europe travel – Page 3

Interlaken, Switzerland

Published on February 12, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. Beck1 Comment

Over the weekend, a friend and I took a magical trip to Interlaken, Switzerland! Interlaken has been high on my bucket list for quite some time. Not only is it close to many charming Swiss towns, it is home to some of the most adventurous activities (especially in the winter). I had such a memorable weekend and I’m already looking forward to returning.

Interlaken Eats & Treats:

Brunch & Coffee: Velo Cafe
Dinner: Hüsi Bierhaus
Dessert: Funky Chocolate Club Switzerland

Interlaken Things to Do:

Paraglide. If you enjoy an adrenaline rush and a view from above, I highly recommend paragliding. It was one of the best experiences and one of the most memorable parts of my weekend.
Walk to Lake Brienzersee. There are two lakes surrounding the city of Interlaken but lake Brienzersee is more popular and easier to find. It’s about a forty minute walk from the city center and a relaxing spot to view the beautiful mountains. Lake Brienzersee is a great spot for pictures too, the water is so blue, most people refer to it as “the blue gatorade water.”
Take Day Trips. The train system in Interlaken is so easy and cheap to take short rides to neighboring towns. A lot of tourists take the train to other towns for skiing or snowboarding. If you’re like me, and would prefer to just explore other towns, I highly recommend visiting Grindelwald and Lauterburren. Each town was about 20-30 away from Interlaken by train.

Interlaken Tips:

If you want to see Interlaken’s other major lake, Thunersee, I suggest taking a bus. My friend and I tried to walk there from the city center and it took hours to walk and although it was pretty, it took much longer than we anticipated.
You can also take a bus to view Interlaken from above. When I went paragliding, we took a twenty minute bus ride up above the city center and the neighborhood above was so beautiful as well as the view.
A popular view of Interlaken is from Harder Kulm. Unfortunately, the train that takes you to the top is closed during the winter months. A path leads to the top but it takes two hours and I’ve heard it’s a bit too icy in the winter. This was something I was interested in but hopefully I’ll be able to visit Interlaken again in the warmer months!

Salzburg, Austria

Published on December 13, 2018January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Although I was only in Salzburg for about four hours, I had such a memorable time. I loved everything about Salzburg and all of the history and culture it had to offer. With only a few hours, I had time to walk around Salzburg and participate in The Sound of Music tour. The Sound of Music is one of the main things Salzburg is known for, as most of the movie was filmed in Salzburg. Even if you aren’t a huge Sound of Music movie fan, if you’re visiting Salzburg, this tour is a must! I learned so much about the real story of the Von Trapp family, the filming of the movie, and throughout the tour I saw more parts of Austria, which to me was one of the best parts!

Austria is a beautiful country I hope to visit again sometime soon. Here are some of my favorite photos from Salzburg, Austria.

24 Hours in Budapest, Hungary

Published on December 6, 2018January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Last weekend I went on a whirlwind adventure traveling to Hungary and Austria. I was able to spend about 24 hours in Budapest so I took advantage of every moment. Budapest was one of the most magical cities I’ve been to. I was in awe of the stunning architecture throughout the city, especially the Fisherman’s Bastion. A day wasn’t nearly enough time, but since Budapest is easily walkable, I was able to pack a lot into one day.

A few things I suggest seeing in Budapest:

Fisherman’s Bastion, I recommend walking to the top. The view of Budapest along the walk is incredible!
Walk across the Chain Bridge.
Grab a cup of coffee at Espresso Embassy.
See the interior of the New York Cafe.

Vienna, Austria

Published on November 29, 2018January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

On my weekend adventure through Hungary and Austria, I was able to make a quick stop in Vienna for one day. I already knew Vienna would be a magical place but spending time in Vienna, even for the day, during the Christmas season made my experience doubly magical. There were Christmas markets on every corner throughout the city spreading the Christmas spirit. I was constantly wondering through a new market, with a mulled wine in hand, desperately trying to find Christmas gifts for my family members. Overall, it was a perfect day full of lots of walking and lots of eating. For food, my friend and I found traditional apple strudel at a Christmas market and tried the traditional Sachertorte, both were incredible. I also recommend trying the double espresso with whip cream on top at one of the many cafes. Within 24 hours, my heart and stomach were very happy with Vienna.

My Guide to Florence

Published on November 15, 2018January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

After spending the last few months in Florence, I thought it was time to share my favorite places to eat, drink, and explore. My only hope is that this list will continue to expand the more I settle in to this amazing city! Here’s the beginnings of my guide to Florence:

Where to Dine:

Gusta Pizza

Out of all the places to get pizza in Florence, this has to be one of my absolute favorites. Not only is the pizza extremely cheap, the quality is incredible! Gusta Pizza is a small little hole in the wall place that seems to always be crowded, for good reason. My advice is to order a pizza to go and walk to one of the near by gardens to enjoy your tasting pie!

Obicà Mozzarella Bar

In terms of a nice sit down restaurant, Obicà is my favorite. The interior of the restaurant itself is worth going for. They offer a large selection of typical Italian dishes but be sure to try their homemade pasta and stay for dessert.

Carduccio

If you want a place that doesn’t offer the typical Italian dishes and is more on the healthy side, definitely visit Carduccio! I love going for their fresh juices and smoothie bowls. It’s the perfect way to start the morning before a walk around Florence.

La Ménagère

Now for my favorite spot to get breakfast and coffee…La Ménagère! This restaurant is stunning inside that not only has a restaurant but a small decor and flower shop as well. To me, they serve the best breakfast, I’m always torn between which dish to order because everything is so tempting.

Mama’s Bakery

I recently found this bakery which is located near the Pitti Palace. Mama’s is known for serving more typical American style dishes like grilled cheese, bagels, and whoopie pies. I love coming here when I’d prefer to indulge in a treat that reminds me of home.

Gelato:

Gelateria La Carraia

My favorite gelato in the entire city! This is the creamiest gelato and they have such an amazing selection of gelato flavors to choose from. My favorite is the salted peanut, it tastes just like peanut butter.

Gelateria De ‘Medici

This gelato place is a bit of a walk from the city of Florence but well worth it! They have several fruit flavors that taste so refreshing and almost like a sorbet.

What to Do:

Visit The David

Visiting Michelangelo’s masterpiece is still one of my favorite things to do on a rainy day. David is the “man of Florence” for a reason and he’s a must see while visiting Florence. Or if you’ve already seen him, I’d recommend going again. To me, his beauty gives me a different experience every time I visit.

Boboli & Bardini Gardens

The two major gardens in Florence cannot be missed! There is so much to see within the gardens and on a nice day, I never want to leave. I love bringing a small picnic to either to relax and marvel at the incredible views of Florence. Tip: although you are allowed to bring food into the Bardini Gardens, you can’t sit on the grass. There are several benches and tables around but if you’re looking for a traditional picnic experience, bring food to the Boboli Gardens instead.

Gucci Museum

I wrote a post about the Gucci museum a little while ago but I think it’s one of the more unique museums in the city. There are so many wonderful museums surrounding Florence but I think the Gucci museum is special since the Gucci brand originated in Florence. Plus it’s hardly ever crowded which gives a nice break from the crowds.

Walk to the Ponte Vecchio

The most beautiful bridge in Florence is definitely a highlight. I love the Ponte Vecchio’s architecture, I still stop and stare whenever I’m near by. Tip: take pictures on the side near the Uffizi. Most people take photos from the Santa Trinta bridge but this gets extremely crowded with people and cars driving by.

Piazzale Michelangelo

One of the best ways to view Florence is from Piazzale Michelangelo! The hike up to this piazzale is an uphill one but very enjoyable. There are also several busses that will take you straight up as well. This is also a nice spot to bring a picnic along and appreciate the views of Florence.

Take Day Trips

Florence is surrounded by so many amazing towns that are easy to get to by car or train. I wrote about some of my favorite day trips here. Florence is a great base for overnight if you want to explore more of Tuscany by day.

Europe Travel Tips

Published on November 8, 2018January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. Beck5 Comments

There are so many beautiful places to see while traveling through Europe. Although traveling in Europe is wonderful, especially for a first timer, while planning a trip there may be things you don’t know about a new country. Throughout my travels I’ve noticed certain acts most European countries seem to follow and I thought I’d share for anyone planning on traveling to Europe.

Try Speaking the Language. Even learning how to say “hello” “goodbye” “please” and “thank you” will take you a long way. In most European countries, it’s polite to greet whoever you are interacting with first, for example a waitress or waiter, before going into what you want. The manners you present will usually get you manners in return.
Be Aware of Mid Day Closings. This was an adjustment for me before traveling in Europe. It’s common for several restaurants and stores to take a mid day closing break. Typically stores and restaurants will be open in the morning until about 2pm and reopen around 7pm. This is also important to remember if you plan on eating out for dinner.
Avoid Restaurants and Stores near Major Tourist Sites. I’ve learned the hard way that several stores and restaurants near tourist locations are much more expensive than they should be and the quality is not as great. The extra walk away from the beautiful location you’re touring will make your tastebuds and bank account much happier!
Buy Tickets in Advance. This is an important tip. Even in the “off” season around Europe I still think it’s best to purchase tourist tickets in advance. It seems silly to waste time standing in a line you could avoid with pre-booked tickets. Almost every tourist attraction has a website that gives visitors the option to purchase tickets in advance.
Be Conscious of Belongings. It goes without saying that you should always be aware of your personal belongings while traveling. But it’s important to always keep your phone, wallet, and passport in front of you at all times. Pickpockets are common in large cities with tourists!
Wake Up Early to See Major Tourist Locations! The atmosphere in the morning in a large city is dramatically different in the afternoon. A lot of tourists don’t wake up and get out extra early but you’ll be happy you did! Every time I’ve explored a city early, it creates a magical feeling, as if the city is my own. Plus this allows you to capture pictures without a lot of tourists in the background!
Water is Rarely Free. Asking for a glass of water at a restaurant or cafe will not be free. If you want free water, most foundations around the city (especially in Italy) offer clean water. But check on this for other European countries.
Public Restrooms (parks, stations, on the streets) Usually Cost Money. Public Restrooms are cleaned and maintained by workers which makes them a little more clean than usual so a fee of 50cent to 2 euros is common before entering.
Validate Tickets. If you feel like trying public transportation while in Europe (which is an adventure in itself) be sure to validate tickets. On most buses, trains, and trams, even though you purchase a ticket doesn’t mean you won’t get charged if an officer sees it’s not validated. There are machines that stamp the ticket in order to validate it. This is important because the fee if you don’t validate is extremely high!
Explore! If you are able to spend more than a few days in a new city, research unique activities to do or see. The typical tourist locations and attractions are definitely a must for a first timer, but making time to see unique parts of a new city will be so memorable.

Day Trips from Florence

Published on October 18, 2018January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. Beck2 Comments

After having some time to explore and settle into Florence, I decided it was time to see what other magical towns surround me. Since there are so many day trips possible by car or train, I’ve been able to go on a few trips recently and I thought I would share my favorites so far!

Siena

Siena is a beautiful medieval town that’s a short car or train ride away from Florence. There is so much to see and do in Siena but I’d recommend going to the Cathedral and Piazza del Campo. The Cathedral alone is worth a day trip to see, it is the most stunning piece of architecture I have ever seen!

San Gimignano

Close by to Siena is San Gimignano which has become my favorite town to visit outside of Florence. Although it is quite touristy, the town offers such a unique atmosphere and it’s completely different from Florence. It’s the perfect town to spend an afternoon wandering through the medieval streets and taking in the stunning Tuscan views. Bonus: it’s also home to the world’s best gelato!

Greve, Chianti

If wine, cheese, and the countryside is most appealing to you, than a day trip to Chianti is perfect! I visited Greve because I was participating in a wine tasting/sight seeing tour but I wish I could have just spent the day in Greve! It was absolutely beautiful. There are several wineries in this area and I would highly suggest visiting a winery if you are visiting the Tuscan area. I learned a lot about the wine making process as well as how fresh olive oil is made.

Modena

Modena is about an hour and half away from Florence by train. I decided to visit Modena because I wanted to go to a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese farm! I spent the majority of my day touring a cheese farm that demonstrated how parmigiana reggiano cheese is made, aged, and packaged plus I had the chance to taste the cheese- which was heavenly. If a cheese tour isn’t your thing, I was pleasantly surprised that the city center of Modena has so much to do! There are several parks, piazzas, and food markets surrounding this small town that made for a memorable day.

Colle di Val d’Elsa

Colle di Val d’Elsa was the most enchanting town I was able to visit. It’s in the Siena region and it’s not known by many or any tourists. I had the entire town to myself with just the locals which was probably one of the most special experiences I’ve had in Europe. I spent my morning walking through the charming streets and found a spot in front of the beautiful scenery while drinking a cappuccino…it was an Italian dream.

Photo Diary: Cinque Terre

Published on September 7, 2018January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. Beck2 Comments

Out of all the beautiful places I’ve been to Cinque Terre has moved to the top of my list. Cinque Terre is located on the coast of Italy, and made up of five small towns: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, which are connected by train or foot. Even though it has become more touristy throughout the years, there is still an authentic vibe brought by the Italian natives that live there full time.

I was able to spend three full days traveling throughout the five towns. I would recommend taking a boat tour to see the towns from the sea as well, the views from a different angle were incredible.

Cinque Terre Tips:

I stayed overnight in Monterosso Al Mare, which is the town known for the beach. Be sure to bring water shoes because the beach was very rocky and it wasn’t comfortable to walk on barefoot!
If you plan on hiking the trials that connect the towns, be aware that half of these trials are closed due to mud slides and falling rocks.
Taste the wine! Cinque Terre is known for their wines. My favorite was the “a Scià” rosso, it went well with all of our meals!

Amsterdam For Coffee Lovers

Published on July 8, 2017January 9, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

As I mentioned in my previous post on Amsterdam, I had some amazing food throughout my entire visit. Therefore, I thought a separate post dedicated to all of the delicious cafes I found was necessary.

Pluk

I could not get enough of Pluk. It was SO good. Not only was the food and coffee delicious, the interior of the cafe was so cute, it made me want to stay all day. They also sell products such as small decor things and stationary items. My favorite meal to order was their smoothie bowls, they were amazing…so much so that I went back multiple times during my two days in Amsterdam.

COTTONCAKE

COTTONCAKE also sells products inside similar to Pluk, but they also sell clothes. The shop is downstairs and the cafe sit down area is upstairs. The atmosphere here was so calm it was a nice stop to relax at after a morning full of walking. COTTONCAKE also uses organic products and everything is made fresh everyday. I tried their fresh orange juice, avocado toast, and banana bread. It was all so yummy.

Pancakes Amsterdam

Pancakes Amsterdam was right next to the Anne Frank house so I decided to try it for dinner after my visit. They give you the option of ordering typical American pancakes or Dutch pancakes. I wanted to see what a traditional Dutch pancake was like. As you can see, they are huge! I wasn’t expecting it. I added bananas inside mine and it was so great. It was filling but the good news is Dutch pancakes are very thin so it is possible to finish the entire plate without feeling sick.

Stach

Stach is located all over Amsterdam, there are multiple especially in the center of the city. It’s an easy stop to grab coffee and a pastry to go. Their coffee was so smooth, I loved it.

Some other coffee cafes I loved:

Il Momento

Screaming Beans

Sweet Cup

Kessens