Are you ready to add a touch of Parisian chic to your wardrobe? Imagine strolling through the cobblestone streets of Paris with a custom-made purse slung over your shoulder, crafted with the Chanel fabric or Hermes leather of your choice. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s entirely possible with the bespoke purse-making experience at MiniMe Paris.
Read MoreThis blog post is for those clinging to Christmas, like me. Our Christmas tree is still up and will likely stay that way for another few weeks. But as I tuck away the stockings and other holiday paraphernalia, my thoughts wander back a few weeks to our quick jaunt to Germany to enjoy the Christmas markets in Munich. I am a massive fan of Christmas markets and have been to several European cities over the years in search of the very best. So far, I have done Vienna, Copenhagen, Sweden, Finland, and Budapest. However, Germany is unique because it is allegedly the birthplace of the Christmas market, dating back to 1434 in Dresden. These markets offer handicraft stalls, food, and glühwein (mulled wine), but my favorite feature is the atmosphere. From the simple white lights strung along the wooden stalls, laughter ringing through the air, and revelers bundled up in their winter attire – these markets look, smell, and feel like the holiday season. Our recent move to Egypt had me longing for some holiday cheer, and a direct Egypt Air flight from Cairo to Munich felt like the best remedy for the winter blues.
Read MoreKillarney has always held a special place in my heart. My first introduction to this Irish village was through the song “Christmas in Killarney.” My love for the ballad led to a Christmas trip in 2014 filled with music, laughter, and realizing Christmas is NOT the time to travel to Ireland. I had no idea five years later I would call Dublin home, and while COVID put a slight damper on my Ireland trips, the lifting of restrictions has every single weekend from now until August booked to see as my sights possible. My first weekend leaving Dublin county led me back to Killarney, and to one of the most spectacular hotel stays I’ve had in Ireland at Cahernane House Hotel.
Read MoreIreland’s “Lockdown 2.0” has me trading in my stilettos for sneakers and embracing the great outdoors, as indoor activities have ceased once again. Unless they included being cooped up in the house finding another series to binge on Netflix. The lack of indoor activities has led to several outdoor excursions that yours truly may not have participated in otherwise. A recent adventure took me and my sneakers out to the Great South Wall in Dublin.
Read MoreMany of us are heading into nearly 60 days or more of quarantine, and while I am going a little stir crazy, I found that revisiting some old travel memories is helping ease the monotony. Let me transport you out of your living room and into the warm aqua tinted waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
Read MoreSince our relocation from Kabul to Dublin, the 24 to 48-hour trip is quickly becoming my travel go-to. Quick weekend jaunts are like a tapas restaurant. You can try bite-size portions without having to commit to a full meal. Last weekend, we were swept away by the beauty and wonder of Reykjavik, Iceland.
Read MoreIceland is known as one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, and I can now fully back that statement. We were able to witness nature’s light show first-hand through Special Tours. The company offers a 2 - 3 hours ‘Northern Lights by Boat’ trip that departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and is very highly rated on TripAdvisor. They will also try to reschedule your trip should conditions not be suitable for proper Northern Lights hunting. 1000% recommend. *Please note there is no guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights.
If you are looking for a fancy night out, the Matarkjallarinn Food Cellar offers a low-lit romantic ambiance with delicious fresh fish options on the menu. Fancy something not so fancy? Just around the corner, the Saetasvinid Gastropub will have everything you need. For all of my cocktail lovers, order the Marie-Antoinette, the drink is as iconic as the former Queen herself.
The Blue Lagoon. A full blog post is forthcoming and will be linked here. Short advice, go.
Some travelers want to spend hours on the beach. Others may find their solace on trails in the mountains. Or, perhaps the constant buzz of city life as you whiz from one place to the next. There is a famous quote, “vacation to find yourself.” If you need me, I’ll be in Tuscany.
Read MoreFifteen minutes from the center of Copenhagen, nestled in the national soccer stadium (Telia Parken), is the nondescript entrance of Geranium, the only three Michelin star restaurant in Denmark and number 19 restaurant on “The Worlds Best 50”.
Read MorePut the Vasa Museum at the top of your list. The Vasa is warship built in 1628 that sank in the Stockholm harbor on her maiden voyage. After 333 years under the sea, Vasa was salvaged and is now on display. This museum boasts that it is the most visited museum in Scandinavia and it’s for a good reason.
Call me biased as this is a blog for travel photography, but The Museum of Photography or Fotografiska is fantastic! You can walk from Gamla Stan (the old city) to the museum in about 20 minutes, and there are signs all along the walk to guide you. In addition to incredible photography exhibits, there is also an award-winning restaurant on the top floor with beautiful views of Stockholm. *The restaurant was closed during our visit but we found the cafe on the top floor to be delicious, and offered the same stunning views.
You’ll need to rest your tired feet at some point and why not enjoy a craft cocktail at the same time? Pharmarium is in the heart of the old city and offers imaginative drinks and delectable treats. The menu changes seasonally, but if Croquette & Onion is on the list during your visit, do your taste buds a favor and order them! A reservation is highly encouraged as we saw many people turned away at the door.
