Destination Guide

A Simple Guatemala Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

June 1, 2023 in Destinations

A blue boat sitting on Lake Atitlán with a volcano off in the distance surrounded by clouds

A Simple Guatemala Travel Guide for First Time Visitors Are you headed to “La tierra de la eterna primavera” or the Land of Eternal Spring? Let me start by saying, I adore...

Brunette in a floral yellow dress looking out into the Old San Juan Harbor in Puerto Rico

Things to do in Puerto Rico – an Epic Guide for First Time Visitors

April 14, 2023 in Destinations

Things to do in Puerto Rico – an Epic Guide for First Time Visitors If you’re headed to the Island of Enchantment, first of all, I want to say, “congratulations, you’re making a great choice!”...

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Come along on the adventures in real time!

CHÂTEAU DE GRUYÈRES 🏰

Even though this castle has no drawbridge… can you still get into it? (ba-dum-ching!) 😒☺️

For me, if there is a castle involved, count me in. I first stayed overnight in a castle in 2021 and if you recall, I said I wanted to ‘castle surf’ my way around the world. While that idea hasn’t quite left the laboratory… I still love seeing them all the same.

This 13th century castle, turned museum in Gruyère is no exception. I mean I love castles. I love museums. This should be good, right?!

It didn’t disappoint. Between the architecture, historical context and cultural information, this medieval castle sits atop a hilltop and provides stunning views to boot. Also, the staff is super warm and helpful.

Have you ever seen a castle in person? Which one? Is seeing or staying in one on your bucketlist?

PS - you can’t stay at Chateau de Gruyère but you can explore to your heart’s content!

🗃️Save for your Switzerland planning and don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌏

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#gruyere #gruyereswitzerland #gruyères #chateaudegruyeres #swisscastles #switzerlandvacations #switzerlandwonderland #europecastles #castles_oftheworld #gruyerecastle #castleruins #castlesofswitzerland

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CHÂTEAU DE GRUYÈRES 🏰

Even though this castle has no drawbridge… can you still get into it? (ba-dum-ching!) 😒☺️

For me, if there is a castle involved, count me in. I first stayed overnight in a castle in 2021 and if you recall, I said I wanted to ‘castle surf’ my way around the world. While that idea hasn’t quite left the laboratory… I still love seeing them all the same.

This 13th century castle, turned museum in Gruyère is no exception. I mean I love castles. I love museums. This should be good, right?!

It didn’t disappoint. Between the architecture, historical context and cultural information, this medieval castle sits atop a hilltop and provides stunning views to boot. Also, the staff is super warm and helpful.

Have you ever seen a castle in person? Which one? Is seeing or staying in one on your bucketlist?

PS - you can’t stay at Chateau de Gruyère but you can explore to your heart’s content!

🗃️Save for your Switzerland planning and don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌏

_________________________________
#gruyere #gruyereswitzerland #gruyères #chateaudegruyeres #swisscastles #switzerlandvacations #switzerlandwonderland #europecastles #castles_oftheworld #gruyerecastle #castleruins #castlesofswitzerland

AN IMPROMPTU CHAT ⤵

A vivid past memory I have, is chatting with a coworker who moved to Los Angeles from a small town in the US for work opportunities.

In conversation one day, she reveals to me that she had never seen a (specific ethnic group) person until she had moved to Los Angeles. For the record, she was saying positive things - but I was FLOORED all the very same.

From a young age, I had exposure (and friendships) with people of all origins, ethnicities, religions and appearances. That was my normal, in part, from being from such an incredibly diverse place.

The more we open ourselves up to the experiences of others, the more we see realities STARKLY differ.

Although the internet’s obsession with “relatability” is understandable and genuinely needed in many instances, for a lot of people it’s nothing more complex than desiring to see a reflection of themself.

What we really NEED is more awareness, empathy and understanding.

Relatability seeks comfort, but seeking out life experiences truly different than our own is truly how we grow, connect … and hopefully make the world a better place together.

Travel is a great way to do this, but one of the more positive aspects of the internet and social media is how much I learn on a daily basis about the lived experiences, struggles, joys, ways of life, philosophies and realities of others all over the world.

Thank you for sharing this & I hope you never stop. If you’ve read this far, thanks for being here - we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow 💫

What do you think about this? Do you also find these things important? ✨

_____________________________
#travel #travelthoughts #travelersnotebooks #travelerdiaries #travelersjournal #musings #travelmusings

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AN IMPROMPTU CHAT ⤵

A vivid past memory I have, is chatting with a coworker who moved to Los Angeles from a small town in the US for work opportunities.

In conversation one day, she reveals to me that she had never seen a (specific ethnic group) person until she had moved to Los Angeles. For the record, she was saying positive things - but I was FLOORED all the very same.

From a young age, I had exposure (and friendships) with people of all origins, ethnicities, religions and appearances. That was my normal, in part, from being from such an incredibly diverse place.

The more we open ourselves up to the experiences of others, the more we see realities STARKLY differ.

Although the internet’s obsession with “relatability” is understandable and genuinely needed in many instances, for a lot of people it’s nothing more complex than desiring to see a reflection of themself.

What we really NEED is more awareness, empathy and understanding.

Relatability seeks comfort, but seeking out life experiences truly different than our own is truly how we grow, connect … and hopefully make the world a better place together.

Travel is a great way to do this, but one of the more positive aspects of the internet and social media is how much I learn on a daily basis about the lived experiences, struggles, joys, ways of life, philosophies and realities of others all over the world.

Thank you for sharing this & I hope you never stop. If you’ve read this far, thanks for being here - we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow 💫

What do you think about this? Do you also find these things important? ✨

_____________________________
#travel #travelthoughts #travelersnotebooks #travelerdiaries #travelersjournal #musings #travelmusings

SWITZERLAND TIP ⤵🇨🇭

Go to Gruyères someday or time.

I absolutely LOVE this idyllic village, not just because I’m a big fan of the cheese itself, but, it also gives you the storybook moment you’ve either always wanted or didn’t know you needed ✨

You may be starry eyed as you gaze upon the seemingly infinite green pastures, fanciful meals & views, colorful flowers and historic architecture.

Standing in the center of town, hearing the never ending trickle of the fountain, you may concede, ‘if fairytale settings existed…this might just be one?’

Compete with a 13th century castle as a backdrop - no purchase necessary🏰 (unless, of course, you want to go inside)

Have you ever been to Gruyères? Have you tried the cheese? 🧀

Well, either way, buckle up Buttercup, because I spent a few dreamy days here & we are about to dive into it together! 💫

🗃️Save this for your Switzerland planning & don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌏

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#switzerland #gruyères #gruyere #gruyeres #gruyereregion #gruyére #gruyereswitzerland #gruyerecheese #swisstravel #traveltips #travelidea #travelideas #fairytaletown #swisstourism #swissspots

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SWITZERLAND TIP ⤵🇨🇭

Go to Gruyères someday or time.

I absolutely LOVE this idyllic village, not just because I’m a big fan of the cheese itself, but, it also gives you the storybook moment you’ve either always wanted or didn’t know you needed ✨

You may be starry eyed as you gaze upon the seemingly infinite green pastures, fanciful meals & views, colorful flowers and historic architecture.

Standing in the center of town, hearing the never ending trickle of the fountain, you may concede, ‘if fairytale settings existed…this might just be one?’

Compete with a 13th century castle as a backdrop - no purchase necessary🏰 (unless, of course, you want to go inside)

Have you ever been to Gruyères? Have you tried the cheese? 🧀

Well, either way, buckle up Buttercup, because I spent a few dreamy days here & we are about to dive into it together! 💫

🗃️Save this for your Switzerland planning & don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌏

—————————————————-
#switzerland #gruyères #gruyere #gruyeres #gruyereregion #gruyére #gruyereswitzerland #gruyerecheese #swisstravel #traveltips #travelidea #travelideas #fairytaletown #swisstourism #swissspots

SHOULD YOU VISIT CHUR? 🕰️

After spending three days there exploring at a very leisurely pace, I don’t feel like I left too much on the table. Old town Chur is on the smaller side. However, there’ll always be more to do because there’s lots of little shops, cafes, neighborhoods to peruse and hikes.

Does Chur deserve a spot on your itinerary? Here are some things to consider:

It’s a ‘Let’s Go’ if:

📖 you love historical towns
⛪️ you appreciate admiring architecture
🫕 you’re a foodie
🧭 you love exploring on foot
⌛️ slow paced atmosphere is preferred
☕️ you enjoy cafe culture & a view
🐾 you love VERY dog friendly places

It may be a ‘Pass’ if:

💨 you like fast paced atmospheres
🥱 you get bored veryyy easily
🏛️ places with well known landmarks or attractions are preferred
🚭 you can’t be around potential smoking
🐾 you’re not okay with dogs being anywhere humans can go
🥳 you want a very ‘happening’ vibe
🚷 you are unable or don’t want to walk everywhere you need to go

💡You absolutely CAN visit Chur in one day and see the highlights well! You can also do a day trip to Liechtenstein from there.

So, what say you? Any questions about Chur? 🇨🇭

🗃️Save for your Switzerland planning & don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌎

——————————————————
#chur #churswitzerland #thingstodoinswitzerland #swisstravel #eurotravel #switzerlandtourism #switzerlandtrip #switzerlandtravel #exploreswitzerland #inlovewithswitzerland #switzerlanddestinations #travelideas #traveltips

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SHOULD YOU VISIT CHUR? 🕰️

After spending three days there exploring at a very leisurely pace, I don’t feel like I left too much on the table. Old town Chur is on the smaller side. However, there’ll always be more to do because there’s lots of little shops, cafes, neighborhoods to peruse and hikes.

Does Chur deserve a spot on your itinerary? Here are some things to consider:

It’s a ‘Let’s Go’ if:

📖 you love historical towns
⛪️ you appreciate admiring architecture
🫕 you’re a foodie
🧭 you love exploring on foot
⌛️ slow paced atmosphere is preferred
☕️ you enjoy cafe culture & a view
🐾 you love VERY dog friendly places

It may be a ‘Pass’ if:

💨 you like fast paced atmospheres
🥱 you get bored veryyy easily
🏛️ places with well known landmarks or attractions are preferred
🚭 you can’t be around potential smoking
🐾 you’re not okay with dogs being anywhere humans can go
🥳 you want a very ‘happening’ vibe
🚷 you are unable or don’t want to walk everywhere you need to go

💡You absolutely CAN visit Chur in one day and see the highlights well! You can also do a day trip to Liechtenstein from there.

So, what say you? Any questions about Chur? 🇨🇭

🗃️Save for your Switzerland planning & don’t forget to follow @adventures.passport for more must visit destinations around the 🌎

——————————————————
#chur #churswitzerland #thingstodoinswitzerland #swisstravel #eurotravel #switzerlandtourism #switzerlandtrip #switzerlandtravel #exploreswitzerland #inlovewithswitzerland #switzerlanddestinations #travelideas #traveltips

WELCOME TO CHUR - the oldest town in Switzerland ✨

Have you ever heard of Chur? (pronounced: “Core” and don’t worry, I was saying “ch-uhr” at first too)

I had never heard of it myself, but after doing a little digging, it seemed like a good place to get off the Glacier Express.

It’s a historic town with medieval architecture and nuances at every turn. The hotel I stayed in was originally built in 1638, with the oldest part of it dating back to 1438.

Listen, I have never ever photoshopped people out of my photos, but I WILL patiently wait as long as I need to in order to get a pic without others in it (if it’s even possible). But, here that’s simply not necessary. The entire town felt like a deserted movie set - and I mean that in a good way.

Chur also has the most bars per square foot in all of Switzerland. While that isn’t a particular draw for me, it certainly will be for someone 🥂

Have you ever been to or heard of Chur? This town surprised me in a few ways!

——————————————————
#chur #churswitzerland #visitswitzerland #swisstravels #inlovewithswitzerland #travelideas #travelinspo #travelbloggerlife #medievalplaces #eurotravels

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WELCOME TO CHUR - the oldest town in Switzerland ✨

Have you ever heard of Chur? (pronounced: “Core” and don’t worry, I was saying “ch-uhr” at first too)

I had never heard of it myself, but after doing a little digging, it seemed like a good place to get off the Glacier Express.

It’s a historic town with medieval architecture and nuances at every turn. The hotel I stayed in was originally built in 1638, with the oldest part of it dating back to 1438.

Listen, I have never ever photoshopped people out of my photos, but I WILL patiently wait as long as I need to in order to get a pic without others in it (if it’s even possible). But, here that’s simply not necessary. The entire town felt like a deserted movie set - and I mean that in a good way.

Chur also has the most bars per square foot in all of Switzerland. While that isn’t a particular draw for me, it certainly will be for someone 🥂

Have you ever been to or heard of Chur? This town surprised me in a few ways!

——————————————————
#chur #churswitzerland #visitswitzerland #swisstravels #inlovewithswitzerland #travelideas #travelinspo #travelbloggerlife #medievalplaces #eurotravels

ALL ABOARD THE GLACIER EXPRESS! ✨

One of the highlights of visiting Switzerland is the train experiences! 🚊

There are a few notable, BUCKET LIST worthy trains that should be on your radar for Switzerland and the world renowned Glacier Express is one of them!

This luxury train has become known as “the slowest express train in the world.” It provides an elevated train travel experience with panoramic glass windows, a full array of drink options and 3-4 course meals (a la carte available).

Does the Glacier Express deserve a spot on your itinerary? Here are some things to consider:

It’s a ‘Let’s Go’ if:

🚊 you LOVE trains
🏞️ you REALLY appreciate scenic views
✨ you value unique experiences
⏳ the destinations you visit are flexible
🥂 you enjoy luxe & comfort

It may be a ‘Pass’ if:

💨 you like faster paced activities
⏳ very limited time on your trip
📍you can’t/don’t want to visit any of the places on the Glacier Express’s limited route
🥂you’re put off by luxury activities
💺you’re not okay with potentially sitting with other travelers at your table (BUT you can reserve seats by themselves in groups of 2 or 4 in advance IF they’re available).

💸 If you buy tickets for the Glacier Express specifically, it can run you anywhere from CHF 65pp (2nd class, shortest route, no food or drink) all the way to CHF 700+ pp (excellence class) and up depending on your route, class of ticket & food and beverage selections. I went in the First Class car for CHF 0 / $0 USD + the cost of my meal and beverages.

📰Want to know how? Subscribe to my free newsletter to learn all about navigating the Swiss rail system (link in bio)!

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#glacierexpress #switzerland #swisstravel #swisstrains #visitswitzerland #luxurytrains #traintravel #europetrains #traveltips #travelideas #travelersnotebooks #traveltheworld #travelingtheworld

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AN OBSESSION ⤵

Greetings, fellow travelers! My name is Amanda and I have an obsession with mountaineering.

Only, I’m not a mountaineer myself. I’m not even an aspiring one. I don’t climb or fare super well in altitude. Honestly, my idea of a challenging day on a mountain is doing a trail on a Sunday morning at Angeles National Forest with possibly an ice latte in hand. 😄

Ironically, I’m the opposite. I’m a scuba diver and deep sea diving is my absolute FAVORITE. 🌊

But, it has always fascinated me. I read all the mountaineering blogs & journals, watch all the Everest & K2 movies & documentaries.

I love the stories. Perhaps… it’s the intrigue of someone doing something incredibly challenging so they can say they did a thing, only the minor detail is… they could possibly die?

Actually heights have always made me queasy and sweaty palmed. Then… in 2021, I got a wild idea to stand at the summit of Pikes Peak (14,115 ft). The strong wind made me nervous. I felt slightly like throwing up when I looked down at the straight drop into nothingness below me. My palms drenched and tingly.

I mean, the exhilaration and massive, euphoric dopamine hit was palpable. It was rather glorious.

It was then that I kiiiind of understood it a liiiiittle more. Maybe.

Take Ulrich Inderbinen. He climbed and summited the Matterhorn (14,692 ft) over 370+ times in his lifetime. His final ascent was at the age of 90. 90?!

Perhaps mountaineering is so gripping because it’s a story of human capability. Dedication. Mental mastery. Defiance.

How do you feel about mountains? 🏔️

————————————————
#matterhorn #zermattmatterhorn #mountainstories #switzerland #inlovewithswitzerland #swissalps #traveler #travelideas #mustvisit

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AN OBSESSION ⤵

Greetings, fellow travelers! My name is Amanda and I have an obsession with mountaineering.

Only, I’m not a mountaineer myself. I’m not even an aspiring one. I don’t climb or fare super well in altitude. Honestly, my idea of a challenging day on a mountain is doing a trail on a Sunday morning at Angeles National Forest with possibly an ice latte in hand. 😄

Ironically, I’m the opposite. I’m a scuba diver and deep sea diving is my absolute FAVORITE. 🌊

But, it has always fascinated me. I read all the mountaineering blogs & journals, watch all the Everest & K2 movies & documentaries.

I love the stories. Perhaps… it’s the intrigue of someone doing something incredibly challenging so they can say they did a thing, only the minor detail is… they could possibly die?

Actually heights have always made me queasy and sweaty palmed. Then… in 2021, I got a wild idea to stand at the summit of Pikes Peak (14,115 ft). The strong wind made me nervous. I felt slightly like throwing up when I looked down at the straight drop into nothingness below me. My palms drenched and tingly.

I mean, the exhilaration and massive, euphoric dopamine hit was palpable. It was rather glorious.

It was then that I kiiiind of understood it a liiiiittle more. Maybe.

Take Ulrich Inderbinen. He climbed and summited the Matterhorn (14,692 ft) over 370+ times in his lifetime. His final ascent was at the age of 90. 90?!

Perhaps mountaineering is so gripping because it’s a story of human capability. Dedication. Mental mastery. Defiance.

How do you feel about mountains? 🏔️

————————————————
#matterhorn #zermattmatterhorn #mountainstories #switzerland #inlovewithswitzerland #swissalps #traveler #travelideas #mustvisit

CAN YOU VISIT SWITZERLAND ON A BUDGET? 🧐

This topic is discussed all over the internet. When I began planning this trip, I read article after article with the same grim message: “Best advice for those traveling to Switzerland on a budget: DON’T.” 😂

Do I agree? No.

Here’s why: the vast majority are traveling on SOME kind of budget- but budgets vary broadly. Also, we don’t believe in sweeping generalizations or limiting beliefs over here.

So let’s address this by sticking to facts:

• Switzerland ISN’T an inexpensive country. The starting point to circumvent this is to: plan, plan, plan ahead. It’s been a longgg time since I planned a trip out to a finite detail, but in order to maximize all possible savings, this was necessary. Want to know why? Subscribe to my free newsletter (link in bio and will link in stories) as we will take a deep dive into how to SAVE as much as possible when Switzerland planning.

💸 The degree you will be sticker shocked largely depends on where you currently live or have lived. For example, in SF you’re easily shelling out $20USD for a sando on a good day.

✈️ My flight from NYC to Switzerland was $320.80 USD and included a free daytime stopover in Lisbon Portugal! I heard about this flight from @hello_going. I keep telling y’all to sign up - link is in highlights under ‘Flight Deals’!

📷Photos # 1, 2 & 5: views from my hotel! I’m going to take you on a tour in my stories today so you can see what CHF 192 or $215USD per night gets you in Zermatt. There’s a range of stay options available from hostels to ultra luxe!

📷 Photos # 3 & 4: highly recommend this restaurant. Delish, warm service & much more inexpensive than many others similar (I compared many!)

📷 # 7 one of my favorite things I ate in Zermatt - CHF 4.50 or about $5.40USD from Brezelkönig (located in many train stations). You can always grab food at the grocery store as well!

💡Zermatt itself is not more expensive than exactly comparable destinations in the US - it will come down to planning, timing & prioritization of budget.

Follow @adventures.passport for more stays, dining & experiences at must visit destinations around the 🌎

#switzerland #zermatt

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