Grand Teton National Park

As a neighbor to the far more famous Yellowstone National Park, Grand Tetons is not talked about as much as its beauty deserves. This a park well worth heading south for on a trip to Yellowstone. Plus combo tickets can be bought so the cost is very small for the addition. I personally recommend a day to spend in this park. If you want to extensively hike it may be worth two days.

Accommodations:
The nearest places to stay would be in Jackson and the surrounding towns. Access from those towns is very easy and not a long drive. However getting into Grand Tetons from Yellowstone is about a two hour drive from Old Faithful.Moving hotels might not be necessary depending on where you are staying for a trip to Yellowstone.

Top Spots:
While pretty much the whole area is breathtaking, there are some particularly photogenic spots scattered about. Don't be afraid to make your own path though (figuratively, never go off the trails you can get lost or hurt).

Schwabacher landing- 
If it had not been so cold when we were there, I think my friend and I could have sat here all day. The views are best here, in my opinion. There is a gravel road off the main highway to get to this little spot, but even my compact car made it up and down just fine.

Oxbow Bend-
This spot is located after the Moran Entrance to the park. If you are coming off the main highway, this is probably where you go in. Another fantastically gorgeous view of the mountains and water. I had to pinch myself a few ties to make sure it was real.

Mormon Row-
This is a place my friend and I went to for sunrise. It was amazing. The Tetons light up as the early morning sun hits them creating a sort of orangey glow. You are surrounded by rustic barns and the scene is simply magical. While many places may be wonderful for a sunrise, Morman Row should not be missed.

Jackson Lake Dam-
This find was a complete accident on our trip. I had not seen it mentioned on other sights as being particularly of note, but I lost my mind when I saw this view. Standing on the dam is already gorgeous, but if you head toward the parking lot and instead follow along the water past the stairs it gets even better. There are fewer people and it really feels like you are one with this tranquil scene.

Moose-Wilson Road:
In all the times I went into Grand Teton, the place I usually saw wildlife, particularly moose, was on this road. When we went on our predawn quest for sunrise pictures we found ourselves stopping almost constantly on this stretch because of the mass amounts of moose just chilling by the road.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone has been on my list of places to return to for years. I went as a small child, which as we all know doesn't lend itself to the most accurate of memories. So, on a whim, I decided to road trip all the way back with help from a friend. It wasn't an easy drive, especially in the late fall, but boy was it worth it.

Where to Stay:
You have a few options when it comes to accommodations. Yellowstone is huge, so it has several entrances. There is no perfect place to stay, there will always be some sights that are a long drive from you. From experience staying in West Yellowstone, Montana is the most convenient location to get to interesting geothermal features and large quantities of animals. That being said, I spent my last trip in Jackson, Wyoming and I still saw all corners of the park. Cody, Wyoming also will allow for visitors to see the whole park and has a fun history of its own to learn about. Camping and lodging in the park is available, but highly coveted. You have to plan very far in advance to book these spots. In the summer they are all pretty much open (but full to capacity), but come fall most close and aren't an option.
For those on a budget, or are too young to rent a hotel (like me), the best solution I found was staying in a hostel. I know the immediate thought is reminiscent of a horror movie when I talk about this option, but it was actually quite nice. The Hostel, in Jackson Hole is where we stayed. I'm pretty sure its the only hostel anywhere near Yellowstone. The rooms are 4 bed rooms and pretty affordable even if you rent the whole room. This will position you on the south side of Yellowstone and near Grand Tetons, but like I said the drive is totally doable.

What to See:

• Old Faithful- the thing pretty much everyone is just dying to see. I definitely recommend going to watch Old Faithful because it is one of the most dramatic geothermal features which you can regularly see. Located in the middle of the park, most entrances will allow easy access to this attraction. 

• Geothermal Features- There are a lot, so I cannot possibly list them all for you. Most are positioned around where Old Faithful is. The way we broke up our day was to start at Old Faithful and then spent the rest of the day hiking around the different geothermal spots. I definitely think you can get hot spring burn out. If you feel like you have seen more than enough hot water for the day, remember you can always stop back on another day. There aren't a lot of roads, you are going to have to double back at some point 

• Yellowstone Lake- For a more peaceful day drive along Yellowstone Lake. It's nice to just spend time on the water. This part of the park tends to be a little less crowded.

• Artist's Point and Waterfalls- This was sort of a surprise when I drove up. We had a lot of road closures when I went so my plan was changed a ton. Artist's Point blew my socks off. The deep canyon and ridiculously perfect waterfall look like something out of an oil painting. Definitely go here!

• Mammoth Hot Springs- This is entirely different than the hot springs in the middle of the park. Located in the North this feature looks more like a series of steps. It is definitely a great stop and can be put on a day you spend in the north of the park

• Hayden and Lamar Valleys- This is the place to go if you want to see animals. I have been on a 10-year quest to see wolves in the wild. I'm pretty sad they have eluded me so far, but these are the places you are most likely to see them and other animals. Of course, it all depends on the season, but it is like a safari in these two valleys. Bears, foxes, coyotes, bison, deer, elk, etc.

Safety:

I feel like I need to include some general safety reminders for anyone who goes into the park. I know it can seem like the animals are friendly, but every year people are killed because they got too close to an animal. Animals do not thrive when in close contact with humans and if they are habitually fed by humans they don't often survive. Stay a safe distance from the animals, 25 yards for bison or deer, 100 yards for bears or wolves. If you plan on hiking buy bear spray. A bear doesn't have a glowing neon sign to alert you to its location. You could come around a bend and be face to face with a grizzly. It happens every year and people die.

Please stick to marked trails, not only is the park huge and if you get lost it will be hard to get out, but you might fall into boiling water. Yellowstone has a ton of geothermal features, what looks like cool water or solid ground might not be. you can easily fall into a boiling pot of water or mud. I looked up what happens to you if you fall in. Let's just say it is not fun and can result in your whole body dissolving. 

Weather:

Summer is the best weather wise. It does get extremely crowded around Old Faithful, but the park is very large and you can still enjoy your time here.

Winter is not the time to come. Almost all roads are closed because it gets extremely cold and the snow is deep. 

Fall and Spring can be hit or miss. Check opening dates for lodging and roads to make sure you can see everything. We were extremely lucky to have clear days when we went in October. We were sandwiched between two snow storms so roads were still icy. Be prepared and bring snow chains in case they are needed for your trip. 

Don't Forget to Pin

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Croatia was one of those places that had beauty beyond the hype. Not many people think of Croatia when it comes to European vacations. It certainly isn't the first place you think of when hearing about crystal blue waters and cascading waterfalls. Plitvice offers both! The national park is an amazing place with great hikes sure to fill you with awe.

How To Get Here

Plitvice lies outside of large cities in Croatia, but it is really easy to get here. Depending on your travel situation and where you stay there are a couple options.

• If you are driving, it is a totally doable drive from Split or Zagreb to get here, although Zagreb is closer. Dubrovnik might be a little far for a day trip, but it is possible if you plan on staying overnight.
• Buses drop off literally right outside the gate. The easiest place to come from is Zagreb and the route takes about 2 hours. Multiple bus companies run this route with impressive regularity. It's perfect to start in Zagreb if you want to do a day trip to the park. Buses do run from Split, but they are not very frequent. 

To Have the Best Experience

The hikes in Plitvice build in length off of each other. The park gets better the further you go in my opinion. Get there early so you beat the crowds, but also are able to actually see most of the park. The hikes are not really that strenuous, and should be manageable for people who don't hike much. I recommend doing the 6 or 8 hour hike. This will include utilizing the free boat across one of the larger lakes, although you do have the opportunity to walk around the lake instead. 

There is food available in the park, although the amount open depends on the time of year. During the peak season, more will be open, but as you come into winter less is available. I recommend packing a lunch so you don't have to worry about timing your appetite perfectly when you see food. There is a coffee shop right outside the gate, which is good place to get a snack before catching a bus home!

Don't Forget to Pin!

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is perhaps a second or third home to me. I spent 8 months in residence here and came to appreciate the hidden gems and the tourist attractions throughout the year. I have eaten the food, visited the museums, and done as both the locals and the visitors have done. I personally think the city is fantastic and has enough to do to warrant 3 to 4 days exploring this gem and the surrounding areas.

How to Get Here

Salzburg does have an airport, although it is small. Finding flights within Europe is definately possible, but don't expect a direct flight from the U.S. into this small city. 

The trains in Europe are very easy to use and can be quite affordable. If you are going to visit other places you should have no trouble finding a route from Munich or Vienna. 

• From Munich it is a short 2 hour train ride to Salzburg. If you are traveling in a group it is incredibly cheap. Just purchase the Lander pass for Bavaria. By car it takes just 1.5 hours to drive from Munich.
• From Vienna,it takes about 3 hours by train to Salzburg and tickets are pretty inexpensive.You can search for tickets on the Austrian Rail website. To drive is about 2.5 hours. 
• If you are coming from Italy, take a night train from Florence or Venice.
• Zurich is 5 hours by train.

Where to Stay

• For a backpacker or someone on a budget my top recommended Hostel for price and location is the YoHo Hostel. Because of the rich history of the city, there are not really any hostels in the old town. YoHo is across the river and is one of the easiest walks of any of the Hostels in Salzburg. You are in close proximity to famous sights like Mirabell Gardens and across the river from the old town. When anyone came to visit in Salzburg,we always recommended here!
• If a hotel is more your style, location will dictate a lot of the price. If you chose to stay in the old town you will pay considerably more than if you stay across the river. I have personally stayed in the Mecure. It is near the YoHo hostel and is a super easy walk to all the things you want to see, but you save a lot of money each night. 

What to See in the City

Salzburg is famous for being the birthplace of Mozart and for the Sound of Music. Of course there is so much more to see in the city.

• For the Sound of Music lovers I recommend taking a tour of the film locations. Even if you don't have every line memorized, it's a good way to see the city before you wander around. I took the bike tour and thought it was a lovely way to see the city and enjoy the outdoors. In the late fall and winter weather might make it difficult, but spring and summer should be gorgeous. If you want to just sit back and relax, there are a ton of bus tours that you can take as well. Most leave from in front of Mirabell Gardens, so be sure to swing by and get some information.

• Visit Mirabell Gardens. The gardens are kept absolutely stunning all year and are very fun to walk around in. Take in the flowers or even check out the gnome garden. Mirabell Palace is located here as well and is open for visits. 

• In the old town, make a stop at Mozart's birthplace. For classical music lovers going into the museum will definately be fun, but if that isn't your thing it might not be the most exciting. Either way take a picture outside the house. 

• Visit The Fortress.  The fortress is a dominating part of the city. Perched up on the Monchsberg, the fortress begs visitors to come and visit. You can walk up or take the funicular. The fortress houses some impressive exhibits about Salzburg's history and the history of warfare in the country. Not to mention the views of the entire city. It is well worth the cost of admission and a can't miss when you visit. 

• My favorite museum from the city is the Dom Museum, located at the Salzburg Cathedral. This museum gives visitor insight into the region's history and showcases some beautiful art. Be prepared to get lost in the treasures found here, it truly is amazing. 

• Hike up Kapuzinerberg. The tiny little mountain is in the middle of the city and is a pretty easy hike up. It offers great views of the city. 

What to See Around Salzburg

Salzburg isn't just a cool little city, but it also has really fun things to do in the surrounding area. All of these things are accessible by bus or train. To find times, routes, and prices use this site.

• Go into the salt mines in Hallein. Salzburg literally translates to Salt Fortress. The value of salt played an important part in the history of this state. Going into the salt mines offers the visitor the chance to learn about the process of salt mining and the lengthy history going back to the Celts in Salzburg.

• Visit the Emperor's Hunting Lodge in Bad Ischl. This is where the emperor signed the declaration of war which started WWII. The grounds are very beautiful and so is the decor. This is a fun visit if you love history and want to see some beauty. 

• Visit Fortress Hohenwerfen. This fortress will show even more history of the region and boasts views that are simply unreal. I had to question if it was even real when I visited. Another fun treat is the opportunity to see falconry shows during your visit. 

• Visit Hallstatt. This lakeside village is so amazingly beautiful you might question if it is fake. Along with great views the area is surrounded by Celtic history. You can also rent boats and cruise around the lake. If you only do one of these extras, make it a visit to Hallstatt. This is the place they put on books because it is that impressive.

Foods and Drinks in the City

When it comes to food, not everything is created equal. Some of these recommendations are because of the fantastic food, others because of the local vibe, either way they will give you a pretty good idea of Salzburg. 

• Augustinerbräu is the place to go for the authentic Austrian beer experience. It is a little bit of a walk from the old town,but is so worth it. Not a ton of tourists go here, meaning the huge rooms are full of locals. This is some of the best beer I have ever had! The brewery is in a former monastery and is huge. When you come in don't expect a waiter to bring you beer. Grab a glass in the size beer you want, rinse it out, and pay at the counter. There is almost always someone you can watch and follow, so don't worry. You can usually hear some Austrians celebrating with traditional toasts. 

• Konditorei Furst is the original maker of the famous Mozartkugel. There are 4 locations in the city, so you will be able to find one no matter what part of town you are in. The have some amazing handmade treats, so I highly recommend a visit.

• Die Weisse is a great place to try Austrian food. Located across the river from the old town, you can get a great food experience for less than you could in the old town. The food is great and they make their own beer, which is also fantastic. I can recommend the Goulash, Spatzle, and the Ricotta Dumplings. 

• Try the oldest restaurant and bakery in Salzburg. The Stiftsbakerei St. Peter is the oldest bakery in the city and the bread is to die for. If you want to sit down and enjoy a full meal try St. Peter Stiftskeller for the oldest restaurant. 

• Try a kebab from any of the many places in the city. Its a food that is really inexpensive and frequently enjoyed by local students. 

• My personal favorite chocolate shop in the city is Zotter Chocolate. The morals the company adhere to are amazing. Even though the main location is in Graz, the Salzburg store still should get a visit. There are over a hundred different flavors and the wrappers are a work of art!

Seasonal Events

• In Late July and August Salzburg hosts the Salzburg Festival, becoming a hub of music and drama. If you want to come during this time, plan well in advance!

• In Late September the old town is transformed for the Rupertikirtag festival. Each of the plazas becomes like a carnival. It is a fun experience but might make navigating and visiting some old town sights more difficult.

• In the first week of December the city has many Krampuslauf. Here the Krampus (or people dressed as them), parade through the streets taunting onlookers. It is a fun cultural experience which I recommend if you are in the area. Later in the month the Perchtenlauf occurs, it is very similar. 

• Starting in late November and going until Christmas are the Christmas Markets. They are literally everywhere in Salzburg and so fun. Not only can you buy cool crafts, but also can enjoy Gluhwein and other Austrian treats. 

Don't Forget to Pin!