Inspiration Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Temporary Adventurer

Italy Trip Report: Food! Wine! Art! History!

When I told people I was going to Italy, the reaction was always positive–something like “wow!” or “oh that’s awesome!” People know Italy has the good stuff. From amazing cuisine to endless history and culture to explore, it’s easy to…

Dublin Musical Pub Crawl: The Best Introduction to Irish Traditional Music

From the first sip of Guinness there’s energy in the crowded room. Toes tap as fiddle and guitar skip through a musical dance. Soon the singer comes around to a chorus and everyone joins in. This is the Dublin Musical…

Fado in Lisbon: Portugal’s Must-See Music Experience for Broken Hearts

The lights are low in the restaurant. Wine glasses clink as the plink of guitar strings floats from a stage at the back. A woman’s voice calls out in a somber tone, quietly at first, then climbing higher and growing…

Riverfront city scene with arched iron bridge and sunset behind old buildings

Portugal Trip Report: Lisbon, Porto, and More

Does anyone dream of going to Portugal? As a European travel enthusiast, I had heard that Portugal was a great place to travel. People seem to enjoy the food and the cities look beautiful. But what is Portugal even famous…

Snorkeling in Belize is the Best! (My Experience + Tips to Plan Your Trip)

I’ve talked to a lot of people who went snorkeling and were seriously underwhelmed. They stayed at an all-inclusive resort somewhere and went on a boat to see some fish and drink rum. An amusing day, but nothing special. So,…

Shoppers at Vienna Christmas market stall with sign that says "Wiener Christkindlmarkt"

Germany and Austria Trip Report: Christmas Market Madness

Two years ago, I got the idea to travel to Germany and Austria to visit Christmas markets. I envisioned walking down cobblestone streets, sipping mulled wine in cozy markets, perhaps a bit of snow. Everything was booked for my wintry…

Japan Trip Report: Epic City Adventures

It all started as a wild idea. After a couple beers and several skewers of yakitori, someone said “we should all go to Japan together!” That’s how I ended up planning a trip to Japan with my longtime friend Sean…

Isle of Staffa: Add This Magical Island to Your Scotland Itinerary

In the distance, you see a tiny island of black rock *cue dramatic music.* Your boat closes in and the land looks odd, like a wall of columns carved from stone. In the sheer cliff face is an even darker…

Iona Abbey: Visit the Medieval Center of Christianity in Scotland

Atop a low, green hill sits a stone building with a simple square tower. As you approach Iona Abbey, you see a pair of high crosses that stand in front like holy guardians carved from stone. Inside, the church echoes…

Scotland Trip Report: Highlands and Islands

My wife and I had some unfinished business in Scotland. We went there on our honeymoon several years ago, and we loved exploring the beautiful city of Edinburgh. The architecture is wonderful and romantic, like you’re transported into a novel.…