round trip travel and lifestyle blog

City Guides

11 Things to Do in New York City

It really is like the movies: bright lights, constant energy, the hustle and bustle.  My trip to New York City was an absolute dream even though it was below freezing for the majority of my stay.  New York bleeds an attitude of fierce ambition; New Yorkers are a proud breed—and rightfully so.  The area is rich with history and brims with European influence.  Chatter of language upon language flutters through the busy streets.  The Big Apple can certainly overwhelm; you can visit this city ample times and truly do something different every time.  While there are thousands of attractions...

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Photo Diary: New Year’s Day in Atlanta

Icy wind whipped at our reddening ears and cracked hands as we shuffled down the empty Atlanta streets on New Year’s Day.  Like the frigid weather, I was bitter that a trip to the deep south wasn’t all that warm—but very glad I checked the weather beforehand!  Just hours before, I’d been sitting on a cramped bus with 50 of my closest friends on our 12-hour journey there.  I spent 48 hours in Atlanta, and there honestly was not a dull moment—or a spare one for that matter. I absolutely love New Year’s Eve; the glitter, sips, conversation and...

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How to Spend a Day in Santa Monica

It truly astounds me how freakin’ big Los Angeles is.  On my last trip there, I spent my time near Huntington, Laguna and Hollywood, but despite my two weeks, I only experienced a dusting of this West Coast hub.  I recently spent a day at Santa Monica and fell in love with this urban city with a sprinkling of suburban charm. Here’s how to spend a day in Santa Monica. Lunch at Urth Caffé Ranked highly on Trip Advisor, this quaint cafe with its plant-lined patio was our first stop in Santa Monica.  I finished every last bite of...

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How to Spend a Day on Catalina Island

Step into the life of the rich and famous on Catalina Island just miles off the coast of Los Angeles.  The moment you step off the ferry from mainland California, a deep blue harbor, quaint shops, hilltop homes and a grand casino nestled on the coast.  Bought by William Wrigley in 1919, this island was the home of spring training for the Chicago Cubs until 1951.  Its beauty and idyllic charm enchanted me, and I’m so excited to share my adventures. Here’s how to spend a day on Catalina Island. Getting to the Island Although 100% worth it, the...

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What Living in Israel is Like

For as long as Clemency Neville can remember, she’s wanted to visit Israel.  But merely traveling there isn’t enough for this Brit; cultural immersion is much better.  When her aunt passed along a possible internship in Israel in the anti-human trafficking field — a big passion of hers — Clemency hopped on the opportunity.  Months later, she says it feels like home and doesn’t want to leave.  Clemency answers some questions about living in Israel on daily life, sights, culture and, of course, food! What did a typical day look like?   I have a 30-minute walk to work,...

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How to Plan a Road Trip in Iceland

Road tripping through Iceland sounds like the dream, right? For Laura Miserez, it was an accident the way it happened. Two of her lifelong friends, Lauren and Brooke Micke, had already started planning their trip to Iceland and mentioned it to Laura.  Naturally, she told them how jealous she was, and they extended an invite — which she didn’t take seriously at first.  Still a dream seemingly out of reach, it wasn’t until several months later that the topic came up again.  During spring break, her dad said he thought she’d regret this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity if she didn’t go;...

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Girls’ Weekend In Kansas City

Growing up with extended family who lived in Kansas City, I’ve been there more times than I can count.  And it’s for that reason that I’ve taken the gem of a city for granted; I’ve only ever been to their houses and haven’t seen the city. But we recently had a girls’ weekend in Kansas City. And I jumped on the opportunity to travel (albeit still Missouri) and to see a city I didn’t really know despite many a visit. We didn’t get on the road till 10 a.m., which would give my father intense anxiety — we’re burning...

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Maddie Koerner on Solo Travel and Life in Europe

An Instagram picture may be worth a thousands words, but influencer Maddie Koerner knows that’s not enough.  “The people that are seeing my pictures aren’t experiencing the excitement I felt when I saw the Eiffel Tower light up or the friendships that I’ve made throughout my journeys,” she said. “This is why I believe traveling is essential for everyone.” Communal travel Maddie spent her summer in Italy as an au pair; she watched the children while the parents were at work and also practiced English with them.  Her work-free weekends included traveling to places such as Bologna, Milan, Portofino,...

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Photo Diary: Small Town Hoppin’ in Mid-MO

Trying to explain to Europeans where I’m from is an adventure.  Smack dab in the middle of the U.S.  Six hours south of Chicago—ish.  And if all else fails, I’d stick out my hand sideways, pointing to an imaginary Los Angeles and New York and then me—right in the middle.  I’m grateful for growing up in Mid-Missouri and really appreciate its contribution to my childhood.  But let’s just say Mid-MO has never swooned me. “How close it it to an ocean?”  “They’re mountains there right?”  Missouri’s far distance from the ocean and mountains make it less than glamorous when...

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Bienvenue

Hey there, I'm Kristin, a Missouri girl living and working in southern France. I love planning weekend trips, sharing my best expat tips and sipping iced coffee.

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