Travel

Unforgettable Adventure: Backpacking Tips for Grand Canyon Beginners

Travel / / Leave a Comment
I love being outdoors. I hike a lot. I love camping. And until recently I had never experienced backpacking. As luck would have it, I was invited by a good friend for a 5 day 4 night Grand Canyon adventure! As a newbie, I was probably most worried about what to pack and if I would be able to carry the weight. But I was also so excited to be able to do The Grand Canyon! My friend is an avid backpacker who was able to show me the ropes. So I’m going to tell you all the things that I learned and hopefully help you if you’re also a newbie. And of course, I am going to share a bit of the adventure with you! In this post I’ll walk you through: Backpacking for Beginners Choosing A Pack For Backpacking One of the most important things is ensuring that you have a pack that fits you properly and is the right volume for the amount of backpacking that you will be doing while considering what you can actually carry. I’m 5’3.5″ (approx. 163cm) in height, just under 25″ waist, 31″ hips, and when I measured my torso it was about 16″. I’m right at the smallest size for a woman’s pack. HOWEVER, the real issue is that the waist belts just couldn’t get tight enough. They were at max tightness, so if I happened to lose weight while hiking (and you usually do), there would be no way to tighten the belt. I looked at a lot of packs, both online and in stores. It was helpful being able to go to REI to get a pack fitted. They put weight in the pack and let you walk around in it. It helped me understand where the weight was sitting on me with each pack. Ideally, you want the weight to sit mostly on your hips. You’ll likely end up shifting the weight around as you hike but you need to be able to shift the weight in the first place. So, you need a pack that allows most of the weight to sit on the belt. After an hour of testing, adjusting, and trying different packs I ultimately decided to go with Gregory Wander 70 Pack – Kids‘. Yep. A kid’s pack because there is a serious lack of pack options for petite women. I chose this pack mainly for two reasons: 1) It was slightly lighter than the woman’s pack, and 2) The hip belt could actually be tightened further (if I needed). It was also a 70 liter bag. This seems to be a pretty good size because you’ll have enough room for at least a week-long trip. Anything smaller than that might be hard to fit everything. For me personally, I plan on doing more backpacking and maybe up to two weeks long. The 70L still had some room left after packing for a 5 day 4 night trip — granted, I wasn’t carrying the tent or stove; but those would’ve fit no problem. After using this pack, I would definitely recommend it. My only issue with it is due to my personal preference, and that’s that I do not like bright colors. I wish this pack came in pure black or any of the more subtle colors that are available for the the adult packs. I also ordered this same pack in the 2019 version from CampSaver because it came in black (and it was a little cheaper). But, I didn’t like the way that it looked either. Ultimately, I ended up just sticking with the bright blue pack because the convenience of a great return warranty for members that REI offers (I could use it for a year and return it if need be). The bottom line: get a pack that fits you properly, choose at least a 70L pack if you’re planning 5-14 days (unless you don’t mind having a bunch of packs), if you’re petite a good goal weight for a full pack is ~35 pounds. What To Pack When Backpacking The Grand Canyon in March You’ll obviously have to really consider where you’re going and the time of year you are going. But for my adventure, I went the first week of March. The canyon was showing daytime temps in the 60’s (Fahrenheit) and mostly 30’s & 40’s for nights. But some nights were expected to be in the high 20’s. I wore some thermal leggings, base sweater, sleeve-less sports top, and my Adidas hiking boots to start. I also started off wearing my NorthFace jacket & shell, but once we got lower and more in the sun, I had to put it in my pack as it was much too hot — came in handy at night though. Here’s everything that I packed: Disclaimer: some or all of the following links are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission. *These are items that I technically did not bring because I was sharing them. But if you’re carrying all your own stuff then you’ll need to consider them. My goal weight for my pack was 35 pounds & no more than 40pounds. After I added in all the food my pack was at about 30 pounds, which meant I only had a few pounds of water left to add (we did it at the cabins on the south rim). So my pack was quite light. As I mentioned, I was sharing some items so anything with an asterisk on the above list I didn’t actually carry. If you want to see how I packed all of these things into my pack, I made a video for you and you can watch it on my YouTube channel. The Toiletries I Brought Backpacking As I already mentioned, my pack was pretty light so I had no issues bringing a little bag full of toiletries. So, yes, I brought some things that I know most people will not bring —

Unforgettable Adventure: Backpacking Tips for Grand Canyon Beginners Read More »

Poland winter travel guide

Poland Winter Travel Guide: Brief But Memorable December-January Experience

Travel / / Leave a Comment
Poland became our fifth stop on this whirlwind 7-country European adventure (catch the full itinerary here), and I’ll be upfront—this was definitely our shortest visit of the entire trip. This Poland winter travel guide might be unconventional since we basically drove through a small corner of the country and hit three cities in a single December day, which sounds absolutely crazy when I write it out like that! But here’s the thing: even with such a brief winter taste of Poland, this country left a lasting impression that had me immediately planning a return trip. There’s something special about a place that can capture your heart in just a few hours, and Poland proved that sometimes the most unexpected stops become the ones you can’t stop thinking about. Whether you’re planning a quick stopover or a longer Polish adventure, here’s what I learned during my whirlwind winter day in this captivating country. Epic 7-Country Europe Adventure Series: Poland Winter Travel Guide Embarking on a journey through Poland is like uncovering a hidden gem in the heart of Europe, wherehistory, culture, and natural beauty converge in captivating harmony. From the vibrant streets of Warsaw, echoing with tales of resilience and renewal, to the medieval charm ofKraków’s cobblestone squares, Poland offers a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered. Even though I only visited three cities in a single day, mostly driving through a small corner of Poland, I found myself immersed in a land where every corner tells a story. Since my time in Poland was so breif, I suppose I don’t really have “tips” per se. I did feel safe in Poland,every place spoke enough English, I only used a card to pay for food/drinks vs. cash, and if you talked to shop owners people were really friendly. From the little bit I saw I would go back to see more for sure. Places Worth Visiting I visited Lubań, Czocha Castle (Sucha), and Zgorzelec. I’m sure that there are more notable places to go and see in Poland. However, even these small towns werevery enjoyable for me and worked for what we were able to do with the limited time we had. Czocha Castle (Sucha) Poland My obsession with seeing castles continued as there was a magnificent castle in Poland that had been madeinto a hotel. We parked right outside of the gates and simply walked in. If you were supposed to pay I haveno idea LOL. We spent about an hour looking around and taking videos/ pictures of the place. There’s notmuch to see inside since it’s a hotel, but I was geeking out the whole time because it was just so cool. Lubań Poland Lubań was a small city. One in which you could easily see all of the city center in just a mere couple hours.The skies were gray on this winter day, and not many people were out and about. The city looked a little ran-down but I honestly loved the shabbiness of it! It felt homey or cozy versus sketchy if that makes sense — like a pair of well-loved worn out shoes. We also happened to find the cutest coffee place with delicious coffee (and honestly it might’ve been myfavorite one from the entire trip). The owner Krystian, was such an awesome guy! Very knowledgeable aboutcoffee, super chill, and down-to-earth. If you get a chance to go into this town definitely stop at Cherries &Berries and chat a bit with Krystian. There’s also a very tiny pierogi place in Lubań, called Domowe Pierogi i Zupy, and it was DELICIOUS.Seriously so good, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Zgorzelec Poland We stopped in this town for some food and walked across the bridge and into Germany. I know Europeansare used to having open boarders, but it was cool for me to be able to do that. We ended up spending moretime in Görlitz as it seemed better lit than it did in Zgorzelec, but I did like the Italian restaurant and thebridge was cool. Our brief but unforgettable taste of Poland had us eager for our next adventure, and Belgium was ready to surprise us in ways we never expected. What started as just another stop on our European journey quickly became one of the most delightful discoveries of the entire trip. From getting schooled on proper waffle etiquette by locals to wandering through medieval towns that looked straight out of a fairy tale, Belgium proved that sometimes the countries you know the least about end up stealing your heart completely. Continue Reading: Belgium Travel Guide – Waffles, Chocolate & Medieval Charm →

Poland Winter Travel Guide: Brief But Memorable December-January Experience Read More »

Czech Republic winter travel guide

Czech Republic Winter Travel Guide: Prague, Medieval Towns & December-January Adventures

Travel / / Leave a Comment
By the time we reached the Czech Republic—our fourth incredible stop on this 7-country European adventure (you can see the complete journey here)—I thought I’d seen it all. Boy, was I wrong! This Czech Republic winter travel guide will show you exactly why visiting during December and January turned out to be one of the most magical and surprising parts of our entire European journey. The Czech Republic completely shifted the vibe of our trip, offering something totally different from the alpine beauty of Austria and the efficiency of Germany. Winter in the Czech Republic revealed a country of incredible value, rich medieval history, and that undeniable Eastern European charm that made every interaction feel authentic and welcoming. From snow-dusted cobblestone streets in Prague to cozy pubs perfect for escaping the winter cold, this country proved that sometimes the most captivating destinations are the ones that catch you completely off guard. Whether you’re following along with our complete European odyssey or planning your own Czech winter adventure, here’s everything you need to know about exploring this enchanting country during the most atmospheric season. Epic 7-Country Europe Adventure Series: Czech Republic Winter Travel Guide If you ever wanted to know what it would be like to step into a living storybook, where medieval castles loom over cobblestone streets, and Gothic spires punctuate the skyline then the Czech Republic is a place you need to visit. From the fairy-tale charm of Prague’s Old Town to the tranquil beauty of Cesky Krumlov’s winding river, the Czech Republic beckons with a tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders waiting to be explored. This country was enchanting, with beautiful Bohemian landscapes, and the warm hospitality that defines the essence of Czech Republic. In bigger cities there is definitely no issue when it comes to finding people who understand English, but in some of the smaller towns there was a bit more of a chance for a language barrier; but again, nothing that was unnavigable. It seemed like you could always find someone who spoke enough English. How To Use Public Transportation The public transportation was pretty straight forward in my opinion. We did have a little bit of an issue finding the metro entrance, but it could’ve just been the particular station we were at. But if you’re wanting to take the metro you’re looking for a hollow arrow that points downwards it will be the color of whichever line it is. There are kiosks where you can purchase a ticket, which was only $1.35, and be sure to time stamp/validate the ticket before you get on the metro. Prague was the only city in which a guy (who wasn’t “officially” dressed, but showed a badge) was checking random people’s tickets that I personally encountered — and this guy seemed to be targeting tourists. For the trolly you can purchase a ticket on the trolly with your card (it is tap only). You do not need to validate this as it will have already done it. If you want more detailed information on tickets, visit this site. Food in Czech Republic Czech cuisine is a hearty and flavorsome reflection of the country’s rich culinary heritage. Traditional Czech dishes are known for their comforting simplicity and reliance on locally sourced ingredients. From savory classics like goulash, hearty beef stews, and tender roasted pork with dumplings and sauerkraut to indulgent treats such as knedlíky (dumplings) served with rich gravies or creamy sauces, Czech food promises to delight the taste buds and satisfy even the heartiest appetite. I didn’t get too far into sampling iconic delicacies but the food I did have was honestly quite tasty. I did see a lot of stands in Prague selling trdelník (sweet chimney cake), but this is a more recent thing and not native to Czech Republic. Overall, food was reasonably priced, and tips are not required but are appreciated. Places Worth Visiting Horská Kvlida I really wanted to go hiking and the Czech Republic seemed like the country to do it in. I’m sure that there are plenty places that would be worthy of hiking as Czech Republic doesn’t fall short in natural beauty. But since we were traveling up to Prague and staying in Strážný, we found a trail on All Trails that was in Horská Kvlida. The thing is… there was a lot of snow. And I mean a lot. It went up to my knees. So we didn’t really get to go very far nor was it a particularly rigorous hike. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to walk in someone’s steps, but it is strangely challenging. People have different strides and foot rotation, not to mention the terrain impacts where/how someone takes a step. I was cracking up as I tried to walk in my friend’s foot prints to avoid sinking deep into the snow. It was kind of difficult to do. However, I still enjoyed the attempted hike a great deal. Small Towns in Czech Republic We drove through quite a few small towns, and as I already mentioned, nature in the Czech Republic was absolutely beautiful (as you’ll see in just a sec). One of my favorite small towns we stopped to explore was Mělník. Mělník, nestled at the confluence of the Vltava and Labe rivers in the Czech Republic, is a charming town steeped in history and surrounded by picturesque vineyards. Renowned as the birthplace of Czech winemaking, Mělník’s rolling hillsides are adorned with lush vineyards producing some of the country’s finest wines. The town itself exudes medieval charm, with its quaint cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and imposing castle overlooking the rivers below. Visitors can wander through the town’s enchanting squares, explore the cellars of local wineries, or take in panoramic views of the scenic countryside from the castle’s battlements. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and wine-making tradition, Mělník offers a delightful escape into the heart of Bohemia. We also stopped briefly in Plzeň, which was the first city

Czech Republic Winter Travel Guide: Prague, Medieval Towns & December-January Adventures Read More »

Austria winter travel guide for December-January

Austria Winter Travel Guide: Alpine Beauty, Cities & December-January Adventures

Travel / / Leave a Comment
Following my incredible experiences in France and Germany (catch up on the full itinerary here), Austria welcomed my friend and I as our third stop with open arms and alpine views that literally took my breath away. This Austria winter travel guide will show you exactly why visiting during December and January turned out to be one of the most magical parts of our entire European adventure. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure what to expect from Austria beyond the Sound of Music references and ski slopes, but this country completely blew me away with its sophisticated charm and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Winter in Austria offered crisp mountain air, cozy cities perfect for escaping the cold, and those picture-perfect moments that make you understand why people fall head-over-heels for this part of Europe. Even though we only had two days to explore, Austria left such a lasting impression that I’m already planning a longer return trip. Whether you’re following our 7-country journey or planning your own Austrian winter escape, here’s everything you need to know about making the most of your time in this incredible country. Epic 7-Country Europe Adventure Series: Austria Winter Travel Guide Austria was beautiful. Embarking on a journey through Austria is akin to stepping into a fairytale; a land where verdant alpine meadows stretch to meet the sky, and charming villages nestled amidst majestic peaks whisper tales of a rich history. From the vibrant city life of Innsbruck, where the towering Nordkette mountain range provides a breathtaking backdrop to everyday scenes, to the picturesque beauty of Salzburg’s rolling hills, Austria promises an enchanting adventure at every turn. I only spent two days in Austria so I can’t say much about public transportation. We did take a trolly briefly, and in Salzburg we ended up taking a taxi to the castle (but the driver didn’t even drop us off in the right spot lol). The food was very similar to the food in Germany, and due to my limited time here I unfortunately can’t say too much about it — but the food that I did have was delicious. Hotels were more on the expensive side, so again, we opted to stay in Germany and day-trip to Austria. As far as speaking German, that didn’t seem to be an issue because most of the people who work at restaurants and shops understand/speak enough English. Places Worth Visiting Innsbruck, Austria 1 Day Spent Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, exudes a magnetic charm that is simply captivating. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush valleys, this picturesque city seamlessly blends centuries-old tradition with modern elegance. Its vibrant streets are lined with colorful buildings adorned with frescoes, while the historic Old Town boasts architectural marvels such as the Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace. Adventure beckons from every corner, with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking just a stone’s throw away. Yet, Innsbruck is not merely a haven for outdoor enthusiasts; it’s also a cultural hub, hosting world-class museums, theaters, and music festivals throughout the year. Whether wandering through its cobblestone alleys, savoring traditional Tyrolean cuisine, or simply soaking in the panoramic views from the Nordkette cable car, Innsbruck promises an unforgettable experience at every turn. I thoroughly enjoyed wandering the neighborhoods looking at the old houses and imagining what it would be like to cozy up with a warm blanket, cup of coffee, and a good book in one of the window seats. I did feel that one day here was enough, but I think a couple days would be fine if you like a slower-pace city. Salzburg, Austria 1 Day Spent Nestled along the banks of the Salzach River and framed by the majestic peaks of the Alps, Salzburg is a city that effortlessly weaves together its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Best known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for “The Sound of Music,” Salzburg enchants visitors with its timeless charm and captivating atmosphere. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, with its narrow cobblestone streets and baroque buildings, invites exploration at every turn, revealing hidden gems such as the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress (which I LOVED) and the resplendent Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Art and music permeate the city’s cultural landscape, with world-class museums, galleries, and concert halls offering a glimpse into Salzburg’s illustrious past and vibrant present. Whether strolling through the enchanting Mirabell Gardens, indulging in delectable Mozartkugel chocolates, or simply soaking in the panoramic views from the city’s hilltop vantage points, Salzburg casts an irresistible spell on all who wander its storied streets. I only spent a day here, and it did feel pretty tight to try and get it all in. I probably would recommend 1-3 days BUT it’s totally do-able to do it in one day if you stick to a timetable. You do have to buy tickets if you want to go inside the catacombs of St. Peter’s Abbey, as well as the Hohensalzburg Fortress (which FYI takes a few hours to see because it’s big). There is a funicular to take you up to the fortress, but the line for that was crazy IMO. So if you’re able-bodied just walk. It’s not that bad. After being enchanted by Austria’s alpine beauty, our next destination completely shifted the vibe of our European adventure. The Czech Republic awaited us with something totally different—medieval magic, incredible value, and that authentic Eastern European charm that made every interaction feel genuine. From stepping into what felt like a living storybook in Prague to discovering hidden gems in charming smaller towns, the Czech Republic proved that sometimes the most captivating destinations are the ones that catch you completely off guard. Continue Reading: Czech Republic Travel Guide – Medieval Magic in Central Europe →

Austria Winter Travel Guide: Alpine Beauty, Cities & December-January Adventures Read More »

Complete Germany winter travel guide for December-January

Germany Winter Travel Guide: Best Cities, Food & Culture for December-January

Travel / / Leave a Comment
After kicking off an epic 7-country European adventure in France (you can read all about the complete itinerary and travel planning here), Germany became my second fascinating destination—and honestly, Germany stole my heart! This Germany winter travel guide will show you exactly why visiting during December and January turned out to be absolutely magical. From the moment my friend and I crossed the border, Germany surprised me with its perfect blend of efficiency and charm, where centuries-old castles coexist with cutting-edge technology, and where every meal felt like a warm hug from a culture that truly knows how to live well. Winter in Germany offered something truly special—Christmas markets glowing with warm lights, cozy beer halls perfect for escaping the cold, and snow-dusted medieval towns that looked straight out of a fairy tale. Whether you’re following along with our complete European journey or planning your own German adventure, this country proved why it deserves a spot on every European itinerary—rich history, incredible food, and those picture-perfect moments that make you fall in love with travel all over again. Epic 7-Country Europe Adventure Series: Germany Winter Travel Guide I loved Germany. It seemed like this country was huge, as we kept ending up going through it or back into it. It was almost like you couldn’t avoid it. I visited about 12 cities/towns (not including places we slept in or drove through). Germany had beautiful lakes, mountains, green grass, and mesmerizing architecture. It’s interesting because certain cities in Germany didn’t have as many old buildings as a lot of the other countries, due to them being heavily bombed during the war. The Germans all seemed pretty friendly, and I never felt like safety was an issue. When you go to obscure towns, they don’t always speak English, but for the most part people did. I, again, had no issues doing what I needed/wanted to do. Germany seemed pretty affordable for the most part. As I mentioned earlier, we often chose to sleep in Germany because hotels were quite cheaper. I don’t remember ever having to use cash in Germany, seemed like most places were up-to-date with accepting credit cards. How To Use Public Transportation in Germany Even though I was lucky to have a European friend, who had a car and was doing the driving, some of the major cities were terrible for parking. So we did end up taking a subway/train and a bus at a couple of points. You buy your ticket at a kiosk, and then usually somewhere on the platform or right before it, is a box where you punch/validate your ticket. Not all stations have gates, so if you didn’t stamp your ticket and someone checks you while on board you’ll probably be in trouble. What that trouble looks like I have no idea. I’d assume a fine of some kind. Bus stops have an “H” and they operate similar to the trains, with the exception that you can either buy your ticket on the bus or at the bus stop. You must time stamp your ticket in the orange box on the bus, unless you bought the ticket on the bus then it will already be time stamped. You may also look into The FAIRTIQ app to buy tickets for rail or bus. I don’t know much about the taxis, as I never took one, however I can tell you that they are always a cream color! If you find a line of taxis then you must get into the front one. Food in Germany I did like how generally in Europe they never take your credit card away from you when you eat at a restaurant — they either bring the terminal to you, or you get up to go pay. In Germany it is not mandatory to tip, no one will be rude to you, but it seems people do tip 5-10% of the bill as a gesture of appreciation for a good experience. If the service wasn’t great, or you just don’t want to, then don’t tip. Just like in France, whenever you get coffee they give you a little cookie. I kept giving the cookies to my friend, but eventually tried one. And I’d say it’s like a little hard biscuit, maybe with a cinnamon flavor or something. Help me out here, what are those little cookies called? Maybe it’s biscotti. IDK. Anyways, I had no bad food in Germany. Often times the little crack in the wall places were the best! It did seem like they eat a lot of meat and potatoes. If you can find it look for currywurst (not something I would’ve tried on my own, but it actually was delicious). I’d have to say that one of my favorite German dishes though was Käsespätzle (cheesy noodles). I found myself wanting to eat that over and over again. And beer is a pretty big deal in Germany. I don’t drink alcohol so I can’t speak to it, but I did see a cool beer garden in Munich. They had little “lockers” for people’s beer steins. And the whole place was old fashion looking, the waitresses were dressed in traditional attire, and the place was ginormous. I snuck a few photos, since I don’t think they like people filming in there. I also tried some other cuisines and did have some really good Vietnamese food. Honestly, no bad food. It was all delicious. Another interesting thing I saw, which kind of reminded me of the vending machines in Japan, was like a grocery / meal vending machine in this really small town. It was selling eggs and pre-made meals. Places Worth Visiting As I mentioned, I visited at least 12 cities/towns (maybe more as I can’t remember everything now), and some of them I only got to see at night because we were just trying to fit in as much as we could. But even still, each place had their own charm and I enjoyed them all.

Germany Winter Travel Guide: Best Cities, Food & Culture for December-January Read More »

Ultimate Winter Europe Itinerary: 7 Countries in December & January (Complete Guide)

Travel / / Leave a Comment
Planning the ultimate winter Europe itinerary seemed like a daunting task until I actually did it this past December and January—and let me tell you, it was absolutely magical! I was lucky enough to have a European friend show me the ropes as we explored 7 incredible countries: France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Belgium, and The Netherlands. Winter in Europe turned out to be the perfect time to experience these destinations without the summer crowds, plus there’s something truly special about Christmas markets, cozy cafés, and snow-dusted medieval towns. Traveling can be an exhilarating experience if you’ve got the essentials down and don’t suffer from too many mishaps. I know it can be a little nerve-wracking for some people to visit places they’ve never been, especially countries that may not speak their language. But I hope you can learn from my winter European adventure and glean whatever insights will be helpful for your own December-January excursions. This was a different type of travel experience for me since I usually prefer spending long periods in one place to fully immerse myself in the culture, city, and food. However, this trip was all about seeing as much as I possibly could and compiling a list of places I’d love to return to for longer stays. In this complete guide, I’m covering everything you need to know for your own 7-country winter Europe adventure, from pre-trip planning to insider tips I learned along the way! Here’s what I’m covering (click to jump to): What To Do BEFORE You Go To Europe Aside from any sort of government traveling thing (simply check your governments posted requirements for the countries you are planning to visit, here’s for US citizens; note that in 2025 ETIAS will be implemented for US citizens and you will have to pay a small fee), these are what I recommend that you do: Winter Europe Packing Guide: What To Pack for December-January Travel Per usual you’re going to have to consider what activities you’re going to be doing. For me, I tend to mostly walk around cities and may do some occasional light hiking. I also tend to be cold easily and Europe is definitely cold and wet in winter. Granted, I got lucky while hopping around because it only rained a few days while I was there. I also saw some snow. Seemed like the average day-time temp was about 32• Fahrenheit or colder. I was cold a lot. I ended up taking a medium-large rolling suitcase, and if I had been 100% by myself this would’ve been a mistake (unless I was perhaps only going to one destination). Many of the hotels don’t have elevators so you will have to carry the suitcase up a lot of stairs, which isn’t conducive to a heavy-awkward suitcase (plus an umbrella). The metros have stairs, and lots of cities have cobble stone streets so even rolling it can be a pain. So my advice is to either use a duffle backpack, a backpacking pack, or you could use a small rolling suitcase IF you could EASILY carry it up 50 stairs. The goal for your luggage needs to be: make it as light as possible and easily carry-able. If you’re going to be doing a longer trip, you may also consider packing lighter and doing laundry at a laundromat. I definitely learned a few important things about what to take and not to take so here is the revised/updated/optimized list: Other Things to Consider for Packing I also wanted to mention a few things to consider so that you are prepared if need be: Where To Stay & How To Find Cheap Accommodations For this trip, I did not book anything ahead of a day or two. Germany was pretty affordable, and when possible we would spend the day in one country and then go sleep in Germany. I thought I would likely use Air B&B but those prices were often much higher than the price of a hotel. I only used Air B&B once or twice, so it was Booking.com to the rescue! The average price paid per night was around €54 (split two ways is super cheap). If you make an account and then start booking they also sometimes give you deals because you’ve booked so many places. I had tentatively planned to do hostels while in Paris because it was so expensive, but ended up being able to stay with a friend so I was lucky. But otherwise, HostelWorld would’ve been what I used to find places. Things to note about accommodations: Here’s what the accommodations were like: The Flight & Traveling I booked tickets through American Airlines, 12 days before my trip (yes, it was a very impromptu trip!) — but I got a killer deal! It was only $779.90 for round trip tickets and that included baggage fees. So apparently the middle of December is the time to book. lol My trip was from Dec. 21 – Jan. 19, 2024. I arrived at LAX pretty early, aside from putting on clothes and skincare, I did nothing else — arriving early and being forced to wait around has got to be one of the worst things about travel. But I kept myself busy by listening to a book. I did have a layover in Chicago, but it wasn’t too long of one luckily. That airport seemed decently sized and I had to walk to a different area to catch my connecting flight. Flying from LAX to Paris, and the layover included, was only about 13hrs — I was to arrive in Paris at 9am. So not too shabby. The flight from Chicago to Paris did include dinner that was decent tasting. After which I basically just went to sleep. Travel Tips for France France is definitely a place worth seeing. I only spent a total of 6 days in France (3 in the beginning and 3 at the very end of the trip) and it’s on my

Ultimate Winter Europe Itinerary: 7 Countries in December & January (Complete Guide) Read More »

What You Need to Know When Traveling Japan in December | Made of Lovely

What You Need to Know When Traveling Japan in December

Travel / / 1 Comment
I took a month long trip exploring South Korea and while I was there I decided to pop over to Japan for two weeks visiting Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, and Nara, and boy, did it not disappoint! I actually wish I would’ve just extended my trip and stayed longer in Japan. I’m sharing the things I learned so that you can have a fun and easy trip. This is what I’m going to go over: What to do BEFORE you go to Japan Aside from any sort of government traveling thing (simply check your governments posted requirements, here’s for US citizens), these are what I recommend that you do: General Things to Know The old adage, “You don’t know what you don’t know” seems to ring particularly true when traveling to new places. There are cultural things you may be unaware of, and even just basic things can be completely different from what you’re used to at home. So let’s go over just a few that I found to be important during my travels. Japanese Culture The bottom line is that the Japanese are very respectful. It’s important to be polite while in Japan. Which means being courteous to others, by saying sorry if you bump into people, not taking up a bunch of space, not being loud, standing left on escalators (if you happen to find one that’s working! lol I feel like they were all out of commission while I was there), and paying attention in general to what the Japanese are doing in order to respect the culture & nature. Here’s a few things to keep in mind: Important Phrases to Learn If you have more time before your trip, then I highly recommend that you try to learn more phrases in Japanese. Money Exchange Japan does seem to still use a lot of cash. Not every place though. It really felt 50/50 to me. So you are going to need to have cash. Always make sure you have enough for your meals just in case. There are a lot of coins being used so having a coin bag is definitely a good idea. ATMs (like at 7/11) with a good card, like I already mentioned above, are probably going to be your best bet (and that is what I did). But you can look up money exchange places like Ninja Money Exchange or Namba Currency Exchange (depending where you are) as they may give you the best rates without any commissions or extra charges. I’d probably stay away from converting money at the airport or at banks since they seem to charge the most. And every once in awhile you will see money exchange machines in shopping areas. How To Use Public Transportation Taking the trains is probably the best way to get around. Taxis are incredibly expensive, so I would try to avoid them if you can. There are a few different train companies, which we’ll briefly go into in just a second. But in general, once you are trying to get into the train platform area you will simply need to scan or tap your train ticket, card, or phone on the “IC” card area. You will do this both on entering and after your ride on exiting. If you have any issues there are usually train attendants that can help you. If there’s a decent amount of people on the platforms, they will stand in orderly lines. So follow suit. Remember trains stop running at midnight, and typically start back at 5am. Rush hour is typically 7:30am to 9am (the trains are packed, the train attendants even have poles to push people in. It’s craziness.) but it also depends on your city/area. On the inside of the trains there are usually maps right above the door telling you where you are and where you’re headed. Overall, the train system is pretty easy to figure out, even if you do not speak Japanese. Google maps also gives you train directions just FYI. If you just need to check train times for some reason you can use Navitime website. Transportation Cards We already talked about getting the Suica card set up on your phone, this way you don’t have to keep buying individual tickets (unless you want to do that) or deal with the headache of trying to find a physical card. Do note that you cannot get any money refunded that you put on the card (both digital and physical). And if you transfer a physical card to digital, you can no longer load the physical card. There’s a few different transport cards that you can purchase (at train stations) and they all work relatively the same (UPDATE: as of Aug. 2023 they are no longer allowing purchase of physical Suica & Pasmo cards to foreigners due to a global semiconductor material shortage.) Just FYI: These transportation cards also typically work in stores, some restaurants, cabs, buses, coin lockers, vending machines, and arcades. JR Pass If you are going to go further (like from Kyoto to Tokyo) then you’ll likely want to take a bullet train. So the cheapest thing you can do is purchase a JR pass (JR national trains include Shinkansen bullet trains and Narita Express trains; the DO NOT work on Mizuho trains along the Kyushu/Sanyo Shinkansen, or Nozomi trains along the Sanyo/Tokaido Shinkansen.) You may not even need the Suica card if the JR pass works in accordance with your trip. I only bought a 7 day pass (they are consecutive days from the moment you start using it), so I did use my Suica card at the beginning and end of my trip. You can buy your JR tickets online, receive your exchange order, then visit a JR Exchange Office (JR Ticket Office) in Japan for your actual JR Pass. All purchasers must be there in person and have passports ready in order to receive the actual ticket. You should be able to use Google Maps to find

What You Need to Know When Traveling Japan in December Read More »

Traveling to Jeju Korea in November | Made of Lovely

Take A Trip To JeJu Island South Korea in November

Travel / / Leave a Comment
I spent a month long trip in South Korea, mainly in Seoul, but during that time I also took a 3 day trip out to JeJu Island. I honestly loved it and could’ve easily spent more time there. We purchased cheap flights with T’Way Air from Gimpo airport to Jeju and it was a quick flight (approx. 1hr 10mins) There’s a cab/ taxi area outside of the airport (we followed the people) and you can get a cab from there. Where To Stay in Jeju I’m all about “the tried and true”, so we again just used Air B&B to pre-book a place to stay. The place was a one room and it had a good view of the city from the balcony — it was a really nice place. It was spacious, the bed was comfortable. Pretty quiet. The internet wasn’t that great, but there were coffee shops near by with better internet (like Tom’s). And overall, I don’t have any big complaints about the place, there’s only two weird things: They ONLY had hand-sized towels. So that was a bit odd. But you could have as many as you like. The curtains have a weird mesh in the middle, so even when they are fully closed, you’re going to get light. Which defeats the purpose of the curtains. The place might technically be called Urbanstay, but it was in Jeju Yeongdong off of Yeondong 6-gil and Noyeon-ro. And this seemed like a pretty decent spot. Transportation on Jeju The island is MUCH bigger than we both thought. So we rented a motorcycle. I definitely think that having some form of your own transportation would be good on Jeju. It seemed like some parts of the island you would be very out of luck finding your way back if you didn’t have your own transportation. Although, maybe if you were using an app to call a taxi then maybe. IDK, it just seemed like having a scooter, motor bike, or maybe a car (parking might be an issue though) was the best thing to do. The bike was perfect for us, but holy crap did it get cold while riding at night. Definitely needed some wind-proof gear & gloves. Food in Jeju We seemed to have a much easier time finding food on Jeju. But the best food we had was definitely the black pork, and these little orange breaded dudes (no idea what they are actually called but the cart was by this abalone restaurant). So those two things I highly recommend, and if you really like seafood then this is definitely the place to try things. We did do an abalone stew, it was ok IMO, but the place had really good reviews. There’s also a group of Korean women divers who dive deep, and have been doing it for generations, not to mention some of them are in their 80s. Anyways, it’s a cool thing to see and I believe that you can eat at the little restaurant that is down by the water. Things To Do on Jeju There are so many things to do here. Like I said before the island is actually quite big so we only really did one quadrant. I wish we would’ve had more time to hike, particularly Hallasan. There’s plenty of natural beauty, hikes, cities, museums, and really cool things to see. And honestly just driving around the island was quite nice as well. I’m not sure if it’s because we were there in November but it was not crowded at any of the places we went to. I made a Google Maps list of things I wanted to see on Jeju, so if you’re interested in that go check it out. But here’s an account of the things we actually saw that I would recommend: Kimnyeong Maze Park This place was pretty fun. You do have to pay to get in, and you could very easily spend a couple of hours here. We had a late start to our day, so we sort of had to rush through, and I wish we could’ve just taken our sweet time. But we made it to the end and rang the bell! P.S. watch out for the bushes by the snack shop, they “spit” water at you, which was no bueno in winter. lol Manjanggul Lava Tube This is another one that you have to pay to see, but the caves were pretty interesting. It didn’t take too long to walk through. Seongsan IIchulbong This is like 1,000 steps (literally stairs), to the top. So if you’re out of shape this might be challenging, but I didn’t think it was too bad you do feel a quad burn LOL. The view at the top was quite nice of the crater, and they have a sitting area up up there so you can relax (and eat more little orange dudes). The diving ladies are at the bottom of this hiking area as well just FYI. I can’t remember if this was something that we paid for, but I kind of think you typically have to. Jeju Stone Park This was easily one of my favorite things that we did. You very easily could spend an entire day here. The one big down side was there was no food really. There’s a little shop by the infinity pool that may sell some snacks, and even on the outside there is a coffee place but no food. This seems like a huge missed opportunity for the park IMO, but at least you’ll know you need to plan accordingly by bringing your own food. There’s a bunch of cool and different sections here. It’s quite expansive, which is why you very easily could be here all day. Parking was free but you do have to pay an entrance fee. Cheon-Wang Sa Temple It was a fun drive up to this temple. Korean architecture is pretty intriguing. And when we got here there was chanting

Take A Trip To JeJu Island South Korea in November Read More »

Traveling to Seoul in November

Traveling to Seoul South Korea in November

Travel / / Leave a Comment
I took a month long trip exploring Korea, with a majority of my time spent in Seoul. If you’re considering taking a trip there, buckle-up because I’m going to share what I learned — hopefully it makes your trip a bit easier. So let’s break the trip down into categories. Here’s what I go over: What To Do BEFORE you get to Korea Aside from any sort of government traveling thing, like making sure you do your KETA (update: some countries no longer require this), there are a couple of other things I recommend that you do. What to Pack For A Trip to Seoul South Korea in November When it comes to packing, you obviously need to consider which sort of activities that you may do, as that could make your suitcase have different items than what I brought. For me, I was planning to walk around the city and maybe do a few light/moderate hikes. My trip was planned for Nov. 9 – Dec. 9 and when I looked up the weather it said that it ranges from 30 – 59 degrees Fahrenheit in November. HOWEVER, it actually gets a bit colder than that. Towards the end of the month the day-time temps were 20 as the high, and into the teens at night. It was pretty freaking freezing IMO. The good news is: if you’re coming with American money the conversion rate could be in your favor and most things here are pretty affordable. Meaning, you can buy stuff if need be. Clothes & Items Packed (For a Month-Long Trip) As I kind of already mentioned, it was nice in the beginning of November, but turned icy towards the end. We did not see any snow, but it was cold. Like really really cold. If you can fit thermal tights under your pants, you may want to give that a try. Also, in Seoul and Gangnam, the people dress pretty nicely. You will see a lot of long coats, and dress clothes. Mostly in beige, grey, and black. It’s rare that you see color. Everyone looks like they’ve done their hair and makeup. You will even see many women wearing skirts and dresses (even though it’s FREEZING). So just a heads-up that if you walk around in backpacking/snow gear, you may stick out a bit since everyone is dressed nicely. lol Also, there were a lot of mosquitoes in certain areas, but I never got bit. So I’m not sure if you’d need bug repellent. Traveling To & Arriving in Seoul I flew from LAX with Air Premia. It was a nice flight. Their planes have A LOT of leg room, and they gave me two meals. The windows do not have shutters but there’s a cool button that tints the window to whichever degree you’d like (FYI I still felt a lot of heat through it, and it would randomly turn off, which was annoying because I was trying to sleep). It was also annoying that they made you put your chair up whenever they were serving a meal. So if you wanted to skip services and sleep with your chair back, forget it. The seats have screens and there’s free Korean films to watch. The selection seemed a bit limited. However, overall it was a good airline IMO. You have two airports to choose from when you are flying in. I think Gimpo is technically a bit closer to Seoul, but Incheon is the bigger airport. So I chose to fly into Incheon. Once you make it out of the airport you’ll want to navigate your way to the express train. In general trains cost quite a bit less than Taxis (like ₩1,250 vs. ₩4,000 although the express train tickets do cost a little bit more than the regular subway). The express train was only about a 30-40min ride to our Air B&B. It was a bit of a walk through and out of the airport. You should be able to purchase a ticket with your credit card at the machine (they are yellow). Once you’re in Seoul you can find an ATM at most convenience stores, or there’s money exchange places (there are quite a few on namdaemunsijang-gil by Hongbog) ; as the airport usually gives you the worst rates. The Air B&B: Local Stitch I have very mixed feelings about our ABB place. It’s like the PROs are pretty great, but the CONS are really not great. I suppose overall it’s not a bad place and I would recommend staying here if nothing else seems superior. The rate was pretty good on ABB at the time we went. But here’s the breakdown of the place… PROS CONS One other thing that my boyfriend didn’t like was that the toilet and shower are in the same small room. But that wasn’t that big of a deal to me. I’m just telling you about it in case you also care about that. So, you can see that there were some pretty annoying issues here but if none of those cons matter to you then you might love it here. How To Use Public Transportation: Getting Around Seoul Korea Taking The Subway The best way to get around is to walk, and/or take the subway and maybe the bus (we never took the bus). The bus may be the most affordable at ₩1,200 but the subway is a close second with each trip only costing about ₩1,250. The trains run until midnight. But you will need to have cash handy to put money on your Tmoney card at the subway station (purchase a card at a GS25 or CU). You will need to tap this card to enter and to exit (same is true for the bus). The subway isn’t too complicated to figure out if you aren’t going far, but there are a lot of inconsistencies. For example, some trains have screens that tell you what the next stop is and others don’t. So,

Traveling to Seoul South Korea in November Read More »

Exploring Montana | Made of Lovely

Exploring Montana

Travel / / Leave a Comment
When you live somewhere as large as the USA there’s a lot of cool and interesting places to travel. One place I’ve been that was total eye-candy was Montana. And yes, while you’re there there’s plenty of popular places to go like Glacier National Park & Yellow Stone. But if you’re looking for some relatively laid back activities here’s some things that I did while I was there and I quite enjoyed. What To Pack: Depending on when you go to Montana, make sure that you are paying attention to the weather. It typically doesn’t get too hot there, but if you go in the winter be prepared for the cold! I went in October and it was quite chilly on some of the days, and definitely at night. It did rain on a couple of the days during my trip. So that’s something to be aware of. I only did a carry-on and a backpack. For one week here’s what I brought (& ended up buying because I did not come prepared! lol) *Disclaimer: some, or all, of the products in this are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission should you choose to purchase through my links. 2 pairs of pants 2 pairs of hiking pants/leggings (one pair I wore on travel day)(Get fleece lined tights for warmth) 4 Sweaters (2 were for layering) 2 T-Shirts 2 long sleeved shirts Wool socks Pair of gloves Down jacket (Northface Down) Boots Hiking shoes (or Solomon is also a pair I was going to buy) Scarf Beanie Umbrella Quick side note: The Helena airport is both a relaxed place (aka you show up during their lunch break you will be hard pressed to find any employees) and total sticklers for the liquid “rules”. Even as a person traveling from LAX I came with bottles that were technically over 3oz. But on the way back they adhere to the strict quart sized bag, no bottles over the allowed size (even if they are mostly empty). Honestly one of the most strict airports I have ever been to. Which you might not expect from such a tiny airport, but maybe it’s because they really have nothing better to do. lol Helena Montana We stayed in Helena, and my boyfriend did a wonderful job at finding a car rental from Turo. Which was a really easy, affordable, and enjoyable process. We were lucky enough this trip to be able to stay at a family cabin out in Canyon Ferry, but there are plenty of hotels or AirB&B’s that you could do. When you arrive at the airport all the stores that you would need are right there in town. There’s Costco, Target, Superior 1 Foods, Natural Grocers, and even a Walmart. Plus, if you forgot to bring any kind of gear there’s plenty of stores around for that too. Downtown Helena downtown area was so cute! If you like old buildings and a small city feel then you’ll love downtown. Definitely a hodge podge of old buildings. There’s a lot of little shops that you can pop into, and plenty of yummy food places. I do wish that there were less vacancies when we went, since some parts seemed a bit empty. However, in spite of that, if you take your time there’s plenty to explore. We started at Reeder’s Ally which is really small but interesting to look at as it’s historic 19th-century miners’ residences. And tucked up in there is a tasty looking (and smelling) vietnamese restaurant called Saigon Alley. We never got the chance to eat there, but when I go back, I’m definitely going there. From there we took our time exploring. We mostly walked up and down Last Chance Gulch, but there are a few things to see outside of that main street as well. I really enjoyed exploring this little area, so I don’t want to give a whole lot away. But if you go to points on that map you’ll find a bunch of fun hidden gems. Some of the places that I really enjoyed definitely include: Lewis & Clark Library Birds & Beasleys Gift Shop The Base Camp (saved our butts so many times this trip with gear we needed. lol) General Mercantile (they have a coy pond inside! And pretty delicious coffee) Jmacs Pottery Helena Hokkaido Ramen & Sushi (delicious ramen!) ExplorationWorks In my humble opinion, you can easily spend a good amount of time here. There were also a couple of parks w/ playgrounds if you’re traveling with kids. And if you have to do any sort of computer work while you’re here, I highly recommend TopFloor Coworking right across from Hill Park. Internet was dodgy at best outside of the city. Hiking I’m sure that it doesn’t surprise you that I’m including hiking as something fun to do, and Montana is in no short supply of beautiful hikes. I usually use my AllTrails app to find great spots, and one hike that has been absolutely beautiful and a relatively easy hike is: Missouri River Beaver Creek Trail. There is an unattended “pay box” that you’ll have to put money into for parking if you do not have a car with Montana plates. I haven’t seen anyone giving tickets out there the few times that I’ve gone, but you never know. There’s parking right at the beginning of the dam/bridge. Just walk across it, turn left at the T, and then you will see the trail head a little further up the hill on the left. Canyon Ferry Lake This is the area that we stayed in while we were there. But depending on the time of year that you go, you can rent kayaks from Kim’s marina (or potentially boats) and spend some time out on the lake. The water is always freezing IMO but I have gone swimming there in the summer. However, if you go during winter, the marina is closed. You can still walk around

Exploring Montana Read More »

Scroll to Top