The World Was Here First

There are so many places to explore in Europe that it can be incredibly difficult to choose exactly where you want to go. However, if you’re keen to visit grand Alpine vistas and beautifully ornate cities, then I highly recommend planning a trip through Germany, Austria and Switzerland. These three countries have heaps of history to enjoy and some of the world’s most spectacular natural scenery.

It’s hard to think of a destination I love more than Spain – it’s such a vast country with so many culturally distinct regions that you can easily spend months or years exploring it and still find something new to discover. However, if it’s your first trip to Spain and you’re limited in time, you’re going to want to hit the highlights and get a holistic view while not biting off more than you can chew (though there will be plenty of time for tapas!).

While mainland Croatia has a surprising amount to offer in and of itself, I do have a soft spot for the many islands that lie off of this Adriatic country’s coast. We’ve been fortunate enough to have spent a good amount of time exploring several Croatian islands and we know just how appealing a holiday there can be. But it can also be super overwhelming to plan – especially once you factor in ferry logistics.

If you’re interested in seeing some of the most iconic and historic cities in the US, then travelling along the northern part of the East Coast is an opportunity not to be missed. I’ve had the pleasure to be able to explore these cities on numerous different occasions and putting them together into one epic trip is something I think is ideal for first-time visitors to the region.

Often overshadowed compared to neighbouring Spain or nearby France, mapping out a dedicated itinerary for Portugal is an excellent way to get to know this gorgeous country.

The Algarve region, located on the south coast of Portugal is famous for its golden sandy beaches, charming portuguese towns, traditional cuisine and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Among its many destinations, Lagos and Faro stand out as the two most popular cities, but if you take a closer look, I think you will see that they both offer very different experiences. In general, I recommend choosing Faro if you’re after a laid-back destination that is less tourist-centric.

A lively city located in the south of Portugal on the southern coast, spending a day in Albufeira is a must when you are visiting the Algarve. Once a quiet fishing village, it has been transformed into one of the Algarve’s most popular tourist destinations whilst still managing to retain its traditional charm. The town is divided into two main areas. Firstly, you have the picturesque Old Town, with its cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and bustling squares.

Located on the sun-soaked southern coast of Portugal, Faro may not get the same attention as Lisbon or Porto, but that’s precisely what makes it worth visiting. As the gateway to the Algarve, putting together an itinerary for Faro is an absolute pleasure. From its cobbled streets to the local cuisine, quirky galleries and museums. It’s the kind of place where I think you can lose yourself for hours, stumbling upon hidden squares, and discovering perfect photo opportunities around every corner.

As one of five national parks in the state of Utah, it is easiest to only spend one day in Bryce Canyon. A small park known for its limestone spires called “hoodoos,” the Bryce Amphitheatre and surrounding area is truly spectacular to visit. Situated in southern Utah not far from the iconic Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon may not be as well-known or as large as Arizona’s Grand Canyon, but I found it absolutely breathtaking and well worth planning a trip here.

Tucked away on the sun-soaked shores of Portugal’s Algarve region, you’ll find the charming city of Lagos. There’s no shortage of postcard-worthy experiences for those spending a few days in Lagos, from kayaking through the stunning sea caves of Ponta da Piedade to soaking in the golden hour at Praia Dona Ana. Don’t be fooled by all the beaches and fresh seafood on offer, I’ve found this isn’t just another pretty seaside resort town.