Summer Adventures 2022

After three years, I finally made it back to Europe! This trip was two weeks and started in Croatia, led to Paris, and ended in the Champagne region of France! It was absolutely incredible to get back to Europe and experience new cultures.

We also left the day Roe was overturned, so it was honestly a really emotional time and I was happy (and privileged) to leave the country. The state of America also came up quite a bit while we were abroad and I tried my best to answer questions thoughtfully as well as listen to the concerns of others about the United States. What does this have to do with travel tips? EVERYTHING. Travel is a privilege. Experiencing other cultures, meeting people who live life so differently than I do is WHY I do this. The more you can travel and experience other cultures, the more empathy and compassion you have for others. I am beyond lucky to get to do this. It matters to me to come back better for it (and to be a good human while I’m there). You are a GUEST, act like it.

Let’s talk some brief general travel tips!

Planning

I’m a planner for work and by nature. If I’m spending the money and time to fly across the world, I’m doing it right. We usually start planning about 6 months in advance. This allows us a better chance at finding reasonable flights, places to stay and get reservations at the restaurants we want to go to. Especially in a post Covid world (LOL, post covid…right!) where gas is expensive, everyone is traveling and others are planning up to a year in advance, having your shit together matters. Sure, you can wing it, but I know the things I want to see and do and I’m not willing to miss them, so I don’t take that chance.

Flights

• Fly the airlines you have status with if you can. It might be a tad more expensive, but it’s worth it in the long run

• Skyscanner is a great resource if you’re flexible and able to do some research

• The Points Guy gives awesome tips/tricks/reviews for flying abroad

• If you only have enough money to upgrade one way, upgrade your flight home. That’s when you’re more likely to be exhausted and ready to get home in comfort.

• If you can’t afford to upgrade from economy at all, find the rows that don’t have anyone in front of you and snag the aisle seat (this is why you book in advance, get the best seats!)

• Fly in the morning if you can, morning flights are less likely to be canceled and usually on time. Before 10AM is morning

Accommodations

• I don’t stay in Air Bnb’s in the US, they’re usually where all the issues you’re seeing in the news occur

• Air BnB’s abroad are fine but I look for folks with 4.8 stars or more and are super hosts or I don’t consider it. Read the reviews!

• I'‘m a Marriott rewards member who saves their points. We were able to stay 3 nights free at a stunning resort in Dubrovnik (ocean view balcony room!) because of that. Use. Your. Points.

• Stay places that provide you walk able access to the city you’re staying in.

Restaurants

• Now that restaurants are open again, they book fast! Make reservations for every dinner. We even made some breakfast reservations and I’m glad we did

• Do your research. Ask friends, check TripAdvisor, browse the blogger sites. The best restaurants book fast. And I’m not just talking the high end ones.

• Be specific in your reservation. Ask for a table outdoors, with a view and then tip well when you get it

Activities

• I love tours. I love boat tours, tours to National Parks, wine tours, all the things! Book them early and be strategic. Leave time between tour days for wandering the city or lounging on the beach

• TripAdvisor has awesome tours with reviews and you know you’re booking with a reliable company

• Read the reviews! Make sure they talk about locals running these tours so you’re getting really awesome info and the best experience possible

• Bring cash to tip. I cannot emphasize this enough. Do not be the jerk who doesn’t tip!

Summer 2022 Trip Details

Croatia

Some basics:

• Croatia is SO inexpensive. It will be on the Euro soon though so that won’t last long!

• Dubrovnik was by far my favorite city. It felt more idyllic, clean and historic! Split felt really dirty, crowded, and touristy

Dubrovnik

Where we Stayed: Sheraton Dubrovnik (used points, we had a Twin sea view)

• This property was 15 minutes by car from town, so it wasn’t walk able but it was less touristy, stunning and we were able to walk around some smaller villages that were clearly local. It was absolutely perfect to be able to easily access other areas of the city quickly and then retreat back to our quiet resort after

• Splurge for the sea view, it’s stunning

• The spa is WAY less expensive than in the US. I paid $90 for an hour and a half massage and it was easily the best massage of my life

Where we ate: Restaurant Marinero, Panorama Restaurant, Orsan at the Yacht Club, Konoba Bocana

• Everywhere we ate was incredible. Not a bad meal.

• Panorama has the best views ever, take the cable car and go for brunch EARLY. Get the first reservation you can and go enjoy coffee and a meal for hours

What we did: Pool day, spa day, Old Town exploring day! We tried to rent a small boat for the day by the hotel but didn’t reserve in advance so we lost out!

Split

Where we Stayed: This Air BnB. Highly recommend! It was walking distance to everything but wasn’t IN old town where it’s loud. HUGE size and the host was wonderful.

• Don’t stay in the city center, it’s more expensive and super loud/chaotic

• Everything is walk-able from where we stayed

• If you’re there in later summer, ensure your place has AC or it’s unbearable!

Where we ate: Dvor (Michelin Star), Portofino, Bajamonti, Ma Toni, Kat’s Kitchen, Ciri Biri Bella (also a hostel if that’s your vibe!)

• The best and cutest breakfast place was Ciri Biri Bella (we ate there twice!)

• Dvor was amazing, great views, amazing staff but they were out of quite a few menu items when we went, so the experience wasn’t as good as it could have been

• Portofino is the cutest little spot in between two buildings and was SUCH a romantic little setting

What we did: Plitvice Lake Tour, Speedboat Tour, Gooster Beach Club

• Full transparency, if we didn’t have such fun excursions planned, we would have left Split early. It was not an interesting city for us at all

• Plitvices has been on my bucket lit forever so I was beyond happy we did this. it is a LONG day so if it’s not on your bucket list and you don’t like walking or nature, it’s not for you!

• The boat tour was hands down the most fun we had the entire trip. The guides we had were incredibly fun and knowledgeable and the islands were stunning. Bring water shoes, the beaches are all SO painfully rocky

• Gooster is outside of town at Le Meridian and is not a party spot at all. It’s more for relaxing, lounging and getting sun. It was exactly what we wanted and super inexpensive to reserve beds with towels ($40 for the day)

France

Some Basics:

• France is notoriously expensive

• Paris is busy and restaurants require reservations because they’re so small!

Paris

This wasn’t my first time in Paris and we were there for such a short time, we did a TON of walking! We also met up with friends for drinks. Paris in July is beyond crowded. It didn’t interfere with the experience for us, but if you’re crowd adverse, it’s not a good time for you to go!

Where we stayed: This Air Bnb. I cannot recommend it enough. The location is PRIME in the middle of restaurants and shops and easy access to the rest of the city. It is also hidden so it’s quiet inside. The actual apartment is HUGE by Paris standards and extremely comfortable. No AC but the place stayed beyond comfortable and cool and the shower was enormous (which we know is rare in Paris!).

Note: It’s located on a street with sex shops so if you’re conservative, IDK, that might bother you. Please keep in mind, sex in Paris is not taboo or like how we treat it in the US. It was an awesome location and the hosts were AMAZING.

Where we ate: Pink Mamma, Seine Dinner Cruise, HollyBelly

• Pink Mamma is a big “Instagram” spot. It’s the spot to go for cute photos and the line was out the door the entire time we were there. The food was DIVINE (drinks too!) but the service was atrocious. Truly nothing special and I don’t recommend it. There’s plenty of other places to have a better experience in Paris

• HollyBelly is so cute and has the most delicious food! I would definitely go again

What we did: Seine Dinner Cruise, Walked 18 miles around the city!

• The Seine dinner cruise might sound touristy, but locals actually recommend it too. It’s a great way to hit the hot spots from a different viewpoint. There was also a live singer, great food, and decent wine! Highly recommend it!

• When I say we walked the whole city, I mean it! We got in 18 miles because it was our only real day in the city. It was fun to explore shops and see the sights, but definitely prefer to have time to explore more leisurely.

• I recommend going to Luxembourg Gardens with some bread and wine and a book and people watching if you have half a day to do so

The Champagne Region

This was my second time doing a French wine region and did not disappoint. We stayed in Reim (pronounced Ranse), which is the largest city in the region. It has all of the gorgeous French architecture but is small, clean and very idyllic. It’s super easy to navigate and easy to access if you chose to just take the high speed train from Paris for the day.

Where we stayed: This perfect Air BnB. This location was perfection. Literally across from the train station and just a short walk to downtown. Between the train station and this building is also a gorgeous park we hung out in during the day. The host was the sweetest and most accommodating woman and the actual apartment was so cute!

Where we ate: Le Jardin (Michelin Star)

• We stayed here only two nights and tbh, the other two places we ate were just ok so I haven’t listed them

• Le Jardin was pure magic. Easily one of my favorite places we are on the trip. Divine food, gorgeous garden setting. Walk around the French Estate that’s also a hotel before dinner!

What we did: This wine tour

• This was SO much fun! Our guide was a born and bred local who knew his stuff and made the day FUN.

• You definitely get large tastings but also you learn a lot about how to select good champagne and a lot about the history of the region. Truly a really cool experience.

• Choose a tour that shows you local smaller champagne houses as well as a big one. I loved the smaller houses a lot more!

Final Thoughts

We really crushed this trip from a planning perspective. Having reservations, planning out activities as well as down time was truly the best way to go. I really enjoyed that we were able to see and do everything we wanted without feeling rushed or exhausted. There’s nothing that I wish I had seen that we missed. And although I said I didn’t like Split, I’m really glad we went because the excursions we went on were a must do!

Next up? Wait and see…I’ve got some things in the works!

Solo Adventures

I’ve always wanted to travel abroad alone and never actually done it. It was always significantly cheaper and easier to travel with someone else, so that’s what I’ve done.

But now - in a short week - I’m heading off on a beach retreat all by myself. And I’m beyond excited for the adventure.

Traveling alone as a woman is tricky. It’s being extra mindful of safety and doing the research to make sure wherever we go, we are super aware. I can’t just show up in a country with no advance planning.

I’ve always been someone who plans ahead and is very good at finding my own way. I think because I traveled a lot on my own for work I got really used to having to figure out everything. When we travel abroad, I’m the one you can count on to know where to go, what areas to avoid, where to eat, where to closest embassy is — I am always prepared.

So traveling abroad is really just another normal trip for me. Nevertheless, I am excited to take this next step. It builds my confidence to know that I can do hard things. That I can find my own way.

Ultimately it makes me a better me and makes my life more fulfilling.

The more you do things on your own, the more you truly grow and become your best you. My best advice to women in 2021 is to be your own lifeline. Have strong connections to the people that make you happy, but build skills so at the end of the day — you truly know you are connected to people because you want to be, not because you need to be. It makes you a better friend, partner, employee — it makes you better in every single aspect of life.

It’s ok to rely on others. It’s ok to ask for help. It’s ok to pay someone to do the jobs you don’t want to do. But at the end of the day, be confident that you don’t have to do those things, you’re choosing to.

Self reliance is the best thing I ever did for myself. It’s molded me into one confident and badass woman. And every step I can take to grow that feeling, you bet I’ll be doing it.

Bon Voyage Sequins!

A Lady of European Leisure, Part Deux

Well, against my better judgment, I have arrived back in America after two weeks abroad. I was able to completely log off work and enjoy two weeks exploring Spain, France, and Portugal. This piece is for all the women tagging adventure on their Instagram pages and linking hands with their boyfriends to get that golden social media photo opp. JK, this one is not for you. When I travel, I don’t even pack makeup, let alone that super cute floppy hat and white billowing boho chic dress.

This blog is for the true traveler. It’s for the folks looking to immerse themselves in culture and eat their weight in tapas while guzzling Port wine at 9AM on a Tuesday.

Let’s get down to business.

Barcelona

Where to stay: Gothic Quarter, it’s historic, inexpensive and easy to walk everywhere.

Where to eat & drink: Elsa Y Fred (Brunch), Viana (Dinner), Brunch & Cake (Brunch)

Where to explore: Obviously La Sagrada Familia (book a morning tour online when its less crowded), Walk to the other Gaudi designed buildings as well (we didn’t do tours), Park Guell (Make reservations for a morning tour online), Beach (grab some wine and snacks and go do the walk from the marina along the beach)

Key takeaway: I loved the historical buildings and truly unique architecture of Gaudi. The rest of my group didn’t love the city because it was crowded and it can feel a bit dirty (lots of graffiti) but I really enjoyed both the people and wandering the Gothic Quarter.

Bordeaux

Where to stay: City center. It’s very walk-able and easy to navigate.

Where to eat & drink: Kuro Espresso Bar (Breakfast/Coffee), Lou Lou (Dinner)

Where to explore: Wine tasting! Pay the $50 at the tourism office to take a bus out to the Chateau’s and see wine country. The wine pours are terrible but the history and sights are well worth the cost. Go to the mirror fountain outside of the palace for the best IG photos, the public garden for traditional Parisian walks (bring wine and a baguette and people watch!), and walk the bridges!

Key takeaway: Sleepy French town that I adored. It’s less of a hustle than Paris but all of the French charm. It’s also significantly cheaper than other French cities and deeply rooted in French history!

Lisbon

Where to stay: Alfama Disctrict (Historical city center). It was super loud because of festival season, but it was also where all the action was. Easy to walk all over town and very close to train stations.

Where to eat & drink: I didn’t love the food I ate here except Time Out Market. We ate at the restaurant upstairs and it was divine!

Where to explore: Time Out Market, Sintra day trip, walk along the waterfront, Bellem Tower

Key takeaway: This was personally my least favorite city. It felt a bit touristy and crowded. I really enjoyed Sintra, it was stunning, but Lisbon was too much of a big bustling city for me overall.

Horta

Where to stay: We stayed by the bay (literally across the street) and it was perfect. We felt like locals because we were away from the main marina. However, this tiny island feels very quiet overall so you’re really not going to be anywhere that’s bustling. Everything is easily walk-able in Horta but on the rest of the island you can call a cab or rent a car.

Where to eat & drink: Very limited but Genuino Restaurante for dinner (the owner is a two time solo trip around the world sailor), A Padaria for pastries and coffee (Coffee was 40 cents!), Peter Cafe Sport for lunch (order the special of the day whatever it is and try the gin!)

Where to explore: The beach! We were on the beach and because it’s such a small island, we had it entirely to ourselves! Private beach feel, not the prices! Also do a whale watching trip, we saw so many cool animals and being on the water was amazing.

Key takeaway: My family originated here so I thoroughly enjoyed making the trek here from the mainland. It is about 2 and a half hours of flying to get to, but well worth it if you love sleepy towns with a gorgeous island feel. I’d love to go back and explore more of the Azores.

Porto

Where to stay: We stayed up near the University. It was quiet, super comfy in the three story Air BnB we shared and easy to walk all over the city because it was so centrally located.

Where to eat & drink: Make reservations wherever you go! Hotel Dom Henrique (17 Degrees Bar & Restaurant). If you can eat and finish at sunset, you'll maximize views. It overlooks the entire city and even across the river. The service is incredible and you have to dress a little 'nicer' aka a sundress is fine, but the food was incredible and the views are the best in the city. It's more expensive but honestly not crazy, the steak was $30. For brunch, hit up Zenith Brunch, it's more Americanized in what it serves but it's SO cute and the food is divine. It is ALWAYS busy so be prepared to wait a little (15-20 min max). They also have a great HH for delicious strawberry mojitos that we loved. Go to Base (located next to the Harry Potter bookstore on top of a building in a park for casual outdoor drinks. Drinks are expensive because it's a total hot spot outdoor bar for the 20's crowd, but it's so cool for people watching in the sunshine. Another dinner I LOVED was Brasao Aliados for dinner.

Where to explore: Take a river cruise of the six bridges (It’s about an hour), Go on a Douro Valley Wine Tour (this was sincerely my favorite part of the entire two weeks!!), check out Livaria Lello (pay the 20 Euro to skip the line and go before it gets crowded), Cristal Palace Gardens, Shop at Almada 13

Key takeaway: I am obsessed with Porto! It’s such a clean city with plenty to do but also not overwhelming. The food and people were both really awesome and it felt like I was able to explore without becoming overwhelmed by a bustling city.

Combined stats

I’d say Porto was my favorite city. It’s not consumed by tourism yet, really easy to wander around, inexpensive, and I had the opportunity to truly relax. I’m a big fan of getting into cities before they become the next best thing. Prime example, I wanted to go to Iceland but it became such a thing, I’m out for at least another 5 years. Porto is right on the verge of being the next big thing so my advice is to go now! I also really enjoyed the Azores because my family roots are there and it’s so not touristy at all.

As always, I’m coming back humbled, grateful and excited about the world. There’s nothing like exploring a new culture to remind you how small you are in the overall ecosystem. It’s also a great way to remind yourself we are all different and thank the sweet glitter gods for that!

OOO

I am currently on the tail end of a two week vacation in Europe. I’m OOO, truly, madly, deeply, OOO. I’m not checking emails, I’m not answering pings, I am logged off and logged into my best me.

My entire adult life I have worked to this point.

I’d vacationed before but never had the balance nor support of my organization to truly log off. Sure, last year I was transitioning roles so there was literally no work for me to do - but had I not been in that weird limbo, I’d have been expected to be somewhat logged on.

But I’m on day 14 of being totally, completely, blissfully OOO.

I’ve traveled all over three countries, eaten all of the food, had all of the wine, and spent time being fully present in the culture I’ve immersed myself in.

And it has me thinking.

Why wait to disappear to Europe to go OOO?

Truly, if my company is providing a supportive environment - and it is - why shouldn’t I log off more?

So I’m going to.

Upon my return, I’m going to make a conscious effort to log off and go OOO whenever possible. Friday at 5, don’t call, don’t write, I’m turning work off.

Work is all consuming when you let it. The truth is, most of us aren’t saving lives. We have the ability to set a standard and say no, I’m taking this time to be fully present in my life and what that entails right now. Do so.

Stop complaining about it and do it. If your current career path doesn’t allow for that, grind until it does. Find the right fit for you because it does exist.

Work is amazing and I’m really thankful that I feel what I do does impact the world, but at the end of this whole life cycle, I want to be able to remember the moments I was OOO. I want to remember eating, drinking, laughing, smiling with the people who are most important to me.

I was to be so wrapped up in my OOO experience that on my death bed, I can physically sense every amazing experience I’ve been lucky enough to have.

What do you want to remember?

California Dreaming

I am a California girl. Something I really struggled with in Texas was the lack of outdoor living. I thrive when I can be near mountains and beaches and in general live most of my life outside. Texas just isn’t an outdoor state. A lot of the year its too hot to get outdoors and in Dallas, there’s one nature trail and lakes that are ripe with snakes! Being that I traveled most of my two years in Texas, its not something I truly noticed until the end of my time there. I honestly spent the majority of my two years in Dallas, not in Dallas. Never really had to think much about how I felt about living there because I’m not really sure I did for a long time.

I was also really unhappy at my job. Although I had been able to work on some incredible projects, big name clients, and truly grow my skill set, I didn’t feel it was somewhere I could be happy. I was either in a position that lacked good leadership and took over my life or I wasn’t challenged enough or passionate enough about what I was doing. Which is why I sought to leave.

This new role I’m in is not something I sought out. It’s in an area I swore I’d never live in. It’s in a field I have no experience in. On paper, it gets me back to everything I’ve talked about having for the past few years. The outdoor lifestyle. Closer to my family and friends. A company that’s challenging me with work I’m excited about. A team that values me for who I am. Fair pay, insane benefits. The opportunity to have a life that I enjoy.

And yet, I’ve never been more terrified about a next move in my entire life. I spent the first week in my new city overthinking everything. I was anxious every moment of the day. I kept questioning if I made the right decision.

Why when I’m seemingly being handed everything I’ve ever wanted in this moment, I am the most afraid and unhappy?

Most of my life I’ve lived looking for what’s next. I’ve had some part of the package that doesn’t fit and leaves me needing to move on. I think what has scared me the most about this move is that it has the opportunity to be permanent. To be somewhere I can be content. That I don’t have to constantly be looking for where I’ll go next. Where I’m at now can be an investment in building a life where I stay put.

For the past 6+ years, I’ve been on a journey that is easy for me to leave. I’ve made so many friends that are hard to leave, but the actual places I’ve lived and jobs I’ve had, I’ve left without looking back. I’ve always arrived knowing I’d leave sooner rather than later. It was never scary because I knew I didn’t plan to stay.

Arriving here feels more real and serious because this could be where I finally dig in roots and build a future. And that scares me. That’s a future that puts pressure on me to succeed.

I’m sure many can relate to the idea of needing to feel ready to up and leave. That there’s always an out. And sure, there’s an out for me here. I can always leave. I’m not required to be here forever. But there’s a lot more at stake for me. My family is here. My friends are mostly here (or close by). I love this state. I’m invested in this job and the people on my team. I love the brand I work for. If I fail here, it means something. I think it’s a huge test of what I’m made of in business.

If I’m to guess what my therapist would say, she’d probably point to my fear of failure (and thinking I’m not good enough or achieving enough) and my fear of commitment (my need to only rely on myself).

I’m probably afraid that because this is something familiar (and yet unfamiliar in my new role), I’m taking a huge risk and failing here, not achieving enough here, that’s heavy for me. Like there’s no diet capable of removing that kind of weight.

I’m also very much not on my own here. I can’t simply hole up and avoid the world around me. My circle here wouldn’t allow that. Whether I like it or not, I’m not alone. I cant hide because there are too many people here to find me. I can’t create a distance or put up a wall.

Reading all this, thinking through it all, it makes me feel a bit of relief. Its wild to think the familiar is what can scare us the most. But it makes sense. Coming back feels full circle, but it also nags at me as a failure. And it all suffocates me a bit.

I think if I’m honest, the scariest thing I’ve ever done is come back to California. To embark on something both wildly familiar and wildly out of my comfort zone. I’ve moved thousands of miles away and moving home is the scariest experience I’ve ever had.

The point is, the things that should seem to be the easiest, can often be the most difficult. Just because something appears to be a situation you should handle with ease does not mean you will. And that’s ok.

The experiences we expect to be the best days of our lives can cause us the most anxiety, fear, and sadness. And that’s ok.

It’s the every day that often causes our mental health to suffer the most. Because those are the times we don’t check in with ourselves and ask for help. Nobody wants to say “this really awesome thing is happening to me and I want to cry every second of the day.” We don’t feel safe in reaching out because on the surface, nothing terrible is happening, why in the world would we be suffering?

I spent most of the time not telling anyone how much I was hurting. How I woke up sweating, in a panic. How I cried for the first time in 3-68 years. I pretended to thrive on the excitement and be only thinking of how incredible my life was. How lucky I was for this next adventure. An adventure that quite literally was handed to me. Inside, I was crumbling.

I wish I had spoken up and expressed my feelings to someone. That’s what your people are there for. To help you when you don’t know how to help yourself.

I’m in a better place now. I’m excited. I’m looking forward to all the possibilities. I’m confident in what I bring to the table. I have my moments. I’m human - as much as I’ve fought it - I’ve got feelings!

Who thought my boldest adventure yet would be to go home again?

Often times our emotions don’t make sense. There’s all these rules dictating how you should feel in any given situation. And yet, we all know those rules don't always hold. We aren’t alone. Stop holding it in and start talking about it. The more we open up and say what’s going on, the more we find people who are going through something similar. You may even help someone around you who went through the same thing.

At the end of the day, don’t dismiss how you feel. You know yourself better than anyone. You know when you need help and when you’re just going through something. Don’t let it get bad. And don’t shame yourself for needing to speak up. There’s no rules  to surviving, I just ask that you do.

Global Lady of Leisure: A Recap

Well, Europe came and went and I am now back to my peasant life of the 9-5 job in Dallas. Obviously the trip was incredible. As if we had any doubts. Here's my recap for all you global travelers out there:

Remember, my travel style is local. It's not important to me to eat at super fancy restaurants. My goals are to immerse myself in the culture as much as possible! 

Paris

When I first got to Paris, I thought it was super overrated. It's a bit dirty on the outskirts and sort of chaotic. But the more time I spent there, the more I fell in love. We stayed in the heart of Paris, near Notre Dame. And at its core, Paris is far from dirty. It's certainly busy, but in a way that gives you energy. 

Must See: Notre Dame, Luxemborg Gardens (take a bottle of wine and a baguette!), Louvre 

Overrated: Eiffel Tower (go see the park, but honestly waiting in line and going up wasn't impressive), Love Bridge (they're starting to remove all the locks)

Where to Stay: Air BnB. It's the best way to live like a local and explore the city. I'm obsessed with where we stayed and would absolutely stay there again.

Where to Eat: Le Lutece, Le Paradis de Fruit, Le Petit Medicis

Monaco/Monte Carlo

I absolutely loved Monaco/Monte Carlo. My favorite meal of the trip was in this tiny little sunken restaurant in an alley in Monaco. It's a very clean area of Europe and we arrived right after the Grand Prix so we got to see all the cool setup without the crowds.

Must See: Monte Carlo Casino, Palace at Monaco. Walk from Monaco to Monte Carlo and back. It's hilly, but gorgeous and gives you the full views. 

Overrated: Monte Carlo Casino. It's not the same glitz and glam it used to be. Go see it, snap the photo, but other than that, it's not worth your time. Aquarium of Monaco. I'm from California so I've gone to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium many times. Nothing else compares. Wasn't worth the $16.

Where to Stay: We stayed at a Marriott a block outside of Monaco. If you have points, I highly recommend using them here and springing for the ocean view. It was nice to have a normal sized shower and A/C at a hotel. 

Where to Eat: The best pasta I had on the entire trip was at La Taverneta. 

Nice

Surprisingly Nice was my favorite stop of the trip. We stayed here as a last minute sort of pit stop and ended up falling in love with the beach, the food, and the town square. If I could do the trip over again I'd dedicate at least 4 days here.

Must See: The town square area where the farmer's market is and the majority of the local restaurants is stunning. Just go walk around here and if you're staying longer than 2 days, go to the market for the best fresh fruits, veggies, cheese, and fish and cook yourself a local meal.

Overrated: The main strip of restaurants right before old town are so awful and really touristy. Walk on by this area directly to old town. 

Where to Stay: Highly recommend the Air BnB we stayed in. 2 blocks from the private beach we loved and in a super safe building/area. 

Where to Eat: Di Piu (huge portions, really good food), Bistro DiAntoine, Farmer's Market! 

Amalfi Coast

Everything here looks as it does on Pinterest. Seriously. My favorite village was Positano hands down but I also really enjoyed where we stayed in Amalfi itself. They're all sleepy coastal towns with cobblestone roads and breathtaking views. It was also significantly less expensive here than France. 

Must See: Hike to Ravello (extremely difficult, we didn't make the entire 6.5 miles, but the views are incredible and its quiet), Positano, Do a boat trip around the area (best part of the trip)

Overrated: Capri, Salerno

Where to Stay: Air BnB is significantly cheaper than any hotel. The one we stayed at was the perfect location, it was huge by European standards and had one incredible patio. I'd stay in Positano if I were to do it again. 

Where to Eat: Il Tari, Lo Smeraldino, Stella Maris, Restaurant Marina Grande 

Rome

Rome is incredible. As a history nerd, I couldn't get enough of the history of everything around us. You literally see the modern world built on ancient Rome. It's an incredible place to go if you love to learn. Not to mention the food is divine and its the easiest city to navigate. 

Must See: Colosseum, Cesar's Compound, honestly just walk everywhere you can

Overrated: Trevi fountain

Where to Stay: Hotels here are insane expensive, again, do Air BnB. The place we stayed was HUGE and had an incredible private patio. It was also super cheap for what we got. Amenities were decent and service was just OK. The location was great though, I'd stay again purely for the size, patio and location.

Where to Eat: We got lucky and got into this tiny restaurant off an alley that is literally booked for weeks straight. Plan in advance and get reservations to Osteria Barberini. Hands down best service we ever had on the trip and the food is to die for. Very fresh and very local. 

Tips for Overall Travel

My number one tip, research. I'm a planner by nature. I was lucky enough to travel with one of my best friends who had previously planned a similar trip so she knew a lot as well. Basically, you're not going to Vegas. Understand that traveling abroad is an undertaking so educate yourself as much as possible so that when you're there, you have time to enjoy.  

Transportation: Norwegian Air. Buy the regular peasant class and bid for an upgrade. In Europe fly EasyJet. It's cheap, it's easy, and its comfortable. The train is also an awesome way to get around Italy and wasn't too difficult to navigate. Otherwise, walk as much as you possibly can in the cities you stay in. It's the best way to see the sights as a local. 

Lodging: Air BnB is so easy in Europe and the best way to live like a local. You often find really good local tips where to eat and what to do when you ask your hosts. You also get to meet locals this way! 

Finances: Get Euros in advance. Most places take card, but you really would do better to have Euros just in case. It also makes you stand out less! Please do not try to split bills either if eating with others. It’s rude. Also, nobody tips in Europe. If you do for exceptional service, it’s more like 10%. 

Packing: I did everything in a carry on. Highly advise doing this to make it easier to get around. Most places have a washing machine you can use as well for free. I'm not a backpacking girl so some of you may be able to do a big backpack for this trip, but I'm a hard case roller bag kind of girl.

Language: Learn the basic phrases for whatever countries you go to. It's important to respect the culture and country you're visiting. Please don't be like our President and make us look like asshole Americans. Learn please, thank you, and basic travel phrases like where's the bathroom and how to ask for water. 

Bottom line? Epic trip. Can't wait to keep adventuring. Stay tuned for what's next, we are thinking a yacht trip!

European Lady of Leisure

This post is for me.  I'm going to Europe shortly for two weeks with one of my childhood best babes and I want to know where to go, what to see, what to do, what to eat/drink!  

Here's the route:

Paris, Monaco/Monte Carlo, Nice, Naples, Almafi Coast, Capri, Rome

Now let me tell you about my travel style:

• Low Key: I'm packing a carry on and that's it!  
• Foodie (And Wino): I love to eat and I love me some good wines.  But I'm a simple gal.  I don't need 5-star dining.  I want to eat and drink local and really prefer the places that have history.
• Adventurer: I love to be outdoors and adventure.  I want to hike and wine taste, enjoy the beach - everything! 
• Culture Seeker: I love to learn about the culture and people wherever I go.  I'm not a fancy resort stay on the tour type of girl.  

Alright my sequins, give me your best advice on what to do and not do and what's worth the money versus what's not!

This is my first big adult adventure into Europe so I'm looking forward to the journey and culture it's going to provide.

And may I say, if you ever get the opportunity to travel with your best friend(s) to a new place - take it.  Sure, Cabo and Vegas are lovely, but we are grown now.  Get out and explore the world and learn about places that you know nothing about.  Being cultured is how we learn to appreciate and value each other a whole lot more.  Save your money and spend in on the experiences that shape you.

Wild Heart

For the first 26 years of my life I lived in California.  I briefly spent about a year and a half in Los Angeles but for the majority of those 26 years I lived within 40 minutes of my hometown.  I had traveled a ton and experienced different cultures thanks to my parents, but I had never drifted far from my comfort zone.  

Then, in 2012, at the age of 26 - I took a risk and moved to Colorado.  I knew nobody, had only been once, and literally saw my apartment for the first time the day I moved in.  Talk about a 180.  I went from complete familiarity to wildly out of my comfort zone.  

And ever since - I've been addicted to that lifestyle. I've lived in 4 states since I moved to Colorado and I don't know if Ill ever stop.  I've grown this wild heart that gets joy from new opportunities and experiences.  The uncertainty of future adventures makes my blood pump in the very best way.

The way I choose to keep moving is often confusing for other people.  They assume I'm running from something or unable to find joy.  But for me, seeing people stand still is confusing.  With so much to see and so many places to go - how could you ever stick two feet in the ground and claim stake?  If there's one thing I've learned on my journey, it's to not pay much mind to the opinions of those who don't understand my lifestyle.  

Will I ever stop feeling the need to move on?  Probably.  I think when I find somewhere that feels right, in a job that feels good to go to everyday, when I finally find a heart that matches my beat, I'll stay put.  But until all those stars align, good luck keeping up.

Ladybug Life

One of my favorite humans in the world often refers to "The Ladybug Life."  And besides being absolutely adorable - she's onto something.

The ladybug life has many meanings, but at the root - it's the life of a woman who can pickup and fly away wherever her heart takes her.  The ladybug life is meant for free spirits.  For women who are confident, adventurous, and who feel a deep connection with doing what makes their soul feel on fire.

I'm sure I've adapted her meaning to fit my own selfish needs - but I think that's part of what being a ladybug stands for.  Being a ladybug means being open to whatever the world brings to you and choosing to see each of these situations as an opportunity to expand your journey.

Traditionally, ladybugs are also thought to be very lucky.  If they land on you, it's a sign of great fortune.  They are warriors, and they are beautiful and they are easily able to adjust their wings to the wind.

As you go about your day, think of the ladybug and know that as long as you focus on life as a journey, one you can adjust to meet your needs, you're always going to be ok.  Choose the ladybug life and you're never stuck, you're never lost - you're just one quick turn away from spreading your wings and taking off on your next adventure.

It's a ladybug life for me!

Mover and Shaker

I've moved a lot in the past 5+ years.  Once I got that first taste of being able to truly chase the dream, I've never stopped.  For me, knowing that I'm never stuck, that I can up and change my situation at any time is the most freeing thing I could ever know.

And that lifestyle has also been a trade off.  I've had a lot of people tell me that I'll be single forever until I settle down in one place.  Sure, I can see your point, men might not want to invest in someone who is ready to leave at any given time.  But I also know that the right man understands my need to keep dreaming and is open to the adventure that brings with it.

I've said it before, and I'll say it forevermore - being single forever is not the worst thing that could ever happen to me.  That being said - I don't think I'm going to be single for the rest of my life.  I think had I not followed my dreams, risked it all to become who I am today - I would never find success in a relationship because I would not have grown and discovered this me as I am today.

However - I know a lot of women who live a similar lifestyle that I do because of their jobs, their passion for travel, whatever the reason - you're in your mid 20's to mid 30's and single because of dream chasing and there's a stigma behind it.  It's the women who get asked why we are single and 30.  People tell us that we travel/move too much and need to settle down, stay in one place, be more active in our dating lives.  

Finding a partner is a wonderful thing.  Love and marriage and forever are absolutely something I want.  But compromising myself, my dreams, my growth - to find this person is not something I want.  And I don't think my teammate is not going to find me because I prioritize becoming a better person.  

At the end of the day - my need to continue to grow and experience life is greater than my need to stick around and find the one.  It's certainly not a life for everyone, but for me, it's the only life I ever want to live.  My biggest regret in life would not be failing to find a partner.  My greatest regret would be sacrificing who I am for a partner.