I’ll admit it. I’m a bit of a control freak. I’m that person who spends hours researching and planning a trip with a detailed spreadsheet to accompany it (yes, I’m also a huge nerd). While it makes the actual trip go smoother, it honestly gets tedious and I usually end up dedicating more time than I have to the process. Recently, I had the experience to book a trip through Adventure Explorations and for the first time in a long time (dare I say, ever?), I got to sit back, relax and let a local expert handle the details. I’m telling you, I am hooked. Every part of my experience with this new company was flawless and I can’t recommend them enough. About Adventure Explorations Adventure Explorations is a custom-tailored adventure company nestled in Boiling Springs, PA. Located only a couple of hours from Philadelphia, a trip with them makes…
My first time hiking anything more than a simple trail was on my trip to Patagonia. I learned quite a bit on that trip and that serves as the basis for these hiking tips. First, it served to reinforce how much I love being outdoors, second, it reminded me how important it is to be prepared before a hike, and third, just how delicious beer tastes right after. Like seriously. That has to be the greatest post hike beverage. Ever since that trip, I’ve hiked as often as I can, pushing myself on each trip. The most recent hiking trip I did was in Sedona and those were some of the most rewarding hikes I’ve ever done. Check out my guide to Sedona here. Disclaimer: I by no means consider myself an expert hiker but I do have plenty of hiking tips for beginners that will make your outdoor adventure…
Since international travel has crawled to almost a halt, I’ve really been enjoying getting to visit the places that have long been on my USA bucket list. Glacier National Park was a relatively new addition but I was so excited to cross it off recently. Best part? It’s easy to get a decent taste of Glacier National Park in 3 days. Check out my tips to stay safe traveling during the pandemic here. Guide to Glacier National Park in 3 Days Is Glacier National Park safe to travel to as a solo woman traveler? Glacier National Park is safe for a solo woman traveler. There is no cell service in the park so I would highly recommend hiking during daylight hours and sticking to trails that are more well known. Be sure to also download google maps offline so you have it just in case! Note: the photos in this…
Located just 45 minutes from Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a charming town full of quaint shops, cafes, and a diverse selection of restaurants. This was the perfect home base for our trip to Glacier as there was no shortage of things to do (and eat!). Here are 7 of the best Whitefish restaurants and cafes that I visited that are perfect for you to add to any itinerary to Whitefish and Glacier National Park! Whitefish Restaurants Abruzzo Italian Kitchen Best For: Modern Italian Fare Hands down my favorite dinner in Whitefish! If you’re looking for outdoor dining, they have a picturesque patio. They also do orders to go if you prefer to enjoy your meal back at your hotel. No matter what you choose, you will not be disappointed. Bursting with flavor, it was hard to pick a favorite dish on this menu. They also have an extensive cocktail and…
Sedona was the first trip I took since the pandemic started. It’s been on my list forever and with international travel halted / domestic travel limited, that gave me the perfect opportunity to explore this incredible destination. Seriously, Sedona blew my expectations completely out of the water. I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped multiple times. If you’re looking for an easy weekend trip where you can still socially distance, consider Sedona! Check out my tips to stay safe traveling this summer here. Guide to a Weekend in Sedona Is Sedona safe to travel to as a solo woman traveler? Sedona is incredibly safe for a solo woman traveler. The locals are extremely nice and helpful and it’s easy to meet people along the hikes. As always, don’t hike by yourself at unsafe hours. Though trails are well marked, there is spotty cell signal and it would not be good to…
Ever since I can remember reading has been cathartic for me. When I was little, anytime I was frustrated, angry, or anxious I ran upstairs to my room, shut the door and read until I felt better. I would get lost in someone else’s world for awhile, putting my own on hold. As we are faced with the challenges of this unprecedented time, now more than ever, is a great time to pick up a book and put all of our fears aside for awhile. Just because travel is on hold for now doesn’t mean you can’t still experience a different part of the world. So get out your kindle or iPad because here are 10 travel books to inspire your wanderlust. “Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book”Anonymous What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding Kristin Newman This memoir will…
Havana is easily a city I still think about. I frequently catch my thoughts drifting towards it at random points, mulling over the anachronistic elements of the city combined with the friendly locals and vibrant culture. Here’s a travel guide to Havana that’ll make planning your trip that much easier! If you are planning a trip to Cuba, first check out my guide here. Where to Stay in Havana In order to support the Cuban people, I recommend that you stay in a Casa Particular. You have a variety of options such as a private room in a local’s house, a shared room such as a hostel, or the entire apartment to yourself. We booked ours on Airbnb and had a seamless experience with our incredibly gracious hosts. New to Airbnb? Click here for $40 off your first stay! I highly recommend you stay in Habana Vieja (Old Havana) so…
I finally got to cross Cuba off my bucket list and it did not disappoint. Bursting with vibrant color and streets alive with music, Havana in particular is a city you will fall for. Follow this ultimate first timer’s guide to Cuba and it’ll make your trip planning process that much easier. Guide to Cuba Is Cuba safe to travel to as a solo female traveler? Cuba is a relatively safe country with a fairly low crime rate. I traveled with a group of friends and we all felt very safe. As a solo female traveler, you can expect cat calling and piropos (still a form of cat calling in my opinion but these are supposed to be witty compliments). I know that street harassment can be a huge drain on your trip but unfortunately, it’s still the reality in many places. Try your best to ignore it and do…
If you read these 7 reasons why you should visit Slovenia then you know that this country has so many things to offer and the best way to experience it is by car. Here’s your one stop shop guide to the ultimate Slovenia road trip. What to Know Before Visiting Slovenia When to visit Slovenia: I’d recommend visiting Slovenia on the shoulder months. We visited in May and this was the perfect time to visit since it was right before peak season and it was nowhere near as crowded as it gets during the summer. Plus, there was plenty of availability for all the activities we wanted to do, allowing us to do some last minute booking. How much time to spend in Slovenia: At a minimum, 6-7 days though I wish we had two weeks there. Hell, I wish I lived there. #obsessed The Euro is the currency here…
I left a piece of my heart in Slovenia. Okay, before you say anything, you’re right I tend to say that about most places I go to but this time I really truly mean it. Slovenia is now in my top 5 favorite countries. There you go. Now you believe me. And if you don’t, you will shortly because here are the top 7 reasons why you NEED to visit Slovenia right now. Tiny adorable capital city Ljubljana I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of a lot of European capital cities. They can be large, overwhelming, and frankly a little drab (controversial opinion??). Ljubljana is nothing like that. First of all, it’s easy to walk around as the city center is compact and has the cutest pedestrian streets. Colorful buildings, gorgeous architecture, a river running through the center, an enchanting castle, beautiful bridges….need I continue? Slovenia has fairytale like…