It was that time of year again! The end of October a.k.a when flights are dirt cheap from the USA to Europe. My girls and I couldn't resist the opportunity to embark on another girl's getaway. So for the second year in a row, we gathered, we researched, we picked dates, and we booked the trip. This time to Prague, Czechia!
Read MoreVenice has always felt like one of those places that lives more in imagination than in reality. A city built on water, with no roads, no cars, and centuries of history rising straight out of the canals—it’s romanticized, photographed, and talked about endlessly. And yet, nothing quite prepares you for what it feels like to actually be there. Our family trip through Italy had already been filled with unforgettable moments, but Venice was the destination I had been quietly saving space for—the grand finale. We only had 48 hours, which felt wildly insufficient for a city this layered, but also just enough time to fall completely under its spell. Venice isn’t a place you “do” quickly; it’s a place you wander, observe, and let wash over you. What we didn’t know at the time was that we’d be entering Venice in the most unforgettable way possible—not by train or car, but by water, just as travelers once did centuries ago. Those final two days would become some of the most magical of our entire trip, filled with early mornings, quiet canals, bustling afternoons, endless bridges, and the kind of beauty that stays with you long after you leave.
Read MoreThere are places you visit because they’re beautiful.
And then there are places that completely rearrange your sense of scale.
The Val Gardena region of the Dolomites was that kind of place for us.
After weeks of coastal towns and lakeside views, we traded water for peaks — and stepped into a landscape that felt almost exaggerated in its beauty. Jagged limestone spires. Electric green meadows. Tiny wooden huts perched perfectly against vast alpine backdrops.
What we found in the Dolomites wasn’t just scenery — it was perspective. It was slower mornings, accidental adventures, mountain reunions, and the reminder that sometimes the best days are the ones you don’t over-plan.
Read MoreSome places instantly slow you down—in the best possible way. After two sun-soaked weeks on the Basque coast of France, we were excited for a new adventure. When a spontaneous 30-euro flight carried us from Biarritz to northern Italy, we followed the pull without overthinking it. Lake Garda became our first taste of Italy as a family, and it turned out to be the perfect place to land: blue water, charming towns, ferry rides, and just enough adventure woven into long, lingering days by the lake.
Read MoreWe had just 72 hours in Iceland—but somehow, it felt like we lived a whole adventure in that short time. From soaking in the milky blue waters of the famous Blue Lagoon to strapping on crampons for a glacier hike, every moment was packed with awe. We chased waterfalls that seemed to pour straight out of the sky, explored landscapes that looked like another planet, and ended with a thrilling zodiac boat tour through a lagoon filled with towering icebergs.
Iceland was dramatic, raw, and absolutely unforgettable. Here's how we made the most of three whirlwind days in the land of fire and ice.
Read MoreTo any future girl trips: I’m sorry, but you’ve got some serious competition. Our week in Barcelona wasn’t just a vacation—it was a chapter of pure magic. I didn’t realize how transformative eight days with these incredible women would be until I looked back and saw how much we laughed, bonded, and grew together. It was one of those rare trips that etches itself into your soul.
So if you're wondering whether to rally your closest girlfriends and book that flight—don’t wonder. Do it. You won’t regret it.
Now buckle up for an insanely fun, wildly feminine ride through Barcelona: think La Sagrada Familia tours, sunny rooftop bars, a medieval day trip to Girona, Park Güell strolls, a rowdy Barça game, and more burrata than you thought humanly possible—all washed down with copious amounts of cheap and cheerful Spanish wine.
Read MoreI pray that I never forget this trip. And if I do, can someone please refer me to my own website so that I can remember?! Long story short, Taylor and I met as travel buddies back when we lived in New Zealand in 2011, even though, ironically, both of us had homes in opposite corners of Colorado. Our friendship was built on our passion for travel and adventure, a glass half full attitude, and laughing/crying about all the beautiful/sad/hard moments in between. Besides New Zealand, we had traveled together in Greece, Turkey, Guatemala, Mexico, the U.S., Germany, and now Hungary. Budapest to be exact! So during my visit to see her and her family in Berlin (where they lived for one year), we snuck away on cheap flights for 48 incredible hours in Budapest for our very own Girls’ Weekend! And like I said, I hope I never forget the sheer beauty of this trip.
Read MoreI was taken aback at how quickly our month in Portugal was coming to a close. We had one week left, and with all the other planning we had done on the country, we sort of left Porto to the wayside. We were going in unprepared and clueless, and honestly, I think that was the perfect way to go about it. Porto began to excite us from the moment we hopped in our Uber, and the driver mentioned we were staying in one of the best areas in Old Town. As a long-time resident of Porto, he threw grenades of information on the city at us, and as the minutes ticked, I began growing more and more impatient to see what the hype was all about. Eventually we entered the Medieval Old City (or Porto Ribeira) and I now understood our driver’s enthusiasm. From cobblestone streets winding their way through vibrant neighborhoods, to the pastel-colored buildings adorning with intricate azulejos (or Portuguese tiles) reflecting the golden sun, to the numerous scenic viewpoints overlooking the Douro River. This city was bursting with charm. Quite possibly the most charming city I’ve ever laid eyes on.
Read MoreAfter ten unforgettable days in Madeira, we quickly realized there was no way this trip could live in a single blog post. So I’m breaking it up—starting where our journey began: Funchal. We arrived here straight from Lisbon after spending two laid-back weeks in Ericeira, and the contrast hit us immediately. Where Ericeira felt calm and coastal, Funchal burst onto the scene with color, movement, and dramatic scenery. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and steep, green mountains, Funchal is Madeira’s capital and cultural heart—equal parts historic charm and vibrant island life. From the moment we landed, we were completely blown away by how beautiful it was.
Read MoreReid posed an interesting statement the other day. He said ‘I never know what to tell people when they ask how our vacation was. Like, how can I tell them about all the things that are hard to explain in words. All the feelings I felt in a moment.’ I cannot agree more with his sentiment. There truly is no way to describe a trip in a few sentences or even over drinks. I often giggle to myself when someone asks how a trip was and I answer with “it was amazing.” Then the conversation quickly shifts to something else. As if the word “amazing” encapsulates all that a trip is about. All the things we did, saw, felt. All the emotions. All the silly, funny, goofy memories that were built in a trip. I have come to peace with this interaction. It used leave me wondering - how could one not want to know MORE. Isn’t that was life is about? The knowing, the dissecting of ones’ thoughts, inner joys, life experiences? But now I know. No one needs to know the ins and outs, the gratitude or extreme happiness or even sadness I felt in one moment or experience or trip. I realize all these special moments are meant just for me and the people I made them with.
Read MoreOh, Lisbon. You were a pleasant surprise! I had no idea we would discover so many gems in such a short amount of time while wandering around Portugal's capital city for the day. Usually our list of must-see things is long and our planning, extensive. However, this time, we just picked our drop off point on the map and explored from there, letting our feet and stomachs do the talking as we made our way through the city. Our starting point: Belém Tower!
Read MoreHoly smokes, Sintra. Where have you been all my life? The travel blogs I had researched and the recollections from friends back home did not prepare me for this vibrant & magical city at the foothills of the densely forested Sintra Mountains of Portugal. The historic city center with its narrow, steep streets, mustard-colored buildings, and inviting cafes would be enough to draw crowds. But if you gaze up into the forested terrain, you’ll see there are even more jewels to explore. Palaces, villas, & castles fit for kings and queens await exploring. Prepare to be whisked away to this whimsical place called Sintra.
Read MoreRise and shine in Durango, Colorado! We were up by 4:30 am on Saturday morning throwing the last of our belongings into our carry-on bags and kissing Clover goodbye. We hopped in our neighbor's car thirty minutes later (thanks Bill!), drove through our toilet paper start line that we always make for each other at the commencement of a trip (thanks Gretch!), and were on our way to the Durango airport! First stop as we head to Portugal: 48 fast and furious hours in Washington DC.
Read MoreOh Paris, you have my damn heart, and I think you always will. Our France trip commenced six weeks ago in Paris, and from the moment we were swept east via train, I’ve been thinking about the 'city of love' ever since. All of France has been magic, but there is just something about Paris for me. So after looping around the country to Bordeaux, then the Basque Coast, inland to Carcassonne, then the Mediterranean Coast, we hopped on our final high-speed train of the trip and headed towards Paris for our final four days! And let me tell you, it was icing on an already delicious cake!
Read MoreSaint Émilion is a delightful medieval city in the Bordeaux region of France famous for its red wine, charming scenery, and Romanesque religious architecture. Its history of winemaking dates as far back as the 2nd century Saint Émilion is a delightful medieval city in the Bordeaux region of France famous for its red wine, charming scenery, and Romanesque religious architecture. Its history of winemaking dates as far back as the 2nd century when the Romans planted grapes in the area. Today, the town and the surrounding vineyards are UNESCO world heritage sites and continue to produce world renowned wine. Ever since I took an intense Wines and Spirits course in college, I had wanted to visit this region of France. I couldn't believe almost 20 years later, here I was experiencing it in real life! Follow our (obviously very important) steps below to ensure an amazing visit to Saint Émilion.
Read MoreOn one of our last days with Chip's parents, we decided to sneak twenty minutes south of Biarritz, along the Basque Coast, to a charming fishing town called Saint Jean De Luz. With only one day here, we narrowed down the best of the best...an incredible restaurant called Pil Pil Enea, a unique underwater winery tour at EgiaTegia, a walk around the main town, and a nap (for me and Chip) and paddle ball at the Grande Plage (beach). Below is our photo dump of our day in St Jean De Luz!
Read MoreIt felt wild to be saying goodbye to our time in Biarritz. It was hard to put a finger on exactly what, but it was just one of those places. One that you could effortlessly slip right into and never look back on your previous life. But, ultimately we were excited to continue on and discover more of France. During this portion of the trip it would be just me and the boys. Chip’s 'month of pause' was up and he had to fly back to the U.S. to work. So on me and the boys traveled, our next stop being a visit to a fairytale city in the South of France: Carcassonne!
Read MoreI actually just muttered to Chip out loud "how will I ever write about Biarritz?" As usual, summing up our time seemed like an impossible task. With a history as royalty’s summer resort destination and Europe's birthplace of surfing, Biarritz perfectly marries grandeur with laid back. In the three weeks that we spent here, we found ourselves slipping into sweet European beach life effortlessly. On several different occasions Chip and I would catch ourselves eyeing the real estate brochures in windowfronts and discussing what life might look like if we moved to Biarritz. Now looking back, it almost felt like we spent a whole year there with the amount we did and saw. Perhaps it was because my eyes, body, and mind hadn’t been in a place of such stark contrast to the U.S. in quite a few years. Flashbacks of silly moments with the boys as waves pummel our bodies, strolling through the cheerful Halles de Biarritz food market (almost daily), grandparent visits, sunset runs along the coastline, the colorful culture, people, and food all come flooding back like it was yesterday. I can’t quite put my finger on what was so special about Biarritz, but you’ll just have to take my word for it. As well as go and see for yourself.
Read MoreSo. This is love. Not a question. A statement. I was officially infatuated with a city. Paris had me at bonjour. For forty years (or something like that) I had been dreaming about visiting Paris. The books, movies (most recently, Emily in Paris!), real life stories from friends, and photos had this destination looking and sounding as dreamy as can be to me. The boys had learned all about Paris in first grade, and Bennett even wrote a book report (on his own accord!) about the city of love, and since then they had wanted to go too. Well, we had officially arrived and were so moved by Paris, that after circling around France for six weeks, we planned to come back and spend even more time here. I'm telling you, something about this place is pure magic.
Read MoreAh London! We had finally made it “over the pond” post-covid and it felt AMAZING! We have been waiting for this moment for three years, and London was the perfect city to explore on foot (and double decker bus, of course) while getting ourselves acclimated to traveling abroad again!
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