Our adventure in New Zealand was amazing! We are huge LOTR fans and visited many of the filming locations for the Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, and Rings of Power. Here’s a compilation of all our comparison pictures.
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.
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 Café, 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.
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 Caffè 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!
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.
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!
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 Hofbräuhaus is a must, especially during Oktoberfest. We explored the grandeur of Schloss Herrenchiemsee (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!
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.
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.
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.
Theme Parks, Travel
Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Universal Studios and Wizarding World of Harry Potter in One Day
We’ve visited Universal Studios Orlando four times and Hollywood twice, always spending most of our time immersed in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We’ve also combined trips with Disney World for the ultimate theme park experience. Here, you’ll find our itineraries and tips to make your visit truly magical!