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I couldn’t think of a more perfect spot for my bachelorette than the location of my first solo trip. But this time I shared the experience with five of my favorite girl friends! Thanks to these ladies, I had the most perfect celebration tailored to my tastes of relaxation and adventure. #girlsgonemild
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.
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: from the rugged cliffs that cradle the coastline to the vibrant tapestry of exotic flora that dances in the island’s temperate embrace. 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.
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.
Stepping into solo travel has radically changed my thoughts and beliefs around travel and my relationship with myself. It is now a priority that I take at least one solo trip every year. I think every person, and especially every woman, should go on a solo trip. The experience is an important reminder that you can rely on yourself and of how crucial it is to be comfortable with yourself. If you are contemplating taking a solo trip, check out these solo travel truths to help you prepare you!
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.
The newness of travel is what makes it exciting for most of us. We look forward to being somewhere different, eating different foods, meeting different people, and seeing different sights. But a ritual while on a trip can help you feel even more connected to the experience. Here are four ideas for travel traditions to start this year.
It’s hard to slow down and enjoy the holiday season when you have a house to clean and decorate, presents to buy and wrap, and Christmas functions galore to prep for. One way to relax and soak in the season is to get away for a weekend. In this post, my mom, my sister, and I share about the mini getaways we’ve taken during this time of year that helped us to better appreciate the vibes of this cozy and cheerful season.
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.
Full transparency here: The trip I planned to Lincoln, NH left me a little underwhelmed. So here is an honest look at some of our activities. Some of them met our expectations and some felt a little overrated. This in no way means that NH in general is overrated, and I think I would go back and reorganize my trip for a different experience. But still, there are a few places/activities that I feel deserve an honest critique.
There are a few items that stay ready to pack at a moments notice. I have a convenient little basket in my closet where I store my most commonly used travel possessions. And while every trip is different, these items are on repeat for pretty much every trip I take.
I love me a good podcast, and these are my top 5 favorite travel pods. These podcasts will expose you to a variety of travel stories, interviews, and experiences. They paint a picture of destinations I can’t wait to explore, expose me to thoughts and perspectives about travel I hadn’t considered, and fuel me with longing to get out and explore more of this great, big, beautiful world of ours. And check out the podcast in the number five slot. It may take you by surprise but it’s a podcast that truly influenced many of my adventures.
If you need some relaxation and rejuvenation, then Sedona, AZ is the place for you. And, if you’re absolutely craving relaxation and rejuvenation, then chances are you are also in need of a solo trip to reset. Sedona was my first solo travel experience, and it was the perfect spot to try out traveling by myself. With relaxing hikes and yoga sessions set against the stunning red rock scenery, you can’t help but come away feeling more centered.
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.
I’m all about going to places in the off season, but not when it comes to a place like Vermont. And a little town like Stowe, VT in October is as perfectly Hallmark as it gets. This location made for the perfect girl’s getaway. We were your basic flannel wearing, leaf peeping, cider drinking tourists and it was sublime. Visiting the northeast during the fall has always been on my travel wish list, and it lived up to my expectations.
I travel quite a lot, but I don’t sacrifice exciting experiences OR breaking the bank. Part of my personality is being money conscious and doing my best to be smart with my personal finance. But I don’t want to be too freakin frugal on vacation! So these are the top 5 tips I use to save money where it matters (to me). This allows me to spend on the stuff that brings me the most joy. Remember, travel is personal, so think about the things that mean the most to you and put your money where your heart is.
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.
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.
Paris is always a good idea according to Audrey Hepburn, and I couldn’t agree more. I spent several solo days in this city of love seeing the sights and sipping coffee at cafes every chance I got. Paris can be a go go go type of vacation, but with a little planning, I created a trip that balanced seeing the sights and soaking up the Parisian atmosphere.
Happy Birthday Dana! ❤
Thank you so much and thank
You for stopping by and checking out the blog!
Can’t wait to read about more adventures!!
Thank you! I can’t wait to share more.