Editor's note: I am delighted to introduce you all to Mandy Meehan, our newest writer at The Royal Tour. I met Mandy when I was preparing a trip to Marseille, France, since she was living there and had an Instagram full of incredible photos that I stumbled upon. We have been close friends ever since!…
First off, don't worry. I don't have the coronavirus - COVID-19 - at least not yet. I am writing this from Barcelona, a week into my stay in this stunning city. By the time you read it, I will be back home in Los Angeles. So what changed? I was supposed to be here another…
It's hard to believe my month here in Portugal is coming to an end in just a couple of days, especially when I will be posting articles from Lisbon and its surroundings for at least a few more weeks! But alas, the time on my blog doesn't always match my real life, and so I…
Porto is sometimes called Portugal's "second city," referring to it being second in both size and importance to the capital, Lisbon. But when it comes to exploration for a traveler, Porto is second to none. While it may not have the historic significance or cultural hubs of its larger cousin to the south, Porto is…
Ah, Portugal. Mysterious nation at the western end of the Iberian Peninsula. Land of nata tarts, salt cod, and port wine, of fado, salty ocean air, sunsets, and surfing. It is the only continental European country on GMT, and it is also my first stop on my Iberian adventure! For the most part, my month…
I spent the first three months of 2019 in France, living, exploring, and discovering both an amazing country and myself. I can't even begin to describe how life-changing of an experience it was, to realize that I am able to thrive in a foreign country with a language and customs different from my own. I…
I've been back in the country for a couple weeks now, so of course it is time to start thinking about the next jaunt away. Fortunately, it happens to be coming up in less than a week. I am headed back to Central America! Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to spend a couple…
Can you believe I haven't left the country in four months? Me neither, but my "dry spell" is ending next week when I head off to see the Royals (from a distance - if at all - since I don't actually know them and they didn't tweet me back), the Bard, and the Brexiteers in…
About seven years ago, my father moved from California to Dillsboro, Indiana, just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. He had always wanted to try small town life, and chose Dillsboro since one of his closest friends lived there with her family. The town was good to him. He made some amazing friends, and formed a wonderful…
For many people, visiting Los Angeles means the beach, Hollywood, or Beverly Hills. Too many overlook downtown, or DTLA as it's called by locals. That's a shame, as downtown offers some truly awesome sights, especially those with cultural significance. In this itinerary, we bring the incredible arts scene of downtown LA into the center of…