Tag: travel

amazon finds, Packing, shopping finds

I flew thousands of miles in 2023, and these Amazon finds kept me sane

2023 was organized travel chaos. I started the year zipping around the US. Then I flew SF-Geneva-SF-London-Amsterdam-SF-DC-Paris-Helsinki-Florida-SF in March. Then things REALLY got interesting.

For both work and personal travel, I’m flying so often that I can’t be packing from scratch each time. I have a kit, I have ready-to-go carry on bags, and I have travel essentials that are always on standby.

So: these are the items that kept me sane for all my flights in 2023, and that I couldn’t recommend enough for you to put into practice in 2024.

Continue reading “I flew thousands of miles in 2023, and these Amazon finds kept me sane” →
Destinations, Europe, Italy

How to Always Find the Best Gelato in Italy

Ciao! Whether you’re navigating the winding streets of Firenze, shopping in Milano, basking in the sun in Cinque Terre, or walking in the footsteps of history in Roma, there’s something you’re always looking for in Italy – amazing gelato. But, especially in tourist-flooded areas, you’re going to need a discerning eye to get the best. Continue reading “How to Always Find the Best Gelato in Italy” →

Destinations, United States, Washington DC

Sign Me Up: Where to Work Out During a Trip to the Fittest City in the US

Washington, DC, a top destination for foreign and domestic visitors alike, is consistently at the top of listings of the fittest cities in the US. While sticking to a workout plan while traveling can be tough, the proliferation of gyms and boutique fitness studios in the city can be can be an opportunity to try something new or attend a destination class.

The keywords to describe health in northwest DC are luxury, boutique, and niche. In addition to local, multilocation gyms like Balance and Vida, group fitness classes are the name of the game. From Zumba and cycling to Piloxing and Pound, DC has it all. For travelers, the great thing about these classes is you can often take a free first class or week, or buy just a single class or a small class package if you’re staying longer, instead of subscribing to a monthly membership.   Continue reading “Sign Me Up: Where to Work Out During a Trip to the Fittest City in the US” →

Destinations, England, Europe

Back Again to LDN: Last Day – Westminster, Hyde Park, Bond Street, Abbey Road, Oxford Street

London sent me off with a glorious last day of sunshine radiating through the city. I zipped through Westminster, strolled through Hyde Park, got a bite on Bond Street, channeled the Beatles on Abbey Road, and shopped till I was ready to drop into Heathrow on Oxford Street.  Continue reading “Back Again to LDN: Last Day – Westminster, Hyde Park, Bond Street, Abbey Road, Oxford Street” →

Destinations, England, Europe

Back Again to LDN: Day 3 – Tate Modern, Covent Garden, Harrod’s

My first day of 2015 involved an eclectic mix of quintessential London. The only previously unexplored spot for me was Tate Modern, which I have passed many times on my way to the Globe or crossing the Millennium Bridge. After delving into the odd world of modernism, spending time at Covent Garden and Harrod’s felt like greeting old friends. Here’s what I did and saw. Continue reading “Back Again to LDN: Day 3 – Tate Modern, Covent Garden, Harrod’s” →

Destinations, England, Europe

Back Again to LDN: Day 2 – Camden Town Market

My second day in London was the last day of 2014, and there was much to do before the new year began. After enjoying the included breakfast at my hotel, Mentone Hotel in Cartwright Gardens, I headed to the Tube with my friend Annalee to start the day’s adventures. Continue reading “Back Again to LDN: Day 2 – Camden Town Market” →

Destinations, England, Europe

Back Again to LDN: Day 1 – Heathrow, Leicester Square, Picadilly Circus

Good morning from London! On my first day back in this wonderful city, I shared an eventful day with both local and visiting friends. I landed at Heathrow around 9:30, made my way through border control, retrieved my luggage (while enjoying free wifi, thank you Heathrow), and headed out to the Underground. Two tips coming into Heathrow: passport control is relatively streamlined and efficient, but certainly more intensive than entering many other European cities. Also, getting a ticket at the tube station is pretty chaotic, as some people are simply figuring it out for the first time on the spot. After some patience in waiting for my time at the ticket automat, I really enjoyed my ride in from Heathrow on the Piccadilly ride. The train fills up quickly, but then again, if you don’t do crowds well, I’m not sure you should return to central London. Continue reading “Back Again to LDN: Day 1 – Heathrow, Leicester Square, Picadilly Circus” →

Destinations, Europe, Sweden

Jul i Stockholm: Ljus och Dekorationer Runt Stan [Christmas in Stockholm City]

The most anticipated part of my post-Christmas adventures in central Stockholm, or Stockholm City, were the seasonal lights and decorations around the area. This time of year, the sun is up from about 8/8:30 until 2:30, so the city lights are a major part of your experience in the late afternoon and entire evening.

Continue reading “Jul i Stockholm: Ljus och Dekorationer Runt Stan [Christmas in Stockholm City]” →