Palace Paradise: A Review of Sintra’s Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palaces

When my partner and I stayed in Sintra last month, one of the places we were excited about going was Pena Palace. Our hotel’s host told us, “It’s nice…but the Quinta da Regaleira Palace is better.” I ended up visiting both, and if you’re curious if which one’s worth the visit, look no further! Pena Palace Sintra is a town set on the side of … Continue reading Palace Paradise: A Review of Sintra’s Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palaces

Sintra: The Castle-Filled Countryside a Quick Trip from Lisbon

If you’re looking for the answer to “What is the best day trip from Lisbon?”, I’ve got your answer: it’s Sintra, Portugal. I went last week for a four-day trip surrounding a wedding, and I got to revisit the beautiful countryside—full of village quaintness, national park attractions, and so many castles! Why is Sintra so popular? Sintra was full of people, wherever we went. So … Continue reading Sintra: The Castle-Filled Countryside a Quick Trip from Lisbon

Getting Around London: The Ultimate Guide to Public Transit

If you’re visiting London, you’ll undoubtedly be using TFL at some point. Transport for London (TFL) is the company that runs the tube (overground and underground) and bus services throughout London. London has one of the best-connected transit systems in the world; I’ve never been in a position of needing to get somewhere and not having a possible route. However, it can feel complicated due … Continue reading Getting Around London: The Ultimate Guide to Public Transit

The Best Two-For-One Museum Ticket in Paris: L’Orangerie and Musée D’Orsay

While touring the halls of Sainte-Chappelle, I made some friends who asked me what I was planning on doing during my trip. That’s the first time I’d heard of the Musée de l’Orangerie. I love Monet’s water lillies paintings; when I was a kid, I took charcoal classes at the local bookstore, and learned how Money would paint the same scene, again and again, at … Continue reading The Best Two-For-One Museum Ticket in Paris: L’Orangerie and Musée D’Orsay

Social Seating in Munich, Germany: When Conversation is the Aim of Art

Sometimes, something you’ve been waiting for can sneak up and surprise you. In another life, I was a personal assistant at Condé Nast—at House & Garden, and World of Interiors, magazines. I didn’t know much about interior design (which is the topic that both magazines are experts in, from different points of view), but I was a very good PA, and I was excited to … Continue reading Social Seating in Munich, Germany: When Conversation is the Aim of Art

Four Day Trips to Take from London, England

This weekend, my partner has an all-day softball tournament. The last time I had the apartment to myself, I told myself I was going to enjoy being alone. Instead, I got bored and cleaned. CLEANED. Because I’m risking becoming a boring homebody, I told myself this Saturday I am getting out of the city and explore England a bit. I don’t want to wander too … Continue reading Four Day Trips to Take from London, England

Surviving a Heat Wave If You’re Travelling to the UK

There’s a heatwave in the UK, and it. Is. SWELTERING. I can’t stress enough how much the heat in the UK at 33 degrees is unbearable—and how it seems like no one outside the city believes me when I say this. Truthfully, it’s not just the heat; it’s a perfect storm of humidity (the air is hot and damp), the houses were designed to keep … Continue reading Surviving a Heat Wave If You’re Travelling to the UK

My “Heirloom Quality” Obsession: Inside Le Creuset’s UK Pop-Up

Le Creuset has had a special part of my heart for about 10 years now. The brand comes with a lifetime guarantee, and more than once I’ve heard first-hand TikTok storytimes of people who find the Dutch ovens in their parent’s attics or charity shops, realize there’s a problem with the item, and then work with the brand to fix the piece. It’s less garbage in the ocean, and befitting of a promise—buy once, and you won’t have to buy another. Continue reading My “Heirloom Quality” Obsession: Inside Le Creuset’s UK Pop-Up

Three Places That Inspired Creativity in Paris

Paris feels like a city of artists, and I’m convinced they do this by making you feel like you’re not one. Everywhere I looked in Paris, I saw art—beautiful city streets, galleries in every arrondissement, bakeries with featuring artisan pastries. And people who really look like they belong to a bohemian, beautiful city. And it made me want to be part of it. But although … Continue reading Three Places That Inspired Creativity in Paris