Solo Trip Snapshots

On September 5, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Denmark, Iceland, International Travel2 Comments

It has officially been a year since my solo trip to Iceland and Copenhagen, Denmark, and I’m still in awe of the scenery in both countries. This trip meant a lot to me, as it was the longest I had ever taken by myself. I think it might be cliche to say that I learned a lot about myself on this trip, that it was life changing, but I’ll say it anyways. It would be hard not to visit two completely new-to-me countries and come back unchanged, especially when the countries are that beautiful. Plus traveling alone is always such an empowering experience. I returned from this trip with a little more confidence, perspective and of course the need to book more trips immediately. Now, a year later, I have some more exciting travels planned for the near future, and I’m feeling nostalgic for one of my favorite trips ever. So, without further ado, here are my favorite solo trip snapshots from my trip to Iceland and Copenhagen:

I’ll start with Iceland, the most beautiful country I have ever been to.

My favorite things about Iceland were the waterfalls along the South Coast, hiking Mount Esja, the street art, the people, the hot dogs, the whale watching tours, Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Black Sand Beach. I don’t think I will ever see such amazing, diverse, and breath-taking scenery again (unless I go back).

In Copenhagen, I was in love with the pace of life, the wine and lattes at outdoor tables in beautiful squares with fountains in the middle. I loved the boat tour along the canal, drinking and reading at Paludan Cafe, playing at Tivoli Gardens, exploring the Norrebro Neighborhood, the museums, the shops… I could go on all day. It is such a beautiful and unique city, and I’m so happy I chose to visit.

Please share your own solo trip snapshots in the comments; I’d love to see them!

Creating a Travel Capsule Wardrobe | RebeccaWanderlulsting

Europe Packing List

On September 2, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Travel Tips, Trip PlanningLeave a comment

Today is the day I finally stop talking about this trip and actually leave for Iceland, en route to Copenhagen. And it has finally hit me that this is actually happening. I am nervous and excited and ready for a new adventure. Before I go, I need to pack, which is a project in and of itself. While it’s been a bit stressful with everything else I have going on lately, I really don’t mind packing. With the search for the perfect hiking boots that also had to be suitable for wearing out and my best attempt at packing a travel capsule wardrobe, it’s been a fun process. What’s been the most difficult is trying to plan for the unpredictable climates of Iceland, while still trying to bring clothes I’ll be happy wandering around Copenhagen in. I had to edit the list down quite a bit because I am trying to pack lightly, and I think I’ve finally got it down. I’ll be bringing my Samsonite rolling suitcase (which will be my checked bag), a backpack (my carry-on) and my Madewell Tote (personal item) with me. So, without further ado, here is my Europe Packing List, broken down by bag:

Madewell Tote:

Notebook & Pens
Passport
Bill Bryson book (“Neither Here Nor There”)
Mophie
iPad with “Girl on a Train” on it
iPhone Charger
Face Wipes (1/2)
Bandaids
Water Bottle
Small purse with wallet

Backpack:

(1) Outfit – socks (1/10), undies (1/10), bra (1/3), jeans, tank top, long sleeve shirt
2nd Mophie
Camera
Tripod
Makeup Bag
Deoderant
Brush
Cliff Bars

Rolling Bag:

Socks (9/10)
Undies (9/10)
Bras (1/3)
Sports Bra
Tights
Swimsuit
Tank top
(4) T-shirts
Long Sleeve Shirt
Sweater
Blouse
Chambray Top
Dress
Skirt
Leggings
Pajamas
Flip Flops
Flats
Sorrel Boots
Towel
Toiletry bag
Jewelry pouch

What would you bring on a Scandinavian Adventure? How does my list stack up?

Trip Planning: Copenhagen

On August 9, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Travel Tips, Trip Planning3 Comments

Thanks to IcelandAir, I am lucky enough to get a two-for-one European vacation in a few weeks. The first leg of my trip will be spent in beautiful Reykjavik, Iceland (read more about that here), and my second stop will be in Copenhagen Denmark. I will be staying in the land of the Danes for five days and four nights. I haven’t been to Europe since I studied abroad in London six (I can’t event believe it’s been that long) years ago, and I could not be happier to be visiting again. I chose Copenhagen, because of its colorful architecture, canals and charm, plus a very convincing article I read in Afar Magazine. Because it’s a kind of a pricey city, I’m trying to find as many budget-friendly options as possible, like the hostel I’m staying in for all four nights and the Copenhagen Card that will save me museum and attraction entry fees and include discounts at restaurants. With all the outdoors adventuring I plan to do in Iceland, I will be looking forward to enjoying the café life in Copenhagen and seeking out that famous Danish Hygge*. Here is the breakdown of my plans in Denmark:

What I want to see and do:

Canal Boat Tour
Tivoli Gardens
Freetown Christiania
Explore the Neighborhoods, especially Norrebro
Take the ferry to Helsingborg, Sweden
Royal Library Gardens
The Friday Lounge at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

While there are lots of things I want to see and do in Copenhagen, I also want to leave plenty of time to wander and explore this beautiful city. I don’t want to over-plan beforehand and stress while I’m there, I just want to enjoy Copenhagen and all it has to offer.

Where I want to eat:

Copenhagen Street Food Market and Torvhallerne Market
Atelier September
Madklubben (tasting menu!)
Mother (for their rumored to be amazing pizzas)
Any where I can get an open faced sandwich on rye and a Danish pastry

Resources:

This Battered Suitcase – “Why I Love Copenhagen”
My Twenty Somethings – “Copenhagen, Denmark”
The Copenhagen Tales – “Copenhagen Weekend Tips”
On The Luce – “Visiting Copenhagen on a Budget”
Visit Copenhagen

If you have any tips for trips to Copenhagen, please share them in the comments!

**Hygge is the Danish word for enjoying all of life’s little pleasures; a term I fully plan on embodying while I’m there.

Trip Planning: Iceland

On July 29, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Travel Tips, Trip Planning3 Comments

In 5-ish weeks, I’ll be boarding a night plane bound for Reykjavik, Iceland. I’ll arrive in the early morning, as most direct flights do, and stay for six days before moving on to Copenhagen. I am so beyond excited for this trip that every time I talk about it, my voice takes on a high-pitched squeaking quality. I have never been to this enchanting island country, but, with everything I’ve read and seen of it, I think my only problem will be trying to see it all in one go. I’ve been doing a ton of research on tours and activities in Iceland in the past few weeks. It would be very easy for me to book my whole trip full of tours because they all look so amazing. But, I also want to make sure I leave plenty of time to enjoy the city of Reykjavik. I’m entranced by this colorful city and I can’t wait to explore it.

Here are some of my trip details:

Accommodations:

AirBnB for (2) nights – this is my first time trying AirBnB and I’m excited to see what all the fuss is about. The location is a little bit outside of downtown, so I will definitely be utilizing public transit.
A Boutique Hotel for (3) nights – for the second half of my trip, I’ll be staying at an artsy boutique hotel that is more centrally located.

Activities:

Whale Watching – I’ve booked a whale watching tour with Elding Tours which involves three hours on a boat in the arctic. I am ecstatic about the possibility of spotting some whales.
South Shore Excursion – A minibus will be transporting me to the magical southern coast of Iceland to see glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches and hopefully puffins!
Kolaportid Flea Market – I’m lucky enough to be in Reykjavik over a weekend so I can visit this unique flea market. I will have my eye out for some local specialties.
Heading out to the Grotta Lighthouse to try and spot the Northern Lights
Hiking on Mt. Esja
Swimming at Nautholsvik Beach
Walking along the old harbor

The two things I can’t decide if I want to splurge on or not are the Golden Circle Tour and the Blue Lagoon. I know that these are both very popular Iceland activities, but I am still on the fence. They are both pretty pricey and I’m not sure I’m as interested in them as I am other things.

Resources:

I’ve been reading a few blogs on Iceland to get some ideas of what I want to do while I’m there, including: Unlocking Kiki, Young Adventuress, and Hand Luggage Only. I also acquired an Iceland Lonely Planet book from a friend which has become a great factual resource!

I can’t express how much I am looking forward to this adventure. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to go and explore a new country. If you have any Icelandic travel tips, please share them in the comments and stay tuned for more details on my Reykjavik travels!