Day 1: Driving the Ring Road in Iceland | Keflavik to Vik
Day 1: Driving the Ring Road in Iceland | Keflavik to Vik

Immediately upon our arrival in Iceland, we loaded up our rental car and set off on Route 1.  Iceland's Ring Road, or Route 1, is the main highway that circles around the island.  It connects all of the small towns dotted around the coast and is the most popular route for tourists hoping to explore the country.  Our first day was extremely ambitious, especially after coming off a sleepless red-eye flight.  Might as well start off the trip with a bang.  We drove counter-clockwise on the Ring Road, starting with one of our favorite region's of Iceland: the South Coast.  Our first day included countless waterfalls, puffins, black sand beaches, and lupines as far as the eye can see.

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IcelandAlison MullisRing Road, Road TripComment
How Much Does it Cost to Go to Iceland?
How Much Does it Cost to Go to Iceland?

If you haven't already heard it from everyone else, let me be the first to tell you: Iceland is expensive.  Super expensive.  Iceland is currently ranked as the 3rd most expensive country in the world.  During our visit, we tried to limit expenses where we could without limiting experiences.  We did everything we wanted (within reason... unfortunately, no helicopter rides over the gorgeous landscape), but for the lowest price we could swing.  In this guide, I break down everything we spent money on and how to reduce your expenses while in Iceland.

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Europe, Iceland, Budget, Most PopularAlison MullisBudget Comments
The 10 Things You Must Do in Florence, Italy
The 10 Things You Must Do in Florence, Italy

Florence is the ideal base to explore the gorgeous Tuscany region.  Florence is known for its art & culture, stunning landscapes, exceptional architecture, and cuisine.  We stayed in Florence for 3 nights.  However, we took day trips to Siena and Pisa, so really only had 24 hours to explore Florence itself.  If you only have a short amount of time in the city, here are the 10 things you must do while in Florence.

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Europe, Italy, Editor's PickAlison MullisFlorence, HoneymoonComment
A Perfect Two-Day Itinerary for Venice, Italy
A Perfect Two-Day Itinerary for Venice, Italy

Prior to going, we heard a lot of mixed opinions about Venice.  Either it was a completely overrated tourist trap or the most magical and romantic city in Europe.  Our opinion sided closer with the later.  This alluring floating city of marble palaces was the perfect first stop for our honeymoon.  We visited Venice in late May, right before the busy summer season.  While there was a fair amount of tourists crowding San Marco's square, it could have been worse.  Two days felt like the perfect amount of time to spend in Venice.  Here is an outline of what we did while in Venice.

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Italy, Europe, Most PopularAlison MullisVenice Comments
Making the Most of Disney Theme Parks as an Adult
Making the Most of Disney Theme Parks as an Adult

It might surprise families, but Disney theme parks are actually quite popular for adults without kids.  Disney World has repeatedly been ranked as the #1 domestic Honeymoon in the United States.  Realizing this growing demographic, Disney has been doing more in the recent years to cater to childless adults.  You can enjoy the parks in a lot of the same ways you did as a kid, but there are also many more new experiences now that you have disposable income, no curfew, and an ability to drink.  We have been to Disney parks twice in the last year: to Disneyland for a 2nd smaller Honeymoon and to Disney World for my birthday.  Here is our guide to making the most of Disney Theme Parks as an adult.

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United States, North America, Editor's PickAlison MullisFlorida, California, Disney World, Disneyland Comments
20 Podcasts to Listen to On Your Next Trip
20 Podcasts to Listen to On Your Next Trip

While travel can be full of adventure and exploring, there is bound to be some downtime while on the move to your next destination.  Whether you are on a plane, train or automobile, here are some podcasts to keep you occupied as you travel the world.  There are now thousands of podcasts meant to entertain, inform, or distract.  Unlike movies, podcasts allow you to watch the scenery as you listen.

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Editor's Pick, Travel TipsAlison Mullis Comments
Scenic Day Trip to Siena from Florence, Italy
Scenic Day Trip to Siena from Florence, Italy

Florence is amazing, but to truly experience Tuscany – get out of the big city.  Siena is a medieval city in the heart of Tuscany, just an hour bus ride away from Florence.  It is most famous for a horse race, Palio, which is hosted twice a year (July 2nd and August 16th).  I'd recommend skipping this experience and instead visit for the food, gorgeous views, museums, and architecture.  Even if you are short on time while in Florence, a day break to Siena is a must do!

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Italy, EuropeAlison MullisSiena, Florence, Day Trip Comments
How to Use Credit Card Rewards for a Free Two Week European Vacation
How to Use Credit Card Rewards for a Free Two Week European Vacation

Imagine going on your dream European Honeyoon without the crazy four to five-figure bill?  Maximizing credit rewards and points, you can cover all your airfare, accomodations, and all the additional expenses you accrue on vacation.  I get it, credit cards are scary.  They weren't applauded by any means in my family growing up.  Being the frugal, risk-adverse, deal seeking weirdo I was, I got a cashback credit card as soon as I turned 18.  It was not until a couple years ago, the more I got into travel, that I learned about the ample ways to use or "hack" credit cards to get pretty much free travel.  In this guide, I will break down how to get two weeks worth of travel for free just by applying and meeting minimum spends on a few credit cards.

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Travel TipsAlison MullisBudget, Honeymoon Comments
The Ultimate Northern France Itinerary: Normandy, Loire Valley, and Paris
The Ultimate Northern France Itinerary: Normandy, Loire Valley, and Paris

Home of grand and impressive castles, spectacular cliffs, historical WWII monuments, a city built on a rock off the coast, picturesque gardens, and breathtaking cathedrals: Northern France is a must visit!  This region has so much to offer and so much great food to enjoy.  We spent a week driving around Normandy and Loire Valley before settling in Paris for another 5 days.  

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Europe, FranceAlison MullisItinerary, Loire Valley, Normandy, Paris Comments
The 5 Most Magnificent Castles of the Loire Valley, France
The 5 Most Magnificent Castles of the Loire Valley, France

The fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley were built during the Renaissance era and stretch between the cities Orléans and Angers along the Loire river or its tributaries.  These impressive castles are a must visit when exploring Northern France.  Nowhere else in the world is there such an ensemble of majestic monuments of fortune and history.  Overwhelming is an understatement when describing these castles.  Here is our list of the 5 most beautiful Loire Valley châteaux.

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Europe, FranceAlison MullisRomantic, Castles, Loire Valley Comments
Exploring the Greek Isles on a Cruise
Exploring the Greek Isles on a Cruise

After a whirlwind 8-day trek through Italy by train, we were ready to slow down for the second part of our honeymoon – a 10-day cruise through the Greek Isles.  While the pace might have been a bit slower, it was still filled with exciting adventures and amazing memories.  Whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, deep blue waters, and the rich history of Greece are just some of the reasons why Greece is time and time again on the top list for Honeymoon destinations.  When picking a route through the mediterrean, our priorites were Santorini and Turkey.  Shortly after booking, Turkey got replaced by Rhodes, due to political unrest and safety concerns.  We were still beyond excited! Beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and watching sunsets from the balcony were calling our names.

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Europe, GreeceAlison MullisRome, Santorini, Mykonos, Romantic, Honeymoon Comments
4-Night Bahamas Cruise on Enchantment of the Seas
4-Night Bahamas Cruise on Enchantment of the Seas

Sometimes you just need a quick break from reality, need to relax, and take things at a slower pace.  A cruise is a perfect way to do just that.  You get to explore multiple places in one trip without the hassle of re-packing your bags.  A cruise is like an all-inclusive resort ... that moves!  After the cruise we took for our honeymoon in June 2017, we were eager to get back to a boat.  A short, 3 or 4-night cruise provides a great getaway at an affordable price.  Here is an overview of what we did, how much it costs, and tips from our experience.

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Central America, Bahamas, Budget, United StatesAlison MullisCruise Comments
Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Key West
Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Key West

Key West, Florida is a small 7-sq mile island part of the Florida Keys archipelago.   It is home to the southern-most point of the continental US, residences of famous Americans, beautiful pastel Caribbean-style homes, dozens of bars on the famous Duval Street, and great beaches and snorkeling spots.  Due to its small size and high density of sights, it is an extremely walkable city.  We arrived in Key West via Cruise ship which docks right in the center, perfect for a fun (and completely free) day of exploring this eccentric island.

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Florida, United StatesAlison MullisKey West, Walking Tour, Cruise Comments
24 Practical Tips for Sustainable Travel
24 Practical Tips for Sustainable Travel

Travel allows us to experience new cultures, explore interesting places, meet new people, try amazing food, and see the world.  This would not be possible without the one thing we all share: the Earth.  Inadvertently tourists can destroy the very thing they want to see.  While traveling does result in negative by-products for our globe, like through carbon emissions from air travel, there are practical ways to lessen your impact and be more sustainable while you travel.

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Travel Tips, Most Popular, BudgetAlison Mullissustainable Comments
Caldera and Cable Cars: The Perfect Day in Santorini, Greece
Caldera and Cable Cars: The Perfect Day in Santorini, Greece

It is hard to put into words how beautiful the cliff-perched towns and stunning sea views are.  Santorini is a caldera or large crater formed by a volcano.  The crater is mostly submerged and what remains is the 5 islands that make up the Santorini group.  The main island of Thera is where you will likely spend all of your time.  To start off with, one day in Santorini is certainly not enough.  We arrived by cruise ship and were severely limited with what we could explore on the island in that time.  

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Greece, Europe, Most Popular, BudgetAlison MullisHoneymoon, Romantic, One Day, SantoriniComment
Is it Worth Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
Is it Worth Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most well-known landmarks in Italy.  It is also extremely popular among tourists.  The tower is actually just a bell tower adjacent to the gorgeous Pisa Cathedral, which is a part of the larger Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles).  Despite its popularity, does Pisa deserve a spot on your limited time in Tuscany? Here, we outline 5 reasons not to go and 3 reason to make the journey to Pisa.  

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Europe, Italy, Editor's PickAlison MullisPisa, Monument, Leaning Tower of Pisa Comments
Half-Day in the Stunning Mykonos, Greece
Half-Day in the Stunning Mykonos, Greece

The few hours we spent in Mykonos was our first taste of Greece and what cemented our eagerness to explore more.  For our honeymoon, we were on a 9-day Mediterranean cruise that stopped at 4 ports in Greece and 3 in Italy.  Our first Greek port was the gorgeous Mykonos!  Prior to leaving, Mykonos was near the bottom of our list of what we were most excited for.  However, after we were done exploring Mykonos town, it was our number one place to go back in Greece.  

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Editor's Pick, Greece, EuropeAlison MullisFree, Mykonos, Cruise Comments
Disney's Wild Africa Trek Experience
Disney's Wild Africa Trek Experience

What better way to celebrate my birthday this year than crossing a rope ladder over crocodiles or eating lunch overlooking the Savannah?  After booking a last-minute trip to Disney World, I had one thing at the top of my list of must-dos: the Wild Africa Trek.  Disney's Wild Africa Trekis a 3-hour privately-guide VIP experience in Animal Kingdom's Africa section.  You are led through inaccessible parts of animal enclosures to a suspension bridge, which finishes at a private safari truck that after meandering through the Savannah takes you to a hut to enjoy a packed lunch while watching giraffes and antelope. 

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United States, Florida, Editor's PickAlison MullisDisney WorldComment