With everything going on with regards to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have decided on postponing our trip to Catania, Italy. It’s worth saying that I am not afraid of traveling to Italy, in fact, I think it would be a wonderful time of year to go and probably much less crowded than normal (bonus!), however, I am afraid of it spreading further do to my want, not need, to visit a place that has been set to Category 3 by the CDC (Avoid Nonessential Travel). I really wanted to go to Catania and see Sicily, but it just isn’t worth possibly spreading this to my friends and family after I return.
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Europe
How I Scored Portland to Rome For $250!
It all started with a spark of an idea to meet up with some great friends in Europe in March. That spark and an email turned into an interest to attend TBEX Europe 2020 in Catania, Italy around the same time. Early tickets for the conference were on sale and being that I’ve never been to Italy, it seemed like a great reason to make it happen. I asked my girlfriend, Jackie, if she would mind if I went to a conference while we’re on our trip. She asked, “so, you want me to spend a few days in Italy on my own while you go to a conference – yeah, no worries – I’ll be just fine!” I grabbed the conference ticket and began keeping an eye on flights – that’s when I stumbled across an email from ScottsCheapFlights that would lead us to get tickets from Portland to Rome for less than $250 each!
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Adventure
3 Days In Belgium
This is part two of a two-week trip to Europe. The first part is here (Netherlands) and the last part is here (Switzerland). This part takes place after leaving Amsterdam and arriving by train to Belgium. (more…)
Amsterdam
Netherlands To Switzerland
[mappress mapid=”12″]
If you haven’t heard, the day after Christmas I’m headed off to Europe. This will be my fourth Eurotrip (one, two, and three) and I can’t wait to go explore this amazing part of the world again. This time I’m starting on a direct flight from Portland to Amsterdam that I scored for cheap and reining in the New Year with Melissa, Tomas, Ayleen and more. After the New Year, I’m eventually making my way down to visit my friend Laurent in Lausanne, Switzerland before flying home. My plans are pretty loose, as is the way I usually travel, so I’m excited to see how the trip comes together. With the help of the travel hacking work I’ve done in the past and my friends in Europe, I’m hoping to keep my trip quite low on cost. I’m going to be updating this post with my trip details as best as I can, so bookmark this page and stay updated. Belgium(I ended up splitting off and Switzerland into their own posts.)
Europe
How I Saved Over $3,000 On A Flight!
This Christmas, I decided that I’m going to go to The Netherlands for New Years. I’m not totally sure on my plans, but I knew that I needed to get my flight soon to avoid it getting too expensive. I’m not sure if I’ll be returning from Amsterdam, so rather than booking a round trip (RT) ticket, I just wanted a one way. In doing so, I realized that I saved my self over $3,000 on that one-way direct flight from Portland to Amsterdam. Here’s how I did it. (more…)
Adventure
Blue Lagoon Alternatives: Iceland’s Other Hot Springs
There are well over a million visitors heading to Iceland every year these days and the number one tourist attraction is the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa. Known for it’s pearl blue water and beauty, it is also known to be quite packed with people (a reservation is recommend), and also comes at a hefty price tag (starts at around $60!). During my visit to Iceland, I was doing it on a budget, so I didn’t make an appearance at the Blue Lagoon, and instead partook in the numerous other hot springs around the country of Iceland. Here are a number of the ones I went to soak – avoid the crowds and save some cash. (more…)
Europe
Iceland: Viewing The Northern Lights
Many people don’t realize that this incredible phenomenon (Northern Lights) is elusive and unpredictable. Yes, even in a place like Iceland…
I just recently spent eight days in Iceland attempting to see the Northern Lights, and though it never happened, it was still an incredible trip. If you end up going to Iceland and planning to see the lights, then follow these tips from Expert Vagabond. (more…)
Barcelona
Jason Masood Barcelona
Thursday morning (tomorrow) I’m leaving early for Barcelona to meet up with my friend Masood. What started as an April fools joke has now become a chance to get back to Europe to visit Spain. (more…)
Dublin
Eurotrip 2011
I got home Monday night (October 10th) from a nice 14 hours of flying back from Europe (actually is was cramped at tiring, but part of traveling) where I spent two weeks traveling with a good friend from high school, Janel, and had an amazing adventure.
Rather than splitting up my trip into three parts; one for Munich, one for Paris, and one for South Ireland, or writing a bunch of daily posts on how it all went, I’ve decided to just give a summary of my trip and allow for people to ask questions. The pictures included in the post will be more useful than anything else. Hopefully you can find the info if not enjoyable, perhaps useful!
Now to start talking about my trip… (more…)
Dublin
Europe Is Right Around The Corner
I can’t believe the time is already upon us for me and my friend Janel to depart off to Europe. It’ll be our first trip to Europe for both of us and I’m sure it’ll be an absolute blast.
A short itinerary: (More details on travel here at TripIt.)
- Depart Portland at 1:30pm 9/27.
- Arrive into Europe through Amsterdam at 8:30am 9/28.
- Depart Amsterdam at 11:30am and arrive into Munich at 1:30pm 9/28.
- Enjoy the rest of the day getting settled into Munich at my friend Huy’s brother’s place.
- Thursday morning, 9/29, head over to Oktoberfest early enough to enjoy the festivities and hopefully meet some wonderful people to let us share share table.
- Spend most all of the day there.
- Not sure what else Munich holds for us other than seeing some amazing castles and driving on the autobahn.
- Depart by train to Paris on 10/2.
- Arrive in Paris and stay with an awesome CouchSurfer.
- Enjoy all that Paris can offer in just four nights.
- Depart by plane to Dublin on 10/6.
- Make it to Guinness for a tour and hopefully make it to Jameson.
- Go on a south island tour of Ireland from 10/7-10/9.
- Spend one last night pub crawling around Dublin. 10/9.
- Depart to Portland on 10/10 at 12:30pm.
- Get into Portland at 7:20pm.
What a trip it’ll be! If you have any advice or things for us to see – leave a comment!!!
See you in two weeks!!!
Dublin
Headed to Europe
After a lot of dreaming, my friend Janel and I are finally making our way to Europe. We’re stopping in three countries: Germany, France, and Ireland.
First stop is Munich, Germany. Leaving PDX on September 27th and arriving on the 28th into Munich. We’ll stay for four nights in Germany doing all we can in the short time we’re there. One big event we’re hitting up is Oktoberfest! We’re leaving October 2nd.
Next stop will be Paris, France after a long train ride. Not sure what we’re doing there yet, but whatever we do will be awesome. We’ll be there from October 2nd to the 6th.
Our final destination is Dublin, Ireland. We’ll be here from the 6th of October to the 10th when we fly back to Portland.
Not sure what kinda trouble we’re going to get into, however I know it’ll be a fun ride!
Here’s to a new adventure!!!