Krakow is a special place. As one of the oldest cities in Poland, this former capital is a culture-lover’s delight. This is especially true since much of its medieval core survived WWII relatively unscathed. From a stately castle and ornate churches to a rich Jewish history and incredible food scene, there are tons of unique […]
Europe
Pretty Palaces of Warsaw, Poland
When I first started planning my trip to Warsaw, Poland, I figured my time would be spent marveling at the restored medieval center and delving into the city’s extremely troubled WWII history. Little did I know that the best attractions in Warsaw would be ornately decorated palaces! While Warsaw Royal Castle was rebuilt from the […]
Essential Poland: Warsaw, Krakow, and Auschwitz
Poland is a nation of incredible beauty and terrible tragedy. Rarely have I felt so many conflicting emotions in one destination. But to travel there and overlook the past is impossible. As a Polish friend told me, everyone she knows has been affected in some way by war and occupation, whether through the loss of […]
Why You Need to Visit Lisbon in Winter
Winter sun in Europe can be as elusive as a unicorn. Even destinations you might expect to stay warm, like the Amalfi Coast and Istanbul, can be blanketed in fog or even snow. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I traveled to Lisbon in December, but I needn’t have worried. Thanks to the city’s […]
Fun Things to Do, See, Eat, and Drink in Porto
Porto, or Oporto, is a city in northern Portugal, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Porto’s 2000-year-old center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, notable for historic buildings of various architectural styles that showcase continuous growth and prosperity over the centuries. Porto’s prime location near sea trade routes ensured that the city’s port […]