What I Always Bring on Long International Flights

Long international flights are a necessary evil when you love to travel. I may love arriving in Ireland, East Africa, or Vietnam, but I don't know too many people who get excited about sitting inside a giant metal tube for 10, 12, or even 16+ hours!

Over the years I've taken my fair share of long-haul flights and I've learned that surviving them has very little to do with luck and almost everything to do with preparation. I used to show up with so many things packed into my carry on that I almost couldn't find anything. 

After enough overnight flights, awkward sleeping positions, dry skin, and regrettable packing choices, I've narrowed down exactly what I always bring with me. These are the items that make a long international flight feel less like an endurance event and more like the beginning of the trip itself.

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The Irish Experiences I'd Prioritize if I Only had One Week

If someone told me I only had one week in Ireland and had to narrow down my choices, I wouldn't spend my time trying to cram in every castle, every village, and every famous stop on the map. Ireland rewards travelers who slow down, stay flexible, and choose experiences over checklists.

After several trips to Ireland, I've realized that the places I remember most aren't always the ones everyone talks about. It's the feeling of standing on a cliff with wind whipping around you, crossing a rope bridge over crashing waves, or stepping onto a remote island that has existed for centuries.

If I had just seven days in Ireland, I'd focus less on seeing everything and more on prioritizing the experiences that felt uniquely Irish to me. 

Here's where I'd spend my time. 

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10 Travel Opinions I've Changed My Mind About Over the Years

One of my favorite things about travel is that it changes you. It changes your perspective, stretches your comfort zone, and sometimes completely flips your opinions upside down. 

I used to think I had travel figured out. I had strong opinions about the "right" way to travel and what worked for me. But after years of family travel, international trips, road trips, solo experiences, and seeing different corners of the world, I've realized that some of my travel beliefs have shifted dramatically. 

Some changes happened because I simply got older. Some came from experience. And some came after realizing that what works for one season of life doesn't necessarily work for another.

Here are 10 travel opinions I've completely changed my mind about over the years.

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Would I Go Back? Reexamining Vietnam

There are some destinations that leave an impression on you long after you return home. Vietnam is one of those places. 

As part of my "Would I Go Back?" series, I like to reflect honestly on destinations after the excitement of travel has worn off. Some places are amazing once and feel compete. Others leave you already planning your return before your suitcase is unpacked.

Vietnam firmly falls into the second category.

Not only would I go back to Vietnam, but I actually think Vietnam is a country that deserves a return visit. After spending time there, I realized how impossible it is to fully experience the country in a single trip. Vietnam is massive, layered, diverse, and constantly changing from one region to the next. The more I saw, the more I realized how much I didn't see. 

And honestly, I loved that feeling.

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Would I Go Back?: Reexamining Rome

Rome is one of those destinations that feels like it's on everyone's list. There's a new non-stop flight from Seattle on our local Alaska Airlines and maybe I'm just hearing the buzz from it, but everyone seems to be planning a trip. I get that Rome is one of those places that lives in your imagination long before you ever step foot there. There's history, ruins, art, food...I mean, it kind of has it all! It's a place people talk about as if it's an essential desitination. Almost like a rite of passage for travelers. 
And after visiting Rome ourselves, I understand why. 
But would I go back? 
That answer is a little more complicated.
This post is part of a new series called "Would I Go Back" where I give you my honest advice through experience and you can make your own decision. In case you missed the first post in the series, you can find it here: Would I Go Back: Reexamining the Amalfi Coast.

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Would I Go Back?: Reexamining The Amalfi Coast

The first time you see the Amalfi Coast, it almost doesn't feel real.
Pastel buildings stacked into cliffs. Bougainvillea spilling over stone walls. The Mediterranean stretching endlessly in front of you. It's the kind of place that feels like it belongs on a postcard or maybe even a movie. 
And because it is often depicted on those things, this is a destination that often ends up high on people's bucket lists. With any iconic destination, there's always the lingering question after a trip...
Would I go back?
This post is part of a new series where I answer that exact question with honestly and practicality so that you can decide if a destination is truly worth your time and money. Not just whether it's beautiful {because many places are}, but whether the experience matches the effort, cost, and expectations.
So would I go back to the Amalfi Coast?
The short answer is yes.But not in the same way.

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Hiking Brothers Point on the Isle of Skye: A Hidden Coastal Treasure

One of the highlights while visiting Scotland was spending time on the Isle of Skye. Most visitors flock to world famous sites like Old Man of Storr or the Quiraing, but tucked away and probably driven right by, is a hike that feels like Skye's best kept secret. It's called Brother's Point and I imagine it's what some of the hikes on Skye felt like before Instagram started inspiring more travel to the area. 
Despite its modest length, Brothers Point offers a breathtaking blend of rugged landscape, ancient history, and raw coastal beauty without the crowds that have overtaken some of the other Instagram worthy hikes in the area. Read on, because this is a hike you are going to want to add to your Skye itinerary!

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What No One Tells You About Driving in Ireland

Driving in Ireland looks dreamy in the photos. You see the winding roads cutting through the impossibly green hills. Stone walls lining the countryside. A castle appearing literally out of nowhere. It feels romantic and cinematic and slow.
And it is.
But what no one really warns you about driving in Ireland is that it requires more focus than you expect. After multiple trips exploring far beyond Dublin and into the rural corners that lead to places like Sliabh Liag, Croagh Patrick, and the Rock of Cashel, we've learned that driving in Ireland isn't hard, it's just different.
And if you go in prepared, it becomes one of the best parts of the trip.

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How to Get From Dublin Airport to the City Center Fast {and Cheap!}

Landing at Dublin Airport for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming. It's a bit of a journey from the airport to the downtown area where most people are going to want to stay. But friends, even if you are renting a car later in your trip, now is not the time to rent one! I promise you, you don't want to be driving downtown Dublin! You are likely arriving a little excited, a little jet-lagged, and you are wanting to get your trip started. You may not be spending a lot of time in the city, so you want to make the most of it. Don't pay for an expensive taxi or ride share. I'm telling you one of the easiest {and cheapest} ways to get into the Dublin city center. I've done this myself multiple times and I have all the tips. Keep reading!

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Places to Visit While You’re Still Active {Bucket List Trips to Take Sooner Rather Than Later}

Alright, let's say the quiet part out loud...some trips are easier {and honestly maybe more fun} when your knees still trust you, your balance is decent, and sleeping on a train overnight doesn't ruin your entire week!
This isn't about age-shaming, just me being realistic {and maybe a little strategic} so you don't put off experiences that do get harder with time, even if your curiosity never fades.
I've been putting together a list of places and experiences that I want to consider visiting sooner, rather than later, and I'm sharing it with you too. That way maybe, just maybe, while our bodies are a bit more forgiving and recovery time is shorter, we can enjoy these experiences more.

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How to Visit Train Street in Hanoi, Vietnam-The Ultimate Guide for 2026

If you're planning a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, there's one attraction that's likely popped up again and again on your Instagram and travel search results: Train Street. Train Street is a narrow residential street where an active rail line runs so close to homes, cafes, and shops that when the train passes, you can literally feel it rush past within inches of your table. It's an unforgettable experience and uniquely Hanoi. But since its rise to global fame, Train Street has also seen closures, safety crackdowns, and new rules for visitors, so it's important to understand how to visit safely, legally and with respect to the locals.

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How to Travel the World While Still Being a Cheapskate {In the Best Possible Way}

Let's get one thing straight: being cheap doesn't mean being miserable, cutting corners that ruin your trip, or sleeping somewhere that makes you question all your life choices! For me, being a cheapskate traveler means spending money intentionally so I can travel more often, for longer, and with less stress. It means knowing where to save, where to splurge, and how to stretch a dollar without sacrificing the experience.
Over the years, I've traveled both domestically and internationally, visited places most people assume must be "expensive" and still managed to stay within a realistic budget. I'm not a luxury traveler, but I'm also not backpacking on $10 a day. I live in that sweet spot in the middle and it's honestly my favorite way to travel. 
If you've ever thought, I'd love to travel more, but I just can't afford it, than this post is for you!

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My 10 Favorite Travel Purchases That Actually Save Me Money

There are lots of little expenses that can add up when you travel, making your trip more expensive. But it doesn't have to be that way! Some of the smartest travel purchases are the ones that actually save you money over time by eliminating unnecessary fees, helping you pack smarter, or preventing you from buying overpriced items on the road. As a frequent traveler who loves a good deal {and believes that you can travel well on a budget}, I've learned which items really do help save you money. 
If you're planning a big trip, a weekend adventure, or trying to travel more and want to stretch that budget just a little bit further this year, these are my 10 favorite travel purchases that actually save me money!

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Scotland vs Ireland: Why These "Twin" Destinations Are Far More Different Than You Think!

For years, I heard people lump Scotland and Ireland together as if they were interchangeable. Heck, I even did it myself! "Oh, you went to Scotland? I've always wanted to go to Ireland!" or "You loved Ireland? Scotland must feel exactly the same!" It's a common assumption, and I get why. They're both Celtic nations filled with green hills, castles, craggy coastlines, friendly locals, and dramatic landscapes. Many travelers think visiting one is close enough to experiencing the other. Maybe it's because geographically, at their closest point, only 12 miles separates them.
After traveling extensively in both countries, nearly back-to-back, I can confidently say this: they are not the same at all! And honestly, I felt a little ignorant after the fact thinking they would be!
I have heard it said that if Scotland and Ireland were twins, Scotland would be the twin sent off to boarding school. Polished. Disciplined. Structured and brilliant. A little reserved maybe. Deeply steeped in tradition and proud of it. 
Ireland? Ireland is the twin who went to public school. Charming. Fun. A storyteller. A people person. A little rough around the edges but the kind that gives it character. Ireland is the twin who will stay out late at the pub, invite you to join the table, and make you feel like you've known the whole family for generations!
Both are wonderful. Both are beautiful. Both are absolutely worth visiting.
But they offer wildly different kinds of travel experiences and pretending otherwise only does a disservice to both. 
Here's what I've learned after exploring them in depth, and what you should know if you're trying to decide between the two, or if you're planning a trip to both.

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Visiting Vancouver Canada in the Winter: A Complete Guide to a Cozy, Festive, and Surprisingly Easy City Escape

Vancouver in the winter has a kind of magic that sneaks up on you. It's crisp but not freezing, festive without being chaotic, and bursting with gorgeous views even when the clouds roll in. It's the kind of winter getaway where you can park your car once, explore world-class neighborhoods on foot, warm up with incredible food, and hop between Christmas markets, museums, gardens, and waterfront views all in the same day! And the US dollar goes far right now giving you a discount on everything you buy.
Whether you're planning a long weekend, a family trip, or a midweek escape, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Vancouver in the winter, including where to stay, what to do, how to get around, and can't miss seasonal experiences.

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Hiking Old Man of Storr-A Must Do Adventure on the Isle of Skye

If there's one hike that encapsulates the wild, rugged beauty of Scotland's Isle of Skye, it's the trek to the Old Man of Storr. This iconic rock formation towers above the Trotternish Peninsula, and draws visitors from all around the world. People are mesmerized by its dramatic pinnacles, sweeping views, and a sense of untamed wilderness that's hard to match anywhere else. Hiking here is something many people have on their bucket list, and not everyone completes, but if you have the chance to get here, it feels like stepping into an ancient and otherworldly place and it's worthy of being added to your bucket list.

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Tips for Viewing the Harry Potter Train at Glenfinnan Viaduct

If you've ever dreamed of seeing the Hogwarts Express in real life, there's no better place to make that magic happen than the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands. Whether you grew up watching Harry Potter or are traveling with young fans discovering the films for the first time, this is one of those moments that truly feels like stepping into the story.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is not just famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter movies, it's also one of Scotland's most beautiful and iconic landmarks. Spanning 21 graceful arches the rugged Highlands, it's an engineering marvel surrounded by jaw dropping scenery. When the vintage Jacobite Steam Train chugs across, releasing those plums of white smoke, it's pure movie magic!
If you're planning a trip, here's everything you need to know about viewing the Harry Potter train at Glenfinnan Viaduct, including the best times to go, where to stand, what to bring, and how to make the most of your visit. As magical as this experience is, it does take a bit of planning. Trust me, we learned that the hard way!

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10 Airport Hacks for Easier Travel

There's something about arriving at the airport that just sparks some excitement and sometimes even some anxiety! I don't know if it's the hustle, the security, the unknowns or the unexpected ups and downs notorious with travel but what if we could turn that part of travel from "ugh" to "ahh" with a few smart hacks? Whether you're prepping for a red eye, a long layover, or just want to breeze through the airport without stress, these tips will serve you well!
As someone who travels often, I've gathered all my best tips in one place to help make airport travel easier. 

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Hiking Steall Waterfall in Scotland: A Must-See Stop Between Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye

If you're road-tripping through Scotland {which I highly recommend!}, there's a good chance your route will take you from Edinburgh toward the Isle of Skye. It's one of the most scenic drives in the country filled with lochs, glens, and highland peaks that look like they've been plucked from a storybook! Along the way, there's one stop you absolutely shouldn't miss and that's Steall Waterfall near Fort William.
Tucked deep in Glen Nevis, Steall Waterfall {sometimes called An Steall Ban, meaning "The White Spout" in Gaelic} is one of the most beautiful and accessible hikes in the Scottish Highlands. It combines everything travelers love about Scotland-the dramatic mountains, lush greenery, and a sense of untouched wilderness with a trail that's short enough for most visitors to enjoy.
Whether you're spending a few nights in Fort William or simply looking for the perfect stop between Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye, here's everything you need to know about hiking Steall Waterfall.

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Where to See Highland Cows in Scotland: The Ultimate Guide to Scotland’s Most Photogenic Residents

If you've spent any time scrolling through photos of Scotland, chances are you've seen them. Those shaggy, long-haired, golden brown beauties grazing against a backdrop of rolling green hills or misty lochs. Highland cows {or Heilan Coos as the locals lovingly call them} are one of Scotland's most iconic sights.
With their sweet personalities, long locks, and undeniable charm, spotting one in person is a highlight for many travelers. I'm not going to lie, I thought they'd be as plentiful as sheep are in Ireland, but alas, that's not the case. You really do have to do a little "hunting" for them, but if it's a priority for you to see them, this guide will help you get the chance to have an encounter with a coo!
Whether you're road tripping through the Highlands, exploring Edinburgh, or visiting a small farm cafe, there are plenty of places where you can see a Highland cow up close. You just have to work for it a bit. Below, I've rounded up some of the best spots to see Highland cows in Scotland, from farms and hotel grounds to organized tours, plus a few tips for making your visit unforgettable.

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