travel – Page 6

How to Travel During the Pandemic

Published on May 28, 2020May 28, 2020 by Skylar M. Beck2 Comments

With everything going on in the world due to coronavirus, I thought I would share ways I’ve been “traveling” without leaving my home. This is a scary and unusual time all of us are facing but I believe brighter days are ahead! Being stuck at home may feel a bit suffocating to my fellow travelers out there, especially when the weather warms up and the travel bug really starts bitting… BUT being stuck at home prevents further cases and deaths which is a much better alternative. Thankfully, being stuck at home means there’s internet. The internet opens all kinds of doors for ways to travel while at home.

Virtual Tours

There are many virtual tours available which provide an excellent way to travel from home. Some of a favorites include: The Van Gogh Museum , The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Louvre, The British Museum, and The Anne Frank House. These virtual tours are such a unique way to experience rich history, culture, and art. I’ve been to all of these museums in person and I’m thrilled I can tour them without a crowd and whenever I want from home.

Make a Travel Bucket List

Personally, I love making travel bucket lists. There’s something so satisfying about making a list of all your dream destinations and being able to cross one off the list once you finally visit. Making a travel bucket list during the pandemic also gives you something to look forward to and even start planning! A dedicated blog post of my 2021 travel bucket list is coming soon.

Cook an International Dish

Have a night dedicated to a favorite meal from country or city you’ve visited. I love recreating meals I used to find while living in Italy. This could be a fun way to virtually have a meal with friends and family through video chat!

Organize Travel Photos

Organizing my travel photos is something I love to do in my free time. Going through travel pictures, is a fun way to reminisce on travel adventures. Another idea is to print out pictures to put in a book or create a travel journal!

Watch a Movie with a Travel Theme

Have a travel themed night, maybe along with an international dish and dive into a movie inspired by travel. Some of my favorite travel inspired movies are: Under the Tucsan Sun, Eat, Pray, Love, Midnight in Paris, Wild, and Julie and Julia.

Go for a Walk or Hike

Go for a walk or hike near home! I’ve been finding new places on the weekends to explore and enjoy the fresh air. This is a perfect time to explore where you live in a new way.

Visit Cities Virtually

This is my favorite experience that is available! From the comfort of your home you can experience the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, Times Square without a crowd, and Rome’s historic Colosseum! This is a unique way to travel and experience different major cities around the world.

Favorite Travel Moments

Published on September 4, 2019September 6, 2019 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Recently I’ve been reflecting on all the incredible places I’ve traveled to over the last couple years. I made a list of my top five most memorable travel moments and experiences. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to look back on photos and moments captured while traveling. Here’s my most memorable travel moments yet:

Basalt Columns

Cinque Terre, Italy

Processed with VSCO with m5 preset

Iceland, West Coast. I dreamed of visiting Iceland for several years and this past spring I finally made it there for a week long visit. While I was there, I wanted to see as much of the country as I possibly could. One day during my trip, I drove along the West coast. This full day of traveling along the coast was the most memorable day. The scenery from my car window felt unreal, and as cheesy as it sounds, I felt like I was dreaming. It was as if the scenery around me was too good to be true.

Cinque Terre, Italy. When I reminisce on Cinque Terre, the postcard photo of Manarola flashes in my mind. The beautiful colored houses all stacked on top of each other perfectly framing the mediterranean sea. Over the past year I went to Cinque Terre twice. The most memorable moment for me was the day a friend and I decided to have a picnic in the second town, Vernazza. We were determined to find a picturesque view that overlooked the town from above. The spot was along the walking trail towards Monterroso. It took us so long to find the spot and at one point before finding it, I was hot, frustrated, and ready to give up and have our picnic somewhere else. At the last moment, we found the spot and I immediately felt silly for becoming so upset. This is one of my favorite travel moments, It served as a reminder to be more present and focus on things other than getting the prettiest photo. It ended up being a lovely afternoon with a friend, a small picnic, and a stunning view.
Interlaken, Switzerland. Last winter I went to Switzerland with a goal to paraglide over the alps. Paragliding over the town and through the alps will always be a special travel moment of mine. I felt so calm and stable gliding so high above. I truly felt present and aware of what was going around me without any distractions, pure bliss.
New Zealand, Tongario Alpine Crossing. Almost two years ago I traveled throughout New Zealand for three weeks. I made so many incredible memories during this trip but my favorite day is when I went on a ten mile hike. Tongario Alpine Crossing is a stunning hike that highlights several stunning views and landmarks of New Zealand. I felt more accomplished than I had in months when I made it to the top.

5. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland. I still remember the first time I visited Ireland. I was traveling alone and at the time feeling homesick and ready to return home. On one of my last days in Ireland, I decided to take a day trip to see the Cliffs of Moher. Taking this day trip was the best decision I made during my solo travel. The cliffs were beyond stunning and like nothing I had ever seen before. There was a sense of calm air blowing all around the tourists walking along the steep edge. I could have spent hours starring in amazement at the cliffs. So green, tall, and full of mystery. The cliffs reminded me how big and beautiful the world is and it should be continuously explored.

Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, and Galway, Ireland Photo Diary

Published on August 23, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

This is my second time visiting Ireland and it still remains one of my favorite countries I’ve ever traveled to. I only had a couple days in Ireland so I stayed overnight in Dublin and used it as a base. During my time in Ireland, I took a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and Doolin. In my opinion, day trips are a great way to experience the most of the country. I love being able to relax and admire the stunning countryside while someone else drives. Day trips through a company are organized with various stops for sightseeing and eating which makes it so much easier! If bus day trips aren’t for you, renting a car is another great option to see some of Ireland’s incredible countryside and different cities.

From Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher are about three hours away, and from the Cliffs, Galway is another hour. It’s possible to see both in one day. Next time I visit Ireland, I want to stay overnight in Galway and experience the city in more depth.

Here’s a few of my favorite shots from this green, rainy, cozy country:

Paris, France

Published on June 7, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Oh Paris…the city of lights, warm croissants, addicting macarons, and a sparkling tower every night. I’ve been wanting to return to this enchanting city since my last visit a couple years ago and recently I was able to. I had four days filled with lots of food and lots of exploring and I loved every moment. Here’s a small guide of places to eat, see, and overall tips!

Eats

* Coffee: Cafe de Flore, Angelina’s, Cafe Kitsune

* Breakfast: Any bakery with croissants

* Lunch: Ob-La-Di, Peonies

* Dinner: Pink Mama, Picnic under the Eiffel Tower

* Macarons: Laudrée, Pierre Hermé

Things to Do:

* Climb to the top of the Arc De Triomphe. In my opinion, this is the greatest view in Paris and well worth the stair climb to the top. Be sure to purchase the tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

* Take the metro to Montmartre. It’s a charming part of Paris where all the artists and writers spent most of their time years ago. I suggest having drinks and snacks at La Maison Rose, it’s a picturesque place with a delicious menu.

* Visit one of Paris’s many museums. I had the chance this trip to visit the Musee l’Orangerie and saw Monet’s famous waterlilies. It was breathtaking in person!

* Eat lots of sweets: macarons, croissants, crepes! There are so many fresh bakeries with warm croissants and countless crepe stations throughout the city. Macarons are my personal favorite and the best in the city are from Laudrée and Pierre Hermé.

* Explore the various arrondissements of Paris. My favorite neighborhoods are 1,5,18. Each has so many different shops, cafes, sites, which gives a unique experience to each area.

* Have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. This was one of my favorite experiences. Go to a nearby grocery, stock up on brie, baguettes, fruits, and wine and find a spot to view the stunning tower Eiffel. Pro Tip: have a dinner picnic so you can enjoy the Eiffel Tower sparkle at dusk.

Tips & Tricks

* If you have a lot of sites you want to see and time is limited, invest in a metro day pass that includes all zones. This was a life saver for me, throughout the day I could hop on and off several different metros to take me where I needed to go without having to buy a new ticket each time. The metro also saves a lot of time since the major sites are spread out.

* The Eiffel Tower sparkles every night starting at dusk for the first five minutes of every hour until 1am. It’s pure magic, spend at least one night watching it light up.

* Purchase museum tickets in advance to skip the line it will save so much time.

* Another great view of the Eiffel Tower from a far is from Trocadero. It’s a beautiful platform that gives the perfect shot of the Eiffel Tower from a distance. There are also plenty of spots to sit along the edge for pictures or just to marvel at Eiffel’s beauty.

* Plan out specific sites and attractions you want to see but also leave time to wander and explore Paris without any plans.

Best Views in Florence, Italy

Published on June 4, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Florence, Italy is an incredible city that, in my opinion, has some of the most gorgeous views to enjoy. If you’re visiting Florence anytime soon, I highly recommend checking out some of these locations for the perfect view!

Piazzale Michelangelo

One of the best views in Florence! My favorite time to visit is early in the morning or at sunset. This is a beautiful view of Florence because you can see the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the stunning hills of Tuscany. The greatest part about Piazzale Michelangelo is that every time you visit, the view appears brand new. There hasn’t been one time I’ve visited where I’ve experienced the same colors in the sky or atmosphere around the square. This is probably why locals and tourists go frequently!

View on Art

One of the many rooftop bars in the city that overlooks the stunning Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. I prefer View on Art because the outside terrace is quite small and usually not that crowded. I suggest going in the afternoon for a typical Italian aperitivo, there is no better way to enjoy this stunning view with drinks and snacks.

La Terrazza Sul Duomo

This incredible view is available to those who stay at the gorgeous La Terrazza Sul Duomo hotel. I highly recommended staying here while visiting Florence. It’s in the heart of the city and the hotel’s terrace on top is an escape from the crowds.

Bardini Gardens

There are a couple gardens around Florence but one of my favorites is the Bardini Gardens. Located in the heart of San Nicolo just across the river, these gardens give you a stunning view of the Duomo. The Bardini Gardens are huge and offer plenty of quiet spaces and hidden treasures. For 10 euros you can explore the entire garden and find a nice spot to sit and take in the views of beautiful Firenze.

Ponte Santa Trinita

From the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge, the Ponte Vecchio is perfectly visual. The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridge’s in Italy. It’s a stunning bridge that hosts dozens of jewelry shops. I prefer to enjoy the view of the Ponte Vecchio from the Santa Trinita bridge. This view is enjoyable anytime of the day but my advice would be to sit along the Santa Trinita with a pizza at sunset and watch the colors on the Ponte Vecchio change with the sun.

Also be sure to visit Sister MAG and check out my feature article on things to do in Florence, Italy.

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.

Florence, Italy Weekend Guide

Published on April 4, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Florence has become one of my favorite cities. I’ve had the opportunity to live here for several months and each day I discover something new and memorable. Most of my exploring happens during my weekends, and I thought I’d share a weekend guide for those traveling to Florence for only a few days.

To Do’s in Florence

Wander around the stunning Santa Maria del Fiore Catherdral, aka, the Duomo! It’s one of the most beautiful Cathedrals you’ll ever see. There are so many details in the architecture that still shock me every time I walk by. If you have some extra time, I suggest either climbing to the top of the Bell Tower or climbing to the top of the Duomo, both are great experiences.

Catch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. This piazzale is popular for good reason, it’s one of the best spots to view Florence. Although it’s always crowded with people, it’s the best spot to watch a stunning sunset. I suggest bringing along some wine and snacks too!

Walk along the Arno River. No trip to Florence is complete without a visit to the Ponte Vecchio. Personally, I love to view the Ponte Vecchio from a distance. It’s so beautiful and makes for the perfect postcard picture.

Where to Eat

Osteria All’antico Vinaio

Neri Gelato

Osteria All’antico Vinaio. One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever tasted and well worth the wait in the long line! Bonus: only 5 euros!

Gusta Pizza. My favorite pizza in Florence!

Gelato Di Neri. One of the best spots to grab a cone of gelato. There are several amazing flavors to pick from, my favorite is the ricotta and pear.

La Menagere. An incredible place worth stopping by for coffee, a meal, drinks, or just to see the beautiful interior. On the weekend, I recommend going to one of their jazz nights. Every Friday and Saturday, a live Jazz band plays, it’s such a great way to enjoy some music and drinks with friends.

Things you Cannot Miss

Wine Tour through Tuscany. A wine tour is one of the most unique and special
experiences to have while visiting Florence. Spend the day visiting Tuscan towns, tasting delicious wine and cheese, and stepping into an Italian lifestyle. Most tours do take all day but it’s an experience you will not regret!

Visit one of Florence’s many museums. Of course The Birth of Venus at the Uffizi and the David at the Galleria dell’Academia are the two top attractions to see. But if you’re looking for a slightly less crowded museum experience or have extra time, I suggest visiting the San Lorenzo church and Medici Chapels or Museum of Opera of Saint Maria of Fiore. Both are special museums that illustrate the rich history of Florence. Of course during high season they will be crowded too but nowhere near the crowds at the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Academia.

Photo Diary: Rome, Italy

Published on March 19, 2019January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

To Rome, with Love

Over the weekend I had the chance to visit Rome again after almost two years. Rome, Italy will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the city that opened my eyes to the beauty of travel. To me, Rome is where is all began. When I first arrived in Rome, I was excited to experience Europe and dive into a new culture. It was the first time I was away from home and out of the country by myself. Rome gave me the opportunity to grow and understand myself in a deeper sense.

Walking the streets of my old neighborhood and walking by the ancient monuments all over the city gave me such nostalgia. My experience in Rome taught me so much and truly helped shaped me into the person I am today.

Rome is an incredible city and although it may seem overwhelming, seeing the highlights of the city can be done in one day! From Florence it’s a quick hour and a half train ride. I left Florence around 6am and had the entire day to go back to some old places to reminisce as well as experience Rome in a new way. Some of my favorite spots are the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trastevere neighborhood.

A Day in Milan, Italy

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

Over the weekend, I took a short train ride from Florence to Milan. I’ve been to Milan a few times, but since moving to Italy, I’ve wanted to visit again. From Florence, the train to Milan takes about an hour and a half so a quick day trip is possible. Milan is a diverse city that is home to many museums and galleries, which is why it is known as the design and fashion capital of the world. Although Milan may seem like a typical urban industrial place inside the center and the streets surrounding, there is a sweet and inspiring city waiting to be explored.

Milan Eats & Treats:

Coffee: Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Lunch: Obicà Mozzarella Bar

Treats: Marchesi 1824

Dinner: Piz Pizzeria

Milan Things to Do:

Climb to the top of the Milan Cathedral. This was the number one thing I wanted to do in Milan. The rooftop of the stunning Cathedral is an incredible experience. There are so many great angles to view Milan from above and the architecture up close is breathtaking and picture worthy as well.
Walk inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This shopping mall definitely belongs in the fashion capital of the world. Majority of the shops are luxury brands, but it’s still fun to window shop and spend time in the interior. This is another stunning piece of architecture in Milan.
Walk outside the city center. Milan is a huge city, which I tend to forget every time I visit. There are several areas surrounding the center that make for an enjoyable walk.
Enjoy Milan from a rooftop. There are many rooftop restaurants and bars surrounding the Cathedral. I enjoyed lunch at Obicà which was on a rooftop right next to the Cathedral.

Milan Tips:

If you take the train into Milan, I would suggest taking the metro into the city center. There are clearly marked signs on what metro to take (M3 takes you straight to the Duomo) and it’s only three stops away from the central train station. Otherwise, it is about a forty minute walk.
If interested in viewing “The Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci, be sure to book tickets in advance. It is impossible to book tickets the day of at the ticket office.
Also book tickets in advance for the Cathedral rooftop. During high season, this books up fast and this is a must while in Milan.
If interested in viewing the inside of the Cathedral be sure to wear proper clothing in order to be respectful–covered knees and shoulders.