For as long as I remember, I’ve always dreamt of visiting Ireland. Having been drawn to its fascinating Celtic mythology, Irish folk music & dancing, and, of course the beauty of the Gaelic language, I was ecstatic when the dream of visiting Ireland finally came true. In Part 3 of the series, I am thrilled to share with you one of the day-trips out of Dublin that I took while traveling solo in Ireland. By the way, if you missed the previous posts on Ireland, check Part 1, where I cover my favorite destinations in the City, and Part 2 for practicalities — where to stay, eat, and shop in…
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Cemeteries Worth Visiting While You Are Still Alive
For some people walking among the tombstones of a cemetery can be a bit somber or unnerving. While others may enjoy the undeniable sense of calm and peace. Either way, you can’t help but wonder what stories hide behind every tombstone. For us, they are places to appreciate, not just for the serenity and beauty, but for the history as well. Here are some highlights of the cemeteries worth visiting while you are still alive. Some Cemeteries We’ve Found Intriguing Colma, California, USA – “City of Souls” Have you ever been to an actual necropolis, a “city of the dead”? If you are visiting the San Francisco Bay Area, California,…
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First Time Solo Trip to Dublin, Ireland (Part 2)
In Part 2 of this series, I’ll cover all the practicalities of traveling solo in Dublin: where to stay, where to eat, drink, and where to shop. I will also share some tips and tricks for the first time visitors to Dublin, Ireland. And if you’ve missed Part 1, here is a link to it. Where to Stay in Dublin, Ireland Being the capital of Ireland, Dublin has a variety of accommodations for every taste and budget. As a solo female traveler, a few things had to be considered. For instance, location of the hotel & neighborhood, short walking distance to the main attractions, safety, comfort of the rooms, and…
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First Time Solo Trip to Dublin, Ireland (Part 1)
When we travel to a new city, we love exploring it on foot wherever possible. Wouldn’t you agree that this is the best way to learn a city? This trip was no different, except for the fact that my husband was unable to join, so I was traveling solo, first time in Dublin. In any case, my first day in Dublin started in the morning with a self-guided walking tour. I had one distinct destination in mind, one place that I couldn’t wait to visit. What could it be? The Old Library at Trinity College and the Book of Kells, of course!😊 The River Liffey After a quick breakfast at…
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Kauai — The Garden Isle of Hawaii (P.2)
Aloha, friends! As you know, we love Hawaii, and the Island of Kauai has a very special place in our hearts. So, after enjoying a spectacular sunset at Polihale beach in the foothills of Na Pali Coast in Part 1 of this article, our journey continues north and around the other side of the Island. Starting at Na Pali, we’ll travel to Princeville, then explore The Royal Coconut Coast down the eastern side of Kauai, and come back to the Poipu area in the south. Hopefully, this post will inspire you to visit Kauai for the first time, or come back to Kauai again! Na Pali Coast The magnificent Na…
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Kauai — The Garden Isle of Hawaii (Part 1)
Dreaming of Hawaii always conjures up images of sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and sipping Mai Tais out of coconut shells with little umbrellas. Though each island possesses the same endearing Hawaiian charm, their personalities are quite different. There is Oahu’s popular Waikiki beach and Honolulu’s nightlife, and big city energy. If you are in Maui, you can enjoy the lively little town of Lahaina and world class golfing. But Kauai, with its lush rain-forests and laid-back attitude, in our opinion, best fits the description of a tropical paradise. If you are debating which Hawaiian island to visit first, we recommend Kauai, the most beautiful island in Hawaii. After several…
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Iceland — Hawaii of the North
Wearing ski jackets in the middle of Icelandic summer isn’t necessary associated with Hawaii. We understand. However, bear with us just for a minute, and we’ll show you the 7 reasons why our first trip to Iceland made us think of Hawaii! 1. Water Activities Iceland has lots to offer to water enthusiasts: from erupting geysers and majestic waterfalls, to chilling (or warming) in the thermal spas, or even snorkeling. Yes, snorkeling. In Iceland. A first trip to Iceland would not be complete without visiting the Blue Lagoon! Actually, we recommend doing that right after landing. There is nothing better than soaking in warm healing thermal waters after a long…
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Reykjavik — The Chill Capital of Iceland (Part 2)
So, you are finally in Reykjavik, and you’ve booked your tours and highlighted all the sights you want to see. What about where to eat, where to shop, and where to sleep in Reykjavik? During your visit you’ll probably want to grab a bite, pick up some souvenirs, and have a nice place to sleep at the end of the day. Here are a few spots we’ve personally enjoyed, and hope you might consider them for yourself. Where to Eat In Reykjavik With all the cool things Reykjavik has to offer, trying the local cuisine is one of the best ways to get a true sense of where you are.…
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Reykjavik — The Chill Capital of Iceland (Part 1)
Reykjavik will have you at “Halló”! The city is a pure blend of poetry, quirkiness and friendliness. Some say that the capital city of Iceland is so compact, that one can explore Reykjavik in just half a day. Not true! There is much more to Reykjavik than one might think. This seaside city is a wonderful destination for solo travelers, couples and families alike. The site of the original settlement is believed to be founded by Vikings around A.D. 874 and named Reykjavik, meaning “Smokey Bay”, because of the thermal springs abundant in the area. The actual town and trading post was established only in the 18th century. Today, approximately…
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Tulum: Hidden Gem of the Riviera Maya, Mexico
Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is one of our favorite beach getaway destinations! On our very first visit in Tulum, while bobbing around in the 80-degree waters of the Caribbean, we were already discussing a return trip. If you haven’t discovered Tulum yet, this post will encourage you to start packing NOW! 😊 Sometimes your body and soul demand a little pampering in the form of a tropical paradise. And this is where the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico comes to play. With a variety of all-inclusive resorts, high-end hotels, environmentally-friendly bungalows and reasonably-priced condos to rent, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodations. You fly into Cancun International airport (CUN),…
