Köln - Day 9
On day nine we decided to switch things up and take a spontaneous day trip to Aachen. The highlight was standing in three countries—Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands—all at once! After snapping some fun border photos, we grabbed a light lunch and a beer before heading back. Along the way, we spotted the cutest little Amazon delivery car and couldn’t resist stopping for some Spaghetti Eis (because it’s a must in Germany!). Back in Köln, we visited the stunning Kölner Dom, where Caitlin lit a candle for her dad and we admired the Shrine of the Three Kings. We ended the evening perfectly—with a cozy bowl of Gulasch and the discovery that, in true German fashion, beer is cheaper than water.
Allerheiligen Wasserfälle
What started as a change of plans turned into one of the most memorable adventures of the trip. When weather postponed our schnapps hike in Oberkirch, we pivoted to the scenic Allerheiligen Wasserfälle trail in the Black Forest—an enchanting path of waterfalls, mossy rocks, and monastery ruins. Along the way, we encountered mountain goats, misty forest air, and even crossed unexpectedly into France. Though unplanned, this hike perfectly captured the charm and wonder of the Black Forest, leaving me eager to return and explore more of its hidden trails and villages.
Stuttgart - Day 7 & Sasbachwalden Day 8
What started as another day of chasing chargers for our stubborn electric car—lovingly nicknamed Pearl—turned into a mix of chaos and laughter. Between running on empty, pouring rain, and five charging stops, we somehow squeezed in a spontaneous meet-up with my friend Daniel for Kaffee und Kuchen, a broken liquor bottle incident, and a much-needed Döner dinner with him and his wife. The next morning in Sasbachwalden brought a peaceful reset: breakfast with stunning hillside views, a foggy and mysterious Black Forest hike, and a few quirky photo stops—including a creepy playground and a pay-to-pee restroom. We ended the long day in Köln, recharged (literally and figuratively) with sushi and sore feet.
Oktoberfest - Day 6
Our day in Munich revolved around one thing—Oktoberfest. We started the morning in Marienplatz with coffee, pastries, and a quick stop at a quirky public drinking fountain before watching the Glockenspiel and browsing the local market. True to form, Germany greeted us with yet another gray, rainy day as we explored the massive Englischer Garten, where we even stumbled upon a random cigarette vending machine in the middle of the park. The big event, Oktoberfest, was… well, not quite what we expected. Between the rain, steep prices, and state fair vibes (just with lederhosen and lots of beer), it didn’t quite live up to the hype—but the food was fantastic, and it’s definitely one of those “do it once” experiences.
The Alps - Day 5
What began as a cold, rainy drive to Zugspitze turned into pure magic when the gondola rose above the clouds, revealing a sea of white and sunshine. After missing out on Neuschwanstein Castle, we visited Linderhof Palace instead—complete with “Tour Guide Caitlin” keeping things entertaining. The day ended perfectly with hearty Bavarian food, great beer, and warm Apfelstrudel at Scheidegger.
In Transit - Day 4
What was supposed to be a smooth travel day from Hamburg to Munich turned into a comedy of travel mishaps and unexpected adventures. From a canceled train mid-journey and swollen feet to the chaos of trying to charge an electric rental car in Germany, it felt like everything that could go wrong did. But the day ended on a high note—arriving in Munich just in time for a cozy Bavarian dinner at Marienplatz and a moonlit stroll past the glowing Rathaus, where “Tour Guide Caitlin” made her debut and laughter replaced the day’s frustrations.
The North Sea - Day 3
A spontaneous invitation from my friend Alex turned into a memorable day exploring northern Germany like a local. From an unplanned detour to Itzehoe to braving near-gale winds along the North Sea, the day was full of unexpected adventures. We visited the Nord-Ostsee Canal, the impressive Eider Barrage, and the windswept shores of Sankt Peter-Ording before warming up with coffee and cake in the charming town of Friedrichstadt.
Hamburg - Day 2
Day two in Hamburg, I explored the serene beauty of Parkfriedhof Ohlsdorf, wandered the colorful chaos of the Reeperbahn and St. Pauli, and found peace in the lush gardens of Planten un Blomen Park. Along the way, I shared laughs, coffee, drinks, and pizza with my new friend Oualid, making it a day that perfectly captured Hamburg’s mix of history, culture, and vibrant energy.
Hamburg - Day 1
This Germany trip began with a red-eye flight, a cozy airport speakeasy, and a chaotic Heathrow layover before finally landing in Hamburg. My hostel wasn’t ideal—a shared bathroom and a startled bunkmate’s scream—but it added to the adventure. With a loose plan and a train station nearby, I spent my days exploring at my own pace: enjoying coffee by the Landungsbrücken piers, visiting the International Maritime Museum, and photographing colorful street art. One evening, I met Oualid, an Algerian beekeeper en route to Copenhagen, and we shared drinks and stories—proof that the best travel moments are often the unplanned ones.
Colorado & Wyoming
What started as a rainy Memorial Day weekend turned into an unforgettable Colorado adventure filled with foggy mountain views, quirky roadside finds, cozy card games, and scenic drives. From the misty peaks of Lookout Mountain to the snowy silence of Medicine Bow, Wyoming, and a surprise cow encounter on the way home, this trip was all about embracing the unexpected and soaking up the beauty (and hilarity) along the way.
Arizona to North Carolina
A three-week vacation filled with adventure, connection, and celebration. I spent the first two weeks in beautiful Arizona with my family, soaking up the sun, and enjoying quality time together. For the final week, I traveled to North Carolina to visit my friend Sharon, where we kicked things off with a fun and festive Easter beer hunt
Deutschland
An eight-day trip through Germany, the itinerary unfolds with a blend of historical exploration and festive experiences. Starting in Munich, delving into its rich Bavarian culture, savoring pretzels and beer while meandering through enchanting Christmas markets. Cologne beckons with its stunning cathedral and more holiday markets, each offering delectable local dishes and glühwein to warm the spirit. Finally in Nuremberg, the haunting remnants of World War II sites juxtapose with the charm of its medieval architecture.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge nestled among the Rockies, was my first stop to see the towering wooden figure of Isak Heartstone, a friendly troll tucked away among the trees. Surprisingly, I stumbled upon an Oktoberfest celebration in full swing in town. A last-minute decision to take a drive through Loveland Pass I found a road winding gracefully through the mountains, showcasing breathtaking vistas at every turn.
Caribbean Cruise
Family trip to Miami for a 7-day cruise with MSC to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Saint Thomas.
Ouzel Falls
A chilly 5.4-mile hike to Ouzel Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park with my friend Elizabeth. We had hoped to see the aspen leaves change and just barely missed them!
Grand Teton & Yellowstone
Short weekend trip with my friend Meagan visiting the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. Over 1,000 driven miles, countless hours on the road, and many spectacular animal sightings.