For pure grandeur, nothing is quite like a visit to the Palais Garnier - the Opera House of Paris, located at Place de l'Opera in the 9th Arrondissement. 

Even if taking in a ballet or opera performance is not on your agenda, you can still experience this magnificent building that is a homage to French decorative architecture of the late 19th‐century. All you need to do is buy an admission ticket for a self-guided tour of the interior of the Opera House.

London is one of the best cities in the world for day trips by train. Within an hour or two, you can be at Windsor Castle, the White Cliffs of Dover, the Roman Baths in Bath, and more.

We've done all of these ourselves and share exactly how to get there, what we loved, and a few things we'd do differently.

The Colosseum lives up to the hype, but getting tickets is more complicated than it should be.

John and I walk you through everything, how to buy tickets, which tour is worth it, what to bring, and what to see nearby.

London has one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world. Combine London’s underground metro and the iconic red buses with the new easy-to-use tap-to-pay system, and visitors can easily get anywhere in the city. The Elizabeth Line is a great way to get from Heathrow to central London.

London also has river boats, famous black cabs, and Uber. So with Google Maps guiding your way, you should absolutely use London’s public transportation on your next trip.

Churchill’s War Rooms is an intriguing and immersive experience that takes you right into the heart of history at Winston Churchill’s secret underground bunker from where he directed the Second World War.

Westminster Abbey is a uniquely historic site in London and a fascinating place to visit.

A royal church with over a thousand years of history, the Abbey is probably the most famous place of worship in the world, and the center of many national events and celebrations.

When visiting the Tower of London, you’ll see much of what you came to London for: soldiers marching in red uniforms, 1,000-year-old buildings rich in history, and royal jewels.

Plus, the Tower of London is located right on the banks of the River Thames, close to other iconic sites such as Tower Bridge. 

The Houses of Parliament is an iconic building in London, and it was magnificent to visit the inside.

Also known as the Palace of Westminster, you can tour the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and Westminster Hall. There is also a tour of the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben.

You can visit Parliament in about two hours, and it’s a memorable place to visit.

St. Dunstan-in-the-East is a picturesque oasis in the City of London.

The historic church that once stood here was mostly destroyed during the Blitz of the Second World War, and today it is a lush, photogenic public garden among the ruins.

The City of London is the oldest and most historic part of Greater London. It is the home of modern skyscrapers as well as the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Join us on a walking tour of this iconic and photogenic district.

Shoreditch is London’s funky center of nightlife and street art. During the day, Shoreditch features busy markets and famous street art.

At night, the clubs and bars come alive until dawn.

We had a great time visiting Portugal during Christmas week and for the New Year.

Visiting the big cities of Lisbon and Porto in December and January, with the mild weather and festive atmosphere, creates a special kind of liveliness during the holiday season.

A range of Christmas fairs & markets, festive lights, decorations and holiday celebrations make for a memorable visit. 

Located on the south bank of the River Thames, Greenwich is best known for its maritime history and famous attractions like the Royal Observatory, which established the Greenwich Meridian line, and the Cutty Sark. 

Planning a Brighton day trip from London? Here's what to see, where to eat, and everything you need to know before you go

A walk along the River Thames is a great way to see and photograph many of London’s iconic attractions.

Aveiro is a great day trip from Porto. It is easily reached by train and offers all the charms of an upscale seaport town.

Famed for its canals, colorful boats, salt flats and proximity to beautiful beaches, Aveiro is a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike.

The small village of Óbidos is a popular stop for visitors to Portugal, due to its authentic medieval charm and easy access from Lisbon. It’s good for a solid couple hour visit, especially if combined with other stops in the area.

What we enjoyed most in Óbidos was walking along the fortified walls to take in the views, exploring the quaint cobblestoned Rua Direita, and indulging in some delicious Ginja de Obidos, the traditional cherry liquor of the region served in a little chocolate cup.

Fatima is a major Christian pilgrimage site in Portugal, drawing millions of pilgrims annually from around the world.

There are three main points of interest to visit at the pilgrimage site in Fatima: The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary,  The Sanctuary of Fatima, and The Basílica of the Holy Trinity.

Porto is home to incredible city views, stunning architecture, amazing food, and Port wine. 

Porto is absolutely worth a visit. 

Among our favorite things to do are enjoying the view from the bridge, wine tasting in Gaia, and visiting the blue-tiled buildings.

Lisbon has an abundance of transportation options. There is a modern metro system, trams (new lines and iconic old ones), affordable cabs, even more affordable Ubers, funiculars, tuk-tuks, and buses. 

While Lisbon is walkable, the city is very hilly so it’s best to use one of the many options to eliminate an uphill hike.