Well, soon after I started this blog, I happened upon a little link-up called Travel Tuesday and it all changed. I found all of the above, and more. I made it my goal to become a co-host and shortly after we moved to Prague, I was nominated, along with Jessi and Camila.

^^follow along on Camila’s adventures in Scotland! 

^^not only do I get daily inspiration from Jessi, I’ve also been lucky enough to meet her in person–twice! 

Travel Tuesday also gave my writing a serious boost–some of my favorite posts I’ve written were due to Travel Tuesday prompts.

I wrote about why I will always choose small towns…

I wrote an ode to my favorite travel partner, just in time for his birthday…

A started a new series about my travel outtakes…which became some of my most popular posts.

Not only did Travel Tuesday give me some writing mojo, it also introduced me to the entire travel blogging community–and therefore a whole new world of inspiration. As much as I love Instagram, guidebooks, and Pinterest for helping me decide where I want to visit, nothing beats reading personal stories about the places I want to go.

I mean, if not for traveling blogging, how else would have I been able to virtually tag along with Marcella as she made her big move from London to Chile?

Or, how else could I explore hidden gems in Iceland alongside Kaelene?

Or learn from Van what exactly people mean when they say the “Arctic” and that it is, in fact, as gorgeous as I always suspected?

Or get a genuine view of the nomadic life from Anna?

Or learn more about the Czech Republic from Cynthia, making my own experience there even more meaningful?

Thank you all, and thank you everyone else I ran out of space to mention, for the years of inspiration! In the way of high school year books…it’s been a wild ride. Don’t ever change. And we’d better not lose touch ;).

Linking up with Travel Tuesday.

The post The Best Travel Inspiration appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

I have a feeling many of you understand–it’s difficult to really go back somewhere when you have so many new places to see. For me, there are just not enough hours in the day to see every place I would like to see.

That being said, there are some places that I’ve always wanted to go again. Once I started thinking about it, of course, I suddenly wanted to go back to almost every place I’ve been–even the ones I don’t really care to visit again probably deserve another chance. Anyway, I narrowed it down! I’ve picked five countries (and one bonus, because I’m just that indecisive) that I hope to revisit one day. Some of these countries I only visited for a short time and would love to see more, while others have stuck with me, no matter where else I have gone since.

I was only able to visit Cozumel, a tiny corner of Mexico. I was certainly given a fantastic introduction during our week on the island last winter, but there is so much left for me to see. I feel like it’s a shame that I lived in the country that borders Mexico for most of my life, and have only been to one tiny island. I hope to go there for a swim-up bar (because who doesn’t want to experience that once in their life?) but also to discover more of the true Mexican culture. San Miguel de Allende, in particular, is high on my list.

When we visited Scotland last summer, E had talked it up so much (he visited a long time ago and fell in love) that I was almost worried I would hate it. But, he was right–I completely fell for Scotland, too. We were there less than a week, though, so it’s definitely one of the rare places I would choose to visit over many unknown ones. My dream is to rent a car and spend weeks driving through the Highlands and taking in the views and stopping wherever I please. Of course, I would return to one of my favorite cities, too: Edinburgh!

I can’t say  my experience in China was easy. I was there to complete my internship, which involved (ideally) bringing mental health care to earthquake survivors. The politics and culture was extremely difficult, and as a result, I couldn’t wait to take a break from China at the end of two months. However, the country is so huge and there are so many unique, beautiful pockets. Even in the Sichuan province, where I spent most of my time, there are so many things I would love to go back and see. The people from the organization we worked with, too, were always so welcoming and fun, and I still miss them! China was difficult for me, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone like no other place.

Iceland felt like a whole new world to me. The landscape almost looks like it belongs on a different planet. I was there under 24 hours–if that doesn’t tell you how captivating that country is, I don’t know what else will! We took a tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula, followed by a couple of hours in the incomparable Blue Lagoon (talk about otherworldly) and I loved every second. I need to go back to explore more, and maybe even see the Northern Lights if I’m lucky!

Thailand is one of those places where I spent a month and traveled most of the time, but there are still so many places I didn’t get to see. In addition, I would love to take E back to Chiang Mai see the Loi Krathong festival (which I plan to write about next week, so come back!). I feel like I had a great introduction to Thailand, and now I would love to go back and delve even deeper. One place that was neglected on my trip was the coast–we were on Koh Tao and a few unnamed islands, but we never made it to Phuket! I think it’s time to go back for some island-hopping, too.

BONUS:

I will always dream about returning to Ireland. The incredible landscape, the green, rolling hills, punctuated with ruins that are just there. The place simply breathes magic and someday I will spend an extended amount of time on the Irish coast.

Are there any places you would like to re-visit? 

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**I was asked to participate in the Booked.net – Top Destinations to Go There competition. I nominate Camila, Bonnie, Melanie, Natalye and Cynthia to share five places they’d love to see again. Looking forward to seeing which places you choose if you decide to join!

Linking up with Travel Tuesday!

The post Where I’d Go Again (Five Places) appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

At the end of September, we spent two days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany (hereby out known as Rothenburg).

For our first trip out of the Czech Republic, I wanted to get out of a big city, explore a nearby country, and celebrate our anniversary all in one quick weekend.

We were just getting our jobs started, and didn’t know until the last minute if we could actually take this trip, and, of course, up until about two days before we were supposed to be leaving on this trip, we couldn’t decide where to go.

Choice is a prison, people–especially when you’re surrounded by incredible destinations. (I promise not to whine about that too much…).

Rothenburg was E’s idea, and when I saw pictures, I immediately remembered that this was the German town I’d been hoping to see. Since it was last minute it wasn’t our easiest trip–a few trains and buses–but it was a relatively short distance for a three-day weekend, so we went ahead and booked it.

Rothenburg is everything you think of when Germany comes to mind: half-timbered houses, flower boxes in the windows, an old medieval wall, cobblestoned streets, buckets of charm, and a signature sweet.

While Rothenburg is definitely well-known, and had the tourists to show for it, it met all of our expectations. It was a great weekend away, and really relaxing, which we really needed at that point (or, always). I think Rothenburg is the perfect weekend destination: we filled our time easily, but it didn’t feel crammed, and I didn’t leave wishing I’d seen the many sites I’d missed. While we could have had a more jam-packed weekend, there really isn’t that much else to do in Rothenburg but relax, eat, wander, and maybe check out a medieval store or museum.

For our weekend, we did nothing but try out restaurants and eat Schneeballen (!!), a delicious donut/pastry/candy thing I can’t accurately describe,

wander the streets,

try to catch bubbles,

visit the Christmas store (which was incredible), 

walk along the wall,

try out cider in the square,

peek into churches,

happen upon ancient medieval storerooms,

and stroll the old castle grounds.

We had a fabulous weekend practicing our German–which seems way easier to Czech, perhaps because I was exposed to it so often as a kid–and celebrating another anniversary.

I was completely charmed by Rothenburg and Germany in general. We are planning to head back to the area in just a few weeks to experience the epic Christmas markets!

Now, since I can’t tell you enough how adorable this town is, I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

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Have you been to Germany for the Christmas markets? Which one is your favorite?

Linking up with Bonnie, Cynthia, Courtney & Yalanda!

The post Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

Today is my last day as a co-host. It’s been such an incredible experience. Thanks so much to Bonnie and my fellow co-hosts Jessi and Camila, and to all of you! I’ve found so many new blogs, friends and inspirations these past three months. I will still be linking up and sharing my stories, and I’m looking forward to hearing from our new co-hosts! Make sure to visit Bonnie’s blog to find how we’ve nominated as the new Travel Tuesday co-hosts.

Since it’s my last day as a co-host, I wanted to do a special post, and I have noticed this challenge popping up on other blogs lately. Thanks for the original inspiration, Casey! I hope you all enjoy a walk down my travel memory lane as much as I did!

A) Age you went on your first international trip:

I was 15 when I went to Switzerland with my Girl Scout troop (read more about it here). We saved up for about five years and planned almost every day. I’ve never looked back!

B) Best foreign beer you’ve had and where:

I think my favorite still goes to Kasteel Donker in Bruges, Belgium. However, I am loving the new (dark) beer I’ve been trying here in Prague–I even had a chocolate lager that was almost too chocolatey, if that’s a thing.

C) Cuisine (favorite):

I think my favorite is Thai food, the flavors of Sichuan Province in China, or French food. We were only in France for one night but I still think about that pasta I had, just at a random cafe. Plus, crepes! I also adored every single meal we had in Belgium, but I had been denied cheese for two months in China prior to this, so it may have just been that. Still, it’s hard to go wrong in the country of waffles, fries, chocolate and beer!

D) Destinations–favorite, least favorite, and why?:

Most favorite: Well this is extremely difficult! I am obviously loving Prague right now, but I think Scotland and Ireland might be tied for my favorite. And Thailand! Oooh boy don’t even get me started.

Least favorite: Another complicated one! Even though I loved the food, I did not love Lille, France. I think I need to give France another chance! I also didn’t enjoy my time in Beijing, due to the crowds and the pollution.

E) Event you’ve experienced abroad that made you say “wow”:

Seeing Big Ben pop out at random moments. Running on the Great Wall of China in a surprise rainstorm. Seeing Macchu Picchu rising out of the mist at sunrise. Hiking in the Swiss Alps. Angkor Wat at sunrise and sunset. Scuba diving in Thailand and Mexico. Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge. Surfing in Ecuador. Cruising in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Sending a lantern up into the sky for the Loi Krathong festival in Thailand. Hearing “Harry Potter” music played at the Edinburgh Castle as we wandered the streets. Seeing panda kindergarten in Sichuan Province. Biking by a windmill in Belgium. Swimming in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Sleeping under the stars during a meteor shower in Yellowstone National Park…and the list goes on!

F) Favorite mode of transportation:

I actually love road trips and driving, since I like to stop spontaneously and you just can’t do that on public transportation. Otherwise, trains!

G) Greatest feeling while traveling:

I think my favorite feeling is arriving to a new place, even if it’s just a dirty train station or airport. The anticipation of being in a new city is amazing, and I have so many “pinch me” moments while I say to myself over and over again “you’re in Germany” or “you’re in China.”

H) Hottest place you’ve ever traveled to:

I think Cambodia may have been the hottest, although most of Southeast Asia is just a big sweaty memory.

I) Incredible service you’ve experienced and where?:

The night we accidentally ended up with a whole car to ourselves on the London Eye was spectacular service as we were the only ones being served! Talk about the best birthday ever–champagne at the top of the London Eye!

J) Journey that took the longest:

I think my trip to Thailand might have been the longest–Montana to Los Angeles, Los Angeles to Seoul, South Korea to Bangkok, Thailand. Part of it was our 18-hour layover in Seoul (don’t worry, we left the airport!). We also only stayed in Bangkok for about 12 hours before hopping an overnight bus out of the city, so it really felt like one extended week of travel. Ouch!

K) Keepsake from your travels:

I have collected shot glasses most of my life, but have recently stopped doing that because they’re kind of a ridiculous thing to collect, if you think about it. Although I love my collection, I’ve moved on to collecting Christmas ornaments, postcards, and the occasional small stuffed animal (yes, also ridiculous, but it all started with a panda bear in China…how could I resist??). I usually pick something up that is unique to the country, if it exists, such as china from (you guessed it) China or local handicrafts, such as scarves. These days, mostly I buy postcards and put them up all over my flat for some inexpensive art.

L) Let-down sight, where and why?:

I really can’t remember that many places that were a huge let-down. I think Lille, France was most disappointing to me, as my great-grandmother is from there and I expected an instant connection for some reason.

M) Moment where you fell in love with traveling:

I can’t remember not loving it! Some of my earliest memories involve road-trips around the United States. However, Switzerland solidified my love for international travel. I think I fall in love with traveling over and over again!

N) Nicest hotel you’ve stayed in:

I usually go the budget route, but we splurged on the Calis Bed & Breakfast in Bruges, Belgium for E’s birthday in 2013.

O) Obsession–what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling?:

I go through phases–but recently I’ve noticed a lot of street name signs popping up in my photos, especially from Old World cities here in Europe. They’re so cute!

P) Passport stamps-how many and from where?:

About 15! You don’t get very many in Europe–just when you enter and leave the Schengen zone–but I’ve collected quite a few from my travels. These also don’t count visas–see below!

Q) Quirkiest attraction you’ve visited and where?:

I think participating in the indigo-dye process in Thailand remains one of the strangest things I’ve done!

R) Really Frightening: where’s one place you’ve visited where you felt unsafe or uneasy?

I think I felt most unsafe my first few nights in Cuzco, Peru, when I studied abroad in 2009. Mostly because I had never traveled abroad alone, and was new to the city, so I was occasionally walking alone at night (the horror!). I quickly learned that I lived in a very safe area, though, so this feeling passed. I felt most uncomfortable on the streets of Siem Reap in Cambodia, as we were constantly harassed by the tuk-tuk drivers and the like. I understand this is how they make their living, but I just felt unwanted and used. I felt a type of “get in, see the sight, and then leave please after giving us money” feeling in the environment. However, I was also sick and we were couch-surfing in a cockroach infested house, so maybe I need to give it another chance!

S) Splurge-something you have no problem spending money on while traveling:

I tend to have a problem saying no to any sort of new food I haven’t tried. I also spend more on places to stay than I should–I’m still working on sharing bathrooms so we can actually afford to travel as much here in Europe as we would like!

T) Touristy thing you’ve done:

I’ve done many touristy things, but the most tourist was probably the hop-on hop-off red double-decker tour bus in London. I loved it! Even though it’s touristy, it’s a fun way to see the sights, get the lay of the land, and, you guessed it, hop off whenever you feel like it.

U) Unforgettable travel memory:

Well this is a ridiculous question because how can one choose?? There are so many, but one that is fresh in my mind is seeing the Prague Castle for the first time and realizing that we actually get to live here.  See the “wow” list for more.

V) Visas-how many and for where?: 

I needed visas for China, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. I’m currently in the process of (hopefully!) getting one so I can live and work here in Prague.

W) Wine–best glass while traveling:

The best wine I’ve ever had continues to be in Napa Valley, California. It was all so good I can’t possibly pick one, but I remember a Chardonnay from  that was perfect and buttery and so incredible we bought two bottles!

X) eXcellent view and from where?:

Oooh hard to pick! Climbing to the top of Machu Picchu was spectacular, as well as a high point on the Great Wall of China. Riding a funicular a few weeks ago in Austria to get a bird eye’s view of the Alps is tied with my epic hike in Switzerland from a decade ago. I was also lucky to grow up in a spectacular area of the United States, so I saw many views of the Rocky Mountains, a clear sky from Seattle’s Space Needle, and all the way up to Canada from the highest point on Orcas Island, Washington.

Y) Years spent traveling: 

I think I’ve always been traveling in some way and my parents’ have always lived in a different place from their respective families, so my childhood was spent roadtrippin’ around the West to visit various grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. I think my love of reading had me wanting to travel at an early age!

Z) Zealous sports fans and where?:

I went to a football (soccer) game when I studied abroad in Cuzco, Peru and I have never seen fans more zealous than that. My shirt ended up being stained from gunpowder residue, it took us two hours to get out of the stadium, and my host father wept when Cuzco triumphed.

Now…share YOUR ABCs of Travel! Or, pick a few letters and share in the comments.  

Ready to link up?

1. SHARE a post about travel! From road trips to trips abroad and from past travels to dream vacations. You can write about travel tips and tricks, favorite places to stay, or anything in between! Just make it about traveling somewhere!

2. GRAB the lovely button above. If you run into trouble, just make sure to mention Bonnie, Amy, Jessi and Camila in a link!

3. LINK-UP goes live every Tuesday at 0800 GMT. Make sure to comment here, on the co-hosts blogs, and visit around!

TIPS:

1. Please only one linked up post per blogger. Save other posts for future link-ups!

2. The last Tuesday of every month will be a themed prompt if you want to join in!

3. HOP around and meet new travel loving bloggers! Check back to visit some of the newer travel posts!

The post ABCs of Travel appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

Since I am currently gallivanting around Austria (@amygreatworld on Instagram to follow along! This country is gorgeous), I don’t have a long post for you today, but I wanted to hop on to take part in this month’s prompt!

This month’s themed prompt is cities vs. country. Which do you prefer, and why?

**Note: the link-up for this prompt will be good for this week and next week if you’d like to link up later!

In answer to whether I prefer city vs. country, well, I would have to say neither, or both, depending on my mood. However, I usually love to find little, somewhat off-the-beaten path towns in whichever country I happen to be in.

I like the combination of small towns–you aren’t completely isolating yourself from people (and people are generally friendlier) but it’s easy to escape crowds, or even to walk back into the hills/forest/etc and be absolutely alone for a little while. I find small towns easier to navigate, as public transportation and traffic both stress me out. I prefer to wander around and experience the town, instead of sprinting from stop to stop. I have an entire series, Imagine If I Lived Here, that is mostly (albeit accidentally) dedicated to all of the small towns I would love to live in.

The longer I live in Prague, the more I grow to appreciate city living (and enjoy it)–but I also am realizing how much I love small towns, and always will.

Part of it is because I grew up in a true small town, Bozeman, Montana…

I fell in love with Dingle, Ireland during a quick visit to the country (and still dream of living there)…

I worked at a ranch near Ennis, Montana, and experienced true ranch country in the Madison Valley, including the beautiful (and tiny!) Henry’s Lake, Idaho…

I pretended to surf in the tiny, friendly town of Huanchaco, Peru…

We road-tripped to Orcas Island and I discovered a whole new type of small town–a small town on an island…

I reveled in the tiny beach towns of Thailand…

and the equally tiny but mountainous Sa Pa, Vietnam…

I found a small mountain town in Colorado, somehow isolated from the crowds of Denver and the hordes of skiers, called Idaho Springs…

We found some quiet canals in the pretty little town of Bruges…

Along with the incredible beaches of Oregon, I enjoyed (and maybe will someday live in!) one of the many small-town gems scattered along the coast…

I went rafting and found a charming town, then true silence, immediately followed by wild Czech river rafters, in Český Krumlov…

I tasted wine the adorable wineries of the Napa Valley, California, and couldn’t believe the charm…

And in Czech wine country, Valtice, I walked from one end of the town to the other in an hour after sampling some of the region’s best wine…

I discovered (and now adore) small-town, charming Germany in Rothenburg ob der Tauber…

and, most recently, fell absolutely head-over-heels with the incomparable Hallstatt, Austria (where I am now!).

It’s no surprise that I love small towns after this list…and I had to contain myself from adding many more! So, I encourage you, if you are a city-lover or someone who only escapes to the great outdoors, give small towns a chance. They can offer the best of both worlds.

Do you prefer big cities, country breaks, or small towns? 

Each week Bonnie, Jessi, Camila and I choose one post from the previous link-up to feature. Be sure to check out their blogs to see who they chose!

Ready to link up?

1. SHARE a post about travel! From road trips to trips abroad and from past travels to dream vacations. You can write about travel tips and tricks, favorite places to stay, or anything in between! Just make it about traveling somewhere!

2. GRAB the lovely button above. If you run into trouble, just make sure to mention Bonnie, Amy, Jessi and Camila in a link!

3. LINK-UP goes live every Tuesday at 0800 GMT. Make sure to comment here, on the co-hosts blogs, and visit around!

TIPS:

1. Please only one linked up post per blogger. Save other posts for future link-ups!

2. The last Tuesday of every month will be a themed prompt if you want to join in!

3. HOP around and meet new travel loving bloggers! Check back to visit some of the newer travel posts!

The post A Case for Small Towns appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

It’s time for bucket list time! One of my favorite things.

Even though we are trying to see as much of Europe as we can (in fact, we just came back from Berlin…although primarily there for our visa interview, we squeezed in some exploring! Check out some photos on my instagram), I also want to see as much as possible of this lovely little country we are currently calling home, the Czech Republic.

I’m still learning about more places every day, but here’s a start! If you know of any more, I’m always looking for new suggestions!

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One of my students has mentioned this castle to me a few times, calling it the most beautiful in the Czech Republic; then, last week, after seeing Tina’s post, I can’t help but think I really need to visit! I love the black roof–it looks so dramatic and castley. 

I’ve already visited the lovely little Český Krumlov, and I really fell hard for this little medieval town. I hope to see it in every season, if possible. I hear it’s amazing in the winter, but I have a feeling this place is amazing year-round.

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This spa town is strangely not popular with Czechs (because it’s full of “Russians” I’m told…) but it is certainly a popular international destination. It looks beautiful, and I always am willing to try gross water that’s supposed to have incredible healing powers!

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I have to visit the infamous bone church before I leave the Czech Republic. I’ve also heard that the church has foundational issues, so it may be dismantled this year. Since no one seems to be sure how it was made, it might not get put back up…so I guess you should see it this year, too!

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Last weekend we visited South Moravia, or Czech wine country, and I originally wanted to stay in Pavlov. We ended up staying in Mikulov, because Pavlov was completely booked (it’s a small town!). Mikulov was a nice town, but I still want to go back and stay in Pavlov. I like smaller towns, and this is still wine country, with the addition of ancient ruins. These are a few of my favorite things… (sing in the way of Julie Andrews, if you’d like).

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I have a confession to make: I don’t actually like Pilsner Urquell, the ultimate Czech beer (and definitely the most famous). I prefer dark beers and it just doesn’t taste that spectacular to me. However, I still would like to see how its made and visit its hometown!

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This little town is supposed to be one of the cutest in the Czech Republic, and maybe even in Europe. I am instantly sold on anything that’s supposed to be that cute!

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This past weekend in Berlin solidified my desire to visit Terezin, a concentration camp from World War II near Prague. It won’t be the most fun visit ever (as it shouldn’t be), but I think it is important to see this part of history.

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While this town isn’t known much outside of the Czech Republic, the students we worked with at English Camp were from here and invited us to visit. We’ll be going in January for their graduation prom! (Whatever that is…I haven’t quite figured it out yet).

Question of the Day:

Do you have a bucket list for places in your area?

Each week Bonnie, Jessi, Camila and I choose one post from the previous link-up to feature. Be sure to check out their blogs to see who they chose!

The post Czech Republic Bucket List appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

1. Do NOT think that arriving two seconds before the train leaves will guarantee you a seat because you have tickets. It doesn’t, and you will have to sit in the stairwell.

^^it was a novelty for about 20 minutes. the next three hours, not so much.

2. If there are one hundred wines to taste at a wine tasting and you already paid, do NOT taste all one hundred. You will feel the pain, no matter how much fun it is at the time.

^^and then all of your pictures will be even blurrier than this.

3. Do NOT assume every bathroom will have toilet paper. They don’t always, and you’ll discover this lack of toilet paper just when you need it the most.

4. Do NOT avoid looking in your shoes if you are afraid of cockroaches. Stepping on one is much, much worse that finding it first.

5. Do NOT think your bus pass is good for everywhere just because some rando told you it was. It could get you kicked off the bus in the middle of nowhere and that bus driver will not have sympathy for you unless you can pay up.

6. Do NOT expect that flavors will be the same, even if they are the same color.

^^although it clearly says paprika on this one, so I don’t deserve much sympathy.

7. Do NOT think that just because the street happens to be quiet, it is an okay spot for a mini-tantrum. That old guy definitely saw you throw your water bottle in a rage from his window.

8. Do NOT assume it’s beef. It might not be beef!!!

9. Do NOT assume that cobblestones will be softer on your feet.

10. Just because it is cute, does not mean it is clean.

^^but when a puppy is THIS cute, who cares how dirty?

11. Do NOT think it is always best to be over prepared, especially when you are the one responsible for carrying that preparedness all over the world and back.

^^I’m trying really hard not to wince.

12. Do NOT assume the wetness on the floor of your shared hostel bathroom is water. It probably isn’t.

13. Do NOT think that it will not matter if your backpack is so stuffed it is crooked. It will especially matter on the back of a motorcycle taxi.

14. Do NOT think it’s a good idea to wear a white tank top when visiting a place known for its “red dust.”

^^yes that tank top used to be white.

15. Do NOT agree to a “little jaunt” on any trail, anywhere, especially if you are wearing rain boots, unless you know exactly what it will entail. It will not be a little jaunt to you and it will hurt for days afterwards.

^^the time I climbed a mountain and was told it would be an easy little jaunt.

16. Do NOT underestimate the value of making friends with beer.

^^obviously my new BFFs.

17. Do NOT think it “doesn’t matter” where you sleep because you “can sleep anywhere.” You are not as young as you used to be, son.

18. Do NOT assume that just because you are drunk you are actually any better at karaoke, especially in a different language. In fact, you are probably worse. But get up there and have fun anyway, because its way easier to karaoke at that moment in time.

19. If the beach you are visiting has a bunch of cute raccoon pictures, run. This means that they are using live raccoons as zoo animals and that does not make for relaxing time on the beach.

^^we drank lots of drinks really fast in the shade to avoid the raccoons.

20. Do NOT think the gorgeous, remote places you see on the internet are completely real. Sure, they exist, but there are likely ten thousand other people clamoring for the same shot as you. Push on through and you’ll get that shot, and it will be great, but you will step on a few toes.

^^how cute is Germany? Even with the crowds? I took about twenty shots trying to get one without twenty people but no such luck.

Question of the Day:

What are some things you’ve learned about travel?

Welcome to Travel Tuesday!

The post How NOT To Travel, Part 3 appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

This month’s travel-themed prompt is all about your weirdest, most unexpected layovers. Have you ever made a flight despite the universe being against you? We want to hear all your best stories!

Looking back on my travel years, I’ve had some really unfortunate layovers (although I still love airports). However, most of them don’t make good stories–either I just got stuck for hours (side eye Denver where you will always get stuck in blizzard in December), got sick, or had to kill many hours. I’ve managed to get out of the airport a few times–including in Seoul, South Korea. However, my favorite layover ever was last summer!

I was intrigued by Iceland before we visited, and figured we could find a little something fun to do during our 17-hour layover. Mostly, we were just stopping there because it was the cheapest flight home from Europe.

Instead, we were instantly enchanted by the odd, moonscape of Iceland, the stormy sea, the charming houses, the history, the Icelandic horses (the closest living relatives to these horses, which can be traced back to the original Viking settler horses, are wild horses in Mongolia!) and the beautiful people. Fun fact: 99% of Iceland’s population can be traced back to the original Viking settlers, as well. Basically, Iceland was an unexpected boon on our European trip, that ended up being one of the highlights of our travels.

While we originally had planned on sleeping in the airport, a quick Google scan showed us this may not be welcome (or comfortable). Instead, we found a basic hotel not too far from the Keflavik airport. While I wouldn’t recommend the hotel we stayed because it doesn’t have a shuttle at this point, and our taxi rides to-and-from were not cheap, there are several others nearby! (This one looks nice…and if you can shell out the moola, stay at this one near the Blue Lagoon).

After six hours of sleep and a continental breakfast, we headed back to the airport to join our tour. While we had planned just to visit the Blue Lagoon, we found a tour that fit into our schedule just right, and we couldn’t resist. So, instead of just wallowing in the wonderful waters of the Blue Lagoon (which would not be a bad thing!), we ended up cramming in an amazing tour that visited the Reykjanes Peninsula with an ending stop at the Blue Lagoon.

We used Gray Line Iceland tours, which I highly recommend. While tours can be hit-or-miss, we loved this tour because they picked us up/dropped us off at the airport, could carry our luggage if necessary, and it was easy to switch buses if you needed to go elsewhere, like into Reykjavik. Our guide, “Hilda,” with a full Icelandic name I could never pronounce, was a knowledgable native full of tips and facts. All of the stops on our day-tour really made us love Iceland more. (Gray Line also has multi-day tours that look fantastic).

The tour took us to a small fishing village, an Icelandic church and cemetery, an unplanned stop to visit some horses, a lighthouse, the Gunnuhver geothermal area, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, driving through the lava fields, and the Blue Lagoon. My favorite stops were the Blue Lagoon and the coast, and just the drive through the foreign landscape was a great orientation to Iceland. (I’ll write more about our specific stops later–they deserve their own posts!). While it was August and still pretty freezing and drizzling the entire time (which gives you a hint about their usual weather patterns) we at least had our raincoats. I hear the weather is usually like this, or worse, so that’s something to keep in mind. I prefer colder weather, so I didn’t mind, but even still, the Blue Lagoon was a welcome treat after our chilly tour!

^^just a dork at a cute little fishing village. ^^ponies! Adorable Icelandic ones.  ^^of course I needed a picture of the baby. ^^the picturesque Icelandic church. NOT built by Vikings.  ^^The coast makes us giddy. 

^^The Mid-Atlantic Ridge. ^^The Blue Lagoon really is that color!

I was intrigued by Iceland, but I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. After traveling like whirlwinds through Europe for a few weeks, I was actually ready to just sit still for awhile. However, I’m so glad we decided to layover in Iceland.

We adored Iceland, and can’t wait to go back! IcelandAir makes it really easy, as you can add a few extra days onto your layover in Iceland for free. Take advantage! I know that every time I fly to or from Europe, I’ll do my best to stop in Iceland.

Disclaimer: This is a rave review about Iceland, but nobody asked me to write it or offered to pay me for visiting! I can only dream that someday someone will pay me to travel…

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you ever had a layover in a place that turned out to be a new favorite?

Each week Bonnie, Jessi, Camila and I choose one post from the previous link-up to feature. Be sure to check out their blogs to see who they chose!

This week, I am spotlighting Yalanda from Laugh Anyway and her post about Busan, South Korea. I sometimes want to go teach in Korea after Prague, and I think Busan would be my first choice. Her gorgeous pictures of the stunning scenery show me that this just may be something I have to do someday! Make sure to check it out for yourself.

Ready to link up?

1. SHARE a post about travel! From road trips to trips abroad and from past travels to dream vacations. You can write about travel tips and tricks, favorite places to stay, or anything in between! Just make it about traveling somewhere!

2. GRAB the lovely button above. If you run into trouble, just make sure to mention Bonnie, Amy, Jessi and Camila in a link!

3. LINK-UP goes live every Tuesday at 0800 GMT. Make sure to comment here, on the co-hosts blogs, and visit around!

TIPS:

1. Please only one linked up post per blogger. Save other posts for future link-ups!

2. The last Tuesday of every month will be a themed prompt if you want to join in!

3. HOP around and meet new travel loving bloggers! Check back to visit some of the newer travel posts!

The post The Reykjanes Peninsula {Iceland} appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

When we started shooting our CVs all over Prague near the end of our course, the first email both E and I got was for a week-long camp in the mountains. Although it was only a temporary job, we were intrigued, so we both applied. We heard back from our future boss right away, who offered us both a position. Since we had nothing else on our plates, we agreed, thinking it would be an adventure if anything else (as well as a way to earn a little bit of money and avoid paying for food for a week!).

Although the English Camp, with 42 18-year-old Czech girls (and one Czech boy), two Czech teachers, and two other American teachers, did make it difficult for us to work in September (although we found other temporary work, luckily), I’m so glad we did it!

The Czech school system is unusual (to me), meaning that students can begin to specialize much earlier than they do in the U.S. That means they start nursing school, engineering school, or whichever they choose, at around the age when most American students are just starting high school. There is an option for a general high school, which I’ve heard called a “gymnasium.”

All of our students were at a nursing school (which explains the fact that there was only one boy–gendered careers are alive and well here in the Czech Republic), so many of our English lessons incorporated medical English.

What I expected to be an easy, somewhat relaxed week wandering around the Czech mountains and dealing with whiny teenagers ended up being an incredibly active, busy week full of (mostly) engaged students and English activities.

We stayed at a mountain lodge of sorts, or “cottage” as they call them here, where our meals, classrooms, technology and rooms were provided. I immediately sensed the week would be much different when we arrived, and the Czech teacher (who teaches English but is a native Czech) took us up to the lodge on a “little jaunt,” right after strapping on her serious hiking boots and grabbing her hiking poles. While it was a paved road, much of it was straight uphill and I was not prepared. Almost every day included a hike, until the big one: the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, Snežka!

I was definitely unprepared, in my street-ready Reebok sneakers and leggings (plus, candid moment, no sports bra–ouch) but I’m so happy we were able to climb it. The scenery was incredible, and every student made it up the mountain! I was sure I wouldn’t be able to walk for a week but I felt okay the next day…I guess I don’t actually have that much of an excuse to be a wuss as I thought.

While we were climbing the mountain and I was cursing the person who invented hiking (it was hard and if I didn’t want to be humiliated in front of a bunch of teenagers I probably would have given up), a few of the students mentioned how they had never done this. The Czech teacher informed us that many of the students have never left their hometown, and may not ever: this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them. For me it was a lark (hey, I grew up in Montana–I’ve climbed a few mountains in my time) just to say I’d done it, but for them it was one of their highlights. Because of this attitude, it became a highlight for me, too. It was also a highlight because, on the way down, we walked briefly through Poland! I’ve never been but it looked beautiful from there, so I think I will probably have to cross a proper border.

It’s funny–since coming back from English Camp, I’ve found myself homesick for it! It was a fun, exciting week that somehow seemed simpler that life does in Prague. And not just because we didn’t have to cook there.

^^the cottage we stayed at! ^^warning! dangerous animals ahead.^^one of the most adorable Czech cottages.  ^^the cottage had some fun toys!^^I could get used to a classroom with a view like this.

^^we made it to the top!  ^^hey, cutie! and hey, Poland!^^oh, just walking through Poland. 

Each week Bonnie, Jessi, Camila and I choose one post from the previous link-up to feature. Be sure to check out their blogs to see who they chose!

This week I am spotlighting the Czechesotans and their post about Mushrooming here in the Czech Republic! Mushrooming is a common practice for Czechs, and ever since I’ve learned about it (my students were going almost every weekend this past month) I’ve been hoping for an invite. No such luck so far, but I was happy to live vicariously through the Czechesotans! To find out more about mushrooming, check out their awesome post!

THEMED TRAVEL TUESDAY PROMPT

Next week it is time for this month’s travel-themed prompt! The prompt for this month is for you to share a weird or unexpected layover with us. What have you managed to accomplish during a layover? Have you ever made a flight despite so many bad circumstances? Can’t wait to hear your stories!

Ready to link up?

1. SHARE a post about travel! From road trips to trips abroad and from past travels to dream vacations. You can write about travel tips and tricks, favorite places to stay, or anything in between! Just make it about traveling somewhere!

2. GRAB the lovely button above. If you run into trouble, just make sure to mention Bonnie, Amy, Jessi and Camila in a link!

3. LINK-UP goes live every Tuesday at 0800 GMT. Make sure to comment here, on the co-hosts blogs, and visit around!

TIPS:

1. Please only one linked up post per blogger. Save other posts for future link-ups!

2. The last Tuesday of every month will be a themed prompt if you want to join in!

3. HOP around and meet new travel loving bloggers! Check back to visit some of the newer travel posts!

The post The Krkonoše Mountains {Czech Republic} appeared first on Amy and the Great World.