Dublin, Ireland
Exploring Dublin: Pubs, Landmarks, and Local Gems
Dublin is a city that exceeded my expectations in every way. From friendly locals to vibrant pubs, delicious cuisine, and stunning landmarks, I found much to love in this charming city. Here’s a breakdown of my favorite spots and some you might want to avoid!
Devitts Pub – A Must-Visit for Atmosphere and Music
Our absolute favorite pub in Dublin was Devitts. With great live music and a fantastic crowd, it’s the perfect place to spend an evening soaking in the local culture. The lively atmosphere made it a memorable spot to hang out. We found ourselves returning almost daily throughout our trip. Devitts is located in Camden, which has more of a local feel than the Temple Bar area.
Landmark Pub – Cozy and Delicious
We also loved Landmark Pub, a cozy spot with good food and better service. Whether you’re looking for a quiet meal or a drink, this place is a solid choice for an authentic Irish meal. We found ourselves there for lunch twice and were not disappointed.
Boxty – Not Worth the Hype
On the flip side, we had a disappointing experience at Boxty. The fish and chips were the worst I’ve ever had—not the place to go for a classic Irish dish. If you’re looking for great food, I’d recommend steering clear of this one.
Diwali – A Culinary Delight
For those craving something different, Diwali offers amazing Indian and Nepali cuisine. Every dish we tried was flavorful and fresh, making this one of the top meals of our trip.
The George – A Fun Night Out
If you’re looking for a fun and inclusive night out, check out The George, a gay bar with an entertaining drag show. The crowd was energetic, and the performances were fantastic—a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Dublin’s vibrant nightlife.
Poolbeg Lighthouse – A Scenic Adventure
One of the best sights in Dublin is the walk to Poolbeg Lighthouse. It’s a bit of a journey but worth it for the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere. If you enjoy a good walk and want to see something off the beaten path, this is the spot for you. Don’t forget to bring a jacket along!
JKs – A Brunch Worth the Wait
If you’re in the mood for brunch, JKs is a fantastic choice, but be prepared for a long line. The food is worth the wait—delicious and satisfying, perfect for a late morning in Dublin.
The Swan – A Piece of History
For a more authentic Dublin experience, head to The Swan. This old, traditional bar offers a step back in time with its rich history and welcoming atmosphere.
Shopping in Kilkenny
Dublin is also a great place for shopping, and Kilkenny is the best spot for Irish wool sweaters. Be sure to ask for Patrick—he’s incredibly helpful and will guide you to the best finds. Plus, they offer free shipping over a certain amount, making stocking up on beautiful Irish goods easy.
Corinne’s for Souvenirs
If you’re looking for souvenirs, Corinne’s is a great place to go for authentic Dublin mementos to take home.
Aviva Stadium – Fantastic Venue
If you get the chance to catch a game at Aviva Stadium, it’s well worth the visit. The stadium is impressive, though the beer lines were painfully slow. Still, it’s a fantastic spot to take in some football and soak up the local sports culture.
Super-Friendly City
One thing that stood out to me in Dublin is how friendly the city is. We were met with warmth and hospitality everywhere we went, making our trip that much more enjoyable.
Aer Lingus – A Great Budget Airline
We flew with Aer Lingus, and it was a wonderful experience for a budget airline. The planes were clean, the staff was very friendly, and the boarding process was easy. I’d fly with them again for a smooth and affordable trip.
Dublin is an accessible city to fall in love with. It offers a great mix of history, fun, and friendly people. You will have an unforgettable time if you’re hitting up the local pubs or exploring the city’s landmarks.
Milan, Italy
A Short, Memorable Trip to Milan: Highlights and Recommendations
I recently spent a few days in Milan, and though it was a short trip, it was filled with great experiences that I couldn’t wait to share. From the charm of boutique hotels to affordable drinks and outstanding meals, here’s a quick recap of my Milan adventure.
Duo Milan Porta Nuova – Boutique Hotel Perfection
My stay at the Duo Milan Porta Nuova was a highlight of the trip. This beautiful boutique hotel offers a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere. The staff were friendly and accommodating, offering early check-in and late check-out when you book with me through Fora Travel, which made our travel schedule so much easier. Drinks at the hotel bar were surprisingly inexpensive, with a glass of wine costing just 10 euros—a great way to wind down in the evenings.
Exploring The Navigli Canal Area
One of my favorite parts of Milan was the Navigli canal area. We visited during the day, and it was buzzing with energy. The area is known for its outdoor dining options and cheap drinks, making it a great spot for a leisurely afternoon. While it can be touristy, the people-watching was excellent, and the canal’s clear water, filled with interesting fish, made for a unique and scenic backdrop. There's some graffiti along the canals, which adds to the urban charm. If you're looking for a peaceful boat ride, be aware that only a tourist boat operates on the canal.
Il Tavolino Restaurant – A Culinary Delight
For dinner, we tried Il Tavolinlino, and it didn’t disappoint. The service was impeccable, and the food was exceptional. I was particularly impressed by the salad greens, which were fresh and top-tier (they served mosh, which is our favorite and only found in Europe). The prices were also very reasonable, with a Cabernet Franc for just 38 euros. The restaurant served excellent salads, breads, and cheeses, making it one of the best meals we had in Milan.
A Quick Visit to Museo del Novecento
With limited time in Milan, we decided to visit the Museo del Novecento, and it was the perfect choice. The museum focuses on 20th-century Italian artists and takes less than two hours to explore—just right for my schedule. The collection is well-curated, offering a great snapshot of modern Italian art without feeling overwhelming. If you have a couple of hours to spare, I highly recommend adding this museum to your itinerary.
Airport Dining – A Pleasant Surprise
Believe it or not, one of the best pizzas I had in Italy was at the airport! Rossopomodoro in Milan’s MXP airport blew me away with their delicious pizza. If you’re passing through, make sure to stop by—it's a fantastic way to end your trip on a high note.
The Cost of Getting Around
One thing to keep in mind if you’re flying into Milan is that the cab ride from MXP airport to Milan can be expensive. Ours cost 120 euros, which felt steep. However, beyond that, we found everything else in Milan to be very affordable, from the food and drinks to accommodations.
Milan offers a great blend of culture, charm, and value, and I can't wait to return for a longer visit!
La Compagnie review
Flying in Style: My La Compagnie Experience to Milan
When planning my recent trip to Milan, Italy, I wanted a travel experience that combined comfort and value. I found the perfect solution with La Compagnie, a boutique airline offering business-class-only flights at a fraction of the price of the larger carriers. Here's how my journey went and why I’d recommend this experience to anyone looking to travel in style without breaking the bank.
1. Service That Exceeds Expectations
From the moment I boarded the plane, I was impressed by La Compagnie’s high-touch service. The flight attendants were attentive, professional, and genuinely interested in making the trip as comfortable as possible. Every request was met with a smile, and it felt like they truly went the extra mile to provide a personal touch.
2. Business Class Comfort at Half the Price
La Compagnie offers business class at about half the price of what you’d expect from larger airlines like Delta. While Delta’s business class can be a luxurious experience (and I am a devout Delta customer), La Compagnie provides the same comfort and premium services without the steep price tag. This alone makes it an excellent choice for travelers who want to indulge without the guilt of overspending.
3. Lounge Access – Convenient and Complimentary
One of the perks of flying with La Compagnie is complimentary lounge access before your flight. While the food in the lounge was just okay, there’s plenty of free alcohol and beverages, which made for a relaxing start to the journey. The atmosphere was quiet, and it’s always nice to have a comfortable space to wait before boarding.
4. The Food in the Sky – A Delightful Surprise
While the lounge food left something to be desired, the in-flight dining experience was fantastic. The food on the plane was excellent, with a gourmet menu that rivaled what you’d find in many restaurants on the ground. From the fresh ingredients to the careful presentation, every meal was a treat. If you’re a foodie, La Compagnie’s in-flight dining alone makes the ticket worth every penny.
5. Limited, Yet Strategic Routes
One thing to keep in mind is that La Compagnie only flies out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in the United States. Currently, they have routes to three destinations: Rome, Milan, and Paris. While the route options are limited, they focus on high-demand, premium European destinations, making it perfect for travelers heading to these cities.
6. Is It Worth It? Absolutely.
In my opinion, La Compagnie offers an unbeatable combination of luxury and affordability. For those who want to travel in comfort without paying the steep business class fares of larger airlines, La Compagnie is very much worth the price. The high-touch service, excellent in-flight meals, and overall experience make it a great choice, especially if you’re flying to Milan, Paris, or Rome.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, I highly recommend giving La Compagnie a try. For about half the price of Delta’s business class, you’ll still enjoy a premium experience – one that makes the journey feel as special as the destination.