Wanderlust Wednesday – rebeccawanderlusting

When I was ten years old, my family took a week-long trip to Maui. This trip stands out as one of my all-time favorites for a multitude of reasons. As a small-town Midwesterner, everything was so exotic and new to me on this gorgeous, vibrant island. The things that stick in my memory most are staying in a vacation rental on the ocean and hunting for geckos on the path to the beach, jumping off the top of a waterfall and hitting the water square on my ass (making sitting painful for days), doing the hula at a luau in a small, grass skirt, and taking a sailing cruise, spotting dolphins leaping through the clear blue waves. Of course I want to go back, this time to Kauai. I’m confident that the experience will be just as magical as the first time. The trip is not yet booked, but if it was, here’s how it would all shake out:

North Shore Off-Roading, Kauai, Hawaii, Wanderlust Wednesday — *Photo Courtesy of Kauai.com*

What I would see and do:

First of all, rent a car to explore the island as much as possible
HIKE! Kauai is rich with state parks like Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon
Sail out into the open sea
Attempt to surf at one of the many gorgeous beaches
Seek out all of the waterfalls, like Hanakapiai Falls and Wailua Falls

What and where I would eat:

Loco Moco – a local delicacy consisting of rice, a meat patty, egg and gravy
Tide Pools at the Grand Hyatt – a romantic, fine dining establishment
Gaylords which is located in an old mansion, and offers an amazing selection of seafood

Where I would stay:

Koa Kea Hotel and Resort because it looks exactly like all my Hawaiian fantasies.
Kauai Beach Resort for it’s budget-friendliness and the gorgeous beach next to it
Hanalei Colony Resort for it’s seclusion and ocean view rooms

Boat Tours, Kauai, Hawaii, Wanderlust Wednesday — *Photo Courtesy of Kauai.com*

When I would go:

Late Spring/Early Summer when airfare is cheaper and the weather is prime.

How I would get there:

Alaskan Air is actually the best option financially from Chicago, with the catch that there is a stopover in Seattle.

Helpful Kauai Blogs:

Alex in Wanderland – “Hiking Kauai’s Kalalau Trail”
Forget Someday – “7 Days in Paradise: Kauai”
Hula Land – “15 Things to Do in Kauai (that are completely perfect)“
Well Plated – “What to Eat, See, and Do in Paradise“

Have you ever been to Kauai, or any of the Hawaiian Islands? What did you think?

Happy Wanderlust Wednesday! As stated in this past post, I wanted to start talking about places I want to go to along with the places that I’ve been. It seems that idea was a good one from the response I got from that post so here we go! This time around I’m talking about Isle of Sky, Scotland. Scotland has been on my list since I studied abroad in London in 2010, and missed the chance to do a weekend trip there (I went to Ireland instead). This beautiful, lush, green land of legends and mythical creatures is calling my name. The whole country is beautiful, and Isle of Skye seems like epitome of that beauty. While I don’t have any immediate plans to travel there, I would jump at the chance to jet off to the Isle of Skye.

What I would want to see and do:

The Fairy Pools and Fairy Fields – too magical to resist
Dunvegan Castle – the oldest, still lived-in castle in Scotland
The Old Man of Storr – a beautiful rocky outcropping that looks like something out of Game of Thrones
The Waterfalls – oh, all the gorgeous waterfalls in all their mythical glory
Hike the hills and spot some sheep
Kayak in the beautiful, turquoise sea
Walk the streets of Portree
Photo Courtesy of IsleofSkye.com

What I would want to eat:

The freshest seafood, sitting at a table overlooking the ocean
Haggis – the Scottish delicacy, that I can’t promise that I’ll enjoy, but I will certainly try it anyways
Shortbread and tea
Fish and chips – a UK favorite
The traditional full Scottish Breakfast

Where I would stay:

The Broadford Hotel – for it’s stunning views and classy bedrooms.
The Ben Tianavaig Bed & Brekafast – for it’s charm and undeniable appeal.
The Flodigarry Hotel – again, gorgeous views, and posh, old-timey decor to boot.

When I would go:

In the late springtime, when the wildflowers are blooming and the weather is mild. There will be less tourists and maybe a little more rain, but what’s a little rain in the land of rainbows?

How I would get there:

Travelling from Chicago, I would need to fly out of O’Hare International Airport into Inverness, Scotland and take a bus or rent a car to get to the Isle of Skye.

Helpful Isle of Skye Blogs:

A Dangerous Business – “The Isle of Skye: Still My Favorite part of Scotland“
Adventurous Kate – “On a Skye High in Scotland”
Hand Luggage Only – “The Complete Guide to Travelling Across the Highlands of Scotland“
Sugar and Soul – “Scotland – Isle of Skye”
Photo Courtesy of IsleofSkye.com

What do you think? Are you falling in love with The Isle of Skye like I am? Or, if you have been there, what was your favorite part of The Isle of Skye? Do you have any tips for what to do or where to stay?