Blog | A Happy Passport

Staying in a Windmill on São Miguel Island in the Azores

With the rise of Airbnbs and vacation rental homes, some unique accommodations are popping up all over the world. You can stay in a canal boat in Amsterdam, a treehouse in the rainforest, a castle in Germany, or a cave in Australia. We are always on the lookout for the coolest Airbnb we can stay at in each destination we visit, and so far this spectacular windmill in the Azores takes the prize! What can be better than having 360º views from your bedroom of the Atlantic Ocean and the gorgeous Azorean landscapes?

Europe, Portugal, Editor's PickAlison MullisJuly 23, 2019Accommodations Comment

Detailed Itinerary for 9 Days in Peru | Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Lima

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.

South America, Peru, Editor's PickAlison MullisFebruary 5, 2019Itinerary, Lake Titicaca Comments

Luxury PeruRail Lake Titicaca Train Ride: Cusco to Puno

The Titicaca Train from Cusco to Puno is not only the most beautiful train ride in Peru but also one of the most scenic in the world. Also known as the Andean Explorer train, this route goes between the city center of Cusco and Puno. This train ride is so much more than transporting you from A to B. This luxury train is styled after a 1920s Pullman train and goes through the Andes Mountains, reaching over 14,000 feet of elevation. The total journey takes 10 hours and includes 2 gourmet meals, traditional Peruvian dancing, and endless panoramic views. As a sucker for train travel, our expedition through the Andes Mountains by train was a highlight of our trip to Peru.

South America, Peru, Editor's PickAlison MullisOctober 15, 2018Train, Day Trip Comment

The 10 Things You Must Do in Florence, Italy

Florence is the ideal base to explore the gorgeous Tuscany region. Florence is known for its art & culture, stunning landscapes, exceptional architecture, and cuisine. We stayed in Florence for 3 nights. However, we took day trips to Siena and Pisa, so really only had 24 hours to explore Florence itself. If you only have a short amount of time in the city, here are the 10 things you must do while in Florence.

Europe, Italy, Editor's PickAlison MullisJune 13, 2018Florence, HoneymoonComment

Making the Most of Disney Theme Parks as an Adult

It might surprise families, but Disney theme parks are actually quite popular for adults without kids. Disney World has repeatedly been ranked as the #1 domestic Honeymoon in the United States. Realizing this growing demographic, Disney has been doing more in the recent years to cater to childless adults. You can enjoy the parks in a lot of the same ways you did as a kid, but there are also many more new experiences now that you have disposable income, no curfew, and an ability to drink. We have been to Disney parks twice in the last year: to Disneyland for a 2nd smaller Honeymoon and to Disney World for my birthday. Here is our guide to making the most of Disney Theme Parks as an adult.

20 Podcasts to Listen to On Your Next Trip

While travel can be full of adventure and exploring, there is bound to be some downtime while on the move to your next destination. Whether you are on a plane, train or automobile, here are some podcasts to keep you occupied as you travel the world. There are now thousands of podcasts meant to entertain, inform, or distract. Unlike movies, podcasts allow you to watch the scenery as you listen.

Editor's Pick, Travel TipsAlison MullisMay 27, 2018 Comments

Is it Worth Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most well-known landmarks in Italy. It is also extremely popular among tourists. The tower is actually just a bell tower adjacent to the gorgeous Pisa Cathedral, which is a part of the larger Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). Despite its popularity, does Pisa deserve a spot on your limited time in Tuscany? Here, we outline 5 reasons not to go and 3 reason to make the journey to Pisa.

Europe, Italy, Editor's PickAlison MullisApril 21, 2018Pisa, Monument, Leaning Tower of Pisa Comments

Half-Day in the Stunning Mykonos, Greece

The few hours we spent in Mykonos was our first taste of Greece and what cemented our eagerness to explore more. For our honeymoon, we were on a 9-day Mediterranean cruise that stopped at 4 ports in Greece and 3 in Italy. Our first Greek port was the gorgeous Mykonos! Prior to leaving, Mykonos was near the bottom of our list of what we were most excited for. However, after we were done exploring Mykonos town, it was our number one place to go back in Greece.

Editor's Pick, Greece, EuropeAlison MullisApril 19, 2018Free, Mykonos, Cruise Comments

Disney's Wild Africa Trek Experience

What better way to celebrate my birthday this year than crossing a rope ladder over crocodiles or eating lunch overlooking the Savannah? After booking a last-minute trip to Disney World, I had one thing at the top of my list of must-dos: the Wild Africa Trek. Disney's Wild Africa Trekis a 3-hour privately-guide VIP experience in Animal Kingdom's Africa section. You are led through inaccessible parts of animal enclosures to a suspension bridge, which finishes at a private safari truck that after meandering through the Savannah takes you to a hut to enjoy a packed lunch while watching giraffes and antelope.

United States, Florida, Editor's PickAlison MullisApril 19, 2018Disney WorldComment

Top 5 Free Things to See in Taormina

Taormina is a small town perched on the cliffs of Sicily in Italy. From the pedestrian-only city center, you can see Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The village of Taormina is a popular destination for wealthy Europeans in the Summer and it's streets are lined with high-end shops. Fortunately for the more budget-concious traveler, there are many ways to spend a day in Taormina without spending a penny.

Europe, Italy, Most Popular, Editor's PickAlison MullisApril 17, 2018Sicily, Cruise, Taormina Comments