Surprise! You're turning 30 in *?*. Part 1.

We're cruising down I-95 on our way to Logan airport. I still don't know where we're going when the wheels go up. A few weeks ago, I found out that I'll need my passport for this journey. So I know we're leaving the country. The feeling is surreal. My imagination is running above the speed limit. Iceland? Ireland? Mexico? Portugal? Canada? Spain? My passion for travel is sending my stomach into knots in anticipation. The time has finally come...

Me: "Kailah, are you going to tell me now? It's driving me crazy"

Kailah: "Sure, reach in the back seat and grab that paper bag - you'll be able to figure it out"

*I reach into the back seat and pull out a bottle of white wine. The label reads Vinho Verde"

Kailah: "Where is it from?"

Me: "Portugal..." *Huge smile* "We're going to Portugal".

We're going to Portugal for my birthday. I'm going to turn 30 in Europe. Amazing. You have to remember that this is different for me. Not just because we're going somewhere that I haven't been, but because I haven't done any research. I don't know what to expect. I don't know the highest rated restaurants, or the "can't miss" attractions. What do people do in the Azores? We usually partner on planning, but Kailah did everything this time. It's actually kind of liberating...and also VERY exciting. In 5 hours time, I'm going to get off our plane and experience Azores Portuguese culture. 

The Azores is a group of Portuguese islands off the coast of Europe. There are 9 islands all together, with Sao Miguel being the largest (our destination). We're staying in the capital "city" of Ponta Delgada. I use air quotes because it is hardly an American city (for the better in my opinion). The entire island is comprised of only 140,000 residents and is known for it's beautiful scenery, in and around it's dormant volcanoes and thermal springs. The climate is mild year round. No temps above 75 in the summer and nothing below 50 in the winter. In November (when we are going), we will see 60-65 degrees consistently. The interesting part is that the temp doesn't fluctuate when the sun goes down, so the evenings are still pleasant. Weather and beauty aside, accessibility makes the Azores even more appealing. I mentioned earlier that they are only 5 hours direct from Boston and flight cost is extremely reasonable (I've seen anything between $300 and $600). The "icings" on the cake are both the cost to stay and the cost to eat (more on these in future posts). 

I think it's pretty obvious now why Kailah chose this location for our 4 day getaway. I couldn't be more excited...

Europe flights, Spring 2017? Now is the time to buy!

If you are thinking about a trip to Europe in Spring of 2017, now is the time to pull the trigger on those plane tickets. I have been watching a couple flights over the past couple months and saw the prices drop dramatically this week - as low as $398 round trip and nothing over $565.

Since the flights I was keeping an eye on were location specific, I figured I would put together a few numbers across the continent to see if the prices were consistent. What did I find out? Prices are LOW for all major destination airports. Check out the below graphic for city by city round trip ticket costs out of Boston for the dates of May 5th through the 15th.

Ciao!

"Craic Music" - Doolin, Ireland

It was 9:30 pm on a Sunday night in Doolin. The day tripping tourists had already fled back to the city on their crowded buses. Gus O'Conner's pub was dimly lit as three musicians strummed their instruments to the delight of the locals and the straggling visitors who were staying in town. Most of us had already consumed our fill of mussels, lamb, bangers and Guinness. A satisfied din had settled over the pub, when a disheveled, elderly, white bearded man inconspicuously limped in on crutches and propped himself against the bar. After a few songs, he had edged his way over to lean against a wall by the musicians, who had taken over a booth in the center of the room. The next song was his. As soon as his voice rang out, the entire pub went silent. There were no TVs blaring, no people yelling, just generations of classic Irish music being communicated to all of us by this elderly gentlemen.

I'll never forget this night. It is one of my favorite Irish experiences because I felt completely immersed in Ireland. I can't carry a tune and don't have a proper appreciation for music, but it was obvious to me that this was authentic music being performed by someone who loved his craft...as well as his culture.

Slainte to the old man with a white beard and crutches...