Tag: Fall Travel

California, Destinations, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: Packing List for Five Days in San Francisco

A real-life packing list for an autumn visit to San Francisco.

California, Destinations, Home Try On + In-Depth Style Reviews, Style, Travel, USA

Is This the Best Boot for Travel? A Review of the Everyday Chelsea Boot from Nisolo

Alyssa is standing on rocks wearing black pants, black boots. It's a close up shot of her calves and feet, and the Golden Gate Bridge is visible in the background.

I recently had the opportunity to travel to San Francisco for work – but one of the stipulations was that I could only bring what would fit in my personal item on the plane (the bag that fits under the seat in front of you). I’m no stranger to packing light and knew that I …

California, Destinations, Travel, USA

San Francisco in One Square Mile: Exploring Cow Hollow, Russian Hill, and the Marina District

A view of a typical street in San Francisco - the road is very steep!

I recently made a short visit to San Francisco with Mary of Twenty Two West to assist her in her booth at West Coast Craft. I know, what a dream gig, right? My last visit to San Francisco was with Michael in 2015, and we pretty much checked off every item on every guidebook’s list …

Destinations, North Carolina, Travel, USA

The Ultimate Day Trip Guide to Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Alyssa wears an all-black outfit on a bridge in Old Salem

At the start of 2020, Michael and I made a New Year’s Resolution to visit a different destination in the Carolinas each month. Well, you know what happened next. This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links (at no additional …

Destinations, Spain, Travel

A Relaxed Approach to Visiting Barcelona, Spain

It’s true that overtourism has taken hold of Barcelona. When you combine a dense, walkable city with a multitude of sights and rich culture, there can be no other result. Even during my visit in October, which is shoulder season, the crowds in parts of the city were unbearable. But sometimes you simply have to …

Destinations, Spain, Travel

72 Hours in Madrid, Spain

Alyssa standing in front of the Metropolitan building in Madrid

When I shared with friends and family that Michael and I were traveling to Spain, many people excitedly asked, “Oh, are you going to Barcelona?!” Not a single person asked if we were going to Madrid. That seems absurd, doesn’t it? It is the capital of the country after all, and that should count for …

Destinations, Florida, Style, Travel, USA

A Bit of France in Florida: Attending the Pétanque Amelia Island Open

standing under petanque sign

I first encountered the sport Pétanque (also called Boules) when I was researching for my very first trip to France back in 2014. Upon arrival, I witnessed the cutthroat nature and unshakeable camaraderie of the players Michael and I saw in the parks of Paris and so were inspired to attend the largest tournament in …

Belgium, Destinations, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, Travel Tips

Traveling Light: Two Weeks in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium Packing List

packing list benelux

Do you have a warm drink handy? Today I’m sharing my packing list for our recent trip to Europe, and it grew quite lengthy by the end, so please feel free to make something and settle in to read (I won’t say no to a mug of mulled wine, so if that’s what you’re making …

Belgium, Destinations, Travel

The Best Places to Shop in Antwerp, Belgium

A view of the ornate Antwerp Centraal Station

Antwerp has been synonymous with fashion since the Antwerp Six exploded into the fashion world in the eighties, and the undeniably cool city is worth at least a day trip should you find yourself in Belgium. Granted, a day will only allow you to scratch the surface of the city’s designers and shops, but if …

Belgium, Destinations, Travel

Beyond the Basics: A Weekend Travel Guide for Brussels, Belgium

Alyssa and Michael in Brussels City Center

Brussels was the city I was least excited to visit on my recent trip to Europe: I’d heard the city was crowded and dirty, and that it has a reputation for being a bit dangerous. I might have even only trekked in for a day trip or skipped it entirely, were it not for the …