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rachelteodoro
I've always been a big reader and every year I look forward to discovering new books. I often look for books that help me see the world differently. This year has been a bit of a slower reading year for me. I just haven't been in the same headspace that I normally am to devour books. I'm feeling like I'm regressing a bit back to the magazine era of reading except in 2025, that looks more like podcasts. While I didn't hit my normal goal of reading 50 books this year {usually very attainable and something I exceed}, I did read 44, which was better than I thought I did! Some stuck out more than others, and honestly, narrowing down my favorites is usually pretty easy. These eight books really stood out to me, and left different marks on me. These were the top eight books of 2025!
rachelteodoro
For years, I heard people lump Scotland and Ireland together as if they were interchangeable. Heck, I even did it myself! "Oh, you went to Scotland? I've always wanted to go to Ireland!" or "You loved Ireland? Scotland must feel exactly the same!" It's a common assumption, and I get why. They're both Celtic nations filled with green hills, castles, craggy coastlines, friendly locals, and dramatic landscapes. Many travelers think visiting one is close enough to experiencing the other. Maybe it's because geographically, at their closest point, only 12 miles separates them.
After traveling extensively in both countries, nearly back-to-back, I can confidently say this: they are not the same at all! And honestly, I felt a little ignorant after the fact thinking they would be!
I have heard it said that if Scotland and Ireland were twins, Scotland would be the twin sent off to boarding school. Polished. Disciplined. Structured and brilliant. A little reserved maybe. Deeply steeped in tradition and proud of it.
Ireland? Ireland is the twin who went to public school. Charming. Fun. A storyteller. A people person. A little rough around the edges but the kind that gives it character. Ireland is the twin who will stay out late at the pub, invite you to join the table, and make you feel like you've known the whole family for generations!
Both are wonderful. Both are beautiful. Both are absolutely worth visiting.
But they offer wildly different kinds of travel experiences and pretending otherwise only does a disservice to both.
Here's what I've learned after exploring them in depth, and what you should know if you're trying to decide between the two, or if you're planning a trip to both.
rachelteodoro
Vancouver in the winter has a kind of magic that sneaks up on you. It's crisp but not freezing, festive without being chaotic, and bursting with gorgeous views even when the clouds roll in. It's the kind of winter getaway where you can park your car once, explore world-class neighborhoods on foot, warm up with incredible food, and hop between Christmas markets, museums, gardens, and waterfront views all in the same day! And the US dollar goes far right now giving you a discount on everything you buy.
Whether you're planning a long weekend, a family trip, or a midweek escape, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Vancouver in the winter, including where to stay, what to do, how to get around, and can't miss seasonal experiences.
rachelteodoro
If there's one hike that encapsulates the wild, rugged beauty of Scotland's Isle of Skye, it's the trek to the Old Man of Storr. This iconic rock formation towers above the Trotternish Peninsula, and draws visitors from all around the world. People are mesmerized by its dramatic pinnacles, sweeping views, and a sense of untamed wilderness that's hard to match anywhere else. Hiking here is something many people have on their bucket list, and not everyone completes, but if you have the chance to get here, it feels like stepping into an ancient and otherworldly place and it's worthy of being added to your bucket list.
rachelteodoro
If you've ever dreamed of seeing the Hogwarts Express in real life, there's no better place to make that magic happen than the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands. Whether you grew up watching Harry Potter or are traveling with young fans discovering the films for the first time, this is one of those moments that truly feels like stepping into the story.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is not just famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter movies, it's also one of Scotland's most beautiful and iconic landmarks. Spanning 21 graceful arches the rugged Highlands, it's an engineering marvel surrounded by jaw dropping scenery. When the vintage Jacobite Steam Train chugs across, releasing those plums of white smoke, it's pure movie magic!
If you're planning a trip, here's everything you need to know about viewing the Harry Potter train at Glenfinnan Viaduct, including the best times to go, where to stand, what to bring, and how to make the most of your visit. As magical as this experience is, it does take a bit of planning. Trust me, we learned that the hard way!
