The Gluten Free Restaurants We Tried in Chicago

Hi Friends!

I completely understand that planning a trip with also having a gluten allergy can be a little overwhelming, especially if you are traveling with others who don’t have an allergy. Most of the time people defer to you to pick the restaurants and that can be a lot of pressure! So before our recent trip to Chicago, I spent like hours researching restaurants on Find Me Gluten Free, scrolling through TikTok, and asking friends/family for recommendations on spots to try in Chicago! I wanted to make sure we had plenty of options before we arrived, especially since I never want food allergies to get in the way of enjoying a trip! Pretty much every restaurant that we found and went to had a great understanding of food allergies and was happy to answer questions or make accommodations which was nice! Some places had more gluten free options than others but I never felt like ordering food that was gluten free was a hassle! If you are planning a trip to Chicago soon, here is everywhere we ate, what I ate and my thoughts on the food as well as a list of places that are already on our list for our next visit!

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Where to Eat Gluten Free in Chicago:

Breakfast

Starbucks - I'll be honest we were constantly rushing out the door every morning to get to where we needed to be and because we had so much planned each day, breakfast usually meant stopping at Starbucks before heading to our first activity. Since I already know the egg bites are a safe gluten free option, that's what I ordered almost every morning! Was it the most exciting breakfast? Not really. But sometimes when you're traveling, sticking with something familiar makes life so much easier. Next summer we're planning another trip to Chicago, and one thing I've already decided is that breakfast is going to be much more of a priority because there were so many cafés I wanted to try!

Hero Coffee Roasters - I was so happy that we stopped here on the last morning in Chicago; it was my favorite coffee stop of the trip! The coffee was delicious, and although I only grabbed a drink, they did offer a gluten-free oatmeal option. Everyone else in our group ordered bagels and absolutely loved them. It was the perfect stop to grab a coffee before starting our day!

Breakfast Spots Still on My List

Even though we didn't make it to these restaurants this trip, they're already saved for next summer!

• Bru Chicago - This spot is known for both sweet and savory crepes.

  • 📍180 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

• Meli Cafe - This is a sit down breakfast and brunch spot that looks so good!

  • 📍500 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605

Lunch

Burger Bar Chicago - The Burger Bar was one of my favorite restaurants because it checked every box. The food was delicious, it was conveniently located near where we were staying, and the staff was fantastic about my gluten allergy. I got a build your own burger both times with French fries and it was a 10/10! We loved it so much that we actually ate here twice during our trip. Finding a restaurant that you trust while traveling is always a huge win, and Burger Bar became one of those places for us!

The Patio at Cafe Brauer - We spent one of our days in Chicago near the zoo and decided to stop for lunch here and it was really really good! I ordered the turkey club with french fries, and everything was absolutely delicious. The staff was really knowledgeable about food allergies, which always helps me feel more comfortable ordering. I also ordered the white sangria, and honestly...I still think about it. It was easily one of my favorite drinks from the entire trip! If you're spending the day at Lincoln Park Zoo, I highly recommend stopping here for lunch!

Umi Sushi by Weight - This was a great option when we were needing something quick. This isn't really a sit down restaurant, so keep that in mind if you're planning a nicer meal. They also didn't have a huge gluten free menu, but the gluten free options that they did offer were clearly marked, and they even had gluten free soy sauce available! I grabbed a few different pieces from a couple of different rolls and was happy with it! It's a great grab and go lunch option if you're exploring downtown!

Lunch Spots Still on My List

These are already on my list for our next Chicago trip.

• Nonna’s Pizza and Sandwiches

• 📍925 W Randolph St

• Small Cheval

• 📍150 N Riverside Plaza

• I've heard amazing things about their gluten free fried chicken sandwich, so I'm determined to make it there next time!

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Dinner

Gino’s East - I know we haven’t tried them all, but in my opinion, if you only eat at one restaurant while you're in Chicago... I suggest Gino's East! This was hands down my favorite restaurant of the trip! The gluten free pizza was absolutely incredible, and after eating there once, we loved it so much that we came back a second time before leaving the city! The gluten free pizza isn’t deep dish but it was still so good. Everyone else that was with us in our group also loved the pizza, and it was deep dish! I got the Spinach Artichoke Thin Crust Pizza and it was so so good!

Niu B - The group I was with was on the hunt for ramen and they definatley found it! I would say that the gluten free options that were here were more limited but I was still able to have a really yummy meal! I got a sushi roll and the chicken fried rice. It was pretty good, I was also happy that they had gluten free soy sauce to give me! It was a solid dinner and a good option if you're dining with a group that wants ramen!

Momento Cantina - This restaurant was...okay. It wasn’t horrible, but really nothing to write home about. Just kind of middle of the road mexican food. We did like the drinks here and the appetizers that we got were pretty good too. We got guacamole and ceveche which they brought out special tostadas for me to enjoy the appetizers with. The entrees were just kind of meh. It was also like unbelievably hot inside the restaurant, which in the middle of June was just not fun and somehow it felt even warmer inside than it did outside. Between the heat and the average food, this wasn't one of my favorite meals of the trip!

Dinner Spots Still on My List

These restaurants are already on my list for our next visit!

• Beatrix Loop

• Barrio

• Torchio

• Aba

• Cindy’s Rooftop

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Drinks

Casa Bonita - Okay...I have one very important piece of advice. Do not order the watermelon margarita. Seriously. It was one of the worst drinks I've ever had! I know that sounds dramatic, but I stand by it. It somehow managed to taste artificial, over the top salty, stronger than any drink I’ve had before while also tasting watered down at the exact same time. Save yourself the disappointment and order something else!

Reunion by Chef Art Smith - This was such a fun stop. We ordered the reusable souvenir drink cups and tried several of the specialty cocktails. I ordered the Watermelon Shine, which I really enjoyed. The rest of our group tried: Sweet Tea Shine, Blue Hooch, and the Cherry Limeade! Everyone seemed to enjoy their drinks, and the reusable cups were nice becuase we could bring them back over the next few days of us being there!

Senorita’s Dearborn - We ended up coming here twice during our trip to grab drinks before dinner. It has a very casual atmosphere, but the bartenders were hilarious and made the experience so much fun! The drinks were good and so was the guacamole that we got as an appetizer one night!

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Tips for Eating Gluten Free in Chicago

After spending nearly a week eating around the city, here are my biggest recommendations.

• Research restaurants before your trip using Find Me Gluten Free, TikTok, and recommendations from friends!

• Don't be afraid to ask questions. Every restaurant that we visited was happy to discuss gluten free options.

• If you're eating sushi, ask if they have gluten free soy sauce. Several restaurants actually did which can literally change a meal!

• Don't feel bad about repeating restaurants. We visited both Burger Bar Chicago and Gino’s East twice because we knew they handled allergies well.

• Make reservations if you're visiting popular restaurants during the summer. We were lucky to get into Momento Cantina without one, but I wouldn't count on that every time, especially on the weekends!

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Map of Every Gluten-Free Restaurant We Tried in Chicago

👉 Open my Chicago Gluten-Free Restaurant Map

My Chicago Gluten-Free Restaurant Map

I've shared my Google Map link that includes every restaurant we visited during our trip, the restaurants still on my list for next summer, our hotel, and several of the things we did while we were in the city if you want to check that out!

The map includes:

• Congress Plaza Hotel

• Every restaurant featured in this guide

• Lincoln Park Zoo

• Millennium Park

• The Bean

• Navy Pier

• Restaurants still on my "next trip" list

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Chicago really exceeded my expectations when it came to eating gluten free. I really expected to spend a lot of time worrying about where I could eat, but I really think that doing a little planning before the trip to find safe and delicious meals ended up being one of the easiest parts of the trip! I had some delicious pizza at Gino’s East, burgers, yummy sushi, good coffee, and cocktails, there were so many great options throughout the city! Like I mentioned before, we are already planning another trip for next summer, and I still have a long list of restaurants I can't wait to try! If you've visited Chicago and have a favorite gluten free restaurant that I missed, let me know! I'd love to add it to my list before our next trip. If you have any questions at all, please comment below or you can always send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Much Love, 

Emma

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WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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Spend a Day at the Orlando Wetlands and the Kennedy Space Center

Hi Friends!

I feel like everyone who visits Florida has the obvious “visit Disney World” on their must do list and don’t get me wrong, we love Disney; we are annual passholders and go as often as we can, but there are SO many other things to do in and around the area that I think you should also add to your list! If you're looking for a fun day trip from Orlando, I would HIGHLY recommend combining a morning at the Orlando Wetlands with an afternoon at Kennedy Space Center. I feel like this combination gives you the best of both worlds: incredible Florida wildlife and fascinating space exploration, all within about 30ish minutes of each other. When we had family visit at the end of May, we spent the morning exploring the Orlando Wetlands from about 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM before heading to Kennedy Space Center for the rest of the day. It ended up being one of our favorite days of the trip because we got to experience two completely different sides of Florida in a single day!

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Why Visit Orlando Wetlands and Kennedy Space Center on the Same Day?

I would say that one of the biggest reasons this combination works so well is the locations of both spots! Both of these places are just east of Orlando, which makes it easy to visit them together without spending hours driving around Central Florida. The Orlando Wetlands is a really peaceful way to start the day with all of the pretty scenery and wildlife to spot, and then the Kennedy Space Center is a different kind of historical and honestly educational experience to see in the afternoon. I think both of them together are a really great balance where there is something for everyone. Plus, if you are visiting, it is a good way to maximize your vacation time!

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What Are the Orlando Wetlands?

The Orlando Wetlands Park is a massive conservation area that was originally designed to help filter reclaimed water naturally. It still does that, but now it's one of the best places near Orlando to experience Florida's native wildlife and ecosystems. My Wildlife Ecology major loved being here and I learned so much! The park has miles of walking and biking trails that go through the wetlands, marshes, and wildlife habitats. When we were there, we learned that it is especially popular with birdwatchers and photographers because of how much wildlife there is in the park.

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Quick Visitor Information

Location: Orlando Wetlands in Christmas, Florida
Ticket Cost: One of the best things about the Orlando Wetlands is that admission is completely free. Parking is also free, making this a budget friendly activity! There was a donation box that we put money in because our tour guide, Pam, was so great!
Time Needed for Orlando Wetlands: We spent about two hours at the wetlands, which felt like the perfect amount of time for a first visit. But I would say if you are a serious birdwatcher or photographer, you could easily spend half a day exploring the trails! But for most visitors, two hours is enough time to enjoy the park!

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Wildlife You May See at Orlando Wetlands

One of the highlights of our visit was the amount of wildlife we saw. During our morning visit, we spotted so so so so so many bird species, many alligators, deer and tons of turtles! When we were there, it was very hot so if you visit in a cooler month, you will likely see more than we did! The park is known for attracting a variety of birds throughout the year, so be sure to bring binoculars if you want to see them closer.

Extra Details

A few things to keep in mind before your visit:

• If you are going to walk rather than take a tram ride, I would say to wear comfortable walking shoes.

• Bring water, especially during warmer months. Even if you don’t think you need to, please bring water!

• Apply sunscreen and bug spray!

• The earlier that you get there, the cooler temperatures and better wildlife viewing opportunities that you will have!

• Don't forget your camera or a charged phone; we took MANY pictures!

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Suggested One-Day Itinerary

Here's the schedule that worked perfectly for us:

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM - Explore the Orlando Wetlands and enjoy wildlife viewing.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM - Drive to Kennedy Space Center.

11:30 AM – 5:00 PM - Visit Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and explore the exhibits, bus tour, and attractions.

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What Is Kennedy Space Center?

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is one of Florida's most iconic attractions and I’m pretty sure when you type “things to do in Florida” into Google, this is going to come up as one of the top answers. I would say that it isn’t something you’re going to want to see more than one time; I really feel like we saw it and I don’t really need to go back. Like I learned a ton, it was really interesting to see everything but it’s not going to be an every time I come to Florida trip, if that makes sense! The Kennedy Space Center is on the Space Coast, and it lets people take an insider look at America's space program through exhibits, artifacts, interactive experiences, and historic spacecraft! I think if you are a big space nerd or just interested in learning some history, this is a cool spot to check out!

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How Much Does It Cost?

The cost to get in will actually be different depending on the date and ticket type that you want to get, but standard admission is typically around:

• Adults: approximately $75-$85

• Children: approximately $65-$75

I recommend checking the official website before your visit for current pricing and special offers. For example, they were running a summer special for Florida residents when we were going, and we got all four tickets for a pretty good discount! So keep an eye out for special offers if you are planning on visiting!

How Long Should You Spend There?

We got to the Kennedy Space Center around 11:30 AM and stayed there until about 5:00 PM. I do feel like even with being there for several hours, we still didn't see everything. If you're interested in every exhibit and experience, you could easily spend an entire day here!

Tips for Visiting Kennedy Space Center

To make the most of your visit:

• Arrive with a rough plan for which exhibits you want to prioritize.

• There are attractions in most of the buildings. It didn’t always seem like you could enter the buildings, but you can!

• Check the daily schedule when you arrive.

• Take the bus tour early in the day and then spend the rest of your time there in the other areas!

• I would also add and plan for extra time if you want to participate in special experiences!

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Experiences Worth Considering

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour
We did the bus tour and highly recommend it. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at areas of the space center that you wouldn't otherwise see.

Astronaut Encounter
Visitors can meet a real astronaut and hear firsthand stories about space missions.

Space Shuttle Atlantis
One of the most popular exhibits, featuring the actual Atlantis orbiter.

Gateway: Deep Space Launch Complex
An interactive exhibit focused on the future of space exploration.

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When we decided to spend a day at the Orlando Wetlands and Kennedy Space Center, I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but now, especially the Orlando Wetlands, will be one of my top three things to experience in Orlando! We had such a memorable day! It was so nice to start the morning surrounded by nature, spotting so many birds, alligators, and turtles, then moving on to spend the afternoon learning about space exploration and seeing some of the most important sites in American space history! I think that if you're looking for a unique day trip from Orlando that combines wildlife, education, and adventure, I highly recommend adding both destinations to your itinerary. It's an easy drive, there really is something for everyone and it can be a great break from the typical theme park experience! If you do end up visiting, I would love to hear about it. If you have any questions at all you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you asap!

Much Love, 

Emma

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WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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Chicago Field Museum + Pokemon Fossil Museum Pop Up

Hi Friends!

If you know me, you know that Dustin and I both absolutely love Pokémon and Pokémon Go. So when we were planning our trip to Chicago for Pokémon Go Fest and I heard that the Pokémon Fossil Museum pop up was coming to Chicago, I knew I had to try to get tickets! What I didn't expect was just how much I would end up loving the entire museum as a whole, it was so cool! I really loved the Pokémon Fossil Museum as well and it was definitely what initiated us going to the Chicago Field Museum, the entire museum completely exceeded my expectations. We spent about four hours exploring and still didn't see everything! I think I honestly could have easily spent six or more hours there with all of the exhibits that they have! I think whether you're a Pokémon fan, planning a trip to Chicago, traveling with kids, or really just love museums, I think the Field Museum in Chicago deserves a spot on your itinerary for sure!

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Getting Tickets Might Be Difficult Right Now

I wanted to mention before I get too far into this post that getting tickets to the Pokémon Fossil Museum pop up might not be easy right now. This exhibit at the Field Museum has been really popular, and depending on when you're reading this, tickets might sell out or already be sold out for when you want to visit. That all aside, I wanted to still write this blog post because I wanted to share our experience and my thoughts on the exhibit while it's fresh in my mind and for those who already have tickets can use this as a guide as well! On the other hand, the good news is that the hype about this exhibit might calm down over time. I think that if you're planning a future trip to Chicago, it's still worth checking availability because you may be able to snag tickets later on down the road! And honestly? Even if you can't get tickets to the Pokémon Fossil Museum, the Field Museum itself is absolutely worth visiting! Now that I have been, I would have absolutely gone with or without the Pokémon Fossil exhibit; it was such a cool museum!

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Quick Visitor Information

Location: Chicago Field Museum
Ticket Cost: $48 per person ($30 admission + $18 Pokemon Fossil exhibit)
Time Needed for Pop-Up: 45-90 minutes
Time Needed for Museum: 4-8 hours
Best For: Pokémon fans, families, museum lovers, Chicago visitors
Special Souvenir: Archeops promo card

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Pokemon Fossil Museum Pop-Up

How much did it cost?

• We purchased our tickets directly through the Chicago Field Museum website and the tickets were $30 for general admission plus an additional $18 for the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit, so the total to $48 per person!

How long did it take?

• We spent about 45 minutes inside the actual Pokémon exhibit. But I feel like if you are someone who enjoys reading all of the displays, taking your time with photos and just taking it all in you could probably be in there for an hour, hour and a half! There was a ton to read about which was so cool!

The Pokémon Promo Card

• Each person who visited the Pokémon Fossil Exhibit got the same special promo card before you walked into the exhibit. We got a special stamped Archeops card and as a Pokémon card collector, this was the perfect souvenir to get to bring home!

Were there photo opportunities?

• One thing that really impressed me was how thoughtfully designed the exhibit was and how many photo opportunities there were! The displays of the Pokémon are paired with the real world fossils and prehistoric creatures that inspired their designs. It was really cool to see these side by side comparisons and honestly, it was educational and incredibly fun for longtime Pokémon fans like ourselves. Overall, I think there are plenty of photo ops for guests to take advantage of!

The Gift Shop Details

• Of course, no special exhibit would be complete without exclusive merch. The gift shop had some raelly cute items like plushies, clothes, notebooks, stickers, and more. I do think they were sold out of many items but there were still things to choose from when we were there!

  I ended up purchasing:

  • Pikachu Plush

  • Pikachu Plush Keychain

  • Field Guide Notebook

  • Two Stickers

  Dustin's haul included:

  • Two T-Shirts

  • One Hoodie

  • Pikachu Plush

  • Pikachu Plush Keychain

  There were also a few important shopping rules:

  • Maximum of 5 items per person

  • No duplicate items allowed

  Just remember that the limit helps to make sure that more people who are visiting can have a chance to get something too!

Is it worth it?

• Absolutely! I really think that the exhibit was incredibly well done. The concept of placing Pokémon next to the real fossils and prehistoric creatures that inspired them was both adorable and educational. It felt like a perfect blend of science museum and Pokémon nostalgia. The exhibit was detailed, creative, interactive, and surprisingly informative! If you're able to get tickets, I would definitely recommend it!

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Exploring the Chicago Field Museum

While the Pokémon exhibit was amazing, the Field Museum itself deserves just as much attention! Here are some of the exhibits you'll find throughout the museum:

Evolving Planet

This exhibit walks visitors through the history of life on Earth, from single-celled organisms all the way to dinosaurs and modern species. It's also where you'll find many of the fossils that lead up to the famous SUE exhibit.

SUE the T. rex

The museum's most famous resident! I share more on SUE down below because she really deserves her own section in this blog post!

Nature Walk

This was one of my personal favorites. The exhibit recreates different natural environments and showcases plants, animals, and ecosystems in a way that feels immersive and easy to explore.

Plants of the World

I wasn't expecting to enjoy the plant exhibits as much as I did, but they were fascinating. The displays highlight plant diversity, adaptation, and the important role plants play in ecosystems around the world.

Ancient Egypt

One of the museum's most popular permanent exhibits. Visitors can explore artifacts, mummies, and displays that provide insight into life and death in ancient Egypt.

Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories

This exhibit focuses on Native American histories, cultures, and perspectives through stories, artifacts, and modern voices.

Grainger Hall of Gems

If you love gemstones, minerals, and sparkling displays, this section is worth a visit. The collection includes beautiful specimens from around the world.

Underground Adventure

A family-friendly exhibit that lets visitors experience what the world looks like from the perspective of insects and other tiny creatures.

DNA Discovery Center

Learn how genetics influences life on Earth and how scientists use DNA to study organisms, both living and extinct.

Rare Books Collection

One exhibit I completely missed and honestly regret not seeing was the museum's collection of rare books. Since we left, I have heard great things about it, and it's definitely on my list for a future visit

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Why SUE the T. rex Is So Unique

Even if you've never heard of the Pokémon Fossil Museum, you've probably heard of SUE. She was absolutely fascinating to learn about so I wanted to share a little but more about why she is so special! SUE is the largest, most complete, and most well preserved Tyrannosaurus rex specimen that has been discovered. She is named after fossil hunter Sue Hendrickson, who discovered this skeleton in South Dakota in 1990, SUE has become one of the most famous dinosaur fossils in the world! What makes SUE so special is the incredible level of preservation and how much scientists have been able to learn about Tyrannosaurus rex biology, injuries, growth patterns, and behavior thanks to this specimen. Standing underneath SUE is honestly hard to describe and I don’t feel like the pictures were even able to show how big she is in person! The exhibit surrounding SUE is also extremely well done, guiding us visitors through the science, discovery, and history behind one of the world's most famous fossils! I can’t express enough how cool it was to see SUE in person!

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Tips for Visiting the Field Museum

• Plan for at least four hours, and if you're a museum lover, consider dedicating an entire day!

• Wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of walking!

• Purchase special exhibit tickets in advance!

• Arrive a little early for timed entry exhibits, definitely read the emails you will get leading up to your visit because they share a ton of information!

• Don't rush through the fossil halls leading up to SUE.

• Leave room in your luggage if you plan on shopping for souvenirs!

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FAQ

How much are tickets to the Pokémon Fossil Museum in Chicago?

• General admission was $30 and the Pokémon Fossil Museum add-on was $18, making the total $48 per person.

How long does the Pokémon Fossil Museum take?

• We spent about 45 minutes in the exhibit, but visitors who read every display could easily spend 1 to 1.5 hours.

What Pokémon card do you get at the Pokémon Fossil Museum?

• Visitors receive a special Archeops promo card featuring the fossil Pikachu on it!

Is the Pokémon Fossil Museum worth it?

• Yes! The exhibit does an excellent job pairing Pokémon with real-world fossils and prehistoric animals, making it both educational and fun.

How long should you spend at the Field Museum?

• We spent about four hours there and still missed exhibits. I would say that museum lovers could easily spend an entire day exploring.

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I really feel like the Pokémon Fossil Museum pop up was everything I hoped it would be and more! We loved the exhibit and I feel like it was packed with fun details for Pokémon fans of all ages. The exclusive Archeops promo card was such a special souvenir, I loved the fossil comparisons and all of the adorable merchandise! On top of that what surprised me most was how much I enjoyed the Field Museum itself! We spent so much time exploring and still missed exhibits I wanted to see. Between SUE the T. rex, the Nature Walk, the fossil collections, and countless other displays, it's easy to understand why this museum is considered one of Chicago's top attractions. Whether you're visiting specifically for the Pokémon Fossil Museum or looking for a great museum experience in Chicago, I highly recommend adding the Field Museum to your travel plans! If you end up visiting I would love to hear about it. If you have any questions you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you asap!

Much Love, 

Emma

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WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin, Ireland

Hi Friends!

Last October I went and met Dustin in Amsterdam while he was there for work and when I was on my way there I saw a flight where I could spend about 6 hours in Dublin before my flight to Amsterdam and I decided to go for it and see what I could check off my to do list before I needed to head back to the airport! I landed in Dublin at about 9:00AM and I had to leave Dublin at 6:20PM. So I had well over 6 hours to explore but exhaustion and some flight anxiety is why I headed back to the airport probably before I needed to! It was also my first time leaving the airport and taking advantage of a long layover in a new city so I wasn’t sure what to expect! I do think though if you have a long layover in Dublin, it is absolutely worth it to take advantage of leaving the airport and going to explore a new place!

Happy reading!

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First Stop: Storing My Luggage

When I landed in Dublin I was in Terminal 2 but it was such a short walk to Terminal 1 which is where I stored my luggage for the afternoon! I chose to store my suitcase and backpack with Smart Cart and it was so easy to do so and quick which was nice for my shorter timeline! This was a lifesaver and made my day so much easier because I didn’t have to drag my bags all over the city. I think it was like 16 euros for the day to store both bags, totally worth it! When I got back from my day exploring I just gave them my ticket and they brought my luggage out to me. They told me to leave about 15 minutes for getting my bag but there were two people in front of me and I don’t think I even waited 5 minutes to get my luggage back from them!

Getting Into The City Centre

The man working at the Smart Cart desk was actually super helpful and gave me a few tips for getting around the city. He told me that it would be a good idea to take a bus and I was able to purchase the bus ticket directly with him. I got a Dublin Express bus ticket and he gave me directions out of the airport, told me what the bus would look like and helped me just understand the process a bit more! The bus ticket was 9 euros for a one way ticket or 12 euros for a round trip ticket. There was probably a map available but I just noted where they dropped me off and went back to the same spot when I was ready to get picked up later on in the afternoon. I should also note that it took about 45 minutes to get to and from the city center because there were more than one stops but I just factored that into my timeline for the day and planned accordingly! Being on the bus also let me see parts of the city that I didn’t get to walk to while I was there!

eSim For The Day

I had originally planned to try to get an eSim for the day while I was here but when I was talking to the man at the Smart Cart desk he shared a little bit about eSims in Dublin (which I appreciated was his honesty), but he mentioned that for such a short trip they can sometimes be more trouble than they are worth getting. Instead, he suggested just using Wi-Fi at restaurants and coffee shops throughout the city would be okay and it honestly worked out perfectly for me. I didn’t have much trouble using my phone when I needed it and it helped to download a map of the city on Google Maps before I left the airport because I didn’t need Wi-Fi for it to work at all but I could still use the map!

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What to do and where to stop in Dublin

Option 1: Trinity College & The Book of Kells

If this is your first time in Dublin (like me), I think taking the bus toward Trinity College Dublin and getting off the bus near there is probably the best option. The campus itself was absolutely beautiful to walk through, especially if you love historic architecture! It was also fun to just be around a college campus in the fall because it was stunning! The main attraction here is the Book of Kells, which is one of Ireland’s most famous medieval manuscripts. If I knew that I needed tickets to actually see the book I would have booked them before the day of! But you can book tickets to actually see the Book of Kells here, it is about 25 euros per person! Like I said, I didn’t get tickets to it but I was happy to just spend time in the area around Trinity College wandering.

Option 2: Dublin Castle Area

I think it was because I didn’t do the Book of Kells tour so I had time to also go walk around the Dublin Castle! It was fun to walk through and there were a few museums that could have easily fit into my day. There was the Chester Beatty Library and the Revenue Museum that would have been cool to look through! I really loved walking through this part of the city, there was so much history and I also just liked people watching and taking in my surroundings!

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Wander Through Temple Bar

Based on everything I heard from suggestions from other people before my trip is that no trip to Dublin would feel complete without at least walking through the Temple Bar district. It is a touristy area but it is also just something cool to experience. There are usually musicians playing outside pubs, people wandering through the streets, and there are so many little spots to stop and grab food or a drink. I think that even if you only spend 20 to 30 minutes here, it would be worth experiencing the atmosphere!

Shopping Stops

If shopping is more your thing, which I really enjoyed you could easily spend your layover exploring Grafton Street or Henry Street. I tried to find more vintage type shops and used book stores which I was able to find but there is really shopping in every direction and all types of shopping as well! There are tons of shops, cafes, and places to stop for a quick coffee break. I think it is also a great way to experience the city without needing a super structured itinerary! I liked getting souvenirs that were more unexpected from my day in Dublin! I got coffee from Bear MRKT and it was delicious!

Grab a Pint at Dublin’s Oldest Pub

Another stop that was recommended to me was The Brazen Head, which I was told that it is often called Dublin’s oldest pub. I think even if you don’t drink beer, it’s worth a visit to check it out! It feels historic in the best way possible and would be such a fun place to relax for a bit before heading back to the airport!

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Tips for a Dublin Layover

• Go into the day with a plan or at least a timeline of leaving the airport, seeing a couple of things and leaving yourself plenty of time to get back to the airport and pick up your bags if you choose to do that!

• Store your luggage as soon as you land, I can’t express enough how much easier that made my day!

• Buy your bus ticket at the airport, if you are storing your bag you can buy a ticket at the Smart Cart counter!

• Skip the eSim for a short layover and use free Wi-Fi instead and download a map of the city in Google Maps.

• Pick one main area to explore rather than trying to rush across the city! You can make secondary plans if the first plan is quicker than expected, but just don’t try to plan too much!

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, I was so thankful that I had on sneakers because I didn’t even think about the walking I might be doing during my layover in Dublin!

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A six hour layover might not sound like it would be enough time to explore a new city, but I was surprised at how easy it was to see so much in Dublin in the short 6 hours that I had there! There was so much to see and take in from the historic streets, all of the fun pubs, the museums, and just the lively atmosphere that was there, it felt like I was able to squeeze a tiny Irish vacation into a single afternoon which was so nice! I would say if you have a longer layover in Dublin and want to take advantage of it, you absolutely should do it! As always, let me know if you have any questions at all, you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to your questions as soon as possible!

Much Love, 

Emma

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WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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My Review of the Disneyland Hotel in California

Hi Friends!

A few weeks ago we took a trip to Anaheim and did a few days at Disneyland while we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel! When we were walking into the hotel I knew I wanted to write up a full blog post on everything about the hotel and our experience there. There is so much inside the hotel that it feels like the hotel is an experience all on its own so I have lots to share! We have stayed at many hotels on Disney property in Florida but before this stay we hadn’t stayed on Disney property in California! It is on the pricier side but this hotel really feels like a place to relax and hang out, not just a place to crash after a long park day. This hotel feels iconic and it is one of the original properties at the resort which is pretty cool! The Disneyland Hotel is a really good mix of classic Disney nostalgia with nice and modern amenities. I will stop rambling but below is a full breakdown of what it’s like to stay here, from the rooms and pools to the restaurants and amenities!

Happy reading!

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Location & Convenience

I feel like location is the best place to start with because one of the best things about the Disneyland Hotel is how close it is to the parks. The hotel is really just steps from Downtown Disney, which connects directly to both parks making for easy mornings. This means you can walk to the entrance of the parks pretty quickly without needing to get on a bus or even worry about complicated transportation. There is also a station for the Disneyland Monorail nearby, which will take you directly to the park! I imagine that would be a pretty fun Disney way to start your day, especially with kiddos! I think for families or really for anyone who wants easy park access or even access to Downtown Disney, the location is a huge perk of staying at this hotel!

The Overall Vibe

I feel like I blabbed on this part a ton back at the beginning of the blog post but just incase you needed a little bit more convincing, the Disneyland Hotel had a really fun and nostalgic atmosphere pretty much everywhere you were in the hotel. It’s themed around the history of Disneyland itself and it has subtle nods to the park throughout the property that you can see while you’re walking around. The hotel is made up of three different towers and each one has its own theme that is tied to classic Disneyland lands: Adventure, Fantasy, and Frontier. When you’re walking through the property feels playful and immersive, but it still manages to feel upscale and relaxing at the same time. In some of the hotels in Florida they have moved away from the fun touches of Disney in their rooms which is a bummer because I feel like that is one of the bigger reasons to stay on property in the first place! The Disneyland Hotel does a really great job at having a mix of whimsy and being more modern which is great!

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The Rooms

The rooms at the Disneyland Hotel were so nice, they are spacious, comfortable, and filled with subtle Disney details which I majorly geeked out about! I can’t speak for all rooms but ours and our friends room had a really pretty themed headboard that light up with fireworks above the Sleeping Beauty Castle! There were lights and music that played from the headboard as well and it was such a fun touch to find in the room! It’s the kind of small detail that makes the experience feel extra special. As for room size we went with our two friends and their two kiddos and we got ajoined rooms but instead of there just being a random door in the middle of the room that connected to theirs, there was one door that you opened into a small hallway and then both of our doors were in that hall and only our keys opened that first door! It was nice to be able to have both spaces to hang out in. It was the perfect combination of being together and separate all at the same time. There were so many fun Mickey touches throughout the room, like the sink handles in the bathroom were Mickey shaped and so was the handle for the bathtub! The beds were incredibly comfortable and the rooms were also laid out really well. It was nice to be able to unpack into the closet and put our stuff in the dressers and then also have space for our suitcases under the bed. These aren’t revolutionary details but it’s nice when a hotel does spacing and layout with the guest in mind, especially if you are going to be there for more than just a couple of days!

The Pool

I think that if you are traveling with kids, or honestly just enjoy a fun pool, the pool area here looked like it would have been a ton of fun. We had planned to go in the pool on one of our days in California and it was either too chilly or other plans came up so we didn’t end up going in but we will next time for sure! The hotel had a couple of pools, there are two large pools called the E-Ticket Pool and D-Ticket Pool. One of the cool things it had was two monorail themed waterslides that looked like a lot of fun! There is also a children’s pool, a water play area for kiddos and then Mickey and Minnie jacuzzi/hot tub areas. I also saw a spot where you can rent a private cabana for the day which would be fun for a day by the pool between park days, especially once the weather warms up a bit! I think you could easily spend an afternoon relaxing by the pool if your trip has a break like that.

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Dining at the Disneyland Hotel

There surprisingly were several dining options that they had in the actual hotel which made it easy to grab anything from a quick breakfast to a more fun themed experience without having to leave the hotel. One of the more popular spots is Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar. This tiki-themed bar opened in over like 15 years ago at this point and from what I can tell it has become a fan favorite, we heard many people recommending us to stop here for a drink! It has a really fun tiki bar atmosphere and lots of fun tropical drinks to try out. They had other dining options around the hotel like Goofy’s Kitchen where you can see Chef Goofy while you eat, grab coffee on the go from The Coffee House, grab a drink from the Broken Spell Lounge or sit by the pool and have lunch at Tangaroa Terrace!

We actually had room service a few times while we were there, a couple of times for breakfast and one night we had a late dinner via room service! The room service was nice and convenient, we just called down and placed our order with Kiki who seemed to be working every time we called haha! There was usually over an hour wait but they told us our estimated wait time before we even started to order each time and all three times the food got to us much quicker than we were told it would be!

Amenities & Activities

Beyond the rooms and pools, the Disneyland Hotel offers a surprising amount of amenities for guests like:

• A 24-hour fitness center with cardio and weight equipment

• Fitness classes like yoga, stretching, and meditation

• Guest activities like movie nights and seasonal events which are so much fun to attend

• Concierge services and tour assistance if you need that

• On site shopping and their iconic themed gift shop

• The hotel also has digital check-in and mobile key access through the Disneyland app, which makes arrival really convenient!

• There are even special in-room celebration packages you can add if you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or special trip.

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Overall we really enjoyed our stay at the Disneyland Hotel. The rooms were comfortable, the pool area looked like it would have been a ton of fun, and the overall the vibes were just great and nostalgic which is exactly what I am looking for from a Disney hotel. The location couldn’t have been better, the amenities make it easy to relax between times in the park and the Disney details throughout the hotel made the experience feel just a little more special. I really feel like staying here is a big part of the Disneyland experience. If you’re planning a trip to the Disneyland Parks and want a hotel that feels magical, convenient, and full of Disney touches, this is absolutely one I would recommend. I think the Disneyland Hotel is especially great for families traveling with kids, Disney fans who love the classic nostalgia of Disneyland and anyone who is traveling that wants to stay on property to be close to the parks without the hassle of driving and transportation! Let me know if you have any questions at all, you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Much Love, 

Emma

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WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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A Day Exploring ARTIS Zoo and Micropia Museum in Amsterdam

Hi Friends!

Amsterdam is obviously famous for its canals and all of the history but tucked into the leafy Plantage neighborhood was a really cool stop, the ARTIS Zoo. One of the days that I was in Amsterdam, Dustin had to work so I got to go explore by myself for the day and I decided that I wanted to spend the morning at the ARTIS Zoo which quickly went from me wanting to spend the morning to spending most of my day at there! If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Amsterdam that’s fun, a little educational, and honestly just really cool, you should definitely spend a day at the ARTIS Zoo! While you’re there I would also check out the museum that is right next to it called Micropia which was all about microbes which I will get into more below but they are right next to each other which makes them easy to see and explore both of them in the same day!

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All blog posts for this Amsterdam Trip

Where to Eat, Stay and Play in Amsterdam

A Day Exploring ARTIS Zoo and Micropia Museum in Amsterdam

6 Spots Not To Miss In Amsterdam

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Wandering Around ARTIS Zoo

After being there I found out that the ARTIS Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands (it was founded all the way back in 1838!!) which didn’t surprise me because you can absolutely feel that history the moment you walk into the zoo! All of the paths are lined with trees, historic buildings, and tons of pockets of greenery that made it feel like more of a peaceful park with animals rather than a busy attraction like some other zoos feel like. There were so many details to take in and even though the zoo is right in the middle of the city it feels like thats exactly where it is supposed to be! I saw so many animals while I was there, things from elephants to lions, so many birds, tons of reptiles, I wasn’t shocked to find out that ARTIS has over 900 species to look at and learn about. The zoo was calm and spacious which made me feel like I could just take my time wandering from enclosure to enclosure, I loved it! The zoo has a planetarium that has daily shows that take a closer look at space! They also have a botanical garden which was filled with plant species from all over the world! You can also spend so much time looking at the gardens and the historic buildings that were scattered throughout the zoo as well.

Micropia: Way Cooler Than It Sounds, Trust Me!

Right next to the zoo is the entrance to Micropia which is a museum that is full of information on microbes and I really feel like this place will absolutely surprise you! Micropia is the world’s only museum dedicated entirely to microbes and it covers everything that has to do with the tiny organisms that live in, on, and all around us. I think it’s important to note that instead of this museum being boring or overly scientific, it’s really interactive and actually kind of mind blowing! Some of the areas that stuck out to me were the area where they have live microscopes where you can actually watch microbes moving around! They also had interactive displays that show how many microbes live on your body and a “kiss-o-meter” that shows how many microbes are shared when you kiss someone (equal parts fascinating and slightly gross) haha. They also have real and living microbes that were grown in a lab inside the museum for you to check out. I would say that you will probably spend about 1 to 2 hours here learning and exploring! It was crazy to go to a museum and see things that you usually wouldn’t be able to see!

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Connect with Nature at the Groote Museum

I was sad that I missed the Groote Museum, I found out about it after I got back to the hotel that afternoon but this museum is also a part of the ARTIS complex. It is a natural history and interactive science museum that focuses on art, biology, philosophy to make the person visiting think deeply about life and the connection that we have to other species. I wish I would have gotten a ticket to this museum as well because they had so many things to check out! They have an interactive zone where you can learn how a baby’s movement can resemble a crocodile’s movements or how plant roots can mirror human intestines! They also have hands on installations to explore senses. Their exhibits seem to focus on evolution, biodiversity, ecosystems, and our shared journey with all living beings. I will absolutely be going to the Groote Museum next time I am in Amsterdam visiting!

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What to Know Before You Go:

Here are some helpful pointers to make the most of your day:

• Buy tickets in advance online. You don’t have to do this for the aspect of it selling out but if you plan to combine tickets and go to the ARTIS Zoo as well as Micropia or Groote Museum, the tickets purchased together are usually cheaper and will guarantee an entry time. I didn’t buy them in advance and I was just fine but just to have it check off your to do list, getting it online can be helpful!

• Give yourself plenty of time. I think that ARTIS Zoo on its own can easily take half a day, if you are wanting to add in Micropia and the Groote Museum it could absolutely fill a full day of exploring!

• Easy access by public transport. ARTIS/Micropia/Groote Museum are easy to get to by taking a tram and metro from central Amsterdam!

• Take breaks. There are cafes and picnic areas on site in the zoo and good to stop in for lunch or a cup of coffee between the zoo and going to one of the other museums! You can absolutely do just the zoo or just the museums, but together they create a really special experience.

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I really loved visiting the ARTIS Zoo, Micropia so much and wish that I had known about the Groote Museum earlier than I did! You will see and learn so much while your’e there! So many animals to see and things to learn about microbes you didn’t know you wanted to know! I think if you are looking for something outside of the norm to do while you are visiting, this is a good destination to add to the list! This is also a good stop whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo, this combination of museums delivers on things like education, inspiration for thinking on topics you might not usually think on, and really just a deeper appreciation for the web of life that is around us. If you end up visiting the zoo or either of the museums, I would love to hear about it. If you have any questions you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you asap!

Much Love, 

Emma

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WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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10 Destinations on Our 2026 Travel List

10 Destinations On Our 2026 Travel List

Hi friends!

Every year about this time, Dustin and I like to sit down and talk about what we are wanting our travel plans to look like for the coming year. We talk about where we want to go, what kind of trips fit into our schedule, and which travel destinations that we are most excited for. It’s basically our version of a “travel bucket list” for the year and it’s one of my favorite things that we do because it sort of sets the tone for traveling each year. Some years are bigger or smaller travel years than others and it’s good to kind of set that right away in the beginning of the year. I’ve shared posts like this in the past, and I’m not sure why I don’t always remember to do it every single year, because I know how much we love creating these lists! When I first started my travel blog back in 2017, we made a travel bucket list, and that year turned into one of our biggest travel years ever, until last year, I think we might have topped it!

There’s just something so fun about having trips on the calendar and adventures to look forward to! I also love sharing these posts with you guys because it gives a little sneak peek at the destinations I’ll likely be writing about in the coming year. So if you’re planning your own travels or just enjoy following along for inspiration, this list will give you an idea of what travel guides, itineraries, and stories you can expect on the blog soon!

Happy reading!

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Iowa

We actually already made this trip! My nephew was born early at the beginning of January and we got to go up and meet him! The trip was nothing that it was supposed to be, people were getting sick left and right with influenza an and that was HORRIBLE. We ended up staying the whole trip in a hotel and not getting to spend too much time with family so I will actually be heading back to Iowa at the end of January to try and get some good baby snuggles in for a weekend! Other than that we will be back to Iowa often over the next year! I’m sure I have said this before but we don’t like to go too long between trips so usually about every 6 weeks we are in Iowa! 

LA / Disneyland

If you were around last year we went to the Pokemon Go Unova Tour which was at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles and then we stayed a few more days to be able to spend time at Disneyland with our friends and we had so much fun! When we heard that Pokemon Go was having another event there in February we booked it immediately! Pokemon and Disney are two of our favorite things so any excuse to take a trip to do both we’re 10/10 going to make that trip happen! We are staying on Disney property this time so stay tuned for all of those blog posts! 

Amsterdam

Dustin travels to Amsterdam for work pretty frequently and last fall I went and met him for a long weekend and we had such a fun time exploring Amsterdam. I want to go there and meet him for one of his spring trips to this is high on our list! There are soooo many museums there that I would love to explore and just take in the city in a different season!

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London

We (Dustin and I) have also talked about when I do go to Amsterdam to visit, taking part of that trip and spending some time in London! I went back in 2018 with my sister and it was such a memorable trip that ever since then I have wanted to take Dustin to show him everything we did while we were there. He has never been and I really think he would like it! This isn’t a for sure done deal trip but it's something we talk about quite a bit! I have written a couple blog posts on London! They are Mayfield Lavender Fields Day Trip From London and Harry Potter London Checklist!

Chicago

This trip will be another Pokemon Go trip in June! We are going to stay in Chicago for a long weekend to do the Pokemon Go Fest which is usually in a different location each year. Last year this event took us to New York and Paris! This year we are doing the event in Chicago and there is a smallllll possibility we go to the event in Copenhagen as well. Dustin works in Copenhagen sometimes and it’s usually in June so if he will be there already for work then I will probably make the trip to Copenhagen to join him and go to the event there as well! But for sure Chicago will be happening, we are going with out friends that we are going to LA with and we love traveling with them, it’s always fun! 

Spain

My little sister is planning to study abroad in Spain this summer which is so cool and we have never been there! I have always wanted to go but it just hadn’t come up as an option really yet so this will be such a fun trip! Plus we love mixing up traveling with friends and family so it will be special to be there with her! My parents have talked about also visiting her so we might have some overlap which would be even more fun!

Germany

We don’t have concrete plans to go to Germany yet but we have wanted to go as long as I can remember and I think by putting it out there it will be higher on our radar when were are booking trips! I think it would be so magical to visit in December so it might be a trip that we plan for around Christmas time! 

Yellowstone National Park

This has been on our list (probably mine more than Dustin’s) for so so so long! I went when I was a little kid and I think that just made me want to go even more! I would love to spend a long weekend exploring Yellowstone National Park! We don’t have any concrete plans for this but I would love to just speak it out into existence to hopefully make it happen, if not this year hopefully next year!

Japan

Ever since our Japan trip last April we send each other tiktoks and instagram videos DAILY of things we missed in Japan. When we were leaving Japan we always talked about going back but in like 5 years down the road, but we REALLY want to go back and I think there’s a chance we try to make that happen again this year! We went in spring last time so maybe a fall trip would be fun! I have written MANY blog posts about Japan, I will link them all for you guys!

Where To Eat Stay and Play In Tokyo Japan

A Perfect Day Trip From Osaka to Nara Park, Arashiyama and Kyoto

Visit the Nagai Botanical Gardens in Osaka, Japan

20 Essential Tips to Know Before Traveling to Japan

Where to Eat Stay and Play at Disneyland Tokyo and Disney Sea

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Dotonbori in Osaka, Japan

Where to Eat Stay and Play in Osaka Japan

Packing for a 14 Day Trip to Japan in April

Mexico

Mexico is another place where we will just likely go, we go one to two times a year, usually for someones birthday or for a long weekend to just sit and relax rather than go and explore a new place. There are still so many resorts that we haven’t been to and we have some on our list like Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun! I have also written a few blog posts about our different trips to Mexico, I will link them here for you guys!

Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary

Secrets Playa Mujeres Travel Diary

Isla Mujeres, Mexico Travel Diary

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As always, our travel bucket list is a mix of confirmed plans and trips that we would LIKE to go on this year and I think that makes it more exciting! Some trips are already on the calendar, and some others are still waiting for the right time to book, if that even happens. Either way, I love having a vision for the upcoming year ahead and sharing that excitement with you guys! I’ll be updating the blog along the way with travel guides, tips, and stories from each destination, so if any of these places are on your own bucket list, stay tuned. Here’s to a year filled with new places, unforgettable experiences, and plenty of adventures together! If you have any questions at all I am here to answer them as best as I can, you can leave a comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

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What To Read Next

Recommendations for Things to Do in Paris From a Local

A Friend’s Guide to Paris as a Local: Montmartre, Le Marais & Saint-Michel

Hi friends!

When we were planning things to do in Paris, Dustin asked a friend at work who lived in Paris for 10+ years for some recommendations for things to not miss in Paris and she did not disappoint with the recs! We seriously loved every single thing that we did as something she suggested we do which was so fun to add to our itinerary! She basically gave us three ares in Paris that she loves and then showed us how she would take us around if we were there exploring with her! It was nice to take a couple of the days we were there and skip the tour buses and lines to explore some of her favorite neighborhoods with tips on where to wander, where to eat, and how to soak in the city the way that someone from Paris would!

Happy reading!

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The Montmartre Neighborhood

You can take the metro to Abbesses, she said she wouldn’t uber! Basically the magic of Montmartre is in the walk. From the metro station, head up to the Wall of I Love You (Mur des Je T’aime). It’s a quirky little mural with “I love you” written in over 250 languages. It was really cool to see and I love the sentiment behind it! There was also a little free library next to the wall that we stopped at and got a souvenir from! After that you can just keep wandering. Montmartre is all about the vibe, it has narrow cobblestone streets, old houses and artists sketching on corners. It’s really one of the most beautiful corners of Paris, and it feels like stepping back in time! When you get hungry, stop at Le Consulat for lunch. It’s a classic cozy spot with lots of people watching and usually with live music outside, she said we would love it and she was absolutely right! After lunch, we made our way to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. It was a stunning church and we didn’t go inside we just walked by it and it didn’t disappoint. You can go inside if you want, but she said it was just as cool outside. We weren’t there in the evening but she said if you sit on the steps around sunset, there are street performers to watch and the sky is also just stunning!

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Le Marais Neighborhood

She said that she absolutely loves this neighborhood and this is where Paris just absolutely comes alive. The neighborhood is bursting with color, art, and energy. It’s hip but also historic, it’s the kind of place where you’ll stumble into a tiny gallery, then around the corner find the best falafel you’ve ever had. She said to start with walking down Rue Montorgueil. It has so many bakeries, cafés, and little shops, there is so much to see and you never get tired of walking around because you’re taking everything in! She gave us two options for food! The first is Chez Marianne, she said this is for if you want to sit and enjoy a proper Mediterranean meal. The second option she gave was more of a street food on the go option and that was for L’As du Fallafel! She also told us not to miss Île Saint-Louis It’s nice to sit outside at Le Flore en L’Île café, order something to drink and then just people watch. This area is where the city slows down a little bit, and the views of the river are perfect here!

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Saint Michel Neighborhood

The last neighborhood she suggested is Saint Michel. She said that when the sun goes down, that is the more fun time to visit the area! She also said that this neighborhood has layers to it, it is the best mix of being historic, eclectic, and full of life. She told us to start at Notre Dame and even though it has been under restoration since the fire it is still absolutely breathtaking to see it! You can go in but it isn’t necessary, we decided not to and just see it from the outside. After that it’s fun to wander along the Quai Saint-Michel, the little streets have so much character! We visited Shakespeare and Company which is the most famous English-language bookstore in Paris. It was so cute, I HAD to buy a book and I also got a tote bag as well as a little souvenir and now I take it to the farmers market! Even if you don’t want to buy a book, I think that it’s worth stopping inside to check it out, you can also grab a coffee from the tiny café that is attached to it!

We did part of this one night while we were there but this is the fun night itinerary that she gave us that I honestly recommend trying if you are in the area at night! She told us to start with a glass of wine at Babil, a cozy little wine bar! Then have dinner at Kodawari Ramen, we were in Japan earlier this year and the ramen at this restaurant rivaled some of the ramen we had in Japan, so so good! For the grand finale of the evening, stop into Le Caveau de la Huchette. This is a legendary jazz club where you’ll find live music, cocktails, and a dance floor full of people just having the time of their lives. For reference, this is the jazz club that is featured in La La Land with Emma Stone! It was a blast and was the most perfect night out in Paris!

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That pretty much wraps up her recommendations that she had for us! She said that this is how she would show us around if we were visiting her in Paris! If you are planning your own trip to Paris make sure that you don’t skip Montmartre for charm and sunsets, Le Marais for art and flavor, and Saint-Michel for a night you’ll always remember! Another reminder from her is to skip the Uber, keep your camera ready, and just wander. If you have any questions at all I am here to answer them as best as I can, you can leave a comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

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What To Read Next

Spend a Day at Disneyland in Paris, France!

Spend a Day at Disneyland in Paris, France!

Hi Friends!

When we were planning our Paris trip, Disneyland Paris was pretty high up on our must-do list while we were visiting. It is just a short train ride from the city, and it’s the perfect way to experience the Disney magic that we all love. It was fun because there are actually two parks in one! They have the Disneyland Park and they also have Walt Disney Studios Park. Between both parks you are going to get everything you’re looking for from classic fairytale rides, Pixar and Marvel adventures, and the iconic Sleeping Beauty’s Castle! If you’re a Disney fan, a foodie, or just want to relive a little childhood magic, Disneyland Paris is a must-visit. Below I’m sharing how we got there, how to get tickets, our favorite rides across both parks, what we ate, where we shopped, and then some of my best tips for making the most out of your magical day! Happy reading!

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🎟️ Getting There + Buying Tickets

We took the train from our Airbnb to Disneyland Paris! Disneyland Paris is located in Marne-la-Vallée which was like a 40 minutes train ride from central Paris. Like I said, we took the train and we got off at the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, and it drops you off just a few steps from the park entrance which was super easy and convenient!

As for our tickets, we booked our tickets in advance through the official Disneyland Paris website! I always recommend booking tickets through the official site just so there aren’t any problems when trying to get into the park. We were only there for one day and we bought the Park Hopper ticket so we could go to both the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. For us it was definitely worth it because each park has unique rides and experiences that we really didn’t want to miss!

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🏰 How to Skip the Lines at Disneyland Paris

I am not an expert by any means, I just wanted to note what we did and noticed about the fast pass system when we were visiting. From what I understand, the classic paper FastPass system is gone much like other Disney parks, Disneyland Paris now uses Premier Access passes. They actually have two options, Disney Premier Access Ultimate and Disney Premier Access One. The Disney Premier Access Ultimate is where you can use the pass one time for each attraction that is available and the Disney Premier Access One is where you can use the pass one time for one attraction. I shared an image below that details the options a little bit more! For us, with a lot of the wait times being well over an hour to wait and us only being there for one day, we wanted to maximize our time and we decided to purchase it to experience both parks in one day.

One big tip: if there's something you must ride, go straight there at rope drop or pay for Premier Access.

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🎢 Our Three Favorite Rides From Each Park

Disneyland Park Highlights

• Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• It’s a Small World

• Haunted Mansion

Walt Disney Studios Park Highlights

• Ratatouille: The Adventure

• Avengers Assemble: Flight Force

• Crush’s Coaster

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🛍️ Souvenirs We Bought (Because You Have to)

Shopping at Disneyland Paris felt extra special and there was a lot of merch that I hadn’t seen anywhere else like in the states or in Japan! Here is where we stopped:

• The Emporium on Main Street - This is where you will find the Disney classics and it’s great to stop in for last-minute shopping before you leave the parks for the day!

• Castle Shops - There were so many cool themed souvenirs that were tied to Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, definitely stop in here!

• Ratatouille Merch - We loved shopping in here and it is exclusive to Paris! They had themed desserts and candy and Ratatouille merch I haven’t seen before in any other parks I have been to!

• Marvel & Pixar Stores in Walt Disney Studios - These were some other cool stores to shop in especially if Marvel or Pixar are you thing! Tons of cute things to find in here, they felt similar to shopping in California Adventure in my opinion!

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💡 Tips for First-Timers

• Download the Disneyland Paris App before your trip and use it!

• Make sure you log in and link your tickets before getting to the park, you will want to use the app with your linked tickets to get into the park!

• Check availability for rides and make reservations right after park entry. Availability for the fast pass options can go fast—especially on weekends and holidays!

• Make sure you bring a portable charger, you’ll be on your phone all day and it will come in handy, I promise!

• Utilize mobile ordering when it is available at select quick-service locations in the app! It is great for skipping food lines!

• Pack compact umbrella or raincoat, we learned that the Paris weather can change quickly and again you will be happy you brought it!

• Make sure you arrive early to the park to wait in line. I would aim to get there at least 30–45 minutes before park opening. The earlier you get in line the earlier you will get into the park and be able to get the fast passes that you want for the rides on your list.

• I would have a plan going into the day but at the same time be flexible. It is smart to have a few rides on your list that are must-do attractions for you but also be ready to adjust the plan based on crowd levels and wait times for the day that you are at the park!

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With us being such big Disney people we were so happy that we added Disneyland Paris to our itinerary in Paris. The Disneyland Park wan’t short of magic by any means and we loved the unique experiences at Walt Disney Studios, it really felt like the best of Disney with a little Paris twist! Don’t be intimidated by visiting Disneyland Paris, it was super easy with a little planning! Things like getting tickets early, considering Premier Access, and prioritizing your favorite rides will help you make the most of your day across both parks. If you’re planning your own Disneyland Paris adventure and have any questions, feel free to comment below or email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com.

Much love,
Emma

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12 Things to Do in Paris

12 Things to do in Paris

Hi friends!

We absolutely loved our trip to Paris and everything that we did while we were there felt like checking off major bucket list items! The city itself just feels like it is straight out of a dream, it’s romantic, elegant, and just charming. Whether it’s your first time visiting, like it was for us, or you’ve been there a few times, it seems like you will always have something new to experience while you are there. Here are the things that we did that I don’t think you should miss while you are there and there are also some tips that I share, which we learned along the way on our own trip!

Happy reading!

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1. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower (during the day & at night)

I feel like nothing prepared me to see the Eiffel Tower in person, like no matter how many times I had seen it in pictures, the Eiffel Tower is just breathtaking in person. We visited the Eiffel Tower during the day to see if and take in everything going on around it but we also came back at night because we didn’t want to miss seeing it sparkle at night! When you are going, make sure that you check when it is scheduled to sparkle, but when we were there, it went off every hour on the hour after it was dark out! We also didn’t go up in the Eiffel Tower, but we really didn’t feel like we missed anything so that is completely up to you if you go up for the view! If you plan to go up in it, I recommend buying your tickets online in advance to avoid the long lines!

2. Wander Through the Louvre

I don’t think I even knew what to expect when we put “visit the Louvre” on our itinerary, but it was such a fun morning wandering around seeing all of the art and history that was in just one place. We learned that it is one of the world’s largest art museums, and honestly, it was a little overwhelming at first from all of the wings and levels and names to take in! I also suggest getting a map when you walk in and maybe don’t expect to see everything inside. But if you have a few things on your list that you really want to see, start there and then see what happens as you wander the museum! Tip: I highly suggest getting a ticket beforehand online and choosing a timed-entry slot when you are picking a time online. I also suggest trying to go in the morning or later in the evening. We went in the morning and by the time we were heading out to leave, it was SUPER crowded!

3. Stroll Along the Seine

One late-ish afternoon we were walking around and we walked along the Siene from near the Arc de Triomphe and walked towards the Eiffel Tower to find some dinner. We went down the stairs and walked right along the river, there were a few outdoor beer garden type things and we really enjoyed it! There was lots to see and take in! We originally wanted to hop on one of the river cruises to see the city from the water but we ran out of time so this was good enough for us! Next time though we do want to do one of the river cruises! Tip: We heard that the evening river cruises are even more beautiful because you can see the Eiffel Tower sparkle as you pass by. Most cruises are about an hour and leave from near the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame.

4. Lunch and exploring Montmartre

I don’t know what I thought I was expecting but Montmartre but it completely exceeded my expectations and was the cutest little place to explore. Montmartre feels like its own little village filled with cobblestone streets, cute shops, delicious smells, watching artists set up at Place du Tertre, and climbing up (SO MANY STEPS) to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for one of the best views of Paris! We also found a flea market nearby which is where my mom, my sister and myself found the best souvenirs! We ate lunch at a restaurant called Le Consulat and had some really yummy tortellini while we people watched! Tip: Be prepared for steps, like you are going to prepare yourself for a certain amount of steps and then I am going to need you to double it, there were SO many! If you’d rather not walk up, there’s a funicular (cable car) that will take you from the base of the hill up to the basilica. Entry to the Sacré-Cœur is free, but there’s a small fee to climb the dome.

5. Visit a Bakery and Eat all the Baguettes

I’m not even gong to link a specific bakery because there are good ones ALLLL over the city! We had one that was near our Airbnb and we stopped there once a day if not twice a day for baguettes, chocolate croissants and other yummy desserts to try! Please do not leave Paris without trying something from at least one bakery and if I am being honest, do it on day one because you will be so thankful when you can go everyday for the rest of your trip there!

6. Visit the Musée d’Orsay

This was another spot that wasn’t originally on our “to-do” list but we were happy that we added it! Musée d’Orsay was one of my favorite museums that we went to while we were in Paris. There was so much to look at and the building itself was really interesting! We learned that the Musée d’Orsay is a former railway station and it’s just filled with incredible Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, you won’t be sad you put it on your list! Tip: The top floor has huge clock windows that you can look out of with stunning views of the city! You will also want to buy your ticket ahead of time, we bought ours while we were in Paris a few days before we wanted to go and it just made the experience much calmer than it would have been if we were to wait in line which was the alternative option.

7. Picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens

This doesn’t have to be a super elaborate activity but one afternoon we grabbed a few snacks from a local market and headed to the Luxembourg Gardens. We really just sat there, ate our snacks and people watched! It was realaxing and it really felt like we were sort of immersed into what the locals that were there were doing. Tip: The gardens were free to get into and there are a ton of chairs you can use and move around as you want! Oh and there was a playground which would be fun if you are traveling with kids!

8. Take a Day Trip to Normandy

I actually wrote a whole blog post on this day trip that we took but early on when we were planning this trip we decided that we wanted to go on a day trip to visit Normandy and some other sites outside of Paris and we were so glad that we did! You can read all about that day trip here in this blog post! We went with Viator and we really enjoyed our time!

9. Spend the Evening at a Jazz Club - On the last night we were in Paris we decided to go to the Jazz Club where La La Land was filmed and it was such a fun night! Caveau De La Huchette is an underground jazz club and you literally feel like you are in a cave but such a cool experience! We decided to go to the early show at 9:00 pm so we could go get dinner afterwards but still catch out flights the next morning and it was perfect! The drinks were yummy, the crowd was so fun and it was a bucket list item I didn't even know I needed to check off my list until we did it!

10. Visit the bookstore Shakespeare and Company

While we were in Paris we stopped at the cutest bookstore called Shakespeare and Company and we spend like an hour looking at all of the books that were in the store. There was a line to get into the bookstore and it was well worth the wait! They had so many books and the cutest merch, I got a tote bag that I use all the time! If you are into books, I definitely recommend checking out Shakespeare and Company. It was sort of near Notre Dame, so when you visit that this would be a good quick pit stop since you are already in the area!

11. Spend a Day at Disneyland Paris

Not everyone is as in love with Disney as we are but if you know us, you know that there was no way we were going to go all the way to Paris and not spend a day at Disneyland in Paris! I am working on a blog post that shares all of the details from our day at Disneyland Paris but if you are a Disney fan you absolutely have to add the park to your list of things to do in Paris, you won’t regret it!

12. Go See Notre Dame

We didn’t go in but we walked by it and it was just really neat to see it in person. It was crazy to watch the videos of the fire back in 2019 but really something you can’t miss seeing while you are visiting Paris. It is such an iconic building that it felt like we couldn't miss it after getting a second chance to be able to after it was rebuilt. Like I said, we didn’t go in but you can buy tickets to go in and see it here! From what I understand, you can go in for free and see it but you need to make a reservation for a time that you go in. If you want a tour you can also buy those tickets from this same website!

On Our List but Ran Out of Time

Catch the Sunset from the Arc de Triomphe

This was one thing that was on our must do list but didn’t get to it while we were on this trip. We had heard that everyone usually goes to the Eiffel Tower for views around sunset but we should try to see the sunset at the Arc de Triomphe! We heard the view is equally amazing because you can see the Eiffel Tower in the skyline while you are at the Arc de Triomphe! We will have to make this happen next time but there’s no reason you shouldn’t! Tip: Entry to the Arc de Triomphe is included with the Paris Museum Pass. Make sure to check when you are buying it but it was when we looked at buying the Paris Museum Pass!

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We seriously had such a fun time when we were in Paris and I really think that the city of Paris is the kind of place where even the simplest moments feel special no matter what you are doing or seeing! Whether you are grabbing a coffee at a corner café, walking along the Seine after dinner or watching the city lights sparkle at night you are going to have a great time! I really think with any of these experiences that I listed as well as leaving room for your own unplanned spontaneous adventures, you will have the trip of a lifetime! If you have any questions at all I am here to answer them as best as I can, you can leave a comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

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