Stockholm-Sweden-Lake

Stockholm

Stockholm is what I often like to call the city of tomorrow. Everything in Stockholm is about technology from the touchscreen elevators to the futuristic metro system. Stockholm is absolutely beautiful and incredibly clean. The people here are friendly and interested in learning about other cultures. Stockholm isn’t the most affordable country in the EU but it is definitely worth the visit so don’t miss out.

Things to do in Stockholm

Try Viking Beer

Also known as “Mead,” this ancient Viking beer dates back to 2000 BC. It is made by fermenting honey with water and its very delicious. Visit a traditional underground Viking tavern and learn about the history of this really cool Viking beer.

Drink the tap water

Drink the tap water in Stockholm, it is some of the cleanest in the entire world. If you are trying to save money on this trip, water is the worst thing you can buy because it costs $3.50 per bottle when you can get the same thing for free.

Sweden Nightlife

Sweden is home to some of the worlds greatest DJ’s so it is only fitting that they would have a world class party scene. Check out some of the best nightclubs in Stockholm but be prepared to pay entrance fees.

Visit the Vasa Ship

The Vasa ship is one of the oldest battle ships that are on display in the entire world. The museum is modern and the staff is very knowledgeable.

Hostel Stockholm

Skanstulls Hostel in Stockholm was very clean and close enough to the city center. If you want to save some money and meet some other cool travelers, Skanstulls Hostel is perfect for you.


miami-cruise-ships

Miami

Miami is what I imagine to be the typical spring break destination. Miami is famous for its picturesque beaches, warm weather and wild parties.

Sightseeing Miami

Clevelander

The Clevelander is a very nice day club on Ocean Drive in South Beach. Equipped with two pools, a stage, and 3 bars this place is ready to go off at anytime of the day. If you are just getting into town with some friends the Clevelander is a great place to start your trip off right.

Everglades National Park

If you are looking for a break from the wild parties in Miami Beach you can check out some wild animals the Everglades National Park. The Everglades are home to the American Crocodile, the Florida Panther and many other endangered species.

Miami Marlins

The first Major League Baseball Stadium to house a full club with a DJ booth, full bar, and dance floor.

South Beach

If you come to South Beach you have to walk down Ocean Drive. It will probably be one of most entertaining walks you ever take. You will see everything from quarter million dollar cars to the occasional pro athlete. Ocean Drive is just over a mile long with hotels, restaurants, and day clubs on one side and beach on the other.

Delicious Food in Miami

  • Cuban Food: Miami has very close ties with Cuban culture so you can find Cuban restaurants everywhere.


Seattle-Washington-University-NCAA

Seattle

There’s a Starbucks, and there’s Starbucks, and there’s another Starbucks. You can thank Seattle for that. But Seattle is famous for a lot more than just a great marketing and mediocre coffee. Seattle is the birthplace for some of America’s greatest musicians including Nirvana, Pearl Jam and the legendary Jimi Hendrix. This beautiful, rainy, hipster, pot smoking paradise is truly one of a kind.

Sightseeing Seattle

Space Needle: From the top floor of the Space Needle you have a great view over the entire city so make it one of your first visits and familiarize yourself with the landscape.

Century Link: You cant talk about Seattle without talking Seattle Sports. I have never witnessed a more loyal fan following than I did in Seattle. Whether you visit “The Hawks”, “The Mariners”, “The Zags”, “Wazzo” or “U Dub” you are in for a treat. “The Link” however, is the loudest of all venues in Washington and in America, if you ask a Seattleite.

Pioneer Square: Pioneer Square, also known as the old city center, is the site of the first settlement in 1852. Walk on cobblestone roads and check out some of the classic red brick buildings. Pioneer Square is a must see when you are visiting Seattle.

Hing Hay Park: To say the least this is not your typical park but it would be cool if it was. Check out some interesting musical performances and cultural events. Even participate in some Tai Chi or play a game chess. If you want to pass on the Tai Chi you can always do the local thing and hit up a karaoke bar and drink bubble tea.

Port of Seattle: One of the cleanest ports I have ever been to. Check out Waterfront Park and Pier 66.

Delicious Food

Seafood: Try the seafood at the Port of Seattle

Accommodation in Seattle

Try AirBnB or Couchsurfing!


New York

The Empire State, the Concrete Jungle, and home to the new Freedom Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Yankee Stadium. New York is easily one of the most popular destinations in the world. Famous for the bright lights and 24/7 lifestyle it’s rightfully called the city that never sleeps.

Sightseeing New York

Twin Tower Monument: 9/11 happened when I was 7th grade. Unfortunately, I never got to opportunity to see the Twin Towers in person. I visited the site on my trip to New York in 2011. The monument is very meaningful and incredibly moving. It was a very important experience for me as an American. It’s a must visit if you are in New York.

Statue of Liberty: The Statue of Liberty is typical tourist attraction in New York but a must see if you are visiting for the first time.

The Freedom Tower: The Freedom Tower is said to take the place of the fallen Twin Towers. I had the opportunity to see the Tower during its construction but it was since been completed. Check out this magnificent building that towers above the world famous New York Skyline.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and have a great view of the city.

Times Square: Just go there. If you’re wandering the streets of lower Manhattan you will probably stumble upon it anyway. Take your little selfy at Time Square and move on.

See the Empire State Building: Still tallest Building in New York. Take the Elevator to the top floor and get a birds eye view of the New York Skyline, one of the most famous skylines in the world.

Visit Central Park: Central Park is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Walk one of the many trails through the park that covers more than 40 blocks. It’s easy to spend hours in this massive park. Durring the summer months you can even catch a free concert and possibly a theater production.

Staten Island Ferry: If you want to see the Statue of Liberty but want to avoid taking the 2 hour + tour, take the Staten Island Ferry and get a great view of the famous Statue of Liberty.

Delicious Food in NYC

Street Food: If you eat at restaurants for every meal you are sure to burn a hole in your pocket pretty quick. Street Food will save you a lot of money and its very delicious.

Hotels in New York

Hotels in any of the city centers are very nice but incredibly expensive so if you are on a budget, check out some other options like Couchsurfing or Air BnB.

Transportation in NYC

  • Don’t take a Taxi. WALK its Faster.
  • Subway


Boston-Red-Sox-Fenway

Boston

I truly believe that you can’t experience the real America without visiting Boston. Boston is one of America’s most incredible cities and the people of Boston are just as amazing. They’re strong, hard working, passionate, and not always politically correct but real nonetheless. Don’t mistake their boldness for arrogance because Bostonians are some of the most helpful people and they are just as excited to show you their city as you are excited to see it. The first question I ask someone who tells me that they have been to Boston is, “have you been to a Red Sox game?” “Did you sing ‘Sweet Caroline’ in the middle of the 8th inning?” If you did, and you felt what I felt when I sang that beautiful song at Fenway Park in front of the Green Monster you know what I’m talking about. Boston is one of the cities where I don’t care about looking like a tourist; I go all out. I take the duck tours, I visit the breweries, and once I’ve worked up an appetite I treat myself to one of Boston’s delicious lobster rolls. You can’t beat it!

Sightseeing Boston

Visit Fenway Park

I could write several pages about this ballpark but I will spare you guys and just highlight the things you should know.

Built in 1912, Fenway Park is one of America’s oldest ballparks and home to the famous Big Green Monster. (For those of you who don’t now what I mean when I mention a Green Monster at Fenway. No, it’s not literally a big green monster. It’s a big green wall that was put up in left field to increase the difficulty of hitting a homerun.) If you want to learn a little bit about America’s Greatest Pastime, Fenway Park is a great place to do it. Fenway still maintains many if its old traditions including the singing of Neal Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” in the middle of the 8th inning. Fenway also offers tours of the park, which I would recommend to anyone whether you are a long time fan or a first timer. Check the website for more information but the prices are very reasonable and the tour is worth every penny.

Walk Boston’s Freedom Trail

On a nice day the Freedom Trail is a must. Put on a pair of comfortable shoes, grab a camera and some snacks and follow the 2.5 mile route that will lead you through some of Boston’s must see historical sites.

Visit Bunker Hill Monument

It’s about 250 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument but it’s well worth the effort. Once you reach the top you will have the best view of the Boston skyline.

Sam Adams Brewery

Take a tour of the entire brewery or stop in for a fresh beer right from the tap. Visit the website for more information.

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall is a hot spot for locals. Go shopping, have a drink at an Irish pub and make sure you eat at the Quincy Market.

Harvard

Harvard University was the first established school in America. The University offers tours of the campus and its historical halls. If you visit Harvard on school day, enjoy the atmosphere but please be respectful of students who are working hard.

Delicious Food in Boston

Lobster Roll: The Lobster Roll is Boston’s most famous sandwich and a must try if you are in Boston. If you are looking for a traditional Boston Lobster Roll the people at the Sam Adams Brewery can recommend a very good restaurant that’s just around the corner.

Accommodation in Boston

Hotels in any of the city centers are great but can also be pricy so if you are on a budget, check out some other options like Couchsurfing or Air BnB.

Transportation in Boston

  • Taxi
  • Uber
  • Car2Go
  • Rent-a-bike


Hamburg-Cathedral-Grass

Hamburg

After finishing school in 2012 I moved to Hamburg for an year long internship. Hamburg is a charming city with beautiful bridges over  the Elbe and the Alster Rivers. The Port of Hamburg is the second largest port in Europe. My favorite thing about Hamburg is its laid back vibe. Everyone is very nice so if you have questions or need directions don’t hesitate to ask a fellow Hamburger (citizen of hamburg) for help 🙂

What to do in Hamburg

Hamburg offer in every season endless entertainment.

It is impossible to see everything in just one visit. Hamburg is unique in the fact that no matter how many times you come to this amazing city you will always learn something new.

  • Alster

The River Alster is great for jogging, walking, cycling, or even just to order a coffee and relax. If you’re hungry you might want want to check out Cafe ALEX on Jungfernstieg or if you have a slightly larger appetite you might want to try Block House on Alster street.

Planet and Blomen: I love to run through Planet and Blomen in the summer to watch the fountains and relax. The name “Planet and Blomen” is Dutch and means “Flower and Blossoms.” It is a beautifully landscaped park and very relaxing.

Blankenese: This is the staircase district of Hamburg, which lies to the west of Hamburg. A walk here between the magnificent villas and the many stairs is especially nice!

  • Elbstrand

A small harbor cruise on the River Elbe’s with HVV day ticket on line 62. Here you can get off directly at the River Elbe, enjoy a stroll along the water at the beach and in between eating a cup of coffee and a waffle or sausage. Whether summer or winter, as long as the sun shines it’s always perfect.

  •  Reeperbahn in St. Pauli

This is the Hamburger party area that everyone should know about. The most famous street is the Herbert Street and its strictly for men-only (sorry ladies). There are also many bars and clubs and the famous David’s guard on the Reeperbahn.

  • Fish market

The Hamburg Fish Market is open every Sunday (opens at 5am in the summer and 7:30am during the winter) offering fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, meat, and pastries. Stop by in the hall after the market for a white sausage breakfast and live music. Towards the end around 9am you can get really good deals. There are so many different things to buy here.

Definitely worth a visit!

  •  Schanze Fourth (Hamburgers call it “Die Schanze” or “The Lair”)

Known for great bars, cafes, bistros, and small charming boutiques.

My hotel tip, but unfortunately not cheap: The Mövenpick Hotel, which formerly was an old water tower.

  • The Michel

Formally known as St. Michael’s Church but hamburgers know it as “The Michel”. After 2 fires in the beginning of the 20th century, the old church has been reconstructed. For a small entrance fee you can go up the bell tower and enjoy a birds eye view of the city.

  • Speicherstadt and HafenCity

The warehouse district contains many old warehouses, which are built on stilts. Today you can go by in a boat and see the warehouses outside, inside there are many museums. Here I can recommend the Spice Museum.

Delicious Food in Hamburg

  • Breakfast in Hamburg: Café Paris: quite central near Mönkebergstraße
  • Try the Fish: Fisherman’s House (Yellow House) at the fish market: the salmon with potatoes and mustard sauce tastes delicious =)
  • Steakhouse:  Block House overlooking the Inner Alster
  • For a quick bite I go to the Europa Passage (Shopping Mall), on the ground floor there is ice cream shop where you can enjoy really good ice cream on a waffle for dessert.

Accommodations

In Hamburg there are many hostels and hotels.
I would recommend the A & O Hostel near the main train station.
The Onyx on the Reeperbahn is also great during the week.

My absolute favorite, unfortunately, not very cheap, but sometimes you get lucky and find a good deal:
Mövenpick Hotel at the Sternschanzenpark. Once upon a time an old water tower.

Transportation

  • HVV ticket (day or multi-day tickets) I think this is the best way to get anywhere.
  • Bus


Funchal-Island-Portual

Funchal

Funchal is one of my favorite places in Europe, which is the capital of the island Madeira, belonging to Portugal. It is a very colorful flower island, which inspires me. There are so many things to do and 101 nice places.

Walk through the old town, enjoy the flair of the Mercado and go up to the hill by the great cable track.

Don´t miss to drink the good madeira wine!

Places to see in Funchal

  • Telefrico, the cable track to the monte
  • Carros de Cesto, a crazy ride with the Toboggan. The toboggans are baskets, where u can sit in and 2 men are controlling it and roll you down from the monte t
  • Kathedrale Sé
  • Jardim Municipal (the biggest garden in town)
  • Mercado dos Lavradores: very nice market with good and fresh fruits and flowers. You can get there crazy things like tomatoe-passionfruit, banana-passionfruits and eatable Philodendron
  • Santa Catarina Park

Special Food in Funchal

  • Espetada em Pau de Lauro: this is a traditional food, meat on a bay leaf stick
  • You will get there often a traditional Bolo de caco, which is a garlic bread
  • Fresh Fruits from the Mercado
  • Seafood
  • Don´t miss to drink the madeira wine
  • Try the beer from madeira, it is called Coral

Transportation in Funchal

  • enjoy walking
  • cable track
  • bus


angkor-wat-temple-complex

Siem Reap - Angkor Wat

Siem Reap is famous for its about 1000 year old Angkor Wat temples. Not kings lived there, but rather gods, how it is told in the legend. The temple complex stands for cambodia and it is on the national flag as well as on the bills.

Spend a nice and historical day to see Angkor Wat in Siem Reap!

Sightseeing in Siem Reap

I guess 99,9 % of the tourists come to Siem Reap to see the temples of Angkor Wat. That is what i did.
We drove from Khao San Road in Bangkok by Minivan to the border of Cambodia, where we had to get a visa and then to Siem Reap, which is very close to the famous temples. You can get really cheap and nice hotels in Siem Reap.

Angkor Wat

Go to Angkor Wat and enjoy the historical temple complex. The One Day Pass is 25$ per Person. We spent about 5-6 hours there, spoke to locals and prayed with them in one temple. I really like the temple complex and the old banyan trees.

Old Market in Siem Reap

If you want to buy a few shirts, scarfs or something, go to the old market in Siem Reap. You can buy some textils for less money then in Thailand and it is good quality.

Night Markets Siem Reap

The night markets are great there. In Siem Reap are 3 night markets, which are very close together. It is very nice to walk around and get good deals on watches, clothes, souvenirs.

Delicious Food in Siem Reap

I had a very delicious and unforgetable Cambodian BBQ. It was like a pan, filled with hot water for the vegetables and i got a lot of different ingredients like meat, seafood, vegetables and rice to cook everything on my own. I really liked it. See the fotos below!

Beef Lok Lak is a famous dish in Cambodia, which is very delicious. They produce and sell the Lok Lak spices in Siem Reap as well, so you can take it home and cook it in your own kitchen.

Another tasty cambodian dish is the Chicken Amok. It is a curry dish, served with rice! I love it!

Transportation in Siem Reap

I recommend to take a TukTuk driver for one or 1,5 days. We had a driver for 1,5 days and at the first day we started in the afternoon and went with him to a traditional fabric and he drove us to the old market of Siem Reap and showed us a nice sunset at the Angkor Wat temple complex. The next day he picked us up early in the morning and drove us to Angkor Wat. We saw a lot of monkeys on our way, which was really funny =) He was waiting for us the whole time, while we were visiting the temples, drove us to the next and in the evening (after we went back to shower in the hotel), he drove us for dinner. The whole 1,5 days was about 15 $. Some TukTuk driver have cold water for you, which is great after a sight seeing day.

For small Tuk Tuk rides, which take up to 20 minutes, you should not have to pay more than 3$!

Hotels in Siem Reap

Trésor D’Angkor Villas & Resort: We spent two nights at this resort and it is one of my favorite hotels in the World! It is really amazing, the pool is great and i loved that it is a little outside of the busy city.

Angkor Heritage Boutique Hotel: That Hotel is very nice too and we can recommend it for families as well.


San-Diego-Solana-Beach

San Diego

San Diego is one of my favorite places to be during the summer. The days are long and warm and the water is always the perfect temperature. The food in San Diego is delicious and whether you order nachos at a sports bar or a steak at Ruth’s Chris, this place goes all out. The beaches here are incredible and hot spot for locals and tourists alike so grab a towel and sunscreen and check out some of the best beaches in California.

Places to see in San Diego

  • Hike Torre Pines: Some of the best views in San Diego. Hike to one of the many look out points on this trail and get a birds eye view of one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
  • Coronado Island: A trip to Coronado Island is a great way to spend a day in San Diego. Drive over the Coronado Bridge and have a great view of downtown skyline. Visit the historic Hotel Del and see where past US presidents have stayed on visits to San Diego.
  • Old Town San Diego: If you are looking for Authentic Mexican food, Street shopping and a touch of history, Old town is the perfect place. If you are in San Diego for Cinco de Mayo or Halloween be sure to check out the festivals going on here. Don’t miss out on a trip to Old Town.
  • Pacific Beach: One of my favorite beach cities in California. PB really knows how to have fun. Garnett Avenue is one of the main streets in Pacific Beach and it is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, you name it! Everyone here is here for a good time so grab a beer, catch a game and mingle with the day faders!

 

Delicious Food in San Diego

  • Oscars- Oscars is of my favorite hole in the wall restaurants in San Diego. The seafood is fresh so try the fish tacos. You wont regret it!
  • The Crab Catcher: This place has a great location right next to La Jolla Cove. Try and get a seat by the window or in the outdoor patio for a view of the Cove. This place serves great seafood but if you’re not in the mood for fish order the pizza here, its great!

Transportation

  • Uber & Lyft
  • Coaster
  • Metro


Los Angeles Venice Beach

Los Angeles

Out of all of the cities I’ve visited in the world I have to say it’s difficult to beat a perfect day in LA. The sun, the beach, great food, and entertainment what else is there? I’m sure you’ve probably heard of Hollywood and hopefully the famed Santa Monica Boulevard but I’d like to cover a few other great places that maybe you haven’t heard of.

Places to see in Los Angeles

  • Venice Beach- Received its name from tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney whose goal it was to construct a Venetian style city on the beach complete with beautiful canals resembling the canals of Venice, Italy. Today, Venice Beach is better known for attractions such as muscle beach, where Arnold Schwarzenegger began his movie career, and the Venice Skate Park, where you can watch skaters from all over the world demo their incredible talents. Don’t miss out on this unique beach city and feel free to wander the neighborhoods in search of the famous Venice canals, one of Los Angeles’s best-kept secrets.
  • Santa Monica Pier- Located directly on the pier is a fantastic amusement park with rides carnival games to check out. During the summer bands from all over the world come here to perform. The fairs wheel is a must if you are visiting because if offers you the best views of the coastline. Still my favorite thing to do here is to grab coffee or a smoothie and watch the surfers from the pier during sunset.
  • Go Shopping: There are so many different representations of style in this city and all at fair prices. If you consider yourself a shopaholic, the city shopping district could quite possibly be your kryptonite. Here are a few suggestions of places to check out:
    • The Grove
    • The Beverly Center
    • Third Street Promenade

Delicious Food in Los Angeles

  • Tito’s Tacos: No, this not your ordinary Mexican joint but the food here sure is delicious. I don’t think I have ever been to this restaurant without having to stand in line with at least 20 other people. In spite of the high demand, surprisingly I have never had to wait longer than 15-20 minutes for my order so don’t let the lines scare you away. They have a small menu but if you can’t decide just get one of everything. I’m serious! Don’t forget the GUAC!
  • Diddy Reese- Probably the most famous ice cream shop in Los Angeles. On a typical night this place has a line wrapped around the block with tourists and locals (mostly UCLA students) alike waiting sometimes up to an hour in line to satisfy their sweet tooth.
  • First Friday – On the first Friday of every month, food trucks swarm the street of Abbot Kinney in Venice. In case you were wondering, these are no ordinary food trucks. Most food trucks are known for serving ok food known as beer soakers but these trucks serve delicious food at good prices. Try the Kogi BBQ Truck it’s the best!
  • InNout- If you have never been to an InNout in your life you are seriously missing out. I don’t know what it is about this burger joint that sets it apart from the other burger joints of the world but this place is truly remarkable. “Number one with grilled onions, animal fries, extra spread and a lemonade,” you can’t beat it.

Accommodations in Los Angeles

  • Custom Hotel: It’s definitely not the Ritz-Carlton but this place has one very important quality, a fantastic location. If you want to be centrally located and in close proximity to some of the best beaches for under $100 the Custom Hotel is a great choice. From the Custom hotel you are approximately 20 minutes from everything on the Westside and in a city notorious for traffic, location is extremely important.

Transportation

  • Uber
  • Lyft
  • Rent a Car: Drive on the 405 and get caught in rush hour traffic and feel what its like to be a local.