the boujee duck

A blog for people wanting places to go and things to do

Month: May 2025

Why a Turkish Bath Nearly Took My Mole (and My Modesty): Inside Istanbul’s Wildest Hamam Experience

Introduction: When I booked a Turkish bath in Istanbul, I expected steam, serenity, and maybe a soft towel turban for my hair. What I got was a full-body exfoliation that nearly scrubbed my birth year off my skin—and a surprise…

Washington D.C. Smithsonian Tour: What to Visit, See & Eat

Washington, D.C. is home to the world’s largest museum complex—the Smithsonian Institution. With 21 museums and galleries (plus the National Zoo), this cultural powerhouse offers something for everyone: American history buffs, science nerds, art lovers, and curious kids alike. Best…

Why New Bern, NC Should Be Your Next Trip—and Maybe Your Next Home

Nestled where the Trent and Neuse Rivers meet, New Bern, North Carolina, is a coastal gem brimming with Southern charm, rich history, and a lifestyle that effortlessly blends small-town tranquility with cultural sophistication. Founded in 1710, New Bern is the…

Riding New Mexico’s Sandia Peak Tramway: Longest Aerial Tram in the U.S.

Rising above Albuquerque’s rugged high desert and into the pine-topped Sandia Mountains, the Sandia Peak Tramway offers a thrilling ascent to one of the most stunning vistas in the Southwest. As the longest aerial tramway in the United States, this…

What Alabama Doesn’t Want Tourists to See: A Journey Through Civil Rights History

Introduction: More Than a Road Trip—It’s a Pilgrimage Alabama is not your average vacation. Driving through Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about bearing witness. It’s about walking the same paths trodden by everyday Americans who risked everything…

I Flew Business Class on Emirates, Turkish, and KLM—Here’s Who Surprised Me Most

An Honest Comparison Departing from Dulles (IAD) Choosing the right business class for frequent flyers and aspiring jet-setters can transform your entire travel experience. Over the past year, I had the chance to fly business class on Turkish Airlines, KLM…

You’re Packing All Wrong: 2 Weeks, 1 Carry-On, No Excuses

Let’s start with a truth bomb: If you need to sit on your suitcase to close it, you’ve already lost the carry-on game. Welcome to the darkly comedic world of carry-on-only travel for a 14-day journey. Whether you’re backpacking Bali…

Don’t Stay in Times Square—Unless It’s This Hotel

There’s something iconic about catching a Broadway show in New York City. The lights, talent, and timeless electricity of Times Square are a must-experience for theater lovers and casual tourists alike. So when I decided to see Hell’s Kitchen, Alicia…

Why My 24-Hour Dubai Layover Was Better Than My Bali Vacation

Suppose you’ve ever flown with Emirates on a long-haul trip. You may have heard whispers of their Dubai Connect program in that case. This elite layover perk includes a five-star hotel stay, chauffeured rides, and airport fast-tracking. I experienced all…

Comparing Hotel Rewards: Hyatt vs. Hilton vs. Marriott — Which One Wins?

Hyatt vs. Hilton vs. Marriott is one of the most competitive rivalries in hotel loyalty programs. Whether you’re a novice to the world of points and perks or an experienced traveler hoping to make the most of every trip, Regarding…