I Lived in Sofia — Here’s the Best Way to Visit Rila Monastery!

I Lived in Sofia — Here’s the Best Way to Visit Rila Monastery!

Of all Bulgaria’s top tourist attractions, Rila Monastery figures highly on that list. And yes, it’s absolutely worth the hype. In fact, it actually may not be hyped enough, in my opinion.  Tucked into the piney Rila Mountains, its Eastern Orthodox architecture stands out against the nature it’s hiding in: classic striped arches, jewel-toned frescoes,…

Why Visiting Cité du Vin Is the Best Thing to Do in Bordeaux

Why Visiting Cité du Vin Is the Best Thing to Do in Bordeaux

I’ve always wanted to go to the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux. I’m deeply invested in wine (I’ve written so many posts about wine on this blog, sharing my nerdy oenophile knowledge with you!). So naturally, going to an entire museum completely dedicated to wine was basically the culmination of a decades-long obsession. My family…

15 Wonderful Things to Do in Bordeaux in Winter

15 Wonderful Things to Do in Bordeaux in Winter

Only a two-hour high-speed train ride from Paris and about the same to Toulouse, Bordeaux is the largest city in southwestern France. While the spotlight is definitely on the area’s wine production, Bordeaux is a proper all-seasons destination, perfect for wine lovers and culture fans alike. In fact, I’d argue that Bordeaux in winter has much…

13 Magical Things to Do in Salzburg in Winter

13 Magical Things to Do in Salzburg in Winter

Salzburg is one of those places that captures your heart the moment you arrive, regardless of the season. However, anyone who knows a thing or two about this beautiful medieval city knows that winter in Salzburg is when it sparkles most beautifully. Once winter falls over the city, you can admire the (already dazzling) cobblestone…

7 Marvelous Things to Do in Messina, Sicily

7 Marvelous Things to Do in Messina, Sicily

Messina sits almost at the northeastern tip of Sicily, just across the strait from Reggio Calabria, the southernmost city in mainland Italy. Despite its prime location, Messina is often overlooked by travelers compared to flight hub cities like Palermo and Catania, it is still a rather popular stop for cruise ships due to its port,…