Firenze, Italia

I truly believe you can enjoy Florence for a day, a month, or a year. This city doesn’t get old. It’s picturesque, walkable, and filled with incredible food and art everywhere you look. If you have not been there yet, make sure Florence is on the #Wanderlist, it’s a must-see.  

The icing on the cake in this city is home to my favorite Airbnb (https://abnb.com/gd6blyaqnP). It is an incredibly stunning apartment within a 5-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella station. With modern features, you sleep under 16th-century frescos and feel transported back to the days of the Medici and the height of Florentine history.

Day 1:

The key to Florence: walk everywhere. It is a compact city, easy to navigate, and there are little treasures all over. To start your weekend, walk over to Piazza del Duomo in the heart of the city. Your breath will be immediately taken away by the stunning chapel, which is the Duomo di Firenze (Florence Cathedral). This multi-color, multi-building structure is idyllic. Walk around it, take it in, and if you would like one of the best views of Florence and don’t mind the workout, climb to the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower. It is absolutely worth it.

Quick Tip: No appointment is needed to climb Giotto’s bell tower. However, if you would like to climb to the top of the Duomo cathedral, you must make a reservation well in advance. Keep in mind that it is a lot of steep, narrow steps and tight hallways.

Once you have fully enjoyed the Duomo, head north towards the Accademia di Belle Arte, the home of Michelangelo’s legendary David. This museum is fairly small and can be explored in less than a couple of hours. However, you may sit in awe at some of the pieces.

Quick Tip: You cannot take photos of the David, but there are replicas in Florence (we’ll see one on the Day 2 agenda) that can be photographed. Also, make a reservation for speedier entry.

Now, for the best part of traveling to Italy, the food. A city known for its incredible steak, but I could spend a day in Florence eating appetizers, sandwiches, pizza, entrees, and desserts, and I'll be perfectly happy. Each piazza you visit will be surrounded by restaurants, but if you get right outside those congested areas, you can find some of the best in Italy. We stumbled upon La Gatta e La Volpe close to our Airbnb. Enjoy a night of creamy pasta, delicious prosciutto, and house vino.

A good mindset for Florence - eat as much as you can. There’s a reason this city was the EAT in Eat, Pray, Love. One more bite of gelato or pizza, and you’ll never regret it. 

Spend the rest of the day/night exploring the city. For that famous Florentine leather shopping, walk over to the Mercato di San Lorenzo. Enjoy every beautiful sculpture/mural along the way; seriously, even the doors in this city are art, the way and then explore the endless stream of leather and food vendors for the best souvenir.

Day 2:  

Continue to check off the main sights of the city, and walk over to Piazza della Signoria. This piazza is full of 16th-century art, including the replica of the David, and is overlooked by the beautiful Palazzo Vecchio, or city hall of Florence. 

Quick Tip: If you are up for it after yesterday’s workout, the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio is home to another incredible view of the city. It has odd hours, so check in advance, but the magnificent sight of the Duomo within the city.

If you are an art buff, and the incredible sculptures in the square don’t fill your appetite, the Uffizi Gallery, arguably Florence’s top museum, is located directly behind the piazza. This museum could entertain you for days as it is the house to the collection of Florence’s most famous family, the Medici.

Time for lunch and a trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without a delicious panino! Just around the corner from the piazza is a personal favorite, and I don’t think I’m alone in this, All'Antico Vinaio. Their sandwiches are incomparable and the perfect mid-day meal.

After lunch, and probably a mid-day gelato, I love to spend time in Florence walking along the water. Walking along the water, you’ll notice the idyllic Florentine buildings and the postcard favorite, Ponte Vecchio. The bridge tends to be overcrowded, so I typically enjoy admiring it from further down the waterway and looking back.

While you're exploring, find a great place for some wine and enjoy the incredible view that is not replicated anywhere in the world. La Terrazerra Rooftop gives you the perfect backdrop to sip on a drink and take in the city. 

Finish out the weekend with an incredible dinner at one of Florence’s many Italian restaurants and find your favorite part of the city. It may be across the bridge in the gardens, along the water, or in the middle of a piazza. After a couple of short days, plan to return immediately as some food has gone uneaten and needs you to come back.

Just Touched Down in London Town

London feels classic and modern all at the same time. There are many things that draw me to this city: the history, the architecture, the fashion, Harry Potter, Meghan Markle, and so much more. It is a great kick-off point for a European vacation and one that is not intimidating to venture through, thanks to the lack of a language barrier. If you only have a couple of days to spare, or are stopping through on your way to another city, take the weekend to learn, drink, embrace, and explore. 

I’ve been fortunate enough to stay with friends every time I have visited, but some of my bucket list Airbnbs are scattered throughout the city.  

Day 1: 

Time to wake up and see the city. Use the Underground to the Westminster station and the moment you exit, turn to the water for a picturesque view of Big Ben. The iconic timepiece gives you a sense of the history and beauty of the city. Follow the building attached to Big Ben, which is made up of the House of Parliamentand the Palace of Westminster. 

Quick Tip:If you have time, there are tours of the Palace of Westminster on Saturdays. 

From there, head to the West, where you cannot miss Westminster Abby. You’ll have to walk around to the front to see the recognizable façade of the building that is the backdrop to so many famous moments. A tour through the Abby is well worth it, perfectly placing you in a different era.

Quick Tip: Religious or not, being part of a service at Westminster is extremely memorable. As someone who falls on the more non-religious side, stumbling upon the daily service was a highlight of my trip.

After absorbing all the history that fills the Abby, walk over to the Churchill’s Imperial War Rooms. The underground headquarters for Churchill’s team during WW2 is still preserved with maps on the walls, narrow passageways, and is my favorite museum in the city. It does what London is best at, transporting you back in time.

Once you’ve toured the war rooms, find your way back to the Thames. The water at sunset is beautiful, and there are some great places to grab a beer before dinner. In just about a 10-minute walk, you’ll find Tattershall Castle, a boat that has been converted into a pub on the water, looking across from the London Eye. It gives you a view of the major landmarks of the city while drinking a cold English beverage.

As I say for all places, enjoy your walks, underground and cab rides. London lights up at night, and there are treasures all over that you don’t want to miss.

Day 2: 

Your second day can go in a couple of different ways, but there are still some must-see if you’re a first-time visitor. If you have a love for Harry Potter like me, that could be deserving of an extra blog post with Kings Cross Station, Studio Tours, and film locations. If you want to get a taste of true English futbol, there are many teams, stadiums, and matches to attend.

Whichever preference you have, you still have a few stops you can’t miss. One of the things that makes London so special is the built-in greenery that’s scattered throughout the city. Hyde Park, St. James Park, Green Park, and all make for a great picnic. For first time visitors, I would suggest Hyde Park - it's gorgeous, massive, and conveniently located to see other sights. 

On one side of the park is Kensington Palace, and on the other is a direct path to Buckingham Palace. Both are incredible estates that make the British royalty seem an inch closer and a reminder for the long history that surrounds this country.

It’s amazing how fast your day will go by when enjoying the palaces and the park. To end it, finish up your day at the Tower of London. You could spend hours there, between Anne Boylan’s cell, the crown jewels, and the best view of Tower Bridge. 

Quick Tip: For this exhibit and the War Rooms, purchasing tickets in advance will save you time and, sometimes, a few English pounds. 

To finish off your fantastic weekend, take in the best view of the city. Walk across the infamous London Bridge to The Shard. The building is filled with restaurants and bars, all with different cuisines and dress codes.

The perfect combination of history and antiquity with technology and advancement is what makes London a city to see. Share and comment with your favorite places in the city to see, tour, stay, eat, and drink for the next visit :)  

and if i was from Paris

I have been lucky enough to visit this magical city several times, with friends, family, and significant others. Paris has two cities, one that is lovely and busy during the day, and the other whimsical and vibrant at night. If you only have two days to experience the City of Lights, take it all in, every smell, sound, taste, and sight. 

We stayed in an incredible Airbnb, a houseboat on the Seine (the river that runs through Paris), directly under the Eiffel Tower, for $70/person (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2765864). It's a non-traditional way to stay in the city, but the views from the top of the boat make you feel like a true part of Paris. Also, the proximity to the Metro cannot be beaten. 

Day 1: 

If you are only in Paris for a short time, especially if it is your first time, then you need to see the landmarks that probably attracted you to this city in the first place. Paris is a walkable city, and the metro is very easy to navigate. 

Start at the Notre Dame, an incredible building to see in person, especially it's beauty up against the Seine. Entrance into the cathedral is free, and if you get an early start, the lines should not be too overwhelming. After walking around the inside and outside of the Norte Dame, you can then start your walk westward to the Louvre. 

If you have more than a weekend, go inside the museum, and see the incredibly impressive gallery. For a quick trip, don't discount the outside of the Louvre. The architecture and grand structure of the palace is incredible, and you’ll love the juxtaposition of the modern Louvre pyramid. Photos do not do it justice – that statement rings true for the whole city.  

Following the Louvre, cross the river to the Musee d'Orsay. This museum feels tiny compared to the Louvre, but it would still take a full day to see the whole gallery. The Impressionist exhibit is my favorite, and at the same time, one of the most famous and it is indeed mesmerizing. Second Choice: Musee Rodin, not really a second choice, but it would be hard to fit them both in within a short time. 

Quick Tip: Buy your ticket in advance to streamline your entrance, and focus on 1 or 2 wings. There are usually some great temporary exhibits that are worth seeing. All you need do is spend a few moments researching before heading there. 

After all of this walking and exploring, you will be exhausted. Get off the main roads with the attractions, and find a great restaurant. We walked around and found La Petite Rose Des Sables which had delicious, homey French cooking for budget-friendly prices. Second Choice: Bistrot Victoires

Quick Tip: If you start later in the day, do this route in reverse. Stroll along the Left Bank for spectacular views. If you see the Louvre and Notre Dame at night, it is equally as glorious, and usually less crowded. 

On your way back, take it slow. Venture down that side street that looks pretty, stop and appreciate all the lights. You never know what fantastic street café you might stumble upon with life-changing crème brûlée.  

Day 2: 

To continue your exploration of this magical city, use the metro to start at the Arc de Triomphe. Follow the guided signs to navigate the tunnels that will lead you to this famous monument, and not risk your life trying to cross a traffic filled round-about. From this point, you will have a grand view of the Champs-Elysees, known for its shopping, shopping, and shopping. 

You can follow a map, or the skyline, to walk to the universal representation of Paris, the Eiffel Tower. It truly is breathtaking.

Quick Tip: Before crossing the bridge to get an up-close look, you can get a fantastic view (and photo) of the tower from the Trocadero Gardens. The gardens are also home to some beautiful sculptures. 

You could spend time just staring in awe at the Eiffel Tower and its surroundings. The park running towards the Tower, Champ de Mars, is a wondrous place for a picnic to enjoy fresh bread, cheese, and wine. For fresh ingredients, head to Poilane, a fantastic bakery close to the park.  If you stay in an AirBnB similar to ours, we took our picnic back to the top of the boat with the Eiffel Tower behind us, and the Seine in front. Second Choice: Boulangerie Benoit Maeder, a little more of a walk, but incredibly savory pastries. 

As mentioned earlier, Paris at night is glorious. For dinner, head to another district of the city. I love the Latin Quarter, incredibly lively, beautiful, and historic. Each time I visit, I notice more and more tourists have discovered this area. I don’t blame them, the food is great; it feels very safe, and gives you a sense of going back in time. Second Choice: Marais

Quick Tip: If there is a particular restaurant you want to try, make sure to check open/close times. Restaurants in Paris have odd hours and can be closed entirely on some days and in the middle of the day. 

Spending a weekend in Paris does not quite do this city justice. So, plan to visit it many times in your life. No matter who I visit Paris with, I always leave wanting to return. When you do have some more time to explore, put the Catacombs, Napoleons Tomb, a tour of the Louvre, and a PSG game on your list.

Half of My Heart is in Havana

Havana is a place I never thought I would ever have the opportunity to explore, but I am so glad the window to visit was open for a short time. Enjoy the complete lack of internet, and get lost in this magical city where you can spend your weekend exploring the history, drinking mojitos, dancing in the streets, and meeting some incredible people. Thisis a city that is well worth visiting for more than a weekend, but if that is all you have, this is what you should see. 

We stayed in Miramar, known to be the least touristy district, in an incredible Airbnb that was less than $50/person for the weekend. 

Day 1: 

As touristy as it sounds, a vintage car tour through the districts of Havana is an incredible way to get the lay of the land. Not only will you get to ride in a beautiful car, but you'll receive the crash course in Cuban history, see the monuments, and get a taste of each district. Make sure you are taken through Old Havana, Central Havana, Vedado, and Miramar. This way, you will see El Capitolo, Plaza de la Revolucion, and other historic landmarks. 

Quick Tip: I suggest not taking restaurant recommendations from your driver, or tour guide. Most establishments will pay residents a commission for bringing tourists to them. Do your restaurant research leaving the Wifi at home, and ask to be dropped off at a specific place. 

Try the street food. Cuba is not known for their food. Their access to spices and herbs has been limited due to all the trade embargoes that have been in place for decades. However, some of the best fried chicken I have ever had come from a street vendor in Miramar for $3. Second Choice: Seafood Paella

Get lost and explore. Wherever you are staying, get out and see it. Leave your phone behind, with no internet or reception; itis practically useless anyway. Havana is an incredibly safe city where I felt 100% comfortable walking alone at night. You will stumble upon cigar shops, locals playing dominos, and music around every corner. 

The $2-$3 mojitos were so tempting throughout the whole trip, but especially when you are sitting on the water after a day of adventuring.  Even though Havana is on the water, it is not a beach city. However, it is hard to beat the incredible ocean views. We tried out VistaMar because of the stunning patio, and strong food reviews. They offered the signature Cuban mojitos made with rum that is not available in the U.S., Havana Club, and a wide variety of fresh seafood and traditional Cuban cuisine. 

The sound that follows you around the city is at its loudest at night. There are some amazing dance and salsa clubs in every district, but we had a great experience at Dos Gardenias in Miramar. The live local salsa band played all night as the floor opened up to more and more people dancing. Allow the locals to teach you some steps, and give it a try! 

Quick Tip: Most clubs or restaurants close from 9pm-11pm to set up for the evening. Use that time to take a power nap, get ready for the night, or enjoy a cigar at your Airbnb. 

Day 2

Start your second day exploring the most populardistrict of the city, Havana Vieja. A district filled with the picturesque, colorful buildings, vintage cars, beautiful monuments, and Ernest Hemingway like bars. It honestly feels like traveling back in time. Some "must sees" in this district include the Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, and Plaza de la Catedral. 

Quick Tip: The hotels in this district are your best bet for WiFi as they sell the WiFi cards and have it available in the lobby. If you need that internet fix, this would be the time to get it. 

The most recognizable place in Havana would have to be the Malecon or the sea wall that follows along a portion of the city. The wide sidewalk not only shows you the best view of the city, but also entertains you along the way with live music, street performers, and small vendors.  It's well worth the walk, and super easy to grab a taxi from there to your next destination. 

We were lucky enough to stumble upon the Callejon de Hamel, a lively art district in the heart of the city. This side street is lined with local artists showing off Afro-Cuban art, metal work,and poetry painted on the walls. On the weekends, it comes to life as people spend the afternoon playing Rumba music and encouraging each other to dance. Second Choice: Fabrica de Arte Cubano

All of these "Day 2” locations are great areas to meet, chat with, and enjoy the company of the gracious and kind Cuban people. I highly recommend you take your time through these parts so that you can have conversations, people watch and observe the culture that makes Cuba different than all other countries. 

Quick Tip: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. Part of that charming Cuban culture is a very slow pace of life, so leave plenty of time for check-in, currency exchange, and getting through security. Also, go to the bathroom before you get to the airport, or wait until you are on the plane. Just trust me. 

A city that deserves more than a weekend visit, but if that is all you have, you can go a long way on a little bit of money, and have a conversation starter for life. Where to next? 

Wandering Through A Quarter Life Crisis

My quarter-life crisis. A term that needs no explanation to my peers, but to anyone from other generations, it is met with confused looks and typically a laugh. But, that's how I ended up here. When I've been trying to find a place in the world, learn to budget money and find my career path, it's hard to find a balance of living in the moment, and dreaming of everywhere and everything that could be. 

My passion: traveling. But, how do I do that when I hardly get a day off a weekand make enough money to pay rent and student loans? I've learned to make the most of a weekend, the most of my time, and the most of my money to fulfill this passion of mine. I'll spend this time in my life exploring everywhere I can for a couple of days to check some places off of my #WanderList. 

Say hello to my new best friends: airline miles, street food, andAirbnb.