How to Spend 1 Day in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando

October 23, 2023

If you’ve always wanted to spend a day immersed in Diagon Alley, Hogwarts, and Hogsmeade from the magical world of Harry Potter, you can! Universal Studios in both LA and Orlando have parts of their parks dedicated to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and while we’ve been to the LA park several times, we recently spent my birthday weekend in Orlando exploring their extended version of the Harry Potter part of the park. If you’re headed to Orlando, here’s how to spend 1 day in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.

Stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Not only is this resort conveniently located for exploring Universal Studios in Orlando, but you also get early access to the parks and express passes for the rides just by staying here. The hotel also has a free water taxi that runs all day and night to take you back and forth to the parks.

And while the price point on the hotel can seem high, when you factor in these extra perks, it actually makes a huge difference and we enjoyed our stay there.

Book your trip here!

Start in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios

While many people head straight for Hagrid’s ride in the Islands of Adventure side of the parks for early admission (this ride doesn’t take Express passes), we opted to start on the Universal Studios side in Diagon Alley and it was worth it. We arrived right before they opened the gates at 8am and headed straight to the back of the park where you enter Diagon Alley. It was quiet and calm and we had the whole place to ourselves for a little while before the crowds and we got some great photos before it had people blocking every view. We also got right on the Gringotts ride before it got crazy later.

Ride the Hogwarts Express to Islands of Adventure

This truly is the easiest way to get between parks. Jump on the Hogwarts Express in Universal Studios and exit in Hosgmeade in the other park. When you get off the train you’ll be able to explore Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, where the rest of the Harry Potter themed rides are.

Enjoy the treats in the Wizarding World

Don’t leave the parks without enjoying some treats like breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron or a Butterbeer while you wander around!

Take a break in the afternoon

The parks got really crowded mid-day, plus as the weather got warmer and more humid, we opted to go back to our hotel in the afternoon and take a break. Another reason to stay at the Loews Royal Pacific Hotel is that it was a quick 5 minute water taxi ride back to the hotel and easy on and off.

Go back to the Park as the sun is setting

Universal Studios closed early the day we went for Halloween Horror nights, but Islands of Adventure was open until 9pm so we opted to grab dinner at the hotel and then head back to the park to see everything lit up at night. We arrived back in the Hogsmeade area around 6pm just as the sun was starting to set and wandered around and rode a few more rides as everything got dark and the spaces lit up against the night sky.

What to Wear in New York City in the Summer

August 20, 2023

More What to Wear posts for more destinations here!

I love our trips to NYC and after several trips to the city during different times of the year, I can say that Summer is definitely the easiest to pack for and that is because you can pretty much plan on it just being hot and humid. We have had some beautiful weather during the Summer in New York, but for the most part, it’s hot and sticky so you’ll want to plan accordingly for that when packing and planning what to wear in New York City in the Summer.

What to Pack:

Dresses that can be a whole outfit – I love to just throw on a dress and not have to worry about any other parts of the outfit. Bring some casual dresses for day and then more dressed up ones for dinners.
Comfortable shoes – I live in my low top converse in places like NYC because you’re walking all over and you’ll want to be as comfortable as you can.
Fabrics that breathe and don’t show sweat – I live in linen and cotton during the Summer because in places like NYC, you need something that will breathe. I also love patterns or darker colors that you can’t tell you’re sweating because in New York in the Summer, you will be!

What I Wore:

Outfit Details:

Boden Linen Tee (similar) | Sezane Jean Wrap Skirt (similar) |

Converse Low Tops | Cross Body black Kate Spade Purse

Outfit Details:

LK Bennet Shirt Dress (similar) | Red Lipstick

Outfit Details:

Boden Midi Dress (similar) | Converse Low Tops | Sunglasses | Cross Body black Kate Spade Purse

Headed to New York?

Here are all my posts on the city.

…and my favorite spots to stay!

My Favorite Places to Eat in New York City

August 17, 2023

I love New York. There is something so electric and alive in NYC that you just don’t find anywhere else in the world and one of the things that New York does best is food. And in my opinion, food is a huge part of travel and I don’t skimp on that part of my explorations. Food for me is always such an amazing way to enjoy a place and New York has an incredible mix of low and high end options – all equally amazing. Here are my favorite places to eat in New York City and the places that I keep going back to again and again!

Fabrique

This Swedish bakery only has a few locations around the world and NYC happens to be one of them so rest assured, every trip to New York, this makes the list. It’s the perfect spot for a slow Saturday breakfast spot. Grab a Swedish cinnamon bun and an oat milk latte and sit in their tiny bakery space and just enjoy.

Mercado Little Spain

This Spanish spot right off the Highline is an amazing casual spot that you won’t need a reservation for. You can eat in the market area or in the Spanish Diner with a sit down restaurant – both are amazing and will transport you to Spain!

Katz’s Deli

This famous deli in NYC usually had a line – it’s worth it (and that comes from me who rarely waits in lines). Their pastrami is out of this world. For the two of us though it’s a lot of food, so after several trips to Katz’s, we’ve come up with the perfect order: half pastrami sandwich, bowl of matzo ball soup, and an order of latkes. And then share everything!

Balthazar

This popular French spot in SoHo is popular for a reason! The vibe, the food, the location… basically it’s great. I personally like their brunch menu better but you can’t really go wrong – just make sure you have a reservation.

Pastis

An old time favorite in NYC, Pastis just transports you to France. Go for breakfast on a weekday and there will be no one there. Their French omelette is pretty incredible but you can’t really go wrong with anything on their menu.

Laduree

My favorite macarons from France, Laduree has a couple NYC locations now I think. We usually stop at their Upper East Side spot and enjoy a treat.

Eleven Madison Park

If you have the cash to splurge, the experience at Michelin-starred and world-renowned Eleven Madison Park, it really is worth it. We’ve eaten their twice now – once in the regular dining room with the full experience and most recently in the lounge with the lounge menu – and both times were absolutely incredible. The restaurant experience is pretty amazing but I think I liked the lounge a little better. It was more casual and easy but still with incredible service and insanely amazing food.

Ernesto’s

This was a new spot we tried on a recent trip to NYC and it will definitely become a new favorite! This Lower Manhattan spot for Basque-inspired food was delightful and we did not have a bite of anything that we didn’t love the whole evening. We sat at the Chef’s Counter and it was such a fun experience watching them prepare everything.

Shake Shack in Madison Square Park

Shake Shack is everywhere now, but their original Madison Square Park location is still one that I feel like is cool to experience. Sit outside and eat your burger with the city all around you – it’s a vibe.

Hotdog in Central Park

And I really couldn’t end this list without the quintessential New York food – eating a hotdog in Central Park from a street cart. I don’t even love hot dogs, but in New York, somehow they just taste better.

Headed to New York?

Here are all my posts on the city.

…and my favorite spots to stay!

How to Spend 1 Day in Geneva

August 14, 2023

Outfit Details:

Mango Dress (similar) | Converse Low Tops | Anthropologie Hat (similar) |

Cambridge Satchel Company Purse (similar)

We visited Geneva (and Switzerland) for the first time on our recent summer trip and fell in love! People have been telling me to get to Switzerland for years and it’s really the only country in Western Europe we hadn’t visited yet and I can definitely see why everyone loves it. Geneva is one of those places that’s just easy. It felt calm and peaceful for a big city, yet beautiful and complex. The people, the food, the architecture – honestly we loved everything and can’t wait to get back to explore more. And while we only had a short time to explore the city this time, you can still see a lot in a short time here. So if you only have a limited time, here’s how to spend 1 day in Geneva!

Wander the Old Town

Outfit Details:

Mango Dress (similar) | Converse Low Tops | Anthropologie Hat (similar) |

Cambridge Satchel Company Purse (similar)

Geneva’s Old Town sits up on a hill overlooking the city and while it’s a climb to get up there, it’s worth it. Spend an hour wandering this area and see St. Peter’s Cathedral and the other old buildings up here. There are also lots of cute shops and cafes in this area of the city.

Shop!

Geneva has ample shopping and from high end to high street, you can find everything here. I left Nick at a Starbucks for a couple hours and shopped a bit. You’ll find whatever you want in Geneva!

Walk along the Lake

Part of the beauty of Geneva is it’s location on the water and it’s definitely worth some time to wander up and down the shores of the lake and to see the different vantage points along the water. And the large fountain that’s famous in Geneva can also be seen from all over the city.

Eat al fresco in an Open Square and People Watch

If you’re in Geneva in the Summer like we were, spend your evening at an outdoor cafe in one of the city’s open squares and enjoy a nice dinner, some wine, and just people watch! We liked Cafe du Centre but there are lots of options.

And if you’re looking where to stay in Geneva, here are my recommendations!

Headed to Switzerland?

Here are all my posts on the country!

An Itinerary for a 5 Day Roadtrip through France and Switzerland

August 10, 2023

France and Switzerland are two of the most beautiful countries in the world so it’s easy to see why so many people want to explore this part of Europe. There are so many places in France and Switzerland that are just easier to get to in a car, so a road trip is the best way to explore! We recently did this trip itinerary and it worked out really well, so to help you with your next trip, here is an itinerary for a 5 day road trip through France and Switzerland. I show where we stopped, where we stayed, and what we saw each day so you can plan your own trip similar to the route we did.

Day 1 – Start in Paris + Drive South to Figeac

I would always recommend spending a few days in Paris prior to this itinerary and enjoying one of my favorite cities! After you’ve enjoyed Paris (all the tips on Paris here), rent a car and head South. We drove the longest the first day to get as far South as we could and stayed in Figeac, mainly because of the hotel there that we chose (Mercure Figeac Viguier du Roy). We chose this location as it was perfectly suited for our next day’s adventures and allowed us a beautiful hotel for the night in the area.

Day 2 – Explore South Western France (Saint Antonin Noble Val + Toulouse) + On to Provence

One of the places high on our list for this road trip was the beautiful little town of Sant Antonin Noble Val, about an hour away from Figeac. Supposedly the town they filmed The Hundred Foot Journey in, the town really is spectacular and well worth an hour or so to explore. We started our day there and explored before the heat, but beware, not a lot is open early in these little French towns.

Next, head to Toulouse and stop for lunch. We had a beautiful lunch here and explored the city a bit. Parking can be a bit of an issue, so plan accordingly for that!

After lunch, head on to Provence! This area of France is one of my favorites and while this might be a long driving day, it’s worth it to get to the Provence region and explore the next day.

Where to Stay in Provence

Day 3 – Explore Provence (Avignon, Gordes, Sault, L’Isle Sur La Sorgue)

We’ve been to Provence many times and there is so much to see and do! Use this day to best explore the areas that appeal most to you but here are some of my best recommendations for Provence:

My Best Tips for Provence

Day 4 – Drive to Geneva

After exploring Provence, head to Geneva, right over the French border. But on the way, don’t miss a stop in Annecy, a gorgeous little French town that you won’t regret stopping in for a couple of hours for lunch! After Annecy, Geneva is only about an hour drive into the city.

Arriving in early afternoon, park your car and explore Geneva on foot in the afternoon and evening!

We loved the Hotel Bristol in Geneva and would highly recommend it!

Day 5 – Drive Back to Paris

Stay for breakfast in Geneva and explore a bit more, then head to your car and get on the road back to Paris. I find it easier to rent cars from the airport in Paris and then take the train back into the city!

If you need help for where to stay in Paris, here are all my favorites!

Headed to France?

See all my posts on France here!

The Most Beautiful Towns and Cities in Southern France

August 8, 2023

France is one of my favorite countries and from big cities to small towns, you can’t go wrong with France! Though as much as I love Paris, the French countryside has some pretty spectacular small towns and smaller cities to explore too. As we’ve traveled all over Southern France, from the Western regions to Provence to the border of Switzerland, here are the most beautiful towns and cities that we’ve encountered in Southern France.

Figeac

This little town about 6 hours South of Paris has some incredible architectural features on display. We chose this town to stay because of a hotel here that fit our itinerary (Mercure Figeac Viguier du Roy) and we loved the hotel! I will say the town had weird hours and not much to do, but it was a beautiful area and the hotel was gorgeous!

Toulouse

While not a small town by any means, Toulouse was a lovely surprise as we stopped there for lunch on our way from Western France to Provence. This red-roofed city had a relaxed and more casual vibe than Northern France and the food and architecture were incredible.

Sant Antonin Noble Val

Supposedly the town they filmed some of “The Hundred Food Journey” in, we stopped through this town for a few hours while driving in the area. It really was beautiful and worth a visit, though like many other small French towns, the hours are strange so check what will be open.

Sault

One of my favorite spots in the Provence region of France, Sault is a gorgeous hilltop town with views of lavender fields for as far as the eye can see. Go during the day though as this town dies down pretty early in the evening.

Gordes

One of the quintessential towns in Provence, it’s not hard to see why people flock to Gordes. It’s in central Provence, is perched on a hillside and is gorgeous from afar and up close.

Nice

You can’t experience Southern France without enjoying the French Riviera and the gorgeous colors of the city of Nice! This seaside city is gorgeous and big enough to spend several days exploring.

Annecy

On the border of Switzerland, Annecy is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen, period. The old town, the location, the scenery, Annecy is definitely a spot to stop and explore.

Lyon

We ended up in Lyon after some things went wrong on a trip to Provence once and it was such a happy surprise! We loved the city and it has a feel completely unique from other French cities.

L’Isle sur la Sorgue

This gorgeous little town in Provence is worth a visit to wander the antique markets and taste the amazing local food. It’s perched on a little river and it really is beautiful!

Headed to France?

See all my posts on France here!

What to Wear in London, France, and Switzerland in the Summer

July 19, 2023

More What to Wear posts for more destinations here!

Summer in Europe is beautiful and there are so many amazing places to see but it can often be hard to pack for multiple destinations and varying weather in different places. For this specific trip, we headed to London for a few days, then traveled all around France both in cities and small towns, and then spent a couple days in Geneva, Switzerland. Most of the days it was fairly hot however there were also a few days where it was cooler and even rained a few times so when packing, I tried to have different outfits for different weather. We also did all of this in carry-on for 10 days plus I left room in my bag to shop in Europe which I did end up bringing home several items. Here is what to wear in London, France, and Switzerland in the Summer and how to create several outfits for your trip!

And if you need advice for visiting different places around the destinations where we went – here is everything you’ll need to know:

What to Pack:

Dresses and skirts are my go-to’s for Summer in Europe. I like this better than shorts as Europeans dress up more than Americans and I like to look like I fit in a little more with the locals.
Light weight fabrics like linen are great for the Summer heat.
Bring a sweater that can serve as something warmer if the weather is cooler in a location – I wore my large sweater on the plane with leggings so it didn’t take up space in my luggage.
I love a denim jacket for Europe in the Summer and this year I brought my white denim jacket which was great because it matched everything.
A hat is great in place like Provence where it gets really hot. I love this hat clip for your luggage that I used on this trip!
For shoes, I brought only 2 pairs: my Converse and my sandals – between the 2 of them I was fine the whole trip.
I always pack a reusable bag to have with me that I can take when we go to markets and things during the day.

What I Wore:

Outfit Details:

Navy Leggings | Converse Low Tops | Madewell Sweater (similar) |

Cambridge Satchel Company Purse (similar) | Tumi Luggage (similar)

Outfit Details:

Wide Leg Jeans (similar) | Converse Low Tops | Boden Linen Tee (similar) | Boden White Jean Jacket (similar) |

Cambridge Satchel Company Purse (similar) | Sunglasses

Outfit Details:

Boden White Jean Jacket (similar) | Boden Dress (similar) | Sandals | Cambridge Satchel Company Purse (similar)

Outfit Details:

Boden White Jean Jacket (similar) | Converse Low Tops | Boden Pattern Skirt | White Tee (similar)

Outfit Details:

Mango Dress (similar) | Converse Low Tops | Anthropologie Hat (similar) |

Cambridge Satchel Company Purse (similar)

Heading to these destinations?

Here are all our posts on France, London, and Geneva!

My Best Tips for a Trip to Provence

July 18, 2023

Provence, in Southern France, is one of the most beautiful spots in France. Known for its amazing small villages and purple lavender that blooms for miles on end in July, it’s no wonder people flock to this gorgeous part of Europe. And after several trips to the area, I’ve racked up my fair share of successes and failures when traveling to Provence so today, here are my best tips for a trip to Provence and everything to help you have an amazing trip there!

You’ll Need a Car

There really is no way to get around Provence on your own without a car so you’ll need to rent one. Driving is fairly easy in Provence (my tips for that here!) but you’ll definitely need to be able to get from village to village and without many trains that run in the area, a car is your only option. And if you’re American and used to driving an Automatic, make sure you reserve that when you rent the car!

Provence is a Large Land Area and Pretty Spread Out

The Provence region is a pretty large area of Southern France and the towns and areas you’ll want to see are pretty spread out. Plan on driving time between locations and whatever Apple or Google Maps says, add some time to that. Some of the small country roads get backed up and it might end up taking longer than it says. Most of the Provence towns are 20-30 minutes away from each other and then others you’ll need to go longer distances. So plan that into your itinerary.

Pick a Hotel that’s Not In a Town

I’ve stayed in several places now throughout Provence from apartments to hotels, some in towns and some more in the country. As far as apartments, while there are some good options, be wary about AC. We had a nightmare situation a few years ago when it was a massive heatwave and the temps were over 100 and our apartment we rented that said it had AC, didn’t. So be wary of that. As far as hotels, I would recommend picking a hotel that’s not in a town and for one reason, parking. The small towns are notoriously hard to drive in and with tiny roads and tiny parking areas, it’s often easier at your hotel to pick something that either has valet parking or that is more out in the country and will offer an easier parking situation.

My favorite that we’ve stayed at was La Mas Des Herbes Blaches, but here are all the places I would recommend in the area as well.

Be Ready for Heat

Provence can get really hot in the Summer time so if you plan on visiting in July or August, be ready for high temps with not much being air conditioned.

Do Research on Which Towns and Areas You Want to See

With such a large land area, it’s best to figure out what towns and places you want to see in the area before your trip, that way you know where you’re going each day. There are so many beautiful places, you’ll want to narrow it down but here are some of my favorites:

Sault

L’Isle sur la Sorgue

Gordes

Venasque

Headed to Provence?

Here are all my posts on the area.

The Places and Things that I Love the Most in Paris

July 15, 2023

I have a long standing love affair with Paris and it’s no secret that it’s one of my favorite places on the planet. And while we’ve been to the City of Light more times than I can count now, each time returning just feels like coming home – a feeling I’ve only had in a few places in the world. At this point with each return trip to Paris, we have some favorite things that we do no matter how much time we have in the city so today I’m letting you in on the places the things that I love most in Paris and how to add them to your trip! I promise if you do the things on this list, your trip to Paris will come alive!

And if you need info on where to stay while in Paris, here are all the spots I’d recommend!

Dinner and Wine at Café St. Regis

We have been going to the Café St. Regis on the Île St. Louis near Notre Dame for over a decade and it’s still our favorite. Grab a table, order rosé wine and the chicken paillard and you won’t regret it. Their onion soup and tomato salad is great too!

Stop to Take in the Views on the Seine

As you wander through Paris, there are ample opportunities to just stop and take in the views over the Seine River. I love to stop on the city’s many bridges and just take it in. Paris is such a picturesque city and no matter the vantage point, you’re sure to have some great views as you wander near the river. Just stop for a moment and take it in.

Relax in one of Paris’ Many Parks

I am partial to the Tuileries and the Jardin du Luxembourg but Paris has a ton of parks scattered through the city. Grab a snack and a seat and just watch the world go by.

Have Drinks in a Paris Cafe

Café culture in Paris is on another level, even for Europe, so embrace it. Everyone heads to the cafés in the evening so do as the locals do. Order a drink and a small table and embrace the Parisian lifestyle. You can never go wrong with a glass of French wine but if you want to get a little fancy, try a Kir Royale!

Drink Orangina

I grew up drinking Orangina in the Middle East so it’s always a treat when in Paris to get to order this whenever I can. It’s hard to get in the States and this French drink is available throughout France pretty much everywhere, so order it and enjoy!

Wander Le Marais or St. Germain

Paris is best when you can just wander without a real itinerary in mind. The streets are meant to let you get lost and you’ll find such unexpected surprises as you wander. My two favorite neighborhood to wander at Le Marais and St. Germain – either one will lead you on the most amazing journey.

Eat Macarons Watching the Eiffel Tower Light Up at Night

Insider tip – the Eiffel Tower is best viewed from a vantage point that most tourists don’t know about! While most tourists will stay up on the site itself, or view the tower from the connecting bridge or the Trocadero, the best place is actually down on the banks of the Seine opposite the tower where the boats are. Grab some macarons and take a seat on the river banks and watch the Eiffel Tower light up against the night sky!

Headed to Paris?

Here are all my posts on the city.

How to Spend 1 Day in London like a Local

July 14, 2023

I’ve been through London countless times but each time I reminded what an incredible city it is! If you’re going to London for the first time, this probably isn’t the 1 day itinerary for you but if you’ve already done the touristy things, here is how to spend 1 day in London like a local and what to do and see and most importantly, where to eat!

(If this is your first trip to London – here are all my other tips and tricks for the city!)

To start, where to stay in London? I’ve tried a lot of hotels in the city over the years but my newest go-to is The Hoxton Holborn. The design is gorgeous and the location even better to explore like a local!

Start your day with a Swedish cinnamon bun at my favorite bakery, Fabrique. And lucky for you, there is one down the block from The Hoxton Holborn. Grab an oat milk latte and a cinnamon bun and enjoy the treat to start your day.

After breakfast, head out for some shopping. There are a lot of places in London that have amazing shopping, but some of my favorites are the King’s Road high street, as well as Sloane Square and Oxford and Regent Streets. And finally, what might seem odd but is actually a great spot to shop, is the St. Pancras Rail Station. All of my favorites have stores there like Jigsaw, Reiss, LK Bennett and more. Plus you can pick up Fortnum and Mason tea there alongside Laduree macarons!

Since you started early and are probably hungry after all that shopping, grab brunch or lunch at Granger & Co., a local London favorite. Their eggs are divine, and that’s coming from me, who doesn’t love eggs all that much! It’s worth the wait, trust me.

After lunch, jump on the Tube and head over to Borough Market. We love strolling through this famous spot on a lazy afternoon. From there, you can wander the South Bank of the Thames through London, taking in the monuments and the gorgeous views. Once you have wandered long enough, jump on the Tube and head back to the hotel.

Once it’s time for dinner, take a stroll through Covent Garden from The Hoxton Holborn and check out the Covent Garden Market. Then heading towards Dishoom for dinner, you’ll enjoy a beautiful London stroll.

For dinner, Dishoom is the place to be. This Indian restaurant is gorgeous and the food incredible. Whatever the wait is, it goes fast so put your name down and then enjoy an incredible meal. Pro tip – get the rice pudding for dessert – it was out of this world!

Then after dinner if the weather is nice, head toward Tralfager Square and take in some of London’s landmarks. Wander back to Holborn and take in all that London is and has to offer. Truly such a remarkable city, it’s best to just wander in London and enjoy it!

Headed to London?

See more of our content on London here!

Stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Start in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios

Ride the Hogwarts Express to Islands of Adventure

Enjoy the treats in the Wizarding World

Take a break in the afternoon

Go back to the Park as the sun is setting

What to Pack:

What I Wore:

Outfit Details:

Outfit Details:

Outfit Details:

Outfit Details:

Outfit Details:

Figeac

Toulouse

Sant Antonin Noble Val

Sault

Gordes

Nice

Annecy

Lyon

L’Isle sur la Sorgue

What to Pack:

What I Wore:

Outfit Details:

Outfit Details:

Outfit Details:

Outfit Details:

Outfit Details:

You’ll Need a Car

Provence is a Large Land Area and Pretty Spread Out

Pick a Hotel that’s Not In a Town

Be Ready for Heat

Do Research on Which Towns and Areas You Want to See

Dinner and Wine at Café St. Regis

Stop to Take in the Views on the Seine

Relax in one of Paris’ Many Parks

Have Drinks in a Paris Cafe

Drink Orangina

Wander Le Marais or St. Germain

Eat Macarons Watching the Eiffel Tower Light Up at Night

Headed to London?

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