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Michigan is the home to almost 1,600 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. These hidden gem beaches are sandy and provide the perfect escape. Michigan residents and visitors flock to the west side of the state during the summer months to relax at the beach and swim in the lakes. This leads us to pose the question west coast best coast? East coast beast coast? But, why no one is talking about the mid-west beaches? We feel that Lake Michigan is the ultimate hidden gem of the U.S. beach scene. Shhh, don’t tell too many people. 1. Ottawa Beach - Holland, MI Coming up first on our list is Ottawa Beach located on the western side of Michigan on Lake Michigan. Ottawa Beach is home to hundreds of visitors each year. With its sandy coastline and boardwalk, it’s a hard one to miss. In-state residents can purchase an annual pass for $17, while out-of-state residents can purchase an annual pass for $34. Daily admission is $9. From the beach, you can view the famous Holland Harbor Lighthouse, which is a sturdy red building erected in 1847 soon after Dutch settlers arrived in the area. Also known as Big Red, it has become an iconic landmark of the city and the topic of many artist’s work. 2. Upper Peninsula More commonly known as Holland State Park, this beach is located right off the highway and only a short drive alongside local roads. Visitors will park in the north trailhead parking lot, then follow the various trails through the woods and down to the 2.5 mile stretch of public beach. There are 7 different hiking options with the shortest being 1.5 miles and the longest being 5.5 miles. The hike can be done with wagons and small children, but traveling light is encouraged as there are some hills along the way. At the start and finish of the trail there are (rugged) public restrooms and trash cans for use— so be good stewards and stick to those for your disposal needs! 3. Ann Arbor A football Saturday in Ann Arbor, Michigan is hard to beat. The city comes to life and the streets are lined with food, drinks, and activity. The city is full of trees that change to beautiful colors. Check out our blog post regarding the best places to eat in Ann Arbor and spend the weekend checking out the city. It's truly the best! 4. Ludington State Park - Ludington, MI Heading north on Highway 31 along the western side of the state you will run into the beach town of Ludington. Situated alongside a quiet beach town lies Ludington State Park which boasts over 5,300 acres of state land containing trails, waterways, beaches, and lighthouses. Visitors can reserve a campsite through the Michigan Department of National Resources website. For those not wanting to venture into Ludington State Park, there are public beaches available close to the city. One of the more popular beaches is located at Stearns Park & Beach. It is the city's largest beach where visitors can easily park and be steps away from the coastline. Claim your spot on the beach, grab ice cream cone from House of Flavors, and spend the day relaxing in the sun. 5. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Glen Arbor, MI Northeast Michigan is home to miles of sandy shoreline that sharply contrasts with the bright blue water Lake Michigan offers. Visitors most often take to Sleeping Bear to experience a unique slice of nature via the Dune Climb, a 3.5 mile roundtrip, in-out-style climb up and down through the dunes, or a more relaxing drive through the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

In the summer of 2014, I set off for a summer study abroad program, Semester at Sea (SAS). I had heard about the program from a fellow intern while working a summer job, and from there I was hooked. My experience was a roughly 3 month voyage of students from across the world, primarily the United States, that were looking for adventure, and learning. Through this blog post I'll reflect on my time aboard the MV Explorer and address some frequently asked questions. WHAT IS SEMESTER AT SEA? Semester at Sea is a study abroad program supported by the Institute of Shipboard Research and currently being run through the University of Colorado - Boulder.  For any student, what this practically means is that any transferrable credit would be received from UC - Boulder. For me, it was through the University of Virginia. DID YOU GET CREDIT? Because there is a university that sponsors the study abroad program, most colleges and universities should accept the credit. I was able to receive 9 pass/fail credits while studying abroad for the summer. Prior to committing to Semester at Sea, I took the course schedule to my guidance counselor and discussed which classes would be transferrable. In short, none of my core classes counted, but specializations counted. Therefore, Semester at Sea allowed me to pick up a specialization in International Business. And, even better, it was all pass fail, so I could enjoy my Sumer. HOW DID I LEARN ABOUT THE PROGRAM? Word of mouth! The program is much more popular now and all over social media making it easier to find. WAS IT EXPENSIVE? I wish I could say no, but yes it was. There are financial aid packages that you can apply for as well as work study. I received both which allowed me to be able to participate in the program. Plan accordingly and map out your costs, it’s do able and worth it. WAS IT HARD TO MEET FRIENDS? It was intimidating to meet friends, but I wouldn’t say it was hard. For starters before her voyage, there is a Facebook page that anyone could join in order to meet people. It was a great way to have a inside introduction before the voyage and also gave something to type out once you got there a couple weeks in this friend groups really started to form and then from that point on it was pretty comfortable to just bounce between all the groups. You really have to keep in mind that everyone is in the same situation as you and unless you’re coming in with the friends group, everyone is there to enjoy the experience have fun and maybe make a good friend or two along the way. WHERE DID YOU GO? I sailed on the 66-day Summer 2014 Voyage that took us to10 countries and 12 cities across Europe and Scandinavia. We sailed to Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Poland. During this time I also took day trips to Estonia and Northern Ireland. WHAT SEMESTERS DO THEY OFFER? Unfortunately, there are not anymore summer programs. The summer program worked especially well for me because I was highly involved in organizations on campus. The SAS offerings are now typically for Fall and Spring semesters only. DO YOU NEED TO BE A STUDENT? No! There are families and professionals aboard the ship for the experience. This group of people are referred to as “Life Long Learners.” They have the ability to sit in on any lecture, but also have free range to enjoy the ship like a typical cruise ship. HOW DID YOU COMMUNICATE? WiFi and email, that’s it. In 2014, we were on the cusp of social media and technology as we know today where Instagram was just starting to get big, Tik Tok wasn’t around, and really the most exiting thing that could happen was a Facebook post. I set the stage because the world as we know it and how we communicate was a lot different then, than it is today. On the ship, email is available for anyone to use, so the best form of communication to my friends within the ship, and back home to friends & family was email. It always felt so good when I saw a letter from home pop through my screen because sometimes it was isolating. At ports we always sought restaurants with free WiFi. Again back in 2014, WiFi wasn't as accessible as it is now. WAS IT WORTH IT? Semester at Sea was hands down the most influential part of my college experience. By studying abroad, it gave me an opportunity to understand what cultural differences were. That said, my voyage took us to Northern Europe and Scandinavia so the countries we experienced were westernized at that. Nonetheless, it was my first time being able to experience these differences outside of a tourist resort or cruise ship port. DO YOU HAVE ANY RESOURCES TO SHARE? Yes! The best resource is the Semester at Sea website - https://www.semesteratsea.org/ CLOSING THOUGHTS Semester at Sea was the best experince if my life. If I could do it all over again I would in a heartbeat. There is so much value to simply seeing the world and meeting new people. For anyone on the fence, I'd recommend taking the chance and embarking on the trip of a lifetime. Do you have any other questions? Enter it into the comments below! Hey, Semester at Sea, if you ever see this, yes I’m interested in being your next Field Director! ;)

Ann Arbor, Michigan is famously known for having the University of Michigan right at the heart of the city. Ann Arbor is a hub for great art and good food. Hosting the annual Ann Arbor Arts Festival every July, be sure to make Ann Arbor a weekend get away. While visiting, there are a plethora of options to choose from all of which are family friendly and can range from a splurge to just really good food at low prices. Living here for almost a decade, we break down our top 10 favorite places to go out to eat and drink. When we talk about Ann Arbor, we think of this large circular area, encompassed by Highways 14, 94 and 23 . First, there’s the downtown which consists of Kerrytown, the Old West Side, and the Main Street area, right close to the University. Downtown is walkable from each neighborhood and there is abundant parking both on the streets and garages. The north, west, and south sides of Ann Arbor are home to residential neighborhoods, and the Briarwood Mall is situated in the southern part conveniently located right off highway 94. All areas have good food which our recommendations will bounce you around to each part of the town. 1. Tomukun Korean BBQ Where: 505 E Liberty St Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Specialty: Korean BBQ Website: http://bbq.tomukun.com/ Our Order: Mandoo/Fried Dumplings and Bulgogi/Marinated Ribeye 2. Black Pearl Where: 302 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Specialty: Sea Food Website: https://www.blackpearlannarbor.com/ Our Order: Fish tacos and swordfish (when on the menu) 3. Aventura Where: 216 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Specialty: Tapas, paella, wine & cocktails Website: https://www.aventuraannarbor.com/ Our Order: Datiles con chorizo and Paella 4. Union Rec Where: 545 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Specialty: American food, tacos Website: https://www.unionrec.com/ Our Order: Queso, Korean Pulled Pork Tacos, and Margaritas 5. Fritas Batidos Where: 117 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Specialty: Cuban-inspired Website: https://fritabatidos.com/ Our Order: Chicken Frita with Avocado, Chorizo Frita with Egg, Hibiscus Batido, and Coconut Cream Batido 6. YORK Food and Drink Where: 1928 Packard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Specialty: Bar, Food trucks Website: https://www.yorka2.com/ Our Order: Avo Toast and the food trucks (!) 7. The Dixboro Project - The Boro Where: 5400 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Specialty: Wood-fired pizza, bakery Website: https://www.thedixboroproject.com/ Our Order: Semolina and Vanilla Pancakes, Croissants, and Cappuccinos 8. Bigalora Woodfired Cusina Where: 3050 Washtenaw Ave #112, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Specialty: Wood-fired pizza Website: https://bigalora.com/ Our Order: Capriccosa Pizza and Bacco Sausage Pizza 9. Los Amigos - Ann Arbor Where: 625 Hilton Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Specialty: Mexican food, tacos, margaritas Website: https://www.donjuanandlosamigos.net/ Our Order: Chicken Fajitas and Classic Margarita 10. Wolverine State Brewing Co Where: 2019 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Specialty: Bar, bar snacks Website: https://www.wolverinebeer.com/ Our Order: Our Famous Nachos Notable favorites also include Washtenaw Dairy, HOMES Brewery, the Session Room, Ricewood, Palio, Jolly Pumpkin, and MASH.

Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway, PCH… many ways of saying "a California bucket list road trip." Stop along the beachside towns and seek out the insane views. This trip can be squeezed into a few days, or spend more time at each location and make it a week itinerary. HOW TO GET THERE California's Pacific Coast Highway extends across the state's coastline. The PCH starts in the southern area of the state in Orange County and goes up to Mendocino County in the northern part of California. For this road trip, you can either go north to south or south to north, but we chose to start in the south due to flight prices. Los Angeles is the best airport to start in the southern area, and San Francisco is the best airport to fly into the northern area. WHERE TO STAY Pick your stops wisely along the way and know your limits. We chose to stay in Solvang, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Francisco. Solvang is a hidden gem Dutch inspired town in central California. It's often overlooked due to California's beach towns, but it was a cute area with little shops and restaurants lining the streets. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a more upscale town located on the coast. It's nearby the famous golf course Pebble Beach for a quick day trip. Finally, San Francisco is known for its beautiful colors, bridges, windy roads, food, and so much more. It was clear to us, we had to spend some time in the city to check it out. TIPS FOR VISITING Plan your stops in advance, but be flexible along the way. Bring snacks and water for the long stretches of driving. (We stopped at a local Trader Joe's!) ITINERARY Day 1: Arriving to California Upon arriving in California, we immediately picked up our rental car. Our key considerations when renting any vehicle is 1. Safety 2. Gas Mileage 3. Unlimited miles. We have learned the hard way that you don't always need to take the insurance with the car rental company. Pro tip: you may already have rental car insurance covered through your credit card and/or insurance company, so check with your provider prior to departure. Because of our big day ahead we didn't spend any time in Los Angeles and instead, set off for the beach: Los Angeles Venice Beach—Muscle Beach Santa Monica Pier—Mariasol Malibu— Point Dume, 21mi drive Ventura—Clam Chowder Santa Barbara—August Ridge Solvang— Hadsten House Hidden Gem: We stopped at Solvang for the night and highly recommend spending some time there. It is the cutest Danish-inspired town. We hadn't heard of it before, but were so glad we explored it. Route from Los Angeles to Solvang Day 2: Driving the Beach Towns & Big Sur We knew this day would be a lot, and it was. If you have a 5th day, spend it breaking this drive into 2 parts. You will see so much natural beauty along this route, it's not only exhausting to take in at once, but we were unable to give each stop the time it deserved to immerse in the beauty: Pismo Beach San Simeon Hearst Castle Elephant Seal Rookery Ragged Point Julia Pfeiffer Burns McWay Falls Big Sur Pfeiffer Beach Bixby Canyon Bridge Carmel By the Sea Albatross Caraccioli Cellars Flaherty’s Seafood Hidden Gem: Julia Pfeiffer Burns has the most beautiful alcove hidden amongst the rocky cliffs and purple-tinted sand. It's stop you don't want to miss. Route from Solvang to Carmel-by-the Sea Day 3: Carmel to San Francisco We woke up so exhausted, yet rested form our day before. We hit the beach nice and early and caught sunrise. To this day, we still talk about how peaceful Carmel-by-the-Sea was and how we'll always cherish that peaceful morning on the beach. After spending the morning in town, we took off for a scenic drive to San Francisco. Sunrise in Carmel Cafe Carmel Pebble Beach 17 Mile Drive Monterey—Cannery Row Santa Cruz— Pier San Francisco Chinatown— Sam Wo’s Pier 1—The Ferry Building Fisherman’s Wharf Ghirardelli’s Square— SF Brewing Co. Hidden Gem: Carmel, California. Maybe it's not so hidden, but you need to stop here and spend the morning watching sunrise on the beach. Route from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Francisco Day 4: San Francisco Last stop on our list was San Francisco. Again, we don't think 1 day in the city did it justice, but we walked most places in the city and after all of the windy roads and hills, we Painted Ladies Golden Gate Park Enchanted Cafe Baker Beach Golden Gate Bridge Lombard Street No.9—Lunch Fisherman’s Wharf—Boat Tour of Alcatraz Beignets Pier 39 Coit Tower Financial District We had to head back to Michigan which means a long flight and time change. Therefore, Day 5 isn't included into our 4-day itinerary, but we simply woke up, got some food, returned the car, and said see you soon to California! You beautiful, state, you. CLOSING THOUGHTS This was one of our favorite road trips! You are able to see so many different environments and beach towns as you ride along the route. If you have more than 4 days, we strongly recommend it. We wish we had more time to experience Big Sur and wander around San Francisco. Those two stops could be 4-day trips in themselves. We were also pleasantly surprised with Solvang - it wasn't a town that we had heard of before, or that was recommended, it was simply a good stop in our path. It made for the most pleasant surprise mid-trip.

It’s never a bad time to take a weekend getaway to Niagara Falls, Canada. The city has great restaurants, plenty of activities for all ages, and the Niagara Falls. Growing up in the Western New York area, Niagara Falls was always a go to spot for a day trip or an after dance party photo spot. The great debate of the American side of the Canadian side is always quickly settled with an unanimous vote to visit the Canadian side. From the breathtaking views of the falls both at night and during the day to the beautiful gardens in the various places to grab a quick drink Niagara Falls is quick to be a top destination spot for a weekend. After 48 hours you'll have a taste of what the Niagara Falls region has to offer. HOW TO GET THERE The easiest way to go from the United States directly into Niagara Falls is by crossing the Rainbow Bridge. You can both drive and walk across the boarder. There are 2 checkpoints when entering/exiting: security and tolls. Credit card and cash are accepted at the tolls, but an E-ZPass is the fastest route. There are NEXUS lanes as well for those who do have the pass in advance. (Note: If you are interested in NEXUS consider applying well in advance as it takes months to complete/receive.) WHERE TO STAY For anyone spending a vacation in Niagara Falls, I'd recommend staying close to the falls on Fallsview Boulevard. There are a few popular hotels that you cannot go wrong with - the Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview are a few of our recommendations. There's little AirBnB or VRBOs located in the heart of downtown, for this reason I'd pass on those types of stays. TIPS FOR VISITING Spend time wandering Clifton Hill and along the Fallsview Trail. Enjoy the views of Niagara Falls in both the daytime and nighttime. Consider exploring the nature trails around the area. ITINERARY Day 1: Niagara Falls City Explorations Walk up and down Clifton Hill Stop for a bite at the Hershey's Chocolate World and the Hard Rock Cafe Ride up the Skylon Tower for dinner Test your luck at the Fallsview Casino Resort and the Casino Niagara. Spend most of the first day wandering the gardens and exploring the restaurants. Some of the most notable attractions are along Clifton Hill . Clifton Hill is home to hotels, restaurants, and even small carnival-like rides and attractions. It’s a family friendly strip for all ages where you can spend the day popping in and out of shops and playing around. As you walk down the strip and get closer to the water you’ll run into the Hershey's Chocolate World and the Hard Rock Cafe. Spend some time wondering through both of those that eventually continue toward the water and you’ll reach the gardens. During your first day you’ll want to wander up and down getting great views of the horseshoe falls in American falls. At night you can even come back to me American Falls for the night show That both beautiful colors another falls and in the summertime there’s even a firework show that happens every weekend. For dinner, take a ride up to the top of the Skylon Tower. It is a revolving dining room restaurant 775feet in the air that offers views of Niagara Falls. At night make your way to the Niagara casinos and try your luck at the various slot machines and card tables. The Niagara casinos are super popular and you can walk from one to the next quite easily. The two major casinos there are the Fallsview Casino Resort and the Casino Niagara. Day 2: Niagara Falls Nature Exploration Take a Hornblower cruise to get up close to the falls Be a thrill seeker with the Niagara Falls Zip Line and Whirl Pool Aero Car Walk along the Niagara River Trail for views of the upper and lower whirlpools For day two hopefully you’re waking up a couple dollars richer and feeling nice and refreshed from a night at the casinos. Today we tackle getting up close to Niagara Falls with a cruise on the Hornblower cruises from the Canadian side. Most visitors know the Maid of the Mist, but that leaves from the American side. You will get soaked but they will give you a poncho it’s strongly recommended that you consider your clothing and what you are able to get wet prior to going on the cruise. For thrill seekers, looking for great views, we would recommend either doing the WildPlay Niagara Falls Zip Line or the Whirl Pool Aero Car. The wild play Niagara Falls Zip Line will take you directly over the Niagara River and will give you panoramic views of the falls they offer rides both at night and can be found on this website. The Whirl Pool Aero Car is a cable car that will take you over the Niagara River and provide great views of the Niagara Whirlpool streams. The blue green waters luscious trees and amazing views are some of the most hidden gems of Niagara Falls that you cannot mess. For those looking for more simple day, the region offers great hiking trails where you can hike right down to the world pool jets and get a riverside view. Whatever you do be sure to not go in the water as the currents are very rough and it is a very dangerous situation to end up in. Photo taking from the hiking trails on the U.S. side - you can see the Aerocar overhead. CLOSING THOUGHTS For all the above there are third-party tours and guides that you can, however you are able to register directly online through the companies' websites. I would advise buying your tickets in advance for the main attractions. Everything within Niagara Falls is drivable, but it is not necessarily walkable. Lastly, if you have more time check out the wineries and local shops throughout the Niagara-on-the-Lake Region as well. Notable spots that I would not recommend are the Butterfly Conservatory and Bird Kingdom. Notable spots that I would also recommend are Happy Jack’s Chinese Food and the walk behind the falls. Be safe and have fun exploring the Niagara Falls region! This page contains affiliate links that Tracking Travels may earn a small commission if used. This helps to keep the blog running! Thank you for your support!

Nice, France is located in the heart of the French Riviera and is home to millions of visitors each year. Known for its pebble beaches, vast promenade, food and wine, it's not a spot you want to miss. It's easy to travel to Nice by train, plane, and even cruise ship! For anyone spending time in Nice, here's our top 5 spots you don't want to miss: 1. Daily breakfast at La Civette du Cours Located right off the Cours de Salaya Market near the start of Old Town, La Civette du Coors offers the French traditional outward facing seating. We highly recommend ordering the french breakfast and watching street goers pass by. The French breakfast includes your choice of orange or pineapple juice, a fresh bowl of fruit, a croissant, and your choice of coffee. Breakfast at La Civette du Cours 2. Indulge in the tasty desserts! At nearly every corner you will stumble across a patisserie, a bakery specializing in French, Italian, and Belgian sweets. In Nice, not only are there French desserts, but with Italy nearby, the Italian-influenced desserts cannot be beat. Our favorites time and time again were the croissants, crepes, and tiramisu. 3. Dinner at Le Plongeoir One of the most unique restaurants in Nice is Le Plongeoir. The French word for "the diving board," Le Plongeoir is home to tri-level diving boards, that are no longer in operation, but were once a hit for locals. Now home to a restaurant, Le Plongeoir offers high-quality seafood and wine with unbeatable sunset views. Be sure to book in advance as this spot fills up quick! Dinner at Le Plongeoir 4. Hike to Castle Hill Up 422 steps you will reach the top of Castle Hill. Situated between Old Nice (Vieux Nice) and the Old Port of Nice, Castle Hill offers panoramic views of the city. The walk is short, but steep and many visitors are constantly making the trek for the views. At the top there is a park you can walk around and learn about the history of Nice, as well as a small food stand to grab a drink and bite to eat. A word of the wise, if you get startled by a loud boom, just note that it's a long standing tradition dating back to the 1800s that every day at precisely 12:00 the cannons will fire alerting locals it's mid-day. View from Castle Hill overlooking Old Nice (Vieux Nice) 5. Run along the Promenade de Angelais and swim in the Mediterranean Sea With approximately 4.35 miles (or 7km) of paved walkway, the promenade is a popular spot for a quick early morning workout. Runners, walkers, and cyclists share the promenade and watch sunrise. Finish off your morning with a quick dip in the Mediterranean Sea to cool off and get your day started off on the right note.

Enjoy a pint (or two) at one of the many historical pubs Walk along the River Liffey & stop at Trinity College or the infamous Ha’penny Bridge Take a beer or whiskey tour & learn something new Indulge in the hearty & savory local eatery Talk to the locals & enjoy their friendly nature The Temple Bar Pub, Brazen Head, and the Long Hall Dublin is home to many of the oldest pubs in Europe. All are excellent, but favorites include the The Temple Bar Pub, Brazen Head, & the Long Hall. The Temple Bar Pub is a tourist hot spot & offers live music at all times of the day. For a “blast from the past”, Brazen Head & Long Hall will be your best bets. Founded in 1198, Brazen Head is known as the oldest pub in Dublin & is a must stop along any pub crawl through the city. Although the pubs are historic in nature, all provide the most excellent Irish beers that do not disappoint. Many folks will enjoy a traditional Guinness, but save room for a tasty Smithwick’s or two! The world famous Temple Bar! Guiness, Jameson Whiskey, and Roe & Co Guinness was founded in Dublin in 1759 by Arthur Guinness. To this day, Guinness Storehouse offers tours to share the history of the beer that is truly the heart & soul of this fine city. Although these tours are extremely popular, you should be able to grab your tickets a day or so in advance! The tour through the seven-story building concludes on the seventh floor overlooking Dublin, where you’ll be provided a complimentary glass of Guinness & enjoy the fabulous views. This is a must do to grasp the impact and appreciation of this world-famous pour. Dublin is also very well known for its contribution to the Whiskey industry. Like Guinness, Jameson Whiskey Distillery offers various tours that will enrich your understanding of their brand & the whiskey making process. At the tour conclusion, enjoy an Irish Coffee or a Hot Whiskey, perfect drinks to warm anyone up! A lesser known up & comer, Roe & Co Distillery, founded in 2019 is located directly across from the Guinness Storehouse. Belly up at the bar here & enjoy their fantastic whiskey cocktails! Taken inside the Jameson Distillery. Dublin's Food and Irish Beers Now to one of the most underrated aspects of Dublin, the food. Dublin has a fantastic food scene that all can find appreciation in. Favorites include Seafood Chowder, Guinness Stew, & Bailey’s Cheesecake. Darkey Kelly’s Bar & Restaurant will provide all these options & more & also offers a friendly feel. Here you can enjoy the Seafood Chowder, a few pints of your favorite Irish beer, & the Bailey’s Cheesecake to top it all off. Another favorite is the Guinness Open Gate Brewery where you can grab unique Guinness brew variations & a bite to eat! Alllll the good foods of Ireland. Everything was great. CLOSING THOUGHTS You'll definitely want to stay south of the River Liffey and near the Temple Bar, if possible. What makes Ireland great are the people and the friendly culture. Be sure to make time to enjoy the pubs and meet the locals.

A small beach town located along the French Riviera, Nice, France is a popular spot for many European visitors in the summers months. If you're looking for good views, great food, and a place to relax, while feeling like you're exploring, Nice is the spot for you. HOW TO GET THERE The most popular method to arrive to Paris is by plane through the Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is about a 45min car ride from the airport to the heart of the city center. Additionally, the Gare du Nord is the most popular train station to arrive into. However, there are 6 train stations in Paris that travelers can venture between. Map of the French Riviera - note Nice is on the northern tip (Photo Credit: Paris Digest) WHERE TO STAY Old Nice (Vieux Nice) and along the Promenade des Anglais are the most popular spots for tourists to stay. In both areas you'll be close to restaurants and the major attractions. Both hotels and AirBnBs are popular. We opted to stay in an AirBnB that was in a great location between Old Nice and the Promenade, but it was quite noisy and bright at night because it was right next to (shared a balcony with) the restaurant Babel Babel. The view from our AirBnB along the Promenade des Anglais, TIPS FOR VISITING Learn a couple key phrases such as greetings and manners prior to visiting. We noticed that our trying to speak French came across as a sign of respect and we were treated friendly. Eat the dessert and buy that croissant! They're all amazing. There's so many little spots we stopped at along the way that are not included in this post (at no fault of their own). As you experience Nice, take in the city, and pop in and out of the restaurants and shops. ITINERARY Day 1: Arriving in Nice, France Explore Old Nice (Vieux Nice) Walk the Promenade des Anglais Sunset drinks at Le Méridien Nice Late night drinks and desserts through Old Nice (Vieux Nice) There's nothing quite like landing in a new city and figuring it out. On the first day of the trip, we always recommend talking some time to just wander! See what the city is all about - take in the different sights, smells, and way of life. See how do the people function - are they busy, relaxed, social? In Nice, we quickly noted how friendly and how much of a vacation town it really is. We started out by walking the Promenade des Anglais. With a rocky, pebble beach it was a sharp contrast from the traditional sandy beaches that we were used to. Restaurants line promenade on both the street and beach side - arguably the beach side was much more busy. Just over half of a mile down the promenade we reached Le Méridien Nice - a Marriott hotel with a rooftop bar that boasts insane views of the Mediterranean Sea and city of Nice. We split a bottle of champagne to commemorate the start of our vacation. At night, we wandered around Old Nice (Vieux Nice). Around every corner of the winding roads there was another lively bar to join in on. We grabbed a drink at an Irish pub, Snug and Cellar Bar, and brought in a pizza from a restaurant nearby. Views from Le Meridian, Old Town, and along the Promenade. Day 2: Day Trip to Monaco Explore Port Hercules Visit the Monte Carlo Casino Hike to the panoramic view spot near the Saint Martin Gardens Dinner at Babel Babel When we woke up the next day it was rainy, so we decided rather than having a sleepy day in Nice, let's get out and explore Monaco! We tried to time it so we wouldn't get caught in the rain, and for the most part it worked! We started the day by taking an Uber to the Nice-Ville train station. From there we caught the next train to Monaco. The tickets were less than $10 USD and it was only a 30 min train ride along the Mediterranean Sea. Upon arrival we wandered around the town and were stunned by the luxury that lined the streets. Any high-end designer brand you can think of was represented there from both fashion to cars. We walked to the Monte Carlo Casino, then walked back to the Port Hercules area to see where the Grand Prix is raced. From there we grabbed a quick bite to eat before taking the hike to the panoramic point for city views near Saint Martin Gardens. After exploring all morning and afternoon we decided it was time to head back and took the train back to Nice. To wrap up the day, we grabbed dinner at Babel Babel and had the fresh catch of the day. Scenic views across Monaco Day 3: Exploring Castle Hill Hike Castle Hill Enjoy the La Reserve Beach and Promenade de Anglais Wander the Cours de Saleya Market On the third day we woke up and had breakfast at La Civelle du Cours, a restaurant located next to the Cours de Saleya Market. It was the best breakfast spot - for only $10 USD you could order the French Breakfast which consisted of juice, coffee, a croissant and a fruit cup. The perfect way to start your day. Our favorite breakfast spot, La Civelle du Cours! From there we headed straight toward the Port Town area. Starting with Castle Hill we made the trek up 422 steps to the top of Castle Hill. Situated between Old Nice (Vieux Nice) and the Old Port of Nice, Castle Hill offers panoramic views of the city. The walk is short, but steep and many visitors are constantly making the trek for the views. At the top there is a park you can walk around and learn about the history of Nice, as well as a small food stand to grab a drink and bite to eat. A word of the wise, if you get startled by a loud boom, just note that it's a long standing tradition dating back to the 1800s that every day at precisely 12:00 the cannons will fire alerting locals it's mid-day. At the base of Castle Hill is the I Love Nice Sign - so touristy, but so fun. Views from walking up Castle Hill From there stopped for a beach day on the La Reserve Beach. After spending some time on the beach, we headed back up the Promenade de Anglais to grab some lunch. There are so many beach side restaurants it makes choosing hard. We ended up at the Blue Beach restaurant and ordered the mussels for lunch. Then, we set back to the AirBnB for a quick nap before starting our evening. A typical Nice view! At night, we headed right back to Old Town Nice- with it's lively nightlife it's hard to go elsewhere. We couldn't figure out where to go to dinner, so instead we decided to snack our way through the town. Starting off, we grabbed socca at Lou Pilha Leva. We found another Irish pub and ordered a few beers there. Then, we finished the night at La Storia with pasta & "the worlds best" tiramisu according to Justin. Day 4: Exploring the Old Port of Nice Walked around the Cours de Saleya Market Set off for the Old Port of Nice Had dinner at Le Plongeoir On our last day we woke up and of course had the French breakfast at La Civelle du Cours. We wandered through the Cours de Saleya Market, a market where locals sell their art work, flowers, olive oils, and pastries. We finally found the famous Socca du Cours street car and ordered the Socca. We picked up a few bottles of olive oil to bring home and headed back to our AirBnB to get ready for the day. The Cours de Saleya Market, Socca, and the view from our AirBnB We set off of for the Old Port of Nice. On the way over, we made our first stop for lunch at FOAM Nice, Port Lympia : Bar à Bière - Craft Beer Bars. The restaurant offers craft beer, but even better, it's a "pour by the ounce" self serve that you can choose from. The food was also great - we opted for the avocado toast and a focaccia sandwich. From the balcony you face outward and overlook the harbor and watch the boats pull in and out and people stroll by. Ultimately, we timed it out wrong and had a few hours to waste away. We wandered through the streets of the port area, stopped in a few local pastisseries, saw an elementary school let out, and ended up sitting on a bench relaxing before our dinner plans. Months in advance we had heard of this place called Le Plongeoir. We knew very little except that the views were spectacular, so we were sold. The reservations for Le Plongeoir open months in advance - if you are interested in visiting while in Nice you definitely need to check the website and secure a reservation. Le Plongeoir is a cylindrical rock formation slightly off the coast that extends into the sea. The French word for "the diving board," Le Plongeoir is home to tri-level diving boards, that are no longer in operation, but were once a hit for locals. Now home to a restaurant, Le Plongeoir offers high-quality seafood and wine with unbeatable sunset views. Views of Le Plongeoir during the day & night. Then, the harbor. Cannot be beat. CLOSING THOUGHTS We are obsessed with Nice! After leaving we quickly decided we would definitely go back in the summer months. If you're looking for a charming European city with a relaxed atmosphere, Nice is for you.

1. Traverse City Explore the Leelanau and Mission Point Peninsulas Eat and drink your way through the local restaurants, wineries, and breweries Spend the winter days outdoors skiing or snowmobiling and the summer days on the beaches or in the water Traverse City has something for everyone - beautiful beaches, popular eateries, countless wineries, small town feels, & so on. Hands down, my (Justin) favorite getaway location due to this and the ease of relaxation. During your time in Traverse City, there will be many great spots to grab a bite to eat. A favorite of ours is Farm Club - a unique farm to table restaurant that has an updated menu based on crops available at that time of year. Another favorite is Hop Lot - known for its outdoor seating and smoked meats, Hop Lot is always high on the list. In the winter there are outdoor igloos that you can rent out. It does get busy quickly, so be sure to check their website to see if you can make reservations in advance. If you're looking for a variety of food options, in the summertime The Little Fleet has a variety of food trucks that can meet any picky eater's taste. Finally, for a more upscale dining experience the Trattoria Stella offers an Italian inspired menu full of pastas and wines. The dining experience is like no other situated in the basement of the former Traverse State Hopsital. The recently renovated hospital is now home to various apartment units, shops, and restaurants for you to browse around. Michigan is known for its breweries, but tourism is attracted to Traverse City for its wineries and beautiful views. There are 2 peninsulas in which the wineries can be found - the Leelanau and Mission Point Peninsulas. The Leelanau Peninsula is the less touristy of the two. Blustone Vineyards offers a modern feel deep in the heart of the peninsula. With a modern-farmhouse vibe, this winery offers tastings that overlook the rows of vines. The Mission Point Peninsula tends to be where the tourists visit - you can grab a variety of wine tours starting in Traverse City an up the peninsula to get the full experience. High on our list are Bonobo, Chateau Chantel, and Bowers Harbor. Bonobo and Chateau Chantel are known for their breathtaking views that not only overlook their vineyards, but also Grand Traverse Bay. Bowers Harbor provides a "local" like vibe where you can order your wine outdoors and enjoy your beverage near a fire in the colder seasons. Each year Hop Lot sets up igloos visitors can rent -- don't worry, they're heated! 2. Glen Arbor Hike the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes Visit the Cherry Republic flagship store Glen Arbor is a small town of less than 1,000 full time residents located west of Traverse City. Most notably visitors travel experience the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes. Visitors most often take to Sleeping Bear to experience a unique slice of nature via the Dune Climb, a 3.5 mile roundtrip, in-out-style climb up and down through the sand dunes, or a more relaxing drive through the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Within the town of Glen Arbor is the Cherry Republic flagship store. Cherry Republic was started in 1989 and produces 75% of the country's Montmorency Cherries. From what once started as a tee shirt stand out of the back of a car grew into an iconic Michigan place. There are now stores across various Michigan vacation cities such as Traverse City, Ann Arbor, Frankenmuth, Charlevoix, and Holland. The store offers an array of cherry products from salsas to gummies to wine to pop. They are known for their free samples so visitors can swing on by and try their products for theirselves. At the Cherry Republic Glenn Arbor location there is also a Public House for visitors to grab a cherry flavored glass of wine or beer. Photo taken during the Dune Climb apart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. 3. Grand Haven Relax at the beach Grab a bite to eat or drink at a downtown restaurants or breweries Browse through the local shops Grand Haven is a small beach town that comes to life in the summer months. It is most notably home to the annual Coast Guard Festival which unofficially began in 1924 and is held each summer at the end of July, early August. This event honors the men and women of the United States Coast Guard during the nationally recognized festival held here in "Coast Guard City, USA." Grand Haven is also home to a quaint downtown area with many shops and restaurants that sit alongside the Grand River. Each summer the streets are packed with visitors waiting for a beer at the famous Odd Side Ales. Enjoy a walk down the boardwalk to reach the South Pier to sneak a quick view at the Grand Haven Lighthouse. On your way, be sure to pick up a local's favorite Pronto Pup at the near by corndog stand. Trust us, it's a don't want to miss. The highly beloved Pronto Pups! 4. Charlevoix Wander the downtown streets and hop in and out of the local shops Spend the day sailing around Lake Charlevoix Camp at Fisherman's Island State Park and search for a Petoskey Stone At the top of the lower peninsula of Michigan lies Charlevoix. A town most known for it's cute downtown and lively boating scene, Charlevoix is home to many visitors during the summer months looking for a relaxing vacation escape. While downtown Charlevoix, enjoy a drink at the waterfront Bridge Street Tap Room and then grab a bite to eat at The Catina: Tacos and Tequila. Boaters are able to bring their boats, or you can rent a boat or catamaran and spend the day sailing around Lake Charlevoix. The water is crystal clear and the homes built on the lake are impressive. There are plenty AirBnB and hotels in the area, but you can camp at Fisherman's Island State Park. You'll need to make a reservation through Michigan's DNR page and be sure to do so early as reservations for the summer months fill up fast. The park is great because it's located right along the water where you can watch epic sunsets and search for a Petoskey stone. Be ware, the mosquitos are wild - bring your bug spray and seal up your tent! Sunset at Fisherman's Island State Park 5. Holland Visit the Annual Tulip Festival and see the tulips and windmills Wander the downtown streets and hop in and out of the local shops Situated right on Lake Michigan Holland is home to the famous Tulip Festival that occurs each spring. Each year over 130,000 make the trek to visit the festival. Paying homage by name and festival to its Dutch roots, Holland, Michigan is home to thousands of tulips and over 1,000. Windmills. Take a tour of the Windmill Island Gardens to view De Zwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. Wander the downtown streets and hop in and out of the local shops. Fun Fact: Holland, MI has heated sidewalks! Centennial Park in downtown Holland

Iceland is a world of vast geothermal activity with around 130 active volcanos, 16 geysers, and an endless amounts of streams and waterfalls - the country provides visitors an ample amount of places to explore. Iceland has developed a highway loop that allows visitors to travels along (mostly) paved highway loops to experience a taste of what the country has to offer. The most popular of these are the Ring Road and the Golden Circle. The Ring Road spans nearly the entire exterior of the country and is a whopping 826mi (1,330km) long. The Golden Circle is a bit smaller at 186mi (300km). With both routes you can use the highway system as your main route and venture off to smaller side roads, tourist sites, etc. along the route. Here's a good visual of the scope differences. Photo Credit: Back-Packer For a 3 of 4 day trip, it's easier to cover more ground with the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle has 3 main attractions on the loop - Þingvellir National Park, the Haukadalur geothermal field, and the Gullfoss waterfall. These three stops are some of the most popular in Iceland. A few other *very* important notes about Iceland. There's a rich culture to Iceland to explore with settlers arriving as early as the 9th century. Iceland has been a trailblazer in the renewable energy sector. They have an expansive system that allows the geothermal heat to be captured and transferred into energy. About 85% of all houses in Iceland operate from geothermal energy. Iceland is home to the twee puffin! These cute little guys and girls can be found throughout the coastline. The best time to see them is between April and September due to their hibernation patterns Whale watching is huge - you can find numerous tours online along the coasts. The best place to whale watch is in a town called Húsavík. HOW TO GET THERE Fly into the Keflavik International Airport. From there you'll want to rent a car - there is a bus network that operates May-Sept, but even so you'll be highly restricted in your itinerary. A *free* shuttle can take you directly from the airport to the rental car company. The lines at the rental car company can be so long, be sure to fill out your paperwork in advance for a quick pick up. A rental car is a must! Opt for 4WD or AWD. (Nissan, this could be your next ad pic...) WHERE TO STAY There's really 2 options - you pick a city and do day trips there and back, or you stay at various places along your way. We opted to stay in an AirBnB in the suburbs of Reykjavik. For us, it was the right call - we had our own kitchenette to prepare snacks and breakfast, and it wasn't so costly. But, we did always dread the ride back after a long day of both driving, hiking, and walking. TIPS FOR VISITING Don't touch the geyser (hot pot) water unless told it's safe! It can get to 200 °F (93 °C)... aka way too hot to touch. The wind gets intense as you near some of the waterfalls, pack for all ranges of weather. The roads can be paved, but they can also get quite sandy and rocky. Check out the road conditions here, but also be sure to check your rental car agreement details about their damage liability clauses. ITINERARY During my time in Iceland we didn't exactly follow the Golden Circle, but something pretty close. Our group essentially just wandered the eastern shoreline and found beauty around every corner. Day 1: Arrive & explore Reykjavik Hallgrimskirkja Sun Voyager Harpa Concert Hall For the first day we arrived in Reykjavik via the Keflavik International Airport. At the time we were able to get a direct flight through WOW! Air (out of business) that was under $400. We picked up our car and immediately headed for our AirBnB which was in the suburban-like area of Reykjavik. From there, we set off to explore downtown. We started by driving to Hallgrimskirkja . Hallgrimskirkja is an active Lutheran Church in the city. The building is large (the largest in Iceland) and beautiful. Visitors are able to attend mass, but also to tour the church. You can buy tickets to go to the top of the tower of the church. It offers view panoramic views from the city center. After leaving the church, we wandered the city and ended up making our way to Sun Voyager. It's a large sculpture that resembles a Viking ship on the shoreline with views overlooking the water onto the mountain side. We spent a fair amount of time in this area enjoying the view and walking along the coastline. Top Row: Hallgrimskirkja views from the outside, at the top of the tower, and inside. Bottom Row: Views from the Sun Voyager overlooking the water onto the mountainside. Finally, it was time for lunch. We ended up at a restaurant called Cafe Paris. It's now closed, but the area was great. I'd recommend a restaurant called Messinn which is in the same area and offers fresh, local seafood. We then made our way to Harpa which is a massive concert hall. The outside is full of mirrors which resemble honeycomb-like shapes. In the sun the light glistens from the building and it's beautiful. Harpa Concert Hall glistening in the sunshine. From there, we spent wandering around the city hopping in and out of restaurants to grab a beer and a quick bite to eat. The city is walkable or can be traveled by bus. We wrapped up the day stopping at a grocery store and preparing with good foods for the road trip ahead. Day 2: Drive the Golden Circle (North Eastern Route) Öxarárfoss Waterfall Haukadalur Geothermal Field Gullfoss (Blaskogabyggo) Falls Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park Our second day in Iceland meant starting our road trip. We started by heading north east of the city, on part of the Golden Circle Route, with our key stops being Öxarárfoss Waterfall, Geysir (apart of Haukadalur Geothermal Field), and Gulfloss Falls. Day 2's mapped out route First up, Öxarárfoss Waterfall is a popular waterfall located in Þingvellir National Park. It's a relatively easy ~1mile walk to get to the waterfall. The waterfall is 44 feet (13 meters) tall and at the base it is extremely rocky. It's a beautiful stop. Up next, was Haukadalur Geothermal Field with an emphasis on seeing the famous Geysir. The geyser erupts every 10 minutes and attracts a large crowd. Walking to Geysir you walk along a bridge-like walkway over the hot pots. As mentioned, this is a geothermal field with many pools of hot water boiling up from the Earth's surface. These geysers can get to 200 °F (93 °C)... aka way too hot to touch. Near Geysir is another geyser called Strokkur. Both are breathtaking with eruptions recording up to 230 ft (70 m) high. From there we headed to Gullfoss (Blaskogabyggo) Falls. This was my favorite spot of the day! Upon arrival, you'll walk along a walkway/bridge-like structure to reach the top of the falls. You're able to overlook the Gullfoss waterfalls. They are massive - at 105 ft (32 m) high, these are the tallest waterfalls in Europe. When we went, it got very windy and cold. Be prepared with a rain jacket and the proper warm attire for a pleasant viewing experience! Views of Haukadalur Geothermal Field and Gullfoss Waterfall Wrapping up our day, was the absolute, most epic thing I have ever done in my life. We snorkeled between the American and Eurasian tectonic plate. CRAZY. If you head to Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, there are snorkeling tours of Silfra Fissure. The water is icy cold, so do your due diligence finding a tour that will prepare you with the proper equipment. From there your group can head out on a guided tour of Silfra and swim between the tectonic plates. It is an out of this world experience, that I would highly recommend. Snorkeling Silfra in Þingvellir National Park Day 3: Drive the Golden Cirlce (Southern Route) Rekjanesbaer Peninsula Bridge Between the Continents Gunnhuver Grindavik Blue Lagoon On the next day of our Icelandic roundtrip, we headed south. In hindsight, many of the stops we hit were near the airport, so it could have made a lot of sense to hit these stops right after we flew into town. Nevertheless, we set off for the Rekjanesbaer Peninsula. This is not considered on the Golden Circle, but it is apart of the Ring Road. The Rekjanesbaer Peninsula is home to many hidden gems. Day 3's mapped out route. We started at the Bridge Between the Continents. This is a 50ft (15m) bridge that connects North America to Europe. No tickets or purchases are necessary, when you pull off the road you're able to see the walkway. You can walk across the bridge and walk down to the black sandy beach below. The sand was dark black - its color comes from the debris left behind from volcanic ash. Being in the southern area, I noticed it wasn't uncommon to see black sand, but this first stop was so cool to see it for the first time. From there, we headed to Gunnhuver. It is a vast geothermal field full of hot spots and beautiful colors. Walking through the fields you'll see steam all around you and little circular pools of bubbling water below. Unlike Haukadalur Geothermal Field, we didn't see any geysers erupting, but here you saw arrays or oranges and greens that were not previously able to be seen. There's also a myth that the geothermal fields are haunted by an angry ghost, Gundrun, who's spirit was trapped within and is now causing the steam. There's signs where you can learn more about it at the start of the trailhead. Highly recommend learning a bit more while there! Top Row: The Bridge Between the Continents and a local black sand beach. Bottom Row: Walking around the geothermal fields leading to Gunnhuver. To cap off our day, we headed to Grindavik. The town was cute, but the drive was amazing. Anywhere we drove there was something to see from glaciers, to streams, to waterfalls, to fields, the southern route was filled of beauty. We ran into local farms of horses and locals houses. Driving around in itself was a treat. Then, we ended up at the world famous Blue Lagoon. From the moment you drove up it felt like a spa (and yes like a huge tourist attraction, but OK fair). The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal heated pool that boasts a bright teal color amongst the black, volcanic rocks. You can buy a day pass, or there's a retreat and hotel center that you can stay at. There are lockers in the bathrooms that you can rent for the day to store your belongings for a low price. Also, for an additional fee you can get mineral face masks to apply while enjoying the waters. Last tip, there's a bar so you can get a drink while you sit back and relax. Although touristy, it was a really great experience that I'd recommend. Enjoying a drink at the Blue Lagoon! Day 4: Drive the Golden Circle (Northwestern Route- Snæfellsnes Peninsula) Snæfellbær Peninsula Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss Snæfellsjökull National Park Saxhóle Crater Budirkirkja Church Longrangar The last and final day took us north east of Reykjavik to the Snæfellbær Peninsula and ultimately into Snæfellsjökull National Park. Day 4's mapped out route. The first stop of the day was to Grundarfjörður - it was a nearly 2.5 hour drive to reach (and I'm sure we grazed through some beauty). Grundarfjörður is a small coastal town on the north side of the Snæfellbær. We headed there to see two main attractions - Mount Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss. Right off the highway there's a parking lot you can park at to visit both. Across the road you'll see Mount Kirkjufell - also called hurch Mountain" it is a 1,513ft (463m) high peak with a distinct cylindrical shape. It is known to be one of the most photographed spots in Iceland, and one of the famous sites where Game of Thrones as filmed. From the parking lot you can take a walkway up to Kirkjufellsfoss - an in and out 0.6mile walk to a waterfall. This spot is very scenic, but is also typically quite crowded with tourists. Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss We then headed further west on the peninsula to reach Snæfellsjökull National Park. We stopped at Saxhóll Crater. Starting at the parking lot it is 385 steps (metal stairs) to reach the top of the massive crater. At the top of the steps visitors look down into the massive crater and are able to hike around the rim. From the top there are also 360 views of Snæfellsjökull National Park which is an added bonus. After Saxhóll Crater, we drove around the park, and stumbled on some great scenery. We stumbled across Budirkirkja which is a deep black, tiny wooden church located in a vast area surronded only by natu The church's stark contrast against the green background creates for a unique visual. One other noable stop was the basalat cliffs of Londrangar. This spot is known to be home to puffins, but unfortunately we did not see any while we were there. Longdrangar offers views looking out to the water atop the steep cliffs. It's easy for visitors to reach as it is a quick walk from the parking lot and there are fenced guardrails to prevent any accidents from occurring. Budirkrkja - this church can turn anyone into a professional photographer. To close our day, we headed home and at nightfall set out to see the Northern Lights. And lucky for us, the sky was out dancing for us that night with elaborate wisps of green and white twinkling in the night sky. There are plenty of apps to track the strength of the norther lights if you're interested in viewing them. Just be sure to go to a dark area with little to no light pollution for the best odds of viewing. Also, tours leave nearly every night and set off to chase the Northern Lights. This Get Your Guide Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjaviks a great example of one you can take. CLOSING THOUGHTS Iceland was the best! It is so high on my recommendations of where to visit due to the nature of Iceland. The southern route is close to the airport. If you arrive early at a good time, you can easily explore that area before heading to downtown Reykjavik. This post contains affiliate links! If you purchase directly from a sponsored site, we may receive a portion of the profits. Thank you for your support to keep this blog running!

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. With it's 2.2 million acres of unique ecosystem, visitors flock from all over the world to see the beauty within the park borders. Arriving may be one feat, but coming prepared is another in itself. The park does have visitor centers where you can refuel on your essentials and surprisingly has highway-like roads as you near the main hubs. However, it's always better and safer to come prepared. After spending a few days in Yellowstone, here's our recommended essentials: Hiking Shoes - Even if you drive around the park you will be doing a lot of walking. Be sure to come prepared with a shoe that has good traction and is broken in. Yellowstone has dirt walking trails, stairs, and paved walkways, a lightweight shoe is preferred. Binoculars - Break out those binoculars, you're going to need them for this trip! Yellowstone is home to an array of wildlife and many of which will be spotted from a distance. Embrace the full experience with a pair of binoculars so those specks in the distance turn into wolves, bears, and bison. If you don't have a pair, you can easily find compact binoculars on Amazon. Bear Spray - A Montana essential. As the home to over 700 bears, it's better to be prepared, then end up in a bad situation. You can easily purchase it up at a local store, or you can rent it at the Canyon Village Visitor center. Water/Water Bottle - It's essential to stay hydrated during an active day outdoors. There are plenty of hydration stations around the park, but not a lot of places to buy water. Make sure you come prepared with a reusable water bottle or hydration system. Healthy Snacks - Just like water, food can be hard to find between visitor centers. Make sure you come prepared with some good treats to keep you going. Camera - Speaks for itself. As one of the most photographed national parks, you will see advanced photography around every corner. Make sure your phone is charged, or you have a secondary camera to capture those unforgettable moments like seeing a Buffalo up close or a bear in the distance. Sunglasses & Sunscreen - Whether you realize it or not, being outside in the sun will take a toll on you not only while it's sunny, but when it's overcast. Protect your body and be sure to go prepared with the proper sun protection. Park Maps - People tend to rely on phones, but inside Yellowstone cell phone service can be hard to find. Stop at any visitor center and they can support you finding an appropriate guide map. Or, check out the National Parks Service website where they have numerous resources you can print out in advance. First Aid Kit - Always come prepared to any outdoor adventure with a first aid kit. You can easily buy them at the grocery store, or make one yourself. Daypacks - A daypack is essential for carrying all your belongings on a quick hike. There's no need for a huge pack, a 18-20L bag will be plenty. You can purchase one on REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, Amazon or any outdoor store near you. A Table Cloth or Blanket - Finding a spot to eat was tricky. Not only are there not a lot of restaurants, but the day we went, most were closed. There are however many public picnic tables that you can utilize for lunch. Bring a table cloth or a blanket for an extra level of comfort when wanting to sit down for a quick bite to eat. Turkish Towels work great for this dual purpose. Rain Jacket - As a rule of thumb, it's always great to have as you never know when you're going to need it! At Yellowstone you're able to get close to the geysers and the mist tends to float in the air. When it rains, you get wet, then you get cold, so avoid all that with a simple jacket. Stay safe and enjoy your time exploring Yellowstone National Park! This page contains affiliate links that Tracking Travels may earn a small commission if used. This helps to keep the blog running! Thank you for your support!

Michigan is the home to almost 1,600 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. These hidden gem beaches are sandy and provide the perfect escape. Michigan residents and visitors flock to the west side of the state during the summer months to relax at the beach and swim in the lakes. This leads us to pose the questions west coast best coast? East coast beast coast? But, why no one is talking about the mid-west beaches? We feel that Lake Michigan is the ultimate hidden gem of the U.S. beach scene. Shhh, don’t tell too many people. 1. Ottawa Beach - Holland, MI Coming up first on our list is Ottawa Beach located on the western side of Michigan on Lake Michigan. Ottawa Beach is home to hundreds of visitors each year. With its sandy coastline and boardwalk, it’s a hard one to miss. In state residents can purchase an annual pass for $17, while out of state residents can purchase an annual pass for $34. Daily admission is $9. From the beach you can view the famous Holland Harbor Lighthouse, which is a sturdy red building erected in 1847 soon after Dutch settlers arrived in the area. Also known as Big Red, it has become an iconic landmark of the city and the topic of many artist’s work. 2. Saugatuck Dunes Hiking Trail - Holland, MI More commonly known as Holland State Park, this beach is located right off the highway and only a short drive alongside local roads. Visitors will park in the north trailhead parking lot, then follow the various trails through the woods and down to the 2.5mile stretch of public beach. There are 7 different hiking options with the shortest being 1.5 miles and the longest being 5.5 miles. The hike can be done with wagons and small children, but traveling light is encourages as there are some hills along the way. At the start and finish of the trail there are (rugged) public restrooms and trash cans for use— so be good stewards and stick to those for your disposal needs! 3. Grand Haven City Beach - Grand Haven, MI At the heart of the city is Grand Haven City Beach. The beach spans the shoreline of the city and offers a sandy coastline for visitors to spend the day swimming and relaxing. There is limited free parking available and restrooms onsite for use. Lucky for dog owners, dogs are allowed on-leash before 11am and after 5pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. It's a popular spot and you'll want to head to the beach early on the weekends to claim your camp for the day. 4. Ludington State Park - Ludington, MI Heading north on Highway 31 along the western side of the state you will run into the beach town of Ludington. Situated along side a quiet beach town lies Ludington State Park which boasts over 5,300 acres of state land containing trails, waterways, beaches, and lighthouses. Visitors can reserve a campsite through the Michigan Department of National Resources website. For those not wanting to venture into Ludington State Park, there are public beaches available close to the city. One of the more popular beaches is located at Stearns Park & Beach. It is the city's largest beach where visitors can easily park and be steps away from the coastline. Claim your spot on the beach, grab ice cream cone from House of Flavors, and spend the day relaxing in the sun. 5. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Glen Arbor, MI Northeast Michigan is home to miles of sandy shoreline that sharply contrasts with the bright blue water Lake Michigan offers. Visitors most often take to Sleeping Bear to experience a unique slice of nature via the Dune Climb, a 3.5 mile roundtrip, in-out-style climb up and down through the sand dunes, or a more relaxing drive through the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.