Europe, Filming Location, Travel

đŸŽ¶ Austria – Sound of Music, Mozart & Alpine Lakes

Austria brought postcard-perfect charm and musical magic to our journey. We pedaled through Salzburg on a Sound of Music bike tour, stayed the night at the home of the real-life Von Trapp family, took in mountaintop views from a fortress Mozart concert, and wandered through alpine villages with stunning lakes like Hallstatt and St. Gilgen. With crystal-clear lakes, baroque architecture, hearty alpine meals, and cozy cafés tucked into historic corners, this portion of the trip was equal parts scenic and soulful. A perfect balance of nature, history, and culture in the heart of the Alps.

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March 25, 2025 by
Cruises, Europe, Travel

đŸ‡©đŸ‡Ș Munich, Germany

We’ve visited Munich twice – at the end of a Mediterranean cruise and as part of a Europe vacation in 2018. When we spent two days in Munich, we packed in a perfect mix of history, culture, and Bavarian fun. A stop at HofbrĂ€uhaus is a must, especially during Oktoberfest. We explored the grandeur of Schloss Herrenchiemsee (on our way from St. Gilgen) and Residenz Munich, immersing ourselves in royal history. We wandered through the English Garden and marveled at the innovations in the Deutsches Museum. We wrapped up our time in Germany with a visit to Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest brewery and the maker of Scott’s favorite beer. Check out our itinerary with tips for making the most of your Munich adventure!

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March 24, 2025 by
Europe, Travel

☘ Dublin, Ireland: Music, History & Irish Hospitality

Dublin was the perfect finale to our Europe trip—warm, walkable, and bursting with character. We traced literary footsteps at Trinity College, explored centuries-old distilleries, and filled our nights with music in cozy pubs across Temple Bar. With stops at iconic sites like the Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, and Jameson Distillery, plus hidden gems like Simon’s Place and live traditional music, the city blended old-world charm with lively energy. Dublin welcomed us with stories, songs, and a whole lot of spirit.

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March 23, 2025 by
Travel, Tropical

Jamaica – Runaway Bay, Negril & Montego Bay

Jamaica has a special place in our hearts—it was the dreamy “Irie” destination for our honeymoon in Runaway Bay, where we soaked up the sun, the sea, and even got to enjoy unlimited scuba diving (yah mon, for real!). We climbed Dunn’s River Falls hand-in-hand, zipped through the trees on the bobsled ride, and lived the laid-back “no problem” lifestyle from start to finish. In 2020, we couldn’t resist going back—this time to chill on Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach, watch the cliff jumpers at Rick’s CafĂ©, and wrap things up with a quick stay in Montego Bay. From spicy jerk chicken to dirty bananas and plenty of Appleton, every bite and moment reminded us why Jamaica keeps calling us back.

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March 22, 2025 by
Cruises, Europe, Travel

Venice, Italy

We’ve visited Venice twice now—and it keeps getting better. Our first time was part of a longer Italy adventure, while our second visit was a quick stop before boarding a Mediterranean cruise (just a few hours to soak it all in before a train to Trieste!). We kicked things off with a Vaporetto ride through the Grand Canal, grabbed espresso at the iconic CaffĂš Florian, and took in the golden glow of St. Mark’s Basilica. Instead of just the usual gondola ride, we took a Row Venice lesson and learned just how tricky (and fun) it is to steer a gondola ourselves. We have tried both a daytime and nighttime gondola ride and prefer the daytime for the better views (and it’s cheaper), though both have their charm. A trip to Venice should be on everyone’s bucket list!

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March 22, 2025 by
Travel, Tropical

French Polynesia – Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti

For our 10-year wedding anniversary, we embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the paradise of Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti. From the moment we arrived, the experience was nothing short of magical—starting with an unexpected upgrade to an overwater bungalow, where we fed fish through removable tables. We snorkeled alongside blacktip and lemon sharks, kayaked to private islands, and enjoyed breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe. Our anniversary night was celebrated with a romantic beachfront dinner, serenaded by a private ukulele player under the stars. From exploring Tahiti’s historic shores to watching sunsets at the Bora Bora Yacht Club, every moment was unforgettable.

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March 21, 2025 by
Cruises, Europe, Travel

Turkey (Ephesus and Istanbul) – One Day Itineraries

We visited Ephesus (Kusadasi) and Istanbul as part of a Mediterranean cruise. Exploring the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the vibrant history of Istanbul made for an unforgettable journey through Turkey. In Ephesus, we wandered through massive Roman ruins, admired the stunning Library of Celsus and intricate terrace houses, and visited the remains of the once-grand Temple of Artemis. A stop at the House of the Virgin Mary sparked curiosity, though its authenticity seemed debatable. Our time in Istanbul was equally fascinating, packed with visits to iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. We navigated the bustling Grand Bazaar, marveled at the eerie beauty of the Basilica Cistern, and stood in the historic Hippodrome. A lively carpet demonstration and a stop for delicious Turkish Delight rounded out our experience. From ancient ruins to vibrant city life, Turkey exceeded all expectations!

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March 20, 2025 by
Cruises, Europe, Travel

Athens, Greece – Two Day Itinerary

Our Mediterranean cruise ended in Athens, giving us more time to explore than other stops, and we made the most of it with a perfect mix of history, culture, and stunning views. As expected, the Acropolis—featuring the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and Propylaea—was the highlight. One unique experience was seeing a concert at the nearly 1,900-year-old Odeon of Herodes Atticus, where Greek superstar Antonis Remos performed alongside, randomly, ‘80s crooner Michael Bolton. (His tie to Greece? Singing Go the Distance from Hercules.) Beyond the Acropolis, we loved wandering through the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and the National Archaeological Museum, hiking up Philopappou Hill, and indulging in all the amazing Greek food. Staying in Monastiraki put us within walking distance of almost everything, from charming Plaka streets and scenic rooftop bars to historic landmarks. With tips on avoiding crowds, the best museums to visit, and scenic hikes to take, this guide ensures you make the most of your time in Greece’s vibrant capital.

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March 20, 2025 by
Cruises, Europe, Travel

Santorini, Greece (Oia and Fira) – One Day Itinerary

Santorini is more than just the iconic blue-domed rooftops you’ve seen in photos—it’s an island shaped by one of history’s most powerful volcanic eruptions. On our visit during our Mediterranean cruise, we explored the famous village of Oia, watched the sunset over dinner in Fira, and discovered the island’s unique winemaking tradition, where vines are woven into wreath-like baskets to protect the grapes from the harsh winds. A stop at Santo Wines offered stunning views and surprisingly delicious wines, making it a highlight of our trip.

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March 20, 2025 by
Cruises, Europe, Travel

Republic of San Marino

We visited the charming country of San Marino, a tiny gem surrounded entirely by Italy. As the world’s 5th smallest country, it sits atop a mountain, crowned by three iconic towers. We strolled through the town, reminiscent of an Italian hilltown like Montepulciano, and hiked the Witches’ Path to the second tower. Though we didn’t have high expectations, it quickly became one of our favorite stops of the trip. Since Venice now restricts large cruise ships, our Mediterranean cruise docked in Porto Corsini (near Ravenna), offering an excursion to San Marino with a scenic 90-minute bus ride.

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March 19, 2025 by