I call this “Edinburgh Take II” because this was our second trip to Edinburgh, though I’m sure we’ll be back for takes III, IV, V…and hopefully more. We were just there for a short time, and we were tickled to explore even more of the city than we were able to on our first short visit (almost exactly a year prior in 2015). To start, we couldn’t resist a ride on the hop-on-hop-off bus. The tour helped us re-acquaint ourselves with the city and suss out the things we didn’t want to miss this time. The sun was out and shining bright, which made for a beautiful walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens, and a delicious lunch nearby at Earthy Market & Restaurant, with a vegetarian spread that even my meat-eating husband loved…with a side of cold beer & white wine of course! We ended our stay in Edinburgh with a sunset walk along the castle wall, and excited to move on to the next leg of our journey: Oban. See the rest of my highlights from this whirlwind adventure in the Highlands of Scotland: Part 1 of 6: Edinburgh Part 2 of 6: Oban Part 3 of 6: Isle of Staffa (& Puffins!) Part 4 of 6: Isle of Iona Part 5 of 6: Orkney Island Part 6 of 6: Dunnet Head
Read MoreGrand Canyon South Rim in Winter
A great way to have the Grand Canyon South Rim (almost) to yourself: show up in the winter, during a snow storm! Views of the canyon itself are limited during heavy snowfall, but with fewer cars and people, the wildlife is out in full force. If you’re visiting in winter via rental car (like we did, because we flew in from Maine), pay extra for 4 wheel drive, and be sure to check out the Grand Canyon NPS page with info on visiting during winter, including an emergency travel kit checklist. The roads can be very icy, and with fewer people around, it’s a good idea to be prepared.
Read MoreBryce Canyon in Winter
A trip into Bryce Canyon in winter means no crowds, magical light, and trails that are pretty much all yours. Snow and ice makes many of the cliff side trails icy, so be sure to bring traction & poles if you decide to venture in yourself!
Read MoreSan Juan, Puerto Rico
Quick day trip into Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of the 2013 Cayamo Cruise. Spent a beautiful day exploring Castillo San Cristóbal, Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery, Fort San Felipe Del Moro, and wandering the streets of old San Juan as we headed back to port. Wish there had been time for more!
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