Bali Bound: Pre-Trip Prep Tips You Need
Alright, friends—Bali is calling, and I’m answering with a suitcase full of excitement, sunscreen, and one really fabulous caftan. It’s almost go-time, and I’m in full prep mode, juggling last-minute bookings, shopping for beachy fits, and doing all the boring adult stuff (like getting my TSA PreCheck sorted) to make this trip as smooth as possible. So, grab a coffee—or better yet, a cocktail—and let me take you through how I’m gearing up for this dreamy escape to Ubud! …and don’t forget to check out my social media for all the behind-the-scenes action!
1. Getting TSA PreCheck: My New Travel Superpower
You know those long security lines at the airport? Yeah, I’m over them. I finally bit the bullet and got my TSA PreCheck, which means I’ll be cruising through the airport without the usual strip-down routine. No more frantic shoe removal or tossing my liquids last minute. I’ll be gliding through like a pro, and you can bet I’ll be documenting every airport hack on my Instagram Stories—so make sure you’re following along!
2. The Deal of a Lifetime: Aksari Resort Ubud for Half-Off!
Now, let’s talk about the real MVP of this trip: my AMEX deal with Luxury Escapes. I scored a stay at the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Aksari Resort Ubud for half off the regular price. Four nights of luxury in the Aksari Suite, plus a bunch of extras that make me feel like royalty (minus the crown, but that’s fine). Here’s what I’m getting:
- Daily Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner: It’s Bali, and I’m not here to count calories. Breakfast AND either lunch or dinner are on the house every day, so you’ll probably find me poolside with a plate of something delicious.
- Daily Cocktail: Because nothing says “I’m on vacation” like a drink in hand by 3 PM.
- Daily Yoga: I’m excited to stretch out all my travel tension with some morning yoga—though let’s be honest, I’m mostly here for the savasana (nap).
- Daily Balinese Cultural Show: Why go looking for culture when it can come to you? I’m so in for these nightly shows that’ll bring a bit of Bali right to the resort.
- One 90-Minute Massage: This was the deal-sealer. Ninety minutes of pure bliss that will hopefully melt away my chronic travel stress.
- Afternoon Tea: I don’t usually do tea, but for this vibe, I’ll be holding my pinky up high and living my best Bridgerton life.
Oh, and because I just couldn’t get enough, I snagged an extra night at Aksari through Booking.com. More time in this slice of paradise? So, yeah, Five nights of luxury it is!
If you are an AMEX member, check out the great deals through Luxury Escapes. If not, you can download the Luxury Escapes’ app and watch for great deals. Follow me to learn more ways to save on luxurious trips!
3. My Secret Weapon: Private Driver for $36 a Day
Look, I love the idea of hailing a cab or hopping on a scooter, but sometimes you just want someone else to handle the directions (and the traffic). Enter my fabulous private driver from Rent A Car, booked through WhatsApp, because #efficiency. For $36 a day, I’ll have my own Bali chauffeur for 10 full hours each day, ready to take me anywhere I want to go. That’s right—I’m basically Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love, minus the mid-life crisis (but who knows, there’s still time). Did you know the “Love” scenes in Bali were filmed in Ubud? You’ll catch all my best Ubud scenes through my TikTok videos, so make sure you’re following!
4. The Perfect Caftan: My Amazon Win
Did I spend more time shopping for the perfect caftan than planning my itinerary? Maybe. But this Amazon find was worth every second. For just $31, I scored the breeziest, flowiest, most “I’m on a tropical vacation” caftan that I’m pretty sure I’ll live in for the entire trip. It’s all about the vibe, and I’m ready to serve it. That’s the one in the picture!
5. What’s Next? Unpacking the Fun and Your Suggestions!
So that’s the plan: a week of relaxation, indulgence, and a little bit of adventure. I’ll be checking in to my Aksari Suite, soaking up the Bali sun, and diving into every included perk. But hey, enough about me—what about you? Ever been to Ubud? Got any must-see spots or hidden gems I need to add to my itinerary? Drop your tips, tricks, or even restaurant reccos in the comments. Let’s make this trip even better with your insider knowledge!
Check back next week as I pack only a carry on with all the necessities and prepare for a 22 hour flight wearing my compression socks.
Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the inside scoop and beautiful scenery on my Bali adventure—and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for all my latest travel hacks, finds, and stories. Let’s explore Bali together—one cocktail at a time! 🥂🌺