My One-Night Stand With Parga
My relationship with Athens just didn't work out. As much as I had wanted to love Greece's capital, the reality was that we just...
The Monasteries of Meteora
“Suspended in the air.” That's the literal translation of Meteora, one of mainland Greece's most popular destinations. And this UNESCO World Heritage site certainly...
Athens, I’m Just Not That Into You
Dear Athens, It was never supposed to end up this way between us. We were supposed to fall deeply, madly in love. I was...
In Photos: Glass Lanterns in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
In Turkish, the place is called Kapalıçarşı, or “Covered Market.” But that just doesn't have the same ring to it or sense of awe as...
Visiting Gallipoli as an American
Growing up in America has definitely given me a unique view of world history. A unique and biased view, many could argue. Yes, my...
Soaking Up History in Bath, England
I definitely have preconceived notions when I hear the phrase “spa town.” I think fancy upscale hotels, plush bath robes, insanely expensive food, and...
What’s it Like to Travel with Intrepid Travel in Eastern Europe?
It's no secret that I've wanted to visit Eastern Europe for quite a while. But, as much as I dreamed about it, the region...
Serendipity Saves the Day in Bulgaria
It was simply too hot in Plovdiv. Forget about walking around — even just standing in the afternoon sun in Bulgaria's second-largest city was...
The Best and Worst of My Summer in Europe
I still have a lot to write about when it comes to all the adventures I had in Europe this summer. Istanbul, Greece, Croatia,...
My Bulgarian Babas
For my whole life, I've referred to my dad's mother not as “Grandma,” but as “Baba” — a term meaning “grandmother” (or “old woman”)...
Visiting Rila Monastery in Bulgaria
As the realization dawned on me that the bus I would be sitting on for 3+ hours had no air conditioning and was equipped...
Is Bulgaria Beautiful? Heck Yes, It Is
I'll admit it: I basically knew nothing about Bulgaria before my first trip to Eastern Europe. All I knew was that it had a...
A Tale of Two Capitals: Bucharest and Sofia
Sometimes while traveling, you visit a city that is so beautiful, so charming, or so alive with culture and atmosphere that you can't help...
August: The Best Time to Be in Edinburgh?
Ask just about anyone who's ever been to Edinburgh, Scotland what they think of the city, and you will probably get a resounding “I...
London 2012: My Olympics Experience
If you had asked me a year ago what I thought my first trip to London would consist of, I probably would have answered...
Traveling in Romania (and Why You Should Go Right Now)
Most people don't necessarily equate “Romania” with “cool travel destination.” This Eastern European country between Hungary and Bulgaria isn't usually a place people have...
Beyond Dracula: Reasons to Visit Brasov, Romania
The small city of Brasov may not be well-known around the world. In fact, I'm sure many of you have never even heard of...
