Where To Stay in Budapest: Hotel Moments Budapest Review

13/2/2018

Wondering where to stay in Budapest? Read our Hotel Moments Budapest review to see why it makes great travel memories.

Our Budapest accommodations were sponsored by the local tourism board. This post may contain affiliate links, which pay us a small commission should you click on them and then make a purchase.

Where to stay in Budapest Hotel Moments Budapest review - headboard and light. Picture

Deciding where to stay in Budapest? I think this incredible headboard is going to make you curious about Hotel Moments Budapest!

If you wondering where to stay in Budapest, we have a great suggestion and it comes from the heart. Hotel Moments Budapest is an ideal mix of everything we look for in a hotel - unique, memorable, comfortable, well thought out, and well positioned to explore. There are abundant architectural features from centuries past which remind you with every turn that you're in one of the world's most beautiful cities - but the hotel doesn't skimp on modern touches that make even the fussiest of travelers feel at home. If that isn't enough, it's also just steps away from the incomparable Hungarian State Opera House. In short, it's the perfect hotel to make the most of a first time visit to Budapest.

Read our Hotel Moments Budapest review to see what our experience was really like...

Where To Stay In Bagan: Hotels, Guesthouses, and Hostels

23/10/2017

Looking for the best hotels in Bagan? We asked top travel writers for their recommendations for the best hotels, guesthouses, inns, and hostels that Bagan has to offer.

Bagan is synonymous with magic. This small community in Myanmar was once the capital of a mighty kingdom. Between the 11th and 13th centuries, over 10,000 pagodas, temples, and monasteries were built. Today, some 2,200 structures remain, the greatest concentration of religious sites in the world. It is an absolutely essential stop for all travelers in Myanmar and you'll never regret adding an extra day or two onto your Bagan itinerary.

Since our visit in 2013, the travel industry has grown exponentially in Bagan, with hostels, hotels, and guesthouses springing up seemingly overnight. Eager for my readers to have the best possible experience in Bagan, I asked my fellow travel writers to weigh in. Here you'll find their reviews of different properties - from $20 to $200 + a night - to help you make the best possible decision based on your travel style. It's time to pack your bags!

Layover Luxury: The Free Hotel Trick We Just Discovered.

16/5/2017

It's not a hoax or a hack. It's a helpful hint that will change all my future travel plans.

Who doesn't like a sweet treat when they travel?

I've said it a hundred times: The great thing about travel is how you're always learning. But today I'm not talking about learning history or geography or languages. Nope, I've been schooled in a whole new way and it changes EVERYTHING!

It all started with my friend Andrea, who blogs at WanderingiPhone. She's an all round lovely gal who appreciates a savvy bargain as much as the next person. Andrea was telling me about an amazing trip she took to South Africa, "hacking" her points to get free layovers and stopovers in Ethiopia, Israel, and Poland along the way (much like we did in 2013 - seriously, we flew around the world for $350.)

And then Andrea told me that Ethiopian Airlines gave her a free night's accommodation at a Hilton in Addis Ababa, plus meal vouchers and ground transportation. Uh, WHAT?!?!

Exploring Charles Bridge and Discovering Prague's Enduring Charm

28/2/2017

Updated in 2022! Discover the secrets of the centuries-old Charles Bridge in the timeless city of Prague.

Note: Our time in Prague was part of a sponsored press trip. This post may contain affiliate links and ads.

The view from the middle of the bridge. You can see one of the Gothic bridge towers in the background.

We've adapted a new mantra when we're asked for travel advice these days and it goes something like this. When people say that they want to visit Paris, we always pause and ask if they're sure they don't mean Prague. It's no slight against Paris, but I think when it comes to European beauty, charm, romance, and cobblestones, most would-be visitors are craving Prague (and they don't even know it!)

The city is home to fine bakeries, delightful public squares, and, of course, is no stranger to beautiful bridges. Plan your trip to Paris all the same. Just consider adding Prague onto that itinerary! We were fortunate to spend 4 days in the heart of the city, next to the legendary Charles Bridge, and we found reason after reason to starting recommending "The Golden City" along with "The City of Lights".

What To See In Zagreb In One Day: Legendary Ghosts and Lovely Hosts

29/1/2017

If you're looking for things to do in Zagreb in one day - or less! - we have some spook-tacular suggestions.

What To See In Zagreb In One Day: Ghost tour with a white cat on a low stone wall

What To See In Zagreb In One Day: Is this white cat a good omen or a spirit in disguise?

Legend has it that it's bad luck for a black cat to cross your path. I've never put much stock in this old fable - especially since black cats are my favourite! But when a ghostly white cat appeared on our path moments after we concluded the Zagreb Ghosts and Dragons tour, I started to ponder the legend once more. What was the significance of a white cat? And why was it looking at me so curiously as it followed us down the path? What misfortune was lurking around the corner for us in Zagreb? If you're wondering what to see in Zagreb in one day (or even less), we have some spook-tacular suggestions, starting with this fantastic tour.

How to Save, Splurge, and Steal in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

11/10/2016

We found real value in one of the toniest spots in the United States.

There's plenty of oversized fun to be had in Hyannis.

Cape Cod is a tiny spit off Massachusetts, just an hour from Boston, where everything seems endless and open and large. There are massive beaches, gorgeous mansions, endless expanses of blue sky. And the friendliness is larger than life too!

I met my new friend Kelly, a former Cape Cod resident, at a cooking class in Prague. We bonded over a mutual appreciation of all things dumplings and goulash and she gave me invaluable advice for exploring Cape Cod. Thanks to her sage insider's perspective we had an unforgettable trip - plus a long list of activities to consider for next time.

In the spirit of travel friendships, I feel it's only appropriate to pass along our favourite (affordable) Cape Cod recommendations - and I can't wait to hear if you have any to add to the list!

Readers Want To Know: Um....What Are Hostel Showers Really Like?

5/3/2016

Are hostel showers gross? No! Or, at the very least, usually not. This is what you need to know about showering in hostels. Updated 2023.

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, we may be paid a small commission.

Hostel showers - what are they really like? Picture

Showering in hostels might look like this - or it might look totally different.

I dare any traveler to come up with a better spa treatment than what I experienced in Italy. The country's polished marbles had nothing on my skin after a beautiful, yet breezy day at the beach in Finale Ligure. The salt spray, the repetitive layers of sunscreen and blown sand, finished with a hearty dose of sweat from climbing the 300 plus stairs up the hillside to my hostel made for the world's most powerful exfoliate. The hostel showers may have been humble that day but my skin has never felt so good!

I get why the issue of bathrooms and showers is a sensitive one to so many travelers. It's not just about being hygienic. It's also about the ritual of refreshment and relaxation that helps start and conclude a day. It can wash away a horrible day or, like my case in Italy, make a good day even better. And it just feels darn nice.

And that's probably why so many of my readers who want to try staying in hostels or budget accommodations for the first time (or are interested in giving them another shot after a long hiatus) are sheepishly and nervously asking...."Um..... How do I shower in a hostel?"

The Best Hotels and Hostels in Athens

6/2/2016

Looking for a hotel in Athens? Or maybe you're looking to hostel, Athens style? We've got some great recommendations! And we asked top travel writers to weigh in with their picks too.

Hostels Athens - touring the Acropolis. Picture

Check out kitty's pad at the Parthenon. Marble floors, glorious views, great lighting, definitely a historic listing.

Athens is one of the world's great cities and you'll want to make the most of your time here. Finding the right accommodations is a big part of that. You'll want a comfortable, clean, centrally located property where you can enjoy a good rest - and maybe even a great view. And you'll probably want to get a great deal too! Maybe you're searching for one of Athens' affordable hotels. Or perhaps you're keep finding the best hostel Athens has to offer. Either way - we're here to help!

We were thrilled with the property we stayed at, the Athinais Hotel, and would highly recommend it to others. But we wanted to include plenty of options in this post, so no matter your travel style or budget, you can find accommodations that are perfect for you. Thank you to the talented travel writers who weighed in with their opinions! I think you'll enjoy their reviews as much we did. We also want to recommend that visitors to Athens check out cozycozy.com for more wonderful accommodation options.

A View From The Top Hotel In Istanbul

17/1/2016

Istanbul's Hotel HHK is a heck of a deal - no matter how you get there!

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, we may be paid a small commission.

A big breakfast and a beautiful view.

Have you ever seen a series of funny TV ads that shows travelers coming to the end of an arduous journey, finally seeing their amazing resort and incredible hotel suite? The catch line is that they 'booking' got it right. Of course, "booking" is a sub in for another, less family friendly word (hint: it begins with "f") and the ads are promoting the hotel website... I bet you can guess which one.

They're cute ads and I can relate to that 'booking yeah' feeling. I had my own "booking" moment in Istanbul. Nope, it had nothing to do with Booking.com! (In fact, we actually booked through Expedia - here's a direct link to the hotel) but all the other components were in place, from the crazy journey to the gorgeous hotel.

HHK Hotel (aka Hayriye Hanim Konagi Hotel) in Istanbul is one property we absolutely got 'booking' right and, best of all, we got it for an absolute steal! Here's why we loved it, how we got such a sweet deal, and why we were so darn happy to finally arrive at their doorstep.

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Where To Stay in Budapest: Hotel Moments Budapest Review

Where To Stay In Bagan: Hotels, Guesthouses, and Hostels

Looking for the best hotels in Bagan? We asked top travel writers for their recommendations for the best hotels, guesthouses, inns, and hostels that Bagan has to offer.

Layover Luxury: The Free Hotel Trick We Just Discovered.

It's not a hoax or a hack. It's a helpful hint that will change all my future travel plans.

Exploring Charles Bridge and Discovering Prague's Enduring Charm

Updated in 2022! Discover the secrets of the centuries-old Charles Bridge in the timeless city of Prague.

Note: Our time in Prague was part of a sponsored press trip. This post may contain affiliate links and ads.

What To See In Zagreb In One Day: Legendary Ghosts and Lovely Hosts

If you're looking for things to do in Zagreb in one day - or less! - we have some spook-tacular suggestions.

How to Save, Splurge, and Steal in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

We found real value in one of the toniest spots in the United States.

Readers Want To Know: Um....What Are Hostel Showers Really Like?

Are hostel showers gross? No! Or, at the very least, usually not. This is what you need to know about showering in hostels. Updated 2023.

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, we may be paid a small commission.

The Best Hotels and Hostels in Athens

Looking for a hotel in Athens? Or maybe you're looking to hostel, Athens style? We've got some great recommendations! And we asked top travel writers to weigh in with their picks too.

A View From The Top Hotel In Istanbul

Istanbul's Hotel HHK is a heck of a deal - no matter how you get there!

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, we may be paid a small commission.

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Looking for the best hotels in Bagan? We asked top travel writers for their recommendations for the best hotels, guesthouses, inns, and hostels that Bagan has to offer.

It's not a hoax or a hack. It's a helpful hint that will change all my future travel plans.

Updated in 2022! Discover the secrets of the centuries-old Charles Bridge in the timeless city of Prague. Note: Our time in Prague was part of a sponsored press trip. This post may contain affiliate links and ads.

If you're looking for things to do in Zagreb in one day - or less! - we have some spook-tacular suggestions.

We found real value in one of the toniest spots in the United States.

Are hostel showers gross? No! Or, at the very least, usually not. This is what you need to know about showering in hostels. Updated 2023. ​​​This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, we may be paid a small commission.

Looking for a hotel in Athens? Or maybe you're looking to hostel, Athens style? We've got some great recommendations! And we asked top travel writers to weigh in with their picks too.

Istanbul's Hotel HHK is a heck of a deal - no matter how you get there!​​This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, we may be paid a small commission.

Post Categories

Posts by Date

Updated in 2022! Discover the secrets of the centuries-old Charles Bridge in the timeless city of Prague.

Note: Our time in Prague was part of a sponsored press trip. This post may contain affiliate links and ads.

Are hostel showers gross? No! Or, at the very least, usually not. This is what you need to know about showering in hostels. Updated 2023.

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, we may be paid a small commission.

Istanbul's Hotel HHK is a heck of a deal - no matter how you get there!

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, we may be paid a small commission.