No trip to Norway would be complete without visiting the country’s capital, Oslo.  While we only had one full day in Oslo, we explored as much of the city as we could and quickly grew to adore it.  Oslo is modern and historical all at once, with a warmth from its locals that is tangible …

After several days in Tromsø, Norway, the time had come for us to travel 2.5 hours to the shore of the Lyngen Fjord for a four night stay at Lyngen Lodge.  This luxury lodge provides the ultimate arctic adventure during the day while offering a cozy, communal experience at night.  Lyngen Lodge is owned and …

Traveling to arctic Norway in the dead of winter may seem a bit deranged to some, but we were up for the challenge and highly motivated to witness the Northern Lights.  After failing to catch a glimpse of the Aurora during our trip to Iceland the year prior (read all about it here), we were …

Our final stop on our Christmastime adventure in Austria was the “Salt-Castle” itself, Salzburg.  Salzburg is among the largest cities in Austria and, historically, one of the most important.  For most of its history, Salzburg has not belonged to Austria.  Rather, it was the seat of the Archbishop of Salzburg of the Holy Roman Empire. …

Following our relaxing stay at the Aqua Dome Thermal Spa in Längenfeld and feeling reenergized and ready to see more of wintry Austria, we traveled to Innsbruck for a one-night stay in the city on the River Inn.  World-renowned for winter sports, Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and continues to be a very …

In December 2022, we spent a night at the Aqua Dome Thermal Spa after several busy days in Vienna at Christmastime.  The Aqua Dome is located in Längenfeld in the Western state of Tyrol, Austria.  I came across a picture of the spa’s raised hot water basins while searching for the world’s best outdoor baths, and I knew …

There was one goal in mind for our Christmastime 2022 international trip:  visit as many Christmas markets as possible!  After several years of anticipation, we couldn’t wait to experience all of the wintry magic under the bright lights with a mug of Glühwine in hand.  Our first stop: the City of Music, Vienna.  Hotel Sans …

In the Spring of 2011, I spent my last semester of my undergraduate years studying abroad at Harlaxton College outside of Grantham, England.  It was a defining experience for me, as I traveled the globe with two of my best friends prior to each of us pursuing a graduate education.  But for me, the connection …

London is a vibrant, modern city with loads of history and tradition around every busy corner.  It’s no wonder, then, that we chose to spend almost an entire week in the city that Emily chose to visit for her 32nd birthday week.  Our visit to the city was divided into two parts, separated by a …

Planning your own international getaway is possible if you start by following these simple steps.