Whenever you travel to a new part of the world, you will inevitably experience something different than home.  That's why we like to travel, right?  But while every place you visit is different, there are five questions I like to ask before leaving home.  Questions that a quick Google search, a visit to a travel blog (like StacyTakesFlight.com) or a Facebook post to friends and family can easily answer. 

One of the best parts of traveling is trying some of the unique cuisine that different regions are known for.  From empanadas in Argentina to Turkish delights in Turkey to pulpo a la feira in Galicia, Spain, my tastebuds have been pleasantly (and sometimes unpleasantly) surprised on my travels.  Getting a sense of the local flavor by knowing what - and where - to eat can give you a much more authentic sense of a place.

I've talked about free walking tours before, but they are worth bringing up again.  What better way to get to know the layout, history and fun facts of a city than by walking around town for an hour or two with an enthusiastic guide?  (Especially a guide working for tips who is genuinely interested in showing you a good time!)  Some of the best free tours I've been on were Feel the City in Granada, New Rome Free Tour in Rome and Sandeman's New Europe tour in Madrid (they operate in 18 cities!).

TripAdvisor is my favorite resource for uncovering the most popular and obscure attractions, and reading a few reviews (especially if you filter by the type of traveler whose opinions you would like to see) will quickly tell you if it is worth your time.  Some must-see sites like the Alhambra or Colosseum may require tickets in advance or are less crowded at certain times of day.  It will save a lot of time (and stress) to know these tips in advance so you can plan the rest of your trip around them.

On a recent trip to Disney World, a stop at the Coca Cola "Club Cool" at Epcot Center introduced me to a new world of soft drinks.  Instead of the usual Coke, Diet Coke and such, the fountain dispensers were full of the most popular soft drinks from countries across the world.  If you are lucky enough to travel beyond Orlando, think back to Disney and try to taste the local drinks wherever you end up.

Sure, you can always order a craft beer or glass of wine from a nearby vineyard (which I definitely like to do), but there is often a lot more to local beverages than what may initially come to mind.  From Turkish coffee to Moroccan tea; Valencia's horchata to Switzerland's Rivella, there are drinks hot and cold, sweet and refreshing that are unique and deserve to be tasted... be sure to ask your waiter / bartender / taxi driver!

As a sports enthusiast, I love finding out about the local favorites wherever I travel.  Soccer (or football), for example, is extremely popular outside of the US, and I was lucky enough to be in three countries during the 2014 World Cup where I cheered for the home team alongside bars full of locals!  I have yet to catch a soccer game in person, but there's always next time! 

Aside from local sports, music and art are among my favorite cultural things to explore when traveling to a new place.  I've been to the opera in Vienna and a traditional music 'session' in Ireland.  I've even been to a rock concert in Buenos Aires to see a great band that never made it to the US charts.  Taking a look at event calendars on city websites or in free magazines found in many shops and restaurants are great resources for finding out what is going on while you are in town.

Google Maps is my best friend when organizing a trip.  If you are going to Bangkok, for example, chances are you have some ideas of where you want to go, but no idea where they are in relation to one another.  I love plotting out the must-see's in a new city to get an idea of which attractions, neighborhoods, shops, or restaurants should be visited in the same day because of location.  

I also like to make notes for each pin in advance such as hours of operation, a recommended meal or metro stop.  Doing this bit of research and organizing in advance can end up saving you a lot of time and confusion on your trip.

To me, there is a difference between vacation and a trip.  Vacation is the relaxing and lazy beach time that I almost never have, but a trip is the often exhausting exploration of new cities and their cultures.  So whenever I am taking a trip in a new place, and especially when my time there is limited, I make sure to set my alarm and/or get a wake up call so that I can maximize my day and not sleep it away (which has been known to happen!).  

The first few minutes may be rough but once you're up and look out the window, you will be glad you have those extra few hours to enjoy a local breakfast, skip the lines at the famous museum or fit in that one activity you didn't think you had time for.

Costs add up quickly when traveling, so being smart about how you spend is as important as what you're spending on.  The best exchange rate is generally when you take money out of an ATM, NOT when you exchange cash at the airport kiosk.  But your bank many charge a fee for withdrawing in a foreign country.  So depending on how long you will be away or how many countries / currencies you will face, either sign up for a fee-free account or estimate how much cash you will need and only stop at the ATM once so you're not hit again and again with fees.

While everyone needs some cash in their pocket, I am actually a big supporter of using credit cards whenever possible.  Using a card gives you valuable points which lead to rewards like flights, hotel rooms, gift cards and more - all freebies to enhance your travels.  And while you are away, having a card without foreign transaction fees can end up saving you a lot on all the little purchases that add up.

Finding the right credit card is very important for travelers, so some things to look for include: no foreign transaction fees,  a large sign-on bonus and rewards that are in line with your travel style (e.g. affiliations with certain airlines / hotels, etc.).  A great resource for finding the right card is Credit Card Insider - they have an entire section dedicated to helping travelers find the card that best suits their needs!

Free walking tours are popping up in cities everywhere, and for a good reason!  The volunteer tour guides are passionate about their town and want to share it with visitors, regardless of their financial situations.  With these tours, which generally last an hour or two, you get a great overview of the city, its cultural and historical background, and some personal anecdotes and laughs.

The guides are working purely for tips so they are usually animated entertainers who make the tour a lot of fun for everyone.  At the end, you may give any monetary amount that you are comfortable with and think the tour was worth.  These guides are also great sounding boards for your plans while in town, and they are more than happy to offer suggestions or advice.  

This flows nicely into #5 "Talk to strangers" because I have actually made a lot of friends on free walking tours - both travelers and guides.  After walking around for a few hours, you are probably hungry so why not invite some of your new friends to that cute local cafe the guide pointed out along the tour?

Many cities across the globe have adopted bike share programs which allow people to hop on and hop off at different docking stations throughout town.  These are cost-effective ways to get around while seeing a lot more of a city.  Also, they are one of my favorite ways to stay fit while traveling.

The bikes are easily adjustable for your height and they generally have decent gears to help you up and down any hills you may come across.

If you want to pedal for exercise, check out bike paths in the local tourist office or on apps / sites like MapMyRide where users document their routes along with notes and levels of difficulty.

Whether it is tasting octopus in Spain, flying a glider in Switzerland or camping out in the Sahara Desert, there are new experiences to be had everywhere you go.  

Make your trip memorable by stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new that is a part of the local culture.  You won't be disappointed and you will have stories for the rest of your life.

Wednesday, July 16 (Drogheda & Dublin, Ireland) – Somehow the day has arrived – the last day of my first edition of Stacy Takes Flight.  I can't believe I have to go back to New York today.  But honestly, it almost feels like any other day where I’m heading to the airport to embark on my next adventure (as this is going to be my 17th flight!), but in the back of my mind I know the flight will be longer than the rest and when the doors open, the familiar JetBlue terminal at JFK will welcome me home (Aer Lingus has a partnership with JetBlue).

I was lucky to be able to spend my final 24 hours with some of the people who helped shape me as a person while growing up.  I stayed with my childhood babysitter, Lucy, and her family.  I had seen them for a quick coffee when I first arrived in Dublin three months ago, which was our first meeting in close to 20 years, but this time I was able to stay with them!  It meant so much to spend my last night with them, reminisce about the past but also share highlights of my entire trip with them before anyone else.

They live in Drogheda which is a suburb of Dublin.  We spent most of our time together just hanging out and chatting, but this morning we did a bit of touring in the town, mainly because the town is known for something completely random that I have not seen anywhere else in my travels:  a preserved head.  Saint Oliver Plunkett was decapitated after being hanged in 1681, and after different body parts have made their way around the world, his head has been preserved and put on display at the (beautiful) local Saint Peter's Church.  It is pretty creepy, and kind of gross, but it was cool to see!

Then we went to a modern art gallery in a space that used to be another church.  The art was extremely modern and (no offense, art enthusiasts) brought us all closer together through laughing – especially their youngest, shyest daughter Mary.

After absorbing a bit of culture and grabbing a bite to eat, it was time to go to the airport.  It was such a strange feeling being in the car with people who made such an impact on my life, people I care about so much, people who were an important part of this trip, but also people who I honestly may never see again – or at least not for a long time. 

I believe people come in and out of your life for a reason and in addition to Lucy, Patrick and their family, I met so many incredible people along this journey who helped shape my experience one way or another – as I did for them as well.  

As we said our goodbyes at the airport, I had to fight to hold back tears – partly at saying goodbye to Lucy, and partly at saying goodbye to my trip.  I can’t begin to explain the mixture of feelings all hitting me at the same time, and I’m sure it is just the beginning of what will be an interesting transition back into ‘real life’.  I will continue to post after this trip – but not quite as frequently.  So for now… thanks for reading and see you in the States!

Tuesday, July 15 (Northern Ireland) – The northernmost tip of Northern Ireland offers an entire day's worth of activities.  I was all set to go to Giant's Causeway - the area filled with hexagonal basalt columns and formations, caused by a volcanic eruption - when my friend Helen suggested we tack on a trip across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and sip some whiskey at the Bushmills distillery, all within a few minutes drive from each other.  So we did, and this ended up being one of the best days and a great way to come to the end of my trip!

The current carrick-a-rede bridge is a lot more secure than the rickety rope bridge that once stood in its place.  Originally built by salmon fisherman who wanted to catch salmon on their migration from the rocky island, the bridge allowed for a safe crossing from the mainland.  But after becoming more of a tourist attraction, the bridge has been renovated for safety and isn't much of a fete to cross.

For me, the best part was the scenery.  Views along the hike to the bridge as well as from the island itself are incredible.  Most people don't just cross the bridge and go back, they spend time exploring the island and taking photos of the natural beauty around them.

Ireland is filled with beautiful natural wonders, but I highly recommend a trip to Northern Ireland to see something very special:  Giant's Causeway.  The shape of the rocks in this area is so unique and it's amazing to think these rocks are the result of an ancient volcano that erupted millions of years ago.  If you listen to the audio guide that is included with the price of admission, you will learn about the legend of the area which makes it fun for kids as well as adults.  But to be honest, I was too excited to see these stones and pillars to listen to the full audio guide!

TIP:  Bring your good camera, good walking / climbing shoes and art supplies if you are a creative type - the imagery is so inspiring!

I love whiskey, but I've never really had Bushmills before, so I was excited to get a taste.  We signed up for a tour of the distillery even though it happened to be their 'silent season' where the factory workers are on holiday and there is no actual whiskey being produced.  I didn't mind because I could still see where the whiskey is made and learn about the process, but as an added bonus, the distillery offered an apology in the form of an airport-sized bottle of their newest honey whiskey!

I've been on a distillery tour before, but it was a couple of years back so I was happy to go through the tour to be re-educated.  Our tour guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and made the 40-minute tour fly by.  I wasn't allowed to take photos, but we saw the rooms where the different stages of creating the whiskey take place from mashing to bottling.  Then, we were led into the tasting room (aka the best part).  I tried the 10-year single malt which I really liked and the distillery reserve which I didn't like - it wasn't smooth enough for me.

Monday, July 14 (Belfast, Northern Ireland) – From one set of friends from my Morocco trip to another! Yesterday I flew from England to Belfast in Northern Ireland to spend two of my final three days with Helen and Justin, another great couple I met on my Moroccan tour.  I had wanted to visit Giant’s Causeway and was bummed I didn’t get a chance on my first stint in Ireland, so the stars aligned when I realized I would have the chance again.

After watching three World Cup games in the country of the team playing (Switzerland, Germany and Portugal), I knew I had to watch the final in good company.  So I was thrilled to hear that Justin wanted to watch at a local pub with a bunch of football fanatics.

The pub we went to is the pub in town, clearly filled with locals.  In fact, when one of them (holding a beer in each hand) asked me a question twice and I did nothing but stare at him blankly because I couldn't understand his accent at all!  (I still have no idea what he actually said to me.)  It is so interesting how some accents in Northern Ireland sound like a completely different language.  

Here is a bit of a dictionary for anyone who may be journeying to Northern Ireland in the near future:

• Aye (pronounced "I") = Yes
• Bake = face / mouth
• Craic (pronounced "crack") = fun, a good time
• Dead on = alright, no problem, good
• Mucker = friend, mate
• Wee = small (used ALL the time)
• Keep her country = keep things simple, don't overcomplicate matters

Sawers Belfast

One of the best gourmet food stores I have come across, Sawers is in the heart of Belfast and features a variety of packaged and prepared food.  They have a lot of local goods like jams and chutneys, but they also have specialty goods from around the world, including some I have enjoyed on this trip (e.g. Turkish delights, paella ingredients and kits, my favorite Turkish apple tea, etc.)!

This is a great place to stop off to get some snacks, buy gifts or just poke around.

Titanic Museum

The famous Titanic was built in Belfast, so this is the city with the largest and most elaborate dedication to the ship.  The museum is relatively new, nine-gallery exhibition that covers the ins and outs of the Titanic, its creation, its passengers, and more.  

The museum clearly took a lot of thought, time and money to build, but it falls a bit short in certain areas.  For an entire museum dedicated to the Titanic, there are surprisingly few actual artifacts or photographs of the ship.  Also, the 'ride' is an extremely poor attempt at showcasing how the ship was built.  The 'factory' sounds in the background overpower the explanations in the speakers overheard, so it is impossible to know what you are looking at.  I definitely recommend going even with the above in mind.  There is a lot to see in the nine different galleries, but there's a great museum cafeteria for a snack when you are done!

Crown Liquor Saloon

The Crown Liquor Saloon is one of the most notable pubs in Northern Ireland.  It has a long history of being a public house and was officially renovated and renamed in 1885.  The pub is known for its intricate Victorian design including stained glass, individual private booths and mosaics.

While the service left much to be desired, the clientele, decor and clover atop my Guinness made this pub a must-see!  Plus, it is across the street from the train station so it couldn't be more convenient to travelers.

Tuesday, July 1 (Valencia, Spain) – Valencia is a very interesting city in Spain.  There is the cobblestoned old city, the more modern area, plentiful beaches, a river-turned-park, and an architectural haven.  There is a lot to do in this city - known for originating paella - but here are some highlights, especially if you're short on time.

EAT:  

• Paella Valenciana - the original paella, as it was originated in Valencia.  This specific type of paella has a meat such as chicken and sometimes rabbit, as well as beans and green vegetables.
• Fartones - log-shaped donuts with a funny name that are often eaten with horchata
  

DRINK:  

• Horchata - a cold, refreshing beverage made from tigernuts, water and sugar.  It tastes like a sweet milk (but there's no dairy at all).  Note:  the horchata you may have seen in Mexico is different - it is made with rice instead of tigernuts.
  

Monday, June 30 (Valencia, Spain) – One of the most unique parts of Valencia, Spain is the area called “The City of Arts & Sciences” which is a cultural complex that encompasses an opera house, science museum, aquarium, and 3D movie theater.  What makes this area so special is that the buildings have architectural nuances that makes you feel like you stepped into the age of the Jetsons!

The aquarium is said to be the largest in all of Europe, and I can’t remember the last time I visited one, so I thought it would be a fun thing to do (and so did my new Aussie friend, Wallace, who came with me).  It was a bit later in the day when I went, so the place was eerily empty, and maybe that is why I was able to cover as much ground as I did (so it didn’t seem as massive as I had thought).  

I started with the flamingo-esque bird enclosure that looks a bit like the Epcot ball.  You are able to walk inside and right up to the birds who appear to have gone through a color run where the only colors were orange and pink.

Half of the attractions are inside and the other half are outside, like the birds.  I ventured into one of the indoor enclosures and this is where I got to ‘swim’ with sharks!  There is a tunnel built into the aquarium surrounded by fish and sharks who swim leisurely by, sometimes appearing to play with the visitors.  When you look straight ahead and see a shark swimming overhead, you really feel like you are in the water with them!

We also saw some really pretty fish and guess who I found… NEMO!

Then I was ready to sit back and watch a show, so I went to the auditorium surround a big pool of dolphins.  Already I was excited just watching the dolphins jump around on their own, but when the emcee showed up, I felt like a child again.  As people were getting seated, the emcee asked if any of the kids had questions about dolphins, and I had a good test of my Spanish understanding by listening to the Q’s and A’s.  Dolphins generally live about 30 years but can live up to 50 in captivity.  They don’t sleep because they need to breathe, and they can jump up to six meters high.  That all may be false, but that is what I remember from what I heard in Spanish!

What a fun-filled afternoon at the aquarium!  The one part that I wasn’t able to capture good photos of (because of lighting and netting) was Mr. Walrus and his friends.  These guys were HUGE and so fun to watch.  I will definitely be checking them out the next time I go to an aquarium.  Anyone want to join me at the Coney Island aquarium when I’m back!?

Sunday, June 29 (Madrid, Spain) – By now you can probably tell I’m a huge fan of markets.  Whether food, crafts, clothes, or anything in between, I think markets are a great way of getting to know the culture of the city you are in.  What type of food is popular and fresh?  What kinds of fruits are endemic to this region and aren’t sold in the states?  What is a truly special souvenir that can’t be purchased in a souvenir shop?  Generally markets are also one of the few places filled with a good mix of locals and tourists.  So in Madrid, I visited three, very different markets.  

Mercado de San Miguel is the place for fresh food in the heart of the city.  From fish comparable to what I saw in Galicia, to fresh mozzarella tapas that look like pastries, to just-picked, delicious fruit, there is enough to come back every day for a month and have something new each day.  Of course you can’t forget about the ham (jamon) which Spain is known for.  I think the Spaniards have thought of every possible way to cook, cure and prepare ham, and this is the place to get it.

Dosde Market is a small crafts market in Plaza del Dos de Mayo.  I happened to go on the last day of its two-month run, so some vendors had already packed up, but there was still a variety of hand-made jewelry, art and other knick-knacks that were fun to browse.  

Although this market has closed, the area it is in is definitely worth walking through.  You can start on the popular shopping street Calle Fuencarral and then veer off on side streets like Calle Velarde for more local boutiques, unknown brand names and vintage and thrift shops.


On your way to this area, I highly recommend stopping for a snack and a coffee at La Tita Rivera.  They have a beautiful outdoor garden and a unique type of tapas - 'casis' which are little bread bowls filled with different kinds of deliciousness.  From fish to meat to vegetables to cheese, there are dozens of choices and they are tasty and fun to eat!

El Rastro is the popular Sunday market that reminds me of a typical street fair in New York.  They have clothes, pashminas, random electronic accessories, hats, and jewelry.  Nothing I saw was all that unique.  However, there are a few areas of the market that are special and worth checking out.  One street is solely for pets, primarily birds.  You can here the tweeting a block away, and when you go into the shops that spill out onto the street, you see people actually buying pet birds of all kinds, sizes and colors.  

There is also a street where artists – primarily painters – display their work.  And finally, there are two antique areas that I saw, one of which is in a small courtyard just off the main road of the market, and when you walk in, there is a quiet sense of calm that lends itself well to the type of products being sold.  

I recommend starting early and then stopping at Martina Cocina an Argentinian café, for breakfast when the crowds get to be too much for you.  The yogurt parfait is a healthier (and well-presented) option, but there are also empanadas, tostadas and pastries.

Saturday, June 28 (Madrid, Spain) – In 2005 I visited Madrid for the first time with a friend from high school.  Nearly a decade later (wow), I am back for round #2.  While I did a bunch of the main attractions the first time, I wanted to revisit some while learning more about the history and culture of the city.

So I started my time in Madrid with a free walking tour through the company Sandeman’s New Europe, which offers free tours in 18 cities!  The tour was particularly crowded (about 250 people) so multiple tour guides arrived and split us up into smaller, manageable groups.  Throughout the tour I saw a lot of the key sites with the proper context, and I learned some interesting things...

Madrid is home to the oldest restaurant in the world, Botin Restaurant, which opened in 1725 (fact)

Tapas were originated to prevent poor farm workers from getting too drunk during lunchtime to be productive in the field in the afternoon.  Since they had little money, they couldn’t afford to eat and drink at lunch, so they often chose to drink… on an empty stomach.  So a rule was set that each alcoholic beverage served must be accompanied by a small plate of food.  (legend)

The name ‘tapa’ means cover and originated because people would cover their beers with their small plates of food so that the wind would not blow dust and sand into their beverage.  (legend)

The symbol of Madrid – a bear leaning against a tree reaching for berries – was originated because bears used to roam the streets and eat the berries from this particular kind of tree (madroño tree).  The berries would ferment in the bears’ bellies, and would ultimately make them very drunk.  

Madrillenos – who love to drink wine – saw a bit of themselves in the bears, so decided to use the image in their coat of arms. (fact or legend?)

I happened to walk by the world-famous art museum, the Reina Sofia, around 1:15 in the afternoon (on Sunday), and there was a bit of a crowd growing in the massive courtyard by the entrance.  To my surprise, (TIP) the doors opened for FREE at 1:30 as they do each Sunday, saving adults eight Euro each!  I was on my way to Retiro Park, but I had a change of heart and decided to go to the museum.

The Reina Sofia is famous for its collection of work from Picasso ("Guernica" in particular) and Salvador Dali, among many others.  I started in one of the current exhibitions about Playgrounds.  It was an interesting portrayal of the evolution of public play spaces as art.  It also showcased the common struggle between the need for free time and the need to work - something I know many of us are faced with!

After being inspired by the Playgrounds exhibit, I resisted the urge to find a swing set and made my way to the museum's holy grail:  Guernica.  Although I am not an art buff by any means, I got really excited knowing I was approaching this extremely impactful and important piece of art.  I even got the chills when I finally walked into the room and saw the 25ft painting against the wall.  One of my favorite parts was actually the wall opposite Guernica, where a companion of Picasso's had taken photographs of the painting throughout its stages of being created.  It was very cool to see how he worked and get the slightest glimpse of his process.

Ok, definitely saving the best for last.  The main reason I decided to stop in Madrid on my way to the eastern coast of Spain was to visit Mr. Shaw (ok, I guess it is "Oliver" now).  Oliver was my Spanish teacher in high school - 8th or 9th grade actually - and was one of the reasons I have become so obsessed with the language.  He moved to Madrid about ten years ago, and I haven't seen him since.  After reconnecting on Facebook, he graciously invited me to stay with him in Madrid, and it was such a great reunion!  I had a blast with him and am so glad I was able to stay in a real home and neighborhood.  


I was excited but nervous to speak Spanish in front of him, but I think (hope) he was proud of my skills over a decade after taking his class!?

Thursday, June 26 (Porto, Portugal) – One of my favorite tips for traveling is to take advantage of lockers in train and bus stations.  I was heading to Lisbon, Portugal from Vigo, Spain, but I didn’t want to miss out on Porto, the city famous for the wine of the same name, which I would be passing through.  So I did a little digging and was able to confirm that the Vigo train station is equipped with lockers – big and small – and decided to leave my stuff there while I toured the city for a few hours.  

Coming from Vigo, the station I arrived at was Campanhã, which is a four-minute train ride from the other main train station, São Bento.  Once I arrived at the second station, I was in the heart of the city and there were two tourist offices across the street ready to give me a map and answer my questions.

Porto is very hilly (so extra happy I didn’t have my suitcase with me!) so I started down one big hill towards the port.  I passed a bunch of cafes and shops, ventured in a few, but continued my way down.  The city itself is very quaint and beautiful, and I love the detailed tilework on many of the buildings that Portugal is known for.

When I arrived at the port, I happened to see something special.  It was graduation day for firefighters (I think) who are either first entering the job or are receiving advanced recognition.  It was a very official procession with a marching band, speakers and pristine uniforms.  Friends, family and tourists watched from the sidelines with the beautiful view in the background.

I crossed the Dom Luis Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia to get some incredible views of the city and then make my way to the highlight of the region – the Port bodegas!  There are about 35 different port brands that are made in this area, and most of them are open to the public for tastings and tours.    

I started at Kopke which is the oldest Porto wine brand.  I was told that Kopke also has table wine including a dry white, so I started there hoping to taste something that wasn’t too sweet for me.  There is no official tasting here, so the woman in the store spoke with me, heard what I like and don’t like, and brought over three healthy ‘tastes’.  I tried two white table wines and one white Port – and the Port was actually delicious!  I was shocked that I could swallow it; in fact, I had no idea that port came in white to begin with.  

After realizing that not all port is too sweet for me, I decided to go on a tour at the Calem bodega.  It reminded me of whiskey distilleries that I’ve been to in how the barrels are organized and labeled.  I learned some interesting things about port as well such as there are three main types: white, ruby and tawny.  Tawny has a more brownish color when the liquid is held up to the light, and it has been aged in smaller, wooden barrels than ruby (which is a stronger red color).  Ruby is the most common type.  White is often used in cocktails.