Smitten Honeymoons, LLC

31/03/2020

There are a lot of things that have been hard about dealing with the far-reaching effects of COVID-19.⠀
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One thing that hasn’t? This hottie tottie being forced to grow out his curls. He’s handsome without ‘em (📷 here), but oh lawdy you should seem him with ‘em, friends.⠀
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What simple things are you finding joy in during this unsettling season?

05/02/2020

Lover. Partner. Hubby. Two-step extraordinaire. Of all the things I could call Mr. Smitten, there’s one that I’m infinitely more grateful for every day: Best friend.⠀
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From times when I feel like twirling in a pretty pink dress to ones when it’s hard to crack a smile, I couldn’t ask for a better bestie. ⠀
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Raise your hand if the love of your life is your best fran!

24/01/2020

While some couples balk at the thought of spending 20+ hours in the air, not Lyndsay and Kwasi. When this adventurous couple reached out to me, they knew they wanted to celebrate the start of their happily-ever-after in a far-flung, exotic destination—and incorporate a long, strategic layover to maximize the number of places they’d get to experience.⠀
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With a desire to spend time on the beach and in the jungle, they eventually fell in love with a honeymoon design that took them from the deserts of Dubai to the treetops of Bali—complete with monkeys serenading them from beside their villa’s private pool.⠀
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In Lyndsay’s words:⠀
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“From the start, we felt completely confident in Amy's abilities to plan a fantastic trip and she truly delivered the most magical honeymoon we could have imagined.”⠀
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Run, hop, skip or jump to the Smitten blog to learn more about L & K’s dream vacay!

With a desire to spend time on the beach and in the jungle, Lyndsay and Kwasi fell in love with a honeymoon design that took them from the deserts of Dubai to the treetops of Bali—complete with monkeys serenading them from beside their villa’s private pool. Get an inside look at the magical star...

21/01/2020

The Roman Colosseum by the numbers...⠀⠀
72: The year construction started, making the structure nearly 2,000 years young⠀⠀
50,000: The number of people during the Roman Empire who cheered on gladiator fights, gazed at exhibitions of exotic animals and watched the ex*****on of prisoners inside the Colosseum⠀⠀
6 million: The number of visitors today who swing by the Colosseum every year to tour it, snap selfies in front of it and otherwise stand in awe of its history⠀⠀
Would a stop in Rome to see the Colosseum have a spot on your Italian honeymoon itinerary? Yes? No? Maybe so?

15/01/2020

What’s black and white and cute all over? ⠀
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African penguins on Boulders Beach in Cape Town!⠀
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A little bit magic, a lot resilient, these endangered sweeties fall in love just once and spend their whole lives with the same hubby or wifey. Talk about an animal after my heart!⠀
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Raise your hand if a South African honeymoon or anniversary vacay—complete with strolling through vineyards in the Winelands, spotting the Big 5 on a safari, and watching penguins waddle through the sand—sounds like the perfect, once-in-lifetime getaway! ⠀
🙋🏻‍♀️

14/01/2020

If you would have told me a few years ago that I would come face-to-face with a shark in my lifetime—and willingly snorkel my way there—I would’ve had one word for you: “Never.”⠀
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As the saying goes, though…⠀
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“Never say never.”⠀
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While on a recent Paul Gauguin sailing through the Society Islands in the French Polynesia, I was offered a chance to snorkel with blacktip reef sharks in Bora Bora and—to my surprise—swan-dived into the opportunity.⠀
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Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, destination wedding or other vacay to Bora Bora, swim over to the Smitten blog for all the details on why you should consider spending an afternoon with a shark or two (doo doo doo doo doo doo).

Whether you've been dreaming of snorkeling with sharks and sting rays in Bora Bora or your palms get sweaty just thinking about it, here are 5 reasons why you absolutely should consider adding the excursion to your French Polynesia itinerary.

11/01/2020

On swells in the Gulf de Gascogne off the coast of France 🔲⠀
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Near a sandbar in sunny, fun-loving Sao Francisco do Sul, Brazil 🔲⠀
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In the laidback Hanalei Bay carved into the Hawaiian Island of Kauai 🔲⠀
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If you and the love of your life were going to spend an hour learning how to surf on your honeymoon or destination wedding, which box would you check as your classroom?

10/01/2020

She never even saw us, I remember thinking.⠀
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I’d just opened an email from the travel agent Mr. Smitten and I were working with on our honeymoon, and—rather than seeing a few amazing trip proposals, as I’d hoped—I found a long list of links to the exact types of experiences we’d told her we wanted to avoid. There was no personalization. No effort. No attempt to see what was important to us and our relationship.⠀
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While I felt invisible, the moment eventually led me to create the kind of bespoke honeymoon and destination wedding travel biz that every couple deserves: Smitten Honeymoons.⠀
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So, to the newly engaged bride who doesn’t know what to tackle first in the wedding planning process, I’m looking at you.⠀
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And the woman six-months in who is wondering if it’d be easier to just elope, I see you, too.⠀
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Your love story is unique. Your love story matters. Your love story deserves to be seen by every single one of your wedding vendors.
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Double tap if you agree!

08/01/2020

When the newly minted Mrs. B told me she took her wedding dress on her honeymoon, I thought BRILLIANT!⠀
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As she said, “Who doesn’t want to wear their wedding dress a second time?”⠀
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And in paradise nonetheless.⠀
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Hop over to the Smitten blog for all the details on how this sweet couple celebrated the start of their happily-ever-after in the French Polynesia (and captured it in the most gorgeous photos).

06/01/2020

The coldest day. A wild lake. The best paella. A guest list I love so much it hurts. Happy third wedding anniversary, . I did. I do. I will always choose you. @ Lake Superior Barn

03/01/2020

Mr. and Mrs. B had a vision for their perfect honeymoon: They wanted to celebrate their love somewhere relaxed and away from big crowds, where they could determine the pace day-to-day.⠀
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If they wanted to enjoy a fresh breakfast in their room one morning, followed by plenty of beach time and a quiet dinner under the stars, they could.⠀
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If they desired to hike, ride ATVs or find another adventure the next day, they wanted to be able to do that, too.⠀
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In the end, Moorea and Bora Bora in the French Polynesia proved to be an unforgettable combination, checking off everything on their wish-list.⠀
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Read all about their dreamy honeymoon—and see more photos of this gorgeous couple and that DRESS—on the Smitten blog 😍.

Mr. and Mrs. B had a vision for their perfect honeymoon: They wanted to celebrate their love somewhere relaxed and uncrowded, where they determined the pace day-to-day. In the end, Moorea and Bora Bora in the French Polynesia proved to be the perfect honeymoon combination. Read all about their roman

31/12/2019

Something about the dawn of a new DECADE (hello, roaring 20s) in t-minus 28 hours feels pretty magical.⠀
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Whether it’s on a honeymoon, anniversary vacay or just because, what is one dream destination you’re committed to seeing, tasting, absorbing within the next 10 years?

10/12/2019

The floors were sticky. The drinks were weak. His eyes still sparkled bright blue.⠀
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On our first date as adults—and two years since we’d seen each other—Mr. Smitten pulled out all the stops 🙄 and took me to the diviest bar in our college town.⠀
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Between learning how to play darts and feeding the jukebox for more Cross Canadian Ragweed (him) and T-Swift (me), I discovered he could still make me p*e my pants laughing.⠀
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He learned he wanted a second date.⠀
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From hole-in-the-wall bars to (sand) castles, thank you, , for 10 years (a DECADE 😲) of dates filled with belly laughs, silly conversations and sweet makeout seshes.⠀
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Where did you and the love of your life spend your first date?!

26/11/2019

Smitten Honeymoons is:⠀⠀
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A luxury travel boutique specializing in bespoke honeymoons and destination weddings.⠀
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A never-ending love letter to love itself.⠀⠀
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Regardless of how you define what I do, every time I start helping bring a new client’s honeymoon or destination wedding dreams to life I have another opportunity to use travel as a means of saying: “Love, listen up! You are special. You matter. You deserve to be celebrated.”⠀⠀
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Cheers to planning travel, designing made-to-order honeymoons and writing love letter after love letter!⠀
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What is the most romantic destination in YOUR mind?

19/11/2019

Two of my favorite words in the honeymoon planning lexicon: Overwater bungalow!⠀⠀
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Why?⠀⠀
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Because I know any couple who tells me this particular type of accommodation is a MUST for their dream honeymoon is going to start their happily-ever-after:⠀⠀
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Wondering if they’ve landed in a fairytale.⠀⠀
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Spending quality time together with zero distractions.⠀⠀
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Making out.⠀⠀
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Double tap if you agree an overwater bungalow is the perfect escape after a whirlwind season of wedding planning!

15/11/2019

On the rocks or blended, friends?⠀
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Comment below and help me end the debate around margaritas in the Smitten household!⠀
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After spending some time today piecing together a few recommendations for dear friends jetting off to Mexico this winter, I couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic about Mr. Smitten’s surprise bday bash in Cabo last year—which included this belly- and soul-filling afternoon at the cutest little rooftop cantina, fresh lime margaritas ON THE ROCKS included.⠀
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¡Viva México!

13/11/2019

These honey eyes are magic.⠀
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Thank you dear universe for giving us puppies, with all their sloppy kisses, couch cuddles and mind-boggling ability to fill any room with oodles and oodles of love.⠀
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Double tap if you’re a proud 🐶 mamma!

12/11/2019

My favorite day for the sweet couples I work with?⠀
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Departure day! More specifically, my favorite moment is when I see their flight status switch from “en route” to “arrived.”⠀
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Not only does it mean they’ve made it safely to their honeymoon or destination wedding destination, it also means they’re likely 100 percent buzzing with excitement and boasting the biggest smiles as they deplane, looking at a to-do list with exactly one item on it: Celebrate the start of their happily-ever-after!⠀
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Cheers to one of the most amazing couples, Mr. & Mrs. R, who touched down in beautiful St. Lucia this afternoon!⠀
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Can you name the island’s iconic twin peaks?

06/11/2019

Turquoise. Aquamarine. Cerulean. Neon. ⠀
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Whatever word you use to describe the color of Bora Bora’s lagoons, it’s impossible to look away from the surreal shade.⠀
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Raise your 🖐 if you wouldn’t mind staring at it all day from your own private overwater bungalow balcony?!

30/10/2019

Of all the places I’ve traveled since my honeymoon, Belize will always and forever hold a special place in my ♥️.⠀
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Yes, the turquoise water sparkled.⠀
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The sea critters brought their A-game for snorkeling.⠀
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The locals made us feel like family.⠀
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And the thought of the fish tacos still makes my mouth water.⠀
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Truthfully, though, you can experience similar things in many places around the world.⠀
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More than anything, it’s who I share these memories with—and who I get to re-live them with in conversations for years to come—that makes Belize so stinking special to me.⠀
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Here’s to looking at you, .⠀
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Tag the person you can’t wait to create honeymoon memories with!

25/10/2019

From the dress to the flowers and from the cake to the maid-of-honor’s sp*ech, weddings are meant to be one-of-kind celebrations that reflect your love story.⠀
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What’s perfect for one couple may not be anywhere near okay for the next—honeymoons included!⠀
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For example, one soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. may be smitten with the idea of a relaxing respite in a 19th-century villa on Lake Como, while another couple dreaming of Italy may want to see three or more regions of the country on a fast-paced itinerary.⠀
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Both options are absolutely perfect, depending on how YOU want to celebrate the start of your happily-ever-after.⠀
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Double tap if you agree custom experiences matter!

24/10/2019

Long-haul flights ✔️⠀⠀
Cool beach nights ✔️⠀⠀
New exotic sights ✔️⠀⠀
The super soft Maui cropped sweatshirt is here for all your honeymoon vibes. Snag yours in mauve or mint in the NEW Honeymoon Shop!

22/10/2019

Have you ever seen something so stunning that it took your breath away? Made your jaw drop? Brought tears to your eyes? I’m not talking metaphorically, either. I mean have you ever witnessed something so truly surreal that you couldn't help but respond in any of these ways?

This most recently happened to me while stand-up paddle boarding at the St. Regis Bora Bora in Bora Bora. I was gliding through a lagoon, minding my own business and marveling at a nearby private beach, when I turned 180 degrees. That’s when it hit me: Mount Otemanu, framed by golden sunshine, turquoise water and soft clouds.

Check out the latest post on the Smitten blog for all the details on this magical moment--and how you can create one just like it on your dream vacay!

Have you ever seen something so stunning that it took your breath away? Made your jaw drop? Brought tears to your eyes? I’m not talking metaphorically, either. I mean have you ever witnessed something so truly surreal that your body responded in any of these ways? This most recently happened to me...

19/10/2019

Fifteen years before Mr. Smitten asked me to marry him, he proposed a different question by way of love letter, hand delivered in junior high by his bestie:⠀⠀
Can I kiss you after school? 🔲 Yes 🔲 No⠀⠀
I’d never kissed a boy, but I replied:⠀⠀
✔️ Yes⠀⠀
Afterward, I remember thinking that everything had changed, which of course it did. And it didn’t.⠀⠀
Shout out to the charmer who has had me smitten since day one on this wild ride of life. There’s no one I’d rather 😘 every step of the way.⠀⠀
Where was your first kiss?!

17/10/2019

I interrupt your regularly scheduled honeymoon and destination wedding programming to fill your feed with the sweetest chocolate in the world.⠀
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Facebook memories tell me that Jack and I were doing the exact same thing six years ago today: crunching our way along leaf-covered hiking trails (a.k.a living our best lives).⠀
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Swipe to see his perfect puppy face!
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For the fur mammas (and dads), drop a comment ⬇️ with your babe’s name!

17/10/2019

When people I meet learn that I design made-to-order honeymoons and destination weddings for couples around the world, they often say some version of: “That must be so much fun!”⠀
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Fun, definitely. But fun only scratches the surface.⠀
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Its’s also an honor. A responsibility.⠀
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My couples welcome me into one of the most significant moments in their lives and trust me to help them create memories that they’ll return to for years—that they’ll hang in pictures on their walls and share with their babies in the future.⠀
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That’s why I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: A honeymoon isn’t just another vacay. It’s a celebration of a new chapter, the first page of your happily-ever-after. ⠀
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Thank you to all my couples who have started theirs with Smitten!⠀
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What is your favorite love story, whether it be a book or a movie?

16/10/2019

The Eiffel Tower. The Great Wall of China. The London Eye. The Parthenon.⠀
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While all of these man-made wonders are truly breathtaking—and worth traveling thousands of miles to see—sometimes it’s the unexpected, unpredictable, unplannable moments that straight-up stop us in our tracks. Like waking up to a rainbow stretching across the French Polynesia.⠀
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What is the one man-made or natural wonder you MOST want to see with the love of your life?

15/10/2019

Dog mom
🐶
Travel designer
🧳
Book lover
📚
Former coffee addict
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Of all the titles I could use to describe myself, wife is my favorite.
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Not every day of marriage is easy, but all of them are infinitely better than any that came before Mr. Smitten and I said “I do.”
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Double tap if you can relate—and click below to snag your “Wifey” hat in the Honeymoon Shop!

Whether you’ve been married 1 hour, 100 days or 1,000 years, the San Ignacio embroidered Wifey hat is the cutest accessory for running weekend errands and flaunting your proud-wifey status. Like the Belizean city it’s named after, the San Ignacio is a no-fuss, effortlessly cool option—thanks t...

12/10/2019

I’ve finally figured out the one thing I did not like about Bora Bora and the French Polynesia...⠀
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It’s a destination made for lovers—and mine wasn’t with me!⠀
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The educational trip I took with 10 amazing women was awe-inspiring, life-giving, and all-around extraordinary, which is exactly why I found myself always thinking: “I can’t wait to come back and share this with Mr. Smitten!”⠀
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From the white sand beaches on rugged Huahine to the sparkling on , every island breathes its own blend of romance.⠀
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In other words, when you’re packing for the French Polynesia, make sure you’ve got two passports in hand: yours and the love of your life’s!⠀
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Tag the person who you would want by your side!

11/10/2019

Every so often I get so infatuated with a destination while researching it for clients that I start to daydream about hopping on a plane for a long weekend and soaking up as much of the city as possible in a four-night, three-day jaunt—just long enough to satisfy my craving before most people would even know I’m gone (save for and our 🐶🐶).⠀⠀
The most recent 🍎 of my 👁? DUBLIN!⠀⠀
I’m dying to visit Trinity Library.⠀⠀
Listen to live Irish music in a hole-in-the-wall pub.⠀⠀
And bump into Ed Sheeran on the street. (Hey, it’s MY daydream, friends!)⠀⠀
What city do you most want to explore on a long weekend?