Travel Archives - THE LIFESTYLE MAN

For When We Travel Again – Dominican Travel Guide

Posted on by louis polo

First and formals, let me just take these next few sentences to wish you all a healthy week. I hope you're remaining safe, and to those who are in a more unfortunate state, I wish you nothing but great health and showers of positive energy. We'll get through this - together!

Since self-isolation, quarantine, and being on mandatory lockdown has become the new norm, I figure some of us may have plenty of time to spare on trying and experimenting new things. If we think of our lives prior to COVID-19, its very possible that our day-to-day routine didn't leave much time for skincare or grooming. Despite all the things happening in the world, this can be an ideal time to reflect and take great care of your skin. Creating and practicing an effective skincare regime doesn't have to consume a significant portion of your day. Is all about knowing and understanding what works for you.

Lucky for you, I've been taking my "grooming blogger" tittle to the extreme. As many of you may know, my blog (thelifestyleman.com) was featured in Journalism UK as one of seven top grooming blogs in the industry. And yes, just like right now, I have too much time on my hands to brag about this. With that being said, and after putting my not-so official credentials on the air, allow me to do the experimenting and share the results with you.

I've been using Rugged & Dapper for the past two years, and after reading the ingredients on some of their products and using them on a regular basis, I've found some great alternative grooming uses that have worked for me. Let me drop this passive disclaimer first: The uses and tips I'm about to share have not been recommended or suggested to me by the brand. Also, yes, all the products in this and any other post featuring Rugged & Dapper, have been generously gifted by the brand. This post is intended to simply share how I use some of their products. Now, let's get to the fun stuff 🙂

Picture this, New York fashion week 2018, is the middle of winter and your skin is super dry. Meanwhile the streets are flooded with photographers waiting to catch all the new fashion trends and styles. You're inside a Starbucks with your sister, scared, knowing you're about to be looking ashy and dusty. But right before you're about to step out to risk it all, you reach inside your pocket and pull out Rugged & Dapper's Moisture Fix Lip Balm, what now? ... CONTOUR! Yes, you read it right. I had my sister contour my face using the lip balm. Since its ingredients are based on Bee Wax and organic oils like Jojoba and Sunflower, I figure it would moisturize and do great by my skin. Well, I wasn't wrong. I've been using it as a contour stick ever since. People always end up asking me what I put on my skin, and when the sun hits, it reflects back like the perfect summer glow - even during snowy winters.

TIP: I tried using other lip balms, from drug stores and other online brands, and they DON'T perform the same. They don't leave that everlasting glow and moist on my face. As countless other men, I don't like to use makeup, but I definitely appreciate a healthy and slightly highlighted-looking skin.

Different Shades of Black – Dominican Republic

Posted on by louis polo

Today, February 19th, the Dominican Republic once again dominates world-wide media with terrible headlines. This occasion, the sight and the power to exercise democracy is in limbo and at stake of being swiped. This is in no way a politically based blog post and I'm not about to vomit my opinions or views on you. I want to take a moment to show, in crumbs, another side to the Dominican people and the country that shaped my moral compass. I want all of you to be a little more aware and informed of some of the oppression taking place in the Dominican Republic.

I spent December to January in the beautiful caribbean island. Surrounded by palm tress, white sandy beaches, and amazing people. During this time, I went from coast to coast, from historical and local places to the most touristy and secluded areas of the country. During my internal travels, I was able to quickly photograph some pretty remarkable people. Some of them with whom I grew up and others whom I had the honor to meet while passing through.

This previous week, the national electoral assembly of the country suspended elections due to a technical glitch. All votes where due to be collected by electronic means in numerous poll sites around the country. The day of, only a hand full of locations where open to the public and voting machines were giving citizens the option of one candidate from only one political party - YES! only one of the candidates was included in the ballot. After millions spread their concerns, the assembly decided to cancel the elections, with no concrete communication as to when will they be postponed.

Dominicans living in the country have always been extremely united and supportive of each other. The one major problem is poverty, making people more vulnerable to accepting bribes and potentially not considering the consequences of the future. I was born in this beautiful island, and although I no longer consider it home or call it "my country," I deeply care about MY people.

This series of portraits are just a glance of the unique characteristics of my people. Pictures I took as part of beautiful memories, while sharing very beautiful moments. People from all walks of life and different social structures. In the Dominican Republic, everyone is a friend, a welcoming force of energy, everyone radiates a big smile. This is the truth of us, human kind, loving creatures, dominicans.

Hasta pronto,

Joshua Tree Travel Experience x Discover Cotton

Posted on by louis polo

Where do I begin... National parks are definitely acclaimed by their immense and beautiful presence of nature. These are the places where you go to experience a close connection with mother earth. Joshua Tree is the first national park I've ever visited and, oh yes, I was completely overwhelmed.

Through traveling, I've experienced so many gorgeous and unique views, sunsets, breathtaking European landscapes, and emblematic monuments of the world. This is not to brag, but I've certainly witness unforgettable places, so the standards of what I consider to be an "amazing place" are everything but low. Joshua Tree National Park absolutely exceeded all my expectations.

I hope that if you get the opportunity to visit, don't think about it twice. Is a completely different "American" experience that you will remember forever. Not only the national park, but Joshua Tree - the town itself- has very different characteristics and atmosphere than what most of us are used to , specially if you're coming from a big city.

With the right logistics and planning you can certainly make some great memories in this town. Nothing like being surrounded by nature in a desert oasis and driving between the Joshua Trees on a dirt road, watching the animals run from side to side. Definitely an ecosystem of its own.

For when you get the chance to visit or if you're currently planing your stay, I would like to share some insight of my travel experience. Everything from where to stay and what to wear in order to be prepared for adventure - Here we go!

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

What To Wear: I'm so happy to say that I've partnered with @DiscoverCotton & @Amazon to introduce to you a selection of the most comfortable and practical clothing, not only for your Joshua Tree visit, but for all your summer adventures and travels. Exploring Joshua Tree in the most appropriate outfit was crucial for my enjoyment, that's why I bring to you all the amazing picks from the Style House Collection available on @Amazon. A selection of high quality cotton pieces that will keep you fresh and in style while you do the most! Follow this LINK to see the full ,his and hers, collection or scroll down to the bottom of this post for my curated shopping suggestion. Don't forget to share your looks and adventures on Instagram #DiscoverCotton.

Getting There: Living in Palm Springs, going to Joshua Tree is an easy one hour drive. If you're flying into the desert, I do recommend you arrive to the Palm Springs Int Airport, rent a car, and make your way to Joshua Tree. Yes, a car will be absolutely necessary. Not only to get around town, but to explore the National Park. Is a huge territory that, to be completed in one day, you have to drive through.

Where To stay: If you read any of my previous travel experiences, you know I am a total Airbnb fanatic. I think it can be the best affordable way to submerge yourself in the culture of a place. To be frank, this time around, because of the location, it was an easy decision to choose airbnb over any hotel in Joshua Tree. The town is small, compared to other tourist destinations in Southern California, and big luxurious hotels are not the most common or convenient option. So... without further a do, these are my top 3 Airbnb finds in 3 different price range.

$ Stephen & Clara's Desert Dwelling: CLICK HERE

$$ Kathrin & Brian's Cabin: CLICK HERE

$$$ Sara & Rich's Home: CLICK HERE

Where To Eat: As many of you know by now, I'm BIG on food. I usually like to splurge and eat at the best place possible. On the other hand, I'm not a fanatic of vegan or organic foods. I don't follow an specific diet or trend, but I'm always open to try new things. Joshua Tree seems to be very big on foods that are locally sourced, organics, and vegan. If you are currently under any diets or have any of eating restrictions - I don't know the most appropriate descriptive word, sorry - then you'll feel right at home.

Now, don't get me wrong, the places I'm about to recommend, wether they fall under these "labels" or not, serve delicious food! Be open to try new things and you will definitely be amazed!

My Favorites:

- Joshua Tree Saloon: Corner of Hwy 62 & Park Blvd

- Crossroads Cafe: Hwy 62, East of Park Blvd

- Frontier Cafe: 5844 Twentynine Palms Highway

Things To Do: Okay, lets cut right to the chase. Here are my favorite things to do when in Joshua Tree 🙂

- Of course, the Joshua Tree National Park. Make sure you stop at the Visitors Center (about a mile from the park entrance) for lots of great info on the park, souvenirs, and pay entrance fee.

- Cholla Cactus Garden

- Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

I hope I've accomplished my mission of enlightening your future travel experience to Joshua Tree by sharing my own. As usual, enjoy responsibly and always stay aware of your surrounding. Be safe, follow instructions inside the park, and respect nature!

Bon Voyage,

The Last Bookstore – Zona Colonial, Dom. Rep.

Posted on by louis polo

With today's tecnological advances and accessibility, the need to purchase tangible books, based on my personal experiece, are in decline. We are resorting more and more to online outlets to quench our reading needs. There are so many present changes responsible for this decline and for the lost of interest within the younger generation.

I do love and enjoy a hard-cover book, but if I'm frank, is not for the purpose of reading. Every room in my house - except the bathrooms - have a noticeable stack of coffee-table-sized books as to convey a very specific aesthetics. I love looking at them, opening them up and going through their pictures once in a while - they make me happy!

As many of you know by my Instagram Stories, I went to work and explore my motherland, The Dominican Republic for an entire month. This is when, while scouting for locations we came across this little corner magazine stand we really liked. We do the usual: Ask for permission, fix my clothes, and start shooting. In between the very fast picture snapping moments and the motion of getting that "right shot," the sweet owner comes up to us and asks if we wanted to go inside. At this very moment, my photographer and I exchanged a very confused and random look, because we didn't know what he meant by "inside."

We followed him, and just around the corner there was a door. This is when our looks drastically shifted from confused to suspicious and panic. But yes, you guessed it, we still went inside. When he opened the door, BOOM! There was this magical place furnished with handmade overstocked shelves and an insane variety of vintage books, magazines, and Spanish comics. He said books were no longer selling as much, but since he didn't want to get rid of them he kept them I a small storage right behind his magazine stand.

His very official bookstore - according to my visit and experience - is known among a small group of people who still appreciate and enjoy vintage books and absolutely mind-blowing findings. We had such great quick conversation before he left and allowed us to stay and explore on our own. We took some pictures, grabbed a few things, and left in total amazed and happiness for having found such cool place.

Sometimes the unexpected and different can allow us to experience some pretty remarkable head shaking moments. I thought It would be cool to share such pleasant experience and encourage you to open up that bookstore behind your corner magazine stand 🙂 Remember to always be kind, and yes, follow me on Instagram @Poloshyyt.

Cheers,

Festival Wear & Travel Experience – Coachella Day 2

Posted on by louis polo

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE:

Getting There: Without importance from which corner for the world you are traveling (unless you can drive or take public transportation, of course) , I recommend to arrive at the Palm Springs Int Airport. I recently learn some people decide to flight to Los Angeles instead, but the festival is actually 2+ hours drive from LAX. Even if you have to do an extra layover, I think is worth arriving right into Palm Springs. Why? driving from LAX or other "near by" airports is not that comfortable or as hassle free as you would think. Having to rent a car, deal with traffic, drive yourself or pay USD$100+ in Uber, is not very convenient - believe me.

Arriving to Palm Springs will give you the flexibility to safe time, energy, and potentially significant dollars. The city is fairly small, so no matter where in Palm Springs you'll be staying (YES, because you should definitely stay in Palm Springs) the airport will be less than 30 mins drive from your lodging's location.

Where To Stay: The month of April (not only Coachella weekends) is the busiest and most expensive time to travel to the desert. There's Dinah Shore Weekend and Stagecoach also taking place around the same time. With that being said, if you're trying to safe money on lodging, the options are quite limited. If you're not on a budget, skip to the next part, and book one of the many overpriced hotels - Enjoy room service 🙂

Moving on from the rich brats; Airbnb will be your best ally. But even then, you should book with anticipation - and I mean months. You would think that last minute Airbnbs will be cheaper because the host is interested in getting the listing booked. Well, that is generally the case, but this marketing strategy doesn't apply during Festival season. Young people tend to leave everything for the last minute, this increases demand on those very few places available and as a result, also skyrocketing Airbnb prices. Bottom line, plan ahead and you will safe!

Where To Eat: Now, as many of you know, this is the non-bugdet friendly section of this episode. I splurge on food - okurrttt? (not trying to get sued by Cardi B).

Without further ado, here are my favorite restaurants in Palm Springs:

Farm (6 La Plaza)

4 Saints (at The Rowan Hotel)

Grand Central Palm Springs (160 La Plaza)

Lulu California Bistro (200 S Palm Canyon Dr)

Trio Restaurant (707 N Palm Canyon Dr)

The Tropicale (330 E Amado Rd)

Things To Do: Based on the fact that the most memorable Coachella performances take place at night, I listed my favorite daytime activities. Although you might feel like you wont have the strength to do anything during the day, is definitely worth to go out and get to know the city you're in. Make an effort, get ready relatively early, take some time to explore and take some sick pictures for the gram.

Desert X (A series of amazing art installations around the desert, super interactive and Instagramable)

Taquiz Canyon (Smooth morning hike with great views and water fall)

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (Not much to say, just a dope chill experience)

The Windmills (Great view, easy to access, and great scenery for pictures)

Moorten Botanical Garden (A small garden with cool spots to complement your IG story)

I hope that you take something from this brief travel experience and tips, but if you didn't, just scroll down to my festival essentials picks and shop away! As usual, be safe and enjoy responsibly 🙂

Cheers,

Discovering More of New York

Posted on by louis polo

New York, the capital of the world, where being different is absolutely accepted. This city has so much waiting for you to discover and tons of unforgettable experiences you can cross off your bucket list. Everything and anything you can think of, can most likely be found in the big apple. Every visit, every walk, and every corner, has been completely different for me. The nightlife, the remarkable tourist sights, and even the subway rides can be quite colorful. I love visiting New York City every two or three months - except during winter time, of course.

When in the city, I try to think outside the "tourist box" - if there's such a thing. I restrain myself from doing the same thing every time I visit, and do extensive research on the trendy places/restaurants of that moment. In such enormous city, falling into a monotonous routine can be quite easy. Is very important for me to get to know the city a little more and explore different corners every time.

On this occasion, my friends took me to an iconic neighborhood, Tribeca. To me more specific, to one of its many back-streets known for its building bridge over the street. This specific spot is extremely popular among influencers, photographer, and people of related industries. Formally known as Tribeca Skybridge, and naturally, is not a location where tourists frequent. Is the place where people go to create amazing visuals and travel back in time. A neighborhood with so much character and history and you can almost feel it. lovely architecture and a scenery straight out of a movie scene, the Tribeca Skybridge is definitely worth visiting and photographing. Hope you enjoy my visual creations 🙂 - haha!

Bon Voyage,

The Dreamy Border of Beausoleil & Monaco

Posted on by louis polo

Monaco is an extremely small independent city-state with great wealth and luxury. Where you are destined to feel inspired and captivated by its breathtaking views. A place to relax, enjoy nature, and admire a different lifestyle. The contrast of its colors and the harmony of the mountains and clouds, is enough to make you fall in love. You will feel free, and your adventurous character will come afloat along the many expensive yachts.

I stayed only three days in Monaco and I seriously wished for more time. To be frank, there is not much to see, considering its size, but there is something about this place that you simply feel like exploring and looking for more. Crystal clear waters, the perfect weather, and an obvious sense of pride for being home of the Grand Prix.

They are many narrow streets, aisles, and very notorious steps that will transport you to a different piece of land in Beausoleil, France. Observing things from a geographical stand point, it sounds amazing to be able to cross borders in such smooth process. From Monaco to France, a set of steps climbing the mountains, that along with the spectacular view will take you to where a different flag waves. Both places have a great deal to offer, with no physical separation, but obvious economic differences. A dreamy border.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE:

Getting There: Since Monaco doesn't have an airport, we flew from Paris to Nice, France using a budget airline (Easy Jet). We checked our bags to be able to fly priority. From Nice, we bought a bus ticket, inside the airport terminal, straight to Monte Carlo. The 90 minutes bus ride cost more than the flight.

Where We Stayed: Europe in general can be very expensive, specially when visiting 4 other countries/cities. With that being said, we opted to stay at an Airbnb, which was convenient in location and turned out to be comfortable. We booked 2 nights.

Where We Ate: This is where we usually splurge. Since Monaco doesn't have a clearly defined cuisine - besides its french influence- we decided to try different places in its culinary spectrum.

Our favorites:

Café de Paris- Place du Casino (Next to the Monte Carlo Casino)

Le Maison du Caviar- 1 Avenue Saint-Charles

Le Salon Rose- Place du Casino (At the Monte Carlo Casino)

New Indien Restaurant - 9 Boulevard de la République

Things To Do: The best way to see the city, hassle free, is by taking one of the tour buses in Monte Carlo. They will take you around and to the most important sights, where you can hop on and off at your own paste. Of course, you have to take a look inside the infamous Casino and walk along side the roses at Princess Grace's garden. The Museum of Oceanography, the Prince's Palace of Monaco, and the Exotic Garden of Monaco are great places to visit and enjoy THE BEST views of the city.

For more tips, videos and photos, check out the highlight section of my Instagram and come with us to Monaco 🙂 As always, plan ahead to minimize unpleasant surprises, enjoy your time, and be safe!

Bon Voyage,

Lonjas de Baguette y Queso – Paris

Posted on by louis polo

Oh Paris! La cuidad de las películas románticas, las motoras rojas, y los berets. Un lugar repleto de historia y de una ideología muy amplia. Visitar Paris es como regresar al tiempo y sumergirse en lonjas de baguettes y queso. Es escuchar los gritos de tantas batallas, inspirarse a amar apasionadamente, y correr con los ojos cerrados hacia la Mona Lisa. Paris despierta inspiración, pero a la vez pena por una ciudad que puede ser corriente como cualquier otra.

En Paris te vuelves a enamorar, te despierta mucha curiosidad, y te mantiene la intriga. Cuando visite Paris no quería regresar; te inspira confianza y te ayuda a soñar. Cuidad de tantas historias y de tantas monarcas, que a la vez pierde su fuerza y carácter por la comodidad de sus pintores. Paris es una cuidad que fue, pero jamas volverá a ser. Cuando solo quedan los recuerdos de aquel lugar amado y emblemático, que décadas mas tardes seguimos sumergidos en la burbuja de la historia. Queriendo resucitar aquella esencia única, la cual cerrando los ojos es la única manera de simular.

Paris puede ser tu casa y tu esperanza. Desafortunadamente el egoísmo de un grupo a matado aquella magia. Es una cuidad que al visitarla, y a pesar de tantos cambios, te remonta en un largo viaje hacia el nuevo mundo. De la misma forma te regala un a sonrisa, pero su gente ya llena de frialdad y humo. Un lugar llego de modernidad pero enfriado en un bloque de arquitectura y creatividad. La cuidad de las películas románticas, las motoras rojas, y los berets...

Bon Voyage,

The Truth About Paris

Posted on by louis polo

Unlike other destinations, when visiting Paris, you may experience the change of stations. If you stay for long enough, or depending on what time of the year you visit, the weather might start playing tricks on you and retain you from enjoying all the city of love has to offer. Fortunately for me, I traveled during the perfect time, the beginning of September. Don't worry, this post is certainly not about silly weather talk, I go from 0 to 100 - real quick!

Paris is known for its rainy gray days, but during my entire stay, the city was covered in gorgeous blue skies and plenty of sunlight. In one day, I was able to visit more than four emblematic attractions and get the most out my day. Sitting on the sidewalk of a Café enjoying some great food and visiting outdoor markets is a great Parisian experience to leave with. The temperatures were perfect to allow us to walk and explore it all.

Compared to other European cities, Paris is a big place completed with amazing places to experience. In order for you not to spend time doing uninteresting things, create a list of the top attraction you want to visit. Depending on how long you're staying, begin with your favorite places and work-down your list. The hop-on and hop-off buses are super helpful to take you around the city's most visited attractions. You'll save so much time, and will get to experience everything at a more relaxed paste.

Paris is one of the most photogenic places I've ever visited. Every corner, every monument, every building, becomes a great place to snap a memory. If visiting more than one place per day, as you should, I recommend not taking a fancy cameras - your phone will do it! When traveling from place to place and getting distracted with so many things, the risks of loosing valuables will increase. Also, if complete estrangers (usually in pairs) offers to take pictures of you, kindly decline. Paris is full of scams and thieves who are always looking for a way to take advantage of you. This applies to not purchasing illegal tickets outside of museums, decline and move on.

Other important thing note, do not sign any "petitions" on the streets. It will be very -VERY - likely that someone will approach you (at the train station, outside of a museum, at the park) and ask you if you speak English - best answer: NO - then ask you to sign a petition. After you sign, they'll tell you is actually a "fund-raiser" for a heart felt cause and tell you there's a minimum to donate. If you don't "donate" anything, based on my experience, they'll harass you, follow you, and most likely run your day while cursing you out. Charge your phone, take your charger, mind your own business, and don't engage, in any type of way, with people informally selling on the streets.

Yes, as many other big cities, Paris is dominated by garbage and graffiti. It seems like Parisian monuments are not well taken care of, structurally speaking. You can touch the layers of dirt on some of the statues and bridges. Gambling in front of the Eiffel Tour is also very predominant. As a tourist, I strongly suggest you not to engage in any of those things.

Before my trip, I wish someone would've told me these things so I would've been more cautious. I don't mean to scare you out, but because Paris is very diverse city with so many different ideologies, and apparently, a very weak police/security system for tourists, it is very possible that you'll encounter nasty people. This statement is based on my experience in other cities of Europe and round the world. Of course, you'll have a great time and will leave France with the desire to come back, but always be woke and aware of your surroundings.

Bon Voyage,

Let’s Run to the Dominican Republic

Posted on by louis polo

The Dominican Republic has always been one of my favorite places to vacation, not only because is my motherland, but because of the beauty of its people. As many of you know, I was born in this beautiful island of the Caribbean. Besides the amazing hotel accommodations, the gorgeous white sandy beaches, and the great food, the best part if the hospitality of my people. Dominican will immediately make you feel like home! Even if you’re not from the island, most people will incorporate you into the culture.

When visiting any part of the country, I strongly recommend everyone not to stay at the hotel for the time of their stay. I strongly suggest you go out and explore your surrounding so that you can get a sense of the authentic Dominican culture.

I wanted to share with all of you a slightly different face of my motherland from my last visit. When visiting, make sure you don’t forget to sip on a fria presidente and eat some fritura while enjoying the crystal clear waters.

Until next time,
Louis