When I sat down to plan a fairly last-minute trip to Portugal this summer, I didn’t realize it had become such a popular destination. With its incredible architecture and tiled buildings, gorgeous beaches, and stunning wine country, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to the country. In this article, I’ll share some tips that I picked up while planning a trip to Portugal as well as what we learned once we got there. Hopefully, they will help you as you plan your next trip.
With miles of beautiful porticoes and delicious cuisine, Bologna is a fantastic city to add to your Italy itinerary. Here, you can visit the oldest university in the world, climb its leaning tower for stunning views, and taste the rich dishes for which Bologna is famous. Though, perhaps avoid going during a summer heat wave. In this article, I’ll take you through our three days visiting Bologna to inspire your next trip.
With picturesque landscapes of vineyards and Italian cypress trees peppered over its rolling hills, Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. Driving through the Tuscan countryside, you’ll encounter many medieval towns gracing the hilltops. In this post, I’ll recommend four beautiful hill towns that I don’t think you should miss on your visit to Tuscany. During your visit, admire the architecture, taste the local wine, and soak in the historic feel of these charming towns and you won’t regret it!
For years, the beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia has been on my bucket list. The bright green rice field terraces, ancient temples, and plethora of beaches beckoned me to visit. Due to its popularity, Bali is also home to some incredibly luxurious resorts and spas. So, when I found out I was pregnant, Bali seemed like the perfect destination for a grand babymoon adventure.
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling and vibrant Southeast Asian city with beautiful architecture and delicious food. A fascinating mix of modern development and historic charm provides a fun adventure as you explore this dynamic place. In this article, I’ll share some of the great things you can do on your next trip to Ho Chi Minh City.
With its variety of museums and historic sights, charming streets, and delicious restaurants, Florence is a city in which you could easily spend days. So, on your first trip to Florence, be prepared that you will not see everything. Simply soak in as much of this magnificent city as you can and know that you can always come back! In this post, I’ll share our itinerary, some delicious places to eat, as well as some of the lessons we learned from misadventures on our first trip to Florence.
The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa is a sight that you can’t help wanting to see when you’re visiting Italy. If you’re crunched for time, it’s easy to add a train stopover in Pisa to your itinerary. This will allow you to not only see the Leaning Tower, but also to admire Pisa’s beautiful architecture. In this article, I’ll show you how to maximize your visit to Pisa during a 6-hour train stopover, including a walking tour and useful tips.
Situated along the stunning Ligurian coastline, Cinque Terre National Park is an ideal place to lace up your sneakers for a scenic hike. And a hike on the Sentiero Azzurro is the best place to start. This coastline trail connects the historic villages that climb the steep hills rising up from the sea. With stunning views of the sea, vineyards, and the towns, this hike is an activity you won’t want to miss in Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre’s brightly-colored villages built into the dramatic cliffside on the sea make it a visually stunning destination you won’t want to miss. Explore the narrow alleyways of these historic towns, swim in the crystal clear sea, or hike along the cliffs to enjoy sweeping views. In this post, I’ll share all you need to know to spend a couple days in beautiful Cinque Terre on your next trip to Italy.
The economic and fashion capital of Italy, Milan is a dynamic city with a unique vibe. This summer, we kicked off our 3-week Italy adventure with a weekend in Milan. In this article, I’ll show you how we spent our fun, yet jet-lagged weekend in Milan, including tips for booking attractions and recommendations for delicious food.
Sitting down to plan our adventure in Italy, I realized that I’d forgotten how overwhelming planning a trip can be! Over the past couple of years, we’ve only traveled in order to visit family back in the US. So, I was out of practice when it came to planning a big international trip. If you’re in the same boat that I was, I hope this article will help guide you as you plan your own exciting holiday in Italy.
Located along the C&D Canal in eastern Maryland, Chesapeake City is a small, waterfront town that’s perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Its historic downtown is very walkable with excellent restaurants and boasts fabulous canal views. I’ll share reasons why you should visit Chesapeake City and some of the fun things to do in this quaint town.
Nestled in southern Pennsylvania’s sprawling countryside, Lancaster County is a wonderful destination to get away for a few days. In Lancaster City, wander through the historic downtown to discover eclectic art galleries, boutique shops, and street art. Then, drive through the picturesque farmland, stopping for fresh produce at farmers’ markets and to admire historic covered bridges. Whether you’re looking for a city or a country getaway, Lancaster County, PA is a great choice!
Hiking to Lantau Peak via the Middle Dog Teeth Range is a fantastic adventure for experienced hikers in Hong Kong. This short, yet steep hike offers incredible views as you scramble up the rocky and exposed trail to Hong Kong’s second highest peak. As one of the most difficult hikes in Hong Kong, it’s not for everyone. But if you love a challenge, this hike on Lantau Island might be perfect for you!
With a interesting mix of traditional Amish country life and a trendy downtown core, Lancaster, PA is a great place to spend a few days or a weekend getaway. While Lancaster City offers art galleries, theatres, and historic buildings for city lovers, the sprawling rural farmland of Lancaster County provides a serene country escape. No matter what type of trip you’re planning, these unique places to stay in Lancaster, PA offer a perfect home away from home.
When visiting Lancaster County, PA, a driving tour to see some of the historic covered bridges is a perfect leisurely activity to add to your itinerary. Not only is it great for social-distancing, but it will guide you off-the-beaten path through the beautiful countryside. In this post, I’ll show you how to find awesome covered bridge trails in Lancaster County and our experience on them.
On a cool, clear Saturday morning, we set out on another hiking adventure. This time, we’d tackle the Kai Kung Leng hike near Yuen Long. A steep and exposed trail, it offers epic 360-degree views for almost the entire hike. And so far, it’s the best view of the Shenzhen skyline that I’ve found in Hong Kong! In this article, I’ll show you how to hike this incredibly scenic trail in Lam Tsuen Country Park.
In Hong Kong’s northeastern New Territories, Pat Sin Leng Country Park is home to a fantastic hike on a gorgeous mountain range. Undulating peaks offer a tough workout for the legs. But stunning 360-degree views reward hikers for their efforts. In this post, I’ll show you how to hike the Eight Immortals and Wong Leng in Pat Sin Leng Country Park.
Because most Hong Kong hikes tend to head straight up a mountain with steep stairs, it’s a rare occurrence to find a flat, easy trail. But that’s what the Fung Hang Family Walk in northern New Territories is. Not only that, but this dog-friendly hike has beautiful views of Starling Inlet and the Yantian District of Shenzhen. It’s a perfect way for the whole family to enjoy some time in nature.
Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, is a charming town with a rich history. Situated on the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg has a small-town feel that makes you feel welcome. Plus, its plentiful fun activities and places to eat make it a great destination for a weekend getaway or a stop on your East Coast road trip itinerary.
President Theodore Roosevelt once remarked that the Pennsylvania State Capitol was the “handsomest building [he] ever saw”. As you drive into Harrisburg and catch site of the gleaming gilded bronze dome, you’ll be intrigued. However, once you enter this opulently-designed capitol for the free tour, you’ll quickly realize why the president made such a claim. Let me show you why PA’s beautiful capitol is a must-see building on your next East Coast road trip!
As other countries return to a semblance of normal, Hong Kong’s quarantine policies continue making it onerous to travel to the city. Recently returned to Hong Kong from the U.S., I’m in my third week of a 21-day hotel quarantine. So, it’s the perfect time to share a detailed look into my travel and quarantine experience with helpful tips and lessons learned along the way.
Nestled in the cozy Hebe Haven, or Pak Sha Wan, neighborhood of Hong Kong with a stunning waterfront location, The Pier Hotel is an excellent place to relax for a couple days. Nearby to hiking trails, beaches, plus delicious restaurants in Sai Kung Town, you can have a quiet getaway without sacrificing comfort. In this article, I’ll review our recent stay at The Pier Hotel so you can see what it’s like to stay there.
The Tai Tan Country Trail in Sai Kung’s West Country Park is a gorgeous, easy hike that’s perfect for summer. With stunning views of turquoise waters and the verdant green hills of Sai Kung, this hike highlights Hong Kong’s incredible natural beauty. Although best enjoyed on a sunny day, we hiked it during our recent rainy staycation in Sai Kung. In spite of the rain, it was a beautiful hike that I’ll share with you, plus provide tips for hiking it in wet conditions.
With its fishing villages, lush green parks full of hiking trails, and pristine beaches, Sai Kung is a world away from Central Hong Kong. As a result, it’s a perfect spot for Hong Kong residents and visitors alike to get outside the urban core and discover some of Hong Kong’s hidden gems. In this 3-day itinerary, I’ll show you what to do and where to eat in Sai Kung to have a fun-filled trip!
Boasting of 22 miles of gorgeous coastline, Jacksonville Beach, Florida is a fantastic destination for a beach vacation. Whether you’re planning a trip for the whole family or a couples’ getaway, you’ll find a wide variety of beach rentals from which to choose. To help you start your search, I’ve curated this list of beautiful, highly-rated beach vacation rentals in Jacksonville, FL.