Sweet Bean Travels

08/26/2024

We had an incredible time at our Solo Squad meetup this past weekend at the PHS Pop Up Gardens in Manayunk, Philadelphia!

Our group of adventurous spirits came together to share travel stories, dream up future journeys, and make new connections. The charming beer garden provided the perfect backdrop for our lively discussions about upcoming group trips tailored specifically for solo travelers.

Highlights of the day included:
• Swapping travel tales with like-minded explorers
• Previewing exciting group trip opportunities
• Q&A session for all your burning travel questions
• Brainstorming dream destinations for future adventures

A big thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event a success! Your enthusiasm and feedback are invaluable as we plan our next trips.

Also a huge thank you to Embassy: Interactive, LLC for capturing the day with these beautiful photographs.

Missed this meetup? Don't worry! Stay tuned for future events and trip announcements. Remember, with Solo Squad, you never have to travel alone!



Want to join our next adventure? Drop a 🌍 in the comments!

03/16/2024

Wow! So much to say about this beautiful country. I'll be sharing my in depth thoughts in my group Solo Squad | Group Trips for Solo Travelers in the next day or so.

What I will say is I'll definitely be back! 💃🏽

07/12/2023

Summer is, without a doubt, the busiest travel season in Europe. So, if you’re headed there this summer, remember to:

✅ Plan and book your sightseeing in advance — some sites have limited tickets daily. And even better, book a ticket that allows you to skip the line so you don’t spend hours waiting.

✅ Pack smart. I always carry a packable poncho or umbrella for surprise torrential downpours. And I always have a scarf as well, just in case restaurants are chilly or a religious site requires a little more coverage.

✅ Choose your day bag wisely. I try to avoid backpacks because they can be hard to monitor. I like to opt for a crossbody bag or satchel instead — these are much easier to prevent theft.

✅ Eat away from the crowds. I always like to venture 2-3 blocks away from the tourist sites when it’s time to eat. You’ll find more authentically local cuisine, and you’ll avoid the higher prices in touristy areas.

Are you headed to Europe this summer? Share in the comments where you’re headed!

07/10/2023

The *real* reason I do what I do as a travel advisor?

So you can sip bubbly with the ocean breeze in your hair and beautiful sunset views as you celebrate that big milestone with a trip that was curated precisely for you.

07/08/2023

When I think of Romance & love, my mind automatically goes to Ladera Resort in St. Lucia

Here’s why:

It’s the perfect place for unplugging and forging connection. With just 37 luxe rooms and suites, Ladera offers a breathtaking setting whilst sitting atop a volcano ridgeline.

Save this post for your next romantic getaway, and if you’re ever in need of a travel expert to help you plan, we're just a call away.

07/06/2023

A few weekends ago, I had the pleasure of spending three glorious days in Mexico City with my family. The hotel tours and wining & dining were absolutely top tier.

Our gracious hosts, Mariana & Laura with made sure we were very well cared for from arrival to departure. From well-appointed rooms with a magnificent view of Bosque de Chapultepec to delicious dining experiences and luxurious spa offerings, The Ritz Carlton should be at the top of your list when visiting Mexico City. They even coordinated a tour of the city, where we had the opportunity to visit the neighborhood of Coyoacan and the ruins in the city center.

Looking for a beautiful escape in the heart of the city?! The Four Seasons is exactly what you need! Their courtyard offers an urban oasis at this Hacienda-style hotel. And after a beautiful tour, we enjoyed lunch at their IL Becco Restaurant (classic spaghetti carbonara) and an afternoon margarita toast in the courtyard.

If you prefer a more boutique-style hotel, Casa Polanco will make you feel like you're staying in a friend's upscale home. It's located in the heart of the sophisticated Polanco neighborhood, right in front of Parque Lincoln. The hotel is sprawling with both private and shared terraces, an intimate dining space, and great attention to detail from its staff. It also smells amazing - the air was perfectly scented with home fragrances by . This hotel is perfect for a luxe romantic getaway or a buyout for a small wedding.

Our final visit was to the St. Regis , where butler service is offered no matter your room category. Need green juice after your workout? Or a quick nail appointment? Or a late evening swim? You can do all of this at the St. Regis Spa. Their Diana Restaurant, named after the view of the statue of Diana the Huntress, offers Mexican cuisine with a modern flare. And you can choose from a number of distinctive suites.

It was a whirlwind of a weekend, but the weather was beautiful and the energy of Mexico City is unmatched. We even (briefly) got caught in the Pride Parade. Be sure to check my stories for room tours. And when you're ready to book your trip to Mexico City, don't hesitate to contact me.

05/31/2023

I don`t know who needs to hear this today but...

Just go! Stop dreaming about going, stop thinking about going — start planning for it instead!

Of course, you know who to call if you`re not sure where to start with planning OR you want someone to help you make sure the planning process goes smoothly.

We're here when you`re ready!

05/29/2023

Travel is all about connecting with the world around us!

Where was the last place you visited that made you feel truly connected to the people and culture?

In September of 2022, I came to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and never left because I felt so connected to the land and the people.

Share your favorite travel moments in the comments below and let`s inspire each other to explore the world! 🤝

05/28/2023

Remember when travel bucket lists were mostly based around iconic landmarks and museums?

These days restaurants, street food, cooking classes, and food tours are a big part of the decision-making, too! And this foodie is happy about it.

What’s on your bucket list solely for the food?

05/26/2023

Taking a moment to express some gratitude, not for the things I have (although I am grateful for that) but for the people that trust me to plan their getaways year after year.

Maybe I’m biased, but travel is a BIG DEAL. So I don’t take it lightly that you’re all willing to put so much trust in me.

For those of you who I haven’t worked with yet, thank you for being here. Even your follows, likes, and comments are appreciated.

Also, what are you waiting for? Let me help you plan your next adventure! ✈️😀

05/24/2023

There’s a beach umbrella with your name on it somewhere in the world!

Mine is most definitely in Aruba at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. I can’t get enough of their standout service.

Let’s dream for a minute. Where’s your beach umbrella, and what are you sipping on? 🍹

05/18/2023

Picture yourself here. Let's find the perfect Canada New England cruise for you - shown here is Saint John, New Brunswick on the incredible Bay of Fundy!

Interested in a Canada New England cruise! >>> MORE

02/25/2023

What is the longest road trip you've ever taken?

02/09/2023

Hey Hey! It's my birthday!
....and today marks my 3rd birthday celebration in Mexico. 🇲🇽

Hi, I'm Lena, and I'm the owner of Sweet Bean Travels. In 2018, I walked away from my corporate HR job without a solid plan and zero job prospects. Let's just say corporate life had finally worn me down. During that time, my travel company was born.

In 2020, the stars aligned, and I was able to fulfill a long-time dream of living abroad. So, I packed up, sold everything, and left my hometown of Philadelphia.

I first landed in Playa del Carmen, Mexico sight unseen. After 1.5 years, I decided to travel the country a bit - visiting Guadalajara, Mexico City, Ajijic, Monterrey - and recently settling in gorgeous San Miguel de Allende (pictured).

Today, I'm reflecting on the amazing clients I've had over the past few years. And I'm so incredibly grateful to those who have chosen me as their dedicated travel planner. I truly love what I do, and it gives me all the feels to know I've had a hand in creating unique travel experiences for my clients.

Cheers to another year and more unforgettable travel experiences! 🥂

02/02/2023

Travel Tip: In addition to putting a luggage tag on the outside of your bag, place one on the inside as well. That way if your luggage gets lost, the airline can contact you.

01/05/2023

Throwback to our First Annual Girls trip (and Lena's 40th birthday celebration) in Playa del Carmen, Mexico! This was a TIME...can't wait to do it again in 2023...

We've opened up three more spots and we'd love for you to join us. Click https://buff.ly/3vvgt4p to Register no later than Monday, January 9th!

Travel Dates: Thursday, March 30, 2023 - Monday, April 3, 2022
Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico

01/01/2023

We're so thankful for all of our wonderful clients. Wishing you all a Happy New Year and a Prosperous 2023! And we can't wait to coordinate your next trip.

12/29/2022

Some great news for our clients traveling into Mexico....

Cancún airport becomes the first in the country to use electronic passport control.

The first 14 automated migration filters are already in operation in Terminal 3. This in order to improve the experience, accelerate and give access in about 30 seconds to our visitors with electronic passports from Mexico 🇲🇽, United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦.

11/21/2022

Good morning and Happy Monday! Just a bit of motivation and an update to start the week! Do you have plans for this week?

Mexico doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, so it's business as usual here. Did you know it gets chilly here? People think of Mexico as hot and tropical/desert, but today in San Miguel de Allende it's only about 50 degrees. Brrrr...

What are your plans for the week?

10/24/2022

10/20/2022

There are so many hidden gems out there! Tybee Island, Georgia, USA, Borocay, Philippines, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Caribbean...What are some of your "off the radar" destinations?

10/17/2022

We'd like to give a huge shoutout to our clients & dear friends and who recently traveled to Rapid City, South Dakota.

While stationed in the military in the 80's, received a postcard from her father with a stamp that said "Crazy Horse". Since then, visiting the has been high on her bucket list.

They enjoyed a private Black Hills monument tour that included visiting & , saw some pretty cool street art, and even got to experience the .

Traveling isn't always about visiting far off lands. It's very often about seeing a place because there's sentimental value attached to it. We're happy to have made this dream come true. 💜

10/11/2022

Need help getting your passport? Sweet Bean Travels can help you to get one!

10/09/2022

We've been spending some time in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - a colonial era city in Central Mexico. It's known for its Spanosh architecture, thriving arts & culture scene, and culinary offerings.

And just look at the doors. 😍

This place is absolutely worth a visit!

10/07/2022

What’s your favorite time of day to visit the beach? At sunrise? Sunset? During the afternoon?

We’ll be visiting this beach on the lovely island of Isla Mujeres during our Girl’s Trip to Mexico March 30-April 3…

Are you registered?

https://traveljoy.com/bookings/vXk3WgzPLy7NA9p7heVR5Nxr

10/04/2022

Has an airline ever lost your luggage? Did you get it back?

Sidenote: Did you know that there is a huge store in Alabama called "Unclaimed Baggage" where airlines send their unclaimed bags?

Unclaimed Baggage has been around for over 50 years, and during that time we’ve gotten a lot of questions from you about how it all works! To help clear up some of the mystery, we’ve compiled the top 10 most frequently asked questions we hear all the time: 1. How can there be so much lost luggag...

10/01/2022

Big News!!! We're going to Mexico! Registration is open for our annual Girls Trip---this year we're heading to Riviera Maya for a week of bonding, fun and new discoveries. We're staying at the adult only Barcelò Maya Riviera, a luxury all-inclusive property with a mile-long private beach, 11 restaurants, swim up bars and pools...

What we're doing:

✔ Temezcal Ceremony
✔ Private cooking experience with a celebrity chef
✔ Exploring Tulum's ruins and visiting a Mexican cenote (underground natural pool)
✔Catamaran sail and snorkel
✔Farwell dinner
✔Group photo shoot

Deposits start at $100 and payment plans are available

This is going to be a small group experience so that we can bond, so space is limited. Here's the link for more info:

https://traveljoy.com/bookings/vXk3WgzPLy7NA9p7heVR5Nxr

09/27/2022

What are your best travel tips for solo travelers?

09/21/2022

Why do you travel solo?

✅ I don't have a travel partner
✅ I like the freedom of traveling solo
✅ My schedule is flexible so it's easier
✅ I travel solo for work
✅ I'd prefer to travel with others but haven't found a group yet