Europe
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…
The Best of: 3 Days in Budapest
Known as the Pearl of the Danube and the Paris of Eastern Europe, Budapest is a mecca for all kinds of travellers. Whether it be a couple on a multi-day European river cruise or young backpackers looking for a cheap place to party, the capital of Hungary has a little something for everyone to enjoy…
How to Spend 3 Days in Krakow: A Krakow Itinerary
I fell in love with Krakow the moment I exited the train station and began walking towards Old Town. It was dark outside and seeing the walls and the gate all lit up under the navy blue sky brought an instant smile to my face. As a lover of fairytale towns, I knew I would…
The Best of Monaco in 1 Day
When I think of Monaco a few things come to mind; the iconic Monte Carlo casino, yachts, James Bond, the Grand Prix and pretty much anything else that screams bucket loads of money. The type of money I will never, even in my wildest dreams, come close to owning. But just because I could never…
Fall in Love with Solo Travel in Paris
Paris is known as a romantic destination for couples but it’s actually one of my favourite cities for solo travel. In fairness, I didn’t expect to love Paris. I actually only went for the first time in 2011 because I heard of the Christmas Markets but it didn’t take long for me to fall in love…
A Night at Le Moulin Rouge: is it Really Worth it?
When it comes to Paris, the famous red windmill of Le Moulin Rouge is just as iconic as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, or the Louvre. First built in the late 1800s this world-famous cabaret has attracted visitors from across the globe for over a century. With its risqué performances and beautiful dancers, Le Moulin…
Thinking About Sailing in Greece? Read this First
A Greece sailing tour sounds like the ideal vacation for many. Spending your days on the sea, exploring new islands, living that boat life. However, for many of us, the idea that we have in our heads about sailing doesn’t quite match the reality. As much as we would all love to be swept away…
Luxury Hotels in Santorini: Why They Are Worth the Splurge
When it comes to exploring the Greek Islands, Santorini seems to be at the top of everyone’s list, for fairly obvious reasons. This postcard-perfect island is stunning. The white villages perched on the rocky clifftops look like they popped off the pages of a children’s storybook and the vibrant blue domes contrasting against the white…
Solo Travel in Cyprus Gone Wrong
I had high hopes for solo travel in Cyprus. I really did. After spending almost an entire month in Greece earlier in 2019, I was so excited to get back to another Mediterranean Island that everyone told me had Greek vibes. My misadventures of solo travel in Cyprus started off well. I was picked up…
My Santorini Photoshoot with Localgrapher
Disclaimer: My Santorini Photoshoot was sponsored by Localgrapher “Are you Hannah?” I nodded and smiled nervously as I shook hands with Dimosthenis, my professional photographer for the next hour. Yes, that’s right. I had a photo shoot in Oia, Santorini. Which sounds incredibly extra and not like something I would normally do. I’m not the…
Irish Fairy Tales Come to Life at Ashford Castle Estate
Picture this: a historic castle located in the woods beside a lake. The front of the castle has a stone bridge, spanning the rushing river below and protected by small towers. Once past the bridge, visitors are greeted by a grand entranceway, guarded on either side by statues of Irish wolfhounds. On the lakeside, there…
Viking River Cruises Review: Why Viking is the Best Pick for First Time Cruisers
Cruising is something that a lot of people are on the fence about. The idea of travelling by boat and exploring several destinations in a relaxing manor is enticing. However, it also comes with a few fears; boredom from being on the water too long, being to slow-paced, or even being too fancy. At least,…
Girls Getaway: European Christmas Market Cruise with Viking River Cruises
Christmas is my favourite time of the year, and my mom’s too. We’re both Christmas crazy and go all out during the festive season. Both of us love the bustle of holiday crowds, the Christmas songs, and of course the lights and decorations. And while neither one of us would trade our (normally) white Christmases…
The Legend of Dracula & more of Romania’s Monsters
It was a dark and cloudy day in Transylvania as I climbed the hill approaching Bran Castle; home to the legend of Dracula. The centuries old fortress jutted out on the rocks overlooking Bran; it’s stone walls ominous and foreboding. There was a definite chill in the late September air and I could imagine myself as…
Learning to Surf in Ireland
The cold wind whipped the Atlantic waves into a frenzy as I watched from the safety of the shoreline. Nearly every wave was capped in white foam as they crashed against the empty beach below. I huddled further into the hood of my rain coat as I watched. Not only was the wind bound and…
Girls’ Getaway to Iceland: A Wintery Weekend in Reykjavik
With winter in full swing it’s normal to fantasize about getting away. Most people choose to escape to the Caribbean islands; sunshine, turquoise waters, and tropical drinks. Others head to popular ski destinations; choosing to spend their days on the slopes and their nights in snow-topped chalets. Or you could be like us, and choose…
The Legends of Iceland’s Elves
Do you believe in magic? As someone who, at 27 years old, is still anxiously awaiting her Hogwarts letter, I love the idea of magic. I love to visit cities and places that look like they belong in a fairytale, and am always on the search for local myths and legends. Which is part of…