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Articles By

Bella S.

7 Ways Germany Completely Surprised Me (It’s So Much More Than Just Efficiency and Punctuality!)

When I first packed my bags for Germany, I thought I had it all figured out. The usual stereotypes—German efficiency, ...
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Walking Among Giants in Redwood National Park: My Humbling Journey Through the World’s Tallest Trees (A UNESCO Treasure!)

Standing under the redwoods in Northern California, I suddenly felt tiny. These ancient giants—some shooting over 300 feet skyward and ...
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What’s the Absolute Best Season to Visit Germany? My Guide to Christmas Markets (Winter), Wine Fests (Autumn), Alpine Hikes (Summer) & Spring Blooms!

Germany shifts in personality with every season. After wandering through the country year-round, I can honestly say the “best” time ...
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When is the Best Time to Visit California’s North Coast? My Guide to Summer Fog, Autumn Sun & Moody Winter Storms

California’s North Coast isn’t your typical sun-drenched beach scene. This wild, rugged stretch—where ancient redwoods stand guard above crashing waves—feels ...
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My Top 10 Unforgettable Moments from Traveling All Over Germany (From Berlin’s Buzz to Bavaria’s Beauty!)

Germany really got under my skin in ways I never saw coming. When I first landed, I didn’t expect to ...
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Germany, My Journey Beyond Beer & Bratwurst: Discovering Fairytale Castles, Alpine Peaks & a Rich, Complex Soul!

When I mentioned my trip to Germany, friends jumped to Oktoberfest and bratwurst. Sure, I sampled both, but honestly, Germany ...
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Surfing Portugal’s Atlantic Waves: My Guide to the Best Spots for Beginners to Big Wave Legends (Nazaré Calling!)

Portugal’s Atlantic coastline stretches for 1,794 kilometers. It’s a dream for surfers—offering everything from mellow, beginner-friendly rollers to the wild, ...
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My Top 7 Most Enchanting Stops Along California’s North Coast (Redwoods, Quaint Towns & More!)

California’s North Coast just grabs you with its wild beauty. There’s something about the way those redwoods tower overhead and ...
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7 Stunning Pousadas of Portugal I Dream of Staying In (Historic Castles, Monasteries & Palaces!)

Portugal has a way of surprising travelers who crave something beyond the usual hotel experience. Pousadas are historic buildings—think castles, ...
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My First Time Hearing Fado in Portugal: A Hauntingly Beautiful Experience That Defined My Trip

Honestly, I never thought one musical performance could flip my understanding of a whole culture upside down. But that’s exactly ...
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California’s Wild North Coast: My Road Trip Through Giant Redwoods, Misty Shores, and Rugged Beauty

California’s Wild North Coast just might be one of the most jaw-dropping road trip routes in the country. I’ve cruised ...
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Driving Through Portugal: My Top 3 Most Scenic Road Trip Routes (From Coastal Wonders to Mountain Highs!)

Portugal’s roads? Honestly, they’re some of the most jaw-dropping I’ve ever driven. From wild Atlantic cliffs to terraced vineyards and ...
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Autumn in Portugal: My Guide to Golden Douro Vineyards (Harvest!), Coastal Hikes, and Perfect City Exploring Weather

When autumn rolls into Portugal, something magical happens. I’ve noticed the landscapes turn a golden hue, the air cools just ...
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5 Tips for the Perfect Visit to Burney Falls (From Best Photo Spots to Beating the Summer Crowds!)

Burney Falls really is one of Northern California’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders. People from all over the country come here ...
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Burney Falls: My Awe-Struck Visit to the “Eighth Wonder of the World” in Northern California (It’s Breathtaking Year-Round!)

Burney Falls rises 129 feet in Northern California’s McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, and honestly, it deserves the hype as ...
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Is Summer the Only Time for Lake Shasta? My Thoughts on Quiet Autumn Fishing & Spring Lake Levels

Most people assume summer is the only time worth checking out Lake Shasta, but honestly, that’s just not the case. ...
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My Top 3 Ways to Enjoy Lake Shasta (Even if You Don’t Rent a Houseboat!) – Kayaking, Caves & More!

Lake Shasta pulls in millions of visitors every year, and honestly, most people assume you have to rent a houseboat ...
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Why Spring is My Secret Favorite Season to Explore Portugal’s Countryside & Coast (Wildflowers, Perfect Temps & Fewer People!)

Portugal in spring? It’s like the country wakes up from a long nap and suddenly everything feels new. I honestly ...
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Lake Shasta Adventures: My Houseboating Holiday on California’s Largest Reservoir – Fun, Sun, and Cavern Explorations!

I just spent a week houseboating on Lake Shasta, California’s largest reservoir, and honestly, it might be one of my ...
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Feeling the Soul of Portugal: My Encounters with Fado Music, Azulejo Art, and That Inescapable “Saudade”

When I stepped off the plane in Lisbon, I honestly didn’t expect Portugal to get under my skin so fast. ...
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Stargazing in Lassen Volcanic National Park: My Dazzling Night Under Some of California’s Darkest Skies

Standing under a sky so packed with stars that it almost felt alive, I finally got why Lassen Volcanic National ...
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