Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Scotland for the First Time

I must confess, Scotland wasn't that high up on my travel bucket list. Mostly because I had been to Ireland a few times and I {wrongfully} assumed they would be basically the same. Spoiler alert: they are not! I'm glad that I allowed myself to experience it for myself. The dramatic landscapes, winding roads through the Highlands, tiny villages, castles, lochs, waterfalls and endless views felt like something straight out of a movie. I mean, we simply stopped pointing out waterfalls we'd see because there were just so many of them! Scotland really did surprise me in ways I wasn't expecting.

Not in a bad surprise way, but in a good way. Scotland ended up being one of those destinations that felt easier, friendlier, and more relaxed than I anticipated. But there were definitely some things I wish someone had told me before I boarded that plane. 

If you're planning your first trip to Scotland, here are some things I wish I knew ahead of time that would have saved me time, stress, and maybe a few moments of standing in the rain.

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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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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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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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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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What to Know About Driving in Scotland {Plus How it Compares to Driving in Ireland}

Last year, my husband and I rented a car for 15 days and drove around Ireland. We learned quickly how different driving on the "wrong" side of the car on the "wrong" side of the road felt! In case you missed it, you can read my post Renting a Car in Ireland: What You Need to Know. And by "we" I mean, my husband did the driving and I did the navigating! Driving can be both challenging and rewarding and honestly, having the flexibility to see and explore is well worth the challenges!
I'll share a bit more on things we learned while navigating those narrow lanes and twisting roads in the Scottish Highlands and some tips on how you can get the confidence you need to drive in the UK as well. I promise, it's worth it!

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10-Day Vietnam Packing List in a Carry On!

If you've been dreaming about visiting the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, navigating through the beautiful limestone rocks in Ha Long Bay, or taking in the bustling energy of Hanoi's Old Quarter, you might already know that Vietnam is a feast for the senses and the weather can be just as dynamic! From humid days to sudden downpours, knowing how to pack smart can make your adventure so much easier.
I recently took a 10-day Vietnam trip traveling from South to North and I fit everything into one checked bag with room to spare for souvenirs. Here's how you can do the same without feeling like you're backpacking, or worse, overpacking!

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Best Area to Stay in Charleston, South Carolina

If you're planning a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, you're probably dreaming of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, trees dripping with Spanish moss, and food that feels like a warm hug. Charleston is a city that knows how to charm, and after nearly thirty years since my last visit, I was ready to book a few day stay but wasn't quite sure where the best place to stay would be. I did a lot of research and after our two night stay, I'm here to say that I think I found the best location to base your Charleston adventures.
Whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway, a little solo adventure, or a family trip filled with history and Lowcountry cuisine, this area is the best place to stay to make the most of your time in this picture-perfect Southern city.

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Travel Things I No Longer Do Now That I'm Older: Lessons From a Seasoned Traveler

There's something about getting older that brings a bit of beautiful clarity to how you travel. Maybe it's the years of travel mistakes, or heck, getting lucky while traveling and realizing you accidently did something right. I've made the mistake of overpacking and having to lug heavy overstuffed suitcases around and I've even regretted wearing the wrong shoes for a day full of sightseeing. I mean, trading being comfy for being cute is a real thing! But travel looks different now. I feel like I'm starting to know how to travel best for me, or maybe it's just traveling smarter.
I used to pride myself on squeezing in the most for the least: the cheapest flights, the tightest itineraries, the "just in case" outfits stuffed into checked luggage. But with age has come wisdom {and to be honest, a little more disposable income!}, and now I travel in ways that feel more sustainable, enjoyable, and aligned with how I want to experience the world.
Here are a few things I no longer do when I travel now that I'm older, and what I've chosen instead.

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Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Trip to Vietnam

Vietnam is a vibrant, culturally rich country that's becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking adventure, history, amazing food, and natural beauty. Oh, and did I mention how affordable it is? From the bustling streets of Saigon to the incredible landscapes of Ha Long Bay and the history in Hue, Vietnam has something for everyone.
But before you hop on that plane and start planning your banh mi and pho tour, there are a few important things you need to know to make your first trip to Vietnam smooth, enjoyable and stress free!
Here's everything you need to know before traveling to Vietnam, including visa requirements, fast-track immigration tips, the best time to visit, and more!

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How to Spend a Day in Puerto Rico on a Cruise Port Stop

Cruising is a great way to sample new destinations. You unpack once and wake up somewhere new each morning getting a small taste of what different places have to offer. One of my favorite port stops recently was in San Juan, Puerto Rico. If your cruise is docking in San Juan you are in for a treat! Here's how I would suggest spending a day in port.

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How I Scored a 10-Day Trip to Vietnam on a Budget (Hint: Flexibility is Key!)

My brain started spinning and I started thinking. Every day I get messages from people and I try to respond to all of them. One message slipped into my DM's after I shared a recent sale from the thrift shop. You see, I often thrift with one thing in mind...find one piece that I can flip that will cover all of my purchases. I often say I try to live frugally so that I can spend money on the things that matter to me. For me, what matters is travel! So why not combine both of those things and create a travel budget from nothing? And hence, the Trash to Travel Challenge was created! So many people tell me that they'd love to travel, but they don't have the extra money. Well friends, I feel like I showed you one way to overcome this issue! 
At the end of my challenge, where I traveled to was dependent on how much I made. You see, I would be ok with a staycation nearby, but in one month, I managed to make about $2500! I decided I'd see if I could maximize that travel budget and hit off one of those bucket list destinations. I wanted to show other people what was possible and honestly, I kind of surprised myself! But then after the trip was booked, I got a lot of questions about how I was able to get a trip "so cheap". Well friends, I'm going to tell you how I decided on my trip location {Vietnam} and how I was able to score a 10-day trip from the South to the North on what some people might feel like is a limited budget. 
Maybe you don't want to go to Vietnam, but you have another bucket list international destination in mind. This is how I managed to score a deal, and how you can too! 

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How to Visit Giant's Causeway After Hours and Have it All to Yourself!

Popular tourist spots are popular for a reason. But can I make a confession? I hate crowds! There, I said it! I think that I unlocked the secret to visiting one of the most popular natural attractions in Northern Ireland, the Giant's Causeway, without all the crowds! For me, it makes my visit that much more enjoyable when I'm not fighting selfie sticks and groups trying to get that perfect Instagram shot. Want to know how you can get the Giant's Causeway virtually to yourself? Read on!

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Trash to Travel Challenge: What I Learned in a Month of Reselling to Create a Travel Budget From Nothing

I started this trash to travel challenge on a whim. Any time I post about reselling {often in my Instagram stories}, I always get questions about how I do it. A quick response to someone who dropped into my DM's, had my mind spinning, and the challenge was created. You see, when I started reselling items about 25 years ago, there weren't many platforms out there. You were often limited to reselling by having a garage sale, and while I love going to them, I don't always like having them! Things have changed so much, and nearly everyone has access to reselling their items for a profit, they just need that little push. As I've shared my experience during my trash to travel challenge, I have heard from many people that I have given them the push that they needed to start listing. After 31 days challenging myself to resell items and create a travel budget from nothing, I learned a few things too. Yes, even with decades of experience, I took away a few nuggets. Are you ready to see what they were?

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Doha Layover Guide to Getting Rest

When a couple travels together, you might have different travel styles. I'm less, how do I say this, precious, and my husband has a bit more dignity. I would happily save money during a long layover and stretch out on the airport floor using my backpack as a pillow, but he would much rather stick to his normal regularly scheduled programming with a warm bed and private room. We found ourselves with a long layover in Doha, Qatar, a major hub for international travel on both ends of our trip to Africa during the evening hours, not ideal for exploring the city. We {read he} was looking for a place to rest, and we tried two of the best options within the airport-the Oryx Airport Hotel and Sleep n' Fly pods. Here's a  little comparison of both as well as some other ideas for spending your layover in Doha.

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The Perfect Weekend in Pasadena, California

I was recently cast in my very first commercial and naturally it was filming in Los Angeles. I say this like this is some every day occurrence, but friends, it is not. But it did take me to LA for a mini trip and I was left with more time on my hands to explore than I was anticipating. And explore I did! When people think of LA they often think of Hollywood, Santa Monica, or maybe even Disneyland. But I found that Pasadena is a destination in its own right. With its charming Old Pasadena district, world-class dining, cultural attractions and basic proximity to all the major LA hot spots, Pasadena makes a great home base for your Southern California adventures! I've got some tips to make the most of your visit.

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Thinking Outside the Box to Save Money Abroad: Using Tesco Clubcards

Sometimes I stumble backwards into a new way to save money. If you're a savvy traveler like me, who knows that every penny you save is more money you can spend on more travel or experiences, then this tip is for you! It feels like one of my more genius ah ha moments that I learned while traveling abroad, and I'm happy to get to share it with you!

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Save Money on Airfare! Step by Step Guide to Getting a Fare Adjustment

Booking airfare can be one of the most stressful parts of travel planning. Especially because it's often one of the most expensive parts of trip planning. There's always that nagging thought of "what if the price drops after I buy my ticket?" Thankfully, there have been some changes in recent years {thank you global pandemic for SOMETHING}, and you just might be able to get a fare adjustment for airline tickets you've already purchased. I'm going to walk you through step by step what I do so that you can set up price alerts easily and point out which airlines make the process the easiest!

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How to Make the Most of Stopovers: Turn Layovers into Mini Vacations

Turning layovers into mini-vacations is a smart way to make the most of your travel experiences without incurring additional airfare costs. Many airlines offer free stopover programs, allowing travelers to explore an extra destination en route to their final stop. When I discovered this little trick, I thought it was so genius! I haven't stopped telling people about it and I highly encourage it so that you can make the most of your travel. You're already doing the travel, why not add in the option of exploring another country?!

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