Out of everything we did in Sicily, from climbing Mount Etna to exploring the Valley of the Temples to visiting its charming coastal and hill towns, Taormina stands out as one of the highlights. Perched on cliffs overlooking the Ionian Sea, with steaming Mount Etna forming the perfect backdrop, this city is gorgeous. Add in […]
We were standing inside a cave, looking out through a curtain of mist at the upper tier of the Nauyaca Waterfalls, when I realized we’d made the right call on the entrance. From where we stood, the full height of the falls was laid out in front of us, something you simply cannot see from […]
Manuel Antonio National Park was the first stop on our two-week Costa Rica road trip and it set the bar high. In a single morning, we spotted sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, iguanas, and a rainbow of birds, all with the help of a guide whose scope turned a tangle of branches into a […]
If you’re planning your first visit to Florence, where you stay will shape the entire experience. Florence is compact and walkable, which means a well-chosen hotel puts the Duomo, the Uffizi, and the Ponte Vecchio at your doorstep. A poorly chosen one means commuting to the magic instead of living inside it. We’ve visited Florence […]
Nothing screams destination race like Taupō, New Zealand. A beautiful lake swim through crystal clear water, cycling through the idyllic and lush New Zealand farmland, and a waterfront run with mountain views. And it’s not just Taupō that makes this such a great destination race. In addition to racing, New Zealand is an outdoor enthusiast’s […]
Noto is a small Sicilian city famous for its Baroque architecture, UNESCO-listed city center, and long list of churches. Visiting the churches, climbing the bell towers, and photographing the beautiful buildings top the list of things to do in Noto. The medieval town was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake. The remains of this town can […]
If you are planning your first trip to Madeira, there are several very important things to know before you go. Madeira is a very popular tourist destination and with that, crowds can be huge. Driving around the island can be challenging, parking can be almost impossible at some sites, and where you choose to stay […]
Spotting a male and female Resplendent Quetzal in the same morning. Soaring above the cloud forest canopy on what felt like an endless zipline. Walking through misty, moss-draped trails without another soul around. Monteverde delivered some of the most memorable moments on our two-week trip through Costa Rica. But here’s what nobody tells you before […]
Taormina, with its cliffside setting, rocky beaches, ancient Greek theater, picturesque streets, and panoramic views of Mount Etna, is one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily. Strolling its streets, exploring the public garden, visiting lovely Isola Bella, and climbing the steps up to Castello di Taormina are all top things to do in Taormina, […]
Deciding where to stay in London can feel like a monumental task. This sprawling city is one of the largest in Europe and it is home to a long list of things to see and do. Most of these sights are clustered in the city center and along the banks of the Thames River, but […]
Bologna didn’t make it onto our Italy itinerary until our sixth trip. We’d visited Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, and the Dolomites, and somehow kept skipping over this city in northern Italy. Once we finally arrived, Tim and I were instantly captivated: the busy, bustling Quadrilatero with its wine bars and shops overflowing […]
With two weeks in Spain, visit the amazing art galleries in Madrid, day trip to the photogenic city of Toledo, explore Barcelona and all of the treasures it has to offer, tour the Alhambra, see the stunning Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba, and spend a few days in sunny Seville. This itinerary includes the top places to […]
The Valley of the Temples is one of Sicily’s most popular attractions. This ancient Greek archeological site contains the remains of seven temples, several of which are in amazing condition. This archeological sit sits on the southern coast of Sicily, just outside of the town of Agrigento. It can be visited on a road trip […]
Choosing where to stay in Paris for the first time can feel overwhelming. Paris is a BIG city, made up of many different neighborhoods (also called arrondissements) with its attractions scattered throughout the sprawling city center. Every neighborhood comes with is pros and cons, which we will get to in just a little bit, and […]
With its colorful timbered houses, medieval streets, and stunning setting on the Regnitz River, Bamberg is one of Germany’s most photogenic cities. This small town simply oozes charm. And come the month of December, add in a Christmas market and holiday decorations and Bamberg becomes a magical place to visit. Bamberg is listed as a […]
Relax on the beach, explore the picturesque medieval town, visit one of Sicily’s most important churches, and hike to the top of Cefalù Rock for panoramic views over the city and coastline…these all top the list of things to do in Cefalù. Cefalù is a gorgeous seaside town. With its picturesque setting next to a […]
Coimbra is one of the largest cities in Portugal and it is famous for its university, its churches, and ancient Roman buildings. Visiting the University of Coimbra is the top experience to have here, but touring the churches, the botanical garden, and seeing the Roman aqueduct all make the list of things to do in […]
One of the best family-friendly ways to experience Squamish is by taking a journey up the Sea to Sky Gondola. Just a few minutes outside of Squamish, visitors can ride the gondola to the summit and enjoy panoramic views of Howe Sound and the Stawamus Chief. From the summit, you’ll find a wide variety of […]