travel guide – Page 6

A Guide to Reykjavik, Iceland

Published on May 15, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. Beck1 Comment

My last blog post dedicated to Iceland is a small guide to Reykjavik. While I was visiting Iceland, I was able to see several different parts of the country and I used Reykjavik as my base. From Reykjavik, the South and West coasts and the Golden Circle are about a two hour drive away. It’s a convenient location if interested in seeing more of the country. Before traveling to Iceland, I didn’t have many expectations for Reykjavik but I was pleasantly surprised! Reykjavik is an amazing city full of friendly people, amazing food, and beautiful art. Even if you intend to use Reykjavik as a base for sleeping, definitely take some time to experience the city.

Coffee & Sweets

Te and Kaffi
Reykjavik Roasters
Sandholt Bakery
Emilie and the Cool Kids

Good Eats

Fiskmarkaðurinn. A beautiful atmosphere for dinner with delicious food. This restaurant is known for their fish dishes but there are plenty of other options on the menu.
Grillmarkaðurinn. A sister restaurant to Fiskmarkaðurinn but this branch is known for meat dishes specific to Iceland. There are also different options available, as a vegetarian, I had several dishes to chose from.
Snaps Bistro. A French restaurant with a cozy interior. I had a delicious dinner here, Snaps is mostly known for their weekend brunch.
Tapas Barinn. A fun restaurant with several dishes to chose from. This was my first dinner I had in Iceland and it was the perfect way to be introduced to the country’s delicious foods.

Things to Do

Walk around! Reykjavik is full of stunning street art and inviting shops. It’s a small city so everything is centrally located.
Climb the Hallgrimskirkja church tower. This is something I wasn’t able to do because the tower was having renovations done but I wish I could’ve. The view over the city from the top of the tower looks incredible!
Go on a helicopter ride. This is something I did have time to do and it was an amazing way to see more of Iceland! The company is based in Reykjavik and there are several different tours to choose from. My helicopter tour went over some craters close by to Reykjavik. The best part about the ride was half way through the helicopter landed on a crater and we had the chance to walk around, it was such an unique experience.
Take day trips! Like I mentioned, I used Reykjavik as my base when I took day trips throughout the week. There are so many day trip options that leave from Reykjavik so it’s extremely easy to see the country. I recommended going to the South and West Coasts, Blue Lagoon, and the Golden Circle.

Favorite Day Trips in Iceland

Published on May 1, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Oh Iceland, the land of fire and ice, the most magical place I’ve ever been. The land of unpredictable weather, countless rainbows, magical horses, and thousands of waterfalls. Iceland truly felt different than any other country I’ve been to. There were several times I felt like I was on a different planet or walking on mars. With only a week in Iceland I packed my days full of different trips and adventures. Everyday was special and memorable. I highly recommended either renting a car, hiring a driver, or booking a day trip tour to truly see the most of Iceland.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a must when visiting Iceland. Although it’s a big tourist stop, it still feels magical and gives all visitors an Icelandic experience. I suggest going to the Blue Lagoon as soon as arriving to Iceland. The Blue Lagoon has a shuttle service that picks up at the airport and afterwards drops off in Reykjavik. Spending the day at the Blue Lagoon after traveling on a plane was the perfect cure to jet lag and the best way to be introduced to all the magic Iceland has to offer!

Tips: you have to reserve tickets online ahead of time with a specific time of arrival.

The Blue Lagoon is high in silica, which is great for skin but not so great for hair! I learned the hard way how hard the water can be on hair. If you’re going to get your hair wet be sure to condition hair before entering and after! Also use a clarifying shampoo afterwards to ensure soft hair again.

South Coast

The South Coast was the region of Iceland I was most looking forward to seeing. There is so much to see and do in the South Coast and luckily, there are several day trip tours that leave from Reykjavik. On the South Coast I suggest seeing: the black sand beach, DC3 plane wreck, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. These sights are easy to get to if you’re planning to drive yourself, but if booking a tour, most all stop at these sights.

Tips: I was really interested in seeing the DC3 plane wreck on the black sand beach. Not many tours stop here because it’s a forty minute walk (one way) from the parking area. However, I was able to find a tour which included riding ATV’s along the black sand beach all the way up to the plane. I highly recommended this! It was such a memorable experience riding an ATV on the black sand beach and throughout other stunning landscapes of Iceland.

West Coast

The West Coast of Iceland was so unique and different than any other part of the country I saw. I suggest seeing: Snæfellsnes National Park, Saxhóll Crater, Black Lava Pearl Beach, Gerduberg Basalt Columns, and the town Arnarstapi. The drive along the West Coast was so beautiful and there were many moments where I felt like I was on a different planet. I constantly wanted to take pictures of everything I passed by. There are also several day trip tours from Reykjavik available that go to the West Coast.

Tips: There weren’t many stops for food along the route to the West Coast so be prepared with snacks and even a packed lunch.

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is supposedly the most popular tour for tourists in Iceland. This is a shorter day trip from Reykjavik compared to traveling to one of the coasts. Traveling around the Golden Circle with stops takes only about six hours so it’s a possible half day trip. Along the Golden Circle I suggest seeing: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Field, and the Gullfoss Waterfall. These three stops along the Golden Circle route were so incredible. There are a couple paths surrounding the waterfall so catching the perfect angle of this massive waterfall is possible.

Tips: At the Geysir field, there was one geysir that erupts every five to ten minutes. I ended up watching it erupt countless times! It was so fun to watch the water boil and see the water explode up into the sky. Have your video camera ready!

A Guide to Cinque Terre, Italy

Published on March 26, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Cinque Terre has to be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. I wrote a blog post about my first time visiting Cinque Terre, and being back for a second time was just as magical. This time, I only had a day to explore the five towns, which surprisingly, can be done. However, I suggest spending a couple days if you’ve never been before.

Cinque Terre can easily be reached from Florence by train and takes about three hours. No matter where you are traveling from in Italy, most trains all stop at La Spezia. From here you can buy an all day train pass for the five towns. The pass is 16 euros and I highly recommended. Otherwise, each train ride between the towns (including from La Spezia) is 4 euros each. The towns are only a couple minutes a part so going between all the towns takes almost no time at all!

Cinque Terre Towns:

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the first town from La Spezia. My favorite thing to do in this town is view the colorful homes and buildings from lookout near the water.

For the best photo: Go to the pier for the best view of the town. Although it’s often crowded, this would also be a great spot to bring a pizza, sit and watch the sunset from the rocks.

Manarola

Manarola is typically the town most people think of when referring to Cinque Terre. Views of Manarola are as perfect as a postcard and definitely worth spending some time admiring.

For Food + a View: The only restaurant I suggest is Nessun Dorma. This fabulous restaurant overlooks the postcard view of Manarola. The restaurant itself is worth going to just for the view of Manarola but it’s even better because the food is delicious! They unfortunately do not take reservations, so be sure to arrive right when they open for lunch or be prepared to wait in the long line that always forms! I’ve gone for lunch and dinner, both experiences were very memorable.

Corniglia

A small and quiet town that’s up on a hilltop. From the train station, the walk is about 365 steps to the town or there’s a bus that takes you all the way up. It’s a unique town where you can see the vineyards and get an authentic taste of how the locals live in this part of Italy.

For the experience: take the bus from the train station up to town but than walk all the way back down. The steps are much nicer on the way down!

Vernazza

Vernazza is full of beautiful pastel buildings that instantly took me back to the summertime. The town is lively and full of great places to grab street food, sit near the bright blue water and enjoy the sunshine.

For the best view: head towards the hiking path to Monterroso. It’s one of the only hiking paths still open and in the off season doesn’t cost anything to walk the path. I was more interested in this path for a specific viewpoint over Vernazza. There’s a perfect spot about five minutes into the path. I packed a small picnic and enjoyed the view, it made for the perfect afternoon! This seems to be more of a secret experience as there were no other tourists, I had the entire spot to myself.

Monterroso Al Mare

Commonly known as the beach town and the largest out of the towns. In the summertime the beach is lined with bright colorful umbrellas and crowds of people. Be sure to check out the gelato place Gelateria Golosone Monterroso Al Mare, it was one of my favorite spots to have a sweet treat.

To Do: Monterroso has the most shops that sell fun souvenirs, beautiful clothes, and unique foods and wines known to Cinque Terre. Take time to wander the many streets full of inviting shops.

Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Published on February 20, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Before taking my weekend trip to Interlaken, I knew there were other Swiss towns nearby I wanted to be sure to see. I had read a lot about Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen and decided I would take a day trip to both. I’m so happy I included this in my weekend itinerary. Both towns were charming and covered with the snow. I felt like I was walking through a winter wonderland… Swiss alps addition. A lot of people visit these towns in the wintertime for skiing and snowboarding. I was more interested in the short hikes and taking in the incredible views. Grindelwald was a thirty minute train ride from Interlaken. After spending a few hours in Grindelwald, I took another train to Lauterbrunnen which took another thirty minutes. Lastly, the train from Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken was the shortest, only fifteen minutes. Both of these towns were easy to see in one day from Interlaken.

Grindelwald Things to do:

Take the cable car to First and walk along the cliff walk once you make it to the top.
Hike from First to Lake Bachalpsee. Unfortunately since it was so snowy I wasn’t able to make this entire hike, but in the warmer weather it looks like a beautiful hike! Since I wasn’t able to take the hike, my friend and I just walked as far as we could and it was equally as beautiful to me.

Grindelwald Tips:

The cable car ride from town to First is 60 CHF and so worth it! The ride on the cable car is about twenty minutes and offers some incredible views all the way up. On the way up, it’s a bit crowded but on the way down, my friend and I had the cable car to ourselves!
I suggest bringing a packed lunch or snacks when visiting Grindelwald especially if you plan to spend a lot of time in the alps. While on First, there was two little food stations with mostly warm drinks. My friend and I brought along food we picked up at the grocery store before leaving Interlaken and ate at a picnic table outside one of the food stations.

Lauterbrunnen Things to Do:

Walk along the trials. There are several paths you can walk. My friend and I just kept walking on the road from the center of town and it took us pretty far on a path with gorgeous views.
Take pictures of the church. The town’s church is a popular photo because of the stunning view behind it. There are many different angles to get the perfect shot.

Lauterbrunnen Tips:

If you’re visiting Lauterbrunnen in the wintertime, we found that there were a lot of paths closed due to ice and falling rocks. I suggest walking along the main road, it takes you pretty far.
Try one of the many cafes in town. There were so many cozy coffee shops along the main road, all with a view of the Main Street and the mountains in the background.

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!

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.