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What To Pack: Germany (summer edition)

March 14, 2024

Packing for a summer trip to Germany requires careful consideration of the weather, cultural activities, and electronic devices you plan to bring along. Here's a detailed packing list to ensure you're prepared for your trip:

Clothing:

Lightweight shirts and tops
Shorts and skirts
Light trousers and jeans
Dresses or smart-casual outfits for evenings
Undergarments and socks
Pajamas
Swimwear (if you plan to visit beaches or pools)
Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Hat and sunglasses for sun protection

Toiletries (be sure to keep all liquids under 3.4 oz if packing in your carry-on):

Read more about liquid restrictions here.

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Moisturizer and sunscreen (especially if you're sensitive to sun exposure)
Razor and shaving cream
Deodorant
Any prescription medications (in original bottles)
Personal hygiene items
Travel-sized first aid kit

Miscellaneous:

Travel-sized laundry detergent (if you plan to do laundry)
Travel pillow and blanket for long journeys
Daypack or tote bag for daily excursions
Travel guidebook or maps
Passport and travel documents
Wallet with credit/debit cards and cash (make sure you alert your bank to your travel dates)
Travel insurance information
Portable charger and adapter for electronic devices
Language phrasebook or translation app
Any specific personal items or gadgets you can't travel without

Electronics:

Smartphone and charger
Camera or smartphone for photos
Laptop or tablet (if necessary) and charger
E-reader (if you enjoy reading on-the-go)
Outlet adapter for European plugs (Germany uses type C and type F sockets)
Power strip with multiple outlets if you have multiple devices to charge
Voltage converter if your devices don't support European voltage (230V)

Currency:

Germany uses the euro (€) as its official currency. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and to have a credit/debit card for larger transactions. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns for withdrawing cash.

By following this packing list, you should be well-prepared for your summer trip to Germany, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.

Top 5 Ways You Benefit From Group Travel

July 31, 2023

Group travel often gets a bad wrap. There are so many misunderstandings surrounding it.

I often hear reservations like, “I value my freedom too much to travel with a group,” or “I would, but it costs too much!” I was a huge skeptic myself before I dipped my toe in the group travel world, but let me tell you, it was a GAME CHANGER.. And in all the best ways. I found myself questioning how it had taken me so long to discover the wonderful world of group travel.

I’m here bust a few myths surrounding group travel and let you know some of the top ways it will actually enhance and benefit your travels to travel as a group.

Reason #1: Shared Experience

Group travel provides an opportunity for people to connect and bond with one another. Shared experiences create memories that are unique to the group, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendship among the travelers, many of whom start out as strangers.

I’ll never forget returning from my very first trip abroad and beaming through my jetlag to recount every single magical moment I had experienced on my adventures in Eastern Europe. By the second -or third shepherd reference, my well-meaning, but totally-disconnected-from-my-experience mother’s eyes sort of glazed over into a polite, but impersonal gesture of thats-nice-but-I-couldn’t-really-care-less. Nothing is quite as defeating as coming home from a life-altering experience, willing and eager to share the magic that you learned, only to find a not-so-enthusiastic audience. They weren’t there with you and they simply don’t get it. It can feel very isolating.

With group travel, you have the bond of sharing your life-altering experiences with several people. You can reminisce and connect over your memories together for years to come.

Reason #2: Enhanced Safety

Traveling in a group can increase your safety in several ways. A group of people is less vulnerable to potential threats compared to an individual. Criminals are less likely to target a larger group, as they tend to look for easier targets. Additionally, when you're part of a group, you have people you can rely on in case of emergencies or unexpected situations.

I know with Land + See, one of the unspoken perks of our groups is we often have many medical professionals that tour with us. I’ll never forget seeing a man collapse on a ferry to Santorini and watching Dr. Tony spring into action! We have been so lucky than none of the medical mishaps have happened to our travelers, but there have been more than one occasion where our heroes have saved the day. It definitely gives me peace of mind knowing we are in such good hands.

Whether it's a medical issue, getting lost, or running into difficulties, having others with you means there are people to help and support you.

And lastly, traveling with others can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of vulnerability, especially in unfamiliar or challenging environments.

I’ll never forget a particularly tearful, but supportive afternoon in Austria where a female traveler and I completely bonded over our past. I haven’t seen her for years, but I am confident if I picked up the phone tomorrow she would be by my side in an instant, and vice versa.

Reason #3: Cost Savings

Group travel allows you to have a custom-tailored travel experience at a fraction of the cost of solo travel. When you travel with others, you can split the costs of various expenses, such as accommodation, transportation, and food. Sharing these costs can significantly reduce your individual financial burden without compromising on quality.

I’ll never forget my first group travel experience as an adult. Jordan and I had traveled to Paris with his family just the year before so I naively assumed I’d already “seen what there was to see” on the re-visit a year later. How wrong I was. Because we were with a group we had the means to have a private driver on call for us and hire private local guides to show us the city through their eyes. Our Parisian guide, Mario, made the city come alive for me—as if I was seeing it for the very first time. The history, the art and the culture started to feel like it was a part of my own narrative. I simply hadn’t experienced anything like that when I was visiting on my own. While I was a tourist, my experience wasn’t just that of a tourist—I had someone showing me their personal favorite places off-the-beaten-path, translating what certain looks or gestures meant to true Parisians, sharing anecdotes and stories of his family and personal meaningful details of the places we would go—sometimes exposing unflattering or comical aspects and leaving me with a plethora of inside jokes and fond memories. This magic didn’t just “happen,” we were able to afford a much richer experience because we were splitting the cost with so many other participants. Hiring Mario would’ve been intangible on a single traveler’s budget.

Group bookings often come with bulk discounts for things like flights, hotels, guides and tours, and the reasons make sense. Travel providers are more likely to offer better deals when they know they have a large group of customers. Additionally, by sharing a hotel room or vacation rental with others in the group, you can split the cost of the room, leading to substantial savings compared to booking a single room for yourself, helping you keep costs low or allowing you the wiggle room to indulge in something a little fancier than you might be able to afford on your own.

Whether you’re hiring a guide or renting a vehicle or bus, splitting the costs among group members can make these services more affordable for everyone and they definitely make a tangible difference in the quality of your travel experience.

Reason #4: Diverse Perspectives

Traveling with people who have diverse perspectives can be immensely beneficial in several ways. For instance, interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds allows you to gain a deeper understanding of their customs, traditions, and ways of life. This exposure can help break down stereotypes and promote empathy and respect for cultural diversity. You may encounter a variety of perspectives, not only with the locals you interact with, but within the dynamics of the group itself. Traveling with individuals who see the world differently than you do can open your mind to new ideas and ways of thinking.

I’ll never forget this amazing dinner we had in the home of Albert and Bergthor in Reykjavik, Iceland. Albert is a world-reknown opera singer, and Bergthor is a chef. Together we spent an incredible evening learning about Iceland, equality, naked grandpas and how to do the coolest new dance moves. I hesitate to admit this, but had we known ahead of time that Albert and Bergthor were a same-sex couple, it’s possible we would’ve had some preconceived ideas about what we would experience, but by allowing that wall to come down and meet them on a human level first, it challenged our bias and taught us valuable lessons in humanity.

Diverse perspectives challenge your assumptions and encourage you to question your beliefs, leading to personal growth and intellectual enrichment. By experiencing diverse perspectives firsthand, you are more likely to develop a sense of tolerance and acceptance for people who are different from you. This fosters a more inclusive and harmonious society and quite simply makes the world a better place.

Reason #5: Stress Reduction

Traveling with a group and having a full-time group leader can indeed reduce stress in several ways. The most obvious way, is with the addition of a group leader.

With a group leader in charge, you don't have to worry about planning the itinerary, booking accommodations, arranging transportation, or managing logistics. The group leader takes care of these tasks, ensuring a smoother travel experience for everyone. A group leader can be experienced in handling various travel situations, including emergencies. Their knowledge of the destination and local customs can enhance safety and security for all group members, reducing individual stress related to unfamiliar environments. And lastly, in regions where language or cultural differences may be a challenge, having a group leader who is familiar with the local language or customs can facilitate communication and create a more enriching travel experience.

When you travel, things happen—it’s just the nature of travel. Don’t let the stress of the unknown fall on you to figure out. Join a group that has a knowledgeable and competent group leader that knows what their doing and has a proven track record.

No one wants to spend their vacation time putting out fires. When you envisioned this trip, you saw yourself lounging by the sea, eating gelato, and exploring to your hearts content. Group tours allow you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy your vacation, so you don’t come home needing a vacation from the vacation.

Obviously this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the benefits to group travel, but it at least gives you a small taste of the some of the top ways that group travel can enhance and even improve your travel experience.

I know there are a lot of misconceptions circling about the realities of group travel, but chances are, if you ask someone who’s tried it, you will learn that the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Take it from me, the biggest former skeptic of them all–take a sip of the group travel Kool-Aid. Not only does it stand a great chance of whetting your travel appetite, you may just find that fully immersing yourself in the culture without the stress and worry of coordinating it all, is your new “thing.”

Happy travels, friends!

Off-the-beaten-path in Japan: A day in Mukugawa Village

July 26, 2023

I’ve always believed that travel is a vehicle for human connection and a way to uncover the common ground that connects us all.

Blame it on the stubbornness of a nineteen-year-old expat trying to survive on rice and tortilla chips who had to learn the hard way that your life is only as rich as the people in it. Some of the greatest lessons in my life have been shared over a home-cooked meal and an honest conversation.

That first struggling semester in Micronesia paled in comparison to the joy I found amongst my adopted Sri Lankan family later that year. My auntie upped my cooking game by teaching me how to mix flavors for depth and quality—My entire perspective shifted when I saw how joyful life could be with only the simplest of things and without the added pressure of keeping up with the Joneses—And surprisingly, I learned not to take myself so seriously, and to laugh a little along the way, often at my own expense!

When I started traveling later as a tourist, it became really hard to be satisfied by the Eiffel Towers and London Bridges of the world. They were beautiful, but there was no heart. I didn’t feel the connection I so desperately craved and often left places feeling just as detached as before I even visited.

I slowly awoke to the fact that my travels were lacking that human connection. There was no Jack Dawson inviting me to see a “real party” below deck and teaching me to see the people around me and the richness of a different way of life.

When I started Land + See Tours it was out of frustration at the cookie-cutter itineraries I’d been spoon fed up to that point. They were bright, and shiny, but lacked the depth and authenticity I’d gotten from my year abroad. Much like the start of my teaching career years ago, Land + See grew from the idea that there had to be more to it than I was given—surely it can be done better!

Our recent trip to Japan is a testament to this philosophy. While we met some pretty amazing people and made memories we will cherish forever, nothing was quite so impactful as the gift of a glimpse into the lives of the people of Mukugawa.

Before going any further I have to take a moment to thank Hiromi-San at Tour du Lac Biwa for hand-curating this experience for our group. Admittedly, this isn’t a tourist hot spot. You can’t book this on tripadvisor. It existed only for us—something I can’t thank Hiromi and the villagers for enough, and something that definitely added to the charm of this day.

Here is an in-depth look into our unforgettable day there.

About an hour and a half outside Kyoto, and nestled snugly within the Shiga prefecture of Japan, lies the unassuming, quaint village of Mukugawa. Unlike some other long-abandoned-rural-village-turned-tourist-attraction towns such as Shirakawago, Mukugawa is still very much inhabited—granted, with a mere 29 residents, but it’s very much a living-breathing time capsule for a more traditional way of life.

The village centers around the local community center—hand-built by the villagers 150 years ago and still standing strong. Miraculously, the entire building was constructed without the use of nails, screws or electric tools. Instead, the building was constructed using a centuries-old Japanese carpentry system called joinery, which involves the creation of interlocking joints that join together carefully selected pieces of wood.

The main level has a fire-pit and an extensive gathering area gently nestled beneath an upper loft used to store rice straw. The roof itself is thickly woven from the same rice straw which has to be replaced every 15 years. Carved into the walls of the loft is the Japanese symbol for water—something the villagers need, both for a good rice harvest and protection from the fire risks that inevitably come with the traditional Japanese wooden architecture.

Life in Mukugawa is still fairly simple compared to the bustle of surrounding areas like Kyoto and Osaka. Villagers grow and harvest their own rice as their main ecological resource. On our walk, we wandered past dozens of local homes, including the home of one of our hosts, all surrounded by lush fields of rice paddies. It was a warm day, but we enjoyed learning about the rice harvest and local flora and fauna.

The villagers maintain two local Shinto shrines that are used as places of worship. The shrines are believed to create a link between the gods (kami) and human beings. The Tori gates provide a welcome entrance and invitation to purify oneself before visiting the small sanctuary within. Our gracious hosts taught us the Shinto way to pray—a gentle bow followed by two claps. This was arguably the most peaceful place I’ve ever visited.

Following our village walk, our hosts treated us to a traditional Japanese sit-down meal, and even let us help with the preparations. This was hands-down the freshest, most elaborate spread we experienced on the entire trip. There was something extra special about knowing the man who’s field the rice was lovingly harvested and prepared from. Talk about preparing a meal with LOVE!

In the afternoon, our hosts pulled out the big guns—local legend Masako-San! Together with her host of ladies, she attempted to teach us to make rope from rice straw, and some of us were better students than others. Personally, I ditched my project pretty early on, getting lost in her stories from the early days in Mukugawa, explained via a translator.

Masako has lived in Mukugawa her entire life. She was born in 1933, vividly remembers the war, and has raised her family here. Her crew has grown to include a whopping twenty-one great grandchildren. While she doesn’t speak any English, we were lucky to have translators handy that helped us have a lively and heartwarming chat about life growing up in Mukugawa and the hardships and beauties of such an amazing way of life.

When I asked if I could take her picture as a personal souvenir to remember this moment, she said she will take the entire experience with her as a souvenir when she goes to Heaven!

The final activity of the day was a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, led by Mukugawa’s leading tea guru. Our gracious host has devoted her life to preparing and serving tea in a ritualistic and ceremonial way. Originally adopted from Chinese culture in the 14th century, the tea ceremony serves many purposes—promoting harmony and mindfulness, creating a bond through hospitality between host and guest, encouraging well-being, and much more!

The host supplies the guest with a light snack while seated across from them. While the guest enjoys their refreshment, the host prepares the tea by whisking matcha powder with hot water until gentle foam forms. The tea is served hot, and if it’s enjoyed, guests are encouraged to show their appreciation with a loud slurp!

The magic of a place isn’t in it’s big cities and bright, shiny tourist traps. It’s in the sharing of home-cooked meals amongst new friends—In awkwardly wrapping your tongue around foreign words and phrases—In deep bows, and rice straw and the lessons to be taught through aged hands, lovingly passing down shared traditions—In unexpectedly hard goodbyes—and the pieces of ourselves that we leave behind in one another—that’s where the real magic lies.

I don’t know a lot, but I know that Mukugawa is magic. I hope that you have the chance to visit one day. And if not, at least take the idea with you that real magic is found off the beaten path—in the stories and lives of the people who live in the places you visit—The special kind that isn’t pre-fabricated and sold by the thousands. The kind that is just for you and that can’t be left behind or properly shared with those who didn’t experience it first hand—the kind you take as a souvenir with you to Heaven.

Arrigato!

Tips and Tricks for exploring Japan

May 22, 2023

Japan is a captivating country with a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant city life. Summer in Japan brings a unique charm, but it also presents certain challenges such as scorching temperatures, crowded tourist sites, and cultural norms to respect.

In this blog, we will explore essential tips and tricks to help you navigate Japan during the summertime, paying special attention to cultural etiquette, efficient use of public transportation, and managing crowded tourist sites.

Embrace the Culture: Japan has a strong emphasis on politeness, respect, and harmony. Familiarize yourself with basic cultural etiquette to make a positive impression:
- Greetings: Use a bow to greet locals. A slight bow with a smile is usually sufficient.
- Shoes off: Remove your shoes when entering traditional places like temples, ryokans (traditional inns), or someone's home.
- Respect personal space: Japanese people value personal space, so avoid touching others or standing too close to someone.
- Avoid public displays of affection: Kissing, hugging, or any excessive physical contact is considered inappropriate in public.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases: Locals appreciate efforts to speak their language. Phrases like "arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you very much) or "sumimasen" (excuse me) go a long way.
Beat the Heat: Summers in Japan can be incredibly hot and humid. To stay comfortable:
- Stay hydrated: Carry a bottle of water with you at all times and drink frequently to prevent dehydration.
- Dress appropriately: Choose lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fibers. Consider wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Take breaks indoors: Seek refuge in air-conditioned places like shopping malls, museums, or cafes during the hottest hours of the day.
- Use cooling products: Utilize cooling towels, handheld fans, or even portable air circulators to stay refreshed.
Efficient Public Transportation: Japan's public transportation system is renowned for its efficiency. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
- Be mindful of rush hours: The morning and evening rush hours can be extremely crowded, especially in major cities like Tokyo. Plan your travel accordingly or consider traveling during off-peak hours.
- Queue patiently: When boarding trains or buses, form a neat line and wait for your turn. Avoid pushing or cutting the line, as it goes against Japanese etiquette.
- Priority seating: Give up your seat to elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities. Priority seating is labeled and usually located near the entrances.
Managing Crowded Tourist Sites: Japan's popular tourist attractions can become congested during summer. Here's how to navigate them smoothly:
- Plan in advance: Research and book tickets online whenever possible to avoid long queues.
- Visit early or late: Arrive early in the morning or later in the evening to beat the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
- Explore lesser-known destinations: While popular sites like Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji or Tokyo's Tsukiji Market are worth visiting, also consider off-the-beaten-path destinations to experience a quieter side of Japan.
- Respect photography rules: Follow signage and guidelines at temples and shrines regarding photography restrictions. Be considerate of others and avoid blocking paths or disturbing worshippers.
- Practice patience and politeness: Embrace

Photo Blog: Croatia + The Balkans

July 26, 2022

I’m still pinching myself in disbelief that such an amazing week is humanly possible. The Balkans remain at the top of my list of places to travel. I’m torn between shouting from the rooftops that you must run as fast as you can to the breathtaking Dalmatian coastline and keeping it close to the chest as my own little hidden gem that remains mostly unspoiled. Although it seems reckless, it feels selfish not to share, so here it goes…

Split, Croatia

We started and ended our journey in Split, Croatia—a beautiful waterfront town that has a rich history, dating back to Roman rule in the 4th century AD. The impressive structure, Diocletian’s Palace, remains as a nod to it’s former glory.

Most of us were completely wiped out from our journey, but we did manage to sneak in a delicious wine tasting before dinner. We also sampled the locally-brewed Rakia, which one traveler jokingly noted resembled Mountain Dew—the taste, however, is quite different.

We ended the night on the rooftop bar of our hotel which has arguably one of the most beautiful views of the city skyline.

Mostar, Bosnia + Herzegovina

From there we traveled by bus to Mostar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We were instantly taken by the remnants that stand as an ever-present reminder that the Yugoslav Wars were quite recent—bullet holes lining walls and buildings and shells of building frames stand as a looming ghost of it’s bleak past.

The local shop keepers and vendors however, are bustling with the recent tourism boom after covid. The town is a time capsule— a juxtaposition between past, present and future.

We had a lovely, but honest walking tour with our host, Sheva, who shared Mostar’s complex history with us. His personal experience during the war was moving and candid and gave us tremendous insight into the realities of war on innocent children—fishing with grenades, rigging makeshift bicycles to get electricity, and complicated blurred lines between family, friend and enemy. He was a shining example of the resilience, forgiveness and hope that the human spirit is capable of.

As a local diver himself, Sheva was able to give us insight into Mostar’s famous sport—diving from Stari Most and even arranged for us to meet one of the young diving recruits. The sport has gotten so famous that Red bull sponsors a a diving competition from Stari Most each year.

We ended our time with a Turkish coffee experience—learning all about the growing, harvesting, and brewing process. Even the non-coffee drinkers in the group were faced with a challenge to their coffee biases.

Ston, Croatia

From Mostar, we returned to Croatia by way of Ston—a local salt-producing village surrounded by immense stone walls known for it’s unrivaled oysters. The sea is saltier in this region than most places and it produces some of the best Oysters in the entire world!

We also visited a family-run winery with our guide, Tonka, and learned about the different ways the local grapes can be harvested to produce countless different types of wine. We again encountered some locally-brewed Rakia and everyone left warmer and happier than they arrived.

On the ride to Dubrovnik, Tonka entertained us with stories from her days as an extra in the HBO hit series Game of Thrones. Needless to say, we were all very impressed to know village woman #20!

Dubrovnik, Croatia

In Dubrovnik we completely lost ourselves in the luxury of our hotel—most travelers even opted to skip dinner just to sit by the sea and watch the impressive sunset.

The next day, our local guide Tom took us through Dubrovnik and gave us both a fascinating history lesson and a private peek into some of the secret filming locations in Game of Thrones. Even those unfamiliar with the show were ready to go home and binge watch it after our afternoon with him. Together, we climbed the fortress and took in one of the most beautiful views Dubrovnik has to offer.

That evening we had dinner by the sea and watched as the most impressive moon rose over the Adriatic. It’s a night none of us will never forget.

Kotor, Montenegro

From Dubrovnik, we drove to Perast, Montenegro and hopped a boat to the man-made monastery Our Lady of the Rocks. Legend has it that local fishermen collected stones and slowly built the island over time. The locals still have a tradition of bringing a stone once a year to continue their work of expanding the island.

Our boat driver took us from the monastery straight to the dock at our hotel, and many of us felt like James Bond as we rode through the waves.

We headed into Kotor’s Old Town that afternoon for some shopping, cat museums, hiking, and so much gelato, before returning back to our beautiful hotel to swim, risk our lives paddle boarding (special thanks to Speedo Steve for saving one of us from getting tangled up in a rope) and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Lokrum Island, Croatia

The next day brought us back to Dubrovnik for an afternoon exploring the island of Lokrum. We ate, pet peacocks, jumped off of cliffs, and sat on the Iron Throne. It was an amazing way to spend the afternoon before heading to the highlight of the trip—dinner with Marija and Zlatko!

Our local Croatian hosts were kind enough to have us over for the most amazing dinner of our lives. Zlatko and Marija cooked a literal feast of peka for us in the traditional way—slowly cooking over hot coals in an iron bell. We tasted Zlatkos home-brewed rakia, and ate proscuitto straight from the source!

Split, Croatia

The next day had us heading back to Split to say farewell to Croatia, but first many of us chose to stop at the kitschy, Froggyland museum—the lifeswork of an eccentric early 20th century taxidermy artist and easily the best $10 I’ve ever spent!

We ended our tour with an amazing dinner and found ourselves again at the rooftop bar for a final cheers and a quick laugh at some funny things that had been said along the way. All in all the trip was a dream—the destination, the hospitality, and the friendships we made were hard to beat!

Photo Blog: Northern Ireland + Scotland

May 18, 2022

We just returned from Scotland and Northern Ireland after three long years of holding our breath–waiting and hoping. I don’t know if three years of deprivation made this a more intense experience, or if we’ve just figured out the formula, but I think those that walked this journey with us would agree–it awoke something in our souls that had been lying dormant, something I’ll do my best to share with you through Brooke’s beautiful photos. They tell the story more beautifully than any words could relay.

What To Pack: Croatia + The Balkans (Summer Edition)

May 13, 2022

So you took the plunge and are headed to the breathtaking Balkans!

What To Pack (UK Spring Edition)

January 11, 2022

So you’re going to the UK? Yipee! While you may know Scotland and Northern Ireland are world famous for all things Harry Potter, Outlander and Game of Thrones, you might be totally confused on how to pack for it’s fickle weather. Not to worry, we’ve got your back!

Since we are heading there ourselves this spring, I’m going to focus this packing list on spring travel in the UK. The weather is all over the place regardless of the time of year, but you can expect spring in the UK to involve cooler temps and rain.

When tackling a large task like packing, remember to pack light. Bring along layers versus large bulkier outerwear. Also keep in mind that you’ll be hauling your luggage all over the place, not just on the plane, so keep it simple!

My suggestion is always to condense your necessary items into a carry-on size bag if possible. This lowers the risk of your bag getting lost or delayed. You will just want to make sure the bag meets the dimension requirements for the airline you’re traveling with.

If you are traveling with us, you can read up on Delta’s dimension requirements here.

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on their entry requirements. You can find the latest details here.

Here is a list of essential items you won’t want to forget to pack.

Travel Aids

· Chewing Gum

· Meds for motion sickness and sleep

· Travel Pillow

· (The airplane will likely supply earplugs, headphones, and a sleep mask so you can leave those at home unless you are partial to your own).

Clothing and Accessories

· Comfortable walking shoes

· Shirts (short and long sleeved) Think layers!

· Socks and underwear/bras (thermals too!)

· Watch

· Jewelry

· Pants/jeans

· Pajamas

· Glasses/contacts

· Sunglasses

· Belts

· Dressier outfit

· Raincoat and/or umbrella

· Warm waterproof jacket/fleece

· Jackets/Gloves/Scarves

· Collapsible tote/duffel bag for dirty clothes, souvenirs (if only using a carry-on)

· Luggage tags

· Journal (if planning to document your trip)

· Backpack or day bag

Toiletries

· Toothbrush

· Toothpaste

· Floss

· Mouthwash

· Shampoo/conditioner

· Soap

· Deodorant

· Hairbrush/comb

· Straightener/curling iron (If you have wattage converter-the UK uses 240 Voltz)

· Hair styling products

· Hair accessories

· Cleanser

· Moisturizer

· Shaving Cream

· Razor

· Perfume/Cologne

· Makeup

· Makeup Remover

· Feminine Hygiene Products (if applicable)

· Nail clippers

· Nail File

· Hand wipes

· Tweezers

· Cotton swabs

· Tissues

· Lint Roller

· First Aid Kit/Band Aids

· Lip Balm

· Washcloths (not standard in European hotels)

· Any medications (in addition to a copy of any prescription)

· Spare set of contact lenses/glasses (if applicable)

· Saline Solution (if applicable)

Money

· ATM card (Call your bank prior to departure to alert them of the trip; foreign purchases sometimes result in a hold on bank accounts.)

· Personal credit card (also make sure to notify lender of your travel plans)

· At least $50 converted to the currency of the first country that you’re visiting (The UK is on the Pound)

· Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing

Electronics/Technology

· An alarm clock (Many hotel rooms won't have one.)

· An adaptor/converter (The UK uses type G outlet plugs. More info here)

· Camera with extra batteries or charger

· Cell phone and charger (external chargers are worth the investment too!)

Documents

· Passport—(Remember to leave one copy of it at home and bring a couple more copies on tour, in case your passport gets lost.)

· Emergency contact information

· A copy of your medical insurance card (and trip insurance if you’ve purchased it)

· A copy of the tour itinerary

· A list of important phone numbers

· Addresses to send postcards home

· Copy of any prescriptions (Customs officials may want to verify that a container's contents match its label, so all medication should be carried in its original container.)

· List of medications/prescriptions

Carry-on bag

Here’s a short list of things travelers might need on the first day of the trip. These should be packed in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed:

· Passport/Vaccine Card

· Money

· Money Belt

· Airline boarding pass

· Toothbrush and toothpaste (Check tsa.gov for current security requirements.)

· Hairbrush

· Contact lens case/glasses (to sleep comfortably on the plane)

· A change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)

· Medication

· Any valuables

Covid-19 Essentials

· Vaccine Card (you will be asked to show it several times so keep it handy)

· Disposable masks

· Hand Sanitizer

· A copy of your testing reservations (if testing upon arrival/on return)

* If traveling with Land + See, we will do a full day of touring when we first arrive in Northern Ireland, so pack anything in your carry-on that you might need for that first day. We won’t check into the hotel until late in the evening.

Hopefully this helps ease the burden of knowing exactly what to pack. You know yourself and what you need so if you see something on the list you know you just won't need, skip it! Now that you're done packing, let's get back to our countdown! If you're like me, you've got this itinerary pinned already and you check it daily, but I'll throw it on here anyway so you can get in the groove! Northern Ireland + Scotland

Let the countdown begin!

Tips and Tricks for Italy + Greece

May 16, 2019

If you’ve always dreamed of heading to Italy + Greece, you’re not alone! Both are magical destinations that leave your eyes wide and your mouth watering. The people, the landscape and the food in both regions are second to none. It’s no wonder people flock in hoards to the beautiful shores of the Aegean!

You know what they say? When in Rome, do as the Romans do. But how do you go about that exactly? If you’re heading to Italy and Greece and are feeling completely overwhelmed with all of the cultural nuances and ways to prepare, we are here to help!

So without further ado.. Here are my tips and tricks for navigating Italy + Greece like a pro!

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Cities like Rome and Athens are rich in history and architecture, but some uncomfortable realities that accompany that are smaller rooms, and no central heating and air, to name a few. Unlike America, A/C is not a standard in Europe. It will unlikely be in many of the shops you frequent, or in the hotels. Adjust your expectations accordingly. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen and heat protection to counteract the effects of the heat. Also, wear layers so that you can add and remove clothing as necessary.

DRESS CODE CONSIDERATIONS

Understand that when visiting many religious sites, you will be expected to cover up. A general guideline to follow would be to keep your shoulders and knee caps covered if planning to visit a church in Italy. Due to the heat, it may not be practical to fully cover up during the day, but have a scarf or coverup handy for your visit to religious sites. Some churches will provide a coverup, but many do not, and you will be denied entry if you don’t meet the dress code requirements. Take care to plan your clothing in advance to avoid missing out on seeing certain sites.

PICKPOCKETS

Unlike America, pickpockets run rampant in most of Europe. Again, you are unlikely to find yourself in any physical harm, but understand, your pockets WILL be picked if you aren’t on high alert. High traffic areas like the bus and the metro are a feeding frenzy for “little fingers.” Also keep your eyes peeled at large tourist sites such as the Colosseum, Vatican, and the Parthenon. Where the tourists flock, so do the pick pockets. A good under-your-shirt money belt will definitely help lower your chances of becoming an easy target. Another interesting note: keep your cell-phone close. Leaving it on the edge of a table while eating or next to you on the metro is inviting theft. I once saw a poor sap get his phone snatched off a table in a restaurant while the waiter was explaining the specials. You can never be too careful. If you care about an item, don’t advertise it. Keep any valuables out of sight and secured if you want to hang on to them.

ELECTRICITY

If you plan to charge your phone, dry your hair, or use small appliances on your trip, you’ll need to be aware that Europe has a few major electrical differences with America. For example, the outlet plug shape varies from our standard two prong outlet. Though there are a variety of outlet types acceptable in both Italy and Greece, they both use the F and C type, with two small round prongs. You can find images and details on this outlet type here. You can pick up a small pack of outlet converters rather inexpensively at Target or Amazon like these here. Another crucial thing to bear in mind is voltage. In America, we use 120 V of power in our outlets. In Italy, the standard is 220V and in Greece it’s even higher at 230V. Small items like cell phone chargers are okay with just a wall adapter that changes the shape of your outlet plug, but if you plan to use bigger items like blow dryers and straighteners, you’re going to want to equip yourself differently. Purchasing a wattage converter before you leave will allow you to use your home appliances without overpowering them with European voltage and spares them from a sad burned out death. You can pick one up on Amazon like this one here.

MONEY

We already mentioned that keeping a money belt below your clothing is a good idea, but that is just one aspect of being money conscious in Italy and Greece. While credit cards are widely accepted in Europe, Greece is more of a cash-based country so plan accordingly by hitting up an ATM or converting Euros before your trip. Italy, on the other hand, is very credit card friendly, but if you are using your normal credit card from home, be aware that there can be fees for every swipe if you aren’t careful that can add up quick. Not only does your bank charge a fee, you will face foreign transaction fees per swipe as well. If you’re dead set on using plastic for the majority of your purchases, it would be a good idea to invest in a card that has zero foreign transaction fees. My go to cards for international travel are the Capital One Venture Card, and the Chase Business Ink. Make sure that you also report international travel dates to your bank before you leave to avoid having your card frozen while abroad. I also suggest changing foreign currency at your home bank a few weeks before you depart. Take anywhere from $60-150 with you in local currency. Once you are in Italy and Greece, you can easily access ATMs for any additional cash you might need. Be aware, both your bank and local ATMs will charge you an exchange fee, so you will want to budget what you need and keep your ATM transactions to a minimum to avoid those unnecessary fees. The worst place to convert money is the airport, so plan on exchanging money before you leave, or at an ATM once while in Europe.

TIPPING

If you have a tour guide during any part of your trip, just know that it is customary to tip 1-2 euros after any guided tours. Similarly, you’ll want to tip any bus drivers (particularly ones who handle your luggage) for their services. We usually suggest $3 per driver per day of service. If you have a helpful waiter, they will certainly appreciate a few euros for good service as well. Some restaurant receipts will include a cover charge (coperto). This is a fee for setting your table. You may also see a service charge (servizio) usually around 10% already included on your ticket. Some restaurants will not have a fee at all and choose rather to include these fees in the menu prices. In the case that service has not been included, 1-2 euros per person is perfectly acceptable. Be aware that waiters aren’t reliant on tips as their sole source of income the way American waiters are. However, a tip for good service is always appreciated and for some services, the tourism industry for example, it’s expected.

PHONE USAGE

If you plan to use your phone abroad, make sure you call your phone carrier prior to leaving. The major ones like Sprint, ATT and Verizon have very reasonable international plans, however, you must add them before you leave to avoid paying exorbitant roaming fees. ATT, for example lets you use your phone as normal for $10 per day. If you don’t plan to stay connected, you can connect to Wi-Fi in the hotels. Just be aware the Wi-Fi can be spotty and often slower than at home, but hey, you’re in Europe. Enjoy the scenery and get your nose out of your phone 😊

FERRIES

If you plan to take a ferry at any point during your journey, there are some things you should know before you go. Ferry services are often behind schedule, so understand that you can be waiting for the ferry to arrive, sometimes much longer than you anticipated. They are affected by wind, waves and all other sorts of uncontrollable factors. The larger the ferry, the slower, but also the most likely not to cancel or delay. Be patient, and understand how it works. You will want to be at the dock at least 30 minutes before your boat leaves. Most locals won’t line up until right before, but getting there early will ensure a better seat and streamline the boarding process. Ferry’s take longer than flying, but they are really relaxing, beautiful experience. On big, slow ferries, you can sit outside and walk along the deck taking in the seascape. Most ferries allow you to stow your luggage on a rack on the boarding level of the boat. You are free to haul it up to the passenger deck and keep an eye on it yourself if you prefer. Most ferries have bathrooms, charging outlets and Wi-Fi, usually for a fee. They also have food and drinks for purchase.

Obviously, there is so much more to traveling in Italy and Greece than can be explored in this blog, but hopefully this will at least give you a leg up and keep you from looking like a total noob while visiting the ancient world. If you are looking for fun things to do while in Italy and Greece, feel free to take a look at our itinerary. These are only just some of the highlights, but it will give you an idea of how much time to allot at each location and how to pace yourself.

Happy travels!

What to Pack (Italy + Greece: Summer Edition)

May 8, 2019

Headed to Italy + Greece? Good news, you are about to be BLOWN away by history and breathtaking scenery. Italy and Greece are crowd pleasers for a reason. They are both unbelievably beautiful, historically rich, and incredibly inviting. BUT you may find yourself at a loss for what to pack. After all, air conditioning isn’t a standard, and there are specific dress codes for certain sites. Not to worry though, we’ve got your back. Here is your ultimate packing guide for this trip-of-a-lifetime!

The first key is to pack light! Since you’ll be carrying your luggage on and off the plane, the bus, hotels, and winding staircases (think Oia, Santorini), you should try to condense what you need into one small suitcase and a carry-on.

Packing essential items into a carry-on has other advantages too! You will basically eliminate the risk of your bag getting lost or delayed. Win! Just make sure your bag meets the dimensions required for the airline you're flying.

If you're traveling with Land + See, you can check out Delta’s carry-on baggage weight and dimension requirements by clicking here.

Here is a list of essential items you won’t want to forget to pack.

Travel Aids

· Chewing gum

· Meds for motion sickness and sleep

· Travel Pillow

· (The airplane will likely supply earplugs, headphones, and a sleep mask so you can leave those at home unless you are partial to your own).

Clothing and Accessories

· Comfortable walking shoes

· Shirts (Have a few with sleeves in order to meet Italian church dresscode: shoulders and knees covered)

· Socks and underwear/bras

· Watch

· Jewelry

· Pants/jeans/shorts (again, a few with covered knees)

· Pajamas

· Glasses/contacts

· Sunglasses

· Belts

· Bathing suit (Be aware, in Santorini the water can stain your suit so plan accordingly)

· Dressier outfit

· Raincoat and/or umbrella

· Scarf or coverup (for Italian Churches)

· Hat or other sun protection

· Collapsible tote/duffel bag for dirty clothes, souvenirs (if only using a carry-on)

· Luggage tags

· Journal (if planning to document your trip)

· Backpack or daybag

Toiletries

· Toothbrush

· Toothpaste

· Floss

· Mouthwash

· Shampoo/conditioner

· Soap

· Deodorant

· Hairbrush/comb

· Hand sanitizer

· Straightener/curling iron (If you have wattage converter)

· Hair styling products

· Hair accessories

· Cleanser

· Moisturizer/Sunscreen

· Shaving Cream

· Razor

· Perfume/Cologne

· Makeup

· Makeup Remover

· Feminine Hygiene Products (if applicable)

· Nail clippers

· Nail File

· Hand wipes

· Tweezers

· Cotton swabs

· Tissues

· Lint Roller

· First Aid Kit/Band Aids

· Lip Balm

· Washcloths (not standard in European hotels)

· Any medications (in addition to a copy of any prescription)

· Spare set of contact lenses/glasses (if applicable)

· Saline Solution (if applicable)

Money

· ATM card (Call your bank prior to departure to alert them of the trip; foreign purchases sometimes result in a hold on bank accounts.)

· Personal credit card

· At least $50 converted to the currency of the first country that you’re visiting

· Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing

Electronics/Technology

· An alarm clock (Many hotel rooms won't have one.)

· An adaptor/converter (details for Italy + Greece plug types found here)

· Camera with extra batteries or charger

· Cell phone and charger

· Portable charger (my personal favorite travel item)

Documents

· Passport—(Remember to leave one copy of it at home and bring a couple more copies on tour, in case your passport gets lost.)

· Emergency contact information

· A copy of your medical insurance card (and trip insurance if you’ve purchased it)

· A copy of the tour itinerary

· A list of important phone numbers

· Addresses to send postcards home

· Copy of any prescriptions (Customs officials may want to verify that a container's contents match its label, so all medication should be carried in its original container.)

· List of medications/prescriptions

Carry-on bag

Here’s a short list of things travelers might need on the first day of the trip. These should be packed in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed:

· Passport

· Money

· Money Belt

· Airline boarding pass

· Toothbrush and toothpaste (Check tsa.gov for current security requirements.)

· Hairbrush

· Contact lens case/glasses (to sleep comfortably on the plane)

· A change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)

· Medication

· Any valuables

Hopefully this helps ease the burden of knowing exactly what to pack. You know yourself and what you need so if you see something on the list you know you just won't need, skip it!

Now that you're done packing, let's get back to our countdown! If you're like me, you've got this itinerary pinned already and you check it daily, but I'll throw it on here anyway so you can get back to daydreaming about the Aegean!

Let the countdown begin!

Italy + Greece Itinerary

What To Pack (Paris Edition)

February 1, 2019

So you’re going to Paris? SCORE! The City of Light is a crowd pleaser and every bit as magical as you imagine it’s going to be. From the magnificent Eiffel Tower, the mysterious Mona Lisa to the glorious Palace of Versailles, the city is sure to take your breath away.

While you’re sure you will have a great time, what you may not be so sure about is how to pack. Not to worry, we’ve got you!

Since we are heading there ourselves in March, I’m going to focus this packing list on spring travel in Paris. The weather is all over the place in Paris regardless of the time of year, but you can expect spring in Paris to involve cooler temps and rain.

When tackling a large task like packing, remember to pack light. Bring along layers versus large bulkier outerwear. Parisians are also fashion savvy, so if you don’t want to stick out as a tourist leave the baggy pants and sneakers at home. Also keep in mind that you’ll be hauling your luggage all over the place, not just on the plane, so keep it simple!

If you are traveling with us, you can read up on Delta’s dimension requirements here.

Here is a list of essential items you won’t want to forget to pack.

Travel Aids

· Chewing gum

· Meds for motion sickness and sleep

· Travel Pillow

· (The airplane will likely supply earplugs, headphones, and a sleep mask so you can leave those at home unless you are partial to your own).

Clothing and Accessories

· Comfortable walking shoes

· Shirts (short and long sleeved) Think layers!

· Socks and underwear/bras (thermals too!)

· Watch

· Jewelry

· Pants/jeans

· Pajamas

· Glasses/contacts

· Sunglasses

· Belts

· Dressier outfit

· Raincoat and/or umbrella

· Warm waterproof jacket/fleece

· Jackets/Gloves/Scarves

· Collapsible tote/duffel bag for dirty clothes, souvenirs (if only using a carry-on)

· Luggage tags

· Journal (if planning to document your trip)

· Backpack or daybag

Toiletries

· Toothbrush

· Toothpaste

· Floss

· Mouthwash

· Shampoo/conditioner

· Soap

· Deodorant

· Hairbrush/comb

· Hand sanitizer

· Straightener/curling iron (If you have wattage converter-France uses 230 Voltz)

· Hair styling products

· Hair accessories

· Cleanser

· Moisturizer

· Shaving Cream

· Razor

· Perfume/Cologne

· Makeup

· Makeup Remover

· Feminine Hygiene Products (if applicable)

· Nail clippers

· Nail File

· Hand wipes

· Tweezers

· Cotton swabs

· Tissues

· Lint Roller

· First Aid Kit/Band Aids

· Lip Balm

· Washcloths (not standard in European hotels)

· Any medications (in addition to a copy of any prescription)

· Spare set of contact lenses/glasses (if applicable)

· Saline Solution (if applicable)

Money

· ATM card (Call your bank prior to departure to alert them of the trip; foreign purchases sometimes result in a hold on bank accounts.)

· Personal credit card (also make sure to notify lender of your travel plans)

· At least $50 converted to the currency of the first country that you’re visiting (France is on the Euro)

· Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing

Electronics/Technology

· An alarm clock (Many hotel rooms won't have one.)

· An adaptor/converter (Iceland uses type C and E outlet plugs. More info here.)

· Camera with extra batteries or charger

· Cell phone and charger (external chargers are worth the investment too!)

Documents

· Passport—(Remember to leave one copy of it at home and bring a couple more copies on tour, in case your passport gets lost.)

· Emergency contact information

· A copy of your medical insurance card (and trip insurance if you’ve purchased it)

· A copy of the tour itinerary

· A list of important phone numbers

· Addresses to send postcards home

· Copy of any prescriptions (Customs officials may want to verify that a container's contents match its label, so all medication should be carried in its original container.)

· List of medications/prescriptions

Carry-on bag

Here’s a short list of things travelers might need on the first day of the trip. These should be packed in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed:

· Passport

· Money

· Money Belt

· Airline boarding pass

· Toothbrush and toothpaste (Check tsa.gov for current security requirements.)

· Hairbrush

· Contact lens case/glasses (to sleep comfortably on the plane)

· A change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)

· Medication

· Any valuables

* If traveling with Land + See, we will do a full day of touring when we first arrive in Paris, so pack anything in your carry-on that you might need for that first day. We won’t check into the hotel until late in the evening.

Let the countdown begin!

My First Trip Abroad

October 5, 2018

I don’t know if it was the awe and wonder of my first time in Europe, or if Prague truly is an untouched gem, but it was an amazing city to have my first European experience in. The grandeur of the gothic spires that shot up along the skyline was overwhelming. I’d never seen the old world intermingled with new life before. Walking along the Charles Bridge and admiring local artists hard at work and weaving in and out of street vendor’s shops was something out of a fairy tale. I remember buying a hand-carved, wooden 3-way chess set from a man who greeted me in Japanese, and some Bohemian crystal in a shop I remember thinking I was too underdressed to be shopping in. The garnet and amber jewelry shops along the streets lured me in with their walls of red and gold glistening in the morning light. I climbed up to Prague Castle and looked out on the city below—finding it difficult to wrap my head around how vast and dramatic the landscape was compared to anything I’d ever seen before. I remember seeing a suit of armor on display in a torture museum and being blown away at how barbaric and harsh the world once was. I visited a university that ran an exchange teacher program. For the first time in my life I saw the possibility of living abroad--I saw life through a completely different lens than anything else I’d ever known. I took a “lift” instead of an elevator, I slept in down feather beds and ate foods whose names I couldn’t even pronounce. I saw a procession of Apostles parading themselves through an opening in a magnificent astronomical clock that was over 600 years old. The mere concept of a clock being so much older than my country was mind-blowing. I saw soldiers in uniform walking proudly amongst the streets. I saw a city untouched by the bombing of World War II, yet still impacted by its devastating effects. I saw resilience, and grit, and genuine kindness in the Czechs. I was truly sad to leave this city when it was time to move on.

From Prague I headed to Hungary. My stay in Budapest was very brief, but it lasted long enough for me to know I needed to return. The food, the aromas and the bustle of the city was invigorating. I spent three hours eating dinner—sharing stories, breaking bread and laughing with my new Hungarian friends. I saw extreme poverty—gypsies—discrimination and hardship—but also a lot of love and laughter.

I remember as I crossed the border from Hungary to Austria noting how interestingly and dramatically the landscape changed almost instantly. In both the Czech Republic and Hungary there had been fields of yellow wildflowers as far as the eye could see. In Austria I remember poppies--rows and rows of poppies--So red and vibrant that they almost didn’t seem real. Suddenly the rolling foothills transformed to enormous mountains that jutted into the heavens with beautiful blue green lakes nestled in between. There was something so quaint about it. I spent some of my time in a girl’s dormitory where I got to meet Austrian students that were my own age. How could it be that we lived worlds apart, yet had so much in common? It had only been just the year before when my English teacher had asked us to create a bucket list. “Write down things that may seem impossible, but that would make your heart soar,” she had said. The first item had been simple—“visit the set of The Sound of Music.” The film came alive as I walked through Mirabell Garden--recounting hours of singing Do-Re-Mi in my living room. I could envision the children clad in drapes hanging from the trees as I walked up to the palatial and intimidating home Maria would spend the next few years of her life—a moment I knew as if it was a scene from my own blurred childhood memories. I explored the Gazebo that Leisl escaped to in the night to be with Rolf as she rationalized life in a way only a sixteen-going-on-seventeen-year-old can. Checking something off my bucket list for the first time was indescribable—addictive, even. I just wanted to devour more experiences like this. We toured Salzburg, went into the depths of the Earth in a salt mine, and to the top of the world (it seemed) as we took a steam train up into the Alps, the very one the Von Trapp children had ridden on a day out with their new, fun governess. We saw Mozart’s home and stood in awe of instruments he himself practiced on. It was unreal to see all these things I had only ever read about coming to life. Suddenly I felt so small. My scope of reality was so microscopic compared to the vast infiniteness of humanity and my tiny, but somehow important role in it. I remember running my fingers over small one and two Euro coins---thinking how innovative and colorful European money was compared to dollars. For the first time I had to pay to use the bathroom. I remember thinking that the whole idea was unheard of and completely uncivilized, until I realized how much cleaner and nicer every bathroom in Austria had been compared to everywhere else, almost as if people appreciate things more when they’ve had to contribute to its upkeep. I started to change. I saw how I was starting to appreciate things—things that had never occurred to me before—like how effortlessly foreign speakers in my home country got by when I struggled so much here—sure, not everything they said was flawless, but I found myself overwhelmed with the graciousness the Czech, Hungarian and Austrian people had with my stammering, unapologetic lack of language. I thought about times where I hadn’t been so gracious and I suddenly became painfully aware of my inadequacies in past experiences. I vowed to change that.

There’s something so invigorating about travel. It unlocks things inside of you that you didn’t even know to look for. It can break your heart, it can make you sentimental, and it can rock your world view. I know for me personally, it has been one of the most transformative powers in my life and I am so grateful for each experience to view life through a different perspective.

What To Pack (Iceland Edition)

September 5, 2018

Headed to Iceland in October to check out the infamous Northern Lights? Or planning to take a rejuvenating dip in the Blue Lagoon? Do a little whale watching? You know what you want to see, but like so many others you may be absolutely lost about what to pack. Not to worry, we’ve got your back!

Fall in Iceland can be tricky, weather-wise, temps are fairly cool, and it's known to rain a lot, making packing an overwhelming task. To help you out we’ve compiled a list to make this daunting task a little easier, so you can get back to your Northern Lights countdown and stop stressing about forgetting something essential.

The first key is to pack light! Since you’ll be carrying your luggage on and off the plane, the bus, and the hotels (which may or may not have lifts), you should try to condense what you need into one small suitcase and a carry-on.

If you're traveling with Land + See, you can check out Delta's carry-on baggage weight and dimension requirements by clicking here.

Here is a list of essential items you won’t want to forget to pack.

Travel Aids

· Chewing gum

· Meds for motion sickness and sleep

· Travel Pillow

· (The airplane will likely supply earplugs, headphones, and a sleep mask so you can leave those at home unless you are partial to your own).

Clothing and Accessories

· Comfortable walking shoes

· Waterproof shoes with good grip (Iceland’s terrain can be hard to navigate)

· Shirts (short and long sleeved) Think layers!

· Socks and underwear/bras (thermals too!)

· Watch

· Jewelry

· Pants/jeans (bonus for waterproof items—it’s rainy in Iceland in October)

· Pajamas

· Glasses/contacts

· Sunglasses

· Belts

· Bathing suit (Bear in mind silica residue from the lagoons can stain your suit. It's rare, but it can happen)

· Dressier outfit

· Raincoat and/or umbrella

· Warm waterproof jacket/fleece

· Jackets/Gloves/Scarves

· Collapsible tote/duffel bag for dirty clothes, souvenirs (if only using a carry-on)

· Luggage tags

· Journal (if planning to document your trip)

· Backpack or daybag

Toiletries

· Toothbrush

· Toothpaste

· Floss

· Mouthwash

· Shampoo/conditioner

· Soap

· Deodorant

· Hairbrush/comb

· Hand sanitizer

· Straightener/curling iron (If you have wattage converter--Iceland wattage is 220V)

· Hair styling products

· Hair accessories

· Cleanser

· Moisturizer

· Shaving Cream

· Razor

· Perfume/Cologne

· Makeup

· Makeup Remover

· Feminine Hygiene Products (if applicable)

· Nail clippers

· Nail File

· Hand wipes

· Tweezers

· Cotton swabs

· Tissues

· Lint Roller

· First Aid Kit/Band Aids

· Lip Balm

· Washcloths (not standard in European hotels)

· Any medications (in addition to a copy of any prescription)

· Spare set of contact lenses/glasses (if applicable)

· Saline Solution (if applicable)

Money

· ATM card (Call your bank prior to departure to alert them of the trip; foreign purchases sometimes result in a hold on bank accounts.)

· Personal credit card (also make sure to notify lender of your travel plans)

· At least $50 converted to the currency of the first country that you’re visiting

· Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing

Electronics/Technology

· An alarm clock (Many hotel rooms won't have one.)

· An adaptor/converter (Iceland uses type C and F outlet plugs. More info here.)

· Camera with extra batteries or charger

· Cell phone and charger (external chargers are worth the investment too!)

Documents

· Passport—(Remember to leave one copy of it at home and bring a couple more copies on tour, in case your passport gets lost.)

· Emergency contact information

· A copy of your medical insurance card (and trip insurance if you’ve purchased it)

· A copy of the tour itinerary

· A list of important phone numbers

· Addresses to send postcards home

· Copy of any prescriptions (Customs officials may want to verify that a container's contents match its label, so all medication should be carried in its original container.)

· List of medications/prescriptions

Carry-on bag

Here’s a short list of things travelers might need on the first day of the trip. These should be packed in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed:

· Passport

· Money

· Money Belt

· Airline boarding pass

· Toothbrush and toothpaste (Check tsa.gov for current security requirements.)

· Hairbrush

· Contact lens case/glasses (to sleep comfortably on the plane)

· A change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)

· Medication

· Any valuables

* If traveling with Land + See, the Blue Lagoon is our first stop, so pack that swimsuit in your essential bag :)

Let the countdown begin!

Iceland Itinerary

An in-depth photo journal of Day 2 on our Iceland tour

December 19, 2017

Alright guys.. I’m literally geeking out over this Iceland trip. I’ll be honest. As I told you before in my previous blog, I initially planned this trip because of its popular demand, and not from some burgeoning inner desire to visit Iceland before I die, but holy junk! The more I’ve come to learn about Iceland the more I kick myself for not having this at the top of my bucket list. Here’s a deeper look at Day 2 of this ridiculous tour. You can check out the full itinerary here in the meantime.

Just like every tour on magical day 2, we will hit the ground running. We will leave straight from the airport and head out on a Reykjavik city tour. Starting with the old town center. Imagine if Norway, Sweden, Bavaria and Amsterdam’s architecture had a baby. Pretty quaint right? That’s Reykjavik’s old town center. Colorful buildings in unique Icelandic style, back-to-back lining both sides of the street. There are street performers, cold weather shops, Viking paraphernalia, and infamous Icelandic sweaters. I don’t know about you, but I plan to take a few of those puppies home with me.

From there we will check out the Parliament house in Reykjavik aka Althingi, one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world, dating back as far as 930 ad. My favorite fact about the parliament house is that it was founded by a group called the thingmenn. Best name ever am I right? It also has a super Icelandic façade made out of hewn Icelandic Stone. It’s a pretty rugged and intimidating building if you ask me.

We will also check out the Reykjavik harbor, a vibrant and colorful scenic spot showcasing beautiful views of the snow-capped peak of Mount Esja. For those that are going on the optional whale-watching tour on day 3, you will actually leave from here. Besides the beautiful view, there is a killer Viking maritime museum nearby, cycling tours and puffin tours available from right in the heart of the old harbor.

From there we will check out the Hofdi house, which is not only stunningly beautiful, it is actually the spot where President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov officially ended the Cold War—so I’d say it has some pretty rich historical significance as well. The house overlooks the water and is a breathtaking man-made structure.

This next one has me SO excited. I’ve long wanted to visit the Hallgrimskirkja Church. It is the very symbol of Iceland. Because of it’s massive height, the steeple of the church can be seen from almost anywhere in Reykjavik, making it synonymous with the city itself. It was actually designed to mirror the basalt columns native to Iceland, making it not only functional and beautiful, but it mimics the very landscape of Iceland.

We will also be checking out the Northern Lights Center on this day. This place is amazing. It has a digital display of the Northern Lights, along with folktales and stories surrounding the Aurora Borealis, the history of the northern lights and a photography section. Word has it that the Northern Lights can be elusive, but thanks to this awesome museum, there’s no way we will leave disappointed.

Another building I’m stoked to visit is the Harpa Concert Hall. I’ve seen many a travel photo taken from this bad boy and I can’t wait to snap my own. This building is relatively new, opening it’s doors in 2011. It’s a fully functional concert hall and conference center and has won numerous architectural awards and was voted best performance venue by Travel + Leisure.

After the city tour we will check into our hotel for the evening. Let me tell you too, the hotels are ridiculously fancy. I can’t wait to experience the luxury and comfort that Iceland has to offer. For dinner, I suggest being a little adventurous and trying some Icelandic specialties, like fermented shark. Okay, this may or may not be a tourist trap of epic proportions, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting to try it none-the-less. There is also a signature drink called Brennivin, aka “The Black Death” that is said to have a licoricey aftertaste and burn as it goes down. True Vikings could handle it, and it is a must try for those with an adventurous spirit and a taste for all things authentically Iceland.

After dinner I suggest taking a short snooze because later that night we will go out on our Northern Lights tour. The Aurora Borealis is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the entire world. I planned this entire trip around prime Northern Lights viewing times, which is smack dab in the middle of October. We will actually embark on a chase this evening—attempting the best view from various vantage points. Weather in Iceland can be tricky, so if we miss prime viewing tonight, rest assured, we will head out later on other evenings in the tour as well. It’s said that the Aurora Borealis can be viewed in the night sky from the hotel too, so we very well may have multiple nights of Northern Lights viewing. Seeing the Northern Lights in person is high at the top of my bucket list. I can’t wait to feast my eyes upon this natural wonder.

After this we will retire to the hotel for some much earned rest and relaxation before hitting the streets again tomorrow. Be on the lookout for our Day 3 summary soon. Again, you can check out this killer itinerary here and enroll straight from this link. Make sure you enroll before Dec. 24th to look in the early enrollment discount before it expires.

Iceland here we come!

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Ice, Ice, Baby... Iceland, that is!

December 2, 2017

Why Iceland, you're asking yourself? Well….

It all started with a bet. Jordan said more people were interested in going to Iceland than Israel. I disagreed. I may have even guffawed. He couldn’t believe someone that traveled as much as I do could be so unaware of the cultural goldmine that is Iceland. I couldn’t believe that anyone within a stones throw of the Bible belt could ignore the fact that Christians essentially exit the womb with a burgeoning desire to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. So like the logical people we are, naturally, we took to our Facebook page to settle the debate. We created a poll with several hot destinations including Iceland and the Holy Land and attempted to unbiasedly manipulate our friends and family into voting on where the most appealing travel destination was. Maybe you even innocently participated in it.

As much as it pains me to admit defeat, Iceland won out by a landslide. I was shocked with the results, but I’d be lying if I said that this was the first time Iceland had piqued my interest.

A couple years earlier my friend and fellow travel enthusiast, Ashley, had visited the good ole Land of Fire and Ice and his pictures left me speechless. Whale watching, the blue lagoon, volcanoes! How had I so mistakenly assumed that this beautiful country was nothing more than a big floating Iceberg?! It turns out, that was the point.

Legend tells that the earliest settlers, the Vikings, literally named it “ice-land” to trick their enemies into thinking they hadn’t stumbled onto the natural treasure trove that they in fact had, and using the ole grass-is-greener switcheroo, insisted they instead head to “green-land,” which is in fact, an actual floating iceberg. Genius move. (I also read that this is a bogus account of how this island got its name, but since I moonlight as a literature teacher, I’ll wink at its historical inaccuracy since it makes for a good story).

Now that Iceland was back on my radar I started to see it everywhere. More and more friends were visiting and sharing their pictures, I would read articles about it in magazines and on Facebook, heck even the Real Housewives of Orange County went there, not to mention its repeated appearances on Game of Thrones. It was after overhearing a couple of students gush about Iceland that I decided I was sick of being a bystander. I wanted to see this mythical land for myself.

It took me a few months of nonstop research to decide where exactly in Iceland we should go, what time of year would be best suited for our purposes (prime northern lights viewing times, for example), and how long to make the trip, but I finally did it. Since starting Land + See one of my favorite things is diving head first into a new destination and learning its nuances—hand picking each little nook and cranny of the tour and trying to uncover all the hidden gems along the way. I’m a little obsessed with not feeling like a tourist. Authenticity is always my focus.

I hope you like what I planned. I put my heart and soul into this tour, and while I’m generally a pretty cold-natured person, I couldn’t be more excited about this “hot” destination.

Be on the lookout as I’ll be updating you with day-by-day details periodically in my blog, but for now, here’s a little taste of how our Iceland tour came to be. You can check out the full itinerary by clicking HERE. Iceland here we come!!

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An In-Depth Look at Day 2 in Paris

November 28, 2017

My favorite day on tour is always, without-a-doubt, Day 2. It doesn’t matter the destination, Day 2 has its own special je ne c’est quoi. You’ve been flying all night, sometimes binging on movies, sometimes chatting with your fellow travelers, or maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ve been snoozing. But, whatever your flying habits, at this point the trip somehow tends to feel intangible still…that is, until Day 2. You’re groggy, you’re excited, and you’re finally here after all the months of preparation and anticipation. You’ve gotten that magical passport stamp and off you go! There is always an otherworldly feeling associated with the first full day on tour. If it’s your first time to Europe, especially, there’s an unreal Disney-like quality to stepping onto cobblestone streets older than your entire country. You know its Europe, but you might need someone to pinch you, just to make sure!

This particular tour is going to knock your socks off on day 2! You can check out the full itinerary by clicking here. It says, “Take a walking tour of the Latin Quarter and visit Notre Dame Cathedral. Conclude the evening with a trip up the Eiffel tower and watch Paris come alive at night.” That’s awfully vague isn’t it? Here is a deeper look into what we will actually be doing on Day 2, and why you shouldn’t miss out!

From the airport, we hit the ground running. We will be taking a walking tour of the famous Latin Quarter, the heart of Paris, and home to the world-famous Sorbonne University, founded in 1257! A fun fact is that all University studies are free of charge in France, as well as much of the rest of Europe, so you will find students from all over the world studying here and a variety of languages spoken.

You can read about Paris, and you can hear other people talk about it. You can even soak in gorgeous photos and think you have a good grasp on what it will be like, but nothing beats walking along its winding streets and experiencing it firsthand.

The Latin Quarter is one of my favorites. Close to the epicenter of Paris, located along the left bank of the Seine, it’s a bustling hub with people going every which way. I love watching the hustle and bustle of the streets filled with students, artists and tourists going about their daily lives. Paris is alive, and nowhere is that more apparent than the Latin Quarter. It’s a great place to grab an inexpensive cup of coffee and people watch. Another fun thing I like to do in the Latin Quarter is to stop by the Shakespeare and Co. bookstore, a longtime fixture in the Paris community. Pick up a second-hand book for that book lover in your life, or snag one for yourself as a souvenir. I scored a copy of “Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare on my last visit, and it’s one of my favorite travel treasures to date.

After getting oriented to the city on foot we will have a little free time to grab a bite to eat. I suggest trying a savory crepe, or a ham and cheese baguette at one of the local bakeries. They are made fresh and rival any baked goods found at home.

After lunch we will cross the river to the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral and take a tour of its breathtaking interior. Visitors can pay a euro or two and light a candle from inside and watch as this fully operational cathedral brings in both tourists and local worshipers from in and around the city. I think sometimes it’s easy to see this as a historical landmark only, but once inside, you really see it for the holy and reverent place of worship that it is.

As a kid I loved the movie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the first time I visited the cathedral in real life it was amazing how familiar it felt, having been so immortalized in so many movies, books and even TV shows. It’s hard to describe the feeling you get when you visit something so famous for the first time—it’s a mix of familiarity and coming home, and yet it’s new and exciting all at the same time. As an extra treat, Notre Dame has some of the most beautiful stained glass windows I’ve ever seen. It’s a postcard perfect photo op that your friends will have a hard time believing you snapped on your IPhone.

After the Cathedral we will take a short walk to the Love Lock Bridge, where people from all over the world leave a piece of their love. On our first trip to Paris, Jordan, Roman, and I painted our names and the date on a lock with the intention of leaving our mark there forever. The only problem was, I accidently left the key back home in Tennessee and we had no way to lock it on. Amateurs! Lucky for us, there was many-a local just waiting to capitalize on our mistake, and one that I can assume many others make, as there were plenty of vendors to choose from to buy a replacement lock. Crisis averted, we purchased a second lock and took a picture as we tossed the keys into the Seine. No one needed to know they weren’t the actual keys. Haha!

From here we will head to our hotel and get settled in our rooms. After a quick refresh, we will head out to dinner and then off to the Eiffel Tower!!

There are few things in this world as pleasantly surprising as the Eiffel Tower at night. Many travelers are unaware that it sparkles every hour on the hour past dusk. Its illumination is always met with shouts of surprise and awe by street goers. It’s easy to lose yourself in the magic of it all. Once on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, we will take in the city skyline at night. There is no view in all of Paris as gorgeous as the one atop the Eiffel Tower. If you are brave, and even if you aren’t, you will thank yourself for taking a trip to the very top. From the top floor of the Eiffel Tower, the world below becomes a blur. It’s such a calm, serene and intimate moment with anyone you choose to share it with.

One thing Jordan and I like to reminisce on is our first night on the Eiffel Tower. His parents took Roman for the night so we could have a date, and we climbed every stair ourselves and shared a victory bottle of champagne at the top. It was so romantic! I highly recommend both the climbing and the champagning for anyone looking to get the full Parisian experience ;)

From here we will head back to our hotel and get a good night’s rest after the dream that was Day 2. Make sure you get your zzz’s in before hitting the streets again for another full day of exploring on Day 3! For novice travelers it might be hard to believe that this night could ever be topped. But this is only Day 2! Buckle up as there is plenty more to come.

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Why travel is important for PEOPLE

October 24, 2017

I recently read an article that frustrated me. Its title boasted the top 6 reasons why travel was important for young people. It gave compelling reasons that in my opinion, solidly supported their argument. Among the reasons were claims that travel pushes you outside of your comfort zone, it can boost self-confidence, heighten your global sensitivity, make you more adaptable, provide you with networking opportunities, and lastly, create an environment that helps you with language immersion. Folks, these are all wonderful reasons to travel, and in my experience, they are all true. My problem with this article lies less with its claims that travel is vastly beneficial, and more with the semantics and the narrow scope of who society feels travel is appropriate for.

Let me be clear, traveling while you’re young is one of the greatest, I repeat, GREATEST gifts you could give your children. Those of you who were blessed with the opportunity to travel young know what I’m talking about. I was one of those lucky few. My entire life was up-ended (in the best possible ways) because of travel. My issue is this concept that it’s only for the young.

I remember the first time I read the book, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. It tapped deep into parts of my heart I never even knew existed. I devoured it. It changed me in ways I find hard to explain even now. I’ve recommended this book to everyone who will listen. While I’m sure other women in their 30s would enjoy this book, the idea that ONLY women in their 30s could find value in this read is preposterous. I’ve seen people of all ages, both genders, different nationalities and religions connect to this book. It is one of those life changing reads.

Travel is like that. It is AWESOME for young, unattached people, but does that mean that there is no benefit for anyone else? Do we stop needing skills like adaptability, communication, and empathy past puberty? I think we live in an awesome society, but arguably, one that has clearly defined territories.

They say, get your traveling done while you’re young, before you “settle down.” I think again, semantics are to blame here. To “settle down” is to settle. It’s in the very phrase! Don’t get me wrong, I have a beautiful family, a dog, I own my own home, we have new(ish) cars—to society I am “settled down.” However, I have no intention of settling. I traveled a good deal while I was young, but I didn’t magically wake up one day and say, “Oh, that’s it. My travel tank is full. Now I’m done.” No. In fact, the exact opposite happened once I started having a family. I still yearned for travel and culture and adventure, but now I had purpose, people to share it with—young lives to shape. I would hate for my children to grow up and think that creating a beautiful family and planting roots is somehow settling or that if they choose to have a family that it means their traveling is over. I want them to collect moments, to make memories, not just store up a bunch of items in a house they’ll never pay off. I want them to seize the day and live life to the fullest with the people they love the most in the world. But the odds are, they won’t get this message from society. Society will encourage them while they are young to explore, to dream and to adventure, but then it will say, “Okay, you’ve had your fun. It’s time to grow up!” Why does growing up have to be settling? Why can’t we show our children how to LIVE?

I’m reminded of a high school friend who recently went on a months-long European adventure with his 80-something-year-old grandmother. He posted a picture of her in her sweet little nightgown at the curb of the airport, about to go on the adventure of a lifetime. They posted little updates along the way and I couldn’t help but admire her. She is exactly the type of woman I hope to be in this life--completely throwing caution to the wind, not letting age or limitations or society tell her that her time is done. She was living every single day to the fullest and not letting any barriers stand in her way. By society’s guidelines she should be taking it easy, enjoying her golden years curled up under a blanket, knitting with her lap dog, but not this one. She was traipsing across Europe, seeing things she’d always dreamed about. There was no “settling” with her. There is something so magical about taking control of your life and doing what makes you happy, regardless of society’s expectations.

Life can be whatever you make of it. I really do believe you can have your cake and eat it too. I am a teacher. I do not make a lot of money, but I have a full and blessed life—one that I hope has many more years to it. But I know one thing for sure--when I am on my deathbed, I plan to die with a life full of memories and absolutely no regrets. This is my not-so-secret wish for you too. Get out there and make the life you want.

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Between The Cracks

July 30, 2017

Recently I was reading a novel by Ernest Hemingway called “The Sun Also Rises” in which a bunch of American ex-pats wander through Europe from city to city drinking and searching for a happiness they never truly find. It was a rather depressing read, and in the most Hemingway-ish way possible, the story, devoid of much textual details or conversational depth, has a hidden richness buried deep between the lines that would be easy to miss if one wasn’t careful. The basic human need to be loved and to feel adequate is found on each page. The superficial nature of their conversations showing their desire to avoid uncomfortable topics or to pretend that their ‘best’ self is their true self. Unpleasant, uncomfortable things happen, but are rarely ever talked about. I couldn’t help but see the parallels between these fictional characters and our own self-made portrayals of our lives on social media. We see the highlights of each other’s lives, or at least the parts we choose to put out there, but we don’t really interact. There is so much life that happens outside of these brief glimpses that often gets lost between the cracks. We like to lead with the good and pretend the bad doesn’t happen. With this missing human element of raw emotion and interaction, we are starting to lose touch with each other. I feel it most often when I share photos or stories of our tours with people that weren’t there. You can see a picture, or hear an account of a story, but if you weren’t there, there are large gaps that are missing. It’s hard to find the words to relay how it really was. We recently returned from a 12 day journey through the Spanish, French and Italian countryside with some of the best people I’ve had the privilege to know and I desperately want to be able to share the experience with those of you that weren’t there. I’ve shared pictures, I’ve invited you to join us in the future, but I haven’t given you a real taste of what this was like.

It’s hard. How do you describe in words an experience that’s only defined by the emotions it has sparked in you? Like how we struggled for four days to learn the names of everyone on our tour. We came from different parts of the country, we had different interests and we were all fighting jetlag, but we took it upon ourselves to learn everyone by name and have an introduction ceremony over dinner—a large feat for a group of 40 plus travelers. I’ve never laughed so hard as when, in an introduction, it was revealed that one traveler had been sneaking food onto the bus. Watching our animated bus driver Giovanni’s delayed reaction upon hearing this translated into Italian, with all his loud, boisterous hand-waving, was very comical, especially given his previous warnings about what would happen to us should we dare to attempt eating on the bus. In truth, he took it fairly well. He was everything we American’s stereotype the Italians to be. Once we watched him pull the bus onto the side of the road and jump out of the driver’s seat to give another bus driver, who had gotten stuck in a toll lane, a quick driving lesson. He looked him straight in the eye, waving with his arms and hitting himself on the head to make an “are you stupid?” gesture, all while shouting “Mama Mia!” Or the time our bus blew a tire and he was covered to his elbows in grease trying to fix it so we wouldn’t miss a moment more than we had to in his beautiful city. These are the moments you don’t see in the pictures. Sitting speechless on the beach in Nice as we stood in awe of the most beautiful sunset we’ve ever seen. There are no words for that. We couldn’t do anything but sit and look. And, like so many times in life, our silence said so much more than our words ever could. Together we were changed having seen the sun set on the opposite side of the world. We touched exhibits that the Spaniards had made for the blind—laying out the architecture of the city so they can experience with their hands what we were seeing with our eyes. We are now all connected, the blind, the seeing—anyone who has stood in that square or felt the smooth edges of the model city’s display. We’ve shared in something special together. Going to a bullfight in an effort to immerse yourself in the local culture only to bawl your eyes out when you realize the reality of what it entails. It made us fall even more in love with Barcelona when we learned that it is the only Spanish city that forbids bullfighting. I watched as a weary traveler requested to sit out the day of touring because she was tired. A few other travelers encouraged her to push through and while it was a tough day of walking to be sure, during that morning’s tour of Park Guell, she serenaded us with an a cappella version of “How Great Is Our God” that moved me to tears—a moment that would never have happened had she chosen to sit that day out. Sharing a collective laugh as someone drops a pile of birdseed beneath a couple French- kissing on a park bench. It quickly became a scene from an Alfred Hitchcock movie—one I’m sure the couple did not appreciate—but one that made us belly laugh and will be the source of many a “remember that time in Barcelona” story. One evening at dinner, while were still all getting comfortable with one another, the song “We Are Young” came on the radio. Slowly a couple people started mouthing the words until eventually every single one of us was shouting “So let’s set the world on fire!” at the top of our lungs, drawing stares from waiters and guests alike. I doubt I’ll ever be able to hear that song and not remember that night, over our pasta, bonding over a feeling. Playing musical chairs on the bus and basically drawing straws based on who was the most car sick for who got the privilege of the window seat. Passing around the magical French nausea medicine between the few of us who couldn’t handle the winding cliff side streets of Monaco without losing our lunches. Or the other feeling of sickness—realizing your brand new GoPro camera is nowhere to be found, and as much as you’d like to retrace your steps, it is time to leave for another country. Watching as people dared each other to order frog legs and escargot while in Provence and actually finding out that they loved it. Seeing walls come down and understanding start to form, one snail at a time! Eating the best gelato you’ve ever had in your entire life in a small gelateria in Florence, prompting the immediate purchase of one more for the road. Or the panic we collectively felt in the Sistine Chapel when we realized two of our travelers were no longer with us. The Vatican guards were shouting at the crowd and herding us through the exit door like cattle. It was a challenging situation for sure, but one that, once resolved, brought us all closer together as a group. Seeing people that mere days ago were strangers have genuine concern for each other and relief when they are tearfully reunited was a beautiful thing to experience. These are the moments that fall between the cracks of the facebook album. The moments that bond us to one another and tell our stories—one that can’t be told scrolling through a newsfeed—one that requires interaction and shared experience to understand. I hope, in a small way, that you felt like a part of our journey. I genuinely want to make a more concerted effort to live life to the fullest. To share in real-life face-to-face experiences with people and to bridge the gaps between the moments that fall through the cracks. I don’t want to end up like Hemingway’s Brett and Jake, throwing out a false version of myself that, while fun to facebook stalk, isn’t the real me. In “The Sun Also Rises” their story ends in Madrid upstairs in the world’s oldest restaurant, Botin, over a plate of suckling pig—exactly where our journey began, but our experience was something else entirely.

Mystery Man

July 12, 2017

Somewhere out there is a man who has no idea how our chance encounter has altered my life (and maybe a few others too). I don’t know where he lives, what he’s doing now. Hell, I don’t even remember his name—but I do know I’m grateful we randomly met.

He was assigned the seat next to mine on a 9 hour flight to Rome. I felt bad for him. I’m sure he hadn’t bargained for such a long-haul sitting next to a 5-month-old and a stressed-out new mom covered in baby puke. Poor guy. Naturally we got to talking and I asked him why he was traveling to Rome. Turns out he wasn’t. It was just a stopover on a trip to Amsterdam to see the Tulips—he and 30 other passengers. I was flabbergasted. It got better. Not only was he traveling with 30 other people, they were senior citizens and he was LEADING them through Europe. I didn’t even know people did that.

He was raised on a farm, got married young and naturally became a farmer himself. He saw that as his bread and butter and his way of life until noticing a huge void in the senior community in his town. He was from somewhere in the Midwest and wanted to make a difference so he started by hiring buses and taking seniors on day trips to get them out and about. From there it grew into a full-fledged tour company and he had entirely devoted his life to connecting people with the world around them, personally escorting them every step of the way. I’ll never forget what he said. He said, “I was a farmer. I have no education, but I’ve seen the entire world and now I get to share that with other people. Do you have any idea how fulfilling that is?” Talk about living your dreams, right? He asked me, “What are you doing with your life?” I took a hard swallow and said I was a high school English teacher, feeling suddenly unimpressed with myself. “Perfect,” he said. “You need to start sharing the world with your kids. If someone like me can do it, what kind of an impact can someone like you make? You have your whole life ahead of you.”

He praised me for my bravery in taking a 5-month-old to see the world and encouraged me not to stop there. At the time I was embarking on what I believed to be my last trip to Europe. I’d been once before in high school and had high hopes of becoming a world traveler. I promised myself that one day I’d go back. But one day turned into one year and slowly life began to happen. Before I knew it I was married and had a baby on the way. Society told me my chance was gone. We praise the young unattached twenty-somethings, encouraging them to seize the day while they can and explore and so on, but once motherhood calls, we are supposed to kill that hunger to roam and replace it with an urge to compete with other mothers about who’s birthday party was the most pinterest-worthy, who breast-fed longer, and who sacrifices more for their children. It’s a great calling, don’t get me wrong, but I never considered that there was an alternative way—that I could (with more bags and more work) wrangle my own children and traipse through foreign lands. I especially didn’t think I could do it with other people’s kids. Was it a lot of work? Totally! Was it worth every hassle? 100%!!

The mystery man and I exchanged pleasantries the rest of the flight, but his words stayed with me. What was I doing with my life? Is it really possible to share the world with kids like that? Senior citizens, sure, but students?

It took me a little over a year to work up enough courage to take my first trip, and also a gentle nudge from a colleague, but I took the leap and it has turned out to be one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I used other tour companies as a crutch at first, believing that I needed them as a security blanket, that I was just some frail little woman who needed their knowledge of all things travel. It didn’t matter that I had over 15 years of travel experience or that I’d lived abroad for a year. One day, with another gentle nudge, this time from my husband, it hit me. They are just dudes in a cubicle. They are no different than I am. The only thing that separates me from that man on the flight is that when my dreams come knocking, fear makes me ask them to come back another day. I was tired of paying big bucks for someone else to do something I enjoyed so much—the planning was the fun part. Deciding where to go, what untouched gems to discover, local traditions to learn from, flavors to taste for the first time—these are the things I love, and things I totally didn’t have a hand in when I was outsourcing tours to someone else—I was petrified that I wasn’t worthy.

Sixteen countries later and my very own tour company and I can’t believe I ever worried that one trip was going to be my last. But collecting stamps in my passport is hardly the best part. By far the travelers are what make the experiences so worthwhile.

Watching travelers is hard to describe. It warms places in my heart I didn’t even know I had. I’ve witnessed many beautiful moments while traveling. Here are a few of my favorites. I had the privilege of watching a dear friend of mine come alive after heartbreak, realizing her life isn’t over just because her marriage was. She took a huge leap in coming on the tour and watching her take the reins of her life—refusing to be a bystander--was a beautiful thing to witness. Another great memory was watching a couple on the brink of divorce rekindle their love for one another while on tour and rebuild a strong and healthy foundation for their family. I’ve seen strangers take on other travelers as their own children when they were in a tough spot or low on money. I’ve seen beautiful friendships (that would NEVER happen in a traditional school setting) develop and blossom as a result of travel. I’ve seen students who receive special services absolutely flourish with self-confidence and adaptability as a result of travel. Barriers are broken down. People are challenged, and they ALWAYS rise.

I could go on and on, but I promise I won’t. I have been able to truly realize how blessed I am because of the experiences and connections travel has helped me form with students, friends, family, and strangers who become some form of all of these things. If you have traveled with me or entrusted your children to my care: THANK YOU! You guys are amazing! I truly believe that giving your kids the experience of travel is setting them up for a lifetime of success. Also, those that invest in themselves and travel know what life is all about: people, history, culture, connections—you name it, travel does it!

I wish I could find that man and thank him, but the likelihood of that happening is slim—believe me, I’ve spent hours randomly searching “Midwest Senior Travel Company” and scouring pictures on the internet hoping to catch a glimpse of a familiar face. My students, friends and anyone who has traveled with me and benefitted from travel have him to thank! I wish I could tell him to his face, but since I can’t—let’s honor him by living our own lives to the fullest every day. Whatever that means to you, get out there and DO IT! For me, that’s sharing the world, one person at a time. If that sounds like your cup of tea too, come with me! Seriously. No catch. Just us making the world our oyster. We may know each other well, we may just be acquaintances, or total strangers, but I know after traveling we will all feel like family.

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Taking Flight

April 22, 2017

I've yearned to travel the world for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is on an airplane. I remember the bumpy circular patterned-floor of the airplane aisle and the massive chairs of the airport lobby. I'd scoot to the very edge of the seat and stretch my feet out, but, like most three-year-olds, I had a long way to go before my stumpy legs would ever reach the floor. I remember the flavorless pretzels the air hostess passed me right after she pinned a shiny silver set of wings on my shirt. I felt so important.

It was a memory that was to stick with me for a long time.

I don't know where we were headed, but likely it was to visit family in North Carolina or maybe this flashback that I can't seem to shake comes from the long trek back home. We were living in Hawaii at the time--a long way from my parent's childhood homes and far from the tight-knit families they both came from. Neither of my parents are big travelers so it's still surprising to think that they ended up on Oahu--and even more curious that they spawned a child like me. In many ways I'm an anomaly. I don't have the laid-back personalities characteristic of my family, preferring details, deadlines and organization, over their go-with-the-flow approach to most ventures, I don't have their beautiful tan skin, after a bout in the sun I have a lobster tone that no one would ever describe as 'sun-kissed', but even more odd is the fact that I have always felt an insatiable urge to roam.

Maybe I keep going back to this early memory because it was so unusual for us--our family trips consisted mainly of long car rides to places we had friends or family, never flights--or maybe it was because my best friend would come home from choir trips with exciting stories of riding trollies through the steep streets of San Francisco or buying knock-off purses in Manhattan. Whatever the reason, the desire was there--unfulfilled. That is, until my Aunt Julie invited me on a trip to Arizona with her family when I was ten years old. We had long since returned to the East Coast permanently and they were going on a family vacation with three of their children. The boys had each other to pal around with, but their daughter was solo--enter moi!

It was incredible! Not only did we have the most amazing vacation--riding through the desert on horseback, dune-bashing in a hummer, line-dancing with certified cowboys, and swimming until we were wrinklier than prunes--I got to fly again!

It lived up to every childhood fantasy I'd imagined it to be. I watched as the buildings got smaller and smaller, my face glued to the window watching the ground below. It mesmerized me as the scenery below changed from green and fertile to dry, mountainous and brown. The fact that I ate breakfast on the east coast and would be having dinner in the desert was exciting. I imagined myself jumping through the cotton-candy clouds like a trampoline and sat in awe at the blueness of the sky above and below. From then on when planes would fly overhead it would blow my mind to think that those tiny little moving dots were filled with people just like me. I wondered where they were going and found it hard to fathom that enough people flew every day to keep the airlines in business--flights were still a pretty foreign concept to me. I remember hoping that I would grow up and have the kind of life that required air travel. I made a vow that if I ever had children I would take them on a plane and show them how exciting the world was. I wanted them to know what I now knew--that life wasn't the same for everyone. Unlike the large oak trees I climbed and the crawdads I fished out of the creek, some people saw roadrunners, scorpions and cactus blossoms when they walked outside. I knew that other places were different than my little east coast world, but now I had seen it.

I really haven't changed all that much. Instead of quenching a thirst, that trip lit a fire--one that can't be contained. My desire to explore this world has become like a wildfire--starting with me but rapidly spreading to my friends, family and students, one by one. I still get thrills from travel, but now the strongest thrill of all comes when I see that spark lighting in someone else. When I see someone else coming to the realization that life as they know it isn't necessarily "the way"--that through experience we shape how we view the world. I hope to have as many experiences as possible before I exit this Earth. I hope my own children are blessed to see people from as many walks of life as possible--to learn that just because people have different philosophies than they do or alternative lifestyles that contrast with "their way," that we are all just people. Travel does that. It makes us realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things and how we are all connected to one another.

Don't stay in your tiny corner of the world with only like-minded people your whole life. Be a pioneer, a game changer--travel, experience, taste, and do as many things as you can. You'd be surprised what you'll find.

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