Due to growing popularity and visitation, there are now eleven National Parks that require a reservation in advance. This includes timed entry reservations, vehicle reservations to drive a particular road, or a hiking permit for select trails. Why are National Parks Requiring Reservations? For the last 10 years, visitation in the US national parks has […]
From late November through December, Vienna transforms into a holiday wonderland. Festive lights are strung up along this city’s famous streets and small markets pop-up all-over town. Imagine yourself sipping on hot mulled wine, shopping at the markets, and going for a stroll along the brilliantly illuminated streets. These experiences create a memorable Christmas in […]
Prague is a magical place to visit at Christmas. In December, Christmas markets spring up around the city, shops and hotels are adorned with festive decorations, and add in a dusting of snow, and Prague becomes one of the best cities to visit in Europe during this holiday season. A year earlier, we spent a […]
If you have plans to visit Vienna in December, you are in for a holiday treat. The Vienna Christmas markets are some of the best in Europe. In mid-November, Vienna transforms into a magical wonderland. Small markets spring up on famous squares and in front of historic buildings. For sale are holiday gifts, arts and […]
Nazaré is a small fishing town surrounded by a long stretch of sandy beaches. This city has a long, rich history, but in recent years it is growing in popularity because of its enormous waves. During the winter months, the largest surfable waves in the world crash on Nazaré’s shore, making this a surfing mecca. […]
Relax in a natural hot spring, walk amongst towering redwoods, experience a traditional hāngī dinner, see geysers and bubbling mud pots, and roll downhill in an inflatable ball…these are all things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand. Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity. Geysers, hot springs, and mud pools are located in and […]
Stroll along the Douro River, go port tasting at the wine cellars in Gaia, visit the most beautiful bookstore in the world, and watch the sunset from the Dom Luís I Bridge. These all top the list of the best things to do in Porto, but there are also beautiful churches to visit, new foods […]
One of the best things to do in Porto is to taste port wine. Located across the Douro River from Porto, in an area called Vila Nova de Gaia (or simply Gaia), sit the wine cellars where port wine is stored and aged. In this guide, we list the best wine cellars in Porto to […]
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. This opulent palace and its surrounding gardens are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. With that, crowds can be enormous. In this guide, we uncover the best way to visit Versailles, with tips on how to avoid […]
Wellington is a beautiful city on the North Island of New Zealand. It is packed with fabulous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries. Walking the waterfront is a must-do, as is visiting Te Papa and riding the historic cable car. In this guide, we list 10 of the best things to do in Wellington plus […]
Walking the Wentworth Falls Track for views of Wentworth Falls is one of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains. This short walk takes you to several viewpoints of the waterfall. For those who want to go farther, you can turn this walk into a very rewarding loop. In this guide, we lay […]
The small town of Paihia is known as the gateway to the Bay of Islands. One of the best things to do in Paihia is to take a boat tour of the Bay of Islands, but you can also visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, go wine tasting, go skydiving, spend some time in the […]
When is the best time to visit the Algarve? If you want sunny skies, warm temperatures, warm water, and relatively low crowds, October is a fantastic time to visit the Algarve. We spent 9 days in the Algarve in early to mid-October. With warm weather and brilliantly sunny days throughout our visit, the weather was […]
If you have one week on the South Island of New Zealand, there are several different ways to plan your time. Whether you want to go hiking in Wanaka, visit the Milford Sound, see Aoraki/Mount Cook from the land and the sky, or spend your days engaging in all of the heart-pounding activities Queenstown has […]
Sintra is a land of fairytale palaces, historic estates, and stunning coastlines. Pena Palace and the Initiation Well in Quinta da Regaleira may be Sintra’s most famous attractions, but you can also walk the walls of an ancient Moorish castle, tour the oldest palace in Portugal, and visit the westernmost point of continental Europe. In […]
Stroll through Viaduct Harbour, enjoy the view from the Sky Tower, day trip to Waiheke or Rangitoto Islands, go whale watching, and day trip to the Waitakere Ranges…these are just some of the things you can do in Auckland. If you are planning your Auckland itinerary, the biggest factor in planning your visit here is […]
Algar Seco is a wonderland of tunnels, grottos, caves, cliffs, and windows to the sea. It’s one of the most photographed places in the Algarve, with its two cave openings and views of the Atlantic Ocean. However, there is more to do at Algar Seco than photograph this picturesque cave. You can also walk down […]
The South Island of New Zealand (Te Waipounamu) is a wonderland of glacier-capped mountains, iridescent lakes, rugged coastal scenery, vineyards, and charming towns. Wine tasting, bungy jumping, hiking, trekking, and taking eco cruises to see dolphins and penguins all top the list of the best things to do on the South Island. Whether you prefer […]