What is Glamping?

So, exactly what is glamping? Glamping is simply the combination of camping and glamour. Sounds like a weird word, but it’s a simple concept of camping but in a more luxurious manner. So if you’re interested in camping and being outdoors but don’t want to go through the hassle of getting incredibly dirty and leaves in all your stuff, then maybe try glamping?

How does Glamping work?

It’s simple and easy to start, you find a campsite or campground that offers higher end services but still allows you to experience the beauty of nature. There are plenty of campsites around the world and most of the aspects of your trip can be taken care of by a single facility.

There are a variety of places and things you can do while glamping that will vary depending on what campsite you go to. It’s like any other travel, the possibilities and adventures depend on where you go and what you’re interested in.

Where to start?

There are numerous places to search for glamping camp sites. My personal recommendation is to go onto glamping.com as you’re able to find campsites based off of location and other options.

Additionally pack for the climate you intend to visit. That’s pretty much it. It’s like a normal camping trip but without a lot of the stress. Plenty of the location specific information can be learned from contacting a representative at the place you intend to go. That being said, it doesn’t hurt to do personal research either.

Happy glamping!

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Yosemite is a beautiful outdoors travel destination for any hiker, camper, or anyone who just loves the outdoors. That’s why I wanted to create a guide for the best hikes in Yosemite and make it easier for you to find a great adventure that fits your abilities.

There are quite a few ways to rank the trails in Yosemite but most people I talk to about hiking are concerned with the difficulty. Many trails have great scenery and give awesome views of nature, but it’s a bit of a deal breaker if the trail will have you crawling half way through. In addition, we’re going to focus on the Yosemite Valley area for trails.

So here are the best hikes in Yosemite ranked by difficulty!

Mirror Lake Trail

Distance: 2.3 (3.2km) miles round trip to lake and back. 5 (8km) miles if you go around the lake

Elevation Gain: 100 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1 hour round trip; 2-3 hours if you loop around the lake.

This is a simple trail that takes you to a wonderful view of the lake. It has great foliage and atmosphere! It’s not difficult and has very low elevation gain as well. Getting to the trailhead is also simple as you can take the valley shuttle service and the trailhead for Mirror Lake starts at stop #17.

Conveniently, this trail is also open year round as it’s a fairly simple trail and is safe as long as you don’t wander off trail.

Below is a view of the trail and notice that reaching mirror lake doesn’t require you to hike the entire trail.

Sentinel/Cooks Meadow Loop

Distance: 1 (1.6km) miles round trip

Elevation Gain: None, trail is flat

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

This is a very easy trail that offers great views of the valley and some of Yosemites notable landmarks. Getting there is similar to Mirror Lake as it can be accessed by the shuttle that runs through Yosemite Valley. Simply take the shuttle to stop 5 or 9 and you’ll find yourself at the trailhead!

Overall this trail is fairly easy to manage and is open year round (may be snow covered in the winter though) and is welcoming to pets, bicycles, and strollers.

Lower Yosemite Falls

Distance: 1 (1.6km) miles round trip

Elevation Gain: About 15ft

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

This hike is more of a scenic walk aimed at viewing the awesome 320 foot waterfall that is awe inspiring and a beautiful roaring monster in the spring.

The trail can be accessed by walking from the visitor center, or to save energy, you can reach it by taking the shuttle to stop 6 and getting off there. It’s recommended to walk the trail clockwise so you can get the best views as you hike and not have to turn around.

The Lower Yosemite Falls trail is also open year round but it’s definitely better to see in the spring and early summer when all the ice and snow melts.

Columbia Rock

Distance: 1.3 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 950ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours

Now we get into the meat of hiking with a slightly more challenging hike. Columbia Rock isn’t the hardest of hikes but it is in the middle of our list concerning difficulty. That being said, there is a risk/reward take away. The hike is more difficult than the previous but the views are that much more rewarding.

The trailhead is located at the Sunnyside campground and can be reached by taking the valley shuttle to stop 7 and taking a short quarter mile hike to the trailhead.

For more information, check out this guide!

The Mist Trail

Distance: 3 (4.8km) miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 1,000ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 12 – 5 hours (depends on how far you hike)

Moving along, we’re getting to the better known trails in Yosemite. They’re more widely known since most of those beautiful pictures you see of Yosemite are taken on these trails. The views you get to experience the higher you hike are phenomenal! But, with more time on a trail, comes more time needed for preparation. Make sure you’re fit enough for a 5 hours hike and able to carry necessary water to finish.

To start, you can get to the trailhead at Happle Isles near shuttle stop 16. There is a little bit more to it obviously so I’ll leave it to this guide to better explain the journey and a trail map below!

4 Mile Trail

Distance: 4.8 (7.7km) to Glacier Point. 9.6 mi round trip

Elevation Gain: 3,200ft

Difficulty: Very Difficult

Time: 3 – 4 hours one way; 6 – 8 hours round trip

If you’re well acquainted to difficult hikes and aren’t new to outdoors trekking, I highly recommend this trail. It combines quite a few of Yosemites best scenic areas all on one trail. By the time you reach the top, you’ll have an amazing view of Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Dome, El Capitan, and Half Dome.

The trail starts at the base of Sentinel Rock and even more conveniently, if the hike wore you out and you don’t want to get noodle legs and hurt your knees going down, then there’s a shuttle that can take you back down!

There is a bit of information on this trail so please check out this resource for more information and see the trail map below!

Half Dome

Distance: 17 miles

Elevation Gain: 8,842ft

Difficulty: Very Difficult

Time: 10 – 14 hours

Half Dome is one of the most iconic sites in Yosemite National Park. Thankfully you don’t have to take the same way up Alex Honnold would and there’s a trail that you can reserve a spot on that is strenuous, but worth the hike. It also makes a lot of Yosemite Valley visible and offers some of the best scenic views in the park.

For more information, check out the information here to not just learn more about the trail, but also find out how to get a permit.

TIPS FOR HIKING IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

• The best times to visit are spring and early summer, especially if you’re looking to see the waterfalls.
• Come prepared, even short hikes can still take time and you should always have proper hiking gear, food, water, and a way to contact for help in worse case scenarios.
• Try to avoid visiting on weekends and holidays. The park can become crowded quickly and going during the low times will alleviate the stress of too many people.
• Carry a small bag for trash with you! Many people comment on “taking care of our parks in America”, but honestly, take care of everywhere! Don’t leave trash in the wild and never leave with less than you came with.
• Always research possible wildlife and how to handle it. This article can’t cover all the information to staying safe and you should consult a park ranger or wildlife expert to make sure you’re prepared.

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Looking for inspirational travel quotes? Sometimes it’s nice to renew your interests and love for traveling. Hopefully these travel quotes will give you that motivation and keep your spirit for travel ignited. If you have more poignant travel quotes you want to share, please leave them in the comments below!

Best Travel Quotes!

1. Man cannot discover new oceans unless he is willing to lose sight of the shore. – Andre Gide

2. “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign” – Robert Louis Stevenson

3. “Traveling’s not something you’re good at. It’s something you do. Like Breathing.” – Gayle Foreman

4. “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

5. Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination. – Roy M. Goodman

6. “A person susceptible to “wanderlust” is not so much addicted to movement as committed to transformation.”  – Pico Iyer – a

7. “If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet” – Rachel Wolchin

8. “Travel doesn’t become adventure until you leave yourself behind” – Marty Rubin

9. Wanderlust: a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world.

10. “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes” – Marcel Proust. T

11. “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

12. “Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.”

13. “We travel for romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost.” – Ray Bradbury

14. Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain. – Jack Kerouac

15. “My favorite thing is to go where I’ve never been.”

16. “I’m shaking the dust of this crummy little town off my feet and I’m gonna see the world.”

17. “What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do — especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon

18. “People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

19. “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” – Susan Sontag g

20. Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures. – Lovelle Drachman 

21. “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

22. “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world” – Freya Stark

23. “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends” – Maya Angelou g

24. “Don’t count the days. Make the days count.”

25. It feels good to be lost in the right direction. 

26. “The pleasure we derive from journeys is perhaps dependent more on the mindset with which we travel than on the destination we travel to” – Alain de Botton

27. “Collect moments. Not things.”

28. “A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

29. “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

30. I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to and people I’ve never met. – John Green

31.

32. “We wander for distraction but we travel for fulfillment” – Hilaire Belloc

33. “The gladdest moments, me thinks, is a departure into unknown lands.”

34. “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries” – Aldous Huxley

35. “Travel is never a matter of money but of courage.” – Paulo Coelho

36. “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” – Robert Frost

37. Traveling – It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. – Ian Battuta

38. “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.”

39.  “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

40. “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” – Terry Pratchett

41. “The best dreams happen when you’re awake.”

42. Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul. – Jamie Lyn Beatty

43. “It is better to travel well than to arrive.”

44. “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”

45. “Do not dare not to dare.”

46. “Life is short and the world is wide.”

47. Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. – Gustav Falubert

48. Do you really want to look back on your life and see how wonderful it could have been had you not been afraid to live it?” – Caroline Myss

49. “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” – James Michener

50. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous

51. “Never let your memories be greater than your dreams.”

52. “I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine.” – Caskie Stinnett

53. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

54. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu

55. The most beautiful in the world is of course, the world itself. – Wallace Stevens

56. “Travel far enough, you meet yourself” -David Mitchell

57. “Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you have traveled.” – Mohammed

58. “Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” –Unknown

59. “A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.” Lao Tzu

60. Better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times. 

61. “Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures.” –Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

62.  “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert

63. “I always wonder why birds choose to stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on earth, then I ask myself the same question.” –Harun Yahya

64. “I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

65. Take only memories, leave only footprints. 

66. “We live in a world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” ― Jawaharial Nehru

67. “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.”  – Anita Desai

68. “This wasn’t a strange place; it was a new one.” – Paulo Coelho

69. “We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin

70. The life you have led doesn’t need to be the only life you have. – Anna Quindlen

71. Live your life by a compass, not a clock. – Stephen Covey

72. “Surely, of all the wonders of the world, the horizon is the greatest.” – Freya Stark

73. “I travel because it makes me realize how much I haven’t seen, how much I’m not going to see, and how much I still need to see.” – Carew Papritz

74. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” –Mark Twain

75. “I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

Germany is a phenomenal country to visit and experience their culture! After living there for over 3 years, I grew to love all it had to offer and still go back as often as I can. It’s also where I met Linn so that’s also kind of important to me.

Contents

1. Introduction!
2. Getting to Zugspitze
   1. Zugspitze from Germany
   2. Zugspitze from Austria
3. What’s up there?
   1. Siteseeing
   2. Skiing/Snowboarding
   3. Food and Drink
   4. Gifts

Intro to Visiting Zugspitze Garmisch-Partenkirchen

I loved every minute of being in Germany (well unless I was working). The whole country is beautiful and a great place to go siteseeing, Zugspitze is no exception. Nestled in the southern part of Bavaria and the highest mountain in Germany, Zugspitze is a towering mountain of awesomeness. Coming in at 2,962m (9,718ft), Zugspitze is not the easiest (but also not the hardest) mountain to climb. No worries though, if you don’t want to climb there’s a cable car that can take you right to the top! We’ll cover that in a bit though, first lets talk about how to even get to a spot to prepare ascending this beast.

Transportation

Getting to Zugspitze can be done from Germany or Austria as the mountain slices right through both countries. While I recommend driving as it was simple and easier to get around, there are other options depending on the side you choose. But if you can, I strongly recommend renting a vehicle or taking some form of local transportation to get around.

Zugspitze From Germany

Train (Choo choo!)

If you’re coming from the German side, it’s best to reach Garmisch-Partenkirchen to start your journey, as the Zahnradbahn (cogwheel train) connects the city to the mountain and gives a direct train to Zugspitze. NOTE: There is still a short distance to either hike or take a very short cable car ride to get all the way to the top. For more info on ticket prices, check here.

Cable Car From Eibsee To Zugspitze

An alternative to getting to the top is to take the same train mentioned before, but stop at Eibsee (the lake below the mountain), and then take the longer Eibsee cable car all the way to the top of Germany’s highest peak! I recommend this route as it offers the best view and you get a wonderful site of Lake Eibsee below.

Hiking Zugspitze

There are also 5 main hiking trails you can take that are usually split over two days. These hikes take time and while this mountain isn’t the hardest, I highly recommend you be fit and trained for climbing. I chose the cable car personally, so if you want more information on the trails, check this out.

Zugspitze From Austria

Cable Car Again!

In addition to the hiking trails listed previously, there is another cable car on the Austrian side that will get you to Zugspitze. The Tiroler Zugspitzbahn in Ehrwald, Austria offers rides up the mountain in short time and to compare prices, you can check their website.

What’s On Zugspitze To See?

Siteseeing

Once you get to the top of Zugspitze, you can finally relax and take in the view. Look towards Germany and see Lake Eibsee far below, then do a 180 and see the beauty of Austria! There are multiple viewing areas to get to feel the Alps with your eyes, and if you’re feeling adventurous, there is a slight climb (can be dangerous!) to get to the very tip top of the peak.

Skiing/Snowboarding

Thankfully, due to Zugspitze’s altitude, it is covered in snow for over half the year! This is great news if you’re into skiing or snowboarding as they have awesome trails that are commonly covered in fresh powder. Additionally, if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, there is a sledding area below the summit (same altitude as where the cog train comes to) for some family fun. The slopes weren’t open at the time we went due to maintenance, so we decided to enjoy some sledding 😊.

Food & Drinks

It takes time to go up the mountain and time to go down. If it weren’t for the restaurants at the top, I would have been hangry about 80% of the time. There are a few options for restaurants once you get there and it’s fantastic German cuisine! To get more info, check here! Even if you are traveling on a budget, you don’t need to have a sit down meal while you’re up there. Scattered around Zugspitze are smaller eateries and food truck sized stands for snacks and refreshments!

Gifts

If you’re anything like us, mementos and gifts for family are a must to grab on any of our travels. We always visit these places rich in culture that have unique aspects we may never see again, so we always try to take a small piece back with us. If that’s you too, then rejoice since there’s plenty of shops to grab presents from at the top!

Overall

So is the trip worth it? Should you take the time to travel to Gramisch-Partenkirchen and ascend Zugspitze? Absolutely! I spent 3 years in Germany and loved this place so much I actually ended up going twice. It’s a perfect getaway and will be a place to create memories and enjoy the beauty of Germany!

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Contents:

1. Intro and Inspiration for this post
2. Outdoor adventures
   1. Stone Mountain Park
   2. Tybee Island Beach
   3. Callaway Gardens
3. Museums
   1. World of Coca Cola
   2. National Infantry Museum
4. Historical Interest
   1. Savannah (all of it)
   2. Westville
   3. Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
5. Overall

Best Places to Visit in Georgia Inspiration

I’m very excited to write this post as Georgia is not just a beautiful place to visit, but it’s also where I was born and raised! Most people think of rednecks and country music when they mention Georgia (and they’re partially right to do so), but there’s so much more to see and do in this amazing state!

There’s actually so much to do that I tried my hardest to narrow down the possibilities, but still had to organize them into separate categories just to make it a little easier to read. So let’s not take all day, what are the best places to visit in Georgia?

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES!

Georgia is a gorgeous collection of forest and greenery, so it’s only right to start with the outdoor adventures you can take. I’ve listed my favorite three below but by no means is this list comprehensive.

1. Stone Mountain Park:

Stone Mountain Park is only 26(ish) minutes east from the center of Atlanta. It’s a fairly well-known place and can get crowded during the summer months. We went a little later when it was starting to cool off, so there was minimal foot traffic and no stampedes thankfully. Also BRING WATER! Not because there isn’t any, but you will be walking around a lot and staying hydrated is important! Especially if you’re going during a summer month.

Depending on what you’re into, Stone Mountain has options for camping, winter events, and other live events that go on throughout the year. I recommend checking out their website to see what kind of things they have planned. In fact, there’s a bit too much to do there for me to mention in one post. Personally, Linn and I just wanted to get some hiking in and see the top of this gigantic rock!

We were grateful to see they have a lift to the top of the mountain (probably because hiking it would be near impossible), so we began our journey there! Now I’m not necessarily afraid of heights, but being in a tin bucket that high made my nerves a little shaky. But you do get used to it after a while. We made it to the top and were greeted by park workers and were allowed to explore the top of the dome. They also have quite a bit of information on how it formed and the history around the mountain (I love learning on trips!).

2. Tybee Island

This magnificent place is just along the coast next to Savannah, GA. You’ll see Savannah mentioned here more than once since it’s basically the best place to visit in Georgia if you’ve never truly experienced the south.

I spent the fourth of July here and there’s tons of rich culture to explore and oh man the FOOD! I grew up with things deep fried and this was nostalgia central.

I didn’t stay too long on Tybee island, and regret it. But if you’re looking for some beach fun and experience a Georgia coast, this is the best place to do it!

3. Callaway Gardens

Callaway Gardens is mentioned here and there for things to do in Georgia, but personally I loved the free roam aspect and it became one of my favorite places (it’s a bit romantic too given the right time of year). Callaway Gardens is similar to Stone Mountain in that there is a plethora of things to do and so little time. So, we focused on only the gardens and just exploring ourselves. If you’ve interested in events, golf, or other things happening during your time there, definitely check out their schedule!

As far as the gardens themselves go, there are walk paths basically everywhere. Plus, most of the gardens can be experienced indoors as they manage the climate and other conditions, so it can still be enjoyed in bad weather. There’s also an awesome butterfly garden where we learned a little more about them than we bargained for and got to basically live a Disney princesses dream for half an hour.

GEORGIA MUSEUMS!

Ok, so those are awesome places for outdoor adventures in Georgia. But what if you’re a history buff like me? What if you want to learn and experience some past culture? Well the next two are perfect suggestions for that!

1. World of Coca Cola

I know, a strange ‘museum’? But trust me, Georgians love their Coca Cola and put plenty of effort into make this museum worthwhile! There are numerous exhibits inside with plenty to see and experience. Their general admissions tickets are roughly $17, or were when I went, and of course there are discounts for seniors, youth, and toddlers. It’s honestly not a steep price for what they offer.

You get to sample different flavors of coke dispersed and sold in other countries, see the rich history behind the company and their secret formula, and even a sneak peek into bottling! I know, probably not the most exciting thing when you read it here. But trust me, it’s a wonderful experience.

2. National Infantry Museum

This one is special on my list since I not only loved it, I also grew up about 30 minutes away. So as soon as they opened (both of my grandfathers and myself served, so we’re pro military history), we went straight there to check it out.

I do have to offer a bit of warning. This place is not something you go to just see. The way the curators have the exhibits laid out for you to experience is truly awe-inspiring and will be emotional. Especially if you’re like me and have a family and personal history in the military. There really isn’t any experience like this museum and to be honest, if you’re into truly experiencing history, forget about the other destinations on this list and just go here.

You walk through the exhibits and are greeted with some of the best history curation you can find. All of your senses are bombarded and emotion rushes over you. You see sites of infantry soldiers storming beaches and navigating trenches, while simultaneously hearing the roar of helicopters drowning out the sounds of leaders shouting orders to their men. The vibration of tank tracks rolling on the ground next to you. While no group of sensations can bring you close enough to the stress felt by the soldiers who lived it, this museum does the best in my opinion, to bring you to an emotional point that no other place does.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve visited so I’m not sure if things have changed much. But I strongly believe that experiencing history should be felt, not simply read. And this museum over delivered on my expectations.

If you’re curious about a few of their exhibits, or just want more information, check them out here! 

HISTORICAL INTEREST

I didn’t put too many museums since Georgia has some interesting museums, but none jump out quite like the ones mentioned, onto historical interests!

1. Savannah (ALL OF IT)

I mentioned earlier in this post that Savannah would pop up again. Oh man, this city is so rich in history and there’s so much to experience. Keep in mind, the United States of America isn’t that old in comparison to other nations. So, when you’re comparing the history of Bavaria or London, to the history of a place in the USA, then of course there will be more that happened in Europe. Even considering that, the amount of crazy history that has occurred in this amazing city is astonishing. I mean, it’s been around almost 300 years and has burned down twice and almost a third time during Sherman’s March. Basically, this city has seen some s@*#.

Despite the terrors and negative occurrences that have plagued Savannah’s past, it emerged a more beautiful city than any other in Georgia (in my opinion). In fact, I usually recommend that you explore a city by yourself and just research the history… Not this time. There are hidden gems and amazing things to learn from this place and I STRONGLY recommend booking a professional tour! There are history tours through the city, about the filming of Forrest Gump (since some awesome shots were taken there), and even ghost tours!

For more info on Savannah, check out Explore Georgia’s section on Savannah.

Westville

Oh boy, I remember going here for a field trip when I was in middle school (yes, I’ve been experiencing Georgia that long) and have been back a few times throughout the years. At the time of writing this, they are currently moving from their previous location and will now be in Columbus GA. I’m not sure if the grand opening has happened yet, but hopefully it has, because I loved this place! Be sure to check their availability here.

Basically, the whole place is an 1800s town, literally everything is old fashioned. You walk around getting to experience a culture long gone. Get carted around in a horse drawn carriage, visit your local blacksmith, even see how they make cotton into clothing! This was definitely a highlight of my childhood that I look forward to taking the girlfriend to when it reopens!

Fort McAllister State Park

The final destination recommendation for exploring Georgia. There’s quite a bit to do here depending on what you fancy. From picnics, camping, hiking, cottages, and a civil war museum. There’s plenty of history to be felt here and a lot to experience.

There are still remnants of confederate fortifications and barracks, so you can walk the grounds and have a glimpse into the past during our nations civil war. Obviously this isn’t a historical site you go to ‘enjoy’. It’s a place to be somber and take in what it took for the USA to get to where it is.

Overall

There’s a lot to do in Georgia. I’ve spent roughly 19 of the last 26 years of my life in Georgia and was always fascinated at the rich history to be discovered. If you want to look at more places, Explore Georgia is a great resource and very easy to navigate (link below). If there are any questions or something specific you want to ask a Georgia native, just leave a comment below! Especially let me know if you have some better ideas for best places to visit in Georgia!

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The Benefits of Traveling

One of the best examples of why to travel I found, was the description on Quora’s travel section. It reads “To get away from one’s working environment is, in a sense, to get away from one’s self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change.”

As modern men and women, we find ourselves complacent and sometimes afraid of change. The average person has a 9-5 and although may claim to be comfortable, always feels just a little bit off when the silence sets in. Usually set in front of a television or computer with no other purpose in it other than entertainment, never for a sense of self fulfillment.

Granted traveling isn’t for everyone. There are many people who do in fact enjoy the common hum drum beat of everyday life. However, if you’ve found yourself to this article and have stayed in even this far, I can only assume that might not be you.

So here are the benefits of travel and how it can make you a better person.

LEARNING.

There is no better way to improve your knowledge of the world than going out and experiencing it first-hand. A book or show on the travel channel will never compare to feeling the breeze hit you when climbing through the Alps mid-summer.

Nor is there a course at your college that can truly engrave the emotional impact of tasting the foods of a foreign culture and meeting their native community. Your ignorance will evaporate with every step forward as you navigate your way around the globe.

CONFIDENCE.

Traveling, regardless of where you go, takes you out of your comfort zone. The first trip may be incredibly stressful trying to navigate the airport terminals and unfamiliar bus stations. But after you’ve completed your journey, there are few more satisfying actions than solving a problem through the process of adventure.

The first few trips I’ve taken we’re so surprising on how different things were, that it was definitely a perfect test for self-sufficiency. After all was said and done though, there is no greater confidence boost than knowing you’ve taken on a piece of the world and came out triumphant.

SOCIAL.

Through improving your knowledge of the world and gaining confidence through your problems in navigation (like the GPS you know is going to die and you still don’t bring a map),  you will meet people with view on life that you would’ve never considered. These people will test your ideas and beliefs and may become foes in your journey. But they can’t take away the joy you’ll gain from those who become friends.

Take Away:

You’ll be nervous undoubtedly, but don’t let it deter you from traveling. Travel to learn, gain confidence, and meet people who may become the best friends you’ve ever had.

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Contents

1. Santorini Greece at a glance
   1. Map
2. Itinerary
   1. Getting to Santorini
   2. Finding lodging
   3. Traversing Santorini

Oia, Santorini at a glance

Santorini is one of the most recognizable islands of Greece. It’s panoramic views of blue domed white washed buildings makes it a favorite destination of many! You’ll even see a few shops and restaurants bragging that they were a favorite of some celebrities such as Oprah herself. Sadly they didn’t want to hang a picture of me on the wall :/

While the island is somewhat large and has numerous destinations to visit, we spent the majority of our short time exploring Oia (where those pretty blue domes are). It was a dream to be there and while it may be crowded from noon to evening, it is a must for a bucket list, just bring some comfy shoes because you won’t want to stop walking around.

Below is a nice overview of Santorini and all that the island contains. It may look like a small simple island, but I promise you’ll need something motorized to get around, unless you love hiking just that much. Thankfully there are plenty of options for transportation and ways to move about the island.

Santorini Itinerary

Getting to Santorini!

We expected the usual jet liner to take us to Santorini when we were preparing to get onto the plane, well we were mistaken. We walk through the gate to our plane and notice giant propellers! I had never been on a plane that looked like it was out of an Indiana Jones movie, so my first and only thought was “sweet!”.

We get on and take off, roaring like thor… as a child. Thankfully the trip was only a little bumpy but was definitely interesting to say the least.

There are options to also get there via boat/ferry that may be a little cheaper and more information can be found here if you’re interested.

Getting to our lodging

We booked an AirBnb that was beyond beautiful and very accommodating! We wanted to find a place near Oia so that we wouldn’t have to pay for extra transportation, and we could just hike to the town in the morning, which in itself was an adventure!

If you decide to go through Airbnb, don’t be intimidated by the price, it will be costly. But also be aware that all accommodations will be more expensive the closer you get into Oia. If you’re looking for other lodging options, you can check out booking for affordable offers!

Below are some of the Airbnb pics we got of our awesome room!

The adventure begins

It was still early in the day and we only planned to be there for the weekend so we immediately took of to explore Oia! At first we struggled and got a little lost, we weren’t in Oia yet so none of it looked familiar to the pictures we had drooled over. But, knowing Oia was on the top of the island, we simply focused on going UP! We figured as long as we kept on an incline, we’d get there eventually?

Arriving to Oia

Thankfully we saw a collection of buildings that somewhat resembled the white wash we were expecting, but still no beautiful blue domes? We being trekking through the town’s narrow walkways to emerge with a view of the other side of the island!

You could see the beauty of the ocean crashing into the crescent shaped island, numerous boats were moving about below the cliffs. We glance to our right, BLUE DOMES! The town of Oia, forming a tiered structure on the cliff side, slowing rising up the island and reflecting the sun and being blindingly beautiful. It was definitely a surprise and sight for tired eyes.

I strongly recommend finding a place near or in Oia, as transportation can get costly and it’s so much nicer having freedom to roam.

More adventure!

After seeing them we decided that we should probably get a closer look, and by closer look, I mean walk down every street getting distracted before we finally make it to what we were looking at. We tend to get lost in shops and interesting sights before finally making it to our final destination.

Eventually, we made our way to the tip of the island. Looking down, we saw so many nice villas and interesting things to explore. Starting from the top down, we went to what looked like an old church and then made our way down the hill, after an espresso break of course.

NOTE: They do have donkey rides up and down for those who don’t want to make the trek, it was pretty tiring.

By the time we made it down, we were greeted by a cool ocean breeze, crashing waves on the docks, and donkey shit. Yup, all those donkey’s that were used for riding were kept right in the walkway and just dropped their previous meal whenever they felt the need. Thankfully it didn’t smell any other place than at the bottom of the trail.

After walking a little and finding a place to eat, we saw a trail circling back around the island, but now we were at the base of the cliffs. So we walk our way around and find a group of people diving off a stone area and swimming around. It was a nice secluded spot that very few people seemed to know about. Sadly we didn’t have our bathing suits at the time…

Ending the day with a Santorini sunset

By the time we finished waltzing around and went back up to the top of the town, we decided to relax with a nice dinner and heard that an Oia sunset is something that can’t be missed. So of course we venture to a spot and realize that the word has spread around and there are a plethora of other people watching the sunset with us.

The next day was fairly similar, more exploration of old spots and finding trinkets to bring home to family and friends. If you’re making a trip to Santorini, Oia is a place that can’t be missed.

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Where do I go in Venice Italy???

If you don’t have tons of time but still want to make a trip of Venice, then here are the top 5 recommended sites to see and where to go! Even better, we tried to keep them close together in case you have limited time!

These are notable parts of Venice with rich history. So 4 are must see and a final recommendation that’s a slight distance away from Venice, to get some breath from the active city and explore. Onward to our must see attractions in Venice Italy!

1. Doge Palace

First, a must see is the Doge Palace! Rich in history and amazing interior design/architecture is a spectacle and marvel to look at. It’s also something that will take up a few hours of your time so expect to be there for a few. Thankfully, it’s right next to our next destination.

2. St Mark’s Square (source)

Secondly, Saint Marks Square is less of a destination and more of a place to experience. Being able to do a 360 and take in the great history of the city at it’s center is truly a great experience. I do have to warn you, there will be a lot of people trying to sell you things. Just be polite and continue exploring the square!

3. St Mark’s Basilica (source)

Next on the trip, st marks basilica! This place is a church, so if you’re a woman, they will require you to have your shoulders covered and dress conservatively or else you won’t be able to go inside. The same goes for men so avoid wearing shorts. After meeting the dress code, it’s a beautiful site inside that you won’t regret taking time to see. Additionally, you can go to the top of the basilica and go out on a balcony area where pictures of the square can be taken.

4. Grand Canal (source)

Next is the Grand canal! There are multiple viewing points along the canal but many people prefer the bridge. Either way, it’s a beautiful and active place to see.

5. Burano (source)

Finally, Burano! This is an island away from the main city that requires a boat ride to get to. I only recommend this because it’s a colorful island with its own history and fun to explore!

That’s all! If there’s questions, please comment!

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Venice, Italy (or venezia), is a gorgeous floating city. With a long rich history and ripe culture, Venice should be on every travelers bucket list!

 

Iceland is well known for it’s beauty and stunning landscapes. These are just a few examples of it’s beauty.