Munich

The capital of Bavaria is a charming city and the perfect base for exploring southern Germany. The city offers the chance to experience traditional Bavarian culture through its renowned museums, beautiful gardens, restaurants and, of course, the classic beer halls

When to travel? If you are looking for the traditional Oktoberfest (Wiesn) experience, check the official dates here. The world’s most famous beer festival typically takes place over three weeks between mid-September to early October. Book a table in advance or arrive early to obtain a spot. Our favourite tents are Hacker-Pschorr and Armbrustschützenzelt!

Munich is well connected to other European cities and arriving via train places you directly in the city center. If arriving by plane, the Munich airport is located approximately 30 kilometers from the city. We recommend taking the S-Bahn train which is the fastest and cheapest option at €12. A taxi will take over an hour and cost about €45.

EAT

While visiting Bavaria try some of the local specialities: sausage (wurst), sauerkraut, freshly baked pretzels, Schweinshaxe and Knödel. The food is heavy food but worth trying for at least one meal, guten appetit!

Most of the big beer halls listed below also have on-site restaurants serving traditional dishes.

Sophia's Restaurant & Bar Upscale lunch spot near the botanical gardens. A nice break from the heavy Bavarian dishes.

Viktualienmarkt Stroll around the city's largest and most famous outdoor marketplace. Grab a beer and sample some traditional German bites

DRINK

Munich is known for its long-standing beer culture. The city has no shortage of beer halls and gardens with lively atmospheres. Explore the city in the mornings and head to the beer gardens in the afternoon to kick off happy hour. Prost!

Augistiner Keller This noteworthy beer garden and Bavarian restaurant is one of our favourites with its authentic feel and delicious food. It is located near the main München Hauptbahnhof train station.

Hofbräuhaus München The most recognizable of them all, this 16th century beer hall is the ultimate German experience with dirndls, lederhosen and steins (maß) of beer. If time permits, we suggest visiting during the week to avoid long wait times as this location can be a touristy and crowded during the weekend. Reservations are not taken for the Beer garden and the Haus has a strict no seat, no service policy.

Paulaner Bräuhaus Excellent beer and a modern take on traditional Bavarian dishes.

Schumanns Over the beer? Head to this spot for an upscale cocktail bar experience. Recommended by a friend.

PLAY

Englischer Garten A large beautiful park in the center of the city. Plenty to see and do as the area spans over 900 acres. Check out the surfers near the south side of the park and the Chinese Tower/ Biergarten.

Frauenkirche One of the most notable sites in Munich, this Cathedral distinctively marks the Munich skyline. Climb the tower for unbeatable views of the city.

Leopoldstrasse Less touristy, this cool street offers cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping.

Marienplatz The largest public square in Munich, this Platz is the heart of the city. Plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops, and people watching opportunities. Check out the Glockenspiel cuckoo clock.

Day Trips

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Dachau opened in 1933 and was the first of the Nazi concentration camps. It is not a light hearted stop but this memorial is very powerful and the history is well documented. Plan to spend 3-4 hours here. Open daily.

Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castles Not to be missed if you are in the area and have time for this fairytale visit. Tickets for both castles are not needed to wander the grounds, but if you are looking for the full experience we recommend booking tickets in advance to tour the castles! Make sure to visit the MarienBrücke suspension bridge for the best views of the Neuschwanstein castle. Trains depart hourly from München Hauptbahnhof and arrive at Füssen train station via a two hour journey. From here take a bus to the castle (20 minutes). Going by car is the most direct and should take approximately 1.5 hours.

STAY

If you are only visiting for a weekend, we recommend staying in the Altstadt (Old Town) for easy access to all the sites. Looking for something less touristy? Try an Airbnb or hotel in the Schwabinger Tor neighbourhood, which is home to many cafes, bar, and restaurants found on Leopoldstrasse.

Munich

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Maasai Mara

Lion King lovers rejoice! The Maasai Mara is celebrated for its stunning grassland landscapes, the Big Five animals that traverse its more than 1500 kilometers, and its annual Great Migration of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles traveling from Tanzania’s Serengeti in the south. The Mara makes for an excellent safari holiday because it is fairly compact (as compared to the Serengeti’s 30,000 kilometers) and biodiverse, meaning you can generally see a lot of different animals within a few days. The Mara has all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and water buffalo), giraffe, zebra, various species of gazelle, crocodile, hippo, baboon, cheetah, hyena, wildebeest and more.

The best time to visit the Mara is during the Great Migration, which takes places between July and October. Note that July and August are winter in Kenya, and while the days will be warm (20s Celcius) the nights and early mornings will be cool. Also, be prepared to book in advance and pay high season rates!

Most safari camps and resorts will organize flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to the nearest airstrip in the Maasai Mara. Flights run back and forth daily between the Nairobi and the Mara, and should be included in a full board accommodation package.

The Maasai safari guides are amazing, and a good guide will make all the difference in a great and truly fantastic experience. Make sure to tip your guides well, this is their livelihood and most of them are sending money home.

Bring cash for tips! There are no money machines and it will likely be difficult for most camps to exchange foreign money. You may also have to pay a daily reserve fee per person in cash.

EAT

Full board will be included in most safari camp and resort packages, and will provide for three meals a day. Traditional Kenyan food has many Indian influences, and is fresh and healthy. A few things to definitely try:

Chapati Fried bread influenced by the Indian subcontinent. Eat it with everything.

Mandazi Another fried bread, this Kenyan treat is most similar to a doughnut.

Sukuma Wiki Delicious boiled greens. Similar to collards in the United States.

Ugali This starchy staple is common across Kenya and often the side dish to richer stews and curries. It is a mixture of finely-ground cornmeal and water.

DRINK

Try the local Kenyan beers. Our favorites are Tusker Lager (the most popular across East Africa) and White Cap Lager. Nothing beats an ice cold Tusker at the end of a long, dusty safari run.

PLAY

Safari This is the real reason for a trip to the Maasai Mara, and take advantage of the 2-3 safari trips that your camp will plan daily. Most will start off in the morning very early, from 5:30 or 6:00am, have breakfast on the road, and head back to camp by 11:00am for guests to have lunch and relax by the pool or in the shade during the midday heat. Go out again late afternoon for a magical experience at dusk, as the animals are generally most active during the cooler parts of the day.

Shopping The Maasai people create truly stunning handicrafts. Larger resorts and camps may have items for sale, but if not you can swing by the Maasai Market in Nairobi once back in town. Keep an eye out for beaded jewellery and wall hangings, the plaid and striped traditional shuka blankets, and woven baskets and wall hangings.

STAY

Our advice is to choose a camp that has a few amenities (pool, common area, etc.) to keep you busy during the quiet afternoon time between safari. We loved the four star Mara Intrepids camp, run by the Kenya Heritage Hotels group. Tent accommodations were luxurious, we enjoyed the pool during the day, and the staff were fantastic. We have also stayed at Virgin’s Mahali Mzuri camp, which was stunning and a true glamping experience, though it will cost you a pretty penny!

Friends have also recommended Kicheche Mara North, Mara Plains and Porini Lion camp.

Maasai Mara

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Budapest

The capital of Hungary is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway with friends. The city is split by the Danube River and offers plenty to see and do between the hilly Buda and Pest neighborhoods. This Eastern European city is known for its spa and wellness culture, rich history and Ruin bars. It is a fairly cost-friendly option compared to most Western European cities.

The most efficient way into the city from the airport is via taxi. There is no Uber in Budapest, but you can use an app called Bolt to ensure fair prices and traceable rides in the city.

EAT

Traditional Hungarian food is über heavy. While visiting be sure to try the national dish, Goulash soup, or Lángos, a deep fried flatbread topped with cheese and garlic butter! 

Central Market Built in 1897, this grand hall houses everything and anything you may want to eat, drink or buy. Have a stroll around lunch, try some local bites and admire the impressive architecture (closed on Sundays).

DRINK

Budapest is known for its Ruin pubs, derelict industrial style bars found in the Jewish quarter of the city. Our advice is to explore the 7th district and find your favorite, here are a few of ours:

Instant The largest ruin pub in Budapest with 8 different bars inside. You will find a variety of music, vibes, and unique styles throughout the club.

Mazel Tov This outdoor courtyard boasts the perfect atmosphere to start any evening. It also serves Mediterranean food for those who come hungry.

Szimpla Kert Original Ruin bar, not to be missed.

PLAY

Buda Castle Stroll around and admire this historical palace. The inside of the castle houses the Hungarian National Museum (open daily).

Castle Hill With views overlooking the Danube, this entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss the Matthias Church and the Fishermans Bastion. Arrive via the funicular or take one of the many paths leading up to the Hill.

Chain Bridge Connects the western and eastern sides of the city, Buda and Pest. A beautiful (short) walk at any time of the day, views from both directions are picture-worthy.

Hungarian Parliament Building An iconic symbol of the city, this building is the third largest in the world and worth visiting for its unique architecture.

St. Stephens Basilica A beautiful Roman Catholic Church. Take the stairs for a rewarding view at the top!

Széchenyi Thermal Bath Budapest is known for its thermals, and this is one of the most famous. A relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Vaci Street Main street with shopping, cafes and restaurants. The street starts at Vörösmarty Square.

STAY

Stay on the Pest side of the Danube. This is the heart of the city from an eating and drinking point of view, while the Buda side is more residential. We recommend Airbnb as there are loads of options available. We stayed near the Jewish Quarter.

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Budapest

Naples

Basking in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is a quintessentially southern Italian city. It’s grittier, livelier and certainly rougher than its more refined, northern cousins. While here do not miss trying a classic, Neapolitan pizza.

After landing into the Naples Airport, take the airport bus to Napoli Centrale, the main train station.

Naples is a gateway to the beautiful Amalfi Coast, the towns of Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento and the lovely isle of Capri. All within a few hours drive. Hire a private driver.

EAT

Gino e Toto Sorbillo The BEST pizza in Naples. There is another restaurant called Sorbillo, so make to go to this one. Order a pizza a person.

DRINK

Piazza Bellini Lots of bars line this street.

Via dei Tribunali The bustling, albeit narrow, main street that runs through the city center and comes alive at night.

PLAY

Chiaia The area just south and southeast of the Stazione Napoli Piazza Amedeo. It is filled with cute boutiques and restaurants.

Lungomare Stunning views of Mount Vesuvius, Capri and the city itself from this promenade running alongside the coast. Also a great place to sunbathe. Stay for sunset.

Pompeii Archaeological Park Spend a day touring the remains of this ancient city preserved in volcanic ash. Pompeii was destroyed in 79 AD by a devastating eruption from Mount Vesuvius. It is an easy, 40 minute train ride from Naples.

Vesuvius National Park Hike up to the crater of Mount Vesuvius. It is possible to take a bus or taxi to the volcano from Pompeii.

STAY

We enjoyed staying just south of the Museo subway station, the old tower quarter, which was a 15 minute walk from the Napoli Centrale. To get the full experience, go for an AirBnb in a local home.

Naples

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Porto

Clinging to the steep banks of the Douro River, Portugal’s second largest city is filled with medieval intrigue, historic bridges, beautiful views, delicious seafood and port wine! Portugal’s famous port takes its namesake from the city itself, as the wine passed from the hands of its Dourvo Valley producers on its way to England and beyond. Both the Porto and the Douro Valley are UNESCO World Heritage sites in their own right.

Fall is lovely time to travel to Porto. The sun is shining, the days are warm and the Douro Valley wineries are wrapping up harvest!

Uber and taxis are widely available in Porto and its an easy 20-25 minute drive to the city center. It is also possible to take the Metro do Porto light-rail system from the Airport station into the city where it makes various stops.

The Douro River Valley is a one to two hour drive from the city and a very easy day trip.

EAT

Fábrica da Nata This bakery serves up this most exquisite pasteis de nata, delicious Portuguese custard tarts.

Jimão Tapas e Vinhos Small tapas-style restaurant and wine bar in Riberia.

The Wine Box Hip, bustling restaurant just a few blocks north from the Riberia. The sommelier is incredibly friendly and happy to make recommendations.

Vintage Theory This boutique port winery in the Douro River Valley has a lovely restaurant with a stunning view.

DRINK

Bar Ponte Pensil A small cafe at the base of the Luís I Bridge on the north bank. Go at sunset for a glass of vinho verde to admire the stunning views of the city and river.

Douro Valley Wine Tour No trip to Porto would be complete without a visit to this world renowned wine-making region. We especially loved this full day tour with eFun Tours which included lunch and wine (and port!) tastings at three different wineries.

Quinta do Beijo Small, family owned winery in the Douro with many vintage ports. The winemaker gives tours himself.

La Boheme entre Amis Bright and airy bar near the Universidade do Porto. Stand at the bar and sip a glass of port.

Letraria Craft Beer Garden This hole in the wall craft beer garden has a large outdoor area and decent selection of craft beers and lunch foods. Pop by before dinner or on Sunday before heading to the airport.

Majestic Cafe This art deco cafe, just down the street from Fábrica da Nata, was a favorite haunt of JK Rowling’s when she taught at the Universidade.

Xico Queijo Hip bar and restaurant near the Universidade. Great spot after hours and the surrounding bars and restaurants will all be busy well into the night.

PLAY

Cedofeita One of Porto’s trendiest neighborhoods. Take a stroll down the Rua de Cedofeita and pop into cute boutiques, restaurants and bars.

Livraria Lello The historic book store that inspired JK Rowling’s Hogwarts. Purchase entry tickets from the Armazéns do Castelo or in advance online.

Luís I Bridge Walk across the Douro River and admire the splendid view.

Muralha Fernandina A medieval castle in the center of the city whose ancient walls, staircases and watch towers remain intact today.

Porto Cathedral

Ribiera Walk along the river and winding streets of Porto’s medieval Old Town.

South bank wineries There are tons of wineries and port tasting rooms on the south bank side of the city and around the Castelo area.

STAY

Stay within walking distance of the Ribiera or Universidade to be close to all the sites. We enjoyed this AirBnb near Bolhão, which was a 15 minute walk from the riverfront.

Porto

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