Clicky

Travel 2 - Abby's Hearth

Travel

Text image saying 'travel and explore'.

Travel makes the world go round. Nope! Don’t you think so? Well, if you factor in all the jobs in the airline industry, food sector, insurance sector and more that would be lost if people stopped travelling, then travel actually does make the world go round a tiny bit.

Me? I’ve still got a zillion places on my list of where I need to go. Saving and budgeting for them is tricky. Picking just one place out of a dozen is tricky. And nope, I’m not going to say you can quit your job and travel the world like a lot of gurus seem to be saying these days. Maybe that works for them, it doesn’t work for me.

Yep, I work. Gotta fund the travels some way, and what better way than earning a living by the sweat of my brow. Okay, nope, I don’t sweat while working, I’m not into hard labour. I’m a freelance writer and a pen for hire if anyone needs me. You can ping me at abby@abbyshearth.com if you have some work for me.

But I digress. I do that often, don’t I? Anyways, what I was saying was that there are a lot of places on this big beautiful planet of ours to see. And although I’ve not been to all of them; I have been to some. And I love writing about those places.

I also had fun writing about falling off a kayak in Mallorca, hearing ghost voices in Austria, eating brettlejause at a buschenschank in Graz and waking up in an igloo in India.

These are some of the places on my must-visit-soon list, because my friends have written great articles about them: Vietnam, Rotorua, Dagestan and Vilnius.

And have you ever wondered about what food or drink you must try in a particular city? Well, my friends and I have a few options for you, from what to eat in Spain or where to eat in Paris to what to drink in different cities. You can’t leave a city without trying their most prized local liquors and foodie flavours can you?

Of course there’s a lot more to discover, but we’ll leave you to discover that on your own. Just leaf through the blog and read what you like. Come on a journey with us and see the world through our eyes. Travel and explore, hike and more. And don’t forget to leave a comment. We really love reading reader comments.

Working Remotely On A Sailboat – Pros & Cons

by
Lady on a sailboat with a cup in her hands.

There’s something romantic about the idea of working from a sailboat – ocean swims on your lunch break, an early morning paddleboard instead of a 6 am commute, checking your weather sailing app for the forecast rather than Google maps for news of the dreaded daily traffic jams. Here are the Pros and Cons of working remotely on a sailboat.

9 Things to Know Before Trekking the Annapurna Circuit

by
Hiking to Manang in the snow.

Annapurna Circuit has stunning views from start to finish, with a variety of terrain and a good mix of nature and culture. But every trekker must be prepared to face any challenges along the trail. This guide will tell give you insight into what you must know before the Annapurna Circuit trek and help you prepare for the journey of a lifetime!

Top 10 Things to do in Madeira

by
Aerial view of Porto Moniz in Madeira.

Madeira is the island of eternal spring, as you can experience pleasant temperatures all year round, thanks to its subtropical climate. The island is also often referred to as the “Hawaii of Europe”. Here’s what to do Maderia, Portugal.

What to Eat in Dublin, Ireland

by

Although it is true that the pub scene is huge in Dublin, Dublin also has a lot to offer when it comes to food. With a wide variety of pubs and restaurants, Dublin offers everything you would want to eat, from traditional dishes to cuisine of the world and delicious desserts.  Here are the traditional dishes in Ireland, which you will find at some of the best restaurants and cafés in Dublin. 

13 Small Towns You Must Visit In Tasmania

by
The tin dragon in St Helens.

Whilst there are many places & towns you must see when visiting Tasmania, there are just some towns not to be missed, yet sadly they often are. These towns are frequently driven through or past to get to another destination. Several of these are filled with history or surrounded by picturesque landscapes, in addition to offering wonderful food & accommodations. Just one more reason why we recommended planning an itinerary to visit Tasmania, Australia.

13 Best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

by
People playing footvolley and relaxing in Rio de Janeiro Beach.

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world. It’s known for its beaches, culture, music, food, and nightlife. The city of Rio de Janeiro is amazing and has a lot of great attractions, but it can be hard to decide exactly what to do while you’re there. From beaches, bars, and clubs to museums, parks, and restaurants – there are many good reasons to visit this incredible city.

Gir National Park Trip (Devaliya Safari Zone)

by
Lions sitting on grass.

The Devaliya Safari Park is about 412 hectares of the Gir National Park that was developed as an interpretation zone. It’s also often called the Sasan Gir Interpretation Zone. This zone allows visitors to see lions, deers, boars, and other species of wildlife without disturbing their natural habitat too much. So you don’t have to only go on the Gir Jungle Trail to see the animals in Gir National park. The Devalia Safari Park which is about 13 kilometers from Sasan Gir Village is perfect for this!

What to Eat in Lima, Peru

by
Served steak, bacon, french fries, fried plantains and a boiled egg.

Peru in general is well-known as one of the top food destinations of Latin America, especially for its classic dishes such as Ceviche. However, Lima in particular is the place to go if you’re looking to try a range of exotic and exciting dishes to really open up your taste buds.

Where to Eat in Nashville, TN

by
Hot fried chicken served at Hattie B’s.

While Nashville, TN is best known as Music City for its wide variety of exciting music venues, its culinary offerings are sure to be a highlight of your trip as well. Food in Nashville ranges from traditional “meat and threes” to famous Southern barbeque to global cuisine options. You’ll find options for every budget and opportunities to experience regional flavors, like Nashville Hot Chicken or the iconic Loveless biscuits.

Where to eat vegetarian food in Gibraltar

by
Drinks served along the harbour bay at ocean village.

When it comes to finding vegetarian food in Gibraltar, you have a great selection to choose from. A mix of Latino-inspired and British tastes, here are the three main locations in Gibraltar for eating and drinking, by Kerry of Vegg Travel.

What to Eat in Croatia

by
Pasta served with truffles on a plate.

Croatian dishes have their own distinct taste. Eating your way through any country is one of the best ways to get to know the culture, and Croatia is no different. Here’s what to eat in Croatia!

Everything You Need To Know About Yucatan Food

by
Tacos served with panuchos and onion.

Traditional Yucatan food is different from what many know as Mexican food, though this is changing. Chefs from Merida have been featured in Taco Chronicles and Chef’s Table: BBQ, two of the best food shows on Netflix. As the city grows in popularity, more and more people are visiting for not only all the amazing things to do in Merida — but to eat traditional Yucatan food as well. Here are some of the popular traditional Yucatecan dishes you should try in Mexico.

What to do in Sagada, Philippines

by
The famous hanging coffins is an ancient ceremonial ritual in Sagada.

The town of Sagada is one of the popular places to visit in the Philippines. It is a town located in the province of Mountain Province. Approximately a 10-12 hours trip from Manila. Some popular activities to do in Sagada are spelunking, trekking, rappelling, visiting historical sites, or exploring waterfalls.

Top Places to Explore in Munnar, Kerala

by
The green tea garden and hills on the other side of the Mattupetty lake.

Munnar is an alluring hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala. At 1700 meters above sea level, Munnar is the “Kashmir of South India.” Find out the top things to do here from Sonakshi of Places in Pixel.

What to eat in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

by
South India Thali at Dharamshala.

Dharamshala, the scenic city of Himachal Pradesh, is located in the Kangra Valley of the state. Dharamshala and its many small villages are known for the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains. While there are a plethora of things to do in Dharamshala, the most favorite activity for some people there is to try the different food of the region.

20 Unique Cafes Around the World

by
Different cafes to visit around the world.

We’ve seen some really quirky cafes around the world while traveling; some in old factories, some in scary allies, and some of them even situated at the top of mountains. If you look …

Read more

12 Typical Brisbane Things to Do by a Local

by
View of Brisbane city from Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

Brisbane is the gateway to Queensland, Australia’s sunshine state. There are an incredible variety of things to do in Brisbane that make it more than just a jumping point for Queensland’s many attractions. Find out more from Eddie of The Vanabond Tales.

10 Great Places To Eat In Victoria, BC

by
Black ice cream cone with soft serve and brown crunchy topping.

Victoria’s restaurant scene punches above its weight. With dozens of quaint cafes and restaurants, it’s hard to know where to eat in Victoria. Mikaela from Voyageur Tripper introduces you to 10 amazing places to eat in Victoria.

Things to do in South Australia

by
Long distance view of a beach at Kangaroo Island.

Australia’s 4th-largest territory is full of beautiful national parks, wildlife, mountains, and many of Australia’s best things to do. From Adelaide’s wineries to the beaches of Eyre Peninsula, here are the top things to do in South Australia.

Encounter with a Tusker – Tales from the Mara

by
A big Tusker (elephant) ahead of us.

While on safari in Kenya, if you go on a gamedrive, you just might be lucky enough to see a number of wild animals, from lions and cheetahs, to elephants and hyenas, and more. We had an encounter with a big tusker too!

Unique Nicaragua Experiences With Kids

by
Colorful street corner in Granada Nicaragua.

Once only visited by adventure seekers and historians, Nicaragua has now made its mark on the tourist map. With beautiful coastlines on both sides and 19 volcanoes to visit, a trip to Nicaragua for family travel is just perfect. If you want to plan a family trip to Nicaragua with kids, these were our favorite things to do.

About Spanakopita, the Greek Spinach Pie

by
Spanakopita Greek spinach and cheese pie in a white plate.

Spanakopita is a crumbly, rich filo pastry made of spinach, onions, cheese, and herbs, that is incredibly popular in Greece. The exact origins of spanakopita are not known, but the Spanakopita can be compared to the Turkish pastry ispanakli or Turkish spinach borek. But here’s more about it.

What to Eat in Switzerland

by
What to eat in Switzerland.

Switzerland is more than alpine scenery and towering mountains. Want to know what to eat in Switzerland on a visit? Here are some top choices.

21 Top things to do in Switzerland

by
What to eat in Switzerland.

Soaring alpine peaks overhanging quaint village towns; chocolates to delight the senses; fondues and raclettes, and Emmentaler cheese; the serene Swiss National Park and the wooded shores of Lake Geneva; these are just some of the reasons to visit Switzerland. If you’re planning a trip to this amazing Alpine country, here are some of the best things to do in Switzerland.

History of the Iconic Idli of Southern India

by
South Indian Idlis and mini-idlis ready to serve with chutney - Pic by Bhushavali of My Travelogue.

Idli is a savory South Indian rice-cake from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka that’s made by steaming fermented batter of rice & urad lentils and served with sambar and chutneys like tomato, coconut, etc, and milagai podi (spice powder).

What to Eat in Rome

by
Different dishes to eat in Rome.

What traditional foods do Romans eat? And what should you eat in Rome on your next trip? What on Italy’s must-try food list? Here are the top 10 foods in Rome to eat!

Why Visit Switzerland?

by
Pictures of food and places in Switzerland.

Why visit Switzerland? What makes Switzerland so special? What are the things we love about Switzerland? Here are the top reasons to visit Switzerland!

What is Pad Thai?

by
Pad Thai, the national dish of Thailand - By Wendy of Nomadic Vegan.

Although one expects a national dish to have roots far back in time, the Pad Thai was invented in the 1930s on request of the Prime Minister. Find out more from Wendy, The Nomadic Vegan.

Where to stay in Goa?

by
Our huts at the Cinnamon Agonda in South Goa.

Have a plan to visit the unusual places in Goa and popular sites in Goa? And wondering where to stay in Goa on your visit? We’ve got a tried and tested list of …

Read more

Where to eat in Istanbul, Turkey

by
Colourful freshly made food at Hayvore.

Resting seductively between two continents, Asia and Europe, Istanbul has traditionally been a melting pot of cultures, religions and ethnicities like no other. No wonder why food in Istanbul is equally diverse and, thus, fascinating.

23 Popular American Dishes to Eat

by
Must try American food.

What is the most popular food in America? Which food is America’s favorite? Your favorite travel bloggers have listed their top American food dishes to eat, from local American dishes to imported international fare.

Top Must-visit Latin American Churches

by
Facade of the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Havana.

Latin American churches are full of splendour and beautiful, and some even more majestic than the cathedrals in Europe. Here are the top Must-Visit Latin American Churches in Central and South America for your trip.