From the super nauseous feelings in the first trimester to the aches and pains in the third trimester, there usually isn’t a perfect time to travel during pregnancy. However, there are a lot of things you can prepare to make your flights and adventures more enjoyable.

Osaka is a go to city for amazing cuisine, nightlife, beautiful sights, tons of nearby day trips - and also their gorgeous cherry blossoms during Sakura season in the spring.  Osaka is often overlooked as a destination compared to nearby Kyoto.  This large metropolis is worth a visit or even a two-day stay.  Unlike Tokyo, where there are a million and one things to see and you feel like you might miss something if you don’t spend all your time out sightseeing, you can take Osaka at a more relaxed pace.  Use Osaka as your break while you are in Japan, while also checking out some of Japan’s best Hanami spots.

Nara is by far the most popular day trip from Kyoto – and for good reason. It is easily accessible by train and has just the right amount of sights to fill up your entire day, but not enough to warrant an extended stay in your packed schedule. Without a doubt, Nara’s deer are what makes the city famous but the remarkable shrines and scenery of the area should also be a major draw for visitors. Everything you want to see is in easy walking distance from the train station and a lot of it is free. If you have the JR rail pass, you will be able to access the city at no extra cost to you in under an hour.

I do not know if there is any country in the world more picturesque, unique, and just downright unbelievable as Iceland.  I am generally averse to visiting the same destination multiple times as there are so many other places in the world to explore, but Iceland might just be an exception.  With so much of the island untouched, you can come back and visit multiple times and still find new and unexpected gems.  We visited in the middle of June for 11 days and drove around the entire country.  All seasons have their perks and there really is no wrong time to visit.  We chose mid-June because it was only at the start of peak season, 22+ hours of daylight, lupines would be in peak bloom, and temperatures would be getting warmer.

Our fourth day driving the Ring Road was action packed as we went through the martian landscape of northeast Iceland.  The highlights of this section of the Ring Road include the powerful Dettifoss waterfall, the geothermal lava fields of Krafla and Hevrir, a lava cave steam bath, volcanic craters, lava rock fields, and the gorgeous Lake Mývatn.  It was a long day that ended with a problem with our Airbnb.  

Iceland is expensive.  It is the 4th most expensive country in the world based on consumer price indexes.  High food costs are a large part of it.  There are certainly ways to keep your costs down if you strategize.  During our 11-day trip around Iceland, we spent less than $8 a day per person on food.  You go to Iceland for the beautiful landscapes and thrilling experiences, save your money for accommodations and activities rather than food.  Here are practical tips for eating cheap in Iceland.

Peru is a destination unlike any other. There is an incredible number of varied landscapes – from deserts to rainforests to mountain highlands to stunning beaches. You could spend 2 months in Peru and still have sights you have yet to see. 9 days is a perfect amount of time to explore two or three regions of Peru and to get you excited about visiting the rest on future trips. This 9-day itinerary focuses on the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca regions – the two most popular destinations for first-time visitors to Peru.

We all know about the modern marvel that is Machu Picchu, but the beauty of Peru extends far beyond that one sight. From the abundant natural beauty of the Andes to the colorful locals, it is hard to look at the adventures that await you in Peru and not want to book a flight. These photos show only a fraction of the diversity that Peru brings. A visit to Peru can include the Amazon Rain Forest, the pristine beaches of the North Coast, the sand dunes of Huacachina, the wonders of the Nazca Lines, and the treks of the Highlands. Below are pictures from the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and Lima.

Lima is home to outstanding Peruvian cuisine, impressive coastal cliffs, one of the largest fountain and light shows in the world, and a rich history. You will more than likely need to fly through Lima on your journey to or from Machu Picchu. This modern city has enough to offer visitors a reason to spare a day in the beautiful highlands, rainforest or deserts of Peru. We spend a day in Lima coming from Lake Titicaca on our way back home. Lima is a lively city with amazing restaurants and nightlife, but also with plenty of parks and a long stretch of beach that offers visitors a chance to relax.