Tag: International Travel

Canada, Destinations, New York, Travel, USA

Niagara Falls Day Trip Guide (Beyond the Tourist Traps!)

Alyssa looks out at Horseshoe Falls

Picture this: breathtaking, roaring waterfalls surrounded by nature’s lush greenery… …and right next to it, a dinosaur-themed mini-golf course, a wax museum, and a haunted house. This somewhat jarring combination is the reality in Niagara Falls, Canada. Over the decades, this iconic natural wonder has been overshadowed by chain restaurants, kitschy shops, and cheesy attractions. …

Destinations, Mexico, Packing Lists, Style, Travel

Traveling Light: A Carry-On Packing List for Guadalajara, Mexico

Alyssa wears a wide brim straw hat and a blue ruffle dress

A real-life packing list from a week spent in hot and sunny Guadalajara – all packed in a carry on, of course!

Destinations, Mexico, Travel, Travel Tips

Travel Guide: How to Spend a Week in Guadalajara, Mexico

Alyssa stands in front of Barranca de Huentitán

Back in April, I had the absolute pleasure of spending a week in Guadalajara with my partner, Michael. It was the first time I’d had the chance to travel for my birthday since 2019, and so it only felt right to choose a destination that has long been on my list of places to visit. …

Destinations, Mexico, Travel

Semana Santa: What to Expect on Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Guadalajara

Alyssa stands under colorful papel picada in Tlaquepaque

Spoiler alert: there are plenty of things to do in Guadalajara and beyond!

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

Guadalajara Food Guide: Everything We Ate (and Drank!) in Mexico’s Second City

Alyssa holds a cup of coffee

…and all the places you need to add to your Guadalajara itinerary.

Destinations, Mexico, Travel

Sipping History: A Day Trip Guide to Visiting Tequila, Mexico

Alyssa stands in an agave field wearing a large hat

What you need to know before you take a day trip to a distillery, Cantaritos el Güero #1, and the town of Tequila, Mexico.

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

Worth the Trip: A Review of Guadalajara’s Corn-Focused Restaurant, Xokol

Exterior of Xokol, and an image of the ceremonial taco

What you need to know about dining at Guadalajara’s hidden gem, Xokol (and yes, this includes just how much it costs!)

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 …

Colombia, Destinations, Packing Lists, Style, Travel

Traveling Light: A Carry-On Packing List for Cartagena, Colombia

Alyssa stands under the colorful Cartagena Umbrellas

Everything I packed for a four-day trip to Cartagena—and a review of The Day Crossover Sandals from Everlane