While there are plenty of logistics that go into biking across the Bordeaux region, adding visits to wineries introduces a whole other dimension to your planning. Not only will you need to determine which wineries are convenient to your cycle route, you’ll need to narrow it to those with tours and tastings that fit your […]
Learn From Our Mistakes: Plan a Perfect Bike and Wine Tour in Bordeaux, France
Brian and I have been wanting to bike around France for a while and we finally decided to give it a try, starting with the Bordeaux area. We envisioned biking along country paths, through vineyards, stopping for a stroll and some wine at a chateau every now and then. There are a ton of areas […]
Épernay or Reims: Planning a Trip to France’s Champagne Region
Any bubbles lover knows that the mecca of sparkling wine is France’s champagne region. This area is chock full of vineyards and champagne houses, both well-known and boutique, all equal in their strict adherence to “the committee’s” rules and regulations. The tight control of harvest, fermentation time, and labeling mean that while each champagne producer […]
5 Must-Try Foods in Amsterdam
Every city has it’s own special foods, unique to that particular place, and Amsterdam is no different. Here’s a list of five must-try foods that piqued my interest while I was there. Number one is kind of out-there, and I still have yet to try it, but it gives me an excuse to return to […]
A Beery Wonderful Time In Bruges
Bruges, Belgium hit most American radars in 2008 when the dark comedy, In Bruges, was released. I didn’t watch it, but somehow the idea of Bruges being a tucked away European destination nestled into the furthest reaches of my brain. So this fall, when we needed somewhere easily train-able from Amsterdam, Bruges crawled out of […]
The Real Deal About Lille
Brian and I spent two days in Lille. We were here on a scouting mission, to see if it was a place we’d like to spend a month in next summer. We decided it is not the city for us. Here’s why: 1. A little stinky (not the cheese kind) We tromped around Lille basically […]
Beyond the Bikes: 6 Things That Will Surprise You in Amsterdam
The last time I was in Amsterdam was 20 years ago so coming back this time around was kind of like I’d never been at all. A lot of things change for a city over 20 years, not to mention how different I am from that 25 year old girl with a backpack and a […]
6 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went to Amsterdam
For someone who used to make a living planning detailed travel itineraries and elaborate events, I sometimes surprise myself by ending up on a trip with nothing but a wing and a prayer to guide me. While there’s a lot of fun to be had in a spontaneity, there are always a few things that […]
All You Need to Know About Visiting the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is fascinating because it’s one of the only places that exists within one country, yet has had other countries spearhead its construction, and where countless other countries use it regularly and have a stake in how it is managed, operated, and maintained. The Canal has a rich (and often unpleasant) history but […]
Day trip from Santiago: Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and the Casablanca Valley
While Santiago is Chile’s largest city, one thing that makes it so appealing is the many and varied places that are just a quick drive away. Many of these places, like Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and the Casablanca Valley are destinations unto themselves. They are worth more than a day if you can spare it. […]