International
Should You Visit Porto?
This post is not a travel guide or suggested itinerary. It’s an essay (or really a bit of a love letter) of why I visited Porto and maybe why you shouldn’t. I’ve been asked by several people if they should include Porto on their visit to Portugal. My response: I absolutely loved it. But I’m not sure if you should go. Walk through my Porto experience, and decide if it’t the type of European experience that makes sense for you.
Madeira: An Enchanting Escape
The word that continuously came to mind for me while in Madeira was bewitching. The nature of the island has a whimsy quality. Every winding road reveals a new wonder. If you are considering checking out Madeira while in Portugal, take my word for it and take the two hour (and seriously cheap) flight over to the island even if you have limited time. I spent two full days here, and every moment felt like like fairytale.
Southern Spain (Mallorca, Seville, Cordoba, and Granada)
This was my first international girls trip and the kick start to my obsession with the old world charm of European cities. If you have a week, you can comfortably see and enjoy a good chunk of Southern Spain. Mallorca, Seville, Cordoba, and Granada may be located in the same general area, but each one is charming in its own and very different way. Come read about some of southern Spain’s splendors and take a journey through my top picks in Mallorca, Seville, Cordoba, and Granada.
London
London, Baby! Dive into the timeless charm of this city that effortlessly blends the old and modern world. From the regal elegance of historic landmarks like the Tower of London to the sleek, futuristic skyline of The Shard, every corner tells a story of rich heritage and contemporary flair. Four jam packed days in this city felt like a journey though history. There are so many ways you could organize a trip to the tapestry that is London.
Banff National Park
What I love about this town and National Park is that it has something for everyone. The views are available whether you able and or want to hike or not. Banff would make a lovely trip for a family or friends getaway. I found it also made for a great couples getaway as I went with my fiance, Eric. We both fell in love with this area of Canada and plan to go back. The views and experiences were larger than life. If you need a place to invigorate your soul, Banff has just what you need.
Slovenia
Slovenia can be summed up in one word: So underrated. Ok, that was two words, but I think the unnecessary descriptor was actually necessary. Slovenia was everything to love about Europe on a more intimate scale. Besides Lake Bled, there’s not a major icon or tourist site that defines the country. Instead, Slovenia should be appreciated for what it is- a small yet diverse and welcoming country with a variety of options to create a truly unique trip.
Sorrento, Italy (Naples, Capri & Positano)
Ahh the Amalfi Coast. This could easily be a costly trip, but read how I made this an affordable and yet unforgettable experience. We drank all the wines, ate all the pastas, walked all the miles, and soaked up every bit of la dolce vita. This trip was a reminder that being surrounded by beauty and simplicity just feels good. Oh and stick around for the deets about the Path of the Gods–one of the most epic hikes I’ve ever experienced.
Tulum, Mexico
What do you do when you find out in a week you and your boyfriend will have the same chunk of time off? Why you book a last minute flight to Tulum of course! Instagram was definitely the culprit for intriguing my interest in this destination and it was as lovely as it is in pictures. Visiting during low season is key if you don’t want to break the bank. And while it’s a bit pricey (for my typical budget anyway), that little bit of extra dough made for a week of both relaxation and excitement.
