Author Archives: Penelope

A Whirlwind Patagonia Itinerary

Total Days: 10 days including travel | Accommodations: Hotels | Traveled with: A friend | Transportation: Buses and car rental | Type of Trip: Emphasis on nature | Highlights: Perito Moreno Glacier and Mountain Hikes Patagonia is a bucket list destination – the unreal mountains, glaciers, lakes and foliage. Here’s the fine print: it’s not easy to get around. It would be […]

The Alternative (and Better) Fitz Roy Hike

Located near the town of El Chalten in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, the Laguna de Los Tres hike in Fitz Roy is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The lake is named after the three peaks of Mount Fitz Roy that can be seen from […]

Argentina and Chile Road Trip

What to REALLY expect if you’re driving in Patagonia. We learned some of these the hard way. Driving in Patagonia gives you the freedom to explore the region at your own pace, without having to rely on public transportation schedules or tour groups. First things first: the borders aren’t open 24/7! Ask the car rental […]

Lessons Learned in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a wealth of opportunities to learn and explore. Below are fun facts and tips about traveling in Buenos Aires. The abundance of green spaces in Buenos Aires is a testament to the city’s commitment to creating a high quality of life for its residents and […]

El Calafate: The Patagonia Kickoff

El Calafate is the starting point for many Patagonia adventures. Here’s what to know beforehand: El Calafate is equivalent to a ski town: one main street with hotels modeled as lodges and cabins. The restaurants have a rustic look and the breweries are teeming with people all afternoon into evening.  Travelers come here for 2 […]

Five Day Itinerary in Istanbul and Cappadocia

Total Days: 5 Full Days | Accommodations: Istanbul Old Town and Göreme in Cappadocia | Transportation: Walking, Ubers | Traveled: With a friend | Type of Trip: Relaxing, food mixed with site-seeing mostly by foot | Highlights: Hagia Sophia, Turkish bath experience, Hot Air Balloon morning Below is your perfect Turkey itinerary that hits all the highlights in Istanbul and the best options in Cappadocia. This […]

What to Know When Traveling to Turkey in the Winter 

Turkey can get cold. The average temp in the winter is 45 degrees and it tends to be downcast and rainy. In areas like Cappadocia, it can be 20 degrees colder. Despite the cold, outdoor dining is in full swing in the winter. Most restaurants have outdoor tables with heat lamps and blankets. The meals will […]

How to Plan a Trip to Japan

Planning a trip to Japan is intimidating. With the language barrier, widespread cities and attractions, and contradicting information, establishing an itinerary can be wearisome. Here’s what I recommend doing before your trip and once you arrive to set yourself up for stress-free travel. BEFORE Book hotels months in advance. In particular, Central Tokyo hotels are […]

Tips for Visiting Japan

Surprising facts and tips learned while traveling in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan! This is a no tipping country, to the point where it is considered rude to give extra. Use your change (because you will end up with a lot of coins!) for the temples and metro instead! Locals want to help. They will […]