Do you remember in grade school when you learned about other countries? I remember in sixth grade, everyone picked a country and we had to research what they ate, what they wore, what was on their flag, etc., and then present it to the class. We had to bring in a “traditional dish” to share…
I love thrift stores. So much in fact, that I started an Instagram thrift shop called Thrifting with Nina. (Decided to stick with my “brand”). I love going to thrift stores and finding amazing secondhand clothing and household goods. I find too much to keep for myself, so I decided to sell some on Instagram. …
We travel all the time to places where we don’t know the native language. We’ve had some issues, but most of the time (especially in Europe) everyone speaks English. If a German meets someone from France on the Swiss Alps, they will speak English to each other. It’s the most common language you’ll find among…
Road-tripping through the former Yugoslavia (aka the Balkans, aka the coast of the Adriatic, aka eastern Europe) was an incredible experience. There are so many sights to see, and cultures to explore, and of course you can’t see it all. This is what we did, how we did it and what we saw.
I was reading through some travel trends recently and it got me thinking. Many of the very popular tourist destinations are overcrowded and it’s a deterrent to many of us. We want to enjoy these beautiful spaces with some solitude, without all the headaches of crowded travel buses, long lines, and rude tourists. But, we…
The Ohio State Fair is nostalgic for me as an Ohio baby. We went as kids and teenagers, enjoying the food, rides and concerts. My sister even worked at the pork stand in high school. It’s been awhile since I’ve been, so I was excited to see if it was how I remembered it as…
A while back someone asked me how I find good restaurants while traveling. There is a definitely an art to this, and I don’t always pick winners. However, I have learned some things along the way to avoid a really terrible restaurant or find a real gem.
When I asked what people wanted to read about on Instagram, one suggestion was very specific: “what are three things you’ll never go on a trip without, and the backstory for each?” I had to think long about this one, but since you asked for it…
When you love doing something, it’s hard to imagine someone not wanting to do it, too. If you love eating sushi, you might be startled to find out that I don’t like fish. I don’t really like it cooked, and I certainly don’t like it raw. I feel that way about traveling and vacationing. It’s…
Hocking Hills provides some of the best outdoor exploration that the state of Ohio has to offer. It has waterfalls, caves, trails overlooking the forest, and wildlife galore. We had a great time exploring Hocking Hills and making Cherry Ridge Retreat our jumping off point to explore the region.
Who doesn’t love a good deal? I’ve never heard someone brag about how much money they paid for something, but I have heard people brag about how much they didn’t pay. Lately, I’ve been posting on my personal Instagram account all the smokin’ deals I’ve found at thrift stores. I love reminding people that you…
For the last several years, I’ve posted many things about Ohio travel. Being a Columbus-native means I’m always looking for places in Ohio that are fun, interesting and of course, have a good view. I’m a sucker for a beautiful Birdseye view. As I went through my various posts, I decided to do a round-up…
As part of my quest to promote things to do around Orlando besides go to Disney World, I am excited to tell you about the Kennedy Space Center. I’m sure you’ve heard of it, but did you know it’s also close to a National Park with one of the best beaches in Florida? Well, now…
When I told people I was going to Orlando, they replied, “Going to Disney?” Disney has swallowed up this area so much so that many people don’t even know the amazing, hidden gems that are here. We flew into Orlando and explored the gorgeous region of Ocala, and I am so excited to tell you…
By Martha Whiteside New York City has a lot of hidden gems that most visitors miss, mostly due to the enduring popularity of attractions like the Empire State and Statue of Liberty. But if you want a more unique NYC experience, you have to think like a local. Here are some things to keep in…
Staying somewhere with a kitchen means you get to save some money on food by cooking your own meals. This also means you have to actually think through and plan what you’re going to get at the store once you arrive. If you’re on a restricted diet, this can also become a challenge because some…
“Why aren’t you loyal to one airline?” I get this question a lot. For as much as we’ve traveled, you’d think it would make sense to stick to one airline, one hotel chain, etc., in order to max out on travel points and miles. This may make sense to some people, but it hasn’t for…
We were looking for a fun way to get around Cozumel from the cruise port, and biking was the perfect way. We were able to ride our bikes to the ocean, snorkel and ride back. If you’re looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-path in Cozumel, consider renting bikes!