Rachel Teodoro: travel experiences
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travel experiences.
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rachelteodoro
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.
rachelteodoro
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.
rachelteodoro
Several months ago, I challenged myself to sell or resell items for one month as part of something I called Trash to Travel to create a travel budget from nothing. At the end of the month, the budget dictated where I would go. I didn't know when I started the challenge if I would be taking a staycation locally or if I'd be able to afford a bucket list trip. Well friends, I'll bury the lede and tell you that I did indeed create enough of a budget through reselling to fund a 10 day trip to Vietnam, a bucket list destination for me. At first, it felt like the travel possibilities were endless, but I took a lot of things into consideration. And as someone who has for years planned and created her own travel itineraries, I chose to join a small group travel company.
Full disclosure, this is not sponsored at all. I receive NO kick back from the travel company, as far as I can tell they don't even have an affiliate program. The thoughts are 100% all mine and were not swayed at all by any compensation or any free incentives. I paid for the trip myself and have the receipts to prove it.
Taking a small group tour turned out to be one of the most rewarding travel decision I've made. It provided the perfect balance of structure and flexibility, cultural immersion and comfort, and the trip exceeded my expectations in every way.
When I booked this trip, I knew travelling solo would add an additional layer to my experience, and I'm so grateful that I was pleasantly surprised and think that I chose the right small group travel company for this trip. If you are like me and are a solo traveler looking to make friends, a couple wanting a guided experience, or someone craving authentic cultural connections without the logistical headaches, here's everything you might want to know about booking your own small group tour.
