Switzerland – Camera & Carry On

Our Favorite Metropolitan Hikes in Europe

Michael — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 01:46:14 +0000

What's the first thing you think of when you picture a great hike? Mountains? Wildlife? Being out in the middle of nowhere, traversing rugged terrain, mud on your face, blisters on your feet, and the sent of poop in the air?!?! Well, maybe not all of that, but probably something close. One thing I've come to learn is that there are many great "hikes" that are a short jaunt, subway, or bus ride from your hotel. Many bustling cities have exciting treks that offer stunning sea views alongside incredible city architecture. I call these "metropolitan hikes," and Europe is full of 'em! Below are my absolute favorites! (I tried my best to mark exact locations on the maps below)

Oia to Fira (Santorini, Greece)

Santorini never seems to disappoint, and the trail that leads from Oia to Fira won't either! It was a little tricky to find the starting point, but once you're on the trail it's 6 miles of pure splendor. Many hikers tend to start in Fira and walk towards Oia. It's a bit easier to find the path coming from Fira, but since we were staying in Oia, we did it backwards. Either way, have your camera ready to capture the bluest blues and whitest whites in Greece.

Path of the Gods (Amalfi Coast, Italy)

Whenever someone tells me they're visiting the Amalfi Coast I always tell them the same thing: find the Path of the Gods. You may plan to spend your time on beaches and boats, but make sure to build in a day to gaze above it all. The Path of the Gods is an old donkey path above orchards, farms, and the sea. While we traveled along this path, we were also greeted by many, and I mean many, goats!

Slieve League Lookout (Ireland)

Slieve League is the tallest sea cliff in Ireland. The 1,972 ft drop will land you right in the Atlantic. That's nearly three times the height of it's more famous cousin, the Cliffs of Moher! To get the best view of Slieve League find this lookout point. A fairly short walk from a parking lot will have you among the vast meadows and dramatic drop-offs of Ireland's coast. And if you're lucky, you may find a delicious ice cream truck waiting at the end.

Cap d'Ail Coastal Path (Nice, France / Monte Carlo, Monaco)

Ah the magical coastal path between France and Monaco. While Shannon and I were in Nice we thought it'd be fun to take a quick side trip to Monte Carlo. Although Monte Carlo was interesting, it was the walk back to France that really made the day. Like all of these metro hikes, there's no shortage of views, but the Cap d'Ail Coastal Path also offers a number of secluded spots to sunbathe or take a dip in the Mediterranean. To get here we took an easy bus ride from Nice into Monte Carlo, found the path, walked to Mala Beach, then took the bus back to Nice.

Mt. Salève (Geneva, Switzerland)

From Geneva take the #8 bus for about 12 miles, all the way to the end... welcome to France! From the bottom of Mont Salève you can either hike or take a cable car to the top. Once up there you'll likely find a plethora of paragliders (people running off the mountain with a parachute on their back), perhaps the best view of Lake Geneva, and on a clear day, a view of Mont Blanc.

Path Around Toledo (Spain)

A common day trip from Madrid is the old world town of Toledo. Toledo is known for it's history and craftsmanship. Whether it be steel, plaster, or food, these Spaniards know what they're doing. If you want to get a look at the town as a whole, cross the moat and climb up and around. There's a quazi path/sidewalk that hugs the town from a far, and provides a really nice overview.

Cinque Terre (Italy)

Ah the famous Five Lands of Italy! Hardly a secret, but never to be missed. Unfortunately massive flooding destroyed many of the walking paths several years back, but even still Cinque Terre is a great area to explore. We took the train from La Spezia, and between the 5 towns, as most do. Along with the beautiful cliffside dwellings, make sure to catch a glimpse of Il Gigante in Monterosso.

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16 Photos to Get You Excited About Traveling in 2016!

Michael — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 16:12:08 +0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Well it's that time again, time for resolutions and reflection. If you're reading this, there's a good chance one of your resolutions for this year is to travel more. To help you visualize this, I've searched through 10s of thousands of our photos, and found 16 of my absolute favorite panoramics that I hope will encourage you to travel in 2016! Not only are these some of our most spectacular images, but they're also from some of our most treasured destinations. From the most bustling cities, to the calm and silent, there's always something great to capture.

(Click an image to expand it larger)

Santorini, Greece

Siat, Switzerland

Machu Picchu, Peru

Bruarfoss Waterfall, Iceland

Trulli of Alberobello, Italy

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Seville, Spain

Koh Yao Yai, Thailand

Cusco, Peru

Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands

Great Wall of China

New York City

Sligo, Ireland

Mont Salève, France

Amalfi, Italy

Gruyères, Switzerland

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P I N M E !

Save this "16 Photos to Get You Excited About Traveling in 2016!" image to your Pinterest board to keep track of these awesome images, and remember where you can go, and what you can see!

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We Got A Liebster! 11 Questions from Bloggers to Bloggers

Michael — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 19:31:17 +0000

I'd first like to thank the academy - you're wonderful! Then our parents for giving birth to us, that really helped. And of course a huge thanks to... Oh... You mean it's not like that? Wait, what is this Liebster thing anyway? The Liebster Award is given to bloggers from bloggers. It's a set of questions asked to support the community, give some insight on why we're all blogging, and a chance to pay it forward. The rules are: (1) someone nominates you for the award and asks you to answer 11 questions, (2) you answer the questions, and (3) create 11 new questions and nominate five or more other blogs to answer them. So really, we'd just like to thank Happy Travelers and North to South for nominating us. Since these nods came within 2 weeks of each other, we've decided to split it up, and answer a few questions from each of you. Here we go...

Our Answers

What drives you to travel?

Michael: It keeps us on our toes. Life’s a journey, right? How could I possibly stay in the same place, doing the same thing for years on end? I’m driven to make life for Shannon and myself the best it can be. I don’t think “average” and “satisfactory” are good enough. Everyone of us has the ability to live extraordinary lives, and for me, it’s all about keeping it fresh and exciting. That’s what travel is to me; it’s a shot of caffeine, a kick in the ass, and the climax of sweet love.

Where would you fly off to right now if you could?

Michael: I’d fly back to Thailand, most likely the Krabi province. Not just because it’s one of my favorite place to go, but because I’ve been in the Western world for a tad bit too long now. I love going places different, eating unique foods, trying uncomfortable things, and seeing new people. The US is certainly the world’s melting pot, but there’s nothing like the shock of Asia, and so far, for me, Krabi is the tops! Amazing scenery, great food, nice people, and just strange enough.

Shannon: Hawaii! I’ve been reminiscing about a trip Michael and I took to Kauai years ago. We were living in SF at the time, and chose Kauai because it’s one of Hawaii’s untouched, scenic beauties. We celebrated Turkey Day luau style, feasting on succulent Kalua pork, and spent the week on a happy high with lots of fruity/frozen drinks, ziplining, hiking, napping on the beach… I always look back on that as one of my favorite trips (even though it’s like choosing a favorite kid), but this one was pretty special. I wouldn’t mind checking out some of the other islands and falling asleep in a hammock with a tasty, tasty mai tai.

Cold weather or hot weather destinations?

Michael: Both! Cold - Switzerland (Bernese Oberland or Valais regions). Hot - Thailand (west coast islands)
Shannon: It’s a toss up, but mostly it depends on time of year, what I’m looking to “get” out of a trip, and my state of mind. You can’t possibly compare a tiny town in the Swiss Alps to being on a beach in Thailand; apples to oranges. They both win!

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive in a new place?

Michael: Force myself to stay awake, walk, eat, nap, walk, eat, sightsee, eat, sleep. In that order. So I guess to answer the question; it’s preparing myself for the awesomeness to come.

The coolest tour you’ve ever taken is….?

Michael: We typically don’t go on many guided tours, but there have been a few gems. Private boat rides around the South Pacific, or motorcycle rides in the Philippines come to mind, but I think the best “tour” we’ve been on in the traditional sense is the black taxi tour through Belfast. I’m not sure why, but the details of The Troubles have always spoken to me. Getting an unbiased, firsthand account of what truly happened (in very recent history), was eye opening.

What is always in your carry-on?

Shannon: Toilet paper! I know… it’s kind of weird, but oh so handy. If you travel enough, maybe you can relate? Or at least appreciate the usefulness of having a few squares on hand. Anyone? Bueller? Also, sandwich size plastic baggies. They are great for everything from protecting luggage from liquid leakage, to storing handfuls of free chocolates, to smuggling beach pebbles from the French Riviera. (Shh!)

Michael: Zip ties - I don’t leave home without ‘em! I get the reusable ones, and make sure to tie up my suitcase while flying, and my backpack when out for the day. I’ve never been robbed, pick pocketed, or anything like that. I’m not really worried about it, but maybe that’s because no one could get past my zip ties without me knowing. There's a bunch of odd stuff though, in fact, here you go.

What is your camera of choice while traveling, why?

Shannon: We’re loyal Nikon users. Primarily using a D3200, and then our old D40X as a backup. When it comes to taking great photos, it’s not all about the camera, but the lens as well, and Nikon makes some really good ones. I tend to photograph primarily in manual mode (aperture priority is my go-to), but if I just need to take a quick photo, I love the range of easy-to-use auto functions.

What has been your worst travel experience?

Michael: It’s a tossup between the great snow chain debacle of Switzerland and the lost baggage/cancelled hotel/get me the hell out of this airport journey from the Philippines to Malaysia. I’m going to give this to Switzerland though. One of my absolute favorite places in the world, but it happened.

What has been your biggest challenge as a blogger?

Shannon: Where do I begin? Haha. Day to day, the obstacles vary - social media, networking, building it as a business - but the real hump is getting exposure. In a sea of overwhelming information and competition so to speak, it’s not an easy feat. But we just keep on doing what we do, sharing our stories, our passion, and crossing our fingers.

If you could give an amateur traveler one piece of advice, what would it be?

Shannon: Don’t let fear hold you back. And… you don’t need a backpack.
Michael: Don’t fall for the hype, think it out. It’s true; everyone can live a traveler’s lifestyle, but I think there’s a common misconception that getting off a plane and then figuring out what to do is the “cool,” “true backpacker,” “adventurous” way to travel. And it can be, but doesn’t have to be. We’ve done it, most of the time it’s great, a lot of the time it sucks. Do some research, manage your finances, and don’t miss what could be just around the corner because “it’s so much cooler not to Google anything.”

What’s your favorite quote about travel?

Shannon: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.” ~ St. Augustine

The Nominees

Ashley of My Wanderlusty Life
Elizabeth & Dale of Elizabeth and Dale Abroad
Adrian of Adrian's Travel Tales
Amber & Eric of With Husband In Tow
Megan of Forks and Footprints
Juliana of Clever Dever Wherever

Your Questions

If you could buy a house anywhere in the world, and call that home, where would it be?
If your plane crashed in the middle of nowhere and your only way to survive is to (A) have a pack of apes accept you as there own, (B) live high up in the trees completely alone forever, or (C) get rescued but only after succumbing to cannibalism... What would you do and why?
What is your absolute favorite place to go for a short visit, say 4 days?
Describe the worst thing you've ever eaten in a foreign country.
You're going on a one month long trip, but you can only bring a laptop, camera, iPod, or cellphone (but an old one that can only do talk and text, 'cuz no cheating), what would you bring?
Where are you most afraid to travel to?
What's your favorite mode of transportation?
Describe your travel philosophy; jet setter, backpacker, city buzz, the middle of nowhere, etc.
You blog. You travel. You blog about travel. What else might we find you doing?
What makes you YOU? We're all unique. Share!
If no one ever read your blog, would you still do it?

We tried to go a little out of the box with our questions, so have fun with it! If you have your own questions for us, feel free to comment below! Nominees, let us know via twitter or comment below once your post with answers is up. Congratulations and keep spreading the love!

The End! Enjoy this photo of me trying to fit through the "e" in Amsterdam.

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24 Photos That Will Inspire You to Travel the World NOW

Shannon — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 21:20:49 +0000

A little eye candy to sweeten your day, these travel photos are sure to get your wanderlust wheel spinning and inspire endless adventures from Penang to Paris. Take the next 4.25 minutes to enjoy a little calorie-free indulgence. Here are 24 swoon worthy images from around this kaleidoscopic world... 1. Church of Agios Nikolaos, Cyprus 2. Brussels, Belgium 3. Somewhere, Iceland 4. Nice, France 5. Lisbon, Portugal 6. Bali, Indonesia 7. Berlin, Germany 8. San Francisco, CA, USA 9. Chiang Mai, Thailand 10. Prague, Czech Republic 11. Bern, Switzerland 12. Chicago, IL, USA 13. Donegal Co., Ireland 14. Lake Como, Italy 15. Paris, France 16. Penang, Malaysia 17. Salzburg, Austria 18. Great Wall at Badaling, China 19. Oia, Santorini, Greece 20. Seville, Spain 21. Siat, Switzerland 22. Tuscany, Italy 23. New York City, NY, USA 24. Vienna, Austria Well, are you ready to pack your bag and book a ticket? Which photo has you yearning for a trip?

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6 Unique Places I Spent the Night

Shannon — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 16:05:08 +0000

Nine times out of ten, I'll go for the offbeat place, the one that's a little different from the rest, because what's the point in being ordinary or doing ordinary things or staying in ordinary places? I'm all for creature comforts like hot water, air conditioning, and a lock on the door, but sometimes it's more about the experience than the thread count (though I do enjoy sultry, silk sheets). You feel me? Here are six places I spent the night that scored high marks for outside-the-box-ness.

Trulli: Cisternino, Italy

Driving over waves of hills in the heel of Italy's boot, tiny cones bob and dip on the horizon, signaling, "Benvenuto a Puglia!" Trulli are stone homes with signature conical roofs, crafted by masons skilled in this unique construction style native to the region. It's the architecture that piqued our interest in visiting, to examine the fading artform of trullo making, and of course, to stay in our very own. This sweetly restored trullo is a curtsy to the past, a simpler time, where all you needed to be happy was a pretty view, some delicious burrata, olive oil, bread, and a glass of wine.

Tenta Nakara: Koh Naka Yai, Thailand

Above the treetops, we spent a few nights with nothing but a mesh barrier between us and the elements. The showers were cold, the toilets were 'manual flush', and the humidity averaged 99.9%. Camping has never really interested me, but something about watching the sunrise on my private balcony, in a place where there were no outlets to charge cell phones and lantern light guided the way to dinner, called to me. Aside from the sticky air and a debilitating fear of coming face to face with a slithering creature, sleeping 30 feet in the air is one for the books. A true getaway, complete with friendly dogs that circumnavigated the island with us via kayak, I had an amazing time at this off the grid spot.

Tubotel: Langkawi, Malaysia

The tubotel rides on the curtails of pod hotels - they do exist, and they're not just in Tokyo! Barely large enough to accommodate a king sized bed with nary an inch to spare, what this drain pipe lacks in space it makes up for in personality. Geared toward backpackers and the like, which we are not, we expected the grounds to be overflowing with expertly tanned, barely-legal Aussies, but were surprised to be quite alone. To our delight, this meant the communal showering was private and we could borrow the rusty bikes for a ride into town without competition. Okay, so it wasn't perfect... but it was a tube. A TUBE! With a great view, perfect for wine cooler consumption and napping.

Fairy Tree Folly: Downings, Ireland

A fairy door? A potbelly stove? Rocking chairs? This place oozes rustic, Irish magic and it's easy to believe that the fairy statuette perched on the shelf might just come to life, and that the itsy, winged creatures truly exist. In a country that holds storytelling high on the CV, anything seems possible in this cottage up, up, up on a hilltop. I could imagine myself crafting children's books and watercolor illustrations here, sipping on a piping cup of Irish Breakfast tea and brainstorming over cream scones by the fire.

Betterview Beach Bungalow: Koh Yao Yai, Thailand

I didn't know it was possible to scoop up such luxury on a beer budget; it just seems I just had to go half way around the globe to find it. Not only does this bungalow live on - arguably - my favorite destination in the world, but it had everything I needed to feel like a queen. A plush robe, sunken tub, sumptuous bed, pool, and oh yeah! An outdoor shower. A good one. Like, really good. It was like one of those places celebrities frequent to get away from the paparazzi, and boy, did I feel like one. The amazing curry, coconut smoothies, and front-row seats to the breathtaking islands of the Andaman weren't too shabby, either.

Petite Chalet: St. Niklaus, Switzerland

Just minutes down the way from ski-haven Zermatt, lies the pint-sized chalet I couldn't get enough of. I mean, just look at it! It's everything one could want in a snowy, winter hideaway, with a cherry on top. Uncharacteristic pops of color and whimsy meant I was a bubble of happiness in that wooden house. How can you not melt into a puddle of giggles with that plush wall art? The warm and fuzzies were ever present as I watched tiny puffs of snow fall and ~~overindulged~~ savored Swiss chocolates from the cozy loft bed or pretty, pink seating.

•••••

Warm thanks to Airbnb for providing us with these great options. If you're planning a stay, and looking for something special, use this link to get a $25 free credit (and we will too). As always, all opinions, text, and videos are my own. See our ethics page for more information.

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There’s No Place Like Away from Home for the Holidays

Shannon — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 19:54:21 +0000

You read that right! Sure... it's great to visit with family, drive around the old neighborhood in search of Christmas lights, and Facebook stalk your ex while working off your food coma (yep, I've got you all figured out). But maybe this year should be different. Instead of a holiday repeat, consider taking those hard earned vacation days out for a good time. If you've got to hop on a flight anyway, why not choose a destination you've been pining after? Good reasons to give this idea a fighting chance:

You'll be seeing the parents for Thanksgiving
Since you live close, family get-togethers happen often
You'll always be loved, but maybe not entirely welcome this holiday season since you're responsible for starting the family feud last Christmas
Everyone you'd be skipping out on is super cool and would totally support your decision to 'take a holiday' (they might even think your idea is brilliant and decide to join you)

Whatever the case, consider going somewhere abroad this season, or at the very least, breaking tradition. We're playing house in Boston this winter, but are no strangers to celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's on foreign lands. The hardest part - deciding what type of destination strikes your fancy.

Beachy Keen

Ditch the down puffer for a skimpy swimsuit and healthy does of vitamin D. If you really want to get away from it all, the ultimate slice of heaven awaits you in Koh Yao Yai. Head south of the border for ancient ruins overlooking miles of sugar fine sand and crystal blue waters in Tulum. Make friends with the locals in St. Croix at a beachside watering hole over rum cocktails and jerk chicken.

Winter Wonderland

Are you yearning for a white Christmas? When you're not hitting the slopes beneath the Matterhorn, cozy up to a crackling fire with a spiked hot chocolate in Zermatt. Vienna is renowned for its holiday markets (starting in mid November), magical decor, Christmas tradition, and is sure to fill your happy cup. Then there's always Edinburgh, where tartan lovers and scotch drinkers can wander the streets filled with jovial bagpipe music.

Exotic Spice

Venture off the beaten path and give your senses a thrill. After a late night quest for the aurora borealis, recoup your frozen bones in Iceland's Blue Lagoon. Hop on a camel, sip on minty fresh tea, and rock the Kasbah in Marrakech. Meet Africa's tallest elephants, lightning fast cheetah, and the endangered black rhino on a safari trek through Namibia's stunning Etosha National Park.

No Passport Required

If you don't (gasp!) have a passport, or the thought of international travel over the holidays gives you the willies, there's always the option of staying within the 50 states. Trade in overcooked turkey for succulent, luau pig in Kauai, one of Hawaii's most beautiful, still largely untouched, islands. Asheville is a family-friendly destination with powdery slopes and tons of southern hospitality. If the city is more your style, come visit me in Boston, where we'll take a lantern guided stroll through Beacon Hill, grab a cannoli in the North End, and finish out the evening with classy cocktails at the Fairmont Hotel.

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