24 HOURS

October 17, 2017

Even though it is the capital of Croatia, Zagreb is often overlooked as a destination. However, it is starting to increase in popularity. Zagreb is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, architecture, bakeries, and museums. There is always something happening in the largest city in Croatia. It is an easily walkable city and has a rich culture and history. Zagreb is a great place to fly into, stay for a couple days, and then can easily access your next destination.

What we saw (did):

St. Marks: One of Zagreb’s most recognized buildings. The colorful tiled roof nobly displays the emblem of Zagreb on the right and Croatian medieval coat on the left.

Croatian History Museum: One thing I was unaware of was the magnitude of the Croatian War of Independence. This museum while small and difficult to locate was an incredible learning experience. Croatia wanted independence and fought to defend their lands for five taxing years with minimal resources. To better understand and appreciate Croatia, it is important to learn about the past.

Explore the city: Most of our time in Zagreb was spent walking around finding little treasures and occasionally popping into a café for a coffee. I also highly recommend taking a stroll through one of Zagreb’s famous and beautifully curated parks. Walk for more than a few minutes and you will see Licitar hearts (intricately decorated red and white hearts). These hearts date back to the 16th century and were the preferred way of showing someone that you loved them (instead of roses). They make great souvenirs and I plan on using mine as a Christmas ornament.

Zagreb Cathedral: This gothic style cathedral is the tallest building in Croatia, and you can easily see its spires poking into the Zagreb sky from most of the places around the city.

Market: There are so many markets in Zagreb; the fresh produce was delicious and inexpensive. If you’re anything like me and love flowers make sure to check out flower square (Cvjetni Trg). This local hotspot is filled with colorful flower stalls and charming cafes. Also, make sure to try some pumpkin seed products, lavender, and figs. These were the best figs I’ve ever had!

What we ate:

Bistroteka: This was by far my favorite meal in Zagreb. Yes, I’m sucker for trendy décor but the food also speaks for itself. Like other local restaurants the menu changes daily. We found this out the hard way when I saw avocado toast on the menu for breakfast we went back the next morning and it was no longer a menu item. If it’s available be sure to try the zucchini fritter salad!

Lari and Penati: This restaurant is perfect if you want a taste of local Croatian cuisine. The menu changes daily to incorporate fresh ingredients (likely purchased from the local market). This restaurant is small, charming, unorthodox, lively and creative- both in interior and in cuisine. It’s a modern little restaurant offering simple yet delicious gourmet choices each day.

Amelie: If you have a sweet tooth and need something sweet after dinner you absolutely must make a stop at Amelie. I highly suggest trying the house cake “Torta Amélie.” It is layered with custard, almonds, and berries. My mouth is watering while typing this!

LT (layover tips):

Make sure to try cevapi (local grilled sausages with amazing bread)
Many people smoke inside of café’s so I took my coffee’s to-go
There are bakeries on every corner so pop in and try a few local favorites
Croatia is obsessed with Christmas and that’s because Zagreb is home to the largest Christmas market in the world
Zagreb is covered in graffiti so be sure to explore the city to find some cool street art
24 - 48 seems to be the perfect amount of time to explore Zagreb

DUBROVNIK // 48 HOURS

October 4, 2017

I didn’t really know what to expect from Dubrovnik, but the second our plane circled the beautiful Dalmatian coast it was clear why Game of Thrones had picked Dubrovnik as King’s Landing. It’s a fairytale castle setting with walls dated to the 7th century! There are so many hidden charming corners in Dubrovnik waiting to be explored. Are you a fan of seafood? An architecture lover? Or a Game of Thrones enthusiast? Then you’ve come to the right place!

What we saw (did):

City Walls: If you only have an hour in Dubrovnik this is the one activity you should do. Yes, it’s expensive but the views are worth it. It’s a great first activity to do in Dubrovnik to understand the city layout and admire the Adriatic. It’s best to enjoy the walls in the evening or in the morning because the walls are crowded and hot during the afternoon. We went in the evening as we were a little too jetlagged in the morning. Hindsight, I would go to the walls exactly when they open at 8am to beat the tourist rush.

Lokrum Island: Old Town Dubrovnik can get very crowded during the day. One great way to escape and enjoy nature is a quick hop to the island of Lokrum. It’s only a 15-minute boat ride away to a peaceful oasis. The only inhabitants of Lokrum island are peacocks, rabbits, and of course tourists. Like Dubrovnik, Game of Thrones was also filmed on the island, and if you’re a fan like me you can snap a picture on the iron throne. After taking in the GoT sights, we took a swim in an idyllic little salt filled lake linked to the open sea. It was so relaxing to lay out and enjoy the sunshine.

We had one rainy day while in Dubrovnik so we decided to take a day trip to Kotor. While a trip to Montenegro can last well over a week we got a small taste in the city of Kotor. This attractive little town is situated in Europe’s only fjord and has wonderful scenery, as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage site. The little lanes are so charming although can be crowded when cruise ships are in the harbor. This city (like me) is cat crazy! Cats roam the cobbled stone streets, the shops are filled with cat souvenirs, and there’s even a cat museum! The main attraction in Kotor is to walk the defensive walls, built between the 9th and 18th centuries, to the well-preserved hill top citadel. Once at the top you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the old city, mountains, and the gorgeous bay. Surprisingly, the hike is free and took us less than an hour, and the views were more than impressive. We only had one meal in Kotor, which was at the hotel Monte Cristo, and it was the most delicious and relaxing meal of our entire vacation. We ate on a beautiful covered rooftop surrounded by plants and ivy. One thing to be aware of if you’re driving to Montenegro from Croatia (or vice versa) is the long line of cars at each country’s border. We were lucky to only wait 45 minutes on a rainy day, but waits can be up to three hours.

Explore the city: This is going to sound cheesy but just walking around the Old Town and taking in the Game of Throne vibes is really something. While walking the limestone streets, we also learned about Dubrovnik’s history. There were photos of Dubrovnik in the 90s posted on buildings when the city was destroyed during the war. These before and after photos are shocking to say the least.

Sponza Palace, Luza Square, Cathedral of Assumption: These central spots are must sees for architecture lovers, history buffs, and GoT enthusiasts. These sights are in the Old Town, and you can grab an ice cream or a coffee and see these sights in an hour. Also, make sure to venture out to the cute hidden streets where it’s much quieter and quaint.

Sveti Jakov: It’s nearly impossible to go to Dubrovnik without going to a beach. You’ll soon understand why Dubrovnik is called the pearl of the Adriatic. The Croatian definition of a beach is much different than an American’s definition. Croatians define a beach by any place near the water (note: sand not included.) Locals lay on rocks anywhere to soak up some sun. At Sveti Jakov, you can rent chairs for $10 a day so you don’t have to uncomfortably lay on rocks. Make sure to bring water proof shoes, otherwise the walk on the rocks to the water can be tough.

What we ate:

D’vino Wine bar: This is a favorite among locals and tourists because when you’re there you really feel like a regular. They have a ginormous selection of wine so if you’re looking for something specific this would be the place to find it! D’vino Wine Bar is a great stop to try some Croatian wine and snack on some charcuterie.

Bûza Beach Bar: This place literally means “hole in the wall.” You will have to duck through the tall city walls to find a stunning view of the sea. A perfect place to visit in the evening and watch the sunset while perched on a rock. If you’re brave enough, you can dive off the cliffs into the sparkling blue water.

Above5: Only open for breakfast and dinner (we made the mistake by trying to go here for lunch,) Above5 is a small rooftop restaurant in Old Town. The food is a little pricier, but the quality of the food and views were totally worth it! Make sure to have a reservation for dinner or be the first ones to show up for breakfast like us. We had the entire terrace to ourselves for about an hour to take in the morning views.

LT (layover tips):

• Restaurants can be expensive

• If you order seafood and it comes out instantly, it’s most likely not made to order

• The early bird gets the worm in Dubrovnik. This doesn’t mean you should wake up ridiculously early, but if you want to capture some photos without 50 tourists then you’ll want to be in the city by 7:30am.

• If you are a lover of bud light, Karlovačko is the beer for you. If you’re into craft beer, it may not be for you.

• The streets of Old Town are limestone, so when wet they can be very slippery

AMSTERDAM //

June 29, 2017

Charming and quaint are the first two words that come to mind when I think of Amsterdam. It isn’t very often that I get to travel to a new city on a layover. I was most surprised to learn that Amsterdam was so small. Because of its size bikers are everywhere. In fact, biking is a way of life in Amsterdam. Bikers mean serious business and have zero tolerance for tourists who stand in the bike lane. I was almost run over a few times. Amsterdam has a very laid back vibe (and no it’s not because of the weed) locals know how to relax and enjoy life. Diverse, friendly, and trendy Amsterdam is best described in photographs.

My second trip to Amsterdam was this past fall (2019) with my husband Daniel. I added new places we visited in Amsterdam to this city guide. If you see “we” and “I” used interchangeably in this post, it’s because of the two different visits. We decided to go to Amsterdam to visit friends from Chicago who are living in Amsterdam as expats. We had incredible weather and spent most of our time gazing at the architecture and fall foliage.

What I saw (did):

Keukenhof: About an hour outside of the city Keurkenhof is one of the largest flower gardens in the world. There are over 7 million bulbs planted each year and a total of 800 varieties of tulips. It is massive and spans 79 acres, it’s almost impossible to see everything! Keurkenhof features a winding path amongst a variety of different gardens and garden styles. If you are expecting to be amongst tulip fields you won’t find that at Keukenhof (in fact many of the surrounding tulip fields are privately owned). The best time of year to see the tulips depends on how harsh the winter was. I was on a layover and just so happened to be in Amsterdam at the perfect time of year for 2017 (the last two weeks of April and the first week of May).

Wildernis: Wow this shop is the cutest! It feels like stepping into a tropical oasis after being in cloudy Amsterdam all day. If you need an excuse to stay longer, they also serve coffee so you can stay longer and enjoy the plants!

RijksMuseum: If you only have time for one museum in Amsterdam I suggest the Rijksmuseum. A pricier entrance fee (17.50 admission). The national museum showcases historical classic Dutch works of art. It was awe-inspiring to see the paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer as I had studied their works in college.

Moco Museum: Located on the Museumplein inside a historic townhouse, this modern and contemporary art museum was one of the highlights of our fall Amsterdam trip. The museum featured one artist per floor of the notable home. The featured exhibit, Banksy, was the main reason for our visit.

Exploring the canals: There’s no better way to see the city than getting lost in a maze of canals. The canals are iconic and there’s a photo opportunity around every corner. There are three main canals in Amsterdam and Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and Herengracht which are all beautiful and best seen by boat.

What I ate:

De Carrousel: This restaurant is the bomb! I ate so much food so such a small price. I ordered a traditional savory dutch pancake (pannenkoek) and the always delicious poffertjes (tiny pancakes covered in powdered sugar). It’s sometimes awkward going to restaurants and asking for a table for one, but this atmosphere made me feel comfortable and totally cool being solo.

Pluk: This Instagram-worthy café is a destination in itself. Pluk’s menu varies but always includes breakfast bowls, and pastries. They also sell home goods and curated items that make great gifts. Located in Amsterdam’s quaint 9 streets this was a perfect healthy meal to get our first day in Amsterdam started.

Foodhallen: This food hall offers a variety of stands if you can’t decide what to eat this is a great place to go. Everything from Dim Sum to traditional Dutch meatballs (bitterballen) can be found here. Make sure you bring cash as many of the stands do not take cards.

Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx: There’s a sign in front of this place that says “Best Frites in Holland” so naturally I had to try it. This was my first layover back as a flight attendant since I got married so naturally I was ready to go carb crazy! The french fries were amazing but the combination of sauces available were even better! Lemon mayo, peanut sauce, spicy curry are just a few of the sauce options.

Little Collins: A newer addition to the De Pijp neighborhood, the share-friendly dinner offering was exceptional. My favorites were the ginger glazed pork belly, Kimchi slaw with broccoli, and Halloumi with roasted beets and fennel.

Van Wonderen Stroopwafels: I’ve never had a freshly made stroopwafel before this visit and it was a game changer. Imagine an ice cream cone and a cookie had a baby…and then covered it in chocolate and stuffed it with hot caramel. I swear I ate mine in about three bites! Stoopwafels on the airplane will never be the same again.

WHAT WE DRANK:

Bar Botanique: Amsterdam East’s new hip hotspot. The tropical café is open all day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. We went for a quick cocktail and enjoyed the beautiful lush ambiance and modern décor.

Koffie Aademie: This café imports beans from all of your favorite coffee countries and roasts them right on site. You might have to wait a few minutes longer than usual from your cup, as the baristas here craft every single drink with care. Everything you see inside this cozy, hop spot is for sale—from sandwiches to carrot cake to the handmade furniture from reclaimed wood.

Toki: After walking quite a few miles in the chilly Amsterdam weather, Toki was the effortlessly cool hangout we needed in the afternoon. The beautiful terrazzo tables and handmade coffee mugs compliment the shop’s calm, relaxed energy. There were many drip coffee options and I sipped an oat milk latte.

4850: I went on a quest to find the best oat milk latté and I found it at 4850. We had the most delicious avocado toast with poached eggs and drip coffees. We loved it so much we went twice. If you’re a coffee snob like us, you cannot miss some of the best coffee in the city.

LT (layover tips):

Yes, Amsterdam has legal weed and prostitution…so you’ll probably have to deal with annoying drunk and/or high people at some point.
Don’t stand in the bike lane. Bikers will run you over!
Tall people are everywhere, the Dutch people are some of the most beautiful and tallest in the world.
Shops close very early on weekdays (like 5 or 6pm)
If you’re interested in visiting the Anne Frank Huis make sure you book tickets online far in advance. I went online a month before our trip and all of the tickets were sold out.
Make sure you try Dutch cheeses!

BARCELONA // 48 HOURS

June 29, 2017

Barcelona is a city that offers a variety of cultural experiences. After relaxing in Marrakech, we were ready to hit the ground running on the second stop of our honeymoon. I was looking forward to the experiencing the vibrant food scene (aka me stuffing my face with tapas). Barcelona is a dynamic city, and it’s almost impossible to run out of things to do while visiting. Well known for its beautiful beaches, medieval streets and iconic architecture, Barcelona has so much to offer. Oh, and did I mention the sangria?

Where we stayed:

Praktik Garden:

Centrally located close to the metro, the hotel is a quick walk to several famous sights in Barcelona such as Casa Batlló. The interior decor is stylishly quirky and features plants as well as a wall of books in the lobby. My favorite feature of the hotel is a large patio covered in plants. A great place for a coffee and a pastry in the morning or a glass of wine at night. You’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle just a few blocks away.

What we ate:

Tapas 24: Our favorite restaurant in Barcelona! We stumbled across this restaurant having only been in Barcelona for an hour. The staff is very friendly and helpful when navigating the menu. The walls are painted with the menu..literally, cute cartoon paintings of the food cover the gold walls. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but definitely order the tomato bread and la bomba de barceloneta.

Can Solé: After reading a few articles we knew we needed to go to Barceloneta to taste the best paella the city had to offer. This waiters at this restaurant took pride in the century old traditions that they uphold to this day. The special of the day was lobster paella which was a little pricier but well worth the paella experience!

Boquéria Market: This large public market is a sensory experience packed with vendors and shoppers. There are many restaurants located inside the market that all have bar seating. You can either wait patiently for seats to open at a bar or you can purchase food items for a picnic. Make sure you go to a juice stand and try a juice you can’t get at home (I had coconut kiwi) for only 1 euro!

Praktik Bakery: This is a great option for breakfast on the go or if you prefer just a pastry and a coffee for breakfast. It’s almost always a good sign to see a line out the door and a shop filled with locals purchasing bread. As a pastry aficionado, I can tell you that the quality of the bread here is fantastic!

Alsur Café: A great place if you are looking for a heartier typical brunch style meal. Decorated with bright collages and interesting light fixtures, Alsur café was buzzing with university students. This wasn’t an authentic Spanish experience but the food was delicious and substantial!

What we saw (did):

Park Güell: We were lucky we had such a beautiful day while at Park Güell you’ll be outside for two hours exploring the gardens. We booked this one in advance so it was going to be the luck of the draw to figure out what kind of weather we were going to have. Between the whimsical architecture and blooming wisteria and flowers Park Güell felt magical. If you want to capture a great picture from the mosaic bench I suggest reserving a time earlier in the day.

Casa Batlló: As you already know Antoni Gaudí is responsible for creating the most famous and picturesque sights in Barcelona. Only a few blocks away from our hotel this house was like entering a new world. The vibrant exterior displays colorful broken mosaic and the interior features more ceramic gradually changing color from white to cobalt blue.

Sagrada Familia: Before entering the church, I was thinking to myself “how has it taken so long to finish this church?” Well after spending three hours exploring Sagrada Familia I now understand why it’s not yet completed. It’s massive! Gaudí was a devout Catholic and was inspired by nature when creating Sagrada Familia (the columns are tree trunks). The architectural design is unique in that the light that shines through the mosaic stained glass colors the white stone interior. This is a must - make sure to book your tickets online (choose the Nativity tower for a great view of the Mediterranean). Also make sure you cross the street to get a better vantage point for your photos!

Walk the Gothic Quarter (El barrio gotic): Wandering around the center of old city Barcelona we admired architecture dating back to Medieval times. Don’t miss out on a visit to the 14th century Barcelona cathedral. We also checked out the antique flea market set up on the outside of the cathedral steps.

Montserrat day trip: Montserrat is rich with history. The key attraction is a 10th century monastery that still functions today. A quick drive or train ride from Barcelona, Montserrat feels like a completely different world from the busy streets of Barcelona city life. We enjoyed the views from cable car up to the top of the mountain. If you’re outdoorsy there are several hiking trails once at the top varying in level of difficulty and length.

Wine Tasting: We booked a wine tour with castlexperience and it was worth maximizing our time. They offer many different types and variations of tours. We chose one starting later in the day (who wants to get up at the butt crack of dawn on vacation) that included a tour of Montserrat and a winery (with a wine and tapas tasting). We maximized our time by being shuttled around on a bus opposed to stressing out over if we were on the right train.

Layover Tips:

Delicious & cheap Spanish beer: Mahou
Eat seafood for lunch because it’s cheaper during the day than it is at night.
SNACK! Waiting until 10pm for dinner was rough so we had some snacks in our hotel room before dinner.
Pick pockets are REAL! Be aware on the metro because those sneaky weasels are out there!
Markets are a great way to have an inexpensive meal and experience local culture.
Make sure you try pan con tomate or (pan coca) as an appetizer. It's tomato and garlic on local Catalonian bread. YUM!

MARRAKESH // 48 HOURS

April 4, 2017

Marrakech is a mysterious and energetic city. Getting lost on the streets and in the souks is inevitable. Amongst the hospitality, the weather, and the coral colors in the streets, you will feel the warmth in Marrakech. This was my first time in Marrakech and my husband (still not used to that word!) Daniel and I were here for our honeymoon. We wanted a less conventional honeymoon and I’m so glad we chose Marrakech as our first stop. Since Marrakech is very condensed, traveling everywhere by foot is best so you don’t miss anything. While walking around we were surrounded by beauty; colorful tiles, unique rugs, and intricately carved doors. Marrakech isn’t a city where you rush from sight to sight, so we sat back, relaxed and enjoyed being immersed in a unique culture. If you’re spending more than one day in Marrakech, I highly suggest going out to the desert for an overnight and a once in a lifetime experience.

WHERE WE STAYED:

Riad Yasmine: Incredibly popular on social media and for good reason, it is stunning and picturesque. The staff at riad Yasmine are unbelievably helpful and hospitable. I highly suggest staying at a riad. It is a typical Moroccan accommodation that customarily has a pool or fountain in the center courtyard and is away from the main roads, making it a peaceful oasis. We chose this Riad firstly because of it’s affordability, rooms range from 100 to 130 euros per night depending on the size of the room (we stayed in the Mergouza suite). Secondly we chose Riad Yasmine because of it’s location, anything located inside of the city walls is considered to be a great location (remember Marrakech is very small and walkable). Lastly we chose Riad Yasmine because of the amenities; a rooftop, a pool, and a delicious breakfast that was included in the rate.

WHAT WE SAW (DID):

The Souks:

A must when visiting Marrakech, the souk is a large labyrinth market located in the city center. There’s nothing that isn’t sold in the souk! Moroccan vendors can also be bothersome and very persuasive so you’ll need to perfect the word “no!” Be aware that when taking photos of snake charmers, vendors, or other performers in the main square, they will demand that you pay them for the photograph. Once you’ve taken an initial lap you can go back and begin to bargain. Visiting and shopping the souk is a lively cultural activity and contains many surprises around every corner!

Jardin Majorelle:

Once the home of Yves Saint Laurent the stunning gardens are a beautiful exploration of Moroccan vegetation. Surrounded by my favorite color (cobalt blue) was so peaceful and scenic.

Ben Youssef Madrasa:

This was our very first stop in Marrakech, as it was close to our riad. It was once an Islamic college founded in the fourteenth century. The architecture is stunning, grand, and an even better photo op!

Hotel Mamounia:

This hotel is the epitome of old world glamour. We didn’t stay there but we spent a few hours walking around the massive hotel gardens smelling flowers and taking photos.

WHAT WE ATE:

Atay Café Foods:

I have an obsession with rooftop restaurants and bars. Everything is more beautiful from a rooftop in my opinion. Having a full city view enables me to get a better feel for the layout of the city. This café has three floors and it has tons of art and comfy pillows. We drank lemon mint juice and snacked on spicy olives. Atay Café Foods had an incredible selection and many vegetarian options, which is sometimes hard to find. A great place to go to watch the sunset!

Nomad:

This is another rooftop restaurant located on the outskirts of the souks, a large market located in the city center. It is a great place for views while enjoying a cold drink. Juices are everywhere in Marrakech as they have the climate to grow amazing citrus. It is some of the most delicious and sweetest orange juice I have ever had.

Café des Épices:

Located within the souk, this café is a great place to sit outside and people watch. We ordered a kofta (meatball) tagine and a salad. Marrakech is known for their salads, but not the traditional leaf based salad we’re used to. The salad we ate included small tasting portions of marinated green beans, spicy peppers, potato salad, and eggplant purée. This was a great place to try something classic Marrakechi.

Riad Yasmine:

We ate at our riad our last night to try the food and have a peaceful evening. It’s open to anyone. However, you just need to book 24 hours in advance (we booked the same morning and they didn’t mind). They offer a three-course meal, changed daily by the cook based off what is in season/fresh. We ate a zucchini and crème fresh soup, a lemon and olive chicken tagine, and a chilled chocolate stuffed banana for desert.

We also ate at our riad each morning for breakfast as it was included, and I will say that breakfast was my favorite meal in Morocco. Each morning they offered coffee or tea. Being in Morocco we opted for mint tea and fresh squeezed orange juice. For breakfast, we received a different array of Moroccan pastries and breads each morning.

LAYOVER TIPS:

Just because you can wear a certain article of clothing doesn’t necessarily mean that you should.
If wine or beer aren’t listed on the menu that does not necessarily mean the restaurant doesn’t have alcohol
Take out as much cash as possible out at the airport because ATMs are scarce.
This didn’t bother me, but the air quality is very poor. The air pollution in Marrakech is one of the worst in the world.
If you purchase a rug and ask for it to be shipped, be aware you might never see the rug or your money again.
Download the app maps.me. The streets are confusing and it’s better to trust a map opposed to locals as they will usually lead you to their friend’s shop instead of your intended destination.
Be prepared to be hassled when shopping, it’s best to ignore the sellers if you’re not interested in what they’re selling. If you are interested be prepared to be well versed in the art of bargaining (I was terrible!)
Don’t be fooled by the small size of the airport! Make sure you show up to the airport two hours in advance. We had to check into three different desks and fill out two forms all before security.

DESERT GLAMPING // 24 HOURS

April 3, 2017

The peacefulness of the desert is indescribable. After being in the energetic vibrant city of Marrakech, it was extremely relaxing to recharge and enjoy the serene desert. Lounging around, enjoying sunshine, and not worrying about our phones (there’s no Wi-Fi nor charging stations) brought Daniel and I much closer on our honeymoon. We tend to prefer the hustle and bustle, but this experience allowed us to truly live in the moment and appreciate our surroundings. It was unlike any previous travel experience that I have had.

Where we stayed:

Scarabeo Camp:

Scarabeo camp was only a 45-minute drive from Marrakech and an amazing choice because it feels like a million miles away from civilization. There are many glamping camps in the desert of Morocco, and I HIGHLY suggest staying at one. If you aren’t the camping type, I can tell you that this is definitely a different experience than typical camping. For me, it was a romantic and glamorous experience that I will always be fond of. We scheduled a van to pick us up at our riad to take us to Scarabeo camp and a van to drop us off at the airport on our last day.

What we ate:

The food was delicious! We had another Moroccan salad for lunch, served with warm bread and chilled carrot juice. Dinner was later than we had expected, so we snacked on pretzels and crunchy corn while sipping Moroccan rosé and enjoying the sunset over the Atlas Mountains. Dinner was a vegetable soup and a beef and date tagine followed by a fragrant orange sponge cake for desert. After dinner, we sat by the fire and stargazed. The stars were unbelievably clear and bright!

What we saw (did):

Camel riding:

We rode camels around the outskirts of the camp and into the desert, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make sure you book the camels in advance, which you can typically do online. It may sound touristy, but once on the camel you get an incredible view of the Atlas Mountains. We were initially giggling and chatting, but towards the end of the hour we enjoyed the tranquil sounds of nature.

WEDDING +

March 25, 2017

I’m so excited to share some of my favorite wedding photos. I can’t believe I’ve already been married for three months it feels like it was yesterday. Looking back at these photos, I can’t stop myself from smiling. I chose the photos I believe captured the story of our wedding and the many details that went into our special day.

I’m so excited to be sharing this special moment and want to thank every single person who was involved in making our special day more incredible than I ever dreamed! Daniel + Heather

Vendors:

Venue: Chicago Athletic Association
DJ& Music: Toast and Jam
Flowers: Vale of Enna
Photography: Anna Zajac Weddings
Invitation: John Francis
Hair: Blohaute
Makeup: Joanna Bastermajian
Dress: BHLDN
Tux: Suit Supply
Cake: Cake Chicago

FIRST POST +

March 1, 2017

Whenever I tell people that I am a flight attendant, people love to rapid fire questions. It’s true my job is very interesting; I’m always kept on my toes, passengers do some ridiculous things, and we are given the opportunity to have once in a lifetime experiences.

One of the best travel skills I have gained from being a flight attendant is that I’ve morphed into a great packer. Packing used to be a last-minute event that I always dreaded and recruited others to help. I would throw a multitude of items in my suitcase and pray that it would zip. I have now learned which items are MUST haves when traveling and what items remain untouched in my suitcase on a seven-day European adventure.

Another large part of my life is making the most of my time. Only having 24 hours in a huge new exciting city can be overwhelming. Layover Takeover is about making the best of your trip and feeling at peace with how much you have accomplished in a condensed period. It’s impossible to see everything, so my goal is to give you snippets of the best places I believe you should see and experience.

Who am I? I’m a midwest "gal" through and through (and yes, I say “cornhole” for the bean bag game). I grew up in Ohio and moved to Chicago for college, and that’s where I currently reside. When I’m not flying, or making poor jet lagged decisions at grocery stores, I’m a homebody! I love to cuddle up, read, and/or do arts and crafts while laying around in my robe. Weekends are difficult to have off work, so when I do, I jam pack my weekend to catch up with friends and try out new restaurants.

I’m a huge foodie, which is an integral part of this blog. Food is a part of the culture and experience when traveling. Food gives cities an identity. When traveling and you're tired, hangry (hungry and angry), and your feet hurt from roaming the city, a good or bad meal can make or break your experience. I’ll be able to guide you to some amazing and inexpensive spots to try some of the city's local favorites!

I also want to give brief introductions to the people that work behind the scenes on Layover Takeover. First my travel partner and husband, Daniel. Daniel sometimes accompanies me on my trips and takes most of the photos on layovertakeover.com. He is the true definition of an Instagram husband and we love him for it! Since the beginning of this blog adventure, my best friend and designer, John has been humoring my crazy ideas and creating the website. Additionally, this blog would sound awful without the careful and precise proofreading from my sister (and momager) Kara. I want to give credit where credit is due... because without these three, this blog would not have come to fruition! #LTSquad!

+ Anna Zajac Photography