Top 5 Ways You Benefit From Group Travel

Group travel often gets a bad wrap. There are so many misunderstandings surrounding it.

I often hear reservations like, “I value my freedom too much to travel with a group,” or “I would, but it costs too much!” I was a huge skeptic myself before I dipped my toe in the group travel world, but let me tell you, it was a GAME CHANGER.. And in all the best ways. I found myself questioning how it had taken me so long to discover the wonderful world of group travel. 

I’m here bust a few myths surrounding group travel and let you know some of the top ways it will actually enhance and benefit your travels to travel as a group.

---

Reason #1: Shared Experience

Group travel provides an opportunity for people to connect and bond with one another. Shared experiences create memories that are unique to the group, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendship among the travelers, many of whom start out as strangers.

I’ll never forget returning from my very first trip abroad and beaming through my jetlag to recount every single magical moment I had experienced on my adventures in Eastern Europe. By the second -or third shepherd reference, my well-meaning, but totally-disconnected-from-my-experience mother’s eyes sort of glazed over into a polite, but impersonal gesture of thats-nice-but-I-couldn’t-really-care-less. Nothing is quite as defeating as coming home from a life-altering experience, willing and eager to share the magic that you learned, only to find a not-so-enthusiastic audience. They weren’t there with you and they simply don’t get it. It can feel very isolating.

With group travel, you have the bond of sharing your life-altering experiences with several people. You can reminisce and connect over your memories together for years to come. 

---

Reason #2: Enhanced Safety

Traveling in a group can increase your safety in several ways. A group of people is less vulnerable to potential threats compared to an individual. Criminals are less likely to target a larger group, as they tend to look for easier targets. Additionally, when you're part of a group, you have people you can rely on in case of emergencies or unexpected situations.

I know with Land + See, one of the unspoken perks of our groups is we often have many medical professionals that tour with us. I’ll never forget seeing a man collapse on a ferry to Santorini and watching Dr. Tony spring into action! We have been so lucky than none of the medical mishaps have happened to our travelers, but there have been more than one occasion where our heroes have saved the day. It definitely gives me peace of mind knowing we are in such good hands.

Whether it's a medical issue, getting lost, or running into difficulties, having others with you means there are people to help and support you.

And lastly, traveling with others can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of vulnerability, especially in unfamiliar or challenging environments.

I’ll never forget a particularly tearful, but supportive afternoon in Austria where a female traveler and I completely bonded over our past. I haven’t seen her for years, but I am confident if I picked up the phone tomorrow she would be by my side in an instant, and vice versa.

---

Reason #3: Cost Savings

Group travel allows you to have a custom-tailored travel experience at a fraction of the cost of solo travel. When you travel with others, you can split the costs of various expenses, such as accommodation, transportation, and food. Sharing these costs can significantly reduce your individual financial burden without compromising on quality.

I’ll never forget my first group travel experience as an adult. Jordan and I had traveled to Paris with his family just the year before so I naively assumed I’d already “seen what there was to see” on the re-visit a year later. How wrong I was. Because we were with a group we had the means to have a private driver on call for us and hire private local guides to show us the city through their eyes. Our Parisian guide, Mario, made the city come alive for me—as if I was seeing it for the very first time. The history, the art and the culture started to feel like it was a part of my own narrative. I simply hadn’t experienced anything like that when I was visiting on my own. While I was a tourist, my experience wasn’t just that of a tourist—I had someone showing me their personal favorite places off-the-beaten-path, translating what certain looks or gestures meant to true Parisians, sharing anecdotes and stories of his family and personal meaningful details of the places we would go—sometimes exposing unflattering or comical aspects and leaving me with a plethora of inside jokes and fond memories. This magic didn’t just “happen,” we were able to afford a much richer experience because we were splitting the cost with so many other participants. Hiring Mario would’ve been intangible on a single traveler’s budget.

Group bookings often come with bulk discounts for things like flights, hotels, guides and tours, and the reasons make sense. Travel providers are more likely to offer better deals when they know they have a large group of customers. Additionally, by sharing a hotel room or vacation rental with others in the group, you can split the cost of the room, leading to substantial savings compared to booking a single room for yourself, helping you keep costs low or allowing you the wiggle room to indulge in something a little fancier than you might be able to afford on your own.

Whether you’re hiring a guide or renting a vehicle or bus, splitting the costs among group members can make these services more affordable for everyone and they definitely make a tangible difference in the quality of your travel experience.

---

Reason #4: Diverse Perspectives

Traveling with people who have diverse perspectives can be immensely beneficial in several ways. For instance, interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds allows you to gain a deeper understanding of their customs, traditions, and ways of life. This exposure can help break down stereotypes and promote empathy and respect for cultural diversity. You may encounter a variety of perspectives, not only with the locals you interact with, but within the dynamics of the group itself. Traveling with individuals who see the world differently than you do can open your mind to new ideas and ways of thinking.

I’ll never forget this amazing dinner we had in the home of Albert and Bergthor in Reykjavik, Iceland. Albert is a world-reknown opera singer, and Bergthor is a chef. Together we spent an incredible evening learning about Iceland, equality, naked grandpas and how to do the coolest new dance moves. I hesitate to admit this, but had we known ahead of time that Albert and Bergthor were a same-sex couple, it’s possible we would’ve had some preconceived ideas about what we would experience, but by allowing that wall to come down and meet them on a human level first, it challenged our bias and taught us valuable lessons in humanity.

Diverse perspectives challenge your assumptions and encourage you to question your beliefs, leading to personal growth and intellectual enrichment. By experiencing diverse perspectives firsthand, you are more likely to develop a sense of tolerance and acceptance for people who are different from you. This fosters a more inclusive and harmonious society and quite simply makes the world a better place.

---

Reason #5: Stress Reduction

Traveling with a group and having a full-time group leader can indeed reduce stress in several ways. The most obvious way, is with the addition of a group leader.

With a group leader in charge, you don't have to worry about planning the itinerary, booking accommodations, arranging transportation, or managing logistics. The group leader takes care of these tasks, ensuring a smoother travel experience for everyone. A group leader can be experienced in handling various travel situations, including emergencies. Their knowledge of the destination and local customs can enhance safety and security for all group members, reducing individual stress related to unfamiliar environments. And lastly, in regions where language or cultural differences may be a challenge, having a group leader who is familiar with the local language or customs can facilitate communication and create a more enriching travel experience.

When you travel, things happen—it’s just the nature of travel. Don’t let the stress of the unknown fall on you to figure out. Join a group that has a knowledgeable and competent group leader that knows what their doing and has a proven track record.

No one wants to spend their vacation time putting out fires. When you envisioned this trip, you saw yourself lounging by the sea, eating gelato, and exploring to your hearts content. Group tours allow you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy your vacation, so you don’t come home needing a vacation from the vacation.

---

Obviously this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the benefits to group travel, but it at least gives you a small taste of the some of the top ways that group travel can enhance and even improve your travel experience.

I know there are a lot of misconceptions circling about the realities of group travel, but chances are, if you ask someone who’s tried it, you will learn that the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Take it from me, the biggest former skeptic of them all–take a sip of the group travel Kool-Aid. Not only does it stand a great chance of whetting your travel appetite, you may just find that fully immersing yourself in the culture without the stress and worry of coordinating it all, is your new “thing.”

Happy travels, friends!

Off-the-beaten-path in Japan: A day in Mukugawa Village

I’ve always believed that travel is a vehicle for human connection and a way to uncover the common ground that connects us all.

Blame it on the stubbornness of a nineteen-year-old expat trying to survive on rice and tortilla chips who had to learn the hard way that your life is only as rich as the people in it. Some of the greatest lessons in my life have been shared over a home-cooked meal and an honest conversation.

That first struggling semester in Micronesia paled in comparison to the joy I found amongst my adopted Sri Lankan family later that year. My auntie upped my cooking game by teaching me how to mix flavors for depth and quality—My entire perspective shifted when I saw how joyful life could be with only the simplest of things and without the added pressure of keeping up with the Joneses—And surprisingly, I learned not to take myself so seriously, and to laugh a little along the way, often at my own expense!

When I started traveling later as a tourist, it became really hard to be satisfied by the Eiffel Towers and London Bridges of the world. They were beautiful, but there was no heart. I didn’t feel the connection I so desperately craved and often left places feeling just as detached as before I even visited.

I slowly awoke to the fact that my travels were lacking that human connection. There was no Jack Dawson inviting me to see a “real party” below deck and teaching me to see the people around me and the richness of a different way of life.

When I started Land + See Tours it was out of frustration at the cookie-cutter itineraries I’d been spoon fed up to that point. They were bright, and shiny, but lacked the depth and authenticity I’d gotten from my year abroad. Much like the start of my teaching career years ago, Land + See grew from the idea that there had to be more to it than I was given—surely it can be done better!

Our recent trip to Japan is a testament to this philosophy. While we met some pretty amazing people and made memories we will cherish forever, nothing was quite so impactful as the gift of a glimpse into the lives of the people of Mukugawa.

Before going any further I have to take a moment to thank Hiromi-San at Tour du Lac Biwa for hand-curating this experience for our group. Admittedly, this isn’t a tourist hot spot. You can’t book this on tripadvisor. It existed only for us—something I can’t thank Hiromi and the villagers for enough, and something that definitely added to the charm of this day.

Here is an in-depth look into our unforgettable day there.

About an hour and a half outside Kyoto, and nestled snugly within the Shiga prefecture of Japan, lies the unassuming, quaint village of Mukugawa. Unlike some other long-abandoned-rural-village-turned-tourist-attraction towns such as Shirakawago, Mukugawa is still very much inhabited—granted, with a mere 29 residents, but it’s very much a living-breathing time capsule for a more traditional way of life.

The village centers around the local community center—hand-built by the villagers 150 years ago and still standing strong. Miraculously, the entire building was constructed without the use of nails, screws or electric tools. Instead, the building was constructed using a centuries-old Japanese carpentry system called joinery, which involves the creation of interlocking joints that join together carefully selected pieces of wood.

The main level has a fire-pit and an extensive gathering area gently nestled beneath an upper loft used to store rice straw. The roof itself is thickly woven from the same rice straw which has to be replaced every 15 years. Carved into the walls of the loft is the Japanese symbol for water—something the villagers need, both for a good rice harvest and protection from the fire risks that inevitably come with the traditional Japanese wooden architecture.

Life in Mukugawa is still fairly simple compared to the bustle of surrounding areas like Kyoto and Osaka. Villagers grow and harvest their own rice as their main ecological resource. On our walk, we wandered past dozens of local homes, including the home of one of our hosts, all surrounded by lush fields of rice paddies. It was a warm day, but we enjoyed learning about the rice harvest and local flora and fauna.

The villagers maintain two local Shinto shrines that are used as places of worship. The shrines are believed to create a link between the gods (kami) and human beings. The Tori gates provide a welcome entrance and invitation to purify oneself before visiting the small sanctuary within. Our gracious hosts taught us the Shinto way to pray—a gentle bow followed by two claps. This was arguably the most peaceful place I’ve ever visited.

Following our village walk, our hosts treated us to a traditional Japanese sit-down meal, and even let us help with the preparations. This was hands-down the freshest, most elaborate spread we experienced on the entire trip. There was something extra special about knowing the man who’s field the rice was lovingly harvested and prepared from. Talk about preparing a meal with LOVE!

In the afternoon, our hosts pulled out the big guns—local legend Masako-San! Together with her host of ladies, she attempted to teach us to make rope from rice straw, and some of us were better students than others. Personally, I ditched my project pretty early on, getting lost in her stories from the early days in Mukugawa, explained via a translator.

Masako has lived in Mukugawa her entire life. She was born in 1933, vividly remembers the war, and has raised her family here. Her crew has grown to include a whopping twenty-one great grandchildren. While she doesn’t speak any English, we were lucky to have translators handy that helped us have a lively and heartwarming chat about life growing up in Mukugawa and the hardships and beauties of such an amazing way of life.

When I asked if I could take her picture as a personal souvenir to remember this moment, she said she will take the entire experience with her as a souvenir when she goes to Heaven!

The final activity of the day was a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, led by Mukugawa’s leading tea guru. Our gracious host has devoted her life to preparing and serving tea in a ritualistic and ceremonial way. Originally adopted from Chinese culture in the 14th century, the tea ceremony serves many purposes—promoting harmony and mindfulness, creating a bond through hospitality between host and guest, encouraging well-being, and much more!

The host supplies the guest with a light snack while seated across from them. While the guest enjoys their refreshment, the host prepares the tea by whisking matcha powder with hot water until gentle foam forms. The tea is served hot, and if it’s enjoyed, guests are encouraged to show their appreciation with a loud slurp!

The magic of a place isn’t in it’s big cities and bright, shiny tourist traps. It’s in the sharing of home-cooked meals amongst new friends—In awkwardly wrapping your tongue around foreign words and phrases—In deep bows, and rice straw and the lessons to be taught through aged hands, lovingly passing down shared traditions—In unexpectedly hard goodbyes—and the pieces of ourselves that we leave behind in one another—that’s where the real magic lies.

I don’t know a lot, but I know that Mukugawa is magic. I hope that you have the chance to visit one day. And if not, at least take the idea with you that real magic is found off the beaten path—in the stories and lives of the people who live in the places you visit—The special kind that isn’t pre-fabricated and sold by the thousands. The kind that is just for you and that can’t be left behind or properly shared with those who didn’t experience it first hand—the kind you take as a souvenir with you to Heaven.

Arrigato!

Photo Blog: Croatia + The Balkans

I’m still pinching myself in disbelief that such an amazing week is humanly possible. The Balkans remain at the top of my list of places to travel. I’m torn between shouting from the rooftops that you must run as fast as you can to the breathtaking Dalmatian coastline and keeping it close to the chest as my own little hidden gem that remains mostly unspoiled. Although it seems reckless, it feels selfish not to share, so here it goes…

---

Split, Croatia

---

We started and ended our journey in Split, Croatia—a beautiful waterfront town that has a rich history, dating back to Roman rule in the 4th century AD. The impressive structure, Diocletian’s Palace, remains as a nod to it’s former glory.

Most of us were completely wiped out from our journey, but we did manage to sneak in a delicious wine tasting before dinner. We also sampled the locally-brewed Rakia, which one traveler jokingly noted resembled Mountain Dew—the taste, however, is quite different.

We ended the night on the rooftop bar of our hotel which has arguably one of the most beautiful views of the city skyline.

---

Mostar, Bosnia + Herzegovina

---

From there we traveled by bus to Mostar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We were instantly taken by the remnants that stand as an ever-present reminder that the Yugoslav Wars were quite recent—bullet holes lining walls and buildings and shells of building frames stand as a looming ghost of it’s bleak past.

The local shop keepers and vendors however, are bustling with the recent tourism boom after covid. The town is a time capsule— a juxtaposition between past, present and future.

We had a lovely, but honest walking tour with our host, Sheva, who shared Mostar’s complex history with us. His personal experience during the war was moving and candid and gave us tremendous insight into the realities of war on innocent children—fishing with grenades, rigging makeshift bicycles to get electricity, and complicated blurred lines between family, friend and enemy. He was a shining example of the resilience, forgiveness and hope that the human spirit is capable of.

As a local diver himself, Sheva was able to give us insight into Mostar’s famous sport—diving from Stari Most and even arranged for us to meet one of the young diving recruits. The sport has gotten so famous that Red bull sponsors a a diving competition from Stari Most each year.

We ended our time with a Turkish coffee experience—learning all about the growing, harvesting, and brewing process. Even the non-coffee drinkers in the group were faced with a challenge to their coffee biases.

---

Ston, Croatia

---

From Mostar, we returned to Croatia by way of Ston—a local salt-producing village surrounded by immense stone walls known for it’s unrivaled oysters. The sea is saltier in this region than most places and it produces some of the best Oysters in the entire world!

We also visited a family-run winery with our guide, Tonka, and learned about the different ways the local grapes can be harvested to produce countless different types of wine. We again encountered some locally-brewed Rakia and everyone left warmer and happier than they arrived.

On the ride to Dubrovnik, Tonka entertained us with stories from her days as an extra in the HBO hit series Game of Thrones. Needless to say, we were all very impressed to know village woman #20!

---

Dubrovnik, Croatia

---

In Dubrovnik we completely lost ourselves in the luxury of our hotel—most travelers even opted to skip dinner just to sit by the sea and watch the impressive sunset.

The next day, our local guide Tom took us through Dubrovnik and gave us both a fascinating history lesson and a private peek into some of the secret filming locations in Game of Thrones. Even those unfamiliar with the show were ready to go home and binge watch it after our afternoon with him. Together, we climbed the fortress and took in one of the most beautiful views Dubrovnik has to offer.

That evening we had dinner by the sea and watched as the most impressive moon rose over the Adriatic. It’s a night none of us will never forget.

---

Kotor, Montenegro

---

From Dubrovnik, we drove to Perast, Montenegro and hopped a boat to the man-made monastery Our Lady of the Rocks. Legend has it that local fishermen collected stones and slowly built the island over time. The locals still have a tradition of bringing a stone once a year to continue their work of expanding the island.

Our boat driver took us from the monastery straight to the dock at our hotel, and many of us felt like James Bond as we rode through the waves.

We headed into Kotor’s Old Town that afternoon for some shopping, cat museums, hiking, and so much gelato, before returning back to our beautiful hotel to swim, risk our lives paddle boarding (special thanks to Speedo Steve for saving one of us from getting tangled up in a rope) and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

---

Lokrum Island, Croatia

---

The next day brought us back to Dubrovnik for an afternoon exploring the island of Lokrum. We ate, pet peacocks, jumped off of cliffs, and sat on the Iron Throne. It was an amazing way to spend the afternoon before heading to the highlight of the trip—dinner with Marija and Zlatko!

Our local Croatian hosts were kind enough to have us over for the most amazing dinner of our lives. Zlatko and Marija cooked a literal feast of peka for us in the traditional way—slowly cooking over hot coals in an iron bell. We tasted Zlatkos home-brewed rakia, and ate proscuitto straight from the source!

---

Split, Croatia

---

The next day had us heading back to Split to say farewell to Croatia, but first many of us chose to stop at the kitschy, Froggyland museum—the lifeswork of an eccentric early 20th century taxidermy artist and easily the best $10 I’ve ever spent!

We ended our tour with an amazing dinner and found ourselves again at the rooftop bar for a final cheers and a quick laugh at some funny things that had been said along the way. All in all the trip was a dream—the destination, the hospitality, and the friendships we made were hard to beat!

Tips and Tricks for Italy + Greece

If you’ve always dreamed of heading to Italy + Greece, you’re not alone! Both are magical destinations that leave your eyes wide and your mouth watering. The people, the landscape and the food in both regions are second to none. It’s no wonder people flock in hoards to the beautiful shores of the Aegean!

You know what they say? When in Rome, do as the Romans do. But how do you go about that exactly? If you’re heading to Italy and Greece and are feeling completely overwhelmed with all of the cultural nuances and ways to prepare, we are here to help!

So without further ado.. Here are my tips and tricks for navigating Italy + Greece like a pro!

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Cities like Rome and Athens are rich in history and architecture, but some uncomfortable realities that accompany that are smaller rooms, and no central heating and air, to name a few.  Unlike America, A/C is not a standard in Europe. It will unlikely be in many of the shops you frequent, or in the hotels. Adjust your expectations accordingly. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen and heat protection to counteract the effects of the heat. Also, wear layers so that you can add and remove clothing as necessary.

DRESS CODE CONSIDERATIONS

Understand that when visiting many religious sites, you will be expected to cover up. A general guideline to follow would be to keep your shoulders and knee caps covered if planning to visit a church in Italy. Due to the heat, it may not be practical to fully cover up during the day, but have a scarf or coverup handy for your visit to religious sites. Some churches will provide a coverup, but many do not, and you will be denied entry if you don’t meet the dress code requirements. Take care to plan your clothing in advance to avoid missing out on seeing certain sites.

PICKPOCKETS

Unlike America, pickpockets run rampant in most of Europe. Again, you are unlikely to find yourself in any physical harm, but understand, your pockets WILL be picked if you aren’t on high alert. High traffic areas like the bus and the metro are a feeding frenzy for “little fingers.” Also keep your eyes peeled at large tourist sites such as the Colosseum, Vatican, and the Parthenon. Where the tourists flock, so do the pick pockets. A good under-your-shirt money belt will definitely help lower your chances of becoming an easy target. Another interesting note: keep your cell-phone close. Leaving it on the edge of a table while eating or next to you on the metro is inviting theft. I once saw a poor sap get his phone snatched off a table in a restaurant while the waiter was explaining the specials. You can never be too careful. If you care about an item, don’t advertise it. Keep any valuables out of sight and secured if you want to hang on to them.

ELECTRICITY

If you plan to charge your phone, dry your hair, or use small appliances on your trip, you’ll need to be aware that Europe has a few major electrical differences with America. For example, the outlet plug shape varies from our standard two prong outlet. Though there are a variety of outlet types acceptable in both Italy and Greece, they both use the F and C type, with two small round prongs. You can find images and details on this outlet type here.  You can pick up a small pack of outlet converters rather inexpensively at Target or Amazon like these here. Another crucial thing to bear in mind is voltage. In America, we use 120 V of power in our outlets. In Italy, the standard is 220V and in Greece it’s even higher at 230V. Small items like cell phone chargers are okay with just a wall adapter that changes the shape of your outlet plug, but if you plan to use bigger items like blow dryers and straighteners, you’re going to want to equip yourself differently.  Purchasing a wattage converter before you leave will allow you to use your home appliances without overpowering them with European voltage and spares them from a sad burned out death. You can pick one up on Amazon like this one here.  

MONEY

We already mentioned that keeping a money belt below your clothing is a good idea, but that is just one aspect of being money conscious in Italy and Greece. While credit cards are widely accepted in Europe, Greece is more of a cash-based country so plan accordingly by hitting up an ATM or converting Euros before your trip. Italy, on the other hand, is very credit card friendly, but if you are using your normal credit card from home, be aware that there can be fees for every swipe if you aren’t careful that can add up quick. Not only does your bank charge a fee, you will face foreign transaction fees per swipe as well. If you’re dead set on using plastic for the majority of your purchases, it would be a good idea to invest in a card that has zero foreign transaction fees. My go to cards for international travel are the Capital One Venture Card, and the Chase Business Ink. Make sure that you also report international travel dates to your bank before you leave to avoid having your card frozen while abroad. I also suggest changing foreign currency at your home bank a few weeks before you depart. Take anywhere from $60-150 with you in local currency. Once you are in Italy and Greece, you can easily access ATMs for any additional cash you might need. Be aware, both your bank and local ATMs will charge you an exchange fee, so you will want to budget what you need and keep your ATM transactions to a minimum to avoid those unnecessary fees. The worst place to convert money is the airport, so plan on exchanging money before you leave, or at an ATM once while in Europe.

TIPPING

If you have a tour guide during any part of your trip, just know that it is customary to tip 1-2 euros after any guided tours. Similarly, you’ll want to tip any bus drivers (particularly ones who handle your luggage) for their services. We usually suggest $3 per driver per day of service. If you have a helpful waiter, they will certainly appreciate a few euros for good service as well. Some restaurant receipts will include a cover charge (coperto). This is a fee for setting your table. You may also see a service charge (servizio) usually around 10% already included on your ticket. Some restaurants will not have a fee at all and choose rather to include these fees in the menu prices. In the case that service has not been included, 1-2 euros per person is perfectly acceptable. Be aware that waiters aren’t reliant on tips as their sole source of income the way American waiters are. However, a tip for good service is always appreciated and for some services, the tourism industry for example, it’s expected.

PHONE USAGE

If you plan to use your phone abroad, make sure you call your phone carrier prior to leaving. The major ones like Sprint, ATT and Verizon have very reasonable international plans, however, you must add them before you leave to avoid paying exorbitant roaming fees. ATT, for example lets you use your phone as normal for $10 per day. If you don’t plan to stay connected, you can connect to Wi-Fi in the hotels. Just be aware the Wi-Fi can be spotty and often slower than at home, but hey, you’re in Europe. Enjoy the scenery and get your nose out of your phone 😊

FERRIES

If you plan to take a ferry at any point during your journey, there are some things you should know before you go. Ferry services are often behind schedule, so understand that you can be waiting for the ferry to arrive, sometimes much longer than you anticipated. They are affected by wind, waves and all other sorts of uncontrollable factors. The larger the ferry, the slower, but also the most likely not to cancel or delay. Be patient, and understand how it works. You will want to be at the dock at least 30 minutes before your boat leaves. Most locals won’t line up until right before, but getting there early will ensure a better seat and streamline the boarding process. Ferry’s take longer than flying, but they are really relaxing, beautiful experience. On big, slow ferries, you can sit outside and walk along the deck taking in the seascape. Most ferries allow you to stow your luggage on a rack on the boarding level of the boat. You are free to haul it up to the passenger deck and keep an eye on it yourself if you prefer. Most ferries have bathrooms, charging outlets and Wi-Fi, usually for a fee. They also have food and drinks for purchase.

Obviously, there is so much more to traveling in Italy and Greece than can be explored in this blog, but hopefully this will at least give you a leg up and keep you from looking like a total noob while visiting the ancient world. If you are looking for fun things to do while in Italy and Greece, feel free to take a look at our itinerary. These are only just some of the highlights, but it will give you an idea of how much time to allot at each location and how to pace yourself.

Happy travels!

Our Top 10 Travel Photos (Part One)

Travel certainly makes me feel alive. Sometimes I want to pinch myself because I can't believe what a dream my life has become.. and all because of travel. If you would've told me 10 years ago what my life would look like, I probably wouldn't have believed you. It's not too good to be true, it's not some magic elixir. It takes hard work and sacrifice, but it's completely possible to have your cake and eat it too. I've stumbled upon something that truly makes my heart happy and I want to shout it from the rooftops so that others can live their dreams too.

So along that vein, here is a walk down memory lane. These are some of my favorite travel photos from our recent adventures. Notice, I've named it "part one" because it was SO hard to choose just 10. Be on the lookout for more travel photo related blogs in the future. And until then.. take a look at our photo gallery. 

Without further ado, here are our top 10 travel photos... so far :)

1. Trevi Fountain, Rome

This is one of my favorites because it really captures the feeling of the moment--pure joy! Here we are throwing coins into the newly renovated Trevi Fountain, cashing in on the saying that promises a return to Rome to those that toss in a coin. To date I've tossed in 3 coins and the promise hasn't failed me yet. I'm so pumped to be headed back next summer. You can check out the itinerary here if you feel so inclined. The beautiful lady to my left is our guide, Elena. She really made our trip special because of her love of life, constant upbeat personality and love of travel. We are kindred spirits for sure!

2. Arc de Triomph, Tour de France, Paris

This one captures my whole heart. I love this picture so much I have it hanging in my house. This trip was incredibly special for so many reasons. It was Roman's first international trip (he was such a trooper), and as an avid cyclist, it was the fulfillment of one of Jordan's lifelong dreams--to attend the Tour de France. It was incredibly special for him to share this moment with his firstborn son. This particular year was the 100th annual Tour de France, so the country went all out! There were jet planes flying overhead spouting plumes of red, white, and blue in their jet streams, the Arch was turned into an illuminated light show the likes of which I've never seen before. It was incredible. The winner was Chris Froome. Paris will always hold a special place in my heart, and this was an awesome way to experience it for the first time. I've been back several times since and it lives up to every single magical expectation, time after time. While the Tour de France won't be taking place when we return next March, we will definitely hit the Arch of Triumph again, along with many, many more Parisian highlights. Check it out here.  

3. Segrada Familia, Barcelona

There's nothing quite like experiencing living, breathing history being made right before your eyes. This photo is outside of the Segrada Familia, a masterpiece of art and architecture melded into one, by none other than Gaudi himself. It was breathtaking to watch as this centuries old masterpiece is still being constructed. Gaudi has his hand in so many corners of Barcelona. He really gives the city it's eclectic feeling and nowhere is that more apparent than at this magnificent cathedral. I can't wait to go again and see how it continues to progress. 

4. Stonehenge, England

This was a lucky shot captured during a long layover in England. We had just enough time to rent a car and drive out to Stonehenge before heading off to our final destination. While driving on the opposite-side of the rode felt much like taking our lives into our hands, especially while being so jetlagged, we were soon rewarded. It was unreal to drive down the country road and BOOM, there is Stonehenge off to the side. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that was someone's morning commute every day. 

5. Hot Air Balloon, Dubai

This was my number one bucket list item, believe it or not! I will forever have warm fuzzies about this dream come true. This was Christmas Eve, and we took a 4 am Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Dubai desert. We watched the sun rise, we rode over camel farms and had a crash landing--all before lunch time. This was definitely one of the most amazing moments of my travels over the years. Fun fact: my sunglasses fell off my head as we were landing this baby and I thought they were gone forever. Luckily enough, I found them only a few hundred feet away and unscathed. 

6. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

This has to have been one of the most surreal experiences of our entire lives, travel or otherwise. I'd always wanted to visit the Pyramids in Egypt, and we finally got an inexpensive chance when we were visiting Jordan's parents in Dubai. We booked a cheap, economy flight and a budget-friendly hotel and off we went. Amid recent turmoil we found ourselves as the only tourists in the area. This is a picture of the most mind-blowing moment where passersby wanted a picture of us, and not the beautiful background. I would highly recommend Egypt to any adventurous travelers out there. It is a country rich in history and art with so much to offer, no waiting in line, and a warm welcome from everyone. 

7. Fish Pedicure, Athens

This tops my list of weirdest life experiences. On a lunch break in Athens, we passed a shop that gave fish pedicures. If you know me, you may know I have an irrational fear of freshwater fish.. don't ask.. it's irrational. This was quite the hurdle for me as it both explores a cultural curiosity and conquers a lifelong fear. The fish basically eat all the dead skin off of your feet. I'm not sure how hygienic it is, especially considering the fact that it is outlawed in many countries, but all in all, it was a cool experience,  and if you are wondering.. it tickles like hell! While this excursion isn't exactly listed on the itinerary, we could probably squeeze it in. 

8. Gondola Ride, Venice

Who hasn't dreamed of riding in a gondola since they were a little kid? I certainly did, and let me tell you, it lived up to every single expectation. Winding through the narrow canals and listening to everyday life happening in the balconies and windows above is surreal. I love experiencing other people's worlds, if even just for an afternoon. Although it wasn't planned, I enjoyed that our gondola driver and I had coordinated outfits. As I was 7 months pregnant on this trip, I especially appreciated this moment to get off my feet and relax, the Venetian way. 

9. Nice, France

I think everyone on this trip could agree that the evening we spent exploring Nice was one of the highlights of our travels. Watching the sun set over the pebbled beach was beautiful beyond words. While we did misplace our GoPro camera this night, it didn't taint the joy we felt this entire day. I think most of us started planning our return trip that night. I especially loved that two of my besties were with me on this trip. These two lovely ladies have been such beautiful additions to my life, and I consider them two of my best friends, and we wouldn't be what we are if it weren't for travel. They say, friends who travel together, stick together.

10. Zaanse Schans, Windmill Village, Netherlands

This was from our most recent travel adventure to Amsterdam. We were celebrating our anniversary and this windmill village was the highlight of the trip. It was beyond quaint. We watched a clog-making demonstration, we sampled gouda cheese and chocolate, and we explored the winding pathways and ivy-clad cottages of this fully operational village. It wasn't just a tourist trap, it's an actual town where people still live and it's a definite must see on our upcoming tour back to Amsterdam. 

Travel doesn't have to be out of reach. It does take some prioritizing and planning, but it's totally achievable, even on a limited budget like ours. Take a look at some of our upcoming tours, and start living your dreams today. 

An In-Depth Look at Day 2 in Paris

My favorite day on tour is always, without-a-doubt, Day 2. It doesn’t matter the destination, Day 2 has its own special je ne c’est quoi. You’ve been flying all night, sometimes binging on movies, sometimes chatting with your fellow travelers, or maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ve been snoozing. But, whatever your flying habits, at this point the trip somehow tends to feel intangible still…that is, until Day 2. You’re groggy, you’re excited, and you’re finally here after all the months of preparation and anticipation. You’ve gotten that magical passport stamp and off you go! There is always an otherworldly feeling associated with the first full day on tour. If it’s your first time to Europe, especially, there’s an unreal Disney-like quality to stepping onto cobblestone streets older than your entire country. You know its Europe, but you might need someone to pinch you, just to make sure!

This particular tour is going to knock your socks off on day 2! You can check out the full itinerary by clicking here. It says, “Take a walking tour of the Latin Quarter and visit Notre Dame Cathedral. Conclude the evening with a trip up the Eiffel tower and watch Paris come alive at night.” That’s awfully vague isn’t it? Here is a deeper look into what we will actually be doing on Day 2, and why you shouldn’t miss out!

From the airport, we hit the ground running. We will be taking a walking tour of the famous Latin Quarter, the heart of Paris, and home to the world-famous Sorbonne University, founded in 1257! A fun fact is that all University studies are free of charge in France, as well as much of the rest of Europe, so you will find students from all over the world studying here and a variety of languages spoken.

You can read about Paris, and you can hear other people talk about it. You can even soak in gorgeous photos and think you have a good grasp on what it will be like, but nothing beats walking along its winding streets and experiencing it firsthand.

The Latin Quarter is one of my favorites. Close to the epicenter of Paris, located along the left bank of the Seine, it’s a bustling hub with people going every which way. I love watching the hustle and bustle of the streets filled with students, artists and tourists going about their daily lives. Paris is alive, and nowhere is that more apparent than the Latin Quarter. It’s a great place to grab an inexpensive cup of coffee and people watch. Another fun thing I like to do in the Latin Quarter is to stop by the Shakespeare and Co. bookstore, a longtime fixture in the Paris community. Pick up a second-hand book for that book lover in your life, or snag one for yourself as a souvenir. I scored a copy of “Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare on my last visit, and it’s one of my favorite travel treasures to date.

After getting oriented to the city on foot we will have a little free time to grab a bite to eat. I suggest trying a savory crepe, or a ham and cheese baguette at one of the local bakeries. They are made fresh and rival any baked goods found at home.

After lunch we will cross the river to the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral and take a tour of its breathtaking interior. Visitors can pay a euro or two and light a candle from inside and watch as this fully operational cathedral brings in both tourists and local worshipers from in and around the city. I think sometimes it’s easy to see this as a historical landmark only, but once inside, you really see it for the holy and reverent place of worship that it is.  

As a kid I loved the movie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the first time I visited the cathedral in real life it was amazing how familiar it felt, having been so immortalized in so many movies, books and even TV shows. It’s hard to describe the feeling you get when you visit something so famous for the first time—it’s a mix of familiarity and coming home, and yet it’s new and exciting all at the same time. As an extra treat, Notre Dame has some of the most beautiful stained glass windows I’ve ever seen. It’s a postcard perfect photo op that your friends will have a hard time believing you snapped on your IPhone.

After the Cathedral we will take a short walk to the Love Lock Bridge, where people from all over the world leave a piece of their love. On our first trip to Paris, Jordan, Roman, and I painted our names and the date on a lock with the intention of leaving our mark there forever. The only problem was, I accidently left the key back home in Tennessee and we had no way to lock it on. Amateurs! Lucky for us, there was many-a local just waiting to capitalize on our mistake, and one that I can assume many others make, as there were plenty of vendors to choose from to buy a replacement lock. Crisis averted, we purchased a second lock and took a picture as we tossed the keys into the Seine. No one needed to know they weren’t the actual keys. Haha!

From here we will head to our hotel and get settled in our rooms. After a quick refresh, we will head out to dinner and then off to the Eiffel Tower!!

There are few things in this world as pleasantly surprising as the Eiffel Tower at night. Many travelers are unaware that it sparkles every hour on the hour past dusk. Its illumination is always met with shouts of surprise and awe by street goers. It’s easy to lose yourself in the magic of it all. Once on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, we will take in the city skyline at night. There is no view in all of Paris as gorgeous as the one atop the Eiffel Tower. If you are brave, and even if you aren’t, you will thank yourself for taking a trip to the very top. From the top floor of the Eiffel Tower, the world below becomes a blur. It’s such a calm, serene and intimate moment with anyone you choose to share it with.

One thing Jordan and I like to reminisce on is our first night on the Eiffel Tower. His parents took Roman for the night so we could have a date, and we climbed every stair ourselves and shared a victory bottle of champagne at the top. It was so romantic! I highly recommend both the climbing and the champagning for anyone looking to get the full Parisian experience ;)

From here we will head back to our hotel and get a good night’s rest after the dream that was Day 2. Make sure you get your zzz’s in before hitting the streets again for another full day of exploring on Day 3! For novice travelers it might be hard to believe that this night could ever be topped. But this is only Day 2! Buckle up as there is plenty more to come.