The Colosseum Beyond the Outer Ring

This post is written and sponsored by Local Experience Tours Almost everyone who visits Rome puts the Colosseum on the list, and almost everyone sees the same thing: the curved outer wall, the stacked arches, a slow shuffle along the upper tiers. It is impressive, and it is also only part of the building. The parts that make the amphitheater click are the ones most people never see.

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Don’t Make This Mistake Visiting Sintra’s Castles, Portugal

  Sintra, Portugal, is known for its extraordinary palaces, historic estates and fairytale-like architecture. Just outside Lisbon, this beautiful region is a must-see for anyone interested in Portuguese history, architecture and culture. Two of its most famous attractions are Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira , and after visiting both, I have some advice that could make a big difference in your experience.

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This Lisbon Food Hall is Hiding One of the City's Most Interesting Ways to Eat

There are some places in Lisbon where you go because you want to see them. Then, there are places where you go because you want to eat!

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Rome Catacombs: What No One Tells You Before You Go

*This post is sponsored and written by Local Experience Tours. We all know the Rome checklist: the Colosseum, the Vatican, tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain. And don't get me wrong, all of that is magical. But on my last trip to Rome, the experience I keep talking about isn't any of those. It's the afternoon I spent underneath the city, walking through the Roman catacombs.

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Discover Cars Review: My Seattle Rental Car Experience

Disclosure: This post was created in collaboration with Discover Cars. My rental car was provided as part of the collaboration. As always, the opinions and experiences are my own. When I was planning my recent trip to home to Seattle , I had the opportunity to collaborate with Discover Cars , an online platform that allows travelers to compare and book rental cars from different rental companies.

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The Oldest Bookstore in the World: A Guide to Livraria Bertrand in Lisbon

The Oldest Bookstore in the World: Livraria Bertrand, Lisbon One of my favorite things about traveling through Portugal is discovering places that have a story to tell. During my Lisbon trip this past May, I returned to one of those special places for the second time in two years — Livraria Bertrand , the oldest bookstore in the world.

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Where to Stay in Cascais, Portugal: Best Hotel for a Coast Getaway

*This post is in partnership with Visit Cascais . All accommodations, tours & dining experiences were hosted in exchange for editorial coverage. All opinions are my own. When it comes to charming beach towns in Portugal, Cascais is the Atlantic coast charmer calling you to visit. Located 30 minutes west of Lisbon, this laid-back seaside escape offers the perfect mix of old-world beauty, that beckons you to stay awhile.

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Albufeira Algarve, Portugal : What No One Tells You Before You Go

  Albufeira Algarve: What NoOne Tells You Before You Go We’re taking a quick pause from my Amalfi Coast itineraries—don’t worry, more are on the way. For now, we’re trading those famous Italian cliffs for the sun-drenched coastline of Portugal’s Algarve.

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Discover Lisbon Solo: Where to Find the Top Sights, Shopping and Eats

  * This post contains affliliate links. You can use my link to book your stay/ experiences at no additional cost .  Lisbon, Portugal’s sun-drenched capital, is a solo traveler’s paradise. With its cobblestone streets, stunning vistas, and rich history this city effortlessly combines the charm of old Europe with a modern, laid-back vibe.  

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Top Tips for a Fashion Photo Shoot In Lisbon

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click to purchase , a small commission will be made Lisbon’s stunning Comércio Square is a photographer’s paradise, where fashion meets history in a vibrant embrace. If you’re planning a fashion photo shoot in this iconic location, teaming up with a local photographer can elevate your vision to new heights. Here’s how to make the most of your shoot while capturing the essence of Lisbon.

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3 Perfect Days in Cascais: A Mini Guide to Portugal’s Coastal Gem

Image Credit: Visit Cascais Tourism  *This post is in partnership with Cascais Tourism Board. All experinces were hosted in exchange for editorial coverage. All opinions are my own. Lisbon is Portugal’s bustling capital, and beautiful  Cascais is the little sister. The song " Almost Paradise " describes my thoughts exactly about visitng Cascais.  However "almost" is not an accurate description- it IS PARADISE .  This charming seaside town is the perfect blend of old-world elegance and laid-back coastal fun. If you have  three days in Cascais , here’s how to make the most of it!

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Where to Stay in Lisbon

        * This post contains affliliate links. You can use my link to book your stay/ experiences at no additional cost .  Lisbon, the sun-kissed capital of Portugal, is a city where historic charm meets modern vibrancy. If you’re planning a getaway to this picturesque metropolis, choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference. 

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How to Pack for a 3-Day Cruise (Complete Packing List)

This post contains PAID link s Going a cruise is super exciting, but also can be frustrating if you aren't prepared with the right wardrobe. As I mentioned in a previous post , I will be going on a Norwegian  cruise press trip! The ship is sailing to Victoria, not far from my hometown of Vancouver B.C.

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How to Save Big on the High Seas

*This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.  You can read my full disclosure   here. Thanks for stopping by Maple Leopard today! It's been awhile since I've posted Cruise tips.  With inflation soaring and everything going up, prices to cruise are actually going down. If you are looking to score a huge discount on cruise travel, NOW is the time to get it booked!

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Free City Walking Guide Apps for Europe and North America — Limited-Time Giveaway

My Walking Guides Are Officially Live on GPSmyCity (and I’m Doing a Free App Giveaway!) If you’ve followed my travels for a while, you know I’m a big believer in exploring cities on foot. Walking is how you notice the small details, wander off the obvious routes, and actually feel a place instead of just ticking off landmarks. 

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Best Things to do in Tempe Arizona in December

  Photography:  Tempe Tourism This post contains affiliate links. If you reserve, I may recieve a small commission.  We are taking a break from our Europe itineraries until January.  Since we are in the middle of Christmas festivities, I'm sharing an updated post in collaboration with  Tempe Tourism  

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Best Travel Tuesday Deals 2025: Huge Savings on Flights

 Milan Italy ( Oct 2019) *This post contains affiliate links. Which means if you click to purchase I may receive a small commission at NO extra charge to you. Hello friends, We are taking  a break this week from Europe Itineraries.   TRAVEL TUESDAY  is tomorrow and I wanted to introduce you to a platform where you can snag unreal deals for travel: Thrifty Traveler   To make these deals a reality you will need to SUBSCRIBE as a MEMBER!  You can use my code:  MAPLELEOPARD37 ...

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Positano Day Trip Itinerary : An Amalfi Coast Girls Getaway

Positano is one of those places that looks exactly like a postcard — colorful homes clinging to the cliffs, little boutiques tucked along winding streets, and endless ocean views that stop you in your tracks. Built into the cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea , this Amalfi Coast gem is as glamorous as it is relaxing.

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From London to New York: Inspiring MICE Destinations Revealed at IMEX

A Global Gathering for the Future of MICE Travel Two weeks ago, I attended IMEX America in Las Vegas — one of the world’s leading trade shows for meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE). As a travel writer and content creator, I was invited to several press briefings highlighting what’s next in the world of event destinations, hospitality and sustainability.

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The Blue Grotto Experience: An Amazing Day Trip from Sorrento

If you’re traveling the Amalfi Coast, one unforgettable experience is visiting the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) — the glowing sea cave off the coast of Capri that everyone talks about. It’s one of those rare spots that actually lives up to the hype: bright, electric-blue water that looks almost unreal! 

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