There’s something magic about a first trip to Ireland — that first proper pint of Guinness, the first time the fog lifts off a cliff edge, the first “top of the morning” joke you just can’t resist making. Ours was extra special because it was also our daughter’s first trip anywhere overseas. She came along for every mile, from ancient pubs to castle grounds to windswept cliffs. Three generations, one sometimes good-natured baby, and nine days on the road. Here’s…
Planning your first trip to Scotland? Here’s everything I wish I’d known before visiting—from Edinburgh’s historic streets to Loch Ness cruises, Highland landscapes, and unforgettable castles. If you’re looking for the perfect Scotland itinerary for first-timers, this guide will help you make the most of your adventure. Why Scotland Should Be Your First UK Adventure Scotland feels like stepping into a storybook. One minute you’re wandering through medieval streets lined with centuries-old buildings, and the next you’re standing on a…
When people talk about traveling to Ireland, I usually only hear about the Republic of Ireland. But the island has a hidden gem: Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. Unpopular opinion, but I actually think Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is more worth visiting than the Cliffs of Moher across the border. If you’re planning your first trip to Northern Ireland, here’s everything you need to know. Getting There and Getting Around On your first trip to Northern…
Have you ever heard of a mystery trip? It’s a unique travel experience where someone carefully plans a vacation while keeping the destination secret until travelers arrive at the airport. The only clues are a few hints shared in the months leading up to departure and a packing list sent just days before the trip. My friend and I were the masterminds behind one such adventure, and we chose the stunning mountain town of Banff, Alberta, Canada. Since it was…
On my first trip to Portugal, I piggy backed off a road trip my husband and I took through Spain. Check out my previous First Trip to Spain post for more details. Southern Coast Taking it slow, in classic road trip style, we ventured along the southern coast. Faro and Lagos are good stopping points for food and drink. Outside of Lagos, do not skip the coastal boardwalk hike to Ponta da Piedade which showcases beautiful twisted arched rock formations…
Hola! Come along as I take you on a road trip through Spain. To get around Spain I rented a car. Compared to prices in the US, renting a car was very affordable and it gave my husband and me a lot of flexibility when traveling between cities. That said, if I were traveling solo, I would have chosen the train instead. Spain has an extensive rail network and it is a very common way to get around. There are…
You may have heard of Deschutes Brewery, a popular brewery in Bend, Oregon. On your first trip to Bend, Deschutes Brewery is a must, but I hope you also check out some other cool spots. Grab all your hipster PNW hiking gear, rent a car, and let me lead you through my top spots in Bend! Breweries + Restaurants For all those brewery lovers out there, Bend is a top destination near the west coast for flavorful brews. It has…
Vancouver, British Columbia, was on my bucket list ever since visiting the American PNW. I’m not sure if it is also the PNW, or the PSW, since it is in Canada. Regardless, I wanted to plan my first trip to Vancouver. After discovering we had a long weekend off work, my husband and I decided to plan a trip. We picked the destination from a coffee table book in our apartment with 225 destinations of a lifetime. We decided to…
The main reason I traveled to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico was to visit Chichen Itza, one of the seven wonders of the modern world. I was pleasantly surprised by the numerous other wonders I came across. Although Chichen Itza is spectacular, there are other sites with Mayan ruins that are worth a visit. There are also over 6,000 cenotes, many of which you can swim, snorkel, or dive within. To start our first trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, my…
My first trip to Laos had highs and lows. To reduce the amount of lows on your first trip to Laos, keep reading. I traveled to three cities in Laos: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane. Despite all being in Laos, the cities had very different vibes. To start, I entered Laos from Thailand. Next to the Thai border is the Laos city of Huay-Xai. This is the starting point for many Mekong River cruises. Mekong River Cruise Traveling on a…