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# The Thorough Tripper

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## Posts
- [Best Tips For Exploring Utah’s Scenic Mirror Lake Highway](https://thethoroughtripper.com/mirror-lake-highway-in-utah/): I recently saw a headline from Travel & Leisure Magazine announcing the Most Beautiful Road in the United States. This was a designation awarded by an organization called FLBR Motorsport, and they determined that the Mirror Lake Highway in northeast Utah was most deserving of the title. Well, I live in northern Utah. And embarrassingly, I'd never driven the Mirror Lake Highway. So on a recent Sunday, my daughter and I set out to discover this Most Beautiful Road. And it did not disappoint! Here's a look at everything we discovered on our journey, along with my resultant tips for an ideal day driving the scenic Mirror Lake Highway.
- [The Kennecott Copper Mine Tour:  Is It Worth It?](https://thethoroughtripper.com/kennecott-copper-mine-tour/): One of the most remarkable sites in the Salt Lake City area is the Kennecott Copper Mine - also known as the Bingham Canyon Mine (its original name). This open pit copper mine is the largest man-made excavation on earth! It's so large it can be seen from space! And, you can actually walk up to the edge of this massive hole! But you can only do this if you take the Kennecott Copper Mine Tour. I went on this tour myself one recent afternoon. So was it a worthwhile way to spend a couple of hours? Here's a detailed look at my experience to help answer that question.
- [Taking The ADO Bus From Mexico City To Puebla](https://thethoroughtripper.com/bus-from-mexico-city-to-puebla/): So then, how do you get to Puebla from Mexico City? The most convenient and comfortable way to travel between these two cities is by ADO Bus - which is exactly what we did. Here's a thorough look at our experience taking the ADO Bus from Mexico City to Puebla.
- [The 9 Most Essential Things To Do In Puebla Mexico](https://thethoroughtripper.com/things-to-do-in-puebla-mexico/): We spent one week visiting Puebla and discovered lots to do, to see, and to eat. However, since you may not have that much time in your Puebla itinerary, here's what I consider the 9 most essential things to do in Puebla Mexico. The sights and experiences you simply do not want to miss.
- [A Quest To Find The Best Tacos in Mexico City](https://thethoroughtripper.com/best-tacos-in-mexico-city/): In a city of over 10,000 taquerias and taco stands, you won't have any difficulty finding great tacos in Mexico City. But if you only have a short time in town, you'll want to ensure that you eat some of the very best tacos in Mexico City, right? Well, I can help!
- [Uber In Mexico City & Other Helpful Tips For Getting Around](https://thethoroughtripper.com/uber-in-mexico-city/): Before we spent nearly a month in Mexico City, I presumed I would become an expert on riding the city's Metro system. I'm generally a big fan of using public transportation when we travel. It not only helps keep us on budget, but I also think it's a great way to experience local everyday life. And Mexico City's metro system is very inexpensive and easy to use. However, it didn't take me long to discover that Uber is really the ideal way for visitors to get around town. Here's a look at everything I learned about using Uber in Mexico City, why I think it's your best overall transportation option, and my experience with the alternatives.
- [The Best Traditional Mexico City Food You Don’t Want To Miss](https://thethoroughtripper.com/mexico-city-food/): Mexico City is one of the world's greatest food cities. And travel eating is one of my greatest joys. So naturally, Mexico City food was a highlight of my recent three week stay. But while Mexico City has gained increasing fame for its upscale restaurant scene (with a growing list of Michelin stars), and while TikTok influencers love featuring the city's trendiest eateries, I set out to find the more typical places frequented by locals. And in so doing, I tried lots of different types of traditional Mexico City food. Here's a look at all the great traditional Mexican food I found - and where you can get it yourself.
- [Tips For A Perfect Day Trip From Mexico City To Teotihuacan](https://thethoroughtripper.com/day-trip-from-mexico-city-to-teotihuacan/): Teotihuacan is one of the greatest archeological sites that we've visited in all of our travels. I know this is a strong statement. But I can't think of many other sites matching its size, its grandeur, and its level of preservation. So if you are traveling in nearby Mexico City, Teotihuacan needs to be at the top of your sightseeing list. And fortunately, visiting Teotihuacan makes for an easy day trip. Here's all the important tips that I discovered on our own day trip from Mexico City to Teotihuacan.
- [Is Eating At Tacos El Califa De Leon Worth It?](https://thethoroughtripper.com/tacos-el-califa-de-leon/): In 2024, the Michelin Guide awarded one of their coveted stars to a humble taco shop in Mexico City. A taqueria called El Califa de Leon. I remember hearing about this, and I immediately put Tacos El Califa de Leon on my travel food bucket list. After all, I do love tacos! They are probably my favorite single type of food. I even spent all of January 2025 questing for the best tacos in Merida Mexico.
- [The 10 Most Essential Things To Do In Mexico City](https://thethoroughtripper.com/things-to-do-in-mexico-city/): And I finally did! We spent most of January 2026 exploring Mexico's capital. And just like the city did 49 years ago, it charmed me once again. We found so many great things to do in Mexico City. So many in fact, that it's impossible to fit them all into a reasonably-sized blog post.
- [I Used Dreaming Spanish For A Year – Did It Work For Me?](https://thethoroughtripper.com/using-dreaming-spanish/): About one year ago, just a few days before we left to spend a month in Merida Mexico, I became aware of Dreaming Spanish.  I wasn’t necessarily seeking out a program for learning Spanish. But once Dreaming Spanish was brought to my attention, I thought maybe I should give it try.  After all, what frequent traveler would’t benefit from knowing another language?  And since almost half of our international travels have been to Spanish-speaking countries, it did make sense to ramp up my Spanish-speaking game.  
- [The Perfect Day Trip From Toulouse – Visiting Albi France](https://thethoroughtripper.com/day-trip-from-toulouse-to-albi-france/): If you are looking for an easy day trip from Toulouse, then the medieval town of Albi should be at the top of your list. The entire historic center of Albi France - called the Episcopal City of Albi - is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is so-recognized because it's an outstanding example of a typical medieval urban center from the Middle Ages, and it's still very well preserved. Plus, a standout feature in historic Albi happens to be largest brick Cathedral in the world. You can't miss that!
- [Is Toulouse Worth Visiting? The 8 Top Reasons You Should Go](https://thethoroughtripper.com/is-toulouse-worth-visiting/): So...did the city live up to the hype? Is Toulouse worth visiting?
- [12 Great Things To Do In Heraklion – Crete’s Vibrant Capital](https://thethoroughtripper.com/things-to-do-in-heraklion/): I've previously written a post comparing our time in both Heraklion and Chania - Crete's two most popular tourist cities. And frequent readers may remember that I preferred Chania. But that doesn't mean you should skip visiting Heraklion too. In fact, Heraklion and its surroundings have a lot to offer. Here's a look at my personal top 12 things to do in Heraklion
- [Easter in Crete – What You Can Expect As A Tourist](https://thethoroughtripper.com/easter-in-crete/): In Greece, Easter is the most important holiday of the year. Yes, more important than Christmas! And when I discovered that we'd be traveling in Crete during Greek Easter, I was very excited. After all, we'd spent the previous Easter in Malaga Spain, and witnessed firsthand the amazing Roman Catholic Easter tradition of Semana Santa. I immediately wondered how Orthodox Greek Easter would compare. And I also wondered if traveling in Crete during Greece's most important holiday would create any logistical problems for us. Ultimately, everything worked out great and we had a fantastic experience during Easter in Crete. Here's a look at it all.
- [Taking The Train From Paris to Lyon – All You Need To Know](https://thethoroughtripper.com/train-from-paris-to-lyon/): Visiting Paris tops many travel wish lists. But savvy travelers know that Lyon is another great city to visit in France. Some even think Lyon is better. So when traveling in France, I recommend checking out both and deciding for yourself. And fortunately, despite the 300 miles separating them, it only takes 2 hours to travel between Paris and Lyon via high speed train. We recently took the train from Paris to Lyon as part of our 3-week France itinerary. Let me show you how easy this train journey is - and what you can expect along the way.
- [Paris On A Budget – 8 Tips So You Won’t Break The Bank](https://thethoroughtripper.com/paris-on-a-budget/): Some travelers considering a trip to Paris may hesitate - thinking that it might be too expensive. And Paris is definitely not cheap. But a visit to Paris doesn't need to wipe out your travel savings. Regular readers know that I am a frugal traveler. And I always seek to minimize our travel expenses without diminishing our overall travel experience. We recently spent 5 days exploring Paris, and I've visited a few other times over the years. Here's a look at all I've learned about visiting Paris on a budget.
- [The 8 Most Essential Things To Do In Lyon France](https://thethoroughtripper.com/things-to-do-in-lyon/): We recently enjoyed a full week exploring Lyon. And I struggled at first to write this blog post about our visit. Why? Because there are so many great things to do in Lyon! How could I possibly condense everything we experienced into a reasonably sized post?
- [Ancient Aptera – Key Things To Know For A Great Visit](https://thethoroughtripper.com/visiting-ancient-aptera/): One of most remarkable things about Crete is its ancient history. For thousands of years, Crete has been home to a succession of civilizations and cultures - the Minoans, the Mycenaean Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Moors, the Venetians, and the Ottomans. This rich cultural history has resulted in an amazing collection of archeological sites across the island. Any trip to Crete would be incomplete without exploring some of these. Let me show you one of my favorites from our recent stay in Crete - the ruins of a city called Ancient Aptera.
- [18 Great Things To Do in Chania – Crete’s Most Charming City](https://thethoroughtripper.com/things-to-do-in-chania/): Chania is Crete's most picturesque and charming city. Located on the island's western side, it's the second largest city in Crete. Because Chania has its own international airport, it's a common gateway city for visitors to Greece's biggest island. I've previously compared and contrasted Chania with Crete's capital city Heraklion on this blog. But in this post I want to focus specifically on Crete's second city. We spent a week exploring Chania and loved every minute of our time there. Here's a look at some of the very best things to do in Chania Crete.
- [How Many Days In Athens Are Best For The Perfect Stay](https://thethoroughtripper.com/how-many-days-in-athens/): If you are considering a trip to Athens, then rest assured you are making a great choice. Athens is one of my favorite cities! It's a vibrant place, bursting with history, amazing sites, and great food. I've personally visited Athens twice, spending a total of three weeks exploring everything it has to offer. But not every traveler has that much time. So how many days in Athens do you really need to see its greatest hits? Let's take a look at the city in a little more detail, and see if we can decide how many days in Athens are best.
- [A Quest To Find The Best Sandwich in Salt Lake City](https://thethoroughtripper.com/best-sandwich-in-salt-lake-city/): One day last year, my daughter introduced me to Central 9th Market in Salt Lake City. You see, she is a bit of a sandwich connoisseur and she raved about the sandwiches at Central 9th Market. And so we went...and I was indeed very impressed. We’ve returned several times, and on a recent visit - while savoring my favorite, their turkey sandwich - I found myself wondering if it might just be the best sandwich in Salt Lake City.
- [7 Amazing Things To Do In Salt Lake City – A Local’s Guide](https://thethoroughtripper.com/things-to-do-in-salt-lake-city/): As a travel blogger and slow traveler, my passion is exploring the world. But I do have a home base. And my home is in Salt Lake City Utah. I was born in Salt Lake and have lived in the area most of my adult life. While I've written a lot about Utah on this blog, I've never specifically focused on Things To Do in Salt Lake City. So I think it's about time I did! Especially since there are some amazing things to do in Salt Lake City!
- [The 3 Best Ways To Visit The Great Salt Lake](https://thethoroughtripper.com/visit-the-great-salt-lake/): The Great Salt Lake is certainly one of northern Utah's most famous geographic landmarks. But this huge lake - the 8th largest in the United States - isn't the recreational wonderland you might expect. Why? Because it's salty. Really really salty. 7x saltier than the ocean in fact. Consequently, locals more typically go to the state's mountain reservoirs for water fun. So then, is visiting the Great Salt Lake even worthwhile? Of course! It's an amazing and beautiful place! Let me show you three ways you can visit the Great Salt Lake.
- [A Quest To Find The Best Loukoumades in Athens](https://thethoroughtripper.com/best-loukoumades-in-athens/): Loukoumades are an essential Greek treat that anyone visiting Athens should try. Sometimes called Greek Donuts, these deep-fried balls of goodness - traditionally soaked in honey - date back a couple thousand years to Ancient Greece. During those times, they were referred to as "honey tokens" and were awarded to victorious Olympic athletes. Nowadays, you don't need to win a marathon to enjoy this classic Greek treat. You can easily find them at dessert shops and restaurants throughout the city. But who wins the contest for serving up the best loukoumades in Athens? During our recent stay in Greece's capital, I went on a quest to find out.
- [Kritsa Crete – 5 Things You Shouldn’t Miss When Visiting](https://thethoroughtripper.com/kritsa-crete-best-sites/): Kritsa Crete has a reputation as one of the most scenic villages on this beautiful Greek island. It's also one of the oldest. Set up on a hillside, Kritsa will certainly take your breath away when you first spot its stacks of white houses upon your initial approach. Visiting Kritsa Crete should be very high on your list of things to do when exploring Crete's eastern Lasithi region.
- [Driving In Crete – 7 Things To Know Before You Rent A Car](https://thethoroughtripper.com/driving-in-crete/): Crete is an amazing place to visit. And given that it's Greece's largest island, Crete offers lots to see and do. Beaches, mountains, vineyards, ancient ruins, and out-of-the way tavernas serving up some the best food you'll ever eat. And while Crete does have a public bus system, driving in Crete opens up so much more of the island to you. As slow travelers on a budget, we generally depend on public transportation when we travel. We seldom rent cars. But I made an exception during our travels in Crete. Here are some of the most important things I learned while driving in Crete.
- [Eating at Ntounias:  A One-of-a-Kind Food Experience in Crete](https://thethoroughtripper.com/ntounias-taverna-crete/): Prior to visiting Crete, I had absolute confidence that Cretan food would be great. When we first traveled to Athens a few years ago, we were frequently told..."if you think this food is good, then you really should visit Crete where the food is even better." And now, after having spent almost a month in Crete, I can confirm that this is true. Crete offers some of the best food we've eaten in all of our travels so far. And one of our very best food experiences in Crete was at a unique mountaintop taverna called Ntounias.
- [Chania to Heraklion By Bus – Everything You Need to Know](https://thethoroughtripper.com/chania-to-heraklion-by-bus/): Chania and Heraklion are Crete's two largest cities, and each has its own airport. They are only separated by 87 miles (140km), and so it is very common for visitors to include both in their Crete itinerary. And rightfully so - each is worth visiting! Consequently, the question of how to best get from Chania to Heraklion (and vice versa) is a common one.
- [Heraklion or Chania – Which City in Crete is Better?](https://thethoroughtripper.com/heraklion-or-chania-crete/): When you are planning a trip to Crete, your first decision will likely concern your primary location. Crete is a large island and features two popular gateway airports. One is located in the capital city of Heraklion - in the center of the island. The other airport is located on the western side of the island in Chania. You can also reach either city by ferry if you are Greek island hopping. So which of these two major Crete cities is a better base for your time on Crete - Heraklion or Chania?
- [Tips For A Perfect Day Trip From Merida to Izamal Mexico](https://thethoroughtripper.com/merida-to-izamal-mexico/): One of the easiest day trips you can take while visiting Merida Mexico is to the nearby town of Izamal - also known as the Yucatan's Yellow City. Izamal gets this name because most buildings in its historic center are painted yellow. This makes for a very visually striking town to explore. Izamal is also one of Mexico's Pueblo Magicos - towns in Mexico recognized for their cultural and historic significance. We enjoyed a great day visiting Izamal Mexico. Here's everything you need to know for taking your own perfect day trip from Merida to Izamal.
- [A Quest For The Best Tacos in Merida Mexico](https://thethoroughtripper.com/best-tacos-in-merida/): Since I'm always looking for some sort of Food Quest when we travel, it only seemed natural that I go on a quest for the best tacos in Merida. And so I did! Here's what I discovered on my monthlong Quest in Taco Heaven.
- [Is Merida Worth Visiting? 10 Practical Points To Consider](https://thethoroughtripper.com/is-merida-worth-visiting/): Merida Mexico is the largest city in the Yucatan peninsula with a population of well over a million people. Merida also has a reputation as the safest city in Mexico. But is Merida a good destination for tourists? After all, the majority of visitors to this part of Mexico choose to spend their time in Cancun, Tulum, or other coastal towns in the Yucatan's east. We recently spent a full month exploring Merida. So when it comes to answering the question "Is Merida Worth Visiting?", I have a good amount of personal experience to draw from. Here's some of the most important points I think you should consider if you are thinking about visiting Merida Mexico.
- [Using Uber In Merida Mexico & Other Tips for Getting Around](https://thethoroughtripper.com/uber-in-merida/): Merida Mexico is the capital city of the Yucatan, and an increasingly popular destination for tourists. Visitors to Merida can expect to eat awesome food, learn about Mayan history, appreciate the city's colonial architecture, and enjoy its general vibe. So how do visitors get around this scenic city? Well, we recently returned from spending a month in Merida, and our #1 form of transportation (other than our feet) was Uber. I read some mixed reviews about using Uber in Merida prior to our arrival. But we had no issues whatsoever. Here's a look at our experience using Uber in Merida Mexico, along with some other tips for getting around this fantastic Yucatan city.
- [A Frustrating Day Trip To Chichen Itza From Merida Mexico](https://thethoroughtripper.com/chichen-itza-from-merida/): I love day trips when we travel. And when we decided to spend the month of January this year in Merida Mexico, taking a day trip to Chichen Itza immediately topped our list of things to do. After all, Chichen Itza is one of the most-visited archeological sites in Mexico, and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. But, after we arrived in the Yucatán, I really struggled figuring out the best way to tour Chichen Itza from Merida. And once we did go, we experienced frustrations. So let me share our Chichen Itza experience with you, along with some retrospective advice. Hopefully this will help you plan your ideal day trip to Chichen Itza from Merida.
- [Typical Food In Merida Mexico You Won’t Want To Miss](https://thethoroughtripper.com/food-in-merida-mexico/): Relleno Negro is a stew made with that black recado and usually features shredded turkey, hard-boiled egg, and sometimes a pork meatball. Relleno Negro tacos are a popular food in Merida, but you can also find Relleno Negro as a stand-alone dish in many restaurants. I ate Relleno Negro tacos several times and found them surprisingly sweet with very little spicy heat.
- [Getting From Sarajevo to Mostar – Is Bus or Train Best?](https://thethoroughtripper.com/sarajevo-to-mostar/): Sarajevo and Mostar are the two most-visited cities in Bosnia & Herzegovina. And both deserve a spot on your Bosnia itinerary. So how do you travel the 78 miles from Sarajevo to Mostar (or vice versa) using public transportation? Well, you can take a bus. Or you can take a train.
- [14 Helpful Tips For Visiting Mostar In Bosnia & Herzegovina](https://thethoroughtripper.com/visiting-mostar/): Visiting Mostar is an opportunity that you really shouldn't miss when traveling in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Other than Sarajevo, Mostar is the most-visited city in the country. Why is Mostar worth visiting? Because its incredibly scenic Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage site - dates back to Mostar's medieval Ottoman rule. And its Old Town Bridge is certainly the most-photographed landmark in the entire country. We visited Mostar on a dedicated weekend trip from Sarajevo. And we were able to check out most of the best things to do in Mostar. Here's all the helpful tips I gathered while visiting Mostar.
- [10 Essential Things To Do In Sarajevo & Other Travel Tips](https://thethoroughtripper.com/things-to-do-in-sarajevo/): Here's what I personally believe to be the very most essential things to do in Sarajevo. Plus a few other tips you should find useful when you visit Sarajevo.
- [11 Useful Tips for Visiting Warsaw Poland](https://thethoroughtripper.com/visiting-warsaw-poland/): When contemplating traveling in Poland, you will certainly need to determine if visiting Warsaw should be part of your itinerary. After all, it is the country's capital city. And it is a common gateway city into Poland for many. But Warsaw isn't quite as charming or scenic as other Polish cities, such as Gdansk or Krakow. So then, is Warsaw worth visiting?
- [How Many Days in Krakow:  3, 4, or More For Your Itinerary?](https://thethoroughtripper.com/how-many-days-in-krakow/): Given all this, how many days in Krakow will you need to adequately explore this great city? Before I give you a general idea, let's take a quick look at Krakow's most important sites and activities. This will help you with some useful context before we talk about how many days in Krakow might be right for you.
- [How To Visit Auschwitz From Krakow – 11 Helpful Tips](https://thethoroughtripper.com/visit-auschwitz-from-krakow/): As even the most casual student of WWII history probably knows, Auschwitz was the most notorious and deadly of all the many Nazi concentration camps. Today the site is a Museum and a sobering Memorial to the 1.1 million people who were tortured and murdered within its fences. And even though visiting Auschwitz is emotionally draining, I believe that a day trip to Auschwitz is essential while traveling in Krakow Poland. But, there are some nuances to be aware of when planning your visit. So let me give you some tips and insights on how to visit Auschwitz from Krakow.
- [The Perfect Day Trip From Gdansk to Malbork Castle](https://thethoroughtripper.com/gdansk-to-malbork-castle/): Certainly the most essential day trip when traveling in Gdansk Poland is a visit to Malbork Castle. After all, it's the largest castle in the world! How can you miss that! And fortunately, taking a day trip from Gdansk to Malbork Castle is quite easy. Here's a look at our own experience visiting Malbork Castle from Gdansk. Hopefully it will help you put together the perfect day trip to this amazing place.
- [Visiting Gdansk Poland – 12 Things You Shouldn’t Miss](https://thethoroughtripper.com/visiting-gdansk-poland/): Gdansk is one of Poland's most beautiful and most-visited cities. This scenic gem sits on Poland's Baltic coast and has long held the title of Poland's most important port city - a distinction dating all the way back to the Middle Ages. In more modern times, Gdansk is famous as the birthplace of Poland's Solidarity movement - a labor movement that ultimately lead to the fall of Communism in all of the European Soviet Bloc. And as if that's not enough 20th-century fame, World War 2 actually started in Gdansk. With so much history in such a scenic place, it's no wonder that our own six days in Gdansk flew by. Here's a look at 12 things I don't think you should miss when visiting Gdansk Poland.
- [Riding the Train from Krakow to Warsaw & More Polish Train Tips](https://thethoroughtripper.com/train-from-krakow-to-warsaw/): During our monthlong stay in Poland, we used the Polish train system to get us from city to city. Our itinerary included stops in Warsaw, Wroclaw, Gdansk, and Krakow. We depended exclusively on trains to get us to each of these locations, and had a good general experience traveling on the Polish rails. Since the train from Krakow to Warsaw is one of the most popular Polish train routes, let me highlight our experience on that particular journey in this post. But, I'll also give you some additional insight from our other train rides in Poland, which may be helpful for your own itinerary in this wonderful country.
- [Visiting Wroclaw Poland – 8 Great Reasons You Should Go](https://thethoroughtripper.com/visiting-wroclaw-poland/): Visiting Wroclaw Poland wasn't part of my original Poland travel itinerary. Krakow was of course - it's Poland's most famous destination for tourists. Gdansk too. And I envisioned time in Warsaw as well, since it was our gateway city into the country. But Wroclaw, located in Poland's southwest corner, seemed somewhat out of the way.
- [Semana Santa in Malaga – An Amazing Travel Experience](https://thethoroughtripper.com/semana-santa-in-malaga/): I remember first becoming aware of Spain's Holy Week (Semana Santa in Spanish) while watching the Granada episode of Anthony Bourdain's travel show. I quickly became intrigued by both the pageantry and the devotion I witnessed on the small screen. When I realized that our travels this year would take us to Malaga in the month of March - the same month as Easter - we adjusted our schedule and our lodging so that we could fully experience all things Semana Santa in Malaga. And what an experience it was!
- [A Great Day Trip From Madrid to Chinchón Spain](https://thethoroughtripper.com/madrid-to-chinchon-spain/): If you are traveling in Madrid, you will not have any problem finding great day trip opportunities. In fact, you will probably find yourself struggling to choose between all the many options. And while day trips to Toledo and Segovia are rightfully at the top of most wishlists, I want to show you another place you should definitely consider - a town called Chinchon. Our own day trip from Madrid to Chinchon was a highlight of our month in the area. Let me tell you all about what we found in Chinchon Spain.
- [Avila or Segovia – Which is the Better Madrid Day Trip](https://thethoroughtripper.com/avila-or-segovia-from-madrid/): Two of the most popular day trip destinations from Madrid Spain are the towns of Avila and Segovia. Both feature town centers that are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Each has its own massive Gothic cathedral. Each has its own amazing and unique defining landmark. And each is located about 100 km away from Madrid - in the same general direction. But what if you only have time in your Madrid itinerary to visit one? Which of the two historic towns offers the best Madrid day trip - Avila or Segovia?
- [How Many Days in Madrid Are Enough For The Perfect Visit](https://thethoroughtripper.com/how-many-days-in-madrid/): Madrid regularly vies with Barcelona as the most visited city in Spain. Not surprising, given that it is Spain's capital, and one of the main gateways into the country. But does Madrid stand on Its own as a destination worth visiting? Or is it best considered a quick stopping point on the way to visit other Spanish cities? And either way, how many days in Madrid are really enough?
- [An Easy Day Trip From Malaga – The White Village of Mijas Pueblo](https://thethoroughtripper.com/day-trip-from-malaga-to-mijas-pueblo/): If you are looking to take an easy day trip from Malaga Spain, then a visit to Mijas Pueblo should be at the top of your list. Mijas Pueblo is one of Andalucia Spain's famed White Villages, and can be reached in about an hour using public transportation from Malaga. In fact, Mijas Pueblo may be the easiest White Village to reach from Malaga. Let me show you how to take this easy day trip from Malaga, along with some of the top things to do in this beautiful hilltop village.
- [Scout Falls – A Great Utah Hike With An Amazing Payoff](https://thethoroughtripper.com/scout-falls-utah/): When my daughter and I reached Scout Falls a few mornings ago, after a nice morning hike, we both concluded it might be our new favorite local hiking destination. She and I try to hike together every Monday during the summer, when my travels abroad take a break. Some weeks we make repeat visits to our favorite trails. Other weeks we'll check out new ones. Scouts Falls was a new one for us together. Having grown up in nearby American Fork, I'd hiked to the Falls several times...40 or so years ago. But I'd forgotten how cool it really is. I'm glad we rediscovered it. I'm sure it's now one of our summer regulars. Let me tell you all about Scout Falls.
- [The Two Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park](https://thethoroughtripper.com/best-hikes-in-bryce-canyon/): Bryce Canyon is one of Utah's greatest natural wonders. And in a state filled with amazing sites, I personally think that Bryce Canyon's Amphitheater is Utah's most amazing site. This natural bowl, found at the northern end of the Park, is filled with colorful eroded limestone pinnacles called hoodoos. In fact, this is where you will find the highest concentration of hoodoos anywhere on Earth. I still remember the first time I peered over the canyon's edge into this Amphitheater - it was truly a breathtaking moment. And then I hiked down into it...and my mind was blown. Yes, the hiking in Bryce Canyon is spectacular! Let me show you what I consider to be the two best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park.
- [Visiting Antequera From Malaga – The Challenges and The Rewards](https://thethoroughtripper.com/visiting-antequera-from-malaga/): If you are researching possible day trips from Malaga Spain, then you'll certainly come across Antequera. This ancient town dates back to Roman times, is located only 35 miles north of Malaga, and features some very impressive sites - including three of the word's oldest manmade structures. But visiting Antequera from Malaga without a car is not straight forward. We usually depend on public transportation for most day trips when we travel. And our day trip to Antequera wasn't easy. So did Antequera Spain and its sites reward us for our troubles? I'll show you!
- [Is Malaga Worth Visiting? – All The Reasons The Answer Is Yes!](https://thethoroughtripper.com/is-malaga-worth-visiting/): The Costa del Sol is one of Spain's most popular year-round tourist destinations. This 150 kilometer stretch of coastline on Spain's southern coast is known for its beaches, golf courses, and sunny climate. Malaga is the largest city along the Costa del Sol, and for many visitors, it's merely a transit hub and gateway to the area's coastal playland. But is Malaga worth visiting on its own merits? We spent a full month staying in Malaga during March of this year. And so I had plenty of opportunity to explore that question. Here's what I discovered.
- [Traveling on the Iryo High Speed Train from Madrid to Malaga](https://thethoroughtripper.com/train-from-madrid-to-malaga/): The most convenient way to travel between Spain's various large cities is certainly via the country's excellent high speed train network. It's fast, it's easy, it's comfortable, and it's less expensive than air travel. During our recent stay in Spain, we used the high speed train for traveling between our two hub cities - Madrid and Malaga. Several different rail companies offer high speed travel in Spain. We rode with the newest of these called Iryo. And we enjoyed a fantastic journey in both directions! Let me tell you all about our experience on the Iryo train from Madrid to Malaga.
- [A Quest to Find the Best Churros in Madrid](https://thethoroughtripper.com/best-churros-in-madrid/): Before I visited Spain, I was of course familiar with churros. In the US, they are a staple at fairs, amusement parks, and Mexican restaurants. But Spain actually introduced churros to the Americas, and any traveler in Spain can't help but notice a Churrería on just about every other street. Churros are a huge part of Spanish cuisine. This deep-fried treat is a very common breakfast food or late afternoon snack, and is usually eaten with a cup of warm chocolate for dipping. We recently spent a month in Madrid, and while there, I found myself on a noble quest to find the Best Churros in Madrid. Here's what I discovered.
- [Is Cartagena Worth Visiting? – All the Reasons You Should Go](https://thethoroughtripper.com/is-cartagena-worth-visiting/): Cartagena is one of Colombia's most popular travel destinations. It's a big vibrant city located on Colombia's northern Caribbean coast, and was the most important port city in Spain's colonization of the Americas. Much of that centuries-old history has been preserved. But is Cartagena worth visiting? After all, Colombia does have a certain reputation that keeps some tourists away. We spent a month visiting Cartagena, so I feel that I'm qualified to answer that question. Here's what I thought.
- [Typical Food in Cartagena Colombia You Won’t Want To Miss](https://thethoroughtripper.com/food-in-cartagena-colombia/): I focus a lot of time in each travel destination discovering the local cuisine. After all, food discovery is one of my favorite things about travel. I recently spent a month sampling the food in Cartagena Colombia. The country of Colombia is subdivided into six different regions, and each has its own variation on Colombian cuisine. Since Cartagena sits along Colombia's Caribbean coast, its cuisine naturally has a lot of Caribbean influence. Common ingredients include a wide variety of seafood, plus coconuts and plantains. Those have always been some of my favorite things to eat, so I was definitely very happy in Cartagena. Let me show you some of the great food I found in Cartagena Colombia.
- [How To Take A Scenic Day Trip From Ljubljana to Škofja Loka](https://thethoroughtripper.com/day-trip-from-ljubljana-to-skofja-loka/): The thousand year old village of Škofja Loka is widely considered to be the best preserved medieval village in all of Slovenia. And fortunately, a day trip from Ljubljana to Škofja Loka Slovenia couldn't be easier. You won't find a huge number of major sites in Škofja Loka. What you'll find instead is a quaint Old Town that begs to be wandered, and some incredibly scenic surrounding countryside. Let me show you what to expect on a scenic day trip from Ljubljana to Škofja Loka.
- [The 11 Best Things To Do in Ljubljana Slovenia](https://thethoroughtripper.com/best-things-to-do-in-ljubljana/): I don't think that Ljubljana is the first city that comes to most people's minds when asked to list the great capital cities of Europe. But I've visited Ljubljana twice now, and it's become one of my favorite places. A compact and historic town center, featuring a hilltop medieval castle and a tree-lined riverside promenade. An amazing collection of restaurants and cafes. Some unique sites that you won't find just anywhere. And easy access to the rest of Slovenia - one of the most breathtakingly beautiful countries I've ever visited. What's not to love? Let me show you some of the very best things to do in Ljubljana.
- [A Great Cooking Class in Cartagena Colombia at Lunatico](https://thethoroughtripper.com/cooking-class-cartagena-colombia/): When traveling in Cartagena Colombia, you'll find that one of the most popular activities for visitors is a cooking class. Several different companies offer you the chance to get a first hand look at Colombia's delicious cuisine - from within the kitchen. I'm always looking for great food when I travel. And if I can find a great cooking class...even better. Not only do I get to eat yummy food, but I get to learn more about the ingredients, more about the culture, and I'm given memorable recipes to take home. Let me show you why the cooking class I chose in Cartagena Colombia called the Lunatico Experience was a winner.
- [Why A Palenque Tour is the Best Day Trip From Cartagena Colombia](https://thethoroughtripper.com/palenque-tour-cartagena/): If you are looking for the perfect day trip from Cartagena Colombia, then I believe you should look no further than a Palenque Tour. While the most popular day trips from Cartagena will take you to over-touristed beaches, a Palenque Tour will take you on a journey of discovery. A chance to learn about an entirely unique culture. An experience where an entire town greets you with giant smiles, excited to teach you about their tiny slice of South America. Let me show you why I think a Palenque Tour is the best day trip from Cartagena.
- [Tips for Getting Around Cartagena Colombia – Taxi, Uber, & Cabify](https://thethoroughtripper.com/getting-around-cartagena-colombia/): Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most popular cities for tourists. It is historic, yet very modern, and because it’s located directly on the Caribbean Sea, it has beaches too!  We just returned from spending an entire month in this vibrant city.  During that time,  I became somewhat of an expert on getting around Cartagena Colombia. Because I am The Thorough Tripper, I tried to gather as much information about my transportation options prior to our arrival. But I found that information to be somewhat lacking - and sometimes inconsistent.  So I gathered most of my Cartagena transportation knowledge on the fly.  
- [An Easy Day Trip From Vienna to Bratislava Slovakia](https://thethoroughtripper.com/day-trip-from-vienna-to-bratislava/): Bratislava is a charming city that sits on the banks of the Danube River in Slovakia. It features a hilltop castle, a quaint Old Town dating from the Middle Ages, and plenty of great sites. And it's only about an hour away from Vienna. In my opinion, taking a day trip from Vienna to Bratislava is a must. Not only do you get the chance to explore a second European capital city, you also get to briefly experience an entirely different culture. Plus, it's very easy. Let me show you everything about our own very worthwhile day trip from Vienna to Bratislava.
- [8 Insightful Vienna Travel Tips](https://thethoroughtripper.com/vienna-travel-tips/): Vienna Austria has long had a reputation as being one of the very best cities in the world. In fact, it was recently named the World's Most Livable City for the eighth time in ten years. But what's it like to spend time in Vienna as a short-term visitor? We recently spent nearly two weeks in Vienna. It served as our hub city during a nearly 7-week odyssey in Central Europe and the Balkans. And so, over the course of this particular trip, it came to feel like home. We began and ended our trip with multiple days exploring Vienna. Plus we were in and out of town several times as we made various regional connections. Consequently, I had time to learn a lot about the World's Most Livable City as a traveler. Here are the 8 most insightful Vienna Travel Tips I gathered while there.
- [Traveling by Railjet Train Between Vienna and Budapest](https://thethoroughtripper.com/train-between-vienna-and-budapest/): Vienna Austria and Budapest Hungary are two of the most popular travel destinations in Central Europe. And rightfully so! They both offer amazing architecture, art, food, and history. These two great European capital cities are located relatively close to each other - separated by only 150 miles. Consequently, many travel itineraries include a visit to both cities. Conveniently, an excellent rail system connects the two. During our recent travels in this part of the world, we traveled by Railjet train between Vienna and Budapest. Let me show you what it's all about.
- [An Easy Day Trip From Budapest – Colorful  Szentendre Hungary](https://thethoroughtripper.com/day-trip-from-budapest-to-szentendre/): If you are looking for an easy day trip from Budapest, then the quaint colorful town of Szentendre should be at the top of your list. Szentendre sits directly on the banks of the Danube River and offers interesting old world architecture, side streets that beg exploring, and a skyline dominated by church towers. The town is also a haven for artists, so you'll find many small galleries and museums scattered about. And all of this is only 40 minutes by train from central Budapest. We love day trips, and spent an afternoon exploring beautiful Szentendre. Here's everything we were able to see and experience during our time there.
- [10 Essential Budapest Travel Tips](https://thethoroughtripper.com/budapest-travel-tips/): I remember when I returned from a trip to Central Europe several years ago. As I was sharing some highlights with a well-traveled friend, I told him how much I'd loved our few days in Prague. He said - yeah Prague is nice, but wait until you see Budapest. Ever since then, Budapest has very much been on my travel radar. I finally had the chance to visit Budapest recently, and my friend was absolutely correct. It is fantastic! We spent a week exploring Hungary's capital city and it wasn't enough. I definitely wanted more time discovering all its charms. Nonetheless I did learn quite a bit about Budapest during the time we did have. Here are some of the Budapest Travel Tips I discovered while there.
- [Taking An Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour – An Ideal Dubrovnik Day Trip](https://thethoroughtripper.com/elaphiti-islands-boat-tour/): Our favorite activity while traveling in Dubrovnik Croatia recently was taking an Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour. The Elaphiti Islands are situated just north of Dubrovnik. Three of these scenic islands are populated and welcoming to visitors. The easiest way to check them out is via an organized Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour. We spent a fantastic day on a boat named Bobara, cruising through the Adriatic, and spending time on all three. Let me show you what touring the Elaphiti Islands is all about.
- [11 Useful Dubrovnik Travel Tips for Europe’s Most Over-Touristed City](https://thethoroughtripper.com/dubrovnik-travel-tips/): Dubrovnik Croatia is one of the most popular travel destinations in all of Europe. In fact, it ranks as the most over-touristed city in Europe by a large margin, with 36 visitors for every 1 resident. This can certainly be blamed on Game of Thrones - the popular TV series that was filmed in Dubrovnik's picturesque Old Town. And after spending a week in Dubrovnik, I can personally testify that it's crowded...very crowded. Even in early October when we visited. But, I found that it's still possible to enjoy this beautiful area without always having to fight the touristic hoards. So here are 11 Useful Dubrovnik Travel Tips I gleaned while visiting the Pearl of the Adriatic.
- [Getting From Kotor to Dubrovnik & Other Kotor Transportation Tips](https://thethoroughtripper.com/getting-from-kotor-to-dubrovnik/): While Kotor Montenegro has rapidly become a top European travel destination in the last 10 years, it's a small place, there aren't big roads, and the only form of public transportation is bus. We recently spent 9 days in Kotor, and since we travel on a budget, we prioritize public transportation wherever we go. But, I found the bus system in and around Kotor very confusing, often chaotic, and usually crammed with riders. In fact, I completely put aside my original plan to use the bus for getting from Kotor to Dubrovnik Croatia.
- [Riding the Kotor Cable Car For Spectacular Views in Montenegro](https://thethoroughtripper.com/riding-the-kotor-cable-car/): Within minutes after arriving in Montenegro, as we rode from the small Tivat airport to our Airbnb in Kotor, our airport transfer driver pointed to the long cables extending up a nearby mountain, and told us in his limited English - Beautiful View. I knew very little about Montenegro or the Bay of Kotor at that point, and wasn't entirely sure about our upcoming itinerary. But I was fairly certain we would not be riding that Kotor Cable Car. First of all, while I love great views, I don't love heights - and the cars looked pretty far off the ground. And second of all, I was concerned about safety. I thought it might be an old communist-era tourist attraction. Anyone remember that car back in the 80s called the Yugo? Then you'll understand my concern.
- [Touring the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest](https://thethoroughtripper.com/hungarian-parliament-in-budapest/): The Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest is certainly the most recognizable building in all of Hungary. It's a massive Neo-Gothic structure that sits on the shores of the Danube River. It's one of Budapest's most popular and most-photographed sites. I took Mrs. TT on a quick subway ride our first night in Budapest without telling her where we were going. When we emerged into the night air, directly across the river from the building, I told her to turn around. And she literally gasped. It's an impressive site! But you aren't limited to enjoying this building from the outside only. It's possible to go inside, too! Let me tell you all about touring the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest.
- [Riding the Pletna Boat to Lake Bled Island on a Bell-Ringing Quest](https://thethoroughtripper.com/pletna-boat-lake-bled/): Lake Bled Slovenia is one of my favorite places in the world.  Not only is the scenery stunning - a crystal blue lake, an island church, a hilltop castle, all surrounded by the Julian Alps.  But it’s also where Mrs TT and I were married a few years ago.  We returned to Lake Bled this year to celebrate our anniversary and spend a little more time in this magical place.
- [Exploring the San Telmo Market & Street Fair in Buenos Aires](https://thethoroughtripper.com/san-telmo-market-buenos-aires/): Two of my very favorite things to do during our month in Buenos Aires were to 1) eat at the San Telmo Market, and 2) wander the giant San Telmo Sunday Street Fair. San Telmo is one of Buenos Aires' most popular and historic neighborhoods, and is conveniently located just south of the city center. Every visitor to Buenos Aires will certainly spend time in San Telmo, exploring its antique shops and clothing stores, perusing its art galleries, eating in its restaurants, and perhaps even taking in a tango show.
- [10 Practical Buenos Aires Travel Tips](https://thethoroughtripper.com/buenos-aires-travel-tips/): Buenos Aires Argentina is a huge, dynamic, and sometimes-baffling city that absolutely deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.  We spent one month in Buenos Aires earlier this year, and I feel that we came to understand the place pretty well.  I’ve written about several of our unique experiences in Buenos Aires already. But for this post, I want to highlight what I think are the most practical Buenos Aires travel tips to help you more effectively plan your own visit to this great South American city. 
- [The Beautiful Stewart Falls Hike at Sundance Utah](https://thethoroughtripper.com/stewart-falls-hike-sundance-utah/): The canyons of Northern Utah are filled with some pretty great hiking adventures. As I pointed out in my last post, my daughter and I are trying to hike a different Utah canyon trail each week this summer. And a few days ago, we traveled up Provo Canyon to check out Stewart Falls - a popular hiking destination just above Sundance Resort. Stewart Falls is a spectacular two-tiered waterfall dropping 200 feet over a sheer mountain cliff on the east side of Mount Timpanogos - one of Utah's highest peaks. The trail to the Falls is very scenic too. Let me show you what we discovered on the beautiful Stewart Falls Hike.
- [Hiking at Brighton Utah – Silver Lake, Twin Lakes, and Lake Solitude](https://thethoroughtripper.com/hiking-at-brighton-utah/): Big Cottonwood Canyon is usually ranked as the #1 thing to do in Salt Lake City on Tripadvisor.  Salt Lake City is famous for its easily-accessible canyons.  They offer great skiing in the winter, awesome hiking in the summer, and amazing colors in the fall. And Big Cottonwood Canyon is beloved by locals and tourists alike.  At the top of this 15 mile canyon, easily accessed from the middle of the Salt Lake Valley, you’ll find the small town of Brighton Utah and its two ski resorts - Brighton and Solitude.  This summer, my daughter and I have continued last summer’s quest to hike a different Utah mountain trail every week. Here’s a look at three very different trails we recently explored while hiking at Brighton Utah. And one most definitely stood out as our favorite.
- [The Best Portuguese Food In Lisbon You Need To Try](https://thethoroughtripper.com/best-portuguese-food-lisbon/): Eating local cuisine is one of my favorite things about travel. I spend a lot of time trying to seek out the best versions of the most authentic food in each destination we visit. We spent two months in Lisbon this past winter, and so I had plenty of time to try lots of Portuguese food. I knew very little about Portuguese food prior to our time in Lisbon. It's not a common cuisine choice at home. In fact, I don't think I'd ever seen a Portuguese restaurant prior to this trip. But that's a shame, because I quickly discovered that I loved eating in Lisbon and I found a lot of great food. Here's a look at some of the very best Portuguese food in Lisbon that you shouldn't miss.
- [Things To Do in Paros Greece – The Greek Islands at Their Best](https://thethoroughtripper.com/things-to-do-paros-greece/): Paros is one of the most popular Greek islands.  OK so it’s not Santorini or Mykonos popular.  But Paros is definitely right up there in the second tier of Greek island popularity.  It’s known for great beaches, two picturesque seaside towns, accessible mountain villages, and a whole lot of rural life in between.   We spent 6 days exploring this amazing place during our month in Greece last Fall.  Let me show you some great things to do in Paros Greece
- [Exploring Famous Evita Sites in Buenos Aires](https://thethoroughtripper.com/evita-sites-in-buenos-aires/): Even if you don’t know anything about Eva Perón, you will quickly become aware of Evita within minutes of your arrival to Buenos Aires.  Her image graces both sides of a tall central Buenos Aires building, situated on the city’s wide central avenue. From high up on this building, she forever speaks passionately through a microphone to the Argentine masses…a giant-sized reminder of her importance to this South American nation.  It’s been 70 years since Evita died, but her legacy is just as large as her building-side image. And it’s hard for tourists not to become as enthralled in the legend of Evita as the locals are.  Let me show you some of what I learned about Eva Perón during my exploration of famous Evita sites in Buenos Aires.
- [11 Photos That Will Convince You To Visit Buenos Aires](https://thethoroughtripper.com/visit-buenos-aires-in-11-photos/): A lot of people seemed surprised when I told them we would be spending a month in Buenos Aires Argentina. It doesn't top most travel bucket lists. But a visit to Buenos Aires has always been high on mine. I'd always heard this city referred to as "the Paris of South America". And sure, there is a strong European influence as Buenos Aires was mostly built by European immigrants in the 1800s. However, I found that Buenos Aires very much has its own unique identity - different from any place I've ever been. Here are 11 photos that should convince you to visit Buenos Aires.
- [A Unique Food Tour in Buenos Aires](https://thethoroughtripper.com/food-tour-in-buenos-aires/): I’ve traditionally loved taking food tours when I travel. I think they are a great way to get a quick overview of a city’s cuisine.  However, now that we are traveling slower, I haven’t taken any food tours recently.  I've figured that given the extra time we have in each destination, I could discover the cuisine of each place on my own. And so, I didn’t initially schedule any sort of food tour at the beginning of our recent month-long stay in Buenos Aires.  But, near the end of our trip, when Detour BA invited me to to join them on their unique Chacarita  & Vermouth tour, exploring the up-and-coming foodie neighborhood of Chacarita, I quickly said yes.  I loved the idea of spending time in an out-of-the-way Buenos Aires neighborhood, learning about vermouth, and trying some food that I perhaps hadn’t yet tasted in Argentina. 
- [Learning to Drink Mate in Buenos Aires](https://thethoroughtripper.com/mate-in-buenos-aires/): Argentina's most beloved drink is Mate. I'd heard of Mate prior to our trip to Argentina, and was aware of its popularity in several other South American countries, too. But otherwise, I knew nothing about Mate, and looked forward to giving it a try in Buenos Aires for the first time. Once we arrived, I expected to easily find the country's most popular drink. I figured I'd order it in coffee shops or restaurants. Or maybe there were Mate bars? Yet two weeks into our stay, I still hadn't found tourist-accessible Mate anywhere in Beunos Aires. I frequently saw Argentines drinking Mate out of its characteristic vessel. Various tour guides talked about their deep love for Mate and its importance in Argentine social culture...but didn't really know where we tourists could easily get any. So mid-trip, drinking mate in Buenos Aires became my quest.
- [7 Important Lisbon Travel Tips](https://thethoroughtripper.com/lisbon-travel-tips/): I’m sitting on a plane right now, flying to our next destination - Buenos Aires. But as I sit here, I can’t help but reflect on our last stop - Lisbon.  With our focus now on traveling slower, our goal this winter was to spend two months pretending to live like locals in Europe.  Someday we might even turn pretend into reality…who knows.  But anyway, this time we chose Lisbon.  Why Lisbon? First, it’s a hugely popular destination right now, and we figured that off-season would be a great time to avoid the tourist hoards.  And second, It’s supposedly the least cold European capital city.  And if we are going to escape Utah winters, we definitely at least wanted least cold. I’ve already shared quite a bit about our time in Lisbon on this blog, but this time I want to share a few general Lisbon travel tips. 
- [Important Advice Before You Visit Sintra Portugal](https://thethoroughtripper.com/visit-sintra-portugal/): For all the reasons I mentioned above, a lot of day trippers visit Sintra from Lisbon.  But…
- [11 Photos That Will Convince You To Visit Lisbon Portugal](https://thethoroughtripper.com/visit-lisbon-in-11-photos/): Wondering what it might be like to visit Lisbon Portugal? Well, you're not alone. It's one of Europe's most popular destinations. I just returned from a two-month winter stay in Lisbon. And as I hoped with such a prolonged visit, I got to know Lisbon fairly well. Let me show you some of what makes Lisbon great through 11 of my favorite Lisbon photos.
- [Lisboa Em Fado – A Glimpse into the Portuguese Soul](https://thethoroughtripper.com/lisboa-em-fado/): No trip to Lisbon is complete without some sort of Fado experience. Fado is the traditional music of Portugal, with origins dating back a couple of centuries in the poorer neighborhoods of Lisbon. It's haunting, melancholic, and passionate - a musical expression of the Portuguese soul. It's such an important and recognized part of Portugal's cultural identity that it was placed on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. Visitors to Lisbon have plenty of options for listening to Fado. Walk anywhere through Lisbon's most traditional districts like Alfama and Barrio Alto, and you'll see many restaurants advertising Fado. And quite possibly, you'll have a Fado show flier thrust into your hand. Our first Fado experience was at a Fado venue called Lisboa Em Fado. And we were so enthralled by Fado, we returned the next night for even more.
- [Eating Bifanas in Lisbon – Just Like My Travel Hero](https://thethoroughtripper.com/eating-bifanas-in-lisbon/): I distinctly remember putting Lisbon on my must-visit list after watching Anthony Bourdain visit Portugal's capital city in 2012. I was struck by its old-world beauty, its riverside location, and especially its food. Anthony Bourdain taught me a lot. I loved learning about the world from him, and I try to emulate his experiential approach to travel. He is my travel hero. Sometimes I seek out places I remember from his various episodes, but mostly I don't. I want to explore and discover on my own. But when it came to eating Bifanas in Lisbon, I decided to experience what he labeled the "hot porky love" of Portugal's favorite snack at a place called O Trevo - exactly like he did.
- [A Evening Quest for the Best Chicken in Lisbon](https://thethoroughtripper.com/best-chicken-in-lisbon/): We are currently surrounded by lots of takeout joints in our Lisbon neighborhood - kebabs, pizza, more kebabs, pizza again, a couple Indian places. But no piri-piri chicken. I couldn't find Portugal's favorite takeout food anywhere in my immediate neighborhood. And so, on our 8th night in Portugal, I went on a quest to see if could not only find piri-piri chicken for dinner, but bring home what some have called the best chicken in Lisbon.
- [Tips For An Ideal Day Trip to Óbidos Portugal From Lisbon](https://thethoroughtripper.com/day-trip-to-obidos-portugal/): Óbidos Portugal is a beautifully preserved medieval village located just one hour north of Lisbon. A castle, a fortified city wall, a quaint village of small houses and cobblestone streets, churches scattered throughout. It's everything you would expect when you think European Middle Ages. This all lends itself to what I consider an absolute essential day trip from Lisbon. Or an essential stop on any Portugal road trip itinerary. During our 2-month stay in Lisbon, a day trip to Óbidos was our first weekend jaunt outside the city. Here's a look at all the magic we found in medieval Óbidos Portugal
- [Slow Travel – What I’ve Learned After 82 Days Traveling In Europe](https://thethoroughtripper.com/thoughts-on-slow-travel/): I’m evolving as a traveler.  My 7-10 day whirlwind trips of the past have been replaced by more enriching journeys of a month or more.  So-called slow travel. During 2022, we took three different month-long trips to Europe - Spain, Malta, and Greece. When originally envisioning what this post-retirement life of slow travel would look like, I didn’t fully know what to expect.  And Mrs. TT and I are still very much figuring it all out.  How long can we stay away before needing to address realities back home?  What is realistic from a budget standpoint?  How do we work around her job? How can we be present enough for our extended family? 
- [My Favorite Food and Travel of 2022](https://thethoroughtripper.com/favorite-food-travel-2022/): 2022 was the greatest year of travel I’ve ever had.  My retirement late last year allowed me the opportunity to pursue my lifelong passion for travel in a way that I’ve never been able to.  Slower travel.  A chance to spend a longer period of time in some pretty amazing places. A chance to really absorb the history, culture, and cuisine of each destination, rather than just quickly hitting the highlights before needing to return to the grind of work.  During this past year,  I was able to spend nearly 3 months in Europe, while exploring 3 different countries - Spain, Malta, and Greece.  And as you can imagine, choosing favorites from these great adventures wasn’t easy.  But here they are - my favorite Food and Travel of our epic 2022. 
- [11 Photos That Will Convince You to Visit Athens Greece](https://thethoroughtripper.com/athens-greece-11-photos/): I was surprised by how much I loved Athens Greece. Travelers to Greece easily get distracted by the allure of the Greek Islands, so Athens can end up an afterthought on many Greece travel itineraries. But Athens is rich in history, culture, and food! And it's beautiful too! Here are 10 photos from my recent stay that should convince you to visit Athens Greece.
- [How To Take The Ideal 2 Day Trip to Meteora from Athens](https://thethoroughtripper.com/day-trip-to-meteora-greece/): Well, I’m here to tell you that Meteora in the central part of Greece is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited, and deserves a top spot on any Greece travel itinerary.  Let me show you everything that’s great about Meteora, and why you should take no less than a 2 day trip to Meteora from Athens.
- [Traveling in Greece – 10 Things I Learned in a Dream Destination](https://thethoroughtripper.com/traveling-in-greece/): Greece had always been a dream destination for me, as I’m sure it is for many of you.   However, traveling in Greece has always seemed like a fairly big undertaking.  Greece has a lot to share with a traveler.  And I wanted to be sure I had the time to do Greece justice.  Now I do.  And so we went.  
- [Things to Do In Syros Greece – A Cyclades Charmer](https://thethoroughtripper.com/things-to-do-syros-greece/): While internet speed determined our island choice, we found plenty of wonderful things to do in Syros Greece.  Here’s my top 7....
- [Lefkes Greece – Hiking an Ancient Byzantine Road on Paros Island](https://thethoroughtripper.com/lefkes-byzantine-road/): Lefkes is a scenic small village, high in the mountains of Paros, one of Greece’s famed Cyclades Islands.  A visit to this charming town should top any traveler’s list of Things to Do in Paros.  But in my opinion, the very best part of visiting Lefkes is hiking the nearby Byzantine Road.  This ancient road once linked Lefkes to its closest neighbor - the town of Prodromos.  The road is 1000 years old.  It’s paved with marble.  And it offers some pretty spectacular views of both Lefkes above and the Aegean Sea below.  Visiting Lefkes and hiking the Byzantine Road was one of the highlights of our visits to Paros.  
- [Riding the Blue Star Ferry to a Greek Island](https://thethoroughtripper.com/riding-the-blue-star-ferry-greece/): Undoubtedly, the most common way to island hop in Greece is on a ferry. And many companies offer ferry services between all the Greek islands. For our island hopping needs, I chose the Blue Star Ferry line. And now that I've taken my first ferry ride from Athens to the island of Syros, let me show you exactly what riding the Blue Star Ferry in Greece is all about.
- [Two Popular Alta Utah Hikes – Albion Meadows and Cecret Lake](https://thethoroughtripper.com/two-popular-alta-utah-hikes/): Albion Meadows and Cecret Lake are two wildly popular canyon hikes near Salt Lake City Utah.  They are both located at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon at Alta.  Even though I live close to the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon, I don’t spend nearly enough time up there.  Utah’s most popular canyons can get very crowded, especially on the weekends. And so I have traditionally (and shamefully) avoided them more often than not.  But now that I am retired, I have less excuse - and can go on weekdays.  So, my daughter and I made a pledge to hike a different canyon trail every Monday this summer.  And with few exceptions, we have done just that. Let me show you our experiences on these two popular Alta Utah hikes.
- [The Snowbird Tram in Summer – Utah Mountain Hiking at 11000 Feet](https://thethoroughtripper.com/snowbird-tram-summer-hiking/): One of my favorite summer activities in Northern Utah is taking the Snowbird tram to the top of Hidden Peak. Once on top, I take in the amazing views across the Wasatch Mountains, plus hike around a bit. Any time I can hike at 11000 feet without actually physically climbing to 11000 feet is a win in my book.  Recently, Snowbird updated its iconic 50 year old aerial tram system with new and improved tram cabins.  My daughter and I decided to go check them out.  
- [12 Favorite Travel Photos and the Stories Behind Them](https://thethoroughtripper.com/favorite-travel-photos/): One of the reasons I started blogging is for the opportunity it gives me to share my travel photos. Whenever I travel, taking that "perfect shot" has always been a focus for me. But few people ever saw those pictures- they would just linger in the digital universe for me to stumble upon from time to time. Blogging though is the perfect medium for me to share my favorite travel photos from each adventure, while also sharing the stories that go with them.
- [A Day Trip to Gozo – Exploring Malta’s Sister Island](https://thethoroughtripper.com/a-day-trip-to-gozo/): Gozo is one of the three islands that make up the European island nation of Malta. Gozo - sometimes called Malta's sister island - is smaller and more rural than the bigger main island, but it’s still filled with interesting sites.  Spending time on Gozo is an essential part of any Malta travel itinerary.  While Gozo does offer plenty of lodging options, many Gozo visitors experience this island while on a day trip.  Taking a day trip to Gozo is quite easy. Let me show you what our day trip to Gozo was like.
- [Better Than a Malta Airport Hotel – Talbot & Bons](https://thethoroughtripper.com/talbot-bons-malta-airport-hotel/): Whenever we have an early morning flight home from Europe, I will usually seek out an airport hotel for that last night.  Long travel days are exhausting.  I’m all for doing anything I can to minimize that first-thing-in-the-morning stress of getting to the airport for an early flight. Staying nearby helps.  So when I discovered that our air itinerary home from Malta started with a 7am flight, I reflexively looked for a Malta airport hotel. 
- [Marsaskala Malta – Relaxing on Malta’s Southeast Coast](https://thethoroughtripper.com/marsaskala-malta/): Marsaskala Malta is not one of Malta’s top tourist destinations.  It’s a bit off the beaten path and it boasts no major sites. So why I am writing about it?  Because we spent a wonderful week in Marsaskala while traveling in Malta, and I think anyone looking for less touristy, more authentic Maltese experience should absolutely give it a look.  Let me show you why we loved Marsaskala Malta. 
- [A Thorough Guide to Traveling in Malta](https://thethoroughtripper.com/thorough-guide-to-traveling-in-malta/): Malta is not a common European destination for Americans.  In fact, I witnessed many blank faces when I told people that we would be traveling in Malta - followed by an explanation about its location.  Malta can certainly get passed over by US travelers to Europe in favor of tourist hotspots like Paris and Rome and London.  
- [The Historic Three Cities of Malta – Taking in the Little Things](https://thethoroughtripper.com/the-three-cities-of-malta/): The remarkable Maltese city of Senglea was our home for almost two weeks during a recent trip to the small European island nation of Malta.   Senglea is one of the Three Cities of Malta -  three historic neighborhoods, located directly across Malta’s spectacular Grand Harbour from Valletta, Malta’s small capital city.  Malta as we know it today was founded by a group of homeless Knights seeking a base in the 16th century.  The Three Cities of Malta - Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua - were the first settlements of these Knights of St John.   Today these fortified cities are quiet mostly-residential neighborhoods, steeped in lots of history, providing a perfect spot from which to explore the rest of Malta. 
- [How to Eat Tapas in Spain – Seville vs Granada](https://thethoroughtripper.com/eating-tapas-in-spain/): I went to Andalucia Spain for the first time when I was 15.  I was part of a large group of around 100 teenagers, and we toured many of the great sites in southern Spain for 2 weeks. I was hardly a foodie at 15, so food was not the major focus of travel then like it is for me now.  Eating tapas in Spain is a foodie’s dream.  During that first trip to Spain however, it was paella and then paella and then more paella.  As you can imagine, it was much easier feeding a group of 100 teenagers dishes of paella, rather than several hundred small tapas plates each time our buses pulled into a restaurant.  I left Spain that first time quite tired of paella, and without any idea about how to eat tapas.
- [Searching for The Best Alhambra Viewpoints](https://thethoroughtripper.com/best-alhambra-viewpoints/): The Alhambra is Granada Spain's most famous and important site. This complex of fortresses, palaces, churches, and gardens sits atop a hill looking out across the city. Not only is The Alhambra spectacular to witness from the inside, but its hilltop setting offers many striking images from throughout the city. During our recent weeklong stay in Granada, I went out one evening for a brief walk. But as often happens when I go out for brief walks while traveling, it turned into something entirely different. An epic quest for some of the best Alhambra viewpoints - a quest that included plenty of Google Maps frustration, Gypsies, Hippies, cave houses, a just-in-case-I-don't come back phone call to Mrs. TT, some really sore legs, and some really great views. Let me take you along on my quest that evening.
- [3 Great Day Trips from Seville Spain](https://thethoroughtripper.com/day-trips-from-seville-spain/): Seville Spain is the perfect place to base a visit to the Andalucia region of Spain.  We recently spent 1 month in Andalucia, with more than half that time based in beautiful Seville.  Seville boasts some fantastic sites - its magnificent Cathedral, the Royal Alcazar, Plaza Espana, and the Jewish Quarter.  Plus, I absolutely loved the Seville food scene.  But, there are some great day trips to take from Seville, too.  Let me show you three easy and unique day trips from Seville - Jerez, Cadiz, and Cordoba. 
- [A Cave House in Spain’s Setenil de las Bodegas](https://thethoroughtripper.com/cave-house-setenil-de-las-bodegas/): Nineteen beautiful whitewashed hilltop villages dot the landscape of Andalucia in a region northwest of Malaga and east of Seville.  These are collectively known as the Pueblos Blancos or White Villages of Andalucia.  Each has its own character and distinctive beauty. During our recent month-long stay in Spain, we spent 3 days driving through this region, gawking in wonder as each successive village appeared around the corner.  But what stands out most about our time exploring the Pueblos Blancos was the night we stayed in a cave house in Setenil de Las Bodegas.
- [A Cooking Class in Seville Spain – Paella, Salmorejo, and More!](https://thethoroughtripper.com/cooking-class-seville-spain/): When I travel, food is a huge focus for me. I want to understand and fully enjoy the cuisine of each new place. In fact, my preference is to start an international trip with a food tour - even before touring a city's major sites! This was no different on a recent trip to Seville Spain. Before we toured the Cathedral or the Alcazar or the Plaza Espana, we went on a tapas crawl with a local guide, and attended a cooking class at the local market. In this post, I'll tell you about our cooking class in Seville.
- [Uber vs Car Rental in LA – Which Costs Less?](https://thethoroughtripper.com/uber-vs-car-rental-in-la/): As I prepared for a recent trip to Los Angeles, I reflexively looked to reserve a rental car.  I’ve never not rented a car when flying into the LA area.  All the various attractions and activities that take me there are usually spread out. Having my own rental car always seemed necessary.  But car rental prices have been going through the roof lately - and sure enough, I found it was going to cost $420 to rent a standard car for 3 days.  Once I added in hotel parking and venue parking costs, I was looking at $520.  I wasn’t happy.  
- [A Thorough Guide to Adventure in Kanab Utah](https://thethoroughtripper.com/activites-in-kanab-utah/): Kanab Utah is a small town of about 5000 people located along the Utah-Arizona border. Its location makes it ideal for exploring some of the best sites that Southern Utah and Northern Arizona have to offer.  In fact, for the adventure lover, it has to be one of the best-positioned towns in the United States. Within 1.5 hours in every direction you can find three National Parks, two National Monuments, spectacular slot canyons, sand dunes, and several of the most-photographed geologic features in the United States. Let me show you how awesome Kanab Utah is.
- [The Cinder Cone Trail – An Amazing Hike Up A Utah Volcano](https://thethoroughtripper.com/cinder-cone-trail-snow-canyon/): One of the great trails in Utah's Snow Canyon State Park is the Cinder Cone Trail. Hiking this unique trail takes you to the top of an actual volcano! Yes, Utah has volcanos! Snow Canyon State Park is located in the southwest corner of Utah, near the city of St George. It's one of my two favorite Utah state parks (Dead Horse Point is the other). Here you'll find spectacular scenery, petrified sand dunes, lava tubes, and extinct volcanos. Let me show you the great views and interesting geology of the Cinder Cone Trail in Snow Canyon State Park.
- [The Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood – A Thorough Review](https://thethoroughtripper.com/warner-brothers-studio-tour/): I love TV.  I have one of those brains that has a hard time relaxing. One of the few ways I can get a break is to watch a show…or two.  My favorites over the years have ranged from Cheers & Seinfeld to Breaking Bad & Survivor to current favorites like Ted Lasso & Fauda. So, when I was tripping activities in the LA area for our recent Rose Bowl trip, and came across the Warner Bros Studio Tour, it seemed like a no-brainer.  A chance to see where and how TV and movies are made?  Sign me up!
- [Attending the Rose Bowl – Football Heaven in Pasadena](https://thethoroughtripper.com/attending-the-rose-bowl/): The Rose Bowl.  The Granddaddy of Them All. A storied football game in a storied stadium.  I started 2022 sitting in Rose Bowl stadium, cheering on my University of Utah Utes. Hopefully not a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the greatest football experience of my life so far. Let me share with you what attending the Rose Bowl is all about.
- [My Favorite Food And Travel of 2021](https://thethoroughtripper.com/favorite-food-and-travel-2021/): It's that time of year again. Time to reflect on the past year, while looking forward to what comes next. 2021 didn't bring as much travel as I hoped. The pandemic rages on and now Omicron brings us new travel concerns. But I need to travel in order to maintain sanity, and we still found our opportunities in 2021. We even jumped on a few planes for the first time in over a year, taking trips to St Croix and Seattle. Road trips were still a big part of 2021 for us, and we drove to Southern Utah 4 different times. There is lots to see in that part of my home state, and the pandemic continues to direct me down there. So, after some end-of-year reflection, here is my Favorite Food and Travel of 2021.
- [Seeking Out Great Korean Food in Las Vegas](https://thethoroughtripper.com/seeking-out-great-korean-food-in-las-vegas/): I had long avoided Korean food.  Which is odd because I love eating a variety of cuisines and discovering new food.  Especially when I travel.  In fact, I consider seeking out great food to be one of the great joys of travel.  And I love every other kind of Asian cuisine. But for me, Korean food was taboo for decades.  However, during a recent 24 hour stay in Las Vegas, eating Korean cuisine became my food focus.  Let me tell you a little bit about my Korean food history, and then show you some of the great Korean food I found in Las Vegas.
- [4 Great National Park Scenic Drives](https://thethoroughtripper.com/national-park-scenic-drives/): National Parks are often so-designated because of the high concentration of natural beauty within.   And one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of each National Park is to take advantage of its designated scenic drives.  Many U.S. National Parks have at least one. Some have even more.   Let me show you a few of my favorite National Park scenic drives.
- [Canyoneering a Slot Canyon with East Zion Experiences](https://thethoroughtripper.com/canyoneering-a-slot-canyon/): Southern Utah has the highest concentrations of slot canyons in the world. Several of the most accessible are located near the town of Kanab. During a recent trip to Kanab, we participated in two different slot canyon adventures. Last post, I wrote about driving UTVs to Peek-A-Boo Canyon. Our second slot canyon adventure was even more intense. We spent a half day canyoneering Ladder Slot Canyon with East Zion Experiences. I've been trying to push myself slightly out of my comfort zone in recent years when I travel. And I've mentioned negotiating with my fear of heights several times already in this blog. Rappelling for the first time, down 60 foot slot canyon walls, sounded like great fun. And I figured that since the heights weren't crazy high, I could manage my anxieties without too much trouble.
- [Exploring Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon – An Adventure in Kanab Utah](https://thethoroughtripper.com/peek-a-boo-slot-canyon/): Kanab is a small southern Utah town located just across the border from Arizona. The town is surrounded by lots of natural beauty, and the entire area is an adventure wonderland.  We had an unexpected long weekend pop up one mid-October, and I jumped at the chance to spend it in Kanab.   While tripping Kanab, I discovered a plethora of tours and activities to choose from. One adventure I booked was a Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon ATV Tour with the Kanab Tour Company.  We spent an afternoon driving Polaris RZR Side-by-Sides across remote sandy trails to spectacular viewpoints, culminating in a hike through one of the area’s favorite slot canyons…Peek-A-Boo.  
- [A Visit to the North Rim Grand Canyon – Unexpected Snow and Improvisation](https://thethoroughtripper.com/north-rim-grand-canyon/): I’d only been to the Grand Canyon once.  I was 18.  Me and a friend took a road trip from our home in Northern Utah to Phoenix. On the first night of our trip, we pitched a tent in one of the campgrounds near the Park. We then drove over to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon the following morning.  It was a Chevy Chase visit though.  Like in the movie National Lampoon’s Vacation (which had been released that same year), we got out of the car, walked over to the edge, took a look, said “yep, it’s the Grand Canyon”, and then headed off to Phoenix.  I don’t remember spending any more than a few minutes.  
- [A Weekend at The Sevier River Ranch & Cattle Company](https://thethoroughtripper.com/sevier-river-ranch/): The Sevier River Ranch and Cattle Company is a vacation rental located in the southwest Utah town of Hatch.  I discovered this great property while looking for a place to stay on our first pandemic road trip to Bryce Canyon in the early summer of 2020.  It’s a working cattle ranch, but most of the buildings have been converted into rental units - 6 different units of varying sizes. 
- [Hiking in Utah’s Red Canyon – A Quiet Alternative to Bryce](https://thethoroughtripper.com/utahs-red-canyon/): Red Canyon marks the start of Utah’s Scenic Byway 12.  Its features are similar to those in Bryce Canyon National Park - located 13 miles further along the Byway. Consequently, many visitors simply drive through while on their way to Bryce, admiring Red Canyon's scenery from their car.  But, Red Canyon is worthy of a stop in its own right.  It features a Visitor Center, large parking lot, and several great hiking trails with some spectacular scenery.  We visited Bryce Canyon again this summer…..because it’s amazing. But during that trip, I also made it a point to spend some time hiking in Red Canyon.  
- [Touring Seattle’s Ballard Locks by Boat with Argosy Cruises](https://thethoroughtripper.com/touring-seattles-ballard-locks/): The Ballard Locks are one of Seattle's most popular tourist attractions. The Locks separate the saltwater Puget Sound from the freshwater lakes and channels inland, and also function as a "boat elevator", moving boats up and down between the two separated water levels. While tripping some things to do during our recent visit to Seattle, I discovered that Argosy Cruises offers the chance to pass through the Ballard Locks by boat, with their twice-daily Locks Tour. Most visitors tour the Locks by land, standing on their edge to watch the boats pass through. But the idea of touring the Ballard Locks by water was a no-brainer for me. I wanted to experience the boat elevator firsthand - in a boat. And so we spent two hours one beautiful Seattle afternoon cruising the waterways around Seattle and touring the Ballard Locks by boat.
- [A Height-Phobic’s Guide to Visiting Seattle’s Iconic Space Needle](https://thethoroughtripper.com/visiting-the-space-needle/): The Space Needle is perhaps Seattle’s most iconic and recognizable landmark.  I’ve been up a few times in the very distant past, and don’t recall liking it.  That had nothing to do with the quality of the experience that generally comes with visiting the Space Needle. Instead, it had everything to do with my intense dislike of heights.  And I remember the last time I braved a ride to the top of the Space Needle - probably 30 years ago - I discovered that the floors of the outdoor observation deck slanted just a little downward towards the outer edge.  I really didn’t like that.  I was already nervous about the height, but I remember that slant also really concerning me.  It seemed to direct me right towards the Space Needle’s 520 foot drop.
- [The Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge – My Favorite Local Hike](https://thethoroughtripper.com/bear-canyon-suspension-bridge/): I’m lucky enough to live at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains in the southeast Salt Lake Valley. Beautiful hiking trails with amazing views zig zag through this whole area. Our favorite hike here follows the Bonneville Shoreline Trail from Hidden Valley Park to the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge. This 3 mile round trip hike is part of our regular exercise routine. We generally hike it twice weekly. The Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge is a popular hiking destination, and we are regularly stopped by other hikers asking for directions - therefore an obvious blog topic. Plus it’s a beautiful hike offering great views of the Wasatch Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley, in addition to the impressive Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge at the end.
- [Birria Tacos at Los Tapatios in Salt Lake City](https://thethoroughtripper.com/birria-tacos-at-los-tapatios/): I love tacos.  In fact, it’s fair to say that a perfectly executed taco is my favorite food.  And there are some great tacos in Salt Lake City.  The Hispanic community in Salt Lake is large and there is no shortage of great Mexican restaurants to choose from.  My daughter, who inherited my love of good food, had been telling me for several months about the Birria tacos at Los Tapatios - a small Mexican restaurant in Salt Lake. I had never heard of Birria, and when she explained it to me, it honestly didn’t excite me. But I do trust her taste, and made a mental note to visit Los Tapatios at some point.
- [A Thorough Guide To Frederiksted St Croix USVI](https://thethoroughtripper.com/frederiksted-st-croix-usvi/): When I travel, I try to seek out the "soul" of a place. I try to avoid resorts, I want to eat in plenty of local restaurants, and I want to explore the backroads. Basing our St Croix vacation in the quieter, less-developed Frederiksted gave me that opportunity. Plus the beaches on the island's West End are fantastic! Let me show you everything I discovered in Frederiksted St Croix USVI.
- [Some Great Things to Do in St Croix USVI](https://thethoroughtripper.com/great-things-to-do-in-st-croix-usvi/): Lots of Caribbean islands are named for Saints. Nine to be exact. I'd never visited any of these sainted islands, and I’m not sure I could even name them all. I recently decided it was time to seek out an island adventure. But I wanted to go somewhere entirely different. Hawaii - been there. Puerto Rico - done that. But the US Virgin Islands and its three small saint-named islands of St Thomas, St John, and St Croix - not yet. The time had clearly come to finally visit a Saint Caribbean island.
- [Snorkeling at Buck Island Reef in St Croix](https://thethoroughtripper.com/snorkeling-at-buck-island-reef-in-st-croix/): For visitors to St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, snorkeling at Buck Island Reef National Monument is a must.  Buck Island is a small uninhabited island 1.5 miles off the northeast coast of St Croix.  It's really not all that impressive to look at from afar.  In fact, look at a picture, and you’ll immediately wonder - that mound in the ocean covered with stubby trees is a National Monument? 
- [Hiking the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail for a Jaw-Dropping View](https://thethoroughtripper.com/zion-canyon-overlook-trail/): The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is a popular trail in Zion National Park. It's a short 1-mile hike with a minimal elevation gain, offering spectacular scenery along the way and a jaw-dropping view at the end. It's located near the Park's east entrance, at the end of the famous Zion tunnel. Hiking this trail was one of the many highlights of our trip to Zion National Park. Let me show you why you shouldn't miss the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail.
- [Highlights of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks](https://thethoroughtripper.com/utahs-mighty-5/): Spread across the southern half of Utah, sit 5 incredible National Parks. They are beautiful, they are popular, and they have been named Utah's Mighty 5. Southern Utah is a geologic wonderland and these 5 Parks show off Utah at its very best. On the popular AllTrails.com hiking site, all 5 are ranked in the Top 20 - with three in the Top 5. And four of them were among the Top 20 most-visited National Parks in 2020.
- [The Scenic Drives of Majestic Zion National Park](https://thethoroughtripper.com/zion-national-park/): Zion National Park is Utah’s most popular National Park.  In fact, it was the third most-visited National Park in the US last year with 3.6 million visitors.  The popular hiking website AllTrails.com ranks it as the single best National Park in the US.  Zion is famous for it towering sandstone peaks and canyons, and its well-known hikes such as The Narrows and Angels Landing.  If asked to describe Zion in a single word - I would easily chose Majestic.
- [Exploring the Petrified Dunes & Lava Tubes of Snow Canyon](https://thethoroughtripper.com/snow-canyon-state-park/): Snow Canyon is an incredibly scenic State Park in Utah’s southwest corner. It's located just north of St. George, the area’s largest city, and offers some amazing hiking opportunities. Petrified sand dunes, lava tubes, and extinct volcanoes are just some of this incredible Park's geologic features.
- [Red Iguana – My Favorite Salt Lake City Restaurant](https://thethoroughtripper.com/red-iguana-salt-lake-city/): Regular readers know that I enjoy great food. And I always make it a point to share great food finds from along my journeys in this blog. But what about when I'm at home? There are a lot of great places to eat in Salt Lake City, but for me, one stands out above the rest. Red Iguana.
- [A 2 Day Moab Itinerary – Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point](https://thethoroughtripper.com/moab-utah/): Because there is so much to see in this part of Utah, it can be hard to put together a Moab itinerary - especially if you only have a few days to visit. This is how we fit visiting 2 National Parks and Utah’s best State Park over a weekend in beautiful Moab.  
- [Food of Japan – 12 Great Things to Eat](https://thethoroughtripper.com/food-of-japan/): One of my greatest joys of travel, no matter where I go, is food. I love seeking out as much authentic local food as possible. I spend lots of time before and during our travels researching what and where to eat. Before traveling to Japan, I had some knowledge of the food of Japan. After all, sushi and ramen and tempura are all common and easy to find at home. But, Japanese food will alway be better in Japan! I added greatly to my Japan food knowledge and experience while exploring Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima. Let me show you 12 great things to eat in Japan.
- [The Best Things to See in Arches National Park](https://thethoroughtripper.com/arches-national-park/): Arches National Park, located near Moab Utah, is one of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks.  Growing up, I was lucky enough to spend every Spring Break camping with my family in Arches National Park.  Forty years ago, the Park wasn’t quite as famous as it is now....or nearly as crowded.  And as a kid, I certainly took all of its natural beauty for granted. When the pandemic hit, like most people, we found ourselves seeking out many of the beautiful things in our own State. And I returned to Arches National Park after a too-long absence. Over a long October weekend in the Moab area, we visited Moab's trifecta of beautiful Parks - Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, and Dead Horse Point State Park.  We dedicated one full day to visiting Arches, and were able to see most of its top sites.  Here’s my roundup of those very best things to see in Arches National Park. 
- [Dead Horse Point – Utah’s Best State Park](https://thethoroughtripper.com/dead-horse-point/): Dead Horse Point is most certainly Utah's best State Park. Sitting high on a mesa near Moab Utah, Dead Horse Point offers spectacular views out across the Colorado River and the red canyons below. These views have long been a favorite of the movie industry. This is where Thelma & Louise drove off the edge to their ultimate fate. This is where Tom Cruise free solo climbs at the beginning of Mission Impossible 2. And it's where many of Westworld's grand vistas were shot. Moab visitors can easily see these breathtaking views for themselves. We spent a some time hiking Dead Horse Point during a long weekend in Moab. Let me show you some of the sites at the spectacular Dead Horse Point State Park.
- [My Favorite Food and Travel Experiences of 2020](https://thethoroughtripper.com/2020-favorite-food-and-travel/): So there you have it. My 2020 favorite food and travel experiences. Can't wait to see what 2021 brings! Europe please???!!!!!
- [My Favorite Costa Rican Foods](https://thethoroughtripper.com/costa-rican-food/): Costa Rica is one of my favorite travel destinations. I love the climate, I love the authenticity, and I love the food. Costa Rican food doesn't get much attention compared to some of the other world's cuisines. It's uncommon to see a Costa Rican restaurant outside Costa Rica. But eating in Costa Rica is always one of the highlights of my visits. Let me show you some of my favorite Costa Rican foods.
- [Tips for Using Public Transportation in Kyoto Japan](https://thethoroughtripper.com/using-kyoto-public-transportation/): Japan’s system of public transportation is glorious and complicated.  Prior to our trip to Kyoto Japan, I spent hours studying how to get around, and continued learning while there. I personally love using local public transportation when I travel. I will always choose a subway or a train if available.  To me, it’s one of the great ways to truly experience a place. By using public transportation, you can really observe regular people getting along in their regular lives.  Plus, it’s always less expensive than taxis.   Let me share some tips from what I learned about using public transportation in Kyoto. I'll also tell you about the money-saving Japan Rail Pass.
- [Miyajima – Japan’s Island of the Gods](https://thethoroughtripper.com/miyajima-island-japan/): Miyajima Island is one of Japan's top tourist destinations. This beautiful island - also known as Itsukushima - is located just south of Hiroshima. In ancient times, God was thought to live on the island. It's certainly beautiful enough - if I was Diety, I could see myself choosing to live there. Miyajima Island can be quickly accessed from Hiroshima as a day trip, or it would be a wonderful place to spend a few days, staying in one of the island's small hotels or Japanese guest houses. It boasts one of Japan's most famous landmarks, a beautiful mountain temple, a Japanese maple tree park, mountain hiking, a small seaside village, and great seafood. We spent a day exploring Miyajima Island as part of our 9-day Japan itinerary. Let me show you its top sites.
- [Thanksgiving in New Orleans  – Great Food, Great Music, Great Times!](https://thethoroughtripper.com/thanksgiving-in-new-orleans/): New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in the US.  I love the food, the music, the culture, and  the history.  Plus, wandering through the French Quarter feels unlike anywhere else in this country.  A few years ago, we decided to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday.  When trying to decide where to go, spending Thanksgiving in New Orleans came immediately to mind. Some quick research showed me that not much shuts down in New Orleans during Thanksgiving, and so off we went.  Turns out it was indeed the perfect place. As another Thanksgiving approaches, let me tell you about Thanksgiving in New Orleans.
- [Easy Day Trips from Kyoto](https://thethoroughtripper.com/day-trips-from-kyoto/): Kyoto Japan is a city rich in history and one of Japan's top tourist destinations. It boasts ancient temples and shrines, great insight into Japanese culture, and some fantastic food. The area immediately surrounding Kyoto is also well worth visiting. Taking a few day trips from Kyoto to see and experience some of these sites should ideally be part of any Kyoto itinerary. Let me show you three easy day trips we took from Kyoto.
- [My Thorough Guide To Capitol Reef National Park](https://thethoroughtripper.com/capitol-reef-national-park/): Capitol Reef National Park might be the most underrated of Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks. I've lived in Utah for most of my life, and had never really thought about visiting Capitol Reef until the pandemic forced me to explore local. And I still know lots of Utahns who similarly haven't been. What a mistake! I managed to visit all five Utah National Parks during the pandemic, and it turns out that Capitol Reef National Park was my favorite! It offers the spectacular scenery you can expect in any Utah National Park, but the sites are so varied, it's less crowded than the more popular parks, and there is some really good food in the area. Let me show you all that Capitol Reef National Park has to offer.
- [Hiking the Popular Cassidy Arch Trail in Capitol Reef National Park](https://thethoroughtripper.com/cassidy-arch-trail/): The Cassidy Arch Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park. This hike takes you up along the side of a cliff to the top of a high plateau, offering amazing views all along the way. Your ultimate destination is a natural arch sitting along the edge of the plateau - an arch you can actually walk across! Cassidy Arch is named for the outlaw Butch Cassidy who was thought to roam these parts. In this post, I’ll take you along with us as we hike the Cassidy Arch Trail in Capitol Reef National Park on a perfect September afternoon.
- [Driving Utah’s Awe-Inspiring Cathedral Valley Loop](https://thethoroughtripper.com/cathedral-valley-loop/): Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah’s famous Mighty 5 National Parks.  On a recent trip to Capitol Reef, I made it a point to explore the Park’s Cathedral Valley. Cathedral Valley is located in the remote north part of the Park, and is only accessible via a 58 mile loop of dirt road - the Cathedral Valley Loop. It is estimated that only 1% of Capitol Reef visitors ever see Cathedral Valley. 
- [A Week in Provence – the Luberon, the Rhône, and Cassis](https://thethoroughtripper.com/the-luberon-in-provence/): Odds are that when I say Provence, images of idyllic French countryside, ancient hill-top villages, and incredible food come immediately to mind. This was certainly my vision, when I started tripping this popular tourist destination in France. The actual region of Provence is quite large, taking up the southeast corner of the country. Its western boundaries start at the Rhône river and the ancient Roman outposts of Arles, Avignon, and Orange, and extend all the way to the Italian border in the east. Marseille (France's second largest city) and the French Riviera, are both located within Provence's boundaries. It turns out that the Provençal images I had in my imagination are usually associated with the Luberon in Provence, a smaller area located north of Marseille.
- [A Kauai Air Tour – Conquering a Travel Fear](https://thethoroughtripper.com/air-tour-over-kauai/): My flight phobia has improved somewhat over the years.  I’ve learned through meditation to calm my brain enough that I no longer worry about in-flight heart attacks.  However, for many years, my flight phobia did have its limit. I never had any intention of setting foot on any plane smaller than a Canadair or Embraer regional jet.  But then a travel opportunity came along that forced me to muster up the courage to set aside my fear for the greater good of a memorable travel experience.  I took a Kauai Air Tour.
- [Hiking in Utah’s Kodachrome Basin](https://thethoroughtripper.com/kodachrome-basin-state-park/): While Utah is well-known for its Mighty Five National Parks, the state is also home to 45 State Parks. We visited Kodachrome Basin State Park while on our first Socially Distant Local Road Trip of the pandemic.   Bryce Canyon National Park was our primary destination, but I wanted an alternate afternoon locale to escape the anticipated midday Saturday crowds in Bryce.  Kodachrome Basin is located only 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon, making it a logical choice. Its unusual rock formations and towering multi-colored cliffs make it a great reason to visit.
- [Bryce Canyon – A Utah Treasure](https://thethoroughtripper.com/bryce-canyon-national-park/): Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah's greatest treasures. It's the second most visited of Utah's Mighty 5 Parks with 2.5 million visitors per year (nearby Zion NP is first with 4.5 million). And strangely enough, despite having lived in Utah for most of my life, I never visited Bryce Canyon until the pandemic. I'd actually driven past the main road into Bryce Canyon several times without ever going in! The Shame!! I always had somewhere else to be... But, when the pandemic forced us all to explore closer to home, Bryce Canyon was first on my list of Utah must-sees. And I've been back several times since. Let me show you why Bryce Canyon is such a treasure, and my suggestions for spending two days in the Park.
- [Finding Great Local Tours](https://thethoroughtripper.com/finding-great-local-tours/): Wherever I travel, I always try to find great local tours to enhance my experience. My style of experiential travel involves trying to get to the soul of place, whether that be through its food, it's cultural heritage, it's history, or it's social dynamic. I don't generally look for guided tours of the popular tourist attractions in each place. I prefer to read ahead and wander through those myself. Instead, I look for great local tours that help me better experience and understand what makes each place unique.
- [Tips for A Safe Pandemic Road Trip](https://thethoroughtripper.com/safe-pandemic-road-trip/): During the pandemic, we are all certainly more obsessed with cleaning. We do our grocery shopping as soon as the store opens, primarily hoping to score Clorox Wipes.  Because we have a 5% success rate, I know everyone else is cleaning-obsessed too.  For a safe road trip, we took our cleaning supplies and cleaned our rental as soon as we walked in. We also took our own pillows and blankets.  And of course, we packed plenty of masks.
- [2 Days in Salzburg Austria](https://thethoroughtripper.com/2-days-in-salzburg-austria/): Overall though, I think 2 days in Salzburg Austria was just about right.  We saw the major sites, had enough time to soak up the old town, and sampled the local cuisine.  Plus, we will always remember Salzburg fondly as the precursor to the most important part of our journey - our wedding at Lake Bled Slovenia.
- [Pages from the Past. My “First Travel Blog Post” – Mexico City 1977](https://thethoroughtripper.com/first-blog-post-mexico-city-1977/): When I was 11, my family traveled to Mexico City.  It was a last-minute trip, and I had to miss some school.  To make up for that, my 6th-grade teacher Mrs. Gilbert, decided that I should write a report about my trip.  My mom was recently going through some boxes in her garage, and found this report.  I had a feeling there was gold in them thar pages, so asked her to quickly send them. And as I suspected, this 43 year old school report on Mexico City, was in fact, my first travel blog post!  The Thorough Tripper wasn’t born in Costa Rica after all.  The Thorough Tripper was born in Mexico City!
- [Grand Lake Colorado & the Spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park](https://thethoroughtripper.com/grand-lake-colorado-the-spectacular-rocky-mountain-national-park/): Grand Lake Colorado sits at the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a historic 19th century mining-supply-turned-resort-town that sits along the shores of Grand Lake - the deepest and largest natural lake in Colorado.  It’s small town center features Old West-styled architecture and a boardwalk now lined with boutiques, restaurants, and ice cream parlors.  
- [Some Great Travel Meals](https://thethoroughtripper.com/great-travel-meal/): Food is one of the top reasons I love travel.  There is nothing quite like discovering great food in a new place.  Experiential travel also means experiential eating - seeking out local restaurants and cuisine. I want to try the food that defines a place, and eat out amongst the locals.  I'll spend a lot of time in my tripping process seeking out a great travel meal - scouring Tripadvisor, Open Table, and other travel blogs for the best eating experiences in each place we visit.  
- [Travel Tools Now and Then – Tripping Costa Rica in 2020 vs 1994](https://thethoroughtripper.com/travel-tools-now-and-then/): Thanks to our modern travel tools, travel is so easy now.  While recently traveling on my 6th trip to Costa Rica, I found myself reminiscing back to my first trip to Costa Rica in 1994. It was my first true travel adventure. A trip outside the familiar box of Mexico resort towns. But twenty-six years ago, tripping was blind tripping.  All of the familiar travel tools that help our trips go smoother now didn’t yet exist.  Here’s a little taste of what it was like for The Not-Quite-Thorough-Yet Tripper back then.
- [A Weekend in Sunny Tucson Arizona](https://thethoroughtripper.com/tucson-arizona-weekend-trip/): We stayed at the Lodge On The Desert for this Tucson Arizona weekend trip.  This boutique hotel is not actually on the Desert.  It’s located in an eastern Tucson neighborhood, but features Pueblo-style architecture, sits on 5 well-manicured acres, and has large rooms. We stayed in a Deluxe Spa Room with a giant jetted tub. A daily hot breakfast is served at the hotel restaurant each morning (included with the room rate).  The morning weather was just warm enough to eat out on the hotel restaurant’s patio.
- [Tips For An Ideal Oregon Coast Road Trip + Redwood Forests](https://thethoroughtripper.com/oregon-coast-road-trip/): We took a 1 week circular road trip in this beautiful area of the United States that included: 200 miles of coastal driving along the Oregon Coast Highway, stays in two Oregon coastal towns, and a non-coastal stay in the mountains and redwood forests of Northern California. Here's all the details of our southern Oregon Coast road trip and our time exploring the Northern California redwoods.
- [Why I Prefer Vacation Rentals Over Hotels](https://thethoroughtripper.com/why-i-prefer-vacation-rentals/): I have long been a fan of vacation rentals.  I do stay in hotels sometimes, but I find that staying in vacation rentals helps me better achieve that experiential vibe I want when I travel.  When staying in a rental, I’m often in a neighborhood setting rather than a commercial district. This helps me better experience the soul of each place.   Staying in vacation rentals generally makes it easier to explore neighborhood eateries and shop at local grocery stores. Here are some of the other reasons I prefer staying in vacation rentals rather than hotels.
- [My 3 Favorite Foreign TV Series](https://thethoroughtripper.com/foreign-tv-series/): In my post about Travel TV Shows, I talked about TV specifically dedicated to travel.  Another way to get our travel fix during this crazy time is by streaming a Foreign TV Series.  For me, foreign is anything outside the United States, and I am drawn to the plethora of foreign TV series available on Netflix. 
- [My 3 Favorite Travel TV Shows](https://thethoroughtripper.com/favorite-travel-tv-shows/): Since it looks like it’s going to be awhile before we can travel again, we are going to need to find other ways to get our travel fix. How about some great travel TV? I have long been a lover of travel TV shows. For me, I travel so I can learn more about new places up close and personal. That’s why I use the term experiential travel a lot.  Consequently, I am drawn to travel TV shows that aren’t simply travelogues, but also teach me about new cultures, cuisines, and people. Also, and very importantly, I need to actually like the host of the show. You don’t want to travel with someone who annoys you, right?   Here are my personal top 3 favorite travel TV shows of all time. 
- [Visiting Two Beautiful Istrian Towns – Motovun and Rovinj Croatia](https://thethoroughtripper.com/rovinj-motovun-croatia/): Rovinj and Motovun are two beautiful small towns in Croatia. They are found in the northwest part of Croatia in an area known as Istria. The Istrian peninsula is located just across the Aegean sea from Venice, and is often cited as a less expensive alternative to Italy’s Tuscany due to geographic similarities.  The Istrian area of Croatia features ancient Venetian seaside villages on its coast and an interior dotted with small hilltop towns, truffle forests, olive groves, and vineyards. In this post, I will guide you through our week exploring the two beautiful towns of Motovun and Rovinj Croatia.
- [6 Useful Tips To Reduce Jet Lag](https://thethoroughtripper.com/reduce-jet-lag/): As a retired physician traveler, I have put a lot of research over the years into how to reduce jet lag. I always want to do everything I can to improve my energy levels during those first days in a new place - especially if I am making a significant jump in time zones. Here's a look at my own personal regimen to help me reduce jet lag when I travel. I think it will help you too!
- [My Lake Bled Slovenia Wedding](https://thethoroughtripper.com/destination-wedding-lake-bled/): I got married at Lake Bled Slovenia. What a great place for a destination wedding! A picturesque alpine lake at the base of the Julian Alps. An overlooking castle, high on a lakeside cliff. A small island in the lake's center, upon which sits an old church.  Perfection!  Let me walk you through our somewhat complicated, but doable process of pulling together a Lake Bled wedding as American citizens. Plus, I'll show you some of the other great attractions in the surrounding area.
- [Atenas Costa Rica – A Thorough Guide to This Paradise](https://thethoroughtripper.com/atenas-costa-rica/): Atenas is a small Costa Rican town located in the hills west of San Jose, and is my favorite place to stay when I visit Costa Rica.  I learned about Atenas Costa Rica 15 years ago when I read in a travel magazine that this small town has the World’s Best Climate.  Well, of course, that caught my attention! Who doesn’t want to hang out in the world’s best climate? I'm sure there are plenty of other places in the world that would argue this point, but climate is certainly a major draw in Atenas. Plus, there are so many things to do in Atenas Costa Rica. Let me tell you all about it!
- [My Thorough Guide to Kyoto Japan](https://thethoroughtripper.com/kyoto-japan/): Kyoto is one of Japan's most visited tourist destinations and one of the great cities of the world. The Emperors of Japan made Kyoto their capital and ruled from this historic location from 796-1869. Consequently, it is rich in history, Japanese culture, and full of must-see sites. Kyoto is home to 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines! I chose Kyoto for our first trip to Japan because I wanted to get a better sense of old Japan rather than the bustle of Tokyo. Plus, it is centrally located, affording plenty of side-trip opportunities to see other cities and sites in Japan, too.

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