There are plenty of reasons to visit Amsterdam. From the coffee shops to the historic attractions, to the offbeat, there is something for everyone in this Netherlands city.
With so many options for hotels in Amsterdam, it can be difficult to narrow down the ideal place to stay on your travels. But, it doesn’t have to be hard! It just depends what you are looking for …
Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It’s not Berlin. Or Munich. Or Frankfurt. But, this small Bavarian town has charm all its own. Home to the 1936 Winter Olympic Games, today the resort town is known for its outdoor activities, namely skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. In fact, this mountain town has some of the best ski resorts in Germany — Garmsich Classic and Zugspitze.
The history of this gorgeous town dates back all the way to 15 AD and is packed with places to experience … and explore.
A popular tourist destination year-round, there are plenty of hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to make it an ideal holiday destination, no matter what the weather. Fortunately, there is also no shortage of things to do in this Bavarian town.
Continue reading “CityLove: Things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen”
Dubrovnik, for all of its beauty, is a small city. While there are plenty of things to do in this gorgeous Croatian seaside town, if you’re planning on spending more than a few days, I always suggest taking some day trips. While it is easy to simply spend time lounging at the beach, dining on fresh Croatian dishes and exploring the Old City, there is so much more which awaits outside the city walls. It is near the islands, Bosnia, and Montenegro, making it is superb launching point to go and venture out to other spots nearby.
So, head out from your Durbovnik hotel and get exploring! My favorite day trips from Dubrovnik:
Thailand’s islands and beaches have long been romanticized as the place to go to experience the exotic, the beautiful. These spots, with limestone cliffs jutting out of the water, crystal clear sea, white beaches and, of course, the tropical hotels on Ko Phi Phi, influence people the world over to head here on their holidays. And, with good reason.
Aside from simply taking in the stunning beauty of the Thai islands, there is so much more beneath the surface (both figuratively and literally).
The Spanish countryside unfolds before me, vibrant greens, golden hills and that blue twilight sky that forever sears itself into memory.
Holding a glass of chilled white wine in my hand, I lean against the ancient stone wall of Pedraza, taking it all in.
It’s July 4th, Independence Day. Only, I’m thousands of miles from the fireworks.
However, the walled medieval city of Pedraza has its own fire on this sultry summer evening.
Continue reading “The Night of 10,000 Candles: Inside Pedraza’s La Noche de las Velas”
“If anything can go wrong — it will.”
The best laid plans.
Today, we’re time traveling to late January of this year. I’m in Madrid and I decide that it shall be my new home.
“It’s really easy to get a student visa here,” my friend explains to me.
Seeing as Spain was always tops on my list for a country to plant some roots in, I immediately begin researching the process of getting a student visa for Spain as an American. Let me tell you: it’s a royal pain in the ass.
Continue reading “When Your Travel Plans Turn into Murphy’s Law”
Florence is no doubt one of Italy’s most beautiful places. The capital of the Tuscan region, this city is the birthplace of the Reinassance and boasts stunning works of art and breathtaking architecture. But, after factoring in the cost of a Florence hotel, sipping delicious wine from the region and indulging in some of Italy’s finest foods, the wallet can take a hit. Even with the ever-dropping Euro, Florence can get pricey in terms of admission to museums like the Uffizi Gallery and more.
But, that shouldn’t stop anyone from planning a trip to this magnificent city. In fact, there are plenty of free activities in Florence that can add history, architecture, art and more to a holiday — without breaking the bank. There are plenty of free things to do in Florence.
Greece may be going through an economic crisis right now, but it is important to not lose sight of the beauty this country offers. All over the world, the media are encouraging people to keep their travel plans to the Mediterranean country. And, if they don’t have plans to travel, to make plans to travel there.
The country may be having issues, but its people and attractions remain the same: beautiful.
Athens has a number of historic places to visit, but there is so much more to the charm the city holds. From the sites to the Athens hotels — there is truly a world waiting to be explored.
So, how about today we take a look at some offbeat attractions in Athens.
Anton Gaudì is synonymous with Barcelona. Aside from the name, I never knew much about this famous architect. In fact, the first time I went to Barcelona, I grazed over his ties to the city and went straight for the beach … mostly because I was in Crappy Traveler mode. When visiting this gorgeous Mediterranean city, don’t make the same mistake I did.
Gaudì, a Spanish Catalan architect, is considered to be one of the best in the region’s Modernism movement. Influenced by nature, religion and, of course, architecture, his intricate creations can be found throughout the city.
His creations, first built as small-scale models, today are some of the world’s most renowned works. In fact, UNESCO has declared seven of his creations as World Heritage Sites.
Throughout Barcelona, visitors can find some of his most impressive — and famous works. Where to go to find the best of Gaudì in Barcelona?
If there is one thing I know, travel isn’t a born right. It is a privilege. And one many around the world don’t have the opportunity to experience.
That’s why I am in love with the new charitable foundation set up by Matt Kepnes of Nomadic Matt — FLYTE (Foundation for Learning and Youth Travel Education). Over the years, he has become an advocate for many things centered around responsible tourism (such as being outspoken against swimming with the dolphins and riding elephants).
The basic idea of FLYTE this this: the foundation will fund overseas school trips for underserved high school kids. The organization will help fund and organize trips for teachers who want to put real world context into their lesson plans.
I was fortunate when I was in high school to have a very supportive family and when the opportunity came up to perform at the Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, I was able to do so. However, I know that is not the case for many people in the US.
That’s why Matt started FLYTE.
D Travels 'Round