Stranger Things Pop Up - Gina Bear's Blog

What’s it gonna be? 🤣

True story… I was once on a flight to Puerto Rico where I hit the bingo on the WORST people to sit next to.

I had the window seat in the front but I was next to a big lady who spilled over into my seat and squished me. Next to her was a gross old dude who didn’t want to wear a mask or cover his mouth when he coughed or sneezed. 🤮🤮🤮

And in the row across? A mom traveling with her kids while her lap child threw a tantrum almost the entire flight. 🤣

#travelreelsoninstagram #travelreel #funnytravel #solotravels

Open

It’s sad I have to do this as a woman…

Follow me @ginabearsblog for more solo female travel tips.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could live in a world where no means no and people don’t bother us?

1️⃣I’m a cop - If you’re in law enforcement, people looking to commit a crime won’t bother because they want to stay anonymous.
2️⃣Wear man clothes - I’ve actually worn man jeans, a man jean jacket, and man shoes to pretend I’m traveling with a male significant other.
3️⃣I have no plans for tomorrow - Don’t let people know where you’re going to be… EVER.
4️⃣ My number is 646-926-6614. This is a rejection hotline number for men and people being extra creepy.
5️⃣My dad is coming to pick me up - Showing you’re traveling with your father is a great way for creeps to eff off.

What other lies do you tell when traveling solo?

#solofemaletravel #solofemaletraveller #solotravel #solotraveltips | solo travel safety, how to stay safe while traveling, solo female travel

Open

If you wait for the group to go…

You’ll honestly be waiting forever!!! Don’t wait on other people to live your life!

Follow me @ginabearsblog for more travel inspiration.

So many people ask me, “How do you travel solo all the time?”

And the answer is simple. The pandemic helped me realize I don’t need to do things with my friends 24/7.

I am very comfortable with traveling alone and doing what I want to do. Honestly, it’s so freeing!

Here are some benefits of traveling alone:
1️⃣ Waking up when you wanna.
2️⃣Not having to wait forever on that friend who takes FOREVER to get ready. (Because every group has one.)
3️⃣Going to sleep when you want.
4️⃣Eating where you want.
5️⃣Smashing who you want when you want.
6️⃣Doing everything on your bucket list.
7️⃣Making new friends!

What are your questions for solo travel?

#solotravel #solotraveler #solotravelingisfun #solotravels #solotraveling #solofemaletraveler #solofemaletravel #travelreel #travelreelsoninstagram

Open

Having a dog does not limit my travels.✈️

Follow me @ginabearsblog for more travel content.

Real story, my mom was like, “You’re not gonna be able to travel with your dog.” And honestly… I hate being told what I can and cannot do. lol.

In fact, my travels have only been advanced by my dog, Honey. I trained her for awhile before I brought her on the plane as my service dog.

And I’m talking about obedience training, snoot boops on my legs and hands with my triggers, and ignoring other people/animals when wearing her vest.

Many people are often shocked as a Pom she’s so well-behaved and well-trained. And honestly, any dog can be a service animal as long as they are there to assist with your disability.

Before I trained Honey, it didn’t matter where we went as long as she’s with me. I think this has really helped in her.

She’s used to many different scenarios, people, and places. The moral of the story?

Don’t tell me no and I’ll show you I can.

#travelwithlove #travelwithadog #solofemaletraveler #solofemaletravel #solotravelingisfun #solotraveler #pinktrotters #travelreel #travelreelsoninstagram

Open

How I made my travel photos better.

Follow me @ginabearsblog for more travel inspiration!

I’m completely self-taught in photography. I did not take a class. These are some of the things I learned along the way.

1️⃣ Photography lingo - Photography blogs were the first place I turned to understand how to take good photos.
2️⃣YouTube - After learning the lingo, I started YouTubing tutorials. For instance, the rule of thirds, how to take photos in harsh light, and how to edit.
3️⃣ Lightroom & Photoshop - I really wanted my photos to pop. So I would Google things I wanted to do to my photo and watch tutorials on them.
4️⃣I learned how to use my phone and @sony A7iii. Believe it or not, my dog Honey was actually my test subject for trying out all the photography tips I learned.
5️⃣ How to frame a photo - beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes I shoot what speaks to me and other times I’ll shoot what trends on social media. I have learned that my passion and what I find beautiful speaks more.
6️⃣How to pose - this was a HUGE skill I learned. I know I’m not a skinny woman. And as such I know how to frame my body in photos that will make me look flattering.

Do you wanna see more photography tips from me?

#travelphotoblog #travelphotographyguide #travelreels #travelreelsoninstagram #solofemaletraveler | how to take photos, how to take travel photos, travel photography, travel photography tips

Open

Things I wish I knew…

Follow me @ginabearsblog for more travel blogging tips and inspiration.

These are things I honestly wish I knew and should not have been chasing after…

1️⃣ To show my bum in a bikini - Let me start out by saying… whatever bikini you choose to wear or not wear is beautiful! All bodies are summer bodies. I just felt like for a while the algorithm was pushing out gorgeous and amazing women who wore a specific type of swimsuit… and NGL, I felt out.
2️⃣ To be blonde - brunettes do it better ;) kinda sorta jk. I love you, blondies! When I dyed my hair blonde, it was partially because I wanted to and also to be more seen on social media… but it ended up frying my hair. My natural hair is fine just the way it is. The upkeep to maintain the blonde is… enormous.
3️⃣ To be skinny - Let me preface I am not body shaming and this was an insecurity I’m very much over. I know I will never be a size 5. That’s not how I was built. I’ve been curvy and always will be! I’ve always loved my body, but body type doesn’t limit success. I love the donk I got from my Nonna!
4️⃣ To be white - Being white is not a bad thing! Trust me, this is not where I’m going with this. However, as a Latina in the travel industry, I have been passed over in favor for white creators (or white passing). I hope one day this can change… because Latinos are starting to be a bigger part of the travel space spending billions of dollars on domestic travel in the States alone!
5️⃣ To be put together 24/7 - Granted, I do love to do my lashes and nails. I like wearing pretty dresses and heels. But… most of the time I just want to look like a creature of the swamp in my athleisure. lol.

The moral of the story? These were all limiting mindsets. Do NOT limit yourself.

What do you have to do to be successful on Insta? Tell your UNIQUE story. Be YOURSELF. There is no one like you. Trying to be like everyone else on Insta is so 2000 and late.

And yes, I wish I would have learned this sooner, but better late than never!

#solofemaletraveler #solofemaletravel #femaletravelblogger #travelbloggervibes #howtoinstagram

Open

It’s sad I have to do this as a woman…

Follow me @ginabearsblog for more solo female travel tips.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could live in a world where no means no and people don’t bother us?

1️⃣My friends are gonna meet me - This implies you’re not alone and you will be missed should something happen.
2️⃣I’m married - The misogyny is real with this one. 💩💩💩 disrespectful hombres respect this seeing as you “belong” to someone else.
3️⃣I’m staying at the @marriottbonvoy - Granted I love these properties and stay whenever I travel, but you can lie and say you’re staying here.
4️⃣I don’t speak English - Since I speak 5 languages, sometimes I play language roulette and be like, “No se?” 🙃🙃🙃
5️⃣I’ve been here a million times - This shows you know where you are and what you’re doing… whether or not you do. It shows authority and you will not be taken advantage of easily.

What other lies do you tell when traveling solo?

#solofemaletravel #solofemaletraveller #solotravel #solotraveltips | solo travel safety, how to stay safe while traveling, solo female travel

Open

It’s sad I have to do this as a woman…

Follow me @ginabearsblog for more solo female travel tips.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could live in a world where no means no and people don’t bother us?

1️⃣My friends are gonna meet me - This implies you’re not alone and you will be missed should something happen.
2️⃣I’m married - The misogyny is real with this one. 💩💩💩 disrespectful hombres respect this seeing as you “belong” to someone else.
3️⃣I’m staying at the @marriottbonvoy - Granted I love these properties and stay whenever I travel, but you can lie and say you’re staying here.
4️⃣I don’t speak English - Since I speak 5 languages, sometimes I play language roulette and be like, “No se?” 🙃🙃🙃
5️⃣I’ve been here a million times - This shows you know where you are and what you’re doing… whether or not you do. It shows authority and you will not be taken advantage of easily.

What other lies do you tell when traveling solo?

#solofemaletravel #solofemaletraveller #solotravel #solotraveltips | solo travel safety, how to stay safe while traveling, solo female travel ...

What do we think about lip blushing?🫦

Have you heard of this before? I honestly hadn’t until I went to Seoul and so glad I tried it out! Lip blushing is semi-permanent makeup.

I’ve always liked the Korean gradient lip trend and I’m honestly a very busy gal. Anything I can do to look put together before I go on camera or create content is a lifesaver for me!

I like rolling out of bed and looking put together!

This was a gifted service by @lash_kim_ @lashkim_academy. They needed a model and I was like… why not?

My artist was Hailey and she did an excellent job! Give them a follow and go check out their new and beautiful salon!

#kbeautyreview #kbeautyaddict #koreanbeautycare #lipblushing #lipblushtattoo

Open