• Travel Planning Mistakes
    Travel Planning

    5 Travel Planning Mistakes You Should Not Make

    Have you ever made big mistakes when travel planning?  Weeding through all the noise when planning a trip, especially when traveling abroad can be tiring.  Do I book my flights on a Tuesday and exactly 6 months in advance? When should I travel to a specific location? Should I book tickets in advance for a popular site or just show up?  Hold on to your seats because these mistakes are all ones I have personally made (GASP!). Luckily, I’m sharing my top 5 travel planning mistakes to avoid with you, so you don’t have to experience them. Read on my friends!  1. Booking Your Flight too Quickly Before we go any…

  • London Gatwick on Departures Board
    Travel Planning

    3 Reasons to Not Avoid a Layover at London Gatwick

    London Gatwick was a new layover location for me on a recent trip.  Since we live in Austin, one of the few direct flights to Europe is London. Usually, we end up going through Heathrow which can be a pain to traverse as one of the biggest airports in the world.  Gatwick was a nice change and offers some great perks, in my opinion, as a layover location.  1. Gatwick Connects This flight connection program is genius.  I am one of those travelers who researchers flights possibilities for weeks before booking and try to find the best layover options and prices I can. Previously, I had been slightly afraid to…

  • View of Budapest Hungary
    Destinations,  Europe

    How-to Guide and Top Tips for Budapest Hungary

    I never understood why they called Budapest Hungary the Paris of Eastern Europe. And then I traveled there.  There is something grand about Budapest, that is unlike many other European cities. It doesn’t have the “hit you in the face” fairytale feeling, it’s just welcoming and beautiful.  If you read my article 5 Reasons Why You Need to Try Hungarian Wine, then you know I’ve had this city on my bucket list for a long time. It’s super affordable, easy to navigate, and there’s So. Much. Good. Food.  Read on to get my tips and recommendations for this amazing city, and to watch our full travel video! Just for fun –…

  • Europe Travel Tips
    Travel Planning

    Helpful Tips for Europe Travel You Need to Know

    Do you have a trip to Europe coming up, or want to plan one? These helpful Europe travel tips will give you great essential insight whether you’ve been there before, or are going for the first time.  When I started traveling to Europe, I had no idea how to navigate or what to expect. There have been some surprises each time I go back, even on my most recent trip.  Read on for my tops tips that I’ve collected from traveling over the past decade, and for more stories from my past travels. I mean, my pain is your gain! Airport and Airline Tips Let’s face it, most of the time…

  • Travel Experiences, Specialty Tour Hungarian Winery, Plan to Explore
    Destinations,  Europe

    5 Reasons Why You Need to Try Hungarian Wine

    Did you know that Hungary produces some pretty great wine? I didn’t until I started planning a trip to Budapest.  I had Budapest on my bucket list because my maiden name, Takacs, is Hungarian, and I don’t know much about my history on that side. Once I learned Hungary produces quality wine, I was 100% convinced it was the next location we should visit!   Eastern European affordability + beautiful city + quality wine = Ideal travel spot.  Read on to learn a little bit more about Hungarian wine, the history, wine regions, and why you should visit to try it!  (Click to read my full travel guide on Budapest where…

  • Temecula Wine Country
    Destinations,  USA

    How to Plan a Trip to Temecula Wine Country

    Temecula Wine Country surprised me. I’m not sure what I was expecting, maybe something more desert-y? We scheduled two days there on a side trip from visiting the in-laws in Fallbrook, and it was not nearly enough time.  About an hour from San Diego, Temecula would be a great trip to combine with the city. If you like wine, but want to avoid the high prices that Napa demands, Temecula Wine Country should be on your list. This Temecula travel guide will give you the top details you need to plan your perfect wine tasting trip.  How to Get There By Plane – If you are traveling from out of state,…

  • Passion can lead you to an amazing vacation itinerary
    Travel Planning

    How to Plan an Amazing Vacation Itinerary Anywhere

    How do you plan an amazing vacation itinerary in any location?  I am guilty of sometimes over planning and over scheduling (a person who loves travel planning OVER planning, no way!). After organizing numerous trips now, I feel like I have found a balance. We know how to plan just enough to keep us engaged and active, but not so much that we don’t actually stop to enjoy the moment.  No matter where you are traveling to, big city or small town, mountains or countryside, we have tips to help you narrow the choices down. Read on to learn how to easily plan a great itinerary in any location.  What Do…

  • ATM
    Travel Planning

    How to Avoid Tourist Traps on Vacation

    Ahhh how to avoid tourist traps on vacation.  This is an interesting topic to write about, because some of it can be subjective. I don’t think anyone wants to be ripped off. However, some people might love a huge tour group with 30 people, and others despise and think it’s a true tourist trap.  Below is a compiled list of the tourist traps to avoid or be aware of when planning a vacation, in my opinion.  Currency Exchange & Where to Withdraw Cash Isn’t money the root of all evil? I think that might be true when it comes to some of the currency scams out there.  The lighter end of…

  • Texas Hill Country Tree and landscape
    Destinations,  Texas

    How to Plan a Trip to the Texas Hill Country

    The Texas Hill Country is a beautiful and fun place to explore. If you’ve never been there before, you’re missing out. I live here and have been to able to explore a good number of great places to eat, drink, and stay.  Just 30 – 90 minutes from Austin, depending if you are starting in Dripping or Fredericksburg, you could combine this trip with the city. San Antonio is also just over an hour away.  There’s a little bit of everything at this destination including wineries, breweries, rolling vistas, shopping and even hiking. So strap on your hiking boots, or bring your travel wine glass and plan your next trip…

  • How to Easily Plan Cheap Vacations to Europe
    Travel Planning

    How to Easily Plan Cheap Vacations to Europe

    Have you ever wondered how others plan cheap vacations to Europe?  You see their Instagram or Facebook pictures in Prague, Munich, Lisbon, or wherever their trip takes them, and you get a little jealous. I want to help you become the person in those pictures, and show you it’s not as expensive as you think (Gasp! Could it be true?).   It’s taken me a number years to find valuable resources, and I want to share with you to help you save time and money. Isn’t saving time and money what what we all need in life?  I’ll break down my tips and resources into a number of sections below, so…