Phoenix Flea 2015

Phoenix comes to life on the weekends, with numerous festivals, outdoor markets, concerts, and food trucks. And with the March weather officially ringing in spring at a delightful 86 degrees, one simply must take advantage of everything going on in the valley.

I had the pleasure of attending this year's Phoenix Flea, which features booths selling locally made art, food and baked goods, crafts, and vintage fashion.

The event is located in downtown Phoenix at Heritage Museum Square with the entrance behind The Rosson House.

We couldn't resist getting waffles loaded with Nutella, raspberries, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream from the Waffle Crush truck.

These macarons from A BakeShop almost looked too pretty to eat. Their treats are delicious, by the way!

Loved the woodwork art pieces from WhiteFive Designs.

Float Balloon Tours were handing out yummy samples of virgin mimosas. I've wanted to ride in a hot air balloon for a while, so this is definitely something I'm going to look into!

There were a number of booths selling artsy prints that would liven up any room.

It's been nice to have weekends back to do fun things like this. Traveling to faraway places is amazing, but I feel like we often get caught up with only exploring abroad and don't take the chance to explore our own backyard. I'm definitely looking forward to discovering more of what Phoenix has to offer!

Denver, Colorado: A Winter Wonderland

Denver Horses 4

Denver Horses

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Denver Horses 2

aus shepherd dog quinn

Last week I had an opportunity to go to Colorado to see some friends. While I'm not too fond of cold winters, it was a refreshing break from the desert sun. The Rocky Mountains were showing off underneath a blanket of snow, surely providing evidence to the fact that Colorado has some of the most beautiful winters in the world.

Around The World On A Budget

Is traveling expensive? It can be, but it doesn't have to! Instead of getting discouraged immediately after checking the price of flights, start to think outside the box when it comes to planning your next trip. If your dream destination is somewhere warm on a beach, look into Southeast Asia - there are hoards of beaches there. If it's classic European architecture, check out the castles and cathedrals of old-world Eastern Europe. If it's something adventurous or outdoors-y, look into Central or South America. For somewhere totally exotic and different, head to Central Asia.

Below are a few destinations around the world on a budget that will still satisfy your desire to travel that won't drain your bank account. This list can help get you started when thinking about where to go!

Also read: Where To Find Cheap Flights

Asia

Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.

Countries in Southeast Asia are extremely inexpensive to travel to. This region is often called a "backpacker's paradise" due to being safe, cheap, and with multiple countries that are easy to get to. Get started with a Full Moon party in Thailand, waterfalls in Laos, pristine beaches in Cambodia, delicious fusion food in Singapore, or bright green rice fields in Indonesia.

South Korea

For an Eastern Asian adventure without the Tokyo price tag, head to South Korea. Sing karaoke, eat Korean barbecue, and take trips through the lush countryside to see this stunning country.

Europe

Eastern Europe and The Balkans: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegonia, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Romania

This region of Eastern Europe is far cheaper than its western counterpart. While London and Paris are amazing cities, you can find accommodation for days in parts of Eastern Europe that cost the same as one night in the former two. You'll get a more in-depth experience and set foot in parts of Europe that many travelers never get to. The castles and architecture are gorgeous, too!

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Turkey

Istanbul is one of the most interesting cities in Europe, partially due to its influences with both the West and East. It's really cheap, and the farther east you go, the cooler it gets. Hot air ballooning in the Cappadocia region is a popular activity these days, as is taking a cruise along the sparkling Mediterranean Coast.

Greece

Greece is a European country that many people assume is outrageously expensive but is far more affordable than you'd think. Read the Greece section on this post for more reasons why.

Africa

Morocco

Morocco tends to be more on the inexpensive side for tourists, especially if you're getting there from Western Europe (in which case, it will seem very inexpensive). Avoid tourist scams to save your money, and enjoy the beauty and exotic flavor of this country.

Madagascar

If you can get to Madagascar, you'll notice that prices are on the lower range for accommodation, transportation, etc. You never know, it could be worth it to see the Avenue of Baobabs in person, where baobab trees reach heights of about 100 feet.

The Americas

Peru

Peru has Machu Picchu which is already awesome, but you'll also find jungles and beaches in this South American country. Go to Lima or Cuzco for a city vibe, or head out to Lake Titicaca to marvel at this huge lake that sits over 12,000 feet above sea level.

USA

North America in general can get pretty pricey, but if you want to go to the US, shave down the cost of seeing big cities in different parts of this large country by driving instead of flying. This will significantly cut down your costs and allow you to stop at unexpected spots on the way! Popular routes include:

-Historic Route 66 (California-Arizona-New Mexico-Texas-Oklahoma-Missouri-Illinois)

-Deep South (Louisiana-Mississippi-Alabama-Georgia)

-Pacific Coast Highway (Washington-Oregon-California)

-California to New York

-Florida

-I-90 (East-West interstate highway along northern states)

-Southwest loop (Los Angeles-San Diego-Phoenix-Grand Canyon-Zion NP-Las Vegas)

Panama If you're craving Central American beaches but aren't digging the idea of Costa Rican prices, go a little further south to Panama. Rainforest, tropical birds, beaches, diving, and surfing are a few of many great things to see and do in Panama.

Oceania & The Pacific

Islands: Fiji, Northern Mariana Islands

Aside from Australia and New Zealand, which are both notorious for being pricey, look into islands in Oceania. Fiji is a great alternative to the Caribbean if you're looking for a beach getaway. Also check out some other islands, such as the Northern Mariana Islands - Saipan is on the US dollar and is relatively inexpensive (read more about Saipan here and here)!

Travel Guide: 24 Hours in DC

Washington, DC is one of my favorite cities in the world. Beyond the politics and power is a charming city with plenty of things to do and see. There is such an energy in DC. If you get the chance to spend a day here, here's what I'd recommend:

Travel Guide: 24 Hours in DC

(Yes, some of these are "touristy." But there's a reason why they're touristy - they're worth it! Please add any additional items to this list in the comments below.)

9 am: Have brunch

DC is known for having fabulous brunches all across town. Get your seafood fix with the Chesapeake Bay Crab Omelette from Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, or Eggs Benedict with with thick cut ham from Graffiato. You're bound to find great options anywhere you go. Don't forget the mimosa!

10:30 am: Visit the White House

Take a free tour of the nation's most iconic building, where the President and his family live. Note: you need a reservation at least three weeks in advance to take a tour.

1:00 pm: Walk around the National Mall

The National Mall (not a shopping mall) is lined with Smithsonian museums across many different subjects. Marvel at the Hope Diamond in the Natural History Museum, see the First Ladys' gowns from Inaugural Balls in the American History Museum, or learn about journalism at Newseum.

You will also find the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, and plenty of memorials, such as the World War II Memorial or the Lincoln Memorial.

3:30 pm: Head to M Street for shopping and a bite to eat

M Street is known for its adorable charm and abundance of shops and restaurants. Try Clyde's for a traditional DC staple, Bodega for Spanish tapas and wine, or The Tombs for a Georgetown college bar classic. Have a Georgetown Cupcake for dessert!

5:30 pm: ...then take a walk around the Georgetown neighborhood

The homes are adorable and have that east coast charm. The Georgetown campus is beautiful, too.

6 pm: Go to Happy Hour

Like brunch, you'll find happy hours all over. Check out this article and this article for more in-depth info on the nightlife scene.

There is so much more to do in DC - if you have time, head to Dupont Circle, take a boat out on the Potomac, visit King Street in Old Town Alexandria, or go up to Annapolis. This list just scratches the surface of the many things to do in the nation's capital!

10 New York City "Tourist" Activities That Aren't Overrated

There are many "tourist" activities all over the world that are overrated - it's all hyped up, but then when you go to do or see it for yourself, it's a letdown. Like going to the Leaning Tower of Pisa just to take that picture of you "holding it up," and then realizing there isn't much else to do in Pisa. (No offense, Pisa). I've been lucky to have been to NYC four times in my life so far, and to be honest, most of my time was spent doing "tourist-y" things. I'll have to head back for a longer trip to get more of an extensive feel for the city, but in the meantime, here are some so-called tourist-y activities that I totally don't find overrated.

1. Seeing a Broadway Show

New York is the capital of entertainment, and live musicals are no exception. The actors/singers/dancers are amazing and among the best in the world. Seeing a Broadway show is definitely worth it!

2. Strolling around Central Park

Clear your mind away from the hustle and bustle in this huge park.

3. Scouting out film locations from your favorite shows and movies

From the Gossip Girl filming locations to the Central Perk from Friends (plus SO many more), New York City is the backdrop for countless TV shows and movies. Scout out the locations of your favorites and get excited when you see them person.

4. Window shopping on 5th avenue during the holidays

Yes, it's very crowded, but the window displays are beautiful during the holiday season. And if your budget allows, head inside the stores and shop!

5. Ice skating at Rockefeller

Another holiday favorite is skating at the rink at Rockefeller Plaza. How fun would it be to skate in one of the city's most well-known centers (and next to NBC Studios)?

6. Boat cruising around Lower Manhattan

I'm not sure how popular this is, but I went on a boat cruise here for work last summer and it was incredible. Not only is being on a boat in the summer already fun, but the views of the skyline - and being so close to it - are amazing.

7. Taking a picture on the Brooklyn Bridge

Stepping foot on this iconic bridge is a cool experience. Plus, there are plenty of photo opportunities on the bridge, of the skyline, and of the water.

8. Staying in the Plaza like Eloise

The Plaza Hotel is one of the most famous and historical hotels in the city. If you were a fan of Eloise growing up, check out the Eloise suite. If you're a fan of The Great Gatsby movie, the scene in the Plaza Hotel was actually filmed there.

9. Spending a day at The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is among the world's best art museums.

10. Arriving at night when the city is all lit up

Driving out from the airport and into the city is a purely magical experience at night. The bright lights of the skyscrapers invite you as you edge closer and closer. There truly is no other city that feels this magical.

Sedona: The Beauty of Southwest USA

I took a quick day trip to Sedona with a few friends over Labor Day Weekend for the first time in years and forgot just how beautiful of a place it was.

In Central Arizona, Sedona is a small town surrounded by massive red rocks. There are plenty of spas, resorts, and boutiques to visit and hiking trails ranging from easy to advanced.

If you find yourself in Arizona, I highly recommend at least a day in Sedona. Whether you're visiting nearby Flagstaff, Phoenix, or the Grand Canyon, this quaint town is sure to not disappoint.

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Sedona 4

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Sedona 3

What It's Like To Drive From Seattle to Phoenix

Two full days of driving, with a day of rest in between. That's a lot of traveling, especially considering I had just flown from Berlin-Paris-Seattle and got back to Seattle only 18 hours before we started driving. Here was the route we took:

Image Screenshot from: Google Maps

Driving Details:

Day One - Seattle, WA to Park City, UT: 7:30am-midnight

Day Two - Stayed in Park City

Day Three - Park City, UT to Phoenix, AZ: 8am-9pm

Washington: mountains and evergreen trees until it gets to farmland 

WA

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ID 1

Idaho: Farms, nothingness, white water rafting on the Salmon River, and some brown hills

ID sign

ID canola fields

id hills

ID salmon river rafting

ID white water rafting salmon river

Utah: Refreshing to drive on an interstate highway instead of state roads. Gorgeous drive near Park City, where we stayed the night. Southern Utah started to look more and more like Arizona.

utah mountain resort

UT

UT canyon drivess

UT canyon drive

Southern Utah

utah red rocks

Arizona: Lake Powell hovering over the border (it has a crazy shape if you look it up on a map), lots of red rocks, these weird grey hills that made it look like we were on a different planet....and some more nothing until we hit Flagstaff and then Phoenix.

Arizona state line sign

Lake Powell edie

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