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5 Must Visit Coffee Shops in Lisbon
I think one of the first things that I do when it comes to trip planning is make an impossibly long list of coffee shops I need to visit, and Lisbon was no exception. It didn’t take long for me to start questioning how far I was willing to push my caffeine limit! In recent years, Portugal’s big cities have really embraced the specialty coffee shop culture alongside the traditional bica – a short espresso. Whether you want a quick morning pick me up to fuel your long day of exploring Lisbon or a leisurely meal, Lisbon has it all! While I didn’t get a chance to hit every place…
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How to Spend 3 Days in Rome – Itinerary
There’s something surreal about seeing relics of thousands of years of Roman history sitting right next to common retail stores. Growing up, we probably all learned bits and pieces of the city’s history or saw the dramatized version on TV – maybe it was the gladiator fights in the ancient Colosseum or the military might of the Roman Empire. Either way, I don’t think anything fully prepares you for seeing all the city has to offer in terms of history and culture. After having visited, I can fully see why this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. While some might consider it overhyped, Rome is…
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10 Coffee Shops to Visit in Austin, TX
Having grown up and went to school in Austin, I’ve spent quite a bit of time exploring the different coffee shops in the city. Which ones had the best drinks, parking, ambiance, Wi-Fi.. All of these were factors I considered when deciding whether I wanted to go back to a place or it was time to try a new one. If you’re looking for ideas on cute coffee shops or the best places to get work done, keep reading for my recommendations on coffee shops to visit in Austin, TX! Greater Goods This is one of my all time favorite coffee shops in Austin. The interior is so beautifully designed…
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5 Must Do Things in Florence
Florence is one of THE cities you must visit if you’re looking to explore centuries of history, architecture & art. This beautiful city is the capital of the Tuscany region and the birthplace of the Renaissance. As a result of the Medici family’s power over Florence for years, the city flourished in both the arts and culture. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find some piece of history whether it’s the famous Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, or, of course, the Duomo. While you could spend weeks touring just the museums, here are 5 must see places & things to do in Florence: Climb the Duomo The Duomo is the most iconic landmark…
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Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra: My Concert Experience
I had the opportunity to watch the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Musikverein in Vienna. And let me tell you, it was nothing short of spectacular! I had been so nervous for the performance (why do I sound like I was the one performing hahaha) – it was my first full day of solo traveling & I didn’t know what to wear, when to go, where my seat was, etc. However, as soon as that first note echoed through the concert hall, it became one of my most memorable experiences. This post details my concert experience as well as some things to know beforehand such as dress code, etiquette, etc!…
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Getting to Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre. The beautiful string of 5 colorful Italian villages perched on the coastline that you’ve probably seen pictures of EVERYWHERE. This is one of those destinations you have to see in person to believe. It’s every bit as dreamy as you would imagine. Built on hillside terraces, small houses adorned in shades of warm yellows, red, and oranges overlook the rich turquoise waters below. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cinque Terre National Park (yes you read that right – national park!) is definitely worth a visit! What better place to live out your Italian Riviera dreams? If you’re visiting Cinque Terre and want to find out the…
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Venice Photo Diary
I found Venice’s canals, gondolas, and colorful buildings so charming. It felt like I was stopping every 2 seconds to get a picture of something new (sorry mom!). This is a collection of my favorite images from this city with a couple film pics thrown in there. Hope you enjoy!! If you’re looking to plan a trip to Venice, check out my Venice guide for inspiration!
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Europe Travel Tips – Everything I Learned from My 2 Month Post-Grad Trip
Sometimes, I still can’t believe I took that 2 month Europe trip. When I look back on it, I think of all the good & not so good memories, all the things I learned, and all of the things I wish I knew beforehand. Every trip has its ups and downs, whether its long trips like mine or a weekend getaway. Having had some unexpected experiences, there are quite a few Europe travel tips I want to share with you so that you can make the most of your next trip! If you want to read about how this trip came to be, read my post here What I Learned…
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Spontaneous 2 Month Europe Trip? – How it Happened & Lifelong Memories
Life is truly just so unexpected. And I don’t say this with a negative connotation to it. Instead of spending the spring semester of my senior year studying abroad in Singapore, I ended up deciding to cancel & graduate (with only a couple days left until the graduation deadline oops) in mid December 2021. How did I go from looking forward to that study abroad trip to spending 2 months in Europe? Read on for my story. First – What led me to this trip Having looked forward to that study abroad trip for 8 months, I couldn’t believe it was over, just like that. Following that decision, I always…
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The Perfect Day Trip from Florence: 3 Cities in One Day
When you think of Tuscany, you probably think of lush rolling hills, wine-tasting, and its capital – Florence! This region in Central Italy has a wide range of landscapes from mountains and beaches to Chianti’s olive groves & vineyards. And of course, you can’t forget about the medieval towns scattered throughout the countryside or bigger cities like Pisa (yes, THAT Pisa with the Leaning Tower!). In this guide for the perfect day trip from Florence, you’ll not only get to see towns filled with history and culture but also taste test wines in Chianti hills! Tuscany Day Trip – Tour Initially, my mom and I had so many places in…
