Category: Summer

This summer was a whirlwind of ✈️ planes, ⛴️ ferries, 🏊 pools, 🏔️ mountains, and more snacks 🍪 than I care to admit. Over three weeks, we explored South Carolina’s coastal charm 🐚, Ohio’s family fun 🛝, and Colorado’s mountain magic ⛰️. Here’s the play-by-play of our journey.

Day 1 – July 21: Flying to Dulles ✈️🇺🇸

We kicked things off with a 7.5-hour flight from Frankfurt to Dulles. One kid slept twice in the bassinet 👶💤 while the other happily watched TV 📺 and stayed cheerful 😄. A quick hotel shuttle 🚌 later, we settled into the Hyatt Regency Dulles 🏨 for some much-needed rest.

Day 2 – July 22: Hello, South Carolina 🏝️🐚

Shuttle back to the airport, then a 2-hour hop to Savannah 🛫. We were picked up 🚗 and drove 45 minutes to Haig Point Embarkation. From there, a 30-minute ferry ⛴️ carried us to Daufuskie Island.

First stop? The pool! 💦 The kids splashed for hours, and later there was plenty of shell collecting 🐚 along the beach with family.

Day 3 – July 23: Bloody Point & Beach Time 🌊

We explored Bloody Point, then enjoyed lunch at the clubhouse 🥪—classic club sandwich for the win. A relaxed, sunny day ☀️.

Day 4 – July 24: Pirate Adventures 🏴‍☠️⚓

A 1.5-hour pirate ship cruise kept everyone grinning 😁. One kid even napped through the whole thing 😴. Lunch at Quarterdeck was a fried chicken sandwich dream 🍗, followed by—what else?—more pool time 🏊.

Day 5 – July 25: Pool Day 🏊‍♀️☀️

Sometimes the best vacation days are the simplest—just sunshine, swims, and happy, waterlogged kids 🛟.

Day 6 – July 26: Farmers Market & Fine Dining 🥕🍷

A charming farmers market trip 🛍️ started the day. We wrapped up with a fancy dinner at Calibogue Club 🍽️, then an evening swim 💦.

Day 7 – July 27: Last Island Day 🌴

One last pool day 🏊 before packing up 🧳 for the next adventure.

Day 8 – July 28: Off to Cincinnati 🛫🏙️

A 2:40 ferry ⛴️ back to the mainland, drive to Savannah 🚗, and then a 1-hour 19-minute flight to Cincinnati ✈️. The little one slept most of the way 😴—always a blessing.

Day 9 – July 29: Hyde Park Stroll 👟🍕

Some light shopping for the kids 🛍️ (new shoes 👟!), pizza and swimming at a friend’s 🍕🏊, and a lovely walk to Hyde Park Square 🌳.

Day 10 – July 30: Aquarium Day 🐠🐧

Wide-eyed wonder at the aquarium 🐟🐢. Dinner with friends ❤️ rounded out the evening.

Day 11 – July 31: Rainy but Cozy 🌧️☕

Rainy day plans: my parents took one kid to an indoor playground 🛝 while the other stayed home for naps 💤. We ended the day with a cookout 🍔 with friends.

Day 12 – August 1: Summit Park 🌳🍝

Lunch with friends 🥗, then playtime at Summit Park 🎠. Dinner at Buca di Beppo meant plenty of pasta 🍝 and laughs 😂.

Day 13 – August 2: Colorado Bound 🏔️🛫

Early flight to Denver after lunch at Stanley’s 🍔. Dinner at Torchy’s 🌮 wrapped up the day.

Day 14 – August 3: A Little Shopping & A Lot of Food 🛍️🍜

Costco run 🛒, lunch at Noodles & Co 🍜, Ulta trip 💄, and a sunset walk to Chipotle for dinner 🌯.

Day 15 – August 4: Chill Day 🏡🔥

Social Security appointment, relaxing at home 🛋️, Domino’s pizza 🍕 for dinner, and gooey s’mores by the fire 🔥.

Day 16 – August 5: Denver Zoo & Game Night 🦁🎮

A behind-the-scenes zoo tour 🐒, animal fun, and a Mario Kart marathon 🏎️. Dinner at Stanley’s 🍔 and more s’mores 🔥 to end the night.

Day 17 – August 6: Small-Town Vibes 🍦🌾

Arrived at Meg’s, explored the farmers market 🥕, enjoyed ice cream 🍨, and watched Happy Gilmore 2 🎬.

Day 18 – August 7: Lake Day 🚤☀️

Quick Walmart run 🛍️, drive around the ranches 🐎, lunch at Cane’s 🍗, Dutch Bros coffee ☕, and boating at Chatfield Lake 🚤💦.

Day 19 – August 8: Missy’s & Birthday Fun 🎉🎂

Visited Missy’s, celebrated an early birthday 🥳, stopped at Dollar General 🛒 and TJ Maxx 👜.

Day 20 – August 9: Pikes Peak 🏔️🚗

Reached 14,115 ft at Pikes Peak 🌬️, then explored charming Manitou Springs ⛲.

Day 21 – August 10: Outlet Shopping 🛍️

A day at Castle Rock outlet mall 👗👟.

Day 22 – August 11: Flying Home ✈️

Flight from Denver to Frankfurt—goodbye, USA 🇺🇸👋.

Day 23 – August 12: Home Sweet Home 🏡❤️

Arrived back in Frankfurt, tired but so happy with our summer adventure memories.

📅 Day 1 – August 28: First Taste of Stockholm

🏨 Check-in: Arrived and settled at the cozy Stockholm Hostel – a great budget-friendly base for exploring the city.

🏛️ City Hall (Stadshuset): First stop was the stunning City Hall, famous for its iconic tower and the Nobel Prize banquet hall. A must-see if you love architecture and history!

🚶‍♂️ City Stroll: Wandered around Gamla Stan (the Old Town) and the surrounding city streets. Cobbled lanes, colorful buildings, and plenty of little shops made it the perfect welcome to Stockholm.

🐟 Lunch: Stopped at The Fishery, known for fresh, modern takes on classic seafood dishes. Light, tasty, and very Scandinavian!

🍣 Dinner: Ended the night at Amia Sushi, a cozy spot serving beautifully prepared sushi – a nice change of pace after all the walking.

📅 Day 2 – August 29: On the Water & Local Flavors

🍳 Breakfast: Started with a hearty brunch at Greasy Spoon – a popular spot for pancakes, eggs, and proper coffee ☕.

🛥️ Archipelago Boat Tour: Took a 2-hour tour with Red Sightseeing. Cruised through the Stockholm archipelago, passing scenic islands, waterfront villas, and sailboats. Perfect way to see the city from a new perspective! 🌊🏝️

🥘 Late Lunch: After the boat ride, stopped at Meatballs for the People. It’s the ultimate Swedish comfort food experience – meatballs with lingonberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pickled cucumber. Authentic and filling! 🇸🇪❤️

📅 Day 3 – August 30: History & Goodbye Stockholm

🧳 Check-out: Said goodbye to Stockholm Hostel in the morning.

🚌 Museum Island: Took the bus over to Djurgården, home to several of Stockholm’s best museums.

🚢 Vasa Museum: Highlight of the day! The 17th-century warship Vasa (which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged centuries later) is absolutely massive and breathtaking to see up close. A must-do in Stockholm. ⚓✨

🍕 Dinner: Grabbed a casual bite at Campino before wrapping up the trip.

🏨 Final Night: Checked into a hotel near the airport, ready for an early flight home the next morning. ✈️💙💛

👉 This 3-day Stockholm trip was the perfect mix of city walks, good food, history, and time on the water. If you’re visiting in summer, don’t skip the archipelago tour and definitely make time for Swedish meatballs – they’re worth the hype!

🗓️ Day 1 – August 24: Arrival in Oslo ✈️

Your Scandinavian journey begins! ✨

You’ll arrive in Oslo around 3:00 PM, just in time for the golden afternoon light. 🌅 After checking into your hotel 🏨, take a gentle walk through the city center. Oslo is compact and walkable, so you’ll quickly get a feel for its charming mix of modern architecture and historic streets. 🏙️ Depending on your energy, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local café ☕🥗, or simply soak up the atmosphere by the Oslo Opera House — its marble rooftop is perfect for watching the city glow at sunset. 🌊🎭

🗓️ Day 2 – August 25: First Full Day in Oslo 🌳🎨

Time to dive into Oslo’s cultural and natural treasures!

Morning: Start at Ekebergparken Sculpture Park 🗿🌿. This isn’t just an ordinary park — it’s a hilltop escape filled with modern sculptures, winding trails, and some of the best panoramic views over Oslofjord. 🌊⛰️ You’ll spot works from famous artists like Damien Hirst, alongside lush forest paths. Don’t forget your camera! 📸 Lunch: Grab a quick and delicious bite at Max Burgers 🍔🍟. It’s a Swedish chain loved for its quality and eco-conscious approach — perfect for a speedy, satisfying stop before more exploring. Afternoon: Stroll along Karl Johans gate, Oslo’s main street 🛍️, lined with shops, street performers, and historic buildings. You can wander all the way from the Royal Palace 👑 to the Oslo Central Station 🚉. If time allows, swing by the Oslo Opera House 🎶, where you can actually walk up onto the sloping rooftop for sweeping harbor views. Evening: Dinner can be flexible tonight. Try classic Norwegian flavors like grilled salmon 🐟, creamy fish soup, or even adventurous dishes like reindeer stew 🍲 for a true taste of Norway.

🗓️ Day 3 – August 26: Bygdøy Peninsula Adventure ⛴️🏛️

A day full of history, culture, and coastal charm!

Morning: Catch the ferry to Bygdøy ⛴️ — a short but scenic ride that gives you lovely views of Oslofjord. 🌊💙 First stop: Norwegian Museum of Cultural History 🏡🎭. This open-air museum is like stepping into the past, with traditional wooden houses, stave churches, and folk exhibits. It feels like walking through a living storybook. 📖✨ Second stop: Norwegian Maritime Museum ⚓🚢. Dive into Norway’s seafaring past, with interactive exhibits on shipbuilding, exploration, and the country’s deep connection to the sea. 🐚🌍 Perfect for history lovers and kids alike. Afternoon: Ferry back to the mainland ⛴️ — the ride at sunset is especially magical 🌅. Take a quiet moment by the harbor with a coffee or gelato 🍦 as you watch boats drift by. Evening: Dinner at Sultan 🍛🥘. This cozy spot serves hearty, flavorful dishes that’ll warm you up after a full day of exploring.

🗓️ Day 4 – August 27: Farewell Oslo, Hello Stockholm 👋🇸🇪

The last day in Oslo, but the adventure continues!

Morning: Pack your bags 🎒🧳 and check out of your hotel. Enjoy a relaxed brunch or coffee ☕ at a local café — Oslo is full of stylish coffeehouses where locals linger with pastries. 🥐 At 4:52 PM, board the train to Stockholm 🚆. The ride takes about 4.5 hours, but it’s no ordinary train trip — it’s a journey through endless forests, shimmering lakes, and charming Scandinavian towns. 🌲🏞️✨

By evening, you’ll roll into Stockholm, ready to start the next chapter of your Scandinavian adventure. 🇸🇪💙

After exploring Copenhagen, the journey continued north to Norway — a land of fjords, mountains, and colorful wooden houses. Here’s how three summer days unfolded between Bergen and the breathtaking fjords.

📅 Day 1 – August 22: Arrival in Bergen

👟 Walk to town – Started the day with a stroll down into Bergen, a charming city surrounded by mountains and water. The crisp sea air and narrow streets gave the town a cozy, welcoming feel 🌬️.

🥪 Quick lunch at 7-Eleven – Norway’s convenience stores are surprisingly good for sandwiches and easy meals — a budget-friendly traveler’s friend.

🚶 Exploring town – Wandered around Bergen’s lively center, past colorful wooden houses and the harbor ⚓.

🌭 Hot dog stop – Tried the famous “3 kroner hot dogs” 🌭 — simple, cheap, and a local favorite snack.

📅 Day 2 – August 23: Fjord Adventure

🚢 Fjord Cruise with Norled – Spent six hours cruising from Bergen to Flåm through Norway’s famous fjords. Towering cliffs, waterfalls tumbling into the water 💦, and tiny villages made the journey unforgettable.

🌲 Arrival in Flåm – A quiet, scenic village at the end of the fjord — perfect for walking around, snapping photos 📸, and soaking in the beauty.

🚌 Bus back to Bergen – A two-hour ride back through mountain roads and valleys, showing yet another side of Norway’s rugged landscape 🏔️.

📅 Day 3 – August 24: Bergen → Train Journey

🚆 Bergen to Oslo train – One of the most scenic train rides in the world, lasting about seven hours. Snowy mountain plateaus ❄️, green valleys 🌿, shimmering lakes 💧, and remote villages passed outside the window — a moving postcard the whole way.

📖 The perfect day for snacks, a good book, and staring out at the endless scenery.

✨ Final Thoughts

Norway is a country that feels like it was built by nature itself. Bergen’s charm 🏘️, the epic fjords 🚢, and the scenic train route 🚆 make for an unforgettable summer trip. Even just a few days here give you a taste of its magic 🌲⛰️💙.

A 5-Day Journey from Germany to Denmark (and beyond!)

This summer adventure took me from Germany 🚄 up through Hamburg 🌆, across the Danish countryside 🌾, and into the heart of Copenhagen 🇩🇰 — a city full of history, canals, cozy cafés, and a relaxed summer vibe. Here’s how the trip unfolded, day by day.

📅 Day 1 – August 17: Germany → Hamburg

The trip started bright and early 🌅 with the S9 train from Karlsruhe (6:26am) to the main station, where I caught the ICE to Hamburg (6:51am). The five-hour ride was smooth, with plenty of time for reading, podcasts, and gazing out at the rolling German countryside 🌳🚂.

By the time I reached Hamburg in the afternoon, there was just enough energy left for a simple dinner 🍝 and a walk around the neighborhood before heading to bed 🛏️. Tomorrow, the real journey north would begin!

📅 Day 2 – August 18: Hamburg → Copenhagen

After a quick breakfast ☕ and some time at a local playground 🛝 (perfect for stretching legs before another long train ride), it was time to board the train to Copenhagen at 10:53am.

The ride took about five hours 🚆 — passing through fields, lakes, and the pretty Danish countryside. Arriving in Copenhagen felt exciting: new energy, new streets, and bikes everywhere 🚲.

I checked into Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger 🏨, a lively hostel with a social vibe. After unpacking, I took a short evening walk 🚶‍♂️ around the city to get a feel for it. Tivoli Gardens glowed in the background with twinkling lights ✨, but instead of heading inside, I grabbed a quick dinner at McDonald’s 🍔 at the train station. Simple, but comforting after a long travel day.

📅 Day 3 – August 19: Classic Copenhagen

This was the first full day of sightseeing — and Copenhagen delivered.

⛵ Canal Tour – The best way to start! From the water, I passed the colorful houses of Nyhavn 🌈, old warehouses, and modern architecture. 🏛️ Christiansborg Palace – A striking building that houses Denmark’s parliament. The views from the tower gave a beautiful perspective of the city. 👑 Amalienborg Palace – The home of the Danish Royal Family. I was lucky enough to see the changing of the guards 🚶‍♂️. ☕ Café stop – Copenhagen is full of cozy cafés, perfect for a break between sightseeing. 🎡 Tivoli Gardens – The evening highlight! Opened in 1843, Tivoli is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. I strolled through gardens, watched the lights come on, and soaked in the magic ✨.

Dinner was casual: sandwiches 🥪 from a local shop — a quick and tasty way to wrap up the day.

📅 Day 4 – August 20: Islands, Art & Street Food

This day was all about exploring beyond the obvious sights.

⛴️ Morning Ferry – A short boat ride to a nearby island, perfect for sea views and fresh air. 🪖 Kastellet Fortress – A star-shaped 17th-century fortress surrounded by grassy paths and historic buildings. Great for a calm walk. 🧜‍♀️ The Little Mermaid – Probably Copenhagen’s most famous statue. Small, but iconic — and definitely worth a photo stop. 🍴 Lunch at Reffen – A buzzing street food market by the water with stalls from all over the world 🌮🍜🍹. Great atmosphere and flavors! 🎨 Copenhagen Contemporary – A modern art center inside an old industrial building, with large-scale installations and unique exhibitions. 🚲 Bike ride – A quick spin around the city — Copenhagen is built for cycling 🚴. 🍗 Dinner at Chicky Grill – A casual, satisfying meal before winding down.

The day ended with a sunset walk 🌅 along the waterfront — the perfect way to see the city glow.

📅 Day 5 – August 21: Farewell Copenhagen

The last morning was about soaking in a few final sights before leaving Denmark.

🥐 Breakfast at the hostel + check-out 🧳. ⛪ Trinitatis Kirke – A peaceful church stop. 🔭 Round Tower (Rundetårn) – A gentle spiral walk to the top with panoramic city views 🌆. 🍽️ Lunch at Torvehallerne – A lively food hall full of Danish specialties like smørrebrød, fresh pastries, and more.

Finally, it was time to head to the airport ✈️ for the flight to Norway 🇳🇴, continuing the summer adventure northward.

✨ Final Thoughts

Copenhagen is a city of contrasts: historic palaces and modern art, busy food halls and quiet waterfronts, fairy-tale amusement parks and sleek bicycles zipping by 🚲. It’s easygoing, walkable, and full of little surprises.

Five days was just enough to see the highlights — but I could’ve easily stayed longer. Whether you’re into history, food, or just soaking in a relaxed summer vibe, Copenhagen has a little bit of everything 🌞.