Tag: Europe
What to pack for Iceland {Summer}
Visiting Iceland in the Summer is an unforgettable experience. From late May to early August, Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight. The weather is pleasant ranging from 50-60°F (10-15°C), making outdoor adventures more comfortable compared to the harsh winter cold.
The summer transforms Iceland into a green paradise, with lush valleys, vibrant wildflowers, and waterfalls at their most powerful due to melting snow.
Summer is the best time to see puffins, which nest along the cliffs, as well as whales, seals, and Arctic foxes. Whale watching tours are especially popular during this season.
The weather in Iceland in unpredictable even in the Summer. At times very windy and can rain at any time. Packing for Iceland in the summer requires preparing for unpredictable weather, including mild temperatures, wind, and occasional rain. Here’s a practical packing list I used:
Clothing:
- Waterproof jacket & pants
- Fleece or warm sweater
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers
- T-shirts & long-sleeve shirts
- Comfortable hiking pants
- Warm hat & gloves (it can get chilly)
- Buff or scarf (for wind protection)
- Sleepwear
- Swimsuit (for hot springs & pools)
- Casual outfit for Reykjavik
Footwear:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals (for hot springs or B&B showers)
- Warm socks (wool recommended)
Accessories:
- Sunglasses (for long daylight hours)
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel towel
- Eye mask (midnight sun can make it hard to sleep)
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Daypack for excursions
- Power adapter (Iceland uses Type F plugs)
- Camera & extra batteries (cold can drain batteries fast)
Toiletries & Essentials:
- Sunscreen & lip balm (protection from wind & sun)
- Moisturizer (air can be dry)
- Basic medications & personal prescriptions
- Motion sickness tablets (if planning boat trips)
Optional Items:
- Binoculars (for wildlife watching)
- GoPro or waterproof camera (for waterfalls & hot springs)
- Lightweight sleeping bag (if camping)
Even in summer, Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key. Enjoy your adventure!
What to pack for Iceland {Winter}
Visiting Iceland in the winter is like stepping into a magical wonderland of icy landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty. The Northern Lights dance across the dark skies, painting them with shades of green and purple, while frozen waterfalls like Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss glisten in the winter sun.
A journey along the Golden Circle reveals powerful geysers erupting in bursts of steam and the stunning Þingvellir National Park, where tectonic plates meet. Along the way, Icelandic ponies stand proudly in snowy fields, their thick coats keeping them warm against the chill.
To unwind, a visit to Sky Lagoon offers a soothing soak in warm geothermal waters with a panoramic view of the Atlantic. Whether exploring glaciers, black sand beaches, or volcanic landscapes, Iceland in winter is an unforgettable adventure.
Documents & Extras:
- Passport (make sure it 6+months before expiring)
- Travel insurance info
- Printed itinerary
- Snacks for long excursions
- Waterproof pouch for documents/phone
Clothing:
- Waterproof jacket & pants
- Fleece or warm sweater
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers (Merino Wool)
- T-shirts & long-sleeve shirts
- Parka jacket (windbreaker)
- Warm hat & gloves (it can get chilly)
- Buff or scarf (for wind protection)
- Sleepwear
- Swimsuit (for Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, hot springs, etc.)
- Casual outfit for Reykjavik
Footwear:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Snowboots
- Sandals (for Blue/Sky Lagoon & hot springs)
- Warm socks (wool recommended)
- Crampons/ice cleats (great for icy sidewalks, glacier hike)
Accessories:
- Sunglasses (for long daylight hours)
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel towel
- Eye mask (midnight sun can make it hard to sleep)
- Sunglasses (snow glare is real)
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Waterproof daypack for excursions
- Power adapter (Iceland uses Type F plugs)
- Phone/camera charging cables
- Battery pack ( I always carry two)
Toiletries & Essentials:
- Sunscreen & lip balm (protection from wind)
- Moisturizer (air can be dry)
- Basic medications & personal prescriptions
- Motion sickness tablets (if planning boat trips)
- Hand warmers (rechargeable ones from Amazon are great)
Optional Items:
- Binoculars (for wildlife watching)
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- GoPro or waterproof camera (for waterfalls & hot springs)
4 days in Rome
Rome, often referred to as the “Eternal City,” is a destination filled with history, art, culture, and culinary delights. We spend 4-days exploring throughout Rome and visiting the iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Aside from visiting landmarks, we ventured through Roman streets and had some amazing adventures.
Day 1: Arrival, welcome dinner, and evening stroll around Trevi Fountain
Day 2: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, & Pantheon
Day 3: St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, & Spanish Steps
Day 4: Testaccio market food tour & evening bike tour
Suggestions:
- Book your entrance tickets ahead of time. I used both Viator and Get your Guide tours as I have used them run the past and had positive experiences with them. I also used Viator to book the food & bike tour.
- To avoid heavy crowds, start your day early, for example we visited St. Peter’s Basilica early in the am.
day 1
Arrival dinner & leisure time
Many of the travelers arrived early morning/afternoon which gave us some time to eat, nap, and energize for the welcome dinner and to start our 10-day adventure through Italy. Most arrived and we headed for our first lunch and Aperol Spritz.
day 2
Vatican museum & pantheon
The Vatican Museums, located in Vatican City, are one of the most famous museum structure in the world. Established in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II, the museums holds an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts accumulated by the Roman Catholic Church over centuries and has millions of visitors per year. The Sistine Chapel Known for its stunning frescoes by Michelangelo, including the famous The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.
The Pantheon in Rome is one of the most iconic and well-preserved architectural masterpieces from ancient Rome. Originally built as a temple to all Roman gods, it now functions as a Catholic Church. The architecture consists of the dome, portico, columns and exterior. The detail in each piece is magnificent. Take the audio tour at your leisure to learn about the history and significance of The Pantheon.
We had a free early evening and decided to go to an Ice bar, which turned out to be super fun with tasty drinks. Ice Club Roma
day 3
Today we will visit the most important archaeological sites in Rome, The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. A few of us visited St. Peter’s Basilica early in the morning to beat the crowds.
St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City, is one of the most famous and significant religious sites in the world. The basilica was designed by some of the greatest artists and architects of the Renaissance, including Michelangelo, Bramante, Raphael, and Bernini.
The Colosseum is the most iconic landmarks of ancient Rome and a masterpiece of Roman engineering and architecture. Located in the heart of Rome, Italy, it is the largest amphitheater ever built and a testament to the beauty of the Roman Empire. In 1980 the Colosseum was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The Roman Forum/Palatine Hill is one of the most ancient significant sites in Rome, Italy. It is one of the “Seven Hills of Rome” and is historically known as the birthplace of the city, was the central public square in ancient Rome and one of the most significant gathering locations of the Roman Empire. Known for serving as the political, legal, economic, religious, and social heart of the city.
The Spanish Steps connect the Piazza di Spagna (at the bottom) with the Trinità dei Monti church (at the top).It’s located in a popular area surrounded by luxury boutiques, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.
The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is one of the most famous fountains in the world and a landmark in Rome, Italy. It is popular for its grand Baroque design and complex sculptures. This is a popular tourist spot and is constantly busy and many are making their wishes while tossing a coin in. Many restaurants surround the fountain which makes it quite walkable.
day 4
Our final full day in Rome was quite relaxing with a twist of action. Today we ventured out to the neighborhood of Testaccio where we participated in a walking, food tour. Aside from the interesting neighborhood full of art and bold colors, the Testacccio market had quite the selection of delicious bites.
After lunch some went back to rest while others ventured out while enjoying their last day in the Roman City. In the evening we connected and went on our night bike tour. This was a hit among the travelers, riding bike through the streets of Rome and seeing the monuments all lit up was quite beautiful.
Christmas Markets: Germany & Austria
European Christmas markets are magical and offer a festive atmosphere with unique traditions, local food, handcrafted gifts, and beautiful decor. I recently traveled to Germany and Austria and had a truly magical experience. I experienced a true winter wonderland as it was snowing and made the trip even more memorable.
munich
Germany is known as the birthplace of the Christmas markets. We traveled to Munich and they alone have approximately 12 markets, having only have visited six or so, it left me with the desire to make this trip a tradition, visiting them all over Europe. Between the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread, the markets were just incredible to visit and explore.
salzburg
Salzburg is the location of Mozart’s hometown, it features Alpine traditions, nativity scenes, and local delicacies. The markets were illuminated with many twinkling lights and smell of deliciousness. The second day in Salzburg we woke up to a winter wonderland since it had snowed all night. Several of us ventured out to St. Wolfgang, Austria where we took a boat to three villages to experience once again more Christmas Markets.
st wolfgang
St. Wolfgang, Austria, is a picturesque lakeside town located on the shores of Wolfgangsee in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria. We drove an hour via bus before taking the boat to three different villages. See for yourself how magical this was…
The markets in the villages were my favorite, they felt homie is the best I could describe them. During the Advent season, St. Wolfgang transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland with festive markets, lights, and holiday decorations. The vendors were locals and they sure were lovely. The made us feel at home with their tasty delights and beautiful hand crafted gifts.
vienna
Vienna is renowned for its Christmas markets, where visitors can enjoy traditional food, warm drinks, and handcrafted goods. Rathausplatz is the the largest market, located in front of City Hall, with over 150 stalls and a beautifully lit ice skating rink. Vienna’s streets and landmarks are beautifully adorned with Christmas lights.
London
Celebrating Christmas in London is a magical experience, as the city comes alive with festive decorations, lights, markets, and events. I spend two days and definitely need to go back. Here are a few things you can see and do while visiting this beautiful city.
Visit the Christmas Markets
London has several Christmas markets offering unique gifts, delicious food, and mulled wine. Some popular markets include Southbank Centre Winter Market and Leicester Square Christmas Market.
Admire the Christmas Lights
Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Covent Garden are known for their stunning Christmas lights and window displays. London is truly magical at this time of year, a must visit.
Afternoon tea bus tour
This was a highlight of my trip. As we sip tea and indulge in delicious treats, you will pass by famous attractions such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and more. The tour typically includes live commentary about the history and significance of the landmarks you pass, providing an informative and entertaining experience. Best part was the Christmas theme bus with onboard caroling.
and of course SIGHTSEEING
London is a vibrant city with a rich history and a multitude of attractions to explore. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye to neighborhoods, such as Notting Hill, Camden Lock, London Theatre District, there is no shortage of things to see and do in London.
Spain
This was my first hosted group trip through Trovatrip and boy did we have fun. Our trip was 7-days and we traveled to Sevilla, Granada, & Cordoba. Our guide was a local to the Andalusia region and not only was knowledgeable but also super funny. At the end of the trip we all decide to extend and so we flew to Madrid for a 2-day visit to explore and indulge in the Spanish culture.
Sevilla
Seville (Sevilla in Spanish) is the capital of Andalusia, a region in the south of Spain. It is known for its history, stunning architecture, culture, and flavorful cuisine. We visited sites such as Alcazar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known its beautiful Mudejar architecture, lush gardens, & intricate tilework.
cordoba
Cordoba is a city in southern Spain, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich history. One of the most famous landmarks in Cordoba is the Great Mosque of Cordoba, also known as the Mezquita. It is a stunning example of Moorish architecture with a unique blend of Islamic and Christian influences. The Roman Bridge of Cordoba is another iconic symbol of the city, spanning the Guadalquivir River. It offers beautiful views of the city and the Mosque-Cathedral.
Granada
Granada is a city located in southern Spain, in the region of Andalusia. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. The Albaicin is a well-preserved medieval Moorish quarter in Granada with narrow winding streets, white-washed buildings, and picturesque squares. It offers fantastic views of the Alhambra and the city below.
The Alhambra
The Alhambra is one of the most famous attractions in Granada and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning palace and fortress complex dates back to the 9th century and showcases exquisite Islamic architecture and beautiful gardens.
madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. Madrid is a dynamic and vibrant city that offers a blend of history, art, culture, and gastronomy, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Spanish experience. We stayed at the city centre making it easy to easily walk to our destinations. A great end to our Spain adventure.
the food in spain
Spanish cuisine is diverse, flavorful, and deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. Tapas are small, savory dishes typically served with drinks at bars and restaurants. They can range from simple olives and almonds to more elaborate dishes like patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce) or jamón ibérico (cured ham). Whether you’re treating yourself to tapas, savoring a paella, or enjoying a glass of sangria, Spanish food offers a rich and satisfying dining experience. Also, please don’t forget to try their amazing coffee and churros and hot chocolate, you will thank me later.
Portugal road trip
Portugal is known for its beautiful coastal scenery, historic cities, delicious cuisine (including pastéis de nata and bacalhau), and famous wines such as Port and Vinho Verde. The country is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors to its beaches, historic sites, and cultural attractions.
7-Day trip road trip to explore Lisbon and the southern part of Portugal is sufficient. Pick up your car after exploring Lisbon as parking could be difficult in some locations. Lisbon has great public transportation, so take advantage of it. Many boutique style hotels located in the city center will have you close to all the attractions and views Lisbon has to offer.
LISBON
We started our road trip in Lisbon where we stayed for two days. Lisbon has great public transportation, so a care is not needed at all. Known for its beautiful and colorful doors and tiles, the stay here included several different highlights.
Hotel: Santa Luzia B&B Rua de Sao Tomé 23 Lisbon, Portugal
The most common way to get around Lisbon is the tram and tuk tuks which appeared to be fun to ride, but definitely not as inexpensive. We chose the tram and also found Lisbon to be very walkable, but be prepared to walk, climb numerous stairs, and steep streets. Wear comfortable shoes. Uber is also an option, but I found that with some crowded streets it would take longer than just walking.
Baixa and Chiado districts are located in the heart of Lisbon, where you will find most of the historical monuments and the famous shopping street. These areas are definitely touristy, so prepare to have some crowds.
Explore Bairro Alto and Alfama. In these two neighborhoods, you won’t have a list to follow, just get lost and enjoy the scene.
Explore and wander through this colorful, historical, and beautiful city. Make sure you also enough the delicious food it has to offer. Portugal is known for their pastéis de nata, delicious coffees, and seafood dishes.
SINTRA
Sintra is a picturesque town located in Portugal, just outside of Lisbon. It is known for its stunning landscape, historic architecture, and romantic atmosphere. Sintra is a popular tourist destination due to its many palaces, castles, and parks. We visited the beautiful Monserrate Palace & Castle of Moors.
Tip: Buy the tickets in advance online for these attractions. You will save time and money.
Hotel: A House in Estori Av Fausto de Figueiredo 3 Cascais, Portugal
Monserrate Palace
Castle of Moors
MOURA
Moura is a municipality located in the Beja District of Portugal, in the Alentejo region. The town of Moura is situated near the border with Spain and is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and picturesque surroundings.
Moura is also famous for its traditional Alentejo architecture, characterized by whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, and charming squares. The town’s historic center is well-preserved and features a mix of Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance influences. Moura is also houses the Chapel of Bones that dates back to the 17th century.
Hotel: Hotel de Moura Praca Gago Coutinho 1 Moura, Portugal
FERRAGUDO/ALBUFEIRA
Ferragudo is a picturesque fishing village located in the Algarve region of Portugal. Situated on the western side of the Arade River estuary, Ferragudo is known for its charming whitewashed buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and sandy beaches.
Albufeira, is a popular resort town located in the Algarve region. Albufeira is known for stunning beaches, vibrant colors, and charming old town.
Hotel: Belvar Boa Vista Hotel & Spa Rua Samora Barros 20 Alfufeira, Portugal
LAGOS
Lagos is a historic and charming coastal town located in the Algarve region of Portugal. It is known for its stunning cliffs, golden beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. Lagos has a rich history dating back to Roman times and played a significant role during the Age of Discoveries. Since we had to drive back to Lisbon, we chose to stay in Alfufeira so that we had a shorter drive. We spend the day in Lagos and honestly wish we had stayed here for a couple days, it was perfection.
Car rental: We used SIXT Rua Andrade Corvo 31.
Rental for the 8 days was roughly $400 USD, make sure you get the prepaid tolls, as many highways require toll payments.
Paris
How to spend 48 hours in the City of Lights
Paris is the capital city of France and is renowned for its art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. Known as the “City of Light,” Paris offers a wealth of iconic landmarks, museums, and charming neighborhoods to explore. Visiting for the first time is quite overwhelming since there is a lot to explore, but although you cannot see everything, here is how I spend 48 hours in this beautiful city.
Visiting Paris for the first time and with only 48 hrs can be overwhelming. If you want to see a lot of Paris in that time frame, you need to start early and spend the day on the go. You will definitely not see it all, but maybe my guide can help you narrow down what you want to see and make the most of your time.
Arriving to paris & where we stayed
We arrived via Charles de Gaulle Int’l Airport. Give yourself extra time as it’s not the easiest airport to navigate and can be confusing.
We stayed in an airbnb in the neighborhood of Levallois-Perret. We chose Edgar Suites which had easy access to public transportation and walking distance to several cafes and boulangerie (bakery).
Getting around paris
Paris has many forms of transportation. The Paris Visite pass allows you to travel in Paris and the Ile-de-France region with complete freedom and unlimited travel for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days, depending on the package you choose. With the Paris Visite pass, you have access to all public transport: metro, RER, bus, tram, & Montmartre funicular. Paris also has Uber but with all the traffic, it may take way longer that if you did public transport.
where to eat
Parisians take their food seriously and enjoy eating slow and savoring each bite. Paris offers something for every palate, from casual cafés to Michelin star fine dining. Below I attached a few of the places we experienced and would definitely visit again.
La Maillardise (Bakery) 11 Rue Voltaire 92300 Levallois-Perret, France
Fleur (Charcuterie & Wine) 38 Avenue de Suffren 75015 Paris, France.
Pink Mamma (Pizza, Truffle Pasta, & Drinks) 20 bis Rue de Douai 75009 Paris, France
Azur Café (Pancakes) 63 Rue de Ponthieu 75008 Paris, France
Crepes and Waffles were from a random food truck located near the Eiffel Tower
After breakfast we headed to Trocadéro Gardens to view the Eiffel Tower, we didn’t go up the tower as the elevator tickets had been sold out for months. Admiring it from a distance and capturing its beauty was just fine with me. If you want to go up the tower, here is the link for tickets, make sure you order them with plenty of time. Eiffel tickets here cost is cost is €14.50 for the stairs and €23.10 for the lift (elevator). Prepare to be offered numerous souvenirs, picture taking, all while being overly friendly.
After breakfast we headed to Trocadéro Gardens to view the Eiffel Tower, we didn’t go up the tower as the elevator tickets had been sold out for months. Admiring it from a distance and capturing its beauty was just fine with me. If you want to go up the tower, here is the link for tickets, make sure you order them with plenty of time.
day 1-Paris & Montmartre
We headed to Champs-Elysées and admired the decorative high end stores with the view of Arc de Triomphe. ficance of the Arc de Triomphe? The Arc de Triomphe is an iconic symbol of French national identity and took 30 years to build. Today the monument serves as the 4th most popular attraction in Paris and visited by many tourist on a daily basis. The price to visit the monument is €16.00 and you can purchase the tickets here
Montmartre neighborhood
Known as the authentic village in the heart of Paris, Montmartre was my favorite. With its cobbled streets, stunning Basilica, artists, bistros … Montmartre is full of charm! At the top of the hill stands the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, a stunning white-domed church with the most stunning view of Paris. Montmartre is very walkable and you will stumble across the famous Moulin Rouge, restaurants Le Consulat, and La Maison Rose, the Love wall, add much more.
We later visited the most beautiful Starbucks I have ever seen, headed to Notre Dame, and explore the exterior of the Pantheon before heading towards the Eiffel Tower to experience the sparkling lights.
day 2-Versailles
After having a long day the first day, we decided to venture out to Versailles and explore the Palace of Versailles grounds and surrounding neighborhoods. Tickets for Versailles must be purchased months in advanced and unfortunately we did not. We were however able to visit the grounds and admire the gardens.
We ventured around the local Versailles farmer’s market which is an excellent spot to experience the local French culture. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourist, offering a great selection of fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and plenty of baked goods. We enjoyed lunch before heading back to Paris.
We ended our day visiting and sitting near the Seine River and admiring the Eiffel Tower yet again. This trip covered many different touristy highlights, but I could definitely return and explore other neighborhoods. Until next time, Au revoir Paris.
