Category Archives: D.O.T.W.

things to do, see, and experience in cities we love

Destination: Reykjavik, Iceland

Touching down at the Reykjavik airport is a bit like landing on the moon. Windswept volcanic lava flows cover the ground for miles, again covered by snow and ice, or green moss depending on the season. Sky blue water flows from under rocks and steam vents erupt in the distance, showing a hint of the country’s geothermal prowess.

snow-capped mountains

The temperatures are extreme and moon boots (or Uggs) are welcomed, if not completely mandatory for being comfortable in such seemingly inhospitable beauty. Thirty minutes down the road from the airport, one quickly discovers home base to this small nation in the quaint town of Reykjavik.

Colorful rooftops and an eclectic mix of stores, restaurants and bars line the small European style streets.

colorful rooftops

Walking down Bankastræti, the main street in  Reykjavik’s city centre, you’ll find stores selling Icelandic wool sweaters, backpacking gear, beautifully designed kitchen gadgets in a wide range of pastel colors, furniture carved using Scandinavian design principles and kids toys too cute to play with.

balloons

Icelandic meals

The traditional restaurants serve up rotten shark, shots of Cod liver oil and Skyr (a thick and delicious yogurt) while more modern approaches to cuisine feature Michelin star worthy food from around the globe. Down the hill near the water a beer festival takes place, where Viking descendants and plenty of tourists down pints of craft ale from Europe and the United States.

muskat

The drinks are made with novel ingredients and the bread is truly other worldly. Maybe it’s something in the water or something in the air or maybe it’s some secret Viking baker mojo. But if you go, eat the bread.

bread

nice view

For those looking to get a view from above, a helicopter ride over the city and surrounding volcanic mountains is well worth every large penny that it costs. The country’s power grid is completely supported by geothermal activity and from the sky it’s obvious that the land runs deep with energy. Volcanic lava vents cover the ground and steams rises from multiple peaks creating clouds of steam hundreds of feet in the air.

snow on ground

There are also frozen waterfalls of equal height and a clear view of two massive tectonic plates colliding. At first glance the island seems dormant but the longer you spend understanding it, the more it reveals itself as a living and breathing host to its inhabitants. Mid flight it’s mandatory to take a pit stop on one of the active volcanoes to sip a bit of champagne and take a couple #nofilter Instagram pics.

There are plenty of things to do and see during the day but night offers up its own bounty inside and outside of Reykjavik. Iceland is one of the best places to see the northern lights to witness solar clouds passing overhead like illuminated ghosts. People in the city party late into the night, listening to live music and dancing while most outside of the cosmopolitan enclave huddle around warm hearths with a book or a story and a few eager listeners. There are many beautiful lodges outside of town to do so in.

beautiful lodge

For a day trip outside of town it’s great to get out to the coast where the sea collides with rocky cliff sides and oceanic birds soar overhead.

nice day at the beach

There are tales of Viking landings as well as nuggets of volcanic rock on the beach, considered magical as they were blessed by nomadic trolls. One of the rock formations is named after a Viking ship and its not hard to see why.

sunset

There are seemingly few animals as you drive down endless roads but there are horses. And their ability to survive in this harsh ecosphere is apparent by thicker than normal fur and heavy manes. The horses in the barren field to the side stand steadfast in a circle. No shelter other than one another. I can only believe their ability to survive is a testament to thousands of years of genetic selection. Along the road there are farms brimming with activity (although I’m not sure what you can farm in the middle of winter) and plenty of houses that have seen better years, now standing only for photo ops.

house on beach

No trip to Iceland would be complete with at least one stop at one of the world’s most famous wonders (and tourist traps) The Blue Lagoon.

house on the water

Here you can bathe in natural springs heated by volcanic energy. The bottom of the lagoon is coated in silica rock that has healing powers and above the lagoon you can order a fresh juice or glass of champagne from the in-water bar. It’s a bit of scene but it’s also something that has to be seen, as is pretty much everything in this stunning country.

Eat, Drink and Be Arty in San Diego

Despite being one of the 10 largest cities in the country, San Diego has an easy breezy small town feel. Seventeen miles of coastline ring the city, bringing wafting ocean breezes to the collection of diverse neighborhoods that comprise it. Known for its sunshine, surf culture and laidback attitude, San Diego is coming into its own. Whether you have a week or a weekend to explore, we’ve gathered our top picks of must-sees in this sunny, seaside city, whatever your mood.

Get Caffeinated: Swell Café Mission Beach

 

Begin the day sipping coffee by the sea at the Swell Café in Mission Beach. Located a block from the ocean, the sweet smell of coffee mixes tantalizingly with an ocean breeze. The popular spot roasts its own beans while staying conscious of its impact on the environment. You won’t find any Styrofoam here. So, grab a cup “for here” and order from their diverse breakfast menu. From acai bowls to vanilla bean French toast, there is something delicious for everyone from the health-conscious to the less-so.

 

Get Arty: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego Downtown

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the architecture of our downtown location this Saturday! Join us for two FREE…

Posted by Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego on Wednesday, October 14, 2015

 

This offshoot of the larger MCASD space in La Jolla is worth a visit, especially if you’re under 25 (admission is free!). Dedicated to art made after 1950, the space is small and intimate with just a few quiet galleries to explore. Currently on display through February is Robert Irwin’s literally brilliant Light and Space, a room-sized installation of florescent light tubes. You can also interact with Judith Barry’s experiential video installation, Voice Off, an exploration of our interior and exterior voices made manifest at the same time.

 

Get Shopping: Junc Life in South Park

It takes a village to create holiday spirit! Start yours with one of these! #junclife #lifestyle #shopsmall #christmasvillage #gifts #decorations #shoplocal #accessories #southparksd

Posted by JUNC LIFE on Wednesday, December 16, 2015

 

From Downtown San Diego, the cozy and tree-lined enclave of South Park is less than a 10-minute drive away. Meander in and out of a bevy of boutiques, many of which specialize in local and artisanal goods. It’s like a well-curated Instagram account come to life. Junc Life bills itself as a “lifestyle mercantile” and carries new and vintage clothes, accessories, furniture and food. Its offerings are quirky, eclectic and often one-of-a-kind, just like the neighborhood itself.

 

Get Tipsy: Societe Brewing Company in Kearny Mesa

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Photo Courtesy of: Societe Brewing Company

San Diegans love their beer as evidenced by a booming craft brewery scene. More than 100 breweries entice locals and tourists alike to taste their specialties. Brewery-hopping tours have popped up in the last few years, but we suggest heading directly to the tasting room at Societe Brewing Company. Brewed on the premises, four distinct series of beers can be sipped and analyzed in a big open space. Get a bite from one of the food trucks that rotate throughout the week and if you plan to stay a while, grab a board game and play with your new beer-loving friends.

 

Get Down: RoofTop600 in the Gaslamp Quarter

Give yourself a midweek treat with drinks by the Rooftop600 at Andaz fire pit!

Posted by Rooftop600 at Andaz on Wednesday, April 9, 2014

 

Revelers of all kinds are drawn to the Gaslamp Quarter, the heart of San Diego’s booming nightlife scene. Victorian buildings are nestled among skyscrapers and a trolley chugs its way down the main drag. The walkable neighborhood makes bar- or club-hopping eminently doable, even in heels. Head up to RoofTop600 at Andaz. This poolside hotel lounge transforms into a club at night, complete with velvet ropes, fire pits, DJs and bottle service. But if Vegas-level clubbing isn’t your scene, there are plenty of other options all within stumbling distance.

 

 

How to do Vegas for People Who Don’t Do Vegas

We know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas but what if you’re the type that wants to remember everything? Maybe you’re the kind of person that wants an unforgettable itinerary instead of one to forget. It’s a common misconception that things to do in Las Vegas are usually reduced to buffets and casinos (and other gambles…). In fact, there’s a side to Las Vegas attractions that might make you a regular in no time.

 

Swim the Pools of the Strip

Encore Beach Club
Photo by: Almc1217 (Own work) under license CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Things to do in Vegas include a lot of options to pamper you like an A-lister. We know Lady Luck isn’t for everyone but poolside scenes rarely disappoint. A variety of designer visions against the desert backdrop will transform your outlook. Take advantage of some the most luxuriant pools in America at your pick of 5-star resorts. Most hotel pools don’t require you to be a guest. Simply get a day pass for a lounger or a cabana and indulge in some well-deserved R&R.

 


Head Back to Nature

Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas
Photo by flickr/Bureau of Land Management under license CC BY 2.0

Maybe a few heady days of indulgence will have you feeling like you need the cathartic effects of Mother Nature. Drive 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip for the pleasures of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: almost 200,000 acres of unique geologic formations, wildlife, hiking trails, horseback riding and picnic areas and more. The Mojave Desert landscape is positively ethereal so bring your camera to snap shots that people won’t believe are from your “Vegas trip.”

 


Get Eco-artsy

The Smith Center Las Vegas
Published with permission, photo by: Geri Kodey/The Smith Center

Fancy yourself an eco-traveler? Visit a building. Green enthusiasts and architecture buffs will appreciate a visit to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, the only arts center in the nation to earn Gold LEED certification. LEED, Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, awards best-in-class, sustainable architecture. These buildings manage resources more effectively, provide healthier environs for occupants and use clean energy. The gorgeous, Neo-Art Deco building is worth a visit for this reason alone but it also offers a variety of entertainment whether your taste is Broadway productions or Lyle Lovett acoustic, cabaret and more.

 


Indulge Your Inner Foodie

CarneVino_4161
Published with permission, photo by: Kelly Campbell

Las Vegas restaurants expend righteous resources to attract some of the best chefs in the world. Don’t miss out on the latest trends in gastronomy and mixology to satisfy your palate with strange and unique dishes, or even just some amazing interpretations on a classic, like pancakes. Start with a breakfast of red velvet pancakes. You’re welcome. A few pool laps later, you know what’s going to hit the right spot? Oxtail croquets. Hiking the long trail? By the time you get back downtown, you’ll be primed for Mario Batali’s world-famous, 240-day aged Riserva ribeye. If you need one last hurrah, then grab a nightcap of liquid nitrogen cocktails. Your pillow will never feel softer.

So you see, while Las Vegas is best known for certain indulgences, it’s a city that lets you define decadence however you wish. Enjoy!

21 Things You Must Do When Visiting Helsinki

Forget Reykjavik, Helsinki is the dreamy Nordic city you need to visit this year. From the culinary scene to the steaming saunas, to the boutique shopping (yes, shopping), Helsinki is booming with activities.

Nestled against the sea, Finland’s capital city offers everything you need for a holiday of adrenaline-filled adventures, luxurious pampering, or a combination of the two. And with Finnair’s stopover program, which lets you stop in Helsinki for up to five days on your way to or from select European and Asian destinations for no additional fee, it’s easier than ever to visit. 

Here are the 21 things to eat, see, and do that should be on your Helsinki itinerary.

21 Things to Do in Helsinki

  1. Sniff, swirl and sip natural wines at Baskeri & Basso.
  2. Explore Helsinki’s Central Park. The mystical forest park stretches across the city from north to south. Pro Tip: If you visit during the colder months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland which is best explored on cross-country skis. Rent a pair at the Paloheinä Recreational Center.
  3. Melt your worries away at Lonna, a traditional Finnish sauna.
  4. Tuck in at night surrounded by modern luxury at Hotel Lilla Roberts.
  5. Love Marimekko? Learn all about Finnish design culture at the Design Museum.
  6. Or make a day out of museum hopping with visits to the Helsinki Art Museum and the Helsinki City Museum
  7. Smell the hops and have a Finnish craft beer at Bryggeri. Whatever brew you order will go well with one of their pretzels. 
  8. Take an icy plunge in a fresh pool at Allas Sea Pool and then warm up with a steamy soak at the floating seap spa. 
  9. Take a 15-minute ferry ride to the islands of Suomenlinna, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fortress of Suomenlinna.
  10. Indulge in vegetarian comfort food at Yes Yes Yes!.
  11. Slurp the salmon soup at Kauppatori in Market Square. The famous market with a variety of food and craft stalls is also a good place to buy friends and family (or yourself) souvenirs. 
  12. Briefly get out of the city with a day trip to charming Porvoo. Roughly 30 miles from Helsinki, the historic city is known for brilliant red houses, cozy cafes and funky shops. 
  13. Listen to Finland’s emerging artists at Semifinal.
  14. Take a trip back in time at the Tram Museum
  15. Dance the night away at Los Cojones (the place is small but dancing on the table is allowed if not encouraged). 
  16. Spend an afternoon or a day wandering around Helsinki’s Kallio neighborhood. From its market square of Hakaniemi to its vintage shops it’ll be hard to tear yourself away from this part of the city.
  17. Stop by the Central Railway Station and marvel at 1919 National Romantic style building.
  18. Surround yourself in Art Nouveau architecture with a walk through the neighborhoods of  Katajanokka, Kruunuhaka or Eira.
  19. Put the pedal to medal cycling around the city by renting a city bike for the day or week. 
  20. Dine at the farm (hydroponic that is). Ultima grows a majority of its ingredients inside its restaurant thanks to an on-site hydroponic farm.
  21. Escape the bustle of the city with a walk around the bay in Töölönlahti park.

Gothenburg: The West Coast Gem of Sweden

ABBA. Ikea. Swedish meatballs. Many of us think we know Sweden, but there’s a whole lot more to this scenic Nordic country than you think. Head to the west coast, where you’ll find Gothenburg: a huge city with endless opportunities for adventure.

Let Nature Heal You in Gothenburg

In Gothenburg, you’ll find a peaceful openness that’s hard to come by elsewhere. Its many parks and gardens are the perfect setting for leisurely strolls and picnics. The Gothenburg Botanical Garden is home to 16,000 species of plants, and its greenhouses have the largest collection of tropical orchids in Sweden.

gothenburg botanical gardens

If you want to enjoy Gothenburg like a local, make your way to Slottsskogen — Gothenburg’s main park. Aside from dreamy views, you might run into elks, Gotland ponies, Gute sheep, and other friendly creatures at their zoo.

Cap it all off with a visit to Jonsered Gardens, which dates back to the 1800s. It’s green as far as the eye can see, and every photo you snap promises to be 100% Instagram-worthy.

Get Active

Gothenburg is a dream come true for cyclists. Regardless of your fitness level, you’ll love biking through the woods, around the lakes, and along the coast. Stunning country roads line Gothenburg’s beaches and fields. People traveling on foot also love the many trails, paths, and city streets.

gothenburg walking trail

Many locals will tell you that Gothenburg is the place to be for rock climbing, too. Take a boat to the island of Hönö for bouldering or visit the cliffs of Utby for the ultimate experience. If you prefer a more controlled environment, they have plenty of indoor rock climbing, too.

Don’t forget that the archipelago (which is made up of over 20 islands!) affords the best opportunities for unforgettable time spent on the water. Grab a paddle and give canoeing, paddleboarding, or kayaking a try, whether you hit the archipelago, the city canals, or the inland lakes.

If you want to try your hand at reeling in the next big catch, Gothenburg is the place to be — with its lobster safaris and fishing tours.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

If you want to kick back and loosen up, Gothenburg has a wide selection of bars to visit. Bar Centro is known for wines made from organically-grown grapes. Somm is another local favorite for dozens of luxurious libations.

You’ll undoubtedly get hungry on your Gothenburg adventure. Start by hitting up some of the city’s most popular breakfast joints. Kafé Magasinet serves sourdough bread from their in-house bakery and freshly ground organic coffee — the makings of a breakfast fit for royalty.

De Matteo is a local coffee shop chain known for their breakfast buffet, carrying bread, cheese, jam, porridge, juice, and coffee.

We’re not drooling. You’re drooling.

Being surrounded by so much water, you can expect the seafood in the city to be unparalleled. Fiskekrogen is where locals go for a delectable seafood platter and fishcakes. If you want a really fancy experience, head to Restaurang vRå, which seats only 40 guests and combines traditional Swedish ingredients with Japanese flavors. The sushi and raw food experience is unlike any other.

Discover More Things to Do

Whether you have kids to entertain or you’re just a big kid yourself, Liseberg (Scandinavia’s biggest amusement park) is a winner. Enjoy its many rides, carousels, and concerts.

Satisfy your inner artist and visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art. Its Nordic collections date back to the 15th century, and you’re guaranteed to experience countless historic works of art.

Do museums pique your interest? Make your way to Universeum and it’s like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. All under one roof, you can explore a rainforest, enjoy an enormous aquarium, and play witness to its many exotic animals. While it’s certainly family-friendly, any adult can get happily lost here for hours.

No matter what your style is, Gothenburg has something for you. The city’s nightlife is alive and well. Lounge(s) is a local favorite, made up of several rooms and floors, all of which are built to entertain, right up to the rooftop. You’ll never get bored with the club’s variety of decor, music, and bars. It’s like visiting multiple bars without ever needing to leave.

To better immerse yourself in the city’s history, visit Valand. It’s one of Gothenburg’s oldest nightclubs, where people have been cutting loose since the 1900s. Admire the old artwork and dazzling crystal chandeliers.

If you want to step outside the box, Yaki-Da is the place to go. The club is famous for its extravagant coffee bar, which presumably helps keep you awake to hang out on the dance floor longer while taking breaks to enjoy the open-air terrace.

To all nature-lovers, nightclub-goers, foodies, and beyond — Gothenburg will never let you down.

If you want to learn more about the Nordic countries, read our article on Reykjavik, Iceland.

How to Enjoy Mardi Gras (On a Shoestring Budget)

The Big Easy is one of the most expensive destinationsfor U.S. travelers, and prices usually skyrocket by 300% during the Carnival season and Mardi Gras. At “the greatest free show on earth”, the good times roll. But so do your debit and credit cards. So, what’s a would-be reveler to do? Use these budget-savvy tips to let loose and have fun without breaking your bank. 

Make a Plan

Whether you’re visiting The Backstreet Cultural Museum, joining the Shreve Town Walking Parade, or dancing non-stop at Pygmalion Fest, map out your plans. If you’re going to Bacchus and Endymion, two of the biggest parades of the season, grab a spot at least four hours early because the front-row ends up being four or five people deep. And don’t forget that the weather god is the one who actually rules over the Carnival season. Check the weather forecast: there might be icy sleet or sunny heat.

Check for Cancellations

“February 11 is the first major parade that happens. If you come for that instead of the last weekend, it’s not as expensive because more hotels are available. Then you get to experience the rest of New Orleans as well,” says Kelley Troia from Clandestine. If you’re a carnival reveler who hasn’t sealed the deal on accommodations, don’t worry.  While most five-star hotels are booked by December (and require a four-day minimum stay), you can still check for cancellations and be put on a waiting list. Suburban hotels in Metairie, Kenner, or Gretna also are much cheaper. Even if you can’t secure a keycard, there are plenty of RV campsites and homes (or at least bedrooms) available as the countdown to Mardi Gras madness begins. 

Reboot an Old Costume

Costumes are to Carnival as bacon is to eggs. When it comes to getups, the only rule is that there are no rules. “It’s Halloween times ten,” says Andrea Kolasinski Marcinkus, the Dean of Academic Affairs at The Illinois Institute of Art. “The more brightly colored and crazy, the better.” You can slather yourself in fluorescent body paint and cut-outs from cardboard boxes.  Or you can plunge into your closet and dig out Halloween costumes, ugly Christmas sweaters, or bridesmaid’s dress. Then fire up your glue gun, and stick on sequins, feathers, beads, or rhinestones. If you don’t want to suit up, you’ll blend right in wearing layers of purple, green, and gold. 

Hoof it 

Avoid traffic that makes rush hour seem fun and taxis that get nowhere near the action.  Mardi Gras Virgin? Make sure to slip on a pair of comfy, closed-toes shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. And stick a couple of band-aids in your back pocket. Got to go faster? Rent a cruiser, tandem, or mountain bike.  They often come with free helmets, locks, baskets, and lights for night riding. Or better yet, use public transportation. A visiTOUR card costs $5 per day and gives you unlimited rides on all buses and streetcars. You also can instantly pay for your fare on the RTA GoMobile app, without the hassle of counting coins and cash. 

Eat Cheap

From wedding cake-flavored “sno-balls” filled with ice cream to po’boys stuffed with shrimp and French fries, New Orleans has some of America’s best grub. Unfortunately, local restaurants usually jack up their prices during Mardi Gras. Want to enjoy it without leaving your wallet hung over?Check for coupons and hit up inexpensive eateries like Café Beignet, Camellia Grill, 13 Monaghan, or The Joint.

Bring a Go Cup 

In New Orleans, you can walk the streets with open containers of alcohol—and not just during Mardi Gras. If you want to take your Hurricanes, Hand Grenades, and store-bought spirits with you from bar to bar or parade to parade, use a plastic “go cup” (no cans or bottles); they’re available at the door of every bar. But they’re the hardest-to-get and most sought-after parade throws. “At a young age, we’re taught to always grab them, even if it meant scuffling under floats and between marching bands,” says Becca Miller, a social media specialist at Pet Paradise Resort. Beware: “there ain’t no place to pee during Mardi Gras Day,” says Benny Grunch. Some places along parade routes sell $5 wristbands that allow unlimited use of their bathrooms. Though, free restrooms are so hard to find that you’ll actually see porta-potties strapped to the back of pickup trucks.

Last Note

While Mardi Gras has a reputation as a laid-back, anything-goes extravaganza, there are some sure-fire ways to get into (legal) trouble. Outside of the French Quarter, it’s illegal to flash your naughty bits for beads.  It’s also possible to be arrested for hitting the bottle too hard. But “you’ve got to be intoxicated where you’re a danger to yourself or others,”  says Nick Gernon, the commander of the New Orleans Police Department’s 8th District. Still, ambulance rides and medical bills are expensive ways to sober up.

Five of the Most Captivating Places to Visit Before You’re 30

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. While the phrase is a little on the cheesy side, it’s also laden with truth. Taking a trip to lands afar is an enriching and life-altering experience. What’s more, there are some choice locations around the globe that should be on everyone’s hit list. With that thought in mind, let’s take a look at just five of the most captivating places to visit before you’re 30.

1. Havana, Cuba

Highlights: Vintage cars, strong rum, and rich heritage 

havana, cuba

Is half of your heart in Havana? It should be. The Cuban city is a must-see for anyone with a case of wanderlustwhere there’s no escaping the friendly and inviting vibe of the region. The people are certain to welcome you with open arms, while there’s never a shortage of intriguing sights to see. 

While you’re there, be sure to take a trip to the Habana Vieja (‘Old Havana’) quarter, a charming area with a true bohemian spirit and some remarkable colonial buildings. Of course, you will also want to hit up the rum bars, which are ever-flowing,and treat yourself to a tipple. It’s worth taking a wander along the back streets to find the more authentic drinking houses as many of the main street optionscan bereal tourist-traps. 

2. Lisbon, Portugal 

Highlights: Historic trams, decorative tiles, and pasteis de nata 

lisbon, portugal

The vibrant and colorful capital of Portugal has soared in popularity in recent yearsand it’s clear to see why. The hilly city is a whimsical urban area that everyone should see at least once. While 19th Century trams glide up and down the streets, the iconic red 25 de Abril Bridge looms over the river. Be sure to visit both São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower.

The Portuguese cuisine you’ll find here is meat and fish-heavy, although there are a few more contemporary vegan restaurants popping up,too. Heading to Timeout Market is an essential part of the Lisbon experience. The late-night food hall is packed with unique eateries, cafes, and bars. When it comes to dessert, you can’t go wrong with a fresh pastel de nata,a traditional egg tart, whichtastes unforgettable when topped with cinnamon.  

3. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Highlights: Stunning beaches, bustling nightlife, and amazing sights

rio de janeiro, brazil

Surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains and remarkable beaches, Rio De Janeiro is truly a sight to behold. Aside from the Instagrammable spots dotted around the metropolis, this is also a place of music and bustling nightlife. From rock and hip hop to the Latino rhythms and beats of samba, you’re sure to find your own personal sound in one of the numerous after dark venues around the city streets. 

During the daylight hours, it’s time to relax and recuperate. Head to Copacabana beach or one of the many other golden-sanded spots here and spend a day in the sun. You can pass the hours by surfing, playing beachside games, or simply sipping on a cocktail. 

4. Sydney, Australia 

Highlights: Shimmering sun, lively streets, and the Opera House

sydney, australia

The gloriously immense harbor is the beating heart of Sydney. This city of epic proportions is one that everyone should cast their eyes upon at some point. When you reach the vast and impressive place, you may not know where to start. Heading toward the water is a great idea, since you can take in both the astounding Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in one camera shot. 

However, there’s so much more to this city than its major tourism points. The restaurant and cafe scene here is massive and there’s a broad variety of cuisines available. From the numerous sushi bars to gelato shops and quaint cafes, you’ll never be at a loss for places to stop off and have a rest. 

5. Barcelona, Spain 

Highlights: Whimsical architecture, museums, and las Ramblas 

barcelona, spain

If you’re a self-proclaimed culture vulture, heading to Barcelona in Spain should be at the top of your bucket list. The Catalan city is brimming with points of interest and museums, including the Museu Picasso and the MACBA contemporary art museum. Head down las Ramblas and each side-street you take will whisk you to a new corner of the city.The area is also filled with street performers, shops, and tapas bars. 

The city is speckled with the architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, the father of Catalan Modernism. The designs of his buildings are as unique as they are whimsical and make for ideal vacation Snap backdrops. You can find his creations, including the famous Sagrada Família cathedral, around the streets of Barcelona. If youhave a love of this style, you will also want to visit Park Güell where you can see more of his work.

I Heart Miami in One Day

We’ve talked about the romantic value of one-day long, epic day adventures. The idea is simple: hold hands with someone you love, or go sublime and solo, but binge on the flavor of a new city as if you had only one day to capture it all.

This month we visit Miami to explore parts that go beyond bikini-clad beaches. You can find lists all over the web about the hottest nightclubs and party spots in town, but next time you’re in the Magic City, consider this one-day itinerary that takes you to a different kind of wild life in Miami.

 

How to Spend a Day in Miami

A Cuban coffee is the only way most people start the day in Miami, so head for Bill Baggs National Park in Key Biscayne and begin your adventure with a classic Cuban breakfast at the Lighthouse Café. Located in the marina, you’ll enjoy a classic Florida scene of boaters pulling up for fuel and food.

cuban cafe
Photo by: flickr/Jeff Rocks under license CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

 

Then, rent a cycle and ride a quaint grassy seaside trail to the actual lighthouse. 

Crandon Park Miami

 You’ll enjoy pastoral seascapes of vegetation and wildlife all along this path that ends at the actual Cape Florida Lighthouse on the beach.  Be prepared to cross off many birds on the Audubon list.

Bird in Miami Beach

There are official tours offered for the lightkeeper’s quarters and grounds, but the glory of the moment is definitely a climb to the top for majestic, drone-quality views of the coast. Well-done for a morning on the tip of the country.

Cape_Florida_Lighthouse_(133476516)
Photo by: Ken Bosma (Cape Florida Lighthouse) CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Leave the isle of Key Biscayne via the picturesque Rickenbacker Causeway and head for the artier side of things with a visit to the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). Stroll exhibitions of modern art that wonder on the Poetics of Relation and other steamy subjects. Discuss over lunch at Verde, the museum’s spectacular café situated right on Biscayne Bay.

Flickr Hector A parayuelos _ Perez_Art
Photo by: Hector A Parayuelos under license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

 

Then, head for less civilized things.

Head south on a leisurely drive down the scenic and historic Old Cutler Road for Coral Castle. Back in 1920, a young Latvian named Ed Leedskalnin came to America on the heels of a spurned engagement. He spent decades here, at the edge of the Everglades, in solitude, working on a “castle” made of megalithic stones. Like the great pyramids of Egypt, it’s still an official mystery how exactly Ed carved and moved these massive stones (weighing tons) into the fantastical juxtapositions you find here, but it’s fun to debate the theories as you explore this kitsch-y Miami attraction reminiscent of Old Florida.

flickr Coral Castle
Photo by: flickr/psyberartist under license CC BY 2.0

 

Afterward, keep heading south towards the agricultural section of Miami where you’ll spot authentic nurseries and farmer’s goods dotting the roadsides along Krome Avenue.

Krome Ave MIami

Follow along until you arrive at Robert is Here. One of the oldest establishments in the area, it’s come a long way from its original, austere “shake stand” persona to a fully-stocked farmer’s market with house samples of the sweetest mangos you’ll ever taste. Of course, you’re here at Robert is Here for the strawberry shake. Don’t be daunted by the line; it’s worth it.

Robert is Here Homestead, FL

As dusk starts to approach, head for the almost final stop of your day: the Anhinga Trail at Everglades National Park. Open 24 hours, you can enter any time for an otherworldly drive through the famous, uninterrupted terrain of the Everglades. Your first turn-off is the Anhinga Trail, which offers paved and elevated boardwalks that take you right to the wildlife action happening in the waters below.

We’re talking gators.

 Everglades Alligator

As dusk turns to sunset, you’ll see alligators trailing the waters with their trademark snouts gliding past unsuspecting prey. Dusk is the best time for wildlife viewing, as well as one of the most scenic times of day to view the vast Everglades’ river of grass.

Everglades sunset

You’re now set for the best night’s sleep but if you’ve got the mojo to keep going, head back north to Miami Beach to grab a seat by a fading pool in an old hostel with the best cocktails this side of mixology at Broken Shaker. Cheers!

Broken Shaker

And now you know. Miami struts to the beat of salsa as much as the swamp. Next time you’re here, take a wander in the city of which Iggy Pop said, “…is nothing like me, and that’s why I need to be here – it’s the opposite. I’m practical, where this place is moody, I’m stolid in my interior, where this place has a certain flair, and I’m materialistic in a sense that this place is fundamentally spiritual – there’s a quicksilver quality about this place.” Exactly Iggy.

I Heart Manhattan in One Day

Teeming with an intoxicating array of sights, sounds, and smells as diverse as the more than 1.6 million people who live here, Manhattan can be an intimidating place to dip your toe into for the first time, especially if you only have a day in The City, as New Yorkers call it. But never fear. We’ve put together an itinerary that blends the very best of the very old with the very new, taking you through five of the borough’s most iconic neighborhoods. It’s a day to stimulate passionate conversation, get you existentially inspired, and deepen your connection with the one you love, whether you just met on the LIRR or you’ve been together for years.

Channel the spontaneity and curiosity of Jesse and Céline as they explore all corners of Vienna in the cult classic, Before Sunrise, and sink your teeth into the massive metropolis known as Manhattan for one unforgettable day.

Breakfast at Café Sabarsky

Begin on the Upper East Side at Café Sabarksy, a Viennese café tucked into the first floor of the Neue Galerie. Its dark wood paneling and grand ceilings will make you feel like a member of the 19th-century Austrian intelligentsia. Wake up with one of their eight Viennese coffee specialties and indulge in a decadent brioche slathered with crème fraiche. Don’t worry. You’ll burn it off later.

Café Sabarsky

The Metropolitan Museum

A few blocks away is The Met, an imposing labyrinth of priceless rarities and divine inspiration so massive you could visit every Sunday for 40 years and still not see it all. Get lost among the galleries filled with awe-inspiring displays of passion, yet often empty of other people. Ponder the artistic urge and human drive for self-expression throughout history.

The Metropolitan Museum

Ride Down 5th Avenue

Give your eyes a moment to adjust from the darkened museum as you emerge back into city life on Fifth Avenue. Wait for an express city bus (an M1, M2, M3, M4 will work) outside the museum and let the city wash over you as you roll past Central Park and through Midtown, heading down to Bryant Park.

5th Avenue

Picnic of Kati Rolls in Bryant Park

There is no place like Bryant Park, a magical oasis of lush greenness nestled among some of the world’s tallest, shiniest buildings. Just around the corner from this urban arcadia is the Kati Roll Company, a hole-in-the-wall lunch spot that cooks up all kinds of savory kati rolls, the Indian street food originating in Kolkata. In Bryant Park, find one of the iconic green metal café tables and devour your aloo masala while debating your favorite artwork from the morning.

Kati Rolls

Friendly Competition at Fat Cat

Next, take the F train down to Fat Cat in the West Village, a cavernous underground playground for jazz musicians and table tennis enthusiasts. It’s the perfect venue for cheap beer and friendly competition accompanied by live jazz music as ping-pong balls clack against all surfaces.

Fat Cat

Stroll on the High Line

Since the High Line opened in 2009, New Yorkers have flocked to this unique park situated on an abandoned elevated train track, basking in the views and lounging amid the wild vegetation. Before heading up the steel staircase on 14th and 9th Avenue, pick up a picnic at the new Gansevoort Market. You can get a crepe, lobster roll, Thai curry, or all of the above to eat as you watch the sun set over the Hudson. For dessert: a seasonally flavored People’s Pop.

The High Line

Get Down at the Up & Up

Meander over the uneven cobblestone streets of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District toward Greenwich Village, taking in the converted warehouses and contemplating the nature of urban evolution. Unpretentious speakeasy is not an oxymoron when it comes to Up & Up, a little bar located a few steps below street level.

Up and Up

Washington Square Park

And finally, stumble into Washington Square Park, a source of inspiration for everyone from Jane Jacobs to Harmony Korine, and continue your tête-à-tête until the sun rises over beautiful Manhattan.

Washington Park

Escape the Cold in the Seychelles

If paradise exists, it’s located roughly 1,000 miles east of Kenya and mainland Africa in the Indian Ocean. Seychelles is a cluster of 115 islands, cays, and atolls. It has talcum-powder beaches lapped by turquoise waters, strange and ancient forests, thriving coral reefs, and a sublime laid-back tempo. Famed for its biodiversity, you can expect to wander among coco-de-mer palms, black parrots, and Aldabra giant tortoises.

 

Anse Intendance

A remote spot nestled in southwest Mahé, Anse Intendance feels like a lost world. It’s got turquoise waters and a mangrove-lined jungle backdrop. Framed by prehistoric-looking granite boulders, it has white coral sands, swaying palm trees, and corner after corner of sun-kissed seclusion.

Though it’s one of Seychelles’ most popular beaches, Anse Intendance doesn’t have a coral reef to protect it from the open ocean. This makes for larger, stronger waves that draw surfers and bodyboarders in droves.

 

Vallée de Mai

“There’s nowhere on earth like the Vallee de Mai,” says Dr. Christopher Kaiser-Bunbury, an ecology professor at The University of Exeter. It’s one of only two places in the world where coco-de-mer palms grow in their natural state. “Their giant leaves blot out the sky,” he says.

Vallée de Mai National Park_Stock Connection

Bird Island

Bird Island is surrounded by water that’s so clear it looks like it’s floating on air. With endless stretches of white sand and coconut palms, the 170-acre coral cay is a birding hotspot. It has a year-round population of more than 20 different bird species, including fairy terns, Eurasian hobbies, and whimbrels.

Bird Island Seychelles

It has a resident pod of spinner dolphins and manta rays. Hawksbill and green sea turtles also lay their eggs here, undisturbed. Aldabra giant tortoises roam safely and freely (and, it must be said, very slowly) around the island, nibbling grasses, woody stems, and leaves. The 550-pound reptiles are an astonishing sight with their huge domed shells, big scaly legs, and oddly ancient faces.

With only 24 bungalows to welcome guests, Bird Island in Seychelles leaves you with a true “castaway” feeling.

 

Anse Source d’Argent

In the age of photo filters, it’s easy to think that Anse Source d’Argent might not live up to its postcard images. However, this public beach in Seychelles doesn’t disappoint. It’s a mixture of emerald waters, incredibly soft, white sands, and pink granite formations that appear to change colors throughout the day. Plus, it’s a mecca for moviemakers. (It was used as a backdrop for Emanuelle, Crusoe, and Castaway, as well as the famous Bacardi ads of the 1990s.)

Anse Source d'Argent

Anse Source d’Argent is quite popular. If the crowds are too much for you, wade south through the shallows. You’ll probably spot endangered humphead wrasses, moray eels, octopus, and even baby blacktip reef sharks (no worries, they’re harmless). Or, take the path along the back of the beach and you’ll feel like you have an uninhabited piece of paradise all to yourself. Here, you’ll also find little, palm-covered shacks, where you can get fresh coconut water and fruit smoothies.

To reach the beach, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee to L’Union Estate, which also entitles you to explore its park and museum, where you can see vanilla plantations, giant tortoises, and an old boatyard.

Le Jardin Du Roi

Sitting on the hilly terrain above Anse Royale, Le Jardin Du Roi is the reconstruction of Pierre Poivre’s 18th-century spice garden. The 23-year-old garden is steeped in the aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, citronella, nutmeg, and clove. Avocado, lychee, starfruit, and macadamia nut trees also throw shade.

Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden
Image via Pixabay

Take a guided hike around the 87-acre orchard-crossed-with-forest where you can learn about the spice trade and view artifacts like marble mortars and brass pepper grinders at the planter’s one-room museum.  If you’re feeling peckish, try the Creole-style restaurant with special “Plantation Lunches” served on Sundays.