Travel

5 Walks for a Sunny Day in Dublin

5 Walks for a Sunny Day in Dublin

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5 Walks for a Sunny Day in Dublin

Recently, we’ve been #blessed with fantastic, sunny weather in Dublin. Although Ireland isn’t known for having a warm, pleasant climate (because let’s be honest, IT DOESN’T), that doesn’t mean that it’s raining and miserable all of the time…only most of the time.

But really, although the cold and rain are not ideal and definitely gets old after a while, what I love about Dublin is how alive the city becomes on a beautiful, warm day. Especially on the weekends. Nothing is more miserable than being stuck inside at work on a gorgeous day, only for it to be raining all weekend. So if it’s a sunny Saturday or Sunday, you’re guaranteed to see the city buzzing. People flood to the parks, the canals, the zoo, and of course the pubs with outside seating (it is Ireland, after all).

But you’ll also find that people will make the most of the sun by enjoying one of Dublin’s many walking routes. There are some amazing landscapes just outside of Dublin’s city limits that provide great views on sunny days. But, there are also some amazing views to be seen right in the heart of the city itself!

From a light hike on a rugged coastal landscape, to a sunset walk along the canal, to a light morning stroll admiring 4-story Georgian houses….Dublin has amazing walks and walking paths to choose from. The walks vary in difficulty, length, type of views, etc. But one thing they have in common is that they are all PERFECT for a sunny, pleasant day!

Here are 5 walks for a sunny day in Dublin!

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Top 5 Things to do in Lisbon

Top 5 Things to do in Lisbon (if you’ve never been)

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Top 5 Things to do in Lisbon

I haven’t thrown together one of these “Top 5” lists in a while, but I’ve got Portugal so much on the brain lately so I figured now’s the time to share what you should do in Lisbon, ESPECIALLY if you’ve never been!

Lisbon was one of my favorite stops on my last Europe trip. After a month traveling through Europe, Lisbon was our last stop. And I was frickin’ exhausted by the time we arrived. But, when I got to Lisbon I was immediately revitalized by the city’s vibrant culture and bright, sunny landscape.

After visiting Lisbon, I’ve come to realize that Portugal may just be one of Europe’s most underrated countries. It’s pretty cheap, there’s so much to do, and it’s obviously beautiful. Lisbon specifically is such a feast for the senses.

Although I wasn’t in Lisbon for long, I managed to do some amazing things! So if you’re ever in Lisbon and have absolutely no idea where to begin, or if you only have a short time there and want to make the most of it, here are my recommendations of the Top 5 things to do in Lisbon, Portugal!

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10 Travel Apps that Rock

10 Travel Apps that Rock // & a GIVEAWAY!

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10 Travel Apps that Rock

There’s an app for everything these days. As much as we hate to admit it, we are all addicted to our smartphones to some degree. One gadget has made our lives so much easier, by being a clock, a calendar, a calculator, a computer, a map, a notebook, a camera, and a phone all in one, and all confined to the palm of your hand.

Since the explosion of smartphones, hundreds and thousands of apps have been made to suit everything from basic needs to specialized hobbies. In this day and age, we can find an app for anything we need.

This has been especially useful for us avid travelers. Gone are the days of pouring over a huge map on a crowded street in Hong Kong, or frantically flipping through an English to French dictionary to try and translate a sign in Paris, or having to wander around to find a phone book to find the phone number to book a last-minute hotel in Berlin. No, our smartphones do all of that for us. And since we all have our phones with us at all times, we have access to a HUGE array of travel apps right at our fingertips.

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Camden Market

Marvelous Markets, pt. 4: Camden Market – London

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Camden Market, London

Ah, Camden Market. Where do I even begin? Oh, I know…this is one of my favorite things to do in London. I make sure to stop by every time I’m there. Honestly I’d go as far as saying it’s the best market I’ve ever been to. And that’s saying a lot, because I’ve been to a LOT of great markets. London has a lot of amazing markets which are all great if you’re looking for free activities in London. But Camden Market is one of my favorites!

A maze of food, souvenirs, vintage, trinkets….my actual happy place. There’s something for everyone here, and you could all day wandering around the web of vendor stalls and shops.

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The Best Holiday in the Best City // Christmas in London

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Christmas in London

I’ve probably mentioned this many times before, but London truly is my favorite place.

I know it’s expensive…super expensive. I know it’s crowded. That housing is ridiculous. That living there probably isn’t as glamorous as it’s made out to be.

But still, there’s just something about it that I love. The history, the beauty, the parks, the accent. It’s all just perfect. And that is my honest opinion, as a tourist wearing rose-colored glasses of course.

I’ve been to London 3 times previously, but always during the summer. So this was my first time visiting not only during the winter, but during the holidays. And it’s no surprise at all that it’s just as wonderful, and even more magical, during the holidays. There just isn’t anything quite like Christmas in London.

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Hiking the Wicklow Way: Glenmalure to Glendalough

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Hiking the Wicklow Way

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Ireland has some of the most amazing natural landscape I’ve ever seen. Ireland is famous for its rolling green hills, beautiful coastlines, and breathtaking cliffs. With that comes MANY amazing walking/hiking trails that offer people a taste of the natural beauty.

I’m trying to take advantage of the landscape here since where I’m from (South Louisiana) is totally and completely FLAT. Couldn’t be flatter. I already shared all about cliff walking in Howth (which was AMAZING). But during my time here in Ireland I’ve gotten a chance to do a few different hikes. It’s great for getting some fresh air, clearing your mind, and seeing some unbelievable sights.

…Weather permitting of course.

Well, one amazing hiking trail in Ireland (that’s also easy to get to from Dublin city centre) is the Wicklow Way, in County Wicklow.

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The 7 Best Halloween Destinations for Your Bucket List

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The 7 Best Halloween Destinations

Halloween is my favorite holiday. Ok, well, my SECOND favorite holiday, after Christmas. Obviously.

But honestly, I think the main reason I love Halloween is because I love costumes and dressing up. I hate scary movies and I’m a big baby when it comes to haunted houses and things like that. But I absolutely love coming up with costume ideas and getting to be whatever I want for the night! Over the years I’ve dressed up as everything from the Queen of England, a Scarecrow, and an old lady, to a vampire, a cavewoman, a pirate, and Winnie Sanderson from the movie Hocus Pocus (always a crowd favorite).

So, since it’s Halloween time, and being that travel is literally ALWAYS on my mind, I started browsing the internet to find out where the places to visit and celebrate Halloween are. And turns out, there’s a bunch! But I’ve narrowed it down to the Halloween destinations that appealed to me the most. **she says as she adds all of these to her bucket list**

Whether it’s celebrating in some of Europe or the USA’s most haunted cities, to a traditional Dia de los Muertos celebration, or visiting Dracula’s castle, there’s so many places to visit on Halloween! Here are 7 of the best places to visit on Halloween to add to your bucket list!

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Irish Slang square

The Ultimate Guide to Irish Slang + Irish vs. American English

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So one of the great things about moving to Ireland was that I didn’t have to worry about a language barrier. Sure, I was moving to a different country with no job lined up and no living arrangements made, but hey! At least I wouldn’t have to worry about everyone speaking in a different LANGUAGE too, right?!

WRONG. Irish and American English sometimes feel like they’re 2 different languages.

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Marvelous Markets, pt. 3: Torvehallerne – Copenhagen

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The Torvehallerne Market is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen

Torvehallerne Market. I touched on this market a little bit in my 2-day itinerary for Copenhagen, but I wanted to reiterate how totally awesome this food market really is AND prove that it is an absolute must-do when visiting Copenhagen!

Like everything in Copenhagen, this market is top quality in terms of cleanliness, retailers, and overall atmosphere. But, also like everything in Copenhagen, that quality makes it a little pricier. Pricey for a food market, but definitely a cheaper meal in the grand scheme of things in Copenhagen.

But it’s totally worth a visit, don’t worry!

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Copenhagen 2-day itinerary

Copenhagen: A 2-Day Itinerary

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Copenhagen 2-day itinerary
I recently got to visit Copenhagen, Denmark, for the first time. It’s a city that’s been on my bucket list for quite a while. And yet, when I arrived I literally had no idea what to expect or what to do.

Not only that, but Copenhagen is pretty expensive, with a 25% sales tax already included in everything you buy. So, I arrived wanting to make the most of my weekend there, but also not spend ALL of my money (which is something I tend to do…).

If only I had had access to a super awesome travel blog that had mapped out the perfect weekend in Copenhagen for people on a budget, like me, suggesting things to do, places to eat, and must-see spots! Ah, well now I plan to do just that for if when any of you finally make it to this amazing city!

Although Copenhagen, and all of Denmark and Scandinavia for that matter, is known to be expensive, you can have an amazing time there by benefitting from free/cheap attractions!

So here it is, my 2-day itinerary for anyone visiting Copenhagen for the first time on a budget. OR, someone who doesn’t have much time there and wants to make the most of it!

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