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Queen Adwoa's Closet™

Journey of a Fashion Anthropologist™

  • About
  • Fashion House
  • The Daily Fashion Fix
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Guide to Finding Flight Deals!

Hey loves!

Fresh off a recent trip to Bali, Indonesia (location post coming soon), I wanted to share some of the online hiding places I use to find flight deals when traveling. Despite the obvious growth and popularity of travel, there is still the perception that booking flights has to be be expensive. It really doesn't. Travel can and should be accessible to everyone!

What many won't tell you? Is that there are entire online communities and "travel hackers" scouring travel sites looking for deals on airfare .. Or even better? Looking for those magical moments when airline companies experience a website error on the booking portion of their site (called "glitches") and tickets that would usually cost thousands of dollars end up costing just a few hundred ... Like the time, I bagged a Middle East flight glitch. I ended up purchasing a round trip, non-stop flight from NYC directly to Abu Dhabi, UAE for only $177. Yes, you read that right. The cost of the flight after the airline (Etihad) finally caught and fixed it's mistake? ... $2k easily.

That said? Here is a list of my fave deal spotting sites from across the web and social media. Happy traveling everyone! 

Google Flights

My first go-to in finding flight deals? Google flights. Simply enter your starting location and destination. Then? Use the calendar portion of this site to view flight prices as far as 6 months to a year in advance. Who knows, there may be a surprise glitch waiting for you the further out on the calendar you go! .. Or at the very least a really great deal.

Google-Flights-Calendar.png

Airfare Watchdog

Another great tip? Follow deal sites on social media. When these online communities find great deals, they often post them like Easter eggs for loyal followers to find. Airfare Watchdog is a definate fave. 

airfare watchdog twitter queen adwoas closet.png

The Flight Deal

Another favorite travel deal page on social media? The Flight Deal. Their site TheFlightDeal.com is equally great, as they post travel deals which can be filtered by your home city. 

the flight deal queen adwoa's closet.png

Momondo

Similar to more commonly known Priceline.com or Expedia.com (both are also great for booking the deals you find), Momondo is another lesser known site that allows users to input their departure and arrival locations to dig up cheap flights buried around the web.

flight deals Queen adwoas closet.png

Nomadness Travel Tribe

Looking to connect with hardcore travelers? Join an active travel community who has deal hunting in their blood. When you have a moment? Hop on Facebook and join the Nomadness Travel Tribe. Members of this diverse group have not only traveled to nearly every country / location you can imagine (including Antarctica), but if a glitch fare hits the web? ... They're the 1st ones to know and booking deets spreads like wildfire! Don't be left on the outside looking in! ... Just remember, book now and ask questions later.

And while I'm here, NEVER call an airline company to confirm a price or ask if your "glitch ticket" will be honored. If the airline decides to cancel the flight, they will contact and refund you automatically. The only thing your call / email / social medial DM will do is alert them to a glitch .. No one like a flight snitch, LOL!

Queen adwoas CLoset flight deals.png

Join Travel Trees

Remember how I said there's a large community hunting flight deals online? Well there's an equally extensive "travel tree" community secretly posting flight deals 'round the clock on communication apps like Whatsapp. How does it work? ... First off? Membership is strictly invite only. Like they say, it's all in who you know. Then as each member finds an amazing flight deal online? They post and share it with a larger group. As you can imagine, the amount of flight, hotel, and transportation deals that are shared in just one a day is insane. Looking to join? ... One tip I can give? Join and become active in these online Facebook groups. I might have already mentioned one ; )

queen adwoas closet flight deals.jpg

Go Incognito

Last and final tip? A few savvy travel hunters may have already heard that certain days of the week are better than others when looking for flights online. But did you know the tracking cookies on your computer could influence the price results you generate? According to a few business / travel related sites including The Business Insider, repeated actions, like searching numerous flight booking sites over time can result in higher prices. Solve the problem by clearing your computer's tracking cookies and searching online with "in incognito mode." Not sure how to do that? Tap here to get more info on going incognito

queen adwoa's closet flight deals.png

There you have it. Just a small few to the ways people are trekking around the globe for way less that you think! Have a secret nook on the internet where you find amazing deals on flights? Comment below and let me know!

As always, until next time ... The Journey Continues!

Share the Journey!

More Wanderlust
Guide to Finding Flight Deals!
Apr 8, 2018
Guide to Finding Flight Deals!
Apr 8, 2018
Apr 8, 2018
Vetting Companies & Spotting Frauds (Expat Series Part 3)
Feb 6, 2018
Vetting Companies & Spotting Frauds (Expat Series Part 3)
Feb 6, 2018
Feb 6, 2018
Applying for Jobs Overseas - Expat Series (Part 2)
Dec 22, 2017
Applying for Jobs Overseas - Expat Series (Part 2)
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Dec 22, 2017
I've Moved to the Middle East! - Expat Series (Part 1)
Dec 22, 2017
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Dec 22, 2017
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Staycation Adventures in the Nude
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3 Countries, 1 Weekend, 0 Clothes
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3 Countries, 1 Weekend, 0 Clothes
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The Cost of Freedom
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"What to Pack ... When There's Nothing to Pack!"
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My Royal Family
Jul 18, 2016
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tags: queen adwoa's closet, Travel, black travel, flight deals, discount flights
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel
Sunday 04.08.18
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

Vetting Companies & Spotting Frauds (Expat Series Part 3)

Hi loves,

Back again with another installment from the "Expat Series" and this time, today's topic came to me via email. Desi, part of our online fam asked, how did I know my recent job offer was the real thing and not some form of pyramid scheme, identity theft, or worse?! It was a great question and one I really wanted to be sure I followed up with here, as I might imagine many of you might be wondering the same. Of course everyone will say "do your research." But what does that really entail? What exactly did I look for when vetting my new company? ... Below I give a few short specifics:

Read more

tags: work abroad, job search, expat, study abroad, queen adwoa's closet, travel, resume
categories: Expat, Job Search, Culture, Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel
Tuesday 02.06.18
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

Applying for Jobs Overseas - Expat Series (Part 2)

That said, what better time than now to share what I've learned so far. Check out these easy tips, that can make you more marketable and help you in your search!

Read more

tags: queen adwoa's closet, Middle East, job search, work abroad, travel, resume
categories: Travel, Queen Adwoa's Closet, Expat, Job Search
Friday 12.22.17
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
Comments: 2
 

I've Moved to the Middle East! - Expat Series (Part 1)

Hi loves!

Again, it's been a long while since I've had the chance to chat up with you guys. Since my last post, SO much has changed! ... I moved out of NYC ... I've started a new job .. And moved into new apartment ... All in a NEW country! I'm beyond excited to share my journey of living and exploring the Middle East and I hope you are too!

Read more

tags: moving abroad, move overseas, expat, queen adwoa's closet, motivation, Middle East, qatar
categories: Travel, Culture, Queen Adwoa's Closet, Expat
Friday 12.22.17
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

Staycation Adventures in the Nude

As an on and off again yogi since college, I'm not new to the idea of “mindfulness” or popping into a random yoga class. That said? I’ve been looking for a challenge … Something that would push me out my comfort zone and elevate my mind - body connection to next level. Cue? Naked yoga! Now I know what you're thinking ..."Wait, that’s a thing?” ... “How naked are we talking here?” ... “Is this a real yoga class?" … Or? As my mom asked, "So yall just gonna be bent over completely naked the whole time huh?” Moms. What can I say LOL! The answer to all of these questions, is YES, naked yoga is an actual practice. I discovered it not long ago and was so excited when my nudist / naturist colony peeps decided to rent a space and host a private class with a certified instructor, Whitney ...

Read more

tags: queen adwoa's closet, Travel, nudist, nudist colony, black nudist, yoga, nude yoga, staycation, vacation, new york
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel, Wellness
Tuesday 03.28.17
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

3 Countries, 1 Weekend, 0 Clothes

I love nudity. The male and female form in its natural state is considered art to me. The physical act of disrobing? I consider freeing. The ability to fully undress, take an unflinching look at ourselves, and still find beauty in our bodies is a gift many unfortunately do not enjoy. That said, it's one thing to dress in your skivvies or walk nude around the house. It's a completely different thing to get naked ... For an entire week ... Around a group of fellow nomads I'd only just connected with online via a private close knit group. Even for the most seasoned traveler, this might seem a bit much ... So having butterflies? Only natural.

Read more

tags: queen adwoa's closet, Beach, nudist, black nudist, travel, St. Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths, nudist colony, necklaces
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel, Culture, Fashion
Tuesday 10.11.16
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

The Cost of Freedom

As I prepare for my upcoming trip a nudist colony, I've been doing so much reflection on what it means to actually express myself in this way. Hang ups surrounding nudism seem to be SO prominent within the American psyche. While some have embraced nudity, in many ways as another facet of life (with prominent nude beaches and even restaurants taking shape) .. Here in America, it seems that we are still wrestling with old "fire and brimstone" Puritan beliefs. The idea that nakedness is bad or or reserved for very limited situations ... and almost always only for private consumption.

Read more

tags: queen adwoa's closet, culture, Africa, travel, black
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel, Culture
Tuesday 08.30.16
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

"What to Pack ... When There's Nothing to Pack!"

As the summer begins to wind down, I've decided to take a brief vacation from running the Q.A.C webstore to get a bit of rest and relaxation before the busy fall season arrives. However, if you know me, you know I do nothing boring of ordinary, LOL. That said, in just over two weeks from now, I'll be doing what some might consider unthinkable ... Random ... Or highly debatable .... I'm going to St. Maarten & St. Barths to a nudist colony! That's right, a woman who absolutely loves clothes and fashion is actually going to a place where garments will be completely unnecessary! Don't get me wrong, dressing up and finding creative ways to adorn my body in unique pieces will always feel special to me ... And yet ... There's something equally rewarding about traveling and letting all the trappings go for a while.

Read more

tags: queen adwoa's closet, travel, global, black travel, culture, nudist, St. Maarten, St. Barths
categories: Travel, Culture, Queen Adwoa's Closet
Saturday 08.20.16
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

My Royal Family

Hey Loves!

Like most, I like to ease into my week, but this Monday? I'm all excitement! By now you've probably seen my weekly posts highlighting various indigenous global tribes in my Cultural Beauties" series. This week? I am so proud the share with everyone a part of my Ghanaian heritage and tribe that I rarely (if ever) discuss.

When most think of Ghana, they most often associate the country with elaborate kente cloth designs and dope sense of style ...

 via Afroelle Magazine-  https://goo.gl/bmIkS7

via Afroelle Magazine-  https://goo.gl/bmIkS7

 via Yaromir Mlynski (photographer) -   www.Yaromir.com

via Yaromir Mlynski (photographer) -  www.Yaromir.com

Our love of tradition, ceremony, celebration, and dance ...

 via Trip Down Memory Lane - http://goo.gl/QXgSoa

via Trip Down Memory Lane - http://goo.gl/QXgSoa

.. and elaborate and ornate gold jewelry

 via Awale Studio - https://goo.gl/74B7He

via Awale Studio - https://goo.gl/74B7He

 

... And while all very true, there is so much more to Ghanaian culture.

My Personal Story

By name, I was born Angela. However as with tribal Ashanti  tribal tradition, I was given the name "Adwoa" ... Meaning girl child born on a Monday ... Daughter of the Moon Goddess Adwo ... Hence the name of the this media hub and the webstore ; )

Growing up in the U.S as the child of a Ghanaian parent (my maternal side is from the Caribbean) there is always this balancing act of cultures that often occurs. Living in one country, while being raised with the values, traditions, and expectation from another. My fellow 1st generation kids can certainly attest to this. However, in my case, my experience has been slightly different. I'm beyond proud of my heritage, so upon meeting me, many soon learn of my cultural makeup. What many rarely find out is my royal family connection as my father is a Ghanaian chief ... Thus making me a princess. Yes, an actual princess! LOL. In a world where "the royals" immediately conjure up images of the Queen of England and her family .. Where many use "kings / queens" as a general sign of brother/sisterhood within the diaspora ... It is a very unique and special feeling to actually be part of a royal family. This is especially the case when in America, the only connection to royalty are the images of "camelot" and John F. Kennedy era Norman Rockwell paintings ... A country where black faces are inherently never equated with the prestige and elevation of a royal family. Again, it has certainly been an unique experience.

The interview (audio)

 My dad dressed in traditional red & black presiding over a funeral in Ghana. Grandmother directly over his left shoulder

My dad dressed in traditional red & black presiding over a funeral in Ghana. Grandmother directly over his left shoulder

As early as I can remember, my dad was certain to make sure that I knew this part of my family history. He was also sure to tell me to be mindful of who I tell as, "people in America won't understand." That in mind, I'm so happy that my dad was open and willing to sit for a quick interview, to talk about his role as chief while proudly sharing a bit of our culture with the world. Below is our conversation. I hope you enjoy!

 Photograph of my father receiving a royal welcome at the beginning of the ceremony 

Photograph of my father receiving a royal welcome at the beginning of the ceremony 

Any comments or questions for my dad or I about our convo, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below! Thanks as always! 

 

Share the Journey!

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tags: queen adwoa's closet, culture, ghana, royal, family, ashanti, africa, tradition, fashion anthropology, akan, tribe, adwoa
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Culture, Angela Barimah, Fashion, Travel
Monday 07.18.16
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The Treasure Chest - My Growing Global Jewelry Collection

It was during that time, that I began another fun hobby ... collecting jewelry pieces from my (or friends) various places of travels. While a bit small now, my collection is slowly growing! What I really love about my personal travel jewels is the story they each tell. Never fail, whenever I wear them out, I'm undoubtedly complimented and asked about them. Stories of my journey in that respective country and the people I met along the way begin to spill out. In a sense, these jewelry pieces are more than just cute bobbles on a neck or wrist ... they're people connectors. Cultural ambassadors inviting conversation and a chance for learning. Love it. Below are a few pieces from my personal collection so far!   

Read more

tags: Jewelry, Travel, Culture, Ring, Bracelet, Necklace
categories: Fashion, Jewelry, Travel, Culture
Tuesday 12.22.15
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

My Culture Trek to the Middle East

The journey of this trip began almost exactly one year ago. Disgruntled that I had to work my 9-5 over the Christmas holiday, I woke up Christmas morning and started the day the way I usually would ... grouchily scratching my left boob and checking my social media feeds. What I didn't know was that this morning routine would end much differently than the norm. As I'm scrolling through my Instagram feed, I notice hype around flights and some apparent travel deal. The details, I had yet to really look into through my sleepy eyes. I'm slow to react to the growing online chatter and the number of people posting, because if you follow the standard travel blogs, then you know, there's always a travel deal. Except ... this was the deal of all deals.

Read more

tags: Travel, Middle East, Culture, Fashion, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
categories: Travel, Culture, Fashion
Sunday 12.13.15
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

Lessons in Becoming a Nomad

Almost 3 years ago I began traveling. The free-spirit within me has always wanted to see the world, but the way my wallet was set up because of student loans and a crazy expensive apartment in NYC, saving was always so difficult. Then? There was my over protective parents who hated (still do) the idea of their only child traveling anywhere outside the house ... if you have African / Caribbean parents, you know the struggle! lol. Finally, there was the issue of my friends, many of which said they wanted to travel, yet, had no real interest in making concrete  plans. What I did get? Lots of talk surrounding going to dream places, but no actual steps made ** loud sigh ** .. It was at this point that I decided to travel on my own.

Read more

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Sunday 11.15.15
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

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