Tag: City Travel

Destinations, Spain, Travel

A Relaxed Approach to Visiting Barcelona, Spain

Alyssa stands on a balcony in Park Guell

It’s true that overtourism has taken hold of Barcelona. When you combine a dense, walkable city with a multitude of sights and rich culture, there can be no other result. Even during my visit in October, which is shoulder season, the crowds in parts of the city were unbearable. But sometimes you simply have to …

Destinations, Spain, Travel

72 Hours in Madrid, Spain

Alyssa standing in front of the Metropolitan building in Madrid

When I shared with friends and family that Michael and I were traveling to Spain, many people excitedly asked, “Oh, are you going to Barcelona?!” Not a single person asked if we were going to Madrid. That seems absurd, doesn’t it? It is the capital of the country after all, and that should count for …

Destinations, North Carolina, Travel, USA

Touring the Triangle: A Long-Weekend Travel Guide for Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina

NC Capitol Building

I nearly titled this post “Troubles in the Triangle,” because it was a rollercoaster of a trip. Not because anything really went wrong in the cities themselves—they’re great!—but because our flights home kept getting canceled, doubling our trip length. But despite moments of panic at the thought of incurring unexpected expenses and trying to handle …

Colombia, Destinations, Travel

Travel Guide for Four Days in Cartagena, Colombia

Alyssa standing in front of a bright pink wall in Cartagena

“Wow, Cartagena?” People asked Michael and me, over and over again when we told people where we were traveling for our eleventh (dating) anniversary. The truth is, we weren’t really considering international destinations for our trip. Our sights were initially set on Portland, Maine, by first flying to Boston and making the two-hour drive up. …

Charlotte, Destinations, North Carolina, Travel, USA

Summer Reign in the Queen City: The Ultimate Summer Weekend Travel Guide for Charlotte, North Carolina

Alyssa and Michael standing on a bridge over the National Whitewater Center's whitewater rafting course

“Do we fly or do we drive?” Michael and I kept asking each other during the month of June. We’d just made plans to visit friends in their adopted hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, over the July 4th holiday weekend, and with the cost-savings of having a place to stay, we considered flying to save …

Destinations, Minnesota, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: A Carry-On Packing List for Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota

A pile of clothes on the bed

I can’t tell you how much of a relief it was to pack for the Twin Cities. With a record-breaking heat wave at home (we were already in triple-digit temperatures in May), the forecast in Minnesota (highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s) looked absolutely dreamy. Looking for more packing list inspiration? Discover what’s …

Destinations, Minnesota, Travel, USA

The Essential Weekend Travel Guide for Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota

Alyssa standing on a bridge with downtown minneapolis in the background

The Twin Cities have been on my list for a really long time. The art, fashion, and food scenes are thriving and the ease of access to nature within the metro area is utterly appealing (in fact, I warned Michael before we visited to watch out – we might just leave with a desire to …

Destinations, Louisiana, Travel, USA

Cajun Country: A Day Trip Travel Guide for Lafayette, Louisiana

A house in Vermilionville

One glance at the city of Lafayette’s name (and its former name, Vermilionville), and you’ll know you’re in Cajun Country. Despite being Louisiana’s fourth-largest city, I confess that I could not have located Lafayette on a blank map of the state before we booked our trip. So how did I end up there? Well, a …

Destinations, Mexico, Travel

Beyond the Surface: A Travel Guide to Mexico City for Second-Time Visitors

Alyssa standing on an overpass in Mexico City

Museo Frida Kahlo, check. Palacio de Bellas Artes, check. Museo Nacional de Antropología, check. I have good news: If you’ve been to Mexico City once before, but only for a few days – this post’s for you (and if you haven’t? Check out my first Mexico City trip recap to start planning your first adventure!). …

Destinations, Food, Mexico, Restaurant Roundups and Reviews, Travel

Flavors of Mexico: Part Two of My Mexico City Food Guide

Dishes on the table at Fonda Fina

This post is a follow-up to my first Mexico City food post – you can find Part One right here! I’d be lying if I said that food wasn’t among my top three reasons to return to Mexico City (the other two? The culture and the people!). For months I’d been dreaming of the meals …