Do you have big dreams of visiting Svalbard? Then you probably also have the question how much does it cost to visit Svalbard? The short answer: it can be very expensive. We spent four days in Svalbard at the end of June. Here is our Svalbard budget, with a full cost breakdown of flights, activities, food, and accommodations. Why is …
Malbork Castle is Poland’s most famous castle. It’s also the largest castle in the world, classified by surface area. Located just a short distance from Gdansk and easily accessible by train, Malbork Castle is one of the best day trips to take from Gdansk. In this article, get a brief history of the castle, learn how to get here, and …
The hike up to the summit of Segla is one of Senja’s most popular hikes. And this was our main reason for visiting Senja. Many visitors skip past Senja, heading directly to the Lofoten Islands. But those people are missing out seeing a gorgeous part of Norway and some hidden gems. That’s fine…that means less crowded hiking trails for people …
One of the biggest questions we had while planning our trip to Svalbard was “what do we pack?” Svalbard is located so far north that it’s easy to assume that it will be ice-cold all year round. Good news! That’s not the case, at least not during the summer months. Even so, we packed an assortment of lightweight, warm clothes …
Lucerne (also spelled Luzern) is a gorgeous Swiss city that sits at the foot of the Alps. This is the perfect kind of town to explore in one day. The city center is compact with just a few key places to visit. The best things to do are to wander the old town, eat, drink, shop, and enjoy the views …
Cruising to Pyramiden, an abandoned Russian mining town near Longyearbyen, is one of the most popular excursions in Svalbard. On the way, you also get to see a massive glacier, go whale watching, and if you’re really lucky, you could even spot a polar bear. According to National Geographic, Pyramiden is one of the top ten best ghost towns to …
Without a doubt, Vintgar Gorge is one of the most magical places to visit in Slovenia. For 1.6 km, boardwalks crisscross their way along the Radovna River, creating an enchanting landscape that is photogenic and fun to explore. Vintgar Gorge is one of Slovenia’s most popular attractions. Vintgar Gorge was one of our top experiences in Slovenia. It’s gorgeous, it’s …
Without a doubt, northern Norway is one of the most spectacular places we have been. With rugged coastlines, small harbors filled with picture-perfect red fishing cabins, winding roads through the mountains, and beaches that look like they belong in the Caribbean, northern Norway is a delight to explore. We spent just over one week road tripping through northern Norway. Our …
Gdansk is a beautiful city located on the Baltic Sea. It is often overlooked by many travelers to Poland, in favor of the more popular spots like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw. However, this city is well worth the journey north. In fact, it’s our favorite Polish city. On the fastest of itineraries, Gdansk can be zipped through in one day. …
There are two ways to get a spectacular view over the town of Svolvaer…hike to the top of Svolvaer Fløya or climb Svolvaergeita. We did both on the same afternoon, making this one of our most memorable days in the Lofoten Islands. Svolvaer is one of the largest towns in the Lofoten Islands. Fløya is the mountain that forms the …
The view from Ørnfløya over Sommarøy is gorgeous! The hike up Ørnfløya is short and easy, perfect if you like the idea of getting an amazing view with minimal effort. This hike can be done as a day trip from Tromsø or if you are road tripping through Norway. Details About the Hike Distance: 1.5 miles round trip Difficulty: Easy …
For stunning mountain views and a visit to several vividly green alpine lakes, the hike to the summit of Vel’ká Svišt’ovka is a good one to add to your Tatras hiking list. A cable car whops off the first major ascent, so this hike is easier than many of the hikes in the Tatras. Even so, this hike is not …
Auschwitz-Birkenau, also simply called Auschwitz concentration camp, is the largest of the Nazi concentration and death camps. Located in southern Poland near Krakow, this museum attracts over 2 million visitors per year. A visit here is somber, emotional, and thought provoking, and it is a must-do on a visit to Poland. There are numerous options for getting to and touring …
Svolvaergeita, also called “The Goat,” is a pinnacle of rock that is a popular rock climbing spot in the Lofoten Islands. It is named The Goat because of the two horns of rock that sit atop the rock. Those with a sense of adventure can climb to the top of Svolvaergeita and those who are just a little bit crazy …
Svalbard offers a wide range of adventure activites. Ride on a rib boat and search for walrus, kayak in front of an active glacier, or cruise out to an abandoned mining town. For a really cool one day adventure, how about kayaking across Adventfjord and then hiking to the summit of Hiorthfjellet, one of the tallest mountains in the area? …
Does the idea of kayaking in icy waters to get up close to a glacier sound like fun to you? If so, put the Icebreaker excursion with Better Moments on your list of things to do in Svalbard. We had a lot of awesome experiences in Svalbard, and this just may be the best one. When we read that we …
Haarlem is a small city that neighbors Amsterdam. With cobblestoned lanes, Gothic cathedrals, and a bustling main square, Haarlem is a joy to visit. We spent an afternoon in Haarlem and loved it. There is a different vibe here than in Amsterdam. Haarlem is like a laid back, relaxed version of Amsterdam, without the tour groups. If you are looking …
On a visit to Detroit, tour the Ford Rouge Factory, learn how Motown got its start, visit one of the best art museums in the USA, and enjoy Detroit’s trendy food scene. Detroit is an underrated city with a tumultuous past, but it is on the up and up. Here are the best things to do in Detroit. The Best …
In early June, I spent several days exploring Detroit. Tim had to travel here for work so I tagged along, just to see what Detroit was all about. I wasn’t expecting much and then I spent two days wandering around Detroit in the pure bliss that occurs when a place totally blows away all of your preconceived notions. Maybe it …
A trip to London, Amsterdam, and Paris…sounds nice, right? With 10 days you have just enough time to visit these three cities, although it will be a bit of a whirlwind tour. There is a lot to see and do here, and our London Amsterdam Paris itinerary will help you manage your time so you can have the best experience …