For as much as I travel it seems strange that I don’t have an international calling plan, but I’ve never felt it was something I needed except of course when I’m in a location with no access to wifi and I can’t remember where that place was that I wanted to see. By then it’s too late…
Toledo the perfect place to get lost
The good news is there is a way to bring travel guides along without signing up for an expensive international calling plan or dragging along heavy guide books. You may recall that I wrote to you last year about an app called GPSmyCITY, which allows you offline access to travel related articles from over 1000 cities around the world. Some of them written by yours truly!
Like many people who travel, I do a lot of research before I go, the problem is gaining access to that research once I’m at my destination. The reality is that wifi isn’t always available, which means I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to pull up that great article, blog post, or map, when I need it most. However, even if I could, there’s the high cost of data to consider. This is where the GPSmyCITY app comes in handy!
What is a GPS-guided travel article?
A GPS-Guided travel article is exactly what it sounds like: An article with GPS coordinates embedded directly into the text. The best part is that once you’ve downloaded the article you won’t need access to the internet to use it! Download all the articles you’re interested in free of charge. Once you’ve decided on the article(s) that best work for your destination, you have the option to upgrade for a small fee $1.99*, which will activate the GPS coordinates within the article along with an offline map.
When you bring along a GPSmyCity article, you’ll have everything you need to find all the most recent hidden travel gems. There will be no need to drag along those heavy guide books, when you can get real world advice from fellow travelers right on your smart phone.
Here are two easy ways you can access GPS-guided travel articles:
Click on a link below for the article you are interested in (if you haven’t already downloaded the free GPSmyCity app, you will see a prompt to do so). After downloading the app, you will be directed to the article, where you can choose UPGRADE to get the GPS-guided version.
From the GPSmyCity app, you can browse by city to see which articles are available.
You can download any article for free or upgrade for offline GPS-guided use.
I’m really excited about the ability to share my articles with you, and hope you love it too. To introduce you to this fun idea, I’m able to offer one of my articles free of charge for the first week. (expires July 1, 2018)
Many of my other articles, are also available on GPSmyCity! They offer details about my favorite museums, shopping spots, off the beaten path surprises, and delicious food finds. With GPSmyCity on your smart phone, you’ll have the ability to really lose yourself without getting lost!
Here are just a few of my other articles featured on GPSmyCity:
*Note: If you do upgrade one of my downloaded travel articles, I receive a small portion of the sale, which I’m hoping might contribute to maintaining this travel blog…
I’m currently, ok always, considering my next vacation destination, and with so many amazing places in the world it’s hard to decide. Should we commit those precious vacation days to repeat destinations, digging deeper into what a city has to offer? If we do, what about all those wonderful new places just waiting to be discovered?
Sailing ships! A highlight of our Paris visit!
When traveling, I’m torn between wanting to wing it and not wanting to miss anything, which definitely helps makes the case for repeat visits to certain destinations. For example, our recent trips to Paris, London, and Edinburgh were all repeat visits, we’d already checked off many of the main attractions, which enabled us to explore more freely. One point for repeat visits!
Our tour of the Houses of Parliament was a definite highlight!
That said, one of my favorite things about traveling is the discovery of the new. The surprise and delight you feel when discovering something wonderful in a new place simply can’t be beat! These moments are one of the reasons I love to travel, the highlights of our adventures! One point for new destinations!
We missed out on Arthur’s Seat during our first visit to Edinburgh.
However, being new to a place can at times be a hindrance. No matter how much research I’ve done, there are times when things don’t go quite as planned. Whether it’s accommodations, location, food, or timing, these are what I like to refer to as the hindsights of our adventure. These are things one can only know after time spent and often it’s too late… Another point for repeat destinations.
This view from our hotel window in Bruges was a highlight!
Of course not everywhere has a hindsight and some places are just plain full of surprise and delight. I love surprise and delight! Looks like another point for new destinations!
Flying to Glasgow from Belfast we were treated to this fabulous view!
So, it looks like a tie between old and new, which means I’m no closer to working out where in the world, we’ll go next, but in the meantime, here are some of the highlights and hindsights from our summer 2016 adventures in Europe!
Highlights & Hindsights
Dublin, Ireland
Highlight: Guinness Factory Tour
There were many wonderful moments during our visit to Dublin, however it was our visit to the Guinness Storehouse that came out as number one! Which speaks volumes, since I don’t even drink beer. All four of us absolutely loved this experience and if you should find yourself in Dublin I highly recommend you go.
Hindsight: Popular attractions require advance planning
Our planned a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol Museum went awry when we couldn’t print our tickets and unfortunately we missed out. We ended up visiting Malahide Castle instead, which was delightful, but lesson learned.
Cork, Ireland
Highlight: The Blarney Stone
For more than 200 years people have been kissing the Blarney Stone and after some debate (it is the world’s germiest attraction) Simon and I decided to join the club!
The Blarney Stone
Hindsight: Touristy doesn’t always equal bad
If only we’d known how much we were going to enjoy exploring Blarney Castle, we would have given ourselves more time.
Killarney, Ireland
Highlight: Killarney National Park
We spent three nights in Killarney, the gateway to the Ring of Kerry and the perfect little Irish town! Quaint, friendly and picturesque, it was exactly what I had pictured an Irish town to look like!
Ross Castle is located inside Killarney National Park
Hindsights: Whoops, attention to detail is key!
Putting the wrong fuel in our rental car meant a drastic change in our plans. Instead of a visit to the Dingle Peninsula and Skellig Michal we spent a lovely day wandering in Killarney National Park. If I ever find my way back to the west of Ireland a trip to the Skellig Islands will be my first order of business!
Limerick, Ireland
Highlight: King John’s Castle
We weren’t sure what to expect at King Johns’ Castle, but I do love a good castle and we had to stop for lunch anyway so why not just eat lunch at the castle?
King John’s Castle
Hindsight: There was none!
This was a bonus stop on our way to Galway, and we were delighted with the way this midday stop turned out!
Galway, Ireland
Highlight: The Cliffs of Moher
The spectacular Cliffs of Moher are a definite must-see if you’re visiting the West Coast of the Emerald Isle.
The Cliffs of Moher
Hindsight: Allow time for unexpected adventures
There is a walk along the cliff tops , but we were running out of daylight and weren’t really dressed for a hike, so we satisfied ourselves with a good long look over the edge.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Highlight: Everything about the entire visit
Our visit to the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland was by far the best day of our 12 day tour of the Emerald Isle, if not our entire summer abroad!
Hindsight: We should have stayed longer.
Having no idea how much we would enjoy our visit we only booked three nights, but easily could have spent twice that many exploring Belfast as well as the amazing natural beauty along the Northern Coast.
Glasgow, Scotland
Highlight: Mural Trail
A very happy accident, we discovered Glasgow’s Mural trail on our way to another destination!
Hindsight: Glasgow deserves more time!
Two days just wasn’t enough in this walk friendly city brimming with architecture, art, music, and shopping!
Inverness, Scotland
Highlight: Urquhart Castle on the Shores of Loch Ness
Having missed out on a visit to Loch Ness on our previous trip to the Highlands, we decided to make it a priority. A highlight was exploring the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle, located on the shores of the lake.
Hindsight: So much more than a monster!
Our visit here was wonderful and exceeded our expectations in every way.
The Highlands of Scotland
Highlight: Eileen Donan Castle
A last minute decision to see Eileen Donan Castle did not disappoint. It’s no wonder that Eilean Donan is the most photographed castle in Scotland, it’s setting in the middle of three lochs is stunning!
Hindsight: The Isle of Skye
There is never enough time in this magical country. We got a small taste of what the Isle of Skye has to offer and I’m definitely going back for more!
Edinburgh, Scotland
Highlight: Everything
Have you ever visited a place that felt so right, so special that it was almost painful to leave? Love at first sight? That’s exactly how I felt about Edinburgh from the very first moment.
Hindsight: I’ve realized my Edinburgh list will never be completed
Although we didn’t have time to go inside the Writers Museum, we did spend time in the courtyard reading the tiles, which are inscribed with lovely quotes written by some of the city’s most famous writers. All of them about Edinburgh of course!
Hadrian’s Wall
Highlight: A dream come true
I know that for some, what basically amounts to a crumbling brick wall in the middle of nowhere England might not be interesting, but for me, a history loving anglophile, this was an absolute dream come true!
Hindsight: Walk the Wall Hike
It’s quite popular to “walk” the Wall and I would have liked to, at least for a little while, but serious rain was threatening and after a few minutes the boys abandoned me for the shelter of the Housestead’s Museum.
York, England
Highlight: York Minster
It made sense that the center piece of York, York Minster, the largest medieval Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, would be our first stop. We were not disappointed!
Hindsight: There wasn’t one!
The rain fell hard and steadily during our visit, but thankfully we still managed to enjoyed this lovely city.
Nottingham, England
Highlight: THE Nottingham!
Yes, that Nottingham, home of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men!
Hindsight: Sometimes the weather wins
Sadly, extremely heavy rain put us off from a visit to Sherwood Forest.
London, England
Highlight: Camden Market
My highlight is also a hindsight! I can’t believe the Camden Market wasn’t already on my radar, It’s right up my alley and reminds me a lot of Venice Beach, California. Fun & quirky!
Hindsight: Top of the Shard
With my love of photography, I regret that I didn’t take the time to visit the observation deck at the Shard. Greenwich is also high on my list for next time…
Brugge, Belgium
Highlight: Beautiful Medieval Town
I was delighted by the incredible beauty of Brugge, a quaint little medieval town. I immediately fell in love and spent the better part of my three days there taking endless photos.
Hindsight: Why didn’t we eat more chocolate?
The question is: With endless chocolate shops around every corner, why didn’t we visit more of them? I’m afraid that’s a question, I’ll never know the answer to.
Ghent, Belgium
Highlight: Graffiti Street
Wanting to see something a bit off the beaten path and big fans of street art, we were excited to learn that Ghent has a dedicated graffiti street called Werregaren straat. We really enjoyed this and loved the idea of a dedicated place where anyone can express themselves freely.
Hindsight: Maybe next time…
Elliot really wished we’d had a can of spray paint or two, so he could contribute.
Amsterdam, Holland The Netherlands
Highlight: Everything about our visit!
A lovely and walkable city with no shortage of interesting sights and streets to wander we made the most of every minute of our visit in Amsterdam.
Hindsight: We visited Amsterdam and didn’t ride a boat or a bike, what?!
We made the most of every moment while visiting this fabulous city, but still ran out of time before ever stepping onto a boat, or peddling a bike. We did see some windmills though! If I had to do it over again I would stay on a houseboat!
Zaans Schans, Holland
Highlight: Windmills
I felt I couldn’t visit Holland without seeing at least one windmill up close and personal! I know, I know, that’s a very touristy thing to do, but hey, sometimes I’m a tourist!
Hindsight: Why didn’t we rent bikes here?
If we ever find our way back to this wonderful place we will be sure to rent bikes. The wide pathways and lovely scenery would make for a perfect bike ride!
Paris, France
Highlight: Sainte Chapelle
As I emerged from the doorway into the main part of the chapel my mouth literally fell open. I was completely surrounded by jaw dropping beauty. How did I not know about this amazing place?
Hindsight: Accommodations
While there wasn’t really anything wrong with our hotel, I’ve yet to really hit the nail on the head as far as Paris lodgings go… hopefully next time!
Versailles, France
Highlight: Marie Antoinette’s Gardens
My favorite part of the day was our visit to the Petit Trianon, the home away from home of Marie Antoinette, who apparently wasn’t so enamored with the main Palace and preferred to spend her time elsewhere.
Hindsight: An evening visit might have been better
We should have considered going later in the afternoon for the musical fountains show and evening fireworks. We might have been able to beat the crowds, and the heat.
London, England
Highlight: Hyde Park
London’s parks are the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon just like the locals do! They are beautiful, vast and filled with activities for every interest.
Hindsight: Do we really have to go home?
Even after six weeks of travel, I wasn’t ready to go home.
Nothing makes me happier than discovering new places with my family and sharing them with all of you!
Having done very little research prior to my arrival in Brugge, I was surprised and delighted by the incredible beauty of this quaint little medieval town. I immediately fell in love and spent the better part of my three days there taking endless photos (sorry in advance). In hindsight, I’m not sure how this gem of a city wasn’t already on my radar (oops!), but thankfully it was on Tim’s… And apparently everyone else’s!
The view from our hotel room.
Yes! Bruges is very touristy, but even in the height of tourist season the city quiets down after dinner when all the daytrippers head out of town, and if you’re patient you’ll have the entire place to yourself! Of course Brugge is more than just a pretty face and we enjoyed exploring and tasting everything it has to offer.
The Venice of the North
Getting There
Departing London after a three week road trip through Ireland and the UK, we traded in our rental car and set off for Belgium via train. The entire ride takes around three and a half hours, including a transfer in Brussels. Purchasing our tickets at St. Pancras Station one day prior to departure, we were really lucky to find seats together. An added bonus: we got table seats, meaning the four of us could sit around a table and look at our electronics and not each other. HA HA!
Three stops and one hour later we’d arrived!
Rozenhoedkaai View
My first impression upon our arrival to the center of the city:
Suddenly we were in one of the most beautiful cities I’d ever seen! Seriously! It’s not even fair to other cities, which don’t even stand a chance against the beauty of this place!
The view from our hotel room.
Arriving in time for dinner, we chose a little place just off The Markt, the city center and main square. Mussels, frites and of course a Belgian waffle were on our menu!
The Markt
Brugge is a great place to wander, and although the chocolate shops (there are so many!) had all closed for the day we enjoyed window shopping and wandering through town before heading back to enjoy the amazing view from our room at the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce!
We loved this little hotel, and if you’re interested in a splurge I highly recommend it. The accommodations, location and service were all perfect! They even have their own box of cookies!
Day One
By the way is it Brugge, Bruge, Brugges, Bruges? You say tomato…
Our first day in town also happened to be American Independence Day. I must admit it felt a bit funny waking up in another country where the 4th of July is just another day. I’m not one to make too big a fuss over The 4th, but as we wandered through town, on our way to the laundromat, we noticed a number of rib restaurants and decided it would be fun to have an “American dinner”. We choose a place called Ribs n’ Beer (Really!), made a reservation for later, and set off to explore until dinner.
With no real plan beyond enjoying the city, we spent the afternoon wandering in and out of shops, many of them selling chocolate, visited a park and went on a boat ride through the canals.
Boat Tours
When in Brugge a boat tour of the canals is pretty much a must do, after all they don’t call it the Venice of the North for nothing. No need to plan ahead as there are several companies offering tours and the stops are conveniently located.
The ride was lovely, though at 30 minutes, a bit short. The guides speak English, French and Dutch, however when our guide spoke English, he affected such a funny accent we had no idea what he was saying. Afterwards when we asked him a question he sounded completely regular. We decided giving the same tour every thirty minutes all day long must be somewhat tedious and that he was entertaining himself with funny voices.
View of our hotel from the boat tour
Boating, Beer and BBQ
Ribs n’ Beer
Our meal at Ribs n’ Beer was delicious and after our day of shopping and “boating,” Simon was delighted to discover they were all you can eat! We’d enjoyed three popular american favorites, boating, beer and BBQ, making our 4th of July celebration a complete success!
Continuing our tradition of sampling cocoa in every new country, we found ourselves a table at T’ Klein Venetie a little cafe overlooking the famous Rozenhoedkaai View. We met some lovely people visiting from Mexico City and Tim chatted with them in Spanish while I took more photos. A lovely end to a great day!
Day Two
Starting our day off with waffles, we sampled two kinds. The boys were interested in waffles on a stick, which were then dipped in chocolate and coated with the topping of their choice (marshmallows), while Tim and I went for a more traditional style.
Brugge Museums
If you’re planning more than one day in Brugge you might consider purchasing the museum pass, which will give you access to 14 of the city’s main attractions. Over the course of our visit we saw The Belfort, the Archeological Museum, Brugse Vrije, O.L.V-Kerk. Sint Janshospitaal, and the Stadhuis.
Highlights were the city views from The Belfort, viewing Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child in the Church of Our Lady (O.L.V- Kerk), and the apothecary museum at Sint Janshospitaal.
After a long day of museum hoping we found ourselves at Brasserie Souffleur where we enjoyed a lovely meal before heading out to see Brugge at night.
Day Three
Starting our day off with a visit to the Wednesday food market in The Markt, we picked up some fruit and a few other snacks to enjoy while wandering up and down the aisles. Many of the vendors displayed their foods in glass cases built right into the trucks they used to transport their wares.
Highlights were the chocolate making demonstration with yummy samples and the learning the fascinating science behind diamonds including interactive exhibits.
Recommended by a friend as the best place for frites in Brugge, our next stop was Chez Vincent. That said, we enjoyed our fries, and the many dipping sauces available, but I’m not sure they were the best. The hours are somewhat erratic and because of its popularity there are a lot of rules…
Brugge at Night
If you do plan a day trip to Brugge, I highly recommend sticking around to see it at night. The lighting is absolutely stunning, which makes for some pretty great photos!
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Take me with you!
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