During longer trains trips throughout Europe, it’s nice to upgrade to first class if your budget allows. However, if you are based in the Loire Valley and using the Gare de Tours train station while visiting local castles (like Chenonceau and Amboise), there’s no reason to upgrade your ticket. The trains are clean, fast, and you gain very little from sitting in first.
If you stay in Tours (which I highly recommend for convenience), trains are always on time out of the Gare de Tours. Make sure to arrive a few minutes early, because in my experience, these trains are always on time.
Ideal blend of form and function.
The Gare de Tours is a particularly beautiful station that blends form with function. I remember the first time I pulled into this station after arriving from seeing Paris landmarks. Something about it looked magical, and I continue to be beguiled by this beauty of engineering. The station’s architecture is steeped in history, and it is really gorgeous to walk through it.
Brush up on your French.
There is pretty much no English, but I found staffers here to be helpful if you are confused about what to purchase. Tickets are inexpensive, and someone is usually walking around who is willing to help. Additionally, you can purchase tickets on the day of your train trip, but the station is in town, so it’s easy enough to duck in and purchase tickets ahead of time. Of course, you can also buy tickets online, but it doesn’t tend to be a requirement at this station.
Also, most European trains will make announcements in their native tongue first and then make announcements in English. This does not happen much in France, and not at all in the Loire Valley. So, brush up on your French or prepare to be confused a lot. Honestly, both work.
With more than 2.5 miles of golden sand, Meia Praia Beach is by far the largest stretch of paradise in Lagos, Portugal.
Definitely more low key than other beaches in the area, this sandbank is where locals go with their families to spend the day lounging in the sun. Casual cafes dot the landscape, and I tried several of them. Honestly, they were forgettable, but if you are hungry, they come in handy. Also, if you want to use the bathroom, they require payment if you are not eating. So, be prepared to at least purchase a few bottles of water.
This area gets crowded, but don’t worry, because there is an abundance of space. Lacking any of the rock formations that have made the Algarve infamous, Meia Praia definitely has more of a relaxed vibe. Translation, if you walk for long enough, you can spread out as much as you want.
Advice for solo travelers.
As a solo traveler, I didn’t worry about my things getting snatched at Meia Praia Beach. I was smart about it and only brought a few euros with me. Plus, setting up camp away from the crowds made me feel safe when I went swimming
Chaise loungers with oversize parasols are available for rent, so you don’t need to bring much with you. And, if you are craving activity, this area is teaming with extreme water sports including tubing and Flyboarding.
Water sports galore!
I took a 3-hour kayak cave excursion that provided time for swimming. Easily one of my favorite activities in Lagos, my only complaint is that we took off at the same time as several other tour companies, so getting in and out of the caves was time consuming. I wish the operators had staggered the departures. Still, if you are outdoorsy, you will love maneuvering your way through these magnificent grottos.
Overall, Meia Praia Bech is one of those destinations that has something for everyone. It’s not as epic as the other beaches in Lagos, but it’s a great way to pass a lazy afternoon in the Algarve.
O Camilo in Portugal blends a sleek aesthetic with a carefree vibe and killer views. This seafood eatery is spot on with traditional Portuguese dishes as well as creative fare.
By far the best meal I had at the beach in Portugal, I love this place and I would definitely return. However, I will bring a friend with me, because the staff catered more to groups than to solo travelers. Throughout my adventures, I have become accustomed to this attitude, particularly at restaurants. Translation, it wasn’t a big deal.
Don’t get sand in your food.
Also, if it’s a windy day, opt to eat inside, because the weather gets intense pretty quickly. I noticed that window tables are unofficially reserved for repeat customers, so chances are that your view won’t be that good. However, this is a small price to pay for avoiding a mouthful of sand.
Make a reservation.
If you don’t make a reservation (and even if you do), be warned that there is a crazy line. I think I waited for nearly 2 hours just to have lunch, but I’m still glad that I didn’t give up.
Once seated, I was impressed by O Camilo’s vast selection of fish. Tip, if you ask your waiter, you are allowed to peruse everything that is available. Usually, one of the cooks will pop over and give you advice on the freshest fish of the day.
With a better wine list than I expected, everything was delicious and fairly priced. And, for such a busy restaurant, my food arrived quickly. Seriously, there’s no lollygagging in the Algarve.
With surprisingly modern fare for such a traditional region, O Camilo in Portugal is extremely popular with tourists and locals. Just remember that if you want to avoid toiling in an endless line, make a reservation.
At Camilo Beach in the Algarve (Praia do Camilo) the scenery is postcard worthy. Seriously! Very close to Lisbon, The triumphant pillars weathering the sands of time rising out of the ocean make an impression. Wrapped up in natural beauty, this area is humbling. From certain angles, the formations appear connected. And, it’s not until you start your descent down more than 200 wooden steps that you realize these rocks are pretty spread out.
Get to stepping at Camilo Beach!
Much has been made of these stairs online, and I agree that they could be problematic if you have bad knees or small children. However, if you don’t lug much to the beach, it’s not a big deal.
The golden sand and clear water have helped Camilo Beach achieve an iconic status in Portugal, because this area of the Algarve is always busy. Even the parking lot is crazy. I took a taxi to the beach, and my driver had to wait at least 10 minutes before he could turn around and drive back. I assumed this was because of the weekend, but he quickly corrected me, and said, “It’s always crowded here. Always.”
Grab lunch at O Camilo.
The restaurant at the top of the stairs is sleek and in high demand. If you want to eat here, you will be waiting for a while. This was one of my favorite meals in the Algarve, so click here if you would like to know a bit more about it.
The beach itself is stunning with hidden caves that connect to smaller beaches. But, space is limited, because Camilo is equally popular with tourists and locals. Don’t expect finding real estate for a towel to be an easy task.
Advice for solo travelers.
As a solo traveler, I found this area challenging, because I desperately wanted to go swimming. But, too many people were roaming around for me to leave my things unattended.
If you are staying anywhere in the Algarve, especially in Lisbon a daytrip to Camilo Beach is definitely worth your time. My advice is to start as early as possible, because the beach fills up quickly.
Bergen, Norway is a quirky place with friendly locals and crazy beautiful scenery. Here are some of my favorite activities that you shouldn’t miss.
Irresistible folksy charm.
The famous wooden houses by the docks are pretty awesome, but they are by no means the only architectural game in town. Adorable housing and intricate architecture surround you at every turn. Just take a walk, because it’s impossible to miss.
Beauty blooms in Bergen.
The gazebo decorated with flowers in the middle of town is utterly charming. It is the perfect spot for snapping selfies or grabbing a sandwich from a nearby café and having lunch.
Bergen, Norway’s fabulous funicular.
You can buy these tickets in advance or at the funicular. If it’s crowded, my suggestion is to leave and grab a snack at a nearby haunt. Go back in a few minutes, because this giant people mover is efficient. Check out my article on the Fløibanen for more tips on this attraction.
On a boat, on a boat in Bergen, Norway!
The RIB boat tour is certainly a lot of fun, and most drivers make bouncy waves while cruising in the harbor. You won’t see epic fjords during this journey, but you will get a good view of the wooden houses throughout Bergen. Additionally, you will see lots of small islands.
Embrace the fjords, Norway style.
You can purchase tickets next to the boat, but the trip sold out every day when I was there. So, my advice is to book ahead of time online.
The double decker boat provides a comfortable ride, but it is always packed. Do yourself a favor and be sure to stand outside on both the upper and lower level. I didn’t realize until the second half of my fjord tour that the scenery looks dramatically different from both vantage points.
You want to stand at the front of the boat for epic views and even better photos. Just be prepared to get elbowed a lot.
Even during the summer, bring a hoodie, because conditions get windy out on the water. I noticed a few people only wearing T-shirts, and they looked miserable. The shortened version of this tour (that’s the one I took) is a little more than 3 hours. It takes you through three fjords, and the scenery is pristine. The water is so clean that it’s unreal. At times, sections of the journey get a touch repetitive, but it certainly is beautiful and definitely worth your time.
The online description said the crew would collect a bucket full of water from one of the waterfalls and pass it around. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen during my trip. Upon reflection, drinking from the same vessel as an actual boat load of strangers is not appealing. Just realize that if this is something you are looking forward to, it might not happen.
Overall.
If you love the outdoors, your visit to Bergen, Norway is sure to suffer from only one thing, a lack of time. Then again, that’s the hallmark of any good trip!
A marvel of engineering, the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is the largest train station in Europe. And, with multiple levels of shopping and eating options, the HBF is confusing. Trains run above and below the ground level, so give yourself plenty of time to find your connection.
Bonus tip, the world-famous Brandenburg Gate is approximately a 15 minute walk from the HBF. So, it’s easy to coordinate your arrival or departure with a visit to this neoclassical monument. If you’ve got the time, make sure to work this in your schedule.
Why go?
With more bridges than Venice, this gritty city remains wrapped up in heartbreak. Certain areas feel like the ghosts of a torturous past will haunt Berlin forever. However, resiliency pervades with an artistic, if not hipster scene.
Don’t be intimidated.
For the most part, locals do not outwardly appear friendly, but I don’t actually think this is the case. Since the German language sounds a bit harsh, I think it’s easy to misinterpret people as being rude when they are, in fact, being helpful.
Berlin’s artsy side.
Street art abounds throughout the city with thought provoking murals and graffiti at every turn. I even spotted a phone booth repurposed as an artistic book swap in shocking orange with a green silhouette. Apparently, the written word isn’t dead after all.
Transportation, Berlin style.
As for getting around, Berlin is extremely walkable. And, sometimes getting lost teaches you more about a city than following a map. However, everything is pretty spread out, so you might want to hop on the tram or U-Bahn to save time.
Also, cyclists and motorized bikes are prevalent on the streets. People drive fairly aggressively at night, so take care. It’s not exactly dangerous, but you need to pay attention.
As for the TXL (Berlin Tegel) airport, the flights are organized a little differently. At the international concourse, find your flight on the board, because specific terminals are not marked for departures. Also, most of the lounges are located before you go through the security line. Everything is easy enough to figure out, but the process is less confusing if you know this information prior to taking off.
For more (free) things to do in Berlin, check out this awesome article from Ars Currendi!
If you haven’t visited Basque Country in Northern Spain, you might be asking yourself, what is a pintxo? Pronounced “pincho”, these are bite size snacks that are typically eaten at the bar. Be prepared to wait for a bit if standing is a deal breaker. Trust me, it’s a lot less awkward than it sounds, and these pintxo joints usually have jovial atmospheres. Plus, tons of people stand around and eat outside. Since most of the dishes are basically finger food, this is actually really fun when it’s sunny.
When visiting Bilbao, it’s typical to pintxo hop around town as a daily activity. It’s almost like eating is a sport, but you do so much walking that it’s easy to burn off excess calories. Translation, there’s no need to feel guilty! Plus, this style of eating might initially seem like a ton of food (it did to me), but the bites are incredibly small. So, you don’t really feel it. Additionally, nightime ‘pintxo crawls’ are ridiculously fun, because the focus is as much on the food as the booze.
Artistic Basque Country.
Food is showcased on newspapers, colorful plates, and clever attention grabbers that are akin to walking through an art gallery in say, Brooklyn. For me, just taking in the endless slew of awesome eateries was an experience in itself. Everything was kind of beautiful in a different way, and I found that the good pintxo places were just a little bit offbeat, in the best way possible. Some were more traditional, while others were stark white with insanely modern touches. I found everything in between, but the best places made a real effort to stand out.
Food is showcased on newspapers, colorful plates, and clever attention grabbers that are akin to walking through an art gallery in say, Brooklyn.
When you finally settle on where you want to eat, grab a plate from the bar and pick up whatever looks good. Don’t worry, sticks are attached to the food, so fingers are not involved. Note, some of the upscale places plate the food for you, but this is by no means an indication of the food quality. My favorite meal was at Victor Montes (click here for more information), and I just served myself at the bar. To be fair, they have a full restaurant, but I didn’t feel like sitting down for a proper meal. Additionally, there is usually a menu with more high-end dishes, but you have to ask for it.
Northern Spain’s honor code.
Just be sure to keep a mental note of everything you eat. In Basque Country, you usually don’t receive a bill, and you are on the honor system when you pay.
The hallmark of the Republic of the Maldives are atolls, which are coral formations that have separated into small islands. Whether you are looking for a party atmosphere or a quiet holiday with world-class diving, turquoise waters and powder white sand make this an ideal escape.
Why visit the Maldives?
Yes, the higher end places tend to have better levels of service, but the Indian Ocean forgives an awful lot of sins. Not that the area is known for having missteps, actually it’s quite the opposite. It’s just that the natural beauty and warm waters of this area are ridiculous. This is the kind of vacation where you pinch yourself every day just to make sure it’s real.
Typically, I am not a fan of hopping on the ‘life changing’ label system when it comes to describing getaways. But, if any location warrants this praise, the Maldives does. And if you choose to stay in an over water bungalow, it is easy to melt into the landscape.
Discover what modern luxury means to you.
Twenty-six atolls are teaming with extensive reefs and lagoons that foster a modern sense of opulence. During my visit, jumping into the ocean with snorkel gear less than 10 seconds after brushing my teeth quickly became my morning ritual. Easily the best wakeup call that I have ever experienced, I started taking the plunge before breakfast.
Having the freedom to quite literally step off my bungalow into the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean is my definition of modern luxury.
Swimming in a sleek pool overlooking the ocean brings decadence to a new level. And, while this activity might not pander to landlubbers, the resorts throughout the Maldives are the ultimate special occasion destination.
It’s pricey, and the travel time is long (best connections are through Dubai or check out some Abu Dhabi landmarks). Realistically, after a series of at least two flights or more, you will arrive in Male and transfer to a seaplane (locally known as an air taxi) or a speed boat. It’s not the easiest journey, but I hope these pictures inspire you to take this trip of a lifetime!
In Cong, Ireland, Ashford Castle is an absolute treat to visit. An unparalleled level of service and old fashioned charm are dripping with grown-up glamour. Seriously, this destination is teaming with a killer staff and some of the most beautiful surroundings that I have ever seen. Here’s a snapshot of activities that you can’t miss.
Snooker at Ashford Castle
With slightly masculine overtones, this room is stunning. I almost expected to find medieval knights or royalty toiling in the corner. Instead, I found a bartender serving up classic cocktails. A massive snooker table anchors the middle of the room, and since I know my way around a pool table, I thought this would be an easy game to pick up. Trust me, pool and snooker are not similar. But, don’t let that stop you! Lounge on the tufted leather and top off your night here.
If you’ve never tried this sport, this is the ideal location to start wielding a bow and arrow. The gorgeous setting is a fun way to learn how to let your arrows fly.
Drink up at Ashford
If you want to visit the wine cellar, it is necessary to book a private tasting. The atmosphere alone is worth the experience. It feels like you are walking through an old dungeon, except the location is pristine. It’s one of those moments in time that feels utterly unique and stays with you long after the wine has been poured. Sometimes, ambiance really is everything.
Sometimes I think Ashford should be called Wellies & Windbreakers. The amount of mud you kick up while exploring the grounds is unbelievable. Luckily, if you stay at the castle, the staff provides you with the appropriate attire. Translation: you don’t need to pack extra clothing.
When I stumbled upon the Guinness Tower, it was actually locked, so I’m not sure if I was supposed to shimmy through. Either way, it was an incredibly cool journey up to the top. And, I was rewarded with an epic treetop view. Overall, I found the expansive surroundings magical, and as I sit writing this post, I wish I was back at Ashford Castle.
Giddy up
The equestrian center is top notch. Whether you are an experienced rider or a novice, the staff expertly guides you through the process and ensures that you are paired with a horse that suits your skill set. Riding through the grounds of Ashford Castle is amazing. I felt like I was living out the fairytale dreams of my childhood.
For me, the guide was the best part about this activity, because he spoke about his personal connection to the area. Deeply passionate about Ashford Castle, he regaled me with stories about his youth with such a delightful Irish accent that I couldn’t help but smile. I didn’t even mind that it rained for almost the entire boat ride. His gorgeous hand carved wooden boat looks like something out of a movie set, and you quickly realize that you are somewhere special.
No matter how long you spend at Ashford Castle, do yourself a favor and make sure you schedule a boat trip. I still think about this morning that I spent out on the water, and the etheral beauty continues to move me.
Press paws
As a dog lover, I thought this would be fun, but I wondered, how exciting will it really be? I quickly learned that trekking through Irish ruins with two massive Wolfhounds and their friend Doug, a German Shepherd, is nothing short of amazing. Watching the dogs frolic in the lake and posing with them inside of the castle is something that I will never forget.
Yum!
Affiliated with Ashford Castle, this restaurant is not actually inside the main building. And, it’s nice to step away for the evening and experience a contemporary take on food. Everything is themed after Oscar Wilde and modern art at this upscale restaurant that is surprisingly innovative. Tip, make sure to order the Guinness Ice Cream for dessert. Actually, this might be a good rule of thumb for all of Ireland.
Home to the oldest School of Falconry in Ireland, working with hawks is incredibly special. There is an owl, but you will most likely be paired with a Harris Hawk. You will get to know your feathered friend pretty quickly and ramp up to flying your bird over the lake. Overall, there are countless activities to love at Ashford Castle, but the hawk walk is easily my favorite!
Chateau de Chenonceau highlights political power plays between Diane de Poiters, King Henry II’s mistress, and Catherine de Medici, King Henry II’s wife. The property is known as much for its stunning aesthetics as it is for its storied history. If you don’t rent a car, it might be a bit of a hassle to get here, especially during the winter. However, nothing this delicious comes easily, and Chenonceau is definitely worth the trouble.
Dueling gardens.
Even today, the distinct tastes of these influential women are reflected throughout the property. For example, dueling gardens reveal the personality of a restrained Catherine di Medici. In direct opposition are Diane di Portiers’ bigger and more extravagant gardens. Her florals portray a progressive thinker with a flair for the dramatics. In her youth, this beauty boldly posed for topless paintings, while taking the 15 year-old king as her lover when she was 35.
dueling gardens reveal the personality of a restrained Catherine di Medici, while Diane di Portiers’ bigger and more extravagant gardens portray a progressive thinker with a flair for the dramatics
Suspicious royal initials.
There is further evidence of a salacious backstory cluttered with plenty of resting bitch face throughout the castle. It is more than a little obvious in the actual shape of the royal initials, which are intertwined everywhere. Seriously, you can’t escape them.
Apparently, King Henry realized that when the letter ‘C’ is placed on top of the letter ‘H’ (Henry and Catherine), it actually looks like the letter ‘D’ (Diane). Take a look at the initials that adorn the castle. Whose love is really immortalized in stone? Hmmm….
But, it is easy to guess who had the last laugh. Upon Henry’s death, the queen kicked her husband’s paramour to the curb. After banishing Diane from court, Catherine promptly set up shop in his ex-lover’s chateau.
Wrapped up in historical scandals and beauty, Chenonceau continued to pass through the hands of elite ladies throughout the years. Undoubtedly, de Medici and de Poiters brought the most drama to the intimate chateau that spans the River Cher.
Rife with rivalry and epic parties, the impact of these powerful women is still felt throughout this fairytale escape. There’s just something about Chateau de Chenonceau.
