Art in Florence. While incredibly romantic and inspiring, it can also be a bit daunting. The amount of paintings, sculptures, and architecture residing in this small Italian city is completely mind blowing. And seeing it all is just not possible. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is the most prominent (and largest) art museum in the city and chances are, you already have it on your list of places to go. However, just because this museum is the largest and holds an incredible collection of Italian Renaissance work, it does not have everything you may be hoping to see. For example, Michelangelo’s David is located at the Accademia across town, while Donatello’s David resides in the Bargello. Other important sculptures and countless paintings are also scattered throughout town in various locations, from public squares to cathedrals and churches. So although the Uffizi Gallery is a must, keep in mind that you may be hopping around to other museums and/or locations to see certain works.

With this in mind, I put together a list of Uffizi highlights to help you narrow down your list and save some time. That being said, if time is on your side, I encourage you to spend a leisurely day exploring the halls of the Uffizi and really taking in the inspiration around you. Being an Art History major, I hate suggesting you skate over certain time periods or artists, but I also just understand not having enough hours in the day to fit everything in.

The highlights I included below are not in order of importance, but rather, in the order I came across them in the Uffizi. They should still be in the same locations :)

Santa Trinita Maestà- Cimabue- 1280-1290

Created between 1280-1290 by the artist Cimabue, the Santa Trinita Maestà was created for the main alter of the Church of Santa Trinita. The significance of this piece and why I included it in my list is its Byzantine style. The abundance of gold and lack of perspective in paintings were typical to these times. Not only did Byzantine art consist of religious icons, but it also reflected a lack of realism. Starting your Uffizi highlights with Cimabue’s Santa Trinita Maestà, you’ll be able to see just how much style evolves over time.

Ognissanti Madonna- Giotto-1306

Located in the same room, you will find Giotto’s Ognissanti Madonna. Again, like Cimabue’s work, this was painted for an alterpiece in Florence and reflects a similar time period and composition. However, this piece showcases more modern qualities. Two things to note- the layout of the surrounding figures and the Madonna’s weighted form. The layered aspect of Giotto’s surrounding figures creates dimension and is more realistic than Cimabue’s stacked heads. Additionally, the Madonna’s robe drapes between her knees and off her breasts alluding to the fact that she does actually have a body. The realism here is something not typically seen and suggests the initial shift and advancement in Italian art.

The Duke and Duchess of Urbino- Piero della Francesca- 1473-1475

Created as diptych, these traditional portrait style works show the Duke of Urbino, Federico da Montefeltro and his wife Battista Sforza sitting in profile facing each other. The rolling hills and vast countryside of their property stretch out behind them and emphasize their significance. What’s noteworthy here is the use of perspective. The hills reach into the distance not only becoming smaller and smaller, but also, the colors becomes less vibrant and more faint.

Cestello Annunciation- Sandro Botticelli-1489-1490

Although Cestello Annunciation is the least famous of the three Botticelli works I included in this list, it is absolutely worth checking out! The Annunciation was and continues to be popular subject matter for religious art. In fact, many well known artists from the Italian Renaissance, including Fra Angelico, Titian, Filippo Lippi, Da Vinci, and countless others created their own versions of the Annunciation as well. The sheer veil worn by the angel here is one of my favorite details that’s easy to skip right over. The delicate quality is mirrored by both figure’s raised hands and elongated yet dainty fingers. Dimension and perspective is used by the tiles on the floor as they shorten in size and the landscape continues into the distance.

La Primavera-Sandro Botticelli-1477-1482

Also referred to as Allegory of Spring because of its many allegorical meanings, La Primavera is one of Botticelli’s most well known works. It was created for a member of the Medici family and thought to symbolize Renaissance Humanism and Neoplatonic ideals. Most critics believe it is an allegory of Spring however, hence the nickname. The painting is read from right to left, with the blue figure, Zephyr creating growth by impregnating the nymph Chloris. Chloris in turn, transforms into Flora, symbolizing Spring and scattering flowers on the ground. In the center, we find Venus presiding over the event, while the Three Graces dance together merrily, and Mercury, the figure to the left, chases the remaining clouds away. Cool fact- there are over 300 different plants depicted throughout the work.

Birth of Venus- Sandro Botticelli-1485

Birth of Venus is Botticelli’s most famous work and will most likely have a crowd swarming around it. Venus stands front and center on a seashell, almost appearing to be presented to the viewer. It’s absolutely striking. The painting lacks perspectival elements like we’ve seen in other works thus far, but the classical subject matter and stylized Venus is enough to capture your attention and draw you in.

Laocoön and His Sons- Baccio Bandinelli

The Laocoön and His Sons in the Uffizi is a copy of the Hellenistic original which is located in the Vatican. Bandinelli was commissioned in 1520 by Pope Leo X de’ Medici. He is said to have used 3 blocks of marble, contrasting the original which had been carved from a single block. The sculpture is super intricate and relays the sense of agony and struggle while the figures strain to free themselves and fight to survive.

The Baptism of Christ- Andrea del Verrocchio + Leonardo da Vinci-1474-1475

In 15th century studios, it was typical for artists to design a piece and have apprentices or students work on it. This was the case for The Baptism of Christ. The artist, Verrocchio was a master painter and apprenticing under him, was Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci began his apprenticing at a young age and was heavily influenced by Verrocchio’s work. In The Baptism of Christ, Leonardo was responsible for the angel on the left and a part of the background above. Looking at the angel’s face, you can see characteristics of Leonardo’s style.

Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci-1472

Annunciation is one of Leonardo’s earliest major works and was created in Verrocchio’s workshop. It is also said to possibly be a work of collaboration. The painting depicts the religious scene in a nature setting and with atmospheric elements that later become characteristic of da Vinci’s work. It’s an interesting piece. Contrasting other Annunciation paintings that depict a more serene setting, this shows an angel appearing with tense, almost aggressive wings and a Mary that seems to be pulling back and unsure.

Judith Slaying Holofernes- Artemisia Gentileschi-1620

By far, one of my favorite works. EVER. I’ve been fortunate to not only see this work in Florence, but also in Chicago when we had her on loan for a short time. The story depicted here is taken from the Old Testament and is when Judith kills the Assyrian general Holofernes, freeing the Israeli people from Nebuchadnezzar's army. This piece is the only painting on my list done by a woman and the fact that it depicts a woman beheading a man is just mind blowing. What makes it so much more impactful is that Artemisia is said to have painted herself as Judith and her mentor, who had been tried and convicted of her rape, as Holofernes.

Medusa- Caravaggio-1597

As the story goes in Greek Mythology, Medusa was a Gorgon monster whose hair was made of living, venomous snakes. Just by looking her in the eye, you would immediately be turned to stone. Commissioned as a ceremonial shield, Caravaggio modeled himself for Medusa’s face. Ohh, the irony of modeling yourself for a character who turned people to stone by looking them in the eye. (Get it? He was staring at himself.. Okay.. maybe it’s not that funny). But anyway, the painting depicts the moment that Perseus beheads Medusa and a look of shock overtakes her face. The shield itself was actually a convex surface and Caravaggio somehow tricks the eye to making it look concave.

As I mentioned before, there really is so much so see and take in at the Uffizi. These are just a few highlights if you’re short on time and can’t spend your entire day meandering the halls. Don’t forget to get over to the Accademia and the Bargello as well! I will also be adding a post on a Free Self Guided Walking Tour in Florence anddd a Top 10 Absolute Must See Works of Art! So stay tuned :)

Writing about your wedding may just be as overwhelming as planning it. There’s so many details, aspects, and emotions to describe and it’s hard to fit it all together in a cohesive piece. So I thought I’d make things a bit easier and tell you all about the beginning first. The “how we got here.” Or, the “what the hell are we doing/thinking” stages. (Hehe, jk) In this post, I also talk about our planning details and what we learned along the way. Turns out, you learn many lessons in wedding planning. If you happen to be in the midst of your own wedding plans, destination or not, hopefully this can help a bit.  

The absolute coolest part of our getting married was that from the very beginning, the experience was completely us. We had been together a month shy of 8 years when we decided TOGETHER “let’s do it”. There was no fancy proposal, no ring, no one hiding behind a bush ready to film us, it was just us, sitting in our cozy home and chatting about our future. It was kinda perfect to be honest and definitely the calm before the storm. 

We reached the decision to wed in early August and planned to elope in the fall, throwing a party in New Orleans (where Ben is from) the following spring. This gave us a couple months to sort out details and decide where in the world we wanted to go for our special day. It was a completely intoxicating (and overwhelming) feeling. I mean, we had the ENTIRE world to choose from and we were both just so excited! We spent our time looking at different unpopulated and largely unknown islands, breathtaking medieval villages, quiet, flourishing vineyards, and so on. We were all over the place with where we wanted to end up, but we knew we wanted to be out in nature. Somewhere beautiful that made us feel connected to the earth and allowed us to be fully wrapped up in each other. And then, there it was: Joshua Tree, California, a brief 3.5 hour flight from home. Go figure.

The inspiration behind Joshua Tree actually came from one of my close friends, Sam Nichols. She’s a brilliant professional photographer based in NYC, who happened to take a trip out to Joshua Tree a couple months prior. Her photos were incredible and just resonated with us. Even with all our searching, we kept coming back to the desert. Not only was the landscape something we both were drawn to, but also the vibe itself. The laidback desert feels were pulling on our heart strings and we just couldn’t resist them. 

We started planning our romantic escape and every step of the way seemed to validate our decision. We absolutely couldn’t have found a better place. But although we were ecstatic about our location the thought of not having our closest family and friends there was starting to weigh on us. We really tried to resist the guilt (sorry guys) and fuel our heads with so many reasons why eloping was a better idea. EASIER, less expensive, more romantic and about us, no drama, the list goes on.. we really said it all. But at the end of the day, not having our closest family and friends there just didn’t feel right. And we also really like a good party. Who doesn’t, amirite?

So we changed our plans a bit. Actually, we didn’t change our plans at all- we decided to keep everything exactly the same, but now just with guests. Sounds easy, right? No. Joke was on me. Turns out, adding guests changes EVERYTHING. At this point, it’s mid August and our plan was to get married October 27th. I try (pretend) to be optimistic though and have a can do attitude, so we just went for it and committed. The saving grace here and the only reason Ben and I didn’t end up running away to never be heard from again was my best friend, Liz. A prior wedding planner with a great sense of style. (Praise Jesus!) This completely saved me, to be honest. Not sure which was more calming, her knowledge of event planning and coordinating OR her sense of control. Regardless, she was a dream. If you’re starting to plan your own wedding, destination or not, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have someone organized, calm, and decisive on your side. Get yourself a Liz.

Although our plans changed from eloping to having a wedding, we still wanted our special day to feel intimate. We kept our guest list as small as we possibly could, which was under 50, and got straight to planning! Instead of choosing an actual wedding venue that would supply tables and chairs, have audio hook ups, and most likely, in-house catering, we opted for the more challenging route and booked a property we found on Airbnb. It was definitely more work for sure, especially with only two months to plan, but it was also totally worth it. We decided to go with Airbnb for a few reasons. One being that, the intimacy we wanted would be more easily achievable. We thought this would allow our wedding to feel laid back and cozy. The idea of people just hanging out, snuggling up by the fire outside or maybe having late night explorations around the surrounding boulders just made it seem more like us. Another reason we chose Airbnb was that we were bringing our closest, most favorite people in the world to one spot and we wanted to hang out with them! And having a house allowed us to do just that. Not only were guests able to swing by and stop in throughout the weekend, but we also managed to find an incredible Airbnb with plenty of space for people to stay on the property with us. 

Pipes Canyon Lodge was home for the week! An insanely special place located right in Pioneerotwn, just outside of Joshua Tree and approximately a 10 minute drive from Pappy & Harriets. The Lodge is situated right next to Black Lava Butte and Flat Top Mesa in the Sand to Snow National Monument. Gorgeous views of the boulders and surrounding hills with trailheads engulf the grounds. It was an absolute magical location. The property itself is set up with a main house, a guest house, and a super cool vintage trailer. A pergola sits beside the main house strung with string lights, creating a dreamy outdoor setting for the evenings. Between the three structures, 14 of our guests were able to stay with us throughout the weekend. Big breakfasts were had around the giant dining room table with our friends and family, while quiet moments taking in the view were experienced from the long covered porch. Words cannot express how beautiful this property is and just how perfect it was not only for our wedding, but also for our entire weekend. And somehow it got even better! Three houses on the same road were listed on airbnb and available to rent. Ben’s friends grabbed the house next door, my Dad and stepmom were two houses down from them, and then my cousins were two houses down from our house on the other side. A total of 28 people all within walking distance- it was almost like we had our own commune! 

It was end of August, the venue was booked and it was time to send out invitations. Not sure why I thought invitations were a good place to start the fun DIY projects. But it happened. I gave myself about a week to handpaint all of our invites. Four little cacti in a row painted in watercolor on thick watercolor paper. Nothing fancy, but fun and enough. Thankfully I decided against handwriting anything and simply printed our wedding details on nice paper, cut them down and secured them on the backs of the hand painted cacti. I do have to say, at the time, I hated myself. Our house was covered in ripped up practice sheets, unevenly cut scraps of paper, our floor had envelpoes laid out everywhere, and trying not to step on paintbrushes, rulers, or exacto knives was a chore. But in the end, I’m glad I did it. It was my way of making our invites more personal and you know what? I thought they were cute.

Invites are sent and it’s the beginning of September. Now lets plan a wedding.

To be perfectly honest, a lot of what we chose to do actually came together quite organically. Things seemed to fall into place when they were ready to and we really didn’t know what we wanted until we just did, if that makes sense. For instance, a few people had asked us what our “wedding colors” were in the early stages of our planning. I hadn’t thought about this at all and told them we didn’t have any. But then two weeks before our wedding, I realized I had a color without even really noticing. That’s what I mean though- SOME things just fell into place. That’s not to say we didn’t have our share of hiccups though. The next thing on our list was catering. And boy, was this a giant hiccup. Finding catering out in the desert wasn’t the easiest. People were either booked or unresponsive. The more we searched, the wider and wider our search circle had to grow. We finally found and settled on a Food Truck based out of Los Angeles. They served organic, sustainable food, their menus sounded awesome, and they were willing to drive out to Pioneertown. We were stoked. The event coordinator wasn’t very communicative and seemed like she could care less about us, BUT we were hopeful that it would all come together. 

So there was catering sorted and we were able to move onto rentals! Tables, chairs, heat lamps, a super cute boho lounge area—all the essentials. Pinterest really knows how to get you excited for the goods. Although working with ONE company would have been most ideal, I was the bride and needed TWO. Just kidding- but we did work with two different companies. Signature Party Rentals was the first company I started working with. They had a desert location, which was great, but I wasn’t loving their selection of furniture. They had the dance floor, audio hook ups, heat lamps and, not to mention, simple table settings that were exactly what I had in mind. Based out of Carlsbad, Adore Folklore on the other hand, carry the stylish boho style we wanted, but couldn’t help us with a dance floor or heating and audio equipment. So- we worked with both!

Finding someone to marry us was an easy one. There’s a reason Celene de Miranda is one of the first people to come up when searching officiants in the desert. She’s absolutely amazing! We scheduled a Skype date and almost immediately it just felt right. She has this warm energy about her and her smile is one of the most genuine. She was quick to understand what we wanted and had incredible resources in regards to readings and specific wording throughout the ceremony. The only thing we knew we wanted to include in our ceremony was sharing a sip of scotch from a traditional Scottish drinking bowl. Not only was sharing the quaich symbolic of us becoming one, but it was also our way of toasting those who couldn’t be with us. When we relayed this to Celene, she was quick to ask if we wanted to also include a Celtic handfasting ritual. We decided to go for it and chose three cords representing honesty, respect, and acceptance. During the ceremony, she would tie them in a knot around our hands. We really couldn’t have worked with a better person. Shy of two months of communicating and by our wedding day, it was like she really knew and understood us. I really can’t rave about her enough!

By mid September, our catering contact would not respond to any of our emails. And when she would, the answers would be short and never even answering our questions. At this point, our wedding is getting closer and closer and we’re losing faith in them quickly. What do you do when you’re being ignored and feel like your hands are tied? In an attempt to ease my mind, I started looking at more reviews, specifically about their events. This is where things took a turn. I was on the edge of my seat, heart pounding and blood pressure rising while reading lines like, “the food truck showed up two hours late for my wedding. Apparently the truck broke down and they never called..” or “they ran out of food at my wedding..” OH. MY. GOD. What had I done? We had already sent them a credit card authorization form for a hefty deposit and who knows if they were even going to show up. The lack of communication thus far was not reassuring AT ALL. I immediately called our contact and she ACTUALLY picked up. I expressed how uneasy I was by her unresponsiveness and asked if she had charged the card for the deposit yet. Not only was she not apologetic in the slightest, but she didn’t even seem phased. Our card had not been charged though, and when I asked if we’d be charged to cancel her response was a short “no.” Alright, let’s do that. Do not charge the card, shred the authorization, and cancel our event. “Okay. Is that all?” -Cut to my distorted confused face..What in the hell had just happened? No apology, no “we can make it right", nothing. I was so caught off guard and confused that I hung up and sat there, first in silence, then uncontrollable laughter, and then the anxious, holy shit tears came. We’re getting married in 6 weeks and we don’t have a caterer.

Things worked themselves out though and we ended up working with the most incredible (and local!) private chef, Kathleen Case. The owner of the property we were renting had recommended her when we initially booked. We had immediately sent her a message and discussed mediterranean food choices, but then lost track of each other. It was then, that we got wrapped up with the food truck for a couple weeks. Like time was on our side, we received a followup email from Kathleen one day after canceling our event with the food truck. Her menu was fantastic, she was local (no travel fees!), and she was the absolute sweetest and quick to tell me to call her with any questions. I was sold! Relieved and grateful doesn’t even start to cover it.

When you’re planning a wedding in the desert, there are two things you have to consider that you probably didn’t realize before. Toilets and noise. You will have to rent bathrooms for your guests since the homes in the area are on a septic system and not set up for bigger crowds. We used Burrtec and it was pretty straight forward. Concerning noise: sound travels so easily in the desert and, because of this, there’s actually a noise ordinance. Amplified music is not permitted past 10pm. Considering this little detail and the fact that we were having a small(ish) group of people, we decided to skip the DJ and just put together different playlists on my computer. Between Amazon and iTunes, you can download whatever songs you want and you’re set!

The bar was something we made sure to have though! We put beer and wine out in galvanized tubs for when people arrived, but then after the ceremony, it was a full bar! Andrew Simmons, from Los Angeles Bartenders, came out and was nothing but accommodating! What was awesome about working with Andrew was that he had different packages and we weren’t obligated to purchase alcohol through him. We could just tell him what we needed him to provide and worry about the other stuff ourselves.

We kept the table arrangements and decor simple. I ordered gold votive tea light holders, glass hurricanes and white pillar candles from Amazon and had them shipped to my family in Las Vegas. I shipped A LOT of stuff to Las Vegas actually. From a woven dreamcatcher to hang on our arbor, to cocktail napkins and a cake topper. Initially, I was all over the place with what I wanted to do decor wise. Planning from Chicago made it more challenging and so I finally just settled on less is more. I decided to do the name settings myself, using the same watercolor paper I used for the invitations. I cut them long, like a bookmark, writing each name at the top and stamping a cactus on the bottom. We kept them long to tuck them in a napkin pocket so they wouldn’t blow away. We were scheduled to check into Pipes Canyon Lodge on Thursday, the 24th. So to make sure we had plenty of time for shopping and picking up anything extra, Ben and I would fly into Los Angeles the Sunday before and run our errands during the week. Even though we tried to ship the majority of our purchases to my family to save us time, you’d be amazed at how many other “things” you realize you “need”. Liz and my sister were flying in on Tuesday to help us, so at least we had extra hands. It was in these few days that we picked up everything for our wedding: alcohol, galvanized tubs for beer and wine before the ceremony, picture frames to hold welcome signs, snacks and treats for welcome bags, minor decor pieces, food for the house and cases on cases of water. The list goes on. We were running nonstop it seemed. But we were kinda playing it all by ear too. To be honest, the wedding was going to be what it was going to be. That isn’t to say we weren’t stressed though.

Thursday morning came and Liz, myself and my sister woke up at 4am and took a ride over in the dark to the LA flower market. Three days before your wedding is a great time to sort out flowers, right? We walked in and almost immediately knew we were grabbing eucalyptus for the tables. A couple bushels of that, baby’s breath, and some amaranths in a warm yellow and magenta and we were ready to pack everything up and hit the road! Liz and Shannon were crammed together in the back between flowers and suitcases with my dress laid over them like a blanket. I doubt Ben could see out the back window, but why would the driver need to see?

The constant craziness surrounding us during those two months of planning was nothing short of exhausting. There were so many things we did not consider at the beginning and because of that, we learned SO MUCH. It’s funny how during the planning process so many people tell you that certain things don’t matter. It’s meant with love, but in the moment you want them to explode into a thousand pieces.. what? Just me? Well, turns out they were right. There’s so many things that really aren’t worth the time and energy worrying about. Especially for a destination wedding where you have so much less control. A destination wedding is all about exactly that, the destination. We didn’t tour the property before we booked. We didn’t taste any food before agreeing on a menu. We had no idea what we were doing until all of a sudden we did. We just wanted to go somewhere beautiful with some people that we love. And in the end, that really was the best part, being with our friends and family. It doesn’t matter if the bartender shows up late, or that the initial catering company charges you thousands after confirming they would not. There will always be aspects out of your control that don’t go smoothly. And you just have to let it go. You won’t be looking back thinking about those things anyway. You’ll be thinking about the special moments that made your heart swell. The times that you stood there thinking you never knew you could be so happy. And a month later when you’re thinking about your wedding day (or writing about it) you’ll be tearing up because it was the most magical day of your life.

Sam Nichols came back out to Joshua Tree by the way to photograph our wedding. Every photo on this post is hers and you can see more of her work here.

Sing me a song of a lass that is gone, say, could that lass be I? Okay.. we all know the theme song and wish we were Claire (or Jaime), right?

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the show “Outlander”, it’s based on the books written by Diana J. Gabaldon. The story is about a woman from the 1940s that accidently goes back in time to 1700 Scotland. The Scots were fighting the English, proper medical care and sanitary conditions were not yet "a thing", men carried swords, and women- well, women weren’t considered much unless the men were hungry or.. hungry for something else.. Anyway, the show follows Claire through her wild adjustment and struggle to survive through the Jacobite uprisings. Not to mention, her lustful relationship with the hunky Highlander, Jaime Fraser. Kilt, sword, muscles and an absolute gentleman. Drooling just thinking about it. The story is definitely a great one and I absolutely recommend picking up the first book and giving it a try! Be warned- you'll probably get hooked.

The filming for the show takes place at various locations throughout Scotland. If you have limited time and hoping to see as much as you can without driving around the entire country though- you're in luck! You can easily take a day trip from Edinburgh or Glasgow and see quite a bit. Depending on how much time you hope to spend exploring the different locations and sites in between, you may even want to take two days. There are 7 stops making up a loop that bring you through the ancient Scottish Kingdom of Fife, near the city of Perth and right past Stirling. All of which are worth spending some time and exploring if you have the interest and time. Stopping off to see the famous Kelpies is another noteworthy site. So there's loads to do in addition to Outlander sites. However, if you're looking to strictly keep your touring to Outlander- you can do that as well!

Below you will find a list of stops and their significance to the show. Choose which locations are your must visits and narrow down your choices for your own self guided tour! Driving in Scotland can be intimidating, but you'll really be able to see more this way.

Hopetoun House - Home of the Duke of Sandringham

Hopetoun House is an estate that actually has more than one filming location on the property. The main house is an impressive structure built between 1699-1701 and is a beautiful sight just to admire. In the show, the house was used as the home of the Duke of Sandringham. Scenes were filmed in the Red Drawing Room and additionally in the rear of the house on the lawn. You may recognize the property as the setting where Jaime and Jack Randal have their gripping swordfight. Or where the Duke himself is set to have his own dual with the head of the McDonald clan. Behind the Stables Tearoom, you will also find a courtyard used as a Parisian Street. The house is open to the public from Easter to the last Sunday in September. Only a 37 minute drive from Edinburgh, it makes for a great first stop on your Outlander tour!

Midhope Castle - Lallybroch

Located on the Hopetoun House Estate, Midhope Castle is a short drive from the Duke's crib. To access the Midhope Castle property though, you will need a parking pass. This can be purchased for 10 pounds either at the Hopetoun Farm Shop or the Hopetoun House Ticket Kiosk, which are both a 5 minute drive away. Once you have your pass displayed and you're all set, channel your inner Claire and walk up the drive pretending you're walking alongside Jaime as he brings you to your new home. *swoon* Sadly, you can't enter the castle- you'll notice that the interior hasn't been kept up through the years. But, take some time wandering around and pretending the year is 1743. Maybe red coats are approaching the property or Jaimie and Jenny are desperately trying to free themselves from the hands of Jack Randal. From April to September, you can visit the property from 9-5. October-December is 10-3.

Dysart Harbour - Le Havre, France

Outlander starts season two in France. And how lucky are you that you get to add a visit to France into your Scotland trip! The location of Le havre, where we meet the Comte St. Germain however, is in fact, filmed at Dysart Harbour. You can still tell everyone you swung by France for a bit though. Walk around the harbour, take some pictures and avoid the smallpox! 

Falkland - Inverness

Heading North from Dysart Harbour, you'll eventually come upon the village of Falkland and it is adorable! I actually stayed here for about a week in 2017 before I even realized there was an Outlander connection. Subsequently, I was even reading Outlander at the time. So I'm sure I looked like a crazy fan without knowing it- and jump to nearly 2 years later and I'm writing an Outlander tour blog post realizing maybe I am a crazy fan afterall. Hm. Anyway, Falkland is depicted as Inverness in the show. Claire and Frank have their B+B right in town and Claire strolls the streets eyeing a vase that she likes in a shop window. The village is small so it doesn't take long to explore, but there's also plenty to do if you decide to make a trip out of it. Pop into Campbells Cafe for lunch right in the center of the village and try to get a seat near the window. From here, you can look out and imagine Jaimie staring up at Claire while in her B+B in season 1. If you have the time and are interested, check out the Falkland Palace and gardens. I really recommend spending some time in Falkland and taking advantage of the walking trails. Pillars of Hercules, an organic farm shop and cafe was one of my favorite places to go. Get some homemade soup and a turmeric latte! If you're looking to stay awhile, check out Thistle House, right in the center of town. 

Doune Castle - Castle Leoch

Onto Doune Castle- err, I mean, Castle Leoch, home to Colum McKenzie and his clan! This location was used not only for Outlander, but you also may recognize it from Monty Python, "run away run away!" anddd even Game of Thrones. You can wonder the exterior of the castle and walk down to the creek, but the coolest part is you can go inside this one. And even better- there's a guided audio tour. I'm not always the biggest fan of audio tours, but this one was great! They give you an historical account of each room, but it also includes filming details, which is awesome if you're on this tour specifically for that reason. This visit is definitely a must if you love Outlander. Sam Heughan even narrates the audio parts about Outlander. I know I have your attention now.. But seriously, it's a great tour and really informative. At the end of your tour, you can even head over to the shop and throw on a costume for pictures. Talk about really channeling your inner Claire. The cost to get in is 6 pounds and that includes your audio guide. The grounds are open from 9:30-5:30 April-September and 10-4 October-March.

Culross - village of Cairnsmuir

Remember that time Claire and Geillis were accused of being witches? Or when Jaimie helped the child who was caught stealing and punished by having his ear nailed to a post? Well, all that happened in the village of Cairnsmuir, which is actually called Culross. The village is absolutely charming and transports you back in time the minute you step into it. The houses and cobblestone streets look like they haven't changed for centuries. For the show, the buildings were painted a grey to match the time period, but they have since been reverted back to their white facades. Head to the Mercat Cross area and you'll immediately recognize where you are. Just try to avoid being accused of being a witch.

Blackness Castle - Fort William

Built in the 1400s, Blackness Castle was the filming location for Fort William. It was here that Jaimie received his lashes from Captain Black Jack Randal and later broke into the fortress to save Claire at the end of season 1. With its giant walls, Blackness Castle was the perfect choice to portray an imposing fortress. Situated on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, the structure is often referred to as "the ship that never sailed" because of its interested ship like shape. In addition to being used as a castle, the establishment was also a state prison for some time. You may also recognize it from films such as Hamlet or Doomsday. Entry is 6 pound and you can visit from 9:30-5:30 April-September and 10-4 October-March.

Linlithgow Palace - Wentworth Prison

15 miles west of Edinburgh, you'll find the great Linlithgow Palace, which was used as Wentworth Prison in Outlander. We all know what happened there and we all wish we didn't. A once thriving castle used as prominent residence for Scottish royalty in the 15th and 16th centuries, Linlithgow Palace is now a ruin and a sight for visitors to explore. There's plenty to see and admire, including the courtyard. If you're obsessed with Scottish history like I am, you'll be intrigued to know that Linlithgow Palace was also the birthplace of Mary Stewart, aka Mary Queen of Scots. Pretty cool stuff!

The above suggested stops are laid out creating a loop (give or take) with a little back tracking after Hopetoun House to get over the Firth of Forth and over to Culross after Doune Castle. Like mentioned above, take as much time as you need/want and just enjoy it! You can spend as little as a day cutting a few visits out and it's just as exciting. Have fun and good luck driving! If you aren't comfortable driving on the other side of the road, claim you don't know how to drive stick and have your friend do it.. it works, believe me ;)

Hawker Centres are hands down, the best way to eat while in Singapore! And they are everywhere, which makes it even easier to choose hawker centres over anything else. Hong Lim Food Centre is my absolute favorite hawker centre to date and I believe that it is incredibly underrated. So needless to say, I just had to share it with you all. Although there's quite a few stalls in Hong Lim worth checking out, I'm just going to give you my top three. These places are definitely *must trys* and after you sample their goodies, thennnnn you can move onto all the others :)

This centre is in a great location in between Clark Quay and Chinatown, so you can easily take different train lines to this area. It's located on the second floor of a parking garage, right behind PARKROYAL on Pickering if youre approaching from Clark Quay area. Depending on the time of day that you go, you can either find giant lines and craziness while locals try to eat quickly on their lunch breaks orrrr you could find a collection of old men sitting quietly at their own tables in silence, staring off with maybe 6 empty Tiger beer bombers in front of them. All depends on the hour. 

Each time I've visited this Hawker Centre, I never saw foreigners. (At least noticeable looking ones with tour books and loud English speaking voices). I also didnt read many blogs suggesting visiting Hong Lim Food Centre. Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown and Lau Pa Sat Food Court in the business district are definitely more well known, but I think that's what makes Hong Lim even more special. You're eating amongst locals that eat here everyday and tourists haven't overtaken. So really, it's a gem! 

Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist

Wanton Noodle- where to even start?! This dish was my absolute favorite while in Singapore and as I sit here, staring at the ceiling trying to think of how to properly describe its magic, I hear myself saying aloud, "the shit is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S". So I'll just leave it at that. I was lucky enough to get to Singapore twice in 3 months this past year and each time, you can bet your butt I ended up here. Wanton Mee can be served dry or in a soup and typicallly consists or noodles, barbecued pork, greens and wantons. Usually a bowl of broth and boiled dumplings come on the side when you order it dry. And at Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist, they'll be quick to tell you not to pour the soup into the noodles if you look like you dont know what youre doing. In addition to the delicious, flavor packed boiled dumplings in the broth, they also serve crispy fried wontons over the noodles. Watching the girl behind the counter prepare your bowl is definitely entertaining as well. She's incredibly quick, dipping serving spoons into different pots and containers to pour in the perfect amount of sauce combination. Different portion sizes range from 3-5 Singapore dollars and you don't have to order the largest portion to be satisfied. (But you also won't be disappointed if you do!) 

Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa

It's no wonder that Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa has a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Laksa is one of those dishes you *must* try while in Singpore and this is definitely the place to go for it! Sungei Road has two locations, this one, and another closer to Little India. The other location is a bit out of the way, but if you have the time, check it out as well. It only has one option on the menu, it costs 3 Singapore dollars and people wait in line forever for it. The Hong Lim location also has a ridiculous (yet understandable) line, but unlike the Little India location, they have protein options. Anddddd the master behind Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa works at the Hong Lim Stall with his wife. So there's that! They're absolutely adorable and will chat with you while preparing your dish. Traditionally, laksa is a spicy soup made with a rich coconut milk base, rice noodles, and various seafood. It's an explosion of flavor and you'll find yourself wondering how something could taste so good!

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee has a line every single day that stretches around the row of stalls and keeps people waiting for up to an hour. Mee is the term in Singapore and Malaysia used for "noodle". Being able to identify this word will help you loads in Singapore, by the way. Kway Teow mee though is a popular Singaporean dish that you may have already heard of or read about. It reminds me a bit of the Thai dish, pad see ew, but I doubt anyone from Singapore would be pleased with my comparison. Kway Teow Mee, however, is typically cooked with egg, bean sprouts, and often served with prawns. Heading over to the Outram Park stall is definitely a must when visiting Hong Lim.

Every time I go to Edinburgh, I have to put aside time to shop. And I’m not talking about the kind of shopping you do in New Town or on Princes Street. I’m talking about charity shops: the ultimate thrift shopping! These shops are everywhere in Edinburgh and whether you're an avid thrifter or not, you can definitely find something you can't live without! I first discovered Armstrongs in Grassmarket back in 2006 when I went to Edinburgh on my FIRST EVER backpacking adventure. At the time, I just thought Armstrongs was a one of a kind magical place and it ended there. I didn’t realize that not only is there more than one Armstrongs, but also that there are loads of charity shops throughout the entire city.

The charity shops in Edinburgh all benefit different organizations and what's better than shopping and contributing to a good cause? Like their names suggest, The British Heart Foundation funds research to better understand and prevent diseases and health conditions relating to the heart and blood flow, while Shelter shops contribute to helping the homeless and providing adequate shelter to British citizens. Places such as Barnardo's are less clear in their name but contribute to the welfare of children, helping those affected by disadvantages or abuse. Various charity shops target cancer, animal cruelty, hospice, red cross, salvation army, and the list goes on. So if you're all about seeing your money go to a good place, start with charity shops for sure! 

Maybe shopping used and sometimes dated clothing and merchandise is not for you. And if so, that's cool. But most of the time, these places are only reselling items in great condition, and sometimes never even worn with the tags still on! I always feel like I hit the jackpot when I find those items. But, depending on the charity shop, you can expect to find different kinds of items. St Columba's Hospice down on Leith Walk has a variety of kitchen goods and fabric, whereas Shelter Bookshop in Stockbridge offers an awesome selection of secondhand books. Obviously, since these shops rely on donations and what is being dropped off, their inventory changes quite a bit. But once you start frequenting these shops, you get idea what kinds of goodies you may find. 

Newington & Old Town

Newington is amazing if you're on the hunt for bargains and looking to do some charity shop hopping. Follow Nicolson down far enough from South Bridge and you’ve hit the jackpot! This area is right in Edinburgh University territory, so it's the perfect spot if you're looking for bargains and more modern clothing. Consider the fact that college students are probably donating the clothes they don't like or never wear that are in great condition, but alsooo picking through all the great finds on the shelves. So although I love shopping in Newington, it tends to be hit or miss. I did find a wool peacoat on Nicolson for £4 once and I bragged about it for months. So, there is that. The quantity of shops really makes it worth it though. There's seriously a cluster of shops that are nearly right next door to each other, making the experience so much more fun! Don't forget to hit up Armstrongs down at the end! There are three in the city and all pretty close to one another, so if you're just exploring Newington and Old Town, you can stop by all three. I have to say, there’s really nothing like the Armstrongs in Grassmarket though. It reminds me of a costume shop, which is probably why I love it so much. It's a great place to go if you're looking for vintage. Clothing is organized by decade, which is super cool! Last time I was there, I left with a dress from the 60s, a dress from the 70s, andddd a super cute kilt... I couldn't resist it, okay?! The prices don't always reflect "thrifty" here, but some of their gems are definitely worth the extra quid. If you're in the theatre, make sure you swing by here! Grassmarket is a pretty high traffic area so you may not have much luck with everyday clothing since it's picked over so much, but the beauty of charity shops is you never know! 

Morningside

If you're looking for big brands and items that may be considered more posh, head over to Morningside. This area was described to me by a local as, "where ladies lunch" and it's certainly a good description. The financially fortunate reside here so you can expect to find higher end dontations in the charity shops. Fashionable quality items that have been lightly worn and in terrific shape are often found here. British brands such as Burberry and Jaeger tend to make normal appearances so if that sounds like it's up your alley, Morningside is definitely for you! Keep in mind though, the bigger the name tag, the bigger the price tag. You may not find the bargain prices in Morningside that you saw in Newington, but the items will absolutely be more upscale. Head over to Morningside Road for a cluster of shops right on top of each other. Morningside also has some great cafes, so make a day of it and stop for a cup of tea or lunch while you're out shopping. If you're a criossant fan, stop over at Bakery Andante and give one of their almond croissants a try! If you have the time, continue on to Bruntsfield. This neighborhood doesn't have as many charity shops, but their antique and privately owned shops are quite good. Make sure to check out Very Vintage. 

Stockbridge

If you're looking for a nice in between, check out Stockbridge. It's less hoity-toity than Morningside, but still, an area that people tend to be financially secure. So basically, the items can be a little bit nicer than what you may find in Newington, but maybe with similar prices. Best of both worlds really. Great deals, awesome stuff! The coolest part about Stockbridge is the amount of shops (like over a dozen!) and like Newington and Morningside, there's such a close proximity between all of them! You'll find the majority of the shops right on Raeburn Place, which is the main street down Stockbridge. If you're in the market for a secondhand wedding dress, definitely don't miss the British Red Cross shop. They have so many gorgeous dresses, it'll make you contemplate buying one for shits. I read about a woman marrying her cat once.. she probably impulsively bought a dress here and just wanted an excuse to wear it. I don't blame her. Shelter Bookshop is incredible if youre a bookworm. I try to resist buying books while traveling since they add so much weight to your luggage, but I couldnt help myself when I found one from the 19th century. I don't have any excuse for the others I bought.. It's a great place to pick up traveling books as well. If you loved the vintage clothing at Armstrongs, check out the upscale boutiques down on St. Stephans Street. For the record, these are not Charity shops, but rather privately owned clothing stores. I recommend stopping over at Elaine's Vintage Clothing though- it's an awesome shop and you can find some really cool pieces! If you need a break in between shops, stop over at Hectors for a bloody mary. It'll be the perfect pick me up to get you through the rest of your shopping.

Once I realized these shops were everywhere, I couldn’t explore a new neighborhood without looking up where the charity shops were located. I may have become a little obsessed, but once you experience the Edinburgh Charity Shops for yourself, you’ll understand. Definitely, don't limit yourself to these three areas because charity shops are really located throughout the city. Exploring Newington & Old Town, Morningside and Stockbridge will give you a well-rounded experience though and probably get you hooked. If you’re looking for more necessary sites and things to do, check out my post 24 Hours Edinburgh. I crammed all the musts into a full day that you can stretch over your visit if you have the time. Have fun! :)

Chiang Mai is an absolute haven for yogis, vegans, and vegetarian foodies. If you’re a little bit of a hippie at heart, you’ll totally fall in love and never want to leave! Old City was definitely my favorite and I chose to spend most of my time there. Like the name suggests, Old City is a bit more authentic and culture centered compared to the more modern parts of Chiang Mai. You’re not going to find any big hotels or a Starbucks here. Instead, expect to find quirky shops, loads of street art, open-air yoga studios hidden away in old homes, restaurants on top of restaurants and magnificent temples right alongside it all. You can easily spend all your time in Old City exploring the winding lanes and popping in and out of the never-ending cafes and juice bars. And whats wrong with that?

Think of Old City as a giant square with a moat around it. And when I say giant, I mean small. The area is super manageable and finding your way around is relatively easy. Remember to use the GPS on your google maps! You don’t need wifi or data on your phone to access your current location and figure out your way.

To Do

Simply wandering down the many streets and taking in the sites can keep you busy all day. And it’s also a great way to find places you may want to check out later, whether it’s a cooking class or a cool looking shop. Exploring the streets is always the best way to get a feel for your surroundings. Take a walk over to the Thapae Gate and see one of the four entrances into the Old City. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, take advangtage of the Sunday Night Walking Street Market, which is located right next to Thapae Gate. It starts around 16:00 and goes until around midnight. This was one of my favorite experiences in Chiang Mai. You can find loads of handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, everything you didnt realize you needed. It is definitely a bit crowded, but there's lots of goodies and the energy is just awesome! Don't forget to bargain for everything as well. Just keep in mind that these vendors work hard and are trying to support their families- so try to avoid low balling. You don't want to insult them. If you haven't taken a tuk-tuk yet, it is definitely a must while you're in Thailand. And what better place than Chiang Mai! Tuk-tuks tend to cost more than a songthaew or taxi, so if you're watching your spending, once for the experience is enough. There are loads of places throughout Old City to get a Thai Massage as well! Depending on the package you prefer, you can expect to pay 5-9 US dollars for an hour long massage. Don't forget to tip your masseuse! :) If cooking interests you, you can book a cooking class as well. There are quite a few schools to choose from and they typically offer half day or full day courses. I went to  Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School and definitely recommend it. 

Temples 

Inside the square, you can find a crazy amount of temples, some famous and easy to spot and others not so famous, but just as captivating. The three main temples in Old City are Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man and Wat Phra Singh. Known for its giant chedi and Naga flanked staircases, Wat Chedi Luang measured a height of 85 meters and a width of 44 meters at the time of its construction in 1441. It was the largest and most impressive structure in Chiang Mai. It was also home to the Emerald Buddha that now resides on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The architecture of Wat Chedi Luang was built in classic Lanna style, but has become a bit of a ruin after an earthquake in 1545. Attempts have been made to restore the temple, but it still remains unfinished. Built in 1297, Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. In addition to housing the oldest Buddha statue in the Lanna Kingdom, Wat Chiang Man is also home to two additional significant Buddhas. One, known as the "Crystal Buddha" with a height of 10 cm tall and made from clear quartz, and the other, Phra Sila, a stone stele of Buddha taming an elephant. Together, these two Buddhas are known as the Palladium statues of Chiang Mai and hold protective powers. Wat Phra Singh is probably the most magnificent temple of the three. It's a great example of classical Lanna architecture and is currently used as the learning centre for young monks. The temple is home to the Phra Singh Buddha, which translates to Lion Buddha, and where the temple gets its name from.

Food

The restaurants in Chiang Mai are incredible! And if you're vegan or vegetarian, you're in luck! The amount of vegan friendly cafes and juice bars everywhere will blow your mind. If you prefer meat-heavy dishes, you'll be equally impressed though. Everything is so fresh and full of flavor you'll contemplate staying just for the food. Whether you're eating meat or not, khao soi is the first meal you need to order. It's a traditional Northern Thailand dish that will blow away your taste buds for sure! Basically a soup flavored with yellow curry and coconut milk, khao soi is served with boiled noodles and topped with fried noodles. It's typically made with chicken and beef, but you can absolutely find it not only vegetarian, but also vegan in a lot of restaurants. I'm telling you, vegan paradise! Taste From Heaven is an awesome place to go if you're looking for a vegetarian khao soi. I definitely wasn't disappointed! Khun Kae's is a well known place to go for juices and smoothies. It's located on Soi 7 and easy to miss when you're walking by. The menu is awesome with a huge selection of superfood combos- and all for reasonable prices! I recommend trying one of the many smoothie bowls they have. And if you think of yourself as a smoothie bowl connoisseur, head up to Free Bird Cafe as well. I had one of the most magical bowls that I will never forget here. Unlike Khun Kae's, Free Bird is more of a cafe with a full menu and indoor seating. And by indoor seating, I mean they are what westerners would consider a normal cafe. Khun Kae's is more of a typical Thai spot with an open-air aspect and hole in the wall feel.

Yoga

If you’re a yogi- doesn’t matter what level you are- you will love Chiang Mai. Studios are throughout the city and some are tucked away with only a small, easy to miss sign. This definitely makes finding some of the studios an experience in itself- I thought it added to the fun though! A lot of studios tend to only have a morning class and an evening class, but places like The Yoga Tree offer a couple more classes throughout the day. (Keep in mind that Thailand is much cooler in the mornings and evenings though, so avoiding daytime yoga may be in your favor.) The Yoga Tree studio is awesome by the way. I loved attending their restorative classes in the evening. It was such a relaxing way to wind down after spending all day exploring in the heat. The Yoga Tree also has a volunteering program. Help out with maintenance and cleaning in exchange for room, board and yoga! What could be better? Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to take advantage of this since I planned my trip pretty last minute and they didn't have the extra space. I do hope to make it work in the future though! Wild Rose Yoga Studio is also worth checking out! It was actually my favorite and I can't wait to go back. The studio itself is small but awesome. It's situated inside an old teak house tucked away down a tiny lane. The windows are wide open, creating an open-air concept and making you both grateful for the flow of fresh air and resentful of the stagnant Thailand heat. Like most studios in Chiang Mai, classes are scheduled for an hour and a half, however, my class ended up running two hours. TWO HOURS OF YOGA. I'm still unsure if I felt elated or dead afterward. That may be the same feeling though. Either way, it was amazing. It was a challenging class that pushed me and had me both excited and exhausted. And that's a win in my book. The instructor was badass and I really can't recommend the studio enough. Hidden House Yoga is another studio I feel is worthy of a visit! In addition to two classes a day, they also offer 45 minute morning meditation every other day of the week. Their schedule consists of a variety of styles, including yin, hatha, and vinyasa, which is always nice if you're looking to change it up. I took a structural alignment class when I attended. We worked with props and like the class indicates, we focused on proper alignment in certain postures. Although it's not an everyday class for me, I love checking in on my practice and working on strengthening fundamental poses.

Whether you plan on doing a bunch of day trips out of Chiang Mai or just getting to know the city really well, I definitely recommend staying in Old City. There are loads of hostels and guest houses that range in price and comfort that will fit exactly what you’re looking for!

If you’re looking for a more detailed itinerary, feel free to check out 24 Hours in Chiang Mai. Have fun! 

A ten-minute train ride from Innsbruck, Hall is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful medieval cities in all of Tirol. And rightly so! Quiet, narrow cobblestone lanes weave around historic buildings painted in colorful pastels and enclosing you in what feels like an archaic maze. You wander the streets finding cute shops tucked around every corner, while the alps in the distance peak through each opening of light between neighboring buildings. The place is magical, for sure. 

If you're staying in Innsbruck and decided to visit Hall, you made a good choice! Old Town is relatively small and can be explored quickly, but it's definitely worth checking out. From Innsbruck, you can take the train to Hall for about 7 Euro roundtrip. However, if you buy the Innsbruck card, you can take a bus for free. Make sure to ask where to pick up the bus when you buy your card. There are a few different stops so one may be easier for you than another. If you arrive by train, head straight out of the station and turn right once on the main road. Old Town is only about a 10 minute walk and will be on your left-hand side. You'll spot Restaurant Augustiner Brau Keller on the main street- take the next left up a cobblestone street and it will lead you right into Old Town. 

Once you get up the narrow little hill, it opens up into Pfarrplatz, the main square. St. Nikolaus Church is the main attraction here and it's magnificent. This is the center of Old Town and really a great spot to take a step back and take it all in. Rathaus Cafe sits across from the church right in the square and is a great place to stop, have a cappuccino and people watch. If you're past caffeinated beverages at this point in your day, go straight for the Aperol Spritz. Like I mentioned before, Hall is a very small place to explore, so take your time enjoying your surroundings and don't put pressure on yourself to rush. Here are a few suggestions for the rest of your day once you're ready to start exploring:

Pfarrkirche St. Nikolaus

Located right in Pfarrplatz, you can't miss Pfarrkirche St. Nikolaus. Even from outside the square, the steeple surpasses its neighboring structures and demands your attention. Inside isn't much different. Originally constructed in the 13th century, the church underwent a restoration when affected by an earthquake in the 17th century. Although the restoration was done in Baroque style, the church uniquely houses a collection of skulls and bones from minor saints. Known as Waldaufkapelle, the skulls sit upon cushions and wear headdresses. It's interesting, to say the least.

Munze Hall

Back in the day, Hall was more of a city with a booming economy than the quiet village it is today. Salt production was continuing to grow with the population and the royal mint was moved to Hall in the 15th century. Today, you can visit the mint museum and tower, locally known as the Munze Hall. I suggest buying the combined mint museum and tower ticket, which is 11.50 Euros. If you have an Innsbruck card, the entrance is free! The museum offers detailed information on the embossing process and houses a replica of the machinery used in earlier times. Audio guides are provided and there is even a film played in the museum, covering the history of the Taler (the coin produced and distributed). Don't forget to head up the spiral staircase of the tower at the end of your tour to overlook the village and get some great photos! It's really cool seeing the town from a different perspective! If you'd prefer to skip over the museum, you can always just buy a ticket to the tower for 5.50 Euros. And if the tower doesn't interest you, but you're all about the museum, entrance cost is 8.50 Euros.

St Magdalen's chapel

Dating back to the 1300s, St. Magdalen's Chapel displays a Romanesque style and was originally used as a cemetery chapel. Today, it is dedicated to fallen soldiers. You can find the chapel alongside St. Nikolaus Church and access it through the entranceway from Pfarrplatz or a nondescript covered stairway from the narrow cobbled lane leading up to the main square. The chapel is a quiet spot for admiring frescoes and stained glass or simply a place for reflection.

Jesuitenkirche

The Jesuitenkirche was founded in 1571 and was originally constructed for the Order of the Jesuits. It has since undergone a few renovations, with it's most recent leaving the church an example of the Baroque style. The crisp white walls contrast the gold accents beautifully, making the lavish trim really pop. Also elaborately decorated is the high altar, which contains an altarpiece from 1609. Although the inside is beautiful, don't forget to check out the courtyard- equally gorgeous!

Bergbau museum mining museum

Considering that Hall has a history rich in mining, you can only expect there would be a whole museum dedicated to this. The Bergbau Mining Museum sits right in Old Town and is super informative in the mining process and procedures. It also contains the tools that would have been used hundreds of years ago. In addition to giving visitors a well rounded understanding of what a life of mining entailed, a replica of the Halltal Valley Salt Mine allows visitors to jump bavck in time and experience it for themselves. 

When you’re traveling, you're eating. Whether it’s trying new foods, indulging on desserts, just eating because you're happy- we all do it. The worst part of eating while you're traveling though is the kind that happens in airports, on buses or in a 7-11 in Thailand late at night. Unhealthy, processed and never fresh options are the worst (unless they were purposely chosen- then they're pretty good). 

But as well as being unhealthy and unsatisfying, the cost of all these options is usually incredibly high. I try to choose healthier options when I’m in the airport, but as soon as I see a salad going for the same price as a margherita pizza, I’m deflated. You know the salad is going to be depressingly lacking, so do you suck it up and just eat it anyway? I mean, maybe normal people do. But me? ... you can find me and my pizza box hiding at an empty gate in shame. No exaggeration by the way. Gate 27.

But anyway, I was that kid whose mother had 9 different snacks in her bag at all times because it was cheaper than buying something and you never knew when you’d be hungry. Looking back, we probably didn’t need such a variety, but choices are always nice, wouldn’t you agree? And now, 20 something years later, this is who I have become. Excpet I don’t have any kids and all 9 snacks are for me and maybe Ben if I’m feeling generous. 

This is where my granola recipe comes in! It's delicious, cheap and so easy to take on the go! Whether you’re a snack connoisseur/hoarder, looking for a travel friendly snack orrr just need a new granola recipe, check this one out! It’s seriously the best. It's super easy and it makes a giant batch- about 2 gallon size ziploc bags. Throw one bag in the freezer for later and divvy up the other for when you're on the go! 

Whenever I make this, it never lasts very long. It's just soo good! I usually try to use up what's in my cabinet, changing up the nuts or dried fruit, so it's different everytime, but it really never disappoints. This past time, I skipped the dried fruit and cut up fresh cherries and sprinkled a little unsweetened coconut on top. Chocolate chips are an awesome addition too.. maybe even toooo awesome. 

But enjoy! And let me know how the recipe works for you and if you end up making adjustments and changing it up! I love trying new things! 

Planning a Thai Island vacation can be overwhelming, no doubt. There are loads of islands to choose from and they all offer something a little bit different and unique. If you only have a week though and you’re trying to get in as much as you can while hitting up some well known spots, I recommend three destinations: Krabi, Phi Phi, and Phuket. Places such as Railey Beach, Tiger Cave, Maya Bay, and Phuket’s Big Buddha can all be crossed off your list with this trip. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling alone or with others, you’re bound to have a great time and feel fulfilled on your Thai adventure.

On the map, Krabi, Phi Phi, and Phuket create an upside-down triangle: Krabi to the east, Phuket to the west and Phi Phi right in the middle to the south. Whether starting in either Krabi or Phuket, you want to do a loop before heading back to Bangkok or wherever else your travels may take you. I recommend flying into Krabi first and ending with Phuket, but compare your prices and see which one may make sense for you.

Krabi

Krabi is not actually an island, but instead a part of mainland Thailand. You can easily fly into Krabi from Bangkok for as low as 15 USD. There are different areas to choose from on
where to stay, but I recommend Ao Nang for this itinerary. It’s a big tourist area, which isn’t always my favorite, buttttt it provides a great location for taking advantage of your time in Krabi. Check out GLOW for hotel accommodations. It’s just up the road a bit from the main beach street and right next to the Ao Nang Night Market. The hotel itself is gorgeous and has great amenities including a pool, onsite bar, fitness center and a great breakfast in the morning. Super affordable as well.

Your first day in Krabi will be spent at Railey Beach! So throw on your suit, eat breakfast, and head down to the beach to catch a longtail boat. Tickets can be purchased at a booth right off the main road at Ao Nang Beach. You may have to wait a few minutes since the boats like to fill up before heading out. The ride only takes about 15 minutes though, so you’ll be there in no time. Once you arrive at Railey Beach, you’ll immediately realize why it’s one of Thailand’s must-see destinations and a great place to start your Thai excursion. The scenery is gorgeous with beautiful limestone cliffs framing either side of the beach. Spend the day soaking in rays, indulging in coconut shakes and just relaxing. If you’re looking for adventure instead, go and explore! There are other beaches to check out and loads of activities. You can head over to Phra Nang Beach and scope out Princess Cave or end up in Ton Sai for some rock climbing. Don’t forget to look into kayaking as well.

The longtail boats typically head back to Ao Nang before sunset, so make sure to catch one of them back! If you plan to stay later or end up missing the boat, expect to pay higher rates. Once you get back, you can freshen up at the hotel and then check out the Ao Nang night market. The market is on the smaller side, but it has all you need. Spend some time hopping around and sampling all the goods. When you can’t eat anymore, wobble your way back to the hotel and collapse in one of the lounge chairs by the pool and relax.

Day 2 in Krabi 

Instead of your bathing suit today, lace up your sneakers and grab a couple water bottles. Tiger Cave is a Buddhist temple about a half hour away by car or motorbike. You can find a taxi or motorbike rental place down the main beach street in town. The grounds have a few places worth scoping out, but the main draw is the 1,237 steps to the top of the mountain. It will have you sweating and wishing you had made today another beach day, but it’s totally worth it- I promise! A giant Buddha awaits you at the top and the view is absolutely incredible. After spending some time catching your breath and taking in the view, make your way back down and reward yourself with a coconut ice pop from one of the many shops. If you rented a motorbike, you can explore the surrounding areas before ending back to Ao Nang. Otherwise, jump back in your taxi and shoot back to town.

Enjoy the rest of your afternoon hopping between shops, lounging on Ao Nang Beach or simply relaxing. For dinner, The Hilltop Ao Nang is the place to go! The restaurant sits up on the hilltop (in case you didn’t put that together) and looks out over Ao Nang and the Andaman Sea. Make an early reservation to watch the sunset, it’s simply incredible. Sip on crisp white wine paired with your favorite seafood dish as the sun sparkles down on the water and the sky projects a deep hue of orange. The limestone cliffs emerging throughout the water far into the distance just add to the breathtaking site. The Hilltop Ao Nang also has a shuttle that will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel free of charge. Considering all the walking you did earlier at Tiger Cave, you may want to skip the uphill walk and opt for the free ride.

Phi Phi

The next morning, catch a ferry to Phi Phi. Make sure to have an idea of the ferry schedule and maybe even have tickets ahead of time. Some ferries have transfer vans that will pick you up at your hotel, which is definitely helpful. The ride is about 2 hours but goes by quickly. Take advantage of the top deck outside space for some rays and incredible views.

The main island of Phi Phi is divided into two islands with a strip of land connecting them. This is where all the shops, restaurants and bars are located. Once arriving in Phi Phi, the ferry will spit you out at Tonsai pier, which is right in the middle of it all. Depending on where you decide to stay, someone from your hotel may meet you at the pier, throw your bags in a push wagon and guide you back to the hotel. Papaya Phi Phi Resort is a great spot to stay and is a bit back from the craziness of Phi Phi’s nightlife. It sits up the hill a little bit, which is great for views of the island and a glimpse of the water, but this also means lots of stairs! I loved it, but if you’re thinking, “…oh no…” maybe book elsewhere.

Once you get settled, slip into your bathing suit and grab a bite to eat at Garlic 1992. It’s a little gem right in the middle of the touristy madness. Here, you will find delicious Thai dishes and super sweet service. The portion sizes are great and so are the prices! Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the streets, popping in and out of shops and then heading over to Loh Dalum Beach. This beach is on the opposite side of where the ferry dropped you. The beach inlet is surrounded by limestone cliffs and has shallow waters, making it perfect for basking in a gorgeous setting and remembering how beautiful life is. Although the beach is not littered with bars and restaurants, there are some beachside places you can definitely find if you’re thinking a cocktail would be the perfect addition to your day.

In the evening, head over to Hippies Beach Restaurant for seafood, live music, and a fire show. They have a full menu of food and drinks and even offer cocktail buckets. Pick out your own seafood and have it cooked up to your liking. The atmosphere is super chill and it’s nice to just hang out and relax. A fire show in Phi Phi is a must see so getting to enjoy one during your meal is a huge plus!

Day 2 in Phi Phi

In the morning head over to the Phi Phi viewpoint 1. Its actually not far from Papaya Phi Phi Resort. The steps will feel like a breeze after Tiger Cave! For a small fee, you not only get access to the viewpoint, but you can also wander the garden and even lounge in one of their hammocks. The immediate view is awesome, but it’s really just a taste of what’s to come if you continue up the path. Once you reach the top, you’ll look down on all of Phi Phi and out to the other side of the island, giving you a great view of both bays on either side. Hang out on the rocks and enjoy the view for as long as you want. There’s even a snack bar type place alongside the viewpoint that sells a variety of snacks and drinks.

By early afternoon, head down to the pier for your boating excursion. My friends and I chose to book a booze cruise, which obviously specialized in consuming classy beverages in an elegant style… Er, maybe it was shooting questionable beverages in a hysterical style? Either way, you have options at the pier, so don’t think you’re stuck booking a
booze cruise and nursing a hangover on your ferry the next day. These boating excursions will cruise you around to different islands and beaches, allowing you to see much more than just Phi Phi. I recommend booking ahead of time. This will just make the entire experience more enjoyable and you won’t have to waste valuable time hopping around and trying to choose a day trip that may or may not be available due to booking last minute.

For those interested in the booze cruise, we reserved spots on Captain Bob’s Booze Cruise. You can either choose a sailboat or a speedboat. We chose the latter. The day starts at the pier and then a beachfront bar for some pregaming. Next, the group is brought over to the boat and the excursion begins! Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach, starring Leonardo Dicaprio, and Monkey Island are two of the stops on the cruise. Most the excursions from Phi Phi hit up these two spots, so expect loads of other people and boats lined up. You don’t have a crazy amount of time at either, but it’s still nice to see each place. The boat also anchors a couple times in deeper water to allow you to swim alongside the limestone cliffs. You can also snorkel or try your hand at stand up paddleboarding. After quite a few drinks though, neither was my forte. But maybe you’ll have better luck! The boat returns at 7PM and you head back to the same beachfront bar for the after party. Hang out and booze with unlimited drinks and enjoy the rest of your night.

Phuket

Depending on your condition after last night’s shenanigans, you may want to take a later ferry to Phuket. This is totally up to you. The ferry is about 2 hours to Phuket and although the schedule may shift a bit, there tends to be one in the morning and two in the afternoon. The afternoon ferries are great because they not only give you time to relax and sleep in, but they also give you time to enjoy one last beach day in Phi Phi and get you into Phuket after typical check-in times. You can arrange transportation to your hotel while on the ferry, which I definitely recommend. When you get off the ferry, cab drivers are everywhere and it’s super hectic. Arranging your car through the ferry allows you to skip over the mess of comparing taxi fares and trying to bargain with anyone. The prices through the ferry arent much more either. So it’s definitely worth it!

Have your arranged transportation take you to Patong Beach. There are loads of different areas to stay in and although Patong is really touristy, it’s also a good location for everything you need for your two days. Burasari Phuket is an incredible hotel with a prime location near the beach and I can’t recommend it enough. The amenities are amazing and I would go back just to spend hours eating their breakfast buffet and floating in their gorgeous pool! After you get situated at the hotel, hop in the pool or explore the area a bit. The beach is a two-minute walk from the hotel, and Bangla Rd, known for its nightlife is only a few streets down. For dinner, hit up Sea Hag for some delicious and super fresh seafood.

Day 2 in Phuket

Today you’re renting a motorbike/scooter and heading out to explore. Before leaving the hotel though, book yourself a massage for the afternoon when you get back. It’s your last night and not only are you probably exhausted and looking forward to relaxing but you’re also in Thailand and in desperate need of that Thai massage before you go! The hotel has an incredible spa, but there are also tons of massage places around town, including next door.

Once your massage is booked, head over to the beach with your passport. You don’t have to walk far before stumbling upon a man renting motorbikes and/or scooters on the side of the road. Hand over your passport (yes, I know this is a terrifying thought, but all rental places do it) and the payment and its that easy! Make sure to take photos of the condition the bike is in and where the gas is before taking off. Plug Big Buddha into Google Maps and off you go! If you don’t have data on your phone, no worries! Have Big Buddha pinned and use google maps like an old-school map, figuring out your way road by road. Sounds tedious, but its really not. You can easily pull off to the side of the road during your ride to check your location and make sure you’re on the right track. Having someone on the back of your bike gets you off the hook entirely, though. They have no other choice but to become your GPS and direct you. 

The ride to Big Buddha is about an hour and so much fun. The site is situated at the very top of the Nakkerd Hills, so its not particularly the safest ride. There are loads of steep uphill, downhill, and twisty turns. If you aren’t an experienced rider or aren’t feeling confident, just opt for a taxi instead. Having the bike though gives you the freedom to stop along the way and take your time exploring different areas. Once you arrive at Big Buddha, park the bike and head in! If you aren’t dressed appropriately, there’s a stand at the entrance that lets you borrow scarfs to throw over your shoulders or wrap around your waist. It doesn’t cost anything to rent these, but you should consider giving a donation. Youll walk past some vendors set up and come across the Meditation Hall, where you may see monks meditating or chanting. Continue on around the bend and you’ve reached your destination! Sitting at 148 feet tall and made of Burmese alabaster, the Big Buddha is incredible! Walk up the wide, white staircase (FYI-it was not handicap accessible when I was there) leading up to the Buddha and turn around for the view. You’ll look out onto the rest of the island and to Kata Bay- it’s absolutely stunning. You can spend some time wandering the grounds before heading back down the mountain. Definitely take advantage of one (or more) of the many cafes along the road on your way down. Most of them offer great views and who can say no to some Thai spring rolls or a fresh smoothie?

From the Nakkerd Hills, head to Karon Viewpoint, the last stop of your trip! the viewpoint isn’t overly exciting, but the ride is nice and allows you to see more of the REAL Thailand instead of all the touristy beach spots you’ve been visiting on your trip. Getting to Karon Viewpoint from the Big Buddha will take you about 30 minutes. The drive takes you down the east side of Phuket, closer to where the ferry dropped you and loops up and around. From the viewpoint, driving back to Patong Beach will be about 25 minutes- the ride is mostly along the shoreline, which is beautiful. Once you get back to Patong, drop off the bike, (don’t forget your passport!) and head back to the hotel for your massage appointment.

After your massage, you may be wanting to chill and spend the rest of your evening relaxing by the pool. If this doesn’t sound like you, throw on some clothes and grab a cab to Patong Sunset View Restaurant for… you guessed it, the sunset! The view is incredible and its the perfect way to end your Thai Island vacation!

Obviously, when you plan on leaving town, you don't overstock the fridge and load up at the grocery store. Or at least, that is never the intention. Sometimes it happens though and you're left with the aftermath of realizing "what the hell am I going to do now?" I totally know this feeling all too well. Whenever I'm getting ready to leave town, my anxiety kicks in and I start examining all the food that'll go bad in my fridge. I always try to make a plan for everything and utilize it all. Every meal leading up to when I leave ends up being strategically planned and the rest is properly stored and frozen. I've realized that salads and soups are the easiest for using up produce. You can throw anything in them! Check out quinoa cups and egg casserole recipes as well! You can also cut up berries and bananas and throw them in the freezer for future smoothies as well as leftover peppers and mushrooms can be sauteed and frozen for omelets or soups when you get back. I even hard boil eggs to take with me on the road as a snack.

Recently my go-to for leftover produce has been juicing. And not only when I'm leaving town. When I think I won't be able to use something up before it turns, it goes in the juicer. My only problem with juicing is the leftover pulp. I hate the food waste. We don't currently compost (hoping to change that once we move) so I feel obligated to find a different way to utilize the pulp.

I've been fascinated with the idea of beet burgers for a while now. And after shamefully tossing a variety of juice pulp in the trash, I started to wonder if I could sub out grated beets for beet pulp from the juicer. Well, I finally tried it and IT WORKS!

I made my favorite juice of beet, carrot, apple, and ginger and dumped the pulp into a separate bowl before juicing the apples and ginger. (I also peeled my beets and carrots as well as cut the ends before throwing them in the juicer). 

You can use just beet pulp if you'd like, but I figured carrot wouldn't hurt and would be a good addition. The patties come out a bit crumbly like most beet burgers and I had hummus and tortillas in the fridge so voila! A crumbled beet burger over homemade hummus on a tortilla topped with a fried egg and garnished with fresh cilantro from the garden! 

If you happen to have parmesan on hand, you can also sub it for the nuts. I actually used the vegan parmesan that I always have in the fridge. (Vegan parmesan is a combination of cashew nuts, nutritional yeast and salt).

Check out the recipe and let me know your thoughts or improvements you end up making! Avoiding tossing food not only saves on waste, but also saves you money And that's money you can put towards an awesome night out on your trip! Enjoy!

The Edinburgh Larder - Old Town

Situated right off the Royal Mile and one street over from South Bridge, The Edinburgh Larder is a fantastic breakfast spot! The place is tiny, so try to get there early to snag a table. And if you're traveling with a big group, keep in mind that there isn't a lot of space. Luckily, I was traveling alone when I found The Edinburgh Larder and cozied up in the window seat. Delicious, high-quality ingredients that are locally sourced are used to make the most satisfying comfort food that'll leave you contemplating if you should just stay for lunch. If you don't have time for a sit-down breakfast, grab a freshly made baked good and a coffee for take away. (The coffee beans are locally roasted!) 

Spoon - Old Town

Down South Bridge where the road turns into Nicolson St, you'll find Spoon. The doorway is easy to miss since it's located on the second floor, but it's right in between a burger joint and a Middle Eastern specialty food store. Compared to the other breakfast spots on this list, Spoon has an open floor plan with loads of seating. An old wood floor, painted over in white with mismatched tables and local art up on the wall creates a relaxed, artsy vibe. The space is awesome if you have work to do, so don't forget your laptop or a good book. The food is awesome, I opted for scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on toast, which was SO GOOD. They have a variety of options though and serve lunch and dinner as well. Definitely try their homemade soup!

BlueBird Cafe - Bonnington

If you're staying in the Bonnington area, and even if you're not, Bluebird Cafe is a must! Its location near the Royal Botanic Gardens makes it a great place to stop before or after a visit through the gardens. The cafe is super small and cozy, which may mean you have to wait for a table, but it's worth it! The food is delicious and has a homecooked feel to it- probably a combination of everything being cooked fresh anddd the fact that the owner has a thing for them Southern states in America. Southern hospitality and food that makes your soul sing are definitely the inspiration here! Although you can expect to find hearty goodness like breakfast burritos and nachos on the menu, there are healthier, and even vegetarian options as well!

The Haven - Leith

Located in Leith, The Haven is a fun cafe with quirky furniture and a cozy feel.  Grab the two comfy armchairs near the fireplace and pretend you're in your own Scottish cottage, feasting on all day breakfast and homemade scones! The counter is littered with all kinds of freshly baked goodies and although you'll try to resist the urge to overindulge, you'll probably fail. Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. The prices are crazy low, so whether you're on a budget or just appreciate saving a few quid, check this place out for sure! My sister and I couldn't resist a second cup of joe before heading out.. hence the cute photo of her in front of The Haven's cool street art. 

Roseleaf - Leith

Also included in my Edinburgh Bar post, Roseleaf is obviously a jack of all trades. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, tea, EVERYTHING. Food, ambiance, staff- this place is great. With two eating areas- the front bar room and back dining area, there's plenty of space to secure a table. The menu varies from a full Scottish breakfast to a smashed pea and goat cheese toast with poached eggs. Not only does Roseleaf bake their own bread in-house, but they also use sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Like most of the places included on this list, the decor is unique and adds to the experience. Don't forget to order a "pottail" if you're looking for a breakfast with a punch!

It’s no secret that any "Old Town" in a medieval European city is most likely going to be swamped with tourists. Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, intertwining alleys leading to quaint shops and cafes with outdoor seating- it's the perfect area for out of towners looking for an authentic experience. Innsbruck is no different. A beautiful place that although the times have changed, a corner of town still remains left behind in earlier days. People come from all over and swarm in the Marktplatz, gawking at their surroundings while nearby cafes fill up with tourists looking to people watch and sit amongst history and culture. Although this romantic notion is one of my own favorites, it can get exhausting at times and stepping away from the crowds seems almost necessary. Whether youre looking to escape the crowds, explore a new area of town orrr just wanting to find incredible eats, check out these 4 under the radar places listed below. Close enough to walk from Old Town, but far enough that English menus aren't displayed on the tables, these places are gems definitely worth a visit!

Immerland

Known for their waffles, Immerland is the place to go for an awesome breakfast that won't break the bank! Delicious food, cute cafe, incredible service and cheap prices- what could be better? Nothing. Seriously, the answer is nothing. Take Maria Theresa Street up from Old Town to the Triumphal Arch. The road then turns into Leopoldstrasse. Follow this until just shy of Wiltener Platzl and you'll find Immerland on your left hand side. With under 10 tables inside, and just a few outside, the place gives off a cozy teahouse feel. Mismatched tables and chairs add to the funky style while pillows and cushions thrown atop random seats emphasize a relaxed and comfortable vibe. Homemade cakes are displayed on the countertop, while teacups of varying shapes and sizes stare back at you from above the espresso machine behind the counter. The walls are decorated with maps and wooden pallet-like shelves housing old teakettles and bottles, tying into the teahouse feel.

If the mention of waffles got your attention, scan over the checklist on your table for toppings and start marking away! I couldn't resist a waffle with fresh fruit and belgian chocolate. And of course they topped it with a wonderful amount of powdered sugar too. Benjamin was feeling sweet anddd savory, so he opted for a waffle and a dish of eggs and bacon. I definitely recommend this if you're a savory breakfast person- he didn't stop talking about the bacon for two days. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients and you can defineitely taste the difference! In addition to waffles and egg dishes, Immerland also has a variety of bread and spreads- including avocado coco-cream- WHAAAAAT?! Still mad I didnt try this. 

But yeah, the food and ambiance is pretty freaking stellar! And what makes it even better, (..I know- it's already too good) but the staff is incredible too! When we initially walked in and realized there weren't any English menus on the table, we were a bit hesitant. Even though we immediately loved this and knew we found a great spot, we really try to avoid being the toursits that expect or need special attention. Luckily, this wasn't the case at all. Our server was quick to bring over English copies of the menu checklist for us and didn't even seem bothered at all. (Phew!) Not sure if they were freshly printed for us, but considering how welcoming and sweet she was, I wouldn't be surprised. She went out of her way to talk to us, telling us about their use of quality ingredients and just really made our experience all the more enjoyable.

Pizza Crocodiles

It doesn't matter where I am in the world, pizza always somehow becomes a "must have" meal for me. Innsbruck was no different. Pizza Crocodiles is located right off of Maria Theresa Street, tucked down a side alley just before you see The Breakfast Club. Upon entering, a giant pizza oven sits behind a glass case, separating customers and pizza genius, and giving the feel of a real New York pizzeria. Empty pizza boxes are stacked high atop the glass shelf waiting to be stuffed with fresh, piping hot pies and taken home to be devoured. With an indoor-outdoor concept, a wall opens up, allowing a few tables from outside to flow into a small, casual eat-in area. We sat alongside a table of locals playing dungeons and dragons while feasting on their pizza and sipping on beer, which I couldn't help but love. The restuarant has no wifi, no English menus and is pretty much the real deal.

Being the intelligent people we are, we decoded the word "fungi" and ordered our mushroom pie. No idea what else was on it, but there were other words in the description. (Looked and tasted mostly like mushroom though). Either way, it was delicious! Nice crisp, thin crust, but still chewy in the right places! They even cut it in half and served us each a plate with half a pizza on it. A lot of Europeans eat their pizza with a fork and knife so of course, we stuck out each cutting our half pie into triangle slices, folding each piece over and shoveling it into our mouths with our hands. Hey, I'm from Jersey- I can't help it. Our pizza disappeared within minutes, washed down with delicious beverages, an Aperol spritz for me and a Zipfer beer for Ben. 

Kater Noster Cafe & Bar

Whether you're looking for a pick me up, coffee orrr stiff drink, Kater Noster Cafe & Bar is the place to go! This place has an awesome ambiance and it's a great spot to recharge. If you work remotely, don't forget to bring your computer. I had originally planned on doing a little bit of writing and ended up loving the space so much I stayed for three cappuccinos. The front windows open up like a wall, letting natural light in and brightening up the mid-century decor and adding fresh air into the cafe. Seating consists of a mix of shelf-like benches and stools, comfy armchairs and unique loftlike jungle gym type spots with pillows thrown about. With its minimalistic style, but fun setup, this place is just really cool.

The bar itself is full service and is as nice to look at as it is to drink at. The back wall, covered with a backsplash of white subway tiles contrast beautifully against the assortment of liquor bottles and garnish jars. They serve food as well, which I'm bummed we didn't get to try. I'm assuming its got to be dynamite though. There only seemed to be one person working while we were there, but that wasn't a problem at all. Server, barista, bartender, she did it all. And super friendly too! 

Olive

This is the place to go for a vegetarian dinner. Although Ben and I aren't strictly vegetarian, we love healthy, veggie-packed meals. And after eating typical Austrian food for a week, we were very ready for something that didn't weigh us down. It's located right across the street from Immerland, down Maria Theresa Street. We actually noticed it when we came out for breakfast and knew we had to give it a try.

We got in without a reservation, but it was a Monday, so if you plan to head over during a weekend evening, maybe call ahead. The place is small and cozy, making our dinner feel more intimate, which I thought was nice. We started with two soups, one sweet potato, and the other cauliflower and they were honestly the highlight of the dining experience. Absolutely DELICIOUS. So many flavors going on and the homemade pumpkin seed bread/tortilla/cracker thing (It's a good thing I'm not a food critic..) that came alongside the soup was pretty killer too. For our mains, we shared a vegetarian burger and something similar to a veggie quesadilla. Instead of a tortilla though, it was more of a crisp cracker shell. The burger was nothing like I had expected and was actually layered vegetables that had been roasted and placed in between a bun with a thick slab of feta. So obviously it was drool-worthy. The quesadilla type dish was really good as well. Sauteed vegetables and a mild melted cheese that complimented the vegetables without overtaking the dish. I loved the nice crunch that the cracker-like shell provided.

As you can probably guess from my excellent food descriptions, nothing was in English. Our server was helpful and thankfully translated as much as she could for us, but we still had no idea what to really expect.  We were just grateful that she gave us the time and made us feel super welcome. Although we sat in the dining room, the first room has a bar top, which I love taking advantage of when I'm traveling alone. 

Although the food and ambiance were amazing in each of these places, the part that probably blew me away the most was the incredible customer service. As English speakers with zero knowledge of German, we really didn't expect everyone to be as overly friendly and helpful as they were. I actually couldn't believe how accepting everyone was. Not only did they all take the time to explain the menu, but they each went out of their way to ask us where we're from or start a small conversation. 

Salzburg: the land of Mozart and struedels. We spent 3 days total in Salzburg, which I feel gave us a good amount of time to really enjoy the city. Ideally, we may have added another day though. If you're like us, you fall in love with European cities very quickly and always wish you had more time. Regardless, if you only have 24 hours, squeezing in Salzburg is totally worth it! There's so much to see and the city really is gorgeous. Visiting the castle and Salzburg Cathedral are not included in this itinerary although they are both extraordinary and worth a visit if you have time. Feel free to swap out any sites and make this itinerary your own. There is no way you can fit everything into 24 hours, but this list puts together a bunch of sites and things to do in an efficient order, maximizing your time and giving you a full and well rounded experience. Although I love museum hopping,I think sometimes it can become a bit exhausting. And let's be honest, you never remember all the things you saw or read about, so although the following itinerary may seem like it's not including the most popular sites, it will leave you with a more memorable experience. From visiting Mozart's birthplace and lunching on a mountaintop to cheersing with locals in a centeries old biergarten, this list gives you the real Salzburg! Enjoy!

If you don’t have time to read the article, here’s the short list:

TO DO / SEE:

• Salzburg Card

• Mozart's Birthplace

• Untersburg

• Schloss Hellbrunn

• Salzburger Marionettentheater

WHERE TO EAT / DRINK:

• Café Bazar

• Augustinerbrau

• Hotel Sacher bar

Morning

Aim to leave the house by 9AM to shoot over to Café Bazar for breakfast. This place has an awesome location along the river so sitting outside is definitely ideal. The patio seems to fill up quickly and stay pretty packed so if you’re leaving later than 9AM, keep this in mind. Like a lot of places in Austria, pastries aren’t always listed on the menu. Make sure to take a look at the glass case inside as to not miss any goodies. 

Once you finish breakfast, head across the river to the ticket office at Getreidegasse 5. Here, you’re going to buy yourself a Salzburg Card. The Salzburg card costs 28 Euro for 24 hours and will cover museum and local attraction entrance fees, bus and tram transportation, and even discounts for concerts and local shows. If you're planning on staying in Salzburg longer, they also offer the Salzburg card for 48 and 72 hours as well. Take a look at their site here to see what you may want to attend and how many days is right for your stay. 

After picking up your Salzburg card, head a couple doors down to Getreidegasse 9, Mozart's Birthplace. It's nice getting here early while it's still relatively empty. Spend some time wandering around the house and learning about Mozart's family and upbringing. His childhood violin is located here, which is really cool.. the lock of hair however.. is a little weird. The place is fun to explore though and filled with loads of interesting information. 

Grab some sandwiches over at BackWerk, which is nearby or another takeaway lunch spot and head over to the Rathaus bus stop, just down the street a bit. Look out for Bus 25 and take it all the way down to the last stop, Untersburg. Don't forget that your Salzburg card covers bus fare, so just jump on and grab a seat. You don't have to show the driver your card. Just make sure to have it in an easy to access spot in case you're asked to show it. 

Afternoon

Once you arrive at Untersburg, walk up to the cable car building and head up to the mountain! Again, your Salzburg card covers the cost, so just use the card as your ticket to get on. Without the Salzburg card, the cable car roundtrip cost comes to 24 Euro. So with the Mozart Birthhouse, the bus fare andddd the cable car cost, the Salzburg card has already paid for itself. The ride up the mountain is about 8 minutes and it's absolutely gorgeous! Try to get a spot facing out the front or back of the car if you can. If not, just try for a window view and have your camera ready. 

You'll arrive at the top and be immediately blown away by the view. You can even see Salzburg castle in the distance, which is awesome. Take some time to go off and explore. There are several trails you can take, some quoted at just over an hour, others ranging from 3-5. Two peaks are within a short walk that you can easily summit. The one is literally right behind the restaurant and accessible by steps. The other is a bit further and not as easily obtained. When you're ready, find a good spot and enjoy your takeaway lunch with a view! The restaurant on-site serves traditional, homemade Austrian meals if you'd prefer to order something instead. They also have beer and hot chocolate. Those are two that I'm sure of :) Paragliding is also available on the mountain if you're interested. Of course, if you're visiting in colder months, check out the snowboarding and skiing options.

Head back down the mountain whenever you're ready and jump on the same Bus 25. Since it's the last stop, you don't have to worry about which direction the bus is heading. Just simply walk down to where it dropped you off and wait for it to return to the same spot. Instead of taking the bus back into town, get off at Schloss Hellbrunn. This was a summer residence of an Archbishop in the 17th Century. A lot of people know it as a filming location from the Sound of Music film though. Or am I the only Sound of Music nerd out there? But anyway, the place is pretty cool in its own right. The gardens are free to roam and locals seem to have picnics or ride bikes through the property. For those of you that were excited when I mentioned Sound of Music, Sixteen Going on Seventeen was filmed in a gazebo constructed here. Although the gardens are free to roam, your Salzburg card covers the cost of the trick fountain tour, which is not open to the public. The tour is awesome and unlike any other tour I've ever been on. Turns out the Archbishop had trick fountains designed and situated throughout the grounds for his own amusement. He would have them turned on periodically, surprising guests and probably infuriating the lot of them. That's pretty much how the tour goes as well. So best tuck your camera away and keep an eye out for potential water surges. It's good fun and no one gets too wet though.

Evening

Since you're heading back to town in the same direction, again grab the same Bus 25. Change to Bus 4 towards Liefering at Mirabellplatz. Take Bus 4 to Landes-krankenhaus and use the GPS on GoogleMaps to guide you the last few blocks to Augustinerbrau for dinner. The biergarten is incredible, so make sure to score a spot outside. Everything is self service here. There are loads of different stalls selling food, both inside and outside, and the beer is poured outside under the stairs. It's definitely a two trips kind of place: one for beer and another to wander around looking at the different food options and deciding what to eat. Don't forget to "warm" your beer stein before handing it over to be filled. (You're just rinsing it out). The envirnoment here is truly authentic and it's just a really fun time. People seem to camp out for hours enjoying the company of friends and strangers alike! Feel free to hang out soaking in the Austrian culture (and beer) or, if you're ready to move on, head out. 

If it's before 7:30PM, head to the Salzburger Marionettentheater for a puppet show, a must while you're in Salzburg! I suggest buying tickets ahead of time and keeping an eye on the time while at Augustinerbrau if you plan on definitely going. Otherwise, show up early and hope they have some open seats. From Augustinerbrau, turn right out onto the main road, Mullner Hauptstrasse. Follow it until you can cut down to the trail alongside the river and then cross the bridge. Head straight to the first street, Schwarzstrasse and hang a right. Walk for about 5 minutes until you reach Salzburger Marionettentheater. 

Before heading home after your show, swing by the Hotel Sacher bar for a sacher torte and a nightcap. The hotel is basically across the street from the theatre, and the sacher torte is famous throughout Austria. 

Well now you have officially completed a fully packed day in Salzburg! Again, feel free to swap out things that don't fit your ideal day. And don't forget, your Salzburg card is good for 24 hours, starting when you first used it- so if you did end up getting a later start or wanted to catch an early bus the next morning, make sure to swipe your card for those savings! 

Scottish pubs are my absolute favorite! The atmosphere, the people, THE DRINKS, the music! I just love it all. There aren't too many places you can go that are usually crammed with locals who aren't afraid to start up a conversation with a stranger. There's just something special about sharing a pint with someone you just met and having a great conversation. Whether you're looking for a dram of scotch, a pint of real ale, or a beautifully crafted cocktail, these pubs should definitely be on your list to try! 

The Royal Oak

Right on the corner of South Bridge and Infirmary Street sits The Royal Oak. It's a must if you're looking for an authentic pub. The place itself is pretty small, which just adds to the experience. People are crammed in, mostly standing, and local musicians sit alongside customers, playing their instruments and enjoying their pints. Some people sing along to old Scottish tunes while others close their eyes and lose themselves to the music of their ancestors. The Royal Oak has a downstairs as well, but I dont believe it's always open. It may depend on the day or if they have a small gig scheduled. It's as small as the upstairs room though, hosting only a few tables and its own bar. Don't expect to find a fancy cocktail menu here. It's more of a beer or scotch kind of place. Regardless of which room you're in, or what you end up drinking, expect a cozy atmosphere filled with tradition, soul and booze. 

Under The Stairs

Located on Merchant Street, near the Grassmarket, Under The Stairs is a great hidden gem! A local brought me here one night and I really fell in love with the place. The vibe is super chill and relaxed, but more refined than a traditional pub. Comfy arm chairs and sofas throughout the dimly lit space and local art decorating the walls make it feel super cozy and comfortable. Under The Stairs has an awesome, ecletic food menu as well, if you're looking to eat- and it's all droolworthy stuff! From snacking on a cheese or charcuterie board with your beverage of choice to a coursed dinner, you really can't go wrong! And the prices are super reasonable. They open at 3PM and stay open until midnight, with the exception of Friday and Saturday when they open at noon and close at 1AM. So either pop over for a nightcap or opt for a couple shared plates in the afternoon. 

Devils Advocate

This place is a whisky and gastro pub lover's dream! Tucked down Advocate's Close, The Devil's Advocate boasts an insane 300+ whisky list and an equally exciting food menu. Not only is its setting unique in that it's down an alleyway, but it's also inside an old Victorian Pump House. You walk into high ceilings, exosed stone and beautifully backbit liquor bottles luring you inside. Upstairs you'll find tables set for dining and an outdoor patio. On the main level however, there are a few booths tucked down a dimly lit hallway. See if they're available before heading upstairs. The Devil's Advocate opens for lunch so feel free to start your tasting day early! 

Amber Restaurant

The Amber bar is located under The Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile, up near the castle. And I know what you're thinking, it's got to be packed with tourists paying premium prices for a novelty drink. But it's totally not! Surprisingly, the bar has probably the largest scotch collection in the city and not only are the prices reasonable, but they also serve your scotch with a pippette! Talk about proper scotch drinking ettiqutte! For those of you not familiar, the amount of water added to a scotch can drastically change the taste. A single drop of water can really open up the scotch and allows for different tasting notes to come through on the palette. Pippettes allow you to control just how much water you're adding in. Amber bar doesnt stay open late though, 8:30PM Sunday-Thursday and 9PM on Friday and Saturday. 

Bramble Bar

Easy to miss, Bramble Bar is in New Town on the corner of Queen Street and Hanover Street on the lower level. The place is small and cozy and totally unique! This is the bar to visit if youre looking for a beautifully crafted cocktail. The bartenders definitely know what they're doing and your taste buds will be grateful for it! Expect your cocktails to look as good as they taste, with some being served in teacups that have stems. Talk about fun glassware! If you're a gin drinker, go ahead and check out their gin list! They even have rotating guest gins that change every month. Bramble Bar opens at 4PM and closes at 1AM everyday. With The Stand Comedy Club right down the street, Bramble Bar is a great place to come before or after a show. Or both, if you're smart. 

Roseleaf

If you're bougie and like your cocktails served in teapots, check out Roseleaf in Leith! Make sure to visit with a friend if you're hoping to order a "pot-tail" since theyre for 2+ people. The first time I visited Roseleaf, I was traveling alone. So it was the perfect excuse to come back when my sister was in town! Not only did we share a cocktail teapot, but we also split a few things off the food menu, including a beet burger and the macaroni and cheese. Hey, it's about balance, right? The beet burger was DELICIOUS and the mac n cheese had bacon, truffle and a crust... Enough said. They do have a lot of healthier options on the menu, but we don't have any willpower when it comes to pasta and cheese. Roseleaf opens in the morning, so it's a great place for lunch as well! 

Guildford Arms

Located near Waverley Station, down a side street off Princes, Guildford Arms is the perfect example of an old Victorian bar. The inside is gorgeous with its carved wood bar and etched glass windows. The carpeting is red with gold patterns, emphasizing the prim Victorian era. Cask ale hand pulls decorate the bartop and that's exactly what you should be drinking here! Sample a few until you find one you like. Take a seat at one of the small tables along the wall and people watch a bit or head up to the mezzanine level for the dining room if you're hungry. Considering its location, Guildford Arms is the perfect place to stop and grab a pint whether you're waiting for your train at Waverley or just finished checking out Calton Hill! 

Holy cow, what a thrill. Our very first day in Bali, Benjamin organized a 15 minute flight session with Bali Paragliding. We were picked up from our hotel in Kuta by noon and driven about 40 minutes south to Nusa Dua where the cliffs are located. We handed over 110 USD each, were given a go-pro on a selfie stick, strapped on a helmet and away we went! Seriously. It was THAT easy. Benjamin and I both flew tandem so we each had our own experiences. My pilot’s name was Surya and he was awesome. We chatted a bunch and he even let me give flying a try, which was incredible! The flight itself takes you up and down the coast, along the hills/cliffs and over the sea. You fly over top insane private villas and pass by a temple as well. It was absolutely amazing and really cool seeing everything from a different perspective. It was such an exciting experience and a memorable way to start our Bali adventure. At the end of your flight, you land, pop out of your seat, are handed a beer and chill while they load the go-pro video onto your phone. You're even given the memory card to take home as well. The whole experience really couldn’t have been any better. We were back to our hotel by 3pm, which left us plenty of time to enjoy the rest of our evening. 

Bali Paragliding also allows you to rent equipment as well if you happen to be an experienced paraglider. So whether you’re looking for a tandem flight or wanting to go out solo, I highly recommend checking them out! Everyone at the site was super friendly and they were also very quick to respond to our original inquiry and coordinate transportation for us. Having our hotel pick up and drop off organized and included made the entire experience so much more enjoyable, and not to mention, easy! I recommend contacting them ahead of time to schedule your paragliding experince, but calling the day of may even work- they're super accomodating! Email info@baliparagliding.com for more information. 

When I started talking about possibly making a trip to Singapore, everyone seemed to have an opinion about how expensive it was. I was a bit worried considering I was on a backpacking budget with no source of income at the time. But I figured I had to go and would make it work somehow. I found that if you book your accommodations ahead of time and accept that this will be your big purchase, you can totally do Singapore on a budget. Here are some tips I picked up on along the way:

FOOD

The answer to Singapore on a backpacking budget isss, drumroll please.. HAWKER CENTERS. You’ll be amazed how much you can save. And I’m not only suggesting you eat every meal at a hawker center because it will save you money. Hawker Centers are also DELICIOUS. You can absolutely expect to find some of the best food you’ll have in Singapore in a Hawker Center. Anywhere from 2 to 6 Singapore dollars can score you an entire meal that will fill you up and leave your taste buds completely satisfied. And these Hawker Centers are everywhere. So don't worry about not being able to find one. If you'd prefer to have a few in mind, I definitely recommend Hong Lim Food Centre. It's located on the second floor of a parking garage, between the Clarke Quay area and Chinatown. If youre approaching from Clarke Quay direction, it's right behind PARKROYAL on Pickering. Maxwell Food Centre is located in Chinatown and has some awesome options as well. Make sure to get your chicken and rice here! Lastly, Lau Pa Sat Food Court is easily spotted since it sits right in the middle of downtown buildings in the central business distrct. Dont miss the satay street outside! Again, there are loads of food centers, so if these arent convenient, don't sweat it! Just make sure to feast at whatever Hawker Centre you end up at!

TRANSPORTATION

If you don’t already have the Grab App downloaded on your phone, go ahead and do that now. Grab is Asia's version of Uber or Lyft. It’s super handy to have and you can pay cash after your ride instead of loading your credit card info! Keep in mind though that Grab requires an internet connection. So this could be unavailable if you don’t have free wifi or data on your phone. I suggest getting acquainted with the public transit system. It’s very easy to figure out and surprisingly cheap. You can jump right on the MRT straight from the airport when you arrive and take it pretty much everywhere throughout the city. When you initially purchase the train card, you’ll have options between day passes with unlimited travel (I believe train and bus) and just loading the card with a certain amount of money. If you choose the latter, you can cash out the balance at the end of your stay. There is a nonrefundable 5 dollar fee for the card, however. So make sure to keep the card for next time you visit!  We did a fair bit of train riding for 3 days and only used about 15 Singapore dollars. But if you’re planning on a lot of traveling around, maybe the day pass would better suit you.

DRINKS

Alcohol in Singapore is very expensive. I found the average price for a cocktail to be 16-19 Singapore Dollars. Depending on where you’re from and with the currency conversion, these prices could be normal for you. But if you're trying to definitely cut back on spending, check out the Duty-Free Shop in the airport when you initially land in Singapore. You can save some money just buying a bottle there. If you prefer beer, you’re in luck! Beer doesn’t seem to have as much of a markup and you can easily pick it up at 7-11 or other convenience shops where the prices will be lower than in bars.

THINGS TO DO

Gardens by the Bay is a huge tourist attraction in Singapore. Unlike the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, you can wander the Supertree Grove for free! There are loads of different plant species and giant supertree structures throughout the garden. In the evenings, the supertrees put on a free light show that you can’t miss! The show starts at 7:45 and 8:45 every night. Plan to grab a spot under the trees and lay down, gazing up at the sky and trees above you.

Make time to explore the streets of Chinatown and Little India! In addition to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Chinatown is also home to Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman. Both temples are free of charge and definitely worth checking out. If youre heading to Little India, stop by Hajl Lane on the way. Hajl Lane is a small lane known for it’s cafes, boutique shops and street art. If you take the Blue Downtown line to the Bugis stop, you can check out the Bugis Market, head over to Hajl Lane and Arab street and then make your way to Little India. Otherwise, you can reach Little India by the Purple NorthEast Line (Little India Stop) or the Blue Downtown Line (Jalan Besar Stop). Both of these lines are located at the Chinatown MRT station, in case you plan on doing them back to back.

Instead of paying top dollar for rooftop views, head over to Pinnacle @ Duxton Skybridge. This rooftop is 50 stories up and offers 360 degree views of the city. It’s unique in that it’s actually the viewing deck of 7 residential buildings all linked together. For only 6 Singapore dollars, you can head up and wander, walking the entire 1600 foot length. Viewing time for the public is from 9AM to 9PM, but only 200 nonresidents are permitted a day. I went right when they opened and only saw 3 other people the entire time I was up there. If you do go early, try to have exact change.

One thing I’ve learned about budget traveling is that it’s not always about how much money you’re saving, but also about maximizing your time and exploring efficiently. You will save not only money, but also time by planning your day out and having an idea of what you hope to fit in. Try saving restuarants and sites you'd like to visit on google maps. This will help you keep track of places you want to check out and see where they are in relation to your current location. I discovered this trick recently and it's been a game changer! 

Traveling just brings out the best in people. You’re in a new place, feeling good, trying new food, life is just perfect. And when you feel good, you project that. Maybe that's why making friends while traveling is so much easier than at home (at least for me). I’m sure it also has something to do with finding companionship while in a new place, but I like to think of it as good energies being drawn to each other. But anyway, I made a friend in Chiang Mai and we spent the next day hanging out and exploring together. Not only did we have a pretty fun day, but it was actually super productive as well.

Whether you’re passing through Chiang Mai and only have a day to explore orrrr you’re just looking for a fun, productive day in the city, this day itinerary is just for you! This plan is great if you’re staying in the Old City, but can work even if you’re staying elsewhere.

If you don’t have time to read the article, here’s the short list:

To Do / See:

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

• Thai Massage

• Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School

• Night Bazaar

• Chiang Mai Cabaret

Where to Eat / Drink:

• Blue Diamond

• Clay Studio

• Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School

MORNING

Wake up and start your day with breakfast and coffee! I met my friend, Suzanne at Blue Diamond, located in the top right corner of Old City. The cafe is super cute and opens at  7AM- so if you're an early riser, you can rely on Blue Diamond to be open! In addition to savory full breakfast items, they also have a variety of juices and smoothies. They have a bakery and little shop in the back as well that not only sells baked goods, but also an assortment of handmade products and knick-knacks. I noticed that a lot of shops and cafes in Chiang Mai sell all natural bugspray, which I loved finding! It definitely doesn't work as well as chemical loaded death spray, but I still like using it. Before leaving Blue Diamond, grab a muffin for the road. They're delicious and even vegan! 

Once you’re through with breakfast, head out to the main road, just outside the Old City, and hail a red covered pick up truck. You’re heading to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This is the well known temple on top of the mountain, Doi Suthep, just outside of town. The red covered pickup truck is going to get you there. These are called songthaews. A songthaew is similar to taking an Uber pool or Lyft line. Kind of between a bus and a taxi. When the driver pulls over, you tell them where you want to go and they’ll either nod or tell you “no” and drive off. Songthaews don’t have specific routes, so picking you up may depend where their other passengers are headed. You don’t have to ask the price like you would with a tuk-tuk . Songthaews are straight forward prices and all the same within the city. When I was visiting, the price was 30 Baht per ride within the city, but I recently read that the local government was lowering these prices. The cost is usually written on the side of the songthaew, so keep an eye out. If you ask the driver the price, he may tell you something outrageous, realizing you aren’t familiar with the system.    

Getting to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep takes transferring to a different songthaew at the Chiang Mai Zoo. Sounds weird, but trust me. So when you initially hail the songthaew after breakfast, you can tell them “Doi Suthep” or “the Zoo to go to Doi Suthep”. Either way, they’ll take you to a pick up area just outside the zoo entrance where other songthaews will be waiting to drive people up the mountain.

The songthaew will drop you off at Doi Suthep and you will start your way up the 306 steps to the temple. Once at the top, you can wander around the grounds and check out the incredible views of Chiang Mai below. If you don’t have proper attire for entering the temple, there are robes you can borrow. Take your time exploring and enjoy yourself!

After spending time at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, you can meander through all the roadside shops or head back to Chiang Mai. Suzanne and I poked around for awhile, snacking on fresh passionfruit and Thai coconut pudding pancakes.

AFTERNOON

At this point in the day, it’s most likely hot. And after walking up and down steps and wandering around in the heat, you’ll definitely be feeling it. You'll probably be ready to head back to your accommodation for some down time. If you're up for more exploring, I suggest grabbing your book, journal or just your earbuds and hitting up Clay Studio. Order an iced coffee and a fruit plate and just relax. Clay Studio has an awesome atmosphere and feels like a hidden temple ruin in the middle of a jungle. Located within the Old City walls, you enter through a beautifully carved wooden door and step into a gorgeous outdoor terrace covered in plantlife and old sculptures. Tables are set up throughout the garden and provide such a peaceful setting. 

If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, head over to one of the many spas and get yourself a proper Thai massage. Don’t be surprised when they give you a pair of pajamas to change into and twist your body into a pretzel. Afterwards, if you have time before your evening plans, check out The Lost Book Shop for a great selection of used books and affordable prices.

EVENING

Feeling refreshed and recharged, head over to Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School for your 5 PM cooking class. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand. At the start of class, you’re given a menu and have to choose what you will be cooking. Each person gets to make 5 dishes. Spring rolls, a curry paste of your choice and a curry dish made from your paste are 3 of the 5 dishes everyone will be cooking. The last two dishes are chosen from 4 categories (salad, soup, stir-fry & dessert) and have to be agreed upon by everyone in your group session. Luckily, everyone agreed pretty quickly that stir fry and dessert were the necessary choices. After agreeing on 2 categories, each person can choose what they would prefer to cook. I chose Hot Basil with tofu as my stir fry and fried banana as my dessert.

After the decision making has been concluded, class kicks off with an introduction of different herbs all grown in the back garden and then a trip to the market. Everyone is assigned their own wok and expected to prep and cook their own meals.. including the tedious job of grinding curry paste with the mortar and pestle. Feasting is obvious the best part! If you decide to make the fried banana for dessert, don’t leave them frying in the oil too long like I did. Turns out, burnt bananas aren't ideal. 

LATE EVENING

Heading outside the Old City to the main road like you did earlier, hail a songthaew or tuk tuk to the Night Bazaar. You may have a little bit of time to wander through the street vendors before your Ladyboy show at Chiang Mai Cabaret. The show starts at 9:30PM and tickets are 350 Baht and include 1drink. The show is absolutely incredible and an awesome way to end your busy day. Before heading back to your accommodation, wander the side streets and check out some of the street vendors. You may find some fun souvenirs you can't live without. The Night Bazaar goes on every night so you may want to come back another time to fully indulge in shopping and eating.