Travel

When I arrived in Madrid in February of this year, I was pleasantly surprised how beautiful the city was.  We were only staying here for 5 days so I knew I had 5 full days of sight seeing, eating, and walking up my sleeve.  There is so much to see in this city I would recommend being there at least 5 days but more if possible.  I didn’t see everything I wanted to see but I saw enough that made me happy.   Here are a few things I did and recommend doing which you can add to your itinerary next time you are there. 🙂

Palacio Real

You definitely want to visit this place because it is breath taking.  I would recommend taking pictures from a far and also get up close because the details and use of gold in the building is so beautiful.  I could have stayed here all day just looking all around me.  I was wandering the streets on my own on this day and remember being so happy at the present moment.  The history surrounding all of Madrid is also so cool to experience.  You can walk through the palace solo or in a guided tour.

 

When you walk around you’ll be there for quite a bit because there is also the cathedral which is right in front of this building that you’ll want to observe and click away.  You can also go into the chapel and walk around.  It’s so beautiful and peaceful, I stayed in there for at least an hour.  Take it all in.  There’s history, art, architecture, faith and just overall good vibes.  I definitely recommend it all.

Plaza Mayor

Definitely a spot to check out when in Madrid.  It’s special because it’s the center of the city and there are great restaurants, coffee shops, shops and just an awesome place to sit down and people watch for hours.  It’s also a main meet up point for tours as well if you want to meet up with other people on the trip.

Prado Art Gallery

Don’t miss out on this one!  It honestly took my breath away.  Plan on being there for a while so make sure to give yourself enough time because this place is HUGE.  The older I get the more appreciative I am of art and history.  I could be there forever being inspired and looking back at what the world has been through to get where we are now.

Calle de Gran Via

One of my all time favorite main streets in a big city?!  GRAN VIA.  I might be bias because our amazing airbnb was straight stinkin middle of all this amazingness but it is an amazing area of Madrid.  You can’t compare New York City to Madrid but it does have the lights and happenings that NYC does at night time.  If you want a cool shot of this main strip, you have to go all the way to the top of the building.  I spent at least an hour here because I was distracted by all the amazing food, drinks and goodies that were being sold.  Expect to wait a couple of minutes to get your shot because I was there on a rainy day so I can only imagine how it is on a beautiful day.  Regardless, I was glad I made it to this spot before leaving.  And I’m sure you will like it too.

Retiro Park

You will see why this is Madrid’s most famous park.  This park was only reserved for royalty, but now it’s open to the public and thank goodness to that.  It was one of our last full days in Madrid and we wanted to spend it wisely and I’m so glad we did.  This park is honestly so breathtaking and relaxing.  You can take endless pictures inside and around the park, sit down and just see the park performers, spend a nice hour or so in the water on a boat, have a snack from one of the local stands and definitely finish off by checking out the glass palace.  Depending on what season you end up going the way the natural light hits the glass on the palace does make a difference of capturing that certain beauty.  But I have to say even on the rainy gloomy day we went, I was still moved by it’s beauty.  So don’t let that stop you.

Mercado San Miguel

Built in 1917, you can appreciate the building as well as the atmosphere inside and please COME HUNGRY.  Have cash on you and get ready to drink and eat the most delicious grub you’ll have in Spain for just a couple of euros.  From fried croquetas, to an array of different flavored and spiced olives, to cheeses, yogurt, sweet covered nuts, seafood, pastries galore and endless wine and beer.  I wish I could name off everything in this place but I just want you to imagine and experience this for yourself.  Oh yes and don’t forget the fresh cut fried potato chips!  (Damn, I just got hungry).  It’s become very touristy these past couple of years but don’t let that stop you.  It’s part of the vibe and it’s one of my favorite Spanish experiences.  Just take a look at the few things I tried when I was there.  Take me back! x

Madrid is so just so cool.  It has everything a city has to make a trip beautiful.  The beauty and history of the city shines through.  Escape yourself into everything the city has to offer.  There is so much to see and experience.  Take it all in because it’s one of the most beautiful cities you’ll visit.  I might be biased because Spain is my most favorite country in the world but I promise you’ll love it too. X

 

 

Rome, what can I say?  It’s Rome!  If you are someone that has been there already or haven’t, you have heard about this lovely city.  Every single time I go I always fall more in love with it.  Not only is there endless things to do and see, but it’s charming in every sense of the word.

I decided to make a trip to Rome again for the fourth time because my friend wanted to visit.  I’ll always say yes to Rome and especially Italy.  Right after I graduated from college, I decided to move to Florence for six months to learn the language and work a bit in the industry.  It was one of the most amazing and memorable times of my life.  Italy is so amazing.  It has incredible history, art, architecture, language and food, food and food!

 

Since I am traveling for a couple of months, I have to be more conscious on my spending so we found a great spot on AirBNB in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Rome called Pigneto.  It’s the new up and coming hipster cool area of Rome.  It’s a great location too with easy access to the metro and bus stops.  They have great bars, restaurants, coffee shops and markets you definitely want to check out when you go visit.

For the week that we were there we did a lot of ‘touristy’ musts but we also made sure to just relax some days and solely walk the streets with no specific purpose, get lost a bit, have some gelato in a hidden street and try an apertivo or two along the way.  I always find it important when I travel to just go out and explore.  Don’t have an agenda just walk the streets, you’ll be surprised what you stumble upon. I am a huge fitness bum so when I don’t have a gym around I have to walk as much as possible and do mini workouts in the bedroom.  If you are like me, Italy is your dream place because you will do so much walking that you will double and sometimes triple your steps for the day. 🙂 Which is always good so then I can have more pizza, pasta or gelato later!

I am a total foodie and love almost everything so I can find something to eat anywhere.  When it comes to Italy, you have to eat.  Italy has it’s own unique way of life with food.  Food to them is like water to us.  It’s everything to them and you can tell they put so much love into their food because it tastes oh so good.  Eat when you are here!  You will be wonderfully surprised. Here were a couple of stand outs for me but there is so much goodness in that city I’m sure you’ll have recommendations of your own.

Favorite Place for Pizza: Pizzeria Da Remo |  Best pizza I’ve ever had.  Handmade wood fired thin pizza crust, just the right amount of cheese with incredible flavor.  Make sure to get their right when they open or close to it or plan on waiting.  Order your pizza of your liking with a glass of red.  Bravissimo in your mouth!

Favorite Vegan Spot: Flower Burger | Best vegan burger I’ve had in a long time.  I’m not a huge meat eater and eat fish occasionally but vegan spots are always my go to when it’s available.  I went here on my own and honestly was in heaven.  I had been craving a healthy burger and who knew I had come to the right place.  Their buns are also super tasty and they come in colors so they make for a great pic. My mouth still waters a little when I think about this place and my burger below. 🙂

 

Italy is well known for their food and apertivo stops so make sure to try as much as you can because there is nothing like Italian apertivo and food.  Just keep in mind lunch stops do close around 2 or 3 and then reopen after apertivo around 6 or 7.  Apertivo usually starts around 4 too.  See what I mean when I say Italy and food? 🙂

Favorite spot for for a Cappucciono or Apertivo: Santa Maria Bistrot | This place is gorgeous!  Not only do they have the cutest decor but their food is suppose to be great.  We only stopped in for a cappuccino but it was buenissimo to say the least!  Strike a convo with some of the ladies at the bar, they were incredibly friendly and gave us some recos too.

Favorite Spot for Fried Artichoke: Il Portico |  Do not leave Rome without trying fried artichoke, or as the Romans say it, Carciofo alla giudia.  It is honestly one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted.  Before we left Rome we wanted to visit the Jewish Quarter or Jewish Ghetto as they call it because we heard such great things about it. So on our last day we set out on a rainy day to find the best fried artichoke.  Apparently there are many places that do this best but we stopped here and were very satisfied.  The crunchiness and tastiness is all you need to leave with a smile on your face.  The Jewish Ghetto is a place to definitely put on your Rome list.  There are cute restaurants and shops everywhere and great history too.  You will find some of the best restaurants in this side of the city so come hungry.

Things to See in Rome

The Vatican/Sistine Chapel:  It’s a must.  You will be mind-blown.  It’s worth it.  Do it.

 

Trevi Fountain: It’s a beautiful spot for a pic.  Try to go early morning if possible because it’s gets incredibly crowded.

Pantheon:  It’s a Rome signature and so beautiful.  Take pictures from the outside and inside.  There are beautiful and yummy places to get something to eat and drink as well in front of it.  Enjoy. 🙂

 

Colloseum:  Nothing more breath taking than this place.  It was my second time there and the feelings were exactly the same than when I went there the first time.  I would recommend to go there during the day and at night because there are just no words.  Take your time walking around and even inside.  Take pictures and make your memories here.

Spanish Steps:  I love this spot.  It’s in one of the most beautiful areas of Rome with luxury surrounding the steps.  Great coffee and gelato shops, beautiful restaurants, designer shops, cutest of all European streets and talented performers.  Writing this makes me want to be there now!

St. Peters Basilica:  Catholic or not, we will appreciate this place like no other for it’s architecture and art.  You have, have, have to go and see this place.  The first time I saw this with my real eyes it was 11 years ago and till this day I have never seen anything like it.  You most definitely have to make this visit when in Rome.

Ponte Sant’Angelo: This bridge is the most beautiful bridge in the world. Its openness to light, and perfect distance between arches and water surface makes it different… not to mention the beautiful materials it is made of, and the history it has. Last but not least, it is the bridge that connects the Eternal City to Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.  If you are lucky, you will hear one of the best instrument playing by the most talented people on that bridge.

If you have enough time, go to Perugia for the day.  We did this and we were so stoked we did.  If you want to be up in the countryside with beautiful views, in a cute little town and chocolate shops everywhere then Perugia is your go to.  Perugia is surrounded by defensive walls with gothic inspired streets and architecture.  Expect to see some amazing churches, structures and museums while you are here.  Plan to eat and make sure to try their chocolate they are famous for.

This list are just starters and ideas for your days in Rome but there are endless things to see, do and eat here.  So much history, art, food, and architecture to take in and explore.  Italy is really easy to travel to and from with great transportation and every place you manage to travel to is picturesque.  If it’s your first trip here or your 10th, you will always love it.  It’s that special.

 

 

 

 

As some of you know, I am currently living out of a plane on a travel tour with one of my best friends.  We have no set itinerary, no set schedule but we are still working remotely.  It’s been a month and some since we left home and just now starting on my Malta post.  Working remotely is not as easy as it looks especially when you are an early riser and have an intense wanderlust soul and want to spend your hours wandering around with no plan in sight.  But it has to be done. 🙂

To tell you the truth I’ve always wanted to visit Malta but it wasn’t a top one on my list until recently.  I started to read and see more about it.  Top bloggers started posting about it, Conde Nast named it top travel destinations for the year 2018, etc.  And plus it’s a historic island with crystal blue waters!  Hello! Yes please.

Visiting Malta in the winter is their off season but we couldn’t have asked for better prices, weather, locals, and actually some seats on our bus travels.  Here are photos of our first day on the Island.  Our AirBnb in Sliema was steps away from the ocean so we couldn’t have been happier.  There was also a coastline of all restaurants, bars, shops, and more.  Once you walk to the coastline you see a beautiful cityscape of beautiful Valletta, Malta.


If you are visiting or staying in Sliema, I would recommend to take a full day to walk the hidden nooks of this town.  You will get inspired and take in all the hidden beauty that is tucked in between the streets.  Have a coffee at a local shop, try their spinach and tuna pie on the go, and just enjoy those snacks and sit on a random step in the middle of it all.   It’s a lovely vibe.  You’ll like it.  We did all those things and then we stumbled upon the cutest lunch place in front of the water to have a glass of wine.

We knew we wanted to see most of what the island had to offer so we planned on taking the bus to different towns that we heard so much about.  We didn’t even make it to some of them!  We spent a couple of hours in Mosta and then saw a tiny town on the water that day as well.  It was a nice town but there’s not much to do except see the church and grab something to eat.  I would recommend skipping that town and heading to Mdina or Popeye’s Village instead.

One of the most memorable and magical places I’ve ever seen is a little town called Mdina.  If you are a Game of Thrones fanatic (who isn’t) you will recognize and fall even deeper in love with this place.  The land of ‘Kings Landing’ is shot in all of Malta but it was mostly shot in Mdina.  With the cobblestone narrow streets, to the medieval architecture and restaurants, to the horses riding along the town, you will be waiting to transform into Kaleesi right then and there!  As some of you already know, I truly get inspired by my travels and this place got me to the bones.  I was inspired, mesmerized and truly blessed to be able to walk these magical streets and take in all the beauty.  A friend of mine actually took us thru Mdina at night and I have no words.  I thought I was in a medieval dream.   Mdina is definitely a must see if you visit Malta, you will too be mesmerized.

Favorite place to get a drink: Tiffany Champagne and Wine Bar in St. Julians

Favorite place for dinner (Get the cheese plate and a glass/bottle of wine) : Bridge Bar in Valletta

Valletta is a great place to see during the day and a must at night.  There are several restaurants, bars and stores to check out.  You can take the ferry or the bus to this beautiful city.  Since we were all over the island checking out other places we only had the chance to be in Valletta at night.  Thankfully, it turned out to be a night to remember.  I recommend to walk the streets as much as you can and go to bridge bar.  On a calm night, order the cheese and meat plate recommended by the owner with a glass of your favorite wine.  I always do rose :).  On a busy night, go there and sit on the steps while you drink your favorite beverage while listening to music that is played outside.  It’s really the coolest most amazing little gem and the owner, George is the sweetest most generous human.  Start a conversation with him, maybe he’ll even toast some limoncello with you!

I get asked all the time what beach is my favorite?  I’m a beach nut so it’s hard for me to answer that question because any place with the sea and sand is beautiful in my eyes.  But Rambla Bay in Gozo was an absolute stunner.  I’ve never seen anything like it!  Crystal blue waters, orange sanded beach that is sandwiched between countryside and mountain tops you won’t know where you are.  It is one of the most captivating areas of Malta, surrounded by natural beauty you will be.  The natural colors of the surroundings of this place was very inspiring for me.  The colors in the bay and colors surrounding it all made it a wonderland.  The mis of the green and blues of the ocean with the orange and golds from the sand to the greens and browns of the cliffs and countryside..(I can go on and on).  Put this on the top half of your list for sure.

Finally I get to talk about the Blue Grotto in Malta.  One of the most beautiful coolest experiences I have done in a long time.  The ride there is spectacular going up the mountains tops, along the Dingli Cliffs and looking down at the water.  Make sure to give yourself enough time to see everything on the way as well as making it to the boat ride.  It’s about 8 euros for the ride and it’s definitely worth it.  They take you inside the caves and you get to see the beautiful rock formations from afar and close up.  The water is so crystal clear blue you’ll be tempted to dive in so bring a suit!   These six marine caves are so breath taking you’ll have this memory forever.

We did a lot in a week and we could have definitely stayed longer.  We felt right at home and loved every bit of this island.  The food was great, the people were incredibly nice and the history just took our breath away.  Malta is definitely one top of my list of favorite places and I want it to be on yours too.  This country gave me some great memories and for that I am loving it for life.

 

 

Even though I am a mega beach girl I do crave the desert frequently.  There is something about nights in the desert I find really amazing.  I love the brightness of the moon and stars at night and the cactus silhouettes. We decided on Sedona for Labor Day weekend because it was a place we’ve never been and heard so much about.  Since my best friend from childhood lives in Phoenix we decided to stay a night in Scottsdale then road trip to Sedona the next day.  Arizona has it’s own special character and it’s so special.  We stayed at the best hotels, ate the best food, and we were one with nature.  Definitely a great place to visit when you have a couple of days to wander within in the US.

We ended up getting an upgrade on our rental car so we were stoked.  It was spacious and really comfortable, you’ll know why that came in handy in a bit.  We stayed at the super cute, and very instagrammable  Saguaro Scottsdale.

They had the most comfortable and beautiful rooms.  I wanted everything for my apartment back home when we arrived.  Every detail in the lobby, outside of the hotel and inside of the rooms were areas you need to take pictures of.  They have a party pool and a quiet pool with colorful and beautiful tanning beds and an area where you can chill on ac crochet hammock.  They have floaties for the party pool and great music to jam out to when your getting sun kissed by that Arizona sun.  The staff is incredibly nice and super helpful with any recommendations!

After we checked out of the hotel, we went straight to get some grub because we were starving.  So we went to this amazing spot called, The Daily Dose.  Definitely recommend trying this place out because the entire menu is so good you’ll have a hard time picking out what to get.  After we had our coffee and some good food it was time to head on the road.

When you are driving to Sedona make sure to make some stops along the way by those big hand like cactus because they are beautiful and you won’t find them in Sedona!  The coolest cactus I’ve ever seen.  Sedona definitely didn’t disappoint.  You definitely know when you are getting close because the view of the Red Rock mountains are just breath taking.  As many of you already know, I get so inspired by my travels and ideas just start popping all over the place when I experience a new place.  Sedona brought so many ideas into my mind I remember saying I wished I brought my sketch book.

Sedona is special.  Between the eclectic shops, art galleries, and lauded dining you’ll want to come there often.  Another thing that you must do in Sedona is hike and mountain bike.  They have so many hikes in that little town, you’d get major FOMO if you didn’t get out there at least for one.  The views are to die for and make great photos for many years to come.

The hotel I do recommend you stay in when visiting is the Kimpton Amara.  The space is just the perfect stay for a Sedona getaway.  The inside and outside decor is a mix of Southwestern vibe with a touch of Palm Springs.  You’ll feel completely relaxed and full of life after your stay.  What’s so great about this place is the mountain views and it’s surroundings of plants and streams.  You won’t even feel like you’re in the desert.  You must try The Hudson for lunch or brunch too!  The staff is super nice and the food is auuuhhmazing.

Unfortunately we had such a busy day exploring the city and their was a massive amount of people for Labor Day weekend we only had the chance to do one hike.  Our car came in handy when we had to change into our workout gear on the road.  We didn’t waste any time changing in the spacious car.

We drove during sunset and the cloud formation blew my mind.  It’s those little memory glances that make the best of traveling.  Arizona is beautiful and can’t wait to come back and visit some new places.  Experience all you can when here because there is so much to do and see that you will only experience in Arizona.  Until next time…xo CP

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.  That is why I am a huge fan of weekend getaways and let’s face it, taking more than 4 days off consistently isn’t always the easiest for most of us.  One of my favorite places to go, relax and refresh is Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa in Laguna Beach.  I have been going there for about three years when it was more of a hidden gem but now it’s becoming more and more popular so you do have to plan ahead when visiting.

There is so much charm, character and history at this place.  The rooms are so chic and comfortable, the staff is incredibly nice and the homemade breakfast they make you is deliciously satisfying.  Laguna is filled with art galleries, surf shops and beautiful people.  This hotel is a perfect place to spend your time in Laguna.  If you want to take a break from the hotel just cross the street and you are at the beach.  You get the best of both worlds in just a couple of steps.  I can go on and on about this amazing place but until you experience it, you’ll know what I’m talking about.  X

Budapest, Hungary

Being that I have not traveled internationally for over a year I started to get a travel bug pretty hard.  When my boyfriend passed away I really needed to take some time to get away.  Thankfully, my best friend from Austin, AKA TheHungryChronicles texted me and called me asking if I would go on a River Cruise to Budapest, Vienna, and Nuremberg I immediately said YES.  No questions asked.

We had the most amazing time that we will never forget.  We spent two nights in Budapest so we got to see everything that city had to offer, it was my big city fav! The entire cruise was a total of seven days so we were abroad for ten, which I wouldn’t have minded if we stayed a little longer. We rented bikes which was the best idea we could have done.  If you ever go there I would definitely recommend doing that because it’s so easy to get around and it’s a great bike friendly city.  I had no idea we would also be seeing the most beautiful tiniest cities in between the others.  The city of Passau blew my mind.  It was so charming and cute and just perfect.  I could definitely live there as well and go back and spend more time there.  Our trip was filled with incredible history, art, bike rides through the cutest towns and vineyards, amazing beer/wine and food, sauerkraut and picturesque towns that will be on my mind forever.

Budapest, Hungary

Our boat was the Viking Cruise, which was perfect to say the least.  Everyone is incredibly nice, great food, comfortable beds beautiful boat and they make you feel like family the whole time.  They truly care about you and your time with them.  What made this trip even more special was meeting all the special people that worked on the boat as well as the people that were on vacation with us.  That’s what makes traveling so special.  You meet people from all over the world and sometimes so close to where you’re from but you connect across the globe and share moments that you can cherish forever.  I live for travel.  It’s what keeps me alive. It’s what leaves you speechless, then it turns you into a storyteller.  For more pictures of our trip, make sure to check out my IG @carlaloren.

Danube River
Vienna, Austria
Passau, Germany

Regensberg, Germany
Nuremberg, Germany

 

Palm Springs is always a good idea…especially during the week when hotels are cheaper and pools are much emptier.  We had the most magical memories at this gem and I know you will too.  We did not leave the hotel the whole time because there is just no reason to.  They take care of you so well here with free homemade breakfast, afternoon tea, bikes for an afternoon stroll and a gorgeous set up for a night movie under the desert stars.

Korakia Pensione is so magical I want you to experience it too.  Take advantage of all that it offers and you’ll never want to leave.   Being a designer, I get inspiration from all my travels and this trip really inspired me.  Pink doors, textile hammocks, and Moroccan vibes only got my Yemaya creative juices flowing.  I hope it does the same for you. X