Madeira is an autonomous zone owned by Portugal, situated off the coast of Morocco. Its population is nearly 250,000 with most situated in the city of Funchal. The entire zone is actually an archipelago, which also includes Porto Santo, the Desertas, and the Savage Islands. Great places to see include Ponta de São Lourenço, Pico do Arieiro, Ponta do Sol, Achadas da Cruz, Ponte Moniz, and Seixal.
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What to see in Funchal on the island of Madeira
Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous zone of Madeira, owned by Portugal. With a population just north of 100,000, it is the 6th largest city in all of Portugal. Some great places to check out include the Funchal-Monte Teleférico, Forte de São Tiago, the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, Jardim Quinta Magnólia, Palácio de São Lourenço, and Fuerte De Madeira.
Read MoreA Guide to the Swedish island of Gotland
The Island of Gotland is owned by Sweden and is situated in the Baltic Sea. It is a popular destination for Swedes, especially in the summer. Such popular spots like Fårö, Visby, and Hemse are not to be missed. You can easily fly into Visby or take a ferry from the Swedish mainland at Nynäshamn. Seeing the island by bike or by car is highly recommended to explore its wonderful beaches and cliffs.
Read MoreA Guide to the Swedish island of Fårö
You can easily reach the island of Fårö by taking a ferry from Nynäshamn to Gotland, then taking a Fårö via the northeast of Gotland. This island, along with Visby, is a popular place to explore in the summertime for Swedes and tourists alike. The island features numerous beaches and lighthouses, along with its famous natural limestone rock formations, or rauks, at Langhammar.
Read MoreA Journey to the Lofoten Islands: The Island of Værøy
The island of Værøy is a part of the Lofoten archipelago in Nordland County, Norway. It is home to roughly 728 people and accessible only by ferry from Mostenes or Bødo. The viewpoint after hiking to Håen is one of the best in all of Lofoten. You can also hike at Nordlandsnuppen, Plantefeltet, and Værøyhornet. A day trip here is all you need to see the southern tip of the Lofoten Islands.
Read MoreA Journey to the Lofoten Islands: The Island of Moskenesøya
The island of Moskenesøya is a part of the Lofoten archipelago in Nordland County, Norway. There are a plethora of hikes to undertake on the island: Reine, Ryten, Røren, Andstabben, and Munken. Some great beaches to check out are also at Kvalvika, Horseid, and Bunes. Lastly, the fishing villages of Hamnøy and Sakrisøy are incredibly picturesque and worth stopping for.
Read MoreA Journey to the Lofoten Islands: The Island of Flakstadøya
The island of Flakstadøya is a part of the Lofoten archipelago in Nordland County, Norway. There are many hikes to undertake on the island: Hustinden, Volandstind, Moltind, and Nubben. There are a number of beaches too at Skagsanden, Rambergstranda, and Flakstad. The town of Vikten is a MUST visit to see the glass blowing at Glashytta Kafé. Lastly, Nusfjord is a charming fishing village you can't miss.
Read MoreA Journey to the Lofoten Islands: The Island of Austvågøya
The island of Austvågøya is a part of the Lofoten archipelago in Nordland County, Norway. There are a plethora of hikes to undertake on the island: Fløya, Festvågtind, Matmora, and Djevelporten. Also including the towns of Slovaer and Henningsvaer, the latter is probably one of the best to explore in warmer weather. It is known for its football stadium, built into one of the outer islands of town.
Read MoreA guide to Suomenlinna: an old fortress in Helsinki, Finland and my FAVORITE place in the world
Suomenlinna, situated off the coast of Helsinki, translates to 'Castle of Finland'. Originally built by the Swedes, it has been occupied by the Russians, before being handed over to Finland. Take some time here to explore the Suomenlinna and Military Museums, Cafe Silo, Cafe Vanille, Adlerfelt, the King's Gate and Artillery Battery, Sveaborgs badstrand, and the Jetty Barracks Gallery!
Read MoreA Day in the Coastal Town of Budva, Montenegro
The picturesque town of Budva in Montenegro sits on the Adriatic Sea and is around 2,500 years old. Its high city walls and orange rooftops make it a welcome sight for travelers looking for an old town feel. Make your way to Budva and check out places like the Citadela Fortress, Sveti Nikola Island, Jaz Battery, Fort Mogren and Pizana and Mogren Beaches!
Read MoreFlorence: One of the best cities in Italy
The city of Florence, or Firenze, is probably one of the most popular in all of Italy. And for good reason since you have landmarks here like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Accademia Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, and the Uffizi Gallery, just to name a few. Of course, sunset over Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo is a best do on your visit here as well!
Read MoreA Journey through the towns of Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost town that comprises Cinque Terre, on the Italian coast. The town also has the largest beach among all five towns, replete with cafes, restaurants, and umbrellas as far as the eye can see. Aside from landmarks like the San Francesco d'Assisi Statue and Convent of the Capuchin Friars, consider taking a Pesto cooking class at the Cinque Terre Cooking School!
Read MoreA Journey through the towns of Cinque Terre: Vernazza
Vernazza is one of the best towns that make up Cinque Terre, along the Italian coastline. This town is more relaxed than the others, which still offering great panorama city views, an adorning castle at Castello Doria, and the picturesque Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church. Swimming here is also a must during the hot summer months. You do not want to miss Vernazza I guarantee you!
Read MoreA Journey through the towns of Cinque Terre: Corniglia
Corniglia sits right in the middle of Cinque Terre on the Italian coast. Perhaps the best way to see the city is to meander through the many alleyways and pockets of shops and restaurants before making your way to the Chiesa Di San Pietro. You can reach this town by train but consider also hiking from nearby Manarola, you'll be glad you did.
Read MoreA Journey through the towns of Cinque Terre: Manarola
The town of Manarola will be your favorite in all of Cinque Terre I promise you. This cliffside town has amazing coastal views which is best seen from the restaurant Nessun Dorma. You can't go wrong with spending an entire day here and swimming in the beach below, especially during the hot Italian summers. Then cap off the day with an Aperol Spritz and Burrata from one of the many restaurants.
Read MoreA Journey through the towns of Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore
The Southernmost town of Cinque Terre is Riomaggiore, nestled on the Italian coast. Journey here during the summer time and eat all the gelato and espresso you desire while taking in great panamoric views and exploring landmarks like the Church of San Giovanni Battista of Riomaggiore, Castelo di Riomaggiore, and Riomaggiore Beach.
Read MoreIsland hopping in Eastern Thailand: Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan
When you're in this part of the world, be sure to take a ferry from Chumphon towards the East Thai islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan. These islands together all have a little something different to offer so it's worth checking out all three. You can expect to go snorkeling, paddle boarding, suntanning, diving, and plenty of eating and drinking when you're here. Enjoy!
Read MoreA Crash Course into North Vietnam (Ha Long Bay and Hanoi)
The northern region of Vietnam boasts the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi and the amazing archipelago at Ha Long Bay. Take in the sights in the capital, walk through the Old Quarter and experience Hoán Kiêm Lake while riding a scooter through the city. Then book yourself a boat to take you for a night out on Ha Long Bay with stunning viewpoints and explore Sung Sot Cave while you’re at it.
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