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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

7 Travel Hacks for Paris

If you’re heading to Paris I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of feedback from people who have visited the City of Light themselves. But I’m also sure you’ve heard your fair share of mixed reviews.  Chances are you’ve heard loads of praise in regards to Paris. It’s beautiful! It’s romantic! It’s breathtaking! It’s very likely you’ve also heard a decent amount of criticism too. Paris is great, but the French are rude! The City is so dirty! The list goes on and on.

The truth is, with Paris, like life, the experience is what you make it. Luckily, there are a few easy things travelers can do to ensure that they have the highest satisfaction possible. Best of all, they are super easy!

So without further ado.. Here are my top 7 Paris travel hacks to make you feel like a pro!

Set realistic expectations

Paris is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Parisians share their city with tourists from all corners of the globe (and all the languages spoken in each). There were just over 83 million foreign visitors in Paris in 2018 alone! Remember that you are a visitor here. Expecting business to be conducted in your home language is setting yourself up for failure. Luckily the French are highly skilled in English for the most part, but you will get so much further in France by making an effort in French versus leading in English. Simple phrases like Bonjour (hello), Parlez-vous Anglais? (do you speak English?), and S’il vous plait? (please) are much more likely to be met with smiles and a willingness to help than expecting locals to cater to you in your language. I’d be willing to bet that many of the people who had a bad Parisian experience made this embarrassing language faux pas.

Understand How Strikes and Protests Work and Just How Common They Are

The French strike. It’s what they do. Expect to see some evidence of a strike during your stay in Paris. A local Parisian once described protests as France’s national past time. A simple look back at French History will give insight into why the French have such an affinity for the art of protest--simply put, it works! It’s essentially like the French version of writing your Congressman. I’ve been to France when the garbage workers were on strike. As you can imagine, there was more filth on the streets then than other times I’ve visited. Other times the airlines were on strike, making the airport experience somewhat inconvenient. Most of the strikes are announced ahead of time and a simple bit of research can help you avoid any frustrations due to any strikes that might be taking place while you’re traveling. Keep an eye on any transportation you plan to use or excursions you’ve booked to avoid any unexpected delays. Another important note—while frequent, strikes and protests are rarely violent, so don’t be alarmed if you see demonstrations going on while you’re in Paris.

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 metro are a feeding frenzy for “little fingers.” Also keep your eyes peeled at large tourist sites such as the Sacre Couer, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. 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.

Metro

Paris is one of the easiest cities to navigate via public transportation. Between the metro, the RER, and the varied bus system, tourists have a plethora of ways to get from one side of the city to the other. For the metro, there are a few simple tricks to keep you from making amateur mistakes. Once you purchase a metro ticket, you have to scan it through a turnstile in order to enter the metro. It would be easy to think that you’re done with the ticket at that point, but don’t throw it out. Many tourists have been stopped by police officers asking for proof of fare. This is completely legal, and those who have misplaced their ticket are subject to a fine. A few etiquette tips will make a huge difference in your metro experience as well. Always offer your seat (if you have one) to anyone who is elderly or has disabilities, particularly if seats are few and far between. Also, try not to board the metro until everyone exiting the train has done so first. There are small hinged seats next to the door on most metros. Avoid using them if the train is overly-crowded. They take up valuable standing room and you can come off looking rude if you use them and take up precious space.

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 Paris. Paris 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 Paris, 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 Paris.

Tipping

If you have a tour guide during any part of your trip to Paris, 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 service fee (service compris). Conversely, some may indicate a service fee is not included (service non compris) in which case, you are free to tip. 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.

Street Vendors and Scammers

While in Paris, you will no doubt run into street vendors. If they are selling items along the street, Eiffel Tower Keychains, Knock-off purses and the like, just be aware, it is illegal to purchase their goods--mostly because they are not operating legitimate businesses or paying taxes. Anywhere that is a highly trafficked tourist area, you’ll see hundreds of them. You’ll often see them gather up their items in a drawstring sack if they see a police officer coming. While uncommon, tourists can be fined for purchasing from them so be aware of the risks. Keep an eye out for thieves and scammers as well. Some will try to get you to bet on card tricks, or request money for a bracelet they’ve placed on your wrist, or offer you a flower and then expect payment--just be aware, they are likely a distraction for scammers and thieves. The best thing to do is refuse to interact with them.

Obviously, there is so much more to traveling in Paris 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 City of Light. If you are looking for fun things to do while in Paris, 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.

While in Paris, just remember to be polite and have a good attitude and you’re sure to have a marvelous time! Happy travels!

My First Trip Abroad

I don’t know if it was the awe and wonder of my first time in Europe, or if Prague truly is an untouched gem, but it was an amazing city to have my first European experience in. The grandeur of the gothic spires that shot up along the skyline was overwhelming. I’d never seen the old world intermingled with new life before. Walking along the Charles Bridge and admiring local artists hard at work and weaving in and out of street vendor’s shops was something out of a fairy tale. I remember buying a hand-carved, wooden 3-way chess set from a man who greeted me in Japanese, and some Bohemian crystal in a shop I remember thinking I was too underdressed to be shopping in. The garnet and amber jewelry shops along the streets lured me in with their walls of red and gold glistening in the morning light. I climbed up to Prague Castle and looked out on the city below—finding it difficult to wrap my head around how vast and dramatic the landscape was compared to anything I’d ever seen before. I remember seeing a suit of armor on display in a torture museum and being blown away at how barbaric and harsh the world once was. I visited a university that ran an exchange teacher program. For the first time in my life I saw the possibility of living abroad--I saw life through a completely different lens than anything else I’d ever known. I took a “lift” instead of an elevator, I slept in down feather beds and ate foods whose names I couldn’t even pronounce. I saw a procession of Apostles parading themselves through an opening in a magnificent astronomical clock that was over 600 years old. The mere concept of a clock being so much older than my country was mind-blowing. I saw soldiers in uniform walking proudly amongst the streets. I saw a city untouched by the bombing of World War II, yet still impacted by its devastating effects. I saw resilience, and grit, and genuine kindness in the Czechs. I was truly sad to leave this city when it was time to move on.

From Prague I headed to Hungary. My stay in Budapest was very brief, but it lasted long enough for me to know I needed to return. The food, the aromas and the bustle of the city was invigorating. I spent three hours eating dinner—sharing stories, breaking bread and laughing with my new Hungarian friends. I saw extreme poverty—gypsies—discrimination and hardship—but also a lot of love and laughter.

I remember as I crossed the border from Hungary to Austria noting how interestingly and dramatically the landscape changed almost instantly. In both the Czech Republic and Hungary there had been fields of yellow wildflowers as far as the eye could see. In Austria I remember poppies--rows and rows of poppies--So red and vibrant that they almost didn’t seem real. Suddenly the rolling foothills transformed to enormous mountains that jutted into the heavens with beautiful blue green lakes nestled in between. There was something so quaint about it. I spent some of my time in a girl’s dormitory where I got to meet Austrian students that were my own age. How could it be that we lived worlds apart, yet had so much in common? It had only been just the year before when my English teacher had asked us to create a bucket list. “Write down things that may seem impossible, but that would make your heart soar,” she had said. The first item had been simple—“visit the set of The Sound of Music.” The film came alive as I walked through Mirabell Garden--recounting hours of singing Do-Re-Mi in my living room. I could envision the children clad in drapes hanging from the trees as I walked up to the palatial and intimidating home Maria would spend the next few years of her life—a moment I knew as if it was a scene from my own blurred childhood memories. I explored the Gazebo that Leisl escaped to in the night to be with Rolf as she rationalized life in a way only a sixteen-going-on-seventeen-year-old can. Checking something off my bucket list for the first time was indescribable—addictive, even. I just wanted to devour more experiences like this. We toured Salzburg, went into the depths of the Earth in a salt mine, and to the top of the world (it seemed) as we took a steam train up into the Alps, the very one the Von Trapp children had ridden on a day out with their new, fun governess. We saw Mozart’s home and stood in awe of instruments he himself practiced on. It was unreal to see all these things I had only ever read about coming to life. Suddenly I felt so small. My scope of reality was so microscopic compared to the vast infiniteness of humanity and my tiny, but somehow important role in it. I remember running my fingers over small one and two Euro coins---thinking how innovative and colorful European money was compared to dollars. For the first time I had to pay to use the bathroom. I remember thinking that the whole idea was unheard of and completely uncivilized, until I realized how much cleaner and nicer every bathroom in Austria had been compared to everywhere else, almost as if people appreciate things more when they’ve had to contribute to its upkeep. I started to change. I saw how I was starting to appreciate things—things that had never occurred to me before—like how effortlessly foreign speakers in my home country got by when I struggled so much here—sure, not everything they said was flawless, but I found myself overwhelmed with the graciousness the Czech, Hungarian and Austrian people had with my stammering, unapologetic lack of language. I thought about times where I hadn’t been so gracious and I suddenly became painfully aware of my inadequacies in past experiences. I vowed to change that.

There’s something so invigorating about travel. It unlocks things inside of you that you didn’t even know to look for. It can break your heart, it can make you sentimental, and it can rock your world view. I know for me personally, it has been one of the most transformative powers in my life and I am so grateful for each experience to view life through a different perspective.  

Why You Should Just Take The Trip

I rarely hear individuals complain about having taken a chance on travel. Maybe they would’ve preferred better weather on a trip, or more sunblock, or different companions, or more time in a destination, but if I’m being completely honest, I’ve yet to meet anyone who took a chance on travel and came back with regret about taking the trip itself.

So often I hear people vacillate on whether or not they should take the trip to begin with. As Americans especially we live in such a materialistic society—one that judges richness based on physical possessions. We are supposed to find the measure of our wealth in what we can show to others. It’s the American dream after all! Spouse, 2.5 kids, nice car, white picket fence, name brand clothing. It’s not a bad dream by any means.

It’s no wonder that when so many of us find ourselves with expendable income, around tax time perhaps, we are often torn between the difficult choice of experiences or things. You can’t really show someone what it feels like to climb into an ancient Egyptian Tomb after all—one that’s older than the nation you call home. You can try to describe your experience, but no one can know just by looking at you the immense impact the enigmatic hieroglyphs dancing along the walls had on you. You can try to explain what the thrill of riding in a hot air balloon across an Arabian Desert feels like in terms they can understand, but will they feel the air get hotter the higher up you get, or watch as the falcons fly beneath you, or smell the camels as they kick up the dust on the ground below? You can’t share the sensory experience of a freshly-baked French macaron cookie—the way the smell hits your taste buds before you’ve even taken a bite—how the outer crunchy shell gives way to an explosion of the soft flavors beneath. People can see you, but they can’t fully understand how you felt standing in the shadow of the mighty Cyclopian walls of Mycenae—so tall and heavy that even modern technology struggles to find answers to how they were created. How do you describe to someone the feeling of walking through the grassy field past the tomb of St. Nicholas amid the ruins of a town only recently identified—one that is still untouched and will likely be entirely different in five years time once it becomes “discovered.” They can read the diary of Anne Frank, but can they fully appreciate her youthful idealism if they haven’t seen the magazine clippings that still remain on the bedroom walls of the Annex, or picture the narrow slats of the ladder that creaked with each step as she and Peter climbed into the attic to be alone together?

Other people can’t look at your physical appearance and see these snapshots, that’s true. If you aren’t wearing your wealth around your wrist, it is possible that your life could be mistaken as “poor”, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. These moments are yours. No change in style, no loss of job, or change in circumstance can take them from you. They are a part of what makes you who you are. Material possessions will come and go. House sizes will change, car makes and models will too, but nothing can take away the memories you’ve made in your travels.

How often do you look back and say, “Man, I’m really glad I bought that pair of shoes instead of watching the Northern Lights dance above the frozen landscape?” Chances are, the shoes made you happy in the moment, or even a little while after, but like everything material, they lose their luster or stop functioning, or get tossed to the back of your closet.

If you find yourself torn between taking the trip or buying the thing, you’re not alone. The temptation to join the material rat race is a strong one. But wealth is relative. Having a full life is something you can’t put a price tag on. Lewis Carroll once said, “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” Don’t miss the opportunity to see the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.

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. 

Ice, Ice, Baby... Iceland, that is!

Why Iceland, you're asking yourself? Well….

It all started with a bet. Jordan said more people were interested in going to Iceland than Israel. I disagreed. I may have even guffawed. He couldn’t believe someone that traveled as much as I do could be so unaware of the cultural goldmine that is Iceland. I couldn’t believe that anyone within a stones throw of the Bible belt could ignore the fact that Christians essentially exit the womb with a burgeoning desire to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. So like the logical people we are, naturally, we took to our Facebook page to settle the debate. We created a poll with several hot destinations including Iceland and the Holy Land and attempted to unbiasedly manipulate our friends and family into voting on where the most appealing travel destination was. Maybe you even innocently participated in it.

As much as it pains me to admit defeat, Iceland won out by a landslide. I was shocked with the results, but I’d be lying if I said that this was the first time Iceland had piqued my interest.

A couple years earlier my friend and fellow travel enthusiast, Ashley, had visited the good ole Land of Fire and Ice and his pictures left me speechless. Whale watching, the blue lagoon, volcanoes! How had I so mistakenly assumed that this beautiful country was nothing more than a big floating Iceberg?! It turns out, that was the point.

Legend tells that the earliest settlers, the Vikings, literally named it “ice-land” to trick their enemies into thinking they hadn’t stumbled onto the natural treasure trove that they in fact had, and using the ole grass-is-greener switcheroo, insisted they instead head to “green-land,” which is in fact, an actual floating iceberg. Genius move. (I also read that this is a bogus account of how this island got its name, but since I moonlight as a literature teacher, I’ll wink at its historical inaccuracy since it makes for a good story).

Now that Iceland was back on my radar I started to see it everywhere. More and more friends were visiting and sharing their pictures, I would read articles about it in magazines and on Facebook, heck even the Real Housewives of Orange County went there, not to mention its repeated appearances on Game of Thrones. It was after overhearing a couple of students gush about Iceland that I decided I was sick of being a bystander. I wanted to see this mythical land for myself.

It took me a few months of nonstop research to decide where exactly in Iceland we should go, what time of year would be best suited for our purposes (prime northern lights viewing times, for example), and how long to make the trip, but I finally did it. Since starting Land + See one of my favorite things is diving head first into a new destination and learning its nuances—hand picking each little nook and cranny of the tour and trying to uncover all the hidden gems along the way. I’m a little obsessed with not feeling like a tourist. Authenticity is always my focus.

I hope you like what I planned. I put my heart and soul into this tour, and while I’m generally a pretty cold-natured person, I couldn’t be more excited about this “hot” destination.

Be on the lookout as I’ll be updating you with day-by-day details periodically in my blog, but for now, here’s a little taste of how our Iceland tour came to be. You can check out the full itinerary by clicking HERE. Iceland here we come!!