Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: travel blog

  • Our Nightmare Honeymoon in Maui: Travel Fails, Laughs, and Lessons from Paradise

    Our Nightmare Honeymoon in Maui: Travel Fails, Laughs, and Lessons from Paradise

    Nightmare Honeymoon in Maui: When Paradise Goes Wrong 😅

    Excited to Travel Again… Until Maui Had Other Plans

    After months of wedding planning, we were beyond thrilled to be traveling again — and what better destination for a honeymoon than Maui, Hawaii? 🌺

    I can’t help but laugh as I write this because, while Hawaii is usually paradise for everyone, our honeymoon didn’t exactly go as planned. From resort mix-ups to transportation troubles, we somehow turned paradise into a series of unfortunate (and hilarious) events.

    A Promising Start in Paradise

    After our wedding-day chaos, we were ready for smooth sailing. Our flights were perfectly on time, luggage intact, and we were greeted in Maui with a beautiful flower lei from our travel agent. Everything seemed perfect.

    We checked into Mana Kai Maui Resort, thrilled by the ocean view and ready for the ultimate romantic getaway. The resort’s tagline — “Where heaven meets earth” — soon became an inside joke between us, because what followed was… not exactly heavenly. 😂

    1. Resort Restaurant & Store Closed

    Upon arrival, we learned that the resort’s restaurant, bar, and general store had all closed weeks earlier. Since we hadn’t rented a car, thinking we’d spend most of our time relaxing at the resort, this was not ideal.

    After our long 10-hour trip, we decided to deal with it the next morning.

    Highlight: We woke up early, walked down to the beach, and soaked in the sunrise. The warm breeze, golden sand, and sound of the waves turned into one of the best moments of our trip.

    2. The Mystery of the “Honeymoon Package”

    The next morning, I asked the front desk about our honeymoon package — champagne, chocolates, and macadamia nuts — which we had prepaid for. They claimed to have no record of it and asked for proof!

    Two days (and several emails from our travel agent) later, a grocery-store bottle of champagne and a bag of nuts arrived at our room. Not quite what we imagined!

    Then, to top it off, they said they could only hold our luggage until 4 p.m. on our departure day — even though our flight wasn’t until later. After more confusion (and some persistence from our travel agent), we were finally allowed to stay until 8 p.m.

    Highlight: That evening’s Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise was amazing! The couple who hosted it went above and beyond with live music, dancing, and Hawaiian history. The sunset views were stunning, even without the whales. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Maui! This is a low key event. Very small. So keep that mind.

    3. Stranded at the Lavender Farm 🌸

    Our next adventure took us to the Kula Botanical Garden, which was cute but still recovering from storm damage. Then we headed to Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm, a beautiful (though smaller than expected) spot filled with the scent of lavender and a cute gift shop.

    Afterward, we planned to head to Maui Wine — but soon discovered there were no taxis or rideshares available in the area. After asking the staff for help, we were told cars rarely came out that far.

    We ended up walking for 30 minutes down the hill in the hot sun (not exactly dressed for hiking!) before finding a driver. Our winery reservation time had passed, but at least we made it back to the resort in one piece.

    Highlight: Our driver — originally from Poland — kept us entertained with conspiracy theories about Eastern Europe the entire ride back. He even recommended the resort’s “amazing restaurant,” not realizing it had closed. 😂

    4. The Beach Massage Disaster 💆‍♀️

    After all that, we decided to book a couples massage by the beach to relax. We confirmed everything by email — including that it would take place outdoors.

    When the masseuse arrived, she looked shocked and said, “You expected me to fit in here?!” Confused, we explained it was supposed to be on the beach. After some back-and-forth (and getting permission from the resort), she reluctantly set up on the most crowded part of the sand.

    It went downhill from there. The massage was… aggressive. When I asked for lighter pressure, she said, “Trust me, you don’t want it any lighter.” 😬 Let’s just say it wasn’t the peaceful spa moment we’d imagined. She even stuck her hand down my bikini bottoms.

    Highlight: She did manage to fix my neck pain — so at least there was that!

    The Bright Spots 🌴

    Despite the chaos, Maui still offered some unforgettable experiences:

    Sea Turtle Cove — Right by our resort. We spotted multiple sea turtles up close — a truly magical experience.

    Maui Tropical Express Tour — A must-try! Affordable, fun, and the best smoothie I’ve ever had.

    Ocean Vodka Distillery Tour — Educational and delicious. Fun fact: their chef once cooked for Tom Cruise! The poke bowl was incredible.

    Was our Maui honeymoon perfect? Not even close. But honestly, every mishap turned into a memory (and a funny story).

    If I could do it again, I’d double-check every detail — even when working with professionals. But sometimes, things just go wrong, and all you can do is laugh, stay flexible, and enjoy the ride.

    Here’s to future adventures — hopefully with fewer surprises! 😂

    Kula Botanical Garden
    Kula Botanical Garden
    Kula Botanical Garden
    Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
    Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
    Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
    Ocean Vodka Distillery
    Sea Turtles
    Honorable Mention
    At the sea turtle cove!
    Ocean Vodka Distillery

    Send me a coffee! ❤
  • ❄️ Chilling Out at Stockholm’s Famous ICEBAR

    ❄️ Chilling Out at Stockholm’s Famous ICEBAR

    There’s just something magical about travel, isn’t there? The thrill of exploring somewhere new, the little surprises tucked into every street corner, and that first sip of a local drink you’ll dream about for years to come. ✈️ I’ve been daydreaming about my next adventure, but until then, I’ve been reminiscing about one of my coolest (literally!) travel experiences — visiting the ICEBAR in Stockholm!

    Sweden stole my heart for so many reasons, but one of the highlights had to be how easy it was to get around. The Stockholm public transportation system is a traveler’s dream — clean, efficient, and super easy to navigate. My friends and I hopped on the metro and followed the map right to Hotel C Stockholm, where the ICEBAR is located. And let me tell you, getting there felt like part of the adventure! If you ever need a hand, the station attendants are kind and helpful, and in my experience, Swedes are some of the friendliest people — especially when you ask with a smile.

    Walking into the hotel, you’ll see signs leading you down a hallway to the bar. That’s where the magic begins. Don’t worry — they’ve got you covered (literally!) with warm coats and gloves before you step inside. Everything, and I mean everything, is made of ice — the walls, the chairs, the glasses, even the bar itself! It’s like walking straight into a frozen fairytale. I chickened out on sitting in the icy “Game of Thrones” throne (I’m from Iowa, but I still have my cold limits! 😂), but I did snap some seriously fun photos.

    Now let’s talk about the drinks. I tried a vodka and elderberry syrup cocktail, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it made my Top 3 Drinks of All Time list. It was crisp, slightly sweet, and the perfect contrast to the chilly atmosphere. I could’ve easily stayed there all night — if not for the freezing temps, of course.

    If you ever find yourself in Stockholm, do yourself a favor and stop by the ICEBAR. It’s such a unique, bucket-list-worthy experience. Whether you go for the photos, the cocktails, or just the novelty of sipping from a glass made of ice, it’s an adventure you won’t forget. I’m already counting down the days until I can go back!

    Have you ever been to the ICEBAR or something like it? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below — let’s share some cozy travel stories together. 💙

  • A Taste of Stockholm: A Summer Foodie Adventure You’ll Never Forget

    A Taste of Stockholm: A Summer Foodie Adventure You’ll Never Forget

    If you’re looking for the perfect way to kick off summer in Sweden, A Taste of Stockholm is the place to be! This lively food and beverage festival takes over Kungsträdgården and celebrates everything delicious about Swedish and international cuisine. It’s truly a foodie’s dream come true — filled with flavor, fun, and sunshine.

    Getting there couldn’t be easier. Sweden’s public transportation is wonderfully efficient, and the metro station near Kungsträdgården is worth a visit in itself. (Naturally, I had to snap a picture of my friend Brittany there — the aesthetic was too good to pass up!)

    Once you arrive, get ready to wander through rows of food stalls, each more tempting than the last. From lobster rolls and Ethiopian tacos to every kind of sweet treat imaginable, there’s something for every craving. And let’s talk about the drinks — the wine stands are absolutely worth exploring. I even discovered my new obsession: a crisp pear wine that instantly became a summer favorite.

    Beyond the incredible food, A Taste of Stockholm offers live music, cooking demonstrations, and even appearances by some of Sweden’s top chefs. The entire festival buzzes with positive energy, laughter, and the scent of something delicious always in the air.

    If you ever find yourself in Stockholm in early summer, make sure this festival is at the top of your list. Between the amazing food, vibrant entertainment, and that unbeatable Swedish summer vibe, A Taste of Stockholm is an experience you’ll want to relive again and again.

    Sauna Advertisement
    Lobster Roll
    Ethiopian Tacos

  • 👻 A Haunted Adventure in Chicago: Ghosts, History, and a Little Bit of Lunch

    👻 A Haunted Adventure in Chicago: Ghosts, History, and a Little Bit of Lunch

    If you’ve been following my adventures for a while, you know I love three things: food, ghosts, and Chicago. So when I stumbled across a Facebook event for a haunted bus tour through the Windy City, I knew I had to go. A day filled with eerie stories, historic landmarks, and a good meal? That’s my kind of itinerary.

    The tour ran from 10 AM to 4 PM and even included lunch—perfection. Since Chicago is only a five-hour drive from home, I packed my bags, grabbed my camera, and hit the road. We stayed in a charming little suburb, just ten minutes from the train station, which made exploring the city so easy. I have to admit, taking the “L” again gave me a bit of nostalgia—it’s such a classic Chicago experience.

    Our haunted journey began at the historic Congress Hotel, a fittingly spooky place rumored to be one of the most haunted hotels in America. I was thrilled to see that our tour guides were the same pair I’d met years ago on a similar trip. It felt like a full-circle moment, especially since one of my favorite memories growing up was going on ghost tours with my mom.

    🕯️ Historic Haunts & Chilling Stories

    Our first stop was the Battle of Fort Dearborn plaque—a quiet piece of history with an unsettling past. Many believe the area is still haunted by the soldiers who died there. It gave me chills to stand where such tragedy once took place, especially since the plaque is one of the only remaining markers of that historic event.

    Next, we visited the school once attended by Bobby Franks, the 14-year-old victim of Leopold and Loeb’s infamous 1924 murder case. Standing there, knowing what happened just down the street, was haunting in a very human way. The tragedy still lingers in the air.

    Of course, no Chicago ghost tour would be complete without a stop at the site of H.H. Holmes’ “Murder Castle.” Even though the building no longer stands, one of its original basement walls remains as part of the current post office’s foundation. Tour guides shared stories of workers who refuse to go down there alone, citing oppressive, negative energy. I couldn’t help but get goosebumps just listening.

    The conversation about Holmes’s mysterious death fascinated me—some believe he faked his execution, others that he switched identities. DNA testing hasn’t solved the mystery either, which makes his legend all the more eerie. I was genuinely shocked to learn he was allowed to be buried under concrete at his own request. The irony isn’t lost on me—his victims never got that choice.

    Then came the story of Richard Speck, the murderer of eight nurses in the 1960s. Standing in front of the apartment where it all happened was truly unsettling. One of our guides even shared that her aunt had been the neighbor who heard the lone survivor cry for help. It’s a chilling reminder of how these stories are not just tales from history—they happened to real people, in real neighborhoods.

    Battle of Fort Dearborn Plaque
    Location of the Richard Speck murders
    Where the main part of where the murder castle stood.
    Where the main part of where the murder castle stood.
    The location of the murder castle now is the location of a post office.

    🍗 Lunch with a Side of Ghosts

    After a morning filled with dark history, we stopped for lunch at The Great Escape Restaurant, known for its delicious comfort food and haunted past. The chicken and potatoes were absolutely divine—and as an Iowan, I can confirm their homemade ranch dressing was next-level good.

    The owner even joined us to share a few of his own paranormal encounters at the restaurant. Employees have seen apparitions, heard unexplainable noises, and some refuse to enter the basement alone. During renovations, they even unearthed two pairs of buried hands. (Yes—actual hands!) Needless to say, I didn’t ask for a basement tour.

    The Great Escape Restaurant
    The Great Escape Restaurant
    The restaurant’s windmill

    🌆 Final Thoughts

    Between the food, history, and paranormal tales, this ghost tour was everything I could’ve hoped for. Chicago never disappoints—whether you’re there for deep dish pizza, architecture, or stories that give you goosebumps.

    If you ever get the chance to take a haunted history tour, do it. You’ll walk away with incredible stories, a little more knowledge, and maybe even a few goosebumps of your own.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTz4G9JTUjs

  • Things to Do in Ames, Iowa (From a Local!)

    Things to Do in Ames, Iowa (From a Local!)

    Ames, IA — gotta give my hometown some love! I’ve lived here since I was born, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Whether you’re a prospective student visiting Iowa State University or just passing through central Iowa, there are so many hidden gems worth checking out.

    🦆 Mucky Duck Pub

    The Mucky Duck Pub is hands-down one of my favorite spots in Ames. The food is great, the atmosphere is cozy, and they even carry treats from across the pond. When I was in France, my mom introduced me to her favorite candy bar — the Lion Bar — and I was thrilled to find it again here. Total nostalgia moment!

    If you get the chance, stop by on St. Patrick’s Day for their buffet-style Irish breakfast. My Irish ancestry is thankful… but my diabetes? Not so much. 😅

    🍜 Grandpa Noodle Gallery

    This local favorite was run by two Iowa State grads and featured incredible noodle dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. My go-to order was the “create your own noodles” — mixing sauces, veggies, and toppings into the perfect comfort meal. Sadly, they closed at the end of 2019, but I’ll always have fond memories (and a few noodle cravings).

    💉 Hugo and Mump’s Heroic Ink

    When it comes to tattoos and piercings in Ames, Heroic Ink is the only place I trust. Tracy is my artist of choice — she’s talented, professional, and always makes sure I’m comfortable and informed.

    Bonus: every so often, Hugo teaches monster-drawing classes at the Workspace in the Memorial Union. And if you’re looking for a fun Friday night activity, check out their Paint Your Own Pottery workshops — it’s such a relaxing, creative way to end the week!

    💆 Pure Luxe Salon and Spa

    Pure Luxe is one of my favorite salons in town. The team is incredibly friendly, and they genuinely care about their clients and the community. Fridays are especially great — they offer $5 waxes, which is perfect if you’re on a beauty budget. Trust me, you’ll leave feeling pampered and refreshed.

    🎨 Siricasso

    If you haven’t heard of Siricasso, you’re missing out. He’s a wildly talented local artist who creates custom designs on jackets, shoes, and murals — pretty much anything you can dream up. Check out his Facebook page to see his work. I absolutely love my customized jacket from him! #SaveTheArt

    Ames may be a small town, but it’s full of creativity, flavor, and good people. Whether you’re here for school, visiting family, or just exploring, I hope you’ll enjoy these local favorites as much as I do.

    What are your go-to spots in Ames? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to check them out!

  • ✈️ From Iowa to Sweden: My First Days in Stockholm

    ✈️ From Iowa to Sweden: My First Days in Stockholm

    Traveling to Sweden was such an incredible adventure! I left from my hometown airport in Des Moines, Iowa, and made my way all the way to Stockholm and Oskarshamn. This trip was part of a study abroad program with classmates from KTH and Stockholm University — and it was everything I hoped it would be (and more).

    🗓️ Day One: Wheels Up!

    Departure: Des Moines Airport ✈️

    Packed, nervous, and beyond excited, I was finally heading to Sweden! It didn’t really hit me until I was in the air that I was going to be spending the next few weeks living, studying, and exploring abroad.

    🗓️ Day Two: Hello, Stockholm!

    Arrival: Arlanda Airport 🇸🇪
    Check-In: Zinkensdamm Hostel
    1:00 PM – City Tour: Gamla Stan (Old Town)
    6:00 PM – Dinner at a local Irish pub 🍽️

    Once we landed at Arlanda, we hopped on a bus that took us straight to our hostel — and let me tell you, I highly recommend Zinkensdamm Hostel. The breakfast spread was amazing (I still think about those fresh pastries), and the restaurant on-site was great too. It’s also super close to public transportation, which makes exploring Stockholm so easy.

    Now, fair warning — the rooms are definitely on the smaller side. It’s cozy, but you’ll want to pack smart! Oh, and double-check your adapters before you leave. I brought an older one and couldn’t charge my laptop at first (rookie mistake 🙃).

    That evening, our group wandered down the street to a nearby Irish pub for dinner, and I tried the lamb. It was delicious — the perfect cozy meal after a long day of travel.

    🚆 Getting Around Stockholm

    Using public transit in Stockholm is surprisingly easy! The trains are clean, efficient, and simple to navigate. That said, if you’ve got a lot of luggage, I recommend grabbing a taxi or booking a driver service for your first day.

    Since I was there for three weeks, I picked up a train pass — totally worth it. It made it so easy to hop on and off the metro whenever I wanted to explore.

    Sweden instantly felt like a second home — calm, beautiful, and full of charm. This was just the start of an unforgettable trip!✨

    18359170_10213480074184405_5792480090916822374_o.jpg

    Buy me a coffee!
  • Following My Grandma’s Footsteps in Sweden: Reflections on Equality, Culture & Connection

    Following My Grandma’s Footsteps in Sweden: Reflections on Equality, Culture & Connection

    While reading through my grandmother’s travel diary from her time in Sweden, I came across an entry that stopped me in my tracks:

    “Swedes are allowed to go anywhere, eat in the grass at the palace lawn, see parks as they wish. The new law is that the Princess who is older than her brother will be queen. We Swedes are implementing equal rights for women!”
    ~ Vivian Olson, June 17th

    I found myself smiling — not just because of her words, but because I had nearly the same thoughts during my own visit to Sweden decades later.

    There’s something truly special about how open and accessible life feels there. I remember watching newlyweds taking photos outside a royal palace, families picnicking on the palace lawn, and children playing with their dogs in the gardens. In so many other parts of the world, these spaces are roped off or reserved for the elite. But in Sweden, the royal grounds feel like they belong to everyone. That sense of shared belonging left such an impression on me.

    Just as my grandma observed, Sweden continues to lead with progressive values — especially when it comes to gender equality. Women have a strong voice in government, and citizens tend to vote based on values and policies rather than gender. It’s a refreshing contrast to what I often see in the U.S., where the focus can still be on who is breaking barriers instead of why they’re leading.

    Yet, even in Sweden, there’s acknowledgment that progress is ongoing. Equality is not a finish line but a continual effort — a mindset I think both our nations are still navigating.

    I love seeing how my grandmother’s reflections and mine intertwine — two generations apart, yet observing the same beauty in everyday freedoms and the same hope for equality. Her words remind me how much our perspectives are shaped by those who came before us, and how their journeys continue to guide our own.

    Side Note: Some Swedes still feel their country has work to do in reaching full equality — which makes me wonder: how far behind is the U.S.? Are we striving toward an ideal that even the most progressive nations are still perfecting?