Tips Where to Stay Things to Do Food to Try Amsterdam gives you a taste of everything. You can be transported back through time with a visit to the Anne Frank House, partake in the “coffee shop” culture, eat as much cheese as you could possibly stomach, and so much more. The city is full of unexpected charm and you can’t go wrong with exploring the narrow streets and many canals. Pack your bags, grab some euros, and check out this guide to Amsterdam: Before You Go While card is accepted in a fair amount of restaurants in Amsterdam, most bars only take cash. So if you plan on tasting any of that delicious Dutch beer, have some euros ready. Be prepared to pay to use the bathroom if you aren’t dining or having a drink at an establishment. Keep coins handy for this. It rains a ton. Pack adequate clothing and…
Visiting the Iguazu Falls had been dream of mine for so long. I mean who doesn’t want to see millions and millions of gallons of water just cascading off the side of a cliff? If you’re teetering back and forth and haven’t made up your mind, don’t worry I’ll do it for you. GO TO IGUAZU! See how simple that was? Searching for information on how to visit the Igauzu falls before my trip was frustrating, to say the least. I couldn’t find enough detail in one place to really help me with trip planning and instead was forced to piece together different components from various blog posts till I finally had one semi cohesive plan. Lucky for you, I’ve put together a guide that will give you all the information you need to know. I know, how nice am I? Getting there from Buenos Aires I would buy your…
I had five days to allocate to Patagonia out of my fourteen day trip to Argentina and Chile. Only five days for a destination that travelers spend weeks or even months experiencing. But that’s the thing when you’re working full time, you take your vacations and you make the most out of them. No matter how short. One place I wanted to experience was Torres del Paine, Chile’s national park in Patagonia. The only issue was it isn’t located near a town and doesn’t feature any day hikes. Most people spend a few days hiking, setting up tents at night, until they reach the peak. I know, super hardcore. I struggled hiking with my day pack in Chalten. There was no way I could hike with enough gear to pitch a tent and survive for a few days. I almost let it go. I mean I was going to the…
The Perito Moreno Glacier has to be one of the most jaw droppingly stunning sights I’ve ever had the pleasure to witness in my life. I’m talking just staring and gawking silently for a few minutes while people walked by giving me strange looks. The best part? Unlike a majority of Patagonia, I didn’t have to trek one bit to get to it (hey don’t judge. Some of those treks are hard!). If you are considering a trip to Patagonia or anywhere else in South America, read my tips for your first trip here For a visit to the massive glacier, you really only need half a day or a few hours at most and it’s an easy trip from El Calafate. Also, don’t forget to spend some time in El Calafate! Even if you can only squeeze out a day, it’s a charming little town and we absolutely fell…
I am obsessed with South America. My first trip was to Rio de Janeiro and after spending New Years on Copacabana beach with my toes in the sand and fireworks all around me, I was hooked. Before my trip to Brazil, most of my traveling had been to Europe with some scattered trips to Central America and Asia. Now I’ve added Argentina, Chile, and Colombia to the list and there’s no stopping me until I conquer that whole continent. You just booked your first trip to South America. And the rush of excitement is coursing through your entire body at the thought of exploring some incredible destinations. If you’re used to Europe, then South America will feel completely foreign. Whether it is the currency, language, or some of the customs, there is going to be plenty that is different than home. And you will love every second of it! Here are…
I wish I could spend at least two weeks in this lovely city just eating my way through all of the delicious bites it has to offer but unfortunately, all I had was a weekend with two short days. It is truly a city for foodies and during the 36 hours in Philadelphia, expect to put yourself into a food coma or two. Don’t worry it’ll be one of the best food comas of your life. With 36 hours in Philadelphia you can get a great taste of the city, so if you don’t have any vacation days left or simply don’t have the time to devote more to this gorgeous city, book a flight leaving Friday afternoon and come back Sunday afternoon, just in time to prepare for your week ahead. (Check out these one day itineraries for more short trips) Please note, you need to get reservations for…
My best friend when I am traveling is a little, slightly worn out, black Samsonite carry on suitcase. His name is Sammy. I know, I’m so original, right? Although he looks just like any other ordinary luggage item, this precious suitcase of mine is the perfect carry on size. I have taken him on every US airline as well as on budget airlines abroad, such as Ryanair and Easyjet, without a single incident. Sammy has been my travel companion ever since I studied abroad in Spain. He’s hung out with me on the white sands of Barcelona beaches, came with me through the breathtaking sites of Croatia, and he’s held my (somewhat unsteady) hands through my different beer tastings in Belgium. He clearly has my heart. As you can clearly see, the obsession with carry on luggage is real. Here are all the best reasons for you to start obsessing…
I get it. If you’ve never stayed in a hostel the thought of doing so can be a little nerve wrecking. I am here to tell you that you have nothing to fear. In fact, I have personally converted a few highly skeptical travelers into hostel lovers. They are a fantastic way to save money and meet new people during your travels. Unless I am traveling with a larger group, I mostly choose to stay in hostels. The right hostels are clean, cheap, and full of other young travelers. I have made friends at hostels that I am still in touch with, found people to grab a quick bite with, and do some sightseeing with. But is it safe? Will I have my privacy? Most hostels have a variety of room options depending on your preferred privacy level and they are priced accordingly. You can stay in a room with other people…
If Spain isn’t on your bucket list it needs to be added. Right now. Go ahead, I’ll wait. Spain is an incredibly diverse country with each city boasting it’s own unique charm. If you have the time, just go nuts and visit as many cities in Spain as possible (ugh…I’m so jealous) but if you’re a busy girl, like me, you probably don’t have unlimited time. In that case, it’s important to prioritize your list of cities to visit. Below is the list of my must visit cities in Spain. Seville The list has to begin with Seville as that is where I left a piece of my heart during my study abroad adventures. (Read why you HAVE to study abroad here). During your trip to Seville you will have the opportunity to see the incredibly beautiful islamic influence on architecture, the third largest cathedral in the world, paddleboat down the river, frolic in the…
Barcelona is one of the most unique cities in Spain, if not all of Europe. Boasting an eclectic mix of Spanish and Catalan culture, this city is a must stop on your travels. Only have a short amount of time to visit? Well, one day in Barcelona is better than nothing. Keep reading for the must see sites on your visit La Sagrada Familia For those of you who aren’t familiar with Antonio Gaudi’s pieces, the closest thing I can compare it to is one of Dr. Seuss’s many eccentric worlds. La Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic Church that is an absolute must see. Trust me you will never see a church like it again. The outside is magnificent and grandiose and the inside is hauntingly beautiful with many geometric patterns and a whirlwind of beautiful colors. I had to practically be dragged out as I was content to…