Many blogs and TikToks purport to uncover hidden gems in Paris but are not really hidden, or gems. On my most recent trip to Paris, France I found some true hidden gems that will let you see another side of Paris. Read along to see my favorite discoveries from my latest trip. Hidden Gems of […] The post Hidden Gems of Paris, France appeared first on Hi Friends, It's Laura.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
Visiting Paris in spring means spring flowers, sunshine, and white wine in outdoor cafes. Or, if you’re me, it means very windy, gray days. I recently re-visited Paris for four days in the spring for a long weekend, did some shopping, and of course saw the sights. PARIS, FRANCE Length of stay: 4 nights, flew […] The post Trip Report: Paris in the Springtime appeared first on Hi Friends, It's Laura.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
The first time I visited the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, I was 14 and on a two week “study abroad” trip to Paris with my high school. A group of us, clad in sweatshirts carrying Sony CD players, spent a few hours in an enormous crowd touring the cathedral. I took photos of the […]| Hi Friends, It's Laura
My first visit to the Big Island of Hawai’i was two years ago in 2023. That trip was perhaps a bit overscheduled. By the end of my stay, I was ready for a vacation from my vacation. When I revisited in 2025, I wanted to make sure I relaxed and enjoyed the sunshine. The Big […] The post Trip Report: Revisiting The Big Island of Hawai’i appeared first on Hi Friends, It's Laura.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
If you’re planning a trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawai’i, witnessing the Hawai‘i volcano Kīlauea eruption is an unforgettable experience. Kīlauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see this event sacred to Native Hawaiians. When I visited Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park […]| Hi Friends, It's Laura
Want to take your dog hiking in a national park in Washington? Check out Olympic National Park in the western portion of the state on the Olympic Peninsula. This enormous national park, covering over 1400 square miles, includes rainforests, lakes, coastal beaches, and mountains. Plus, an enormous amount of the area is dog friendly! I […] The post Visit Olympic National Park with your dog appeared first on Hi Friends, It's Laura.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
Hi Friends! Happy holiday season. I’ve decided that I’m just buying my my feelings in the Target holiday aisle this year. I snagged this happy little cat and two sets of the Anthro-esque ornaments during an early November sale. This year I’m rounding up the best gifts for travelers. You can check out my National […] The post Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers appeared first on Hi Friends, It's Laura.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
If you’re planning a trip to the Jungfrau Region near Interlaken, Switzerland, don’t miss the Grütschalp to Allmendhubel to Mürren hike—picturesque trails that showcase the best of the Swiss Alps. This moderate hike takes you through breathtaking landscapes, with views of towering peaks, rolling meadows, and alpine cafés. On my recent adventure to the Swiss […]| Hi Friends, It's Laura
This five-day Jungfrau and Interlaken itinerary is designed for those who want to make the most of their summer time in this stunning part of the Swiss Alps, balancing adventure with relaxation.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
What’s it like to cycle for seven days through French wine country in Alsace? Find an itinerary for a week long cycling trip, plus what it's like to go Beercycling.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
Biking through rolling hills of vineyards, the neatly ordered vines striping the landscape. Drinking local French wines and beers. I spent a week of my summer cycling through Alsace on a beer and wine tasting cycle tour called Beercycling.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
I’ve been home a month from my unforgettable trip to Europe this summer, and I’m sitting down to write a trip report. Normally, a trip report is a quick recap of my trip that focuses on where I stayed, what I did, cost of the trip, and high/lowlights. It serves more as a reminder for […]| Hi Friends, It's Laura
How to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland with a six hour layover or stopover on Icelandair, including transport and ticket tips.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
Discover some true hidden gems that are off the beaten path in London. A secret walking path, a two-wheeled adventure, and a pop-up music venue| Hi Friends, It's Laura
A springtime trip to London in May means sunshine, drinks by the Thames, museums and a spot of shopping. What off the beaten path activities should you do in London?| Hi Friends, It's Laura
Want to visit one of the most popular parks without the lines and crowds? Four days in Zion National Park in winter for four days by yourself - especially February.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
We visited Zion National Park in February after our original plans changed. With no crowds, we saw snow in the canyon, hiked, and cozied by the fire in our cabin.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
The Lavaux Terraced Vineyards can still be visited in the winter. This guide explains how to hike in the winter in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
A recent visit to Lausanne in the winter, had me worried about what activities I could do if I don't ski. The town has so much to offer, even in the winter.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
With European Christmas markets all the rage, I visited the Bo Noel Lausanne and Montreux Noel Christmas markets, plus the Lavaux Vineyards on a winter trip| Hi Friends, It's Laura
Getting to visit London for work was a dream, and I found time to see some of my favorite sights while there, including the Tower and Dishoom.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
Is Mt. Rainier dog friendly? Find six hikes near this national park to bring your dog for a hiking adventure. Not all trails allow dogs, but some do| Hi Friends, It's Laura
Sailing in Midcoast Maine in the Penobscot Bay on a 141-year-old ship is such a unique experience. Meeting interesting new people also sailing on our ship from all walks of life. Meeting Marc Evan Jackson (co-host and co-owner of the Grace Bailey), who you may know from The Good Place, Brooklyn 99, The Babysitter’s Club, etc.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
If you are traveling to London for work and have three days, this itinerary will lay out the perfect sights for your schedule.| Hi Friends, It's Laura
