Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland

  • The Guinness Storehouse is on the top of every "Dublin" travel list and I agree. However, pay extra for the Connoisseur Experience. You will be taken to a private tasting area that resembles an early 1900's study and be treated to a unique tasting experience of Guinness not only as you know it but how it is served in other parts of the world.

  • Rent a car and drive the Ring of Kerry. Stops along the way should include Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle. We stayed at Gleann Fia Country House in Killarney and were treated to traditional Irish meals and wonderful hospitality.

  • Don't travel to Dublin over Christmas. While we had an amazing trip, most of major sights were closed for the holiday until the New Year.

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Europe, Top ThreeAlyssa AalmoEurope, Ireland
Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy

  • One of the best things about Italy, besides the history and amazing architecture is the food and wine. Right outside of our hotel was Alex Cafe Gestione Ci.Bi. Sas. It looks like a little glass house and offers amazing pasta, wine, and service.

  • I realize Vatican City is independent city-state from Rome, but this is a sight you do not want to miss when you are in the area. St. Peter's Basilica opens at 7:00 a.m. and if you arrive at 6:00 a.m. you will beat the lines and the tour buses. This will also give you time to take pictures of the famed St. Peter's Square before it is packed with people. 

  • If you need a break during sightseeing grab a slice of pizza and glass of vino at Piazza Navona. This open space was built in 1st century AD and is home to breathtaking sculptures and architecture with prime people watching as artists paint, dance,  and play music.

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Top Three, EuropeAlyssa AalmoEurope, Italy
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary

  • Go over to the Buda side to Castle Hill. This is a non-negotiable if you are in Budapest. Fisherman's Bastion offers beautiful views of the Pest side of the city and the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building. It also connects all of the castles on the hilltop and is a scenic and enjoyable walking tour of Buda. 

  • When you are walking back to the Pest side stop at Platan Grill and order the goulash. This little spot is easy to miss so keep your eyes peeled. 

  • Once you make your way over to the Pest side of the city find a Ruin bar. (Most of them are located in the old Jewish Quarter.) What began as an underground club experience is now one of the top attractions when in Budapest. There are no neon lights outside these clubs so don't be afraid to ask around. The original ruin bar is Szimpla Kert and one of the most popular! 

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Top Three, EuropeAlyssa AalmoEurope, Hungary
Santorini, Greece
Santorini, Greece

  • HEAVEN ON EARTH. If you are visiting Greece you do not want to skip this jewel hidden in the Agean.

  • Visit Santo Winery. Greek wines are unique and bold. This winery is nestled in a quiet part of Santorini, but built above the sweeping cliffs with two levels of patio space looking directly over the ocean and barren volcanoes that dot the Cyclades.

  • If you want to see the picturesque white houses with blue domes, you will need to stop at Oia and Fira. We went to Oia first and ended at Fira. There is a cable car that will take you from Fira located on top of the cliffs to the Old Port by the sea. This is a fun ride and will give you great views of the island.

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Top Three, EuropeAlyssa AalmoEurope, Greece
Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece

  • Order saganki (unless you have a dairy allergy). This pan seared flaming cheese does not disappoint and we ordered it at every single restaurant.

  • Visit the Plaka, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens. Here you will find shops and eats galore. Stop into Brettos, the oldest distillery in the city and be dazzled by the colors and tastes.

  • We found an amazing rate on Expedia for the Royal Olympic Hotel and HIGHLY recommend a stay. The location is central and within walking distance to the Acropolis and other major sights. There is also a stunning rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the city. Grab a glass of champagne near sunset from the rooftop bar and watch the sun dip behind Acropolis Hill.

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Europe, Top ThreeAlyssa AalmoEurope, Greece
Munich, Germany 
Munich, Germany 

  • Begin your trip with a visit to the Hofbräuhaus located in the heart of Munich. Sit at a communal table and load up on beer and sausages while listening to Bavarian music. You will see Lederhosen and be transported back in time. Reservations are encouraged.

  • If you are a lover of street food, do not miss the Viktualienmarkt a daily food market filled with stands and beer gardens. My personal favorite was the bratwurst at Schlemmermeyer.

  • We rented a car and drove the romantic road to Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle is the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle and what would go on to become the Disney logo. It is about two hours outside Munich but a beautiful drive.

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Europe, Top ThreeAlyssa AalmoEurope, Germany
Paris, France
Paris, France

  • The best steak frites (fries) of my LIFE was at L'imperial Rivoli. Located steps away from the Palace de la Concorde this Parisian gem serves all the best French cuisine. Hubs and I ate here multiple times on our last trip to Paris.

  • The Louvre is a given, however, buy your tickets in advance here to beat the lines.

  • Once you have finished your tour at Notre Dame, walk to Berthillon for ice-cream or if you are visiting in the winter order the Chocolate affogato. This is hot chocolate as you have never seen. There is vanilla ice cream melted into the bottom and topped with hazelnut flavored whipped cream.

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Top Three, EuropeAlyssa AalmoEurope, France
London, England 
London, England 

  • Have a champagne cocktail and dinner at Crazy Bear.

  • Take a day trip out to Hampton Court Palace and have your camera out at "The King's Stairs," a 1700's Italian Baroque masterpiece painted by Antonio Verrio.

  • I took this trip at 18 with Contiki. It was my first overseas experience and they were amazing from start to finish. If you are 18-35 and looking for a seamless vacation option with the added bonus of traveling with people from all over the world (in your age bracket) look into Contiki.

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Top Three, EuropeAlyssa AalmoEurope, England
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Copenhagen is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Since we were celebrating our one-year anniversary, we splurged for dinner at Relae. This is still to date one of the best tasting menu/wine pairing experiences of my life.

  • The best way to see this canal city is by water. Rent a Go Boat! These solar powered boats are simple to operate and can be rented from one - six hours. They also see wine and snacks at the marina shop. What is better than rose and the open water?

  • Visit the Little Mermaid statue, a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen and walk back through the Kastellet, a 17th Century military fortress. You will also walk by the beautiful St. Alban's Church and Churchillparken. The scenery is picturesque and there are local coffee shops and eateries on your way back into the city to stop at.

*Travel Tip: We stayed at the Scandic Palace which I highly recommend. It is in the center of the city near the main shopping street (longest shopping street ever) and Trivoli Gardens. The hotel is an old castle with beautiful modern rooms. Breakfast is also included every morning.

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Europe, Top ThreeAlyssa AalmoEurope, Denmark
Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria

  • I recommend taking this trip in December. While the weather may not be ideal the Christmas Markets are worth the trip. Markets are set up all over the city and include unique gifts and crafts, food, any my personal favorite thing about December, mulled wine.

  • Have a drink at the Das Loft bar in the Vienna Sofitel. This rooftop bar/restaurant offers sweeping views of the city and is an art installation itself. The ceiling was designed by multimedia artist, Pipilotti Rist.

  • Now, I did not get to do this activity myself, but I regret not doing it and wanted to pass on the wisdom. Viennese opera is world renowned and there are three main theaters in Vienna. You can go early the night of a show and pick up standing room tickets cheap. I linked to a helpful article here.

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Top Three, EuropeAlyssa AalmoEurope, Austria