Europe
Experience the Magic of Christmas in London with these Festive Activities
Flashing lights, roller coasters, and festive afternoon tea. Christmas in London isn’t as traditional or old-world as in some other European destinations like, say, Christmas in Vienna, but there’s something about the Holiday season in London that still gets me excited. There are London’s Christmas markets which range from carnival-esque fairs to quaint German-style wooden…
Innsbruck Christmas Markets: Everything You need to Know About Innsbruck at Christmas (2025 Dates)
I’m a sucker for Christmas markets and when it comes to Christmas markets in Austria I’m always quick to head to Vienna or Salzburg. However, after several times in each, it was time to switch it up so I chose Innsbruck- somewhere I had never been before but figured would be fun and festive and…
Christmas in Strasbourg, France: Everything You Need to Know About Strasbourg Christmas Markets (2025 dates)
For me, the holiday season is the most magical time of the year and while I will always be home for Christmas, I absolutely love spending part of the holiday season in Europe experiencing Europe’s best Christmas markets. Germany and Austria tend to be the favourites with big cities like Vienna and Nuremberg taking the…
Nuremberg Christmas Markets: The Ultimate Guide (2025 dates)
Germany is king when it comes to Christmas markets and while I love so many that this country has to offer, I think the Nuremberg Christmas Market takes the cake. Or, maybe in this case the lebkuchen which is German gingerbread for those who don’t know. After all, we are talking about Christmas here! So,…
Christmas in Cologne, Germany: Everything You Want to Know About Cologne Christmas Markets
Europe’s Christmas markets are my happy place. The lights, the decorations, the gluhwein, the ornaments. I absolutely love them and have been multiple times over the years. Each year I go, I try to visit somewhere new and while I have yet to be disappointed some European Christmas markets make an impression and Cologne, Germany…
Christmas in Colmar, France: Everything You Need to Know About Colmar Christmas Markets (2025 Dates)
If you are at all familiar with France you’ve no doubt heard of the fairytale town of Colmar. It’s said to be the jewel of the Alsace region and the inspiration behind the village in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. After a couple of minutes of walking through ‘Little Venice’ you’ll see why! Colmar, like…
The Best Things to do in Zadar, Croatia
After spending a little over 2 weeks in Croatia, I can easily say that Zadar was my favourite spot that I visited. It didn’t have the crowds of Split, the costs of Hvar, or the unfriendliness of Dubrovnik. To me, it felt more local than touristic and had more than enough to keep me busy…
The Best Things to do in Hvar: Croatia’s Party Island
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I LOVED Croatia. Zadar was my favourite place that I visited when I spent a little over 2 weeks in Croatia, but the Island of Hvar was a close second. I loved checking out the massive yachts in the port, I loved strolling through the streets…
The Ultimate Croatia Itinerary: 2 weeks in Croatia
Is there a European destination that screams summer more than Croatia? Personally, I don’t think so. Gorgeous beaches, historic cities, majestic waterfalls, island hopping tours, sailing, and spectacular sunsets are just a few of the amazing things that Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast has to offer. Throw in the added perks of friendly locals, safe towns, and…
The Ultimate Day Trip to Douro Valley, Portugal (From Porto)
I bounced eagerly on the balls of my feet at the bottom of the stairs. It was 8:10am on a Saturday and the streets of Porto, Portugal were quiet. I, on the other hand, was buzzing with energy; eagerly looking to start my day trip to Douro Valley; Portugal’s famous port and wine region. The…
One week in Portugal: The Ultimate Portugal Itinerary
Portugal has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The promise of exciting cities, a beautiful coastline filled with beaches, good food and wine, and reasonable prices is hard for any traveller to resist. But what if you are short on time? Is it worth it to do just one week in…
How to Best Spend 2 Days in Porto, Portugal
I spent an amazing (though fast) week in Portugal and quickly fell in love. The beautiful cities, affordable prices, and friendly locals made it a fast favourite. Not to mention I felt completely welcome and safe travelling solo in Portugal. However, while I enjoyed the whole trip it was Porto that I liked the most.…
Best Places to Travel Solo: Portugal
Portugal seems to have become an ‘it’ destination over the last years, and having been, I can see why. It’s a gorgeous country with friendly people and lots to see and do. I spent a week travelling solo in Portugal. I went from Porto to Faro; exploring cities, castles, and the wine region of Douro…
The Best Things to do in Eze, France: A Day Trip from Nice
The French Riveria is a beautiful part of France to visit. There’s no shortage of charming coastal towns here and after spending a week based in Nice, I enjoyed exploring a few of them. However, without a doubt, my favourite was the cliff-side village of Eze. I visited Eze as a day trip from Nice…
How to Spend 5 Days in Nice, France
Are you headed to the French Riviera for a few days and looking for ideas of what to see and do? I did this a few years ago and had a great time soaking up the sun and exploring coastal towns while using Nice as my base. With easy access to nearby towns, plenty of…
The Best of Copenhagen in 1 Day
I didn’t plan on only having 1 day in Copenhagen. But of course, as is often the case when travelling, a lot can happen to throw your plans down the drain. This time it was a majorly delayed flight that saw me spending nearly an entire day in the Dublin airport instead of hanging out…
The Best Pubs in Dublin – According to Locals!
Ireland is my home away from home and holds a special place in my heart and while Galway, which is where I lived, will always be my number 1 I do have a soft spot for Dublin as well. Yes it’s busier and more expensive but its a really great city to explore and has…
The Best Pubs in Galway: Music, Pints, and Irish Craic
Anyone who’s been to Ireland knows that as amazing as Dublin’s pubs may be, the real craic is in Galway. Sure, I may be biased as Galway was once a place that I called home, but I’m not alone in my thoughts. Even the locals agree that Galway’s craic is top notch, with many of…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…