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With 2020 right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of all of the beautiful places that the year can take you. I typically start planning trips six months ahead of time, but when the new year approaches, I begin to get more realistic about where exactly I want to go. The other thing that I start to get realistic about is my budget for my future travel plans. The following destinations are all places that I have been and have been kind to my backpacker’s budget. In a lot of cases, the most expensive part of traveling to each destination is going to be the airfare to get there. I’ve also taken the liberty to include some of my contacts for each location. If you are looking to book an affordable trip or tour and don’t know where to start, then feel free to contact them. I asked their permission before posting this.
The following are My Top 10 Budget-Friendly Destinations for 2020 for anyone wanderlust addict.
1. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena was on my bucket list for a long time, and finally, I went for my 30th birthday. The only thing that I didn’t like about it was that I had never been to before. Cartagena is an excellent mix of Caribbean and Colonial vibes. Known for its beautiful blue beaches and the famous Ciudad Murallada (Walled city). With horse led carriages traveling down brick streets, Cartagena takes you back in time when the Spanish first landed in South America. The modern Caribbean flair comes from the bright colored homes and the very Caribbean attitude of the locals. It is a must-see for any traveler. Cartagena is the most expensive destination in Colombia, but it is still relatively cheap, considering it’s a popular place to visit and the number of tourists that arrive daily. A hostel will set you back around $20 a night and food will cost you around $10-$20 a day depending on where and what you eat.
Walking through the beautiful streets of the Getsemani neighborhood in Cartagena.
2. Bali, Indonesia
There is a reason why this Indonesian island is a hot spot for backpackers, bloggers, and professional travelers. It’s one of the happiest islands you can imagine. Bali was my first real introduction to Asia, and it left such a great impression on me that I always tell people that they have to go to Bali at least once in their life. It’s also an excellent destination for solo female travelers to meet other travelers like themselves. Depending on what corner of the world you live, the most expensive part about your visit to Bali is going to be your plane ticket. Besides that, welcome to the island of $2 meals and $4 alcoholic beverages. A hotel (not hostel) will cost around $20 per night, and they are really nice considering the price. One of the reasons that my Bali experience is so memorable is the tour guide that I had, Widy. He asked me what I wanted to see in Bali and also suggested places that not many tourists get to see. He went above and beyond to ensure that my experience in Bali was enjoyable and that I left satisfied knowing that I saw what I intended to see plus some. If you are dying to see Bali and have no idea where to start, then feel free to contact Widy on WhatsApp. +62-813-3726-4922.
Visiting the famous rice paddies in Tegallalang, Ubud, Bali.
3. Havana, Cuba
If you haven’t heard that traveling to Havana is like going back to the ’50s, then where have you been hiding? Havana is more than a trip to the past. It’s old colorful buildings, clothes hanging on laundry lines between homes, old people sitting on their balconies “chismeando” to each other (gossiping), young people dancing cubatón (Cuba’s version of reggaetón) in the streets and the home of smiling faces everywhere. Cuba has been on many people in the U.S.’s bucket list, and recently the doors to Cuba were opened, and cruise ships filled with tourists filled the streets. Unfortunately, policies have changed, and getting to Cuba isn’t as easy anymore, nor is it as cheap as it once was. The good news is that when there is a will, there is a way and this way is a very budget-friendly one. I have the perfect contact for anyone looking to tour the island, not just Havana. My friend Marissa leads tours around Cuba and even takes them to her family’s home in Pinar del Río. Not only do you experience the natural beauty of the island, but you get to experience what it is honestly like for Cubans. Anyone interested in seeing Cuba and having an authentic Cuban experience, you can book her tours on her site below.
https://www.facebook.com/MariMundoTours/
Holding the Cuba flag in Varadero, Cuba.
4. Barcelona, Spain
A great European country that is easy on the wallet but filled with fun cultural experiences is Spain. The country is big enough to travel around the different regions and feel like you are taking multiple trips in one, but also small enough to not be overwhelming to the novice travel planner. My personal favorite city to see in Spain is Barcelona. The gastronomy is to die for, the Mediterranean coast is picturesque, the culture is unique, and in case you haven’t heard yet, Spaniards love a good fiesta. If you are looking for things to do while in Barcelona then make sure to read my post “The Perfect Day in Barcelona.” If it is your first trip to Europe and you are trying to find the best city to start with then put Barcelona at the top of your list. A hostel will cost you around $30-$40 per night and food will run between $20-$30 per day. Barcelona is one of the most affordable popular Western European destinations.
Standing in front of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
I could never understand why my Italian grandfather decided to live in Buenos Aires for 13 years until I decided to go, and I finally discovered why for myself. Buenos Aires is the perfect mix of European architecture with Spanish and Italian culture and a South American flare. Buenos Aires is a city filled with vibrant hipster neighborhoods such as Palermo and La Boca, and magnificent architectural finds such as the Teatro Colón. One of the other architectural wonders of Buenos Aires is its famous cemetery, La Recoleta. I know suggesting visiting a cemetery sounds morbid, but it was my favorite part of Buenos Aires. Apart from the mausoleums being extremely ornate, there are tons of famous Argentinians buried in La Recoleta, the most renowned being Evita Perón. Apart from these great spots to see, there is a tastier reason to visit Buenos Aires. Argentine steak and Malbec wine. Argentina is known for its great beef, and an excellently prepared steak and a glass of Malbec will only set you back a few dollars. The most expensive steak meal that I paid for in Buenos Aires cost $12. Accommodation in Buenos Aires ranges in price, and it depends on the area of the city that you want to stay. I stayed in an area that was close to La Recoleta and Palermo. It cost me $42 per night, but it is one of the best hostels that I’ve ever stayed in. It is called Benita Hostel and can be found on Booking.com.
At Evita Perón’s mausoleum in La Recoleta.
6. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
White sand, blue water, and so much Mama Juana (their version of moonshine) that I can almost taste it while I’m writing this. The Dominican Republic is a terrific island to travel to if you’ve never been out of the country, if you are on a budget or if you are looking for a getaway that guarantees a fabulous time. Dominican Republic is a hot spot for U.S. tourists because you can get great all-inclusive deals for one of their best-known destinations, Punta Cana. If you are like me and you want to see more than a resorts pool bar, then I highly suggest touring other parts of the island, especially the capital, Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic is easily accessible for budget travelers because so many Dominican resorts offer all-inclusive deals that include accommodation, food, and alcohol and sometimes flights as well. If you haven’t been outside of the U.S. are you aren’t quite sure about seeing a different country on your own, then an all-inclusive deal is a great way to get your feet wet in the world of travel. It’s also a terrific way to plan a group trip that is affordable for most budgets. An all-inclusive offer for Punta Cana for four days can run anywhere between $1,000 all the way to $2,000. It depends on the kind of resort and what is included in the package. The packages do not include any activities outside of the resort, so if you are looking to see more of the Dominican Republic, keep in mind that you will have to pay for all off-resort activities separately.
7. Katmandu, Nepal
Nepal is often a country that is often overlooked because not many people know what a gem it is. Nepal is known for one significant natural beauty, Mt. Everest, but what people don’t know is that Nepal is much more than Everest. While planning our trip to India, my friend and I decided to include Nepal, and it ended up being our favorite part of the journey. Part of the reason was that Katmandu isn’t nearly as busy or hectic as India, and the locals were extremely friendly to tourists. Apart from being less hectic, Katmandu is also filled with UNESCO World Heritage sites, which contain gorgeous Buddhist and Hindu temples. Although the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal in April of 2015 did a lot of structural damage, many of the UNESCO World Heritage sites are still intact. Apart from the cultural sites, the natural beauty of Katmandu is that the Himalayas surround it. The sheer beauty of Katmandu is breathtaking. Although the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal in April of 2015 did a lot of structural damage, there are still plenty of beautiful sites to see. You can expect to spend around $5 per day on food while in Nepal, and accommodations can range between an extremely budget-friendly $15 per day all the way to $40. Depending on how you choose to travel. If you plan on visiting Nepal then I suggest contacting my tour guide, Raveen Shrestha. He is a local that speaks excellent English and goes above and beyond to ensure that you have an amazing experience. I plan to visit Nepal again and I will be contacting him to take me to other sites in the country. You can contact Raveen directly on WhatsApp. +9779803478328.
Watching the sunrise over the Himalayas in Nepal. A moment that I will never forget.
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a gorgeous city on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It’s home to one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites, known as it’s Old Town, which is a medieval city that you can explore in just a couple of hours. Apart from the Old Town, Dubrovnik also is a great place to relax and get some sun. During the summer the beaches are filled with tourists from all over the world. One thing that tourists typically look for while traveling is a great place to party. Dubrovnik’s nightlife lives up to most tourist’s expectations. Dubrovnik is a great place to relax during the day and rage at night. My only suggestion while staying in Dubrovnik is to make sure that you don’t stay at a place at the top of the cliffside as I did. Trust me; your legs will thank you for not putting them through a CrossFit style work out just trying to get to your room. Although Dubrovnik isn’t the cheapest Croatian city, it is still extremely budget-friendly. A decent hostel will cost you around $20 a night and three meals a day average between $20-$30 depending on what you choose.
The wonderful Dubrovnik steps that I have very fond memories of. Still smiling after walking up and down 10,000 steps for the third time in one day.
9. Prague, Czech Republic
Most college students and backpackers will say the following words when you ask them about Prague, “The beer is cheaper than water.” Although this is a fact, another fact about Prague is that it is also a beautiful city that gives travelers a great taste of Eastern Europe. A must-see spot in Prague is the Charles Bridge, which allows pedestrians to cross the Vltava River while going from the Prague Castle to the Old Town or vice-versa. The bridge is lined with gorgeous statues on both sides. Apart from Charles Bridge, the Lennon Wall is another popular spot that many tourists visit to leave messages of inspiration for others or to get a classic photo for Instagram. A decent hostel in Prague will cost you around $15 per night, and food will run about $20 per day, depending on what you choose. The portion sizes in Prague are pleasantly big, so if you don’t eat a lot, you might find that one decent meal a day is enough to hold you over.
Standing on the Charles Bridge over the Vltava River.
10. Agra, India
Who would have guessed that visiting one of the seven wonders of the world would be inexpensive? Well, it is. Apart from being home to the Taj Mahal, Agra is a great way to get acclimated to India before exploring the more populated cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. The Taj Mahal isn’t the only attraction in Agra. There are several other attractions built by the Mughals and just as magnificent as the Taj, one being Agra Fort. In general, India is extremely affordable for backpackers and travelers alike. One thing is that you also have to be willing to haggle prices with locals in order to get the best prices. When I traveled to India at the end of 2018/beginning of 2019, I traveled around the country by using a tour company. I typically don’t book tour companies, but India is a big country with a massive population, and just the thought of booking everything on my own was overwhelming. I paid more than what someone would typically pay for two weeks in India, but I don’t regret it. I paid $1,400, which included hotels, meals, entrances to all of the museums, historical sites, and temples and also included private transportation, and it covered my four days in Nepal as well. The truth is, I could have spent much less if I would have booked it myself, but at the time, I was a busy school teacher in Panamá, and the price that I paid was worth avoiding the headache of coordinating everything by myself.
The Taj Mahal. One of my bucket list dreams that came true in 2018.
And there you have it. These are my Top 10 Budget-Friendly destinations for 2020. As I mentioned before, with the majority of these destinations the most expensive part is going to be the flight getting there. These 10 destinations aren’t the only budget-friendly locations, but they are ones that I have visited and can confidently say that they are worth every penny. If you’ve been to any of the places listed above or if you have any other cities that you would recommend to check out that are budget-friendly, feel free to comment below.
My favorite European city is usually at the top of most people’s bucket lists and for a good reason. Barcelona is home to amazing Guadí architecture, Mediterranean views, and of course, fantastic tapas (small plates) and cervezas. It’s a city that takes you in and wraps you with warmth, culture, and gastronomy that is out of this world. I’ve been to Barcelona on several different occasions, and each time I fall more in love with it than the previous visit and I can safely say that it is my favorite European city so far. Having been to Barcelona several times I’ve come up with a way to spend the perfect day in Barcelona whether you plan to stay there for a week or just a twenty-four layover, I’ve got you covered.
The first thing that you need to know if you are visiting this magnificent city is that its official language is not Spanish. The official language of Barcelona is Catalan, and it is the primary language that you see written on the metro stops and buildings. No need to worry though, they have their Spanish and many times English translation below. The official coin is the euro since they are still currently part of the European Union. Although Barcelona is still technically part of Spain, they voted to separate from Spain, and it is still a sore subject for many people around Spain. It’s not something I would discuss with just anyone that you meet because conversations about it can get tense, and it doesn’t matter if they are for it or against it, it will spark emotions either way. Although the future of the city is still unknown one thing remains certain, it is a must see!
Barcelona is a very sprawling city, and considering the length of your stay and your itinerary, I suggest using the metro. The metro is a quick and easy way to get from one area of Barcelona to another without having to spend a lot of uber/taxi fares. The metro is also conveniently located throughout the city, so it makes it extremely convenient. My biggest suggestion to travelers while riding a subway anywhere in the world is to watch your belongings. Barcelona, just like Paris, New York, and any other major metropolitan city falls victim to pickpocketers, and there is nothing that will ruin your vacation or trip quicker than someone taking your money, credit cards or passport. Be aware of your surroundings and put your backpacks or purses in front of you, not behind you. If you are a seasoned traveler, then you already know the deal, but for many people who haven’t traveled on the metro systems before, this is all new knowledge. You can get a metro card at any of the stations and refill it as you go. Once you have the metro card, it’s time to hit the streets.
My first stop in Barcelona always is and probably always will be La Sagrada Familia. La Sagrada Familia is a cathedral that was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It is the second most visited cathedral in the world, and in my personal opinion, it is the most beautiful cathedral in the world. Sorry to the Vatican, but La Sagrada Familia wins for me.
La Sagrada Familia has tons of stained glass windows that change the colors inside of the cathedral, depending on the time of day and the light that shines through. It truly is a magical experience to see the colors inside of the cathedral differ between morning, afternoon, and evening. If you can swing going at different times of day during your trip, then I suggest it even though that means paying the entrance fee more than once. The cathedral is still currently under construction, and it has been that way for many years. Although La Sagrada Familia is still currently under construction, visitors are allowed to go inside and tour it and experience the beauty of the cathedral for themselves. While booking the tour, I suggest choosing the entrance + tower option. The reason why I say this is because it allows you to walk up one of the four towers and get some incredible views of Barcelona from above. It is definitely worth the additional cost. I suggest spending at least an hour at La Sagrada Familia. Although you purchase your tickets ahead of time on the internet, the queue is long, so try to arrive before your entrance time, and if you can opt for the earliest entrance, which is 9 a.m., then choose that one. Most people don’t like to wake up early while they are on vacation or traveling, so you beat the masses by arriving early.
Find your tickets here.
https://sagradafamilia.org/en/
After basking in the fantastic views at La Sagrada Familia, I suggest heading to Passeig de Gràcia. Passeig de Gràcia is a main avenue in Barcelona, and it is bustling with cafés, shops, and restaurants. It is also home to several Guadí architectural artworks, including Casa Milá, also known as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
Just like Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló are two top tourist destinations, so you will want to buy your tickets before visiting; otherwise, the lines are long and frequently sold out. I have been to both, and I enjoy them both the same, but you can look at photos online to determine if you prefer to do one over the other. They both have rooftops that you can walk on and take pictures of Barcelona from above. When purchasing tickets for La Sagrada Familia, there is the option to buy entrance tickets to either Casa Milà or Casa Batlló or both. It is more cost-effective and convenient to purchase them all prior, but if you aren’t sure about when to go to each, then I would buy them separately online. The tour in each house is around an hour, and they provide interesting background into the life and works of Gaudí, Barcelona’s most famous architect. If you love history, architecture, or just experiencing something different than what you are used to, then I highly suggest checking both of them out. Once you have finished visiting Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, then it’s time to head to Plaça de Catalunya.
Find your tickets to Casa Batlló and Casa Milà here:
Plaça de Catalunya isn’t only a massive plaza in the middle of Barcelona, and it is considered to be the city center. It is so centrally located that it is the standard meeting place for catching up with someone. As you can imagine, the metro stop there is bustling and full of people. Mentally prepare yourself for a crowd when arriving at Plaça de Catalunya. One of the reasons why Plaça de Catalunya is so popular is also because it is the head of the most famous pedestrian walkway in Barcelona, Las Ramblas.
Las Ramblas is a massive pedestrian street that stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell. The street is filled with vendors. They sell anything from souvenirs and clothing to quick bites to eat. Las Ramblas is an experience all on its own. Although it isn’t an actual building, it is a main point of interest. You can grab some souvenirs or do a lot of people watching. Las Ramblas is busy at all times of day, and some people who do not like crowds try to avoid it, but everyone should experience it at least once. Just as I suggested being aware of your belongings on the metro, I have the same suggestion for Las Ramblas. Any place that draws big crowds of tourists or people is a playground for pickpocketers. Just make sure you are aware of this, and you will be fine. It should never deter you from going there.
While walking Las Ramblas, you cannot help but notice Mercado de La Boqueria. It is a massive food market located on Las Ramblas, and it is a must-see. Besides, by this time, you are probably hungry and what better way to check out the local food scene than a local food market. The food scene in Barcelona is top-notch, in my opinion, and the view of most of the top gastronomers in the world. Something to try while visiting would be jamón serrano. It is a dry-cured ham, and it is delectable. If you don’t eat meat or pork, then I suggest trying patatas bravas. They are the Spanish version of fries that are to die for. They are potato wedges with hot sauce and aioli (mayonnaise seasoned with garlic) on top of them. My mouth is watering while I write this. Although I suggest trying these two typical food items, there are so many others to check out in La Boquería that I recommend walking around and checking out whatever calls out to you. You cannot go wrong in La Boquería.
After you’ve tasted some of the local treats, then you can walk off some of the calories by heading over to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. The Gothic Quarter is located off of Las Ramblas, and it is also a popular point of interest. Barcelona’s gothic quarter was the old city center, and it remains a bustling part of Barcelona. It is compiled of small shops, plazas and it is home to some of Barcelona’s best nightlife. During the day you can take advantage and walk around and admire the gothic architecture and the Gothic Cathedral, which is one of the main attractions in the quarter. The Gothic Quarter is also filled with tons of street musicians and artists that give it a unique local flare as well. It’s fun just to walk around and get lost in the quarter for a few hours.
If you’ve had enough of the Gothic Quarter and looking for a change of scenery then head back to Las Ramblas and walk towards Port Vell, the tale tells sign that you have reached Port Vell is the famous Christopher Colombus statue at the end of Las Ramblas. Port Vell is a great spot to capture beautiful photographs of boats on the Mediterranean. It is also a great way to walk from Las Ramblas to La Barceloneta.
La Barceloneta is the most popular beach area of Barcelona that provides excellent views of the Mediterranean during the day and a crazy nightlife scene during the summer. It is also the best area to check out another traditional Spanish dish called paella (a rice dish containing seafood). During summer, it’s nice to walk along the beach during the day and catch some sun rays or spend the actual day there soaking up the sun. It is a place that cannot be passed up while visiting Barcelona, but if it isn’t summertime, walking along it is still fun.
After checking out La Barceloneta, I suggest making your way to Parque Güell. It is not close to the city center, BUT it is the spot for some of the most magical Barcelona sunsets, in my opinion. Parque Güell is another beautiful Guadí masterpiece, and it is my second favorite to La Sagrada Familia. I love nature and art, and when you combine both, I’m in Heaven on Earth. Parque Güell is a trendy tourist destination; therefore, prepare yourself for the typical crowds and long lines and buy your entrance tickets online prior. The entrance to the park is sold out a lot of times, so if you do not purchase your tickets prior, you will more than likely be disappointed when you arrive. Either they have tickets available for a few hours later, or it’s sold out.
Parque Güell is not something that you want to miss or skip out. Even if nature isn’t your idea of a good time, the views of Barcelona from Parque Güell are hard to beat. Most bloggers would suggest going as early as possible to get photos with the least amount of people possible, and this is true. There is a big crowd, and getting the perfect Instagram shot is nearly impossible if you don’t go early, but the best time to visit is right before sunset, aka the golden hour. It is crowded in the afternoon and evening, but the sunsets that I’ve witnessed from Parque Güell are to this date the best sunsets I’ve ever seen in Barcelona. You may not get the best Instagram shot, but you do get some of the best mental photos you can imagine. I try to get to Parque Güell no later than 4 p.m. so that I can walk around and enjoy the gorgeous Guadí architecture and find a spot to sit to enjoy the view. The park closes at 6:15 p.m., so if you are like me and arrive at 4 p.m., you at least get a couple of hours to check it out before you have to leave.
Purchase your tickets here:
https://www.parkguelltickets.org/
After taking in an incredible sunset at Parque Güell, I typically backtrack to Las Ramblas, and there is a good reason why. Food and nightlife. As I mentioned before, Plaça de Catalunya in the center of the city and the surrounding areas are the best to find food and drinks, and this is especially true in the evening in the Gothic Quarter. Some of the best nightlife in Barcelona is in the Gothic Quarter. One of my favorite places to grab a drink is at El Bosc de Les Fades (The Forest of the Fairies). The reason why it is such a popular bar to check out is that it is like being inside of a hidden forest. Hence the name. Of course, I am drawn to a fairy forest because I love nature and fairies, but I have yet to meet someone that has said that they hated visiting El Bosc de Les Fades. It is like being transported to a whole different place. Outside you have the hustle and bustle of a huge city, and inside you have the calm, tranquil forest-like vibes. It is a great place to grab a small glass of beer (caña) or my favorite traditional Spanish wine drink, sangría. It’s a great place to hang out and meet both tourists and locals and find out the best place to party. Barcelona’s nightlife is ever-changing, and every time I visit, there is a new place to check out or another place that has become more popular. I always like to ask locals in my age group, where they recommend and determine which place sounds bests and head there.
Check out El Bosc de Les Fades below:
http://www.museocerabcn.com/en/bosc.html
My typical perfect day in Barcelona includes all of the aforementioned stops and places of interest. This itinerary is great for those who are limited on time and/or those who are like me and want to see as much as possible in a day. This itinerary can also give you a blueprint of how you would like to plan out your visit to Barcelona. It is a massive city with lots of fun things to check out and do, but in my opinion, everything that I’ve mentioned in this blog is a must-see. I love Barcelona because of its food, architecture, culture, and friendly vibe. It’s a great city for any age group and a fabulous place to make your first visit to Europe.
Parque Güell
Port Vell
More views inside La Sagrada Familia
Inside La Sagrada Familia. Check out that lighting!
It’s that particular time of year where the air gets crisp, the leaves begin to change color, and the smell of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes is all around you. It is also when everyone is suddenly excited to wear layers of clothes, only to have to strip the majority of them off by 2 p.m. because it is suddenly 70 degrees outside. That’s right; I’m talking about fall in Louisville, Kentucky.
It’s a special time of year because it is also when Louisville seems to have tons of events and fun things to do for all age groups. I’ve spent this fall doing ALL of the things and have narrowed them down to my personal top 10 things to do in Louisville during the fall season. The list is in no particular order.
1. Walk Hillcrest Avenue
If you are local and you have never walked Hillcrest in October either during the day or night-are you even a local? Hillcrest Avenue is located in the Crescent Hill neighborhood, and they go all out for Halloween. Tons of houses on the block go all out with their decorations. You have everything from guts and blood to a tribute to everyone’s favorite scary sisters-The Sanderson Sisters. (Hocus Pocus lovers know who I’m talking about.) I suggested walking it during the day and at night because you get two different perspectives. During the day, you can see all of the detail that goes into the decorations, and at night, the real spectacle begins. The lights and animation add a spooky touch. My personal favorite is “Hillcrest Cemetery.” The owner creates his own characters and makes up funny tombstones with their names and how they died. I love seeing the new additions each year. If you are in town and looking for something fun to get you in the Halloween spirit, then head towards Hillcrest Avenue. The best news is that it is free and you can walk down the avenue day or night.
My favorite house on Hillcrest Avenue. Read the tombstones!
2. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Iroquois Park.
For the past seven years, Louisville has had the privilege to showcase 5,000 jack-o-lanterns in one of our local parks-Iroquois Park. It’s an event that is appropriate for any age group. Take a stroll through the park and awe at the fantastic jack-o-lantern carvings that line the walkway. The spectacular does cost money, and the price depends on if it is a weekday or weekend. My suggestion is to buy your tickets ahead of time and be prepared to wait in a long line. If you buy your ticket for the 6:15 p.m. time, you will not enter until 7:15 p.m. when they open the trail, and depending on how long the line is; you may not walk into the entrance until 8 p.m. The wait is long, but it is worth it.
A pumpkin featured in this year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. I loved the wings. 😉
https://www.jack-o-lanternlouisville.com/
3. Go to Huber’s Orchard and Winery
Ok, before anyone gets upset with me, I know that Huber’s Orchard and Winery isn’t located in Louisville or Kentucky and that it is in Starlight, Indiana, but let’s be honest, what Kentuckian hasn’t visited Huber’s? Huber’s Orchard and Winery is a family farm that is mostly known for two things; pumpkin picking and WINE. If you are like me, you go for the wine more than the pumpkins, but if you have a family, then it’s an excellent excuse to take the children and make a family excursion out of it. Huber’s is very family-oriented, and they have a little bit of everything for all ages. Visiting Huber’s is free, and it is around a 30-minute drive from Louisville. Yes, you have to cross the bridge into Indiana, but Huber’s grounds are gorgeous, especially in fall with their pumpkin patches and apple orchards. For those who do enjoy adult alcoholic beverages, they have plenty of wine readily available, and if you haven’t had their sangria, then you haven’t truly lived life yet. It’s a perfect way to spend the day, whether it be with friends, your partner, or your family. No one ever leaves disappointed.
Welcome to Kentucky, where college football and basketball are KING. We do not care about professional sports but bring up college sports, and we won’t stop talking. Football season and fall just so happen to coincide, which means tailgates filled with food, beer, and good old rivalry. There are two major rivals in the state, the University of Louisville (the best team) and the University of Kentucky. We all have our favorite team, and on game days, we are not friends with our rivals until the game is over. If you ever get a chance to go to a tailgate either for a U of L game or a U.K. game, do it! Tailgating is where people grill out, drink beer and bourbon, and party before the game. The name “tailgate” is because people use to drop the tailgate of their trucks and sit on them and drink and eat before the games. The name stuck around, and now it is the thing to do before any football game.
Tailgating a Louisville Cardinal Stadium. GO CARDS!
5. Visit a haunted house/Waverly Hills Sanatorium
One of the fun fall activities for the older crowd is visiting haunted houses and corn mazes. There are tons of haunted houses to visit in Louisville and the surrounding area, and it all just boils down to what you are looking for. My personal favorite is Waverly Hills. The reason why I think it is the best haunted house in Louisville isn’t because of the Halloween production that they put on during October, but it is because the actual building is scary A.F. to look at. Waverly Hills Sanatorium was a hospital built during the tuberculosis outbreak in Louisville. Locals have heard all types of scary stories about Waverly Hills and the many patients that died there who now haunts the building. It’s always featured on the top scariest/haunted places in the U.S., and every year in October, the owners turn it into a haunted house for people to go and get scared. In my opinion, you don’t even have to enter the haunted house to get scared. The outside of the building is scary enough, and knowing that people were tortured and made into guinea pigs to find a cure for tuberculosis, well, that’s enough reason to believe that it is haunted. I don’t recommend taking small children, but if your children are into it, then go right ahead.
https://www.therealwaverlyhills.com/
6. Go hiking at Red River Gorge
A two-hour drive south of Louisville to Slade, Kentucky will put you smack dab in the middle of some of the best fall scenery that you can imagine. If you want the typical fall Instagram photo of red, orange, and yellow leaves, then look no further. The Gorge not only provides the best fall photo backgrounds in Kentucky, but it contains some of the best hiking trails in the state. If you love Mother Nature like me, then you cannot miss out on a chance to hike at Red River Gorge. There are tons of trails for all levels of hikers, and the landscape is breathtaking during fall. It’s a great way to get a breath of fresh air and escape the hustle of the city.
Soaking up all of the sunshine possible before winter, because IT’S COMING!
7. St. James Art Fair
Every year, artists both local and from other parts of the U.S. gather in the most historic part of the city, Old Louisville, to put on the most prominent art show in Louisville. It is something that I look forward to every year because it exposes local artists and also gives you a chance to meet artists from other parts of the country. I always find something special while I’m there. It can be jewelry, paintings, or drawings, but there is always something that calls to me. This year I was able to find a lot of pieces that I loved and bring them back home with me. The location of the show is unique because it is in the historic part of Louisville, so you are surrounded by large Victorian houses and the iconic St. James Court Fountain. The art fair happens on the first weekend of October, and it is free to attend. All ages are welcome.
https://stjamescourtartshow.com/
8. Attend a Fall Harvest Festival
During fall, there are harvest festivals all over the city, it seems. Most of the festivals include food from local vendors, apple cider, beer, face painting, and fun activities for children. It’s a nice way to spend some time out of the house and enjoy local vendor’s foods and buy some local crafts since most of them have local artists attending as well. If the weather is nice, it makes for a great way to spend the day or at least a few hours. Louisville is a food and beverage city; therefore, any excuse to try new food and drinks is a good one.
9. Pick a pumpkin at a local farm
There are several places around Louisville that you can go and pick out the perfect pumpkin for your fall decor. Gallrein Farms is a local farm located in Shelby County that has pumpkin patches, and they also do a lot of fun fall activities, including hayrides, petting zoos, and picking pumpkins. Huber’s in Indiana also has pumpkin patches, but if you want to stay within the state, then definitely check out Gallrein Farms.
Picking pumpkins at Huber’s Orchard and Winery.
10. Attend Colorfest at Bernheim Forest
This is another event for anyone who loves fall and nature. What better way to combine both by attending Colorfest at Bernheim Forest? Bernheim is a quick 30-minute drive from Louisville, and they always have wonderful family-oriented events throughout the year. Their fall event is called Colorfest, which is appropriately named because it is during the time of year when all of the trees have changed color. There are tons of fun activities to do while there, such as going on a hayride, slingshotting pumpkins, face painting, hay mazes, and mud pies. The event takes place on a Saturday and Sunday so you can plan your weekend accordingly. It costs $10 per car, and the money goes towards saving our local forest.
Getting ready to enjoy a hay ride around Bernheim!
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Faul Family Riverside Farm. It is a local farm in Henry County, that is trying to improve the quality of meat products in our area. It is a sprawling farm with 100 acres and several different types of livestock, including cows, chickens, laying hens, turkeys, pigs, and sheep. Apart from animals, they also have a gorgeous barn that is available for wedding ceremonies, special events, or barn parties.
The owners, the Faul family, along with their son Andre Faul being the chief farmhand, are trying to make clean and healthier made more accessible in our community. I am fortunate that I know Andre personally because we went to high school together, and we’ve kept in touch with each other over the years. Since I moved back to Kentucky, I had wanted to go and check out his farm. I saw posts from the farm on the internet, and he and I had talked back and forth about some of the things he was doing, so my curiosity was peaked. Since there is nothing better than seeing for yourself, I asked Andre if it would be ok for me to come out and take a tour of the farm.
The drive to the farm from Louisville is around 30 minutes, and the roads to get there are a little curvy, but besides that, it’s an easy journey. Once I arrived on the farm, the first thing that I noticed was the massive barn and the quilt on top of the barn. For those who don’t know, it is a widespread practice for barns in Kentucky to have quilts painted on wood at the top of them. It isn’t a concept original to Kentucky, but Kentucky loved the idea, and most barns around here have one at top. The reason why the Faul family’s quilt stands out is that it has the colors of the South African flag. You may ask yourself why the colors of the flag for South Africa would be on a barn in the middle of Kentucky. The answer is that the Faul family is originally from South Africa.
In 2001, Andre’s mom received a job offer at the University of Louisville, and the family decided to pack up and move halfway across the world. The next question you may be asking yourself is, “How does a family from South Africa end up with a farm in Henry County, Kentucky?” The answer was a bit surprising to me, but it once I heard it, I was inspired.
Andre’s grandfather was a citrus farmer in South Africa. He said that hearing his dad’s stories about growing up on a farm and farming the land inspired him and made him want to experience it for himself. His parents decided to buy the farm in 2015 and then offered him the opportunity to turn his dreams into reality.
Andre previously worked as a fish farmer in Miami, and he didn’t enjoy his job whatsoever. (We’ve all been there at least once.) So when his parents offered him the opportunity to run the farm for him, he gladly accepted. Although he traded warm weather and beautiful beaches for the bluegrass and the very brown Ohio River, he did bring back a part of Miami with him. See the Faul Family farm is one of two local farms that harvest shrimp. Andre runs the only farm that supplies fresh shrimp to the local Jefferson, Oldham, and Henry Co. communities and also a local Louisville restaurant, Harvest.
This year alone, they are on track to harvest about 300-350 lbs. of shrimp, and while visiting the farm, he showed me the new expansion that they are working on. Currently, the shrimp are harvested in a building that contains two huge saltwater tanks. Once Andre and his help finish building the new enclosure, he plans to have at least eight containers filled with saltwater shrimp. It will allow him to distribute his product to more local restaurants that are interested in purchasing local, organic harvested shrimp.
The fact that they harvest shrimp isn’t the only thing about the farm that makes them stand apart from others. It’s the way that Andre farms that truly sets them apart. They use a style of farming called ‘Regenerative Agriculture.’ When I asked Andre to explain this type of agriculture to me, this is what he said, “The farming we do has a positive impact on our land, as opposed to most farming practices that destroy the area. We mimic nature in how we move our animals around our pastures, i.e., wild herds of ruminants are always on the move, not staying in one area for more than a couple days. Moving the animals gets them off their manure and decreases the likelihood of them getting sick from constant exposure to parasites and bacteria, and it gives them continuous access to fresh grass. “
According to Andre, all of their animals play vital roles in maintaining the farm, and they all have specific jobs. “The laying hens move around the pasture and scratch through sheep and cow droppings, picking out any parasites and working the manure into the soil. They also leave behind nitrogen-rich manure that benefits the soil. The cows and sheep graze the pastures and promote grass growth by consuming the grass, and they also leave behind beneficial manure that feeds the soil microbes. Our pigs help us in clearing brush and thickets and digging down to disturb the seedbed underneath the pasture, thereby promoting different grasses and legumes to grow once they move on. And our turkeys are efficient grazers and love to graze on grasses, legumes, and even take care of some weeds in the pasture.”
While on the farm, we discussed his schedule and how he has a set amount of days for each enclosure. The most impressive part about their operation is that it is just Andre and a family friend are the only ones working at the farm. His friend is only here temporarily, so once he heads back to South Africa, Andre will be a one-person show again. That means one man will be in charge of taking care of ten cows, one hundred turkeys, ten pigs, three hundred chickens, and ten sheep. Honestly, I don’t know how he does it because I can barely take care of myself, let alone a 100-acre farm with so many animals. Not only does he take care of the land and the cattle, but he is also in charge of taking their animals to their local USDA approved poultry and meat processor. Once they get the meat processed, he also sells it online and at the local Farmer’s Market in LaGrange, KY.
After discussing the entire process of how the farm starts with tiny hatchlings, baby pigs, and shrimp and Andre takes care of them until they are ready to be processed, it makes me have more respect for organic farmers like him. It’s a long process and not an easy one. The number of hours and work that goes into maintaining their farm is crazy, but in the end, it is worth it. As Andre said, when he can have a meal with his family that he knows were raised organically and processed in the least cruel way possible, it creates a sense of accomplishment. It also makes you respect your food, and in turn, you waste less.
The farm typically does a monthly event from spring until fall. Their “Chat & Chews” are where you can take a tour around the farm and have a meal featuring their final products. It’s a great way to educate children and adults on organic farming, and the positive effects that it has on the land. It is also an excellent opportunity to taste the hard work and labor of the farm. Andre also allows people to come out and walk around the farm during the day as long as they contact him prior and give him a heads up that they want to come out.
If you are looking for a taste of what the Faul Family Riverside farm produces, all of the poultry, meat, and shrimp products can be purchased online or at the local Farmer’s Market in LaGrange, Kentucky, from spring until fall. You can also try some of the Faul Family Riverside chicken at Grassa Gramma in Holiday Manor in Louisville, and the shrimp can be found at Harvest on Market St. in Louisville. Don’t be surprised if you start to see the Faul Family Riverside farm name start popping up on more menus around Louisville as they are currently in the talks for being a feature in other local restaurants.
Faul Family Riverside Farm is just another example of a local business that is trying to have a positive impact on our community through hard work, respect, and love for the environment. Their goal is to have a positive impact on the environment and a healthy product on your plate. To find out more about Faul Family Riverside Farm or to plan your visit, you can contact Andre directly at riversidefarmky@gmail.com. While you visit, you can purchase their products, and you can always buy their products online on their website below.
A special thank you to Andre and his family for allowing me to tour around their farm and for taking the time to explain the process to me. It was a great experience!
Andre and I outside of the barn which is also available for event rental.
Andre outside of the chicken enclosure.
This guy will soon be on your plate for Thanksgiving dinner!
I wanted to play with the cows but as you can tell from this one’s face, they weren’t having it.
Santorini is a Greek island made of dreams and technically speaking volcanic rock. It is a top honeymoon/wedding destination and to be quite honest; I can’t blame anyone for having their special day on the island. Santorini is incredibly picturesque. But for those of us who are not planning on a wedding or honeymoon anytime soon, Santorini is also a great European destination that allows you to take in spectacular sunsets, soak up the rays on their many beaches, ride a donkey (if you dare), eat amazing Mediterranean food and get sick off the Greek version of moonshine, ouzo. This Greek island is small enough that you can get from one side to the other but large enough to keep you from feeling cramped. I’ve visited Santorini 4 times, twice by myself and twice with friends, and I could probably visit 40 more without ever getting bored. I’ve come up with what I feel is the perfect way to spend a day in Santorini if you are looking to visit the island, but you are doing island hopping of other Greek islands or if it’s merely a layover. I’ve got you covered.
As I mentioned before, Santorini is a small enough island that you can get from one side of the island to the other in an hour via car, but my favorite mode of island transportation is an ATV. I grew up riding ATVs because my stepdad thought it was a great idea to teach a four-year-old how to drive not only ATVs but dirt bikes as well. I know, I’m lucky to be alive, BUT his crazy idea ended up working for me later in life when I found myself at a rental car places in Fira, Santorini trying to decide if I wanted a car or an ATV. I went for the ATV and was happy that I did. Finding parking on the island can be difficult, and when you see the number of motorbikes and ATVs around the island, it makes you want to join in on the fun. After signing the standard rental paperwork, I was on my way.
The itinerary that I planned was to see the three different types of beaches on the island in one day. Santorini has a red sand beach, white sand beach, and a black sand beach. After checking out the map, I realized that the white beach is the further from Fira where I was staying so I decided to head there first. I also noticed that there is a lighthouse near that side of the island, so I decided to head to the south end of the island early and explore and then make my way back while making stops to the red beach and black beach.
I arrived at the lighthouse within 40 minutes and began to look around. Once I arrived, I noticed that there isn’t much to see besides the lighthouse building and a cliff below it that makes for some lovely photos. If you’ve never seen a lighthouse before then definitely check it out but if you’ve seen a lighthouse, then you can probably skip it and head straight to the beach. I hopped back on the ATV and headed straight for white beach. It was easily accessible, and there were people renting lounge chairs. I found a sweet spot on the beach and was able to catch some rays for about an hour before I decided that it was time to head to the red beach and check it out.
The red sand beach doesn’t seem like much when you first arrive at the parking lot. There are a few small food vendors and some artists selling jewelry near the parking lot and when you look around the “beach” looks underwhelming until you realize that the actual red sand beach is a small hike away. I would suggest bringing tennis shoes along because the walk can be a little rough, especially for someone in flip flops (thongs) like I was. Once you begin your hike you start to notice the landscape change and the dirt becomes red, hint the name. As you come to the final, descend to the beach to see a huge cliff that looks like it has been carved out. The beach is directly in front of the cliff, and the view is simply amazing. I had never seen a red beach before, and since it was my first time, I was beyond impressed. I decided that I would take some time to swim and lay on the beach while I was there. The atmosphere is pleasant, and there isn’t anyone trying to bother you while you are on the beach relaxing. I spent a few hours on the red sand beach, relaxing, swimming, and just taking it all on. After a while, I started to get hungry and decided it was probably best to go ahead and head to the black beach Perissa to check it out and grab a bite to eat. I hopped back onto the ATV, and about 20 minutes later, I arrived at Perissa.
Perissa has a very resort-type feel to it in the fact that there are lounge chairs everywhere and there are plenty of restaurants lined up one after another. I decided to grab a quick bite to eat that I could take with me on the beach. I later found out that you can order food on the beach if you decide to rent a lounge chair. Renting a chair isn’t overpriced seeing how it was 5 euros the last time I was there, but since I was by myself, I decided to just lay my towel down in an area that I liked.
Now it was time to take a dip in this famous black beach. One thing that I didn’t realize was that the sand was going to be extremely hot because it’s black and it holds in heat, so obviously it was going to be extremely hot. Guess who forgot that tiny bit? I did, of course. As soon as I felt the hot sand burning the bottoms of my feet, I ran directly for the water. The water was cold and refreshing, and I was happy about it, considering that my feet felt like I ran across hot coals for an hour. After spending some time cooling down in the water, I decided that I had enough of the beach for the day. I wanted to check out another side of the island before heading to the very northern tip of the city Oia for sunset. I then made the mad dash back to my towel to gather my things and head out to my next destination and also where I was staying, Fira.
The Fira Port is known for three things; it is where you can catch the boat to go to the active volcano of Nea Kameni, take the cable car to get to the port, and last, but not least, donkey rides. That’s right; you understood correctly — donkey rides.
Since it was my first time in Santorini and I had no clue about donkey rides, I decided that I would take the cable car down and ride a donkey up the mountain. Today, I can 100% say that I would never do this option again. One reason is that I’m pretty sure someone gave my donkey a Redbull as it decided to shoot up the mountain at an insanely fast pace. I was holding on for dear life as I thought I was going to fall off at any given moment. It was the scariest animal ride of my life and one of the reasons why I am glad that I will never do it again.
The other and MOST crucial reason being that after educating myself and finding out that the donkeys in Santorini suffer from spinal injuries and sores caused by the saddles, I can say that I will never do it again. I love animals, and I would never want to harm one just because I was too lazy to walk up steep steps or because I didn’t want to ride in a cable car. I understand that there are people who cannot climb the steps and that it is more convenient for them to take a donkey, but if you are physically able to choose another option, please do so. While I don’t suggest riding a donkey, I do suggest petting one if you have the chance. They are adorable, and if you enjoy photography, you can get some beautiful shots of them walking up the hill.
One I was finished being an irresponsible twenty-something-year-old, I decided to head to Oia. Oia is at the top of the island. It is the location of the sunsets that are posted all over the internet, and it is the first thing that pops up when you google search Santorini. Every evening hundreds, upon hundreds of people (tourists), head to Oia to take in one of the best island sunsets that you can experience. I suggest googling the time of the sunset for that day and getting there several hours before. Finding a place to park on that side of the island before sunset is incredibly tricky, and having an ATV comes in handy. There are plenty of places to stand to watch the sunset but just as the parking lots get full quickly, so do the public areas to stand. Get there early and enjoy a walk around Oia since there are heaps of lovely shops that sell anything from paintings to jewlery to clothing. There are also lots of cute hotels and resorts on the walk to the end where the sunset occurs. A lot of the more expensive hotels are on this side of the island, and you can see how some rooms have private pools that light up at night. If you’re like me and you can’t afford that life, but you like to plan ahead for when you will be able to, take a while to write down some of the names of the places you wish to stay in for future trips. I mean, a girl can dream, right?
After you fantasize about spending a week in one of the plush hotels with your model boy toy, (I can’t be the only one who does this.) make sure to find a spot to stand to watch the sunset and get ALL of the pictures possible to send back home to mom and dad, just kidding. Take as many photos as possible because one, it’s a gorgeous sunset and two, social media. If you do decide to put the camera down and take a look around, you will notice that everyone around is either taking videos or pictures with their phones, gopros, or cameras. The sunset in Santorini is truly a spectacle, and although it doesn’t last long, it capture’s the audience. Once the sun actually sets, the crowd begins to cheer and clap, and then they start to make the mad dash to leave Oía. If you are impatient and hate slow walkers, I suggest staying behind a while longer and getting a nice glass of wine or a cold beer to pass the time. A lot of the shops stay open so if you didn’t have an opportunity to check them out before, now is a good time to do so. I had to get the ATV back to Fira in 28 minutes after the sunset, so I was one of the crazy people who made the mad dash to her ATV. Note to self and reader: Ask to return the ATV at 10:00 p.m. if you are staying in Fira. I luckily got it back in time but not without driving incredibly fast through dangerous curves. Sorry, mom!
At this point, most people would call it a night and head home or get back on their cruise ship, but since I was staying in Fira and it is very lively at night, I decided to grab a gyro to go and walk around the city while I enjoyed some people watching before headed back to my hotel. I could have easily gone out seeing how Fira is where the nightlife scene is in Santorini. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to check out if you want to explore the late-night scene. I suggest Two Brothers Bar if you are staying on the island and looking for a wild night out. Don’t say that I didn’t warn you. Seeing how I had a pretty packed day and was tired from soaking up so much sun, I skipped the bars for that night.
This was how I spent an entire day on the island and got to know the major tourist spots. There are plenty of other things to do while on the island such as checking out one of the wineries, taking a tour to the active volcano and hot springs, or visiting the prehistoric ruins at Akrotiri. If you are short on time or you are like me and try to see as much as possible in a day, then this itinerary is perfect for you. It can also give you an idea of what to do while the island and how to spread it out over your stay. Santorini is a gorgeous island and for those who have always wanted to go but they aren’t sure, I recommend that you take the trip!
Here are a few photos from my last visit to Santorini where I rented an ATV, again, and explored the island some more.
