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VIDEO: You Chose Where I Went in NYC!

Alyssa Ramos

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Recently I went to NYC but instead of giving you travel tips, I let YOU tell me where to go and what to do in a group chat on Skype! From best places to eat, to local gems, and even a helicopter ride over the Big Apple, I did everything that everyone suggested, and had one of the best adventures ever in NYC!

Group chat participants came from my social media channels, and were a mixture of New York City locals, and previous travelers who had some good tips for me! Participants helped me figure out how to use the subway, how to find the cheapest Broadway show tickets, and even gave me some crucial advice for what to wear while dangling out of the helicopter!

Some of the places you’ll see in the video are:

  • Frying Pan – GREAT brunch spot on a floating barge on the Hudson River.
  • Artichoke Basille’s Pizza – The most recommended pizza place by all the group chat participants!
  • Black Tap – All of your Instagram foodie dream photos come true! Massive milkshakes galore!
  • Helicopter Tour – There’s several different companies that do these tours, but for the doors off experience use FlyNyon.
  • Rooftops – Some of my favorites were: Public Hotel, Alor Hotel, and the Knickerbocker!
  • Times Square/Broadway – I discovered the cheapest way to find Broadway tickets are from the TKTS machines in Times Square!

Here’s a little secret gem for you: The waterfall park can be found by finding the “Pod 51” hotel, and walking across the street!

You can read the full details of my trip includes addresses to the locations in the videos here: How I Planned a New York City Adventure Using my Skype Group Chat


 

 

 

There are SO MANY places in New York City that it seems impossible to get to them all! So instead of attempting it, I held a group chat on Skype and got the digs on all the local spots and hidden gems, including a waterfall! Check them out!

 

Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Skype, however all opinions, video footage, photos, and experiences are my own!

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Alyssa Ramos is one of the first original travel blogger/influencers who helped normalize solo female travel. She’s been to 146 countries so far, plus Antarctica 4x, and all of her tips are on this blog!

@mylifesatravelmovie
Alyssa Ramos | Most Traveled Women

@mylifesatravelmovie

One of the World’s Most Traveled Women 146 countries (solo, so far) • 7 Continents Expert • Activist • Entrepreneur GroupTrips: @mylifesatraveltribe
  • When he suspiciously asks why I didn’t answer the phone all day and I was literally scaling a mountain in Kosovo with my adventure bestie. 🧗‍♀️ 😁

I had no idea we were doing a Via Ferrata on our first day of the girls’ trip, and was actually scared, but it ended up being really fun!

If you’re up for an adventure, it’s in Peja, a beautiful mountain area! All of my travel tips are on my website, mylifesamovie.com !

Follow me @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world, for unique destinations, extreme adventures, and actual useful information!
  • Orca swimming in La Ventana, Mexico has been SUSPENDED indefinitely, but there’s more to it than you might think, so keep reading, or comment “orcas” and I’ll send you the full information about the update, future prospects, and these Sea Safari tours in general.

I know some people will automatically blame influencers for posting about swimming with orcas here (we’re used to it), but please keep in mind that many of us were posting the rules and regulations and urging people to be responsible and also that there was never an official “orca tour”, it’s always been a general Sea Safari, and seeing an orca is never guaranteed or promised.

Anyway, before the 1 year trial, there was allegedly complete chaos, with over 35 boats chasing pods and no regulations about how many boats can be near them at a time or how many swimmers and how long they could be in the water.

The trial period enforced those rules, limiting the number of boats and swimmers and how long each boat can be near the orcas. Many people listened, many did not. So that is now what the authorities are evaluating, to determine if they will continue to allow it or permanently ban it.

All of my posts had clear disclaimers about the rules and how to be a responsible traveler here, and I purposely required that people personally email me for info about the tour to make sure they understood the rules, including that there is no “orca tour” but most people still  specifically asked for that. 

In my opinion, after doing this experience, I don’t really think just anyone should be able to do it or run the tours…so many people just don’t listen or respect rules, and it is dangerous for the animals and themselves.

If they do allow it in the future I think it should be mandatory that a certified marine biologist is onboard most boats, that boats and captains have specific training and certifications, and that tourists have to pay an addition environmental fee so the gov can hire more people to monitor and enforce regulations. Also a smaller amount of spots allowed per day.

I don’t think observing orcas should be completely banned, otherwise people will just continue to go see them
  • Ferragosto is one of the biggest holidays in Italy, every year on August 15th! So definitely don’t come here that day unless you want to experience local celebrations in the form of beach or boat days, and massive feasts with lots of wine! 

Many people celebrate with family at home or at restaurants, so make reservations in advance, and wear your feast-fit 😮‍💨😬

Same applies for boat trip reservations and the beaches that require permits in advance!

This is my 3rd summer living in Sardinia and I put all the tips on my Sardinia Travel Guide on my website! Just comment “Sardinia” and I’ll send it to you!

((Transparency — I actually don’t recommend coming here in August at all because it’s the most hot and crowded month, but if that’s your vibe, you’ll love Ferragosto!))

Have you heard of this famous Italian holiday? Can you name any of the dishes in the vid? 😁

————-
Sardinia , Sardegna, European Summer, Summer in Italy, Italy, Italy travel tips, living in Italy, life in Italy, Mylifesatravelmovie, mylifeisatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
  • Ferragosto is one of the biggest holidays in Italy, every year on August 15th! So definitely don’t come here that day unless you want to experience local celebrations in the form of beach or boat days, and massive feasts with lots of wine! 

Many people celebrate with family at home or at restaurants, so make reservations in advance, and wear your feast-fit 😮‍💨😬

Same applies for boat trip reservations and the beaches that require permits in advance!

This is my 3rd summer living in Sardinia and I put all the tips on my Sardinia Travel Guide on my website! Just comment “Sardinia” and I’ll send it to you!

((Transparency — I actually don’t recommend coming here in August at all because it’s the most hot and crowded month, but if that’s your vibe, you’ll love Ferragosto!))

Have you heard of this famous Italian holiday? Can you name any of the dishes in the vid? 😁

————-
Sardinia , Sardegna, European Summer, Summer in Italy, Italy, Italy travel tips, living in Italy, life in Italy, Mylifesatravelmovie, mylifeisatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
  • You cannot go within 15 feet of animals in Antarctica. But if THEY come up to you…well…what can you do?? 😬

I’ve been to Antarctica 4 times and this was a rare occasion when a penguin suddenly waddle-ran right up to me! It took a lot of willpower not to try and bend down to get closer, but I knew to just stay still and let it observe until it walked away!

Other animals you can see in Antarctica are humpbacks, leopard seals, and Orcas!

LMK if you have any questions about Antarctica!

———-

For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo travel women in the world! I’ve been to 150 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
  • My therapist said I’m a workaholic with ADHD and to find a hobby where I can’t use my phone or laptop that will also keep me captivated for hours, so behold! My new hobby of shark diving! 🦈💖

Unlike regular diving, snorkeling, or swimming, you must always be highly alert, ready to respond, and on the go if you want to try to keep up with them! 

The ultimate workaholic-ADHD-adventurer’s dream hobby, do you agree?

[DISCLAIMER] Yes sharks can be dangerous, but only when provoked or taunted with food. I have extensive experience around sharks and apex predators, and a degree in animal science, all of which I use to promote positive awareness and protection for sharks and other misunderstood animals! 

Happy Shark Week!

————-

For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo female travelers in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration! 

Mylifesatravelmovie, mylifesatravelmovie, OG travel influencers, shark week
  • Before the term “influencer” or “content creator” existed, I was one of the original travel bloggers, unknowingly helping pioneer what is now a multibillion dollar Creator Industry.

I helped transform solo female travel from taboo to trendy, and taught thousands of people how to work remotely and build a brand.

I’ve done so much more than just create content, although hardly anyone sees the behind the scenes. And it’s been 14 years that I’ve owned the title of travel bloggers/influencer so…

Allow me to re-introduce myself.

I am Alyssa Ramos, the founder of My Life’s a Travel Movie brand, one of the very first travel “influencers” and one of the pioneers of the creator industry, of normalizing solo female travel today, of influencer-hosted group trips, and of getting paid to travel via social media!

I started my blog in 2012, then started using social media to promote it in 2014, earning me the title of “influencer”but what was never fully seen was the entrepreneur behind it who helped create an entire new industry with no money and when hardly anyone believed it would work.

Soon after I became one of the first travel blogger/influencers to make a full time living from it, I was asked to speak at conferences, interviewed in the press, and I was one of the very first people to make the courses about how it’s done (they didn’t exist when I started!)

I had a big dream to get paid to travel the world, and to normalize solo female travel, and once I succeeded, I kept going.

Today I am not only a travel influencer, but also a humanitarian, animal activist, a trailblazer, an author, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and…one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world.

So far I’ve been to over 150 countries (off the 197 list), all 7 continents (Antarctica 4x), and I average 20 countries per year.

Now I’m going bigger. I’m launching a travel show, more speaker events, writing another book, and I’ve started the Travel Tribe Foundation to give back through my group trips.

Thank you everyone who has been here with me for so long, and welcome to anyone new!

To follow along with my updates, please comment “travel
  • Before the term “influencer” or “content creator” existed, I was one of the original travel bloggers, unknowingly helping pioneer what is now a multibillion dollar Creator Industry.

I helped transform solo female travel from taboo to trendy, and taught thousands of people how to work remotely and build a brand.

I’ve done so much more than just create content, although hardly anyone sees the behind the scenes. And it’s been 14 years that I’ve owned the title of travel bloggers/influencer so…

Allow me to re-introduce myself.

I am Alyssa Ramos, the founder of My Life’s a Travel Movie brand, one of the very first travel “influencers” and one of the pioneers of the creator industry, of normalizing solo female travel today, of influencer-hosted group trips, and of getting paid to travel via social media!

I started my blog in 2012, then started using social media to promote it in 2014, earning me the title of “influencer”but what was never fully seen was the entrepreneur behind it who helped create an entire new industry with no money and when hardly anyone believed it would work.

Soon after I became one of the first travel blogger/influencers to make a full time living from it, I was asked to speak at conferences, interviewed in the press, and I was one of the very first people to make the courses about how it’s done (they didn’t exist when I started!)

I had a big dream to get paid to travel the world, and to normalize solo female travel, and once I succeeded, I kept going.

Today I am not only a travel influencer, but also a humanitarian, animal activist, a trailblazer, an author, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and…one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world.

So far I’ve been to over 150 countries (off the 197 list), all 7 continents (Antarctica 4x), and I average 20 countries per year.

Now I’m going bigger. I’m launching a travel show, more speaker events, writing another book, and I’ve started the Travel Tribe Foundation to give back through my group trips.

Thank you everyone who has been here with me for so long, and welcome to anyone new!

To follow along with my updates, please comment “travel
  • I thought I was going to shipwreck trying to get to an existing shipwreck in the Solomon Islands…and I was traveling solo with just a fisherman driving me on his small boat. 😳

But! We made it, even with a massive storm approaching, and I experienced one of the most incredible “my life’s a travel movie” moments in my 12 years of continuous solo traveling!!

I truly felt like I was in a movie! The ship is an old cruise ship that hit rocks and slowly sank as it washed ashore on Roderick’s Bay. It’s only half sunk, so you can swim around it (it’s super creepy and dangerous, don’t do it alone), and since it’s completely unregulated, you can also climb it and zip line into the water (also dangerous, can’t recommend)

The angle of the ship also created one of the most vibrant marine sanctuaries I’ve seen in a while, with lots of actual colorful coral and fish (including clown fish!)

I went to Solomon Islands after my second trip to Papua New Guinea, on my quest to slow solo travel to every country in the world.

Would I go back to the shipwreck? Probably not. That boat ride was terrifying. But I’d go back to see more of the islands in the Solomon’s, there’s so many!

Would you brave the ride to get to this shipwreck?

For any fellow extreme adventurers, my Solomon Islands travel tips and itinerary is on my website linked in bio!

———————-

For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo female travelers  in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
When he suspiciously asks why I didn’t answer the phone all day and I was literally scaling a mountain in Kosovo with my adventure bestie. 🧗‍♀️ 😁 I had no idea we were doing a Via Ferrata on our first day of the girls’ trip, and was actually scared, but it ended up being really fun! If you’re up for an adventure, it’s in Peja, a beautiful mountain area! All of my travel tips are on my website, mylifesamovie.com ! Follow me @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world, for unique destinations, extreme adventures, and actual useful information!
3 days ago
20
View on Instagram |
1/9
Orca swimming in La Ventana, Mexico has been SUSPENDED indefinitely, but there’s more to it than you might think, so keep reading, or comment “orcas” and I’ll send you the full information about the update, future prospects, and these Sea Safari tours in general. I know some people will automatically blame influencers for posting about swimming with orcas here (we’re used to it), but please keep in mind that many of us were posting the rules and regulations and urging people to be responsible and also that there was never an official “orca tour”, it’s always been a general Sea Safari, and seeing an orca is never guaranteed or promised. Anyway, before the 1 year trial, there was allegedly complete chaos, with over 35 boats chasing pods and no regulations about how many boats can be near them at a time or how many swimmers and how long they could be in the water. The trial period enforced those rules, limiting the number of boats and swimmers and how long each boat can be near the orcas. Many people listened, many did not. So that is now what the authorities are evaluating, to determine if they will continue to allow it or permanently ban it. All of my posts had clear disclaimers about the rules and how to be a responsible traveler here, and I purposely required that people personally email me for info about the tour to make sure they understood the rules, including that there is no “orca tour” but most people still specifically asked for that. In my opinion, after doing this experience, I don’t really think just anyone should be able to do it or run the tours…so many people just don’t listen or respect rules, and it is dangerous for the animals and themselves. If they do allow it in the future I think it should be mandatory that a certified marine biologist is onboard most boats, that boats and captains have specific training and certifications, and that tourists have to pay an addition environmental fee so the gov can hire more people to monitor and enforce regulations. Also a smaller amount of spots allowed per day. I don’t think observing orcas should be completely banned, otherwise people will just continue to go see them
4 days ago
1,276119
View on Instagram |
2/9
Ferragosto is one of the biggest holidays in Italy, every year on August 15th! So definitely don’t come here that day unless you want to experience local celebrations in the form of beach or boat days, and massive feasts with lots of wine! Many people celebrate with family at home or at restaurants, so make reservations in advance, and wear your feast-fit 😮‍💨😬 Same applies for boat trip reservations and the beaches that require permits in advance! This is my 3rd summer living in Sardinia and I put all the tips on my Sardinia Travel Guide on my website! Just comment “Sardinia” and I’ll send it to you! ((Transparency — I actually don’t recommend coming here in August at all because it’s the most hot and crowded month, but if that’s your vibe, you’ll love Ferragosto!)) Have you heard of this famous Italian holiday? Can you name any of the dishes in the vid? 😁 ————- Sardinia , Sardegna, European Summer, Summer in Italy, Italy, Italy travel tips, living in Italy, life in Italy, Mylifesatravelmovie, mylifeisatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
5 days ago
3
View on Instagram |
3/9
Ferragosto is one of the biggest holidays in Italy, every year on August 15th! So definitely don’t come here that day unless you want to experience local celebrations in the form of beach or boat days, and massive feasts with lots of wine! Many people celebrate with family at home or at restaurants, so make reservations in advance, and wear your feast-fit 😮‍💨😬 Same applies for boat trip reservations and the beaches that require permits in advance! This is my 3rd summer living in Sardinia and I put all the tips on my Sardinia Travel Guide on my website! Just comment “Sardinia” and I’ll send it to you! ((Transparency — I actually don’t recommend coming here in August at all because it’s the most hot and crowded month, but if that’s your vibe, you’ll love Ferragosto!)) Have you heard of this famous Italian holiday? Can you name any of the dishes in the vid? 😁 ————- Sardinia , Sardegna, European Summer, Summer in Italy, Italy, Italy travel tips, living in Italy, life in Italy, Mylifesatravelmovie, mylifeisatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
5 days ago
21015
View on Instagram |
4/9
You cannot go within 15 feet of animals in Antarctica. But if THEY come up to you…well…what can you do?? 😬 I’ve been to Antarctica 4 times and this was a rare occasion when a penguin suddenly waddle-ran right up to me! It took a lot of willpower not to try and bend down to get closer, but I knew to just stay still and let it observe until it walked away! Other animals you can see in Antarctica are humpbacks, leopard seals, and Orcas! LMK if you have any questions about Antarctica! ———- For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo travel women in the world! I’ve been to 150 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
3 weeks ago
85523
View on Instagram |
5/9
My therapist said I’m a workaholic with ADHD and to find a hobby where I can’t use my phone or laptop that will also keep me captivated for hours, so behold! My new hobby of shark diving! 🦈💖 Unlike regular diving, snorkeling, or swimming, you must always be highly alert, ready to respond, and on the go if you want to try to keep up with them! The ultimate workaholic-ADHD-adventurer’s dream hobby, do you agree? [DISCLAIMER] Yes sharks can be dangerous, but only when provoked or taunted with food. I have extensive experience around sharks and apex predators, and a degree in animal science, all of which I use to promote positive awareness and protection for sharks and other misunderstood animals! Happy Shark Week! ————- For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo female travelers in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration! Mylifesatravelmovie, mylifesatravelmovie, OG travel influencers, shark week
3 weeks ago
531
View on Instagram |
6/9
Before the term “influencer” or “content creator” existed, I was one of the original travel bloggers, unknowingly helping pioneer what is now a multibillion dollar Creator Industry. I helped transform solo female travel from taboo to trendy, and taught thousands of people how to work remotely and build a brand. I’ve done so much more than just create content, although hardly anyone sees the behind the scenes. And it’s been 14 years that I’ve owned the title of travel bloggers/influencer so… Allow me to re-introduce myself. I am Alyssa Ramos, the founder of My Life’s a Travel Movie brand, one of the very first travel “influencers” and one of the pioneers of the creator industry, of normalizing solo female travel today, of influencer-hosted group trips, and of getting paid to travel via social media! I started my blog in 2012, then started using social media to promote it in 2014, earning me the title of “influencer”but what was never fully seen was the entrepreneur behind it who helped create an entire new industry with no money and when hardly anyone believed it would work. Soon after I became one of the first travel blogger/influencers to make a full time living from it, I was asked to speak at conferences, interviewed in the press, and I was one of the very first people to make the courses about how it’s done (they didn’t exist when I started!) I had a big dream to get paid to travel the world, and to normalize solo female travel, and once I succeeded, I kept going. Today I am not only a travel influencer, but also a humanitarian, animal activist, a trailblazer, an author, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and…one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world. So far I’ve been to over 150 countries (off the 197 list), all 7 continents (Antarctica 4x), and I average 20 countries per year. Now I’m going bigger. I’m launching a travel show, more speaker events, writing another book, and I’ve started the Travel Tribe Foundation to give back through my group trips. Thank you everyone who has been here with me for so long, and welcome to anyone new! To follow along with my updates, please comment “travel
3 weeks ago
1
View on Instagram |
7/9
Before the term “influencer” or “content creator” existed, I was one of the original travel bloggers, unknowingly helping pioneer what is now a multibillion dollar Creator Industry. I helped transform solo female travel from taboo to trendy, and taught thousands of people how to work remotely and build a brand. I’ve done so much more than just create content, although hardly anyone sees the behind the scenes. And it’s been 14 years that I’ve owned the title of travel bloggers/influencer so… Allow me to re-introduce myself. I am Alyssa Ramos, the founder of My Life’s a Travel Movie brand, one of the very first travel “influencers” and one of the pioneers of the creator industry, of normalizing solo female travel today, of influencer-hosted group trips, and of getting paid to travel via social media! I started my blog in 2012, then started using social media to promote it in 2014, earning me the title of “influencer”but what was never fully seen was the entrepreneur behind it who helped create an entire new industry with no money and when hardly anyone believed it would work. Soon after I became one of the first travel blogger/influencers to make a full time living from it, I was asked to speak at conferences, interviewed in the press, and I was one of the very first people to make the courses about how it’s done (they didn’t exist when I started!) I had a big dream to get paid to travel the world, and to normalize solo female travel, and once I succeeded, I kept going. Today I am not only a travel influencer, but also a humanitarian, animal activist, a trailblazer, an author, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and…one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world. So far I’ve been to over 150 countries (off the 197 list), all 7 continents (Antarctica 4x), and I average 20 countries per year. Now I’m going bigger. I’m launching a travel show, more speaker events, writing another book, and I’ve started the Travel Tribe Foundation to give back through my group trips. Thank you everyone who has been here with me for so long, and welcome to anyone new! To follow along with my updates, please comment “travel
3 weeks ago
1,563205
View on Instagram |
8/9
I thought I was going to shipwreck trying to get to an existing shipwreck in the Solomon Islands…and I was traveling solo with just a fisherman driving me on his small boat. 😳 But! We made it, even with a massive storm approaching, and I experienced one of the most incredible “my life’s a travel movie” moments in my 12 years of continuous solo traveling!! I truly felt like I was in a movie! The ship is an old cruise ship that hit rocks and slowly sank as it washed ashore on Roderick’s Bay. It’s only half sunk, so you can swim around it (it’s super creepy and dangerous, don’t do it alone), and since it’s completely unregulated, you can also climb it and zip line into the water (also dangerous, can’t recommend) The angle of the ship also created one of the most vibrant marine sanctuaries I’ve seen in a while, with lots of actual colorful coral and fish (including clown fish!) I went to Solomon Islands after my second trip to Papua New Guinea, on my quest to slow solo travel to every country in the world. Would I go back to the shipwreck? Probably not. That boat ride was terrifying. But I’d go back to see more of the islands in the Solomon’s, there’s so many! Would you brave the ride to get to this shipwreck? For any fellow extreme adventurers, my Solomon Islands travel tips and itinerary is on my website linked in bio! ———————- For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo female travelers in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
4 weeks ago
32
View on Instagram |
9/9

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