Nashville Travel Guide

While I haven’t visited Music City in over three years, Nashville is by far one of my absolute favorites cities in the US. From the music to the night life to the history and so much more, Nashville is such a special place. So special, it made our Top Ten Cities List as we planned on where we are moving in 2020 + 2021! I’ve rounded up all my typical recommendations plus some reasons on why Nashville made our Top Ten list to move, but not quite high enough to actually take the plunge!

To Do + See

Country Music Hall of Fame - whether you love country music or not, this is a must see! Hands down one of the best pop culture type museums I’ve been to they’ve got everything from behind the scenes footage, musicians memorabilia, immersive experience and so so much more! This was definitely the one of the highlights from my time in Nashville!

Grande Ole Opry - you can visit for a tour or for a show and either are great! If you can do both I highly recommend that so you can get behind the scenes and get on stage!

The Parthenon - this unique monument is an interesting one to visit! It is unlike anything you would expect in the US, let alone Nashville. Based on the pantheon in Athens, Greece there is even an inside you can explore when open!

Centennial Park - This sprawling park is where the Pantheon is located so if you’re visiting one, be sure to see the other! Portions are dog friendly as well if you’re with your sweet pup!

Andrew Jacksons Hermitage - A super popular place to tour is the former home of President Andrew Jackson. This plantation and museum are about 10 miles outside of Nashville with various options for visiting!

Broadway - If you don’t go to Broadway did you even go to Nashville? Whether you’re into going out or not, this downtown area is a super fun entertainment district known for its honkey tonks, live music and a good time!

Vanderbilt - When I was in Nashville I was actually there to visit the school as I was pre-law at the time. Even if you aren’t interested in pursuing an education at Vanderbilt, it’s a beautiful campus to stroll around and check out.

The Gulch - Another very cool area of Nashville, the gulch is known for its higher end hotels, boutiques, restaurant and striking architecture.

Murals - Nashville has a TON of murals and taking the time to explore a ton of them was super fun! If you want to get to a wide range of them, be sure to have wheels either by car or scooter!

The Johnny Cash Museum - while this was something I didn’t get to do while we were in Nashville, I have only heard amazing things about it! Johnny Cash played a huge roll in the country music scene, especially in Tennessee so be sure to add this to your itinerary.

Living With Landyn - If you’re familiar with life & style blogger/influencer Landyn Hutchinson, she’s recently opened up a branded store right in Nashville! While I haven’t been able to check it out myself yet it looks amazing and something I can’t wait to see the next time I’m in town!

Draper James - Reese Witherspoon’s PRECIOUS store was one of my favorite shopping stops in Nashville. The sweetest southern style can be found all throughout PLUS it has a stunningly cute exterior perfect for photos!

To Eat & Drink

Hot Chicken - while I personally can’t have this Nashville staple it is something to get if you can! My dad + step mom highly suggest Hattie B’s! You might wait in line for an hour but it IS worth it!

Goo Goo Clusters - these American Candy bars of sorts were created in Nashville and remain a local (and global) favorite! With marshmallow nougat, caramel and roasted peanuts covered in chocolate milk they’re a personal favorite!

Moon Pie - Another Nashville borne treat this s’mores like round cookie has marshmallow sandwiched in the middle of two chocolate coated graham cracker cookies!

Maker’s Mark - while I’m not the biggest fan of a bourbon or whiskey (yes, Maker’s Mark is technically a whiskey and a bourbon) it is really fun to try locally distilled booze imo! Whether you opt for a mule or julep it’s worth the try!

Sweet Potato Pancakes - one of my absolute favorite bites while in Nashville was at Pancake Pantry! We did have to wait in line a bit but when we finally got our pancakes it was totally worth it!

Biscuit (Love) - Another amazing stop is to Biscuit Love! You’ve GOT to have biscuits of some kind while in the south - biscuits and gravy is popular or eggs Benedict! I opted for an egg and cheese sandwich!

Smith + Lentz Brewing - While I’m not huge on beer my dad and step mom are and this is a special brewery since it has both of their names in it! It’s a fun place to check out, hang out and enjoy some brews. (note: the March 2020 tornado did quite the number on their building + they are currently making repairs. Be sure to check in on their site + socials before trying to stop in!)

Tips

• Having a car, or better yet using a ride share service will be a huge help especially if you plan on jumping around from area to area!

• Public transit isn’t so good here - skip the bus and opt for ride sharing.

• Give yourself at least 2 - 3 days to be able to take in what Nashville has to offer! If you want to give yourself time between the nightlife and seeing things, consider adding a few more days! Overall, I personally don’t think you need a week to see Nashville but that’s just me!

• Be prepared for summer! If you visit during the summer be prepared for humidity and drink water accordingly! It might not be the desert but the summers are hot in their own special humid way!

• The best time to visit for weather is the late summer/early fall or spring/early summer!

• Nashville has a lot of different aspects to it making it both a family friendly spot for touring the US or a super fun location for a bachelor or bachelorette weekend!

• You don’t have to dress up. Nashville is a more casual town so don’t worry about being super fancy when visiting!

• Nashville is actually pretty dog friendly! If you’re someone who loves to travel with your pup, Nashville is a great location to do that with parks and dog friendly bars and restaurants!

• Nashville does have a higher (comparatively) sales tax of 9.25% so be aware when you get bills why things might seem pricier!

• If you’ve got the time, take a day trip (or two) to the Smokey Mountains National Park! It’s one of the most visited parks in the US and is absolutely stunning regardless of what activities you enjoy outdoors! If you do, be sure to get a Parks Passport and grab your stamps!

Moving

As promised, I wanted to share a bit about how Nashville ended up as one of our Top Ten cities, our pros and cons and why we ended up not choosing it. As for how it ended up there, Nashville truly is an incredible city to live in your twenties. My step sister lived there a decent amount of her twenties and was always a place close-ish to home (Indy) I had considered moving when I moved back East. With the nightlife, close-by outdoors and not too too far of a drive to Disney World we definitely thought it was a contender!

As for pros and cons, we focused on these specifically:

PROS:

no income tax

“younger” city

coffee/restaurant/night life

access to professional sports

close-ish to Indianapolis (and family)

Healthcare

CON:

lots of people moving here

rising expenses + cost of living

difficulty finding the type of place we want in the area we want within budget

not super close to Walt Disney World

job competition

allergies

Depending on you, some of these might not be important or they might be - either way these were the things we considered. What really made us decide to take Nashville off was the rising cost of living in addition to Cody not feeling so connected to the move. I used the same reasoning in taking off other cities like Seattle or Richmond, VA.

My Top 10 Favorite Travel Destinations

While the world is slowly starting to open back up, traveling feels closer to reality than it has in months. We’re finally at the stage where dreaming about travel can a little more realistically move into hopeful planning and I’m riding out those vibes as long as I possibly can until it’s safe to travel again! As we all continue to plan (hopefully) for the travels and experiences to come, I’ve rounded up 10 of my favorite travel destinations to help inspire your next adventures!

To date Ireland is one of the most magical places I have EVER visited- and I visited in the off season with only semi-ok weather. While I did visit for St.Patrick’s Day I would go any day to be back in Dublin. I’ve shared a guide on visiting Dublin & greater Ireland if you’re considering this destination!

This is my soul place. The Scottish Highlands are unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and am so, so excited to make it back some day soon. If you’re in the general UK area I can’t recommend making time to get up here more. Whether you’re renting a car and taking it on by your own pace or if you’re a part of a tour group, you won’t be disappointed! If you’re looking for recommendation, be sure to check out my guide. Oh, and be sure to say hi to Nessie!

One of my most impactful travels to date has been to Bosnia. While I initially chose this destination to do in-field research on the Bosnian Genocide - a topic I researched and wrote on heavily throughout university - I was immensely moved by Sarajevo. Even if you aren’t interested in the more historical side of things (even though I really, really think you should at least take the time to learn about the local history) it is an incredible city with so, so much culture, amazing people and delicious food!

By far my favorite National Park - the Badlands are a must-see if you’re planning a National Park or US Road Trip! Be sure to check out my guide on visiting here - and please, please, please take lots of photos and enjoy every single second for me!

Obviously I had to include the happiest place(s) on earth! While I haven’t been down to Walt Disney World since elementary school (when my family won a trip there from Samantha Brown) and it feels like ages (two months) since we visited Disneyland, both places hold such special space in my heart. From precious childhood and adult memories to the biggest investment Cody and I have made to date, Disney really is our special place. If you haven’t yet been, I couldn’t recommend it more!

Another incredibly impactful travel experience has been the day I spent up in Normandy exploring the beaches of D-Day, historical sites and of course, the American Cemetery. While I do have a special connection to the military, you certainly don’t have to to enjoy and feel these spaces deeply. If you find yourself in France, be sure to take the time to take a train North. If you’re looking for tips or tour recommendations, be sure to check out my guide here.

Growing up my family vacationed, at least yearly, in Georgia - predominantly Savannah. From the art scene to the rich culture, diverse (and spooky) history, Savannah is a seriously beautiful and interesting place to visit. Some of my favorite things we’ve done while visiting include the Arts Festivals, seeing concerts on SCAD’s campus, visiting SCAD’s campus, taking ghost tours and don’t forget to enjoy the local bites. If you have time (and I do recommend you should) be sure to drive a bit further out to explore Tybee Island - I’m sharing more on that below!

After living in Prague for over six months it is definitely one of my favorite destinations! It is definitely less well known than other parts of Europe but is not something to miss! It’s a city that can be done - truly - in a day or two making it the perfect stop in a Europe itinerary or the perfect place to stay for a while and really take it all in. If you’re looking for recommendations, be sure to check out my guide here!

Like I mentioned, if you’re in Savannah (or Georgia in general) be sure to take a day (or five) to explore Tybee. It’s the most perfect little coastal town you can bike around, enjoy the beaches, cute and colorful bungalows make it the perfect vacation destination. Be sure to get a scoop (or three) at Sugar Shack - Peach is my favorite!

Another amazing place to visit is Nashville, Tennessee! While I visited here with my mom on a half work half university visit trip (and not yet 21) I can still say this was an incredible place to visit! From the Country Music Hall of Fame to the Grand Ole Opry, Centennial Park, Broadway and so, so much more you won’t run out of things to do or enjoy when visiting! If you haven’t visited yet, be sure to add this to your list!

Tip Tuesday: Ask Me Anything National Parks Edition

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On today's AMA I'm answering all your questions on the National Parks plus sharing some insight on the NPS Passport Program! Below I've shared where you can find answers exactly throughout the video! 00:16 - The best time to visit the Parks (WY/MT Area) 🌲 1:07 - Animals I've seen in the Parks 🌲 1:46 - An animal PSA 🌲 2:14 - Camping, Hotel or Airbnb 🌲 3:45 - What is cell service like 🌲 4:47 - What should you wear 🌲 5:40 - What you should pack 🌲 6:32 - My favorite park 🌲 7:02 - My least favorite park/site 🌲 7:25 - The tea on Mt. Rushmore 🌲 8:17 - What to do instead of Mt. Rushmore 🌲 9:39 - Is buying the Annual Pass worth it? 🌲 10:47 - Passport Program Intro 🌲 10:58 - My Passport/ What's inside 🌲 12:33 - How the Passport Program works 🌲 13:17 - Stamp Examples 🌲 14:00 Wrap Up 🌲

A post shared by Cara Lentz ✨ (@acaracollective) on Apr 21, 2020 at 9:52pm PDT

National Parks Week 2020 Travel Guides

London Travel Guide

London is one of those places in all the films and shows and books that (most) are set on visiting! With such a unique mix of centuries of history and a vibrant metropolitan city, London is something special. Whether you’re looking for something a bit more historical or modern - or even something in between it is a must see in my opinion, even though it is actually not one of my favorite places I’ve visited. As I’ve mentioned in my Dublin/Ireland Travel Guide, I visited London after spending time in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Since I was focusing on historical sites especially, I was pretty over the colonizing empire once I got to London and had some extra annoyance with a lot of the historical sites I saw given this mindset coming in. Don’t get me wrong, some of the sites I visited were some I’d been dreaming of since I was a little girl, I just am a traveler who takes sites and experiences with an informed grain of salt. Either way, here’s my ultimate London travel guide with suggestions, tips and resources to help you plan your trip to London!

The National Portrait Gallery - If you’re interested in seeing some incredible art, this is a great place to start! The National Portrait Gallery is comprised of portraits of influential and important English figures throughout the centuries. Some famous portraits include William Shakespeare and various members of the Royal Family.

The British Museum - If you’re looking for a large mix of human history - culture, music, art, and more - this is the place to be. With most of the relics and works throughout gathered from the height of the British Empire there are pieces from all over the world. Now to be clear, I certainly don’t agree with many of the objects in this museum being there. For many reasons, it serves as a continuation of colonization and imperialism you can read more about here and here. However, if you insist on visiting and viewing the museum this is the one I would recommend the most for the time being.

Harry Potter Walking Tours - in London there are LOADS of Harry Potter themed tours! It is such a part of the pop culture there now, especially with visitors not from London or the UK. I personally LOVED my tour with Tour for Muggles. Our guide was super friendly, super fun and was very accommodating to everyone in the group. On our tour sadly there was some filming for the newest Mary Poppins going on so there was one location we weren’t able to see, but, was made up with some additional knowledge throughout the tour. One thing I really liked was how the tour focused not only on the film or books - for example showing the exact place Arthur Wesley walks with Harry to get into the Tube - but also places important to Rowling in her crafting of the novels. All around, I couldn’t recommend them more if you’re looking to add some Harry Potter magic into your time in London. TIP: Be sure to head over to King’s Cross to check out Platform 9 3/4! There is a free photo op (have someone take your photo with a phone or your camera) and a gift shop!

Thames - I loved spending time having a bite next to the river people watching or walking along it to get from one stop to the other. You actually will pass quite a few things right off the river and can even take a boat taxi, which isn’t always necessary to get around but was quite fun!

Warner Bros Studio Tour London - This was one thing I actually ended up not being able to do last minute, however, from my MANY friends and family who have done it, I highly recommend it! This is something on my bucket-list when we get to go back and I seriously can’t wait! If you are considering going, go for those who can’t and share endless photos and stories with us please!

Borough Market - In London there are quite a few markets you can attend, but this was my favorite. Located next to a few churches and squares I wanted to wander, it was a great stop for lunch and just seeing what all local offerings there are. If you’re someone keen on grazing, this is an excellent choice to order or purchase a few things and then share (or don’t).

Trafalgar Square - commemorating the battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars, this square is just a lovely place to walk around, grab a bite and explore. I came over here just to check things out and had fun wandering around.

Big Ben - an iconic portion of the skyline in London can be enjoyed from far away just walking around or even up close! I personally enjoyed from afar - when I was last in London it was shortly after the Westminster Terrorist Attack so security was heightened and tourist spaces were operating differently. If you are interested, you can get closer with a UK Parliament tour available to visitors!

Westminster Abbey - be warned - depending on when you visit you might have to wait in a line! We did due to security concerns after the attack, but as one of the most popular and iconic locations in London I wouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t always a line. As one of the most notable religious buildings in English history a ton has happened here! From royal coronations to royal weddings there is a ton of history to take in! Additionally, there are a lot of famous (or infamous) people buried here including Chaucer, Isaac Newton, Oliver Cromwell, Mary Queen of Scots and more.

Buckingham Palace - This was something I viewed from afar because personally I wasn’t very interested in seeing the inside. I can’t say I’m all that into the Royal Family, especially given their history. If you are someone interested in the Royals though, this is probably a must-see on your list. From my dear friend who studied abroad here who is very into all that did enjoy it!

Tower of London - I actually did spend quite some time exploring this area and really enjoyed how much there was! Not only are the grounds beautiful, each aspect of the experience has tidbits from centuries of English History including armor, weapons, and so on. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed my time here. I highly recommend if you plan on visiting to give yourself extra time to wander and read.

Shakespeares Globe - While I was meant to see a show here I ended up not being able to due to some injury to my feet - given the show was standing only I skipped. However, if you are looking to see a show in a replica of the Globe (the original burned down) this is a super fun experience my friends who did go couldn’t share their love for it enough!

Churchill War Rooms - quite possibly my favorite thing I did in London, the war rooms are severely overlooked when traveling to London! While I personally love Churchill and have been very interested in his life, philosophy, etc. for some time even those who aren’t well versed would find this interesting. While you do get to learn about Churchill, there is also a ton of information and relics from the War and the actual war rooms the English worked out of while strategizing the defeat of the Axis Powers. You might not be able to walk right in and sit where Churchill did, you can peer through glass into the rooms where many major decisions leading to the end of the War took place. I personally live for places like that in my travels so if that’s something you enjoy this is a must go for you!

When I was in London I actually opted for trying more of the cultural options that weren’t inherently “english” like Pad Thai, Falafel and so on. That being said, DO try the foods that aren’t “english”- the communities of folks from all over the world in London make amazing food. I had the same falafel places two nights in a row because of this and have zero regrets! If you are looking to try some more traditionally English bites, be sure to try these:

• Fish & Chips : possibly one of the most iconic bites from across the Pond, this really is something to try if you can! I sadly wasn’t able to due to being vegetarian but if you can, do!

• Bangers & Mash : this is actually something I grew up with due to my Canadian family and it’s absolutely a hearty and yummy dish! If you like mashed potatoes and sausage - this is for you!

• An English Breakfast : I don’t know about you but Breakfast is my favorite meal. It can include just about anything and just somehow always tastes extra yummy. Here, an English breakfast includes ALL the things including: eggs, beans, toast, hash browns, black pudding, tomatoes and so much more! You might want a snooze after eating but you won’t regret it!

• Beef Wellington : While I’ve never had this, I’ve seen so many chefs on the Food Network give it an attempt and on top of being a cooking feat, it sounds pretty delicious too! Another classic combo of meat and carbs but more refined.

• Bread and Butter Pudding : Quite possibly one of my favorites this delicious bite sounds simple but is in fact quite sweet!

• Cereal Killer Bar : Not a food, but a specialty bite I highly recommend trying just for fun! You can create any cereal/milk and toppings combo you can think of! It’s a fun way to try something different. Plus, the shop is super fun and located in a great spot to wander around!

Thursdays are the new Friday - If you’re looking to experience the nightlife, I actually recommend going out on Thursday nights! This is one of the busiest and popular nights to go out in London to blow off steam from the week!

Get your theatre tickets the day of - If you’re looking to see a West End show or decide spontaneously to, be sure to get your tickets the day of. There are loads of trust worthy shops around (specifically Soho and Piccadilly) that you can buy from. A major bonus? They are also typically very discounted, sometimes 50% off or more!

Don’t forget the 12.5% charge - the 12.5% service charge is typically added to any bill at a nicer or touristy spot in London. Some bars might even add this to your drink bill so it’s best to assume you will be charged this and order your meal or drinks accordingly. It technically is optional but you really only get out of paying if you have seriously terrible service.

Take the bus - While I personally love (and was fascinated) by taking the Tube, it is a great alternative to take the busses. They go basically anywhere and many even fun 24 hours a day allowing you to take in the sites while you get from point A to point B. Additionally, they tend to be a bit cheaper than the Tube if you are on a budget.

Prepare to walk - A LOT. - While you will probably take transit to get from one side of the city to another, the in-between while exploring will be done on foot. Wear footwear thats comfortable and durable!

If you’re a student, or have a student ID, be sure to use it! - like many places across Europe, there is almost always a student discount at museums and any other informative experience. Be sure to have your ID on you to take advantage and save a few pounds!

Scotland Travel Guide

In all my travels, Scotland to this day still sticks out the most to me. Not because I had been dreaming of going since I was a little girl but because it was everything I’ve wanted and more. Scotland is filled with some of the most kind and caring people I’ve ever met, the food is hearty and delicious, and, possibly best yet is the stunning scenery every where you look. Scotland, the Highlands specifically, are a place I think about often and consider a soul place - somewhere for some reason just felt so incredibly much like home. If you get the opportunity to travel there, please do. You won’t be disappointed! Oh, and be sure to say hello to Nessie for me!

For the duration of our short stay we were based out of Glasgow but did not do too much there. I plan on going back as soon as a I possibly can and will update more on Glasgow then! What I can say, is the people there are incredibly kind despite being from the city and are as warm as you could hope!

Scotland has some seriously amazing food - much of which I wasn’t able to try due to being vegetarian BUT since it appears a lot of vegetarian and vegan options have come to the forefront of the food scene here! I’m so excited to get back and try the local fare. Until then, here are recommendations from friends & fellow travelers:

Meat/Seafood Dishes

• Cullen Skink - a super creamy fish soup

• Stovies - a yummy potato dish

• Fresh Seafood of any kind

• Steak Pies

• Fish and Chips

• Haggis

• Black Pudding

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

• Haggis

• Black Pudding

Sweets

• Shortbread - probably the most famous (and one of my favorites)

• Tablet - think of a grainer fudge that is extremely sweet

• Cranachan - almost like a parfait, this yummy dish is a mix of fresh raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats. Many recommend pairing with a whiskey, but that’s up to you!

• Dundee Cake - an iconic Scottish fruitcake that replaces the typical cherry with almonds, sultans and candied peel. It’s super rich and something Scots love enjoying with friends and family on special occasions.

TIP: The tap water in Scotland is totally safe to drink so don’t feel the need to get one-use bottles. Better yet, be sure to bring a refillable bottle on any outdoor adventures!

If you’re visiting Scotland, I would imagine getting out of the city is probably one of your goals as a means to see the Highlands. If the Highlands aren’t yet on your itinerary, they should be! While I initially booked our Timberbush Tour to see Loch Ness, after the fact (and during) I realized the Highlands as a whole were not to be missed and remain to be one of my absolute favorite places I’ve ever been. If you plan on getting up there and are not renting a car, I recommend booking a tour with Timberbush. I have taken LOADS of tours big and small and this is easily within my top three. The tours are small - no more than 16 or so - and are very personable. You can be picked up in either Glasgow or Edinburgh and your guides will surprise you in the very best ways. Our guide was incredibly kind but also to the point. When we started off, he gave us an overview of our day (detailed below) and shared some rules. For example, he had a few extra stops planned for us, however, we would only make those if we all packed into the van on time, every time. He was kind but firm and it definitely helped all the group members bond and hold each other accountable so we could all enjoy those extras.

If you are renting a car, I suggest starting with the itinerary below - it’s based on the tour we took with Timberbush but feel free to add additional stops!

Loch Lomond - our very first stop for a quick refreshment and taking in the views! My absolute favorite photo is taken here from the trip and has lots of wilderness to explore if you’re looking to spend time outdoors. Looking for ideas on what to do? Stop by the Loch Lomond National Park Visitors Center.

Rannoch Moor - one of all the beautiful sites on our tour, made even more popular by (one of my favorite) book and television series - Outlander. The Moor is also classified as a national heritage site so be sure not to miss it!

Black Mount - a well known and gorgeous mountain range you’ll drive through as you head up North towards Loch Ness.

Glencoe- an absolutely stunning area with gorgeous waterfalls and history. The Glencoe Memorial Monument pays homage to the Massacre of Glencoe - a massacre taking place shortly after the Jacobite rebellion. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, this area and event inspired a major event in the saga as well as a historical piece in another saga, Outlander.

Loch Linnhe - Just outside Fort William and Ben Nevis, this beautiful loch is another absolutely worth exploring!

Fort William - With a sweet small town and beautiful scenery you HAVE to stop here. The small town hosts beautiful shops and restaurants, distilleries and (for all the Harry Potter fans) the Jacobite Express - the very train that inspired the Hogwarts Express and was occasionally featured in the films. If you want to see the bridge featured in the films, be sure to check out Lochaber Geopark.

Great Glen Way - While we simply drove near it, if you want to spend some time on trails (or days on the trails) check out these. Designated as one of Scotland’s Great Trails by the Natural Heritage, the trail can be walked in 5-7 days or cycled in 2-3 days.

Caledonian Canal - This canal is what connects the East Coast of Scotland to the West Coast. When you see it in person, its massively beautiful and an additional insight into how Scotland is so uniquely formed.

Fort Augustus - This sweet town outside Loch Ness is a great place to stop for a bite and some walking around. From biking tours, restaurants and more this is a great place to take time in or even stay here if you plan on spending more time close to and around Loch Ness.

Loch Ness - You’ve probably heard lots about Loch Ness and our favorite mysterious friend - Nessie. Come for Nessie and stay for all the other unique things (and beautiful views) the Loch has to offer!

Urquhart Castle - Situated right next to Loch Ness, this castle’s ruins are a must see. When you enter there is an optional video you can watch which is nice, especially when it’s cold and windy outside. Out in and around the castle you can explore the ruins and imagine life way back when and all the history that has taken place there in its 1,000+ years of existence.

Loch Ness by Jacobite Cruise - While it is optional, I loved taking the cruise out on the loch. The boat offers indoor seating as well as outdoors so you have options depending on weather. The cruise is really informative and fun, especially if you’re interested in hearing about Nessie.

Inverness - an ancient city often considered the capital of the Highlands is home to much history and culture. If you’ve got time, consider checking out the College and vibrant city!

Grampian Mountains - Another scenic stop or the perfect thing to drive around/through on your journey back down to Glasgow.

Atholl - from the gorgeous forest you MUST check out during fall foliage to the beautiful castle this is an excellent stop for some sightseeing and general wandering.

Pitlochry - A sweet little town great to end your day trip or even stay in over night. Plenty of accommodations, taverns and of course - the absolute best Whiskey Ice Cream you’ll ever have at the Scotch Corner of Pitlochry!

Don’t buy cheap touristy outfits - When you’re in Scotland like anywhere else there will be many touristy type stores selling imported items. If you’re looking to buy tartan or something similar I highly recommend investing in something local and high quality. This can mean spending hundreds, but, it will last and pay off long term.

DO try the Whiskey - Scotland is known for its whiskey, so be sure to give it a try. Don’t take it as a shot - this is a dead giveaway you’re not local. Drink it slowly and - if you can - start to appreciate how different each variation is. If you don’t like drinking whiskey or have littles, be sure to try whiskey ice cream. My favorite shop is in the highlands near Loch Ness.

Go to Loch Ness (and other Lochs!) - Don’t get me wrong, I loved Loch Ness. It was something I’ve wanted to see since I was little girl. That being said, there are beautiful lochs everywhere! Consider checking some others out as well! This is super doable if you rent a car and drive around!

Pack layers - Scotland like many parts of the UK requires thinking ahead to ensure your outfit is comfortable throughout the day. Dress in multiple layers - more or less depending on time of year - for the weather. If you’re on a tour or visiting with a mix between inside and outside this is especially important to stay comfortable!

Take your time - when you’re out and about, especially in the highlands or the islands or really anywhere outdoors - give yourself time to take it all. It is so stunning it often felt so unreal. Take time to wander, take photos and just enjoy the incredibly choice you made visiting here.

Check the forecast but don’t rely on it - Weather changes a ton in even one day in Scotland. Check the weather for an idea of what to prepare for, however, be ready to prepare for every season on your outing.

Pack a good pair of rain boots - I highly recommend wearing waterproof boots if you can while out and about, especially in the Highlands or other parts of the wilderness. My favorite pair are here and I couldn’t recommend them more.

Take advantage of the free things! - We stayed in Glasgow so we got very lucky to be in such a budget friendly city! Wherever you are there tend to be lots of free tours, museums and events so be sure to do some research to experience amazing things for free!

The Ultimate List of Road Trip Tips & Tricks

If you ask me, there isn’t anything more fun and exciting than hitting the open road to explore! I’ve rounded up all my tips, tricks and to-do list before you head out!

Planning Your Route

Before you hit the open road it really is important to have a plan. This keeps things fun, safe and not disappointing. I’ve written a detailed post on how I plan my trips on the road (and for travel in general) here! In this same post are some resources I use - including the Google Sheet Template - when planning our adventures!

Car Maintenance

Packing

DO NOT HITCH HIKE. I was scared straight at a very early age never to do this. Having traveled all across North America I can’t tell you enough how essential it is to not do this. While I have seen and experienced so much good, kindness and honest help in sticky situations traveling, you need to trust your gut and protect yourself, especially when traveling solo.

Stay Hydrated! You might think being in a car all day and road tripping around won’t impact your need for water but you actually will be more dehydrated! I don’t know about you, but when I’m dehydrated I get awful headaches, feel pretty lousy and just generally am in way less of a good mood. The last thing you want it so be in a mood that makes your adventure less than exciting! Be sure to bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up on your stops!

Know your limits. Whether it be how long you can be on the road in whole or in a span of driving it is essential you know your limits and don’t push them, especially when driving if you’re tired. The longest I’ve driven solo is about 26 hours. Being able to drive that long even then was really hard and not something I learned to do over night. After years of road tripping solo and with family I’ve learned so much and knowing your limits - especially how long you can go without sleep - is one of the most important ones!

Always have cash! No matter where you are, having a stash of cash can be incredibly helpful! Whether its for gas, a meal or an emergency there are many times you will find yourself somewhere that only accepts cash and you do not want to get stuck in this situation with no way out. Don’t feel the need to bring TONS of cash, just be smart and always have enough to get you out of a situation (think full tank of gas, etc.).

Try kicking your trip off in the AM. Whether I’m solo or with others I ALWAYS start my drive in the morning. I make sure to get a good nights sleep and am up and at em really early not only to avoid traffic and make the most of my first available day on the road. Even if you’re not a morning person this can seriously transform your travel experience! My favorite part? Treating myself to coffee on the way out of town!

Always make sure to share your itinerary and schedule check ins with people not with you- especially if you’re solo traveling or in location with poor/non-existent cell service. I’ve seen nearly all of the California NP’s solo in Winter and early Spring and I knew throughout my route would not have cell service. I arranged check ins with family and friends with very specific guidelines for them to worry when/if I didn’t check in. It may seem like a silly precaution but it makes all the difference in case of an emergency!

When evaluating what route to take be sure if you or any of your fellow trippers have special needs you account for that in your route. Need restrooms a little more often? Bringing a furry friend who gets car sick? Need cell service? Phobias you need to accommodate for? Do your research to ensure everyone’s safety is taken into account to have an amazing time on your trip!

Be aware of changing/different weather conditions of your destination and routes. When I traveled all over California in March of 2018 on a ten+ day road trip with a majority of it solo, knowing the weather conditions literally saved my toes, car and whole life. I knew to bring different layering clothes, boots and chains for my tires as well as emergency gear for me in the case of breaking down or being stuck. Even though it was 70+ degrees in Tempe where I started and even warmer in my first stop in Death Valley NP, my other stops up in the mountains reached temps of -20 degrees at night and mid-teens and twenties during the day. Without this planning I would have been miserable and unsafe!

Do research in how far out you need to book! In high school I spent some time studying at UC Berkeley and afterwards explored San Francisco for the first time. When my family & I showed up to tour Alcatraz we were informed you had to book tickets at least a year in advance due to demand! While it made sense it totally changed our plans for the day. Though we ended up having SO much fun, it taught me a lesson early on to plan ahead and do the extra digging even if it seems unnecessary!

If price is a determining factor on an experience, double check for discounts! So many places I’ve been to and experiences I’ve had offered student discounts, veteran discounts, child discounts, retiree discounts and more! If none of their discounts apply to you, look into purchasing a pass - like the American The Beautiful NP Annual Pass - to save major bucks! For my 2018 California Road Trip, I bought the ATBNPAP and ended up saving well over $100 and the $80 pass payed for itself after two entrances to parks.

Apps To Use:

• Road Trippers: an amazing app that lets you add destinations and creates the perfect route for you based on where you want to stop. Available on mobile and desktop!

• Google Maps: on desktop and mobile you can plan absolutely every stop of your trip in your very own map with multiple layers! I use this for every trip once I’ve got my itinerary and it makes GPS a breeze!

• Gas Buddy: If you’re looking to save money and get the most bang for your buck on gas, be sure to download this app! I use this all the time even when not traveling and it has saved me major money especially when trekking into less populated and more rural/off-the-beaten-path areas.

Get Your Car Checked Out! While you might have planned the perfect trip with these tips, be sure your means of getting there and back is ready for the work! A general tune up & diagnostic is typically all you need! Sharing details about where you’re headed like weather, land make up (hills, steep, long climbs, etc.) will help them better serve you and your car in preparation for the adventure!

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I hope you found these tips, tricks and resources helpful! I will be updating and adding as new experiences and knowledge come!

Tip Tuesday: How I Plan Trips & Stay Organized

Whether you’re wanting to plan your first ever road trip or have done a few solo or as a group, planning can tend to be hectic and it’s hard to remember all the small details that will make your trip an amazing, memory-filled experience you’re not soon to forget! Having logged over 10,000 miles road tripping solo I’ve planned, executed and enjoyed my fair share of road trips all across North America! Today, I’m sharing my process from start to finish for planning a road trip of your own along with some tips & tricks I’ve learned along the way!

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Sharing 3 Tips on how to plan a road trip 🚗 Looking for more info, resources & a free template to plan your own road trip? Head over to www.acaracollective.com/acc-blog/tip-tuesday-how-i-plan-trips-amp-stay-organized

A post shared by Cara Lentz ✨ (@acaracollective) on Feb 18, 2020 at 7:17pm PST

As straightforward as it seems, before you dive too deep into planning you really need to figure out your “final” destination for your road trip! This will help immensely as your plan for stops along the way and can help in budgeting your trip. Not sure where you want to go? First figure out how much time you have. If you’ve only got the weekend, consider either staying in-state or the surrounding area. Depending where you find yourself in the US road tripping in state isn’t far or is super far- think about comparing Delaware to California - super different, right? If you’ve got a 3 - 5 days consider branching out more OR focus on spending extended time in places along the way ultimately going to less places but taking in more on the stops you opt for. If you’ve got over a week or two (or even more - the ultimate dream) sky’s the limit. Just be mindful about how much driving will be necessary. Despite what many people think, you DO need plenty of rest when you’re on the open road ESPECIALLY if you’re going solo!

Once you’ve established WHERE you want to end up on your leg there, start checking out maps, threads, travel blogs and chat rooms to decide which route you’d like to take to get there. While many straight shots are available from major city to major city, seeing alternative routes to reach your destination can have plenty of added fun, sight seeing and more I recommend! That being said, BE SAFE. I have made the mistake of trusting a map with an Old County Road to get over a huge mountain which resulted in one of the scariest road trip experiences of my whole life. TRUST YOUR GUT, STAY SAFE and when in doubt ask for Directions from a trusted local in a PUBLIC place. Some great alternatives to main highways are older routes like the famous Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) or Route 66.

This is possibly my favorite step of this entire process - research! Of all the road trips I’ve planned with family, friends and for myself I LOVE seeing what there is to do on the way to and from our desired destination. Taking the time to check out TripAdvisor, Blogs, Reddit Threads and more has allowed me to: eat the best breakfast burrito of my life (Sequoia NP), see and interact with precious Prairie Dogs (Montana) and take in the most gorgeous - and non crowded- views of the Pacific Ocean. Take the time to read through and/or ask around for recommendations. It’s super helpful to also get a sense of what is worth stopping at and what might be worth skipping. I’ve definitely fallen victim to stopping at places I ended up thinking were super overrated like (in my unpopular opinion) Mount Rushmore. Prioritize your favorite interests & bucket list items but also keep an open mind to the gems the internet, friends and family aren’t aware of.

Once you’ve compiled a list - either on a Doc, Notebook, or any preferred method of organizing - be sure to keep track of it! Adding details like address, hours of operation, what each stop entails, accommodations or services can be really helpful when narrowing down your list!

Now you’ve got an idea of what you might be seeing en route to your destination, do research into the final destination itself. Again, utilizing resources like Pinterest, TripAdvisor, Reddit, Travel Blogs, Friends & Family will help you pick the things you want to do, see, and enjoy! I can’t recommend enough utilizing these resources in at least discovering possibilities and better understanding different options. For example, for our upcoming trip to Southern California I was so excited for a particular exhibit in Los Angeles. However, in reading the reviews for the experience I realized it was extremely overpriced and not the best solid thing to do while we were there so I opted out. The extra five minutes to read reviews and do some research saved a poorly spent $75.

Just like before, be sure to keep track of this dream list either on a doc, sheet or in a notebook for later use! Adding details like what it is, address, hours of operation and more will make the rest of your planning a thoughtful and thorough breeze.

Once you have your lists of en route stops and final destination stops and activities listed out, try narrowing them down. I typically do this based on the following: Interest, Price, Timing, Availability, and Location.

Location: first things first, is this in the direction I’m going or the area I plan on exploring or is it an hour clear out of the way? I typically first narrow down based on ease of geographical location to save on gas money, time and not spending all my time in the car. If something is super out of the way but you REALLY want to go, acknowledge it as a priority and plan extra time for it!

Interest: Personally, I love a mix of history, culture, Instagramable locations, and nature on my trips. I prioritize stops with these in mind; more than say night life, food and athletic experiences. For example, I typically will opt for a hike that is more educational or shorter than some of my friends who love vigorous and challenging hikes. Acknowledging your interests and abilities is incredibly important in ensuring you have a trip YOU love. A tourist guide might swear up and down an art museum is a must see but if you hate museums or art, ditch it for what makes YOU happy. It’s your trip after all!

Timing/Availability: In deciding on stops, be sure to make sure the timing of going matches up with hours of operation or open availability and add it to your itinerary as such. Keeping in mind: closures, seasonal openings and holiday hours can make or break your trip and top things you want to do! For example, in driving up to Lake Tahoe from Yosemite NP I had to reroute at least three times due to weather and avalanches. While I didn’t plan for that, I did plan out what I wanted to see and experience given the busy ski season and winter closures around the Lake. Taking the extra steps to learn and plan for these will make the difference!

Price: A lot of my road tripping has taken place while I was in high school, college and post-grad so I’ve been on a budget! As much as I want to do ALL the things, price usually limits me to some extent and is important to take into consideration if you have a strict budget for an adventure!

Once you’ve narrowed your final list down create a practice itinerary for your time traveling and be sure there is time accounted for meals, gas stops, resting, and most importantly DRIVE TIME. I have definitely planned trips where timing at certain locations was really important and miscalculated (over and under) drive times! I can’t stress enough how important it is to include meal stops, restroom breaks and time NOT behind the wheel or in the car! Once you know you can make it fit and hit all your stops you’re ready to proceed onto the next steps!

With things looking good go ahead and open up a Doc, Google Sheets or get your notebook ready to go! I personally use Google Sheets because I live and die by Excel - I’m super type A and this is incredibly pleasing to me and gives me peace of mind to both visually and technically create my itinerary. For this post I’ll be explaining MY process and works for me! Though I hope you find this helpful, be sure to do what works for YOU!

1- Create Google Sheet & Share to Other Trip Goers

As simple as this sounds, the first step is always the most important to make your road trip dreams a reality! Be sure to share with those coming along so everyone is in the loop!

2- Add in your Dates & Times for your Trip

I personally love breaking mine down my either 15 - 30 minute intervals because I’m me & that makes me feel organized but you can honestly break things down however you want! I do recommend trips where things are planned or booked like tours, reservations and so on should be broken down to include the specific times for those to make the visual aspect of your sheet a breeze! Trips where I’m not as planned out on time but location I break down at the hour or even two!

3- Begin adding in your to-do’s, experiences, reservations, etc.

Add in all the final items from you en route and final destinations lists! Be sure to make sure you’re adding them to the correct dates and times if this is the final thing you’re going off of when on your trip! I’ve made the mistake of placing events on wrong days, showing up way too early or other easy to avoid fiascos in this step so double check your work for smooth sailing!

Pro tip: I add the address, operating hours and any other pertinent information in a comment on any cell that has a location to keep information accessible. If you end up printing this out, you can do the same thing with that information on a separate sheet!

4- Download Offline or Print & Share!

Once you’re all done & happy with your final itinerary be sure to download it to your phone so it is accessible offline. Depending on where you’re traveling you might be without reception to allow you to access the information (I’ve been there- it’s tragic) and can end up making you lose time, miss reservations and more! The best tip I have is to PRINT IT OUT. Having a physical copy (or two) will ensure you can stay on track and have information you need like addresses, emergency numbers and more!

Pro Tip: Print out a copy to keep in the car and one to keep on your person in a bag or purse. This ensures you always have your info you need and keeps your trip organized easily!

You can snag your free template here or by clicking on any of the above screen shots!

To access the template, download and create a copy!

When evaluating what route to take be sure if you or any of your fellow trippers have special needs you account for that in your route. Need restrooms a little more often? Bringing a furry friend who gets car sick? Need cell service? Phobias you need to accommodate for? Do your research to ensure everyone’s safety is taken into account to have an amazing time on your trip!

Be aware of changing/different weather conditions of your destination and routes. When I traveled all over California in March of 2018 on a ten+ day road trip with a majority of it solo, knowing the weather conditions literally saved my toes, car and whole life. I knew to bring different layering clothes, boots and chains for my tires as well as emergency gear for me in the case of breaking down or being stuck. Even though it was 70+ degrees in Tempe where I started and even warmer in my first stop in Death Valley NP, my other stops up in the mountains reached temps of -20 degrees at night and mid-teens and twenties during the day. Without this planning I would have been miserable and unsafe!

Do research in how far out you need to book! In high school I spent some time studying at UC Berkeley and afterwards explored San Francisco for the first time. When my family & I showed up to tour Alcatraz we were informed you had to book tickets at least a year in advance due to demand! While it made sense it totally changed our plans for the day. Though we ended up having SO much fun, it taught me a lesson early on to plan ahead and do the extra digging even if it seems unnecessary!

If price is a determining factor on an experience, double check for discounts! So many places I’ve been to and experiences I’ve had offered student discounts, veteran discounts, child discounts, retiree discounts and more! If none of their discounts apply to you, look into purchasing a pass - like the American The Beautiful NP Annual Pass - to save major bucks! For my 2018 California Road Trip, I bought the ATBNPAP and ended up saving well over $100 and the $80 pass payed for itself after two entrances to parks.

Apps To Use:

• Road Trippers: an amazing app that lets you add destinations and creates the perfect route for you based on where you want to stop. Available on mobile and desktop!

• Google Maps: on desktop and mobile you can plan absolutely every stop of your trip in your very own map with multiple layers! I use this for every trip once I’ve got my itinerary and it makes GPS a breeze!

• Gas Buddy: If you’re looking to save money and get the most bang for your buck on gas, be sure to download this app! I use this all the time even when not traveling and it has saved me major money especially when trekking into less populated and more rural/off-the-beaten-path areas.

Get Your Car Checked Out! While you might have planned the perfect trip with these tips, be sure your means of getting there and back is ready for the work! A general tune up & diagnostic is typically all you need! Sharing details about where you’re headed like weather, land make up (hills, steep, long climbs, etc.) will help them better serve you and your car in preparation for the adventure!