Two Wandering Soles

17/12/2024

I won’t lie – one of the best parts of European Christmas markets is the FOOD 🌰🥐🥨☕🍷

Everybody knows pretzels. But what about Semmelknödel? Schmalzgebäck?? Kartoffeltornado🌪️?!?

Don’t worry—we’ll tell you what everything is, where to get it, and which foods are a must-try. I hope you brought your stretchy pants!

💬 How many of the foods and drinks on this list have you tried?

🔗 link in comments

13/12/2024

If you’ve Googled “winter in Japan”, you’ve probably seen photos of the famous snow monkeys soaking in their own natural hot spring 🐒❄️

There’s only 1 place in the world where you can see this phenomenon. And, if you go at the right time, I can tell you it is *exactly* as magical in person as it looks in the photos.

🔗 Click the link in the comments to find out how to see Japan’s famous snow monkeys yourself!

💬 Tell us about the CUTEST thing you’ve seen on your travels (or post a photo, if possible!!)

12/12/2024

Take a magical trip to Leavenworth, WA, the Bavarian-themed town that celebrates Christmas all winter long.

This is how we recommend spending your winter weekend to get the most out of your time and avoid the crowds.

We had the best winter weekend in Leavenworth, Washington. This Bavarian-themed Christmas town has more holiday lights than you have ever seen! Leavenworth i...

04/12/2024

Would you rather travel for a year in a campervan or travel for a year on a yacht?

04/12/2024

& just like that, we have a THREE year old 🥹😭

Juniper, you are the light of our lives. I couldn’t dream up a more perfect fit for our family than you.

Things you love:
‣Make believe
‣Collecting rocks (even the ugly ones)
‣Bluey
‣Making dad play horsey/donkey/reindeer
‣Sleeping in our campervan (which you named Olaf, even though we named it Lola)
‣Feeding your food to the Baby in my belly (you think my belly button is their mouth & it cracks me up)
‣Magnatiles & playdoh
‣All animals
‣Aussie bites, raspberries, cheese, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes
‣Making dad play horsey/donkey/reindeer
‣Snowboarding (you have been begging to go again since July, and it’s almoooost that time!)
‣Going on hikes
‣Stickers
‣Purple (but now yellow might be taking over as your favorite)
‣Swimming (aka playing in any pool)
‣Helping in the kitchen
‣Reading books
‣Singing
‣Flying on airplanes (thank goodness!)

We are so in love with the person you are, and feel so lucky we get to be your parents 💜

27/11/2024

Tell us about your most memorable wildlife encounter

22/11/2024

Swimming with wild dolphins in New Zealand was a dream 🐬

We’re super cautious about animal encounters, so when we find one that’s ethical, we are all over it! 💙

💬 What's the coolest wildlife (i.e. not in zoos or cages) that you've seen on your travels?

Swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura (ethically) was at the top of our New Zealand bucket lists. Find out what to expect and how to do it yourself.

20/11/2024

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve stumbled upon that wasn’t in your plans?

18/11/2024

Trust me when I say this: do NOT skip West Coast New Zealand in your itinerary!

This was one of our favorite regions in NZ. One look at this list and you’ll see why... 🐛🏔🚁🥞 (I bet you didn't know you could actually do #12!)

💬 What UNDERRATED destination would you recommend?

From glaciers and snow capped mountains to rainforests and palm-lined beaches, there are so many things to do in New Zealand's West Coast.

13/11/2024

Tell us about the best breakfast you've had on your travels

12/11/2024

After FOUR European Christmas Market trips since 2009 (😳), I’ve finally gathered all my thoughts to give you a list of the very best Christmas markets in Europe 🎄🌟❄️☃️

This guide will help you decide which markets to add to your list ( #7 is super underrated!), plus one market we think you can skip…

💬 What is your favorite way to celebrate any of the December holidays?

🔗 link in comments for the best European Christmas markets

11/11/2024

Today, this guy turns another year older 🎈

If you’ve met Ben (or you’ve gotten to know him through this little corner of the Internet), you know he is one of the most genuine, down-to-earth, humble, selfless, goofy people on this earth.

It goes without saying that this year has been a really hard one for him.

At the beginning of this year, we unexpectedly found out that he’d have to endure an unthinkable surgery. (Actually 2 surgeries.)

Like anyone, he was nervous and upset. But his biggest concern wasn’t the pain or recovery. It was that he “would be a burden on our family”. He’s always putting others first. Even in times like this.

Ben, you are the best husband, father, business partner, travel buddy, board game opponent, hiking sidekick, and friend I could ever dream up.

Thank you for being you. Juniper and I (and Baby #2) are so lucky to have you in our lives.

While this birthday won’t be nearly as adventurous as most years (and will mostly involve soup, ice cream, and movies), I know there are (many, many!) brighter days ahead. And there’s nobody I’d rather go through life’s ups and downs with than you.

Happy birthday, my love.

💌 If you have a minute and want to send him some birthday love, I know it will make his day!

📸 Just a random assortment of pictures from this year:
1. Folk & Forage festival
2. Backcountry camping in Bend, OR
3. Cute cafe in Texas
4. Glacial lake in Norway
5. Hiking in Palm Springs
6. Bedtime in our campervan
7. Fall in Bend, OR
8. Hiking in Norway
9. Carving pumpkins at our house
10. Oregon Coast (bump shot 🤰🏻)

07/11/2024

Is it too early to talk about Christmas? 🫢 Not when you’re planning a European Christmas Market trip!

We have tons of tips for visiting Christmas markets in Europe ( #17 is something I would not have expected). But I’ll give you one tip right here right now: 📢BOOK📢EARLY📢

Like, now.

💬 Which are you: counting down the days 🗓️ or “please stop talking about Christmas” 🙉?

🔗 Get all the Christmas market tips at the link in comments

30/10/2024

What was your dream destination as a child? Have you been there?

23/10/2024

Which destination’s history fascinates you the most?

16/10/2024

Tell us about a time when you felt like the world was magic ✨

11/10/2024

Located on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, the Old Man of Storr hike brings you through an otherworldly landscape of moss-covered rock formations 🪨

We’ve got a hiking guide that goes over what to expect, essentials to pack, and an insider tip about a detour that most hikers don’t know about 🤫 Spoiler alert: It’s the BEST part of the hike!

💬 What’s currently at the top of your Hiking Bucket List?

We put together this guide to the Old Man of Storr hike with everything you need to know about how to do this iconic hike yourself and what to expect.

10/10/2024

The Isle of Skye in Scotland is just full of ✨magic✨ That tracks, since the Isle of Sky was believed to be the home of fairies! 🧚‍♂️

Our Isle of Skye guide includes multiple fairy sites, one of the best hikes in Scotland (more on that in tomorrow’s post!), and tons of other fun things to do.

💬 Any Outlander fans reading this? Drop a comment below, and don’t miss #25 on this list!

We put together this ultimate list of things to do in Isle of Skye including when to go, where to stay, and essential tips.