Category: Destinations

Exploring Medieval Tomar and its Stunning Catholic Convent

Honestly, my day trip to Tomar was very last minute and I didn’t know much about it before visiting. I was looking for a small medieval town to see and it fit the bill. I have to say, it made a very nice day out and the convent was, of course, the main highlight of the day.

The Knights Templar in Tomar

Templarios by José María Rodríguez de Losada, 1826

We talk a lot about the Crusades but there were normal, everyday Christians during this time that tried to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem, as well. The Templar Order (or “Poor … Continue reading

The Stunning Sights of Evora, between Roman Temples and Bone Chapels

With a bone chapel and Roman temple, Evora jumped high on my Portuguese to-visit list and it was a definite stop on my first trip to Portugal. It did not disappoint! There’s so much beauty and fascinating history to be seen in this small town.

A Short History of Evora

Evora has a noted history that goes way back, before the Roman era, to the Celts. Eburos is a Celtic name for yew tree, and the name Evora comes from it. So the name dates back about 3-5000 years!

When it became part of the Roman empire, it was called … Continue reading

15 Fun Things to Do on Big Island Hawaii

Big Island Hawaii is one of Hawaii’s lesser-visited islands but it’s one filled with adventure and things to do. I chose it as my first destination in Hawaii, which was a bit strange, but absolutely loved the array of unique things to do from driving above the clouds to walking along a petroglyph trail. After a week on Big Island, there was a lot I got to do. Here’s my list of my favorite and recommended activities!

Is it really called “Big Island”? Is Honolulu there?

This confuses a lot of people. “Big Island” (in red) is the nickname of … Continue reading

A Day in Cesky Krumlov, Czechia’s Fairytale Town

Cesky Krumlov (pronounced “chesky krumhov”) is a fairytale town a few hours from Prague and it’s been at the top of my bucket list for some time. Actually, it was the only place I visited aside from Prague because I really, really wanted to see it. I thought it made a nice trip out.

A Brief History of Cesky Krumlov

There’s lots of evidence of a large settlement in the area during the Bronze age, dating back about 8 thousand years, and later a large Celtic settlement.

“Modern” Cesky Krumlov history starts in the 6th-7th centuries, when Slavic tribes settled … Continue reading

Exploring Nuremberg, the Medieval City of Albrecht Durer (Things to Do & Travel Guide)

One place I’ve always wanted to visit was Nuremberg. The home of a famous artist, with a preserved and rebuilt medieval center – it looked like a magical place. I finally got to visit and Nuremberg is definitely as lovely a city as I could’ve imagined it.

Some of Nuremberg’s History

Nuremberg prides itself on being one of Germany’s most important medieval cities. It was first mentioned in the historical record with its imperial castle in 1050, but it had probably existed at least several years before then, so its origins are still unknown. It was a popular stop on … Continue reading

Exploring the Imperial City of Vienna, Austria (Things to Do & Travel Guide)

Vienna is known for its imperial architecture and world-class art museums, so it’s been on my list for a long time. After spending a few days museum hopping and exploring the what I could of the city, I really liked Vienna and can’t recommend a trip enough for art lovers.

A Brief History of Vienna

Ironically, Vienna started as a Roman settlement named Vindobona or “white base/white city.” When I think of Vienna today, I think of all the white Baroque buildings that give the city its personality.

The city grew with ties (and animosity) to surrounding Celtic and Germanic … Continue reading

11 Easy Day Trips from Baltimore

If you’re looking to get out of the city, there are lots of day trips from Baltimore to go on. Whether you want to visit another city, go someplace smaller, or escape to nature, here’s a list of places I’ve been to that make an easy day trip from Baltimore.

I’ll be adding more as I explore new places – particularly looking at southern Pennsylvania.

How do you Day Trip from Baltimore?

Baltimore has a few bus stops for intercity buses, including one in White Marsh which is several miles outside the city. If you want to leave from White … Continue reading

Different Views of Rothenburg ob der Tauber (a Romantic Road Town)

Whenever I hear of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, it’s accompanied by that picture. You know the one. I get worried when towns become synonymous with a certain view because I think, is that all there is? But I was still eager to see what all the fuss about Rothenburg was about and visited myself. It’s a cute town, for sure.

A Short History of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The modern history of Rothenburg starts in the 10th century, when the town Detwang was founded next to what is currently Rothenburg. A castle was built here on the hilltop in the … Continue reading

Prague, the City Between the Medieval and Mucha

Prague has always been high on my list so I was super excited when I scored cheap-ish plane tickets there. I absolutely loved it, and I got to do and see a lot in the few days I had there. The museums can be quite expensive and Prague doesn’t have a great combo pass, so I hope this guide is helpful in deciding what to (and what not to) see.

A Brief History of Prague

The area around Prague was first permanently settled by Slavic and Germanic tribes and it became a city in the 800s, at the site of … Continue reading

A Stop in Hallstatt: Overrated or Famous for a Reason?

Sometimes touristy places are famous for a reason, so Hallstatt was a place I wanted to see for myself. It’s definitely a crowded little place but I definitely thought it was pretty and liked my visit.

A Quick History of Hallstatt

The salt mines of Hallstatt have been worked for millennia, and it’s believed there was a settlement in the area around 2500 years ago. Interestingly enough, the area wasn’t largely inhabited for centuries after that, probably because it’s difficult to reach, but Hallstatt became a market town in the early 14th century. The economy for centuries revolved around salt … Continue reading