Travel
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SzΓ©chenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest
One of the first things you will see when you google Budapest is “City of Baths!” Budapest is located on top of more than 120 hot springs! These springs were used by the Romans during the Roman Empire. Then, when Hungary was occupied by Turkey during the 16th and 17th centuries the springs were converted to bathhouses. Most of the thermal baths in Budapest now are more modernized, but some have the original Turkish domes. This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. If youβre planning a trip, check out myΒ hotel recommendations for some great places to stay in Budapest. Budapest has…
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Budapest Highlights: What to See in Hungaryβs Capital
Before arriving in Budapest, I didn’t know very much about it! I had my list of things to do and see in Budapest, but knew little to nothing of the history of the city. Between the fascinating history, affordable prices, spas, and nightlife, this city quickly won me over. I spent nearly 5 full days in Budapest and was still upset to leave! This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. If youβre planning a trip, check out myΒ hotel recommendations for some great places to stay in Budapest. I try to go on walking tours when exploring a new city. After peeking…
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24 Hours in Brussels: A Perfect Day in Belgium’s Capital
Brussels is the capital of Belgium, and home to the infamous Mannequin Pis.Β When my mother visited in December, we dedicated two days to visiting both the capital of Belgium and the nearby charming city of Bruges.Β Although Brussels is quite large for just a one-day visit, it’s manageable to see the highlights during that timeframe. Brussels by Day We started the day in Brussels by checking out the Eglise Saint NicolasΒ and the little shops around Grand Place. Β During December, there were several Christmas markets around. Β As we walked around the center city we peeked at the various huts of food, crafts, and tchotchkes. Β Grand Place is absolutely stunning, both…
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Only Lyon: France’s Best Kept Secret
What I love most about France is that each region of the country is so different from the next. There are so many different cultures and traditions within this country alone! Lyon is the third largest city in France, behind Paris and Marseille. Situated in the middle of the RhΓ΄ne-Alpes region, this city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It used to be an important site for silk production. Lyon sits right where the RhΓ΄ne and SaΓ΄ne rivers meet. Plan your visit and check out my hotel recommendations! The FΓͺte des LumiΓ¨resΒ takes place in Lyon every winter. Another interesting tidbit involving the term LumiΓ¨re – Lyon was home of the…
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Travel Tips: Planning a Cheap Trip in Europe like a Pro
The best part of being in Europe is taking advantage of how close and accessible all the different countries are! Β Getting to Europe and back from the States may be a long and pricey flight, but once in Europe it’s super easy to frolic around for cheap! Β During my semester studying in France, I became familiar with some of the resources for cheap travel. Β Now that I am working in France for 8 months, I am taking advantage of all these resources ! Β Here’s how I typically plan out a trip. 1. Pick a destination Sometimes I choose my destination based on an event or time constraint. Β How long of…
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A Day in Luxembourg City
In my New Year’s post, I mentioned briefly that I visited a new country in December! I visited Luxembourg City. Luxembourg is the small country at the intersection of France, Belgium, and Germany’s borders. The country is only 2,586 sq km! I was curious about the size ranking so I looked it up and apparently Luxembourg is only the 28th smallest country! I thought it would be higher on the list. Anywho, I went to Luxembourg City, the capital of Luxembourg, with my momma in tow. This was one of the stops we made on our little Christmas week voyage. I partially chose the city just to break up one…
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Lyon’s FΓͺte des LumiΓ¨res: A Celebration of Lights
Every year, Lyon hosts the amazingΒ FΓͺte des LumiΓ¨res (Festival of Lights). It takes place over a three day period on a long weekend. About a month ago, I headed south to Lyon with a friend to explore the city by day and the lights by night! The FΓͺte des LumiΓ¨res website provides an idea of the different installations there will be ahead of time. I didn’t have time to check out the website beforehand, but luckily all the hotels and hostels in Lyon are prepared with tons of pamphlets for the festival. Check out my recommended hotel picks for Lyon if planning a visit! There was also an app for…
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Iconic Amsterdam: Canals, Coffee Shops & Culture
Amsterdam is one of the most iconic port cities in Europe! Β Famous for its beautiful canals, red light district, and coffee shops, this city was at the top of my bucket list.Β I visited Amsterdam while studying abroad in 2013, and I was happy to revisit the city in 2016! Walking Tour During my first visit to Amsterdam, I went on my first ever Free Walking Tour. After enjoying it so much, I began seeking similar tours in other destinations. It sounds like it’d be redundant, but I decided to start off my second stay in Amsterdam with another walking tour! I used the same company, but obviously I had…
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Rotterdam, Netherlands: Highlights of the History and Modern Architecture
Rotterdam is a major port city in the Netherlands.Β I knew close to nothing about this city prior to visiting during my Vacances de Toussaint in 2016.Β I enjoyed the city so much, I revisited just three months later!Β I decided to visit Rotterdam because it was right in between Antwerp and Amsterdam!Β As it turns out, this city is extremely young with impressive modern architecture! Rotterdam was bombed during World War II and nearly the entire city was destroyed. Β There is an incredibly moving statue beside the Maritime Museum, by Ossip Zadkine, named “The Destroyed City.” Β He said that when he arrived to Rotterdam after the war and saw…
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Discover Ghent: Belgium’s Most Underrated Medieval City
For my first vacation of my teaching term, Vacances de Toussaint, I booked a ten-day trip through Belgium and the Netherlands. My first stop – Ghent (or, in French, Gand)! While in Dublin the weekend before this, a fellow traveler I crossed paths with told me that this was his favorite city in Belgium and highly recommended that I check it out. According to Google, most travelers spend about a day or two in this city. I didn’t intend on staying more than two days, but the only open hostel that weekend had a three night minimum (benefits of booking a trip 24 hours in advance). So three days it…
