Fast forward a decade (give or take), and just like I always wished and dreamed and planned, travel is an essential part of my life.  I get so much joy in the planning and the doing of travel, and it is truly one of my passions.

When I first started to dream of travel, and indeed when I first started traveling, the accepted way of planning was to grab a guidebook, visit the library, or visit the Internet (although that came later). Nowadays, travel is a huge industry, partly dominated by bloggers, full of start-ups by digital nomads all over the world.

In some ways, I think this is great. I think our generation is using travel to help us define the world we want to make, for ourselves–like every generation does. And like every generation, this looks a little different from to previous generations, and therefore it can seem…rebellious.

I am always one to embrace travel and trying new things, but these days, I’m starting to wonder–can we travel too much? Are there drawbacks to being a nomad?

I first noticed that I was experiencing travel burn out several autumns, when we moved to Budapest and suddenly–I didn’t want to go anywhere. I didn’t want to leave our new, lovely flat, and I reveled in my teaching. I suddenly was so happy to wake up at the same time every day, and have a routine. I loved our new home and felt a sudden need to…not go. For once.

A part of me feels like I was betraying my dreams. Don’t get me wrong–there’s nothing wrong with having a home and stability. I just thought it was never what I wanted.

Fast forward to now, living in my hometown with my husband and baby, I can’t help but wonder why I didn’t want a true home and stability. And, I was finally able to admit to myself that sometimes, yes, I use travel to escape. I use it to avoid monotony and boredom; I use it so spice up my life; I use it to avoid falling into a rut where I wake up and twenty years of my life have suddenly passed.

Travel is great for all of these things, travel is great for expanding your world view, and travel can be a great form of therapy, self-expression, adventure and reflection. I could go on and on about what travel means to me, what it has done for me, and more.

And now, the travel world is saturated with travel advice and bucket lists and advice on how to wring every bit out of your life. All things I love to read about, things I’ve written, philosophies I believe in.

But I’m also realizing that routine and monotony don’t have to be bad things. Having a comfort zone isn’t bad–it’s part of being human. That doesn’t mean you should never get out of it–but how can you get out of your comfort zone if you never even have one? In addition, it can get tiring to always want to get out of your comfort zone–and if I truly practiced that philosophy, I would never stay in a job longer than a year. I wouldn’t be married. I wouldn’t have stuck with a blog for so long.

Sometimes, this perpetual traveler doesn’t want to travel anywhere at all.

And is that such a bad thing?

Maybe it’s time for all of us to take a deep breath and slow down. There’s so much to see–I completely get it. I struggle with travel-fear-of-missing-out-syndrome on a daily basis. But, rushing to see it all kind of defeats the purpose, I’m finally realizing.

Maybe instead of rushing to that next bucket list item and crossing it off, thinking we are living our life fullest that way, we also need to pay attention to the things in life that aren’t bucket-list worthy. Things like a student who does something so ridiculous you can’t help but laugh. Like the fellow teacher at school who finally smiled at me. Like my husband always making me breakfast. Like my mom sending me texts full of purple-heart emojis. Like a messy email from a friend full of inside jokes and grammar mistakes. Like seeing an old man feeding the neighborhood cats every day. Like lighting a candle with a match. Like the buds on the trees finally appearing. Like an unexpected break in a long day. Like the fact that I am raising a small human who, every day, changes just a little bit. A little girl who every day, brings me joy in the small moments.

Life is full of the non-bucket list things, too–and I’m starting to learn that they are just as important.

The post The Non-Bucket List Things appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

For my 30th birthday last August (and for our “babymoon”), my husband and I spent a few days in Charleston and on the nearby Isle of Palms. We chose Charleston mostly because of cheap flights, and because we’d heard the food was good, but truthfully I went into this trip already disappointed (which sounds like the brattiest thing ever). I was six months pregnant and we had just moved back from Europe, and I was kind of hating the United States at this point.

Yes, yes, I know this is the epitome of first world problems, don’t worry! But mostly I’m telling you this because I wasn’t that excited for Charleston and oh my gosh, did I love it. Even in the August heat and humidity (although I think a different type of year might be a little better, ha).

Charleston is completely charming, full of great history, close to beautiful beaches, and full of the BEST. FOOD. I was looking forward to the food and it was so much better than I expected. I would seriously consider moving there, just for the food!

I’m no foodie, but these, in my humble opinion, are some of the best places to eat in Charleston:

Poogan’s Porch for brunch.

Magnolias for lunch. Get the fried chicken!!! And the pecan pie.

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. We had to try more than one, of course!

Husk. (the bar). We tried to get a reservation into the famous Husk and sadly could not–but we got an insider tip to just go next door to the bar area, which has open seating and a smaller menu. Amazing!

82 Queen (dinner). Crab cakes!

Pawpaw…for beignets!

Okay, okay, enough about the food!!  We did do more than eat there, I promise–but not much.

We started out with a few days at on the Isle of Palms, not too far from Charleston (we used Uber to get around). The resort is huge and has a lot to do–but mostly we just hung out on the beach, slept, had breakfast in bed, and listened to their live music. Also I got a massage…I mean, that’s essential for your 30th, right?

After a few days of straight relaxing, we went to Charleston for the rest of our stay. We spent a few nights at the great little Elliott House Inn–really cute and great breakfast, and a good location!–and then moved to a bigger hotel closer to the airport for our last night.

In Charleston, we mostly did…just eat, ha…but we also toured the Nathaniel Russell House, walked to Waterfront Park, and visited the Instagram-famous Rainbow Row.

The majority of the time, we wandered the streets, with a lot of breaks because OMG THE HEAT (have I mentioned that going to Charleston in August, while pregnant, was probably not my best idea…?), and soaked in the history. There is so much!

Also if I win the lottery I am buying a house in Charleston. Who’s with me??

My visit Charleston marked my first foray into the American South…and it was quite an introduction! Honestly I’m not sure how the rest of it will measure up…maybe I should have saved Charleston for last ;).

The post Charming Charleston appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

Of course it’s not the only thing we do together–but it’s definitely our favorite pastime and one of the biggest things that has formed our relationship.

I will cherish the memories we’ve made together forever–from scooting around Croatia, to scuba diving in Mexico, to zip lining in Costa Rica, to hiking in Scotland, to road tripping in Romania, to getting lost in Iceland, to teaching in Prague, to moving to Budapest, to whale watching in Washington, to camping in Colorado, and so much more!

But the next best thing might just be the fact that am I currently making our baby. And that said baby has been to (in utero, of course) England–twice!, Serbia, Macedonia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Poland, Croatia, the Netherlands, Scotland, Iceland, and to six states in the United States.

This little one is already such a good travel partner, and I can’t wait to go to more places with the wee babe in tow! It’s already added a new, different, and sometimes disconcerting dimension to our travels…and it will be so interesting to see what will change when baby is actually here!

And yes, part of me is scared out of my mind to be a parent, much less to travel as a parent, but the rest of me says…

bring it on!

Who is your favorite travel partner? 

Linking up with Emma, Polly, Angie and Leona! 

The post My Favorite Travel Partner(s) appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

In addition, despite the fact that I try to find something positive about every place I visit, there are a lot of places I just didn’t connect with for whatever reason, or didn’t have enough time to visit. I think everywhere deserves more than once chance–so here are ten places I need to visit again!

Cambodia

Some real talk here: I kind of, um, hated most of my time in Cambodia (except for moments at Angkor Wat and in the Ratanakiri Province). Awful, right? After an amazing, action-packed month exploring Thailand, my cousin and I went to Cambodia and so many things went wrong. We were both really sick; we’d left our friends behind in Thailand and missed them (and their traveling skills); the endless heat and oppressive humidity was getting to me; we were there over Thanksgiving and the homesickness was out of control; and honestly, the locals seemed to harass us, hate us, lecture us, or be annoyed that we weren’t acting the way they wanted. I feel like all of these things combined together to make me hate it, and I couldn’t wait to leave. When we crossed to border into Vietnam–via a boat on the Mekong, on a visa that our couch surfing host had done incorrectly which would make us get detained later (but that’s a different story)–I let out a breath of relief. I know Cambodia is a beautiful, complicated, impoverished country, and I think I need to give it another chance.

Read more about Cambodia here. 

China

China is one of those places that, while I was there, I didn’t love it–but now that I look back, I think “WOW! What a great country!” China, partially because of the situation I was in while there (an internship working with earthquake survivors in Sichuan province) pushed my boundaries like no other, and therefore wasn’t exactly a comfortable experience. I witnessed tragedy, heartbreak, corruption, illness, confusing cultural norms–and was struck by the resilience and joy of the people, and the country itself. Oh yeah, I need to go back.

Read more about China here. 

Thailand

Unlike the Cambodia saga above, I just adored Thailand. The smiling people! The food. The diverse, gorgeous landscape. The sweaty, chaotic cities. The idyllic islands. Thailand pretty much has everything, and even though I spent a month there, I have so much left to see! Plus, E has never been, which is reason enough to return.

Read more about Thailand here. 

South America

Is it cheating to put an entire continent on here? I haven’t been to South America since I studied abroad in Peru and Ecuador in 2009. That study abroad trip was my first real time away from home, and my first solo travel, which means that a lot of my memories are overshadowed by my homesickness, my parasite (yep), my idiocy (even more yep), the reasons I left in the first place (struggles in school and relationships), and my sky-high expectations slowly crumbling beneath me. That being said, now that I’m more comfortable traveling–and (slightly) more comfortable in my skin–I would love to go back to South America. I mean, there is so much more of that giant continent to explore.

Read more about Peru here and more about Ecuador here. 

Panama

We spent only three days there on our honeymoon in 2015, on the island chain of Bocas del Toro. I…did not like it. I don’t know why. I found it overcrowded, dirty, and rather stressful. So maybe I do know why–but I have been to a lot of places that fit those criteria, and that didn’t necessarily bother me. I think the Bocas are exploding with tourism and are not equipped to handle it, and the environment is starting to suffer. It really is a beautiful corner of the world, though!

Read more about Panama here. 

Iceland

Two 17-hour layovers were not enough! Iceland has simply exploded onto the international travel scene, for good reason. I’d love to spend more time there!

Read more about Iceland here. 

Vietnam

Although I would go back to every country I visited during my tour of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, South Korea & Vietnam) the one that pulls me the most is probably Vietnam. I can’t quite put my finger on the why. It stands out in my mind as the most beautiful, but it’s also the place where, as we were traveling so quickly, my cousin and I missed a lot of gems, or just stayed for a day or two. It’s funny, because we had some visa issues and did not leave the country on good terms–but I’m still dying to go back. Or maybe that’s why, and I’m just contrary.

Read more about Vietnam here. 

Italy

Okay, I know Italy is on everyone’s bucket list or return-to list. There’s a reason Italy is one of the most visited spots in the world–and I’ve only seen a few little corners! I haven’t even been to Rome or Florence. I think I haven’t been in a rush because a) Italy is expensive; b) Italy is crowded; c) I will always want to go to Italy and d) Italy is a place I can travel to when I’m older, too. Now, this is usually the opposite of my travel philosophy–I always want to see it now, rather than later, because you just never know if you’ll get another chance, do you? Italy has been creeping higher up my list after our visit to Venice, and the fact that we have friends living all over the country. Not that Italy needs a reason to creep up anyone’s list–it is Italy, after all.

Read more about Italy here. 

Greece

I’ve told you (maybe too much) how even though it was a crazy trip, I completely loved Greece. And I’ve only been to Santorini and Athens–there is so much more to see! The combination of relaxed (sometimes too relaxed, admittedly) attitude, delicious food, ancient history, and beautiful scenery just hooks me in.

Read more about Greece here. 

France

I’ve been to Paris, and Lille, but I would love to get out of the cities and explore more of France. I’m particularly intrigued by Normandy. Truthfully, I didn’t “fall in love” with either Lille or Paris, and I think France deserves another chance! And I didn’t just choose it because it rhymed with chance! I also am part French, and like any true American, I’m eager to learn more about one of my self-assigned homelands.

Read more about France here. 

Do you have places you need to give another chance?

Linking up with Wanderful Wednesday and Faraway Files. 

The post Ten Places I Need to Visit Again appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

one of baby’s first trips–Scotland! 

I admit that I’m struggling with what my life will look like–and what my identity will be–after babe. Traveling has been such a part of my life and such a part of me–it’s almost always been one of my number one dreams and goals–that I’m not sure what my life is going to look like going forwards.

Many people assure me that you CAN still travel with a baby, and I am really crossing my fingers that we are going to make it happen. In true form, I have many ideas on where we could go with a baby in tow–and here are the top ten places I want to go with my child!

TOP TEN PLACES I WANT TO TAKE MY BABY

France.

The last few years, I’ve really wanted to do a road trip around France, mostly in the countryside. I think we could base ourselves one or two places and still see a lot. It seems like road tripping with a baby might be the best way to travel with one! But correct me if I’m wrong??

see more France here. 

Spain.

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Some of our favorite friends moved to Spain, and I’m dying to visit them! I’m sure the baby will want to meet them, too ;).

England.

I think both my parents would love to see England, so I have (lofty) dreams of gathering our family there, and showing my baby the English countryside. Plus, more people = more babysitters!

see more England here. 

Iceland.

I just feel like Iceland must be really nice to babies, although I have no evidence of this, except that I know IcelandAir is. Plus, two one-night layovers there is just not enough time!!

see more Iceland here. 

Peru.

I studied abroad in Peru during my university years and I’ve always wanted to go back with E–and now our child!

see more Peru here. 

The Oregon coast.

One of my favorite places on Earth, and probably the first place our little one will put those cute little feet in the sand!

see more Oregon here. 

Hawaii.

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I don’t know why I think this, but Hawaii seems like such a fun place to take your baby. Of course, I’ve never been, so that’s a plus. I really want to go to more islands in the South Pacific, and Hawaii seems like a good place to start!

South Africa.

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Okay now we’re getting crazy, because that would be a long trip for a little one. I won’t make my goal of getting to Africa though before I pop, so it will just have to include the new member of our family!

New Zealand.

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I’m pretty sure one of the longest flights in the world might be hell with a baby…but I have a feeling New Zealand would be completely worth it.

Japan.

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Japan has been at the top of E’s list for years. I think it would be fun–if chaotic–with a little kid!

I need your advice, parents–best places to take a baby? For the childless, would you still want to travel with a baby in tow? 

Linking up with Adventures of a London Kiwi, SilverSpoon London, Follow Your Sunshine and Erin Out and About for the monthly travel link-up! 

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TRAVEL LESSONS I STILL CAN’T LEARN

1. How to pack truly light.
2. To buy my plane tickets far enough in advance.
3. To really break in my shoes before trekking all over in them.
4. That even traveling holds its own comfort zones.
5. That cookies don’t travel well. (But I will keep trying. I’m a fighter).
6. To always bring a raincoat/umbrella.
7. To check the weather ahead of time.
8. To research different weather patterns and realize that seasons don’t impact everywhere the same.
9. How to keep track of my passport.
10. Not to leave things behind at security.
11. To get enough cash out.
12. To map the route from the airport/station to my accommodation.
13. How to strike up a conversation with a stranger. E does this–or the stranger does it first. I’m too shy/awkward most of the time to do it myself.
14. That ordering unknown food off the menu will always make things more interesting (and often more delicious).

Well, do you have it all figured out? 

See also: How Not to Travel. 

The post Travel Lessons I Still Can’t Learn appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

(This is also the year I turn 30 (!!) so the number is on my mind and feeling significant!)

30 Lessons from 30 Months Abroad

1. You can never go back. Not just home, but anywhere. Not only will a certain place be physically different from the last time you were there–but you will be different, too.
2. When in doubt, smile. It’s the universal language.
3. That being said, learning a few words in the native language will go a long way.
4. Wear sunscreen. If I could offer you just one tip for the rest of your life, it would be to wear sunscreen. Advice just as true now as it was in 1999.
5. Let go of expectations. This might be the hardest lesson for me, one that I will never stop learning.
6. Just because you haven’t heard of it, doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting.
7. On the other side of the coin, don’t dismiss a place because it’s too touristy.
8. Walking is the best form of exercise–and the best way to explore.
9. You really can’t run away from your problems–no matter how far you go. Still, a change of scenery can give you a break/perspective.
10. Travel is a privilege, not a right. In the current climate of travel blogging, I’ve seen hundreds of posts urging people to quit their job and travel the world. If this is possible for you, it means you are privileged. It means you are lucky.
11. But if you want to travel, and can, do it. I can 85% guarantee it will change your life. You don’t have infinite time to do the things you really want. That new car and that new shirt and that cup of coffee will be waiting for you when you get back.
12. Traveling with your significant other is the best–but will also test you both in new, not-so-fun ways.
13. Missing big events will always, always suck.
14. Give it time.
15. America is far from perfect…but neither is anywhere else.
16. Never underestimate the power of deep breathing–and a drink of water.
17. Gratitude is everything.
18. Hold the judgment. No matter where you live, how far you go, what you do, you will always meet people whose lives are different from yours. You don’t know these people’s stories or their background or why they are the way they are. The history and psyche of a country, or a person, is always more complicated than their surface comments.
19. You hardly ever regret saying yes to a new experience.
20. You can never see it all. So stop trying before you give yourself an ulcer.
21. You’re better at this than you think.
22. Go where you want to go.
23. Count your change (and learn the currency).
24. Bring medicine. I get made fun of a lot for being a walking pharmacy–but I am always grateful to have something when I have an insanely itchy bug bite, or to have Imodium in a foreign country, or to have cold medicine when I can’t breathe, or aspirin after drinking too much crappy wine. You can’t be prepared for every possibility (trust me, I’ve tried) but you might just make a new friend or two when you’re passing out Dramamine on the crazy night bus.
25. People watch. Get your head out of your phone (or in my case, more often a book) and look around you.
26. Learn to listen.
27. Some places–like some people–will stick with you more than others.
28. You don’t have to be in love with everywhere. It doesn’t mean the trip isn’t worthwhile.
29. The people can make the trip. As much as I love traveling with just E, this past year especially I’ve learned how much fun it is to travel with other people, too. Whether it’s meeting friends somewhere new, showing family around, or making connections with locals, one of the best things about travel is the people, not always the place.
30. There’s no shame in going back to your room and crying a little bit out of frustration–as long as, at some point, you wipe away your tears and get back out there.

More lessons from living abroad , how moving abroad changed my life and language lessons.

What lessons have you gleaned from your travels? 

Linking up with Wanderlust Wednesday.

The post 30 Lessons from 30 Months Abroad appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

Like everyone else, I love starting the new year with goals–and traveling is not exempt! Last year, I made a Travel Wishlist for 2016, and several months ago, I told you all where I still want to go.

My goals always include lists. Lists about where I want to go, and various bucket lists (such as my Life To-Do List, my Prague Bucket List, and even an Anti-Bucket List).

Since traveling is my obsession (obvs) it won’t surprise you that I also make tons of goals about how I want to approach traveling.

Here are some of my goals for 2017, when it comes to travel, although a lot of these are applicable in other areas of my life…

Travel more responsibly

This is a huge one. I’m researching ways to be a more sustainable tourist–by staying at local inns, eating local and in-season food, paying attention to the activities and causes I’m contributing to, donating to offset my carbon footprint, especially from those long-haul flights (I like carbonfund.org). This post was so helpful to me, but I’d love to hear more ways to travel responsibly! I think this is especially important given what might be happening in America when it comes to the environment. Travel and exploring the outside world around me has shown me how glorious our planet is, but it’s not something we can take for granted any longer. The clean air, clean water, beautiful creatures, open spaces won’t be around forever if we destroy them in the name of the almighty dollar. Here’s another post about 15 more ways to travel sustainably.

Travel outside of my comfort zone

After living in Europe for over two years, I’m certainly not tired of exploring it–but I’m ready to travel to places unlike any I’ve ever been. I want to see Africa, or the Middle East, and maybe even make my way to parts of Asia I haven’t seen (or haven’t seen in too long). It’s a big world and I’m only living in a tiny little corner of it!

Re-visit beloved places

I get a little tunnel vision when I discover a new place I want to visit, but this year I also want to re-visit a few places I’ve loved–and even visit places I didn’t love to give them another chance.

Explore closer to home

I feel like I’ve barely touched the surface of Budapest or Hungary.

Meet more locals

Through home stays, farm stays, tour guides, and just by striking up a conversation with strangers. The last one, especially, is tricky for me (#awkward), but I know that doing this will only enrich my travels.

Up my photography game

I’ve finally been able to upgrade my photography system this year and I can’t believe how better my images are already. I’m looking forward to taking better pictures!

Write better stories

Just like I want to take better pictures, I want to write more–and better–as well. My blog is not a big money-maker, and I certainly don’t have a lot of followers. I blog because I love to write, and because I have a story to tell. Everyone does. I think travel writing these days, especially travel blogging, is moving away from storytelling, which is a shame. When I think about posts by bloggers and writers that I really loved or connected with, most of them are not the SEO-driven “ten things to do in Bermuda.” While I understand the appeal and usefulness of those posts (and have used them myself) that’s not why I write a blog or read other blogs.

Do you make resolutions related to travel? 

Linking up with Emma, Angie & Polly! 

The post 2017 Travel Resolutions appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

Not (just) Christmas, but it’s recap season! Where all your favorite bloggers will tell you their best moments, best buys, best travels, and more, all in the days leading up to the new year.

I personally love reading everyone’s reflections from the year, and love taking stock of the past year myself. (For example: Best Travels of 2015, Best of 2015, Best of 2014, Best of 2013).

I think we can all agree that 2016 has been a doozy of a year. And it’s not over yet…

Still, on a personal front, 2016 had some great moments. I searched to choose one photo from each month, which was in turns overwhelming (so many good times!) to underwhelming (are those really the only photos from that month I took??!).

JANUARY

Since this was the month I moved to Budapest, it felt appropriate to use my first photo from my new city! It still remains one of my favorite photos of Budapest–it’s a pretty classic shot.

FEBRUARY

Budapest at night! Still exploring the new digs.

MARCH

March was easy in one sense, because we went to Greece and I adored it instantly. So I knew the image would come from there. Unfortunately, I took a ridiculous number of photos there…but I chose this one from Athens, because that was a pinch-me moment of dude, you’re in Greece!

APRIL

April was a month of short trips–Vienna, Bratislava, Eger–but one of my favorite moments from that month was our six-month wedding anniversary at the beginning. Ice cream from Gelarto Rosa will make any occasion more special, if you ask me.

MAY

When looking back on May, going home for my sister’s wedding was a highlight. Despite two long-haul flights in one week, I’m so glad I could be there! Happy, happy, happy.

JUNE

June was the month where I really started to fall in love with Budapest. The city comes alive in the summer, and the EuroCup–where Hungary was competing for the first time in many years–was being shown on screens all over the city. The spirits were high, the drinks were flowing, the sun was shining and I was done with school!

JULY

July might have been the toughest month to choose just one photo, as we traveled to Romania, Copenhagen, Norway, and then home to the States. I couldn’t choose just one picture from those places–so instead, I chose this shot of E that I took in Copenhagen, since it makes me smile.

AUGUST

August was another big month of family and travel, so I simply chose my favorite photo of that month. This trip to Ireland was a dream for me, and seeing this particular spot was especially amazing! The weather was absolutely horrible that day–as in freezing rain and wind horrible–but I didn’t care. Would you?

SEPTEMBER

I knocked off another “bucket list” item this month with a visit to Oktoberfest! If I didn’t have several friends going, I wouldn’t have gone–and I’m so glad I did! It’s just as fun and crazy as everyone says.

OCTOBER

This October was one of the best I can remember, and that included a trip to Slovakia with several friends. Slovakia might be the unexpected destination of the year–it’s lovely!–and add the autumnal hues? WOW.

NOVEMBER

This photo was taken on the first day of November, and while a lot happened in the month, starting it off in the beautiful Slovenia was pretty much the topper.

DECEMBER

The festive season is here in full force and it’s magic.

Inspired by the Red Phone Box travels!

The post 12 Photos for 12 Months appeared first on Amy and the Great World.