From the ornate halls of the Royal Palace to the priceless artworks of the Prado Museum, Madrid boasts opulent royal treasures, embodying centuries of regal splendor. Yet just a stone's throw away lies El Rastro Flea Market, a bustling hive of activity that stands in stark contrast. El Rastro offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the eclectic blend of treasures, traditions, and timeless charm of Madrid’s people. If you’re planning on visiting El Rastro for the first time, here’s a guide to help you make the most of the experience. What is El Rastro?     El Rastro is an open ..read more

When visiting Hokkaido’s bustling capital city Sapporo, it's easy to create an itinerary dominated entirely by activities within the city. But that would be a mistake. Hokkaido is revered by the Japanese for its wealth of natural beauty, a deep appreciation rooted in the teachings of Shintoism and Buddhism. So any Hokkaido itinerary should include at least a little interaction with nature. One easy option is a visit to the picturesque coast of Otaru, with its unimaginably azure waters, awe-inspiringly large coastal rock formations, and one of Hokkaido’s most famous natural treasures, the Blue ..read more

New York City has a mind blowing abundance of bright, shiny objects, such as iconic landmarks and venerable institutions, which can monopolize your time and focus. In our opinion, however, the essence of the city can be found in its unique and vibrant neighborhoods, and a visit to at least some of these neighborhoods should absolutely be a part of any NYC itinerary. In this article, we'll guide you through a number of accessible neighborhoods that define the city's diverse culture, history, and local character without taking you too far afield from the most popular tourist attractions. Fun ne ..read more

While a long layover is rarely viewed as ideal, savvy travelers recognize that it provides an opportunity to explore yet another city, which can be the perfect salve on an otherwise long and boring journey. And Zürich is a perfect layover destination. Nestled amidst the Swiss Alps, Zürich’s famously efficient transportation and compact city center make it easy to explore even if you only have a few hours to spare. So if you find yourself with a layover in Zürich like I did, here’s a guide to help you maximize every minute of your time in this Swiss metropolis. Important Layover Logistics How ..read more

Hell's Kitchen is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood located in the heart of Manhattan. As locals, we came by our unique perspective through volunteering for City Meals-on-Wheels. Delivering meals to residents of the neighborhood on weekends took us down streets we wouldn’t normally have noticed, and we got to know the character of Hell's Kitchen intimately. Hell’s Kitchen is known for its varied food scene, but it’s also home to some great coffee shops and unique bars, and the sheer volume can be overwhelming. But over the years we’ve spent a lot of time dining, caffeinating and socializing ..read more

I’ve visited Tokyo multiple times and have several friends living there or visiting regularly, and you know what I’ve learned? You can’t run out of things to do in Tokyo. It’s impossible to come up with a list of things to do in Tokyo and not feel like you’re still missing out. But allow me to make the case for finding time to visit Ueno Park. Although Tokyo has numerous lush green spaces, Ueno Park is a captivating oasis which offers a truly immersive experience in Japanese culture and history. Join me on a journey through the cultural and natural wonders of Ueno Park, and discover why this ..read more

Tokyo can fill an itinerary of any length, but when its bustling streets and neon lights become overwhelming, there's a perfect escape waiting just a train ride away. Nikko is a picturesque town boasting a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders. In this guide, we'll explore why Nikko is a worthy day trip destination from Tokyo, highlighting the awe-inspiring landscapes and historic temples that make it a must-visit spot for every traveler seeking a taste of traditional Japan. Where is Nikko? Nikko is a small city in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture, in the mountains north of Tokyo. Is Nikko ..read more

We love big city energy, so when we travel we tend to gravitate towards the bustling urban centers around the world. But we've been mastering the art of punctuating our city breaks with excursions into nature like a day trip to Nikko from Tokyo, smaller towns, like a day trip to Otaru from Sapporo. So far, it’s yielded a far more enriching experience. If you’re interested in taking a day trip from Copenhagen, options range from castles to modern art. We took three different day trips, and Odense was our favorite, largely due to the amazing HC Andersen House museum. Where is Odense? Odense is ..read more

Porto is often considered simply a diversion or a secondary destination in any Portugal travel itinerary, with the focus on Lisbon. But that mindset has been changing over the years. Previously known primarily for its port wine, savvy travelers are discovering this charming, budget-friendly European city in droves. Porto is refined, yet inviting. Exotic, yet accessible. So if you’re unable to add any other Portuguese city to your itinerary, don’t despair. Porto is an excellent standalone destination, whether you’re traveling to Portugal for the first time or you’re looking for yet another rea ..read more

In a world rife with complexities, finding joy in simple pleasures can reconnect us to the present moment. For us, that’s a good cup of coffee first thing in the morning, an open table at a busy restaurant, and discovering amazing street art. And there’s no better place than the Bushwick Collective for a street art fix. We’ve been traipsing to Bushwick for years just to check out the latest murals, and here’s our guide on how to find the best street art this hopping street art mecca has to offer. Where is the Bushwick Collective? Bushwick is a neighborhood in Brooklyn which neighbors popular ..read more