independent, intentional travel
There’s no shortage of taxis in Bangkok — you just have to know how they work.
Before going to Thailand, I could probably count on one hand the number of times I’d used an actual taxi. As a Millennial, I’m no stranger to Uber, which is similar in theory but totally different in application. When I’ve traveled abroad before, I’ve usually relied on public transportation. Although it may not be the fastest or most convenient way to travel, it sure is cheap. [Read more…]
Even if you only have 24 hours in Seattle, Pike Place Market is a must
When you think of Seattle, rainy days may come to mind. But I’m happy to report that it’s actually possible to have amazing weather! My sister Carrie and I spent a few days in Seattle and Vancouver in August, and we were #blessed with blue skies and lots of sunshine.
While Seattle is a big enough city to keep you busy for weeks, sometimes you only have a short time to spend there. And if that’s the case, here are three things you can do if you have 24 hours in Seattle. [Read more…]
You can travel between Seattle and Vancouver with Amtrak Cascades
In August, my younger sister Carrie and I took a long weekend trip to Seattle. It was Carrie’s first time ever traveling by plane, so we decided to knock out a couple other firsts, too. She wanted to get her first stamp on her passport, so why not spend a day in Vancouver, B.C.?
Now, Vancouver is almost 150 miles away from Seattle. How would we get there? We (Carrie) couldn’t afford plane tickets, I didn’t want to rent a car because of the experience I’d recently had with Avis in Alaska, and hitchhiking was never really an option. That left good old Amtrak — and though I’d traveled quite a bit by train in Europe, this was my first time riding the rails in the U.S.
So we booked our train tickets from Seattle to Vancouver. Here’s my review of the experience with Amtrak Cascades.
The Amtrak train that runs between Eugene, Oregon, and Vancouver, B.C., is called Amtrak Cascades. You can find more information about trains and timetables, and book tickets on AmtrakCascades.com. We departed Seattle via King Street Station at 6:50 p.m. and arrived in Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station at 10:50 p.m.
Seats aren’t assigned in advance; before your train departs, you’ll present your documents (train tickets and passport), at which time you’ll receive a small slip with your assigned seat.
Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, where Amtrak Cascades arrives/departs
Never having traveled by train in the U.S. before, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. When I imagined King Street Station, visions of the train stations I’ve visited in Europe came to mind. So Carrie and I arrived to King Street Station about 2 hours before our train was scheduled to depart.
Turns out, there was no need and nothing to do inside the station while we waited, so we went to a nearby Starbucks to kill the time. We returned about 45 minutes before the train was scheduled to depart and the ticket queue was forming, which kept us occupied until boarding.
That being said, I recommend arriving to Pacific Street Station in Vancouver at least an hour before the train departs, since you must first complete a U.S. customs form. The printed forms are on hand in the station, so you can fill it out when you get there.
There’s no security checkpoint at either of the train stations, which was surprising to me considering we were technically crossing the border. But when it comes to immigration/passport control, it depends on which direction you’re going.
On the way to Vancouver, you’ll receive a Canadian customs form on the train. Upon arrival in Vancouver, the conductor will open each train compartment and you’ll join the line to go through immigration. This line can take quite a while. Also, if you’re American they probably won’t stamp your passport — unless you ask really nicely, like we did! And so Carrie did get her first passport stamp.
On the way to Seattle or elsewhere in the U.S., you must complete your U.S. customs form before boarding the train. As you cross the border, the train will stop and immigration officers will board the train and inspect your forms and passports. Once you arrive in Seattle, you can just get off the train and go on your way.
The train ride can feel long. It clocked in at 4 hours from south to north, and about 4.5 on the way back. It does take longer than it would to drive, as Amtrak is not one of those high-speed trains like you might find in Europe. That being said, it’s not a bad place to spend 4 or 4.5 hours. The Amtrak Cascades train does have Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat, ample luggage racks, and there’s even a dining car. (I recommend bringing your own snacks, though.)
If you’re lucky, you’ll get a window seat facing west — it’s an incredibly scenic journey up the coast!
We paid $64 per person, round trip, for our tickets. There are other tickets that cost more and other tickets that cost less, but we felt this was a fair price — much cheaper than renting a car or flying. Including time spent at the train stations before boarding, it was a 5-6 hour travel experience each way. We only spent one full day in Vancouver, so if you’re on a similar schedule, that may feel like a little much.
But when you’re on a whirlwind of a trip, sometimes it’s nice to sit back, relax, enjoy the view, and try something new.
Have you ever traveled by train in the U.S.? What was your experience? And would you ever travel with Amtrak Cascades? Let me know in the comments.
-Cathy
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When I was 24, I finally took my much-anticipated trip to Alaska. My friend Megan and I flew into Anchorage, rented a car, and spent the next 9 days driving through America’s largest state. Because Alaska is so huge, planning a road trip can be daunting. As someone who didn’t really know much about Alaska, it was difficult deciding where to go.
Luckily, we made good choices — it was only after arriving that I learned how inaccessible many parts of Alaska are when traveling by car. Here are my recommendations on places to go when planning your Alaska road trip itinerary. [Read more…]
Alaska packing list essentials
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska this summer, you probably have one major question: What should go on your Alaska packing list? I had the same question — but every time I Googled it, I got packing lists for cruises. I’ve never been on a cruise, and I might try one someday, but it’s not really my preferred method of travel. During this trip to Alaska, I was flying up and renting a car with one of my best friends for a week. And we didn’t know what to pack.
So I decided to put together my own Alaska packing list (summer) for your land-based Alaska trip. Here are five things you absolutely need. [Read more…]
Riding the park shuttle/transit bus is one of the best things to do in Denali National Park
Denali National Park is big. Like, huge. In fact, it’s the third-largest National Park in the United States — it sits only behind Wrangell-St. Elias NP and Gates of the Arctic NP, both of which are also in Alaska but are much less accessible than Denali.
So, when you have 7,408 square miles of National Park to work with, how in the world do you even decide where to start?
Fear not, my fellow traveler friend. I’ve got a list of the three best things to do in Denali National Park. [Read more…]
Renting a car in Alaska is an amazing experience, but make sure you’re prepared.
We’re all independent travelers here, right? So when we tell our friends and family we’re going to Alaska, and they inevitably ask, “Oh! Are you going on a cruise?” we’re going to answer: NOPE! Not to say there’s anything wrong with cruises, but it isn’t our preferred method of travel.
We like to travel by our own rules, on our own timeline. And if you don’t have 6+ days to drive your own personal car up to Alaska, it means hopping on a flight there and renting a car.
I recently did this, and I would absolutely do it again, but I must admit that I was blissfully ignorant of what I was signing up for. Here are the top 3 things you need to know before renting a car in Alaska. [Read more…]
Madrid was the first international city I ever traveled to totally alone. I’ll never forget the feeling as I ascended the stairs from the metro station to Puerta del Sol; the square was nearly deserted in the faint 7-a.m.-on-a-Sunday light. I had finally made it, and Madrid will always be a special place for me. While I didn’t have too much time there — at least not compared to years later, when I would call Madrid home — there are plenty of things to do in Madrid, even if you only have a little time.
Here are my top 5 recommendations on things to do in Madrid.
Guernica – photos are not allowed, but I took this photo of a postcard.
Madrid is home to two internationally-acclaimed art museums: Museo del Prado and Museo Reina Sofia. Each has something different to offer, depending on your tastes.
El Prado is perhaps more famous; it is one of the most-visited sites in the world and is home to a more classic collection. It boasts paintings and sculptures from the likes of Francisco de Goya, El Greco, and Diego Velasquez. When I was there, I tried to focus on seeing just the Spanish art, but after 4+ hours I had probably only covered 1/8 of the museum. There’s so much to see. Book your ticket to Skip the Line!
Museo Reina Sofia has a more contemporary collection, with art from the 20th century. It’s also much easier to get through in a single day. By far, the most famous painting at the Reina Sofia is Guernica, by Pablo Picasso. Picasso painted this mural to reflect the horrors of the bombing by Francisco Franco’s German allies in the Spanish town of Guernica. The mural is huge, and the mood is somber as visitors take it all in.
Monumento a Alfonso XII.
When you need a break from the city streets, head on over to one of Madrid’s largest parks, El Retiro. This is undoubtedly one of the most popular things do to in Madrid. You’ll find families relaxing and tourists wandering the paths, along with (interestingly) a large population of feral cats. I love cats though, so I didn’t mind!
A couple main points of interest: Palacio de Cristal is a spectacular glass building, sitting on the edge of a lake. Originally used as a greenhouse to display plants from the Philippines, these days it’s a sight to behold as the sun reflects off its windows. In the center of the park, you can find another lake and the Monumento a Alfonso XII. You can even rent or hire a boat to take you out on the water for a leisurely paddle.
Plaza Mayor
One of the most exciting things to do in Madrid doesn’t even cost any money: wandering through the streets and marveling at Madrid’s gorgeous architecture. Almost anywhere you look in Madrid, you’re going to find some sort of beautiful building and spend a lot of time taking photos.
There’s the Plaza Cibeles (pictured at the top of this article) and the Metropolis building on Gran Via. The Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral right across the way. And who could forget Plaza Mayor and Atocha Train Station? The list goes on. I think Madrid is such a beautiful city. 🥹
-xoxo churro queen
Food is one of my favorite things to experience anywhere I travel, and Spain did not disappoint. In the mornings, order a cafe con leche and pan de chocolate in a bakery. In the afternoons, ask restaurants for the “menu del dia” — for a set price, you can get a soup or salad, main course, side dish, and dessert all for about €12-15. In the evenings, grab tapas (small plates) bebidas with friends.
My time in Spain earned me a nickname which I am very proud of: Churro Queen. I had always thought that these fried-dough delicacies were Mexican, but I soon uncovered the truth. My hostel served free churros every morning, and there was a churro shop two blocks away that I visited almost every night. Don’t you know? Calories don’t count when you travel.
A view from Segovia’s famous aqueduct
While there are plenty of things to do in Madrid that will undoubtedly keep you busy, big city life isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. And if you’re interested in experiencing a smaller Spanish city during your visit to Spain, Madrid is the perfect jumping-off point for so many amazing day trips.
One of the most popular day trips from Madrid is to the medieval city of Toledo. Visitors like it because Toledo is a gorgeous city with so much history, and it can take as little as 30 minutes each way to reach it. My personal favorite day trip from Madrid, though, is to Segovia — a town that is famous for its huge Roman aqueduct. Be sure to check out my post about the 9 best day trips from Madrid.
Visit Segovia, Toledo, or both!
Best Hotels in Madrid: Madrid Hotels
Things to Do in Madrid: Prado Museum Skip-the-Line // Reina Sofia Museum Skip-the-Line // Real Madrid Stadium Bernabeu Tour // Royal Palace Fast-Access Admission // Visit Segovia and Toledo
Looking for more things to do in Madrid? Here’s my list of 7 places you must visit in Madrid, and the 5 best places for scenic views of Madrid.
What questions do you have? Where will you visit first? Or what are your favorite things to do in Madrid? Let me know in the comments!
-Cathy
This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
Hey everyone! This past weekend I took my first trip north of the border — up to Toronto, Ontario. (I don’t really think I count the quick stop we made on a road trip as a kid, just to say we did it.)
I didn’t really know what to expect, but I landed at the airport with an open mind and zero plans. That’s one of the best things about traveling alone! But thanks to my AMAZING Airbnb hosts, Zairah and Martin, my weekend unfolded quite nicely.
Here are my top 3 recommendations for unique things to do in Toronto. [Read more…]