Europe
The Best Day Trips from Galway
Located on the west coast of Ireland, Galway is one of the countries most popular cities. It’s known for having authentic Irish ‘craic’ in the form of great pubs, dining, live music and more. There’s lots of things to see and do (much of it for free!) making it a favourite place for travellers to…
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The Best Things to do in Waterford: Ireland’s Oldest City
With over 1000 years of history, Waterford is known to be the oldest city in Ireland. Part of what makes this Irish city so fascinating is it’s Viking past. Waterford was actually founded by Vikings in the 9thcentury and then later invaded by the Anglo-Normans. Waterford’s exciting and turbulent history makes it a fascinating place…
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Must-Try Irish Foods
I love Irish food. Sure, it may not be the fanciest, or the most elegant, but it is warm, hearty, comfort food that promises to fill you up. There’s plenty to choose from but these are the top must-try Irish foods that can be easily found in pubs and restaurants across the country. PS: Planning…
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Irish Pub Etiquette: The Unspoken Rules of Pub Culture
Ireland is known for its pubs and chances are that you will be spending quite a bit of your time in those pubs during your Irish vacation. However, while it may seem easy to just pop into a pub for a pint, there are quite a few unspoken rules regarding pub culture in Ireland. When…
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Irish Slang and Phrases You Need to Know Before You Visit
The Irish accent is one of my all-time favourites. I love the musicality of it and the fact that it varies across the country. But, I’ll admit, when I first visited I found that, sometimes, it could be hard to understand. Especially with all the funny Irish slang and phrases. More than once someone would…
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Solo Travel in Ireland: Why I Love and Recommend it
Ireland is my favourite country. As the first place I ever visited I now consider the emerald isle to be my home away from home and have returned multiple times. With stunning scenery, friendly locals, and delicious food I think Ireland is a must-visit for anyone. But, if you don’t have any to go with-…
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The Story Behind Irish Coffee (Plus a real Irish Coffee Recipe!)
Irish coffee is pretty universal; head to almost any bar and ask for one and you’ll receive a mug/glass in just a couple minutes. But, while it’s become one of the most popular drinks in the world, the recipe is actually a pretty recent one and only came about thanks to a wicked Irish storm…
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Authentic Gluhwein Recipe from an Austrian Chef
I’ve made it no secret about how much I love European Christmas Markets, especially those in Germany and Austria. I have a million reasons why but I’d be lying if I said that the gluhwein wasn’t one of them. Which is funny, because back in 2011, when I first visited European Christmas markets, I didn’t…
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8 Festive Ways to Experience the Magic of Vienna at Christmas
Vienna is one of the most magical places in Europe to visit during the festive season. Here are my top picks for what to do in Vienna at Christmas.
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The Salzburg Krampus Run: A Unique Christmas Tradition
When I was travelling around Europe for the Christmas Markets I expected to see plenty of Santas and maybe a few elves and reindeer. What I didn’t expect to find was a giant, hairy, devil-looking creature known as Krampus; essentially a Christmas demon who has his own celebration called Krampusnacht or Krampus Run. This event…
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The Ultimate List of the Most Magical Christmas Markets in Europe
Whoever sang ‘Where are you Christmas’ should have looked to Europe because if you can’t find the holiday spirit at the Christmas markets in Europe then you, my friend, are a lost cause. Christmas is my absolute favourite time of the year. I basically turn into the female version of Buddy the Elf (minus eating…
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The Best Castle Hotels in Scotland
Scotland has a ton of charm. From the dark, medieval city of Edinburgh, to the mysterious Loch Ness, and the fairy stories of the stunning Isle of Skye; this small island country is filled with magic. But while the folklore and landscapes are fun to explore, there’s another way to add some magic to your…
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How to Spend 2 Days in Edinburgh
Going to Edinburgh was my first real solo backpacking experience. Sure I’d been living in Ireland for a few weeks by then and seen a bit of the country, but I had either been with my parents or close enough to my new home that I didn’t feel that it really counted. I chose Scotland…
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The Best of: Amsterdam in 1 Day
Amsterdam is a popular European travel destination and while many come to spend a few days or even a week, it’s also common for visitors to only have one day in Amsterdam. This may be due to a layover, a river cruise, or perhaps just a planned day trip from a nearby city. While I…
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Going to a Peep Show in Amsterdam: My Red Light District Experience
What comes to mind when you think of Amsterdam? Is the tulips? Windmills? Cute wooden clogs? Probably not. While these things are associated with Amsterdam, most tourists know it for two other things: marijuana and the Red Light District, or basically, sex. Pretty much anything to do with sex really; sex shops, condom shops, live…
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The Best of Riga in 2 Days
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is still considered to be ‘off the beaten track’ for many travellers, especially non-Europeans. When I visited, I was the only North American in my hostel. I surprised a lot of people when I told them I was Canadian which was actually kind of fun. Despite being under the radar, Riga…
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The Do’s and Dont’s of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is probably one of the first things you think of when someone mentions Iceland, and it’s easy to understand why. The milky-blue water set in the middle of a volcanic landscape is extraordinary. And the idea of warm soothing heat to help relax and heal your tired body? Well that helps too. Especially…
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3 days in Iceland Itinerary: See the Best of Iceland
Ah Iceland. It’s hard to believe that it wasn’t that long ago that very few people considered this country as a tourist destination. Thanks to Game of Thrones and social media, that’s all now changed. But even when I first visited in 2012 people were more confused than interested. Looking back on the Iceland that…
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3 Days in Venice: The Perfect Venice Itinerary
I’ve been to dozens of cities around the world and yet Venice remains a favourite. There is something truly magical about this city with its canals instead of roads, gondolas instead of cars, and endless palaces. I’ve travelled solo to Venice three times now, my most recent visit was a week long. While some may…
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How to Plan a Day Trip to Lake Como From Milan
Lake Como is one of the most popular places in Italy. Famous for its resort towns and villas, Lake Como has a reputation for being a playground for the rich and famous. Which of course, means that when it comes to travel in Italy, Lake Como has a reputation for being a more expensive destination,…
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How to Spend 3 Days in Milan, Italy
Most people dream about visiting Italy, but when it comes to Milan you tend to hear a lot of mixed reviews. As the fashion capital of the world, Milan is a hit with some people. However, others claim that this Italian city is boring and expensive and suggest going elsewhere. I’ll be honest, Milan was…
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Best Places to Travel Solo: Venice
Think Venice is only for couples on romantic vacations? I dare you to think again. Venice seems to be a hit or a miss with most people. A lot of visitors downplay this infamous city, claiming it’s too touristic, too expensive, or even too fake. I disagree completely. Venice is one of my favourite cities.…
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Things to do in Trieste, Italy
Trieste, Italy wasn’t really somewhere I ever expected to go until I found a cheap flight. I only spent two days in this coastal city and quickly came to appreciate its quiet charms. It may not have as much to do as Rome, be as beautiful as Venice, or have the foodie scene of Bologna,…
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Bologna to San Marino: A San Marino Day Trip
Castle-lake towers, winding cobblestone streets, and a crossbow association: this is San Marino. One of the smallest countries in the world and an absolute must-visit if you find yourself in the area. In the blog post I’m sharing how you can plan the perfect San Marino day trip from Bologna. A Little Bit About San…
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Things to do in Bologna, Italy: A Bologna Itinerary for Food Lovers
I ended up in Bologna by accident. Well, sort of. I didn’t take the wrong train or anything but it was a last minute decision after my plans in Venice fell through due to flooding. I’ll admit, Bologna was not my favourite city of Italy. I spent 2 full days there but, to be honest,…
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