With 1,777 kilometers of stunning coastline and over 1,200 islands in the Adriatic sea, Croatia is a must visit country for beach lovers and history buffs alike. You can find Ancient Greek and Roman ruins scattered across this awe-inspiring country. So join us on an odyssey through time to see some of the most Ancient and historical sites there are to see in Croatia.

One of the best ways to travel through Croatia is by sea of course. Having the freedom and comfort of your own yacht charter can make your journey around the Croatian archipelago that much more enjoyable.

Croatia By Sea: An Odyssey Through Time

Dubrovnik, or Kings Landing (if you're a Game of Thrones fan like us) is a logical first stop on our journey. Depending on where you're traveling from, you will most likely be flying into Dubrovnik anyway. And you definitely don't want to miss out on this magnificent city.

Before heading out to sea, consider spending a day or two exploring Dubrovnik old town where you can find gorgeous medieval architecture, bustling street life, cathedrals, and amazing views the top of the Dubrovnik walls that fortify the ancient old town. The walls themselves have a history dating back to the 9th century.

Dubrovnik makes for a great place to dip your toes into Croatian history before setting sail for a new location!

Diocletian’s Palace, Split

Traveling north to Split, we will find another city with an even more ancient history. Before we get to the really old stuff, lets talk about Diocletian's Palace.

Diocletian Palace is actually a 30,000 square meter complex that takes up most of Split's old town. The complex was built in the 4th century the Roman emperor Diocletian after he renounced the throne and settling in Split, which was in the Illyrian province of Rome at the time.

Many people still live and work within the complex. You'll find restaurants, shops, and hotels scattered among the numerous ruins and sites such as the Golden Gate, the Temple of Jupiter, and Diocletian's mausoleum.


Salona is one of the largest and most significant sites in Croatia and once held a estimated population of 60,000. The city used to be the capitol of the Roman Dalmatian province and is believed to have been founded in the 3rd century. Don't miss out on a trip to this city lost in time.

Trails through the ancient city are easily marked and provide many informational signs. Some of the largest structures include and aqueducts, bath houses, and the remains of a massive amphitheater. As well as many other smaller structures scattered throughout.

Just up the coast from Split lies the St. Nicholas Fortress. Built in the 16th century, the fortress is one of four that once protected Šibenik. The St. Nicholas fortress was specifically built on the water to protect the channel from Turkish invaders. It's said that the fortress looked so intimidating that no one every even tried to test it.

Nowadays, people can freely take a stroll inside the massive walls and explore many of the passageways and impressive architecture. You can access the fort by foot on a beach path, but be sure to double check as sometimes it is closed to renovations and the only way into the island is by boat tour.

Way up north from our other locations in the city of Pula, we will one of the most preserved Roman amphitheaters you can visit. The Pula arena was built in the 1st century during the reign of Emperor Vespasian who was also responsible for the Colosseum. The arena once held up to 20,000 spectators for various brutal tournaments.

Today we can safely visit the arena and takin just how massive of a structure it really is. You can even see a show here if you're lucky. Shows with much less violence of course! It regularly hosts famous artists from around the world. As well as film festivals and even mainstream pop stars. But if you can't make a show while during your trip, it is still more than worth it to visit Pula and see this incredible arena.

London is riddled with vintage markets in almost every one of its thirty-two boroughs. The iconic capital of England is famous for its market stalls selling valuable antiques, silverware, porcelain sets, bric-a-brac, and limited edition hardcover classic novels. If you are thinking of buying a flight from Perth to London and want to bring a one-of-a-kind souvenir home from your travels to the capital, below is a list of five vintage markets in London that will ensure you return to Perth with a special memento from your trip.

The Road Trip of the Gods

When traveling abroad, the sense of freedom, exploration, and discovery is one of the most gratifying parts of international travel. Some travelers are able to find these virtues on public transport and others do it through hitchhiking, but I’d like to talk about the form of transport that is the ultimate embodiment of these values: rental cars.

Some countries have public transport that leaves something to be desired, and it’s in these places that the value of rental cars really shine. Greece is a perfect example of this, with limited bus routes that run seasonally and sparse train lines. If you want to see the country’s various historical sites, a private car will be the way to go. Here’s an example route that showcases what I mean, the ‘road trip of the gods’, if you will. And, If you're looking for some help getting to Greece, make sure to visit this list of the best travel sites.

Here is what you will see on the Road Trip of the Gods

Athens
Rent a car in Greece in advance so you can start your trip as soon as you arrive in the capital of this historic nation. Start by spending some time in Athens, visiting the famous Acropolis and Parthenon, the world-class Acropolis museum and the many other sites that litter the fascinating city’s downtown area.

The tickets for the Acropolis run from €10-20 depending on the season, but I would recommend splurging for the €30 multi-ticket which includes the entrance to the smaller sites around the city as well. The Ancient Agora and Tower of the Winds alone make it worth the extra cost.

Argos
The trip from Athens to Argos is about 80 miles (or 125 km) and takes about 2 hours. Though Argos has a handful of interesting touristic destinations (Larisa, Bourtzi Castle, Ancient Theater of Argos), we’ll mainly be using it as a jumping off point for two of the most breathtaking sites in all of Greece: Epidaurus and Mycenae.

The Asclepeion of Epidaurus was essentially the medical center of the ancient world. It had an incredible reputation, and people would travel for weeks on end to this place, just to be treated by the local physicians and priests. The medical practitioners here would famously prescribe treatments based on information that the patients had given to them about their dreams, and though the method seems unorthodox, they had the highest success rate in the known ancient world with dozens of surviving accounts.

Epidaurus is also home to one of the most impressively built theaters in all of Greece. The layout was meticulously designed by Polykleitos the Younger in the 4th century BC, and can clearly carry the voice of the performers to over 14,000 spectators on natural acoustics alone.

Mycenae is no less impressive, however. Being one of the strongholds of the ancient world, Mycenae is responsible for the domination of the southern Greek city-states in the 16th century BC. According to legend, it was founded by the mythical hero Perseus, and was ruled by his descendants for years to come. In the 12th century BC, Mycenae collapsed and no one is sure as to why. Today, most of the site still stands, with interesting architecture and a quaint museum on site. Not only is Mycenae just a great site to see, but it represents such a dominant place in a period of history shrouded by uncertainty.

Rio-Antirrio Bridge
The Rio-Antirrio bridge links the Peloponnese to the Greek mainland, and though there is no ancient history surrounding it, it is one of the most impressive feats of modern engineering and architecture. The bridge spans for nearly 3,000, and thanks to the hills on either side, there’s a potential for a 70 mph wind tunnel. Such precise and ingenious tactics were employed that if the ancient Greeks were around to see it today, they’d have considered it to be a mythical marvel.

Delphi
Considered by the Greeks to be the center of the world, Delphi was one of the most famous religious and prophetic sites in the world. Now recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Oracle of Delphi influenced things as minor as a shepherd’s grazing path, to things as significant as a nation going to war. It was believed that the Priestess onsite would be possessed by Apollo himself after inhaling mysterious vapors that came from a subterranean room. It was in this trance that the oracle would deliver her prophecies.

Thermopylae
Traveling from the base of Mt. Parnassus north, we find ourselves at one of the most iconic battlegrounds in world history: Thermopylae, the ‘hot gate’, It was here that the fierce unit of 300 Spartans held off the advances of the innumerable Persian hordes. Now, there rests a monument to their posthumous triumph and informational signs that provide insight into the Persian’s Pyrrhic victory.

There is also a wonderful set of hot springs that were said to have been heated by the venom of the Hydra in the legends of old. After a long day of traveling, I can’t think of anything better.

Pelion
And, finally, we’ve reached our destination: Pelion, the Summer Home of the Gods. In the mountains above Volos, Pelion is one of the most picturesque and quintessential sights in all of the Mediterranean. With stunning views (on clear days one can see Mt. Athos across the ocean) and endearing villages, you may never want to leave. The gods could have been anywhere in the world, yet this is where they chose to spend their summers, and if that doesn’t tell you of the beauty and wonder of this place, then I don’t know what will.

 Bali has a place on nearly every traveler’s bucket list, and with good reason; the allure of warm weather and perfect beaches, the thrill of jungle adventures and the rich history of the island’s many Hindu temples makes Bali a top destination for all kinds of tourists. Thanks to the region’s breathtaking views, fascinating cultural heritage and overwhelming biodiversity, tourism makes up 80% of the local economy, and in 2017 Bali was even named the top destination in TripAdvisor’s “Traveller’s Choice Award”.

Here’s our list of the top five things to do in Bali: Island of the Gods

1. Ubud Palace
At the beginning of the 8th century, an Indian noble named Rsi Markaneya traveled to Bali to establish the first Hindu temple in all of Indonesia. When he arrived on the island, he felt magnetically pulled to a location in the foothills that he believed to be sacred, and it was here that he founded the first temple on the island. This is the history of the enigmatic Ubud Palace.

Now, in the modern day, the palace is open to visitors and hosts events including Balinese dancing and various festivities. When it comes to the recorded history of Bali, this is where it all started.

2. Monkey Forest
And while you’re in Ubud, you have to visit the peculiar Monkey Forest situated in the center of town. The Mandala Suci Wenara Wana is the natural habitat and sanctuary of the Balinese long-tailed Monkey, as well as the site of 3 Hindu temples constructed in the 14th century. The park has a strangely spiritual yet mischievous atmosphere, thanks to the playful monkeys and the many statues of revered Hindu deities scattered around the park.

The Ubud Monkey Forest is an important site not only for ecological conservation and research on the social behavior of monkeys, but also for historic and cultural preservation, which makes it one of the coolest and most educational things to do in Bali.

3. Pura Besakih
Definitely one of the most picturesque views in the world, Pura Besakih is the mother temple of Bali and watches over the rest of the island intently. The temple complex houses 23 unique but related temples, which eventually lead visitors to the most sacred temple of all: Pura Penataran Agung. The temple complex, located on the south slope of the Agung volcano, narrowly avoided complete destruction in 1963 when the same volcano erupted. The faithful Balinese people took this as a sign from powerful, but merciful gods and kept practicing their beliefs there.

Pura Besakih attracts over 100,000 visitors a year, and at least 70 festivals occur here annually, on a cycle based on a 210 day Balinese calendar called Pawukon. If you can arrange it, it’s definitely worth a visit during one of these events.

4.Seminyak Beach 
For those looking for a relaxed, island vacation, Seminyak is your place. Home to hip bars, high-scale shopping, luxury accommodations and relaxing beaches, Seminyak is one of the most carefree spots on the whole island. Whether you’re interested in the gentle surf, fine cuisine, contemporary art, Seminyak has something for even the most eclectic of visitors.

During your stay, you could even stay in a villa in Seminyak. Consider choosing villa-Bali to help find the best accommodation for you and your family.

5. Tirta Gangga
A truly unique site, Tirta Gangga is a Hindu water palace that even rivals many of the better-known temples in architecture and beauty. Built in 1946 by the late King of Karangasem, Tirta Gangga is a series of pools and fountains nestled in the thick jungle of the Balinese foothills.

The whole site is incredibly well kept and boasts entrancing sculpture gardens and amazing buildings, whose greatness is reflected on the many surrounding pools.

The United Kingdom has an extensive past filled with history, culture, and art, and is home to some of the most wonderful natural sights in all of Europe. Whether it’s castles, marketplaces, somber landscapes or museums, there’s something there for any type of visitor. In the UK, old traditions are alive and well, and are even actively maintained and honored. Royal traditions and monarchy still have a place in everyday life, and provide a unique and interesting glimpse into the parallels of modern and medieval.

However, the UK isn’t just about the past; lovers of modern day pop culture can still find their fill there. Whether it’s in the music, the literature or the many countercultures that were born there, there’s something to keep even the most eclectic visitor entertained, engaged, and intrigued.

If you plan on visiting the UK, maybe consider some of these sites for your upcoming trip. I promise you won’t regret it. Here are just a few of the coolest things to do on your next trip:

Oxford University
There’s evidence that states that Oxford University dates all the way back to 1096 AD, which actually makes it older than the entire Aztec culture. It’s the second oldest operational university in the world (and the single oldest university within English Academia) and has greatly influenced the entire world of modern-day academia. Many notable figures in human history have graduated from Oxford, including Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde, J. R. R. Tolkien, Bill Clinton and Adam Smith.

Though the Oxford University doesn’t have a single, centralized campus, it’s possible to visit the many different college centers throughout Oxford, the Saxon-built town known as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires.’ It’s not hard to see that Oxford is a town heavily invested in education and research.

Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is the single largest remaining Roman artifact in the world, spanning from the banks of the River Tyne all the way to the Solway Firth on the west. The wall originally marked the border between the Roman Empire and the Northern Britons, and was built in 122 AD as part of the emperor’s attempt to defend the Roman people from ‘barbarians.’ Though it sits in ruins, it’s not hard to imagine what it looked like in its former greatness, and though now there are tourists and visitors where legionnaires and centurions once marched, it’s still easy to see the awe-inspiring power of ancient Rome.

The region is graced with beautiful, rolling green hills and is one of the best places for a walking holiday in the UK.

Museum of London
At over six million objects, the Museum of London is the single largest collection of urban, historical artifacts in the world. Walking through the halls of this magnificent establishment is like taking a journey through time itself, as the museum is curated with chronology in mind. Starting in the prehistoric era with ‘London before London’ and ending in the 80s with an exhibit on Punk culture, the Museum of London will leave you with a better understanding of where we’ve come from, and hopefully of where we’re headed to as well. This is probably the single best site for understanding the history of England’s illustrious jewel of a city, London.

Shakespeare’s Home
For you literature buffs out there, this stop is an absolute must. William Shakespeare’s home is located in Stratford-upon-Avon, a quaint town within the region of Warwickshire. This is the town where Shakespeare was born, and aside from his home, there are many sites relevant to his life and death. His home, the home of his daughter, the cottage of his wife and the school he attended as a child are all within Stratford-upon-Avon. However, the town itself is so incredibly intertwined with the tradition, and cultural outings and experiences can be found all over the place, ranging from Shakespearean walking tours to local theatre productions. The town is exactly as you would expect it to be, and upon arrival, it feels like stepping into a lifesize production of one of Shakespeare’s many masterpieces.

Warwick Castle
And not too far from Stratford-upon-Avon is the Warwick Castle, built in 1068 by William the Conqueror. The Warwick Castle is one of the most recognizable examples of medieval, military construction and is one of the most wondrous castles in all of England. Over the course of history, the castle has changed in ownership many times and has seen many a battle, and thankfully it’s now open as a tourist site, complete with tour guides and informational posts. Medieval armaments and equipments are on display throughout the castle, and the exhibited collection is regarded as second only to that of the Tower of London. Warwick castle (along with a few others in the region) is a must-see for enthusiasts of medieval history and warfare.

Loch Ness
Arguably one of the most well-known sites in all of Scotland, Loch Ness is the largest body of fresh water in all of Great Britain. Attracting thousands upon thousands of tourists a year, it’s most famous for the supposed sightings of the ‘Loch Ness Monster’ (or, Nessie) and serves as a gathering point for those interested in Scottish culture, history and geology alike. Loch Ness is without a doubt one of the most captivating natural scenes in all of the UK, and is definitely a must for lovers of nature and history alike. There are many museums and lighthouses to see, and maybe if you’re lucky you’ll even catch a glimpse of Nessie herself.

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, the single most visited tourist attraction in all of Scotland, was built 900 years ago, however, there’s evidence that humans have inhabited the land it stands on since the Iron Age (2nd century AD). Like most castles, it’s served as a military fortress in countless wars and skirmishes, but now it’s mostly a ceremonial site. However, unlike most medieval strongholds, Edinburgh Castle was used up until the First World War, where it was used as a holding center for prisoners of war. Edinburgh Castle holds a special cultural significance to the Scottish people, and is still emblematic to the spirit of Scotland.

Some of the castle houses have since been converted into storerooms and regimental museums, which aim to help tourists understand the intricate history involved with this magical site.

Portobello Road
Portobello Road in West London is a culturally significant location for art, film and local history, and is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. It is also very easy to get to. Just hop in any Taxi in London. Alternatively, you can take the subway, or "tube" as the locals say.

Home to the largest antique market in all of the UK with nearly a kilometer of market stalls. The merchandise varies from antiques to clothing and fashion, household items and fresh produce. With enough searching, anything can be found here at this bustling, lively center. Portobello Road is a great, hip place for people searching for something a bit more trendy. It’s a fun place to spend days in cafes and bookstores and nights at pubs and theatres.

Portobello Road is also home to the Portobello Film Festival and has been since its start in 1996. It happens annually every August, and features independent, documentary, and animation style films in various locations up and down the road.

The UK is a land rich with history and natural beauty. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and experience the amazing things the UK has to offer. And let us know how your trip went!

One of the things that keep people from traveling out to the South Pacific is the travel itself. From most areas of the USA it is quite a long trip and when thinking of doing long-term travel the idea of getting all your belongings there can seem daunting. But if you ship some of your belongings ahead of time with something like Shiply and keep an eye out for a good deal (I swear even to New Zealand there are some great deals every now and then) then you can minimize the anxieties around such a big trip.

New Zealand is a beautiful country ripe with opportunities to explore, relax, and adventure.  A trip to either island is well worth the time, money, and effort it takes to get there. It offers nearly every landscape you can think of offering the traveler or adventurer too many activities to pick between. A good problem to have in our opinion. Many people we have spoken to even say it is the best spot in the world to do an extended road trip. With so many opportunities to explore we thought we'd break it down for you into 5 of the most amazing adventures you can have while there.

Jet Boating on North or South islands
We all first heard about jet boating from a friend that had experienced it in New Zealand.  It sounded so amazing that we decided to try it for ourselves while in Sydney.  It was great fun but nowhere near as exciting in Sydney Harbor as it sounds to be as you zip down Shotover River in Queenstown.

The boats were originally created to maneuver through the shallow windy rivers on the south island but since they maneuver easily and can move at high speeds it was discovered early on what fun and excitement this could bring to tourism. As someone who has experienced this adventure, I can assure you it is well worth the cost.

Best Ice Cream in the World
One of the coolest things to do while visiting New Zealand is to explore the North Island. Starting off in Auckland there is no shortage of death-defying adventures that can be had. Everything from bungee jumping to skydiving to swimming with sharks and so much more can be achieved while visiting this beautiful area of the country.
One of the most unique experiences in New Zealand is a sweet one. Auckland is home to one of the most ingenious and fascinating spot in the world to eat and enjoy ice cream; The legendary Giapo Ice cream. Which is quoted as having the best ice cream in the world.

Europe has always been a major travel destination for history, culture and design enthusiasts, tourists, and nomads. Visiting Europe in the warmth of summer is bound to be a thrilling experience for you, whether you are seeking adventure on your journey or looking for a simple break from your everyday routine.

If you are looking to visit Europe this summer, check out the following destinations:

Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Spain's largest cities. A city that bubbles with art and culture, fashion, sport, entertainment, leisure, and nightlife. The city is an awesome destination for people who yearn for fun and adventure as well as those seeking peace and tranquility. There is a lot to do in Barcelona during the summer; you can enjoy shopping, rollercoaster rides, sightseeing, relaxing on a balcony or tanning on the beach.

Barcelona also boasts a cool nightlife highlighted by music and entertainment from dusk till dawn. Places to visit in Barcelona include museums, Palauet Casades Palace and Library, Park Güell, L’Aquarium Barcelona, FC Barcelona Stadium (Camp Nou) and the list goes on.

Aquitaine
Aquitaine is a region located in Southwest of France. The region is made up of beautiful cities and scenic countryside, and it is known for its fresh farm produce and special cuisine. And you can find beautiful rental properties across the Aquitaine region, many in very scenic and tranquil spots which are perfect for getting some rest and relaxation. Bordeaux is the capital of Aquitaine and is the largest city in the district. It is famous for its wine, so make sure to visit some vineyards and sample some different varieties.

Aquitaine is comprised of five areas, each with features to explore like beaches, forests, villages, castles and the countryside. Places to visit include Lascaux, Garonne, Biarritz, Bayonne, Arcachon, Medoc, Biscarosse, Capbreton and other places of interest.

Prague
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. Year on year, Prague is continuously ranked as one of the best travel destinations in Europe. The Historical Centre of the Beautiful City of Prague is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area and is fun for children and adults alike. Attractions that are in the city include palaces and castles, cathedrals, theatres and clubs. Some events that take place in Prague during the summer are the Museum Night, classical music concert and live shows. Places to visit include the Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Vltava river, Mucha Museum, and Charles Bridge.

Malta
Though Malta is a small island nation, this is one of those features that distinguish it from other popular summer holiday travel destinations. Malta is a nation bustling with warmth and culture, history and architecture. There is always an adventure waiting to happen here, and there are several places to visit and many activities to engage fun-seekers. There is plenty of public transport available here as well, but it is limited through the night, so if you have a very late or early arrival or departure then the best option may be to arrange a taxi from Malta Airport.

If you prefer a quiet holiday, you should check out the Maltese island, Gozo. The island is peaceful and tranquil with beautiful countryside views, quiet beaches, and other attractions. Other Maltese towns you should visit include Valletta, Sliema, Rabat, Victoria, Paceville, Birgu and several others. These towns have a lot in common in terms of seafood, harbors, markets, beaches, and nightlife.

Dubrovnik
The old Croatian city of Dubrovnik lies on the Adriatic coast with its neighbor - Montenegro. The old city is also known as "The Pearl of the Adriatic" and is a walled city offering a lot to see both inside and outside its walls. Dubrovnik is a popular holiday getaway location, especially for romantics. The city has a lot of attractions; cultural attractions, beaches, bays, a harbor, beautiful scene scenery, and palatable cuisine.

The city harbor is a wonderful place to catch some fresh air and a welcomed meal on your first day in the old city. You should also take in the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the Adriatic on the rocky Buza Beach outside the walls of the old city. There is also a lot of sightseeing to be done within the city walls with its rich history and beautiful medieval structures. Stradun, Placa, is a nice place to visit. It is the main thoroughfare of the old city where you can shop, visit museums, restaurants, and cafes or just take a relaxing stroll.

You may enjoy the live entertainment in the charming old city. Walking along the city walls is a big attraction too, a leisurely walk along the city walls can take about an hour to complete. Visit Dubrovnik, an old city, with a rich history and culture and stunning sights to behold.

There are countless experiences to be had in Europe. These are only a few of the places everyone needs to experience in their lifetime.

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I have always been fond of a mountainous terrain. My time in places like the Andes, Yosemite and even here in Washington state have shown me just how much I really enjoy the landscape. There’s nothing like standing at the bottom and looking up at something so monstrous that nature created. That being said, Nepal is definitely on my bucket list. I haven’t made it there yet but I certainly plan to. From the stunning views in Himalayas to the lively capital of Kathmandu. I see so many opportunities for cultural experiences and adventures unlike any other.

The first thing to come to mind for me (and I assume many others) when I think of Nepal, is Mt. Everest. Why wouldn’t it be? It’s the tallest mountain above sea level in the world! Understandably Everest is probably one of Nepal’s main tourist attractions, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Even the wildest of the family adventure holiday travelers may be put off, I know we were when I was traveling with my family as a kid. As much as I love the idea of being one of the bad ass people who conquer the giant, I think it’s a little beyond my skill set and budget for that matter! So here are my top bucket list things to do while in Nepal. (Other than climb Everest)
So maybe Everest is bit of a stretch, but I wouldn’t let that stop me from getting out and exploring the untamed beauty of the Himalayas. After all Nepal is one of the best trekking destinations in the world. Offering all varieties of trekking experiences that are much more affordable than Everest. From the diverse cultures, historical heritages to beautiful forests, mountain landscapes to cascading waterfalls, exotic wildlife to terraced farmland. If you enjoy the outdoors there is something here for everyone.

Some of the longer more intense treks include Manaslu trek, Poonhill trek, Annapurna trek, Royal trek and many more. Some of those hikes may seem a little intense for some, as they are five to ten-day hikes depending on which one you choose. But in reality, most of the treks consist of hiking during the day and staying in local villages at night which in my opinion, helps lesson the burden of walking most of the day. The places you stay along the way are called teahouses and are often included in the cost of the trek.

There are many things I want to explore in Kathmandu, but something at the top of my list is the Boudhanath stupa. Being one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Nepal definitely makes for interesting sight. Boudhanath is located about six miles from the city center on an ancient trade route from Tibet.

There is certainly some history behind Boudhanath that I would be excited to explore. Described as a very spiritual and cultural environment, I think it deserves a place on my list.


Did you know you can see wild rhinos in Nepal? Well you can, and you can find them at the Chitwan National Park. The park is three hundred and sixty square miles of  preserved area in the Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal. Chitwan is home to many different species including the endangered one-horned rhinos, leopards and Bengal tigers. If those aren’t enough for you, it is also home to over fifty other species of mammals. Some of the more popular being wild elephants, the gaur, four horned antelope, sloth bears, striped hyenas and even South Asia river dolphins. Along with various species of snakes, birds and butterflies.

All of that doesn’t even come close to everything the park offers, but it’s more than enough to get me singed up. Everything I’ve seen about the park has me super excited to visit, except for one thing… They do offer elephant safaris which involve riding an elephant through the jungle. It sounds incredible when you say it like that but there is often a much darker side of what goes into elephant rides. They often train them with very harsh methods. Not to mention the weight of the saddle and passengers. I won’t go into too much detail, but I highly recommend doing some research before deciding to ride an elephant anywhere. That being said, the parks conservation and anti-poaching efforts are incredible.

Being well funded by tourist money is also what protects all of the wildlife you’ll see here, including the elephants who have a safe habitat from poachers and the developing world. But sadly of course they are not always treated well and I personally do not support the mistreatment of any animals and therefore do not recommend supporting the elephant rides. But the park offers many other safari options and ways to support the wildlife without harming it.

Just an hour outside of Kathmandu, and over the Bagmati river you’ll find the magnificent temple filled city of Patan. The ancient city is full of old brick lanes leading to breathtakingly pretty squares and courtyards. Often called a Durbar square, these courtyards usually consist of temples, idols, water fountains and more. These squares are the remnants of a time before Nepal was unified and was instead broken up into small kingdoms. The squares served as palaces for these kingdoms.

Aside from the marvelous architecture, Patan seems to have plenty of rich culture and history that I always look for while traveling. I would love to make it there during the Krishna festival in august to experience the mass celebration.


At first I was worried about how affordable these flights were, but after doing some research I found that they are much more affordable then you would think. It’s hard to put a price on a once in a lifetime opportunity like this anyway. On another note, I have heard stories of these flights being notoriously turbulent. Just adds to the fun I guess. Buckle in and hold on!

Two years ago when we started contemplating a move to the PNW we stumbled upon some photos of basically the cutest, most European Christmas village, imaginable without being in Europe. We image searched, checked average weather and discovered that it was a bit too cold to live in for us but we vowed to visit as soon as possible!

Fast forward to a few months ago, as Christmas approached and we were searching for a way to really get in the Christmas spirit and the quaint little village of Leavenworth once again came up, with all its stunning photos.  We quickly booked a hotel, which was no easy feat during town lighting days, and started to count down the days to our highly anticipated trip.

Now if you are coming from out of the country start by getting your ESTA and be sure to plan that early so everything is all set for visiting at Christmas time. If you are local like I am then it's just a simple drive through a mountain pass.  For us it happened to be quite snow covered so we knew this was going to be a cold and wonderful weekend. Leavenworth did not disappoint. We arrived in just enough time to get settled in to the hotel (all 5 of us plus our beautiful new puppy Koa) and bundle up for the tree and town lighting ceremony where they turn everything off in town and then all at the same time light the whole village in Christmas lights.  It is quite spectacular and worth dealing with the crowds in order to experience it first hand.


TIPS: I highly recommend booking your hotel far in advance as they fill up quickly during the tree lighting weekends.  I also suggest you stay someplace very close to the town center. Walking is the best way to get around all the little shops and staying too far away would make for a lot of chilly trekking just to reach the sled hill.

We had a short chilly walk to the town center where there were hordes of people waiting to see the town lighting.  They close off the street entirely to cars so you can enjoy without worries.  (They only do this during tree lighting weekends) We looked around the store fronts, grabbed some hot cocoa and chatted with all the people clamoring to pet our little puppy.  Then right on time the ceremony started.  Lots of beautiful singing, a cute little parade and then the LIGHTS!  It felt as if we were in a magical world.  In fact in that very moment we were.  The storefronts, the trees, even the sledding hill were all brightly and colorfully lit up.  We took about a million pictures, or so my kids say, and walked a bit further into town for dinner.


Next day we woke to even more snow.  Perfect for the horse drawn sleigh ride we were scheduled to do.  We drove over as it is a bit too far to walk from town.  There we were greeted by the staff and loaded onto the sleigh after greeting our drivers and horses.  The guides were very knowledgeable about the area and regaled us with one funny story after another.  They provide huge blankets to keep warm but I would still bundle up depending on the outside temp.  It was a beautiful 40 minute ride through some fields and along the river, with stunning mountain views the entire way. If you have a spare morning it is definitely something I would suggest for the entire family.  No dogs allowed though on this one.


There are loads of other things to do in and around town during the winter.  In  fact there are loads of things to do in the summer so we are already planning a trip back in the warm weather.  But I digress, in the winter you can take advantage of some great sledding hills, one that is directly in the center of town.  You can shop in town at some of the cutest little shops I've ever seen.  You can do snowmobiling tours, dog sled races, skiing, ice climbing, visit the nutcracker museum and more.  We only stayed 2 nights but you could easily spend a week or more getting into all sorts of winter activities.



Now no trip would be complete without some great food right?!  Well have no fear we found one of the most amazing spots to eat, in fact it was so good we ended up eating there twice.  Munchen Haus, located directly in the middle of town, has some of the yummiest cuisine we have had in quite a while. It is an outdoor eatery (don't worry they have loads of outdoor heaters so you are not too cold) with a great beer garden.  They even do holiday movie showings at night which we loved.  Nothing like watching elf in a small Christmas village!  They don't have a large menu but what they do have is amazing.  Sausages, hot dogs, pretzels, and a huge array of locally brewed beers.  We are originally from the New York area so it goes a long way in saying these pretzels were the best I have ever had.  Equally my boys and husband tell me that the sausages they had were also the best ever!  I could not say a single bad thing about this place so if you get to Leavenworth be sure to eat at least one meal at Munchen Haus, although I seriously doubt that you can eat there just once.

We found Leavenworth to be every bit as charming as we hoped.  The town is lovely, the shops endearing, the eateries downright delicious, and the whole town is every dog friendly which we always love.  If you find yourself in Washington state any time of the year head to Leavenworth.  If you are around in the winter, even better just be sure to book in advance!  It really is that good!