I’m Kayley and I am a teacher and travel enthusiast living in Sweden with my husband. A few summers ago, some friends and I decided to leave the boys at home and go on a girls’ trip. We had a few requirements – sun, sea and adventure! With  4 teachers, an 8 week summer break ahead of us, and Europe at our fingertips, it wasn’t hard to come up with the PERFECT trip. Here I’ll share with you our Croatia Itinerary for 10 days – featuring cute airbnbs, cliff jumping adventures and even a cute convertible! For the ultimate summer trip, we’ve got you covered!

Tips for Planning Your Croatia Itinerary

Money

Croatia uses the Croatian Kuna (1 USD = 7 HRK)

Flying In & Out

We flew directly from Stockholm into Dubrovnik Airport, but you could fly into one of its other international airports like Split or Rijeka International Airport. Dubrovnik International Airport is located just 15km from the city, making it super convenient to get to Old Town. Dubrovnik airport offers multiple airport buses for about €5, stopping both in the Old Town and at the main bus station at Gruž harbour. The buses depart 30 minutes after every flight arrival. The website says you can buy tickets from the driver, but when we arrived and tried to get on, he didn’t have any tickets so we had to run back inside to draw cash from an ATM and buy tickets from the booth just inside. 

Packing for Croatia

Croatia is really hot and humid over June and July, their summer season. For the most part you’ll only need shorts and tank tops or t-shirts. I packed a comfy maxi dress which was great over sunburn. I recommend packing a pair of trainers, especially if you’re planning on walking down to odysseus caves and doing any hikes (which I highly recommend). Other than that a pair of comfortable/pretty sandals will double up as daily beach shoes as well as evening wear. 

How to Get Around

Croatia has multiple modes of transportation, so getting around is fairly easy. For this 10 day Croatia itinerary we utilized ferries, a few buses, Ubers and rented both a car and a scooter. Croatia has a state run ferry company – Jadrolinija, which is reliable and efficient but can be rather difficult to figure out. I would suggest planning your route first, checking ferry schedules and only then booking accommodation. That being said, we booked all our ferry tickets online before the trip, except for the first one from Dubrovnik to Mjlet. We just headed to the ferry terminal early in the morning to get tickets for that day. 

Buses are also very common and fairly inexpensive. They provide beautiful scenery especially if traveling along the coast. Don’t expect the bus driver to speak English or be very friendly. Also be aware that if your bag doesn’t fit into the overhead, they charge you cash to put it in the hold. 

How to Spend 10 Days in Croatia

In this Croatia itinerary we stuck to the coast and hopped around quite a bit, visiting a few islands with Croatia’s extensive ferry network. We started in Dubrovnik, visited 4 different islands and then ventured back onto the mainland at Split. This is how our 10 day Croatia Itinerary looked: 

• Dubrovnik: 1 Night
• Mljet: 1 Night
• Korcula: 2 Nights
• Hvar: 2 Nights
• Bol: 2 Nights
• Split: 1 Night

Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik

We arrived in Dubrovnik in the evening and chose only to spend one night there. Living in Europe we can often find cheap flights to main cities over random weekends and so we like to get out of the more touristy places when we have the extra time. We stayed in a little hostel called Anchi Guesthouse which was just a one or two minute walk from the main bus station, and about 5 minutes away from the ferry port that we would be using to get to the islands. 

Day 2: Caves and National Parks on Mjlet

We got up early in the morning to go get tickets for the first ferry of the day before returning to pack our things. Along the way, we grabbed burek for breakfast. These cheese or meat pastries became a staple breakfast each morning while we were on route to a new adventure!

The ferry departs from port Gruz in Dubrovnik at 9:15 AM and takes about an hour to get to Mjlet (Sobra port). Our plan was to rent 2 scooters for about €27 a day from the port, but as we arrived something more thrilling caught our eyes! Maybe it was the excitement of the first day of our girls trip but something just screamed girls trip when we caught sight of a beautiful turquoise Fiat soft-top.

Rent a Car or Scooter

Mini brum has an office right at the port, and gave us such friendly service and a well marked map with great advice and recommendations! It was a good thing that all the scooters were already rented so our decision was made as we stuffed our backpacks into the back and hopped in!

I recommend renting some sort of vehicle in Mljet as there is no public transportation on the island. It is an incredibly beautiful island, so you’ll want to be able to explore all over! My only regret this trip is that we didn’t spend more time here.

Mljet is off the coast and probably my favourite part of our 10-day itinerary in Croatia. The whole western third of the island is the National Park which hosts two salt water lakes and an island with a church!

Check in to Villa Victor

We checked in early to our gorgeous Airbnb, Villa Victor, and chatted with our super friendly hosts before heading to a small beach cove down the street for the morning. In the afternoon we drove through to the national park. There is an entry fee of 90.00kn per person, or 50.00kn with a valid student card.

Check out the Island of Santa Maria

You can also find a little boat that runs to the island of Santa Maria every 30 minutes or so. We hopped onto that and took a walk around the island and had a little swim in the lake before taking a boat to the next lake drop off spot. The two salt water lakes are interconnected and when the tide changes you’re able to float from the big lake into the small one. Lots of fun!

Go cliff jumping at the Odysseus Caves

Another activity I highly recommend is visiting Odysseus Caves. We went fairly early in the morning in the hopes to avoid the heat and crowds. The heat we couldn’t escape, but the crowds weren’t too bad. The hike down takes about 30 minutes, but depending on your fitness and age, I would give yourself a little more time. Going down wasn’t too bad, but coming back up around midday was quite a climb!

You can easily park along the road by the grocery store, Tommy’s, and then follow the sign board to the path that leads down to the sea. Navigating the cliffs can be a bit treacherous so it’s a good idea to have some sturdy shoes for the hike.

Once on the cliffs, go jump off one into the water! I only managed the lower level which was thrilling enough for me but so cool to swim into the caves and see the sun shining into the cave and reflecting the most magnificent blues and greens! 

We spent the day driving around to other beaches and enjoying local food delights like cevapi, a hand rolled, caseless meat sausage, and some more Adriatic beers. The afternoon saw us picking up our bags from Victor Villa, having a last drink with our wonderful hosts and getting the ferry to the next island on our Croatia itinerary – Korčula. 

Days 3 & 4: Wine Tasting and Cycling Tours in Korčula

We arrived in Korčula in the late afternoon and easily found a taxi to our accommodation, another sweet little Airbnb in Medvinjak. Medvinjak is located on the north-eastern “corner” of the island. It was close enough to walk to the main town, but with backpacks and late afternoon thirst, we opted for a taxi instead. After settling in, we took a walk into town and had a lovely dinner together in one of the many cozy, alleyway restaurants. 

We got going early-ish the next morning to enjoy a full day outdoors in the sunshine. We rented bicycles from one of the many rental stores in town and rode across the island to Lumbarda, a small wine region on the southern coast. The ride to the beach is about 8km, with one big hill to get up and over. I cycle everyday to commute, so I am not unfamiliar with the exercise, but it was a bit daunting on the main road section – the hill requires quite a bit of work!

It just made the swim in the ocean a very well deserved reward! We spent the morning popping into different beaches, swimming, tanning, rehydrating and replenishing energy levels with snacks (like more cevapi) at the beachside restaurants. While the beaches were pretty packed, they had a small town, local feel (some more than others). 

On our way back to Korcula, we got waylaid by all the little wine farms, and couldn’t resist stopping in for a little taste. This area is home to the special little grapes that are used to make Grk wine – just one of the 7 wine producers that make Grk here. The charming winemaker’s wife served us and gave us such interesting information and a real value wine-tasting of 3 wines and grappa. The wine buzz may have given us the extra oomph to get going back up the hill and into Korcula. 

Being around during one of the many yacht weeks, the evening has the option to turn pretty wild, with many of the yachts docking at different ports each evening. Some of us chose to go out and join in the buzz, while others chose to have a chill night in. Needless to say, we had a slow morning the next day, and took a ferry at midday to the next island on our list – Hvar. 

Days 5 & 6: Spanish Fortress and Night Life in Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful little island, next on our trip and a popular tourist spot due to its beautiful fortress, 13th century walls and abundance of coastal bars, clubs and hotspots. The town square is right on the water, where you can view the fortress climbing up above you and spend hours watching people in the sunshine. There are little coves and bays to swim in all around the island, including along the main promenade and port. Some of these are just little drop offs with steps into the water. The floor of the ocean has a lot of rocks, shells and anemones so either make sure you don’t put your feet down or wear a pair of water shoes! 

One day we rented scooters and took a ride up to our friend’s cousin’s restaurant Vidikovac Levanda where we enjoyed a beautiful lunch as well as stunning views of lavender fields and high coastal roads overlooking the Adriatic Sea. 

We also ended up getting tickets to a party at the nightclub on another small island called Carpe Diem. It was one of those almost all-inclusives where you get an all-you-can-drink party boat (or in our case, the boat was too full so we had access to a bar beforehand) and then a boat ride to the nightclub. It’s not my normal cup of tea, but it was wild and definitely like something from a movie! The whole island was a nightclub – complete with a pizza slice shop at the boat pick up for your way home! 

Naturally, the next day we all had a little sleep in before packing up once again and heading to the ferry port – but not before picking up some more burek for our boat ride! 

Days 7 & 8: Beach-Hopping in Bol, Bra

We stayed in Bol while on Brac and spent a relatively chilled few days enjoying local beaches and restaurants. We spent a good few hours frying in the sun on the popular Zlatni Rat – a white pebbled peninsula of a beach. The shape of the tip is forever changing due to the currents and wind. This particular beach is packed in the summer, but has beach chairs and umbrellas as well as crystal clear waters.

My favorite beach however, was Beach Bijela Kuća, on the opposite end of Bol, past the ferry port. It is a delightfully sheltered cove, with lots of rocky platforms and sections to set up on. We enjoyed our last lunch with all four of us together at the little restaurant on the corner, Ribarska Kućica. 

I really would have liked to go up to Vidova Gora – the highest peak in the Adriatics, offering the best views of Zlatni Rat beach. The hike is accessible from Bol but is about a 5.5km hike up (11km round trip). Apparently it gets pretty technical towards the top and it’s recommended to have at least 4-5 hours to be able to spend some time enjoying the view.

At that point in our trip, the group of us were quite “adventured out” and we opted to laze on the beach rather than mission up mountains in the humidity. But, now that I’m back home I’m already planning when my husband and I can go back to do the hike!

Two of our four had a flight the next day out of Dubrovnik so we took a ferry all the way back to spend the evening in Dubrovnik. The remaining two of us spent the afternoon on the beach, before having pedicures and enjoying tapas, al fresco on our apartment patio. 

Day 9: Roman Ruins in Split

The next morning we took a ferry back to the mainland, arriving at Split. It was raining when we arrived and the ferry port was a mess with so much traffic! We got an uber to our Airbnb – a small room in a couples home. They were the sweetest family who invited us to have lunch with them and chat around the dining room table. Their son spoke English really well and my friend could speak Croatian which really helped! 

By the time we had finished lunch and chats, the sun had come out so we took a bus into town and explored the harbor front market, ogled all the super yachts and visited Kasjuni Beach – a more secluded, but still touristy, pebble/rock beach.  The beach is about a 40 minute walk along the coast or  you can hop on a bus that goes a few times an hour. We took an uber there, and a bus back. 

On the way back we stopped to walk up through a neighborhood to a viewpoint, Prva Vidilica Na Marjanu (Marjan Hill). There is a little cafe up at the top and a view of Old Town Split. If you continue further up, there are more trails and viewpoints. Unfortunately for us, the rain came down, (and our hunger came up) so we went back down and stopped in for an early dinner at a cute little restaurant terrace to hide away from the rain. 

Once the afternoon thunder shower had passed we took a walk through the old town. Almost half of the town is made up of Diocletian’s palace – the ancient Roman ruins. It makes walking through the town feel so unreal. The ruins are some of the most well-preserved from that time, and many of the shops and alleyways run right through them. I would love to come here with my husband one day –  he also loves this history stuff!

Day 10: Return to Dubrovnik

This was probably the worst part of my trip, where I felt the most anxious, but looking back I’m not sure why. Everything ran as it should have but I was stressed out about traveling the whole day on my own. It was a long day of traveling and the bus driver (on the very first leg of the journey) was mean to me so it set me off haha.

Be warned – if your bag doesn’t fit in the overhead compartment (which really only fits a handbag) you have to pay extra for it to be in the hold. I was super sad about this as I had kept the exact amount of cash on me to buy a pastry for a bus snack and instead had to use it to pay for my bag!  

But other than that, the bus ran smoothly from Split to Dubrovnik – about 4 to 6 hours depending on the route and driver etc. I would recommend taking a window seat on the right as the views over the ocean are incredible, not to mention all the little seaside towns! The route takes you through a small section of Bosnia, so there can sometimes be a little delay at the border when passports are being checked. 

The bus arrives at the main station in Dubrovnik, which is exactly where the shuttle buses to the airport depart from. I bought a ticket from the booth and hopped straight onto the airport bus. As I understand it, there are a few different companies so there should be a bus leaving fairly frequently. It works on the flight schedule – normally a bus departs 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights. 

Croatia is full of so much natural beauty – from mountains to lakes and beaches. We barely made a scratch on the surface – I can’t wait to return with my husband in tow! Do you have any hidden gems that  you would include in your Croatia itinerary?

For more posts on the Balkans, check these next:

• 10 Best Places to Visit in Slovenia
• Best of Albania From a Local: Beaches, Bars, and UNESCO sites
• Dubrovnik: Stay at a Sobe in Old Town
• War Torn Sarajevo, a Culture Shock

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The post The Perfect Croatia Itinerary for 10 Days to Copy for Your Trip! first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post The Perfect Croatia Itinerary for 10 Days to Copy for Your Trip! appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Looking for some beautiful places to visit in Northern Italy? Here’s your guide!

After living and traveling in Italy for over a year, I’ve learned that it is simply impossible to see all of this incredible country in just one trip…or even just one lifetime!

If you’ve visited Italy before and are looking to get a little off-the-beaten-path, or you find yourself dreaming of an Italian getaway filled with beautiful lakes, majestic mountains, colorful coastal villages, grand historic cities, and world-class cuisine, then Northern Italy is the perfect destination for you!

To help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime Northern Italian adventure, I’ll be highlighting some of the best places to visit and things to do in each of Northern Italy’s eight regions: Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna. While I’ve done my best to include the highlights of each region, it would be impossible to include everything in just one post. The following guide to Northern Italy should help you narrow down which regions, cities, and sights are a must on your Italy itinerary!

by Mat Reding via Unsplash

Beautiful Places in Aosta Valley

Visit for: Scenic Alpine Villages, Skiing, Hiking, Castles, Wellness Resorts

Remember when I said that it is impossible to visit all of Italy? Well, I’ll be honest and let you in on a secret-I haven’t actually visited the Aosta Valley. This region is actually the smallest in all of Italy and is nestled between Italy, Switzerland, and France. I have, however, stopped off at a train station near here, and you’ll immediately notice the French and Swiss influences. The architecture, local dishes, and even the official languages (both French and Italian) reflect these different cultures. In this incredibly scenic region, lovers of the outdoors will find plenty of hiking, skiing, and adventure activities in this Alpine destination in addition to historic castles and even Roman ruins!

1. Aosta

The town of Aosta is the valley’s capital city. This historic and charming town is known for its Roman ruins and offers quick access to nearby ski and wellness resorts as well as the Gran Paradiso National Park.

2. Gran Paradiso National Park

This national park is perfect for those who love to adventure and want to take in the scenic surroundings that the Aosta Valley has to offer. Whether you enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife spotting, climbing, or other outdoor activities, you’ll have no shortage of things to do!

3. Courmayeur

This Alpine resort town is a can’t miss when in the Aosta Valley. In this quaint village, you’ll discover unforgettable landscapes, the impressive Mount Blanc, and be perfectly situated for skiing and hiking.

4. Aosta Valley Castles

If you’re a history lover, be sure to save time in your itinerary to visit a few of the many charming castles scattered throughout this delightful region.

Beautiful Places in Piedmont

Visit for: Turin, Alpine Views, Lakes, Wine

Piedmont is another region which borders both France and Switzerland, and of course the Alps. Piedmont is known for its grand capital city, Turin, mountainous terrain, wine production, and it also borders the beautiful Lake Maggiore.

5. Wine Country

Piedmont is famous for its wine production, particularly in the Langhe region. Wine lovers will relish in the opportunity to visit the vineyards which produce some of Italy’s most celebrated wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco. In addition to wine tasting opportunities, many of these vineyards are situated near scenic and historic hilltop towns and offer stunning countryside views. If you prefer white wines, consider trying Asti Spumante, a sparkling wine native to the town of Asti (and a personal favorite!).

6. Turin

As the capital of Piedmont, Turin is an impressive city that boasts a variety of architectural styles including Baroque, Renaissance, Rococo, and Neo-Classical. The grand avenues, large public squares, and palatial complexes point to the city’s historic political and economic importance. You won’t want to miss the Royal Palace, Mole Antonelliana tower, the Egypt Museum, and the Duomo di San Giovanni which houses the famous Shroud of Torino to name just a few of the important cultural and architectural highlights waiting to be discovered in this city.

7. Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore shares its borders with Piedmont, Lombardy, and Switzerland, and it is perfect for those looking to enjoy some time on the water during their Northern Italy travels. Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy and is known for the Borromean islands, charming lakeside towns, and remarkable villas all beautifully situated with the Alps as their backdrop. While Lake Como may be the more well-known lake, if the idea of visiting the Borromean islands or even popping over to Switzerland intrigues you, then Lake Maggiore is worth a stop!

8. Lake Orta

For those looking to get even further from the beaten path, consider visiting Lake Orta. Here you’ll find beautiful scenery and charm with fewer tourists although there is a bit less in terms of things to do. Great if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway! If you’re torn between Northern Italy’s lakes, check out this guide for a comparison.

Places to Visit in Lombardy

Visit for: Milan, Lake Como, Italian Alps, Quaint Lakeside Towns

While Lombardy often is left off the list for a first-time visit to Italy, it is one of my all-time favorite itinerary add ons for those looking to experience the north of Italy. From fashionable Milan to Lake Como’s stunning mountainous landscapes and gorgeous lakeside villages, this region has so much to offer. It’s no wonder the rich and famous love to vacation here!

Follow me on Instagram @missadventuresabroad for more Italy and travel tips and inspiration!

9. Milan

This city is known worldwide as Italy’s fashion capital, which is especially evident during fashion week! While you’ll find an array of high-end stores and luxury shops, if you aren’t so into fashion, fear not! Milan is also home to many historic and cultural sights. Be sure to stop by the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Sforza Castle to see some of the city’s most culturally significant architecture. For lovers of da Vinci, you won’t want to miss The Last Supper, which is housed here. Be sure to get your tickets well in advance though! Discover more of my favorite must-sees in Milan here.

10. Lake Como

One of my favorite destinations in all of Italy, Lake Como is a must if you love the water, mountains, and colorful towns. Just a short journey by train from Milan, I recommend spending several days in Lake Como to explore its beautiful villages, impressive historic villas, and to enjoy the unparalleled scenery of this remarkable alpine lake. For those who love being active, you will find plenty to do in terms of hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. If you prefer relaxing a bit more, you can easily hop from town to town on the ferry, and shops, restaurants, and scenic cafes abound. Be sure to check out this guide to Lake Como before you visit!

11. Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Lake Iseo

Lake Como isn’t the only famous lake in Lombardy! The region also borders several other lakes which are worth visiting as well! I haven’t been lucky enough to visit them all, so try reading this helpful guide for a comparison.

12. Mantua

Situated between 3 artificial lakes, Mantua is a historic city that was once one of Italy’s most important cultural centers. It is the perfect place to spend a day for art and architecture lovers who are looking to get a bit off the beaten path and discover the castle, palace, basilica, and other treasures nestled within this  UNESCO World Heritage Site.

13. Switzerland

You know what they say…when in Lombardy…visit Switzerland? Well, you heard it here first! As Lombardy is located along the Swiss border, what better way to see two beautiful countries in one trip than by popping over to Switzerland? Consider paying a visit to nearby Lake Lugano, which is located in both Italy and Switzerland, if you can’t get enough of the region’s alpine lakes!

by Samantha via There She Goes Again

Beautiful Places in Trentino-Alto Adige

Visit for: The Dolomites,  Access to Switzerland and Austria, Medieval Castles, Skiing

Trentino-Alto Adige borders both Switzerland and Austria, and it is made up of land that historically belonged to the Holy Roman Empire and the state of Tyrol. With such a mix of culture and history, this region certainly has a different feel from the rest of Italy – one that is distinctly, well, Tyrolean. The official languages are Italian and German with a few other dialects that are also spoken. In this region, visitors enjoy a blend of cultures, the Dolomites, access to Switzerland and Austria, plenty of skiing opportunities, and some incredible medieval castles.

14. Trento

Like most Italian cities, you’ll find an impressive cathedral, lovely piazzas, and, of course, plenty of historic buildings. What sets Trento apart is the Buonconsiglio Castle, known for its impressive frescoes. From Trento, you’ll be well-positioned to access the region’s many ski resorts and hiking trails if the outdoors and Italian Alps are calling you!

15. Bolzano

Looking to discover a hint of Germany while in Italy? Look no further than Bolzano, as this charming city feels far more German than it does Italian! After all, it has only been a recognized part of Italy since 1919. This charming city is the largest in Trentino-Alto Adige, and it is the region’s capital. From Bolzano, you can easily explore the Dolomites and visit some of the region’s beautiful castles and churches. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the famous “Ötzi the Iceman,” a natural mummy discovered in the Alps that dates back to 3,400 BC. You can pay a visit to him by dropping by Bolzano’s South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. If you happen to be visiting Bolzano during the wintertime or ski season, be sure to check out the famous Christmas markets! You’ll really feel as though you’ve been transported to Germany!

16. Lake Garda

Trentino-Alto Adige isn’t just famous for the Dolomites! The region also borders Lake Garda. Lake Garda is actually the largest lake in Italy, and it is known for its clear glacial waters and beautiful waterfront towns. While Lake Garda is a popular vacation spot for Italians, you’ll find fewer foreign tourists here than Lake Como, so it may be just what you are looking for if you are hoping to get off-the-beaten-trail!

17. The Dolomites

Sprinkled throughout Trentino-Alto Adige, you’ll find plenty of ski chalets, wellness resorts, castles, hiking trails, and charming smaller towns just waiting to be explored as you adventure throughout the Italian Alps. If you love mountains and the outdoors, then this region is definitely for you!

Places to Visit in Veneto

Visit for: Venice, Verona, Padua, the Dolomites

Veneto is one of Northern Italy’s most famous and visited regions as it is home to Venice and the canals and waterways that make up this historic and picturesque city. While many first time visitors to Italy make Venice a must on their itinerary, some of the region’s other incredible sites don’t quite make the cut. The region has so much more to offer beyond Venice – from the romantic city of Verona to the mountainous Dolomites to the historic Padua, you’re bound to discover some incredible places when in Veneto!

18. Venice

A visit to Veneto simply wouldn’t be complete without spending some time in Venice. This exquisite city on the water is at the top of so many visitors’ bucket lists for a reason. From the beautiful bridges and canals to the city’s quaint gondolas and grand historic architecture, Venice is magical and unique in every way. It’s no wonder this City of Bridges attracts 30 million visitors per year! Of course, with so many tourists, Venice can feel a bit overwhelming, so I would highly recommend exploring some of Veneto’s less frequented cities if you are looking for a deeper dive into culture.

19. Murano and Burano

If you have the time while you are visiting Venice, I highly recommend popping over to the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for the Venetian glass which is produced there, and there are several glass factories where you can see a glass-making demonstration and tour workshops filled with completed glassware. Burano is a colorful fishing village which is the stuff of every Instagrammer’s dreams. You’ll find row after row of brightly colored houses on this enchanting island, and can even visit a shop or two where handcrafted Burano lace is made.

20. Verona

I have to admit, as a romantic, Verona is one of my all-time favorite cities to visit in Italy. As the fabled setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, there’s all sorts of fun literary tourist-ing to be done in this endearing and historic town. Stop by Romeo or Juliet’s house, write your very own letter to Juliet, and get lucky in love by touching the statue of Juliet.  Romeo and Juliet not your thing? Enjoy some of the city’s other noted attractions such as the Verona Opera (which is held in the 3rd largest amphitheater in Italy) right in the heart of the city. Verona is an incredibly walkable city that is dripping in history, beautiful views, and so much more! Learn more about why you’ll fall in love with Verona in this post!

21. Padua

Padua is most well-known for its university. Established in 1222, the University of Padua is one of the oldest in the world! That being said, there is much to see in this city beyond the University. Historic churches, palaces, and piazza’s await, including the Scrovegni Chapel which is filled with frescoes by Giotto, for any fellow art-lovers.

22. Dolomites

The Veneto region also contains a portion of the Dolomites, which is perfect for those looking to explore the mountains, hike, or ski. One of the most famous spots in the Italian Alps, the Cinque Torri, can be found within the mountainous portion of this region!

Beautiful Places in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Visit for: Trieste, Access to Austria and Slovenia, the Adriatic, Dolomites

Tucked away in the Northeastern corner of Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is certainly one of Italy’s lesser-visited regions. I myself have only driven through the region en route to Slovenia! However, if you find yourself making a trip to Northern Italy or are considering a visit to Slovenia yourself, there are definitely several spots worth visiting, and you’ll find the blend of cultures to be quite interesting!

Places to Visit in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

23. Trieste

Trieste is Friuli Venezia Giulia’s capital city. Located just a short drive from the Slovenian border, this port city along the Adriatic has major Slovenian influences. Here you’ll find castles, cathedrals, elegant piazzas, the scenic Grand Canal, Roman ruins, and even a former Nazi Concentration camp, all of which highlight the long and ever-changing history of this region.

24. Slovenia

I know, I know, this is supposed to be a blog post about Northern Italy, so why am I talking about Slovenia? Well, the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana is conveniently located just an hour from Trieste and is not to be missed if you find yourself nearby! I absolutely love Slovenia, and I took a bus from Trieste to visit this incredible country. From the capital city of Ljubljana to stunning Lake Bled to the fascinating Postojna Cave, there are so many cool places to visit just beyond the Italian-Slovenian border! You won’t have to wander far to pack in some seriously cool Slovenian adventures. Read more about what this destination has to offer here!

25. Dolomites (Again!)

Like many of Northern Italy’s regions, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is also home to the Dolomite mountains. For those of you who simply can’t get enough of the Swiss Alps, there are more scenic views and skiing opportunities just waiting to be had!

Liguria

Visit for: Cinque Terre Villages, Hiking, swimming in the Mediterranean, Genoa

Liguria is Northern Italy’s most coastal region as it follows the Mediterranean from France to Tuscany. For many, this region is a must visit while in Italy, as it is home to the famous five colorful villages that make up Cinque Terre. If you are looking to enjoy the sea, love hiking, or are dying to get that perfect Instagram shot, then be sure to put Liguria on your itinerary!

26. Cinque Terre

Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are the five scenic towns that are the jewels of the Italian Riviera. While it is best to visit anytime between late spring and early fall if you are looking to swim or enjoy better weather, these stunning towns are breathtaking year-round. Whether you are hoping to hike the spectacular trails which connect the towns or wishing to take the train and absorb the spectacular views from the striking villages themselves, you are sure to be mesmerized by the beauty all around you! It is important to note that Cinque Terre can be flooded with tourists, so be prepared to experience the magic of these small towns along with many others! You’ll want to read this guide to visiting Cinque Terre before you go!

27. Genoa

If you find yourself in Liguria and are looking to get away from smaller villages and experience city life, consider popping over to Genoa. This port city is Liguria’s capital, and it is famous for being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. You’ll find museums, maritime attractions, grand boulevards and piazzas, historic buildings, and more in this maritime capital!

28. Portofino, Portovenere, Santa Margherita

Can’t get enough of the Italian Riviera? There is more to explore beyond Cinque Terre! If you are looking to get a bit further from the crowded towns of Cinque Terre, these other Ligurian locations certainly fit the bill! You’ll find vibrant and historic Mediterranean villages here and tons of Italian vacationers who prefer spending the summer months in these alternative destinations, offering a more local, unique experience!

Emilia-Romagna

Visit for: Excellent Italian Cuisine, Medieval Cities and Villages, Bologna

Last, but certainly not least, we have Emilia-Romagna. This region is perhaps most often recognized for its world-renowned cuisine, which is often regarded as the best in all of Italy. In addition to all of the fantastic gastronomy in the region, you’ll find medieval cities such as Bologna and Ravenna just waiting for you to explore them! This is an excellent region to combine with Tuscany or Veneto, as it borders both regions. You’ll also have access to the Adriatic!

29. Bologna

This medieval city is one of my favorites in all of Italy. It has a truly authentic Italian feel, and some of the best food in the region can be found here! In addition to the many local dishes that await visitors, you’ll find that the city is famous for it’s covered walkways (porticoes) which line practically every street. Bologna is lively and bustling with plenty of historic towers, churches, and landmarks to keep a tourist engaged! Read my 1-day Bologna itinerary here for more inspiration.

30. Ravenna

On my most recent visit to Italy I was lucky enough to visit Ravenna, and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t visited sooner! If you love art, Ravenna is an absolute must as it is home to some truly stunning mosaics which adorn the notable buildings around town. Just an hour from Bologna, this city is the perfect day to spend a day exploring.

31. Parma and Modena

If you are a foodie, be sure to expand beyond Bologna to visit some of Emilia-Romagna’s other culinary gems such as Parma and Modena. Parma is known for Parmesan cheese, while Modena gets its claim to fame from the balsamic vinegar produced there. Though these cities may have a bit less to offer in terms of charm and tourist activities, they make an excellent addition to any visit to Emilia-Romagna.

32. Rimini

Had enough food and ready to relax on the beach? For those visiting Emilia-Romagna in the summertime, Rimini makes for a perfect escape to the Adriatic! You’ll find there is plenty of history and coastline to be explored as you relax and soak up the sun here.

Whew! With so many incredible places just waiting for you to explore, it’s safe to say that Northern Italy has something for everyone! Which destinations caught your eye?

For more travel in Italy

• The 10 Best-Kept Secrets In Florence You Won’t Want to Miss
• An Instagram Guide to Trastevere, Rome
• 4 Reasons to Visit the Amalfi Coast in the Off-Season

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The post 32 Beautiful Places to Visit in Northern Italy first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

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Wondering how to spend 3 days in Seville, Spain? Here’s all you need to know!

Seville is one of my favorite cities in all of Europe. The charming capital of Andalucia is known for its stunning Mudejar architecture, lively atmosphere, charming orange-tree lined streets, and truly authentic Spanish feel. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Seville is the perfect destination for a weekend city break. It’s an absolute must if you are planning a larger trip throughout Spain. 

Before you book your tickets, I must warn you. Seville is absolutely spellbinding. After my first visit to the city, I found myself so enchanted that I spent the following two years teaching English in this Andalusian paradise. 

With this 3 day Seville itinerary, you’ll be well on your way to feeling just like I did with this captivating jewel of southern Spain. 

Tips for Visiting Seville

When to Visit

One of my favorite things about Seville is the fact that it is sunny nearly every day! While it does rain more in the winter months, you’ll find that temperatures remain very mild, making it a great destination year-round. In the winter, temperatures range between 40-60°F, but in the summer you’ll find temperatures as high as 100°F (or more)! If you struggle with the heat, I’d avoid visiting during July/August, the city’s hottest months. 

Seville Fair

If you are planning to visit Seville in April/May, be sure to check the dates of the Feria de Abril. This annual festival is held two weeks after Holy Week (Semana Santa), and is a time when the whole city puts daily life on pause, dresses up in their Feria finest, and prepares to party!

This is an excellent time to visit if you love attending local festivals and witnessing traditions. However, if you would rather see the city’s museums and landmarks, you’ll find that this is not the best time to go. The city becomes crowded and expensive, and many restaurants, shops, and attractions close or have limited hours. If you are planning a visit during the Feria de Abril, be sure to read my guide to attending the festival here! 

How Long to Spend in Seville

Seville is a very walkable city, so you’ll find that it is quite easy to see most of the highlights in just a few days without feeling overwhelmed. You can, of course, book a guided tour to see them too. I recommend spending 2-3 days in Seville to cover everything, and this itinerary includes two full days in the city and one day spent on a day trip. If you are looking for a more relaxed visit, you may wish to forgo the day trip and see the sights at a more leisurely pace.

You 3-Day Seville Itinerary

Day 1: Seville’s Highlights

Today is all about getting out and exploring Seville’s most iconic sights. Grab yourself a cafe con leche and get ready for a day spent taking in some of the city’s most famous and beautiful locales.

Plaza de España

Your first stop of the day is the Plaza de España. This massive square is, in my opinion, the most beautiful in all of Spain, though it is not the most historic. The plaza was actually built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929, making it a relatively new addition to the city. Spend some time wandering around this semi-circular neo-mudejar construction as you admire the intricate tile work which depicts different cities throughout Andalucia.

If you’d like, you can even spend a few euros to paddle around the small “river” running through the square. An equally fun and cheesy activity I 100% recommend. Be sure to bring your camera, as this square is picture-perfect! If you’re a Star Wars fan, you might recognize the location from Attack of the Clones.

Parque de María Luisa

After you’ve explored the Plaza de España, you’ll want to head next door to the Parque de María Luisa. This beautiful park is the perfect place for a stroll or even a picnic.

You’ll find exotic trees, blooming flowers, lovely landscaping, interesting water features, and even a pond filled with birds and other animals. This public park is rather large, so be sure to check out the maps from time to time to ensure you aren’t missing any of the tucked-away treasures you’re bound to stumble upon! 

Royal Alcázar of Seville

Your next stop of the day is the Royal Alcázar of Seville, one of the city’s most famous and visited sites. This gorgeous and historic royal palace dates back to the 14th century, and features Mudéjar architecture and Muslim influences which are hallmarks of Andalucian architecture. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you navigate through the palace and its gardens taking in the detailed tile work, extravagant rooms, and ornate details throughout. The location is so impressive that it was featured on “Game of Thrones!” Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance, as the entrance lines can be very long. In the summer months, tickets can even sell out! Book skip the line tickets here

Catedral de Sevilla

Nestled in the heart of the city and quite near to the Alcázar is Seville’s impressive cathedral. This massive gothic structure is actually the largest Cathedral in the world, making it pretty impossible to miss when visiting Seville! Don’t just settle for viewing the Cathedral from the outside. Even if you’ve seen more European churches than you’d ever care to, you’ll want to step inside. Not only is the Cathedral’s sheer size absolutely astounding, but you’ll find Christopher Columbus’ tomb here, and it’s one of the most impressive I’ve ever seen.

The Giralda

The Giralda is another reason to venture into Seville’s Cathedral. This former minaret today functions as the Cathedral’s bell tower and offers some of the best views of Seville! You’ll find that the panoramic city views are well worth the climb. I also appreciate that the walkway up is far less narrow than most other bell towers I have climbed, making the walk up more pleasant and less crowded and claustrophobic than other towers. Book Catedral and Giralda tickets here

Barrio de Santa Cruz

The Barrio de Santa Cruz is the city’s former Jewish Quarter and the most historic and touristy neighborhood located just next to the Cathedral. Spend some time enjoying the labyrinth of narrow streets and the lovely squares within. If you have time to join a walking tour of Seville, you’ll be able to learn more about the Barrio Santa Cruz and its history. Book a walking tour here

Tapas Time

After a busy day exploring some of the city’s main highlights, it is time to try some of the Seville’s best tapas! Be sure to do as the locals do and hop from tapas bar to tapas bar in search of the most delicious small plates in town.

You won’t want to start your evening too early, as most restaurants don’t open up until 7:30 or 8:00PM! While you’re in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, try starting your tapas tour at Casa Morales, the second-oldest tapas bar in town and favorite among Sevillanos.

For tapas-themed tours, check these:

• Islamic City Tour with Tapas
• Tapas Route in Sevilla
• Gourmet Wine and Tapas Tour
• Private Wine and Tapas Tour

Day 2: Sightseeing

Now that you’ve discovered some of Seville’s most famous landmarks, it’s time to see what else the city has to offer! From beautiful riverfront walks to tucked away historic homes, you’ll have lots to explore on your second day in this magical city! 

Enjoy the Guadalquivir riverfront

During the summer months in particular, you’ll find locals and tourists alike enjoying the Guadalquivir riverfront. The river separates many of the tourist sights from the Triana neighborhood and used to be a part of my daily commute! Whether you simply walk along the river (there are promenades on both sides) or decide to have a picnic along the shore, the riverfront is an excellent place to spend the morning! 

Torre del Oro

As you walk along the riverfront, you’ll find the Torre del Oro, a 13th century watchtower which overlooks the Guadalquivir. If you’d like to visit, there are a few military exhibits housed within the tower, and of course an excellent view of the river. 

Explore Triana

As your morning already includes a walk along the river, you’ll want to cross the Triana Bridge, Puente de Isabel II, to explore the Triana neighborhood of Seville. This authentic area is not only beautiful, but it is a favorite among locals as there aren’t as many tourist attractions on this side of the river. You’ll really be able to see the traditions of Seville come to life here in the bars, restaurants, and squares. If you are looking to purchase some tile work or ceramics, then this is an area where you’ll find a variety of shops perfect for souvenir hunting!

Visit a market or two

Try popping into the Triana Market for a chance to see where locals do their grocery shopping (outside of the city’s supermarkets). Here you’ll find fresh produce, meat, and other goods all sold by local vendors. If you are looking for a more trendy market to grab a snack, then simply walk across the bridge to the Mercado Lonja del Barranco, a gourmet market with a variety of offerings from smoothies to more traditional tapas. The 19th-century building was originally a fish market, but today is an excellent gathering spot or place to grab a drink as you enjoy views of the river! 

Try these Triana tours:

• Triana Market Tour with Tastings
• Walking Tour of the Triana District
• Tapas Like a Local: Triana Tapas Tour

Plaza del Toros

Another sight you’ll pass on your walk along the river is the Plaza del Toros, Seville’s bullring. Personally, I have opted not to attend any bullfights while in Spain, as six bulls are killed during the fights and they are very violent. That being said, you can opt to simply tour the bullring and learning about the history of bullfighting in Seville.

Visit a historic home…or two!

There are several impressive and beautiful noble homes that one can (and should) visit when in Seville. I highly recommend paying a visit to the Palacio de las Duenas or the Casa de Pilatos to get a sense of the city’s stately past. If you have time or love historic homes, then try to squeeze in both! These former residences are impeccably preserved and feature antique artifacts, gorgeous grounds, and highlight the beautiful tiles that Seville is so famous for.

Visit the oldest tapas bar in Seville

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Palacio de las Duenas you’ll find the oldest tapas bar in Seville, El Rinconcillo. The bar dates back to 1670 and still offers some of the best tapas in town, in addition to its amazing authentic atmosphere! Another great thing about this bar is that it’s open all afternoon and evening, so you don’t have to wait until late to sample the delicious food and drink within! I highly recommend the croquetas, and of course some jamon iberico!

Enjoy sunset at Las Setas

The Metropol Parasol, known to locals as Las Setas (the mushrooms) is a modern structure that certainly sticks out among the older structures in Seville. For just a few euros, you can purchase a ticket to the top, where you’ll follow the pathways around this cloud-like grid as you take in the city. Try to coordinate your visit so you can watch the sunset, as this is certainly one of the best views in town! The juxtaposition of the modern and historic truly shows the city off, and the pinks and purples of the setting sun and yellow city lights highlight Seville’s best features. 

Alameda de Hercules

After sunset, it is time to enjoy even more tapas and some of the city’s famous nightlife in the Alameda de Hercules. This large, bustling square is a favorite among locals, particularly a younger crowd, and it was my go-to when searching for a place to meet with friends, grab a drink, or enjoy some tapas. Spend a couple of hours doing as the Spanish do, hopping from bar to bar enjoying tapas, conversation, and the lively atmosphere. 

See a Flamenco performance

Andalucia is famous for its Flamenco dancing, so be sure to catch a performance while you are in town! A flamenco performance is the perfect way to cap off a busy day touristing, or it is a great way to start an evening spent dancing the night away! You can choose to purchase tickets to a Flamenco show, or if you are on a budget there are several bars which offer free performances. If you do opt to visit a free performance at a bar (one popular spot is La Carboneria) be sure to check online to see what times and days these performances are offered. 

Day 3: Day Trip from Seville

Today is the perfect day to choose your own adventure! Whether you stayed out late dancing and are ready to relax, have a few highlights from previous days you weren’t able to squeeze in, or are looking to hit some of the city’s museums, today is the day to do just that!

That being said, if you’re like me and are trying to squeeze in as much as possible, you might be ready for a new adventure! One of the best things about Seville is its location-you’ll have easy access to a variety of amazing day trips! From Roman ruins to the beach, here are some of my favorites:

Italica

Just 20 minutes outside of Seville, these incredible Roman ruins are easily accessible via public transportation. The amphitheater was even featured in Game of Thrones! Italica is an excellent choice for a half-day trip from Seville, especially if you are on a budget or there are a few things you’d still like to see in the city! Click here for more information on planning a visit. 

Cadiz

Looking to hit the beach? Simply hop on a train and in less than two hours you’ll find yourself in beautiful Cadiz. The city is quite walkable and centralized, making it easy to see in just one day. Even if it isn’t quite swimming season, you’ll find lots of history here (from phonecian ruins to 17th century fortresses) in Spain’s oldest city! Check out my favorite things to do in Cadiz here. 

Cordoba

Cordoba is one of my favorite cities in Andalucia. It makes for an excellent day trip as it is less than an hour from Seville by train. The city is home to the famous Mezquita (a must see!) among other historic buildings and even a palace. The city especially comes to life in May during the festival of the patios, so if you are planning a may visit, the town is not to be missed! Learn more about visiting the city here, and if you’re in town during May, be sure to check out the unforgettable flower festival. You can also see what the festival is like on my Instagram highlights @missadventuresabroad. 

Ronda

If you have a rental car and are interested in heading a little further afield, consider visiting scenic Ronda. This charming pueblo blanco is considered to be one of the most beautiful “white towns” in Spain. Plus, the cliffside views certainly make it one of the most unique. The drive is just under two hours, and is worth every minute! Read all about why you should visit Ronda in this post! 

As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do in Seville! Whether you spend your time wandering from tapas bar to tapas bar, visiting historic palaces and churches, marveling at Mudejar architecture, or adventuring on day trips, you’re bound to fall in love with this city, just as I have! Vamos a Sevilla!

Have you spent time in Seville? What did you think?

Our Other Spanish Guides:

• Sailing the Balearic Islands
• Luxury Guide to Barcelona
• Tips on Backpacking Madrid

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The post How to Spend 3 Days in Seville in Southern Spain first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post How to Spend 3 Days in Seville in Southern Spain appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Wondering what the best things to do in Tenerife are? Here’s all you need to know on where to go, what to eat, and more from a former expat!

Beautiful beaches and sizzling nightlife are two of Tenerife’s main draws – but there’s also the colonial charm, unique cuisine, and varied topography that can allure even the pickiest traveler. Known as “the island of eternal springtime,” Tenerife is the perfect destination to visit all year long.

As a nine-month resident of Tenerife, I spent a good amount of time traveling around this tiny paradise, and have compiled up all of my recommendations about the very best the island has to offer. 

I’ve divided this guide up into a few different sections:

• Food
• Drinks
• Experiences
• Hikes 
• Cities

What to Eat in Tenerife

I love food, and tasting the local cuisine is definitely a top priority when I travel anywhere. Spanish food is famous the world over for being delicious, and Tenerife’s island food is definitely no exception. If anything, I liked it more than the rest of Spain! Because it’s an island, Tenerife’s food focuses more on what’s local, easily available, and fresh. They grow tons of their own fruits and vegetables, which you can find either at a grocery store such as Mercadona or at any local market.

Goat and Goat Cheese

Tenerife is a mountainous, volcanic island, so animals such as cows aren’t much of an option. However, goats are perfectly happy to scamper up and down cliffs that would give anyone a serious case of vertigo. For this reason, skip any beef entrees you might find and order the cabra you see on a menu. It’s local, stewed for a long time in a mix of spices until it’s fork-tender and delicious. The goat cheese is also fantastic. You can find a wide range of varieties in both markets and supermarkets. My favorite was a slightly aged cheese with pimientos, but everyone has their own tastes!

Seafood

You’re on an island! The seafood in Tenerife is fresh, plentiful, and relatively cheap. Octopus especially is a popular dish here. Pictured above is one of the tapas they served at one of my favorite local joints. It features octopus, pimientos, a quick-pickled onion, and drizzled with a vinaigrette made with the fruity local olive oil. It’s just about as perfect a dish as you can imagine.

Mojo

Mojo is a sauce that comes in both red and green varieties (mojo rojo and mojo verde, respectively) that is delicious on e v e r y t h i n g. It is truly the Ranch Dressing of the Canaries. The green sauce has a cilantro base, while the red sauce is slightly spicy, with a pepper base. It’s often served with salty boiled potatoes (another specialty of the island, but nothing to write home about).

Ropa Vieja

Not to be confused with that bag of clothes you’ve been meaning to take to Goodwill, ropa vieja is a delicious, slightly spicy dish you’ll actually enjoy getting. It’s made of oh-so-soft shredded meat, garbanzos, potatoes, and (occasionally) red peppers, all swimming harmoniously together in a thin but rich broth. As an alternative, you can also try carne fiesta, grilled meat which normally comes served up with a side of fries.  

Just like, all the fruits and vegetables

Contrary to what you might believe so far in this post, I don’t eat a lot of meat usually. In fact, at home I normally only cook vegetarian dishes. During my time on Tenerife, I’d normally go to the market at the beginning of the week and stock up on whatever local produce was in season. At Mercadona, the local grocery store, they marked where the foods came from, so in an effort to be eco-conscious I’d try and pick the ones that were from Canarias. I was never disappointed with my decisions: the volcanic soil makes for some seriously delicious produce. I’d especially recommend the bananas. There are tons of banana farms all around the island!

What to Drink in Tenerife

As most mom memes on the Internet will tell you, drinks play an essential role in y̶o̶u̶r̶ ̶b̶u̶r̶g̶e̶o̶n̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶a̶l̶c̶o̶h̶o̶l̶i̶s̶m̶ staying sane. On vacation, you can indulge even more with that treat yo’self mentality popularized by t̶h̶e̶ ̶f̶i̶n̶a̶n̶c̶i̶a̶l̶l̶y̶ ̶s̶e̶l̶f̶-̶d̶e̶s̶t̶r̶u̶c̶t̶i̶v̶e̶ ̶a̶d̶u̶l̶t̶s̶ ̶o̶n̶ “Parks and Recreation. “(P.S. no judgement here this is actually a lot of self-deprication).

Vino Tinto (and maybe a caña)

As mentioned before, the volcanic soil on the island produces a lot of delicious fruit, including grapes. Want to know how to make grapes even better? Smash ‘em up, ferment for a bit, and then drink. The wine on Tenerife is delicious, dirt cheap, and available everywhere. Most restaurants (especially guanchinches) produce their own wine! If you want to take some home, they don’t sell it by the bottle. Instead, you’ll have to bring your own container and they’ll fill it up. I once saw a woman in my hiking group arguing with a waitress for a good five minutes because she only had a plastic bottle with her. She eventually managed to convince the waitress to give her the wine, but with the strict promise that she’d drink it by that night. (This was the best hiking group I’ve ever been in.) Beer is also widely available, and it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures to sit on an outdoor terrace on a warm day and sip a nice, cool caña (because nobody says “cerveza,” gringo).

Mixed Drinks

Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I should include this one, as, for me at least, it left me wishing for the sweet embrace of death. However, if you have a bit more self-awareness than me (and the bar you go to isn’t manned by a friggin psychopath) there is no reason you shouldn’t enjoy a nice mixed drink at the end of a long day watching Teen Wolf with your German housemate. The picture you see here is not a tiny bottle of Coke, but rather a full sized bottle of Coke with enough rum for a full-sized Koi fish to swim through. Don’t be like me and take it as a challenge. Sip wisely. Oh, and BTW rum is also produced on the Canary Islands so you can make your binge drinking a cultural experience!

Coffee

Coffee is something else you can find locally produced in the Canaries. There are plenty of coffee shops everywhere, ranging from bars where have to stand to slurp your java to chain coffee joints in the more tourist-y section. You can even buy the local beans at the grocery store! Coffee is also drunk after meals often; I guess this is to negate the effects of some of that vino you had at lunch.

Fruity frozen drinks

At my heart, I am but a mere white girl trying to make my way through this life. And I love me a fruity frozen drink. If the fruit is good and fresh (like it is on Tenerife), the day is warm (like it is on Tenerife), and there’s a beach nearby (like there is on Tenerife), it creates the perfect environment to sit back and slowly savor something delicious.

The Local Liquor

There’s plenty of local liquor (like the rum I talked about earlier) to try on Tenerife. The most popular and well known, rum miele, is a honey rum produced on the island. However, there’s a plethora of different types out there. The one pictured above is a small shot that a grandpa gave me after I’d eaten at his restaurant, to drink as a digestif. Let me tell you, it was a way to finish out a meal.

Sightseeing Things to Do in Tenerife

Stargazing

The Canary Islands are a starlight preserve, meaning that light pollution is severely restricted. Coming from the neon-lit nights of South Korea as I was, this was incredible. At night sometimes I’d go up on the roof of my apartment building just to look at the sky. The stars are even more incredible if you escape from a city or town and head out into the wilderness. You can check out the tour below for an idea of what you’ll get, but basically you’ll be taken out by professionals with professional equipment to see all the celestial bodies at their best. Note that even though the days in Tenerife are warm, the nights can get chilly so make sure you dress appropriately! Book a tour here

Surfing

The sea swirls fiercely around the Canary Islands, making them the ideal spot for surfing. My unathletic self went exactly once, at the request of my much more athletic friend, and let me tell you, although it wasn’t the sport for me (and I was, tbh, hungover and exhausted from staying out the night before with the aforementioned friend), that the instructors we had were excellent. They made sure we slathered on sunscreen and stretched out before we got into the water, and provided boards and wetsuits (that water is cold but wetsuits are actually amazing) for us. If you already know how to surf, there are plenty of shops and even hotels and hostels that will rent you out a board, if you didn’t bring your own.

Beaches

Did you think you could read a listacle about a paradise island and not hear about the beaches? The beaches of Tenerife range from small, scrubby local beaches to sprawling, beautiful black sand beaches packed with German tourists trying to pack on a tan. I will warn you that quite a few of the beaches are nude beaches, which shouldn’t be a surprise for those of you acquainted at all with beach culture in Europe. If you don’t feel like your birthday suit should be shown off to the sun gods, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear clothes: my poor white ginger body was guarded by an enormous hat, a sun shrug, and further hidden under an umbrella. My friend told me I looked like a middle-aged lady, but I’d rather look like that than a lady bug.

Getting out to the Ocean

There are a lot of different tours you can do out in the bright blue seas surrounding Tenerife, ranging from fishing to dolphin watching! As with the beaches, you might as well make the most of your time on (or rather, off the coast of) an island. 

Road Tripping

It’s both cheap (starting at 15 euros a day) and easy (so long as you have an international license) to rent a car on Tenerife. Car rental shops are in virtually every city, and the people working there are often trilingual, able to speak English, German, and, of course, Spanish. I will warn you that most of the cars available are manual and that renting an automatic is almost double the price, but some are available. When my friends visited me, we would always rent a car to make our way around the island. Buses on Tenerife are pretty bad, and it can be hard to get to a lot of places. It’s also really nice to take your time and pull off at any interesting places you see. 

Hiking in Tenerife

When I was in Tenerife, I usually hiked at least once a week with a group I’d joined. Hiking around Tenerife is a little different from hikes in other places I’ve done. For one, the UV Index is crazy high in Tenerife, which meant that I always wore long sleeves, leggings, a hat, and, of course, sunscreen no matter how hot it was. Secondly, the hikes around Tenerife might not have as many amenities as you’re used to, such as conveniently-located information centers, water fountains, or toilets. Make sure to bring everything you need, and to pack plenty of water! Last, Tenerife has hugely different levels of hikes, ranging from a flat stroll that’s no more difficult than walking around a mall to hugely difficult, steep climbs where you will pass goats that look like they’re fearing for their balance. Make sure to thoroughly research what, exactly, you’re getting yourself into before you start a hike.

Mount Teide

Teide National Park comprised most of the center of the island, and Mount Teide – which is actually both Spain’s tallest mountain and a volcano that might explode and kill us all one day – is easy to see from almost all of the island. Teide National Park is a true nature reserve that I hiked in at least once a month.

If you hike in Teide National Park, you can also get enough elevation that you’re actually above the clouds. This creates a phenomenon known as mar de nuebes, literally meaning sea of clouds, as the clouds slowly look like they’re lapping up against the side of the mountain. Of course, being above the clouds means you aren’t even going to get the shade one can provide, so again, make sure to bring a hat.

Masca

Masca is one of the most visited spots on Tenerife, and it’s not hard to see why. The mountains and valleys here are truly gorgeous, but they’re not for the faint of heart! It’s easiest by far to get to Masca in a car – especially if you’re hiking – and the roads are steep and full of switchbacks. It can also get dangerously windy around Masca, to the point where I have struggled to open a car door and decided (along with my group) that if we tried walking any we’d likely be blown out to sea.

Anaga Forest

You might not expect a tropical island known for its massive volcano to have much in the way of forests, but Tenerife – diverse as its landscape is – has a lot to offer. The woods are cool and quiet, but often open up to let you see magnificent views. There are several sylvan hiking spots to be found around the island, but Anaga is perhaps one of the most famous, and offers several hikes that aren’t too difficult.

Guimar

Guimar offers a very easy hike that snakes from the seaside into the desert and back. The black volcanic soil, desert plants, and bright blue ocean create a scene – and unique color palette – that I’ve never seen anywhere else. Guimar is probably one of the hikes that’s easy to access without a car, as you can start hiking directly from the town instead of in the middle of a national park. 

Taganana

I’ll be straight with you. M friend and I first decided to go to Taganana just because of how so darned fun it is to say. It, like the other hikes listed here, is gorgeous but in an end-of-land type way. The sheer mountains drop straight into the ocean, and because Taganana is located on the north coast, it’s often overcast.

Towns to Visit in Tenerife

Puerto de la Cruz

Known by the locals simply as Puerto. For all of its 36-flavors-of-ice-cream-type charm, Puerto de la Cruz still holds a good sense of authenticity when compared to all of the touristic, Brit-saturated cities to the south. Puerto has one of my favorite views of the island: an old Spanish fort, peppered with palm trees, with a view of the ocean swirling down below. There’s a huge seawall that you can walk along from the fort that goes outside of Puerto a ways, which makes it a lovely walk after dinner.

La Orotava

La Orotava, the tiny town I lived in for those nine months I spent on Tenerife, is known for being one of the most beautiful on the island. Time and again I was told the same story: down in Puerto lived the poor sailors and fisherman, whereas all of the money – largely possessed by the rich farmers – made its way to La Orotava. This town truly is gorgeous. It’s painted in different colors, and the buildings have such an attention to detail. Small parks are also dotted through La Orotava, which makes it a delightful spot just to wander around for an afternoon. 

Plus, there are a lot of cats who like to hang out on the roofs and they are all pretty friendly.

La Laguna and Santa Cruz

La Laguna and Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, are so close the cities pretty much blend together. While La Laguna boasts historic, beautiful streets, Santa Cruz has more people and a bigger nightlife. 

La Laguna is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the Canaries, but unlike La Orotava, it’s much bigger. A few days could be spent wandering around these streets, especially if you take the tram over to Santa Cruz.

As the capital, Santa Cruz has a lot to offer. It has everything from dive bars (one actually owned by the only other American I met living on the island) to nice restaurants. It’s also convenient to travel not only to La Laguna from Santa Cruz but other cities around the island.

Playa Los Americas

Did you come to Tenerife to party? Have you been bored this entire time by my talks of scenic hikes and colonial architecture? Well, get ready for a TONE CHANGE because baby, it’s time to talk about Los Americas.

Los Americas is the place you want to go if you want to party and got bored of Vegas. I only really went there once, and was offered mary jane by four o’clock (in the afternoon) and coke by seven. Straight-laced teacher that I am, I went home to watch Harry Potter instead but no judgement if you want to indulge in that and ah, all the other pleasures Los Americas has to offer.

It may not surprise you to hear Los Americas is among the most touristic cities on the island, where people will speak to you in every language but Spanish because real Spaniards are nowhere to be found.

The beaches are lovely, though, and you can catch glimpses of some of the other islands.

For more posts from Spain:

• 6 Must Visit Cities in Andalucia Spain
• Renting a Boat and Sailing the Balearic Islands
• Tips on Backpacking Madrid
• Visiting Valencia
• Barcelona: tapas, sangria, and life lessons

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If you are ever lucky enough to travel in beautiful Malta, these are some of the most popular Maltese foods you have to try!

Malta may be a tiny island nation, but what it lacks in demographics, it compensates for by its unique heritage, rich culture, history, and ruggedly beautiful landscape. Maltese people approach their meals (and most food in general) with great passion and enthusiasm, so it hardly surprising to note that food contributes greatly to the island’s identity.

Whatever the occasion, happy or sad, huge portions of calorie-laden dishes, usually accompanied by equally huge amounts of wine or beer, are the highlight of any event.

Traditional Maltese food ranges from Mediterranean-style fare featuring fish, vegetables and olive oil to heavy pastries and hearty pasta dishes.

Here are 7 Maltese foods you’ve got to try when you visit

1. Pastizzi (Pea or Cheese Pastries)

Diamond-shaped pockets of heartburn-inducing flaky pastry, stuffed with either ricotta cheese or mashed peas, pastizzi are everyone’s favorite snack usually eaten straight out of a greasy paper bag whilst still warm.

The savory pastries are available from little shops found in every Maltese village and are the island’s best-known hangover cure. A nightmare for local nutritionists, pastizzi are irresistible even to staunch health freaks and, surprisingly, have also featured in a recent political row while the country is holding the EU presidency!

Pastizzi, flaky pastries filled with either cheese or peas

2. Ftira biz-zejt u t-tadam (Maltese bread with olive oil and tomatoes)

Move over Subway! This Maltese ‘sandwich’ is particularly popular during the hot summer months. Round, unleavened Maltese bread known as “ftira” is rubbed with fresh tomatoes (or tomato paste), olive oil and stuffed with a mixture of olives, onions, sun-dried tomatoes and capers.

Sometimes canned tuna or gbejniet (goats-milk cheeselets), and bigilla (a traditional paste made from mashed beans) are added too.

We’ve also even eaten variants of the traditional ftira which included hard boiled eggs or raw ‘zalzett Malti’ (Maltese sausage). Totally worth any potential health risk!

Ftira biz-zejt u t-tadam, the local sandwich

3. Hut tal-istagun (Fresh Seasonal Fish)

Although we will probably get our fair share of fish throughout our travels in Asia, nothing really beats a lampuki pie, a shortcrust pastry pie stuffed with Lampuki (dorado fish), olives and vegetables.

Lampuki are a local favourite and they join a list of other seasonal fish which, apart from being cooked in a pie, may also be served grilled with olive oil and lemon. The safest bet to check the best catch for any particular season, is by visiting the Marsaxlokk fish market.

Even if you don’t plan on buying any fish, it is still worth going to Marsaxlokk early in the morning to watch the fishermen in their ‘Luzzu’, a brightly coloured fishing boat, return to land with their catch, which is promptly sold from stalls right at the water’s edge.

Marsaxlokk village is full of fish restaurants usually owned by the the fishermen’s families, ensuring that your lunch is the freshest and best quality available.

The Luzzu, a traditional Maltese fishing boat

4. Bebbux Bl-Arjoli (Stewed Snails)

Yes we eat snails, and no they are nothing like French escargots. The Maltese variety are somewhat smaller in size and are cooked in a spicy tomato stew, traditionally served with a garlicky mixture called “arjoli”.

This dish is usually presented as an appetiser in the more traditional type of restaurants, and in the local village clubs alongside cheap whiskey and beer. One of Michelle’s favourite food items!

Bebbux, Maltese snails served as an appetiser

5. Timpana (Baked Macaroni Pie)

Every Maltese family claims to hold the perfect recipe for the best timpana, passed on from past generations, and we’ve never tasted one we didn’t quite like! Cooked macaroni are tossed in a rich tomato sauce containing minced meat, bacon and very often, chopped liver.

Eggs and sometimes cheese are then added, and the heart-stopping mixture is enclosed in pastry and baked in an oven. The result is literally a delicious, flaky macaroni pie often served as a starter prior to a meat dish. Not great for the hips but a firm favourite in every household!

Homemade Timpana

6. Stuffat tal-Fenek (Stewed Rabbit)

The king of Maltese Sunday lunches, rabbit is possibly the island’s most revered dish.

Whilst the better tasting rabbit dishes are always served by somebody’s great-aunt, they can also be found at some “local-style” restaurants (commonly associated with the rural villages of Bahrija and Mgarr) which usually have a menu limited to rabbit, horse and quail dishes.

Rabbit is traditionally cooked in a stew, or in garlic and wine and served with roast or fried potatoes. Our favourite part of a fenkata (rabbit meal), though, is the hearty spaghetti with rabbit sauce served right before the main dish.

A dish of homemade stewed rabbit

7. Imqaret (Fried Date Pastries)

Introduced to Malta by the Arabs who conquered the island almost a thousand years ago, these diamond or rectangular-shaped sweet pastries are stuffed with a mixture of dates, spices and citrus and then deep fried.

They’re great to eat whilst on the go, or alternatively can be served drizzled with honey, accompanied by a scoop of ice-cream. Whatever your preference, the pastries are highly addictive and just one is never enough!

Imqaret

If you’re ever in Malta, and you wish to immerse yourself in the local food scene, be sure to put these Maltese foods on your foodie bucket list. There’s nothing like traditional food to guarantee a true taste of the island!

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The southern province of Andalucia in Spain has its own distinct and beautiful culture. It’s also full of rolling mountains, valleys, beautiful coastline, and national parks. It’s a must visit if you head to Spain! This post will share how to have the perfect tour of Andalucia at your own pace.

You could spend your whole trip getting to know this vibrant region. It’s full of historic cities, charming villages, and beautiful nature.

I spent almost a month visiting this region, so I want to tell you all about the best cities to visit in Andalucia Spain!

Tour of Andalucia Spain: 6 Cities to Visit in Andalucia Spain

1. Granada

The first city on the list is Granada Spain – this was absolutely my favorite spot in Spain, and one of my new favorite cities in the world!

Granada is a very old city – the area around the city has been populated since 5500 B.C.. The Moors ruled this city for centuries, and their influence can be seen everywhere – in the architecture, food, etc.

Another very interesting thing about Granada is its geography. It’s located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains – the tallest mountains in all of Europe. Yet it’s only an hour drive from the coast. This means you have access to tropical coastline and snow covered mountains for skiing all within an hour or two’s distance.

There are lots of amazing natural places to explore if you’re interested in hiking Sierra Nevada mountains and outdoor sports like mountain biking and skiing are plentiful.

The biggest attraction in Granada is the beautiful Alhambra, or the old Moorish castle and palace. Be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time as they can often sell out.

Granada also has a very fun tradition of serving free tapas with every drink order! This makes it super easy to eat your way slowly around this foodie city. I highly recommend delving into the food culture here with a Granada food tour, or just a self guided tapas tour!

Granada has endless pretty corners to explore, winding cobblestone streets, and beautiful doors. You can spend hours just taking pictures.

Be sure to visit the Alhambra, see a flamenco show, wander the picturesque neighborhood of the Albaicin, and visit the many pretty churches and historic buildings. If you’re wondering what to do in Granada, there is so much! Be sure to give yourself a few days here.

2. Seville

Seville is a gorgeous and regal city. It’s also the largest city in Andalucia. While Granada feels a bit bohemian and artsy, Seville is classy and polished.

In the centro area, every building looks freshly painted in pretty soft pastels. The architecture is impressive, and the city is jam packed with great shopping and restaurants.

The crown jewel of Seville is the Alcazar – or the historic castle and palace. Every city in this region has one, but the one in Seville was the most dramatic and beautiful. The tile, the courtyards, and gardens were astounding. I could have taken pictures here for days! Be sure to make a visit here a priority.

There are lots of other beautiful historic buildings to visit like the Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador, and the dramatic cathedral. Be sure to also climb up the Torre Giralda on the side of the Cathedral. You’ll get a great 360 view of the city below.

The city of Seville is divided by the river Guadalquivir that runs right through it. This is a beautiful area to walk along and enjoy the river views. The Torre de Oro is also on the edge of the river, and offers a beautiful view from the top.

Seville has an amazing food scene. Be sure to visit the pretty Triana area, and the hip Feria neighborhoods to enjoy the delicious food and drink of Seville.

3. Malaga

Malaga surprised me. I knew it was a popular resort area for British tourists, but didn’t realize it also had such a charming and beautiful city center.

I spent 2 days here, but could have definitely stayed longer. The food here also blew me away!

Just as the other cities, Malaga has their historic castle/fortress to visit – the Alcazaba. This castle is situated on a hill and has sweeping views of the city and the Mediterranean below. There isn’t quite as much tile or colorful details as the castles in Granada or Seville, but it is still absolutely worth a visit. Spend some time wandering through these beautiful grounds.

Be sure to visit the Picasso museum here. Picasso was from Malaga, and this museum is full of his beautiful works.

It’s also just fun to wander around the narrow cobblestone streets, gaze up at the colorful buildings, and get lost in the charming centro.  Don’t forget to visit the impressive Cathedral, and take a look at the old Roman Amphitheater.

And do your share of eating. The food scene here is thriving and every meal we had far exceeded our expectations. A few great places to try are Cortijo de Pepe for lunch, or El Meson de Cervantes or El Tapeo de Cervantes for dinner.

4. Cadiz

Cadiz is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Spain! It’s also one of the oldest in all of Western Europe. This city is isolated on a peninsula in the southern part of Spain. Since it was a perfect place for a port in between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, it’s been an important city for trade.

The downtown Centro is full of historic buildings like the giant cathedral, the Plaza San Juan de Dios, the San Francisco church and convent, and many plazas.

Another interesting thing about the city, is that it is full of watchtowers that were used as look out points to keep the city secure. There are still more than 100 towers scattered through the city, but the most famous is the Torre Tavira. You can climb to the top of this tower and get sweeping views of the picturesque city. There is also a museum here that will tell you about the history of the city and the towers. The Torre also houses a camera obscura that uses pinhole camera principles to show you a live view of the city. The camera obscura tour is included in admission.

Be sure to also visit the Castillo de San Sebastian that is only connected to the mainland by a bridge. The nearby beach of La Playa de la Caleta is surprisingly pretty for a city beach and worth a stroll or swim.

Cadiz is also known for their delicious seafood, so be sure to stop for some tapas de mariscos.

5. Ronda

Ronda is most well known for the dramatic cliff that it sits on. The river, Guadelevin that runs through the city has carved very steep sheer cliffs and a canyon that runs through the middle of the city. This makes for very picturesque views from below or above.

You can walk along the southwestern edge of the centro and find lookout points to see views of the valley below. Then walk over the new bridge to the oldest part of the city.

You can take a pathway on the western side that leads down below the bridge. This is a great place to take a selfie with the giant and impressive bridge and canyon.

If you then walk back up and circle around to the other side of the centro, you will see the smaller old bridge – still impressive and interesting to see.

The old centro is full of pretty old architecture and cute tapas bars to stop for a glass of wine and some olives.

If you’re interested in the Spanish tradition of bull fighting, stop by the Plaza de Toros to see the world famous bull ring. You can also take a tour inside.

6. Olvera

The final city on my list is not a well known one – it’s the little town of Olvera, one of the pueblos blancos, or white towns in the Andalucia region.

Really, I just think it’s important to spend a little time in a small town in this area to balance out the experience in the big cities. Small town life is very different, and allows you to see authentic Spanish lifestyle – mostly untouched by tourism.

You can stop by any of the pueblos blancos, but I think Olvera is the most beautiful and most interesting of all.

Olvera sits at the top of a mountain with gorgeous views of the mountains, valleys, and olive farms below. The top of the town is marked by a small Moorish castle that dates from the 12th century.

A few steps from the castle is a Spanish church built in the 1800’s. Below these monuments are the steep sloping old centro streets – winding cobblestones, and historic white buildings.

Besides the historic features of the town, Olvera sits right on the Via Verde route – an old railroad path that has been converted to a bike or walking route. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy the natural scenery.

If you are short on time, you could just visit Olvera for a day or even an afternoon. But if you have enough time, it’s great to stay for a couple days, absorbing the slow pace of life, having a drink with locals at a tapas bar, and being greeted on the street.

And to top it off Olvera has some of the best sunsets I’ve seen of anywhere in the world.

And that’s it! 6 cities you should definitely see if you head to the Andalucia region of Spain.

Read More: Tapas & Sangria in Barcelona

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There’s something about Paris. When I first went to Europe, there was no other place I was more excited about going to than Paris. It’s got a dreamy quality about it, but it’s not just a Hollywood manipulation – from misty gray mornings following your nose as you track down the best croissant to strolling the aisles at Port St Ouen looking for vintage finds, Paris has a “certain something” that can’t be missed. There are a million reasons to travel to Paris, but did you know that you can get a round-trip flight from within the USA to Paris for just $375? This is cheaper than when I just flew to Florida from Ohio! The trip of a lifetime to Paris isn’t out of reach.

This vintage postcard was bought for €1 at Port St Ouen, a vintage shopper’s heaven in the North of Paris. The flea market here is said to be one of the largest of its kind in the world.

One of the best views of the Eiffel Tower is from the top of Tour Montparnasse – 210 meters up!

Cheap Flights to Paris With Next Vacay

I think people have it in their heads that it would cost thousands at a minimum to go to Europe for a week, but it really doesn’t have to be that way if you are proactive about planning for your trip. I use Next Vacay to be on the look out for the crazy low price deals they email to me a few times a week. They emailed this deal of $375 to Paris and I just had to share this with you because I feel like it’s SO much more affordable to travel to places like Paris than people realize. I love that Next Vacay makes these deals known which makes dream destinations more accessible for us to travel. (I actually listed them in my favorite 9 websites I use to plan my trips and wrote a full review you can read here.)

Once you’ve got your flight, the next step in planning a trip is to find a hotel. I always tell people to research a bit first to see what area/neighborhood you want to be in rather than finding out later the amazing deal you found means you have to take a taxi 30 minutes into town each day. If you can find hotels in neighborhoods of Marais or St. Germain, you’ll love these areas with cool boutiques and shops selling baguettes on every corner. While you might think it’s great to be near the Eiffel Tower or Champs-Elysées, I don’t actually recommend these areas unless you’re rolling in the dough.

Because you are saving so much on a flight if you use deals like this from Next Vacay, it means you’ve got a little extra to use to get a nice boutique hotel or get a cheap hotel and use it to macaroons and nice wine.

This is an apartment in Le Marais with a little Parisian picnic using ingredients and wine from a local French supermarket!

The best things in Paris are taking long walks, taking in the views, and of course boozy brunches. Are you dying to visit!?

Just writing this makes me want to head straight back to Paris!

Now,  I’ve talked to a lot of my readers about the best ways to make their travel dreams a reality, especially traveling to Paris. When we talk about the details of their trips – walking down the Seine at sunset, or visiting the Eiffel Tower for the first time – their eyes light up with possibility and wonder. I absolutely love seeing how excited they get! But way too often that excitement fades. That’s because they start thinking about all the reasons they can’t “just go” to Paris.

And I totally get it.

When I started traveling, purchasing a quick flight to Paris was something other people did. Not me! How could I possibly just take off and go travel to Paris? It felt selfish. It even felt unfair. Like, “Who am I to just take off and enjoy a week in Paris?”

Then one day I asked myself “Why not? What’s stopping me?”

And that’s when I realized I had all of these reasons for saying no, without thinking of all of the reasons to say yes! The experience, the excitement, the culture, the beauty. I’d always dreamed of this trip, why shouldn’t I take it? Of course I deserve this!

A part of me wanted to believe everything would fall apart if I took time off for myself- but in reality, I knew things would be fine.

Yes, we’re all busy and it can be hard to make time for ourselves and our dreams. Going to Paris wasn’t just about having a luxurious vacation–it was me saying yes to myself, and my life. And all I needed to do to make it a reality was take one tiny step, which for me was signing up for Next Vacay–which has literally changed my life. These cheap flight deals are really a game changer.

So, Wait – What is Next Vacay?

I have been using Next Vacay for over a year. I reviewed them and it went viral – people started emailing me telling me the amazing deals there were getting from Next Vacay. I am so excited to see people getting to travel places they never thought they could! There are not many companies that I promote, and Next Vacay is something that I believed in back when they were a brand new company and I am so happy to see how huge they have become – being on the live news, TIME.com, and so much more.

Let me sum up how Next Vacay works in case you don’t want to read my past review:

You pay $25 for the whole year, input your local airport and a couple nearby ones, then they start emailing your deals that make sense for you (prices in the email are always round-trip). Then you use the deals to book directly through the airline they found the deal, not through Next Vacay. Basically, Next Vacay are just the deal hunters telling you when a crazy cheap flight is available from your hometown airport to well, anywhere in the world like Paris, Sydney, London, The Maldives, Hanoi, and New Zealand. They don’t send a deal out unless it’s a true “steal”. It’s a husband and wife team, and you’ll right away notice how personable the emails are.

Naveen & Shaylee Dittakavi, the husband and wife founders and deal hunters of nextvacay.com, sending deals out to members while waiting to board a flight

The fact that it’s $25 now and was $25 a year ago means a lot – they aren’t trying to raise their prices. $25 is so cheap to pay for a year of deals, that I’m surprised they haven’t! You can do a free month trial, and you can cancel if you don’t find a deal in six months that you like with a money back guarantee – so there’s literally no downside. They will email you before year two starts to see if you want to go ahead or cancel the subscription (before your card is charged).

What caught my eye with this website over a year ago, was when Naveen, the owner posted to Facebook he was on a roundtrip flight USA-India for just $300. I was like, wow, I NEED these deals in my life.

I haven’t been disappointed with at least 2 deals coming to my inbox each day to amazing places like Madrid for $450, Dublin for $400, Puerto Vallarta for $500 and Mumbai for $825 (with Columbus, Ohio as my home airport). You can also check out Next Vacay’s Facebook page where they share deals that their users got (which the users themselves posted to Facebook). It’s amazing to see people so excited about their upcoming trip.

Just by paying $25, you get the best deals ever sent to your inbox which honestly opens up your life to so much – because travel is just “step one”. Once you get there, you will have life-changing experiences, meet friends, maybe meet a significant other like I did, or you might even find a new career from travel! It will open so many doors. I wouldn’t be promoting something I don’t believe in, and I really feel like for $25 this is a no-brainer. The best part is they find deals over holidays and long weekends, too, when you can actually take the time to travel.

Where do you want to travel? Paris, somewhere else? Start now! You can sign up for your free trial and start actually living out your wanderlust dreams at a fraction of the cost. If you aren’t sure it’s as cheap as I say, check out these recent trips Next Vacay members booked  – so awesome.

Click here to get a free trial to next vacay

Pin these cheap flight to Paris deals for later (just hover over and the Pinterest logo will pop up for you to click it):

This post is in partnership with Next Vacay. I was paid for this post but only write about things I truly believe in. I have been a happy user of their services for over a year and not only love this company but think it’ll be the smartest $25 you spend toward travel this year!

The post There’s a Million Reasons to go to Paris, But This Round Trip Flight For Just $377 is the Best One! first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

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Dublin is somewhere I’ve always wanted to go back to, and it’s a place my friend, Arielle, always wanted to visit so we decided to fly here after our week in England. I’d actually spend four days in Dublin seven years ago, and wrote this post about it, so I re-read it to remind myself what to do here, like visiting Howth cliffs!

We had a few things on our agenda: find an Airbnb in a good location, sightsee and visit the Guinness Storehouse, try afternoon tea, have a nice dinner, and go on a day trip to the coast.

Transportation and Lodging in Dublin

We really had just 2.5 days, but it was plenty of time to do everything we wanted. Our goal was to spend day one sightseeing, day two at the coast and come back to Dublin for a nice dinner, then the half day we had on day three visiting the Guinness factory before our evening flight.

We stayed at this Airbnb which was my first time doing a shared house (a room in someone else’s house) since my Couchsurfing days. I think it was around $70/night which is a steal for Dublin. We were on the river near the Guinness Storehouse. Key things about this spot are that the Airlink (shuttle from the airport) stops right outside their apartment and the sightseeing bus also does!

The Airlink 747 bus is a big green bus outside Dublin airport that goes all over town. It was 12 Euro for a return ticket. It is slow but way cheaper than a taxi, especially in traffic so I wouldn’t take it again this far.

The Sightseeing bus is the same one I used years ago! I wrote back then about how it saves money on transportation because you can use it from your hotel/Airbnb to town and back so the hop on hop off part within the town is kind of like a bonus. These are the big red open top buses. It’s 19 Euro for an adult ticket. If you plan to see the Guinness Storehouse and sightsee near Temple Bar all in one day, this bus will be a great deal for you.

Sightseeing in Dublin

Dublin has some key sites like the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, St Stephen’s Green, Temple Bar, and Trinity College to name a few. Dublin is nothing like London where you need all day walking a million miles to see everything; you can just wander slowly and see a lot of the key attractions.

One of the best things about revisiting a city is that there’s less pressure to “see it all” and Arielle isn’t that into crazy sightseeing so we just kept it casual and checked out the places I mentioned above, skipping out on some smaller places. We ate at the Brazenhead which was near our Airbnb, and it was really tasty. They say it’s the oldest pub in Dublin!

The Guinness Storehouse was 11 Euro when I went years back and is 25 Euro now. Honestly, I think it’s way too much money to tour how they make Guinness and the Gravity bar up top is too crowded to even enjoy it. I don’t like Guinness, but I guess if you do then you might think it’s worth the cash. I’d also been here before, so maybe it just wasn’t as “wow” the second time around.

Rocking my airport clothes, haha, we headed there after this

Cheers to my bestie since I was 5!

Afternoon Tea at the Westin

One of Arielle’s things she wanted to do was afternoon tea. In Ireland, that involves gin apparently! I had no idea the Irish liked gin so much. We went for afternoon tea at the Westin and didn’t have tea at all, but a gin cocktail served in a teapot. Yumz!

We tried everything on the platter from the pork to crab cones, but we aren’t fancy people (haha, far from it!) so the salmon and caviar weren’t really our thing. It was so funny because the waitress came over and was like “do you not eat fish?” and we said oh not really raw stuff, and she’s like well what did you like most and I’ll bring it out – we’re like the turkey wrap! haha, the most basic thing of them all, but it was so tasty!

The banana bread and desserts were so good. I highly recommend having an afternoon tea in Dublin! Sightseeing can be tiring and around the Temple Bar it seems like the other thing to “do” is stop in for a beer in a crowded bar. So, doing the tea was a really nice kind of different thing to do. The Westin’s was great.

Dinner at Conrad Coburg Brasserie

Arielle and I went for a fancy dinner for our last meal in Ireland at the Coburg Brasserie inside the Conrad Hotel. The hotel invited us, and it was a complimentary meal in case I wanted to feature it on the blog. I never write about stuff I don’t like, and this was really yummy and a nice treat for us.

We both had tomato soup to start then I got a burger and Arielle had the steak. The food was delicious, but the drinks were the best part. They have a menu based on travel (hence inviting me to come try!) and it’s a menu that tells the story of Gulliver’s Travels through the drinks. Did you know the author, Jonathon Swift, was an Irish writer!?

The drinks are a work of art! My first one had the ingredients listed then it said: “and a touch of magic”. It came out with a lid that when I lifted it, smoke came out and it was a smokey flavored drink. Another said “and a fact” and there was a little scroll on it with a fact about the author.

The dessert platter was delicious. Their take on banoffee pie was so tasty and Arielle’s favorite dessert of the trip! Mine too!

Day Trip to the Coast: Howth

If you go to Dublin, you must take half a day at least to go to Howth! The photos will talk you into it more than I ever could so, check these out.

Getting to Howth Cliffs:

Just take a taxi to Connelly train station in Dublin and there are trains every 10 minutes or so to Howth. Tickets were about 6 Euro round trip. The last train leaves Howth back to Dublin at 11 pm, so don’t miss it. It’s just a 25-minute journey!

What to do in Howth:

The Dog House is next to the train station and is pretty popular so we popped in here for a coffee to take to the harbor. The market (food and souvenirs) is across the street from the train station but didn’t open until a little later in the day.

The Dog House

When you get to Howth, you’ll be right near the Harbor, so you can go check that out first and see the seals and fishing boats. Some of the most famous restaurants are right here.

After hanging out and people (and seal) watching by the harbor, we started our walk up Howth Cliffs. I recommend doing the walk first and saving lunch for after because it’s pretty hard and would be impossible in a fish n chips food coma.

There are four walk options, we did the shortest which was about two hours.

We played around taking lots of photos, so I guess you could try to do this in an hour and a half, but it’s so beautiful I bet you’ll want to stop for lots of pics, too!

The flowers were so pretty all along the cliffs and the water was so BLUE!

How stunning is this! Even though I had been here, it was just as beautiful (maybe even more so) this time and I’m glad I came back.

We were exhausted after and went for lunch at The Brass Monkey where Arielle had a huge greasy delicious burger and I had greasy fish n chips with some potato and leak soup. Oh yeah, we had the calamari too because why not!? I am the worst over-ordering on the planet.

I think you’d be crazy to go to Dublin and not take time for the coast! This is 10x better than exploring the buildings in Dublin for me. Arielle liked this the most of her whole time abroad. It’s less than 30 minutes from Dublin and 6 Euro to get there and back, so it’s really worth it.

That’s our trip to Dublin and Howth in just under 3 days! Pin it for later:

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For years, Ben has talked about taking me to St. Ives in Cornwall, England. He used to live there back in the day for a couple of years. St Ives is (so far) the prettiest place I’ve seen in England and the water on the coast is so clear and blue, you wouldn’t really guess it’s in England at all.

Ben took this photo!

Ben was really excited when this year his family decided to do their holiday in St. Ives! His mom, sister (Emma), her husband (Craig), his brother (Josh), and his girlfriend (Tamsin), as well as his little bro (Max), were all there. It was a fun and boozy time as always with them!

Getting to St Ives

You can take the train to St Ives from London, no problem. I suggest downloading an app like rome2rio to find the best routes with public transportation.

You can also drive which is what Ben and I did. We rented an adorable mini cooper from Sixt (I’ve used them for my past few car rentals and like them). We drove from Ben’s hometown, Tonbridge. If you drive, you might pass Stonehenge! I had no clue we would and was really surprised to see it. Check that off the list, haha.

When to visit St Ives and How to find a hotel in St Ives

St Ives is SO popular and beautiful that it can get crowded. We went on a bank holiday weekend, like everyone else there. The crowds themselves weren’t that big of a deal. The problem we faced was trying to find a hotel online before going. There aren’t many actual “hotels” in St Ives and actually because it’s such a small town with little lanes and everything, it’s more B&Bs. The B&B’s are really cute and charming, so I recommend booking one instead of the hotels.

Ben’s family had booked a house before we knew we were going, so they stayed in a really cute place that had three bedrooms, booked through this site which has a lot of homes in St Ives listed. Ben and I got a small B&B nearby.

When you search major booking sites, these little B&B’s won’t pop up though, so what we did was search for them on Google Maps. Funnily enough, the one I found, Downlong Cottage, Ben had stayed at in the past and knew exactly where it was. We called them and made the booking on the phone and Ben did a money transfer through the bank to hold the booking. We paid 46 GBP per person, per night. This is way less expensive than a hotel room or any of the larger B&B’s we found on booking sites. A lot of the smaller B&B’s you’ll find, won’t have online booking so just call them from Skype.

Another thing to keep in mind during peak travel times to St Ives is that with it being such a small town, it can be hard to get a table at restaurants. Some take bookings, so if you have a big party, definitely call ahead. But a lot don’t and you might have to check a few places before you find a table. Thankfully, there are so many tasty restaurants here it’s unlikely you’ll end up having a bad meal.

What to do in St Ives

The best thing to do in St Ives is, of course, the beach! You might be thinking “but it’s freezing”, yes, it is – and English people don’t care. They swim in wetsuits and sit on the windy beach in jeans and sweaters. Not gonna lie, it’s totally crazy lol but we got lucky and had some sun so I actually got a tan and even burnt a little. Even in the sun, the water was way too cold for me to get in.

Some of the crew did go surfing (with wet suits) but I chickened out. For one, it was cold, and two, it was smaller white water waves which I suck at and I knew it would be annoying to probably only catch one wave while freezing my butt off. Instead, I played photographer for them. There are a few beaches in St Ives, and the best beach for surfing is Porthmeor, which is pictured here.

We also rented out little motor boats, which was Ben’s sister’s idea. You can rent them for 75 GBP for 90 minutes (I *think*). They don’t go fast and you have to stay within a zoned area; it’s great for kids. We took fishing equipment which was an absolute failure. You rent these at the Harbor.

If you like photography, there is a really great viewpoint up at the top by where the buses stop. It’s not much of a walk at all. Here are some photos from it, overlooking the harbor below.

St Ives is actually known for art, and people come here to go to the Tate Art Gallery which we didn’t make time for. You can also check out the Minack Theatre, which is an open-air theatre. A lot of people recommended I check out the Eden Project which is a big biosphere housing rainforest flowers and such. We didn’t have time for it and Ben had already visited this, so didn’t go. There are some other activities like a little theme park called Flambard’s Experience, an arcade, and a Maritime Museum.

Ben lost his phone the first night, so we had to go to nearby Penzance to get him a new one. We passed St Michael’s Mount, which is an island but it was a little gloomy so my photo didn’t turn out great:

With the rest of your time, you can DRINK cuz why not!? and you can wander around the cute little roads. There are shops, but I didn’t think anything was cute enough to go in. It was mostly knickknacks and housewares.

Food in St Ives

In St Ives, there are a few things you have to try: a Cornish Pasty, fish n chips, fudge, scones with clotted cream and jam (or cream tea). You’ll see shops for this stuff all over the place!

For drinks, you can go the Sloop but it’s sometimes too crowded because it’s the most popular, so if so, you can go to Upper Deck, just behind which has some views of the sea, too.

You definitely have to have an English breakfast while here! Our B&B (and I think most) will offer this included in your price.

The best meal we had was at Porthgwidden Beach Cafe. I got the crab linguini and it was delish – sadly, I’d already had about a bottle of wine so wasn’t focused enough on eating haha!

We also tried the Rum and Crab Shack because it had great reviews, but I thought the BBQ ribs were weird (it was an odd cut of meat, not typical ribs) and had a strange sauce. Can’t say I recommend it much!

Ben and I went to Seafood Cafe one night which was really good. You order your drinks, then go up to the counter and pick out the meat or fish you want and order your food at the counter. We had mussels, steak, and fish n chips. We wanted to go to Blas Burgerworks because Ben used to eat there when he lived here but never found the time.

St Ives has a lot to offer and it’s definitely somewhere I’d go back to. I think some days there are really nice waves as well, so it would be cool to man up a bit and try surfing here next time! Have you been to St. Ives? Tell me your favorite places there in the comments!

The post Chilling Out in St Ives With Ben’s Family (and some travel tips) first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Chilling Out in St Ives With Ben’s Family (and some travel tips) appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

If you read my last post on what’s new in my world, then you know I just headed back to Europe for a bit and my bestie, Arielle, is finally met Ben! This also means I was in England for late summer/early fall, which is very different from late summer/early fall in Goa. Here’s my full London packing list for the fall so you know what to pack for this time of year too!

London Packing List for the Fall

Quick Things to Note:

• Late summer/early fall in England is literally a toss-up. One day, in St. Ives I laid at the beach and got a sunburn BUT at the same time, you couldn’t get in the sea without a wet suit and the wind was fierce. Other days, I had on jeans, boots, a long sleeve shirt, and leather jacket and was still a bit cold walking outside. The key is *LAYERS*
• If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, I swear Kiwi always finds the best and cheapest options for getting there!
• England can be expensive, so make sure you have travel insurance just in case anything goes wrong.

Below is my luggage fully packed for England:

The Suitcase – Delsey

I’ve been using Delsey luggage for years and although I have other favorite luggages, this has always been and probably always will be my go-to. I bought it years before I started blogging and it’s still in perfect condition. It’s been through a lot.

See all my picks for stylish luggage here

I also totally swear by packing cubes for keeping myself organized! I have way too many, and they’re all from ebags. Looks how organized it made my bag! It’s so easy to get to everything when I’m traveling.

The Bags

1 bigger tote bag

My exact one is here. I live for this bag from Bali Since it was a two-week trip where I’d be lugging my luggage around a lot, it was unnecessary to take a rolling carry on. And Instead of my new favorite backpack, I took this cute tote as it could double up as a purse when I have huge days out and need to take my camera or do shopping.

1 smaller cross body bag

This one is similar to mine. This bag is the same brand as the tote, Etnika, it’s from Bali but sold on Etsy. I actually packed this purse in my luggage and only carried my tote on the plane. Since this wasn’t a “blogging” trip, I had a lot less tech equipment to take with me.

Check out all the different styles and sizes here.

The Shoes

2 pairs of mule-style sandals

Mine are Sola Sana and James Smith the Label (the tan platforms).

1 pair of UGG high top sneakers

My sneakers are actually from UGG! You wouldn’t think they have great sneakers, but I got these nearly two years ago and they are so comfortable; I’ve worn them around Morocco, Israel, and the cities – they make a boring outfit look so much cooler. I actually have them in tan, too!

1 pair of black booties

My booties are from Steve Madden. I’ve had these boots forEVER and wear them on every trip I go on that’s somewhat cold plus wear them out partying here in Goa even when it’s warm, with a little dress. They are really versatile and I actually have just bought them in dark brown because they were FINALLY on sale but I left them in Ohio because I’m weird like that.

The Tops

2 sweaters.

I packed just two cute throw over sweaters, one that is heavier and one that is lighter. Both can fit comfortably under my leather jacket, which is important.

10 tops.

This was a two-week trip where I had access to laundry, so the number of tops depends on your trip length. My favorite two tops I packed are the flowy Free People top above with lemons (even though Ben’s bro said it looked like I was wearing a picnic table cover) and the striped yellow tee shirt (which I wore in all my Howth photos) from Madewell.

Everything Else

Leather Jacket

2 Pairs of Jamie Jeans

I live in these type of jeans and think they are the BEST fitting jeans on me.

Sports Bra

Yoga/Lounge Leggings

For More Packing Posts

• 17 Travel Packing Hacks
• Packing for Finland in the Winter
• Packing for Various Regions of Long-Term Travel

Pin “London Packing List for the Fall” for later!

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This summer, I was back in Ohio chatting with my best friend since I was five, Arielle, when she said she wanted to meet me somewhere this year on a trip. She applied for her passport and we decided we would meet in England since it was the only trip I was 100% sure of. Then she chose Ireland as another place to visit while she was over the pond (post on that coming next).

Ben and I went to St Ives for his family vacation, then Arielle came for the last week in England. We based ourselves in Tonbridge (Ben’s hometown in Kent) and took day trips to London. Basically, I figured that if we based ourselves in Kent we’d save money and she’d get to see “rural” England. We did a day trip to London with the intent to see the iconic sites in one day (achieved!) and then went back a second day to Watford for the WB Studios Harry Potter tour.

I considered writing a guide to how to see the best of London if you have only one day, but people have written about this to death and it’s much easier to just tell you to read this.

While in Tonbridge we chilled out with Ben’s friends, had a rowdy night in Tunbridge Wells, and I forced her to eat Pizza Express and English Chinese food. Of course, we went to an old school pub for a traditional English roast on Sunday.

Penshurst Place and Gardens

Arielle’s England checklist had seeing castles, so we went to nearby Penshurst Place. It was 33 GBP for the three of us to go into the castle and the gardens. We skipped the maze because it was raining (and it takes an hour to complete which seemed kind of intense).

We went to two of our favorite pubs there: The Chaser Inn which is closer to Tonbridge and the Little Brown Jug which is right near Penshurst Place.

We stayed in an Airbnb in Tonbridge which was an annex and really cute. It was like a little attic with old wooden beams and a loft. It came out to around $100/night.

Transportation Between Kent and London/Watford

Although we had a rental car, the easiest way to get to London and back is by train. To get around London for a day, you should get a day pass. You can get these at the machines in the train station and just choose one that offers tube stops all day within zones 1-6.

To buy train tickets in London, you can just show up to the station to book them but for the day we went to Watford, I used Omio so that I could book ahead online (it compares prices between bus, train, and plane and I’ve been using it since I went to Latvia last year). I wasn’t sure what time they started running trains from Tonbridge and didn’t want to mess it up since we only had two days to see London (one day) and Harry Potter (in Wartford, the second day).

In London, the trains go on strike or don’t always run from outside stations from early morning, so booking ahead and knowing the time frame gave me peace of mind. I planned everything well in advance since it was Arielle’s first time abroad.

WB Studios is actually really far outside London and not in the zones, which is why we had to do this a separate day. There isn’t enough time to see all of London in a day and do Harry Potter; impossible! It’s in Watford which is all the way North, so we had a 1 hour and 40-minute journey there from Tonbridge.

When arriving in Watford, there will be a shuttle to the WB Studio. It is 5 GBP for a return ticket.

Other than that, we used the rental car to get around in Kent. It was expensive around 600 GBP for 10 days but we needed it for St Ives, too so it was our best option. Plus, it was a damn cool car!

London in a Day

If you only have a day in London, then you’ll want to wake up early! We got to London around 11 AM, which wasn’t bad for slow morning people like us.

Here’s the map of what we saw in London and I’ll outline it below:

We started at Charing Cross, Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, walked down the Mall, then Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, House of Parliament, Big Ben, then crossed the River Thames at Westminster Bridge. We saw the London Eye, and walked along the river.

We passed along the London dungeons, OXO Tower, the Tate (went inside), the Globe, checked out shops in Gabriel’s Warf, saw Millenium Bridge and saw Tower Bridge from afar (my favorite bridge). We went into Borough Market as well and ate lunch, too. We saw St Pauls from afar but didn’t go over to it.

Then we caught the tube to Picadilly Circus and then walked up Reagant street and then Oxford Street for shopping. We then went via the tube to Hackney to Ben’s bro’s neighborhood and went to dinner at Bella Vite. It was a busy afternoon but we were to Hackney by around 5 PM so it’s definitely doable. We walked 8.5 km!

Read more:

• Best places to get photos in London
• Offbeat London you don’t want to miss

Touring the WB Studio, Behind the Scenes at Harry Potter

Arielle and I are CRAZY Harry Potter fans. We’ve both wanted to visit the WB Studio’s tour for years. When the last Harry Potter book came out, you better bet we were at Barnes and Noble with our homemade T-shirts on (17 years old) waiting in line for the book and playing the games the bookstore had set up for the kids.

The studio tour does not disappoint. At first, I thought it was going to because the lines were long, then they let in small groups at a time and you watch a video first. But once inside, it’s just beyond amaizing.

Snape’s classroom was my favorite part. The pots were stirring themselves, and you can see the detail so much on each vial of potions being hand written. It’s insane how much detail went into these movies. You can’t imagine!

They have three of these set up so you don’t have to wait in line to take a photo at platform 9 3/4. I do think it’s better at Kings Cross Station since that feels more authentic I guess and not set up – but that’s the point of the behind the scenes. The magic is there in a sense of feeling like you are in the Wizarding World – it’s really behind the scenes; how they made it seem like magic in the movies.

So, if you’re wondering which is better: Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter or WB Studios, they really aren’t comparable because they are totally different things. If you’re a Harry Potter movie fan, then you’ll love the studios at WB but if you just like the books then you might not like it (but is there any one in this universe who doesn’t like the movies!?!?)

Onward to Dublin & Back to India

From England, we flew onward to Dublin. I use Kiwi.com to book which makes it easy to choose different airports for a return trip: basically, we flew out of Gatwick because it was easier for Ben to drop us off there, but back into Heathrow as Arielle and I both had international flights out of Heathrow to catch (her to the USA and me back to India).

We stayed at an airport hotel at Heathrow, the Novotel. The hotel room was spacious, clean, and affordable. Breakfast is not included in the room rate, but you can add it on. Lunch is a nice menu of burgers, wraps, and salads. The hotel restaurant was really busy and even in the evening when we arrived people were down in the bar for drinks. There is a pool, too! I got a late check out so chilled out there until about 5 pm then went back to Heathrow.

You can take a shuttle here but I had a seriously bad experience with them. They are unrelated to the hotel, called the “Hotel Hoppa bus”. An Uber is SO much easier, faster, and barely any more money. If there are two people splitting it, an Uber is cheaper anyway.

The post Castles in Kent, Iconic London, and Harry Potter Magic with my BFF first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

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The Eastern European country of Georgia has so far been spared from the plague of mass tourism, and group tours have yet to discover the beauty and diversity of the Caucasian nation nestled in between Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Yet, there are many places to visit in Georgia Europe (or “Euraisa”) that you might not know about.

Aerial view of Tbilisi

Places to Visit in Georgia Europe

It is instead, a perfect destination for more intrepid travelers wanting to explore mountainous regions and lush lowland vineyards. Hiring a 4×4 vehicle is the best way to get around and visit all the best places, such as remote villages and hidden valleys. Here are some some our favorite places to visit in Georgia Europe (not USA)!

1. Tbilisi

Although we are not normally fans of large cities, spending a few days in Georgia’s quirky capital is a must. Unlike other capital cities, it is rather compact and the best sights can be visited easily on foot. Tbilisi is home to the cutest crooked clock tower we’ve ever seen! Don’t you agree?

Crooked clock tower in Tbilisi

One of our favourite experiences in the country of Georgia was bathing in the Sulphur baths located in the Abanotubani area of the capital. You can read all about it here.

2. Uplistsikhe

The ancient cave town of Uplistsike, built up on a hillside, is a lot of fun to explore, making it a unique destination which should not be missed. Some of the caves have brilliantly carved interiors, whilst others are more simple.

The cave town of Uplistsike

The town was used as a rest stop for merchants on the Silk Road and there’s even an escape tunnel hacked in the rock which enabled the inhabitants to leave in case of attack.

It is not far from Tbilisi and can easily be incorporated as part of an interesting day trip from the capital including Uplistsikhe, Mtskheta and Gori.

Some of the caves have carved interiors, whilst others are more simple

3. Mtskheta

The draw here is Jvari Monastery which provides great views all over town. The town itself just below the monastery is also very pretty and you can easily walk all around it stopping for some pomegranate juice and khinkali at one of the many stalls.

View of Mtskheta from Jvari Monastery

 4. Svaneti

Home to the fierce Svan people, the region is best known for its tall defence towers scattered around the region, which in ancient times, used to provide an important lookout in case of attack by other tribes.

We did not find the people in Mestia (the main town in the region) fierce at all – on the contrary they did their utmost to help us repair our 4×4 after it broke down on a Sunday, even going so far as to wake up the local mechanic at 7am!

Ushguli, a fairytale village in Svaneti

The area is home to Ushguli, a small community bearing the title of the highest inhabited village in Europe. The route from Mestia to Ushguli is dangerous and should only be undertaken by very experienced drivers in a 4×4 who are capable of keeping their cool when faced with the steep muddy cliffside trails leading to the village – Nikki did a great job here, although our vehicle broke down right after we got back!

The almost-unreal scenery around Ushguli is spectacular giving a fairytale aura to the village. It is probably the prettiest and most underrated village that we have ever traveled to!

The surreal landscape of the Ushguli region

5. Katskhi Pillar

Why is a church dramatically perched atop a 40-metre tall narrow karst column you may ask? No one is certain as to why it was built there in the first place, but if like us, you enjoy visiting bizarre-looking and mysterious destinations, you are almost certainly going to want to drive all the way to the town of Chiatura to look for the pillar.

The church at the top is actually a complex also housing three hermit cells and a wine cellar and has been home to a monk for the past 20 years. Unfortunately, women are not allowed to climb to the top.

The church built atop the Katskhi Pillar

6. Stepandsminda (Kazbegi)

We spent most of our time in this mountain village warming ourselves up with coffee (and wine) and eating cheesy Khachapuri in the shadow the giant Kazbek mountain.

Stepandsminda is home to the Gergeti Trinity Church, perhaps the most iconic landmark in Georgia, so be sure to make your way up the rough mountain trail to experience the mountain views from this point.

The Gergeti Trinity Church in the shadow of Mount Kazbegi

The backdrop to the church is truly spectacular, and we spent ages walking around the church in circles trying to take the best picture possible from different spots! The area is home to some great mountain trekking opportunities too!

On our way to Stepandsminda from Tbilisi, we stopped at the beautiful Ananuri Fortress and climbed up to the top of the tower to take in the wonderful views over the Aragvi River.

The beautiful Ananuri Fortress

7. Khaketi

Did you know that Georgia is considered to be the birthplace of wine? More so, the Kakheti region is where the tradition originated, some 8,000 or so years ago.

Kakheti is still considered to be Georgia’s best wine region, growing almost 75% of the country’s wine grapes – an alluring part of the country in which hundreds of vineyards surround the cute, rural villages which dot the valleys and hills. Most individual villages here are known for a particular type of wine they produce and almost every household makes its own.

Kakheti is still considered to be Georgia’s best wine region

It was not surprising that we were greeted with a huge jug of wine and a platter of fruit as soon as we arrived to the guesthouse we were staying at in the fortified medieval village of Sighnaghi.

The fortified walls in the medieval village of Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi proved to be a great base for our travels in the area. We drove around the lush hills, stopping at wineries to sample the country’s best vino by day. By night, we walked the cobblestoned roads of the hillside town in search of some Shkmeruli, a dish of meat cooked in a milky garlic sauce, probably our favourite food discovery in the country of Georgia (also a perfect complement to the wine of course).

If you’re searching for an off-the-beaten path destination with some adventure, be sure to put the country of Georgia on your list, you won’t be disappointed!

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I bopped around in Slovenia and stayed at a different hotel every night as I made my way around the country. On this trip, I worked with the Slovenia tourism board and part of our arrangement was that I could choose my lodgings and itinerary on the trip. I did SO much research before going so that I could find the coolest places to stay at. I found lots of unique places to stay in Slovenia and was grateful that the Slovenia tourism board booked me rooms there.

On all “influencer” trips they will, of course, need to give you a hotel room to sleep in, and there is not rule that you have to promote that hotel. You do it only if you want to! So, there were some places that I went to that will not be on this list. You can be assured I am only including places that I really loved.

Here are some seriously unique places to stay in Slovenia!

1. A Treehouse at Garden Village Bled

I’m starting with my favorite, and because it’s my favorite, it will have the most information! Garden Village Bled is gold and I highly recommend splurging out to stay here a couple nights while you are in Lake Bled.

You get to stay in a treehouse! Lake Bled is such a “fairytale” place that it’s perfect to stay up in a treehouse while here.

You can click here to book. Rates are as low as $100 (right now while I’m typing this) but go up to around $250 at peak season. Location: Lake Bled.

As you can see there is a loft upstairs, this photo shows what it looks like if you peek down from below. The next shot is the downstairs. The pool is all natural and there are even ducks floating around in it. The whole place is an eco-resort.

The food was phenomenal! You’ll get a welcome drink and snack. We had dinner here and it was a 3-course meal (pre-selected), which I found very common in Slovenia at restaurants. The tables had grass growing on them!

Sorry for the huge amount of photos. But, I really enjoyed this place. The staff was so kind, the food was delicious, and I have always wanted to stay in a treehouse. It’s a huge bonus that it’s also eco-friendly.

2. Raduha

I adored this place! The design was spot on and the food was the best meal I had in Slovenia. The woman behind it all, Martina, has such an eye for design and did this all herself with all local wood and products like felt which is a huge industry here and sheep skins. They are kind of like treehouses, but not in the actual trees – so I guess huts on stilts?

Raduha is in Luce, and would be if you decide to visit the mountain region, which you should! You can reach them at houseraduha@gmail.com or you can click here to book. Rooms are listed on their site at $200+ per night, but when booking last minute on booking.com I see a rate at just $78.

Each room here is different and designed differently. There is a pool and spa. It’s in a very quaint little village. If you rent a car and drive through Slovenia (which is the best way to get around) then you should totally set this hotel into your itinerary – even if just for the food! They serve food that is basically foraged, fresh from the forest! It’s amazing.

By the way, the beds here are the softest!

3. Kempinski Palace Portoroz

The Kempinski is a 5-star hotel, so you might wonder what makes that unique and I don’t blame you. But, all Kempinski hotels are set up in buildings that have historic meaning, like this one. It is a palace!

The restaurant here is called Sofia because Sofia Loren used to love to come here for late nights out. It’s so classy! You can either stay in the traditional side, or the “modern” side.

I stayed in the traditional side, which I recommend (I saw the modern side). The rooms are all very large here and most have balconies that overlook the sea.

The Kempinski is in Portoroz which is just the village next to Piran. You can walk to Piran if you want from Portoroz, that’s how small it is. Rooms are showing up now at around $180 for a night, which is about average for a Kempinski hotel. You can click here to book.

The breakfast here is INCREDIBLE! I have never seen such a huge 5-star breakfast so give yourself time to eat here in the morning. The whole place has a “palace” vibe, because it IS an old palace – plus it’s the perfect location.

4. Vander Urbani

I did not have a lot of time at Vander. It’s a member of Design Hotels and I think this was my favorite hotel other than the treehouse! I loved the simplistic style.

I love staying at Design Hotels, although they are often smaller and have smaller rooms. Instead of offering space, they offer more in the details.

Vander is in the heart of Ljubljana and has a perfect location. Rooms are online now for $190 per night. You can click here to book. There is a pool on the rooftop.

According to a friend we met in Ljubljana, the restaurant at Vander is one of the most famous in town and offers a lunch deal of a 3-course meal for just 12 euros. We walked by one afternoon when we came back to Ljubljana and saw it packed to the brim. It’s a very popular place!

5. Hotel Slon

Slon means elephant in Slovenian! Doesn’t this room look nice? Now would you be surprised if I told you it was a Best Western!? It is!

I actually requested the tourism board to put me in a Best Western when I could have requested anywhere because this hotel is really cool and partly because when I was researching it I couldn’t believe it was Best Western, as the ones I stayed at in the USA did not look like this.

The hotel is in the heart of the city making it a great location and it’s one of the most popular hotels in Ljubljana, along with Vander. But, if you found Vander too expensive then you might enjoy this hotel.

Rooms here are at $120 right now. You can click here to book. The location is Ljubljana city center.

It’s a 4-star hotel but it was so spacious, clean, and classy I would have thought it was 5-star. It’s really impressive and the rooms are cozy. I stayed here for two nights and was very comfortable! My room was massive.

A few more unique places to stay in Slovenia…

If I had more time in Ljubljana, I would look into Cubo Hotel and Hotel Nox. They are both top hotels in the city center.

• Hotel Cubo is in this massive historic building and is the priciest on this list at $260. It’s a 5-star hotel.
• Hotel Nox is a better deal at $130. It’s a boutique hotel with just 24 perfectly designed rooms.

For those of you going up to the mountain region: If you are a family or you are looking for something more long-term with a kitchen you can check out Alpske Sanje which is a whole house (and owner of the cute dog below). Other options would be apartments at Apartma Logarska.

So there we go! These are some unique places to stay in Slovenia, based on weeks of my research before I went! If you know more, tell me about them.

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Luxembourg is a beautiful blend of old meets new. Quirky meets curious and vintage meets modern in this central European country. If you’re visiting for the first time (or even the hundredth), here are the ten very best things to see and do in Luxembourg:

Things to See and Do In Luxembourg City:

See the Grand Ducal Palace

Rather than a King, Queen or President, Luxembourg has a Grand Duke, meaning that Luxembourg is the only remaining Grand Duchy of its kind in the world. A few centuries ago, Grand Duchies were much more common, and the majority were focused in the area in which Luxembourg is situated.

The Grand Duke has one official residence in Luxembourg City itself, and it’s well worth a peek. From July through to September, there are daily guided tours of the Palace if you want to see inside…

Eat at the Place d’Armes

Located in the very center of the city, not far from the Grand Ducal Palace, you’ll find Place d’Armes. This is the focal point and center of the newer parts of the city. It’s where you’ll find live music concerts in the summer (I saw an orchestra playing while eating my dinner one evening) and plenty of outdoor cafés and restaurants to eat at.

Wander through the Grund

As the oldest part of the city, it should come as no surprise that much of the Grund is listed as a historic place of interest. Many of the buildings and fortifications in this area of the city are actually UNESCO world heritage sites, making them well worth a wander around!

Check out the Kirchberg District

Luxembourg is home to some parts of the European Union (it is one of the founding members, after all). In the Kirchberg district of the city, you’ll find all of the EU buildings, as well as countless museums.

Visit the Bock Casemates

Of all the things to see and do in Luxembourg listed here, if you want to get a real feel for the history of the city and country, this is where you should visit!

These ancient tunnels were quite literally hewn out of the rock on which the newer parts of Luxembourg are built. The temperature in these tunnels remains much the same throughout the year (that is to say, it was fairly chilly in the tunnels which was a welcome relief from the sweltering summer heat outside).

In total, 17 kilometers of tunnels remain and are well worth a visit. A trip inside these medieval tunnels and fortifications is free with a Visit Luxembourg Card and the tunnels are open on a daily basis throughout the Spring, Summer and Autumn seasons.

See one of the many museums the city has to offer

From the National Museum of History and Art to the Villa Vauban (housing the city’s art collection) Luxembourg is rich in culture and has a surprising number of museums for a city numbering just over 120,000. In total, there are seven museums to see and enjoy, all conveniently located along a mile stretch known as ‘Museums Mile’.

Enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafés dotted around Luxembourg City

Café culture is alive and well in Luxembourg’s capital (and indeed beyond it). As such, there are plenty of cute little cafés, brasseries, and restaurants where you can enjoy one of the many blends on offer. Wander the narrow streets and experience an offbeat side to Luxembourg filled with patisseries and good coffee.

Things to do outside of Luxembourg City:

No trip to Luxembourg would be complete without at least one venture out into the countryside. From amazing hiking trails, you fairy tale like Castles, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in the country. Plus, as the country is quite small, it’s easy to pack multiple activities (like castle visits) into a single day trip from the city. After all, a drive from North to South of the country takes no more than a few hours…

Visit the Castles of Beaufort

Whether you’re more interested in Renaissance furniture, or if you prefer wandering around castle ruins, Beaufort has you covered. For, in the little town of Beaufort (Luxembourgish: Beefort), you’ll find a 17th-Century Renaissance Château and the remains of a medieval Castle. Both are well worth a visit, though the Renaissance House can be seen by guided tour only.

See the Family of Man

Situated in the picturesque town of Clervaux, you’ll find a grand restored Castle. It is here, within the thick walls of this castle that you’ll find a variety of museums houses. There’s a museum dedicated to models (small scale models of the castles of Luxembourg), a museum dedicated to the battle of Ardenne, and the Family of Man.

Whether you’re a photographer, or just enjoy seeing fine photography, a visit to the Family of Man is a must-see. The collection of images and photographs from all over the world was carefully curated by the Director of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in the 1950s. The Museum highlights the values that bind us as humans, no matter where we come from.

Visit Echternach

As the oldest settlement in Luxembourg, it should come as no surprise that the adorable town of Echternach is rich in history and things to do. From the remains of the Roman Villa located a thirty-minute walk outside the city to seeing the abbey that founded the country, you’re sure to find something you like!

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Right in the middle of Europe, you’ll find the beautiful country of Luxembourg. A landlocked country, it’s full of forests, fairytale castles, and jagged gorges. The capital of the country is also called Luxembourg and is situated to the South of the Country. Here are 8 things to know and tips for first time visitors to Luxembourg:

8 Tips for first-time visitors to Luxembourg

1. It’s a Grand Duchy (the only one of its kind in the world)

There is no King or Queen of Luxembourg. Instead, there’s a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess. The current Grand Duke is called Henri and he has been Grand Duke since 2000. Much like the Queen of England, the country celebrates his ‘official’ Birthday each year.

Currently, this date is set on the 23rd of June and the evening before, on the 22nd, is when all Luxembourgers come out to party! The festivities are marked by a day of holiday and celebrations often continue on throughout the night until 6am.

2. The city is divided into different parts, make sure to check out a few different areas!

From the Grund in the bottom of the valley to the shiny new buildings of the European Union in the Kirchberg district of the city, each area of Luxembourg has its own unique atmosphere and vibe, with a variety of things to do. Whether you prefer modern art museums, to open air concerts, to a great food scene, Luxembourg has you covered!

3. Bring some good, comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be walking a lot!)

The best way to get around the city of Luxembourg is by foot (particularly in areas of the city such as the Grund where the streets are narrow). As such, it’s best to bring shoes that are comfortable and easy to walk in.

4. Try Luxembourgish food (at least once!)

Although Luxembourg is known for its international scene, it still has many dishes of its own. During my time in the country, I tried a wide range of tasty dishes from around Europe and beyond. After all, Luxembourg is home to a whole host of EU institutions and welcomes international visitors all the time.

But… I also made sure to try a Luxembourgish specialty whilst there (as it’s hard to find the dish anywhere else). Pictured below, you’ll see Kniddelen. This dish comprises of a type of dumplings. You can get both meat and vegetable varieties.

5. The currency to use is the Euro

Fun fact: Luxembourg is one of the founding members of the European Union. As a result, the currency used in Luxembourg is the Euro. This is particularly useful if you’re planning to visit nearby countries such as France and Germany. (All use the Euro and so you won’t have to exchange your money twice!)

6. Visit the countryside (if only for a couple of hours)

If you only have time to visit one place, make it Vianden. A fairytale castle and town are situated in the North of Luxembourg a couple of hours drive away from Luxembourg City. If it’s your first time in Luxembourg, and you’re worried about wasting your precious time in transport, then you shouldn’t.

For, the travel time is well worth it; the magical castle of Vianden is one of the largest surviving castles in the area today. The town itself was once home to Victor Hugo and has a museum dedicated to his life and works in the town center.

7. Luxembourg has its own language

In actual fact, Luxembourg has three official languages; French, German and Luxembourgish. Due to its central nature as a landlocked European country, Luxembourg borders on France and Germany and many of the residents I met spoke as many as seven languages fluently!

8. Get a Visit Luxembourg Pass

Of all the tips for first time visitors to Luxembourg, this is probably the most important. To save you hassle, time (and in many cases, money), I highly recommend purchasing a Visit Luxembourg Pass.

There are various different options for the Luxembourg Pass; including family cards and varying lengths of stay cards. The cards can be used for a variety of attractions, as well as for much of the public transport throughout the country.

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Picking which Greek Island to visit when planning a holiday in Greece can be overwhelming. There are so many beautiful islands to choose from, where would you even start? Should you pick the well-known Greek islands or the more secluded, less touristy islands? Well, why not try sailing the greek islands so you can hit them all!?

This summer I had the opportunity to sail for a week with Yacht Getaways and explore six beautiful islands. For me, this was the best way to see Greece and get a taste of each island.  If you’re looking for a way to see Greece in all its beauty, I cannot recommend taking a sailing trip with Yacht Getaways enough.

Interested in seeing what each island has to offer? Here is a snapshot of what it’s like spending a week on the Adriatic Sea roaming through picturesque Grecian towns:

Sailing the Greek Islands

Naousa

Naousa was one of my favorite towns we visited and set the bar high for the rest of sailing trip with Yacht Getaways.

This fisherman’s village by the sea is more magical than pictures could ever show.  Beautiful streets that one could get lost in, live music, restaurants over looking the water.  Naousa is also filled with lots of cute boutiques where you can find handmade jewelry, leather shoes, and Greek inspired clothing. 

If you’re looking for a place to relax by the water with delicious, fresh seafood, then Naousa would be the perfect spot.

Mykonos

Mykonos Island was one of the most charming islands we visited during our seven days of island hopping in Greece.  From beautiful alleys to restaurants over looking the ocean and the iconic mills, this island was so stunning.

We arrived on a popular spot, Ornos Beach, where our catamaran dropped us off to explore the rest of the island.  Ornos Beach was full of beautiful lounge chairs, water activities, cozy Greek restaurants, and of course crystal clear water. We enjoyed a bit of time there before exploring the rest of Mykonos, but we could have certainly enjoyed relaxing at Ornos Bech for a full day.

The Old Town of Mykonos was my favorite. The white washed walls and great shopping might have helped. Although a very touristy island, it still had an authentic feel about it and was well worth the visit.

You can see more photos from our time in Mykonos here.

Naxos

The largest of the islands visited, Naxos had some of the prettiest water with rocky cliffs.  It felt like the least touristy of the islands.  We enjoyed seeing some of the main sites like the temple on top of mountain, the harbor at sunset and trying authentic delicious Greek food.

Naxos is also famous for it’s wine and untouched, secluded beach.  It was the perfect island to rent a scooter and get lost in!  Definitely an island worth visiting if you’re looking for a more authentic and calm vacation in Greece.

Little Cyclades

By far the clearest water I have ever seen and the prettiest white sand beaches were in the Little Cyclades.  This island was such a dream and it was the most relaxing day of the whole trip with Yacht Getaways.

We docked in a small harbor where there was an abundance of delicious restaurants overlooking the ocean and beach bars that were practically floating on the water. We started our day off with the beach and stayed there for hours mesmerized by the clear, blue water.

The city center of Koufinisia in the Little Cyclades is small, but quaint and cute.  The town was filled with local Grecians and it felt like a true cultural experience. We tried the towns local ice-cream “κανέλα”, which means cinnamon in Greek, and it was divine.

The Little Cyclades was different than the other islands in its landscape, speed of pace, and overall atmosphere.  It felt more like living with the locals and having a quiet getaway.

Ios

Ios completely took me off guard.  I had heard that Mykonos was considered the “party island” and had not heard many people say much about Ios.  In my opinion, Ios is where all the young people go for great music, parties on the beach, and a week of fun with friends.

Granted, we were only there for a day and an evening, but the energy of the island was at whole different level than the other islands.  The landscape was also extremely different.  Upon arrival we docked at the harbor and took a 15 minute bus ride up the mountain and down to the other side. There were beautiful beaches with water activities, bars filled with people, and DJs rocking their music at 2 p.m. in the afternoon.

I think if you’re staying on Ios island there is no time for sleep, it’s just a “go, go, go” island.  From the time we arrived to leaving, we saw so much of the island.  Known for it’s delicious cocktails and sunset views, we enjoyed dinner with the most spectacular views.

The hilltop church of Panagia Gremiotissa, is also well known for tourist to watch the sunset.  The church hovers over the rest of the town and gives you a gorgeous 360 view of the island. Definitely one of my favorite parts of Ios was all the great views.

Paros

Both Paros & Antiparos had an inviting warmness and charm about them. Just one nautical mile apart from one another and connected by a local ferry.

Paros was the island we spent the most time on because it’s where you begin and end your trip with Yacht Getaways.  It provided a lovely first impression of Greece with its Cycladic architecture and flat roofs, whitewash walls, and blue-painted doors.

We enjoyed our first and best Gyro in Paros at Yiannoulis Taverna where we made a rookie mistake by taking it to go (it’s too big to walk and eat!).  Also on our first day I picked up a beautiful handmade Turkish towel that came in handy during the rest of the trip.  There are so many boutiques selling them, but Paros had the best price and quality.

If you plan to take a trip with Yacht Getaways in the Greek Islands, staying the night in Paros the day before is a must.  Otherwise, it would be too stressful trying to board the yacht on time.  We stayed at the beautiful Paros Palace just a 10 minute walk from the harbor.  It was an absolutely beautiful resort with a delicious restaurant and gorgeous views.

Antiparos

Antiparos, although much smaller than Paros, still had so much charm about it.  There we met many local shop owners that live in Antiparos during the summer to sell their goods and go back to Athens in the cooler months.  Because of that, the shopping was exceptional and there were so many lovely pieces to choose from. Still wishing I would have brought an extra suitcase to take a few goodies home with me!

The island is quite small and cozy feeling.  The main shopping area is about one street long and their is a beach just a 5 minute walk away.  We took advantage of the local shops and spent most of our time browsing and talking with the owners.  We also had an incredible meal on the water at Kalokeri and had one of our best meals from the whole week.

My week sailing with Yacht Getaways was an unforgettable week.  It was so relaxing simply waking up each morning and having our skipper sail us to the next island.  We were always given such great recommendations by the Skipper & Host on what to see and do.

One of the other passengers on board kept saying how she thought this was the perfect way to get a “taste of Greece”, and I could not agree more.  Yacht Getaways provided a beautiful way to see Greece and so much of it.

Thank you, Yacht Getaways, for hosting us and for a week of a lifetime!

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The Greek Islands have always topped my list on places to see. Finally, this year I checked them off my bucket list.

Sailing with Yacht Getaways was such an incredible and convenient way to travel through the Greek Islands without the stress of booking multiple ferries and hotels. If you’re looking for a way to see the islands in a relaxing and easy way, I can definitely recommend a sailing trip with Yacht Getaways.

Here are my top reasons to take a sailing trip to the Greek Islands with Yacht Getaways!

Gourmet Breakfast & Lunch Served Daily

One of my favorite things about sailing with Yacht Getaways was waking up to my coffee freshly brewed and breakfast beautifully set on the table.  I mean, can it get much better than that?

The skipper & host do a fantastic job of creating delicious meals each day that I never got tired of. Yacht Getaways also makes sure that any food allergies are known of before arriving on the catamaran, so the host knows how to prepare each meal.

Lunch was one of my favorite parts of the day because the Skipper always took us to a remote spot near a secluded beach or island.  We had prime parking and beautiful lunch views.  Plus, we were able to burn off some of the delicious Greek food with some water activities afterwards.

The Boats are Spacious & Modern                          

The Yacht Getaway cabins are not huge compared to a 5-star hotel. However, they are definitely spacious compared to most catamarans and more updated.  All rooms on Yacht Getaways catamaran have their own closet, bathroom, storage under and beside the bed, and windows.

The catamaran also has a nice outside seating area deck where lunch and breakfast are served. The seating area is great place to get some shade, relax, and read.  My favorite part of the boat was the front area. There it is comfortable to layout and get the great views in while sailing to your next Greek Island.

Your Skipper & Host Do All the Thinking for You

When arriving to a new island, which you’ll do each day some time after lunch, your skipper and host will walk you through all the best things to see and do on the island.  I found this extremely helpful and beneficial.  Part of the luxury of taking a yacht trip is not having to plan out each part of your day, but rather leave it up to the experts.  The skipper and host have a lot of experience and time on each islands, so they’ve already done all the guess work and know which spots are worth seeing!

You Get to See So Much More

Having a skipper sail you to a new island each day is pure luxury and bliss.  Waking up with a coffee in your hand as you make your way to one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches really isn’t a bad way to vacation. Right?

There are so many beautiful islands to choose from and narrowing them down is so hard! Thankfully Yacht Getaways does that for you.  When sailing you get to visit 7 different islands.  There were some islands that I could have spent more time on and others less. Now, when I go back to Greece (fingers crossed!) I will have a better idea of which places I want to spend the most time.

Water Activities & Secluded Beaches

The perks of sailing with your own yacht is endless. However, one of my favorite perks was having access to the secluded islands.  Being able to jump off the boat (literally) and hop on a paddle-board to explore old caves is one of the coolest parts of the trip.  Each catamaran with Yacht Getaways comes with a paddle-board, kayak, and snorkeling gear.  You can also bring your own gear on board like floats and such.  We spent each day burning off our lunch by paddle-boarding and exploring deserted islands.

So, if you’re looking for a way to explore the Greek Islands in a convenient, economical, and fun way, then definitely consider a sailing trip with Yacht Getaways.

Thank you to the Yacht Getaways team for hosting us and making for a memorable week on board!

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Does living in Italy and getting paid to travel around Europe sound like a dream job to you? Well, as a freshly graduated college student who fell in love with Italy when studying abroad, it sounded like the perfect job for me! I’m going to explain how to become a travel guide in Europe.

Today, I’m talking all about my year living and working in Italy as a student travel guide. As someone who has always been passionate about traveling, I wholeheartedly believe that choosing to live and work in Italy after graduating is one of the best decisions I’ve made.

While most of my friends were settling into their 9-5 routines, I was busy traveling around Europe and exploring Italy. In fact, in my year working as a student travel guide, I actually got paid to visit over 10 countries and 20+ cities.  Working as a student travel guide was such a rewarding experience, and is a huge reason why I was able to afford to travel so much!

That being said, working abroad wasn’t all pretty Instagrams and gelato-keep reading to learn more about this travel job, and see if working as a student travel guide is right for you!

How I Found The Job

Believe it or not, the job actually sort of fell into my lap while I was studying abroad in Florence, Italy. If you have ever studied abroad in Europe, you may remember meeting a few Americans, fresh out of college, working for student travel companies in your city. I headed on a couple of trips with the company I would later work for, and the tour guide I befriended would later become my boss! When the time came around to apply, my friend made sure to send me an application, and the rest is history.

Landing The Job

You don’t always have to know someone at a student travel company to get hired, however, it definitely helps. The job is very social, so having someone to vouch for your personality will definitely get your resume to the front of the applicant pile. If you are planning on studying abroad and think this job might be for you, then I highly recommend befriending a tour guide or two who you can use as references later.

If you don’t know anyone at a student travel company or haven’t studied abroad, then just be sure to put together a great application that shows how perfect of a fit you are for the job.

What are student travel companies looking for?

Student travel companies are looking for outgoing, social, motivated leaders who love traveling and are great at selling and putting themselves out there. On your application, you will want to highlight any involvements you had in college, and social groups you may have been a part of. On my application, I emphasized my love of travel, social media savvy, past work experience, and my involvement in a sorority in college. If you are serious about applying, you can read a bit more about what else these student travel companies are searching for here!

So what exactly does a student travel guide do?

While the travel aspect of the job is what immediately comes to mind for most people, the reality is that the job can be broken down into 3 main categories: sales, nightlife, and lastly, travel. I’m putting travel last because even though this is the reason most people dream about working for a travel company, you actually will only be traveling on weekends, and have many responsibilities during the week!

Sales

The most important part of the job is, surprisingly, sales! Most tour guides are paid on commission, meaning that you are paid based on how many trips you sell. The more trips you sell, the more money you’ll make, so this part of the job is paramount.

You’ll spend your weekdays trying to meet as many study abroad students (aka potential clients) as possible in the hopes that they will use your promo code to book a trip. This requires excellent social skills and social media know-how, as your primary way of reaching out to students is either in person or via Facebook.

During the beginning of each semester, you’ll pretty much be working around the clock. You’ll spend long days walking around handing out flyers, constantly messaging students on Facebook, meeting up with students in person, and being a brand ambassador 24/7.

Nightlife

This brings me to the second most important part of the job-nightlife. Many travel companies require you to attend at least 1 nightlife event each week, and oftentimes one every night during the first few weeks of the semester. After all, one of the best ways to meet study abroad students is out at the bars, and travel companies often work with local establishments to promote bars, clubs, and nightlife events while promoting their travel company at the same time.

If you love going out, then you will love this part of the job. To many travel guides it is a great way to extend those college years a bit. If you are like me, and prefer going out 1-2 times a month, this will quickly become one of your least favorite parts of the job.

Tour Guiding

Finally, the best part of the job-traveling! After working hard to sell as many trips as possible, you will finally be able to enjoy all of your hard work on the weekends. Many travel companies base who is going on a weekend trip on sales, so it is important to sell well during the week if you are hoping to go somewhere during the weekend. As a travel guide, you will be expected to help lead a group of around 50 study abroad students with another guide or two.

You will start out as an assistant guide-usually taking photos, counting to make sure the group is all there, making sure no one gets lost, and assisting the Lead guide.

Lead guides, which you may be promoted to at some point, are in charge of everything else-coordinating with the bus driver, making sure the group arrives at scheduled activities prepared and on time, leading walking tours, and dealing with any unexpected situations that may pop up. It can be quite a responsibility!

As a top seller in my company, I was traveling nearly every weekend-which was totally awesome but can also be very exhausting! Long overnight bus rides, late nights out with students in different countries, and tour guiding can be quite tiring, but getting to explore different places all the time was so worth it.

How much do student travel guides make?

This is a tough question to answer, as pay varies greatly between different companies, and often depends on your sales abilities.

Generally, tour guides have free accommodation, earn commission from sales, and may (or may not) be paid to lead or assistant guide on tours. Commission percentages, housing situations, and tour guide pay varies widely between companies, so it is hard to put together an exact number.

In my particular situation, my rent was covered as I lived in company housing, I had all of my expenses paid when on a trip, and I was also paid to be a lead guide (although I was not paid as an assistant guide).

My first semester, I pretty much broke even, however, during my second semester working I was able to save enough money to help fund a three month trip through Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. That being said, few tour guides make this much money-I was a top seller at a smaller company, whereas some larger travel companies are much more competitive.

If you are thinking about working as a student travel guide, then I highly recommend heading abroad with some savings-there is no way to know in advance if your company will have a successful semester or if you will consistently make sales. Make sure you have some money saved up in case you are struggling to earn enough for groceries, and you will definitely want to have enough saved up for a flight home.

The perks of the job

The main reason I wanted to work for student travel company was to travel, and travel I did! During my year working for a student travel company, I was able to visit over 10 countries and well over 20 cities around Europe-while getting paid. It was basically a dream come true. Here is a list of all the places I traveled with my company, many of which I visited more than once!

Europe:

• Austria 
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• France
• Germany
• Hungary 
• Netherlands
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Switzerland

Italy: 

• Capri
• Chianti
• Cinque Terre
• Elba Island
• Naples
• Pisa
• Perugia
• Pompeii
• Positano
• Rapolano
• Rome 
• San Gimignano
• Siena
• Venice
• Verona

The pros and cons

While every person has a different experience working for a student travel company, I’m pretty sure that everyone can agree that there are definitely pros and cons to the job. While traveling around so much sounds like a dream come true, and in many ways it is, there are some pretty big downsides to the job as well.

The pros:

My favorite parts of being a travel guide were being able to visit so many places without having to spend a dime, living in my favorite city, Florence, and the amazing friends I made while working. I also had some unforgettable life experiences made possible by working as a travel guide-like attending Oktoberfest, sleeping in a prison in Slovenia (it isn’t what it sounds like, I promise), and hiking in Cinque Terre nearly every weekend in the summertime.

The cons:

Over time, repeating the same itineraries every trip can get a little boring, and my bed in Florence started sounding more and more appealing as I boarded yet another 6-hour bus ride to the Amalfi Coast. I also really had a difficult time keeping up with all of the nightlife events while I enjoy going out occasionally, mandatory nightlife was not much fun for me, and quickly became my least favorite part of the job.

Living with co-workers can also be problematic, but I was fortunate to work for a close-knit company and had great roommates throughout my time living in Italy. Working for an Italian company also took quite a bit of getting useful, and cultural differences (and not always getting paid on time) sometimes made work frustrating.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I had an amazing experience and would highly recommend looking into working for a student travel company to anyone interested in living and working in Europe while also getting paid. That being said, make sure you are clear on exactly what the job entails before applying-I know many people who have gotten the job only to quit within a few months because they severely underestimated exactly how much they would be working, are not outgoing or dislike sales, or couldn’t handle the often competitive work environment, lack of sleep, and nightlife requirements, among other reasons.

For a peek into life as a student travel company, check out these 26 signs that you worked for a student travel company in Europe.

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The post Dream Travel Jobs: How I Lived in Italy + Got Paid To Travel To 10 Countries first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Dream Travel Jobs: How I Lived in Italy + Got Paid To Travel To 10 Countries appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

When people picture Greece it’s usually the islands or Athens. About 8 years ago, I went to Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, and Athens myself and it was amazing. But some people say that the islands are not like the real Greece and advise that you should see more! In this post, I’ll give you some tips for visiting Katerini and a couple other places in Greece we visited.

Ben’s dad and long-term girlfriend live in Vienna but she is Greek and from the town Katerini, near Thessaloniki (the second biggest city in Greece). Her family is still there and they have an apartment there; we’ve always wanted to go and visit. We had decided a long time ago to visit and also go to the “three fingers”, Halkidiki Penninsula, nearby which are really famous. As always we over-estimated time and decided it would be better to explore closer to Katerini.

So, we ended up spending a few nights in Katerini, a few nights in Litochoro (Mt. Olympus, home of Zeus), and the last few days in Plaka on the beach. It was the first real vacation I’ve taken in a while where I didn’t worry about blogging so it was nice to relax. Prior to that, we had even more vacation time at Ben’s dad’s in Vienna. So, it was basically two weeks of vacation and no blogging! I love to blog, but it’s nice to be abroad and not always thinking about what I’ll write about.

I am not writing about our time in Austria as I have already on previous visits. Since I wasn’t really focusing on blogging, I’m combining all three of these cities we visited in Greece into one blog post!

Getting to Katerini

The easiest way to get to any of the places we visited is by flying to Thessaloniki. It’s a small airport and about 15 minutes outside of the city center. I came from India, so flew Turkish Airlines which is one of online two airlines that do easy routes from India to Greece. I had to go to Alanya for work anyway, so it worked out perfectly. I’ve actually flown TA the last three big international flights I’ve done, and love them.

We stayed at an airport hotel the night we arrived and the night before we left. We stayed at the Ambassador both times. It ranges between $60-$100. Good hotel, amazing pool.

We got a rental car with Sixt at the airport, booking ahead of time. Reason being the other rental car options are really far from the lot and you even have to take a taxi to them instead of a shuttle. I can’t remember the rental car price, but it was cheap! It was supposed to have an option to buy GPS but they didn’t have the devices. So, Ben bought a Vodafone SIM card. It was necessary but still didn’t offer good service.

From Thessaloniki, you can drive about an hour South to Katerini and from there the rest is all close by. Thessaloniki is cool but I didn’t stay long, so won’t write about it on this post.

Tips on Visiting Katerini

Katerini is called the heart of Macedonia. It’s a cute town on its own but also a good base to explore from. From here you can visit:

• Dion. where there are a lot of ancient ruins at archeological sites
• Platamanos Castle. looked amazing from below but didn’t go inside. It actually looked closed when we tried to!
• Olympus. Many people stay here to trek Mt Olympus.

The town center in Katerini isn’t huge and you can easily walk everywhere. Ben new his way around in two days but I’m directionally challenged so would advise GPS here if you are like me!

We spent a lot of time here eating, go figure. We met with Ben’s family in Katerini and they were so nice! They took us to the best place to eat and I ordered just about everything. I got a business card so I could share the name and when I just looked at it- it’s in GREEK! lol I can’t even try to tell you the name.

We also drove to a nearby beach and had a mediocre meal, below – so I won’t bother sharing about the name of the restaurant!

The last night there we ate at another yummy place, that unfortunately, I’m useless and don’t know the name. Like I said, I wasn’t thinking about blogging on this trip. Sorry! But, I had all good food here except one meal, which was still “okay” so I think you’ll be fine just popping in anywhere. It seems all Greeks know how to cook!

Below is the castle that I mentioned above, which was closed when we went to it. 

Mt. Olympus / Litochoro Tips

This is really a place to come is you want to trek and hike. Other than that, it’s a cozy town with great views. It is good because you get the views of the sea and the mountains. Our hotel, Hotel Olympus Mediterranean, offered both and I highly recommend it. Click here for rates and reviews.

It had amazing views! You can’t really see through the clouds, but you can see the sea and to the left are the mountains. The room was really old-fashioned looking which I liked. It was the coziest little room! It was a five minute walk to the town center.

When you arrive here, you can park outside the hotel but be warned it is really tiny alleys here so rent a compact car!

We drove to the Mountain because we weren’t all that prepared to hikini (nor were we interested in it). The views were great on the drive up and down and roads were safe. We went to Zeus’s waterfall, which turns out you can’t hike to but have to look at from afar.

The town square had cafes around it and was typically full of local men or tourists in trekking outfits. There were some sport shops, fruit stalls, and random little shops but nothing to buy, really. I liked it more getting lost in the alleys! 

Of course, there was a lot of food and we went to Erato Wine restaurant. It was the cutest one from the outside and when I googled ‘best food in town’, it came up first. Easy choice! It was SO tasty, huge portions, and really affordable. I got a bottle of wine for $9. What! Crazy, I know.

Seriously, look at the size of this steak!

Plaka & Nearby Beaches

We really didn’t plan this trip so when we went to the Plaka area, it was because we wanted to see this part of the coast and because we wanted to stay at Cavo Olympo. It was a great boutique hotel (you can see rates and reviews here). We used the hotel as our base and drove to random beaches nearby. Plaka was the best and the others were about the same, some more touristy than others. Olympus Beach was pretty crowded but good if you’re getting bored and want something to do.

This restaurant, Taverna Agorastos, was our favorite place we tried. I fed all my prawn heads to the cats and they went crazy for them! The whole area is really dead; we only saw one other group of tourists on this whole beach while we were there. It was late May, so not a crazy time of year, but I guess still too cold for tourists to want to come.

So, overall, that’s what we got up to! Nothing crazy, but a great holiday in a really quiet beautiful place. If you are looking for loads of culture and a popping nightlife, you might want something more like Athens, but if you just want to relax you can get a wide range of things to do here from archeological visits, to mountain treks, or just chill at one of the many beaches.

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The post Taking a “Real” Vacation in Katerini, Litochoro, and Olympus Greece first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Taking a “Real” Vacation in Katerini, Litochoro, and Olympus Greece appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Slovenia has both the Alps and the Adriatic sea but it’s small enough that you CAN see the best places to visit in Slovenia in just a one week holiday here in Slovenia. The best way to see all these places is to rent a car. To get in and out of Slovenia, look at not just Ljubljana airport but also Trieste, Italy. I use Kiwi.com to find the best rates for flight.

The 10 Best Places to Visit in Slovenia

1. Piran

Piran surprised me the most about Slovenia because, for me, I just didn’t picture the coast when I pictured Slovenia, but instead the Alpine region. Piran was like being in Croatia or Italy and had such an energetic vibe. It’s a very small town, and the coast of Slovenia is just 46 km long. I wrote about Piran in this article: Piran, Slovenia.

2. Ljubljana

Quaint little Ljubljana. You don’t want to come to Slovenia and not spend time here! For a European capital city, it is surprisingly small, clean, green, and easy to get around. You can check all the tourist activities off your list in one day and then spend a couple of days exploring aimlessly down the pretty lanes. I wrote an article about how to spend 3 days in Ljubljana and another about my favorite shops in Ljubljana.

3. Lake Bled

Of course, Lake Bled is on this list! That’s most people’s primary reason for wanting to visit Lake Bled and it was definitely mine. It is a very small and beautiful lake with a church on an island in the middle and a castle towering above it. I was bummed that the rain didn’t let me have that perfect view, but it was still absolutely beautiful and fairytale-like. You can read about it here and find out where the treehouse is I slept in: Lake Bled in the Rain.

4. Lipica

The Lipizzaner horses at Lipica Stud Farm are world-famous and beautiful. They have a gene which makes them turn from black to white at around age 4-5. They are the horses that “tip toe” around like they are dancing. I thought it was a fun and peaceful place to visit. For kids, it would be great because they have ponies, too. I wrote about my experiences here: Lipica Horse Stables.

5. Predjama Castle

I have wanted to see this castle since FOREVER. It’s built into the cliffside and has been around since the Medieval times. It was smaller than I thought it would be and you need just an hour to get through it all with an audio guide. It is just 15 minutes from the caves mentioned next, Postojna caves.

6. Postojna Caves

These caves are one of the top tourist attractions in the whole country. They were created by the Pivka River. You need just two hours maximum to go through this whole thing with an audio guide and have time for a coffee break. I wrote all about it in this article: Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle in Slovenia.

7. Logar Valley

I loved driving through here even though it was pretty rainy so I didn’t take any photos (hence the photo of the dog, when we stopped for lunch. I was afraid to get my camera wet). It’s in the Alpine region and is a glacial valley. There are so many cool places to stay here and a lot of adventures like mountain biking and horseback riding. You can read more about it here.

8. Soča Valley

A post shared by Madison Heller (@maddieheller14) on May 10, 2017 at 6:39am PDT

The emerald-green river of Soca Valley is probably the most beautiful on this list (if I had seen it I’d agree)…. but I didn’t go here due to rain. We wanted to white water raft here but had to cancel our plans because the river was flowing too fast. We were told the views would be too misty and the river would be a muddy mess – making the views not worth the drive. Apparently, the trout from here is the best in the world!

9. Triglav National Park

A post shared by Trails4Hiking (@diarionomade) on May 10, 2017 at 1:17am PDT

I didn’t make time to visit Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps (Slovenia’s only National Park). I mean, it looks stunning! But, like Soca Valley, the weather was too bad and it didn’t seem worth the drive for mud and mist. The lake is called Lake Bohinj. The park is named after Mt. Triglav which is the highest peak in Slovenia.

10. Vogel

A post shared by Tamara_photography (@tamaraphotography03) on Apr 24, 2017 at 4:23am PDT

Vogel is another area I didn’t go to because it’s a winter town. It’s way high up in the Alpine region and the main reason to visit is to go to Vogel Ski Resort. You can read about things to do in Vogel here.

There we have it, 10 of the best places to visit in Slovenia which you could fit into a week if you really had to – but two weeks is better. If you like it, pin it!

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