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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!

Must Know Travel Tips

Published on June 6, 2018August 27, 2018 by Skylar M. Beck2 Comments

Traveling can bring a lot of happiness and life changing experiences but it can be an unlikely combination of excitement and stress. But, knowing some stress will occur can actually allow for more preparation. Through personal experience and advice I’ve learned along the way, I thought sharing some of those tips would be beneficial to others and myself as the traveling season begins.

Constantly Drink Water. Drinking water is one of the best ways to recover from long flights and jet lag. Even a shower is a great way to recover from jet lag when you arrive at a new place. Hydrating your body will make traveling more enjoyable and you will adjust to the time difference faster.
Pack Extra Clothes and Cosmetics in Carry On. This may be a given but it’s easy to forget when packing for a big trip. It’s common for luggage to get delayed or even lost for a few days when traveling. You will want a change of clothes, deodorant, and a toothbrush close by!
Be Smart about the Souvenirs You Bring Home. Unless it’s an item that will hold significant value for yourself or a loved one, most souvenirs are overrated and a waste of money and space! Pictures and memories will be much more valuable after the trip is over.
Write in a Journal. I have mentioned this in other travel posts but keeping a daily journal was something I’m so thankful I did while traveling. There are so many details that go into each day and reading the journal years or even months later will be so special.
Pack a Portable Charger! This is an important tip if you’re like me and constantly use your phone for pictures and maps! Trust me, your phone will die faster than you think.
Invest in an Around the Neck Purse. This is almost essential in a foreign country. You can carry money, passport, other identification in a secure spot. I always wore my neck purse and hide it under my clothes in new places. Pick pocketers are everywhere in tourist spots. Better safe than sorry!
Along with the previous tip…Have a Copy of Your Passport somewhere. You never know what could happen and having a copy of your passport will make things much easier if you need to prove identification or citizenship.
Use a SIM Card. International plans for cell phones are so expensive. When I traveled abroad for two months I purchased a SIM card which included a data plan and minutes to call home. It was much more affordable and I didn’t have to worry about finding wifi to contact my family and friends back home.
Download a Map App. I recommend google maps because you can type in anything (like a place you saw on Pinterest) and hit the walk option. I constantly used google maps to get to all my tourist destinations.
Explore Everyday!! Yes vacation is a time to relax but in my opinion you can sleep in and rest at home! When traveling abroad I had the best experiences starting my day early and ending it late. Especially on short trips, there’s no time to waste!
Buy Tickets Ahead of Time. This is a huge tip! For big tourist attractions, buying tickets online can save you a lot of time waiting in line.
Pack Comfy Shoes. I made the mistake of packing terrible walking shoes last summer and learned quickly how brutal Europe’s cobblestones can be on my feet.
Invest in a Four Wheel Suitcase. My suitcase continued to increase in size as I traveled and it was terrible pulling a two wheel suitcase everywhere, especially in large airports. Your arms will thank you later if you have a four wheel suitcase.
Embrace the Culture. It may feel strange being away from home, but do not expect a new place to be home. Embrace change and enjoy the new environment!
Be Aware of Culture Rules. It’s important to be aware of some rules a culture may follow. Even if some rules aren’t mandatory, out of respect it’s best to follow culture rules anyways. For example, in Europe, visitors are required to have shoulders and knees covered before entering a church.

Photo Diary: Palm Beach, Florida

Published on May 22, 2018May 23, 2023 by Skylar M. Beck1 Comment

Happy Tuesday everyone! After a much needed break, my usual Tuesday blog posts are back. I just returned from one of my favorite places to visit: Palm Beach, Florida. There is so much to see and do in Palm Beach; I always feel like I’m in a different world when I visit! Palm Beach is full of luxury that makes every corner photogenic. I couldn’t pass up any opportunity to capture beautiful pictures throughout the week.

Lessons I Learned in College

Published on May 9, 2018May 9, 2018 by Skylar M. Beck3 Comments

Well the time has finally come…I’m graduating college this weekend! These have been the fastest four years yet but some that I’ll cherish forever. My college years had typical ups and downs but I’m thankful for the important life lessons I’ve learned. Since this is a huge milestone for me I decided to reflect on some of the most important lessons I learned in college…

Trust. For a long time, and still sometimes now, I looked for validation from other people’s reactions or responses to my actions. Slowly, I am learning that I should trust my own intuition and believe that what I think of my actions and of myself is all that matters.
How to Be Alone. This was a topic I wrote about in my last post, it’s a fairly recent lesson I learned while traveling through Europe alone. Learning to be alone has been one of the greatest lessons I learned in college. This may have come naturally as I matured, but being alone and enjoying being alone is something I’m happy I have become comfortable with.
Face Fears. Acknowledging what scared and scares me can be extremely diffifult. It was so easy and can still be for a number of things in my life to make excuses as to why I couldn’t do something. Usually things are a lot scarier in my head than in reality, and almost always what I want most is on the other side of my fear.
Knowing Myself Lead to Loving Myself. After high school, when I felt like the worst was over, I entered a completely new and different phase of life that confused me all over again: college. I had to get to know myself in this phase which took a long time. This is probably one of the most important lessons I learned in college: when you know yourself, you can learn to love yourself. Nothing else will fall into place until this happens.
Life is a Lot Easier When I Don’t Focus on What Others Think of Me. High school and the early stages of college were a difficult time where I wanted to fit in and stand out among my peers. But the problem was, I had little confidence. I was constantly worried about what other people thought of me. After what felt like a long time, it became clear that the fear I created in my head about what people thought of me was my own insecure imagination. Once I realized that, it was as if a huge weight was lifted.
Pain is a Valuable Lesson. Strength can come from pain. Although pain is difficult to handle and at times out of our control, it gives countless lessons for the future.
Having Several Different Interests is Okay. When I first started college, I felt the pressure to pick a major and plan for my future career. I realized that I don’t need to only pick one field that interests me, I can have multiple and still accomplish my goals.
What You Make of It is What You Get. The media and society in general tend to create an image of what college is “supposed to be like” and I learned quickly that college is what you make of it. The influence or pressure from peers isn’t going to be the “true college experience”, everyone has a personal college experience and that is perfectly okay.
Seize Every Opportunity. This relates to facing my fears but college opened my eyes to a variety of opportunities. There are some opportunities I didn’t take but after a while I realized that this is the time to take on every thing life offers!
The Sky is the Limit. Throughout college, I had a tendency to believe once college ended, so would all the fun. But I have come to realize that although this part of my life is coming to an end, this is only the beginning. I am about to start an entirely new phase of my life and the best is yet to come.

Advice on Traveling Solo

Published on May 1, 2018March 30, 2019 by Skylar M. Beck2 Comments

Last summer I went on quite a few solo adventures. Since then, I sometimes forget how scared I used to be to do basically anything alone. I used to hate going to stores alone, I never would even think about going out to dinner alone, and I definitely didn’t think I could travel to 7 countries by myself. But I’m here to tell you, it’s possible and sometimes a little push is all it takes. Most things are scarier in your head than in reality…which is exactly what I learned.

Since it has almost been one year since my Europe adventure last summer, I thought I would share the benefits and tips I learned from traveling solo!

Benefits

Learning How to be Alone is One of the Most Valuable Lessons in Life. Before I left, the thought of traveling alone and being alone was scary to me. What if I ran into trouble? Who would I talk to? Who would take my pictures? Would I be lonely? I quickly came to realize that traveling alone made every new place and adventure a bit more meaningful because I didn’t feel pressure to experience it all with anyone other than myself. The first time I went to Florence, Italy, I visited Michelangelo’s magnificent ‘David’ and I ended up staying for two hours! I didn’t have to share that moment with anyone and it was magical.
You Get to Know Yourself. I honestly don’t think there’s any better way to get to know yourself. I learned more and more about my fears, limits and joys all while having the time of my life.
The Trip is YOURS. This is the BEST part of a solo adventure! I made my own itinerary, ate when I wanted to, spent extra time here and there, went back to places more than once…the list goes on. The trip becomes what you want it to be. I typically always have a long bucket list of places I want to see in a new place and it’s usually not very exciting to people I would normally travel with. Traveling alone allowed me to freely check items off my personal bucket list!
You’ll Feel Liberated. There’s nothing better than looking back and thinking “I did that!”
You Are Able to be More Aware and Present. Personally, I felt like I had the opportunity to take in my surroundings more than usual because I was experiencing everything alone. It was a rare experience where I truly felt present in the moment.

Tips

Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out to Strangers. This is something I learned to do slowly because it’s outside of my comfort zone to strike up a conversation with strangers. But, sometimes strangers can be comforting while visiting a new place. I met a lot of people who reminded me of my family members or friends back home and it felt nice to have small talk with someone who brought me familiarly. Also, reaching out to strangers is helpful as a solo traveler if you need a picture taken!
Reflect Everyday. When I traveled last summer, I kept a journal with me and wrote about my day each night. There are so many little details that can easily be forgotten so it’s nice to have a written record of your adventure.
Take a Lot of Pictures. Some of the best memories can be captured with a photo and later bring you back to the feeling you had in that moment.
Pack Comfort Items. Although traveling solo is liberating and fun, it’s normal to miss home. I suggest bringing along something you can wear or carry that reminds you of home.
Research, Research, Research. When traveling to a new place, especially alone, it’s important to research safe areas and recommendations. During my time in Europe there were a couple cities that I should’ve researched more carefully when choosing a place to stay overnight. Last minute changes are even more stressful alone too so it’s best to be extra prepared.

Photo Diary: Brooklyn, New York

Published on March 13, 2018March 7, 2019 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

As much as I hate being considered a tourist, I love doing touristy things…

If you’ve read my blog before, you should be well aware that New York is my favorite city. I’ve gone countless times and every single trip I come prepared with a huge bucket list, which makes each visit new and exciting. Over my spring break, instead of heading to warm weather and the beach, I wanted to be in NYC. More specifically, I wanted to be in Brooklyn. I have only been once before and last time I did not have the chance to do the one thing at the top of my bucket list: walk the Brooklyn bridge. And I can happily say, walking the Brooklyn bridge was as magical as I envisioned.

There is so much to do in Brooklyn and if you’re not fond of the chaos that surrounds Manhattan at times, I suggest taking a short subway ride to Brooklyn. Brooklyn, New York offers a different vibe than Manhattan and there is so much to do and see. Some of my favorite activities in Brooklyn are walking the bridge, finding a cute coffee shop, and snapping some pictures of the most beautiful skyline.

New York City guide: Soho

Published on March 7, 2018September 2, 2019 by Skylar M. Beck2 Comments

bySoho is hands down one of my favorite areas in Manhattan. There are so many coffee shops, restaurants, and stores that offer a beautiful aesthetic. There are some places I always visit when I walk through Soho, but this time I made sure to have a list of new places to try too. Here’s a list of my favorite places I made sure to visit this trip to Soho.

Soho Coffee:

Maman. Maman has two locations throughout Manhattan: Soho & Tribecca. Personally, I like the Soho location best, it’s a bit smaller than Tribecca’s, but it offers a cozy vibe I enjoy. I also love this location because there is a small shop connected next door that has amazing homemade items you can buy. If you are looking for great coffee & treats, plus these beautiful cups, visit Maman!
Cha Cha Matcha. Cha Cha Matcha has been on my bucket list for a while. It’s a blogger’s dream inside & the coffee is very good…what could be better? Cha Cha Matcha also has beautiful coffee cups you won’t want to throw away!
Pietro Nolita. I mostly wanted to visit Pietro Nolita because the outside is fun & pink! I have heard inside there is good coffee & food but I didn’t have time to sit down & order something. But next time I hope to spend more time inside, which is also all pink!

Soho Eats and Treats:

by Chloe. I have been dying to try by Chloe mostly because everything is completely vegan! by Chloe has a few locations throughout the city & I highly recommend even if you aren’t a vegan because the food & sweets are delicious!
Laudree. For a sweet treat be sure to go to Laudree. The Soho location is stunning, especially, the outdoor seating area.

Soho Things to Do:

Walk around! There are so many beautiful streets in Soho. One of my favorite things to do is window shop.
Visit The Apartment by The Line. The I always visit The Line when I am in Soho, it is an interior designers dream! I love how the interior is set up different every time I visit. Everything inside is for sale, which includes the beautiful interior staples & clothes! It’s the prime spot for designers & fashion lovers.