Pack Lightly and Carry a Big Heart

When it comes to packing, it can be an art. I have learned how to pack, what to pack and most importantly, what NOT to pack. 

On my first international trip to London, I'll never forget how insanely large my suitcase was!! I had a large, full size, hard shell suitcase that I checked! It was a rolling suitcase so it was cumbersome pulling it along the cobblestone streets and don't get me started on riding the Tube with that monstrosity!! I'm happy to report I've learned a few things over the years!

First thing, carry on, carry on, CARRY ON!!! With baggage fees constantly going up, you can't afford not to pack light! 

One of the best investments I've ever made was a 3 pack of packing cubes from Rick Steeves website. These are incredible! They keep your clothes tight and compact, giving you so much more space in your bag!

Here you can see that I have 2 of the cubes packed up and ready. 

The second best investment I made was a backpack style carry on bag. This too was purchased from Rick Steeves website. I'm a fan of Rick, what can I say?! 

My packing now consists of figuring new ways to pack EVEN lighter than the previous trip. I decided to go with a regular sized backpack with this trip because I was nervous about the overhead space on my flight from London to Norway. Here is the backpack I am using along with all I am packing. 

 So you can see I have my work cut out for me!! I did quite a bit of thinking before actually putting the items in the backpack. I knew packing the hiking boots could pose a challenge so I put them in first and went from there. It was a puzzle!

 The good thing about this backpack was the smaller pockets and pouches it has. I took advantage of the smaller side pouches and rolled socks to put in here and they fit great!

I decided to use a smaller hiking backpack to wear in front because I knew I would need something bigger than a purse. I decided to take a full size camera since I'm hoping to see the Northern Lights, I knew I would need more than my phone camera to capture them. This smaller backpack worked perfectly as my personal bag to slide underneath the seat in front of me! 

So here you have it, the finished product! 9 days of travel compressed into 2 backpacks. 

So what are some takeaway tips??

1. Packing cubes! Find some and truly make them work!

2. Do some thought ahead of actually packing and decide what you absolutely need and what you do not. 

3. Toiletries need to ALL fit inside a quart sized plastic bag that CAN be closed. Practice this and decide what toiletries you can't purchase once at your destination or which ones you can skip bringing. For example, I keep travel sized toiletries on hand of a variety of things such as my face wash, shampoo, dry shampoo, etc. I do this so I know what I already have and what I might need. 

4. To piggy back on toiletries, I NEVER travel with a hair dryer or any styling irons. For me, it's not necessary, my hair air dries fine and besides, I'm not there to impress anyone. 

5. Remember, the trip is about the destination and the adventures you are going to have, NOT about looking like you just walked off a fashion runway. Don't get hung up on the stuff; bring the essentials and forget the rest! 

I'm all set to embark on my next adventure, packed up and ready to go! 

Packing light can be done and trust me, the lighter load will be worth it! 

Until next time, pack light, tread lightly and bring home nothing but memories! 

Much Love, H

Canals, Cobblestones and Carats!

Bruges, Belgium is romantic, ethereal, and gorgeous. Between the cobblestone streets, impressive architecture and winding canals, Bruges has an atmosphere all it's own. 

There is a definite slower pace to Bruges versus the other cities I visited in Belgium. Things feel more deliberate, more relaxed and more present.  

Visitors ambling along the streets of Bruges

I spent more time in Bruges, I just didn't want to leave! I enjoyed a nice walk through the winding canal lined streets, lunch at a cafe and people watching. 

Bruges welcomed me like a long lost child. I instantly felt at home and welcome in this quaint city! Bruges has found a place in my heart and I will be back!

Bruges has been just what my heart and soul needed! Im sad to leave, but excited for the next stop, Antwerp, Belgium!

Welcome to the diamond capital of the world, Antwerp Belgium! If you think about diamonds, you think shiny, flashy and one of a kind. The city of Antwerp is all of that and more! It was a quick visit, just a half day, but I was able to explore and get a feel of this great city. 

Ornate architecture 

The architecture of Antwerp was decadent and elaborate. There were gargoyles, angels and lion heads atop many of the buildings. 

Antwerp had an entirely different vibe than Bruges. I am so glad I visited them both on the same day. Seeing the contrast firsthand was exhilarating! I loved Antwerp's energy, vibrancy and decadence! This city left me feeling alive and ready for more! 

Antwerp Central Train station 

The beauty of both these cities is unique and worth appreciating.

 It's amazing what a quick train ride can show the traveler. 

Keep your eyes open, your heart open and your mind open to the adventures out there! 

Much Love, H

Waffles with a side of chocolate please...

When one mentions Belgium, most everyone thinks instantly of waffles. While Belgium did have incredible waffles, there was so much more this small country gave me.  Belgium sometimes gets overlooked because of its more popular neighbors of Netherlands and France.  Let me tell you, if Belgium isn't on your radar, it needs to be! This little hidden gem of a country gave me so much good food, good atmosphere and good memories. Come with me as we travel to Belgium, and yes, there will be waffles.

Brussels, Belgium

 I told you there would be waffles.  This decadent fresh fruit waffle was almost too pretty to eat.  I was surprised that the waffle itself wasn't as sweet as waffles here in the States.  It was delicious nonetheless and such a great way to treat myself on my first day!!

 There wasn't a shortage of sweet offerings throughout Belgium.  This candy display was in Brussels and in every town I visited, there were multiple chocolate/candy shops. The smells wafting through the streets were intoxicating. I imagine it would be the most similar to what Willie Wonka Chocolate factory would be like if it were real. 

I purchased some dark chocolate from this shop pictured and learned some of its fascinating history. Mary's chocolate shops have been around since 1919 and the original shop was located in Brussels and Mary, the namesake, was the very first female chocolate maker in Belgium. For the early 1900's, that is quite an accomplishment. There are several Mary's Chocolate shops scattered throughout Belgium.  Each shop has the same feel and, of course, delicious chocolate!!

The Grand Place Market is just that, GRAND!! If the architecture of the buildings doesn't 'wow' you, then the gold gilding will!!  The market was a bustling place day and night with its cafes, coffee shops and restaurants. One of my favorite things to do was to leisurely amble through the different shops and people watch in the open market. I think I ate something different from at least 3 or 4 various cafes. This Market is definitely quintessential Europe!

 
There were hidden treasures all throughout Brussels if you just looked.  I think my favorite was the quaint alleyways draped with the ivy.  They had such a storybook feel that I couldn't help but amble in and out. 

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians.  It is not used as a royal residence any longer, but it is the King's main administrative residence and main workplace for him and his staff. It is a MASSIVE building with several detached buildings that are a part of the main building complex. 




Brussels warmed my heart and filled my tummy with incredible sights, sounds and smells.  I am so glad I chose to stay here and make this great city my hub for my European vacation.  



In my next blog, I'll share about two cities that are less than a train ride away from each other but are so different!  Bruges and Antwerp are both vibrant cities but the energy is so different! I loved them both and I can't wait to share them with you!!  





Until next time, be brave, be bold and book the trip!  You never know what adventures are out there until you just go!!  Much Love! H

The 'Eye' behind the roaming eye...

Welcome to the inaugural post for this blog.  I'm Hillary and I will be your captain as we travel to varied destinations and meet interesting people along the way. 

Me and my daughter at Stonehenge

The purpose of this blog is to entertain, inform and educate.  I am an avid traveler and I want to share my travels with you, the reader. My goal is to have you leave this blog with a sense of wonder and enthusiasm about traveling. Perhaps you've never traveled out of your home country, my goal is to allow you to travel to all the places I journey without even leaving your comfy sofa or bed. Even better, if I can inspire you to book the trip and just go and explore to places you've only dreamed of going!

I hope you enjoy this blog and what I bring to the table, so to speak. I've been a lot of places, but I have so many more places yet to see!

So strap in and get ready for an enlightening journey to the wide world of travel.