As the year 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the myriad of emotions it has stirred—including how this year was so confusing and unique! Yes, 2025 has been filled with incredible highs and serious lows for me, numerous friends, and family. Moments of joy have been intricately intertwined with episodes of heartache and challenge. Like 2020, I for one will be glad when we put 2025 “in the books”. I have had enough of this rollercoaster year!
Each year when I write my “retrospective blog”, I find myself searching for positives and negatives. This year, we traveled frequently, and that was a huge positive. We explored local to our Los Angeles home base and went across the Atlantic for a global adventure. We had an opportunity to ride the Alaska Railroad across the amazing 49th state, have fun in Las Vegas, explore areas on the East Coast, and see ancient ruins, museums, and other attractions in Europe. Along the way, we met or reunited with people who enriched our travel experience.
Once home, we began our search for a new furry family member. In November, we welcomed to our home a very large shelter puppy we named Baxter! Read his story here.
Baxter!Riding the Big Bus through Europe you get to see many streets as pretty as this oneHome is a place where sunsets are amazing!The Jewish Quarter of RomeDAVID – The Academia in RomeGirona, Spain
The highlight of 2025 came with the birth of our first grandchild. She has been one of the brightest lights in our year. And while others may post photos of their grandchildren online, I have opted to give my granddaughter the privacy she deserves.
While the year has been filled with fun, I am also keenly aware that many people have faced agonizing challenges. I recognize this has been a year of great loss and illness for many people we care about. Our hearts are with those who have faced hardship, grief, or uncertainty. Know that many care about you, including me.
And also as I write this, I feel it necessary to mention that the world has evidently become engulfed in chaos. I find it difficult to express my emotions about the current state of our “states” without resorting to screaming, so I will refrain from doing so. However, I hold onto the hope that common sense and compassion will eventually prevail in our world and hit our “collective” like a tsunami.
In closing, I wish for a happier, healthier, much kinder, and safer 2026. May all of our days be filled with love, joy, and laughter.
Below you will find a sneak peek of my upcoming blogs, including at least one giveaway!
xo,
Louise
A look ahead…
Familius publications and I have partnered for a wonderful giveaway from a recent title they released. Stay tuned for this announcement in the next week or two!
Where to travel in 2026? Let’s explore the possiblities together – suggestions welcome. (Email me here)
Sometimes, events transpire in your life that take you completely by surprise. One day, you find yourself in a home that has been without a four-legged companion for over a year, and the next, you’re buying food, bedding, and even selecting a name for a rescue puppy. His name is Baxter.
It all began when a friend shared her experience of stopping at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. She mentioned that visitors are welcome and that there’s even a program allowing you to spend extended time with a dog. Intrigued, I began researching this program. Hubby and I initially thought Kanab might be too far to travel, but then discovered that Best Friends has satellite facilities, including one in Los Angeles. There, you can adopt, foster, or become an Adventure Buddy, and we felt the latter option was the best fit for us. As an Adventure Buddy, you’re encouraged to take a dog out for a day of fun, ideally for two hours or more. By mid-October, after a thorough application process, we were matched with “La Santa,” an adorable pit bull mix. We cherished our time with La Santa, but ultimately, she wasn’t quite the dog we envisioned bringing home forever.
La Santa, Available for Adoption at the time of this article – Best Friends of Los Angeles.
So, out of curiosity, I went on their website, but I didn’t really see any one dog that captured my heart.
Another friend suggested that I check out our local shelter. I visited the website of a Los Angeles shelter and instantly spotted a dog that looked just like our beloved Bayla. In the same video featuring this adorable pup was another dog named Bamboo. It was love at first sight! Within minutes, I was slipping on my shoes, eager to “visit” Bamboo with my husband. Less than two hours later, we were finalizing his adoption!
Why this dog? Oddly enough, his photo and video appeared on nearly every page I visited on the shelter’s website! Moreover, he brought back memories of a dog we fostered many years ago who eventually went to the police academy. When we finally met him, his well-behaved nature and easy-going personality were reminiscent of Bayla! We discovered he was approximately 18 months old, brought in as a stray, fully grown, and likely a shepherd mix. However, there was one little issue – we were informed that Bamboo was part of a “bonded pair” with his companion stray, Bambi. Upon inquiring about Bambi, we learned she had been adopted – without Bamboo. (So much for being “bonded.”)
Now I have a question – If you look at this sturdy black and tan shepherd mix with rottweiler markings and a black lab personality, do you think that his name should have been Bamboo? And what do you call him for a nickname- BamBam? I think not! Hubby and I deliberated for a very short time until we settled on BAXTER as his name. It seemed to fit him perfectly!
Guess what? He is not a young adult dog- but a puppy!!!
Surprise! Baxter isn’t 18 months old or fully grown; this 60-pound bundle of energy is actually a puppy—likely around a year old—and he may gain another 10 pounds (or more)! YIKES! He exhibits numerous puppy behaviors, such as rummaging through the hamper for our favorite clothes to drag around the house, eagerly tearing apart his new bed, and managing to snag just about anything off the counters, including a fresh pack of muffins! Plus, his anxiety poses a challenge, as Baxter goes BERSERK when left alone, even when crated with cozy blankets, new toys, and special treats reserved just for his crate time! HELP! It’s definitely time for a puppy trainer to guide us! (And if you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments!). And don’t worry- we aren’t giving up on Baxter. He is just being a puppy – and hopefully will not have an affinity for our leather couches and chairs!
Traveling with Baxter
Many people have inquired whether we intend to stop traveling now that Baxter has joined our family. The answer is a resounding NO! While it may take some time for Baxter to adjust, or our travel plans might take on a different shape, we remain committed to exploring new destinations.
Today is October 13th. I should be in Bosnia-Herzegovina today. I should be visiting waterfalls and dining in the city of Mostar on local cuisine. And, I should be ending the day in Dubrovnik, Croatia, at a seaside resort where the sunsets are supposed to provide endless views.
Instead, I am home in Southern California. And, I have been home for a wee bit due to “trip interruptus!”. You see, when you get super duper sick while traveling, you have to make some tough decisions. Mine was to throw in the proverbial towel, get the first flight back home, and go directly to the emergency room, where I was treated with a bad case of “the yuck”. I will spare you the details. And, I also want to let you know two very important pieces of information about my trip home: 1) I masked 100% of the flight, and 2) Others around ME were coughing and sneezing, and they were not masked. In other words, my fellow passengers were putting my health at risk far more than I was theirs.
Although I am terribly disappointed and for several days was using the word, DESPONDENT, I am trying to see silver linings.
First, I must give KUDOS to my hubby and travel partner who took care of canceling most of the remainder of the trip without much help from me. This was his dream trip, too, and he was nothing but supportive of us returning home. He also brewed his own case of “the yuck”.
Secondly, a huge thanks to FAYE INSURANCE. Not only did they give me support and names of doctors to see while we were traveling, but they also assisted us during the “trip interruption” process. Working with them has been wonderful, and they took much of the stress off of us by making the claim process as painless as possible. I appreciated their being so responsive throughout my illness and upon our return.
If you recall a previous article I penned, I recommended travel insurance as a “must-have” when preparing for a trip. Well, we got a policy with Faye, and they went above and beyond expectations! When we reschedule the part of the trip we didn’t finish (and venture on others) – Faye will be getting our repeat business!
One lesson I learned from this experience is that health comes first, and to follow your “gut”. I now realize that I would never have enjoyed the last month of our vacation, given the seriousness of my illness. I let my intuition and common sense be my guide – and that was a very smart move.
Despite having to end our trip prematurely, all was not lost. We did have the opportunity to spend a glorious month traversing several countries and seeing so much! I even penned a few blogs about our experiences visiting Dublin, Barcelona, the Vatican, and Athens. Each blog includes information about accessible tourism. I would love it if you check them out!
In closing, here are a few photos we snapped and a video from the center plaza of Florence. (Gosh, I loved that city!) The captions will tell you the locations of the photos. Click on the photos for a detailed look.
Thanks for reading! And I promise, more travel blogs to come in due time!
The Carousel in the Piazza della Repubblica, Florence,Ponte Sisto, Tiber River Florence, Centro StoricoThe old buildings in the Jewish Quarter of RomeThe Acropolis, Athens, GreeceCasa Battlo- Gaudi home designGirona, SpainGirona, SpainThe Streets of Dublin
Did you know that the smallest independent country in the world is Vatican City? It is home to under one thousand Catholics, mostly clergy, official members of the Vatican, and the Swiss Guard. Comprised of several major sites, including the home to the current Pope Leo XIV – the Apostolic Palace, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, and the Vatican’s official museums. One can spend all day visiting the Vatican and not even scratch the surface of all it has to offer.
If you do visit the Vatican, please acquire tickets well in advance of your visit using a verified tour service. (It is ironic how many people will try to “rip you off” with fake tickets or pickpocket you within the walls of this holy establishment!)
First impressionsof the Vatican
There is so much to take in when you enter the Vatican.
The grounds of the Vatican are huge. The buildings are mammoth in size! The skyline of domes takes your breath away! And the outstanding staff are very adept at receiving and watching carefully the 30,000 (or more) visitors they receive EACH DAY!
St. Peter’s BasilicaThe grounds of the VaticanEntering the Vatican you are given a “primer” of what to expect
Tips for Traversing the Vatican
Visiting the Vatican may mean you are waiting and walking in very hot, humid, crowded, and noisy conditions. There are very few elevators, and air conditioning exists in only a few parts of this extensive campus. (I really can’t fathom the reasons for no AC in buildings where priceless works of art are housed!)
Also, opportunities to get drinks or use a restroom are pretty few, so come prepared. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes, but heed the warnings of the Vatican’s attire protocol – and dress modestly.
Photography is allowed and encouraged
Photography was encouraged by our tour guide. He explained that there is so much to see and digest during the tour that photographs will act as helpful souvenirs and reminders.
You can spend the day with Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo. These are infamous artists and not the Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Here is just a sample of some of the most magnificent art you will see during a standard tour. I understand there are some “behind the scenes” tours of more artwork that is just being housed in a “warehouse”, of sorts.
Here is a little trivia. The Mastiff Dog sculpture posted within this montage was broken by a tourist taking a “selfie”. It has been restored thanks to benevolent supporters from California.
TIPS:
1) Some tourists do not understand the concept of “personal space” – so be prepared for being “smushed”.
2) When you enter an exhibit, go to the back of the room and view the masterpieces from different angles.
3) The ceilings are full of art – don’t rush through the rooms without looking up!
Have you ever seen a ceiling like this?!
St. Peter’s Basilica
One of the largest Roman Catholic houses of worship in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica. It is beyond words to describe.
See the Vatican at Night!
The Vatican is stunning at night. St. Peter’s Basilica Square looks like it shimmers under the lights and moonlight.
GeneralVatican Ticket Information can be Found Here:
There are many wonderful hotels and rental apartment companies (AirBnB and VRBO, for example). The reader may want to consider TripAdvisor, Expedia, or Booking.com for assistance with locating accomodations.
(FYI: We enjoyed staying in the Trastevere area of Rome.)
Do you have any recommendations about visiting the Vatican or other places within Rome? Feel free to commentbelow!
Greece was never on my “bucket list” of destinations. I thought about cruising to Athens and spending just a day there—enough to see the Acropolis, Parthenon, enjoy a meal in the Plaka, and return to the ship. However, I soon realized that one day is not enough to appreciate Athens’ rich history, culture, and stunning sights. The ancient ruins are important landmarks that showcase a civilization that shaped history. We stayed for four days, during which I learned a lot about Athens. While I could recommend many places to visit, I’ve narrowed it down to five, knowing that some readers may only have a day or two.
Special Note: I added to the bottom of my TOP 5 list a place I do not recommend.
Here are my TOP 5 places to explore when in Athens, Greece.
PARTHENON and
ACROPOLIS (I clump these together as they share “real estate”.) First, if you plan on visiting these two very historical sites and some of the most important “ruins” on this planet, you MUST go with a tour. Without one, you will be relegated to the back of the line and lost as to what is what once you arrive. We used Athens Walking Tours and had Antigone as our guide. She was very good keeping the group engaged by sharing her extensive knowledge. My “ADHD-self” appreciated that she fluctuated between being the “teacher” and a bit of a comedian. Just in case you weren’t sure – let me stress that I I enjoyed the tour very much. Confession, I was scared to walk the 200 steps from the base of this massive historical site to the actual ruins. Let me allay your fears. With the tour, you go a few steps – stop. Look around, snap some photos. Then go again. Maybe even walk a ramp versus steps. All in all, it is quite doable for able-bodied people (an elevator is there if you need assistance, just bring a note from your doctor or your handicapped documentation). Once you arrive at the crest, you are amidst some of the most awesome manmade relics known to mankind! TIP: Read up on the history of the Acropolis and Parthenon before well before you arrive in Greece. A little research may have extended my enjoyment even more. The Athens University History Museum is also in the area, and although we didn’t visit, we heard from many residents that it is worth spending some time checking out.
3. PLAKA – This is an open-air market with a substantial number of good restaurants and cute shops. Warning… pickpockets also like this area.
PLAKAPLAKAPLAKA
4. Vouliagmeni beach and lake. We took the BIG BUS for about 45 minutes to Lake Vouliagmeni. We got off a few times and then found our way to the lake. To actually see and enjoy the lake, you need to walk a very short distance from the road – downhill. Once you arrive, you can access the lakefront for a small fee (this gets you a lounge chair, swimming access, and other amenities). You can also eat or drink at the cafe and still enjoy a view of the lake.
5. SMILE GASTROTAVERN.This is a restaurant that has excellent, authentic Greek food. The BAKLAVA was simply the best I’ve ever eaten!
AND, SMILEGASTROTAVERN has one of the few handcap accessible bathrooms in an Athens eating establishment! Most restaurants in Athens have their restrooms either up or down a level from their main dining area. This makes using the restroom a challenge or not possible for someone with mobility issues. Only a handful of restaurants offer the same level of restrooms on their main floor with doors wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. TIPS: 1) Make a reservation and 2) Tell Zoey, one of the owners, I say hello!
Very spaciousBEST BAKLAVAAccessible bathroom
Not recommended:
I am a “connoisseur” of casinos, especially slot machines. I love to play. Plus, the technology fascinates me! So, when I found out there was a casino in the Athens area, I wanted to check it out!
Sigh. Rarely do I post negative reviews. But, I feel compelled to give some insights to visitors to Athens about the Regency Casino – Mt. Parnes, so they have info I wish I had before wasting my time and money.
First, to get there is no small feat. From the center of Athens, it takes an HOUR. The casino is atop a mountain, and getting there depends on what is “working” – such as the tram, bus service, etc. Each day appears to be a different story as to the best method to access the casino. So, before you venture out to the casino, do yourself a favor and check out what methods of transportation are working. The Cable Car for the casino was not operating during the day I visited.
Once you arrive, know that you are asked a multitude of questions and MUST show your passport. No one voluntered to speak English, unless you ask. Also, the “documents” to register as a “player” are in multiple languages. Mine was in HEBREW! You are given a printout of “coupons” with no explanation. And they are in GREEK! No one offers you a translation or a QR code to get some additional info.
The casino is old. In fact, it looks like an industrial park. Plus, it has OLD slot machines, is not very clean, smells of smoke, and overall is underwhelming. The staff were rude and not helpful. I did not feel overly safe (and I was there mid-afternoon). I left within 20 minutes and was never so happy to get out of a casino in my life.
On a scale of 1-10, I give this casino a “2”- and that is because the view was pretty awesome. Please keep in mind that this is my opinion and is only based on my engagement with their slot machines. Other players may have different, even positive, experiences.
Barcelona is a beautiful city, rich in history, and home to some of the most amazing works completed by renowned artists – including the architectural designs of Antoni Gaudí, the mastery of Pablo Picasso, Warhol, and the contemporary expressions of Banksy and Robbie Williams.
It was my intent to write a blog describing in detail the sights and wonders of Barcelona. But then I stopped. This is a VISUAL city. One that can be better described through photography than perhaps descriptive writing. So, I hope these photos will inspire you to visit Spain, wander the streets, and enter the galleries where these art masters’ treasures are on display for all to enjoy!
ENJOY!
Let’s start with Antonio Gaudí, since he has left the largest thumbprint on Barcelona. Gaudí’s work is stunning, albeit quirky, and is showcased in many of Barcelona’s famous places – such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell, Casa Vicens, and Casa Batlló.
CATHEDRALS
BARCELONA has GORGEOUS Cathedrals and neighborhood churches. I will spotlight the two we visited. First, the famous Sagrada Familia is a combination of church and a tour de force artistic endeavor for Gaudí. One needs to get tickets in advance if you wants a tour of the Sagrada Familia. Frankly, I thought our formal tour was so-so, and perhaps doing a self-guided tour would have been better for me. I did learn some interesting facts, such as the cathedral won’t be completed for another dozen or more years! Tickets to enter are a must and sell out well in advance. So, don’t delay! Sagrada Familia Information and Tickets
Park Guell
Park Güell is a lovely, albeit very busy, park north of Barcelona’s city center. To truly appreciate all of the park, you will have to climb lots of steps. But, there is much to see without doing so, as well.
While there are many places throughout Barcelona where Gaudí left his mark, we found Casa Vicens and Casa Batlló extraordinarily unusual and impressive! Just check out these designs! Tickets may be found here: CASA VICENS and CASA BATTLO
Casa Vicens
Casa Batlló
So many thoughts, so little time. If you have visited Casa Batlló, please share your thoughts in the comment section below. I would love to know your review of this particular Gaudí attraction.
Moving pictures – like Hogwarts!Staircase of woodHard to see, but there is a waterfall
PICASSO MUSEUM
The day I set out for the Picasso Museum was also the same day Barcelona received about 9 inches of rain. I arrived at the museum’s front doors drenched, but determined to see Picasso while I was visiting Barcelona! It was worth it!
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (MOCO)
This was my favorite museum in Barcelona! From Bansky to Warhol – I loved it all! Check it out here
In closing, Barcelona is an amazing city with art playing a major influence on why I love it so! On to our next adventure – Athens, Greece!
Have you heard of Girona, Spain? Honestly, I could not have told you one fact about this city until friends raved about visiting Girona during a recent trip to Spain. So, when Hubby and I were planning our trip we made sure to add a side-trip to Girona.
For reference, Girona is about 45 minutes to north and east of Barcelona, and it has a history and personality that is very unique. It is known for the “old city” that fits within a wall. In some respects, it reminded me of a much smaller version of Toledo, Spain, as both cities have strong roots in global religions.
Getting to Girona is fairly easy from Barcelona and other areas. It was only 45 minutes from the Barcelona Sant (train and bus station) via the RENFE high-speed rail service.
Once you arrive in Girona, expect to walk about 15 minutes or more to get to the Old City. (“More” if you get lost, like us!)
Girona once housed a fairly good-sized Jewish population. The Museum of Jewish History chronicles the history and culture of Jews in Spain throughout the centuries, including the unceremonious expulsion they were served by Queen Isabella in 1492.
Here are a few things to know about visiting the Museum of Jewish History. First, it is for anyone who is curious about the history of Girona and/or the Jews of Spain. It is both a learning and a cultural experience. You don’t need to be Jewish to appreciate the museum’s exhibits. There are also tours available.
Secondly, the museum is excellent for being accessible and inclusive. They offer an audio guide option in ten languages. They also have transcripts of the audio guide in print and placed near each exhibit. The introductory film has a sign language interpreter embedded in the film. She uses international sign language.
The physical space is beautiful, including a central courtyard. And, there are many activities that happen throughout the year for local members of the community and visitors to enjoy! They even hosted a Jewish Film Festival!
Lastly, the museum also houses an excellent bookstore. I confess – I left with a few items!
Inside the walls of the old city houses a beautiful Cathedral. I opted to walk the 100 plus stairs so that I could photograph the town’s landscape and nearby buildings from “up high”. Frankly, I was a puddle of sweat and decided to forgo seeing the inside of the Cathedral.
One of my favorite aspects of Girona was the winding streets that seemed to exude history and character with every twist, turn, and alleyway. I found myself captivated by the stories that may have unfolded on these paths years, decades, and even centuries ago.
Girona’s old city also has a number of restaurants. Oddly, many offer Italian cuisine and not Spanish! So, I ended up “settling” on a place that served a French savory crepe and a great cappuccino! Overall, the restaurant choices appeared to be geared towards the tourist population versus the locals.
In conclusion, Girona offers a fantastic option for a day trip from nearby cities, including Barcelona, and is worth considering for a longer stay as well.
I was born on St. Patrick’s Day, which has instilled in me a deep sense of connection with the people of Ireland! That’s why, just last week, my husband and I made the most of our short visit to Ireland, particularly in the vibrant greater Dublin area.
Dublin may be small compared to the megacities of the United States, but it exudes charm and is remarkably ‘walkable’, contributing to an overall sense of safety. Whenever I reflect on our time in Dublin, I smile.
First, visitors may wish to know that flying into Dublin is a breeze. The airport is easy to negotiate, and we found our car service driver without any stress. Departures from the city to mainland Europe were also without any problems. But, you aren’t reading my Dublin Top 7 because I “heart” the airport. So let’s get to the “meat” of this blog…
I could easily have written a TOP 10 or even a TOP 20 list about Dublin. But 7 seemed kinda lucky, so I stuck with the TOP 7 THINGS TO DO in the city “by the sea!” Before you explore my list, you may want to visit Dublin’s information website. for more insights.
#1: Visit Trinity College to view the world-renowned Book of Kells and to visit their unique and stunningly beautiful Old Library.
#2: Ride the BIG BUS!
#3: Visit an Irish Pub where there is live music,and #4 Eat and drink the local fare!
#5: Take Pat Liddy’s Walking Tour
#6: Visit the Phoenix Park
#7: Watch the sunset from a bridge that goes over the Liffey River.
The details:
#1: Visit Trinity College to view the world-renowned Book of Kells and to visit their unique and stunningly beautiful Old Library.
The first thing Hubby and I did when we arrived in Dublin was visit Trinity College and view the Book of Kells. This is a medieval manuscript that has been preserved and viewed by thousands, if not millions of people. Anyone who loves symbolism and linguistics will find the Book of Kells very intriguing and fascinating! The Book of Kells is also housed in the great OLD LIBRARY. This library is undergoing renovation, but it has the most amazing history and displays, including my favorite, Gaia’s Illuminated Sculpture of Earth. The sculptures date back centuries, as do the books.
The BIG BUS is an excellent way to traverse a new city! For Hubby and me, this was the perfect way to get a feel for Dublin in under two hours. We were treated to commentary from the drivers, who were also our tour guides. Tickets are easy to access, and in Dublin, there are multiple buses; so you never have to wait long to “hop on”! There is also an evening tour, but this bus does not have an option to “hop off”. Here are just some of the sights you will see when relaxing on the Big Bus!
I had an opportunity to ask some questions of the folks at BIG BUS TOURS. Naomi Bressan, social media manager, commented, “Our people from all BBT cities work hard to make sure that our customers have a seamless experience, from booking their tour to redeeming the tickets and enjoying the city from the bus. Our mission is to inspire the spirit of adventure in everyone who hops on one of our buses.”
Based on our Dublin experience, mission accomplished!
Dublin is alive with music! You only need to walk into any pub in the center city to hear local musicians play Irish tunes and a whole lot of John Denver! (Someone please explain to me why John Denver?) Where to go? Many recommend the area known as TEMPLE BAR, but with a caveat – go with a group as it can be a bit touristy, which means it is a fave for pickpockets!
#4: Eat and drink the local fare!
Fish and chips, Guinness stout, Jameson Whiskey, and fish chowder – need I say more? There is no shortage of places to enjoy the flavors of Dublin. We sampled many pubs, including Kathy Hands,Brannigans, and CHURCH (Note there is Irish dancing at CHURCH – but go early to get a good seat!).
Seafood Chowder with breadFish and Chips
#5: Take Pat Liddy’s Walking Tour
Thanks to our guide, Harry, our Pat Liddy’s Walking Tour of Dublin was superb! This is the tour for people who like to learn interesting historical information presented with humor and relatable stories! Our tour was over two hours long, but it felt much shorter because we were all so engrossed and entertained. And, this tour is chock full of unusual trivia versus the typical information shared during other tours.As a side note, Harry seemed to know more about American history than most US 8th graders!
Also, know there were breaks and opportunities to sit down along the route. And while most of it was easy walking, there were some stairs and cobblestone streets that could be challenging to some with ambulatory issues.
Harry was a great tour guide!This is the area where Dublin got its’ name. Flowers adorn the parks and main areas in DublinThis sculpture commemorates the Irish special olympicsThe old palace
#6: Visit Phoenix Park
Dublin’s Phoenix Park is HUGE! Really – no joke – it is twice the size of New York City’s Central Park! Within the park, you will find a school, an old military fort, a zoo, a plethora of gardens, and so much more! We walked through the park for an hour and barely made a dent in all it offered! Did I mention it is BEAUTIFUL? Also, it is close to other notable attractions for those ambitious enough to keep walking around the city!
#7: Watch the sunset from a bridge that crosses over the Liffey River
And, if you are lucky, you may catch the swans as they hunker down for the night!
Is Dublin an accessible city?
Dublin is overall accessible. There were some areas where I thought the streets were filled with too many cobblestones or broken pavement for a person with mobility challenges to ambulate safely. I didn’t see anyone who was deaf or blind, but I did note that the city made great efforts for audible and visual cues to help people with sensory needs.
Our time in Dublin went by so quickly! But, don’t worry – we will be back in about 8 weeks as we finish our tour of Europe. Next up, Hello Barcelona!
Hubby and I are enthusiastically, or perhaps foolishly, about to embark on 8+ weeks in Europe. We are going to at least six countries and 15+ cities over this time span. Literally, we are taking planes, trains, buses, ferries, and automobiles! To say the least, this could be a logistical nightmare. But, luckily, I married a super-organized engineer. He has created a spreadsheet that would rival any organizational chart created by anyone since the beginning of time. Conversely, I print every little confirmation form, map, and email received, organize them by category (e.g., transportation, accommodations, activities, etc.), and by date. I also color-code my documents. Yes, my ADHD is in overdrive. And since I am anal retentive, we will be bringing both the digital and printed versions of “all plans”.
Now, the title promised to give you my “tips” for traveling internatitionally. So, here are my TOP TIPS for all of you to commit to memory or delete- the choice is yours!
RESEARCH: Impromptu travel, where you spontaneously hop in the car and visit a place a few hours away for relaxation and rejuvenation, is a concept I wholeheartedly embrace. However, a multi-week vacation, especially one that spans multiple countries and experiences varying weather conditions, falls far short of the impromptu definition in my eyes. Such a journey demands meticulous planning and organization. So, do your homework! Research and select destinations that genuinely captivate your interest. Additionally, steer clear of popular tourist spots during their peak seasons to avoid overcrowding and high prices. Keep an eye out for any special events or festivals happening at your chosen destination, as they can significantly increase the cost and make reservations a challenging task.
WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCES ARE YOU SEEKING? Are you looking to explore the great outdoors or simply visit museums and cafes? Do your travel companions have the same travel schedule and itinerary? These are crucial discussions to have before investing a significant amount of money in your vacation.
TRACK PRICES: Start your organization by making sure you are tracking and comparing prices for transportation. Many times, people useGOOGLE PRICE TRACKER to see when airfare drops. This may mean that frequent travelers may wish to consider getting a credit card with generous point allotments, well in advance. We opted for theCapital One Venture X Card and put all of our daily expenses on the card. It adds up with cash and point options to help defray travel costs. While the annual fee is a bit pricey, it does give you great perks. – including a generous amount of points to put towards airfare, hotels, or a rental car. We paid for our first set of flights using these points.
DON’T DELAY GETTING YOUR AIRFARE: When you see a competitive airfare price – grab it!
USE RELIABLE TRAVEL SERVICES: Whether a travel agent or an online service, such as TRIPADVISOR. Remember to make sure it is a RELIABLE service!
RESERVE CAR SERVICES: Book transfers from the airport to the hotel ahead of time. Nothing is worse than jumping into a taxi only to realize the driver is going to take you the “long way” to the hotel. It is worse if you are traveling alone and/or don’t speak the same language. That is why, for both the sake of convenience and safety, I recommend using a car service. This may not be the cheapest option – but when you are in a place that is totally new to you, be wise. There are two companies that I have found to be reliable, not too pricey, and as far as I can tell, safe. They offer drivers who will meet you inside the airport and take your luggage. They also offer drivers who are also local guides. WELCOME PICKUPS is a company that we have repeatedly booked. They are throughout the world and offer a multitude of transportation services. (TripAdvisor reviews are a 4.7 out of 5 – not too shabby!) The second company is DAYTRIP.com. They are super reliable, and their drivers are amazingly knowledgeable. We used DAYTRIP throughout Portugal, but they are also a global company.
GET TICKETS TO ATTRACTIONS EARLY! Sadly, many people spend more money than they should or miss out when they are delinquent at obtaining tickets to popular tourist spots. For example, the SAGRADA FAMILIA is a very popular attraction in Barcelona. We obtained our tickets months in advance as they sell out months in advance. Like hotels, use a travel service to get tickets for attractions and earn potential perks.
PLAN to GO EARLY or GO LATE to SEE POPULAR ATTRACTIONS. We have secured the “first of the day” tickets and the “late night tours” so that we don’t have to bake in the hot sun or wait in long lines. Also, treat yourself to VIP tours and small groups or private tours.
RESERVE IN ADVANCE the BIG BUS TOURS as your first outing in a new city. This is an excellent way to learn about the history and a bit of cultural information about your destination. We will be hoping on and off a number of the BIG BUSES! So, expect to see some fun content from places like the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, the Acropolis in Athens, and the Colosseum of Rome! Check out the BIG BUS TOURS and how to make a reservation.
DO NOT BUY A TON OF SOUVENIERS: (Ask yourself what you will do with this “thing” when you get home?) But, do send yourself postcards as a nice memory for when you return home.
DO BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE: You are about to spend a ton of money on your dream vacation. Consider this a major investment – so protect your investment with insurance! There are a few different companies that offer a comprehensive policy. Currently, I am a fan of FAYE INSURANCE. They are the only ones we found that offered long-term travel insurance for more than a few months.
DOWNLOAD TRAVEL APPS– The use of APPS is essential when traveling abroad. From airlines to rail and subway system maps. Download museum tours and even Rick Steve’s travel digest, as well!
INTERNATIONAL CELL PHONE USE: Get an international phone, text, and data plan. Check with your carrier, buy a phone overseas, or consider using WHATSAPP or GOOGLE FI.
READY TO PLAN? SEE THE SAMPLE ITINERARY BELOW
More suggestions…
BACK UP YOUR PHOTOS – DAILY!: Be sure to have a way to keep your photos safe. Whether it is on an external flash drive or a service, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud.
KEEP A JOURNAL: Don’t expect to remember every person and experience you encountered during your trip. Write it down!
LIVE IN THE MOMENT: Not every moment is an Instagram opportunity. Put down the phone/camera and just enjoy the sights, the conversations, the artwork, the music, etc.
INFORM YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANIES of YOUR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL PLANS
