5 Magical Spots for a Winter Holiday

There is something about a winter holiday that just exudes a magic all its own, and particularly in Europe, this time of year is great to travel and take it all in.  This time of year is filled with sparkling lights, snow covered streets and that feeling that you just want to spend your days next to a warm fire with someone you love.  It can also be a fantastic time of year to travel and there are so many places that are even more magical than normal this time of year.  So pack your boots, heavy coats and ear muffs and escape to one of these five magical spots in Europe for a winter holiday!

The UK capital is fantastic year round but it’s perhaps best around Christmas and the New Year when the streets are lit up with hanging lights and store windows put their best foot forward with gorgeous displays that London really shines.  And is there anything better than spending long afternoons having tea and wandering Hyde Park in the chilly crisp air?

Favorite Spot to Stay: The Bloomsbury Hotel

Don’t Miss: Oxford Street lit up for the holidays.

This Scottish city seems built for the Winter: stone buildings, cobblestone streets, warm and fulfilling food, it’s the perfect spot for a Winter getaway.  Edinburgh also does the holidays well, and despite the chill that will have you bundling yourself up, it’s a fantastic city to wander in the crisp Winter air, taking in the Christmas markets and the tiny roads that seem straight out of Harry Potter books.

Favorite Spot to Stay: Hotel Missoni

Don’t Miss: Finishing every meal with Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Looking for a snowy wonderland, complete with gorgeous scenery?  Iceland has all of the above: incredible open land covered in snow, waterfalls frozen over and sunrises that start at 10am and paint an incredible color across the sky.  Though the days are short in Iceland this time of year, it’s the perfect spot to cozy up and relax after a day out exploring the insanely beautiful countryside.

Don’t Miss: Thingvelir at sunrise.

There is something magical about Ireland in general, but when you head North, Belfast holds a fantastic Christmas market filled with magical holiday treats.  If you head out of the city as well, the countryside, while chilly, can be wonderful to drive through at a leisurely pace, taking in the green fields filled with sheep and rocky cliff lines.   

Favorite Spot to Eat: The Bushmills Inn

Don’t Miss: The Giant’s Causeway about an hour outside of Belfast.

Dublin has an energy this time of year that is unlike any other place I’ve been, an electricity that fills the crisp air, musicians play music on the street as the stone facades take on a life of their own.  Spend hours wandering the quays on the River Liffey or grab a loaf of Irish soda bread on your way back to your cozy hotel to spend the afternoon drinking tea and enjoying local treats.  

Favorite Spot to Stay: The Westbury Hotel

Don’t Miss: Grafton Street and Trinity College

5 Spots in Europe for a Beautiful Autumn

I'm so excited to be guest posting here today on Route Bliss and if you don't know me, I'm Casey from True Colours.  I post about travel, tips on how to make it easier and all about this beautiful world we call home.  Travel for me is a huge passion and a way of life and I love sharing all the places I travel to with my readers, showcasing all the places out there that make our world what it is.

Since we're in the midst of Autumn, my favorite season of the year and because I just returned from Europe where the Fall colors were gorgeous, I wanted to share some favorite spots in Europe where you can get your fill of those Autumnal leaves!  Europe does Fall well but certain cities in particular will allow you to capture that does of Autumn magic, as the light fades and the leaves sparkle in golds and reds.  So here are 5 spots in Europe that do a fantastic Fall!

Amsterdam is one of those cities that just exudes magic in the Fall.  The trees changing color beside the canals, the cobblestones covered with floating leaves, Autumn is the time to visit this charming city.  Bundle up and wander the streets of this Dutch metropolis and take in the enchanting colors around you.

As Copenhagen is much father North than many European capitols, the Fall arrives early here.  There is something about the stark Scandinavian architecture next to the golden hues of Autumn that compliment each other so well here.  Wander the canals of Nyhavn or the pathways of Tivoli gardens and take in the whole Autumn scene.

There is something about the stone buildings and architecture of Ireland, coupled with the changing Fall colors that just makes this time of year in Dublin magical.  Wander the grounds of Trinity College or Grafton Street and you won't be disappointed.  The huge this time of year in the Irish city are pure enchantment.

I've visited London in Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall and this time of year is my favorite in the English capitol.  Whether you're wandering the streets of Notting Hill as the leaves fall or exploring South Kensington or meandering through Hyde Park, you'll fall in love with London this time of year.  The tourist crowds are smaller, the trees changing colors and the leaves falling around you, it's a lovely time of year in London.

Perhaps one of my favorite spots in the whole world during the Fall, Paris does not disappoint.  The parks of Paris are my favorite to take in Autumn in the French city, from the Jardin du Luxembourg to the Tuileries, leaves are falling, the colors are changing and it's the perfect time to see Paris in all its glory.

Bonnie Rose Guest Post

Hi "A Compass Rose" readers!  I'm so excited to be here guest posting today!  I'm Casey from True Colours, a travel blog that encompasses my passion for traveling, my background as an expat and third culture kid (which I have in common with Bonnie) and my advice and tips for everyone out there looking to add a little more travel to their lives.  

For many people looking to make that leap to do more international travel, it can seem daunting and many times it's hard to explain in a conversation all the things that are helpful to know before you travel abroad.  However, it's important to make a mental checklist for yourself to check off a few things before you head off to another country, wherever that might be.  So in no particular order, here are some travel tips for first time travelers outside of your native country or before you take that amazing trip you've always wanted to.

1.  Make sure your passports and travel documents are updated and current.

Many countries require your passport be valid for 6 months before the expiration date to enter the country, so confirm the dates before you leave and make sure your passport is current and valid.

Also, confirm that the country you're visiting doesn't require a separate visa as that can take longer to acquire and requires extra work.

2.  Be aware and respectful of the foreign culture you're traveling to.

There are many places in the world that have very distinct customs or beliefs that you should be at least aware of when traveling internationally.  For example, if you're traveling to the Middle East, be aware of their religious traditions and be respectful with how you dress and act.  Each country will have its own customs and cultural differences, so be aware of those from researching them before you go.

3.  Learn a few key words and phrases of the local language.

Nothing puts a smile on a local's face like someone trying to speak, at least a few words, in the local language.  Know that when traveling outside of your home country and your home language, the rest of the world is living in their own language, so be mindful of that.  Nobody hates it as much as when the foreigners show up in their country and expect everyone to speak their language.  Show some respect for the local language and it will work wonders.

4.  Arrange activities and other specialty items through your hotel or in advance.

Though unfortunate, in many countries, locals will take advantage of the fact that you are a tourist and they will charge you much more for experiences than if you book through your hotel or in advance. Sometimes it can also be safer arranging certain activities through your hotel as they will know the reputable people to go through to make sure you have a memorable experience as well as a safe one.

5.  Travel with photocopies of important documents.

This isn't an absolute necessary step and while I still always do this, I've never had to actually use them while traveling but better safe than sorry. I always travel with a photocopy of our passports, my marriage license and any other documents needed for specific trips.  I carry copies of our passports in case our passports were to get lost or stolen and our marriage license mostly because we have different last names and if anything were to happen, we'd have proof that my husband and I are married.  I carry both hard copies in my bag which I lock in the safe in our hotel room at the destination and upload digital copies to my email account in case I'd need to access them while on the go.

Traveling internationally doesn't have to be a big hurdle and once you do it, it becomes easier and easier.  But it's also about learning from each culture and not expecting that culture to be exactly like your own.  You'll get more out of your travels if you take in all that the culture has to offer and cherish how unique it is.  Another important thing to remember when preparing for your trip abroad is that wherever you are going, there are people just like us, living their lives and in the end, we're all just the same.

A Weekend in Portland

As a Portlander for about 10 years now, I've come to called this beautiful Pacific North West city home and I'm not leaving anytime soon.  Portland is one of those hidden treasures that you'll hear the majority of the tourists that come through here, "how did we not know about this place sooner!?"  It's a place that keeps an open mind towards pretty much everything, won't judge you for what color your hair is or how hipster your outfit is and has become a foodie capital in the US.  Portland is also a place that has the city atmosphere if you're craving shopping, amazing restaurants and chic hotels, but it's also easy to get out to explore the beautiful Oregon countryside with coast, mountain or forest all within an hour of downtown.  I fell in love with Portland long before it became the chic escape it is now, but even as our tourism grows and the city becomes more well known among travelers, here's the perfect weekend itinerary to see the best of the city!

Friday
Arrive at PDX on a Friday afternoon and head downtown on the MAX (the local nickname for our light rail system that runs all over the city).  Tickets are cheap (about $2.50 for a one way ride from the airport to downtown) and it's clean and quick.  It will take you about 45 minutes to make your way to the city center, then jump off near Pioneer Square and head to your hotel.

I would suggest staying at The Sentinel (for an update on a historical Portland spot), The Heathman (true old Portland) or The Nines (the chic/hip spot downtown).  Once you've dropped your bags off and checked in, head out and take in the main downtown area as the evening falls.

Portland is really walkable so you can pretty much get anywhere in the downtown area (which extends from West of the Willamette River and goes until the 405 bridge to the North and the West Hills to the West).  Our city center is comprised of distinct neighborhoods, so take a look at a map before you go so you're aware of them.  Focusing just on downtown (the East Side is a whole other article entirely), you'll find the very hip area of the Pearl District in the area North of Burnside and pretty much everything in between the 405 freeway to the West and Broadway to the East.  Then there is SW, which is pretty much everything downtown, including the majority of the high rises in the city.  It's also home to Portland State University and the South Waterfront.  NW is the edgy hipster area of downtown and home to NW 23rd Street, a long strip of cute restaurants and shops.  This area feels very much like a neighborhood with long leafy streets and old brick houses.  Old Town borders the Pearl and extends to the River and is home to some revived areas as well as our China Town and finally, my neighborhood of Goose Hollow which is technically SW but is the area West of the 405 freeway.  Goose Hollow is home to the Timbers stadium Providence Park (our MLS team) and Washington Park including our famed International Rose Test Garden.

I would take Friday evening to orient yourself and grab dinner in the Pearl (about a 10 minute walk from downtown).  Go casual and grab artisan pizza at Oven & Shaker.  Grab the streetcar back to your hotel if you want or just take in Portland by night as the lights come on.



Saturday
Start your weekend off with a walk through the PSU Farmer's Market and take a look at our local bounty of vegetables and fresh flowers.  Then meander through downtown and stop at any of many coffee shops for some artisan coffee.  Then head West to Goose Hollow (you can walk or take the MAX) and explore the leafy, hilly streets of this quirky Portland neighborhood. Make your way up the hill to Washington Park and check out the Rose Garden, then head down NW 23rd and cross Burnside to take in the long stretch of shops and restaurants.  This area, which also encompasses NW 21st has lots to offer.

Make sure to stop for lunch at Blue Olive for some delicious Greek food on NW 21st, followed by an afternoon of wandering through shops.  If you end up staying in this area for dinner, Ataula is a fantastic choice for authentic Spanish tapas.  Finish off your Saturday with chocolates from Moonstruck on NW 23rd.

Sunday
I would suggest spending Sunday exploring the Pearl and Old Town.  Start with breakfast at Isabel and indulge in blackberry pancakes (my personal favorite) and a honey latte.  After breakfast, wander around the many shops in this area.  Towards the middle of the day, venture over to Old Town and check out the Waterfront Park along the River, take in the famous "Made in Oregon" sign, that now just says Portland, Oregon over the Burnside Bridge.  Check out the Chinese Garden and wander through China Town.



For the evening, head back to the Pearl and be sure to have dinner at one of our many amazing restaurants in town.  I would suggest Oba (for updated Cuban food), Andina (a Peruvian delight), Jamison (for a fabulous outdoor patio), Paragon (for classic local cuisine), or Piazza Italia (for authentic Italian).  Make sure to make reservations for most of these dinner options as they fill up fast!  Then follow up dinner with dessert at Cool Moon Ice Cream, and indulge in their buttermilk with marionberries, Belgian chocolate or Saigon cinnamon flavors.



Spend the rest of your weekend in Portland just wandering, it's the best way to see the city!  And if you want to take it in truly like a local, rent a bike and ride across the bridges to see the view of the skyline.  Portland is one of those places that you'll want to return to, a place that holds a very European-esque attitude and where our bicyclists rule the road.  It's a pretty special place and has so much to offer, so come on over and take a look at my beautiful home city!

How to Spend 2 Days in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is one of those places in the world that everyone should see, not only because of the incredible Angkor temples that reside there, but also because of the history and culture that has survived there for thousands of years through war and conflict and finally now, peace.  While Siem Reap itself is fairly small, it’s a bustling town and comes alive particularly at night when the temperatures drop.  The are of Siem Reap is also a broad term to cover the landscape around the town that houses the massive and ancient ruins of the Angkor temples and their subsequent complexes.  So when you head to SE Asia, make sure and schedule a couple days to stop in this ancient and complex part of the world.  Here is how to make the most of your time there and how to spend 2 days in Siem Reap.

Stay in Siem Reap proper.

When my husband and I visited we chose to stay outside of town thinking it would be closer to the temples, in reality I wish we would have stayed within the borders of town to be able to walk to resturants and markets more easily. 

I would suggest the Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa.

DAY 1

Start your first day in Siem Reap bright and early to beat the intense heat in this part of the world and grab a tuk tuk from your hotel.  You can easily (and cheaply) hire a tuk tuk for long periods of time which means they’ll take you wherever you want to go, then wait for you, then take you to your next stop.  It’s a convenient way to get around and don’t worry, they’ll remember you and wave you down when trying to find them again in the seas of tuk tuks that circle all the major tourist sites.  Have them take you to buy your tickets and then just after sunrise, head to Angkor Wat.  (Note: You can buy your tickets the previous day around 4pm if you want to take in the sunset for free at one of the temples.) 

When you arrive at Angkor Wat, the crowds that were there to watch the sunrise will just be dispersing, so instead of following the masses for the main gate, head around the temple and you’ll make your way through the side entrances that will have less people.   Wander around and take it all in, there is lots to see. 

When you’re feeling ready to move on, go back to the entrance and find your driver.  Have him drive you the fifteen minutes or so down the road to Ta Prohm, the temple made famous by the movie Tomb Raider.  This temple is much different than the rest, it’s intimate and small in size, except for the massive rooted trees that have built up inside the walls of this ancient space.  It’s eerie walking around here, shadowy and feels like there is a bit of magic within those walls. 

By this point in the morning, you’ll be feeling drained from the intense heat and humidity, so be sure to drink lots of water and stay in the shade whenever you can.  I would suggest finishing your morning tour of the temples around 10am and returning to your hotel.  Your driver can take you back and if you’d like to rehire him, you can arrange to have him pick you up again later in the day.  You’ll want to spend the mid part of the day in your hotel with AC after the heat starts to escalate. 

Spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon resting, having lunch nearby, or with a dip in the hotel pool.  You’ll want to be well rested for the evening to come.

About 4pm, pack up your gear again and head back out to meet your ride.  Have them take you to Bayon in the Angkor Thom complex. This temple was my favorite of them all, a place that exudes a total sense of place, a temple that you can almost feel the history within its stones.  The surreal faces in the rocks here that stare down upon you, smiling, transport you to a different time and place.  Take in the sunset here, as the long shadows fall throughout the complex, creating surrealistic edges in the face carved from stone.  

Next, have your driver take you to the East Gate of Angkor Thom.  Yet another scene location from Tomb Raider, this long abandoned gate in the middle of the jungle about ten minutes drive from Bayon is a quiet spot in the middle of the Cambodian jungle.  This spot is not in the guidebook but  it’s beyond worth it.  When you’re ready to go, head back to your hotel to grab dinner near your hotel, perhaps street noodles from a vendor nearby, and then rest for the night.

DAY 2

Wake up early again, but this time make sure to be awake about two hours before sunrise and grab a tuk tuk.  Have them take you back to Angkor Wat, but this time you’re there for a different reason.  Follow the crowds to the lake in front of the complex, where the temple towers reflect on the surface of the water.  Be prepared for the crowds, as people swell around the lake for this.  Watch the sunrise over the water and take in the perfect symmetry of the ruins.

After the sun rises and the crowds head into the temple, go back to your hotel after the morning spectacle and spend the morning relaxing and taking a dip in the hotel pool.  After a quiet day of rest, head out around 4pm for downtown Siem Reap.  Check out the famous Night Market just off of Pub Street, wander the stalls and pick up souvenirs from your trip.  Then wander up and down Pub Street and the surrounding areas, grabbing street food as you go or sit down for Cambodia BBQ, one of the best things I’ve ever eaten anywhere in the world.  Enjoy it with a coconut milkshake and spring rolls for a taste of local ingredients. 

Watch the night (and the temperatures) fall as you watch dusk turn into gleaming city lights around you.  Siem Reap will make an impression on you; it's an up and coming destination in Asia that more and more people are realizing is out there.  So get there fast before this quirky little Cambodian town becomes a staple in every travel guidebook.

For more tips on Siem Reap check out my article here.

Paris Off the Beaten Path : Quiet Spots in the Middle of the City

Paris is one of those cities that everyone has on their bucket lists, but what makes a trip to Paris truly memorable is taking in the city like the Parisians do.  That means venturing off of the beaten tourist path and seeing places in the city that the tourists might not know about, making them the perfect quiet spots to enjoy the French capital and see Paris through the eyes of the Parisians.  I love finding spots on each trip to Paris that might not be in a tourist guide or a map of popular destinations.  The best spots in Paris are sometimes not even that far from major tourist spots, but it's peeking around corners and behind famous buildings that lay some of the best places in Paris to enjoy a quiet afternoon, perhaps eating a fresh baguette or a box of macarons and watching the world go by.

Square Jean XXIII
Right behind Notre Dame sits a fantastic little park that is always empty.  I've been all times of year from the quiet Winter months to the busy Summer months and for some reason, hardly anyone ventures to the back of the famous Cathedral, meaning it's the perfect spot to take in a peaceful afternoon.  This little square is landscaped beautifully all times of the year and the back views of Notre Dame are perhaps even more breathtaking than the front where the massive crowds of tourists flood.  My favorite thing to do is to grab a freshly baked croissant and a glass bottle of Orangina from Maison Martin on the Île Saint-Louis, find a bench in Square Jean XXIII and then just watch as Paris buzzes around me.

Le Jardin du Luxembourg

I only recently found the Luxembourg Gardens on my last trip to Paris last Summer, but I know this spot will become a regular for return trips.  Not only are the gardens breathtaking, filled with flowers and ponds, but the Palais du Luxembourg is a gorgeous architectural treat as well.  Perhaps the best thing about the Luxembourg gardens though, is that it's not a major tourist attraction (yet).  It's mostly filled with locals doing yoga or reading a book on a warm Summer afternoon.  For a spot in the middle of the Left Bank that's untouched by tourists, this is your spot.

Jardin des Tuileries

While floods of tourists will be at the Louvre as well as the large open squares that border it, if you walk just a bit further towards Musée de l'Orangerie, the Tuileries can be a surprisingly quiet escape.  The South West corner of the park is lined with trees and small paths and a surprising amount of peace can be found so close to the crowds near the Louvre.  I love to grab a box of macarons just up the street at Ladurée on Rue St. Honoré, find a chair in the Tuileries and pull out a good book.  This area can be a great escape from the heat in the Summer months as well, with lots of shade and nice breezes off of the large ponds throughout the park.

Grand Canal de Versailles

Though this spot isn't in Paris proper, I always suggest travelers make the trip out to Versailles while in the city.  It's a quick 30 minute train ride to the famous palace and it's definitely worth the trip to take in the Palace and grounds.  However, it can get quite crowded here as well, so when you want to find some peace and quiet at Versailles, rent one of the small paddle boats on the Grand Canal and spend the afternoon floating on the water.  Not only is it peaceful, it's a scenic adventure too with swans and great views of the Palace gardens and grounds.  It's always worth getting away from the massive crowds you can encounter at the Palace and this is the perfect spot to get away.

Photo Credit : Nick Nieto

Road Trips

Hi Route Bliss readers!  I’m Casey from True Colours and I’m so excited to be here guest posting today.  I’ve been a fan of Christina’s for a while now and her passion for the open road and seeing what’s out in front of us is totally inspiring.  I do a lot of traveling and over the years, one of my favorite thing about spots around the world have been driving through the countries, experiencing more than just the cities.  So here in no particular order are some of my favorite road trips that I’ve experienced, near and far!

Being based in Oregon, there is so much see in the Pacific North West, that often a road trip is the best way to take in the gorgeous scenary that my home has to offer.  A few months ago my husband and I made the 3 hour drive from Portland to EasternWashington State, a drive full of rolling hills and wind farms, mountain forests and road-side streams.  The drive is breath-taking and totally unique to this part of the world. 

Where to stay when you arrive: Desert Wind Winery

Don’t miss: the scenic drive through the Columbia River Gorge as you make your way East.

A couple years ago our Thanksgiving plans opened up a few weeks before the holiday and not wanting to waste a holiday weekend, we booked tickets for Iceland, a place that had been at the top of our list for a while.  We hopped on a flight to Reykjavik and embraced four days in this gorgeous country.  We spent one whole day driving around the Icelandic countryside with a guide, which gave us the option to stop at spots along the way that the normal tours don’t cover.  We watched the sun rise over Thingvelir (where the first Viking parliament began), stopped to nuzzle Icelandic horses and took in the sunset over the ocean and Southern beaches.  It’s still a day I remember with magical memories.

Tip to hiring a guide: Spend the extra money to hire a personal guide.  They will offer a more private experience and have some great knowledge of fantastic spots.

Don’t miss: Thingvelir and Gulfoss

For Memorial Day last year, my husband and I spent the long weekend road tripping through New England.  We based ourselves in Boston and spent one day driving North to Maine and another day driving South through Cape Cod and Rhode Island.  The scenery is gorgeous here and totally worth the adventure, but add in lighthouses galore, lobster rolls and scenic cliffs, this is a road trip not to miss in your life.

Planning tip: Plan out a directional itinerary and know where you want to stop, but leave room for unintentional stops as well.

Don’t Miss: Newport, Rhode Island – this town was by far our favorite!

Last November, we spent time exploring the UK and Ireland.  In Scotland, we based ourselves in Edinburgh and rented a car to make the drive up the coast to lovely little St. Andrews.  It was such a wonderful experience and besides the experience of driving on the “wrong” side of the road, we took in gorgeous Scottish countryside and stopped in little charming towns along the way. 

Where to stay: Don’t miss the experience of staying in the Hotel Missoni in Edinburgh.  It’s the perfect jumping off point and a fantastic experience!

Don’t miss: Sticky toffee pudding in a Scottish pub!

Along with Scotland, we also road tripped through Northern Ireland, renting a car in Belfast and driving North along the coast.  We stopped in towns like Bushmills (famous for their whiskey) and had one of the best meals of our travels, explored the Giant’s Causeway and walked through ruined castles along the cliffs.  Driving through miles and miles of green fields and sheep roaming along, you realize “this is Ireland.”

Driving tip: Research the speed zones before you get in the car when driving abroad.  Ireland doesn’t post their speeds, you just have to know them.

Don’t miss: The tiny town of Bushmills (eat at the Bushmills Inn) and the views on the Giant’s Causeway.