Ireland — The Pipes, The Pipes are Calling — Part 1
We first fell in love with Ireland when we decided, after a business trip to Paris to meet half way (ish) in Dublin for an extended 5 day weekend.
The central delight of Dublin for VaVenturers is that, like Marseilles , its one of those cities where you can avoid FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) — no must sees or bucket list sites — just a lovely, walkable city, full of shoplined streets, hidden alleys and a lovely stroll across the bridges of the Liffey river. An English speaking city, with a European vibe, great food and drink and easy access to much of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Iceland — Winter…?
Every VaVenturer has to visit Iceland.
It’s the perfect confluence of all things VaVenturing — an otherworldly Island, full of mystery and adventure, a legitimate overseas destination just a few hours from the US East Coast, the power of nature in a way few of us have experienced before — but at the end of a long day in the field — lovely food and a warm bed and a hidden bar with convivial company, local brew and a friendly landlord.
Iceland — ...Or Summer?
Summer is an altogether different experience in Iceland.
For starters — the suns never really sets — while it will mess with your sleep — there’s something quite exhilarating heading out on a hike at 10:00pm in brilliant sunshine, or sipping a midnight cocktail at a sunny outside bar.
Unexpected Marseilles
Marseilles is the perfect destination for VaVenturers.
A city hardly at the top of the average casual traveler’s list — the reality is its an authentic, fascinating, accessible and well-priced distillation of Southern French life — lovely hotels and Airbnb’s, a great arts and culture scene including a pretty well regarded opera house and food vibe that includes the seafood infused cuisine of the south, the tantalizing flavors of North Africa and, more recently, the best pizza in France often served from food trucks.
Naples is Neat!
The one thing you won’t find much in Naples — Americans. Unless on a cruise tour, they stay away in droves — deterred by all the scare stories.
What are they missing? One of the most exciting cities and best value destinations in Italy — well priced hotels, local, authentic cuisine, endless cafes, food stands and restaurants.
Cruising for VaVenturers
We know, we know — how can a site that has Adventuring as part of its brand seriously include taking a cruise??
It’s because, in so many ways, today’s cruising is fundamentally different from even 5 years ago.
The fact is, cruises can be a really be a cost effective way to reach places you always wanted to visit.
