2014-10-01





There’s no argument here: Veronica Tracy is a total BABE.

But she’s not just any babe, she’s a MAJOR world traveler.

Her body also happens to be RIDICULOUS & she’s probably the nicest, sweetest girl I’ve ever interviewed.

So get ready to see some rad-ass pictures from around the world & meet Miss Veronica:

+ Tell us about yourself:

Veronica Tracy: I’m Veronica, I’m 24, & currently live in Laguna Beach, CA. As a born and raised Southern California girl, I get anxiety if I’m away from the ocean for too long, but that doesn’t mean I won’t jump at any opportunity to go someplace exotic. I pretty much spend all my money on traveling and good food, and to support this lifestyle I work in property development and management. As a side project, my mom and I are fulfilling a lifelong dream of building a luxury boutique hotel. Although it’s still in it’s infancy stages, I’m beyond excited to be able to incorporate all the knowledge I’ve gained while traveling and translate it into the perfect hotel experience for others.

Aside from that, I ride horses competitively and I’m seriously in love with all my animals- to the point where I know my boyfriend’s a little jealous. In a nutshell, I love bikinis, travel, culture, vintage clothes, studying world religions, wellness and doing humanitarian work.

+ Ok so clearly you’re a world traveler— spill!

VT: Hi, my name is Veronica & I’m a travelaholic. No but really, I can only keep my sanity if I have at least one trip in the works to look forward to. But up until college I hadn’t been anywhere except Cabo ( I seriously miss spring break ), so the summer of my junior year I decided to put my International Relations major and Arabic studies to good use and signed up for Semester at Sea. SAS is a life-changing program and any student reading this who has the opportunity should 100% do it!!! After travelling to eight different countries across the Mediterranean and meeting friends from around the world, its safe to say I hadn’t just been bitten by the travel bug, I had been ravenously attacked.

Traveling exposes you to different cultures and ways of life, teaching you to be more humble, tolerant, and appreciative. I love the saying, “travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer”. It’s not just the experiences and memories, but the knowledge you gain about yourself that is truly priceless. Travel as much as you can, as far as you can- you will seriously be a stronger, more independent, and well-rounded person for it.

With that being said, my favorite trip I’ve done would have to be the two months I took following graduation in which I drove basically the entire coast of Portugal before heading to Africa. Portugal is so laid back and reminds me of what I would imagine California to be like 60 years ago. Lisbon, the Algarve, the Douro Valley ( WINE HEAVEN ), and the town of Sintra are all definite musts while in Portugal. In Africa, I trekked after Gorillas in Rwanda, avoided hippos and crocodiles down the Zambezi River in Zambia, and had gin and tonics instead of taking my malaria pills ( got seriously sick on those ) while watching the sunset over the plains in Botswana. I dream about this trip on a daily basis and can’t wait to go back.

I fall more and more in love with Morocco every time I go. It’s a total culture shock and sensory overload, but in the best way possible. The last time I went, I was lucky enough to do a girls’ trip with a girlfriend and my mom and we went ALL out, driving through the country for two weeks with stops in Casablanca, Fez, Rissani, Ourzazte, the Dades Valley, the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech. My most memorable experience and a definite must for anyone going to Morocco was a camel ride into the Sahara Desert. We spent the evening cracking up with our hilarious guide Mohammed, despite his broken English, and slept under the stars in sheets full of sand. It was seriously magical and goes to show how humor can transcend cultural and language barriers and bring anyone together.

While in Marrakech, make sure to stay in a riad within the Medina ( old city ) walls. I love the Riad El Fenn, but there are so many cute riads to choose from at any budget. The Atlas Mountains are about an hour drive outside Marrakech and definitely worth the trek. They are the tallest mountain range in northern Africa and at the very top there is a hotel called the Kasbah De Toubkal that I adore. You literally have to hire a donkey to take you and your bags up to your room- it’s so remote and has a very Shangri-La feel to it.

Istanbul is one of the most interesting and dynamic cities I’ve ever been too. There is so much history and culture, plus the food is bomb and the shopping is even better. If you are in Turkey though, the coast is must. The water is strikingly blue and the coastal cities are so charming. Hot air ballooning over Cappadocia should also be on everyone’s bucket list.

Some of my others faves are definitely Croatia, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, St. Lucia, Mykonos, and Barcelona. Ibiza is crazy and the most fun I have had partying. Ever. But I would have to say my favorite place I’ve ever been so far is South Africa. I don’t even know how to describe the different levels of amazing that is South Africa so you are just going to have to trust me and go!!!

Some of my all time favorite hotels include the Areias do Seixo in Portugal, Jack’s Camp in Botswana, the Ushuaia in Ibiza, D-Hotel Maris in Turkey, Soho House in London, Singita Lebombo in South Africa, the Riad El Fenn and Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco ( pricey but worth it! ), the New Hotel in Athens, and for something more local I LOVE the Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs.

If I have to pick a least favorite I guess I would say Vegas? I may stand alone on this but I think Vegas is kindaaaa overrated. Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely a time and place for Vegas but generally I would rather save my money for something a bit more off the beaten path. And maybe somewhere where the pools don’t pose a public health risk…



+ How do you keep your bod tight if you’re always traveling?

VT: Not going to lie, when I’m on a trip all bets are off. You only live once right? While I’m absorbing a new culture and have the opportunity to eat some amazing dish I’ve never heard of before, I am absolutely going to try it out. My rule is moderation- you can have that fried arancini ball while in Sicily, just don’t have four ( this rule doesn’t apply to wine- drink as much amazing and inexpensive house wine as you can while in Italy ). Just take the long route home; turning down streets you normally wouldn’t so you can discover all the nooks and crannies while burning off that arancini ball at the same time.

+ Quick skinny tips or tricks?

VT: Cut out the processed crap and eat clean! I feel and look my best when I’m following an overall healthy lifestyle. It takes work and CONTROL but it’s worth it in the end. Also, water water and more water!!! I recently read a study that said something like 40% of people mistake thirst for hunger. If you drink at least three liters of water a day you flush toxins and curb cravings. Plus your skin will glow : ).

+ Weekly workout schedule?

VT: I ride horses and it’s seriously the best workout, you use muscles you never knew existed. In between that, I try and do Pilates and hot yoga at least four to five times a week with an occasional barre class and a run on the beach/hike whenever I get the chance. I try and switch it up and keep it interesting, running on the treadmill is such a bore.

+ Favorite go-to healthy food?

VT: Definitely a green juice or a smoothie! I try and drink one or the other every day. I pack my smoothies full of veggies and super foods like goji, acai, cacao, maca, spirulina, & chia. I also try my best to buy local, organic, and unprocessed foods so lots of fruits, veggies, nuts, & grass-fed meat.

+ Cocktail of choice?

VT: My go to is a wine spritzer- ice, white wine, a little sparkling water, a splash of St. Germaine & some berries. But anything with St. Germaine is good by me.

I am also really into this fresh lemonade cocktail I made for Easter. I pre-make a simple syrup infused with fresh rosemary ( lavender is really yummy too, basil or mint work as well ) and do one part fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice to three parts sparkling water. Add a splash of the simple syrup with some Prosecco or vodka to top it off & you have the most refreshing summer cocktail.

+ Can’t-live-without beauty product?

VT: I can’t lie I’m product obsessed, but lately I’ve been trying my best to use all natural and organic products. So, the obvious answer is coconut oil- I, too, am obsessed and use it for almost everything. Other than that, I’m really loving the entire RMS Beauty line. The Living Luminizer gives the healthiest most natural looking glow and the “Un” cover-up concealer is magic. It’s a completely organic and clean makeup line that actually works really well and apparently is a favorite of Miranda Kerr and Giselle. If it’s good by them, it’s definitely good by me…

+ Natural beauty remedy that you do?

VT: The oil cleansing method to wash my face! With this method, you massage natural oils ( no more nasty chemical-ridden products! ) into your skin and use a hot washcloth to rinse it off. It might seem counterintuitive to lather your face with oil, but just like hair, when your skin is stripped of its oil it produces more to compensate. Oil dissolves oil, making it a really effective and gentle method for balancing the skin. I’ve always struggled with breakouts and this has really worked for me. The blend of oils you should use depends on your skin type, but I use equal parts castor, sweet almond, and jojoba. I throw in a Manuka honey mask a few times a week and I’m good to go. (( ** << I’ll do a post on this to share my experience with this soon ; ) )).

+ When I wake up I…

VT: I oil pull with coconut oil thanks to your post about it! While I’m doing this I make my warm water/lemon tea and dry brush before showering. I also always try and throw in a quick meditation to get my day started.

+ WTF’s in your purse?

VT: A cluttered purse drives me crazy so I like to just keep the essentials- wallet, gum, sunnies, Suntegrity sunscreen, Malin and Goetz lip balm, Kora Organics Rose Mist ( crucial during a flight ), Green Body natural deodorant ( this shit really works ), Tom Ford Noir de Noir perfume, and almonds or some sort of snack.

+ Quick, easy recipe?

VT: Baked banana with dark chocolate- my boyfriend came up with this one night when there wasn’t much in the fridge, and it’s the easiest most decadent dessert I honestly can’t get enough. You split the naner down the middle, leaving the peel on, and stuff it with broken up bits of good dark chocolate. Wrap it in a tin foil tent and stick it in the oven at 350 degrees or approx. ten minutes or until the chocolate is melted and the skin of the banana has started to blacken. You can enjoy like this, or if you are really going for it, add a scoop of vanilla coconut milk ice cream.

+ Five summer pieces of clothing you’re loving:

VT: Anything and everything Stone Cold Fox but especially loving this sweet little dress for summer:

Reformation is one of my all time favorite brands, they always have the perfect summer dress, crop top, and two piece.

The perfect jean shorts are a must.

I live for rompers and this one by Diane Von F is a dream.

I love that you can transition this Ani Bikini top from the beach to happy hour by pairing it with some high-waisted pants or a flowy skirt.

♡ Shop It ♡

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