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rachelteodoro
Last year, my husband and I rented a car for 15 days and drove around Ireland. We learned quickly how different driving on the "wrong" side of the car on the "wrong" side of the road felt! In case you missed it, you can read my post Renting a Car in Ireland: What You Need to Know. And by "we" I mean, my husband did the driving and I did the navigating! Driving can be both challenging and rewarding and honestly, having the flexibility to see and explore is well worth the challenges!
I'll share a bit more on things we learned while navigating those narrow lanes and twisting roads in the Scottish Highlands and some tips on how you can get the confidence you need to drive in the UK as well. I promise, it's worth it!
rachelteodoro
I grew up landlocked in Indiana. I have lived on the west coast for more than 25 years, and I still can't get over how much I learn about the beaches and water that surrounds us. I started enjoying picking up sea glass, but a new hobby was unlocked on a trip to the UK when I was walking on a beach and found a piece of sea pottery! There was something magical about turning that piece over in my hand and revealing a small hand-painted design. While many people know about sea glass, those frosted shards of discarded bottles softened by time and tide, less people know about its cousin: sea pottery! On a recent trip to the UK, I spent time on the beaches in Scotland and discovered the rich history, and countless seaside towns make it one of the best places in the world to discover these small fragments of the past!
Hunting for sea pottery became a fun little way to slow down and notice those little details and it became one of my favorite parts of my trip to Scotland. If you've never heard of it, let's explore what sea pottery is, how it finds its way to the shore, how to identify different types, and the best places and tips for searching!
rachelteodoro
Scotland in the fall is a dream. Crisp air, dramatic landscapes, cozy pubs, and fewer crowds {including those annoying midges!} than in the summer months make it an ideal time to visit. But fall weather in Scotland can be unpredictable. Heck, weather in Scotland anytime, can be unpredictable! You might experience sunny weather one minute, misty and rainy the next with chilly winds picking up across the Highlands. Packing for a trip like this might feel daunting, especially if you're trying to stick to carry-on only like I try to.
The good news? It's absolutely possible! With some planning and smart layering, you can be comfortable, stylish, and prepared without overpacking. I've put together the ultimate carry-on packing list for fall in Scotland, complete with tips for clothing, shoes, accessories, and travel essentials.
rachelteodoro
We planned not one, but two beach vacations this year on totally opposite coasts of the United States. I heard more than once from readers in my DM's that they'd been dreaming of going to those locations but they were finding them too expensive! If you are dreaming of the perfect family or couples getaway, the cost of accommodations at some of those popular locations can feel like a reality check. Heck, we even found that ourselves as I looked for rentals at both Kiawah Island, South Carolina and Seabrook, Washington. Both of these are resorts and master-planned vacation communities that often promote their rentals through official real estate management companies. While convenient, that booking route can also come with steep markups, resort fees, and hidden charges.
The good news? There's another way. With just a little research and flexibility, you can often rent the exact same or similar properties for significantly less without giving up the prime location or amenities. The secret is renting privately or off the official real estate listing site. I've done it myself, and it can be the difference between being priced out of a location or enjoying it well within your budget.
Here's how you can save money while still enjoying some of the most beautiful vacation communities in the United States!
rachelteodoro
If you've been dreaming about visiting the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, navigating through the beautiful limestone rocks in Ha Long Bay, or taking in the bustling energy of Hanoi's Old Quarter, you might already know that Vietnam is a feast for the senses and the weather can be just as dynamic! From humid days to sudden downpours, knowing how to pack smart can make your adventure so much easier.
I recently took a 10-day Vietnam trip traveling from South to North and I fit everything into one checked bag with room to spare for souvenirs. Here's how you can do the same without feeling like you're backpacking, or worse, overpacking!
