Alli Talley

March 2, 2020

Is Adventures By Disney Worth The Cost? And Other FAQs From Our Trip

Alli Talley

March 2, 2020

Since coming home from our dream babymoon trip with Adventures By Disney, we’ve gotten quite a few questions about our experience and the logistics of our tour. From booking flights to age demographics to the food - we’ve gotten it all! So we figured what better way to answer all of your questions and share the highlights, than with a blog! This 10 day trip was an experience we’ll never forget, and we’re honestly still processing it. (If we sound too “gush-y” or overdramatic, it’s because we loved our experience THAT MUCH. Bear with us.)

What trip were you on, and what was the itinerary?

We were on the Adventures by Disney (ABD) Seine River Cruise, which consisted of ten adventure-filled (and absolutely pampering) days! We had a couple of nights in Paris, then boarded AmaWaterways’ Amalyra river cruise ship, which took us to Les Andelys, Le Havre (two nights), Rouen, Vernon, Giverny, and Conflans.

We toured a castle dating back to 1196, walked in the footsteps of Van Gogh, rode original WWII military vehicles to Omaha Beach, climbed the jaw-dropping cliffs of Étretat, ate our weight in croissants, spent a morning at Monet’s house and gardens, dined on multiple course meals with new friends, had movie nights and dance parties, and SO much more. The itinerary was busy, but meticulously planned and executed. Not once did we ever think “I’m bored”, or “I wish we’d done…”, the days were truly perfect in every way. (But more on that later.)

Enjoying Monet’s House and all the color

Would you recommend this trip to honeymooners or to people that have never been to Europe?

Yes and yes. This ABD itinerary in particular is amazing for honeymooners (we had a few on our ship) because not only is it a hassle-free and luxurious way to see France, but it’s also adult-only! And while the ABD team works hard to curate the daily itineraries, most days include optional tours and plenty of “On Your Own” time. Meaning your days can be as jam-packed or relaxing as you want them to be. Not to mention, what’s more romantic than a river cruise through France?

For first-time Europe travelers, we couldn’t recommend a ABD trip enough. Having now done two (Ireland as well), we can confidently say that it’s one of the best and easiest ways to experience a potentially overwhelming destination. From the moment you step off the plane the ABD team takes care of you, ensuring that you’re never lost, confused, stressed, or without guidance. We promise that after seeing Europe with the help of ABD guides, you’ll have the confidence and know-how to tackle Europe travel on your own.

It’s easy to find romance on an ABD trips

Does this ABD trip have a family option too?

Yes! There are four family-friendly Seine River Cruise tours happening in 2020. See rates and dates here.

What’s included in a ABD trip?

From luxurious hotel accommodations, to the attractions, transportation, private tours, VIP treatment and all of the little details and logistics that come with travel, you won’t have to lift a finger or open your wallet. Most meals are covered (and believe us when we say we could do a full blog post just on the food we were served during our ABD adventures), while guests typically have a few “On Your Own” dining options for enjoying local restaurants and cafes.

Hot towels and tea when you return from a day in port. The best!

How many guests were on board?

Because this ABD trip was a river cruise, it allowed for a bigger group. There were about 90 guests, whereas our Ireland adventure had about 30 guests. Because of the larger size, we had more Adventure Guides - eight to be exact! Speaking of which…

What’s an Adventure Guide?

Think of them as a fusion of a personal concierge and your new BFF. Adventure Guides are not only experts on the regions that you’re touring, they’re also intriguing storytellers, mesmerizing entertainers, slapstick comedians, and more. Many ABD trips have two Adventure Guides, while the larger river cruise itineraries have more. They’re one of our favorite things about ABD, and should we ever have a career shift, we’d probably apply. When we think about the “Disney Difference”, we immediately think of Adventure Guides. Which leads us to...

What’s the “Disney Difference”?

(Great question.) Until you travel with ABD and experience it first hand, it might be hard to explain - but we’ll do our best. The Disney Difference is what makes ABD stand out from every other tour company or organization, and is exactly why they will always be our go-to for group trips and adventures.

Not only are the itineraries top-notch in every way, they include insider perks and “backstage passes” to iconic museums and events. We’re not sure how Disney is able to pull such strings, but we’re constantly impressed and amazed at the VIP experience ABD is able to provide for their guests. There’s also a level of authenticity that ABD brings that we so admire and appreciate - guests are able to fully immerse themselves in the different cultures and surroundings that they’re in. That kind of experience is extremely rare in group travel.

Traveling by authentic WWII amphibious vehicles to Omaha Beach - the “Disney Difference”

A backstage pass at the Louvre… yes, please!

How was the food? Do they have vegan/gf options?

Like we said earlier, we could dedicate a whole blog to the food we ate during our ten-day tour, and we’re not opposed to the idea, but for now we’ll keep it (relatively) short.

We never had a bad meal. From the extensive and decadent breakfast buffets in the mornings, to cozy lunches in location or on the ship, to the extravagant dinners and mid-day snacks, we were eating constantly. The ABD team knows that the culinary experience is one of the most important elements when it comes to travel, so they take dining very seriously.

They take great note of one’s dietary restrictions, whatever that may be, and make sure that they always have plenty of options. Many of our friends onboard were vegan and gluten free, and they raved about the specials that the chefs would create especially for them!

We had access to plenty of yummy carbs :)

It’s always happy hour back on the ship!

Is ABD worth the cost?

Now, this is the golden question - and one that we got multiple times a day on our Instagram through our comments and DM’s. We realize that ABD trips are not cheap. But when you factor in the accommodations, meals, in-country transportation, and attractions plus the VIP service, concierge-style attentiveness, and the “Disney Difference” - we actually think ABD is a great value! And we can 1,000% guarantee that after you’ve traveled with ABD, you would agree. And you’d most definitely be hooked.

VIP service, new friends, delicious food, and all the sights… ABD is worth it to us!

It might not be the kind of trip that you and your family or significant other can take multiple times a year, but it IS the kind of trip that is worth saving up for. And if the specific itinerary that we took doesn’t appeal to you or is simply not doable, they have nearly countless tour options world-wide, from exploring the Amazon to the Canadian Rockies! They even have 2-5 day “Escapes” in destinations such as Amsterdam and Boston, which are a perfect (and more affordable) way to see if ABD travel is right for you.

Any other questions about our experience with ABD? Leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to answer!

Alli Talley

February 27, 2020

Disney, Cruising, Europe

Land or Water? The Differences Between Our Adventures By Disney River Cruise and Ireland Adventure

Alli Talley

February 27, 2020

Disney, Cruising, Europe

Having completed two very different Adventures By Disney tours, we are now self-acclaimed ABD experts. Ask us anything about ABD, and chances are we have an answer. (Check out our FAQ’s blog here.)

What we love about the two itineraries that we’ve done, Ireland and the Seine River Cruise, is how contrasting they are. From the amount of guests, to the modes of transportation, to adult only vs. kid friendly, we now have a solid grasp of what these different ABD trips entail. We loved and appreciated both itineraries for a multitude of reasons, so why not break it down a little? Here are the main differences between both itineraries, and why we’d do both of them again in a heartbeat. (ABD, please take us everywhere!)

ADVENTURING ON LAND VS. BY BOAT

One of the biggest differences between our Ireland trip with ABD and our Seine River Cruise was the mode of transportation. We spent eight days traveling through Ireland on a (very luxurious and plush) motorcoach. While we didn’t change hotels every night, we did move to different locations every couple of days. Typically we don’t enjoy moving around that much, but on this trip we didn’t mind one bit. The ABD team makes travel so easy and effortless, we never even had to move our bags, they did everything for us. We also weren’t sure how we would enjoy traveling by motorcoach, but we actually loved it. The big windows, the thoughtful and fascinating commentary by our Adventure Guides, the cozy seats… it ended up being a perfect way to see and experience the rolling green hills of Ireland.

Now for our Seine River Cruise, we spent eight days sightseeing through France on the breathtakingly chic AMAWaterways’ Amalyra. While we did hop on a handful of motor coaches during our river cruise, the majority of our travel was done by boat. This was our first time on a river cruise, and it definitely won’t be our last. The ride was incredibly smooth (Bobby never even thought about wearing his seasick bands or taking nausea meds!), and the views from our stateroom were ever-changing and consistently stunning. We loved that while we woke up to a new destination almost daily, we never had to pack/unpack. We always had our same charming room to come home to, and having the same “homebase” for eight days was really quite a treat.

Luxury motor coach with amazing guides is a great way to travel

On of our favorite spots in Ireland - Temple Bar!

We were obsessed with the rooftop spa aboard the Amalyra

SMALL GROUP VS. LARGE GROUP

Because of limited space on motor coaches and ample space on a river cruise, our trip along the Seine was over double the amount of guests than our Ireland adventure (90 guests on the cruise, 30 guests on the motorcoach).

Since the Ireland trip was significantly smaller, we became very close with most of the guests. Since we all did almost everything together, bonding was quick and easy. It was rare that our group was separated or split up, so it truly felt like one big family. Saying goodbye at the end of the trip was emotional - how were we supposed to travel without each other?! If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, the ABD land trips are the way to go.

On the Seine River Cruise, we never felt like there were “too many people”. If anything, we were surprised at how easy it was to make friends and get to know the other passengers. While we obviously couldn’t become best friends with everyone on board, by the end of our trip we felt like we knew a good majority of the guests. We’d take turns sitting with different familiar faces at dinner, and find ourselves chit-chatting with other couples on the many excursions and activities. There was always someone new to talk to - which we loved.

Regardless of the tour size, you’re bound to make new friends!

FAMILY TOURS VS. ADULT ONLY

One thing that we really love and appreciate about ABD itineraries is how well they cater them for families and for adults. The Adventure Guides are pros at engaging and entertaining guests of ALL ages - which is quite a talent! In Ireland, we had kids in our group from ages four to twelve, and all of them had the time of their lives. We loved seeing history come to life for them, and seeing their faces light up with each new location. From chocolate making classes to scavenger hunts around ancient ruins, the “Junior Adventurers” were never bored, and the parents always seemed very thankful for the extra childcare! ;)

We were really curious to see how an Adult-Only itinerary varies from a family trip (especially since our adult-only days are growing increasingly numbered). We were pleased to find out that the adult focused trips are just as fun as ones with families, but in a different kind of way. Walking tours usually included some sort of wine or liquor tasting, evenings typically had a social hour, and dinners felt a tad more refined and elegant. If you don’t have kids or are looking for a getaway without your littles in tow, the ABD adult-only trips are the way to go.

We’ll be back with our little ones some day!

TWO ADVENTURE GUIDES VS. EIGHT ADVENTURE GUIDE

The other big difference between our two ABD trips is the amount of Adventure Guides we had. Since Ireland was a smaller group, we had two Adventure Guides (we miss you Landon and Stephen!) with us the entirety of the trip. We got to know both of them extremely well, and we still find ourselves referencing their jokes or silly quirks on the daily. By the end of the trip, we felt weird traveling without them. Who was going to tell us the historic facts, or feed us the “snack of the day?” It was a grieving process for sure…

Having had such a special bond with the two of them, we were a little uneasy by the dynamics of having so many Adventure Guides on our Seine River Cruise. How were we ever going to click with them like we did with Landon and Stephen?! Well friends, spoiler alert, we clicked. With all of them. Having eight Adventure Guides was actually incredible, as we got to know all of them individually throughout the trip. We learned that Michaela has a witty response for EVERYTHING, that Veronika has a full-circle life story that will make you cry, that Hugo would eat creme brulee for the rest of his life if he could, that Clement knows the absolute best places to go in Rouen… need we continue? The Adventure Guides each brought something unique to the group that had us excited for our daily debriefs. Consistent with our guides from our land adventure (and we now believe all ABD adventures), they all had such energetic and fun personalities, and we really can’t imagine the trip without each one of them.

We can’t stress enough how amazing the Adventure Guides are!

BREAKING IT ALL DOWN…

Ultimately, both trips solidified our love (and obsession) with Adventures By Disney. And if we’re being honest, we’re pretty sure we can’t do an accurate ABD review until we’ve gone on ALL the tours. So, hit us up in about ten years, after we’ve traveled with the ABD family to Egypt, Austria, Peru, China, South Africa, Iceland, Australia, Vietnam, Spain….

Alli Talley

November 12, 2019

Europe, France

Our New Favorite Spots in Paris

Alli Talley

November 12, 2019

Europe, France

Paris is one of those cities that no matter how many times we visit, it will always seem new. While we didn’t have as much time to explore this time around, we did get a chance to eat and drink our way through the city… Here’s a small list of the spots that really stood out to us. If you’re a coffee drinker, this list goes out to you. ;)

MATAMATA COFFEE (58 rue d'Argout, Paris) Our first stop in Paris was at Matamata Coffee, and it was a good one. Located in the Montorgueil neighborhood, Matamata has amazing coffee and delicious, homemade food. Grab a flat white and a breakfast sandwich and know that you are starting your day the best way possible.

ONI COFFEE SHOP (10 Boulevard Saint-Martin, Paris) This cozy little coffee shop couldn’t be cuter. From the decor, to the pottery, to the perfetly displayed coffee and light bites. This is about as Instagrammable as it gets - and everything is just as delicious as it looks. This might be our favorite coffee shop in all of Paris. There, we said it.

HOLY BELLY CAFE (5 Rue Lucien Sampaix, Paris) We received more recommendations for this seasonal breakfast and lunch spot than anywhere else. So obviously we went, and as always, y’all really came through for us. It’s INCREDIBLE. If you love breakfast, go here. And if you don’t love breakfast, go here and you will be changed. It’s the kind of place that we can’t over-hype, because it’s that good. Don’t be deterred by the line out front, it moves quick. And it’s well worth the wait.

OB-LA-DI (54 Rue De Saintonge, Paris) We’ve heard a lot about this tiny little coffee shop in the Le Marais over the years, so we made a point to go there this trip. What we discovered was just what we heard - the coffee is delicious, the interior is quaint, and the food and baked goods looked devine. Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a light breakfast, this is your spot.

ANGELINA PARIS (226 Rue De Rivoli, Paris) This is another place that’s been on our radar for years, and being the foodies that we are, we made a mad dash for it as soon as we arrived. We can now confidently say that they serve the best hot chocolate we’ve ever had, and the pastries are TDF (to die for) too! Skip the line to be seated, and simply order your hot chocolate and sweets to go. You’re welcome.

LE SYNDICAT COCKTAIL CLUB (51 Rue Du Faubourg Saint-Denis, Paris) Not only is this hip bar one of the first in Paris to use exclusively French ingredients, it’s also been voted one of the World’s 50 Best Bars! This edgy speakeasy is so discreet, chances are you’ll walk right past it. And that’s exactly why we love it.

CAFE KITSUNE (51 Galerie de Montpensier, Paris) You’re probably thinking, really, another coffee shop?! But hey - don’t judge us! Coffee shop hopping is one of our favorite things to do when we travel, especially in a destination like Paris where new fun coffee shops are popping up on the daily. This one is on the expensive side, but the high quality and chic styling makes it worth the price. We loved it so much, we went twice!

GYOZA HOUSE PARIS (20 Rue de Chateaudun, Paris) Random, we know. But if you love gyoza as much as we love gyoza, make sure you stop at this place. It’s casual and cheap, but the healthy and homemade gyozas are absolutely phenomenal. We ate ours in about five seconds flat!

SYLON (4bis Rue Piemontesi, Paris) Yep, rounding this list out with one more coffee shop because we can. Tucked away near the Sacre Coeur, this is a true local’s spot - and that’s exactly why we like it. Great coffee, chill ambiance, and really delicious food, too. Try their avocado toast!

Bobby making the tough decisions at Matamata

Not sure what it is about Holybelly. These pancakes had the PERFECT amount of syrup balanced with delicious bacon and eggs. We hope to be back some day soon!

We probably drank more coffee than water on this trip… Ob-La-Di was a favorite.

Tons of flavors at Gyoza House… paradise!

Alli Talley

May 3, 2019

Finland, Europe

5 Reasons To Visit Helsinki

Alli Talley

May 3, 2019

Finland, Europe

When you’re looking to book a European getaway, Helsinki probably isn’t the first spot you think of. If you’re like us, you’re constantly dreaming about adventuring through Rome or Paris… but Helsinki, Finland? What’s even there

It’s time to let you in on a little secret… Finland is cool. And it’s just getting cooler.

We just returned from spending a week in Helsinki, not knowing what to expect. We went with zero expectations, and we can honestly say that it blew us away. We’re already planning our trip back - that’s how epic it was.

Here’s why you need to go, too:

1. IT’S EASY TO GET AROUND

Maybe it’s our old age, but we dig a place with good public transportation. Don’t get us wrong, we still walk everywhere (we averaged 7 miles/day in Helsinki), but it’s nice to have options, you know? Public transport in Helsinki is incredibly clean and easy to use, and consists of bus, tram, metro, local railway and ferry services. You can purchase a Dayticket for unlimited use on public transportation for up to a week, making it easy to zip around the city!

The bus system is so easy! And affordable!

2. THE INNOVATIVE CULINARY SCENE

We’d go back to Helsinki just for the food. Seriously. They have everything - from traditional Finnish cuisine (reindeer, lingonberry porridge, bear stew), to trendy vegetarian restaurants and dumpling shops… it’s impossible to go hungry! See a list of our favorite Helsinki restaurants here.

Delicious first meal at Ravintola Savvotta

3. MUSEUMS THAT ARE REALLY COOL

Shhh.. don’t tell anyone, but we’re normally not big museum people. We get bored. Not the case in Helsinki, every day we went to at least one museum - we couldn’t get enough! From colorful and interactive art exhibits at the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, to learning about mammals at the Natural History Museum of Helsinki, to the whimsical architecture at the Amos Rex, we were mesmerized by Finnish history, culture, and arts. And there were still so many museums that we didn’t have time to see!

These are all of the components of an iPhone side by side!

One of our favorite exhibits! These light bulbs represent dandelions. So pretty!

4. THE PLETHORA OF SAUNAS

Fun fact: There are more saunas than cars in Finland! The population of Finland is just over five million, and there’s three million saunas - that’s one sauna per household! For Finnish people, the sauna is the place where they relax, spend time with friends and family, and find physical and mental healing. It’s a way of life that we can definitely get behind, and there are some pretty remarkable saunas sprinkled around Helsinki. Two must-try saunas are:

Löyly

Löyly is a pampering and soothing oasis on the Helsinki waterfront. Its modern, wooden architecture is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and the interior is just as stunning. Book your sauna session in advance, take a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea, and enjoy a drink by the fire.

Allas Sea Pool

Located in the middle of Helsinki, right next to the Market Square, Allas Sea Pool is one of the most picturesque sauna experiences in town. Their hot and cold pools overlook the harbour, and we recommend taking a dip right around sunset.

5. THEIR OBSESSION WITH COFFEE

If we learned anything during our time in Helsinki, it’s that the Finnish take two things very seriously - saunas and coffee. They have legal coffee breaks (two 10-minute breaks a day, to be exact), and most drink around 3-5 cups per day! Many cafes will even include a free refill with your cup of coffee, and Cafe Regatta will actually give you 5 cents back for each refill or “santsikuppi” you drink! Other coffee shops that shouldn’t be missed are Good Life, Kaffa Roastery, and Kuuma.

Helsinki surprised us. We had no idea how enchanting this part of the world is, and how quickly it is evolving. From innovative restaurants, to bustling coffee shops and a growing art scene, Helsinki is on the rise. There is no better time to explore it than now - before word gets out about this charming city.

So… Meet ya there this summer?

Alli Talley

May 1, 2019

Finland, Europe

Where to Eat in Helsinki 2019

Alli Talley

May 1, 2019

Finland, Europe

We just returned from the dreamiest trip to Helsinki, filled with beautiful sights, mesmerizing architecture, friendly locals, and a LOT of good food. The culinary scene in Helsinki is growing rapidly - everywhere we turned there was a new restaurant popping up! As self-proclaimed “foodies” that can easily get overwhelmed in such a scenario, we’ve made a list of our favorite spots in this epicurean mecca, with the hopes that it will be of help to you. Let us know if we missed a spot! (Because you better believe we’ll be back!)

YES YES YES

What do you do when an old McDonalds is up for sale? You turn it into a vegetarian's paradise, of course! YES YES YES wins for freshest, healthiest fare - and also for the most Instagrammable restaurant in town. Make sure you try the Halloumi fries.

WAY BAKERY AND WINE BAR

This little gem of a spot is perfectly minimalistic and easy to miss, and we love it for that. Way Bakery and Wine Bar specialize in coffee, sourdough bread, natural wines, and light bites that are ideal for sharing. We suggest going around 4pm, for a pre-dinner drink and snack.

HILLS DUMPLINGS

Ever since our trip to Japan we have become extremely passionate about dumplings. (Bobby once ate over 30 dumplings in one sitting.) It’s an epidemic. We can’t pass them up. Lucky for us, we happened to stumble upon Hills Dumplings, who proudly serve “The best dumplings in Helsinki”, and we’ll gladly give them that title. Try the “New School Dumplings” for something fun and different!

GRÖN

Grön is a newcomer on the Helsinki culinary scene, but they’re quickly taking it by storm. Not only does it have a Michelin Star, but they were just named “The Best Restaurant in Finland”! No big deal, right? Their four-course tasting menus are plant-based, focused, and seasonal. It’s a dining experience you won’t forget. *There are only ten tables, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.

RAVINTOLA SAVOTTA

Ravintola Savotta serves tasty and hearty Finnish food - complete with a picture-perfect view of the Helsinki Cathedral! Their extensive menu features everything from reindeer sausage to vegan soup, and the candlelight and Scandinavian decor makes it one of the coziest spots in town!

EKBERG

Not only is Ekberg Finland’s oldest bakery, it’s also the most delicious. Whether you grab a seat at their cafe or grab some baked goods at their patisserie, it’s a must-try when you’re in Helsinki. Try their famous Napoleon pie!

CAFE REGATTA

This traditional little Nordic cafe sits right on the water, and it couldn’t be cuter. Cafe Regatta is one of the more popular places in town, but don’t let that deter you. It’s as charming on the inside as it is on the outside, and the menu is surprisingly reasonable. Order a hot chocolate (with marshmellow), and enjoy it outside by the fire!

STORY KORTTELI

One of the best breakfasts we had during our time in Helsinki was at Story Kortteli - a restaurant tucked away on the top level of the Kamppi shopping center! Don’t let the location fool you - their dedication to quality food and modern design is truly inspiring, and the views are pretty epic too!

THE COCK

From the same team as YES YES YES, The Cock is a playful and lively neighborhood restaurant and bar that serves everything from steak frites to sushi bowls! They also make a mean Negroni.

PIZZARIUM

If you’re looking for a tasty, quick bite to eat, or you’re like us and just really like pizza, run - don’t walk, to Pizzarium. It’s Roman style pizza at its best, with plenty of toppings to choose from.

HAKANIEMI MARKET HALL

Helsinki is famous for their bustling markets, and Hakaniemi Market Hall is (in our opinion) the best. You’ll find traditional market foods and treats, making it a fun option for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner.