Search Results for: small town

8 Places That Take You Back in Time

December 8, 2014

There are certain places in the world that just seem to exist in their own time, places that seem to defy the notion that it’s 2014. The places out there that you wander through their narrow streets or drive through ancient villages and you wonder if you went back in time. Those places are often the charming spots in the world, places to escape the current age and enjoy some time away from the modernity of our everyday lives. And often, these places will leave you wanting more and more…

Amsterdam seems to exist in its own era, with more bikes than cars, old brick buildings standing crooked along cobblestone streets and lamp-posts that look like they could be straight out of Harry Potter. The charm of the waterways and old buildings in this Dutch city will leave you wanting more and with a feeling like you’ve been to another time and place.

This charming Belgian city situated on waterways and filled to the brim with old world character is a place that will make you feel like you’ve time traveled. Wander the back streets here and indulge in old-world Belgian chocolate, or grab a fresh waffle from the street markets that feel like they are from 100 years ago and you’ll wonder why you need to return to the modern world.

Perhaps the most picturesque towns in all of Europe are those situated in Ireland. My favorites are the small towns you drive through in Northern Ireland, white washed stone houses, tiny main roads through town, one pub for everyone to gather at, these towns surrounded by the lush greenery of the countryside make you feel like it’s still 1950.

Nothing makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time like exploring ancient ruins. Siem Reap and the Angkor Wat complexes in Cambodia fit that bill and as you wander around the temple grounds, exploring ruins that one day were alive with activity, it makes you feel somehow transported to another place and time. It’s always incredible to me that you can wander these ruins today that once upon a time, people hundreds and thousands of years ago wandered just the same.

The little town of St. Andrews on the Scottish coast is one of those towns that you feel like just shouldn’t have cell phones or cars. You should huddle by a warm fire and enjoy some Sticky Toffee Pudding as the fire crackles and the wind howls outside. The town just oozes charm and with its tiny roads and stone buildings, it seems to exist on its own timeline.

With multiple palaces, colored stone houses and an incredible landscape, Udaipur is one of those places in the world that you feel like you’re living in India’s own little world with maharajas and monkeys and sparkling jewels. It’s the India of movies, with an incredible backdrop of landscape, lakes all over the place and insanely ornate palaces, Udaipur will transport you into its own little world.

While Italy in general takes you back in time, Verona is one of those rare spots in the country that makes you truly believe it. With many pedestrian only roads, cobblestones everywhere, buildings that you wonder how they’re still standing and open squares at every turn, Verona is straight out of medieval times.

The Palace at Versailles just outside of Paris is one of those places that just blows my mind every time I visit, wandering the same halls at the kings of France, of Marie Antoinette, as all those people that came before us, it’s a crazy thought. No where takes you back in time in France quite like Versailles.

5 Things NOT To Do While Traveling

October 7, 2014

When I travel I often note all of the things tourists do abroad that stick out, things that the locals look at and get annoyed with and things that are sometimes all too easy to fall in the habit of doing. But it’s really important to remember when traveling abroad that there are certain things you really just shouldn’t do, for your own sake and the sake of the locals. So here are some of the things NOT to do while traveling around the world!

Don’t believe stereotypes.
Perhaps one of the most important things you learn as you start to travel often is that stereotypes are often misguided. Not all the French are rude, not all Asian cities are dirty, and the list goes on of all the things we’ve heard over the years. Stereotypes don’t often help when traveling, instead they usually will make you realize quickly that you really can’t generalize huge groups of people. Make up your own mind on a country or a group of people and don’t rely on or believe the stereotypes you hear before you travel.

Don’t compare it to your native country.
One of the things I come across most with tourists abroad is that they are constantly comparing their new experiences in a foreign country to their native home. There is no point in comparing Paris to small town America or the food in Seoul with your Korean BBQ place back home, they just aren’t the same, nor should they be. Be open to experiencing new things and don’t compare it to what you think it should be or like it is back home.

Don’t expect everyone to speak English.
I’ll admit when I first started traveling internationally again as an adult with my regular trips to Seoul and South Korea for work, I fully expected to be able to get along in English during my travels. I’m not sure why I thought that, I just sort of did and quickly became very aware that there is still much of the world that doesn’t speak English, especially in the older generations. It’s important to be prepared and know a few words in the local language to help you get around and experience the local ways of life.

Don’t see only the tourist spots.
One of the things that so many people miss out on when they travel is that they never see the local spots, instead only staying on the well worn tourist path. So much of embracing travel is to explore like a local, to see the place the way the locals see it, to experience the back roads of Rome, the side street cafés of Paris or the local Korean BBQ spot down the alley. Get off the beaten path a bit and explore!

Don’t block the sidewalk or thoroughfare.
There is nothing more annoying than when those people walking down the middle of a sidewalk suddenly just stop to look at their map or figure out where they are! Don’t ever block the sidewalks or thoroughfares, move to the side and let everyone pass you. This also goes for things like escalators or public transit, don’t block the flow of people, locals especially. It’s more than annoying and makes you stand out a lot more than if you move to the side and figure out your way, then move back into the flow of traffic.

Seoul Favorites from a Frequent Visitor

September 24, 2014

Seoul has always been a city I enjoy and a place that has so much to offer. I loved getting to revisit so many of the places and areas in Seoul I enjoy on this recent trip and it reminded me of all my favorite things to do and see while in the Korean city. Seoul is huge and sprawls a large distance, but it’s surprisingly interconnected and while each area has its own unique feeling, it also has a very true sense of where you are. So today, here are some of my favorite things to do and see in Seoul!

Seoul has an incredibly interesting cityscape, with modern high rises covered in glass right next to run down old markets and housing buildings. The juxtaposition of old and new, modern and outdated, colorful and neutral adds a fascinating edge to the city of Seoul. For such a huge metropolis, the city also has spots that feel like a small town, like wandering through the stalls of markets on Dongdaemun which is only a few minutes away from the large crowded modern avenues of Meyong-Dong. Seoul seamlessly blends old and new in a very unique way and it’s so interesting to stroll the streets and see where the two come together.

Like many Asian cities, Seoul does not disappoint with the bright colors throughout the city. Nowhere in Seoul will you find only neutral color schemes, from signage to street markings to rooftops, Seoul is filled to the brim with color. The artistic quality of the Korean alphabet also adds to the playful, artistic feel of the city and the colors that burst from its seams.

Korea in general is one of those places I look forward to visiting for the food, often above many other reasons! From Korean BBQ to Bibimbap to ramen, Seoul (and Korea in general) has it all. I indulged in all of the previously mentioned food options during my trip and am still craving them now that I’m home! And in Seoul, it’s often the off road places, in the back of an alley that have the best food, so make sure to go off the beaten path!

Korea has a gorgeous landscape and from North to South, the country is filled with rolling mountains, deep valleys and jagged cliffs. One of the things I love most about Seoul is that regardless of its sprawl, the city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and even from the distance, you can see a ridge in the distance from almost any point in the city. It makes you remember that the metropolis only goes so far and beyond that, the landscape of the country takes over.

Seoul has some of the best shopping in the world, everything from high street to local shops to high end couture. One of my favorite spots to wander the streets and do some shopping is in Myeong-Dong. You’ll find everything here from Zara to Louis Vuitton, plus a plethora of restaurants (even some Western ones like Jamba Juice and California Pizza Kitchen). It’s a great area to just wander and spend an afternoon shopping!

Traveling to South Korea?

See all of my posts on the country!

Where to Go on Your Next Adventure

April 9, 2014

One of the nice things about traveling a lot is that you see so many different types of places: beaches, the tropics, cities and small towns, rainy places and sunny places and you realize very quickly how different each part of the world really is. I know very well how hard it is to pick a place to escape to on your next adventure and with a never-ending list of possibilities, often it’s helpful to narrow down location to what you’re specifically looking for.

I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite places I’ve visited around the world to help you narrow down some possible spots for your next adventure. Whether you are looking for an exotic location filled with souks and color or a small ocean-side escape, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for in the following list!

I’ve written about how much I loved Bangkok and if you’re looking for a warm location but would prefer city over beach, this Thai city is the perfect spot, full of temples and culture, roadside markets and delicious street food.

Beautiful little Bushmills in Northern Ireland is exactly how you expect a small Irish town to look. Even though it’s world-famous for whiskey, you’d never know it from wandering the streets of this tiny and quintessential Irish town.

For a small city, Dublin seems to have it all. The vibrancy of the city, the almost electric and inspiring vibe of the streets, the colorful buildings and the many many bridges over the River Liffey make Dublin a fantastic place to escape to.

Hawaii is full of beaches and each Island is unique, but the thing that makes Honolulu so popular is that you get both city and beach. Whether you want to spend the afternoon shopping or laying on the beach, you get both of those things here.

London is one of those places that you’ll never be able to just visit once, for one thing, it’s a huge city and there is no way to see it all in one quick trip. For another, it’s one of those places that there is something around every corner to take in. There is always something more to discover in this beautiful and historic city.

Sometimes the mystique of the Middle Eastern culture just calls to me, the Souks, the incredible food, the ornate architecture and prayer call sounding from the gorgeous mosques all around. If you’re looking for a touch of the exotic, Marrakech is the place to be. Stay in a Riad while there and you’ll get a full dose of what the city is all about.

If I had a lot of extra cash, I’d buy a house on the edges of the Atlantic Ocean in Newport, Rhode Island and use it as a vacation home. That’s how much we fell in love with this ocean-side town when we visited last year. The iconic views, the ocean air, the rocky cliffs and open expanses of ocean, this spot is perfect for a quiet ocean-side retreat.

For a taste of the Mediterranean, you can visit lots of countries in Europe that border the Sea, but none quite measure up to France, for me at least. For an ocean-side escape in the French Riviera, that comes with macarons, croissants and French wine? I’m sold just on that alone, but Nice also boasts terrific shopping, insanely gorgeous views and close proximity to many other small French Riviera towns.

When you’re looking for a city escape, no where else is quite like New York City. The bustling metropolis is the place to go for incredible food, cityscape views and some of the best shopping in the world. Spend an afternoon in Central Park, take in the views of the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn and you’ll fall in love with this city with each minute that passes.

Paris is one of those cities that’s hard to explain to people that haven’t been there. It’s not just the romantic architecture or the incredible treats all around, Paris is one of those cities that just has a “feeling.” It has an air to it that just seems far beyond the rest, like once you’ve been to Paris, you’ve really been somewhere. For ornate culture, a clean and gorgeous city and you’re own dose of croissants and macarons (because there really is nothing like strolling the banks of the Seine with a treat in hand), Paris has it all.

Someday I’d love to rent an apartment in this quaint Scottish city, wandering around the city and living a simple life. For now though, a visit to this quaint and romantic Scottish city will be sure to have you wanting more. Not only are there gorgeous beaches, ocean side cliff views and romantic city streets full of colorful stone buildings, St. Andrews also has a rich history and is the home of Golf. What more could you want?

I’ve never felt such peace as I did staying at the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, India. Waking up to look out over Lake Pichola, the mountains rising out of the mist in the distance and greenery all around us. Udaipur is one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve ever seen and I know we’ll be back again to take in the quiet and serene peace you can find here. It’s also out of the way of the hustle of India’s biggest cities and offers a lovely city center with palaces and culture, without the mass crowds. For a relaxing time in India, this is where to go.

The Best of Geneva

July 7, 2024

I fell in love with Geneva on my first trip and immediately upon return booked a return trip back a year later, so if you’re headed there, you’ll love it! Geneva is a beautiful vibrant city, with a calm sophistication and while Switzerland is definitely on the more expensive end of trips to Europe, this city is definitely worth a visit! So for all my tips and advice for traveling in Switzerland, here is the best of Geneva and how to have an amazing trip there.

Arrival into Geneva

You can arrive into Geneva by train, by car, or by plane – each with its perks and draw backs and we’ve done all three. By train is pretty easy as you’ll arrive right into the city center and it’s a quick walk to get to the main part of Geneva. We stayed in the Dorciere neighborhood right on Lake Geneva and it was a quick 5 minute walk to the Hotel Bristol from the central Gare Cornavin. By car, you can drive fairly easily into Geneva and we did it with a rental car on our first trip to Geneva. The roads are wide and easy to navigate – the hardest part of driving into Geneva is the parking situation so be sure you know where you’re headed and what the parking will be when you arrive. By plane, the airport is a very fast 7 minute train into the city, so once you land, follow the signs to the train, buy a ticket and head into the city – from there you can follow the same advice as above since you’ll be arriving into the city center by train.

Walk the City

I’ve previously shared all the see and do if you just have 1 day in Geneva but if you’re looking to spend more time there, you’ll want to wander the city on foot to see it best. From the Old Town to the Rue Basses, there are beautiful neighborhoods throughout the city. As the city mainly is centered around the Lake, you can’t really ever get lost so find an area each day to wander and you can see all of the city on foot.

Boden Jacket (similar) | Lululemon Cargos (similar) | Converse Platforms | Zara Crossbody Purse (similar) | Sunglasses

Where to Eat

Food is always the best part of travel in my opinion and Geneva has a wealth of amazing places. For where to eat, here are some of my favorites:

White Rabbit Brunch & Co. – This spot is amazing for breakfast and honestly if we had had more days in town in the morning, we would have gone again. It has gluten and dairy free options and everything was delicious!

Molino Ristorante and Pizzeria – For Italian, this is one of my favorites in Geneva. Conveniently located in the main square near the shopping area, grab a table outside here in nice weather, enjoy a glass of wine and some pasta or pizza and you won’t be disappointed.

Globus Food Hall – This is a great food hall in the Globus Shopping Center and it has a ton of options to choose from!

Cafe de Centre – This bistro style spot in the main square near the shopping center has lots of outdoor seating in the warm months and delicious food and wine. It’s also open on Sundays when many of the other restaurants are not!

Where to Stay

We’ve stayed at the Hotel Bristol twice now and both stays were excellent. The location can’t be beat and the staff are lovely, plus the rooms are large by European standards!

Tips for Geneva

This tip goes for Switzerland in general, but expect everything to be expensive. We found the smaller items like bottles of water and souvenirs to be the most expensive, while meals were slightly more than we are used to. Your time in Switzerland will cost more than neighboring countries like Italy and France so just be prepared!

Headed to Switzerland?

See more of our posts on the country here!

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8 Places That Take You Back in Time

5 Things NOT To Do While Traveling

Seoul Favorites from a Frequent Visitor

Where to Go on Your Next Adventure