Scotland was always high on my bucket list! I had no idea it would end up being one of my favorite places. I only wish we had more time to explore the Scottish Highlands. We will be planning a return trip no doubt. Book that trip! You will absolutely not regret it.

Weather: I highly recommend visiting Scotland in the summer. During other times of the year, it can be rainy, cold, and not as vibrantly green. The weather can change rapidly, so it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella and a raincoat.
Currency: In Scotland, the currency used is the Pound, which is also used throughout the UK. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Transportation: If you plan to spend most of your time in Edinburgh, I highly recommend using public transportation. Parking can be a nightmare. However, if you’re heading to the Highlands, a rental car is a must. Keep in mind that in Scotland, they drive on the left side of the road and the right side of the car. Taxis are also quite affordable in the city.
Water: Tap water is perfectly safe to drink!

Getting There:

We took a direct flight from JFK to EDI. The flight departed around 10:00 PM and arrived at approximately 9:00 AM local time. Upon landing, we followed the signs that directed us to the tram. The tram ride is very affordable and provides convenient transportation into the city. A one-way ticket cost us only about $6 and took us directly to the city center.

We chose accommodation near the Haymarket tram stop, which was in proximity to the rental car company. From there, it was just a short 15-minute walk to reach the heart of Edinburgh.

Driving Around:

We arranged the rental car for the second and third days of our trip, choosing to stay close to the Mcniccoles location where we needed to pick up the car. If your plan involves staying solely in Edinburgh, I highly recommend not renting a car. Driving on the opposite side of the car and the left side of the street, coupled with the challenges of traffic and parking, can be less enjoyable within the city. However, having a rental car is an absolute necessity for exploring the Highlands.

Our rental car provider, Mcniccoles, exceeded our expectations. Even though we booked our trip and rental car on short notice, we were able to secure a comfortable automatic Suzuki. (Obtaining a last-minute rental with an automatic transmission can sometimes be a challenge, so we were super fortunate!)

Pro tip: Allocate extra time when driving through Edinburgh because traffic can be quite congested. Moreover, when heading to the Highlands, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as gas stations can be relatively scarce in certain areas.

Where to Stay:

On our first night, we opted for an Airbnb in Haymarket, just outside the Edinburgh city center. We discovered that many available Airbnbs offered “shared bathrooms” or were quite expensive, so we decided to try the “shared bathroom” experience for the first time. Our Airbnb was a renovated apartment that we shared with the host and his wife. It was clean but a bit cozy, which is to be expected in shared Airbnbs, I suppose. Nevertheless, our host was excellent and even provided us with a ride to pick up our rental car the next day.

On our second night, we stayed in Fort William at another Airbnb, which also had a “shared bathroom” setup. The accommodation was incredibly spacious, and the bathroom was quite large. It was shared with another guest staying across the hall, but it was so quiet that I hardly noticed anyone else was there.

The host provided a delightful small breakfast, which we found delicious. They were fantastic hosts, and the location was perfect. There were plenty of nearby activities and numerous restaurants to choose from.

What to Do:

Day 1: Edinburgh

• Walk through New Town
• Edinburgh Castle- Last minute tickets are hard to come by. I recommend booking tickets in advance if this is something you’d like to see. We only toured the outside because we couldn’t get tickets.
• Prince Street Gardens
• Walk through Old Town- This is the famous Royal Mile street with all the old stone buildings.
• St. Giles Cathedral
• Victoria Street-This is a fun street to tour as the colorful buildings and stone are so beautiful. It was also the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.
• Elephant House-This is a cute cafe where JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books. As of 2023 it is under construction.
• Tom Riddles Grave- A cemetery serving as the inspiration for the greatest villain in Harry Potter
• Arthur’s Seat hike- This hike offers beautiful views of the city and out towards the ocean. It took us about 30 minutes to hike to the top and was very manageable. It does have some steep sections. I had slip on shoes and did okay but would recommend sturdy shoes if possible.
• Holyrood Palace- The King’s official residence in Edinburgh
• Dean Village- An adorable little suburb of Edinburgh. It is walkable and worth the exploration

Day 2: Scottish Highlands

• Midhope Castle- This is the Lallybroch castle from Outlander. It was only 5 pounds to enter. This was a little excessive in my mind as you can’t enter the castle and can only walk the grounds. However, I loved seeing it! Tip: you can see the castle from the road as you drive in if you just want to get a glimpse 😉
• Drive to Fort William through Glencoe
• Glenfinnan- This is where you can hike to see the train from Harry Potter (otherwise known as the Jacobite Express). You can find timetables for the train here. Make sure to arrive early so you have time to make the walk and settle down before the train comes.
• Loch (lake) Shiel- This is the beautiful lake with breathtaking views near Glenfinnan.
• Loch (lake) Eilt- Another beautiful lake worth visiting. Another Harry Potter site to see. Dumbledore was buried here.
• Drive to Lochness- See if you can spot the Lochness Monster!
• City of Inverness

Day 3: Highlands

• Go hiking in Glencoe
• Stop in the city of Callander- This is the cutest town and a great place to see the famous Scottish cows.
• We decided to spend some time in England after our time in Scotland. We drove back to Edinburgh and dropped off our rental car. The rental car company drove us to the train station (Edinburgh Waverley) and we took a train to London (London King’s Cross). You can book tickets here. It was about a 4 hour train ride and booking tickets is super easy online! Prices vary based on if you buy them in advance, time of day, and the season.

What to Eat:

• Scottish breakfast- We ate at Mannerstons near Midhope castle. It was phenomenal although, Scottish breakfasts are fairly traditional across the board
• Bertie’s Proper Fish and Chips- How can you not eat fish and chips in Edinburgh?
• Bakerys of course!
• The Waterfront in Inverness for fish and chips
• Mimi’s Bakehouse in Edinburgh- Across the street from the train station. Sandwiches were so good!

Overview:

Scotland exceeded all my expectations. I could spend months there hiking and exploring. I do wish we had more time to hike in Glencoe and explore Isle of Skye. It was quite a bit of driving for 2 days but we were able to see so much! 100% worth it.

Nice is a must on any southern France itinerary! It’s relaxing beaches, turquoise water, and red roofed buildings make for a beautiful summer vacation. You don’t need much time focused strictly on Nice so I’ve included a few day trips into this itinerary as well.

Weather: In this hot Mediterranean climate summers are warm and dry with mild winters.
Language: The official language in Nice is French. Although not everyone speaks fluent English, it is still easy enough to get around.
Currency: The official currency is the Euro. We rarely needed cash. The only exception to needing cash are the Farmer’s markets however, many tents did accept card with a small fee.
Transportation: The public transportation (trains in particular) are very efficient. Go to Nice Ville station where you can buy train tickets. More on this below!

Getting There:

We flew directly from JFK to NIC and arrived in the morning. Upon landing, we easily located the tram by following the signs. We purchased a one-way ticket to Nice city center for about $3 for both of us. The tram swiftly transported us into town in approximately 15 minutes. To ensure we exited at the right stop for our hotel, we had mapped it beforehand using Apple Maps and the Rome2rio app. Inside the tram, remember to validate your ticket using the validation machine. If the doors don’t open when the tram arrives, just press the large button on the outside to open them.

Where to Stay:

We chose to stay at Hotel le Nice Etoile, an excellent budget-friendly option. The staff was incredibly friendly, although their English proficiency was limited. The hotel was straightforward to locate and reach. We disembarked at Durandy tram stop, and from there, it was just a short walk to the hotel. Its strategic location was a significant advantage – merely a 7-minute walk to the Old Town, and conveniently close to the train station for our day trips. Although the room was quite small, we didn’t spend much time there, so it didn’t bother us, plus it was spotlessly clean!

What to Do:

Day 1: Nice

• Parc de la Colline- This was probably one of my favorite things in Nice. It was a little bit of a hike up the hill to the top. The gardens are gorgeous and have amazing views of the city. It was so relaxing and fun.
• Morning market- The markets are located in Old Town and are so fun to shop around for fruits, snacks, treasures, postcards, you name it!
• Nice Cathedral
• Walk the beach
• Walk around all the old streets, explore the alleyways, and take many fun and beautiful pictures.

Day 2: Day Trip to Monaco

• Casino Monte Carlo 
• Grand Prix racetrack 
• Jardin des Pecheurs-There’s a bunch of gardens up this hill. Little bit of a walk but it was beautiful!! We loved exploring.
• Palais Princier de Monaco-We didn’t go inside but it was fun to see.

Pro tip: To travel between cities, use the public train system. Purchase your train tickets at Nice Ville station and board the TER (SNFC) heading towards Ventimiglia. Before you embark, check the timetables to identify the platform for your departure.

Day 3: Day Trip to Ezé and Menton

• Ezé is a castle village that is so picturesque. I strongly recommend strolling through every nook and cranny you can find.
• Exotic gardens at Ezé- These gardens are phenomenal. They have the best views of the coastline and some pretty amazing plants.
• Take a bus from Ezé to Menton
• Menton is a lesser known gem of France near Italy’s border. The town’s coloring is incredible and it’s a city you must not miss when exploring southern France!
• Basilica St Michael in Menton- The famous “orange church” that will take up much room on your camera roll.
• Walk along the coast

What to Eat:

• Ham and cheese baguettes are so delicious. You can’t go wrong with any patisserie.
• La Favola for dinner in Nice- Arrive early! A long queue formed shortly after our arrival. The food was delicious, and the service was fantastic. While it’s a bit pricey, we opted for simple pizzas, and they were way more than we could eat. We could have shared.
• Pastries from a patisserie!! I always recommend.
• Pipo Socca- Good place to try local Socca.
• Definitely get some gelato in Menton!

Rome, the ‘eternal city.’ I believe Rome is a must for any traveler’s bucket list. Its history, culture, and food scene are iconic. As a traveler who dislikes crowds, I have strong opinions about Rome, but more on that later 😉

Weather: Summer months can be deadly hot and carry intense crowds. Winter is the rainy season. The best months to visit Rome are April, May, September, October, and November.
Transportation: I recommend staying in a central location, as Rome is extremely walkable. I would avoid public transportation or renting a car due to high traffic and limited transportation and parking.
Currency: The Euro. Italy is also very credit card friendly.
Water: Drink the tap water! No need to buy expensive bottles of water while traveling. There are “fill up” water pumps all throughout Rome.
Safety: Because of the extreme number of tourists annually, Rome is generally a safe destination. However, due to the high number of tourists, be aware of pickpocketing.

Getting There:

For this particular trip, we flew from Nice directly to Rome (FCO). JFK also offers direct flights to FCO. As a budget-friendly option, I recommend pre-booking tickets on “Get Your Guide” for the SIT Shuttle Bus. This bus takes you from the airport directly to the city. It has multiple stops at different locations, including Rome Termini and near the Vatican. The bus was extremely easy to find, and the directions on Get Your Guide were very easy to follow. It cost only $7 per person and seemed to be the cheapest option to get to Rome. The bus ride took about 50 minutes, and our hotel was only a 5-minute walk away. We bought return tickets separately the same way.

Pro tip: We were super worried about the departure time when booking. We were afraid that our flight might be delayed and we might miss our ticket window. But don’t worry about this! There is a line you wait in to get on the bus regardless of booking time. If you miss the bus, the next one will come within 30-40 minutes.

Where to Stay:

If you’re opting for budget-friendly transportation, I’d recommend staying near the Rome Termini or close to the SIT bus stop near the Vatican. We chose to stay near the Vatican at Florida Rooms-Comfort Hotel. Finding it initially proved somewhat challenging, but it was also the most affordable option we could find. It was a bit small but very clean. It’s the ideal place if you’re on a budget and don’t plan to spend much time there.

Pro tip: Staying near the Vatican is fine if you enjoy walking! However, for those who prefer not to walk around 20,000 steps a day, I’d recommend staying closer to Rome Termini ;)”

What to Do:

• The Vatican (Sistine chapel, St. Peter’s basilica, Vatican museums)- We did a tour and are not sure if it was worth it. We think we could have researched most of the information beforehand. However, we booked it so last minute that this was the only ticket option available, and we were happy we ended up doing it. Also, it was so crowded inside. It would have been nice to go at our own pace, especially for taking photos. We loved all the history and information though!
• Pantheon- This is especially enjoyable when it’s raining! The water falls right through the hole at the top into the building. The Pantheon is free to visit, but if you plan to go on the weekend or a holiday, you’ll need to make reservations.
• Navona plaza 
• St Ignazio of Loyola Church- This beautiful church has the coolest mirror that reflects the amazing ceiling.
• San Luigi dei francesi church- Sooo pretty
• Walk all the streets!! Be sure to walk in the cute neighborhood of Trastavere. Find a fun picnic spot here during lunchtime!
• Rome temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- This temple is stunning. Although it’s not open to the public without a membership recommendation, it’s still worth visiting. The visitor’s center is wonderful and features beautiful stained glass images of Jesus Christ, which are absolutely breathtaking. We opted for an Uber to get there, and it was quite affordable.

• Trevi fountain-In my opinion, the hype for this fountain is overrated. It’s crowded, and while it’s not the most beautiful fountain in the world, it’s still one of those things you’ve got to see.
• Spanish steps- These steps are especially beautiful in the spring with the flowers blooming.
• Borghese gardens- Walk around and explore the beautiful gardens if you have time!!
• Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill- The guided tour on Get Your Guide was amazing and absolutely worth it. It was informative, lasted quite long, and provided fantastic photo opportunities.

What to Eat:

Note: Avoid eating at the main attractions or plazas as they tend to be expensive and not very good. Instead, try the smaller, ‘hole-in-the-wall’ places you stumble upon while exploring. If the food looks good as you walk by, give it a try. In our experience, this rule of thumb always worked for us!

• Breakfast- Stop at a bakery in the morning. They are all so good and you can’t go wrong.
• Pietro Al Pantheon- Cute place by the Pantheon. Super good ravioli!
• Gelato. I repeat… gelato. Everywhere. Our favorite place was Gioletti.
• Appetito in Trastavere 
• Pizzeria la Fontana- We ate this on our way home from the Colosseum. The arugula pizza was TO DIE FOR. This was my favorite hole in the wall place we tried.
• E Passata la Moretta- Yummiest pasta and charming local place.
• Il fornaio- Our favorite bakery we found.

My True Feelings:

I want to share my experience in Rome with honesty, not to deter you from going but to help you manage your expectations. I was ecstatic to go to Rome and arrived feeling disappointed. It was extremely crowded (like we couldn’t walk on the sidewalks kind of crowded) and we didn’t even go during busy season. There was graffiti everywhere and every single attraction had lines we had to wait in, regardless if we booked tickets in advance. The food was somewhat underwhelming and overhyped in our opinion, until our last day when we tried local, ‘hole-in-the-wall’ places and were extremely impressed. It was SOO HOT and we didn’t even go in summer and the organization of employees at the attractions was awful. Maybe I just had higher expectations. Rome remains an incredible bucket list destination, and we had a lot of fun, but it’s good to be prepared for these aspects. 😉

Home of the Irish! Ireland is beautiful. It shares many similarities with England and Scotland, but it also has its unique charm. This overview is based on four days spent in Ireland. You honestly don’t need more than 3-4 days to see everything. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation, it’s a great place to spend even more time!

Language: English is spoken predominately
Currency: The official currency is the Euro; however, there is no shortage of ATMs, and we never needed cash.
Transportation: I definitely recommend renting a car and taking a road trip.
Weather: Average winter temperatures range from about 40-45 degrees, while summer temperatures range from about 54-60 degrees. (Our trip took place in February and was perfect).

Getting there:

We flew from JFK to DUB and arrived early in the morning. Our adventure began with retrieving our rental car. It was approximately a 3-hour drive to Northern Ireland from Dublin and took around 6 hours to drive from Northern Ireland to the southern coast.

Note: It’s less expensive to rent a manual transmission over an automatic. The Irish also drive on the left side of the road.

Where to Stay:

Finn McCools Public House (hotel): The hotel was excellent considering the price. The rooms were small, but the hostess was incredible, and the included breakfast was delicious!

The remainder of our trip consisted of a 3-night stay at an Airbnb outside Limerick. It was a well-located central base, but in retrospect, we might opt for multiple Airbnbs along the way to avoid backtracking next time.

What to Do:

• Giants Causeway- Enjoy the visitors center and take the free tour.
• Dunluce Castle- Absolutely AMAZING! One of my favorite castles.

• Donegal castle 
• City of Adare- A cute town with thatched cottage roofs.
• Cliffs of Moher- This was a wonderful place to visit. Don’t park in the parking lot adjacent to the entrance if you can avoid it. There is additional parking that is free.

• Rock of Cashel- See the chapel and the last Romanesque frescoes in Ireland. Arrive in the morning since they close early in the afternoon.
• Ring of Kerry- A roadtrip loop that takes you to a bunch of different sites.
  • Ross Castle/Killarney. Beautiful lake and nature walk.
  • Torc waterfall/ Muckross forest.
  • Ladies View lookout point
  • Darrynane beach

Note: We didn’t get to everything on our to-do list, influenced by preferred choice, time, and weather. However, I’d suggest adding the following to this itinerary:

-Titanic Belfast in Northern Ireland

-Boat tour around the Dingle Peninsula

-Killarney National Park

-Blarney Castle (kiss the stone)

-City of Cobh

-Trinity College Library in Dublin

What to Eat:

• Ham & cheese toasties- A quick budget friendly lunch that is surprisingly yummy.
• Salmon
• Fish & chips- Cod is amazing here!
• Lots of Guinesses chocolate- It is not my favorite but it’s super popular.
• Spice box- This is basically fish & chips but spicy.
• Irish breakfast is a must!

Overall:

Honestly, Ireland wasn’t at the top of my bucket list, but it surprised me greatly. It’s a magical, fairytale place, so green! I’ve received many questions about whether Ireland is overrated. My answer: no way! I can’t wait to go back!!

“I have 3 days off? Let’s fly somewhere!” This seems to be a recurring phrase in our household. With no prior knowledge of the Netherlands, no plans, and no reservations made, we decided to fly to Amsterdam solely to see the Christmas lights. Now, armed with the knowledge we’ve gained, I’ve created an overview for you to experience the best of what Amsterdam has to offer!

What You Need to Know:

Language: The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, but almost everyone speaks English fluently.
Currency: The official currency is the Euro. Although, credit cards are widely accepted throughout Amsterdam and we never needed cash!
Transportation: Biking, walking, and public transport are all great forms of transportation in Amsterdam. While the city is fairly walkable, public transportation can be quicker and is relatively inexpensive.
Weather: The warmest seasons are from June through September (tourist season), while the coldest seasons are from November through March. If you travel during the latter period, make sure to be well-prepared – it can get very cold in December.

Getting There:

Getting around Amsterdam was super easy. We flew directly from JFK to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and headed to the train platform. We purchased one-way tickets for the NS Intercity Direct train, which took us to Amsterdam Central. These tickets were quite affordable, totaling just under $11 for both of us.

Pro tip: Keep in mind that you must scan your ticket above the train platform and then scan again when you exit (if you don’t scan in and scan out they charge a flat rate of something like $20 for the ticket).

The ride from the airport was quick, lasting only about 14 minutes. We opted to walk to our hotel since it wasn’t far, allowing us to explore the city along the way. When returning to the airport, we followed the same route. We walked to Amsterdam Central station and took the train to Rotterdam Central via Airport, which cost us about $11.

Where we stayed: 

As non rev travel goes, we didn’t book our hotel until we actually sat down on the flight. After comparing hotels and Airbnb options, we found that Airbnb was the more affordable choice. We decided to stay at the Melrose Hotel for $200 a night. While it might seem expensive, it was the most budget-friendly option we could find. The hotel was situated in the Jordaan neighborhood, offering a perfect location for easy access to everything in Amsterdam. Despite ending up with a basement room, it was quite nice and we had a good stay.

What we did: 

• Walked all the canal streets and took so many pictures!!!
• So many buildings/ clock towers/ churches everywhere that we decided to walk to.
• We went to the Anne Frank house museum to look at the outside. We booked way too last minute to get tickets which I was bummed about.

Pro tip: Book Anne Frank house tickets ASAP. If you truly want to go to the museum I recommend just buying tickets in advance and crossing your fingers you get on the flight OR buying them the minute you get a seat.

• Begjinhof had a cute little church and inner courts to explore.
• The flower markets were amazing!!! These are right next to Begjinhof. I was obsessed with the markets.
• The Dam Center was beautiful! The Royal Palace, National Monument, and tons of Christmas decorations were very fun.
• We took a canal cruise on Lovers Boat Cruises and it was fun! We learned so much about the history of Amsterdam. I recommend arriving early if you want a window seat. I think it would have been even more amazing if it was warmer outside so the roof could have been off.
• De Gooyer windmill- We took the bus closest to our hotel at Elandsgracht. We took the 7 tram towards Azertplein and departed at Hoogte Kadijk. On the way home we took the 7 tram towards Slotermeer and got off at Elandsgracht. This public transportation is cost-effective, with fares being less than $2. Remember to properly scan in (credit card payment is an option) when you board and scan out to ensure you’re charged the correct timed rate instead of a flat rate for the entire tram ride.
• Rijksmuseum- Amazing! The building itself is so cool. The Christmas markets are set up right behind the museum and are so so so fun. They have a huge Christmas tree, ice skating rink, tons of shops, and the yummiest food markets.

What we ate:

• Pancakes- Oh my heavens get pancakes. We ate the poffertjes (Dutch baby pancakes) with Nutella and powdered sugar. I almost died they were so good. Pretty much any breakfast place has these. We ate at Sweet Tree near Dam Center.
• Traditional Dutch breakfast- This consisted of eggs, bacon, toast, and cheese. So yummy!!!
• Cheese- Must try the testers at any of the cheese places.
• Fish and chips at the Christmas market called Rook Spakenburg. Best fish and chips I have ever eaten in my life.
• Apple strudel !!!
• Frites from Manneken Pis Damrak- The best fries I’ve ever had and the sauce omg. I had mannekenpis sauce and andalousesaus (spicy sauce).
• Bitterballen- We tried Bitterballen from a random pub and it was not our fav. But it was really fun to try.

Overall: 

We loved Amsterdam. It was an easy place to travel to and last minute accommodations were quite easy. We can’t wait to go back. Excited for warmer weather, flower fields, more windmills, riding bikes, and green trees!!!! Would highly recommend a quick trip to Amsterdam during Christmas time. You might even get first class on the way home! 😉

Iceland is probably my favorite place we have ever been!! Personally, I feel like Iceland could be a 4 day trip or a 2 week trip and you wouldn’t have enough time. We are already planning a trip back we loved it so much! Ideal for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and science lovers! It is indeed a captivating destination with its unique natural landscapes and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Language: The official language is Icelandic but English is spoken almost everywhere.
Currency: The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona but almost everywhere accepts card. There were a few gas stations that only accepted cash. Many places will accept US Dollars as well as Euros. Keep in mind, Iceland can be very expensive! Iceland is known for its relatively high cost of living, so being prepared for expenses is important for travelers.
Tipping: Tipping is not necessary in Iceland although, I always recommend tipping for especially good service and tours.
Transportation: I highly recommend getting a rental car if you’ll be driving anywhere outside of Reykjavik. You’ll want your maps to guide you while traveling.
Weather: Iceland is incredible during any month. June through September are the warmest months and also the most expensive and touristy. During the winter months, you’ll have a greater chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Weather can be unreliable year-round, so expect rain! We went in the middle of May and think it was the perfect time. Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly.
Road tripping: Check road conditions in case of bad weather. Closures can happen unexpectedly. Take advantage of restrooms when you see them (stops are few and far between). You’ll almost always have to pay for parking.
Safety: Iceland is a very safe country with a very low crime rate. Always use common sense though. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere!

Getting there:

We flew direct from JFK to KEF. The only flight available is the red-eye leaving at 11:25PM and arriving around 9 AM. We booked a last-minute car rental with Go Car. It turned out to be a fantastic experience. Once we landed we followed the signs to the rental car bus shuttle and got our Suzuki! We didn’t need a jeep or large car for our itinerary/ main attractions but you may want to look into this is you’re really going to be off-roading.

Where we stayed:

Our first 2 nights were spent in an Airbnb near Hvolsvöllur (or near Seljalandsfoss waterfall). The Airbnb was a red cabin called Bót, and we LOVED it. There are 2 sleeping cabins and 1 cabin that serves as a kitchen and bathroom. We couldn’t find any last minute stays in this part of Iceland with a personal bathroom (just fyi). However, our host was very accommodating and mentioned that they never book the other cabin unless the party is traveling together, to provide a more private experience. Our cabin was secluded, out in the countryside, and very cozy. I wish we had more time there to enjoy the property a little more. It was also the cheapest option we could find, which was a bonus! Our last night, we stayed at the ABC hotel in Keflavik next to the airport. It’s inexpensive! The outside looks scary, and so do the hallways. However, the rooms were really nice and super clean! Probably one of the most spacious hotel rooms we’ve stayed in.

Pro tip: Make sure to bring your own hairdryer if needed. None of the last minute accommodations included hairdryers.

What we did:

Day 1: Seljalandsfoss & Black Beaches

• Get rental car 
• Stop for lunch in Reykjavik 
• Drive the southern coast to Seljalandsfoss waterfall

• Gljufrabui waterfall (right next to Seljalandsfoss)
• Check-in to Airbnb (backtrack 10 min)
• Drive to Reynisfjara beach

• Town of Vik
• Black sand beaches of Vik 
• Dinner in Vik

Day 2: Skogafoss & Glaciers

• Turf houses
• Skogafoss waterfall (we decided to hike the trail above Skogafoss a good long way and it was well worth it)
• Grabbed a snack and gas in Vik 
• Fjadrargljufur canyon
• Long drive stopping lots along the way for pictures 
• Diamond beach 
• Jokuslaron Lagoon glaciers
• Dinner in Vik

Day 3: Road Trip Wrap-up through Thingvellir National Park & Reykjavik

• Thingvellir National Park (see the tectonic plates)
• Bruararfoss waterfall (you can hike to this waterfall or you can drive to a parking lot that is only a quick walk)
• Reykjavik Rainbow Road

• Hallgrimskirkja (famous church)

• Shop at local shops
• Dinner

What we ate: 

• Iceland Street Food in Reykjavik- The soup bread bowls were amazing!! We got lamb and tomato soup and they had free refills. They also had free waffles! Cutest little stop.
• Sudur-Vik in Vik- This was so good we ended up going there twice. It was delicious. Beef burger was incredible. The pizzas were out of this world. Our opinion? Better than Italy. The 5 cheese pizza was just wow. Also, get the brie starter because it is yum. Reservations are accepted!

• Lava Cafe- This was okay… a good snack but nothing special!
• Pastries were eh for us. Not worth the $$.
• 101 Reykjavik street food- This is a good budget friendly fish and chips place!
• Omnom ice cream- This was really good too! Especially fun for kids.

With more time I’d recommend the following:
1. Hike Glacier Caves
2. See erupting volcano
3. Get a camper van
4. Backpacking trip

Overall:

Iceland may be the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t recommend Iceland more. There were hardly any tourists during May and we could just explore everywhere. It is the trip of a lifetime.

Summer is not complete without at least a day trip to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It’s the perfect romantic coastal getaway. With gorgeous coastal homes, the most beautiful hydrangeas, wonderful restaurants, adorable shops, and scenic views, this is a MUST-visit on any eastern coast itinerary.

Getting There: I definitely recommend getting a car! Cape Cod is deceivingly big. With many cute towns across Cape Cod, it takes about 1.5 hours from start to finish without stopping. A car will give you the flexibility to spend time where you want!
Weather: Cape Cod follows typical weather patterns of being warm in the summer and cold with possible snow in the winter. Located on the eastern coast, overcast weather can be expected year-round.
Parking: Many parking lots have free parking; however, some lots (usually near beaches) do require paid parking.

With only a day in Cape Cod, you’ll want to make the most of it! Although there are many wonderful places along Cape Cod, I’ve created an itinerary that includes the best places to visit when time is constrained.

Pro tip: Start your day trip early if possible. Morning traffic can be expected heading towards Cape Cod, especially during weekends and the summer. However, do keep in mind that most places don’t open until late morning.

Explore Chatham:

Chatham is exceptionally beautiful and makes for the perfect summer day trip. Include a visit to Chatham, which is located over halfway along the cape, to fully enjoy your Cape Cod trip.

Things to do:

• Enjoy the cute shops along Main Street
• Walk or drive along Chatham Bars Ave (right off of Main St) to enjoy gorgeous views

• From Chathams Bars Ave walk or drive along Shore Road to see the blooming hydrangeas
• Grab a bite to eat at Chatham Pier Fish Market. This is a great place for seal watching!

• Head south on Shore Road to see beautiful hydrangeas near Chatham Bars Inn. As you continue south on Shore Road you will see the famous “hydrangea house” as well as a beautiful windmill towards the east that could be hard to spot
• Godfrey Windmill
• Visit Chatham Lighthouse and Chatham Lighthouse Beach (incredible place to enjoy the sunrise)
• Enjoy delicious ice cream bars at Buffy’s Ice Cream

Explore Osterville/ Popponesset

• Visit Osterville to explore quaint neighborhoods
• Eat dinner at Raw Bar in Popponesset for wonderful lobster rolls
• Enjoy sunset at South Cape Beach

With just a day to experience Cape Cod, this itinerary will ensure you make the most of your time! It offers a perfect balance of shopping, picturesque locations, delicious food, charming small towns, and a beautiful beach.

Note: If you have more time along the cape I recommend visiting the following towns

1. Provincetown
2. Wellfleet
3. Falmouth
4. Martha’s Vineyard
5. Nantucket