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France – Paris, Giverny, Normandy

Top Things to See, Do, and Savor in France

Eiffel Tower with Statue of Liberty in foreground

Welcome to Paris, Giverny, and Normandy: A Guide through Romance, Art and History!

Paris: The city of love and lights and limitless charm. Stroll along the Seine, sip wine, indulge in pastries! So much to see and do in this romantic city – art, fashion, food, and flair. Parisians are known for their healthy and moderate eating habits. However, when visiting this city for a few days, it’s okay to indulge a little or A LOT.

Giverny: An enchanting village with the charming home and gardens of Claude Monet. Monet’s world famous water garden make you feel as if you are part of his beautiful impressionistic paintings!

Normandy Region: This region is full of deep emotion and dramatic landscapes. History is brought to life here with our remembrance of such great sacrifice and bravery.

Paris, Giverny, Normandy, France quicktripadventures ItineraryDownload

France Basics:

Transportation Out of the Airport in Paris

Taxis

Beware! As you walk toward the taxi area at the CDG airport, many taxi-look-alikes will try to get your business. They are scammers. Look straight ahead. Go through to the roped off official area. An airport agent will be monitoring the line there. This official agent will show you to the next available taxi. ALWAYS ask for the fare approximation before you get inside as there are set fares inside the city.

Ride Sharing

Ubers are also available inside the city, but Lyft is not in Paris at this time (2025).

Train

Another transportation option is the train. The RER-B (blue line) train leaves right from the airport. It’s a great way to get a glimpse of the city as you make your way to your destination. Be pickpocket aware on the trains. Do not sit by the doors, make sure your bags are closed, and hold all your belongings.

Driving

A note about driving in France. There are 2 things which were significantly different versus driving in the US.

  • Vehicles approaching from your right have the right of way. Even if you’re on what looks like the main road. It’s known as “priorité à droite” (priority to the right). If there are no signs indicating otherwise, then this is an understood rule. Sometimes there will be a sign with a white triangle. It will have a black cross (X-shaped intersection). This means cars from the right have priority.
  • Motorcycles ride between the two lanes on the highways at very fast speeds. At one point, I moved to the left side of my lane while a tractor trailer was passing me on the right. This is where the motorcycles ride – in the same lane as me. If there had been a motorcycle riding the line on my left then I would have hit it.

Strikes

Strikes are commonplace in France. Do your homework, so you don’t get stuck, and you have alternatives. (I did not do my homework and was met with the “closed” sign above. I did have a Catacombs reservation that I had booked weeks beforehand. Fun fact: The official website was still taking reservations for that same day even though they were closed.

Transportation Strikes

The transportation companies typically announce transportation strikes ahead of time.

Worker Strikes

There are also worker strikes that affect tourist sites such as the Louvre and the Catacombs. I suggest googling “is there a strike at the ____ today” on the day of your reservation. Often, there is no notice even to ticket holders.

Money in France

France uses Euros. When traveling France in 2025, there was no need for cash for anything. Practically every place takes credit cards or Apple Pay. 

Tipping in France

Tipping is not necessary but always welcomed and you do need Euros for that purpose only. I always get Euros from my bank in the US before traveling to Europe. This way, I avoid the outrageous fees at the airport. I also don’t have to wander around trying to find a bank.

Paris

Things to Do in Paris, France

Transportation Throughout Paris

The train system is easy to navigate to travel within Paris. You don’t need the Navigo app. Simply use Google Maps or Apple Maps. These apps give step-by-step instructions for walking, mass transportation options, or driving.

Options for purchasing tickets for the train include:

  • Purchase a Navigo card at the kiosk in the train station. Buy as many one ways as needed.
  • Get the Île de France app and purchase tickets ahead of time.

To use your ticket: Tap your physical ticket or ticket on your mobile phone to enter the turnstile. Tap out at the turnstile after exiting the train.

Other option: Uber/ridesharing

Paris Accommodations/Lodging

When it comes to accommodations, I personally love booking through VRBO. It gives me the chance to live like a local. But if you prefer hotels, Hotels.com has a great selection of hotels as well as apartments. Make sure to choose an area that’s centrally located so you can easily explore all that Paris has to offer.

I have stayed in the 6th and the 15th arrondissements and loved both areas.

Sainte-Chappelle

The Sainte-Chappelle is my most favorite place in Paris. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful 800 year old holy chapel. It has 1113 colorful stained-glass windows that depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Absolutely magnificent especially with the rays of the sunshine piercing through the glass!

Reservations, in advance, are recommended.

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and was finished in just over 2 years! I’d recommend visiting at the pre-dusk time period. Beforehand, visit a local grocery store. (Use Google or Apple Maps app to find one.) Purchase wine, grapes, fancy cheeses, grapes, olives, prosciutto, chocolate and *baguettes*. Because, Paris.

Bring a blanket and your above provisions. Set up on the Champ du Mars (a large field on the south side of the Eiffel Tower). Wait for the sun to set. The tower lights up every hour, on the hour, and shines for 5 glorious minutes until 1:00 a.m. It’s a magical experience!

Be aware of pickpockets in this area. Just be smart about it, and you’ll be fine. Smart includes wearing a fanny pack UNDER your clothing. Keeping money and credit cards in separate areas of your person (e.g., front pockets, fanny packs). Never flash your money – just be discreet. And always be scanning the area. In other words, be alert and be obvious about it.

The Louvre, Paris

The symbol of the Louvre is the large glass and metal pyramid which serves as the main entrance. It is the world’s largest art museum and definitely worth the trip. Spend a few hours wandering through the galleries and admiring masterpieces. Reservations are highly recommended! Also note that the Louvre occasionally shuts down due to worker strikes.

Also, the original Mona Lisa lives in the Louvre. It’s usually a very long and slow line to glimpse her from a distance. I did visit with Mona Lisa at the same time as hundreds of other friends. I’m not so sure she was worth it.

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, Paris

After the museum, walk across the pavement to view the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. This monument commemorates Napoleon’s military victories. It is the little brother of the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, and was built between 1806 and 1808.

photo of notre dame of paris and seine

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

Notre Dame of Paris is an enormous Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was built from 1163-1260. Interestingly, during the French Revolution much of it was destroyed. After the “Hunchback of Notre Dame” was written, the book led to a restoration of this magnificent cathedral.

Locals say that Notre-Dame’s interior is much brighter with the most recent renovation after the fire of 2019.

It is very highly recommended to get entry tickets online, ahead of time, 2 days beforehand as they sell out extremely fast. On the minute. Another option is to use Get Your Guide, but it is much more expensive.

Paris Catacombs

I had planned to tell you about the Catacombs. Unfortunately, they closed down for a “worker strike” on the day I had reservations. No notice.

The Catacombs is apparently a fascinating place. It holds the remains of over 6 million Parisians. These remains were exhumed from overcrowded cemeteries around Paris in the late 18th century. They were then relocated to abandoned limestone quarries under the city = the Catacombs.

Latin Quarter, Paris

Latin Quarter

This is my favorite area of Paris. It feels more authentic, inviting and less touristy. Even though there were crowds here in the summer.

The Latin Quarter has little cobblestone alleyways, winding side streets, squares and a cozy overall feel. A bonus: there are lots of bookstores! It’s best to just wander around this area and enjoy it.

Gardens and Squares, Paris

  • Place de la Concorde was the site of 2,498 deaths by guillotine in the late 1700s. Notable figures executed there included Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. It is now a public square with fountains and a large obelisk (monument).
  • Jardin de Tuileries Park is bordered by the Seine and separates the Louvre Museum from the Place de la Concorde. Stroll through the to enjoy the blooms, statues, pools and activity.
  • Le Jardin du Luxembourg is a large, free park, in the 6th arrondissement, with gardens, statues, and a fountain. There is also an apiary, forest, and pond in this park.

Montmartre, Paris

Montmartre is a village-like section of Paris atop a hill which overlooks the city. This area is known for inspiring artists, painters, writers and musicians. It’s easy to reach by train and is known for its many steps to reach the top. At the top, you’ll find the awe inspiring Sacré-Coeur Basilica, as its crown jewel, as well as a maze of restaurants and local shops.

Honestly, I didn’t see too much here except for the funicular and the basilica. It was crazy crowded on a Saturday in June. Difficult to even see the sites. I’m sure it’s better in other seasons.

Electric Bikes and Scooters

Electric bikes are a fun and quick way to get around the city. Electric scooters are also great for just cruising a few blocks or more. They are parked on many city streets and require an app to use them.

Bike Tour of Paris

Another adventure day includes a bike tour of the city! You get to be outdoors, have fun, experience an enthusiastic tour guide, and learn all about the history of Paris! The 3 hour “Parisian Day Tour” by Bike About Tours is recommended. Plus you’ll get to meet other tourists and learn which sites they have loved.

Eating in Paris

Food – try everything! You will find many cute bakeries, cafés, and restaurants. They offer fresh French bread, pastries, and buttery croissants. You can enjoy crêpes, Boeuf Bourguignon (beef stew), and Coq au Vin (chicken stew). Don’t miss the Jambon-Beurre sandwich (baguette with butter and ham) and the delicious sauces (jus).

Places to See Outside of Paris:

Versailles

Less than 18 miles to the west of Paris is the lovely village of Versailles. Mostly known for the Château de Versailles palace from the 17th century and its immaculate gardens.

If you are going to the palace, I *strongly* recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time. I was there in August and waited 3+ hours outdoors in long, winding lines to get in. Low on the fun meter.

Once inside the Hall of Mirrors, bedrooms and architecture were interesting and a sight to see. The gardens are grandiose (including fountains and sculptures) and its fun to imagine living there with such decadence.

I recommend getting to Versailles early in the day or staying after your palace visit to explore this quaint town. There are outdoor restaurants with seating practically on the street, the Versailles cathedral, cobblestone streets and more. It’s absolutely lovely!

To get to Versailles, taking the RER train is the least expensive option and takes about an hour. Find the closest metro station and buy a ticket (machines/kiosks have an English option) to “Versailles Château Rive Gauche” station. You may need to take a combo of the métro (the sign is a blue “M” with a circle around it) and RER C line. When you arrive in Versailles, it’s a quick 13 minute walk to the palace.

Giverny

Things to Do in Giverny, France

Giverny is absolutely lovely! What a surprise it was to encounter this little gem! The town is quiet and quaint. It is walkable with many places to eat and drink alongside gardens and cobblestone roadways.  There are also a few shops selling tourist must-haves. 

Monet’s Home and Gardens

The most amazing area was Monet’s home and his magnificent gardens! The streams, pond, and pathways are surrounded by blooming flowers, bushes and trees of every color, shape and size. It’s astoundingly beautiful and peaceful and difficult to leave! Not to mention the waterlilies in the pond by Monet’s wooden boats! To be honest, this is my favorite location in all of France (so far). 

Inside of Monet’s house is also a delight with whimsical paint and decor! The tour takes you through the kitchen, bedrooms, office/living area, and bathroom. 

Use this link to get reservations – it is official. The Maison et jardins de Claude Monet website no longer works.

Normandy Region

Things to Do in Normandy, France

D-Day Tour, Normandy Region

As an American, I wanted to visit areas where the brave Americans came ashore on that fateful D-Day. I used Get Your Guide for the tour of Omaha Beach, the American cemetery and Pointe Du Hoc. At each location, we learned about the occurrences involving our troops. It’s so important to remember our allies and all the amazing heroic men of those countries as well. So much sacrifice for us. I’m forever thankful for all of those incredible humans. 

Port-En-Bessin, Normandy Region

To access the many historical sites and beauty of the region, Port-En-Bessin is a wonderful option for accommodations/lodging. It’s a little fishing village on the coast, nestled between cliffs and the beaches of Omaha and Gold. Check VRBO. I found an amazing place right on the water that was walkable to dining and shops.

Bayeux, Normandy Region

Bayeux is a historical area that’s a moderately-sized city with sidewalk cafes and shops. Bayeux was the first major town in Normandy to be liberated by the Allies on June 7, 1944, just after D-Day. Therefore, it was spared from destruction during WWII.

This city’s 13th century Notre Dame (of Bayeux) feels as large as Paris’ Notre Dame, but it is incredibly less crowded. I enjoyed it more than the Paris one, to be honest. Plus it’s free with no reservations needed. Many areas of this church are accessible to the public including the underground crypt!

Caen Memorial Museum, Normandy Region

The D-Day Museum in Caen is highly recommended and focuses on D-Day and WWII. It is very well done, large and educational and even has at least 2 enigma machines (as seen in the “Imitation Game” movie). It’s so important to know our collective history as not to make the mistakes of the past. Leave several hours to see this remarkable museum. 

Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy Region

This former abbey, fortress and prison is a sight to behold! It can be seen from miles away and only gets more shockingly stunning as you approach it. Honestly, the enormity of it, once inside, was also surprising to me! There are cobblestone alleyways, leading upwards, with an abundance of shops and eateries and even a post office. A medieval village! Even a hotel inside. There are outdoor areas to explore with a cemetery (some recent guests), outdoor decks and viewpoints. This is before even paying to tour the actual abbey at the top.

Once inside the 11th century abbey, there is a new discovery around each corner. You will find tucked away sanctuaries, chapels, altars, crypts, giant archways, and rose gardens, etc. So many nooks and crannies and all of it fabulous! 

Leave a big chunk of time to explore this very large Mont Saint-Michel! No reservations needed.

Getting to Mont Saint-Michel

The parking lot for this abbey is 1.5 miles from the actual abbey. I am almost always a walker; however, I am thankful for the shuttle (‘Le Passeur‘) in this instance. The free shuttle will take you from the end of the parking area to the bridge in front of the abbey. As opposed to the 1.5+ mile walk in a sun-exposed area along the road. Also know that once you are in the abbey, you will be walking and climbing many stairs for hours. The shuttle is the way to go.  

Suggested Paris/Giverny/Normandy quicktripadventure Itinerary:

My helpful links to book your travel here

Japan, Tokyo

Discover Tokyo: Top Tips for Navigating the City

lady driving go cart through Tokyo
Tokyo Japan quicktripadventures ItineraryDownload

Basics of Tokyo

Tokyo, the biggest city in the world, I found to be super clean and super safe with many courteous people.

Things That I Found Surprising in Tokyo:

  • You can do more than anticipated in one day. I thought I’d have to stay in the same area of the city all day, but I learned that it’s very quick, easy, and cheap to get to another part of the city via train.
  • People walk on left side of sidewalks
  • Cars drive on the left side of road
  • Elevator go-ers stand on the left while people walk up/down on the right (a few exceptions)
  • Taxis and Ubers open the back doors for passengers from their front seat
  • Cars are courteous to pedestrians
  • Bowing* is common (and fun)
  • Accommodations are small (efficiently done)
  • Everything is small except food servings (!)
  • Napkins are scarce 
  • Everyone takes the train and it can get super crowded 
  • Trains are easy to navigate with Google Maps or Apple Maps
  • Inside the train people are very quiet 
  • Streets are very clean 
  • Toilets all have lots of features – bidet, self-cleaning, noise machine, etc.
  • Toilets are all different. Look for tornado looking icon for flushing. 
  • People are very polite. 
  • Tipping is not expected or encouraged
  • Money is exchanged via a plate, not directly given to the cashier
  • Vending machines are commonplace right on the side of the road

I found every person in restaurants and shops to be more than friendly, polite and accommodating to every question.

*Bowing! It is still common in Japan with old and young. If someone is sitting then the bow is a big dip of the head. If standing then the bow is from the waist. Of course, it feels strange to bow back the first time, but after that it comes naturally and feels really nice! 

Top Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

Getting Around in Tokyo

Trains

Get Suica card on Apple Wallet before leaving home. (Not the Suica app.) Money is deducted from this Suica card after you complete your trip. Tap your Apple Wallet at the turnstile into the departure train area and then tap it at the turnstile to exit at the arrival station. It’s so easy! 

Metro trains within Tokyo are easy to navigate. Put the destination in Google Maps or Apple Maps and hit the train icon. Your phone will give you step by step instructions on which train to take, platform, number of stops and time of departure and arrival. Follow color and number of train route.

Tokyo station, because of its enormous size, did throw me for a loop on my first day in Tokyo. (I think it was because I actually had to leave the station and cross a street for another route which I did not fully understand at the time.) Fortunately, there is an info desk there with a live person who can assist. Note that people in the train area are generally very quiet. 

If there is money left on your Apple Pay Suica card you cannot get a refund. However, you can use the card to purchase food and items at many stores (including Bic Camera) or some restaurants and even 7-11. Look for the Suica sticker on the door.

Rideshare

It’s good to know that if you just cannot or don’t want to figure out the train system, Ubers (which are actually taxis) are abundant and very reasonably priced. Plus they’re impeccably clean, reliable and the drivers open and close your door from their driver’s seat! 

Accommodations in Tokyo

As usual, I connected with hotels.com to find the right type of lodging. I stayed in Akasaka which I really loved. It seemed to be slower paced than many of the areas in Tokyo with a mix of upscale and local restaurants. Note that most everything is small in Tokyo (if you’re from the US) so the hotel rooms will be very efficient. 

A concern to me, before I got to Tokyo, was to stay in an area that was centrally located. Although, once I was there, I realized that centrally located was not really necessary, since the train system is so simple, quick and inexpensive.

I stayed at the Sui Asakasa by ABest which has a free traditional breakfast, was easy walking distance to restaurants and shops, and the train stations. I also loved that before heading out for the day the staff at the hotel asked if we would like the Kiribi ritual. They tapped rocks together, which cast sparks on our backs, in order to impart fortune and ward off evil, blessing us on our journey! It was awesome!

Recommended Restaurants in Tokyo

Ramen Tomo is a small, traditional ramen restaurant in Akasaka. I loved their rich chicken salt ramen! Note that the portions are large. I also loved that this restaurant did not seem touristy, and there were many locals eating here.

conveyer belt sushi

Conveyor belt sushi Sushi Go Round, in the Tsukiji fish market, is fun and unusual! I was poured matcha tea on arrival, shown where the soy sauce, wasabi and ginger was located and encouraged to take plates down from the conveyor belt. The freshness of the sushi was perfect (mostly what I call “real” sushi – sashimi) and only a few sushi rolls. Also, it was incredibly inexpensive in the end!

To be honest, I did feel a bit rushed and watched which seemed kind of weird, but the fun outweighed the weirdness.

Tea Cafe Aoyama Flower Market Green House was an absolutely enchanting tea cafe in a magical greenhouse wonderland. It’s covered in plants and flowers wall to wall. Even plants growing under and tulips sprouting through the glass tables. Absolutely spectacular. Not to mention the large variety of tea and delicious French toast.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

The Meiji Jingu Shrine is a peaceful oasis in the middle of this very busy city. I loved the shrine’s tall forest which was created by transplanting approximately 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan. The shrine was built in 1920 for Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken who led Japan through a period of rapid modernization.

There are very wide pathways surrounded by trees, the traditional Japanese gate (Torii-gate, which represents the boundary between the secular area and sacred area), gardens, main sanctuary, museum, sake barrels, etc.

Interestingly, the forest is considered sacred, so there has been no human intervention after the initial planting.

Exit at the Harijuku exit to continue the day in the fashion district.

Harijuku Fashion District

This fashion district includes both large and small stores from exclusive to boutique in a busy shopping district. The main street being Takeshita Street.

Go Cart Through Tokyo

Monkey Kart is an unusual and crazy go cart adventure! You actually ride through the busy streets of Tokyo, in an adult-sized onsie, led by a guide who is also in a go cart! It was absolutely exhilarating and, to be honest, somewhat scary! Each person gets their own go cart to drive.

My tour was through the streets of Shinjuku, the trendy vibes of Harajuku and even through the Shibuya crossing! Many times we were cruising along slowly due to traffic; however, we also were able to drive fast and loud appreciating every bump on the road at speed!

Be sure to have your international driver’s permit before arriving in Japan. I was able to get it from AAA for only $20. Well worth it.

Samurai Restaurant and Show

The Samurai Restaurant is an interesting, entertaining and wonky spectacle of several shows pieced together. It is 90 minutes long with intermissions every 15 minutes. The breaks are somewhat awkward as the flow of the show as an entirety breaks up, but intermissions are needed as each individual show was overwhelming to the senses – singing, dancing, floats, etc. Altogether, I liked this pop culture craziness and was very entertained!

Apparently, the restaurant is located in the red light district of Shinjuku Kabukichō. I did not even realize that we were in this area with the exception of one suggestive billboard! Anyway, the show is not at all risque and the lobby is a crazed collaged conglomeration of brightness (hard to explain).

Note that the Samurai restaurant is the former popular Robot Restaurant which went out of business during Covid. I used Rakuten Travel Experiences to get tickets for a decent price which included a Bento Box that I liked and was enough for my dinner.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

This is the busiest pedestrian crosswalk in the world! 2.4 million people per day cross here. I was there during lunch time on a weekday, and I felt like there were just as many tourists taking selfies of themselves walking across the large intersection as there were “real pedestrians.” There are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars in this area, so there is always something to cross the road toward.

temple in tokyo

Sensō-ji Temple

Sensō-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple and the oldest established temple in Tokyo completed in 645. The structures in the temple include a pagoda, several halls and several gates.

I love to be a part of rituals of cultures that are different from my own. The rituals I enjoyed at Sensō-ji Temple:

  • cleansing ritual (symbolic purification called temizuya) of washing hands with water, rinsing mouth with the water and then washing hands again
  • bowing while walking underneath the gates (it’s considered respectful to veer left or right of the exact center)
  • incense burning (just outside the main hall) while people take their hands and direct smoke onto their body to symbolize healing
  • Inside the main gate people were tossing coins into a large box while monks were milling around in the foreground. The ritual here is to toss the coin, bow your head and clap twice. Then say a short prayer. This symbolizes tossing away any impurities within.
  • Omikuji is fortune telling just outside the main hall. Choose a metal box with a fortune. If the fortune, omikuji, is favorable then take it home. If it’s not favorable then tie the fortune to a “tree” nearby.


Nakamise Street (at Sensō-ji Temple)

This festive street (right next to the temple area) houses many booths, both indoor and outdoor, nestled in beside each other selling a variety of Japanese cultural items including many that are homemade, antiques and souvenirs. You can even purchase a Japanese kimono for all sizes. Plus all the popular Instragram-able popular traditional Japanese snacks. The atmosphere is very festive!

Tsukiji Fish Market

This fish market was confusing to me when I looked it up ahead of time. If you read about it you will see that the “main fish market for suppliers and buyers has moved.” That means that the wholesale market moved elsewhere. However, this did not seem to lessen the lively, charming, and real experience of the Tsukiji Market. Sometimes called the Outer Market.

First of all – the fish market is huge! There are the main areas and many small alleyways to explore. It’s like entering another world. There are lots of people meandering about purchasing fresh fish, meats, eggs, fruits and vegetables, grains, homemade items, prepared snacks, cooking utensils, tableware, knives, etc.

You can eat lunch here at the small restaurants, cafes, and stalls, both indoors or outdoors, and your food will be cooked as you wait.

Akasaka Area

Akasaka is an upscale, slower paced area than many parts of Tokyo. There is a whole section dedicated to Harry Potter with the Harry Potter Cafe, sorting hat photo opp, indoor shopping mall that’s Harry Potter themed, the magical staircase and even a Japanese production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower was built to resemble the Eiffel Tower. Tickets are for the main deck or top deck. I went to the main deck which had excellent panoramic views of Tokyo. Pro tip: Take the stairs down just one floor. It’s a lot less crowded and even has some windows in the floor!

Ginza Shopping District

The Ginza Shopping District has every exclusive shop you can imagine! It’s fun to browse! Also, if you head down some of the side streets there are more affordable shops.

teamLab Planets

I did not know what to expect from this experience. It was an overwhelming sensational afternoon with sights, sounds, smells and even tactile incorporated. Every room was well thought out to give each person a sensory immersive experience.

I absolutely fell in love with the floating flower garden. As you walk through the garden of hanging orchids you feel one with them! It seems the plants move up and down in accordance to where you are moving. It’s breathtaking.

I hope this guide helps you enjoy your adventure in Tokyo!

Helpful links to book your travel here

Italy, Lake Como – Top Things to Do and How to Get There

Unveiling the Enchantment of Lake Como

Lake Como is a most beautiful picturesque area of northern Italy with sparkling blue water, small villages, history and culture all surrounded by “baby Alps.” The region encompasses many of the small cities and villages surrounding the lake. Como is at the southwestern portion of the lake and is the largest town in the region. It is also very easy to reach Como from Milan.

Other charming lakeside villages in the region include: Bellagio, Tremezzina, Lecco, Varenna, Mennagio, Colico, Lenno and Cernobbio.

map of Italy and Europe
Duomo in Como Italy at Twilight
View of building from Lake Como
Como and Bellagio Italy quicktripadventures ItineraryDownload

Things to do in Como, Italy:

narrow street with greenery over it in como italy
tiled street in como italy

Get Lost in Como

Walking through the old town of Como overloads the senses. The narrow but flat, windy streets are paved in cobblestone with lovely boutique shops, restaurants with street seating, and the soundtrack of the romantic Italian language. There are a few cozy squares with many outdoor restaurants and the hubbub of friends cheering to life. Of course, the backdrop is the magnificent Duomo di Como (originated in 1396) which is open to explore and also is available for mass on Sundays.

funicular building in como
View of funicular from Brunate to Como
view of como from brunate

Take the Funicular to the Village of Brunate

The Brunate funicular (walkable from old town) is basically a rail car that goes nearly straight up and down the mountain connecting Como with the small village of Brunate. It is a 7 minute trip one-way. The funicular is quite the experience with views for miles. Pro tip – get in the bottom car of the funicular for the best views! Disembark in Brunate with its spectacular views overlooking Como.

It is worth it to note that there are restaurants and shops eagerly awaiting you once you get up to Brunate. It’s also possible to hike either up, down or both ways on a cobblestone path with spaced stairs for adventurous people.

sailboats empty in water
boat dock on lake como

Take a Stroll on the Path around Lake Como

Walking around Lake Como, on the promenade, is a pretty stroll on a paved path (3.73 miles) with beautiful views and includes a long pier where fisherman compete in the mornings.

Things to do in Bellagio, Italy

Bellagio has been an important city for the Italians as it is the literal point where the two portions of Lake Como come together. If you see Lake Como as an upside down Y – then Bellagio is the inverted point.

Man and lady shopping in Bellagio
Ivy covered building with shuttered windows
People walking down a narrow street in Bellagio
View of sailboat on Lake Como
narrow alleyway with stairs

Stroll through the Old Town Center

Bellagio is hilly and windy with many walkable-only passages of stairs that are covered in ivy, honey suckle and a variety of greenery that looks so perfect that it seems fake. The old town center with the main street being Via Giuseppe Garibaldi is a bustle of activity with mom and pop shops and restaurants all along the streets.

Lady riding bike through tall grasses in bellagio italy
People on e-bikes riding through narrow streets
Overlook of Lake Como Italy

Take an E-Bike Tour through Bellagio

Take to the windy, narrow and steep streets on an e-bike (electric bike)! I used Lake Como for You for my Bellagio Bike & Eat Tour. On an e-bike, when you begin to get winded simply use the motor, and you’ll fly right up the hills with much less effort. If you’d like to really feel like an Italian bike rider, albeit with a motor, then this is your tour. The tour includes stopping at all the beautiful viewpoints in Bellagio and commencing with giant portions of pizza and a drink of choice high above the village at a manicured, posh restaurant.

sailboat in lake como
home surrounded by trees in italy
varenna italy from water
Lady on sailboat with white dress in Lake Como, Italy

Take a Sailboat Tour of Lake Como

A sailboat tour allows all the sites of the surrounding towns to come alive on the water – getting a close up view of all the gorgeous scenery (churches from 500 BC!) and all the architecture in between. This sail also grants the opportunity to speak with an Italian guide to learn the history of the architecture that you are seeing. I took a 3 hour amazing tour and used Viator to book that one.

Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bellagio

Another option is a free self-guided walking tour for walks ranging from 1 to 3 1/2 hours in length.

Kayak on Lake Como

Discover Bellagio on a guided kayaking tour for 1.5 hours with Lake Como for You. There is also an option to take the kayak out on your own for an hour or two. Lake Como was choppy when I was there, in early June, so the “on your own” option may be a better idea, so you can adjust plans based on the water’s calmness.

For places to stay check out VRBO, Hotels.com, Booking.com, or Travelocity.com. I love to stay at VRBOs and really get the flavor of the city close to where the locals live and thrive.

train station in como italy
train at station in como italy

How to Get from Milan to Como, Italy

The closest major airport to the Lake Como area is Milan (MXP Malpensa Airport). To get to Como it is best to take the direct train (not high speed – it’s not available on this route) as the regional train includes many transfers and is often quite crowded. (Read: standing room only, packed wall to wall, and difficulty getting on and off trains on time)

Step by step instructions to take the trains from Milan Airport to Como:

  • Take the regional train (Malpensa Express) from MXP only to Milano Centrale (main rail station).
    • The Malpensa Express is found in Terminal 1 on Level -1.
    • This train is available every 20-30 minutes.
    • It takes 35-50 minutes to get to Milano Centrale.
  • At Milano Centrale take the direct train (Trenord) to the Como San Giovanni station which takes 39-47 minutes. There are no transfers.
  • Use the Trainline app or Trenitalia app to purchase tickets.
  • Validate your ticket on the app. The conductor will check your bar code on the train.
  • If you choose first class then you typically pay a bit more for your ticket. Oftentimes you will get an assigned seat in the first few train cars. It will be on your ticket.
  • If you use the kiosk to purchase a paper ticket, you will need to validate the ticket at the small green and white machine on a pole (near the actual train) BEFORE getting on the train. Otherwise, you can be fined for not validating the ticket.
vrbo door in como italy
cobblestone streets

Where to Stay in Como

I find it best to get a VRBO within walking distance of the train station, as you don’t have to worry about not being able to hail a taxi or find an Uber once you depart the train. A great thing about Como is that you can easily walk from Como San Giovanni train station right to the cobblestone, narrow streets of old town Como quickly. You won’t be the only one dragging your suitcase down the streets.

For places to stay check out VRBO, Hotels.com, Booking.com, or Travelocity.com. I love to stay at VRBOs and really get the flavor of the city close to where the locals live and thrive.

Transportation from Como to Bellagio

  • Hydrofoil (quickest way) to/from Como to Bellagio.
    • Tickets are sold at the port ticket office in the center of Lake Como.
    • Leaves every 2 hours and it’s a 50 minute ride.
  • Ferry from Como to Bellagio
  • Reserve a driver. We needed to do this as our e-bike tour was earlier than the boats’ schedule.
    • A reputable driver can be arranged with the Posta Design Hotel (in the center of Como).

Itinerary of 2 day visit to Lake Como, Italy

Helpful links to book your travel here

Georgia – North Georgia Mountains

Northeastern Georgia is just 2 hours north of Atlanta and is home to the southern portion of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. So many summits just waiting to be explored amongst an abundance of charming, small towns.

My trip to north Georgia was in January, and the weather was pleasant (40s/50s) for hiking Black Rock Mountain State Park and Tallulah Gorge State Park, as well as exploring the pleasant and interesting towns of Clayton and Helen.

North-Georgia-Mountains-quicktripadventures-ItineraryDownload

Things to do in North Georgia for a Quick Trip Adventure

town of clayton, Georgia
downtown clayton georgia buildings
cuban sandwich from Hush restaurant in Clayton Georgia

Explore Clayton, Georgia

The small town of Clayton, Georgia, is situated perfectly for adventure, even in winter. Clayton is halfway between Black Rock Mountain State Park and Tallulah Gorge State Park which both require a minimum of a day for exploration. Each park has activities including hiking and walking, in all seasons, and swimming, fishing, and white water rafting in the warmer months.

The quaint town of Clayton has charming, local stores including upscale boutiques, home decor and down-home stores from days-gone-by. I would say it takes more than a day to see all that the town has to offer.

This quiet, small town is actually the Farm to Table Capital of Georgia with an abundance and variety of restaurants! The Hush Cuban Kitchen and Bar was a complete surprise! What authentic and delicious Cuban meals in a very clean and efficiently run restaurant. Highly recommended.

As far as accommodations go, I stayed on top of Screamer Mountain which provided a beautiful mountain view in the mornings and evenings. However, if you are squeamish about driving on windy one-lane roads with limited visibility and steep drop off points, then I would not suggest lodging on Screamer Mountain. It did stress me out, TBH. Check VRBO.

Other options for activities near Clayton include wine tasting at: Tiger Mountain Vineyards and Stonewall Creek Vineyards which are both just a few minutes outside of Clayton.

bridge over water in helen, georgia
Helen Georgia restaurant in january
town of helen georgia near christmas

Explore Helen, Georgia

I took the 45-minute pretty and safe drive through the mountains to the small, Bavarian town of Helen, Georgia. I was interested in seeing this little German town nestled in the mountains that is so popular. Unfortunately, I found the town to be much too touristy for my taste. I imagine it would be a great time during festivals (Oktoberfest, for sure) and events, but in January it just seemed to exist to sell t-shirts and trinkets.

To be honest, I did eat German food at Bodensee and their German giant pretzel was out of this world. Unfortunately, the entrees were meh*. (*I usually like absolutely every food on this earth.) So take that opinion for what it’s worth and carry on.

sign for tennessee rock trail in winter
lady hiking tennessee rock trail
eastern continental divide sign on tennessee rock trail
collection box for trailhead of Tennessee Rock Trail
tennessee rock trail stones on path
trail through rhododendron tennessee rock trail

Hiking in North Georgia

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Black Rock Mountain State Park is Georgia’s highest state park at 3,640 feet and part of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Hiking the Tennessee Rock Trail at Black Rock Mountain State Park

There are 4 hikes within the park. I opted to do the park’s most popular hike, the Tennessee Rock Trail, only 2 miles long, which provides stunning views from the Tennessee Rock overlook. The trail meanders through large, shady trees and paths surrounded by rhododendron and even passes the Eastern Continental Divide!

It is recommended to do the trail counter-clockwise which means to go to the right at the beginning of the trail so that you get to the summit toward the end of the loop hike. (uh…I thought that counter-clockwise was left…it’s not…but that’s the way I went.) Go right.

Bring $5 cash to the park as there is no one to give you change, and you must put the card in your car after you pay the fee at the trailhead.

tallulah gorge floor with rainbow on waterfall
tallulah gorge from observation point

Tallulah Gorge State Park

I was very impressed with the Tallulah Gorge State Park as Georgia Parks has provided many observation opportunities for views of the gorge from above, below and all around it.

Tallulah Gorge has an impressive Interpretive Center, at the entry to the park, with interesting information about the formation and history of the area, as well as wildlife within the park. There are many employees who are more than helpful with educational information and hands-on activities.

  • Paths, paved and gravel, are all around the gorge
  • A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the beautiful gorge with gorge-ous views of the many waterfalls.
  • 1,000+ grated stairs lead all the way down to the bottom of the gorge where there is a large flat area to view the floor (like a deck)*.
    • Fortunately, there are platforms, that break up the stairs, for those who need a breather going up or down.

*One can reach the gorge floor most times of the year, but permits are required to actually walk in the water of the gorge.

In the warm months, the park issues 100 permits per day to walk the gorge floor. My visit was in January and permits were not issued; however, the gorge floor was completely covered with several feet of fast-moving water at the time.

Water flow is maintained by the Tallulah Falls Dam (built in 1914!) and dependent on weather, rain and activities in the park (e.g., white water rafting days).

view of tallulah gorge from above in winter
one of gravel paths at tallulah gorge
grated stairs heading to floor of tallulah gorge
lady on suspension bridge at tallulah gorge

Hiking at Tallulah Gorge State Park

North Rim/South Rim/Hurricane Falls Loop Trail Hike

Combining these 3 short hikes will give you the most bang for your buck – meaning that you’ll see almost all there is to see of Tallulah Gorge in one sweep of 3 miles. Views from all different directions are provided on this hike including the descent to the bottom of the gorge (and back up), a suspension bridge, and a visit to the Tallulah Falls Dam.

Start the hike right behind the Interpretive Center and watch for overlook signs for the most impressive views of the gorge and waterfalls within it. After viewing overlook #2, head down the 1,099 stairs along the Hurricane Falls trail to the floor of the gorge (permit not required). I was here just as a rainbow was arching above the falls - magical.

After ascending the stairs continue on the loop trail (north/south rim). At one point you will need to cross near a highway, but you will get views of the cool Tallulah Falls Dam here.

The trail loops around and ends at the Interpretive Center; although, I did continue past the center for another viewpoint a bit further down. Well worth it as the tower from tightrope walker, Karl Wallenda, is at this point.

sign for trailhead for shortline trail
shortline trail paved path in january
shortline trail paved path in winter
shortline trail water

Bill and Dustie MacKay Trail (Formerly/Formally ‘Shortline Trail’)

An easy 3 mile out and back, paved and shaded trail through the Appalachian forest with opportunities for additional hikes on paths through the forest (toward the beginning of the trail). It is an easy and accessible old railroad trail that meanders along the Tallulah River.

Option to pay for entrance/parking at the manned booth in the main part of Tallulah Gorge State Park ($5), across the main road of US 23/441. The booth will provide change, if needed, or a credit card option. Otherwise, $5 exact change is needed for parking if you go directly to the trailhead.

Helpful links to book your travel here

Oregon – North Coast

Oregon the majestic! The North Oregon coast has it all – fabulous rainforests right on the edge of cliffs overlooking crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. How did I not know of your beauty earlier?

Just a 1.5 hour drive to the west of Portland is the slow, casual, coastal town of Cannon Beach where some of Oregon’s best hikes are just minutes away. *

Things to do on the North Coast of Oregon for a Quick Trip Adventure

North Oregon Coast quicktripadventures ItineraryDownload
clatsop loop trail
lady doing handstand on seaside beach oregon
haystack rock at low tide
lady hiking in oswald west state park oregon
trees in oregon

*On the way to the Oregon coast from Portland make a quick stop, to fill up your water bottle with fresh water from a fountain, right on the side of Highway 26 West inside the Clatsop State Forest. How convenient! 

Exploring the North Oregon Coast

main street in cannon beach
cannon beach main street
Main road in cannon beach
cannon beach sign

Cannon Beach

The town of Cannon Beach is a charming, quiet, small coastal town with one main road (Hemlock) and a stunning coastline. This includes a dramatic coastline with crashing waves over giant crashing waves with large rock protrusions jutting out of the sea while cliffs line the beach. Both just north and south of Cannon Beach proper are old-growth rainforests with trails overlooking the coast.

In Cannon Beach food options include:

  • Warren House Pub for cozy and quick American fare in an English-style pub 
  • Insomnia Coffee for delicious coffee in a cute Oregon-style cafe 
  • Fresh Foods for all your grocery needs (including a coffee shop) 
seaside beach oregon
seaside oregon main street
sign in seaside beach oregon
seaside oregon main street
breakfast restaurant in seaside oregon
volkswagon van in seaside oregon

Seaside

The cute town of Seaside has little local shops and restaurants close to the shore. Broadway is the main road which leads up to the beach.  Plus lots of arcades for the young ones or the young one in you! Rec breakfast at Pig ‘N Pancake.

Hiking on the North Oregon Coast

I found that all the trails in this section of North Oregon are maintained with care and well thought out with bathrooms at the trailhead and adequate signs for trails and splits on the trail. I couldn’t help but sing “America the Beautiful” during all my hikes! All the hikes included here are just minutes from Cannon Beach which is an awesome place to make your home base.

beginning of clatsop loop trail
clatsop loop trail
tillamook lighthouse
view of ocean from clatsop loop trail
clatsop loop trail
clatsop loop trail with tree crossing path
view of tillamook lighthouse from clatsop loop trail
lady hiking Clatsop Loop Trail

Ecola State Park Hike (just north of Cannon Beach) 

Clatsop Loop Trail

Clatsop Loop Trail is an absolutely beautiful almost 4 mile loop trail through a rainforest with cliff views of the stunning Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (1.2 miles off the shore upon a giant boulder). The path is surrounded by majestic mossy Sitka Spruce pine trees and ferns in the deepest green! The sounds of crashing waves is the background tune for this gorgeous hike. I hiked clockwise – the first half is the more interior trail and is a wider path. The second half of the trail meanders through the trees with spectacular Pacific Ocean views peeking through. An amazing hike! Good to know: There’s actually a bathroom at the halfway point, and also at the start of the trail.

low tide at haystack rock oregon
lady at low tide near haystack rock

Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach

To approach the spectacular rock, go at low tide when the ocean water recedes and walking to the rock is possible.  Park at the public access area on West Gower Street. It is possible to stroll right up to the haystack and discover the anemones, crabs and urchins in the many tide pools surrounding the rock. Best time to go is sunset! Check the tide charts here.

cape falcon trail
cape falcon trail view of ocean
cape falcon trail with view of pacific ocean
cape falcon trail signage
rocky beach in Oregon

Oswald West State Park Hike (just south of Cannon Beach) 

Cape Falcon Trail (part of the Oregon Coast Trail)

This 2-4 foot wide well-maintained trail meanders beside a babbling brook and eventually crosses it. The almost 4 mile trail includes mild inclines and declines, well-spaced out with roots to tackle from the giant pine trees, in this old-growth rainforest. So much fun! The latter portion of the out and back trail leads to expansive views of the crashing waves of the Pacific from well above it. On the way back follow the “day use picnicking area” sign to take the short jaunt out onto the beautiful rocky (“Short Sand”) beach in the cove. 

Hug Point

Go at low tide! (I missed that important key element!) Apparently there are beautiful waterfalls plus caves and tidepools on this short hike. Walk down from the parking lot to the beach and head north (right). Walk around the giant rocks into the cove to see the sites.

Check the tide charts first, so you can hike the trail and also get back to the parking lot before high tide.

North Oregon Coast 2 day trip planner

Helpful links to book your travel here

Quick Trip Guide of Lisbon, Portugal

Things to do in the Lisbon, Portugal Area for a Quick Trip Adventure

I loved visiting the vibrant, welcoming, hilly city of Lisbon and the amazing seafood! Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and is known as the “city of seven hills” because of the 7 hills that surround the center of the city. In Lisbon many of the buildings are covered with colorful tiles, known as azulejos, and even many of the sidewalks are also intricately tiled masterpieces.

It’s also good to know that Lisbon is a very affordable city for the budget traveler. Lodging, transportation, food and drink are all very reasonably priced – well below that of other metropolitan cities in Europe.

Podcast available here

overlook of lisbon with colorful buildings

Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal for a Quick Trip Adventure

Lisbon, Portugal Area quicktripadventures ItineraryDownload
large water fountain in square
lady on sidewalk in lisbon with cable car
seafood at market on streets of lisbon
lady looking at cable car
lady doing cartwheel on wavy tile in lisbon

Where to Stay in Lisbon

For the budget traveler who likes to stay in neighborhoods that are not full of tourists then there are an abundant number of reasonably priced apartments for short stays. I use VRBO as I’d rather stay with the Portuguese than with other temporary visitors and walk or take public transportation to the sites.

There are many districts of Lisbon and all have easy access to public transportation including easy-to-navigate subways, and quick-to-arrive, inexpensive Ubers. Plus most major sites are walkable all throughout the city. I stayed in the Arroios district which was an easy 20 minute walk to the iconic Alfama area.

lisbon square in the afternoon
lisbon street at night in the rain
lady on street of lisbon with cable tracks
overlook in lisbon with palm tree
church and cable car in lisbon

Exploring the Alfama District in Lisbon

The Alfama district of Lisbon is most likely what most people envision when thinking of Portugal. The Alfama district has the colorful and tiled buildings, mazes of narrow cobblestone streets, hills with trolleys all overlooking the beautiful Tagus River. Alfama is a perfect area to start your Lisbon adventure as it is fun and easy to get lost in while meandering through the iconic historical buildings, cathedrals, and São Jorge Castle while catching a ride on the cable cars. Sit in one of the many outdoor cafes and enjoy a typical Portuguese espresso, port wine or Ginja (Portuguese liqueur made by infusing ginja berries in alcohol).

portuguese seafood platter
Portuguese famous fish covered with onions and peppers
oysters with lemons
portugal's famous dessert
barnacle
plate of mussels, onions and peppers
2 glasses of port on an outdoor table
coffee in portugal

Portugal Delicacies

Portugal is known for its fresh seafood due to its abundant coastline! Per capita, Portugal has the highest fish consumption in all of Europe! There are actually stores that sell only canned sardines. Must tries are: salted cod, sardines (fresh), barnacles, Bacalhau fish, pastel de nata custard pastry.

lady with helmet on e-bike in Lisbon
e-bike tour of 7 hills in lisbon

Tour of Lisbon on E-Bike (electric bike)

If you’re an adventurous person and you’d like see most of the Lisbon sites and viewpoints in one day, then the 7-Hills of Lisbon E-Bike tour fits the bill! Our electric bike tour guide grew up in the city and knew every inch of it as he demonstrated with a passion. We learned the fascinating history and culture of Lisbon while moving through it and feeling the vibes.

castle in sintra from below
gardens of a castle in sintra
tuk tuk driver sitting in tuk tuk

Day Trip from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais

A perfect day trip from Lisbon is to Sintra and then from Sintra to Cascais. The distance between villages is:

  • 18 miles from Lisbon to Sintra (40 minutes by train – Rossio station)
  • 10 miles from Sintra to Cascais (22 minutes by Uber, not train, as train heads to Lisbon first)
  • 18 miles from Cascais back to Lisbon (59 minutes by train)

The trip is best done by train as parking in both locations is scarce and mass transportation is extremely inexpensive. Trains run frequently – several departures each hour.

Sintra

Sintra is a lovely resort town nestled in the mountains where royal castles and palaces, historic estates, villas, and gardens are plentiful. The small but charming, historic center of Sintra sits at the foot of the mountain and includes picturesque buildings with the signature pastel colors and terra cotta roofs of Portugal. It is worth spending some time here before or after visits to the castles. The castles are located in the Sintra mountains which is up the narrow, tree- and stone wall-lined road, Estrada da Pena.

I hired a tuk tuk (TuksofAnarchy by the train station) for a nice, personal, open air (think: eucalyptus tree scents) tour – usually 3 people fit in the back, snugly. The tuk tuk stopped at all the tiny, picturesque sites, and it was easy to hop right off and see all the overlooks and palaces.

If you opt to walk up to the castles – do not walk up the main road (Estrada da Pena) as it is very narrow and dangerous for pedestrians. An easier route would be the Caminho de Santa Maria footpath up to the Moorish Castle and the Park and Palace of Pena.

If you opt to take Bus 434 (hop on/hop off bus) from the train station up to the castles, then it’s best to purchase your tickets for the castle entrances ahead of time. The main 3 sites include: Palácio da Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, Quinta da Regaleira (or Palácio Nacional de Sintra).

Cascais

The charming beach town of Cascais is a popular tourist destination both for Portuguese and foreign tourists. However, it is more than just a restaurants/shops location as it sits along the coastline encompassing both beaches and cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean.

Cascais has 10 miles of coastline with a variety of beaches for every type of beachgoer from secluded to urban.

Cascais is known for its seafood and has a walkable city center with a great variety of restaurants, all with outdoor seating, as the weather in Cascais is perfect throughout most of the year (average 77° F in summer, average 57° F in winter).

Helpful links to book your travel here

Hilton Head Area, South Carolina – Quick Trip Guide

Hilton Head, in South Carolina’s “Lowcountry” (low-lying coastal region) is planned out beautifully to maintain the native state of the area with its abundant natural beauty including tree lined streets and pathways and organic beaches! The island is bathed in lush vegetation including enormous Cypress trees and magnificent Magnolia trees. Salt marshes are found throughout the island as well as freshwater marshes, wetland forests and tidal zones preserving the area for the plentiful wildlife. (TBH, it was not at all what I expected for a coastal area. There are no condos and high-rises lining the beach with bumper-to-bumper traffic. Lots of green vegetation and unspoiled landscapes far and wide.)

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Things to do in the Hilton Head area for a Quick Trip Adventure

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Bluffton – Where to Stay in the Hilton Head Area

We stayed in the sweet, quiet and quaint town of Bluffton using a VRBO for a better-than-2-beds-in-a-hotel experience. The location was perfect as it’s about 10 minutes to Hilton Head and 40 minutes to either Savannah or Beaufort – both lovely towns to visit for a day trip.

All is what you might expect of an area called the South Carolina “lowcountry” – beautiful tall and mossy trees lining the roads with marshes abound. Grocery stores and strip malls are nestled behind trees and shrubbery making the area pleasant and forest green. Although you do have to know where you’re heading or else you’ll never get to the store! 😂 

Bluffon sits on the bank of the May River (beautiful sunset viewing point) and has a charming, historic and walkable downtown under a canopy of oak trees. The town is known for its local seafood and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the downtown area as well as in the outskirts.

Every Thursday afternoon Bluffton hosts a Farmer’s Market at Martin Park which is more like a local, outdoor party! Hours vary depending on season. There is live music, locally grown produce, all kinds of seafood, bakery items and southern favorites.

Exploring the Outdoors in the Hilton Head Area

To get to Hilton Head Island from the Bluffton area is a quick 10-minute scenic drive which includes 4 bridges over marshes, creeks, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Note that I was there in September, which is not “the season” which also means no traffic. This is not the case during the summer months.

Hilton Head is a relatively small island: 12 miles long and 5 miles wide with a total of 42 square miles. It’s a beautiful semi-tropical landscape. The Sea Pines resort encompasses 8 square miles at the southern part of the island.

Beaches on Hilton Head

Coligny Beach is the most popular beach (read: crowded) on Hilton Head. However, it really is a paradise if it’s not jam packed with people. Beautiful dunes with white, soft sand and gentle waves. It’s also a nice family spot but also has a restaurant/bar with outdoor live music in the evenings. Something for everyone!

There are 7 public beaches on Hilton Head ranging from touristy to all natural:

  • Alder Lane Beach Access, off South Forest Beach Drive
  • Coligny Beach Park, off Coligny Circle
  • Fish Haul Beach Park, on Mitchelville Road
  • Driessen Beach Park at the end of Bradley Beach Road
  • Burkes Beach Access at the end of Burkes Beach Road
  • Folly Field Beach Park, off Folly Field Road
  • Islanders Beach Park, off Folly Field Road

Biking on Hilton Head

One of the easiest and most scenic places to bike on Hilton Head is at the Sea Pines Plantation/Resort. There is a daily entrance fee, but I think it was worth it ($9/car in September 2023 – cash only) as the resort is meticulously kept up with 15 miles of tree covered biking paths plus hard packed sand on the beach (also bikable!).

Rent bikes at the Sea Pines Resorts Bicycle Shop which has reasonable prices, but make sure you double check your bike before you ride off. Our bikes squeaked an awful lot which is ok for a few minutes but not after continual screeching for miles! Also note that although the shop closes at a certain time (2:00p.m.) you can drop off your bike later in the day.

I recommend at least biking to the South Beach Marina Village as it’s a quiet pathway with the bonus of the natural beach at the turn around point. Plus there are restaurants at the village as well including the Salty Dog Cafe with a large outdoor bar/eating area.

Hiking/Nature Walks on and near Hilton Head

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Sea Pines Forest Preserve on Hilton Head (also within the Sea Pines Resort – per car daily fee to access – cash only) is a large, unspoiled area that is the epitome of the lowcountry with its marshes, woodland paths, tree covered pathways, wildflowers, ponds and wildlife. The pathways include boardwalks over wetlands, paved pathways and natural paths teeming with wildlife in a well-protected preserve.

Cypress Wetlands

If you’re looking to see a huge amount of local wildlife right under your feet then the Cypress Wetlands is for you! There were many alligators (both large and small), an abundance of turtles sunning themselves, and the wetlands were covered with a large variety of birds. All this was surrounded by a canopy of Spanish moss draped over majestic Cypress trees. Fortunately there’s safety (from the alligators and snakes seen and not seen) on the boardwalk over the water!

Bird watching: If you are into bird watching you’ll see herons, hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, geese, ducks, and other migratory waterfowl. Inside info: Visit March through April to view courtship and then late May to June to view the nestlings.

It was quite a place and only 8/10 of a mile through it. However, it’s very easy to miss if you don’t know that it’s there, so drop this in your navigator: 1700 Paris Ave, Port Royal, SC 29935

*Also the historic and quaint town of Beaufort, South Carolina, with restaurants and shops along the shoreline, is just 4 miles away.

Henry Robinson Boardwalk, Sands Beach, and Observation Tower Walk

This 1 mile boardwalk is located over Battery Creek near Port Royal. It’s an interesting stroll along the water and up to a cool tower (4 flights of stairs) for a nice view of the area and all the vast waterways that meet here. I saw dolphin, lots of birds and fish in this peaceful area.

Other outdoor activities on Hilton Head

Lawton Stables offers one-hour guided trail rides for adults and children (Sea Pines Resort).
The H2O Nature Center provides guided tours of the pristine lakes of the Forest Preserve (Sea Pines Resort).

Local Restaurants in Hilton Head Area

Restaurants:

The South Carolina Lowcountry is known for its local seafood, so there are plenty of options including shrimp, crabs, oysters and clams. Recommended restaurants:

  • Captain Woody’s Seafood Bar, Bluffton (seafood)
  • Bluffton Farmer’s Market, Bluffton (local fare)
  • One Hot Mama’s, Bluffton (barbeque)
  • Nectar Farm Kitchen, Bluffton (farm to table)
  • Plums Restaurant, Beaufort (riverfront kitchen & oyster bar)
  • The Crazy Crab, Hilton Head (seafood)
  • Harbourside Burgers and Brews, Hilton Head @ Sea Pines
  • The Salty Dog, Hilton Head @ Sea Pines

Helpful links to book your travel here

Netherlands/Holland Quick Trip Adventures Guide

The Netherlands and Amsterdam are just as you’ve imagined!

Lush, green fields. Bikes for days. Happy, at-peace vibes.

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Things to do in the Netherlands/Holland near and in Amsterdam

I fell in love with the Netherlands, also known as Holland, where e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. rides bikes e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e! It’s a captivating atmosphere that gives the vibe of a content, friendly, welcoming society.

Netherlands:Holland Itinerary quicktripadventuresDownload

How to get to Amsterdam

Fly into Amsterdam (Schiphol Airport) or even Frankfurt, Germany. Frankfurt is a 4+ hour drive (or train ride), but if you drive it’s on the Autoban! Beware: do not go as fast as you want after crossing the border into the Netherlands, because you run the chance of getting a huge expensive ticket from some kind of unseen radar detector. This ticket includes a fee that goes to the rental car company, and a bank wiring fee. Don’t ask me how I know. :(. I digress – Brussels is another airport to check out.

Renting a car is a good and economical way (for a group) to get around if you’d like to visit various cities outside Amsterdam. Try Sixt or EuropCar or any other agency with which you’re familiar. You must get the insurance, as most insurance carriers from other countries won’t cover you if there’s an issue. Other transportation options are trains and buses.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Recommended lodging: VRBO in Kortenhoef and/or Hotels.com central Amsterdam. I prefer the western side of the city; although, the entire city is beautiful and safe.

How to use the trams in Amsterdam

To get around the city there are many trams in the central section. It just takes a credit card loaded to Apple Pay. Tap when you get on the tram and tap when you get off the tram. It’s possible to tap out a couple of minutes before the stop. Press the green button to open the doors. Note that the silver bars do not automatically open but are manual – you just push through them. (As I waited for them to automatically open – I missed getting off at my stop! So don’t be me! 😳) Google Maps, on your phone, will work to figure out which tram to get on and where to get off.

How to Park in Amsterdam

They say a parking spot in Amsterdam lasts 30 seconds, so it might not be worth your time dodging the massive amounts of bikers, pedestrians and trams while trying to find an elusive parking spot. Highly recommend: Parking Center Oosterdok as it is centrally located and you can walk to most of the city’s main sites. It’s easy, simple, cheap-for-any-city. Reserve ahead of time online (any browser except Safari). Otherwise there are 7 park and rides located outside the city with buses back in. Purchase P&R GVB card – can use on bus, train or metro.

Rate per 12 minutes€1.50
Hourly rate€7.50
Maximum daily rate€37.50
Daily rate when booking€ 10 – € 25 per day

Marijuana in Amsterdam

I’ve spoken with some people who have a misconception that Amsterdam is filled with marijuana smoke. Incorrect. Sure, if you’re looking for it then you can easily find a “coffeehouse” to buy marijuana legally in Amsterdam (as well as many other cities in the world). There will be a green and white sticker in the storefront windows. If that is not your thing then don’t go to a “coffeehouse.” But if you are looking for coffee and pastries then find a koffiehuis. Or go to a “cafe” which is a restaurant or bar.

  • Anne Frank Haus. Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam. This is a very popular destination, so purchase tickets well ahead of time, as in months ahead. I have always felt a strong kinship to Anne Frank, as I read her diary initially when I was young and could relate to some of the kid things that she was experiencing. The Anne Frank Haus is a painful but important reminder of a little girl’s and a world’s struggle with evil and how it decimated so many innocent lives. It is both a powerful remembrance and a shameful experience to share in this family’s life in the secret annex for just a moment. 
  • Van Gogh Museum. 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Museumplein 6, Amsterdam. Purchase tickets ahead; you will get a time for entrance. Vincent was very busy in his mere 37 years, and you can see what he was up to right here. He also led quite a fascinating life and was extremely talented. The museum is spacious and well done and definitely worth the trip.
  • Heineken Experience. This tour includes the interesting history of Heineken done in a fun way with lots of interactive activities and 2 beers at the end. It takes about 2.5 hours and is well done and recommended. Made reservations a few days ahead.
  • Canal Cruise Tour. Recommend: Lovers Canal Cruises at Stationsplein 14, 1012 AB Amsterdam and other locations in central Amsterdam. The above location is only a 10 minute walk from Parking Center Oosterdok. 1 hour tour for a quick overview of the city with an interesting history. Buy tickets at location. Some cruises offer hop on/hop off.
  • Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market). Singel 630 to 600, 1017 AZ, Amsterdam. Hours: Monday – Saturday 09:00-17:30; Sunday 11:30-17:30. Flowers, plants, bulbs galore. Of course, tulips in every color. And it’s floating- a sight to see and experience!
  • Vondelpark. Pretty green space in the middle of the city with trees, lakes, paths and restaurants. A nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Free.
  • Brouwerij’t IJ Brewery. There are only 6 windmills in the city of Amsterdam. This one happens to be at a brewery, so you can get double the experience here. Indoor and outdoor seating.
view of eastern amsterdam from canal
do it yourself canal cruise in amsterdam about to go under bridge
lady on boat on diy canal cruise in amsterdam
canal cruise under bridge
san marco pizza on canal in amsterdam

Canal Cruise – DO IT YOURSELF with a pizza drive-thru (boat-thru)!

This is a super fun adventure if you’d like to see all parts of Amsterdam via boat through the maze of Amsterdam canals! It is roughly $100 USD to rent an electric motor boat for 3+ hours with maps of all the canals in central Amsterdam and the outskirts for a total of 6 people.

Electric boat rental – make reservations at Boaty. Boaty will give you a map with suggested routes and cool places of interest, and even bathroom stops, along the way.

I very highly recommend boating thru San Marco pizza! There is a hole in the side of this pizzeria on the canal side. Just hook up, pop out and order. (Bonus: there’s a public bathroom.) The pizza will be delivered to your hooked up boat!

Note that San Marco pizza is close to the dock where you will pick up and drop off the boat, so consider pizza at the beginning or end of your DIY boat tour.

Day Trips Outside Amsterdam:

Kortenhoef

Things to do in Kortenhoef:

Kortenhoef is a small, sweet town a 30 minute drive outside of Amsterdam. And is it ever the picture of Holland! Locals gracefully navigate the winding and quiet streets on their bicycles, painting a picture of a truly authentic experience. Kortenhoef is also charming storefronts, canals, and lush green fields abound. I stayed here at the most wonderful VRBO guesthouse with sheep in the backyard and canoes for my own use through the labyrinth of picturesque canals. Could not have been more lovely and picturesque.

Hiking in Kortenhoef

There is a lovely 2.5 mile stroll “oppad” through a nature reserve with lush, green pastures (may be slightly wet in summer) with canals and peacefulness. This is an out-and-back trail with a lunch option at the 1/2 way point at Bistro de Garde (address: Zuidereinde 208, 1243 KR ‘s-Graveland, Netherlands). Route is 2.5 miles round trip.

Boating in Kortenhoef

Rent canoes, sloops, motor boats or even electric bicycles to cruise through the maze of canals with Jachthaven Kortenhoef.

how to bike from amsterdam to edam

Edam

How to get from Amsterdam to Edam on bikes

Take a bike trip to Edam for an overnight adventure! Discover an enchanting journey from the vibrant heart of Amsterdam to the picturesque village that owes its fame to its delectable cheese, Edam. Embark on a captivating bike ride, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes that unfold along the route. Note that Edam is pronounced “ee-dam” – I had a hard time with that, and I’m a speech pathologist. 🙂

Bikes are easy and cheap to rent from various locations throughout Amsterdam. I chose MacBike at Centraal Station (14,85 Euros per day, plus deposit). Be sure to get the lock offered as bikes are frequently stolen.

Ask for a map of the bike route to Edam. I also used Google Maps on the bike setting which is super easy to follow. (*Get your cell phone’s international coverage before leaving your home country then cancel it when you get home. Or utilize some carrier’s $10/day international fee.)

After renting a bike, go to the north side of the station and under the tracks following the signs to the free ferry boat “boot” to IJplein. It’s about a 10 minute ferry ride while standing next to your bike. Then begin your journey along bike paths up to the old world gem, Edam. It takes about an hour and 20 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Recommended hotel is the Hotel de Fortuna which is welcoming with a Holland-esque charm about it – built in the 17th century. It is right off a curvy Dutch road with adorable cottages and canals all around. They didn’t have air conditioning in the 17th century, but there are fans now. Breakfast is good and free! Take time to wander the streets and parks and look for cheeeeese (hint: Henri Willig at Spui 71135 BA Edam).

Stay the night and bike back to Amsterdam taking time to check out the little towns on the way. Get back to MacBike before closing time.

The netherlands quick trip adventure planner
The Netherlands quick trip adventure planner

My helpful links to book your travel here

Hawaii – Maui

hawaii, maui from airplane
maui from apple maps
sunset with breaking waves in maui
waves crashing onto volcanic rock
view from Burger Shack

Things to do in Maui for a Quick Trip Adventure

Aloha! Maui is an adventure filled beautiful island with thrilling hikes, kayaking, snorkeling, biking, surfing, the famous Road to Hana and more! Read on to find out how to make your own quick trip adventure.

In Maui you’ll find crystal clear turquoise blue and warm waters with palm trees blowing in the breeze and mountains in the distance. This tropical paradise is an oasis of beauty with a long (and sometimes violent) history of land grabs and rulers. It’s easy to understand why so many would want this piece of wonderland. 

Listen to this post here

Maui-Hawaii-quicktripadventures-ItineraryDownload

Where to Stay in Maui

We stayed on the northwestern coastal area of Lahaina where there are beautiful high rise condos all along the shoreline with help of VRBO. You can’t go wrong staying anywhere in this area as there are many accommodations as well as options for restaurants and some shopping. The communities have a Lahaina address and include: Kaanapali Golf Estates, Kahana, Kapalua, Montage, Kapalua Bay, Napili, North Kaanapali Beach, Olowalu, Pineapple Hill, and Puunoa.

condos in lahaina, maui
view from 6th floor condo in Kahana, maui
beach in lahaina, maui

Accommodations in Maui

I stayed in Kahana (VRBO) which has a beautiful view the distant islands of Lanai and Molokai, snorkeling, and is a good place for both families and couples. It’s also a perfect place to spot humpback whales in the winter months!

There is certainly something nice to be said about waking up to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore while the birds sing their morning songs. So if you find a reasonable deal for a place on the beach (preferably with a little kitchen because of the high prices of food everywhere) then I say – take it! (I stayed in the Valley Isle Resort (through VRBO) in Kahana and recommend it!)

Shopping in Maui

I was expecting Maui to be more built up than it is. That’s not to say that it’s remote – there are areas where the bigger stores are clustered (mostly near the major airport – Kahului Airport) and most of the other areas are condos or homes (in the midwestern and southwestern side of the island).

There are 3 major grocery stores in Lahaina – Safeway, Foodland Farms and Times. Plus there are several speciality and smaller markets. Prepare yourself mentally for the Hawai’ian prices – which means high (of course everything has to be flown or shipped in).

A fun area to eat is at the Kaanapali food trucks called Broke da Mouth.

Whaler’s Village of Kaanapali
Poke bowl Whaler’s Village of Kaanapali

Upscale Shopping

Whaler’s Village of Kaanapali has lots of shops, restaurants, experiences and even fun events. If you are not within walking distance of this village (or staying in Kaanapali) then it’s $12 to park in the parking garage. The ABC Store here has souvenir/beach/convenience items with lots of things you may have forgotten or need at good-for-Hawai’i prices. I loved the Maui Poke restaurant here with their make-your-own fresh and delightful poke bowls. 

Transportation around Maui

You will certainly need a car to get around anywhere on Maui, because the airport is more in the central portion of the island and many of the accommodations or adventures are on the shorelines.

Kahana beach
lady doing tree yoga pose on beach in kahana, lahaina, maui
lady swinging on rope swing in Kahana, Maui

Beaches in Maui

The water is clear, warm (75-80 degrees Fahrenheit all year long) and turquoise! That means that you can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddle board, sail, surf, etc. in most places right off of the golden sand. Note that in many of the coastal areas there is only a small beachfront or no beach at all.

Surfing in Maui

There are always an abundance of surfers at the beach off of Highway 30 between Lahaina and Maalaea at all the “beach parks” along the way. Bring your surfboard (there were some rental trucks there as well), pull off the road, park in the sand and hang 10. 

Maui has many surfing areas for beginners with many side stipulations about reefs, rocks and riptides, so do your homework on the area before you head out.

Some of the best waves for advanced surfers are: Ho’okipa Beach, Lahaina Reefs, Honolua Bay, and Olowalu Beach.

Of course, we cannot forget the famous Pe’ahi Beach (nicknamed “Jaws Beach,”) on the North Shore. It is strictly for professional surfers only due to its incredibly high (sometimes 70 foot) surf. Note that these waves only occur a few times per year in the winter, and it takes a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get to this location due to a dirt road and a rainy area.

lady hiker of kapalua trail in maui
flower in bloom maui
lady hiker on coastal trail on maui

Hiking in Maui

This is how I did these 2 hikes together: Kapalua Coastal Trail, (Burger Shack detour), Dragon’s Teeth Trail.

Park in the same parking lot for both of these hikes.

Driving directions: Take Honoapiilani Highway (Hawaii Route 30) northeast – make a left onto Office Road (Kapalua) and take it to the end (near the Ritz-Carlton). Turn right and the parking lot is right there. My maps navigator had it wrong.

lady balancing on small rock on coastal trail in maui
water crashing into volcanic rock in maui
coastal trail in maui
trail map for kapalua coastal trail
beach in maui off of coastal trail

Kapalua Coastal Trail – Hiking in Maui

The Kapalua Coastal Trail is a lovely trail along the ocean with incredible bluffs and turquoise blue waters to fill up your senses. As you hike along the coastline you’ll encounter warm sprays of water billowing up onto the large lava rock formations. This hike is full of lava protrusions from a west Maui volcano that erupted 320,000 years ago! There were a good amount of people on the trail, but it wasn’t unbearably crowded. To get to this trail, I started the trail at the Dragon’s Teeth parking lot and headed south.

The Burger Shack Break Between hikes: Once returning to the parking lot off of Office Road from the Kapalua Coastal Trail then head north on foot. You will basically just be on a sidewalk that leads right to The Burger Shack for a refreshing drink on D.T. Fleming Beach! 

dragon's teeth trail in maui
dragon's teeth in maui

Dragon’s Teeth Trail – Hiking in Maui

Dragon’s Teeth hike (a.k.a., Makaluapuna Point) is a quick 0.5 mile trail out and back right from this parking lot off of Office Road in the Kapalua community. Head straight down to the water for a sweet and quick trail right out to this unique lava formation. The jagged “teeth” are made from the lava from a volcano eruption. When the lava hit the water, the wind and waves blew it back to form these cool black “teeth.” Don’t forget to look over the edge for Hawaiian sea turtles.

Nakalele Blowhole spouting
warning homemade sign at Nakalele Blowhole
Nakalele Blowhole from parking area

Nakalele Blowhole Hike – Hiking in Maui

The Nakalele Blowhole is a beautiful natural spout that’s an amazing sight to see and explore. The blowhole is about 15 miles north of the Lahaina area. The drive to the blowhole passes many stunning overlooks with hairpin turns along the waters edge up in the mountains. There are some options to pull over and enjoy the view on the way.

The spout is actually ocean water shooting through a 3-foot diameter hole in a lava shelf. Anything you read about this place gives many warnings of death around the lava shelf either being sucked into the hole itself or from large, unexpected waves breaking over the lava cliffs (near the blowhole) and pulling people into the rough waters. Just use caution and don’t get too close.

If you are not interested in a short but decent rock scramble down to the blowhole (wear secured sport sandals with backs or hiking shoes as it’s also slippery) then you can also view it from up above. The blowhole is a remarkable sight especially if it’s windy – a spout every 30 seconds-ish! Turns out it’s almost always windy there, but if you check out the tide chart and go when it’s high tide then you’ll get the best show – up to 50 feet of spray.

Haleakalā National Park

There is a national park on the island of Maui and it’s a volcano (in a non-eruptive stage)! Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to hike or bike down this volcano, as it was further away from Lahaina than I’d realized. If you have the time, there is a lot to explore on this volcano!

Note that some of the hiking trails are at the end of the Road to Hana, so plan accordingly, as there is a lot of drive time to get to that location.

1 of 600 curves on The Road to Hana
The lava tube cave on the black sand beach
The Black Sand Beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Coconut Glen’s ice cream stop
The secret lava tube at mile marker 23
One of many tide pools at Ke’anae Peninsula
Waikamoi Ridge Nature Trail
Waikamoi Ridge Nature Trail
Twin Falls
Twin Falls

The Road to Hana (all day trip) – How to Prepare and Adventure

The Road to Hana is a long road through the rainforest and jungle on the eastern side of Maui. It has over 600 curves and 54 one lane bridges on this windy road. I drove it in a standard sized rental car without any difficulty. Just take your time and follow the rules, and you’ll be in good shape. Note that it does take a long time to do this 34 mile drive (that’s Paia to Hana but you could go further to the Seven Sacred Pools a.k.a. Oheo Pools). There are more than 40 stops along the way and the “stops” are the true reason for this road. The Road to Hana includes waterfalls, beaches, gardens, swimming holes, food stands, caves (“lava tubes”), and a state park.

A few things to do before getting on the Road to Hana:

  • Gas up ahead of time (or in Paia town)
  • Get cash (many road side stops only take cash)
  • Put plastic down or something to cover your car’s floor boards as many of the trails to waterfalls or hikes are muddy in this rainforest
  • Start the tour (in Paia town) at 8am so that you can finish it all before dark
  • Make reservations at the Waiʻānapanapa State Park (black sand beach) weeks ahead of time. I recommend the 12:30-3:00 time frame if you start the Road to Hana at 8:00am. This gives you time to see all the sights ahead of time and have enough time to explore and even swim at this park. *Note that I did NOT receive an email confirmation, so I took a photo of the voucher with the QR code right after I made my reservation and that worked to get into the park. Otherwise, I would not have been able to get in.
  • Download the Shaka Guy app. It’s a tour that follows you on GPS and tells about the highlights.
  • Bring a picnic lunch and/or heavy snacks and drinks
  • Bring a car charger for your cell phone (note that most of this road does not have cell service)
  • If you plan to swim – wear a swim suit under your clothes. Bring a towel, reef safe sunscreen, a change of clothes and a bag to store your wet clothes/swim suit

On the Road to Hana I made the following stops:

  • Ho’okipa Beach Park Lookout – 1st stop
  • Twin Falls (parking $10 – cash or card) – 2 waterfalls – Mike Marker 2
  • Garden Grove Cafe roadside stand – for famous banana bread
  • Waikamoi Ridge Nature Trail – a walk through the rain forest with eucalyptus trees
  • Kaumahina State Wayside Park – views from above and bathroom
  • Ke’anae Peninsula (lava formations on the water, tide pools, breaking waves) – Mike Marker 16.8
  • Secret lava tube (cave) – ~100 yard long cave right off the road – Mile Marker 23
  • Coconut Glen’s (coconut milk ice cream)
  • Waiʻānapanapa State Park (black sand beach) – reservations needed – Mile Marker 32
    • Small lava tube (cave) to the right of (while looking at the water) the black sand beach
  • Food truck in Hana
  • Many quick stops for waterfalls just before the one lane bridges
  • Many stops for scenic overlooks
snorkeler and sea turtle off coast of maui
fish in maui
sea turtle underwater in maui

Kayaking and Snorkeling in Maui

Getting into Hawaii’s beautiful warm waters and spying on gentle marine life is another not-to-missed-adventure in Maui!

I highly recommend Hawaiian Paddle Sports for a truly Hawaiian experience kayaking and snorkeling (with sea turtles!). Our paddle guide, Lowe, was a treasure trove of information on Hawaiian history, culture, geography and geology formations. We also learned all about our sea friends including the turtles and many of the beautiful sea creatures that we would have easily missed right under our floating feet! Definitely a must-do.

I kayaked and snorkeled off the shores of the southwestern region of Maui in the town of Kihei. This led to also exploring that area which is more of a town than a resort area.

You will also see people snorkeling around the resorts in Lahaina. Either bring, rent or look for snorkeling equipment in your condo (this was my good luck). Other known snorkeling spots in Maui.

sunset with breaking waves in maui
famous maui sunset
sunset and ocean in maui

Maui Sunsets – Need to Know

Maui sunsets are spectacular! We all know the sun sets in the west where most of Maui accommodations are located. Simply walk to the beach or rent a kayak or paddle board to sit in the surf while the sun slowly descends near the mountains of the distant islands. It is a sight to behold!

Sunset Tip: At sunset in Maui, many people blow into a conch shell (“pū”). I first thought it was a tsunami warning (haha!), but soon learned it’s a Hawaiian ritual with a long history. In Hawaiian culture the blowing of the conch shell has a sacred meaning as a journey to eternity or to begin a ceremony as well as previously being used for communication across the waters. In modern times it is used to bid farewell to the day and to say thanks (“mahalo”) for that day.

“A hui hou mālama pono!” (Until we meet again, take care!)

Helpful links to book your travel here

The Hawaiian language has 13 characters and many diacritical markings. While respecting the Hawaiian language, this website has had to omit some of these diacritical markings to improve the online experience. I acknowledge the importance of using these diacritical markings to preserve the language and culture of Hawaii and will respectfully use them in all communications beyond this website. 

Canada – Québec City

Buildings in historic Québec City at dusk
Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens in Québec City
City gate into historic Québec City
Quebec City quicktripadventures ItineraryDownload

Top Things to do in Québec City, Canada

Québec City feels like a mini-Paris/London combo with a very friendly vibe! This romantic city’s charm is enhanced with the poetic sounds of French speakers within this historical walled city. The architecture is delightfully European as Québec City was built in the 1600s with lovely cobblestone streets, a funicular (cable car from the 1800s) linking the lower and upper grounds of the city and the grandiose Fairmont Le Château Frontenac punctuating the landscape.

I found every single person from shopkeepers, hotel clerks, restaurant workers, Uber drivers, etc. to be welcoming and beyond gracious. Once I uttered a “hi” (rather than a “bon jour”) they quickly switched languages to English with a smile and without missing a beat.

Map of Historic District of Québec City

Basics of Québec City

To get your bearings even before you arrive – there are two parts to the city: upper and lower. I didn’t quite understand this until I arrived. It’s super easy to get from one to the other, and the upper and lower are nestled right next to each other. Either take the stairs (“breakneck stairs!!”) which include a few landings if you need to catch your breath. Alternatively, pay the small fee to take the funicular (a small, short cable car) up and down. Easy peasy!

The highlight of the lower portion of the city is the Quartier Petit-Champlain which includes boutique shopping, bistros and art galleries. The other streets in this lower section have even more art galleries (lots!), boutiques, hotels, etc. It’s quiet and safe.

The upper portion of the city includes Dufferin Terrace which is basically a wide boardwalk with views of the St. Lawrence River on one side and the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac on the other. You will be at Dufferin Terrace when you exit the funicular or if you take the stairs or steep road up to the upper city from the lower city.

There is a lot more to this upper city – many lively cobblestone streets with beautiful churches, town squares, all types of restaurants and cafes, boutiques, and very interesting history. All this history and hubbub is in the old town historic portion of the city – you can also exit the walls through the grand gates, from the 1600s, and visit the newer part of the city.

Accommodations in Québec City

As usual, I connected with hotels.com to find the right type of lodging. Interestingly, as with traveling in Europe, hotels.com also included apartment accommodations. There are many “Le Lofts” throughout the safe and quaint Québec City, and I stayed at Le Lofts St. Pierre which was in the lower city just a few streets from Rue du Petit-Champlain (Quartier Petit- Champlain is the area around this street) boutique shopping district – walking distance to all the sites and reasonably priced.

Recommended Food in Québec City

Aux Anciens Canadien restaurant from the outside
Meat pie at Aux Anciens Canadien restaurant
Menu at Aux Anciens Canadien restaurant
Maple pie from the Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens
Maple pie!

We really loved the Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens! We found it absolutely adorable inside and out with fantastic service at a reasonable price and a cozy atmosphere! Plus it included many of Québec City’s local delicacies in perfect portions. Highly recommended. Don’t forget reservations.

True locals have recommended the following restaurants:

Viator food tour - historic meal
Poutine served on Viator food tour in Québec City
croissants in Québec City

Food Tour of Old Québec City

I can’t recommend this Viator food tour enough! It’s doubly beneficial – tasting all the local delicacies, including cuisine that has been served since the 1600s, and gaining an understanding of the fascinating history behind those foods. The fare ranges from soup to baked goods and spirits to wine plus poutine and more! While walking from one destination to another our amusing guide told stories of local figures and interesting architecture that kept all of us either in awe or laughing.

Château Frontenac in the morning
Inside the Château Frontenac
Château Frontenac

Château Frontenac in Québec City

This fancy Château Frontenac hotel is located right in the upper area, along the river, with much action around it. You can’t miss this grand building sitting up high on the eastern edge of old town. It’s pretty colossal (600+ rooms) and a great place to snap a photo! When you walk through the front doors of this historic (built in 1893) building you are greeted warmly by a friendly hostess (everyone is welcome even if you aren’t staying at the hotel) and guided toward the areas you’d like to visit whether it be the historical side or the three restaurants. Lots of history happened here including the planning of the invasion of Normandy during WWII by Allied leaders Franklin D. Roosevelt, Sir Winston Churchill, and Canada’s Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.

Dufferin Terrace in Québec City

As stated earlier, the Château Frontenac is bordered on the east by the Dufferin terrace boardwalk which has pretty views of the St. Lawrence River and additional areas of Québec City across the river. In the winter there is a toboggan slide right here! In the summer, go underground and visit an archeological crypt – Forts-et-Châteaux-Saint-Louis – to get a better idea of the history of Québec City.

Petit-Champlain Shopping District in Québec City
Petit-Champlain Shopping District in Québec City lady on street
stairs connecting upper and lower historic districts of Québec City

The Quaint Petit-Champlain Shopping District in Québec City

This area encompasses a handful of streets in the lower portion of Québec City. These inviting narrow, cobblestone streets are pedestrian only with warm strands of lights crisscrossing above quaint boutiques and shops. There are also a few restaurants here as well.

Notre Dame in Québec City
Statue on Dufferin Terrace in Québec City
Gates into historic Québec City

Interesting Historic Buildings/Churches in Québec City

So many interesting stories here in this fortified city! Quick history lesson:

  • Québec City was discovered by France in 1535 as “New France”
  • British conquered Québec City in 1759 as “British Canada”
  • Canada was created in 1867 and Québec City became the province’s capital city as it is today

There are many tourist friendly churches and buildings to visit within the old city including: Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, Morrin Centre, Monastère des Augustines, Îlot des Palais.

For more Québec City history see History of Québec City.

Governor's Promenade

Governors’ Promenade in Québec City

I enjoyed the approximately 3/4 mile walk on the Governor’s Promenade from the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac to the Plains of Abraham along the St. Lawrence River. This walk takes you along the elevated boardwalk called “Governor’s Promenade.” Start at Dufferin Terrace and walk to the south, and you’ll soon find yourself between the stone wall fortification and the St. Lawrence River. Note that there are no signs designating this promenade. This long boardwalk brings you past the east side of the Québec Citadel and then between the citadel and Plains of Abraham and Parc des Champs-de-Batalle – a large green space that hosts local events throughout the year. This boardwalk is one of two options to walk to the Citadel for a tour. The other being the streets through old town.

Entrance to Citadelle de Québec
City gates of Québec City

Québec Citadel

The Québec Citadel is an impressive site along the St. Lawrence River with a storied history of protecting Québec City from foreign invaders (including the 13 colonies!). The citadel offers a guided tour (reservations recommended) of its unique star structure and the museum (Musée Royal 22e Régiment).

ladies on a horse and buggy ride in Québec City
Horse and buggy traveling down the streets of historic Québec City

Horse and Buggy Ride in Old Québec City

This sweet ride, pulled by a strong and mighty steed, is enchanting and lovely and recommended just after dusk. The driver explained Québec City’s interesting history as we clip-clopped past the buildings and statues that he spoke of. It was very entertaining after a delicious French dinner in the historic district.

Montmorency Falls in April

Montmorency Falls

This impressive waterfall is the tallest waterfall in North America. Note that it’s not that wide – just tall. Sixty thousand gallons of water per second fall from the peak – a continual thunderous crash with large plumes of water in the aftermath. Amazing! The Montmorency Falls are just 20 minutes outside Old Québec City.

Options at the falls:

  • Hiking and birding at certain times of year. Follow All Trails for the 3-mile route.
  • Balance along the suspension bridge
  • Climb the panoramic staircase while being sprayed by the falls (487 steps)
  • Cable car ride
  • Eat at the Montmorency Manor
Albert Gilles copper museum pieces
Portions of Christorama from Albert Gilles

Albert Gilles Copper Museum in Québec City

The Albert Gilles Copper Museum was a surprisingly super interesting place! Mr. Albert Gilles worked with copper for 60+ years and made many extraordinary and incredibly intricate pieces of art (including pieces for the Pope) as well as the copper doors of the massive Sainte Anne de Beaupré Basilica which is just 10 miles down the road. Albert Gilles’ very talented wife and daughters now run the museum, which includes a large exhibit of paneled copper artwork “Christoroma” portraying the life of Christ in the back portion of the museum. It’s amazing! Plus the museum also has beautiful copper pieces to purchase – jewelry, decorations, etc. Ask around while you are at the museum, and the family will be happy to tell you the history of their extraordinary work.

Sainte Anne de Beaupré Basilica and Shrine outside
Copper doors of Sainte Anne de Beaupré Basilica and Shrine
inside of Sainte Anne de Beaupré Basilica and Shrine
confession booths of Sainte Anne de Beaupré Basilica and Shrine
discarded crutches at Sainte Anne de Beaupré Basilica and Shrine

Sainte Anne de Beaupré Basilica and Shrine

The Sainte Anne de Beaupré Basilica and Shrine is massive and awe inspiring at 328 feet high and 197 feet wide with beautiful stained glass windows adorning the sides of the sanctuary. This basilica was built to honor Sainte Anne who is the patron sainte of Québec. The main doors of the Basilica are absolutely beautiful and hand-made of copper (from the Albert Gilles museum above) and show many scenes of the life of Jesus.

Fun Fact about Canada

Canada no longer uses pennies as of 2012! (But I did find one! 🙂 )

Trip planner for 3 days in Québec City
ladies in window at coffee shop overlooking Notre Dame square in Québec City

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