Bone-Chilling Berlin - Remembering The Past

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While I was only in Berlin for a few days and was working during most of it, we got to get out and explore the city a little. I really liked Berlin - the people were friendly, the food was great, and the city was clean and beautiful. During our time out and about, we visited both the Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Memorial. It was a chilling experience to literally be standing where so much history happened during and after World War II. It was interesting to see all the designs on the wall and take a walk through the memorial, which had a much different feel than the rest of the modern city. I'd definitely recommend a visit to these two places if you find yourself in Berlin.

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holocaust memorial berlin germany

Why A Weekend In Prague Is Never Enough

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I love Prague. I was lucky enough to spend a weekend there last winter and a day and a half there just last week. There is so much to do in the capital of the Czech Republic, but it's tough to do it all on a short amount of time. I've been lucky enough to skim the surface of the city with just a few days total, but there really is plenty to do. If you have the opportunity,  I'd recommend more than a weekend in Prague, and here's why:

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There's more to see beyond the walking tour

Don't get me wrong - the main stops along a typical Prague walking tour are amazing: Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, etc. It's the side streets that spark my interest though: the little alleys lined with shops, cafes, or just even graffiti that deserve a walking through. Unfortunately with just a weekend, there isn't as much time to get lost.

The nightlife is crazy

If you like to go out at night, there is an endless supply of places to go. Prague is known for nightlife, and with just a weekend you won't have the time to experience it all.

Things are cheap (ex: beer is cheaper than water)

If beer is your drink of choice, then you'll be able to afford plenty with meals or when you go out at night. (One beer at a bar came to about $1.20 USD). This also means you'll have some leftover cash to spend on food, shopping, entertainment, etc. With my day and a half in Prague last week I spent a total of 500 Kc ($25 USD) on food and drinks. Had I had more time, I would've used this opportunity to go shopping and save some cash!

Quick Money-Saving Tips For Paris

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It's no secret that Paris isn't cheap. Even hostels can be in the three digits for a mediocre place to stay. Eating out at restaurants could be a splurge too if you eat out often. As a 22-year-old with limited funds, I had to make a few sacrifices in terms of budget during my weekend in Paris. I'll have to go back again later in life to experience some different/expensive things, but if you're looking to save a few euros during your stay, here a few tips I found helpful:

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1. Going up the Eiffel Tower: take the stairs instead of the elevators

This is both a time-saving and money-saving tip. If you take the elevators, the line is much longer than the one for the stairs. Most people say the stairs are fine for an average person, and you'll still need to take an elevator from the second floor up to the top. You have time to stop and go to the shops or restaurants on the first and second levels if you'd like. The stair route is cheaper than the elevator route.

2. Choose which viewpoints you want to see Paris from

Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Sacre Coeur are just a few places to see fantastic aerial views of Paris. However, they all cost money to climb to the top, so choose one or two as your main viewing places. I loved the top of the Arc de Triomphe because there are viewpoints of all the tree-lined streets going out of the main circle, views of the Eiffel Tower, etc. Of course they all have great views, but you could say that the view is similar all around (just from a different angle).

3. Walk or take public transportation instead of taxis

My motto while in Paris was: why pay to get somewhere when I have my own two feet? It was warm and sunny the whole time (sometimes a rarity in rainy Paris), and I enjoyed seeing the city by foot. I also found more cute little gems along the way and saw a lot more than if I had just taken the metro or taxis the whole time.

4 Things That Surprised Me About Paris

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Everyone already knows that the Mona Lisa is underwhelming, French bread is delicious, and Laduree macarons are a must. Here are four things that surprised me about Paris that made my trip even that much better. 1. The gardens are large and there are tree-lined streets

When I think of big cities I normally just think of tall buildings, bustling people, and lots of concrete. Especially when I was living in Florence the main city center had no trees, grass, or plants, so I wasn't expecting so much greenery when I went to Paris. Though there are plenty of gardens with flowers, grass, and running paths as well as streets lined with large trees.

2. There are many more places to see art than just The Louvre (though The Louvre is pretty amazing).

Yes, I went to The Louvre, and yes, it was amazing! However there are so many more places to see some of the world's finest artwork. For example, many of Van Gough's works are in an exhibit at Musee d'Orsay (which was worth the visit to d'Orsay for me).

3. The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour (after sunset)

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Helpful to know if you don't already - I was glad I found out this tip before I walked an hour to the Eiffel so that I could make it there before the sparkles came and went. For some reason I thought it sparkled during the whole night. Instead it lights up as the sun sets (so cool) and then on the hour it sparkles for five minutes. This was one of my favorite things I did during my whole time in Paris!

4. It's must faster to get into The Louvre underground than by entering in the pyramid

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Well, I first assumed that the famous clear pyramid was just for decoration outside The Louvre, but it is actually the main ticket entrance to the museum. What's better is the underground entrance instead - the line is much shorter because less people know about it. Next to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is a staircase that goes underground to the shopping mall that is below The Louvre. You save time and you get to wait inside instead of outside in the heat/cold/rain/whatever.

Where To Find Good Food in Florence On A Budget

Florence is one of the best cities for food in Italy (the best in my opinion). The pasta is perfect, the pizza is topped with fresh mozzarella, and the panini are made with crisp bread.

Like any city, not all restaurants are budget-friendly, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality for a cheap eat!

To find delicious Italian staples and save a few euros, go to these places to get your fix for pizza, panini, gelato, pasta, and chicken.

If you’re looking for some of the best Italian food for less…you’re in the right place.

Let's eat!

Pizza: Gusta Pizza | Via Maggio, 46r

It can be hard to find good Italian pizza under five euros, but you can find it at Gusta Pizza, located near Santo Spirito.

For 3.50 for marinara (just sauce and crust) or 4 for margherita (sauce, crust, cheese), the prices are hard to beat.

Pizzas with more toppings aren't even much more. What's even better is if you split your pizza with a friend, then you'll have some extra cash for a glass of wine!

Panini: I Due Frattelini | Via dei Cimatori, 38

Due Frattelini is always packed at lunch time and for good reason. Part of that is because it is a tiny walk-up kiosk, but mostly because the panini are just that good!

And inexpensive, too: 2.50 euro for most sandwiches.

The bread is the best part, warm and crisp. The ingredients are fresh - you see them cut up the tomatoes and mozzarella right in front of you. They serve wine as well!

Gelato: Gelateria La Carraia | Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25

You can't beat tasty gelato for only 1.50 euro!

My general rule is to only trust gelaterias that serve the small sized gelato for 2 euros or less. More than that, the prices are likely tourist-driven and the quality isn't as great.

The gelato at La Carraia is good quality and right across the Ponte alla Carraia bridge. Take your gelato with you to the bridge and enjoy the views while you eat.

Pasta: Osteria de' Peccatori | Piazza di San Firenze, 14

Osteria de' Peccatori is one of my favorite restaurants in Florence. We went there a number of times - it is great for a semi-large group of people or dining solo, whatever works for you.

There is a lot of selection on the menu, but the pasta has always been my favorite - especially the gnocchi al pesto or the tortellini labro di prete (7.90 euro each).

The service is really friendly and welcoming. (The dessert is beyond amazing, too)! I could sure go for their tiramisu...

Rotisserie Chicken: Ristorante La Spada | Via della Spada, 62

I'm not quite sure if rotisserie chicken counts as a staple Italian food, but if you need to take a break from all the carbs, head to La Spada for some delicious, juicy take away chicken.

For only five euros you get a half chicken and can add a side if you want - potatoes, vegetables, etc. You also have many other choices with the take away selection.

(Note that sitting down at the restaurant costs more than it does at the take away shop around the corner, but tastes the same all the less).

There you have it - the best places in Florence to get amazing Italian food at a fraction of the price.

These are a few examples of my personal favorite places to go from when I used to live in the city – I would often frequent these eateries at least once every other week!

I recommend these places and hope you enjoy them too.

Book a Place to Stay in Italy

My all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!

Why Oktoberfest Is The Greatest Thing, Ever

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If you want to go to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany this fall, book your accommodations now. That's why this post is going up at the beginning of summer rather than closer to Oktoberfest, because, well, if you want to go, you'll need to make sure you have a place to stay (some hotels/hostels even sell out a year in advance). Make sure you do this soon so you don't miss out on it, because Oktoberfest is AWESOME.

Six million people attend Oktoberfest in Munich every year. Oktoberfest lasts for 16 days, starting mid-September and finishing the first weekend of October. Celebrate and party at the world's largest beer festival with people from around the world. I met people from all over including Brazil, Australia, a bunch of Europeans, and of course, some awesome Germans.

Now onto why Oktoberfest is the greatest thing, ever:

The beer is exclusive to the festival and is really, really good. Six Munich breweries brew their own Oktoberfest Beer. I didn't like beer until I went to Oktoberfest. Now I love it, and I have the beer from Hofbrauhaus and Hacker to thank for that. When you order beer, it comes in a stein: a large glass with a handle that holds 1 liter (34 ounces) and the beer must be a minimum of 6%.

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The food. Giant soft pretzels, sausage, pork knuckle, schnitzel, and sauerkraut are just a few of the traditional German foods you'll find  at Oktoberfest. They all pair really well with beer.

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People dress up in lederhosen and dirndls. And not just a few randos - you'll look more out of place in regular clothes than you will in lederhosen (guys) or a dirndl (girls). Pretty much everyone is dressed up in the traditional German outfits which only adds to the festive feel of Oktoberfest. You can find authentic, good quality lederhosen and dirndls at plenty of stores around Munich before you head to the tents.

Fun, lively atmosphere. Everyone is jolly and having a grand ol' time inside the tents. A lively atmosphere calls for great memories, possibly with new friends that you meet in the tents.

It's also a CARNIVAL. There's a reason they say it's like Disneyland for adults. How much more fun can it get when Oktoberfest also doubles as a carnival?! Outside the tents you'll find plenty of games and amusement park rides. The one that that goes up really high and does a big drop gives you a great aerial view of the festival grounds.

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Headed to Oktoberfest?

Book a place to stay, ASAP! Oktoberfest season in Munich sees a heavy amount of visitors from all over Germany and the rest of the world. The earlier you book your place to stay, the better - as availability for hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and Couchsurfing can go fast.

I recommend using my all-time favorite booking website, Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!

4 Essentials For a Weekend in Istanbul

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Last fall I had been itching to go somewhere a little more exotic and different than Western/Central Europe, and was thrilled when I found cheap flights to Istanbul, Turkey's largest city. For a long weekend, I wandered around the city with a friend to explore a place neither of us had been to. Immediately we were in awe, as the city blends the east and the west, evidently seen through the culture and architecture. The people were friendly and the streets were bustling. Since we just had a few days there, we set out on hitting the major must-see attractions, but also walked around plenty in the attempt to stumble upon random shops and cafes. Here are a few must-see things we did that I highly recommend you do if you find yourself in Istanbul:

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Galata Tower View

Head to the top of the Galata Tower for a fantastic view of Istanbul. Once at the top, you slowly make your way around the tower which gives you an amazing panoramic view of the city, the water, and the mosques in the distance. Look down and people watch those walking around the streets or dining at an outdoor cafe.

Topkapi Palace

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The Topkapi Palace was one of my favorite places we visited. Nestled on a hill, there are spectacular views of the city and the water surrounding the castle. The rooms throughout the palace are covered in bright colored tiles and stained glass windows that add to the grandeur of the former stomping grounds for the Ottoman Sultans. Inside the palace was the jewel room, which I LOVED. You aren't allowed to take photos in the jewel room, so I only have my memories - think swords and other weaponry completely covered in gems, decorative bowls, and large chests with giant, pure emeralds.

Mosques

Istanbul Mosques

The mosques in Istanbul are grand and elaborate from the outside, but even more so on the inside. While we didn't have a chance to go to Hagia Sofia (something to do next time), we did get to the Blue Mosque and the New Mosque. Being inside the mosques was relaxing and peaceful. I instantly felt a sense of calm. Make sure to dress conservatively in the mosques with covered shoulders, knees, and toes, plus a head scarf for women.

Grand Bazaar/Spice Market

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The Grand Bazaar and Spice Market were two places I weren't very fond of, but nevertheless are interesting to experience. The shop salespeople were mainly men who were very pushy and annoying just to get you to look at their items. The Grand Bazaar was large and there was a ton of selection on Turkish goods, plus some of the typical souvenir stuff. The Spice Market had a ton of spices (of course), and if I were one to cook, I would've stocked up on everything from paprika to cumin to pepper. The Spice Market also had shops with plenty of Turkish gifts to buy, including traditional Turkish foods like baklava. While these weren't my favorite places to go to, I'd still recommend a look around because there is quite a variety of shops.

There is plenty more to do in Istanbul, and these four essentials only scratch the surface - but will definitely make for a trip to remember as part of your weekend itinerary.