Palaces and summer homes can be discovered all throughout Europe. This one, the Karlsruhe Palace, was built in the early 1700s and can be found in the south of Germany with gardens just beckoning for you to come picnic with us! 

There is a really great cultural museum inside, called the Baden State Museum or "Badische Landesmuseum" which features both art and history from ancient to modern days. Definitely worth the visit!

If you can come on a weekend, you are likely to catch one of the famous markets in the neighborhoods on this vibrant city. My favorite for affordable, antique finds takes place at the Place du Grand Sablon.

These antiques are required to be at least 30 years old and are on sale on Saturdays between 9 am and 5 pm and Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm. If you’re looking for crafts and art, swing by the Place du Jeu de Balle at the Agora Roundabout on a Thursday between 10 am and 8 pm, or Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm.

Amsterdam is known for many stereotypes, but did anyone ever mention how stunning the architecture is? 

While this famous city is best known for the elaborately designed canal system, the buildings that it intertwines will keep architecture and history lovers enamored for weeks on end. 

Bamberg caught me by surprise with its canals, neat architecture, rolling hills and festive culture. Definitely one of my favorite destinations in Germany now!

Once a year, the city of Siegen, Germany in North Rhine Westphalia hosts a festival of spectacular shine: the Night of a Thousand Lights which takes place on this church square. 

The city of Bamberg caught me by surprise with its canals, neat architecture, rolling hills and festive culture. Definitely one of my favorite destinations in Germany now! This is the Town Hall, with impressive frescoes still in tact on all walls.

Take the party to rooftop literally with one of Brussels’ many rooftop bars and cafes. My fave? Tour the fantastic MIM (Musical Instruments Museum) and end on the top floor terrace with a stunning view across the realm of Belgiums capital.

You can find this museum in a cluster with other great places to visit at the Place Royale (Koningsplein) such as the Magritte Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts just around the corner.

If you're looking for some excellent views of the cityscape while avoiding the bicycles or even sipping a glass of wine, you will love the canal tours that are offered in this beautiful city. You can go for the hop-on hop-off style if you want to explore the famous sights a bit in between, a guided version if you'd like to sit back and listen while taking photos, or even a dinner setting to enjoy the night lights and great company. 

There are several different companies who have different options, so head to the Amsterdam Tourism website for some recommendations. 

Welcome to Grand Central Station, Amsterdam style. Built in the late 1800s, this Neo-Gothic design will certainly be a regal welcome to you as you arrive. Regal being the correct word, as there is even a waiting room or "Koninklijke Wachtkamer" designed especially for the Dutch queen. The ornate gate is visible to tourists, though you'll have to flash your crown to get in.

Approximately 20,000,000 tourists and day-trippers visit Amsterdam in a year, which is crazy as that is also around 20 times as many tourists as locals!

There are still plenty of places to wander, relax, and hang out that aren't crawling with pedestrians in the bike lanes, so be sure to duck into some local restaurants or check out the beautiful parks. 

Could life in Mainz, Germany be any more charming?

If you wind up and down the volcanic mountain roads of Tenerife, you may stumble upon this enchanted village of Masca perched in the mountains and peering onto the island's coastal water. 

One of the best ways to discover Amsterdam is as the locals do it: by bike. There are guided tours available, or you can just rent one and explore on your own. 

There are wonderful guided tours for the architecture and city life as well, so definitely do some research to see what fits your style. There are some great ideas on the Amsterdam tourism site. 

Centuries old buildings circled by young families and bustling boutiques. Wisened bridges alive with new locks of love commitments. Basel, Switzerland is an intriguing juxtaposition of old and new. 

With its international spotlight, The Hague also offers cultural diversity via its 30 theatres, 26 cinemas and 45 museums. Though it's not a fashion capital of the world, you will find a lot of high class shops and chic outfits as you roam the streets. 

This harbor is home to me as I lived here in Antwerp, Belgium. Grab a picnic or head to the local cafés nearby for an excellent beer, great cuisine and a stunning view of the sunshine on the yachts.

The best place? "Bar du Port" on the corner of Napoleonkaai. If you head there around 5 pm on any day, you'll find a snack buffet of local spreads to pair perfectly with your Belgian brew. If you ask the barkeep or the owners, they'll set you up with a Yahtzee board while you sip and watch the sunset over gorgeous yachts in the harbor. 

This museum is one of the best in the Netherlands! I loved the exhibitions and details they put into every turn. Check out the Mauritshuis for yourself next time you're in the Hague. 

History is just one of the things that brings The Hague to life. As the third largest city in The Netherlands, it has a lovely and bustling beach and is home to over 80 international organizations. 

Come to Karlsruhe, Germany for the castle gardens and a smooch while you're at it!

Did you know that The Hague boasts a romantic promenade and cozy beach bars like this one? Check it out; the cocktails are delicious and the view is even better. We watched the sunset here and fell in love all over again.

With nearly 9 miles (11 km) of coastline and 250 miles (400 km) of bike trails, this city will definitely beat your expectations. 

Medieval history is nearer than you might think; wander into Fougères, France for a peek into this period. Simply fascinating! 

The castle itself is open to the public and you can have an audio or live guide (depending on language) plus entrance for just 8.50 Euro. These will walk you through not only the castle but also the infamous marches of Brittany and life in the middle ages. 

If you wanted to, you could call ahead and even scheduled a themed tour! 

Known for the annual flower festival, Brussels (and other Belgium cities) often showcases its love for flowers in a very colorful way. TheGrand Place (Grote Markt) is surrounded by stunning facades, gold trim, and proud buildings flanked with cafés.

One of the most impressive in this lot is that of the Hotel de Ville or Town Hall (Stadhuis) as it overlooks the square. Swing by here from the 12th to 15th of August in 2016 to see this famous Flower Carpet. Otherwise swing by to see the flower stalls throughout the daytime if you're lucky to catch a market day! 

Hopefully you can recognize this Napoleonic treasure without checking the city tags! This monument is lovingly called l'Arc de Triomphe (Arch of Victory) as it takes its rightful place at the end of the Champs-Elysées in Paris. Tickets are cheaper than the Eiffel Tower and give you a great view of the city and the Tower from the top! Be prepared for spiraling staircases. 

Join me for a romantic bike ride through the streets of Milano. We'll stop for a glass of wine and appetizers around 6 pm, as is custom in these lovely parts of Lombardy, the state of which Milan is the capital. 

With over 1800 statues carved onto spires covering the entire cathedral, the Duomo in Milan is a stunning piece of perfectly preserved architecture. You can take a tour of the inside or make the journey to the top to walk among the art. Once inside, you will be in absolute awe of the detail that matches the grandeur you see externally. 

Welcome to Prague! I recommend just wandering through the streets and taking pictures; the city is just posing for your lens. 

Interesting fact according to my favorite foodie tours site for this area Eating Prague Tours, the Jewish quarter of Prague is so well preserved because Hitler had reportedly planned to retire in Prague. Wanting to keep it as a museum to an extinguished race, the buildings and architecture of that era still stand as a testament, though rather of what was thankfully not accomplished. Swing by the heartbreaking Holocaust Museum here if you have time. 

If you ever get the chance to head to eastern Europe, make Prague a priority. The capital of the Czech Republic boasts a stunning castle and church on the hilltop as pictured here. In the summertime, I even spotted swans on this courtyard pond which simply added to the royal vibe of the whole place. 

Just a quick bus outside of Antwerp is the adorable town of Edegem, Belgium. The blooming flowers and well-preserved architecture are well worth the visit!

Atomium is an absolute must visit if you’re in the area, even if you need to jet to the edge of town with the metro to get there. Created as the focal point for the World Fair in 1958, this massive creation seems like a sculpture, but you can actually tour the entire structure because the spheres are open to the public. If you’re up for another stunning view, pop into the Panorama for 360 degree views and an overpriced, but delicious, cocktail.

This rooftop overlook is one is the most magical I've ever seen in my life. After a wine cave tour, my father, stepmom, and I watched the sunset over the Tuscan hills from the town of Montepulciano, Italy.

If you're looking for that perfect sunset wine to enjoy, I highly recommend the Fattoria Pulcino as it is family-run and supplied by the family farm from the hillside. They have rooms as well if you're looking for the whole Tuscan Bed and Breakfast experience. 

If you ever get the chance to head east, make Prague a priority. The capital of the Czech Republic is bisected by this river, the Vitava, and boasts a stunning castle and church on the hilltop as pictured here. 

Every year in early July, the entire town of Sienna, Italy comes out for the Palio, a high speed horse race around this town square. The audience  -decked out in Medieval garb- is both in the outer and inner ring in incredible suspense of which neighborhood will win!

Strolling through the main square in Mainz, Germany might just have you believing in fairytales again as you pass by this cathedral. Take a minute to pop inside and see the architectural design that makes this such a gem to discover. In the foyer, they sell concert tickets so you could even catch some organ or choral music echoing through the halls. 

If the romantic stroll isn't so much on your agenda, then at least grab an ice cream or head into the many excellent shops in this square, both boutique-style and name brands you'll love. 

Basilicas always catch my eye, even on distant islands such as the Spanish Canaries. Welcome to Candelaria, Tenerife. 

This simple yet elegant church has undergone many sackings and damage over the years, though was finally redone and remained so since 1948. Every February 2nd and August 15th, the faithful flock here to honor the Virgin of Candelaria, named so after the image of the virgin reportedly found on this spot in 1390.

Street art isn't always grafitti. Sometimes it actually brights up a dark alley with real art. Welcome to Basel, Switzerland. This place is a giant mish-mash of different cultures, classes and overall vibes as it became an amalgamation of the French, German and Swiss suburbs. Sitting smashed between those three cultures but still technically in Switzerland, modern meets historical in this lovely city. 

Centuries old buildings circled by young families and bustling boutiques. Wisened bridges alive with new locks of love commitments. Basel, Switzerland is an intriguing juxtaposition of old and new. 

If you’ve ever stumbled upon pictures of Brussels, you’ve likely seen a shot of this little statue peeing either naked or in various costumes. Lovingly referred to by Belgians as Manneken Pis, so easily embodying the rebellious spirit of the city.

Supposedly, his wardrobe contains more than 900 different costumes, each one a unique experience. At least this means that your photos will be different from your friends’ when you come home from your adventure. This guy is small and can be hard to miss, so be intentional about your visit to his peeing sir.

Pop into La Galerie de la Reine (the Queen's Gallery) for some name brand shopping and stunning chocolate stores. Brussels welcomes you!

One of my favorite chocolate shops is tucked in here behind stunning glass windows of decadent displays. My opinion? Léonidas makes the best pralines. Try the mint or pistachio if you get the chance to visit. 

Atomium is an absolute must visit if you’re in the Brussels area, even if you need to jet to the edge of town with the metro to get there. 

Created as the focal point for the World Fair in 1958, this massive creation seems like a sculpture, but you can actually tour the entire structure because the spheres are open to the public. 

There is a really fascinating exhibition about the fair itself on two levels of the Atomium in Brussels. The other exhibitions offer space to traveling topics of design, art, architecture, culture and science.

Saint Jacques-sur-Coudenberg is a lovely neoclassical church you can pop into while you’re admiring the views over the entire city from the Place Royale. There used to be a medieval abbey here, but urban planning got the best of it; this architectural wonder was designed and begun in 1775-6 by the renowned Gilles-Barnabé Guimard and Jean-Benoit-Vincent Barré.

The best part is catching an organ or choir concert here to fully enjoy the acoustics. Plan on swinging by in the afternoon, though, as it usually doesn’t open until 12 or 1 during the week.

First thing to do when you arrive in Brussels: eat a waffle. You’ll notice that there are traveling waffle vans with fresh dough, a delicious crunch, and lines no matter what time of day.

In Belgium, the waffle is more than a snack; it is a symbol of their food culture and can be combined in many different ways for any mealtime throughout the day or night. Keep an eye out for a good van or stand and snag one of these delights as soon as you can!

Being the multi-cultural hub that it is, Amsterdam offers many options for the foodies of the world. If you're looking for typical Dutch fare, pop into what's lovingly referred to by local as a brown café with it's dark ambience and well-worn interior. They typically serve local beverages including Dutch spirits, as well as pub-type items such as "bitterballen" which are deep-fried dough balls with a ragout filling. 

Some great places to check out are Bar Bodega de Blauwe Parade and Papeneiland. For a more modern take on brown cafés with an outdoor terrace, stop by Het Paardje. 

While there are reportedly 1,281 bridges in all of Amsterdam, there are 80 just in the center alone. There's even a spot referred to as the Bridge of 15 Bridges, right at the junction of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht, where you can see all 15 of those arched bridges at once. If you're a photography buff, this is definitely aesthetically pleasing for your lens. If you're a romantic, just about any bridge will be perfect for that smooch with your loved one. 

With the heart-wrenching true story of Anne Frank that has been told across the world via her diary, this is one museum you cannot pass up. The exhibition itself is extremely well done, captivating and fascinating all while guiding you through the Franks' house and hiding place where they lived together with others until it was betrayed in 1944. 

Art and coffee go hand in hand, at least that's how Amsterdam feels. Whether it be for an early breakfast or a decadent brunch after a long night out, there's something for you here. In fact, there are so many great little cafés in this bustling city that you might just have to stay awhile longer to explore them all. To get you started on finding your favorite, IAmsterdam has a great list of top arty coffee houses to check out while you're in town. 

The gorgeous Teide dominates the middle of the island of Tenerife, becoming the centerpiece of Teide National Park and ranking as a Unesco World Heritage site. You can take a cable car up the Teide to take in the views from Spain's highest peak where, on a clear day, you can see out over the Canarian archipelago to which this beautiful island belongs. The journey lasts about an hour and runs around 27 Euro for an adult ticket. 

It can be rather windy up there most days, so grab a windbreaker jacket alongside your camera for this adventure. If the wind is too strong, they will halt operations just to be safe (so you don't have to worry about swinging above a volcano). To see this and other things in the National Park, grab times, up to date pricing and check if it's running, visit their webpage. 

If you're really feeling the island vibes in the Canaries and want to crank it up a notch, try taking the ferry over to the wilder island of La Gomera. Some travel bloggers tout it as the most beautiful of the Canary islands, though it does rank as one of the smallest. 

With very few cars and development compared to the other islands, you will find yourself at home with your hiking boots wandering through the small villages to watch the making of baskets or taste the local wines. 

Try going for a sunset and stargazing trip up this famous volcano in Tenerife, the Teide, with champagne and dinner served in the TUI Collection "Teide by Night." Or if you're more the daytime sightseeing type, I took part in an all-day tour of excursions around the island (wine and lunch included) with the "Masca and the King's Wine" tour. This was incredible, and the views like this one were just some of those captured by my lens and heart that day.

If you're in the mood for hiking and exploring the many trails through this sacred area, I loved 11 km climb we did with private guide Syliva from Wanderjule (for the German, Spanish or English speaking customers) through Los Órganos. She even provided a market-fresh, Spanish picnic at the summit which overlooked endless landscape nestled by an ocean of clouds. 

One of the best parts of my excursion to the west of Tenerife happened just as we embarked with a full shuttle and began our ascent along the western coastline; Los Gigantes stood below us with a perfectly-timed rainbow shimmering along its edges.

The city is named after these rock formations which shoot out of the water to a height of over 2,600 ft (almost 800 meters), which is fitting as their Spanish name means "The Giants." The ability to explore the coasts and hear stories of the island's past and present definitely made this trip a great addition to the TUI Collection of unique travel experiences. However, I would've much appreciated getting off the shuttle more often to explore on foot, something that would've been included without the spontaneous showers we incurred. There's a sweet catamaran cruise around these gorgeous cliffs that hits my list of favorite adventures here. 

As this was my first techincal arrival in Spain, I had to find some tapas to fufill all my expectations. This was just a portion of the massive array that came to my table when I asked for the local flavors. Any town you visit in the area will have some local food options, so long as you steer clear of the tourist traps on the coast. Climb upward away from the beach for a few streets and you'll find just what you're looking for, fresh and family-owned. 

Looking for some real local flair? Ask for some "mojo" to accompany your dishes. This is the Canarian name for a very typical sauce, though it comes in different varieties. My favorite is mojo verde, which is a green sauce made with cilantro. Others, like the "colorado," are made with a lot of paprika and can be a very dominant flavor.

One of the best parts of travelling, besides the wonderful cultures you get to explore, is tasting the local cuisine. As Tenerife is an island in the Canary archipelago, it belong to Spain and has a lovely island version of Spanish flair. 
 

Grab some local things from the market and head to the beach for the sunset like I did. You won't regret the peace and quiet combined with the delicious local flavors and sunset colors over the Atlantic.

One of the best moments of my time living and working on the Canary Island of Tenerife was went our tour guide Dominique took four of us out on a kayak tour with dolphins in the Atlantic ocean. We saw five in total, including a baby.

The incredible experience continued as the sun glistened off the rocky cliffs of Tenerife. We wandered closer to the cliffs to discover a slough of yellow crabs and even found a small cove that disappeared into a wide-mouthed cave just off the coastline of Los Christianos. I would do this tour again in a heartbeat. 

If you're ever on the island of Rhodes, wander in through the castle gates of Rhodes Town to have dinner here at Hatzikelis Fish Tavern. You can even pick out your own fish; they'll make it to order and end the night with Greek desserts til you roll home.

If you're looking for a luxury resort experience along the coast and near the old town, this classy resort with ancient artifact touches bathed in light might just be the place for you. Plenty of room to relax and enjoy your Greek experience at the Rodos Palace Hotel. 

What could be better than experiencing the beauty of the Medieval Rhodes Town within a delicious seafood tavern such as top rated Hatzikelis? Watching the sunset from your table as you look through the city gate out onto the Aegean Sea perhaps?

Have you ever heard it said that wandering through new (or old) cities to simply get lost is an incredible experience? The medieval Rhodes Town is the perfect place to do that, considering that some 200 lanes and roads don't even have a name. There are many places within these walls (or even on them!) that you can experience the medieval feel. Stop by the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Archaeological Museum, the Church of our Lady of the Castle, or the Palace of the Knights for a great local flavor of history. 

On the northern coast of Rhodes, the area of Ixia is known for its windy shores and beautiful sunsets over the Aegean. If you're up for some amazing water sport experiences, there are some excellent spots here for windsurfing, kite surfing and other such adventures. Or, simply take a stroll with yourself or a loved one to take in the magnificent views.

At nearly the highest point in the hilltop city, you can go for a stroll in the garden of Poggiofanti which opens up in front of the Conservatory of Saint Girolamo. While the city is primarily closely-knit and well-preserved architecture and winding streets, this lovely area provides a bit of shade and respite to travelers after having climbed the steep incline of the city.

On your way down, take some time to stop for some local eats at the small restaurants along the way. You'll find great deals on daily dishes at places like Linda (a pizzeria) or Dispensa dei Golosi (bistro style). If it's sunset time, however, I would recommend heading to the west side to get a better view. 

Roaming the streets of Prague, you will notice a different vibe than in bustling western cities that have been freed from oppression for longer. The history of Prague is so much more recent than we give it credit for, and the country's struggle with communism was only recently relieved. 

Opened in 2001 in the Savarin Palace, you can learn objectively about how this beautiful country faced the tough and totalitarian times of communist control. This Museum  of Communism can be a bit intense simply due to the topic itself, so be aware of that before you go in. Highly recommended museum, but bring a tissue and some time to process. 

Hands down, this is the longest metro escalator I've ever ridden and I've seen those in Paris and Berlin. 

While the buildings above showcase a brilliant display of centuries full of architectural development, the city is being expanded deep beneath the earth. New tunnels for cars and metro lines are being carved out to eliminate some of the heavy traffic and air pollution, though architect Michal Kohout tells Travel & Leisure writer Peter S. Green that the construction of these tunnels and other such projects are actually destroying the historical gems of the city. 

Wander freely into this gorgeous part of Europe since the Czech Republic became a member of the Schengen zone in 2008. If you take a tour around the city or simply explore the famous Charles Bridge full of artists and peddlers, you will be witness to some stunning views. This is one of my favorites, watching the sun set over the castle with the river Vltava flowing in the foreground. You can find a place to perch anywhere on the footbridges or simply dangle your feet over the edge of the water and have a drink with your friends. 

If you're looking for hipster vibes and local eats in Northeastern Florida, swing by Riverside to stroll down Park Street. After iced chai lattes we found this delightful diner with their sweet bourbon glazed ham and eggs paired with tossed herb russet potatoes. Yum for brunch! 

As they are old school and don't have a website, plug their address into your GPS to find it. 
Derby on Park
1068 Park St.
Jacksonville, FL 32204

If you're looking for some shopping, check out the historic downtown district in St. Augustine for a variety of boutiques and outlet stores. This area was and still is known for its vibrant culture; fudge shops, bakeries, seafood restaurants and shops line its edges just waiting for you to explore!

Hands down the best shrimp tacos I've ever eaten. Tucked between busy restaurants, this local seafood restaurant offers a colorful menu that swaps only the type of fish included in each dish. That catch of the day will be announced as you enter, if you can find somewhere to sit. 

Definitely check out Catch 27 on your next trip through here. I'd recommend getting a reservation because this place is swarming with locals eager to pop a bottle of wine and enjoy the backyard scene with their St. Augustine neighbors. 

The best kept secret of the rich in the Ponte Vedra neighborhood of Jacksonville is the beach at Mickler's Landing. This secret got out eventually, but it still remains one of the least crowded beaches around (in comparison to the overcrowded and dirty Jax Beach).

Grab your body board if the waves are good enough, because they were epic after the hurricane Hermine passed us by. 

Can you believe that this stunning campus is actually a school? Specializing in the arts and social sciences but offering other programs as well, this gorgeous historical hotel was transformed into Flagler College in the 1960s. 

Formerly the Hotel Ponce de Leon, Henry Flagler had spared no expense in the opulent design of his hotel catered to the wealthy guests of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States.  You may have heard his name elsewhere, as Mr. Flagler also partnered with the infamous John D. Rockefeller to found the Standard Oil Company. 

One of my favorite castles in Europe is the medieval fort of Schloss Lichtenstein in southern Germany. For just 2 Euro you can access the sprawling courtyard with its ruins and outer buildings, but for 7 you can get a guided tour of the fortress that still stands across the age-old bridge. 

If the view across the entire valley wasn't reward enough for climbing into this rampart that has stood since 1802 when it was dismantled and rebuilt into a hunting lodge. When the tower and other elements were added in 1840, the lower portions were kept in tact as you can see from the angle I captured the castle. If you look closely at the rocks, you can still see effects of cannon balls that came from across the valley!

Though Cologne, Germany is famous for the Eau de Cologne perfume, fabulous shopping streets down the shopping mile "Schildergasse," and its massive Gothic-style "Dom" cathedral, it is also a place I called home for one year. These are the beautiful streets full of bicycles, preserved historic building facades, and families meandering on their way back from the corner bakery. 

I've heard some Germans say that Cologne is the prostitute of German cities because it tries to be everything to everyone, attractive to families, businesses, the LGBT community, students, immigrants, the retired, etc. That may be a harsh and risque metaphor but there is some truth to it in that there is something wonderful in Cologne for every one. In reality, Cologne is a diverse and lovely place to live, work and study just as I did.

Come climb up Dragon Rock "Drachenfels" in the Seven Hills "Siebengebirge" with the old cog railway, or hike it if you prefer. You'll find stunning views of the valley that sprawl below the Castle Drachenburg as well as the medieval tower that still stands nearby. 

Just a short train ride away from Bonn, Germany, this castle is full restored and showcases the interior and exterior design of royals. Interestingly enough, this castle was taken and used as a Nazi elite school in the 1940s, severely damaged during the bombings, then restored to its former glory in the 80s. 

A round trip ticket up the hill on the cog railway is just 10 Euro roundtrip. If you prefer, you can take it one way (uphill perhaps?) for 8 and then hike down for the alternate view. To tour the castle, adult tickets will run you 6 Euro and are so worth it for the stories and the view. 

The rain surprised the thirsty island of Tenerife today, drenching the small group of British travelers on their way to their three course meal in the Canarian-style mansion. My love and I had the pleasure to accompany the group as I check out the excursions in the TUI collection, focusing on elements of local culture and sustainability. This particular one was the Panoramic Teide tour and the lunch in the 18th century mansion was simply scrumptious. 

According to the locals here, it only rains in the south of this particular Canary island about 4 times a year, leaving the rest in consistent, delicious sunshine.

This 15th century beauty of a belltower is one of most stunning as well as famous pieces of the Grand Place (Grote Markt) in the capital city of Brussels, Belgium. It dates back to the Brabant Gothic period style of architecture but faced some much needed refurbishments after surviving bombings and fashion statements of the periods to follow.

My favorite? The flower markets that take place in front of it are open daily 8-8 but even better is the biannual flower carpet that earns Brussels another speck of fame. This will take place again in August of 2018, so you have time to plan!This 15th century beauty of a belltower is one of most stunning as well as famous pieces of the Grand Place (Grote Markt) in the capital city of Brussels, Belgium. It dates back to the Brabant Gothic period style of architecture but faced some much needed refurbishments after surviving bombings and fashion statements of the periods to follow. My favorite? The flower markets that take place in front of it are open daily 8-8 but even better is the biannual flower carpet that earns Brussels another speck of fame. This will take place again in August of 2018, so you have time to plan!

After a major glute and hamstring workout to climb through the steep inclines indigenous to the medieval city and trails of Monchique in the mountains of the Algarve region, we made it to the old convent. It is not open to the public and the outside is marred by spray paint telling visitors to keep out, but the groundskeeper invited us in for a peek and ceremoniously plucked a rose from the courtyard for me where a gorgeous tree still grew. This was a strange, erie and yet beautiful experience.

Sometimes while flipping through inspirational coffee table books, Pinterest or Instagram, I come across destinations that skyrocket to the top of my bucket list. Sometimes, I just book them and go. This picture is from our five hours cliff and beach hike on the western coast of the Algarve region of Portugal. I didn't think I had any breath left to take, but that process kept repeating. There is an entire national park alongside this coast of St. Vincentine just waiting for you. 

If you're a lover of hiking, adventure, and gasp-worthy landscapes like me, then you will love Tenerife, an island in the Canaries with the famous volcano Teide in the middle. Some of the best stargazing in the world happens up here because these clouds block out any and all light pollution for a spectacular view of the cosmos. Living here was a blast and I'll definitely be back! 
Our guided tour up here was purposefully kept to a maximum of 8 and she treated us with a Spanish picnic fresh from the market at the top. Perfecto. Check them out if you get the chance. 

What better way to spend the day than to wander through the island's marketplace with its vibrant colors and vibrant people? Feel alive as you soak in the hustle and bustle of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, an island in the Mediterranean with all the flair, nature and things to do you'd hope for.