The Cliffs of Moher: Ireland's Most Spectacular Natural Site
January 22, 2020It was the big day of my Irish trip! I was about to visit one of the island’s most popular natural sites: the Cliffs of Moher. These dramatic cliffs are located about an hour and a half outside of Galway, where I was staying. My hostel linked me up with a local tour company, Wild…
Galway: West Ireland's Vibrant Medieval Hub
January 12, 2020It was about halfway through my trip in Ireland. I had already spent some time exploring Dublin, visited some famous landmarks in the city, and even side tripped to Kilkenny and the Wicklow Mountains. The time had finally come for me to visit what is arguably the most beautiful region in the Republic of Ireland:…
South Ireland: Medieval Towns and Lush Countryside
December 23, 2019Ireland is a beautiful and mystical country. Although I began my visit in Dublin, I knew that I needed to get out of the city to experience the lush and green environment of the Emerald Isle. Fortunately, my friend Fee and I found a tour that brought us to some amazing sites just south of…
Experiencing Dublin's Cultural Highlights
December 14, 2019Dublin is home to many important sites that relate to Ireland’s rich culture and strong national pride. Throughout the city, visitors can find exquisite architectural landmarks, grand promenades, and an array of pubs, breweries, and distilleries. During my visit, I got the chance to explore a prestigious university, admire a famous church, taste Guinness and…
Dublin: Distinctly Irish and Rich in History
December 1, 2019Having grown up in the Boston area, I was always surrounded by a large Irish population. From the high number of popular Irish pubs to the lively celebrations on St. Patrick’s Day, I could tell that these people were proud of their heritage. Whenever I’d ask my friends about their European travel bucket list, Ireland…
Iceland’s Dramatic South Coast
November 19, 2019Throughout my Icelandic adventure, I stayed in Reykjavík, exploring the city and its surrounding areas. However, I discovered some of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers along its south coast. These wonders are located further away from Iceland’s capital city but are well worth the long day to explore. After my amazing…
Beyond Reykjavík: From Hot Springs to Northern Lights
November 15, 2019Throughout my travels in Iceland, I enjoyed exploring Reykjavík’s colorful architecture and experiencing its Nordic culture. However, the real beauty of Iceland is in the countryside just beyond the city. The island’s landscape is like no other I have ever seen, primarily due to its location at the boundary of the North American and European…
Reykjavík: A City Inspired by Iceland’s Natural Wonders
October 12, 2019Iceland is one of the most stunning and otherworldly places on Earth. From its pure glacial waterfalls, geothermal springs, and rocky mountain landscapes, exploring this island country felt like walking on another planet. The capital of this Nordic country is Reykjavík: the northernmost capital city of any nation in the world. While most people simply…
Sintra: A Real-Life Fairytale
September 21, 2019Europe is filled with fairytale castles, from the ruined stone fortresses in Scotland to the painted palaces in Bavaria. However, none of these places are as colorful and whimsical as Sintra, Portugal. This town is located about an hour away from Lisbon by train, making it the perfect escape from the busy Portuguese capital. On…
An Afternoon in Belém
September 20, 2019Lisbon is a sprawling city with many neighborhoods and significant sites. Although the historic center is compact and walkable, there are plenty of sites located outside this area. After thoroughly exploring the Baixa and Alfama districts, I set out to visit some of Lisbon’s attractions located beyond the city center, particularly in Belém. This neighborhood…