Making A List – 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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Don’t Rent a Vespa! And 5 Other Mistakes I Made in Rome

Courtney — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 17:55:57 +0000

Rome: the city of delicious food, historic sights, and cute Italians. How could anyone possibly not have the best day ever there?! Hopefully, reading my silly mistakes will keep you from having anything short of an amazing visit!

1. Don't Go In The Middle Of August

What comes to mind when you think August? Snowmen, jackets, and mittens? Of course not. Why? Because it's hot. August in Rome feels like the sweaty armpit of a 500 pound man who has just completed a triathlon. To make things even worse, the city will be crawling with tourists. Even though you are, in fact, one of these tourists, they're still super fun to complain about. But seriously, do yourself a favor and don't go between June and August.

2. Don't Try To Squeeze It All In

This is a good general rule for life: Don't try to squeeze too many groceries into your shopping bag -- it'll break. Don't try to squeeze yourself into last year's too-small-skinnyjeans -- they'll probably rip, and if they don't you'll wish they had when you see the unflattering pictures on Facebook. And most importantly, don't try to squeeze everything there is to see in Rome into one day -- it just can't be done.

3. Don't Eat Bad Food

This kind of goes along with the whole "Don't squeeze it all in" thing, but seriously... you're in Rome, one of the most famous cities in Italy. And you know what Italy is also famous for? Italian food, aka God's gift to the world. Isn't there a part in the bible that says something like, "And on the 5th day he hath made Italian food!"?? Anyways, if you're trying to squeeze a lot in then you're probably wanting to grab a quick bite to eat before running off to the Vatican or Colosseum. If that is the case then 1.) you should have listened to number two and 2.) take the extra 30 minutes to sit down and have a nice meal. Maybe even research restaurants ahead of time so you don't waste time searching for a good place, or worse, end up in a dump like we did.

4. DON'T RENT A VESPA

Don't. Rent. A. Vespa. My travel bud, Johanna, and I had never been to Rome, hence why we made so many rookie mistakes, but this, perhaps, was the worst of them all. If you've never been to Rome, as we hadn't, then let me let you know one of the most important things we discovered: Roman streets were designed by insane people and insane people still drive on them today. There are no clear lanes, no warning that you're about to have to decide between 5 different ways at the fork in the road, no U-turns, and basically no rhyme or reason to anything. You may be under false pretenses that renting a Vespa in Rome is a bucket list item after watching Hillary duff do it with Pablo in the Lizzie McGuire Movie, and I hate to be the one to shatter this dream of yours, but if you value your life, DO NOT RENT A VESPA. Also, look what a jerk Pablo turned out to be... Clearly we should not be trusting Lizzie's judgement on all things Rome.

5. Don't Be Late

Seriously, don't be late. Again, this may have something to do with the aforementioned number two, but when they say the Vatican closes at 4:00, they mean the Vatican closes at 4:00. Johanna and I found this out as we sprinted toward the Vatican clothed in maxi dresses and sweaters in the August heat because our Vespa broke down a mile from our destination as hundreds of Italians, clearly used to the frantic tourists, cheered us on with, "You'll make it, Bellas," and "One more minute, you're so close." Yes, it was as horrible as it sounded and yes, we did make it. We proceeded to then run through the Vatican, briefly glancing at things as we passed, to make it to the Colosseum before it closed at 7:00. Not only did we not make it, but we also should have scratched the Colosseum idea and sprung for a Vatican tour. Rule 5 1/2? Don't run through the Vatican. Take your time! Appreciate it!

6. Don't Forget To Laugh At Yourself

After a sweaty day of Roman traffic, glimpses of the Vatican, missing the colosseum, rude Italians, a malfunctioning Vespa, bad/overpriced food, and a closed-for-construction Trevi fountain, we finally decided to crawl our way back to return the Vespa to the rental store. The owner had told us that it would probably be closed by the time we got back and that we just had to leave it parked outside with the other Vespas, keys locked in the trunk. Simple enough, right? Johanna handed me our two helmets, jackets, purses and miscellaneous other things to hold as she parked our stupid metal deathtrap in the only available spot, at the top of the hill. I watched, seconds later, in complete horror and disbelief as the Vespa pried itself free from her hands and made its way down the hill, knocking over every other Vespa in the line. For miles around people turned to look what had made this terrible crashing noise as mirrors flew from the handles of several of the 30+ Vespas and Johanna and I looked on in helpless disbelief. The one man who came to help us pick them back up later asked us for money. Johanna began to cry and, call it a mental breakdown or exhaustion, but for whatever reason I started to laugh. She eventually joined me in my hysteria and we laughed our way to the hostel before collapsing into bed. On our 6 am flight back to Madrid the next morning we giggled over our failed attempt to see Rome, promising that we would return for a "take two" another day. But until then, I hope by reading our mistakes you're able to make your time in Rome a little less disastrous and a lot more enjoyable. But if I can say one thing for our trip, at least it was memorable!

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What To Do & How To Prepare For the Ultimate Irish Vacay

Shannon — Mon, 02 May 2016 11:56:57 +0000

I’ve never been a fan of the, “What’s your favorite place in the world?” question, because frankly, it’s impossible to answer. Like, “Which kid do you love most?” Wait, don’t answer that. I don’t want to know, and I’d hate to be the reason you now have to put your secondary child(ren) in therapy. Let’s just say I appreciate and admire unique destinations for what they are. That said, there miiiight be a select few I hold dearest, Ireland being one of them. Once the haunt of my dreams, the Emerald Isle has secured a spot on my Go Back Someday list after our grand, three week visit. If an Irish vacation is on your travel list, you'd better learn how to say, “Cheers!” in Gaelic (it’s, “Sláinte,” by the way) and check out these 12 tips for traveling the clover country!

1. Visit the big stuff everyone talks about

The Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League, the Giant’s Causeway, Ring of Kerry... They’re popular for a reason. Except drive the Ring of Beara instead of Kerry (less busy and more scenic). And whether you’re more city or country - forgive the cliché - there is something for everyone. Dublin and Belfast check the culture and entertainment boxes, while heart and charm fill picturesque towns from coast to coast.

2. Get a set of wheels

Dublin and Belfast are a cinch to explore on foot, but you’re going to want to ditch the city to explore the rolling hills and seaside cliffs on your own. “So I can just arrange to be part of a tour group!?” Wrong. Well, you could, but I highly suggest you put that idea in the can. Tour bus, schmoor bus. Rent a car! The roads are very easy to navigate and I can assure you, you’ll never wish you didn’t rent a vehicle, whether you’re off trailblazing or following suggested routes. Just make sure to pay attention when you cross from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland (right… no left!).

3. Don't wear a skirt when you kiss the Blarney Stone

Or hey, maybe that’s your thing: making entirely inappropriate wardrobe choices and regretting them. Whatever you do, know that the smoochable rock is tucked in a precarious spot that requires some - ehm - tricky maneuvering and a bit of assistance to reach. On the note of clothes and packing, bring stretchy pants (and an umbrella, sweater, boots...). Your muffining belly, courtesy of Irish breakfasts and pints of Guinness, will thank you for the wiggle room. You can also count on the weather to be as fickle as a pickle. Rain, shine, wind, or calm; unpredictability comes with the territory, as you’ll find weather (arguably) the no. 1 topic of conversation among locals. Feel free to join in the banter!

4. Put yourself out there

Get your head out of your bum (or cell phone) and actually talk to people. Meet locals. Go to bars! Irish folk are warm, welcoming, and incredible storytellers. Masters of the tale, the list of notable Irish authors is hefty. Ever heard of James Joyce? Irish. Oscar Wilde? Irish. Bram Stoker? Irish. J.M. Barrie? Actually, he’s Scottish. But still! Writerly talents abound among infinite shades of green. A special sauce for good times, mix in a touch of liquid courage to instigate hours of yarn spinning with strangers.

5. Take a black cab tour in Belfast

Arranged just a day in advance, our personal guide took us to some of Belfast’s most infamous sites associated with The Troubles, a 30+ year period of civil unrest and violence. Take some time to do your research to best understand the content, but know that successful guides will present a fair and (as much as possible) unbiased account of the conflict. Do be a dear by keeping your opinions to yourself; the wound still feels very fresh in a recovering community. I found it one of the most enlightening and heart wrenching experiences we’ve had on our travels, not to be missed. And since we’re on the subject of tours, do the free walking one in Dublin, too!

6. Look out for fairies

Magic is real. Don’t believe? You will once your eyes feast on sights, or after you’ve sucked down eight, proper pints. Magic comes from within! Not really; that’s just you being drunk and thinking you’re awesome. As for the fairies, they are totally a THING here. Remember the bit about the Irish being stellar storytellers? Wisps, mythical creatures, figments; just more fodder for folklore. Keep your eyes peeled for the whimsy (like sweet, petite fairy doors) and maybe you’ll find a surprise. As for leprechauns, never mind those shifty buggars.

7. Watch your step, and try not to give your wife a heart attack...

...by doing crazy things like hanging over the edge of the Cliffs of Moher, for an (admittedly) kickass photo. Be adventurous, but don’t be a dope, and certainly don’t take a selfie doing it. Have you read the stats about selfie-related mortality? Serious #facepalm action. If you want to eat blood sausage (Eww!), pet mountain goats, drink Guinness for breakfast… that’s your prerogative! Just try not to make the rest of your traveling party anxious every time you get the twinkle for thrills in your eye.

8. Come thirsty, and exercise your vocal cords

It's not hard to find yourself a nice pub with musical entertainment. Songs and brew are as much a part of Irish culture as, well... they ARE Irish culture. You’ll never know true joy until you join a lively sing-a-long at a cliffside bar in Donegal. Well, you probably know all sorts of joy, but I assure you this kind of fun settles in your very being. Your mood will improve, you’ll search for excuses to turn life into a musical a-la-Once, and days will slowly shift to center around pub outings.

9. Stay in B&Bs

Say ta-ta to big name hotels in favor of the little guys. You don’t really want to stay in a Hilton again, do you? Regardless, you’d be hard pressed to find one of those outside a major city, and Ireland is where B&Bs were BORN! I think. Feels like it anyway, with uniquely Irish lodgings a cinch to find. Some are quaint and country, like grams & gramps’ doily-infested abode. Others artfully blend classic Irish touches with a modern aesthetic. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong so long as there’s afternoon tea and fluffy pillows.

10. Don't close your eyes

Keep those peepers open, like, ALL the time, because you won’t want to miss a thing. One of the most strikingly beautiful destinations, the island is a two-for-one jackpot. Whether you’re sticking to Northern Ireland or venturing ‘round the Republic; eye candy is all around (see: every photo in this post). Soak up every ounce of beauty that pours from the landscapes of dreamers and lovers. Oh, and you may want to stock up on SD cards, because shutter-happy is a common affliction among first time visitors.

11. It's not all corned beef & cabbage

It’s bacon & cabbage in Ireland, but there's also savory pies, stews, sausages, and other stick-to-your ribs delights. I wouldn’t consider it a haven for vegetarians of the world, but there are always the rooty veggies to turn to! Like the always satisfying potato... These tubers live up to the stereotype as staple foods of Ireland; boiled, baked, or fried, they’re fair game any time of day. Along coastal areas, seafood takes the show, and a beer rounds out any meal, any time of day (obviously). And as luck would have it, we had some of the best damn ice cream from a food cart at the cliffs of Slieve League. Eat up!

12. Get moving!

For goodness sake, what are you waiting for? Go north! And south, east, and west. But whatever you do, go to Ireland. Get off the beaten path and really explore. What’s the worst that could happen? You get lost then find your way again. Just DON’T try to cram everything in unless you’ve got the time. You’ll find yourself rushed and disappointed. Ireland is a smart and sassy girl but doesn’t want to rush things. Take it slow, have a few drinks, and let the layers peel off one by one. Or if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, just Google filming locations and hit those up. You can’t lose. Let Ireland happen.

There you have it! Rent a car, get lost in the beauty, and drink some beer. Adh mor ort!

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Video: 8 Must-Do Winter Activities Near Québec City

Michael — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 12:38:52 +0000

Brrrrr, baby its cold outside! What to do? What to do? Well, go outside of course! What does winter really mean to me? It means skiing, hot toddies, and hot tubs. Don't run away from the cold, embrace it! New England has a plethora of winter activities, but to experience something a little more unique, we traveled away from our home in Boston and up to Québec, Canada. Often thought of as the "Europe you can drive to," Québeckers (or Québécoise) don't just get out in the snow and cold, they throw festivals, play, and party in it. Here are eight of my must-do winter activities around Québec City.

1. Ice Canyoning

Just outside of Québec City there's a 135 foot tall water fall that partially freezes during the winter. You might be thinking, "That'd be cool to see," but that's not what ice canyoning is. Ice canyoning means you're actually going to climb down this frozen piece of nature by repelling from a rope and digging into the ice with the cleats on your feet. In this video you can see that just a few feet from us there's still water flowing wildly behind the ice.

2. Nordic Spas

Have you ever heard the expression, "Rinse, wash, repeat?" That's basically the idea behind Nordic Spas, except it's more like, "Hot, cold, relax." In other words, first sit in a hot tub or sauna for a little while, then take a quick dip in a freezing cold bath, and finish by settling into a peaceful and tranquil room. I'm not going to pretend I know all the science behind it, but the Sibéria Station Spa seems to really get it, and I love the environment they create. There are real health benefits to this idea, and I can attest it's quite rejuvenating.

3. Snow Jamboree

For the last several years Québec City has hosted the Snow Jamboree. Part big-air boarding and part big-time partying, this festival is a blast. In between a few overpasses, just outside the Old Town, exists a 130 ft tall, 360 ft long, big air ramp. Here you can see professional snowboarders and skiers at their best. And like I said... crazy after parties, too!

4. Les Voûtes de Napoléon

There are several ways to warm yourself up from a cold, Canadian chill: puffy coat, hand warmers, fire pits, electric heaters, etc. There is only one good way to heat up in Québec City: flowing beer, stiff drinks, singing, and dancing. For this I recommend Les Voûtes de Napoléon. Don't let its discrete exterior fool you; a few steps down into the basement level, this speakeasy-esq bar is one of the most lively scenes you'll find. An acoustic guitar accompanied by energized vocals, an accordion, and spoon man are often joined in song and dance by passionate drunkards, and local heat seekers.

5. Winter Carnaval Parade

Shannon wrote all about the Winter Carnaval festivities here, and even if you're not interested in spending the time at the carnaval itself, the parade is not one to miss. This closing ceremony boasts music, lights, and entertainment unlike any parade I've seen before. You may know that Cirque du Soleil has it's roots in Québec, and here it shows. Acrobats flew, climbed, and juggled there way from float to float.

6. Ice Tobogganing

On the Dufferin Terrace, just behind the Château Frontenac, you'll find a 125+ year old toboggan slide. While cruising down the slide, you could hit speeds of up to 45 mph. There are three lanes, and each toboggan can hold up to four passengers. So grab your friends and make a race of it!

7. Make an Ice Glass

There's a ton to do and see at the Hôtel de Glace, but my must-do activity is making your own "glass," and of course enjoying a tasty beverage out of it. On the Behind the Scene tour, not only will you learn how the hotel is constructed, but you'll also get to make your very own cup from a solid block of ice. Then, fill it with some of the coolest drinks (pun intended) in the great white north.

8. Enjoy the View

If you really do need to get out of the cold (and perhaps you lost your voice at Les Voûtes de Napoléon the night before), consider stepping into the Observatoire de la Capitale. 725 ft above the ground, you'll see 360° views of the city, and can also learn about some of the city's rich history and culture.

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You can find more information about all these activities on the Québec Original website. A big thanks to Quebec Tourism for showing us around and sponsoring this post.

As always, all opinions, text, and images are truthful and our own. See our ethics page for more information.

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6 Reasons to Give Cusco a Chance

Shannon — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 18:15:27 +0000

What city does almost every traveler en route to Machu Picchu pass through? If the title didn't give it away - get on your game, homie - it's Cusco, Peru! Sadly, it serves as just a stopover for most, but I've got 6 reasons to give Cusco a chance. You heard me -- don't skip it! In the planning stages of our trip, we him-hawed about how long to say, if we wanted to travel straight on to Aguas Calientes, yada yada. Even with all my research, the internet was no help to me. Boo. All I could find were articles on altitude sickness and how my brain and lungs would be on no speaking terms (more on that in another post). Long story short, we sandwiched two days in Cusco around our visit to Machu Picchu; just enough to rest after 24 hours of airplane travel and layovers (*shakes fist in the air*) and still have a chance to see the city. Without further ado, here's why I dug Cusco and think you might, too... 1. VIBRANT COLOR and CULTURE. The locals are a good bunch and for the most part, down right friendly. Tradition and heritage are alive and strong in the community; a unique Inca culture with a Spanish influence. Sundays are reason enough to get together in the nearest square for a day of music, food, dancing, and entertainment, and the celebration is open to any and all. These are hard working people that appreciate life, so why not enjoy it? 2. ALL the SAVORY THINGS. Lomo Saltado, Chifa (Peruvian style Chinese food), Frankenstein-monster corn, meat sticks, avocados (these are OMG good), quinoa soup... You guys, I could keep going. I did not expect to eat as well as I did, and honestly, writing about this is making me really hungry. Damn you, taste bud memories! Craving some of the delish food we had our last day (see hearty plates above). Yum-yum in the tum-tum. 3. BABY ANIMALS. When three women dressed in gorgeous, traditional clothing approach you with tiny lambs and alpacas (because they will), suggest you hold one (or all!), and offer to take your photo in exchange for a small donation of your choosing, you DO IT. Why did I? Because I did not grow up on a farm or spend my weekends at a petting zoo. And who can resist those wittle, fuzzy faces?! Not me. It's the kind of cuteness that makes you want to bite them. 4. EASY(ish) WALKING and a PRETTY CITYSCAPE. The -ish bit is thanks to the altitude. What wonders we folks of sea level living are privy to traveling at great heights. Thankfully we weren't fully incapacitated, but inclines were met at a slow pace. For stunning views you might want to take your time trekking up windy, narrow steps, but it's not a must. Take it easy wandering the Barrio de San Blas for picturesque sights at ground level. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a prime spot for people watching and filling up your SD card. You honestly can't take a bad picture here. 5. FRESH and FRUITY. Fruit juice is a thing in Peru, so get used to it. But I'm not talking Tropicana or made from concentrate stuff. EW! This is the real deal. My favorite? The orange, mango, banana blend. At home, those flavors wouldn't turn my head but let me tell you, in Peru, flavors are amplified. The smell of citrus was so intense; my nose awoke from a 29 year coma. I can't recommend the juices enough. Drink, drink! Blended smoothie style, there's amazing texture from pulp and fruit bits, along with the aforementioned intoxicating scents. 6. HANDMADE and HANDCRAFTED. Let's start with alpaca. You can get nearly any piece of clothing made from alpaca fur, in varying colors, texture, fineness. I'm talking scarves, sweaters, hats, gloves, bags... then there are the rugs, blankets, pillows. The only thing I didn't see was alpaca underwear, but that's probably because I didn't look hard enough. Did I mention the woven baskets, pottery, textiles, statues, silver? Well, now you know. I'm not a big shopper, and I'm stingy at best, so when I spot high quality for cheap, I'm white on rice, baby. Head to the Mercado de San Pedro with your extra suitcase, and you can thank me later. Or better yet, just buy an alpaca bag there and fill it.

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Just to recap... eat, walk, eat, take photos, snack, walk more, hold a baby animal, eat, sleep. My happy, simple cycle was seamlessly upheld. Kudos to Cusco. Woo!

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5 Things to Get Excited About in Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Shannon — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 13:34:53 +0000

You're on the island of Santa Cruz for a day, or two, or three... awaiting your big cruise adventure around the Galapagos Islands. What to do? What to see? We did the dirty work so you don't have to. A jumping point for big expeditions, most visitors will find themselves spending at least a day on the main island. So without further ado, toss the guide book and have a jolly ol' time with these 5 things to get excited about in Santa Cruz!

CANNONBAAAAALL!

SWIMMING AT LAS GRIETAS. Put on your big kid britches, grab a mask & snorkel, and jump in. Extra points for style. The walk there is a little rocky, but you'll be fine in sandals. Mind the cactus forest en route to the cavernous swim, though. Those suckers are prickly and will poke you when you're not looking. Insider tip: go when the sun is high around noon to see straight to the bottom.

Food in Stick and Scoop Form

NOURISHMENT FOR YOUR FACE. The Galapagos are kiiind of pricey. So if you're searching for a good bang for your buck, avoid the restaurants and head to the Kioskos for dinner (ask anyone and they'll point the way). Opening around 7pm nightly, the tables and chairs fill the street as vendors push menus to hungry folk. Lobster, meat sticks, soups, grilled corn - take your pick. Filling, tasty, and one of the best values you'll find. Then cool your palate with the icy stuff at the Galapagos Deli for *HANDS DOWN* some of the best ice cream anywhere. Honestly, it even rivals real, Italian gelato. Honorable Mention: Cri's Burgers dishes out humongous, belly busting burgers, sandwiches, etc. for a steal.

Make 'em say, "Cheese!"

A ZILLION CAMERA-READY ANIMALS. You've already taken 37 thousand photos and incredible video footage on land and sea, but that's why you're in the Galapagos Islands! So don't fight it. There are sea lions everywhere: sleeping, barking, swimming, playing, eating, snoring. Your SD card will be filled 3/4 of the way with sea lion photos alone, but it's because they are so darn cute. Just try to save a little room for the other creatures, too, like the ~~mini-Godzillas~~ iguanas, ~~snow-makers~~ birds, ~~crawly critters~~ crabs, and such.

Open Your Eyeballs

SMALL TOWN, BIG TOURISM (sort of). You might think the number of visitors to the Galapagos, Santa Cruz would have a bustling, touristy feel. You'd be wrong. The island as a whole remains quite undeveloped and Puerto Ayora feels very small town. Check out the boats near the pier. Stroll around the "city." See what's going on at the fish market; you'll no doubt find a sea lion or two waiting for a handout. Step in a few shops. Say hello to someone you walk by on the street. Pick up a souvenir. Admire the street art. Tip: There's a lady that sells homemade cake by the pier. Keep an extra $3.50 handy.

Don't let them take your Freeedom!

Explore the Highlands. The Galapagos ones, not the Scottish ones silly. So on second thought, lose the kilt and face paint in favor of a raincoat and boots. A departure from sunny skies and sea gulls, the highlands are home to cool stuff like lava tunnels, giant tortoises, nature hikes, lush greenery... all of those things (with the exception of the tortoises - you'll have to visit El Chato for them) can actually be found on the Royal Palm Hotel Galapagos property, boasting hundreds of acres of natural preserve. I can vouch for the villas at the Royal Palm (think: plush robes, jacuzzi tubs, crackling fireplaces, turn down service, and seclusion). Fancy pants.

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Welp, there you have it -- 5 Things to Get Excited About Santa Cruz, Galapagos. Have anything else to ad? Maybe you'd rather just do your own thing? You could forget everything I said, and still have the best time ever. That works, too.

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