The Mindful Mermaid

How Travel Bloggers Can Make a Positive Impact

August 13, 2017August 13, 2017Alex Cote

There has to be more to travel blogging than competing for the most drool-worthy Instragram shots in exotic destinations, am I right?

I’d like to think so. But as the industry becomes more saturated (and competitive), it’s easy to loose sight of how our work ties into a narrative much larger than us.

You see, us travel bloggers have the opportunity to be role models in a $7 trillion industry. We have the ability to help foster cross-cultural communication, breaking down barriers in the process.

It’s undeniable that we not only have a responsibility to our followers; we also have a responsibility to every community and culture we pass through.

Here’s how us travel bloggers can use our influence for good: Read more →

Cork City Chronicles: The Emerald Summer

July 30, 2017July 30, 2017Alex Cote

If there’s one thing that Ireland taught me, it’s that you can’t trust the weather forecast. You can mope about how there’s a 100 percent chance of rain all week, only to be surprised by nothing but sun and blue skies.

And that’s exactly how my solo experience and Ireland has played out. I braced myself for a summer of solitude, solely focused on work and avoiding the dreary weather. But instead, I’ve turned my time here into a new era of friendship, adventure, and opportunity under the Emerald Isle’s summer sun.

5 Tourist Traps to Avoid in Croatia

July 16, 2017Alex Cote

(This article was originally published in Croatia Week Magazine.)

In a matter of a few years, Croatia has transformed from Europe’s hidden gem to Europe’s hottest holiday destination. With spotless beaches along the Adriatic, national parks full of waterfalls, and charming cobble-stoned cities, it’s unlikely that Croatia will fall off the radar anytime soon.

However, just like in any other popular destination, the rise in visitors is a ripe opportunity for some tourist traps to flourish. As an American who’s lived in Croatia for over a year, I’ve seen this first hand.

Here are 5 of the biggest tourist traps you’ll want to avoid for a more authentic Croatian holiday. Read more →

6 Mindfulness Tips for Millennials

July 11, 2017July 11, 2017Alex Cote

Many of us could use some added mindfulness into our daily lives—especially us millennials.

We are the instant-gratification seeking generation that grew up with the digital age. We value self-fulfillment and social impact. And yet, it’s so easy for us to feel overwhelmed and under pressure.

Let’s take a step back and see what simple steps millennials can do to realign our selves in order to feel valued and content. Read more →

Celebrating 1 Year of The Mindful Mermaid!

July 1, 2017July 1, 2017Alex Cote

It began with the decision to take a leap of faith and live life by my own rules. What started as a process of self-discovery turned into digital storytelling. What started as a loose concept transformed into a brand.

One year ago, I passed the mic to my alter ego, and she ran with it. The Mindful Mermaid is a growing corner of the Internet about my journey, and a platform for being cultured, conscious, and cool.

So to celebrate her first birthday, let’s recap the highlights of this past year and reveal what’s coming next! Read more →