My 10 Favorite U.S. Hikes, RebeccaWanderlusting

Top Five Friday #16

On January 20, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday, US TravelLeave a comment

US Bucket List

This year, I would love to explore new areas of the United States. There are so many fantastic destinations in my own country, it makes for quite a long list of need-to-visit places. I know I’ve said it before, but I think it’s worth noting again: every destination has it’s merits, and you don’t need to travel far to find a worth-while vacation. This also speaks to my need to be on a tighter travel budget this year, as traveling within the United States tends to be a bit cheaper than internationally. While this list could go on and on, here are the five destinations that top my US Bucket List:

Grand Haven, Michigan: I love Michigan. Ever since we visited Grand Rapids, I’ve been looking into other Michigan cities to explore. Grand Haven seems to fit the bill perfectly with its delicious looking restaurants, antique shops, and not to mention its beaches and lighthouses. We can sail on Lake Michigan, bike along the boardwalks and relax in the evening at one of the many breweries in town. It’s the perfect weekend getaway.
(photo via)
Adirondacks, New York: The Adirondacks is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. I would love to rent a cabin in the wilderness there and hike, kayak and browse through the local artist galleries. I would also love to take the Amtrak train from New York City to cross “take an Amtrak trip” of my list of to-dos for the year. Overall, this destination seems like an excellent place to de-stress and enjoy the surroundings.
(photo via)
Albuquerque, New Mexico: Hot air balloon rides over the desert! What else do I need to say? That has always been on my bucket list, and I would love to travel to New Mexico to experience it. In addition to that, Albuquerque has hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and tons of other outdoor activities. Not to mention the numerous wineries, breweries and wide variety of restaurants to enjoy. It would be the perfect long weekend to get into nature and away from the city.
(photo via)
Charleston, South Carolina: What’s not to love about a picturesque, Southern city with history to spare?? Charleston has been on my list so long that I need to visit soon if only for the satisfaction of checking it off. I want to tour the old houses, enjoy the coast, and eat so much seafood. Charleston has so much to offer, and I would love to explore every little bit of it.
(photo via)
Olympic National Park, Washington: There is so much beauty to see in and around Olympic National Park, this trip would need to be at least a week or so long. The rain forests within the park alone, are worthy of their own trip. But then there’s Crescent Lake, numerous beaches and waterfalls… it’s such a gorgeous destination. I would love to fly into Seattle and drive to Olympic National Park, stopping at all of the parks and landmarks.

(photo via)

What’s on your US Bucket List? Do we have any destinations in common?

Top Five Friday #15

On August 26, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday2 Comments

Happy 100 Year Anniversary National Parks System!

In honor of the 100^th Anniversary of the United States National Parks Service (which was actually yesterday, I know), this is a very special Top 5 Friday post. These parks are a huge part of what makes America truly beautiful. The National Parks have been a huge part of my personal relationship with travel. Thanks to my parents, I grew up learning about geysers in Yellowstone National Park, climbing mountains in Olympic National Park and hugging sequoias in Yosemite National Park and visited countless other beautiful parks on family vacations.

I have many, many fond memories of enjoying these parks when I was young, alongside my sister and parents. Recently, I’ve been lucky enough to explore new (to me, at least) US National Parks with Mike. Among the many great experiences I’ve had exploring the National Parks, of course I have some favorites, which is where the top 5 comes in! So, below in no particular order, are my top five favorite National Park memories.

Yellowstone National Park – This list would not be complete without the first National Park I’ve ever visited. The year was 1998 and I was 8 years old. We drove across the flattest parts of the country to a world so unlike my hometown that I was convinced it was magical. The smell of sulfur permeated the car as we got close to the park. We witness Old Faithful, hiked on boardwalks through color changing geothermal areas, and rode horses across fields. On this same trip through the West, we visited Mount Rushmore, The Badlands in North Dakota, and The Grand Tetons. In other words, we got a lot of National Park bang for our buck, which was a great experience for a National Park first-timer.
Haleakala National Park – My family visited this park on a vacation to the island of Maui in Hawaii. I distinctly remember being roused out of bed in the early, early morning to watch the sunrise from the dormant volcano of the same name of the park. My sister and I were bundled up in our blankets, huddled between our parents, watching the sun make its way into the sky. It was an experience that I would be hard pressed to forget. In fact, the whole trip was one of my all-time favorites, from driving to Road to Hana in our bright blue Mustang convertible (thanks, Dad!), to jumping off the tops of a waterfall only to smack painfully into the water on my 10 year old butt… it was all perfect.
Jean Lafitte National Park – This park will always hold a special place in my heart because Mike and I visited it on our first ever trip together. The Jean Lafitte National Park is just a short drive from New Orleans, and it is definitely worth a visit. The portion of the park that we explored was the Barataria Preserve. There, we walked through the forest/swamp on a boardwalk path and peeled our eyes for alligators. The walk took us through the humid swamp, under spiders as big as my head and alongside other critters, like lizards, snakes and birds. The park was beautiful and lush. We eventually found an alligator, a baby one, and it made the walk through the swamp complete.
John Muir National Forest – Just outside of San Francisco, this park is just too pretty to miss. This coupled with the drop dead gorgeously scenic drive along to get there makes it a must see in my book. Mike and I walked into the park and instantly fell silent to marvel up at the trees. We hiked into the forest, making several Star Wars references as we went (Return of the Jedi was filmed here). We chose a path that wound up into the mountains and lamented the fact that we both chose to wear Chuck Taylors. Despite our aching feet, the hike was one of our favorite parts of our trip to San Francisco.
Smoky Mountains National Park – Started with the first and now ending with the last one we visited. Smoky Mountains National Park was amazing for multiple reasons but mostly because I had my whole family and Mike with me. We hiked as a crew and ate picnic lunches together in the picturesque rest areas and enjoyed the city of Gatlinburg in the evenings. My favorite memory of the trip was ascending the slow, cement spiral to the top of Clingman’s Dome and taking in the view of the whole park from there. We had to take turns going up to the top so someone could watch the stroller, but being there all together made it perfect.

What was the last National Park that you visited? And which is your favorite?

Top Five Ways to Explore Your City, Rebecca Wanderlusting

Top Five Friday #14

On July 1, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday1 Comment

Top Five Ways to Explore Your City

With all of the great destinations in the world, it may be easy to forget the one right outside your door. While it may or may not be a tourist hot spot or a large city, your hometown is sure to have its merits. I grew up in the teeny, tiny Midwest town of Johnsburg, IL (any Tom Waites fans out there??). Despite the lack of things to do there , I remember writing an article for our high school newspaper on how to have a staycation spring break, which is pretty similar to this here blog. It was fun to research and, even then, I was compelled by the idea that anywhere can be a vacation spot with some research, positivity, and maybe a little imagination. When researching how to make Johnsburg a fun staycation destination, I believe we walked to the Mobile Gas Station for candy, stopped into Video Villa for a movie, and walked over to the public library to check out the selection. I remember it as being a pretty solid day. Anyways, the point of the matter is this: not everyone has the resources to travel each instance they get their hands on some vacation time, but it’s important not to overlook the beautiful place you live if you’re in need of an escape. Here are my five best tips to explore your city:

Plan a stay at a local hotel – See your hometown as a visitor would by planning a little staycation at a hotel that interests you. Look on Tripadvisor to find one that matches your needs and budget. Go all out and pair it with a night on the town, or stay in and enjoy the hotel amenities. Either way, you’ll get to see a different side of your city that you wouldn’t get to witness inside your apartment.
Check Pinterest – The world wide web is obviously full of information, and Pinterest gives you a concentrated selection of the points of interest that are in your city. The attractions others found there might be things that never would have occurred to you. Furthermore, it may direct you to websites dedicated to events and festivities near you that you may have been completely unaware of.
Take a tour – “Take a tour of my own city?? That’s crazy” you might be saying to yourself right about now. But, think about it, when you first moved to your particular corner of the globe, did you bother looking into tours of places that interested you? No? I certainly didn’t. And in this day in age, there are so many independent tour companies out there, that you’re sure to find one in your city that is centered around your interests. For example, the walking cupcake tour of Chicago is something I’d definitely like to try.
Pick a Neighborhood and go for a stroll – Within your hometown, choose a neighborhood or area that you have yet to explore and take a walk. Sometimes the best coffee shops/restaurants/stores are ones that you’ve stumbled upon randomly. Better yet, stop into each restaurant that catches your interest and have an appetizer, drink or dessert there to create your own personal food tour.
Attend an Event or Festival – This may seem like a given, but not everyone takes advantage of these opportunities. There can be a ton of possibilities that suit all interests in terms of fests and events, especially during this time of year. For example, during the summertime in Chicago, there is an art fair, music festival or street fest happening almost every single weekend. Choose one and discover a new neighborhood, new restaurant or new side of your hometown.

What is your favorite way to explore your own city? How often do you try new things in your hometown?

Top Five Friday #13

On June 3, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday, Travel Tips3 Comments

Lessons From Traveling as a Couple

I remember the first trip Mike and I ever took together like it was yesterday. It was actually in August, 2014, and we had only been dating for four months at the time. We made the fourteen hour drive to New Orleans and spent three amazing days there. We had stormy afternoons, drunken nights, ran out of money, dealt with some car issues and endured what turned out to be an eighteen hour drive home. In short, we really tested our fairly new relationship. And I’m so glad we did. That trip meant a lot to both of us and we still talk about it frequently; comparing all other vacations to that first perfect trip to NOLA (even despite the bumps in the road). Traveling as a couple can make or break a relationship, but when it’s done right, it can really bring you closer together. Each trip Mike and I take together teaches us something new, whether about each other or how we travel as a couple. We’ve finally gotten a good rhythm. For example, I know not to drag him around to different attractions when he is hungry, and he knows to be patient with me when I am trying to take pictures, and so on. Though I do enjoy traveling solo, Mike will always be my favorite travel buddy. Here are our best tips for couple’s travel so far:

Always discuss the activities and attractions you want to visit beforehand: You would be hard-pressed to find a significant other that enjoys all the exact same things you do. That’s a good thing though, right? Opposites attract! When talking about what you want to do while you’re on vacation, make a list together and make sure both of your interests are equally represented. You will both be much happier to do these things together when you know it was a joint decision.
Stay hydrated and fed to avoid nonsense fights: This might be the most important tip I could give. I cannot tell you how many times Mike and I have bickered over nothing, just because one or both of us was hungry. It seems like such a small thing, but it will save you a lot of grief along the way, I swear.
Plan the financial aspects ahead of time: There is nothing that will sour your vacation together faster than arguing over who will pay for what. If you are splitting the costs, decide who is paying for what before you even leave. Make a list of potential costs and split it up however you want: pay for alternate meals, split the hotel bill at checkout, however you want to divide it up. Just stick with the plan to avoid awkwardness on the road.
Split the responsibilities: Whether it’s dividing the driving hours for a road trip, carrying the backpack, or being in charge of the map, don’t make one person take all of the responsibility. Splitting it equally means that you both have equal amounts of fun. I do not really enjoy driving, but I will take my turn so Mike can rest and enjoy the scenery too.
Always have a Plan B: No matter how much you plan or how evenly you split your costs, there’s bound to be something that doesn’t go exactly as planned. Always have a Plan B to get you through. For example, when Mike and I had planned to go to Toronto earlier this year, we ran into some unforeseen circumstances and had to cancel the trip. Fortunately, we bounced back and went to Grand Rapids instead. Things fall through, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be for the better.

What are your best tips for traveling as a couple? Where was your favorite trip together?

For further reading, here are all of the trips Mike and I have gone on together: New Orleans, New York, Milwaukee River, Dubuque, Memphis, San Francisco, and Grand Rapids.

Top Five Friday #12

On May 13, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday2 Comments

Top 5 Tips for Getting a Hotel Upgrade

It’s always a nice bonus to get a room upgrade when you’re on vacation; like the cherry on top of an already perfect sundae. Though they don’t typically come easily, there are some tried and true ways to secure an upgrade. Whether attempted during the reservation process or during check in, these five tips can help you improve your accommodations:

Just ask: When you check in, simply ask the Front Desk if there are any room upgrades available. Don’t be forceful or demanding, keep it light and friendly. The key is to be casual and conversational. If it’s a slower day, they may have plenty of upgrades available. If it’s a no go, say “thank you for checking” and move on with the check-in.
Be nice: This goes hand in hand with tip #1. As a rule, it’s always, always better to be nice to any customer service professional. If you’ve worked in customer service, you know how many jerks these lovely people have to deal with each day. Don’t be one of them. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, right? Being kind and appreciative goes a long way.
Mention that you’re celebrating: If you actually are celebrating something, let the staff know! If you’re not celebrating any real occasion, make one up. Sure, it’s a little white lie, but it’s bound to get you at least a complimentary bottle of wine sent to your room. It works even better if you let the reservation agent know your celebrating a birthday, anniversary, whatever when you’re making your room reservation. The upgrade could be set up before you even arrive.
Book your reservation through the hotel: I am not trying to knock online booking systems like Orbitz or Expedia, I use them and love them. That being said, if you choose to book through the hotel directly, you have a better chance of being upgraded because you’re paying their rack rates. If the hotel has rooms to upgrade, guests that are paying the hotel’s rates (as opposed to the cheaper rates offered on those websites) are more likely to be upgraded.
Offer to Pay for It: If all else fails, offer to pay for an upgrade. While you are spending a little extra, you will almost certainly not be paying the rack rate for the upgraded room. Coming by the upgrade honestly isn’t the worst way to go, and spending more might mean more amenities in the long run.

What about you? Do you have any go-to tips to secure a room upgrade?

Wanderlust, Travel Inspiring Books, Top Five Friday

Top Five Friday #11

On April 14, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday, Travel BooksLeave a comment

5 More Travel Inspiring Books

I’ve touched on this subject once before, but books and travel are two things that I happen to be very passionate about. I like to read about travel and read while I travel. I read for travel inspiration and sometimes for travel validation (as in, YES! That’s it! That’s why all my money goes towards plane tickets and hotels!). Whether the books are fiction or non-fiction, informative or not so informative, I’m happy if it is wanderlust-inducing. Here are five more travel inspiring books to inspire your next adventure:

“The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost” by Rachel Friedman: I read this book on the way to and during my Washington, D.C. trip. I loved it so much. Rachel Friedman writes in a way that makes you feel like she is sitting next to you, regaling her travel stories over wine. The book tells of her travels to Ireland, Australia, and South America. I loved the honesty she uses in her writing, it makes the whole story that much more relatable.
“Footloose American” by Brian Kevin: This book details the adventures of the author as he follows the same path Hunter S. Thompson traveled through South America. In traversing through Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, Mr. Kevin hopes to gain clarity and a new perspective on life in America. Though it seems a little too factual at times, the adventures and mishaps he comes upon make it a fun read.
“American Gods” by Neil Gaiman: “Why is a theological science fiction book on this list?” you might ask. But, if you’ve read it you know that this book dances around the continental United States, detailing roadside attractions and doling out suspense. It also deserves a place on this list because the author, a British man, traveled all over the U.S. by train and car to write this book with the knowledge he gained.
“On The Road” by Jack Kerouac: Is it cliché that “On The Road” is on this list? Maybe, but it would also be weird if it wasn’t. I read this book in San Francisco, which was pretty perfect considering that is where a lot of it takes place. While at times Mr. Kerouac’s writing can lean towards pretension, the story is well-written and entertaining. This book is a classic inspiration for travelers striking out on their own.
“The Paris Wife” by Paula McLain: I read this historical fiction novel on the beaches of Miami. It kept me so interested that I was sunburned by the time I was finished with it. “The Paris Wife” is the story of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley, and their time together in Paris, France. The book is equal parts 1920s Paris glitz and wistful love story. It’s an intimate and interesting look, fiction or not, into Mr. Hemingway’s private life.

What are your favorite travel inspiring books? Where have they inspired you to travel?

Top Five Friday, Washington, D.C. Meals, Food, RebeccaWanderlusting

Top Five Friday #9

On March 29, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday, US Travel, Washington, D.C.Leave a comment

Top 5 Washington, D.C. Meals

There are an undeniable amount of fantastic restaurants in Washington, D.C. When I started planning my trip, I had a huge list of restaurants I wanted to try. There was such a large range of cuisines and so many well-liked and much talked about places that it was very hard to choose which ones to go to. If I could afford it and stomach it, I would have had at least eight meals a day. However, that isn’t a realistic feat for me, so though I know there are many other great restaurants that very well could have made this list, below are my five favorite Washington, D.C. Meals:

Le Diplomate – Scallops Nicoise ($29): This was the first restaurant I visited in DC and it made such a great impression. This upscale French restaurant is gorgeous inside and has dining al fresco as well. Because this place was a little pricey for my budget, I only ordered an entrée and stuck with water to drink. They had a very fancy looking wine list though, and had my budget allowed, I would have certainly ordered a glass or two. They brought out a basket of bread prior to my meal and I counted that as my appetizer; the breads were delicious, especially the cranberry walnut. The scallops were so damn good, perfectly cooked and very flavorful. They were served with orzo, tomatoes, onions, peas and pesto. I could have that meal every night and be so happy.
Ted’s Bulletin – Ted Tart ($3): Let me preface this by saying (again) I do not eat eggs, I don’t like them. So breakfast is always a little bit tricky for me: it’s usually a bunch of side dishes or pancakes. At Ted’s Bulletin, I ordered hash browns, bacon and a Ted Tart, their homemade version of a poptart. They had many different flavors (strawberry, brown sugar, lemon something, blueberry cheesecake…) but I chose the salted caramel tart. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. I wish I could take a dozen home with me, but I doubt they would have lasted more than an hour in my possession. The restaurant was really cute and the coffee was decent. Be prepared to wait for a table if you go on a Sunday morning (unless you go by yourself, like I did!).
Mandu – Mandu Dumplings ($4 for happy hour) & Chap Chae ($15): I read about Mandu in a Buzzfeed article featuring DC’s best cheap eats. I was instantly interested. They have a happy hour that’s available 7 days a week and has some great deals. The servers were really great and capable of explaining any of the Korean dishes you might not be so familiar with. I had dumplings for my appetizer, trying 2 of each dumpling: vegetable, shrimp and beef & pork. Chap Chae was my entrée and it was very good. I loved the Korean condiments (kimchee, pickles, bean sprouts…) that came with it.
Founding Farmers – Strawberries and Cream Waffle ($8) & Pork Sausage ($6): Founding Farmer’s is on a lot of “best of DC” lists so of course I had to try it. It was pretty bustling for a Monday morning, but I was seated right away. I ordered a latte straight away and was happy when it came in a big, cozy mug. For breakfast I ordered the strawberries and cream waffle and sausage links. The waffle was served with a small metal carton of syrup and a large dollop of dense, custard-y cream and fresh strawberries. The sausage was good as well and balanced out the sweetness of the waffle. It was a perfect meal and a perfect way to kick off a day of adventuring.
Momofuku Milk Bar – Crack Pie ($5.50): I knew I wanted to go to Momofuku Milk Bar, but arrived there completely by happy accident. It was my last day in DC and it was pouring and very cold, I rushed into what I thought was a cute bakery and didn’t realize until I was fully inside that it was THE cute bakery. I ordered the Crack Pie, a treat they’re famous for, and stood at the counter to enjoy it with my coffee while I watched the rain. The Crack Pie was mouth-wateringly good. It was caramel-y and sweet and rich and was the cure for my rainy day mood.

I know there are a ton of other great DC restaurants that I probably missed, which are your favorites?

Top Five Friday #10

On March 18, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday, Travel Tips4 Comments

Tips for Travel Budgeting

Budgeting is a necessary step in the trip planning process. It may determine the destination, or the type of accommodation, or set a goal for a trip in the far future. Whatever the case may be, a solid budget is an essential travel accessory. Below are my top five tips for budgeting for your next trip:

Set a realistic number to start with and stick to it. Research how much the primary expenses will be, this would include your flight/gas/train ticket and your accommodations. Factor in attraction costs and tours, then add in how much you would ideally spend each day on food and miscellaneous expenses. The key is to not be stingy with your budget starting out. If you have more than you thought you might need during your trip, that’s better than the alternative. (For tips on saving money to add to your travel budget, see this blog).
Add in buffer funds. Whatever you came up with tip #1, add a few hundred to it for emergency expenses. Keep this buffer fund in a separate savings account, or in cash hidden in your suitcase somewhere. In other words, somewhere you can’t readily get to unless you absolutely need it. Hopefully you’ll never need to touch these extra funds, but it’s good to know you have them should anything come up.
Check fees and extra charges before booking. If you have a set budget, you need to account for the fees charged with airline and hotel bookings that might exceed what you’ve budgeted for. For example, budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier have fees and extra charges for pretty much everything. $5 to choose your seat ahead of time, $35 for a carry-on bag… these things add up pretty quickly. There are some hostels charge extra for luggage storage and linens and hotels that will charge for WiFi and parking. Check all of this ahead of time and factor it into the budget.
Budget for each day using cash only. You already know what you want to spend daily, so make it easier on yourself and have only that much cash on you each day. It is much easier to keep track of where you’re at when you are using tangible dollars for each purchase rather than swiping a card for everything you buy. This is a handy way to stay on budget, but you should certainly keep your credit/debit card on hand too in case you’re in need of those buffer funds.
Leave room for last minute adventures. Yes, budgeting is very important for each and every trip, however, I’ve always been of the belief that adventure is nothing without a little spontaneity. If there is something you really want to do or see, go for it! Don’t miss an opportunity to do something you’ll never get the chance to try again just because you’re budget might be a little tight for it. You’re on vacation after all, have a little fun.

What is your best budgeting tip? What adventure would you splurge on?

Top Five Friday #9

On March 4, 2016March 4, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday, US Travel, Washington, D.C.Leave a comment

Best Meals in Washington, D.C.

Le Diplomate – Scallops Nicoise ($29): This was the first restaurant I visited in DC and it made such a great impression. This upscale French restaurant is gorgeous inside and has dining al fresco as well. Because this place was a little pricey for my budget, I only ordered an entrée and stuck with water to drink. They had a very fancy looking wine list though, and had my budget allowed, I would have certainly ordered a glass or two. They brought out a basket of bread prior to my meal and I counted that as my appetizer; the breads were delicious, especially the cranberry walnut. The scallops were so damn good, perfectly cooked and very flavorful. They were served with orzo, tomatoes, onions, peas and pesto. I could have that meal every night and be so happy.
Ted’s Bulletin – Ted Tart ($3): Let me preface this by saying (again) I do not eat eggs, I don’t like them. So breakfast is always a little bit tricky for me: it’s usually a bunch of side dishes or pancakes. At Ted’s Bulletin, I ordered hash browns, bacon and a Ted Tart, their homemade version of a poptart. They had many different flavors (strawberry, brown sugar, lemon something, blueberry cheesecake…) but I chose the salted caramel tart. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. I wish I could take a dozen home with me, but I doubt they would have lasted more than an hour in my possession. The restaurant was really cute and the coffee was decent. Be prepared to wait for a table if you go on a Sunday morning (unless you go by yourself, like I did!).
Mandu – Mandu Dumplings ($4 for happy hour) & Chap Chae ($15): I read about Mandu in a Buzzfeed article featuring DC’s best cheap eats. I was instantly interested. They have a happy hour that’s available 7 days a week and has some great deals. The servers were really great and capable of explaining any of the Korean dishes you might not be so familiar with. I had dumplings for my appetizer, trying 2 of each dumpling: vegetable, shrimp and beef & pork. Chap Chae was my entrée and it was very good. I loved the Korean condiments (kimchee, pickles, bean sprouts…) that came with it.
Founding Farmers – Strawberries and Cream Waffle ($8) & Pork Sausage ($6): Founding Farmer’s is on a lot of “best of DC” lists so of course I had to try it. It was pretty bustling for a Monday morning, but I was seated right away. I ordered a latte straight away and was happy when it came in a big, cozy mug. For breakfast I ordered the strawberries and cream waffle and sausage links. The waffle was served with a small metal carton of syrup and a large dollop of dense, custard-y cream and fresh strawberries. The sausage was good as well and balanced out the sweetness of the waffle. It was a perfect meal and a perfect way to kick off a day of adventuring.
Momofuku Milk Bar – Crack Pie ($5.50): I knew I wanted to go to Momofuku Milk Bar, but arrived there completely by happy accident. It was my last day in DC and it was pouring and very cold, I rushed into what I thought was a cute bakery and didn’t realize until I was fully inside that it was THE cute bakery. I ordered the Crack Pie, a treat they’re famous for, and stood at the counter to enjoy it with my coffee while I watched the rain. The Crack Pie was mouth-wateringly good. It was caramel-y and sweet and rich and was the cure for my rainy day mood.

I know there are a ton of other great DC restaurants that I probably missed, which are your favorites?

Top 5 Friday #8

On February 12, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday, Travel Tips4 Comments

Tips to Maximize Weekend Travel

I, like a lot of people out there, am mostly confined to weekend travel due to my job. Because of this, I am constantly trying to find ways to make the most of my weekend adventures. Sure, there are times when I splurge on trips and use my vacation days to travel longer, but since I prefer to travel more often than not, plain old weekends usually just have to do. If this sounds familiar to your own travel situation, you’re in luck! Below are my top five tips for maximizing your weekend travels:

Pick a destination that doesn’t take a ton of time to get to: Whether you’re driving, flying, taking a train, boating, whatever, don’t spend the entire weekend in transit. The “it’s the journey, not the destination” theory does not apply here. It’s the destination that matters when you only have a few days to enjoy the trip. My preferred maximum travel time is 4-5 hours each way, and even that’s pushing it. Any more than that won’t give you enough time to explore your chosen destination.

When choosing a destination, choose a theme for your trip: This is an important step: what do you want to do over this weekend trip? Do you want to relax by the pool and read? Do you want to get out and walk around and explore? Do you want to do extreme sports? Pick a destination that fits what you want to accomplish best. Or, fits your budget best. I’m a big fan of picking the cheapest air fare and then planning accordingly (see: “Trip Planning: Washington, D.C.“), but that’s not for everyone. Take a minute to think about your budget and what you want out of the trip.

Make note of restaurants you wouldn’t want to miss while you’re there: You certainly do not have to plan out every meal, but I think it’s important to make sure you hit the restaurants that you really wanted to go to. Make reservations if you have to, or plan to explore around that certain restaurant in order to make it a part of your itinerary. I don’t know about you, but I really do not enjoy wandering around aimlessly trying to find somewhere great for dinner only to settle for something mediocre because I’m too hungry to keep looking. I usually do a little restaurant research online before a trip and pick one or two that look too delicious to skip.

Don’t over-plan: To piggy back on my last point, make note of the things that you really want to see/do/eat, but don’t schedule every minute of your trip. Allow some time to explore and discover some new things. I usually make a list of attractions I’d like to see, then try to walk to them all so I can find new attractions along the way. When you don’t have an unlimited amount of time to explore somewhere new, it’s great to have a good idea of what you want to accomplish while you’re there. But it’s also great to not drive yourself crazy with a strict itinerary. Find a happy medium.

When all else fails – Staycation!: I am of the belief that a staycation can be just as restorative as a vacation. Sometimes all it takes to recharge and lift your spirits is to get out of your house/apartment and break up your routine. Explore your own city or kick back for a spa day and room service in those wonderful fluffy white hotel beds. If you want more tips on planning a fantastic staycation, check here.

What is the best weekend trip you’ve been on lately? How did you plan it?