Menu

Skip to content

Home
Blog
About
- As Featured In
- Me So Far
Topics
- Cruises
- Culture
- Destinations
  - Australia
  - Canada
  - Caribbean
  - Central America
  - Europe
  - Mexico
  - New Zealand
  - Saudi Arabia
  - UK
  - USA
- Dining
- Hotels/Resorts
- Interviews
- Product Reviews
- Shopping
- Travel Tips
Current Obsessions
- 100 Things I Must Do
Contact
Links

Tag Archives: Iceland Travel

12/16/201407/10/2015

Northern Lights Hunt – Jeep Tour | Iceland

by Marian Krueger, in category Destinations, Iceland

On my recent visit to Iceland, I could hardly contain my excitement when I landed on terra firma in Iceland. Why? I was able to secure a spot in a Northern Lights Hunt – Jeep Tour to go out and look for the Northern Lights. By that I mean in all of my prior trips… Read More

0 Shares

Share

Pin it
Share
Tweet
Share
Email
Print

Search the blog!

Search for:

travelshopgirl

Red hair + blue eyes + vegan
Travel (65 countries)✈️ tattoos 🎵 music
Last: LA
Now: Las Vegas
Next: Where to next? So many choices! 🌎🛫

Today we are on the letter F for Florence in our #

Today we are on the letter F for Florence in our #TravelABC countdown. As a reminder, this is my personal countdown of cities, destinations, and countries I’ve visited and my personal view on a particular day. It’s not in any way a political statement. It’s just for fun so enjoy!

Florence is one of those cities I fell in love with immediately. It has so much culture, entertainment, beautiful architecture, and incredibly food that you can’t possibly be bored in Florence. And the people are kind and helpful, which completely made my visit to Florence a memorable one.

As you can see in this reel, I took many photos of the Duomo (Florence Cathedral) but how could I not? Construction on the cathedral began in 1296.

I also was fortunate to be able to visit the Uffizi Gallery where the artwork on the walls isn’t the only place to look. Don’t forget to gaze at the ceilings, too.

If you’re on a diet, give it up before visiting Italy. The food is beyond good and you definitely won’t have a bad meal if you choose wisely. Avoid tourist traps and try to find where the locals eat, although that’s true of anywhere you go in this world.

Have you visited Florence or is it on your bucket list of places to go? I highly recommend a trip to Italy in your future!

#florence #florenceitaly🇮🇹 #florenceitaly #firenze #firenze🇮🇹 #duomo #duomofirenze #visititaly #visititaly🇮🇹 #visititalyofficial #travelblogger #travel #solotravelingisfun #solotravel #solofemaletravel #travelgram #mystory #traveladdict #travelphotography #beautifuldestinations #travelideas #templify #worldtraveler #wheretogo #traveldiary #traveltheworld #travelinspiration #exploring_florence

Continuing with the #TravelABC theme, today we arr

Continuing with the #TravelABC theme, today we arrive at the letter E for Easter Island. This was a destination that had always been on my bucket list, but truthfully, I never thought l’d ever get to see it.

So when I did arrive at Easter Island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile, it was an enormous thrill. I had seen pictures of the Moai, the monolithic human figures carved by the Rapa Nui people, I thought I might be able to see a few. Imagine my surprise when I learned that almost 1,000 statues have been recovered, but this is ongoing as statues are still be excavated.

Did you know that the “Easter Island heads” account for 3/8 of the statue? The moai are chiefly the living faces (aringa ora) of deified ancestors (aringa ora ata tepuna). The statues were carved by the aboriginal Polynesians of the island, mostly between 1250 and 1500.

The drug rapamycin was discovered in the soil of Easter Island and is named after the island’s indigenous name, Rapa Nui.

Have you visited Easter Island or is it on your bucket list?

#easterisland #easterislandhead #easterisland #rapanui #rapanui
#moai #rapamycin #storytime
#travelblogger #travel #solotravelingisfun #solotravel #solofemaletravel #travelphotography #traveler #travelawesome #traveladdict #travelgram #stillatraveler #bucketlist #beautifuldestinations #worldtraveler #travellife #travelgoals #travelbug #traveltheworld #travelinspiration #templify

We’ve arrived at the letter D in our #TravelABC

We’ve arrived at the letter D in our #TravelABC list. Today it’s DC or Washington, DC, the District of Colombia. Despite growing up in New York and later living in Boston, I had never visited DC until somewhat recently.

If you love history or architecture, Washington DC is the place for you. If you love museums, you have to visit DC. This is one of those destinations that hits all the things people love including great food, shopping, and culture.

I’m all about fun and unique facts so I love learning new things. For example, I didn’t know that construction of the Washington Monument took place between 1848 and 1884. You might not have noticed as I hadn’t until I saw it in person, but the monument isn’t all one color. It’s actually three different colors because the marble used weathered differently due to the different construction times.

Have you visited Washington, D.C. or it on your bucket list? Do you have any fun or unique Washington, D.C. facts to share?

#washingtondc #dc #washingtondctravel #washingtondctravelphotography #washingtondctrip #washingtondcphotography #washingtondcarchitecture #history #historylovers #architecturephotography #travel #travellove #travel_captures #solotraveler #solofemaletraveler #worldtraveler #lovetotravel #traveldestination #travelmemories #travelstagram #photographytravel #travelphoto #travelpics #aroundtheworld #travelphotography #travelblogger #only1dc #templifyapp

Day three of ABC’s of travel and today we are on

Day three of ABC’s of travel and today we are on the letter “C.” I had the pleasure of visiting Cuba, something I never thought I’d get to experience. The colors, smells of great food wafting all around you, the people, the architecture, and the history are all reasons to visit Cuba.

I’ve only visited once, but I’ll definitely return. Have you visited Cuba or is it on your bucket list?

#cuba #cuba🇨🇺 #cubatravel #cubalibre #cubatrip #cubaphoto #cubaphotography #visitcuba #adventureseeker #travel #travellove #travel_captures #travelworld #traveldeeper #solotraveler #solofemaletraveler #worldtraveler #lovetotravel #traveldestination #travelmemories #travelstagram #photographytravel #travelphoto #mytravelgram #travelpics #traveladdict #aroundtheworld #travelphotography #travelblogger #travelabc

It’s that time again where we say goodbye to one

It’s that time again where we say goodbye to one year and welcome in another. How was your 2024? Was it a great year or are you glad to say “hello” to 2025?

2024 was a year of introspection and change. While it may or may not be obvious to others, that is irrelevant. When you cannot only see, but feel the changes you’ve made, that’s what matters. Life isn’t happening to you. It’s what you create and manifest for yourself.

For 2025 I’ve already made some decisions. I’ve given myself a deadline to make some big life decisions for my future. Not resolutions because I never have been able to stick to them. Instead, I’m going to make educated decisions about the next stage in my life but in an appropriate amount of time so I don’t feel stressed or get anxiety about it.

I’ve been cocooning myself for the past year as I knew I needed to change things in my life. Don’t know if anyone else can relate, but I’ve been in survival mode most of my life (fight or flight) and having time alone to decompress and try to understand myself better has been important and necessary.

So here’s to 2025. May it be filled with love, laughter, and travel for everyone! Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year’s Eve and a healthy and happy new year.

Do you have any thoughts or advice to share with others? Let me know in the comments. And tell me how you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve. I’m planning on looking for that very rare black moon in the sky.

#newyearseve #newyear #newyears #newyearsresolution #happynewyear #newyearsresolutions #newyearscelebration #newyear #blackmoon #travelblogger #solotraveler #solofemaletraveler #aroundtheworld #travelmemories #travelworld #traveltheworld #travelblogger #travelawesome #traveladdict #newyear2025
#2025goals #selfimprovement

Continuing with my theme of #TravelABC for places

Continuing with my theme of #TravelABC for places that I’ve visited, today is the letter B for Bali. People always ask what is my favorite place that I’ve visited and I usually shy away from answering that question because I’ve visited so many great places. However, Bali will always be one of my favorites.

Why? First off, as a vegan, it’s incredibly easy to find great food almost anywhere in Bali. One of my favorite foods is tempeh and I had no idea that it originated in Indonesia until I visited the first time. The first written record of tempeh dates back to the 1600’s in Java, Indonesia. You can find tempeh almost anywhere as well as tofu, but don’t skip the tempeh chips if you see them. They’re incredibly addictive!

But the real reason I fell in love with Bali is the people. Everyone is so kind and friendly and this has been true in all of the places I visited. While some people claim Bali is far too touristy these days, there are many places to see that are well off the beaten path where you might not see anyone at all.

Bali is just one of those places that makes me feel good. You’re never too far from water, great food, great shopping, and experiences that will change you as a person.

So if you get a chance to visit Bali in 2025, do it! And don’t forget to invite me to tag along. 😊

#bali #baliindonesia #ubud #ubudbali #nusapenida #kelingkingbeach #adventureseeker #travel #ilovetravel #travel_captures #solotraveler #solofemaletraveler #worldtraveler #lovetotravel #worldtravelpics #traveldestination #photographytravel #travelpics #aroundtheworld #travelphotography #travelblogger #visitbali #explorebali #balidaily #baligasm #balitourismboard #visitbaliindonesia #templify #templifyapp

So last night I was craving something sweet and so

So last night I was craving something sweet and so I decided to make apfelkuchen or apple cake. This was one of the very first things I learned how to bake as a kid. The recipe I use is from my Aunt Marie, a strong and loving woman who came to the U.S. at age 21 with her 23 year old brother, my father. That’s how I got my name as I am named after my father’s two sisters, Marie and Anni. She was kind enough to show me how to make this cake and it’s a recipe I’ve held onto all these years later. Just makes me think of her and my dad so all good memories on Christmas.

This recipe is very forgiving. I only had one apple but you can make it look real pretty with lots of fruit and a sprinkling of sugar over the top before baking. Almost any fruit works and I’ve used apples, peaches, and plums. It’s also known as Versunkener Apfelkuchen or Sunken Apple Cake, but whatever you call it, it always comes out great. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream or on its own. Don’t worry about leftovers as there definitely won’t be any.

For those without a sweet tooth, this isn’t a very sweet cake so give it a try. 🍰

Aunt Marie’s Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen)
4 T. butter (I use plant based)
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg (I use Just Egg, egg replacer, or a flax egg sub)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Prepare pan by using butter or nonstick spray. I used a pie pan but a cake pan works, too.
2. Mix butter, sugar and egg in a bowl. In another bowl combine dry ingredients. Add to first bowl and then mix in milk and vanilla.
3. Top with fruit.
4. Bake 30-35 minutes until done.

Do let me know if you try the recipe and what you think of it. Do you have any family recipes that you make at the holidays or that you’ve veganized?

#christmas #christmasbaking #christmasbake #applecake #applecake🍎 #applecakerecipe #apfelkuchen #apfelkuchenrezept #vegan #veganfood #veganrecipes #vegansofig #veganeats #vegandessert #whatveganseat #whatvegansbake #familyrecipe #familyrecipes #germancake #plantbased #plantbasedrecipes #plantbasedbaking

Well now that Christmas is behind us, I’m guessi

Well now that Christmas is behind us, I’m guessing everyone is starting to think about New Year’s and the dreaded list of resolutions. As for me, my resolution is always to travel more.

One way I’ve found to get new ideas is by listening to podcasts like The Self-Guided Travel Podcast by @macsadventure. Since I tend to be a solo traveler, I love hearing other’s experiences and ideas.

Solo travel today is fun and exciting. That means no large group tours where you’re just a number in the crowd. Solo travel is getting out there and discovering the world up close and personal on your terms. Macs Adventure takes the hassle out of planning, providing comprehensive logistics including maps and route notes through its user-friendly navigation app, daily luggage transfers, and handpicked accommodations.

The podcast series will chronicle the remarkable journey of self-guided traveler and host Arlette Godges as she walks Scotland’s iconic 96-mile West Highland Way, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the transformative power of independent travel. Each episode will feature personal narratives that capture the essence of discovery, challenge, and personal growth.

The Self-Guided Travel Podcast is a six-part series that’s available wherever you find podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Overcast, etc.) or through this link: https://pod.link/1783521698

#newyears #newyear #resolutions #newyearsresolutions #newyearsresolution #travel #travelblogger #travelgram #solotravel #solotravels #solotraveler #solotraveller #solofemaletraveler #solofemaletravel #macsadventure #scotland #scotlandtravel

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas.” —J

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas.” —Judy Garland

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas!

#christmas #christmas2024 #christmas2024🎄🎅🎁 #holiday #holidays #happyholidays #haveyourselfamerrylittlechristmas #merry #merrychristmas #merrychristmas🎄 #xmas #christmastime #tistheseason #santaclaus #christmasmood #christmasmagic #xmastime #holidayspirit

Feeling all Christmas-y with my red hair looking s

Feeling all Christmas-y with my red hair looking shiny and healthy courtesy of Courtney at Josephine Skaught Hairdressing in Las Vegas. My hair has never looked better so thank you Courtney!

Video courtesy of the amazing @countesscourtney

#redhairdontcare #redhair #redhairblueeyes #redhaircolor #redhairwoman #redhead #redheads #redheadsofinstagram #healthyhair #healthyhairgoals #lasvegas #lasvegashair #lasvegashairstylist #lasvegaslocals #templify

Load More... Follow on Instagram

Follow me on Twitter

Tweets by @travelshopgirl

Memberships

Travel Shop Girl’s Latest Pins!

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Social

Follow me on:

Travel Shop Girl

It’s Time to Cruise Again: Day One on Virgin Voyages “Scarlet Lady”
So You’re Thinking of Moving to Los Angeles
We Are All Complicit
Travel Shop Girl Is Back! 2021 New Beginnings

Blog Archives

Blog Archives

Categories

Categories

Online Privacy Policy