Europe

5 European Cities That Were a Bit of a Let Down

5 European Cities That Were a Bit of a Let Down

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5 European Cities That Were a Bit of a Let Down

During my travels, there have been cities that were a let down. I’ve sometimes found that what I thought a place was going to be like and what it was actually like are two totally different things. Usually, being in a new place, discovering the unknown, wandering streets, and experiencing new architecture and culture leads to a great experience. Traveling around, you’re seeing these new places through rose-colored glasses.

Well, most of time.

Other times, I take a trip somewhere and leave underwhelmed and unimpressed. There could be a lot of factors for why I end up thinking “this place just didn’t cut it”. It could’ve been because of the weather. It could’ve been who I was with. It could’ve been because I was comparing it to the amazing place I had visited right before. It could’ve been that I didn’t have enough time there. Or, it could’ve been that I hyped it up so much in my head that it was destined to not live up to my expectations.

Throughout my travels throughout Europe over the years, there are only a few places I visited that I’m not in any rush to go back to. The majority of places that I’ve visited have been absolutely amazing. But, there are a handful of places that were just OK. Here are 5 of those European cities that were a let down for me.

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Paddle Boating on Lake Lucerne

Paddle Boating on Lake Lucerne

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Paddle Boating on Lake Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland. I wasn’t here for very long, and yet it has such a special place in my heart. It was absolutely stunning, and where some of my favorite travel memories took place.

One of those memories was when my best friend and I rented paddle boats and went out on the beautiful Lake Lucerne. We had an afternoon to kill, because the rest of our friends had gone to Mount Pilatus.

Don’t get me wrong, I WISH I could’ve gone up to Mount Pilatus. I’ve read about it, and have heard first-hand accounts from my friends about the AMAZING views from up there. Do I regret not going because I was running low on funds? Kind of. But what started out as a way to pass the time ended up being a highlight of my trip.

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Iceland

My Iceland Video Diary – September 2016

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I’ve been reminiscing on Iceland SO much lately. The glaciers, the volcanic landscape…it’s only been a few months since I’ve been but I’m already DYING to go back! It’s such a unique place with the most unbelievable natural beauty. There’s not really any other place like it. So even though I recently posted my photo diary from the trip, I decided that I also needed to post an Iceland video diary too!

When my friend Ciara and I went last September, we saw glaciers, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains. We got to snorkel in the Silfra Frissure, go glacier hiking on Solheimajokull Glacier, and take a dip in the Blue Lagoon. Such diverse landscapes and such varied activities, all in one trip!

The weather was moody and it was EXPENSIVE, but those unique landscapes and terrains really made it all worth it. It was just so different than anywhere I had ever been!

Usually, a take a few videos when I’m traveling but I don’t really think much of it. And I certainly don’t do anything with the footage other than a few Instagram video posts. But I decided to try my had at a little bit of video editing. I love editing photos so why not try videos, too?!

So here is my short, shaky Iceland video diary with footage from my trip in September 2016.

Any video editors out there that can give me any tips, please do!
Let me know what you think of my Iceland video diary in the comments below!

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Iceland In Photos

Iceland, In Photos

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Iceland In Photos

So, I’m basically obsessed with Iceland. So I just had to share a little photo diary of Iceland, because it’s seriously stunning.

I came back from my trip over a month ago with 2,000+ photos of Iceland – including the cool city of Reykjavik, mountains, glaciers, caves, fissures, and about 43,039 different waterfalls.

The diverse landscape was the most stunning and naturally beautiful one I’ve ever seen. I mean….REALLY cool stuff happens there – hot water shoots up from the earth, tectonic plates shift and create a huge (and beautiful) fissure, glacial ice melts into a lagoon you can swim in, just to name a few. All this within the backdrop of moody Autumn skies, and my picture-taking-loving heart was in heaven.

I can’t wait to share in detail about my adventures there, as well as share a few tips of places you MUST be sure to check out on your visit there AND ways to travel Iceland on a budget.

But until then, feast your eyes on my favorite pictures from the trip. Iceland is GORGEOUS, you guys. So here it is: Iceland, in photos.

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The Ring of Kerry

Ireland Road Trips: The Ring of Kerry

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The Ring of Kerry

I know, I know. To say I’ve been AWOL from this blog is a total understatement. NEVER have I gone this long without posting! That just goes to show how insanely busy my summer has been, and how much I have to share! Since getting my visa situation sorted in April, it’s been non-stop! From road trips and rural hikes around Ireland to markets and music festivals, this summer has been a whirlwind of fun and great weather and I’ve only been able to squeeze in a few posts. But the chilly weather is creeping up, which means fall is approaching and the long summer days will be coming to an end soon. SO. Back to business then, shall we?

One of my favorite summer activities was actually one that could be done at any time of the year. A road trip! One of the best road trips in Ireland, actually. THE RING OF KERRY to be specific. Ever heard of it? If you’ve been to Ireland or done any research on things to do, you probably have. Along with The Giant’s Causeway and The Dingle Peninsula, The Ring of Kerry is one of the best and most well-known scenic routes in Ireland –  a 179km circular route through the Iveragh Penninsula in County Kerry. And after visiting it, I can say with certainty that has to be one of the most beautiful roads in the world.

Sure, I may be a bit biased with my love for Ireland. It’s a beautiful place with amazing scenery and stunning natural landscape, but there are many other countries that this can be said about as well. But one of the things I think makes Ireland unique is it’s charming people. And during my Ring of Kerry experience, the Irish charm once again made the experience truly memorable.

…OH, but so did the fact that in one day we drove past mountains, beaches, loughs (lakes), medieval ruins, and overall STUNNING views!

You should rent a car (and get over your fear of driving on the opposite side of the road – it’s not that bad!), pull over at as many photo-op spots as your heart desires, drive off the beaten path when you can, breathe in the fresh air, make pit stops at any chocolate factory you find, and enjoy the ride…

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Temple Bar

The True Temple Bar

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Temple Bar

Ah, Temple Bar.

Tourists know it as “the” place to go out and have a wild night. Locals know it as the area over-saturated with tourists and overpriced drinks. Everyone knows it as the messy headquarters of drunkenness come nightfall.

But, Temple Bar is actually much more than what both locals and tourists give it credit for. Locals tend to stay away most of the time because of the bad rep the tourists have given it. And tourists mainly go at night and dirty up the streets with trash and bodily fluids during their drunken escapades. But, it’s so much more than what it becomes come nightfall.

Since no trip to Dublin is complete without a look into Temple Bar, 99.9% of all tourists in Dublin WILL end up in there, and WILL want to see what the hype is about and why all the guidebooks always say to visit. Some may find that it’s overcrowded, overhyped, and overpriced. And it is. But there’s a also a certain magic to Temple Bar. You just have to know when and where to look for it.

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Game of Thrones tour - day trip from Dublin

The Game of Thrones Tour from Dublin

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Game of Thrones tour

I felt it was topical, being that the season finale of Game of Thrones aired here yesterday (I’m STILL in shock), to talk about the recent Game of Thrones tour I did departing from Dublin! Whether you’re a fan of the show or not, it’s a great option for a day trip from Dublin filled with scenic stops at castles, forests, and coastal viewpoints.

There are TONS, and I mean TONS, of options for day tours from Dublin. Whether you want a quick tour of the local area or a 10-hour day tour going across the country, there’s something for everybody.

And there’s even something for Game of Thrones fans, like this great Game of Thrones day trip leaving from and returning to central Dublin, bringing you on a long journey of different Game of Thrones sites in Northern Ireland.

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5 Walks for a Sunny Day in Dublin

5 Walks for a Sunny Day in Dublin

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5 Walks for a Sunny Day in Dublin

Recently, we’ve been #blessed with fantastic, sunny weather in Dublin. Although Ireland isn’t known for having a warm, pleasant climate (because let’s be honest, IT DOESN’T), that doesn’t mean that it’s raining and miserable all of the time…only most of the time.

But really, although the cold and rain are not ideal and definitely gets old after a while, what I love about Dublin is how alive the city becomes on a beautiful, warm day. Especially on the weekends. Nothing is more miserable than being stuck inside at work on a gorgeous day, only for it to be raining all weekend. So if it’s a sunny Saturday or Sunday, you’re guaranteed to see the city buzzing. People flood to the parks, the canals, the zoo, and of course the pubs with outside seating (it is Ireland, after all).

But you’ll also find that people will make the most of the sun by enjoying one of Dublin’s many walking routes. There are some amazing landscapes just outside of Dublin’s city limits that provide great views on sunny days. But, there are also some amazing views to be seen right in the heart of the city itself!

From a light hike on a rugged coastal landscape, to a sunset walk along the canal, to a light morning stroll admiring 4-story Georgian houses….Dublin has amazing walks and walking paths to choose from. The walks vary in difficulty, length, type of views, etc. But one thing they have in common is that they are all PERFECT for a sunny, pleasant day!

Here are 5 walks for a sunny day in Dublin!

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Top 5 Things to do in Lisbon

Top 5 Things to do in Lisbon (if you’ve never been)

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Top 5 Things to do in Lisbon

I haven’t thrown together one of these “Top 5” lists in a while, but I’ve got Portugal so much on the brain lately so I figured now’s the time to share what you should do in Lisbon, ESPECIALLY if you’ve never been!

Lisbon was one of my favorite stops on my last Europe trip. After a month traveling through Europe, Lisbon was our last stop. And I was frickin’ exhausted by the time we arrived. But, when I got to Lisbon I was immediately revitalized by the city’s vibrant culture and bright, sunny landscape.

After visiting Lisbon, I’ve come to realize that Portugal may just be one of Europe’s most underrated countries. It’s pretty cheap, there’s so much to do, and it’s obviously beautiful. Lisbon specifically is such a feast for the senses.

Although I wasn’t in Lisbon for long, I managed to do some amazing things! So if you’re ever in Lisbon and have absolutely no idea where to begin, or if you only have a short time there and want to make the most of it, here are my recommendations of the Top 5 things to do in Lisbon, Portugal!

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1916 Easter Rising Centenary

Dublin and the 1916 Easter Rising Centenary

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1916 Easter Rising Centenary

Right after the craziness of St. Patrick’s Day, Dublin went right into full-on 1916 mode – something that had been building up all year.

Easter Sunday 2016 marked the 100 year anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. In 1916, Irish republicans wanted to end British rule in Ireland and establish an independent Irish Republic, so they strategically planned the Rising while England was really distracted by being involved in WWI. Although it didn’t “work” in the sense that it wasn’t successful in completely throwing off English rule, it was the most significant uprising in Ireland since the rebellion of 1798 and kicked off the struggle for Irish independence.

So there’s a short history lesson, and a little glimpse just as to why the 1916 Easter Rising centenary was such a huge deal not only around Dublin, but around the whole of Ireland!

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