If Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX show has you googling Puerto Rico this morning, well then, I have some news for you: you absolutely should go! US citizens don’t need a passport to visit. (And if you don’t know why, here’s a primer on how it is but isn’t part of the US. When I say isn’t, it’s in respect to people who feel colonized by the US. And while I can’t speak to the nuance of that, I do want to mention it as a sign that I understand not every single Puerto Rican feels the same way.)

Learn how Bad Bunny’s halftime show was loaded with cultural storytelling and symbolism with this post on IG.

In fact, I want to go back. I’ve had the privilege of visiting a few times. The first was many, many years ago now. I went alone for one of my birthdays and dug deep into the island’s food, people, and culture. I even poured some out for a friend who had died. And I did a lot of walking in the village where I stayed, just outside San Juan. But I no longer have my photos from that trip. That’s a long story. One that makes me pretty sad.

I have been able to visit twice since then, as a member of the media, to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s Dorado Beach. One time was for the Culinary Getaway with Jose Andres, Eric Ripert, and Anthony Bourdain before he died. Another time was to dive with Jean-Michel Cousteau and learn about the sustainability programs in the sea around Puerto Rico.

Both visits were a privilege I do not take for granted. I am grateful to The Ritz-Carlton for making those experiences possible. And I do recommend a stay at the resort. As well as a visit to their spa, which is one of my favorites in the world.

The Bad Bunny Effect

Yet if you were watching Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX show, you are probably craving a different kind of experience in Puerto Rico. One that allows you to experience more of the food, culture, and people than you can inside the walls of a resort. And you should be!

In fact, before I go any further, I want to provide you with an article from Alisha, who was born in Puerto Rico: A Do Good, Ethical Travel Guide for Tourists Visiting Puerto Rico.

I loved my birthday visit so long ago and can still hear the music as I danced on the beach one night, just outside a sort of nightclub after being invited to join a group of village residents, making friends within minutes.

So, while I don’t have my own photos of that type of travel to Puerto Rico to show you, I do want to share some resources!

The Book

The first is the book The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico. It was made by my friend Jessica, aka Dining Traveler, who is Boricua, now living in Brussels with family still in Puerto Rico and the US. One of the most incredible ambassadors for PR and what it means to be Boricua, she is a person you should follow regardless of whether you plan to visit or not. For her cooking videos alone. You will up your game in the kitchen so much!

The book is the size of a coffee table or art book and is a cross between that and a travel guidebook. It’s a good one to keep on your coffee table whenever you need to dream of a tropical place. Or on your desk when you need a visual break from work. The text is a wonderful journey into an oft-misunderstood place, and the photos will transport you to PR with joy in your heart. They’re a feast for the eyes, not unlike Jessica’s cooking videos, which are a feast for the soul.

You can buy the book directly from her on her website. It will cost anywhere from USD $40-50 with shipping.

And I have 8 copies of the book to sell. With it, you’ll receive an original photo of Puerto Rico, from me, that’s signed and authenticated. You can frame it, keep it with your book, gift it, or send it as a postcard to a friend. The bundle is $50, with USPS tracked shipping included, to US addresses, from the US. Please email me if you are outside the USA to calculate shipping and make a custom purchase.

Link to Buy the Book From Me

Planning Resources

The rest of the resources are articles and blog posts that I have found to be very helpful in planning my own return to Puerto Rico. Which I hope to make happen sooner rather than later.

Amanda, of the A Dangerous Business travel blog, shares 20 Unmissable Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Islands Magazine talks about San Juan’s Walkable Neighborhood that’s an Artsy Enclave with Peaceful Vibes.

Jessica, aka Dining Traveler, shares where you should go outside of San Juan.

Atlas Obscura gives you 57 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Puerto Rico.

Shane at Travel Age West shares 5 Ways to Go Beyond the Beach in San Juan.

Discover Puerto Rico shares how you can participate in The Green Path when you visit.

And finally, Rachel Off Duty shares “everything” you need to know!

I hope these help you. And maybe I’ll see you in Puerto Rico?

Enjoy! Let me know if you book your trip!

The post If Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX show has you googling Puerto Rico appeared first on Kirsten Alana.

For travelers who collect memories more than things, souvenirs often feel like an afterthought. A magnet here, a tote bag there, rarely do these items capture the emotional weight of a journey. That’s why more travelers are seeking meaningful ways to relive their favorite moments long after returning home.

Sponsored post by CanvasDiscount.com

If you’re wondering where to get the best canvas prints to preserve your travel memories, CANVASDISCOUNT.com offers a thoughtful solution. More than just home décor, their prints help transform moments into lasting visual stories. A misty walk through Kyoto’s bamboo forest. The way golden hour lit up a rooftop in Lisbon. Or the quiet magic of a road trip along California’s Central Coast. These aren’t just photos; they’re memories that deserve to be displayed, not buried in a digital archive.

One of the reasons canvas prints resonate with modern travelers is their tactile, gallery-style feel. Unlike a framed snapshot or a scrolling phone album, a canvas print invites pause. It becomes a talking point in your space, a reminder of the places you’ve been and the perspective you gained along the way.

Take Kirsten’s San Luis Obispo itinerary journal, for example. The vivid imagery and warm light in her post practically begs to be printed. Photos like these document a destination; they reflect mood, moment, and memory. That’s where the true magic of canvas comes in.

Why canvas prints from CanvasDiscount.com

CANVASDISCOUNT’s goal has always been to make custom wall art more accessible, without compromising quality. All prints are made in the U.S., which helps ensure fast turnaround and quality control. While pricing remains affordable, customer reviews consistently praise the vivid color reproduction and lasting materials. It’s a practical option for travelers who want to turn spontaneous snapshots into lasting keepsakes.

There’s a growing trend with gallery walls featuring photos from travel. Some customers start with just one or two statement pieces (a mountain range, a winding street, a candid market scene). Over time, those become part of a larger visual narrative that evolves with every trip. The beauty of canvas is that it adapts: neutral enough to fit most interiors, but bold enough to make a personal statement.

Beyond the personal value, there’s something sustainable about choosing to print your own photos. Rather than mass-produced art or trend-based décor, a canvas print reflects your experience. It’s a way to decorate consciously, and to let your home reflect the life you’ve lived.

Where do I start with canvas prints

Not sure where to start? Look for images that evoke emotion, not just postcard-perfect scenes. Think of the shadow of your friend laughing at golden hour, or the texture of a weathered door in Italy. The best ones aren’t always the most obvious; they’re the ones that transport you.

Here are a few tips we offer to first-time canvas print buyers:

• Choose natural light: Photos taken during sunrise, sunset, or overcast days often translate beautifully to canvas.
• Mind the resolution: Higher-quality images give crisper results. A smartphone shot can work just to make sure it’s not cropped too tightly.
• Think in themes: Group prints by destination, mood, or color palette to build a cohesive gallery wall.

At the end of the day, your travels are too meaningful to stay buried in a camera roll. Whether it’s a single standout image or a wall full of stories, canvas prints let you carry the essence of your adventures with you, every day.

The post Why Canvas Prints Are the Ultimate Travel Souvenir appeared first on Kirsten Alana.

Viking Ocean and River Cruises are among my favorite travel experiences. I have been on them alone, with my partner, with friends, and with my retiree-aged mother. I was not a cruise person before my first Viking cruise. In fact, I was once hosted on a high-end small-ship cruise with another company before Viking. Though I thought it was exceptional in some ways, the specific size of the ship itself and the ocean waters in which it sailed made me so violently sea sick that it ruined the trip. Many tours of large and extra-large cruise ships were offered to me when they were at port during my time living in New York. Those tours did not make me feel drawn to sail on any of them, or with the companies that owned them.

Before I go any further, I want to be transparent that I was hosted as a member of the media for the cruises I share here, unless otherwise noted. That means Viking covered the cost of my cruise, airfare, and in some cases, a credit towards excursions. That does not mean I spend no money when I travel with them. Sometimes I have paid for spa treatments, extra excursions, or experiences beyond what’s hosted. I try to note that when applicable. My role as a member of the media is one I take very seriously. I do not automatically give a favorable review in exchange for any hosted trip, experience, or product. You can count on my opinion to be as unbiased as possible. And finally, this article was not required by Viking, nor have they ever made specific demands for or on any content I publish.

What are my favorite Viking ocean and river cruises

I could say that every sailing I’ve done with Viking is my favorite! However, I’m trying to help you. So let’s get to it. And stay tuned at the end of my post, or use the Table of Contents to navigate, for detailed notes on what I love about Viking, not just what cruises are my favorite.

A note about Viking’s Expedition cruises

In addition to river and ocean ships, Viking operates Expedition ships. I have not yet had the privilege of sailing on one. If or when I do, I will update this post.

My Favorite Viking River Cruises

Rhine Getaway in May 2016 was my first ever exposure to Viking. My first river cruise as well. To say I enjoyed it more than all my previous and various experiences in the cruise ship industry would be a massive understatement. I could not wait to sail with Viking again!

The schedule was:

• Embark in Amsterdam
• Kinderdijk
• Scenic Cruising: Waal & Merwede May
• Cologne
• Koblenz
• Scenic Cruising: Middle Rhine Castle Corridor
• Rudesheim
• Speyer
• Heidelberg
• Strasbourg & Colmar
• Breisach & the Black Forest
• Disembark in Basel, Switzerland

I go into more detail below.

Danube Waltz in December 2017: The stops at Christmas were all so particularly lovely. And while I have been to many, many Christmas markets in Europe now, these remain some of my all-time favorites. The schedule, according to my photos and slightly different from what’s listed online in 2026 under this itinerary name, was:

• Embark in Budapest
• Bratislava
• Vienna
• Dürnstein & Melk
• dock in Czechia (?), day trip to Český Krumlov
• Linz
• Day to enjoy Passau and then disembark the next day

I go into more detail below.

My Favorite Viking Ocean Cruises

Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes in August 2024: I go into more detail on this below. But let me say that getting to go “deeper” into Iceland via smaller towns than I had been to my previous trips to the country, being able to visit The Faroe Islands, and sailing into Norway’s fjords will be a journey I cherish to my dying day.

The schedule was:

Viking Homelands: In September 2018, I did a version of this on the Star that included sailing to Saint Petersburg. At the time of publishing this in January 2026, the itinerary does not include that for obvious reasons. But going to the ballet and getting to take a tour of The State Hermitage Museum’s exceptional collection of Impressionist works remains one of the highlights of my life. I was only able to do the first half of the itinerary that year. Back then, it included visiting Helsinki. And seeing my maternal family’s name as a street there thrilled me to no end.

One day, I would love to do the full itinerary again in its new format with the new stops. I cannot more highly recommend this itinerary. It was my first ocean sailing with Viking. The one that made me fall in love with their ocean ships, dining at Manfredi’s, the Explorers’ Lounge, and The Nordic Spa!

The schedule, doing half the sailing, and because of a huge storm that caused us to have to skip Gdańsk, was:

• Embark in Stockholm
• Helsinki
• Saint Petersburg
• Tallinn
• Disembark in Germany and fly out from Berlin

We stayed an extra day very safely in port, with plenty to do on the ship. And I felt the Viking captain and staff handled the complication of the storm very well.

The best time of year to take Viking ocean and river cruises

Instead of just a list of the cruises I’ve been on, I wanted to organize the itineraries I recommend based on the time of year I did them and why I think that worked.

Just before summer

The May 2016 sailing on the Viking Idi of the Rhine Getaway itinerary was ideal as my first-ever Viking experience. I think it could be the same for you. The weather included a little rain and some gray skies, according to my memory. But my photos show sunshine-filled days in charming European towns & cities, the most lovely landmarks, and the most engaging tours. There was also an absence of crowds that year at what felt like a middle ground between Spring travel and Summer vacations. PLUS, it was the perfect time for a scenic cruising of the Middle Rhine Castle Corridor, which is included in this itinerary as well as Christmas on the Rhine, as the vineyards and hills were already all green.

Why August

The 2024 ocean itinerary, Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes on the Viking Saturn, included stops in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Norway. Except for parts of Iceland, temperatures were still mild in most ports, crowds were lessened, and the days were long enough to feel more than sufficient for sightseeing. I also had the impression that the seas were milder than at other times of the year, which is of particular concern when you go above the Arctic Circle sailing from Iceland to the Faroe Islands. That necessitates a full day at sea, and while there was some rain and larger waves for a short time, I only felt that it was pleasantly moody and never dangerous or sea-sickness-inducing. A concern for me, given my previous seasickness on other sailings with other companies that included full days at sea.

Don’t discount October

The 2023 ocean itinerary, Empires of the Mediterranean on the Viking Saturn, which debuted that year, began in Venice and included ports of call in Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece before ending in Athens. Stops like Olympia were warm, less crowded than summer would have been [except in Santorini and Dubrovnik], and didn’t feel like places we were visiting in “the off season.” Except for the aforementioned lack of crowds everywhere but Santorini and Dubrovnik. Our stop in Corfu and our day trip to Lake Bled felt particularly ideal due to the lack of crowds and pleasant temperatures. Dubrovnik was still hot but not overly so. We did our sightseeing early in the day and avoided the worst of the crowds easily. I would highly recommend that.

December in Europe

The 2017 river itinerary, Danube Waltz from Budapest to Passau, was an ideal way to celebrate Christmas in Europe with Viking. And while it is offered at many times of the year, I thought it was particularly lovely at Christmas. I really enjoyed the markets and the festive atmosphere of our stops in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany. And while I have been to those countries at other times of the year, there is something special about them in December. I didn’t even mind the cold temperatures at all with all the Glühwein I drank. But I do recommend bundling up, as it was very cold at times.

The 2025 river itinerary Christmas on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel was another wonderful way to celebrate Christmas in Europe. It was warmer than I thought, given the stops in the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Cities like Cologne [Köln] and Strasbourg were very crowded. But Strasbourg is always crowded, so there’s no good time of the year to visit. Our docking spot in Köln, right under the Hohenzollernbrücke bridge, was incredibly convenient and beautiful. My favorite markets were in Gengenbach, Speyer, Rudesheim, and Cologne [Köln]. I also paid for a car with friends on the cruise to visit Colmar. And I would highly recommend that. It was less crowded than Strasbourg, and the markets were just as lovely.

My Social Media Posts about Viking with lots and lots more Photos

Here’s a post that shows a bedroom on a Viking Ocean ship with part of a complimentary breakfast.
Here’s a carousel of images and some video from the Viking Star, an ocean ship.

Empires of the Mediterranean

• Venice and Chioggia, where you board the ship
• Lake Bled, a day trip from the port of Koper
• Krka National Park, a day trip from Zadar
• Zadar, my favorite port from the itinerary, because of how close it is to the Old Town
• Dubrovnik post 1
• Dubrovnik post 2
• Kotor 1
• Kotor 2
• Corfu, which you might know from the show “The Durrells.” It is based on the autobiographical “Corfu Trilogy” by naturalist Gerald Durrell
• Olympia. Look for the pillar that once held the goddess Nike. Make sure you take home some honey from the town. And support the local artists who have so many beautiful sculptural variations on animals and trees. We brought home a set of brass owls that we cherish with pride of place in our living room.
• Santorini. I’d been there before, and I have never seen it without punishing crowds. This was probably the last time I will visit.
• Athens, which surprised me. I didn’t think I’d love it. But I did!

Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes

• Reykjavik, where you depart from
• Vigur Island, a tour from the port of Ísafjörður
• Bolungarvík, another tour from the port of Ísafjörður
• the port after sailing Iceland’s longest fjord at approximately 40 miles: Akureyri
• Seyðisfjörður 1, possibly the artsiest town I have ever been to and now a favorite in Iceland
• Seyðisfjörður 2, the famed blue church
• Faroe Islands 1
• Faroe Islands 2
• sailing into Geirangerfjord at dawn, a tip you won’t want to miss
• Geiranger
• Flåm
• Ålesund 1
• Ålesund 2
• Bergen 1 and some personal health news
• Bergen 2

Viking Homelands

• Post 1 with a throwback to previous Viking experiences on the rivers.
• Embark in Stockholm
• Stockholm 2
• a little about Stockholm, sailing through the archipelago, and some of my favorite photos I’ve taken on the ocean ships
• Helsinki
• Saint Petersburg and The Hermitage
• Tallinn 1
• Tallinn 2
• Tallinn 3
• Disembark in Germany and fly out from Berlin

Danube Walz at Christmas

• Embark in Budapest
• Budapest at night; and the last image shows how wonderful the docking location for the Skadi was, right under Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
• a dining table in the river ship’s restaurant with the enormous windows that make dining in there so lovely
• Bratislava
• Vienna during the day, and photos from a performance of Mozart & Strauss that was private for Viking guests in the Old Palace
• Vienna at night with its Christmas market
• Dürnstein & Melk
• dock in Czechia (?), day trip to Český Krumlov
• Linz
• Day to enjoy Passau and then disembark the next day. Post 1, Post 2 showing a balcony on a river ship, Post 3, and Post 4.

Rhine Getaway

• Embark in Amsterdam
• Kinderdijk
• Docked in Köln, Day trip to Brühl
• Koblenz
• Scenic Cruising of the Middle Rhine Castle Corridor: Post 1, and Post 2
• Heidelberg
• Strasbourg
• Colmar: Post 1, Post 2, and Post 3

But WHY do I love Viking ocean and river cruises?

Let’s talk about design

I grew up with a very Scandinavian aesthetic in our lives. And a mother with Finnish ancestry who was proud of that and her time as a graduate student of design in Uppsala. Though I am not insinuating that countries like Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark are the same, I have seen that there are common threads in the culture and design that ensure that for many of us, if you like some of it, you may like much of it.

Viking emphasizes its Norwegian heritage and Scandinavian design in so many ways. On the ocean ships in the Explorers’ Lounge, there is a whole set of plates and cups that looked immediately like ones I’d seen growing up. It turns out they’re a replica of ones owned by Norwegian founder Torstein Hagen’s relative.

Displays on the ocean ships show off traditional Bunad, the Norwegian National Outfits. And often, when welcoming guests aboard at the start of the cruise, staff wear these outfits.

Rooms and common spaces are simply but not cheaply decorated. In the way of much of Scandinavian and Norwegian design, there is warmth even in simplicity. Yet details are not skipped or skimped on. Even fabric-covered columns feature embroidery that speaks of Vikings and elements of nature.

Design is just design, right? Maybe. But for me, it’s part of what makes me feel immediately at home every time I embark. If this is an aesthetic that calls to you, instead of the chrome and crystal that can characterize other cruise lines, Viking may be for you.

Size matters

Viking’s river ships are quite comparable to others by other brands. Not much to be said there.

But I love that the ocean ships are some of the smallest and most efficient on the seven seas without sacrificing comfort. On cruise ships I’ve toured before, you’d never see the same person twice. By the end of an ocean cruise, I’ve made lots of friends because I’ve always seen a lot of the same people. And yet, public spaces are seldom crowded, nor does the ship feel crowded.

And because of the smaller size, Viking’s ocean ships can go into smaller, older ports that have not been expanded to hurt the ocean floor and marine life like many new ports around the world built to accommodate gargantuan monsters like the Icon of the Seas. Zadar in Croatia is a good example, where you’re just steps from the Sea Organ on disembarkation.

Adults only

I do not dislike kids, nor do I want to always travel without them. In fact, I dream of the trips I hope to take the kids in my family on. However, I like that Viking’s cruises are adults-only. That’s just a personal preference, but it is mine.

I need a balcony, and Viking has them

Who doesn’t when on a cruise, right? You want to be able to smell and see the water from your room, not just a common area! No? Ok, that’s me. I neeeeed a balcony when I am sailing. That’s why I love that balconies seem [essentially] standard on Viking ships. I’ve never sailed on a river or ocean ship without one.

River Ships:

This is how The Points Guy helps explain it: “The majority of Viking river ships, known as Viking Longships, have 61 balcony cabins broken down into two categories: 205-square-foot Veranda Staterooms and 135-square-foot French Balcony Staterooms.

The latter has doors that open onto simple balustrades and not full balconies that you can step onto. This feature is known as a French balcony or Juliet balcony (a nod to the balcony of this type made famous in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”). Technically, these French balconies are balconies, even if they’re not quite as satisfying as a balcony with space to lounge.

Including the French balcony cabins, nearly 75% of the cabins on Viking’s Longships have balconies.

Viking also offers smaller versions of its Longships that have fewer balcony cabins, as well as a few different types of river ships with varying numbers of balcony cabins.”

Ocean ships:

As I said before, I’ve never sailed on an ocean ship in a room that didn’t have a balcony. But this guide on The Points Guy really helps break down how many rooms there are on each ship, how many have balconies, and what kind of balcony it is.

Expedition ships:

I believe there are three categories of balcony cabins. From their site, “A Nordic Balcony is a floor-to-ceiling balcony concept that is designed to bring the beauty of the outdoors into the comfort of your room, allowing you to truly explore the world in comfort. The balcony is not traditional, but provides you with a choice of how you would like to experience your destination. You may leave it closed as a “wintergarden” and enjoy the breathtaking views, or you can open your room up to the outdoors—the top half of your sash window retracts, transforming your stateroom into a sheltered al fresco observation platform—and experience the fresh air and sounds of nature.”

Fridges and Mini bars

I’ve never sailed in a room on a river or ocean ship that didn’t have one. On my ocean voyages, the pull-out fridge was stocked with basic snacks, water, and sodas that were complimentary. Every room I’ve had on a river ship had a sizable empty fridge I could stock with snacks and drinks from the towns I visited. Which I always do. My understanding as a member of the media is that I’ve always been given “a standard stateroom.”

According to Viking, “Each [ocean] stateroom is equipped with a minibar. Your stateroom category will determine whether your minibar is replenished daily with drinks and snacks. Purified water is provided in all staterooms and refilled daily. A full listing of amenities by stateroom category can be found on each ship page.” Breakdown of ocean ships and their amenities.

No Plastic Bottled Water

On both the river and ocean ships, rooms are stocked with glass water bottles pre-filled upon arrival. The river ship’s bottles may look different than what’s shown on an ocean cruise. You can refill at taps on board. For the ocean ships, you can choose between still or sparkling water. My little environmentalist heart is always so happy about this!

Pools, spas, and gyms

While there are no pools aboard Viking river ships, the ocean vessels are a different matter.

Multiple pools invite swimming in public spaces. They’re wonderful. But the real star for me personally is The Nordic Spa. Again, there are multiple pools, and access is free. It is not restricted to those who pay for a massage or other service. There’s a cold plunge, a hot tub, and a large pool with the most incredible jets that will relax even the most sore muscles. There is also an ice grotto, sauna, rain bucket, and more. Massage services, facials, and more are available to book in calming, private rooms. The waiting area is serene and includes windows with a view out to the ocean. And there’s a dynamite hair and nail salon with the most wonderful staff!

The best time to have the spa’s facilities all to yourself is early in the morning or in the evening, just before it closes.

Not to be outdone by the spa, the gym is also large for the overall size of the ship. I’ve never seen it packed. And the quality of the equipment available is excellent.

Enrichment talks and libraries

Sailing with Viking can, at times, feel like a college education in history, art, and culture because of the talks available on board. If that’s what you want. And I always want that. Talks and presentations aren’t required. They’re there if you want them. There has also always been a library on board river and ocean ships I’ve sailed on. I leave every cruise feeling smarter!

I like what’s included, and I don’t mind what’s not

Viking says that, “Across the Viking fleet, pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.” Sure, there can be added costs. But I feel what they say is true. If I want to over-stimulate or exhaust myself on multiple tours per day, yes, I will have to pay for additional tours beyond the one that’s included in every port. If I want a hair salon appointment or a massage while on board the ocean ships, yes, I will have to pay for that. No cruise line can afford to give away a haircut or blowout. They’d be out of business.

As for what is included, here’s the chart for their river cruises:

And for their ocean cruises, as of this post’s original publishing date in January of 2026:

Umbrellas

No need to ever pack your own; on the river ships, Viking provides golf umbrellas you can take with you each morning or afternoon when you depart the ship!

Laundry and Room Service

While hair appointments might not be included, on Viking’s ocean ships, they do include self-service laundry and free or included 24-hour room service. I cannot express how many times both have come in handy for me while I cruise with them. I can pack lighter! And I usually enjoy breakfast in my room on the balcony and only eat in the restaurants for lunch and dinner. That, to me, is luxury.

WiFi

It’s included and is not an extra charge. I think this is becoming more standard in cruising, but I still see a lot of ships where you’d have to pay to be connected.

No ball gowns

Viking’s ships don’t require you to pack ballgowns, Halloween costumes, super fancy outfits, or anything for a theme night. It’s quite relaxed, and yet everyone always looks nice. The guests strike just the right balance, always. And Viking sets that tone.

From their site:

During the day, dress is casual, including shorts, slacks or jeans, and comfortable shoes for walking tours. There are no “formal nights” in the evening; recommended evening dress is “elegant casual.” For ladies, this may include a dress, skirt, or slacks with a sweater or blouse, and for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional.

The music

Viking’s musical programming is classy, never overdone, often classical (so relaxing to me), and the musicians are often from the ports you stop in. So Viking is supporting local musicians, not just employing artists on board. And every time I have been present for a concert with local musicians, the quality has been outstanding.

On the ocean ships, I love the small company of musicians that performs just before the dinner hour. Seen here:

The staff!

I’ve been to all 50 states and 60+ countries on 6 continents. I’ve met A LOT of hospitality staff. The only employees who love their jobs so much that you want to think maybe they’re faking it, except you can tell they are not, are found at Four Seasons hotel properties and on Viking cruise ships.

By the end of a cruise, I have never left without staff I will miss who felt like friends. They greet you by name, they ask you for stories of your life, and they share stories of their families back home that they’re working to support; they talk smack about sports with you and make women traveling alone feel safe and seen.

And they know your drink order. They often have it ready as you approach the bar before you even order. And they know you have one standard order at one time of the day and another just before bed. On the ocean ships, there’s this savory snack that I LOVE to have at tea time or happy hour. On many trips, the staff in that part of the ship have had them ready and are handing them to me on a plate as I sit down before I even ask for them. And none of this is because I travel as a member of the media. This is all behavior that staff exhibit for all customers.

While I love it, I can’t help but think it’s exhausting for staff to remember so much. And yet, they do it. And always with a smile or a joke. Also, they’re just plain GREAT at their jobs all around. I cannot think of one single complaint or bad experience I have ever had with a staff member on any Viking cruise since I started sailing with them in 2016.

The Soup

After my first time on the river with Viking, I couldn’t stop thinking about the soups. I kid you not, I’ve never had more delicious soups in one week than on that first ship. And every time I have returned to sail on the river, the soups have been a large part of lunch and dinner. They’re usually a starter and frequently paired in some way with the menu as a whole. Always superb. Frequently, in the European style of a bisque or a broth-based soup. I don’t mean chili and chowder.

Here’s a good example: on the last river cruise I went on, a December sailing, there was a curried bisque soup of pumpkin, I think (?) that I missed because I’d eaten on shore in town that night. Every friend I’d made on board raved about that soup. And joked with me about how the one night I miss, the best soup of the whole week is served. And that was saying something because we all loved every soup we had! It was a conversation point during every meal with everyone I met. The soups are just that good!

All the Food

Not to be outshone by soup, all food is outstanding on board Viking River and Ocean cruises.

On the European river ships serving around 190 guests

There is a sit-down restaurant that serves guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tables are communal in varying sizes. Breakfast is more of a come-and-go. There are self-service coffee and tea stations that have a selection of pastries to take wherever you’d like to eat on the ship. There is a small buffet in the restaurant, and you can order cooked-to-order dishes like omelettes or two eggs over easy. Lunch is served much the same, though there’s a set time they stop serving. There are dishes that are available every day for the entire sailing, and a selection of dishes that change every day. The meal is traditionally three courses with starters, mains, and dessert options to choose from. You don’t have to do all three courses; you can order a starter as your main or just a main, etc.

Dinner follows a similar pattern. Though there is a set time dinner starts, and it coincides with allowing people returning from tours to have enough time to freshen up and change for dinner or meet friends for a cocktail at the bar. If you show up a little late, it’s ok. But most guests show up on time, and dinner is a fun affair where everyone exchanges stories of their day. The dinner menu is more extensive than the lunch menu. And every day, some dishes reference, directly or indirectly, the area that you explored.

You can also dine in the Aquavit Terrace® adjacent to the lounge and bar, where you will have more expansive views under a glass roof with access to the outdoors when it’s warm enough. It’s very casual but does have table service.

On the Ocean ships serving around 930 guests

I like the buffet-style World Café for all three meals because it can be quick, there’s no set seating time, and it’s the most informal of the dining spaces on board. It’s also really extensive and has two sides where the options can vary. So you have to check both! My favorite is the Asian station, where I get brothy Dan Dan noodles customized just the way I like them! They’re so good! There’s also wonderful gelato.

The Restaurant is more formal. This is where most people dine. Serving takes place in three courses with enormous windows around you. I adore dining here when it’s light out, and we’re sailing through somewhere like an archipelago or fjord.

I recommend planning and booking reservations for the Italian restaurant Manfredi’s® early in your sailing. Everyone loves the pasta, steak, and out-of-this-world tiramisu. And I love the private dining room that you can reserve for a group. The windows in there truly immerse you in sailing while dining. It’s a must if you have enough people.

You can also dine in the Aquavit Terrace, which provides more al fresco dining experiences than on any ship at sea. The Pool Grill is informal and offers options like a burger. The Pool Bar and The Explorers’ Lounge offer drinks, and the latter features a small pop-up called Mamsen’s® named for the Hagen family matriarch, with Norwegian specialties for breakfast like waffles with brunost [brown cheese]. As well as lunch, an afternoon snack, or an evening treat.

Finally, there’s the Wintergarden, which serves a daily afternoon tea and sometimes offers more food as part of special theme nights.

I love the bar in the Atrium that serves cocktails at a few different times in the day with snacks and desserts. It’s situated conveniently to where you often disembark for the day and embark to return. Many people pause for a refreshment before heading back to their room. Or they show up at the Atrium bar for live music before dinner. I can’t stay away because the savory pinwheel bites are mouthwatering.

Included Drinks

Specialty coffees, teas, juice, bottled water, house beer, wine, & soft drinks are included. There’s no nickel and diming at every meal or every day or at the end of the cruise for that wine you like to have at dinner or the cafe mocha you love with breakfast. Of course, if you do want specialty liquor, cocktails, or wine that’s not included, then there’s the Silver Spirits Beverage Package. So you pay one price ahead of time, and you still don’t have to pull out that card all cruise long or at the end for the Amarula you love to have on ice after dinner. Yeah, that’s my order, and the bar staff always remember it.

Themed Meals

On Viking river and ocean ships, I have always loved themed-meal nights. They’ve never been cheesy or over the top. Nothing is required of you, the guest. No special clothes need to be packed. Come, eat, enjoy. My favorites so far have been Octoberfest-themed meals on the river ships while sailing in Germany and the night on board an ocean ship, where it was a free-for-all truffle pasta night. I died and went to heaven when the truffles were freshly shaved onto my bowl of pasta.

Manfredi’s on the ocean ships

This is an IYKYK thing. Just check the Facebook groups about cruising with Viking. Everyone loves Manfredi’s.

….and I’m sure there are more reasons I love Viking. But I’ll update this post when I think of them.

and now a Bonus: a perspective from Kirsten’s mum, retiree-age traveler

Before I even had my first experience with Viking, my mum sailed on a river itinerary in France with a friend that she LOVED. In her words, here is more about her experience:

“My trip through central France was one sailing. The northern half, from Lyon to Paris, was an add-on (or extension?).

We flew into Marseille, bused to Avignon, where the Neptune waited. The tour of the Palace of the Popes was full of ancient history.

Next stop was Arles, which is known for Van Gogh. I walked to many places he painted, and went to the asylum where he stayed. But I really loved the Roman museum, baths, and the amphitheater.  As good as Rome. The bust of Julius Caesar was discovered under a street.

The wine tasting in Tournon was great.

In Vienne, it was so impressive to see the little Roman temple.

Then we visited my favorite city in France: Lyon. Epicurean delight. Home of the famed Paul François Pierre Bocuse. The biggest surprise was the countless murals ALL over the city. I wanted to move there.

After that, the river became the Saône. We sailed by ancient Roman vineyards, still in operation.

I still remember the unique tiled roof of The Hospices de Beaune or Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune. It is ancient, founded in 1443. It was so interesting for its long history and the beautiful roof. During the Plague, people slept in the same beds. Imagine!

From there, we were bused to Paris and spent several days there.

This trip is now either “France’s Finest,” or “Lyon & Provence” with, I believe, the “Burgundy’s Vineyards” extension.”

This was a long time ago now, and she’s never stopped talking about it!

In conclusion

To reiterate: This, and all my posts about Viking on social media, are voluntary. But maybe you can see why I now say that, I am still not a cruise person, and yet I am A Viking Person.

With all these years of experience, how can I now help you? What questions can I answer for you? Feel free to ask in the comments or email me: hello [at] kirstenalana [dot] com.

The post My Favorite Viking Ocean and River Cruises appeared first on Kirsten Alana.

Haunted history walks reveal a number of fascinating people, from those who’ve left historic legacies to the figures who’ve made deep impacts on small towns across America. Some characters are benevolent, uplifting their cities into bustling communities with their achievements. Other figures are far more destructive, scarring neighborhoods with acts of betrayal and vice. 

Guest Post by US Ghost Adventures

Even more strange are the beings who defy categorization—with motivations as bizarre as the peculiar times they spring from. Let’s explore the various people and poltergeists who stand as the backbone of our ghost stories, uncovering the diverse crew of creatures and restless souls that occupy the shadows. 

Figures of Historic Proportions

The haunted Brickhouse Inn in Gettysburg — Copyright Brickhouse Inn

Ghost tours and haunted walks showcase just how wide the reach of history is, with the events of the past leaving significant figures to lurk in the darker nooks and crannies of our humble communities. 

There are towns overflowing with the ghosts of war in Gettysburg and Fredericksburg, but the dark tendrils of conflict are not unique to these locations. There are few towns in America that were not impacted by battle in some way, whether it be deadly skirmishes between indigenous people and early settlers or events as momentous as the Civil War. 

You’ll find the East Coast rife with generals and officers from the Revolutionary War, many of whom are believed to still haunt the taverns and boarding houses in which they stayed. In the Southern states, soldiers from both Union and Confederate forces continue to linger in the buildings once used as makeshift hospitals, forever caught in an eternal loop of torment. 

In towns further west, these phantoms may be more recent, but are no less historic, with their short lives casting long shadows. Lawmen, cowboys, and miners riddle the West in towns like Deadwood, Tombstone, and Bisbee, Arizona. Their ghostly gunfights continue long into the afterlife, ringing out in otherworldly echoes. 

Benevolent Specters and Hometown Heroes

Ghostly walking tours in cities like New Orleans can shed light on figures of fame in your local community, from the people who first founded these cities to those who helped fashion these towns into the flourishing hubs they are today. While these figures may not be as renowned as generals and politicians, they are nonetheless interesting. 

Not all specters are figures of spite and violence. No matter which town you visit, there are likely a few kindly phantoms or two. Enmeshed so deeply in the community they love, such beings linger out of care for the living.

Such is the kindly librarian who haunts the Velma Teague Library in Glendale, watching over her much-loved literary haven. Other spirits seem to appear as a warning. South Carolina residents are well aware of the Gray Man of Pawleys Island. A character whispered about for more than a hundred years, legend says he appears to warn townspeople of impending hurricanes to come. 

Some figures tend to be grim reminders of tragic past events. The lawman shot while doing his duty—protecting citizens of the town—or the miner who died a dark death, toiling just to feed his family. Others are echoes far more distant. Eerie beings from the days before our buildings stood, standing as silent protectors over the land.

Ghoulish Villains

While cities may brag about their hometown heroes, they tend to keep their darker denizens in the closet. Haunted walks bring these skeletons to light, exposing the villains others would rather pretend never existed. 

For years, the city of Chicago was overshadowed by the horrific acts of H.H. Holmes, considered to be America’s first serial killer. Drawn by the lure of his charm, countless people fell victim to this murderous man, meeting nightmarish ends in his Murder Castle. 

Even small towns have their monsters. The Indiana town of La Porte was rocked by the blood-curdling actions of Bella Gunness, who committed deeds so dark that few wanted to speak of them for years in the Midwest. Even today, her Indiana farm is rumored to be haunted by unexplained activity—likely the ghostly traces of her some 40 victims. 

The Folk of Legends and Local Lore

The haunted cathedral in New Orleans – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

Along haunted walks and ghost tours, guests discover a colorful cast of characters, such as those who haunt a town’s hotels, theaters, schools, and churches. Discover the tale of the hotel manager who built his hub of hospitality from the ground up, and just can’t quite seem to leave. Perhaps you’ll find guests who never checked out from their lodgings, from tragic figures of sorrow to those who met more violent ends. 

If there’s a theater nearby, it’s likely to hold its own horde of phantoms inside. And this is not a mere coincidence. Some actors become so unmeshed in their roles, night after night of performance, they return to play the part even in death, still drawn by the glow of the stage. 

Schools are not immune to spirits, either. All across America, you’ll find dozens, if not hundreds, of haunted colleges and universities, many with their own distinct ghosts. From tales of former students who never left the dorms to beings that died before these walls were raised, these institutions have more than their fair share of restless spirits. 

Yet the most spine-tingling figures of all might be those who haunt the holiest of places. In New Orleans, stands a cathedral, rumored to be plagued by the spirits of a half dozen men executed on the grounds. Likewise, the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Cheyenne is overshadowed by the tale of a worker said to be buried within the walls during the construction of the church’s tower.  

Beings of Terror

The haunted Goatman Bridge in Texas – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

Every town in America has one: a strange, unearthly entity that defies logic and reason. In some cities, it’s a Lady in White. Sometimes she wanders out of grief for a lost child or lover, other times out of anger for her untimely passing, looking for victims to exact revenge upon. 

Perhaps you’ll hear the odd tale of a hitchhiker ghost. A figure who tries desperately to leave a stretch of road, yet no matter how many cars they climb inside, they always seem to vanish before making it to the next town.

But these mere phantoms pale in comparison to the creatures that lie at the edges of our cozy cities. Virginia has its mothman, a red-eyed omen of doom, but he’s not the only cryptid in this state. In Fairfax County, you’ll find the Bunny Man, a murderous figure dressed in a rabbit suit, skulking in the woods. 

Halfway across the county, an equally nightmarish entity haunts the area near the Old Alton Bridge in Denton, Texas. The mysterious creature known as the Goatman manifests as an entity with glowing eyes and thundering hoofbeats, bent on vengeance for his violent death. 

Whatever city you’re presently in, there’s undoubtedly one such legend nestled in the shadows nearby, waiting to be revealed.

Every Ghost Tour Contains a Chilling Cast of Characters

Whether you’re looking for a ghost tour in one of our spookiest cities, like Salem, or a haunted walk in a more modest-sized town, there are countless individuals embedded in such adventures just dying to be remembered. From ghoulish monsters to figures of flesh and bone, you’ll meet no shortage of interesting people on a haunted walking tour after dark as you encounter an assortment of strange tales and ghostly legends. 

The post Strange Encounters: The Most Interesting People You Meet on Haunted Walks appeared first on Kirsten Alana.

There’s a charming little town on California’s Central Coast that I can never stop returning to, San Luis Obispo. It’s affectionately called SLO. Years after visiting for the first time, I recently returned for another visit. And while two nights and three days aren’t enough, they’re a great intro to SLO.

What To Do with Two Nights in San Luis Obispo

Obviously, I think you should visit. Start this itinerary on a Wednesday night. By visiting during the week, you’ll save $$$ on hotel costs. And here’s what I recommend you get up to during your visit.

On day one

• Leave your car at home and ride Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner from Union Station in Los Angeles. You’ll leave in the morning and arrive in the late afternoon.
• Pick up sandwiches from High Street Deli, serving SLO since 1927.
• Head to SIP-certified Wolff Vineyards for a tasting among the vines of the Edna Valley. Look for owls, kestrels, & red-tailed hawks.
• Check into The Hotel San Luis Obispo.
• After you have unpacked, get cocktails at High Bar SLO on their roof. It’s the only rooftop bar in San Luis Obispo. Play bocce. I recommend ordering The High Bar Lemonade or the Bees On A Plane.
• Choose between dinner in the hotel at Ox & Anchor or Piadina. There, Chef Ryan Fancher serves farm-fresh fare inspired by Italy and the Central Coast. Alternatively, you could stroll down the creek trail to Novo Restaurant.

Then, on day two

• Enjoy sunrise from the Cerro San Luis trailhead. It’s just a portion of San Luis Obispo’s 54,400-acre Greenbelt & 9,500 acres of public-access lands.
• Get coffee at Linnaea’s Cafe. It’s one of the 1st second-wave coffee establishments on the West Coast. There, a Michelin-recognized pastry chef & local musician husband-wife duo still curate events for art & live music. Pick up a vegan + GF pastry on the way out.
• After breakfast, join a volunteer harvest at City Farm SLO. But know that you might become so passionate about urban farming, you won’t want to leave!
• Nourish your body & soul at Ebony. They serve organic, vegan, & gluten-free Ethiopian cuisine. After you eat, peruse their artisan goods market.
• Pop into the SLO Museum of Art. After that, walk around & enjoy the city’s 100+ unique pieces of public art. Note the *plentiful* recycling stations decorated with original art of the town.
• Shop at SLO’s many vintage, thrift, used, & fair trade stores. I like The Junk Girls, Humankind Fair Trade, & Phoenix Books.
• Grab dinner at the Downtown SLO Farmers Market on a Thursday night. It’s rated as one of the best in California. And take time to listen to one of the bands playing on the street.

Finally, on day three

• On your final morning, wake up early & walk to Sally Loos. Without a doubt, their food grown in San Luis Obispo County will nourish your body. But the art will inspire your soul.
• Grab a free bicycle from the Hotel SLO and ride the town’s plentiful bike lanes.
• Conclude your visit by helping Kind Traveler & ECOSLO plant a tree through the “Every Stay Gives Back” program.

Save These Places in San Luis Obispo

Here’s my Google Map for all things SLO and the surrounding area:

Need more ideas?

For more ideas of what to do in SLO and the surrounding area, check out my Central Coast post and search #ShareSLO everywhere there are hashtags online. Or check out the website for Visit San Luis Obispo! Finally, you should also check out Kind Traveler’s partnership with San Luis Obispo.

The post How to Spend Two Nights in San Luis Obispo appeared first on Kirsten Alana.

If you’re a long-time follower of mine on social media, you know how much I love Volkswagen. I came home from the hospital in a Bug, and since then, VW has been a part of my life. So it’s always a pleasure to be invited to test drive one of their vehicles, as I did last week with the 2025 VW Tiguan.

VW hosted me in Montana, but I was not compensated for this review. All words, opinions, and photos [unless specified] are my own.

Test driving the Tiguan was fun, and the Montana scenery added an extra wow factor. While we didn’t have the best weather, it didn’t matter. Inside the Tiguan it was a sanctuary of heated and massaging seats, dramatic views through the panoramic sunroof, and incredible sound coming out of the Harmon Kardon sound system.

Test driving the 2025 VW Tiguan

We started in Bozeman and did a 2.5-hour loop through countryside dotted with cows and horses. We even stopped at one of the oldest, continuously operating independent grocery stores in Montana, next to a coffee shop where the Mayor served us coffee!

My driving partner, Emily Moore, and I tested the SEL R-Line 4Motion in Avocado Green with a black roof. On a cold, blustery day where the wind tried to throw us around, it was incredible to get back in the Tiguan with its seat memory, heat, and massaging capability.

High winds, varying road conditions, and constantly changing weather patterns that sometimes featured driving rain made for great opportunities to test the vehicle. It handled perfectly, and there wasn’t a moment when I felt the car couldn’t handle it. Our Tiguan had the 2.0L TSI®️ 16-valve turbo 4-cylinder 8-speed Automatic engine with 4Motion®️ all-wheel drive.

Driving mode selection worked well and even eco didn’t seem to render the car with any lag while accelerating onto the interstate or speeding up after a curve.

This is the Monroney for the Tiguan we test drove:

What does the 2025 VW Tiguan cost?

I’m always impressed by all the features VW packs into their standard, or S, model. And it’s for what I think is a fair price. The S starts under $30,000 in the case of the 2025 VW Tiguan.

I drove the 2025 VW Tiguan SEL R-Line 4Motion, as I mentioned before, and that’s under $40,000. Here’s the side-by-side comparison for the different trim levels that are available with prices current as of the day of publishing [they are subject to change as the tariff situation evolves]:

So is it worth the price?

I think it is.

But don’t just take my word for it. Jalopnik says the “Tiguan SE Is The Best New VW In A Long Time, Especially For Under $35,000.” MotorTrend says the 2025 Tiguan, ditching its third row seats, puts VW “back in the game.” And finally, Scotty at A Girl’s Guide to Cars seems to be a fan. But she’s also made a comparison of available VW SUVs, which is so helpful.

Did any features stand out on the 2025 VW Tiguan?

Yes. Several. The American Walnut dash decor. Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Heated & ventilated, power adjustable 10-point full-back massage function with lumbar support and position memory. Since I can’t ever tire of looking at the sky, I really liked the panoramic sunroof as well and I wouldn’t buy this car without that feature. It made a compact vehicle feel larger and more spacious. Plus, as I said, I just can’t ever tire of being able to see the sky! And finally, the rain-sensing, variable intermittent front wipers with heated washer nozzles made a stormy day a cinch. I never had to worry about whether or not the wipers were on or on the right setting.

Would I buy the 2025 VW Tiguan?

Yes! I absolutely would. But my partner and I are focused on owning an EV (like the ID.4 or the Buzz) as the next vehicle after our Jetta.

If the availability of electric chargers in California changes for the worse, or another factor out of our control necessitates that we own a gas-powered vehicle, the Tiguan would be ideal for our small apartment parking space since it’s still a compact SUV. And we know a Hybrid version of the VW Tiguan is finally coming to the US [it’s already in Europe]! So I’m keeping a close eye on that development!

What is the 2025 VW Tiguan like for a road trip?

The Tiguan felt like an ideal car for a road trip. While still compact, it has plenty of room for all the gear my partner and I need. The cockpit, for the passenger and driver, would be more than comfortable on those long stretches of driving between destinations. And the 2025 VW Tiguan SEL R-Line 4Motion felt like a sanctuary. One of the most important things for me on a road trip is music, and the Harmon Kardon sound system would not fail me.

If you can ever rent this for a road trip, make sure you do! I’m pretty sure that as of the publishing of this post: Europcar, SIXT, Hertz, Fox Rent A Car, and Budget Rent A Car have VW vehicles in their fleet.

So, what do you think?

Would you consider buying, or renting, the 2025 VW Tiguan?

The post Test Driving Volkswagen’s new 2025 Tiguan appeared first on Kirsten Alana.

If you saw Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies, then you may think the fictional planet of Arrakis looks a bit familiar. That’s because it’s actually a popular filming location in the country of Jordan. The Dune movies are just some of the many movies filmed in the country, often in Wadi Rum.

This is not a sponsored post. However, some links in this post may be affiliates and by using them, Kirsten Alana may make a small commission.

How many do you think you know about already? Before I get into the list of movies, here’s more about the location:

What is Wadi Rum?

Wadi Rum is a 183,352 acre [74,000-hectare] protected area and nature preserve in the country of Jordan. I’ve heard it called the “Valley of the Moon.” Some say it does not have the drama of Petra, in Wadi Musa. However, its nevertheless dramatic rock formations of sandstone and granite and its wide-open sandy plains have made it an iconic filming location. And one of my favorite places to be when I visit Jordan.

Where is Wadi Rum?

It is in the Southern region of Jordan; not far from the border of Saudi Arabia and the top of the Gulf of Aqaba which leads to the Red Sea. By car driving from Amman, it could take you anywhere between 4 and 5.5 hours to get there.

What movies filmed in Wadi Rum?

Dune (2021)

Arrakis is described in Frank Herbert’s book as “an inhospitable and sparsely populated desert wasteland.” Wadi Rum, in contrast, is estimated to have been home to human beings with evidence of culture and language for as long as 12,000 years.

Like the planet where so much of Dune takes place, Wadi Rum is more than what’s visible at surface level. There’s a drama and a passion, that is ideal as a backdrop for stories of the struggle to survive and thrive. Oftentimes, against all odds.

According to Looper and their article about the making of the movie:

Production Designer Patrice Vermette told The New York Times, “There is this thing that hits you — you’re humbled by the magnitude. It was a spiritually amazing experience just to be there.” Adding on to that, star Jason Momoa told Visit Jordan, “Going to Jordan was a monumental moment in my life. I’ve never seen a desert like that. I’m a rock climber, I’ve never seen rocks like that.”

still of characters Paul Atreides and Lady Jessica on Arrakis in the movie ‘Dune’, © Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Since the second installment of Dune franchise returned to Arrakis, it had to return to Jordan. It was locations like Al Siq that were chosen to be the location for scenes that featured canyons. I imagine it was mostly for those representing the home of the Fremen, since they are known to live in incredible rock formations. Al Siq, not unlike Wadi Rum, has those in abundance. As a reminder, Wadi Rum is a UNESCO World Heritage site, also known as the Valley of the Moon. I highly recommend a visit, as to this day it’s one of the most incredible places I have ever been.

I also recommend visiting Petra, which also has stunning rock formations. It’s where another incredible movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, was filmed. You might recognize this iconic spot:

The Martian (2015) 

If you’ve been, you may think this is one of the most obvious filming locations in cinema history. It is a character in and of itself. Matt Damon’s acting in the film is superb but Wadi Rum just is Mars! Or what we believe Mars must look like since it’s been called “Mars on Earth.” As a filming location, it completely transports you into the story.

I’ve read that Matt Damon was on location for only 8 days in Wadi Rum in 2014. The crew must have been very efficient! Jordan’s Royal Automobile Museum, in Amman, now exhibits one of the rovers used during filming.

Prometheus (2012) 

Director Ridley Scott’s sci-fi drama took 4 years to produce and had a budget of over $120 million. Wadi Rum’s iconic landscapes are a significant character in the film even though it uses more than 1000 CGI shots. Scott was once quoted as saying that green screens were only used 6 times during filming. However, his color grading of the film significantly changes the appearance of Wadi Rum so that it differs dramatically from the look and feel it has in other movies in this list.

Transformers – Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

When the film’s storyline would have you believe you’re seeing Egypt, you’re actually looking at Wadi Rum. Additional filming in Jordan took place at Petra and Al Salt.

Rogue One: Star Wars (2016)

In the case of this film, Wadi Rum is the set for the desert moon of Jedha where there’s a walled city on a hill. It’s not as obvious that it is Wadi Rum and so it’s easier to miss than in say, The Martian.

Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker (2019)

The second Star Wars movie to be filmed in Wadi Rum is also the one in which Jordan is really the only notable location outside that of the actual studios for the movie. Production actually had to be rushed and cut-out figures were used in the end as stand-in objects to be replaced later in post-production.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

If you’ve sat through this entire movie more than once in your lifetime, you deserve a medal. Its locations often steal a show that can otherwise be slow and plodding. And which has been widely criticized for its portrayal of Arabic people. Peter O’Toole portrays British Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence in a non-factual story about events that took place during World War I. Wadi Rum is used to depict locations ranging from Syria to Sinai which were supplemented by filming in Morocco, and later Spain.

Before The Martian, Lawrence of Arabia was one of the most well-known movies to ever be filmed in Wadi Rum. At Petra, you can find merchandise promoting the movie for sale in addition to some for Indiana Jones; which was filmed there, not in Wadi Rum as is sometimes claimed in other guides or blog posts.

Honorable mentions

Aladdin (2019), The Last Days on Mars (2013), Red Planet (2000), Mission to Mars (2000), and Passion in the Desert (2014)

Did I miss any? Do you know of more movies filmed in Wadi Rum?

Can you visit Wadi Rum?

Yes, you can! It is a year-round destination. I visited in October. And it wasn’t too hot or too cold. I was very comfortable in a long sleeve shirt and pants from REI. I’ve read that visiting in Spring allows you to see the desert come alive with plants, wildflowers, and baby goats which belong to the native Bedouin herds.

How to Visit Wadi Rum

I had the privilege of visiting Wadi Rum during my Jordan extension after a tour through Egypt with Abercrombie & Kent USA. Our quick visit included tea with a Bedouin family and time spent climbing some of the dunes and rock formations. It was the ability to get to know the Bedouin families, that I enjoyed most.

We also viewed some of the 20,000 + petroglyphs and inscriptions, mostly Thamudic, that can be found on the rocks. They are part of why Wadi Rum is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, ‘critical for the study and understanding of the evolution of aesthetics, writing, and literacy’ where more than 150 archaeological sites have been discovered.

If I went back, I’d want to stay overnight in one of 7 luxury camps. For more on how to plan your visit, check out kimmim.com’s Ultimate Guide to Wadi Rum.

Featured photo at top of the article, by Juli Kosolapova on Unsplash

The post Movies Filmed in Wadi Rum in Jordan appeared first on Kirsten Alana.

I love the many forms of Spring that California has. It’s different from the type of Spring I grew up with in the Northeast and Midwest but from early bulbs and cherry blossoms to “super blooms” on the hills, and Jacaranda trees just before summer, Spring is lovely in California! Here are some places to enjoy Spring in California:

Greater Los Angeles

Catalina Island

The island is a little like the Italian Riviera but it’s in LA County. Just a short ferry ride away from mainland Los Angeles, Catalina is great in any season. But in April, when I visited, the island was particularly verdant. Bush lilies [below], pink orchid rockroses, and yellow flax-leaf broom are all prominent.

Here’s what you should know when you’re planning your visit to Catalina. 

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Park or Beverly Gardens offers 1.9 miles of everything from spring bulbs to cactus flowers to Jacaranda trees. From Spring through the end of summer and even into what would be autumn if Los Angeles had a proper fall – you can find things in bloom along Santa Monica Boulevard from Wilshire Boulevard to North Doheny Drive. The Jacaranda trees are my personal favorite.

Malibu

Along Highway 1 in Spring and at places like Point Dume, yellow becomes the color du jour. Mustard plants line the highway. And on the cliffs above the ocean, a form of yellow daisy grows in such thickets it can look like a carpet.

Huntington Gardens

There is no bad season for a visit to this garden in San Marino, part of LA County. Check the What’s Blooming? page before your visit to find out what you can expect to see in Spring. I think I enjoy the pear trees and magnolia trees most in March.

Descanso Gardens

Spring is my favorite time to visit Descanso Gardens. It’s located in La Cañada Flintridge in LA County. Several “themed” areas are particularly lovely in Spring. I think my favorites are the Japanese-style garden, the lilac grove and the camellia collection.

The garden’s website lists these flowers as blooming in Spring:

FEBRUARY: Camellias, magnolias, cherry trees and daffodils
MARCH: Tulips, camellias, irises, lilacs, cherry trees, clivia and daffodils
APRIL: Azaleas, camellias, irises, lilacs, native plants and wildflowers, and wisteria
MAY: Roses, azaleas, irises, wildflowers and California natives

And from this page, you can find a live bloom map that updates as the garden changes all season long.

San Francisco

The Presidio

There are many spots to enjoy Spring in this park. However, my favorite can be found just south of Golden Gate Bridge. On the slopes that would eventually lead down to crashing waves, wildflowers and flowering bushes carpet the hillside with blooms in Spring and leading into summer. It’s also a great place, period, to stop for photos of the Bridge. Look for parking near what is labeled as Battery Godfrey. You can also easily walk and bike to this spot from elsewhere in San Francisco. 

Golden Gate Park

It’s a good idea all year! But of particular note for the park in Spring:

• The Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden – for tulips, of course! – by the windmills on the far western edge of the park.
• Rhododendron Dell is full of pink and deep red blooms in March.
• The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest of its kind in the USA and it’s where Azaleas and cherry blossoms appear in March and April.

Muir Woods

While it isn’t particularly special for blooms, of all the times to visit Muir Woods [and I have been many times] – I find that Spring is my favorite. The stream that flows through the woods is usually higher and running faster in Spring. The woods haven’t yet dried out in the sense that they can during a particularly hot summer. And if you time it right to avoid Spring Breakers, Muir Woods is more empty at this time of year than in summer when there are generally more tourists.

San Diego

Balboa Park

It is a good idea year-round. In Spring, pink tulip and redbud trees make the park look particularly delightful. They provide a beautiful foreground to the background of the park’s incredible architecture.

Other Places to Experience Spring in California

Carlsbad

The Flower Fields is a 55-acre garden complex that blooms with Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers for about six to eight weeks each year, from early March through early May. I try to update their events each year in my “Reasons to Visit” post. But the flowers themselves are reason enough. You can walk the acreage, or opt to take the tractor-wagon ride that will drop you off and pick you up at multiple points in the fields. Plan for at least a half-day visit and because there is no shade in the fields, you should start when they open to avoid the hottest sun. There is shade at the cafe and other attractions, separate from the flowers.

Highway 1

As this article from the Highway 1 Discovery Route points out, the famous stretch of road is a great place to look for all kinds of blooms. They share that,

Brittlebrush, poppies, bluebells, lupine, sand verbena, and evening primrose are just a handful of the incredible wildflowers that bloom on the Central Coast. The California Native Plant Society of San Luis Obispo publishes a list of the plants that can be found throughout SLO County.

That list can be found here.

Lancaster and the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

Antelope is a state nature reserve within the Mojave Desert. It has an 8-mile hike and a wildflower season that occurs from March to May when there has been enough rain in winter. You can track the park live with this camera to see if it’s worth visiting.

But if there has been enough rain and poppies are in bloom, I think it’s worth saving the money and heading to two other places instead. First, to see poppies: the intersection of Munz Ranch Road and Lancaster Road in Lancaster. The open fields where I took this photo and this video, at that intersection, are as beautiful as the reserve. And they’re free!

Second, find “Art in Residence.” The entrance, off Lancaster Road between the Reserve and the spot I mentioned at Munz Ranch Road, is best navigated with an EV SUV or SUV. Something that’s higher off the ground and that has good tires will help you make the drive up the potholed hill. If you can do it, you’ll discover a lovely wild art gallery in a wide open field under enormous skies in what seems to be the middle of nowhere. It’s one of the most pleasant surprises in rural California.

Diamond Valley Lake / Lakeview Trail Pass

To see poppies and spring wildflowers in this area, head to the DVL marina’s parking lot where you buy a ticket that gets you parking and access to the 1.3-mile wildflower trail loop. April is the best month but viewing times are February through May. Expect to spend an hour and 45 minutes in the car heading south and east of Los Angeles to Riverside County. The trail fee is $4/pp and access is Wednesday through Sunday. Plan to arrive early to avoid the worst of the crowds!

Walker Canyon near Lake Elsinore

A great option when California experiences a Superbloom, Walker Canyon is an area of hills that explode with California’s native poppy when there is enough rain during the winter.

While you’re in the area, why not keep driving and check out Joshua Tree in spring. After a particularly wet winter, the area’s desert landscape can also bloom with flowers. And though it’s rare, it’s an incredible sight to behold when it happens.

Napa Valley

As this article illustrates, spring in Napa Valley is a colorful affair. Though the vines are not yet heavy with grapes – plum tree blossoms, tulips, and more make the area a colorful backdrop to wine tasting. Which is a year-round activity in California. While there, make sure you stop for a picnic lunch at Oakville Grocery. Their wood-fired pizzas are divine.

Sonoma County

Also an excellent wine region, Sonoma boasts coastal access and Redwood forests which Napa does not have. All kinds of blooms can be found in Sonoma from the coast to the inland hills, from Spring through to summer. While there, stay at MacArthur Place. The verdant grounds bloom all year in some capacity and make for an excellent way to decompress after a harsh winter.

What area or place would you add? What have I missed?

The post My Favorite Places to Enjoy Spring in California appeared first on Kirsten Alana.

If you’re dreaming of a perfectly white wedding, what could be better than setting it in a true winter landscape? Of course, it can be hard to choose where to set your sights. There are many stunning vistas across the globe, promising everything from snow-covered mountains to frozen lakes, each with unique qualities and offerings that could be the perfect location for your wedding.

Guest Post by Naomi. Header image by Jon Flobrant on Unsplash.

Whether you envision saying “I do” under a frosty canopy at the edge of a grand forest or in a fairytale castle overlooking the alpine countryside, be sure to consider these three beautiful destinations.

Austria

Photo by Dahee Son on Unsplash

For a winter wedding like no other, head to Austria between December and March. You’ll find pristine valleys covered in powder-soft snow, a skyline filled with glistening peaks and a selection of charming venues nestled between alpine forests. From fairytale-esque castles to rustic chalets to quaint hotels, there’s a venue for every couple here.

The most popular region is arguably Tyrol, which offers endless, undulating landscapes of rugged peaks and vibrant meadows. This area has ski resorts and plenty of comfortable amenities to cater to you and your guests. The baroque city of Salzburg is teeming with rural charm, crystal-blue lakes and fairytale castles fit for a show-stopping wedding. For nature lovers looking for somewhere a little more off the beaten path, consider the region of Obertraun, a UNESCO heritage site encompassing the quaint, lakeside town of Hallstatt and the base of the Dachstein mountains.

After embracing the natural beauty outdoors and snapping some Insta-worthy photographs, you can get cosy inside with plenty of candles, a hearty meal and a roaring fire in true Austrian fashion. And, as a top ski-resort destination, adventurous couples can even combine their wedding with an adrenaline-fuelled honeymoon exploring the Alps.

Iceland

Photo by Vincent Guth on Unsplash

Could there be anything more romantic than witnessing the Northern Lights on your wedding night? In Iceland, there’s a high chance of seeing the aurora borealis between September and April. Plus, there’s far more than vast expanses of untouched glaciers and rolling emerald hills here; with rare ice caves, waterfalls, quaint villages and black sand beaches, you can choose from a selection of unique backdrops in this winter wonderland.

Naturally, the breathtaking vistas of Iceland make for incredible photographs, but it’s best to book a local professional who’ll know all of the best spots to capture the joy of your day. As far as legalities, it’s relatively easy for couples to get officially married in Iceland – you’ll just need to fill out a few forms, both be over the age of 18 and not already be married.

There are plenty of charming churches dotted throughout the landscapes, luxurious hotels and other quirky venues such as museums, theatres and halls to choose from to warm up once you’ve had your fill of the natural beauty outside. Or, for even more views of this unspoilt icy paradise, why not enjoy a sunset helicopter ride before getting the party started at your reception?

Scotland

Photo by Sorin Tudorut on Unsplash

Those familiar with my blog know that I love Scotland. It’s well known for its rural charm and awe-inspiring views, where ancient castles and villages sit between rolling hills, hidden coves and majestic lochs. The country is teeming with folklore and a rich cultural history that only makes a wedding here more enchanting, and the people are friendly and hospitable.

Without any restrictions on outdoor weddings, Scotland is the perfect destination for a scenic celebration surrounded by natural beauty and wonder. There are a host of fun local traditions you can incorporate into your day to make it authentically Scottish, whether you’re tying the knot in a rugged castle beside a mysterious loch or in a hilltop church under the moody mist of the highlands.

If you want to enjoy the vistas of this gorgeous country shrouded with white, plan your day between December and February. You’ll benefit from fewer tourists, better prices on luxurious accommodations and less rainfall than in the warmer months. To stay warm, fill up with an authentic Scottish meal of roast tatties, meats, veg or pie followed by a steaming bowl of sticky toffee pudding at your wedding breakfast.

Embrace The Winter

While a winter wedding may not be for everyone, these ethereal destinations make for enchanting spots to celebrate your special day. With more affordable rates, less competition and all the excitement that winter festivities bring, you’re sure to have a magical wedding in any of these impressive countries.

The post Three Beautiful Global Destinations for a Winter Wonderland Wedding appeared first on Kirsten Alana.

In 2016, Danté and I took another trip to Paris. This trip was different from our 4th date that took place in Paris. Then we stuck close to our apartment in the 17th arrondissement. In October 2016, we roamed far and wide across Paris. From the right back to the left bank and from Trocadéro to Père Lachaise, we saw as much as we possibly could. And after 2019’s fire at Notre Dame de Paris, I think climbing the stairs to see the roof of the cathédrale was 2016’s most memorable moment.

At that time, it was just something we wanted to take the time to do finally. We both believed we’d be back again. And yet, we decided to do it then because of some driving force that seemed to tell us both somewhere deep inside that we just needed to do it then. As I went to sleep on 15 April 2019, I was so profoundly grateful that we did. The news out of Paris then, said that much of what I loved about Notre Dame was now gone. The news was dire.

The Present Moment

We now know the cathédrale has been rebuilt! And is reopening! Did it help that not too long before the fire a 3D laser map of every detail of Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris was completed? Who knows! Nor do I know what we will all see when Notre Dame reopens to the public. I can’t wait to find out! Hopefully in 2015!

Use this link to plan your visit and learn more.

What Was Lost When Notre Dame Burnt?

In 2019, my sorrow wasn’t just that Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris burnt. It seemed it would never be the same.

It’s true that like a Greyjoy would say on Game of Thrones, ‘What is dead may never die.’ Notre Dame will always live on in all of us who have visited it, who have studied it, who love it. Notre Dame belongs to the people of the world but most particularly to the French. For them it is the standard of measurement for all places in France, the point from which every distance in France is measured.

2019’s loss felt far more significant than the loss of a building.

Because while stones can be put in place again and beams can be raised for a new ceiling, you can’t literally rebuild the past. The cathédrale will reopen but is already garnering criticism for how “new” it looks.

I wonder if we took for granted that the cathédrale would always be there for us. To see every time we returned to Paris. It is a representation of how fragile human existence is. Anyone and anything can be taken from us at any time. We shouldn’t take a second of life, or a person we love, for granted. Ever.

Instead of dwelling further on losses, I want to share photos of our climb to the roof and photos I took inside Notre Dame. Danté took a few of these and the rest are mine.

This is what it looked like in 2016:

Views from, and of, the Roof

Inside Notre Dame

Let us celebrate together what Notre Dame was and find hope for what it will be!

The post Notre Dame: on the roof and inside Cathédrale de Paris appeared first on Kirsten Alana.