rhythm of  "anything goes" attitude. And the French Quarters, the colorful chaotic feel, where others experience the heart of New Orleans, where we all agree is the heart and soul of the city.

Mmmmm hmmmm 

New Orleans is not just your average place for food. The thoughts of fettuccine topped with craw fish, lobster, shrimp and that special sauce you can only get from New Orleans. The Po'Boy sandwiches- Overstuffed with your choice of fish or shrimp and served on a French Bread roll, a New Orleans must have for any visitor! And don't forget to try a beignet, it's not just an average donut. This hand-made pastry, made with some of the finest ingredients and served hot & fresh to every order. Definitely a first choice! 

This past July many of us travelled to New Orleans, many for the first time, while others relived a chosen experience. New Orleans, is so special to me, it's where Travel Array was born. 8 friends made it our priority to Travel Far. 8 brown girls deciding to travel to Essence Music Festival with a common goal in mind, expanding our culture for diversity, humanity and travel. Since 2011, Travel Array has been dedicated to traveling hundreds of eager travelers to Essence Music Festival every July. Most of my life I've dreamed of travel, I continue to fulfill my dream to travel as far as God will allow. I am dedicated to making sure others have their personal travel experience as well. 

Take a chance, push yourself and experience that which you always dreamed of. Place your feet on unfamiliar ground. While doing so... encourage someone else. 

See you at Essence Music Festival 2016! 

 Travel Brilliantly,

Tynita Jackson

TRAVEL....... It just make sense!

Making sense of travel has become my.... how can I make a "difference" job. Although, this travel passion of mine is moving slowly, I've made it my personal responsibility to encourage others to "travel smart." Well, those who care to listen. Am I a travel Agent ? No, I'm a Travel Enthusiast, who desire to find creative ways to travel folks who normally wouldn't travel. I get excited when family/friends decide to meet in a common place once a year. Some have become unfamiliar with how to have a good time. We have all, at some point, become bondage to routine. Some of us forget how to relax, revive and regroup. It's simple, plan to Travel.  To the experience traveler-Keep it up! But, for those of us taking baby steps, our desire to travel to foreign land is taking some time. Patiently, we'll get there.
My personal aspiration- visit the same place twice. Maybe even a 3rd time! Let's become so familiar with New York that we fully understand the culture. Oh- how I remember my short visit to NYC. The fast pace, overly crowded streets, tall buildings, hustles on the subway, inpatient personalities, normality of walking and can't forget- THE NOISE. My initial thoughts, " I don't care for this city." However, my desire to travel far, encouraged me to remember the advise which was given to me from a native, " Do not go to New York with your Los Angeles mentality, as long as you adopt their culture, you'll be fine..." Needless to say, that advise went out the window as I raised my eyebrow a few times while encountering their inpatient personalities. The reality: New Yorkers mean no harm. They have this undeniable entrepreneur attitude. They have zero tolerance for BS. They are probably some of the most "real" people you'll ever meet. Moreover, they are extremely observant. They are hustlers-in a good way ;-). New York is definitely the foundation of entrepreneurship! Nothing moves slow there.
In closing, I can't wait to go back!  In fact, I am prepared to go back with a different attitude. Can't wait to put my walking shoes on and WALK. New Yorkers walk EVERYWHERE. I will leave my offenses, judgements and biased views at the airport & have an open mind. I'm excited to visit NYC a second time, maybe even a 3rd time.  I want to become so familiar with their normalcy that I feel at home. Traveling is truly an open book, and those who do not travel, well you know the rest...... ONLY READ ONE PAGE.
Thank you for taking time out to read my blog. If you log on using your laptop, you can hear my awesome playlist.

Much Love,

Tynita, the Registered Nurse and Travel Enthusiast~

Bondage

In that day the Lord will end the bondage of his people. He will break the yoke of slavery and lift it from their shoulders. Isaiah 10:27

Christmas, the time of year where all sorts of emotions take place. The emotion of guilt and embarrassment that many feel as they shop and spend funds they may not have. December, the month where many forget their needs and cater to WANTS. How many times have you purchased the perfect bath n body gift, only to go the Christmas gathering to receive a similar bath n body gift set back. As I continue to search for the true meaning behind gift giving, I find gift giving is respectfully giving to that friend/family/stranger that offers nothing in return.
 My prayer is that every bondage of debt behind this season is lifted. I pray that know one has feelings of guilt or embarrassment due to the inability to give. We must also be clear, just because someone doesn't buy gifts does not always mean they don't have the resources to buy. Let's not associate a person's decision to not buy with poverty. Perhaps, they are being financially aware & rather save for an experience. The experience to travel.
Hmmm, is it possible to pitch in for a nice family dinner with NO gift exchange ? How about everyone purchase a passport book for $135 ? The thousands of dollars families spend on Christmas, would it work out to have an experience instead ?  Did you know statistics show African Americans to be the least likely to hold a passport and use it ? It's something quite liberating about holding a passport. Once it arrives in the mail, there is no foreign land we can't touch. Let's encourage one another to purchase things of true substance this season. Pitching in to help a loved one get out of debt. What about that friend who has been having a hard time all year ? What if we all pitched in to pay their utilities ? I often wonder how that would pan out. I guess my point is..... don't get all bent out of shape for December 25th, after all Jesus is the reason for the season. Let's encourage one another to do the right thing this season. NO OVERSPENDING!


Happy Holidays,

Tynita

Travel to relax & reduce stress

Travel to be a better YOU. This past weekend some friends and I went to the jazz festival in San Dimas. Although we had a good time, we also realized traveling to other states for a decent Jazz Festival may not be a bad idea. Definitely in our agenda.  Start planning today Jazz Festival lovers! Traveling allows us the opportunity to focus on the positive and reduce stress. Stress is a main source of headaches, high blood pressure, ulcers and fibroids in women. Learning to manage stress is a skill. Stress is not managed over night. Stress relief happens during the preparation process. Take baby steps as you prepare to visit a foreign land & reduce stress. Close out the year with a mini vacay! Happy Travels~

Travel Smart

Traveling tends to heal everything that is out of balance in our life. If you are one that experience stress often, then certainly you deserve to experience a stress free vacation. Your next vacation commit to save for your extra funds. Travel Tip: American Express Reloadable Card. This card is easily ordered online. If vacation starts in 12 months, by loading $50 a month that will give each traveler an extra $600 in spending money. I am so excited to share this knowledge with those who are interested. I am a true believer in "piecing" things together to make something great. Take a moment to look on the link below. 
http://www.americanexpress.com/us/content/prepaid/american-express-prepaid-card/home.html