If it’s your first time in one of the most artistic cities in the world, you’re very likely going to be visiting the largest art museum in the world to see arguably the most famous painting in the world: the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. We’ll just say that’s a given. But after you’ve braved the crowds to see the lady’s enigmatic smile and checked … Continue reading Beyond the Mona Lisa: Where to Find Art You’ll Love in Paris
While Amsterdam is definitely one of Europe’s most popular cities, a trip there can add up fast! Here are some tips to help you save some money while exploring some of Amsterdam’s finest offerings. Purchase a Museumkaart Amsterdam has several world class museums, but many of these come with a hefty price tag. Luckily, the city offers several different discount cards for its city attractions, … Continue reading How to Experience the Best of Amsterdam for Cheap
Title: The Travels of Ibn Battutah Author: Ibn Battutah, edited by Tim Mackintosh-Smith Year Published: 1356AD; this version 2002 Places Explored: Northern Africa, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, the Maldives, Indonesia, China, Spain, West Africa My Rating: ♦♦♦◊◊ Review: “I have traveled through the countries of the world and I have met their kings.” – Ibn Battutah This quote provides a pretty good summary of The … Continue reading Travels of Ibn Battutah Review
One of my very favorite things about London is that, not only do they have quite a few world-class museums, but entrance to many of them is completely free! Whether you’re interested in science, art, archaeology, or home decor, you’ll be able to find an amazing museum there that you can check out for no money at all. Check out this list of my favorite … Continue reading The 6 Best Free Museums in London
After Paris and London, we continued on to Amsterdam, ready to see the Van Gogh Museum, works by the Dutch Golden Age masters, and the famous canals. I’d never been to this city before, and I was excited to scope it out for the first time with Rebecca! Day 1: Museum Van Loon & the Van Gogh Museum We left Hotel Esmeralda bright and early, … Continue reading Amsterdam for Art Lovers
After a nice introduction to Europe in London, Rebecca and I journeyed on to the artistic capital of Europe – Paris! We had five days there to see all the major attractions and art museums, and we also took day trips to Giverny and Versailles. I didn’t completely enjoy my first trip to Paris, so I was excited to give it a second chance! Day 1: … Continue reading Paris for Art Lovers
Where does one start an art-themed tour of Europe? Rebecca and I chose London. This was my second visit to this cosmopolitan city, and I was excited to introduce all of my favorite places to my sister and check out quite a few highlights that I missed on the last trip. London (and the UK in general) is closer to the US geographically, culturally, and … Continue reading London for Art Lovers
Just wanted to do a quick post on the travel that is planned for this year! It should be an exciting year, since it’s my first full year out of college, so I have more vacation time and a bit more funding for travel. Here’s what’s planned: London, Paris & Amsterdam Next month, my sister Rebecca and I will be heading to Europe to celebrate … Continue reading 2017 Travel Plans
Title: Out of Africa Author: Isak Dinesen (pen name of Baroness Karen Blixen) Year Published: 1937 Places Explored: Kenya, especially Nairobi and the Ngong Hills area My Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦ Review: I knew basically from the iconic first line, “I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of Ngong Hills”, that I would enjoy this book and I’m so glad I read it! The basic outline … Continue reading Out of Africa Review
As I’m preparing to head back to Europe in a few months, I’ve been thinking back to my first trip “abroad” and I thought I could share some advice, so I’ve compiled a list of 50 tips that I would give to someone heading out for their first international trip! The Basics #1: Pick somewhere on the beaten path. I know, I know, everyone’s always … Continue reading 50 Tips for Your First Trip Abroad