Creative Travel Destinations

09/11/2026

🌍❄️ Travel with Brandi: Iceland, Norway, Belgium, Amsterdam & London Adventure! ❄️🌍

Join me on an incredible Norwegian Cruise Line Prima voyage sailing from Reykjavik, Iceland on July 29, 2027, and arriving in London (Southampton), England on August 8, 2027!

I'm planning to arrive 2 days early in Iceland to experience this amazing destination and stay 1-2 nights in London after the cruise. I'd love for you to join me for the complete adventure!

✨ Cruise Highlights Include: 🇮🇸 Reykjavik, Iceland
• Explore stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, and geothermal hot springs
• Optional Blue Lagoon experience
• Golden Circle sightseeing including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geyser

🇳🇴 Norway
• Cruise breathtaking fjords surrounded by towering mountains
• Charming coastal villages
• Spectacular scenery perfect for photography and nature lovers

🇳🇱 Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Historic canals and picturesque bridges
• World-class museums and charming neighborhoods
• Dutch culture, cafés, and beautiful architecture

🇧🇪 Belgium
• Quaint medieval towns
• Famous Belgian chocolates, waffles, and breweries
• Stunning historic squares and cathedrals

🇬🇧 England
• Arrival near London with an opportunity to extend your stay • Visit Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and more
• Afternoon tea, shopping, theater shows, and iconic British experiences

💙 Why Travel with Brandi?
✅ Group travel fun with friends old and new
✅ Expert planning from start to finish
✅ Optional pre-cruise Iceland experiences
✅ Optional post-cruise London stay
✅ Unforgettable scenery, culture, and experiences

This itinerary combines some of Europe's most beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and bucket-list destinations into one amazing vacation!

📅 July 29 - August 8, 2027
🚢 Norwegian Prima
📍 Iceland to London

Spaces will be limited, so if this adventure sounds exciting to you, send me a message today and let's start planning your European getaway!

✈️🌎🚢

09/01/2026

☘️⛴️ From Galway to Inis Mór: A Day on Ireland's Largest Aran Island ⛴️☘️

After a wonderful evening at Trad on the Prom, we were up bright and early once again for another Irish adventure. This time, we were headed to the ferry for a visit to Inis Mór (Inishmore), the largest of the three Aran Islands.

On the way to the ferry, we passed the cutest little traditional Irish pub. It looked like it belonged on a postcard and was a reminder that no matter where you go in Ireland, there's always a cozy pub nearby! 🍺

Soon we were off the bus and onto the ferry for the approximately 50-minute crossing to Inis Mór.

Located at the mouth of Galway Bay, Inis Mór is home to roughly 800 residents and welcomes thousands of visitors throughout the tourism season. The island is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, ancient stone forts, traditional Irish culture, winding roads, and miles upon miles of iconic stone walls that crisscross the landscape.
Once we arrived, we were greeted by our driver and mini bus for a guided island tour. Visitors can also explore the island by bicycle or enjoy one of the many horse and buggy rides waiting near the ferry terminal. The horses lined up along the harbor added even more charm to an already picturesque island.

Our first major stop was Dún Aonghasa (Dun Aengus), one of the most important prehistoric sites in Ireland.

Perched dramatically on the edge of a 300-foot cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dún Aonghasa dates back more than 3,000 years. Historians believe it served as a defensive fort and ceremonial site. Standing at the edge of the cliffs and looking out across the ocean, it's easy to understand why this location was chosen.

Before making the climb, we naturally had to browse the shops in the nearby village. 😄

Then it was time for the uphill trek to the fort. The walk took about 20 minutes, and while it wasn't difficult, it certainly got the heart pumping. The reward at the top was well worth it. The views were absolutely breathtaking.

One thing our ranger pointed out was how dry the island currently is. Due to limited rainfall this season, the island is under water restrictions, and the grass was noticeably less green than normal. According to the locals, the island is usually much lusher, but Mother Nature hasn't been cooperating this year.

After exploring Dún Aonghasa and, ahem... helping support the local economy by shopping, we climbed back aboard our mini bus for the remainder of our island tour.

Along the coastline we were lucky enough to spot a couple of seals relaxing during low tide. They seemed completely unbothered by the spectators and looked perfectly content soaking up the day.
Next came lunch at the Aran Islands Hotel.

I ordered the Cottage Pie, and it was absolutely delicious. In fact, I may need that recipe before leaving Ireland! They served it with carrots and turnips that had been puréed together. I know it doesn't sound exciting, but trust me... it was fantastic.

After lunch, we wandered back down toward the harbor, exploring the shops and local stores one last time before boarding the ferry for our journey back to the mainland.

The return crossing gave us one last opportunity to take in the beauty of Galway Bay before arriving back on shore.
Back at the hotel, I enjoyed a little downtime before setting out to explore Galway on foot.

I wandered up the road to The Office, a cozy local pub where I settled in to watch some Monday night football.

And no... not American football. ⚽😄

After that, I stopped into another small neighborhood pub on my walk back to the hotel. One thing I've learned in Ireland is that no two pubs are exactly alike.

Eventually, the evening wound down as the pubs began closing. Most Irish pubs call it a night around 11:00 to 11:30 PM, which meant it was time to head back and get some rest before the next adventure.

Another incredible day in Ireland filled with history, stunning scenery, great food, charming pubs, and memories I'll never forget. ☘️🇮🇪

☘️⛴️🏰🌊🇮🇪🍺

09/01/2026

☘️🎻 An Unexpected Galway Highlight: Trad on the Prom! 🎻☘️

Sometimes the best experiences are the ones you never planned.

Our incredible tour director and driver, John, surprised our group by securing tickets to Trad on the Prom while we were in Galway.

What a gift! This ended up being one of the highlights of our entire Irish adventure.

If you're visiting Galway during the summer, let me make this recommendation easy:

GO SEE TRAD ON THE PROM.

Not just once. I'd recommend it 100 times over!

Trad on the Prom is an incredible celebration of Irish music, dance, and culture featuring some of Ireland's most talented performers. The show combines amazing musicians with multiple world-class dancers, creating an evening that keeps you smiling, clapping, and tapping your feet from start to finish.

One of the stars of the evening was the absolutely white-hot fiddle player, Máirín Fahy. 🔥🎻

I honestly don't know how her fingers moved that fast. Her energy, talent, and passion lit up the stage from the first note to the last. Every time she picked up the fiddle, the audience was captivated. She didn't just play music, she told stories through it.

Equally memorable was her brother, Gerard Fahy, whose performances on the uilleann pipes were simply breathtaking. He performed several pieces he composed himself, and the music was soul-piercing, haunting, and unbelievably beautiful. There were moments when the entire room seemed to grow still as the rich sound of the Irish pipes filled the theater. It was the kind of music that gives you goosebumps and stays with you long after the show ends.

Their younger sister, Yvonne Fahy, showcased incredible versatility throughout the performance. She played multiple instruments, including the bodhrán, Ireland's traditional drum, and even performed a composition she wrote for the accordion. Watching the siblings perform together was something truly special.

What made it even more meaningful was learning that the music wasn't just something they learned. It was something that had been passed down through generations. You could feel that heritage, tradition, and love of Irish music in every performance.

The dancers were phenomenal. Their speed, athleticism, precision, and energy had the audience cheering throughout the evening. No matter how many times I watched, I couldn't figure out how their feet moved that fast!

What I loved most about Trad on the Prom is that it feels authentic. This isn't just a show for tourists. It's a celebration of Irish culture performed by families and musicians who have dedicated their lives to preserving and sharing these traditions.

Between the phenomenal dancing, the incredible musicianship, the haunting melodies of the uilleann pipes, and the electrifying fiddle performances, it was impossible not to be completely swept away by the experience.

A huge thank you to John for making this surprise happen for our group. It was an evening none of us will forget.

So if you're ever in Galway during the summer:

✅ Book the ticket�✅ Bring your camera�✅ Prepare to clap along�✅ Be ready for goosebumps

You won't regret it.

Trad on the Prom was absolutely one of the highlights of Ireland! ☘️🎻🇮🇪

☘️🎻💚🇮🇪

09/01/2026

🍀🌊 From Tralee to Galway: Cliffs, Sheepdogs, Surfing & Surprises Along the Way! 🌊🍀
This morning we checked out of our hotel in Tralee and began our journey north toward Galway, with plenty of adventures along the way!
One of our first interesting sights was a mural in Kilrush on a building that houses the Museum of Irish Rural Life. The mural depicts a darker chapter of Irish history when tenants could be evicted from their homes by landlords. In some cases, smoke would be used to force families from their cottages so the homes could be cleared or taken over. It was a powerful reminder of the hardships many Irish families endured.
Next, our coach actually boarded the Shannon Breeze Ferry to cross the mighty River Shannon, Ireland's longest river. It was fun watching our entire bus drive onto the ferry, make the crossing, and then simply drive off the other side to continue our journey north.
As we traveled along the Wild Atlantic Way, we were treated to beautiful views of waterways, sandy beaches, and the rugged Atlantic coastline. What surprised me most? The surfers! 🌊🏄
It was only about 60 degrees, and yet there were several people out riding the waves as if it were the middle of summer. Apparently, the Irish definition of beach weather is very different from mine! 😆
For the golfers in the group, we also passed the legendary Lahinch Golf Club, often considered one of the finest links golf courses in the world. The club was buzzing with preparation for the upcoming Walker Cup, one of amateur golf's most prestigious competitions. Nestled among sand dunes with spectacular Atlantic views, it's a dream course for golfers.
Then we arrived at the highlight of the day...
The Cliffs of Moher.
Pictures simply do not do them justice.
Rising over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and stretching for miles along Ireland's west coast, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the country's most iconic natural landmarks. We were incredibly lucky with the weather. The skies were blue, the sun was shining, and visibility seemed endless. The green cliffs dropping dramatically into the crashing Atlantic created some of the most breathtaking scenery we've seen anywhere in Ireland.
Every turn offered another postcard-perfect view. It was one of those places where you just stop, take a deep breath, and soak it all in.
After leaving the cliffs, we traveled through the small town of Lisdoonvarna, famous for its annual Matchmaking Festival. Each year, thousands of singles travel to the town hoping to find romance, assisted by one of Ireland's last traditional matchmakers. ❤️
We even spotted the famous Matchmaker Bar, complete with colorful murals across the front of the building celebrating the town's unique tradition.
Next came one of the biggest surprises of the day: Caherconnell Sheep Farm.
We were treated to a sheepdog demonstration featuring some incredibly talented Border Collies. Watching the dogs respond instantly to whistles and commands while guiding sheep across fields, through gates, and into pens was amazing.
The shepherd explained how much time and training goes into developing a working sheepdog. One interesting fact we learned was that they prefer to keep female Border Collies because they tend to stay more focused on the job and are generally easier to work with in a herding environment.
The dogs were absolutely adorable and incredibly friendly. It's amazing to watch them switch from hardworking professionals to lovable companions the moment their work is done. 🐕❤️
The final stretch of the day brought us into Galway, where we checked into the beautiful Salthill Hotel, overlooking Galway Bay.
After dinner, we headed out for an evening experience that absolutely blew us away...
Trad on the Prom.
But that deserves a post all its own! 🎻☘️
🍀🌊⛳🐑🇮🇪

09/01/2026

🍀🌊 From Tralee to Galway: Cliffs, Sheepdogs, Surfing & Surprises Along the Way! 🌊🍀

This morning we checked out of our hotel in Tralee and began our journey north toward Galway, with plenty of adventures along the way!

One of our first interesting sights was a mural in Kilrush on a building that houses the Museum of Irish Rural Life. The mural depicts a darker chapter of Irish history when tenants could be evicted from their homes by landlords. In some cases, smoke would be used to force families from their cottages so the homes could be cleared or taken over. It was a powerful reminder of the hardships many Irish families endured.

Next, our coach actually boarded the Shannon Breeze Ferry to cross the mighty River Shannon, Ireland's longest river. It was fun watching our entire bus drive onto the ferry, make the crossing, and then simply drive off the other side to continue our journey north.
As we traveled along the Wild Atlantic Way, we were treated to beautiful views of waterways, sandy beaches, and the rugged Atlantic coastline.

What surprised me most? The surfers! 🌊🏄

It was only about 60 degrees, and yet there were several people out riding the waves as if it were the middle of summer. Apparently, the Irish definition of beach weather is very different from mine! 😆

For the golfers in the group, we also passed the legendary Lahinch Golf Club, often considered one of the finest links golf courses in the world. The club was buzzing with preparation for the upcoming Walker Cup, one of amateur golf's most prestigious competitions. Nestled among sand dunes with spectacular Atlantic views, it's a dream course for golfers.

Then we arrived at the highlight of the day...

The Cliffs of Moher.

Pictures simply do not do them justice.

Rising over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and stretching for miles along Ireland's west coast, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the country's most iconic natural landmarks. We were incredibly lucky with the weather. The skies were blue, the sun was shining, and visibility seemed endless. The green cliffs dropping dramatically into the crashing Atlantic created some of the most breathtaking scenery we've seen anywhere in Ireland.

Every turn offered another postcard-perfect view. It was one of those places where you just stop, take a deep breath, and soak it all in.

After leaving the cliffs, we traveled through the small town of Lisdoonvarna, famous for its annual Matchmaking Festival. Each year, thousands of singles travel to the town hoping to find romance, assisted by one of Ireland's last traditional matchmakers. ❤️
We even spotted the famous Matchmaker Bar, complete with colorful murals across the front of the building celebrating the town's unique tradition.

Next came one of the biggest surprises of the day:

Caherconnell Sheep Farm.

We were treated to a sheepdog demonstration featuring some incredibly talented Border Collies. Watching the dogs respond instantly to whistles and commands while guiding sheep across fields, through gates, and into pens was amazing.

The shepherd explained how much time and training goes into developing a working sheepdog. One interesting fact we learned was that they prefer to keep female Border Collies because they tend to stay more focused on the job and are generally easier to work with in a herding environment.
The dogs were absolutely adorable and incredibly friendly. It's amazing to watch them switch from hardworking professionals to lovable companions the moment their work is done. 🐕❤️

The final stretch of the day brought us into Galway, where we checked into the beautiful Salthill Hotel, overlooking Galway Bay.

After dinner, we headed out for an evening experience that absolutely blew us away...

Trad on the Prom.

But that deserves a post all its own! 🎻☘️

🍀🌊⛳🐑🇮🇪

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

🍀🌊 A Day on the Di**le Peninsula: Shopping, Scenery & Irish Hospitality at Its Finest! 🌊🍀

After breakfast this morning, we were off and running... and our first stop was exactly where every good vacation day should begin...

Shopping! 🛍️😄

We stopped at Moriarty's, and I may have added a few things to my suitcase. I came away with two beautiful Merino wool sweaters and a new Merino wool scarf. With all the cool weather we've been having, I consider them practical purchases rather than souvenirs!

Next up was a jewelry store. For those who know me, this could have been dangerous. Surprisingly, I was very well-behaved. I found several things I liked, but couldn't decide which one I loved, so I left empty-handed. A rare event that deserves being documented! 😂

Then it was time to explore the spectacular Di**le Peninsula, one of the most beautiful regions in all of Ireland.
The peninsula is famous for its dramatic coastline, rolling green hills, rugged cliffs, and stunning sandy beaches. Around every bend seemed to be another postcard-worthy view. It's easy to understand why this area is considered one of Ireland's most scenic treasures.

One of our stops was the Blasket Centre, where we learned about the fascinating history of the Blasket Islands, located just offshore.

For generations, families lived on the Great Blasket Island in an incredibly remote environment. The islanders were largely self-sufficient, relying on fishing, farming, livestock, and strong community ties to survive. Life was beautiful but far from easy. There was no electricity, limited access to medical care, and crossing to the mainland could be dangerous during rough weather.

As the population declined and living conditions became increasingly difficult, the Irish government evacuated the remaining residents in 1953, bringing an end to centuries of island life. Walking through the exhibits and hearing their stories gave us a real appreciation for their resilience and determination.

Next, we headed into the colorful town of Di**le itself.
Some members of our group sampled Di**le Vodka and Di**le Gin, while others explored the shops and local boutiques. As for me, I balanced shopping with an important cultural experience... settling in for a pint at Murphy's Pub. 🍺

After our time in Di**le, we boarded the coach and headed to what became one of the highlights of the day: Foley's Pub.

Foley's has been family-owned for seven generations and is preparing for Jerry Foley to carry the tradition into the eighth generation. Walking inside felt less like entering a business and more like being welcomed into someone's home.

We were served their famous Guinness Irish Stew, made from a treasured family recipe, and it was absolutely delicious. The hospitality was second to none. The entire family helps operate the pub, and you can feel the pride they have in continuing a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
As if the food wasn't enough, we were treated to a few traditional Irish songs. Then one of the younger members of the Foley family entertained us on the accordion, a skill passed down from her granddad. Watching generations of the same family preserve their traditions and share them with visitors was something really special.

The evening was cozy, authentic, and full of laughter. It's easy to see why Foley's has remained a favorite for so many years. When hospitality comes naturally, people keep coming back.

After a wonderful evening, we returned to the hotel where a few cocktails helped cap off another fantastic day before turning in for the night.

Shopping ✅
Scenic drives ✅
Irish history ✅
A pint at Murphy's ✅
Family hospitality ✅

I'd call that a perfect day in Ireland! ☘️🇮🇪

**lePeninsula **le ☘️🍺🌊🛍️🇮🇪

08/29/2026

🍀🥃 From Kilkenny to Tralee... with Wh***ey, Blarney, and a New Favorite Drink Along the Way! 🥃🍀

It was up early this morning to check out of the beautiful Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny and hit the road for one of our longer travel days across Ireland.

Our first stop was the famous Midleton Distillery in County Cork, home to some of Ireland's most iconic wh***eys, including Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Midleton Very Rare, and Green Spot.

We learned about the history of Irish wh***ey and the families behind its success, including the Murphy family, who played an important role in Cork's brewing and distilling history.
As we learned about the Murphy family's role in Cork's history, I paid very close attention since Murphy is my maiden name. I was certain our guide was eventually going to stop the tour, point at me, and announce, "The long-lost Murphy heiress has returned!" Unfortunately, that never happened. Apparently, sharing the name doesn't qualify me for ownership, free wh***ey, or a seat on the board. I checked. 😆🥃

One of the things I found most interesting was learning what makes wh***ey officially qualify as Irish wh***ey:
✅ It must be distilled and matured in Ireland.�✅ It must be made from grain and water and aged in wooden casks for at least three years.�✅ It must meet strict production and maturation requirements before it can be labeled Irish wh***ey.
Of course, the educational portion was followed by the important part... sampling! 🥃😄

We tasted three different wh***eys, and much to my surprise, I discovered that I really enjoy Jameson Irish Wh***ey. After the tasting, we headed to the bar where I ordered a Jameson & Ginger Ale with a squeeze of lime.

And let me tell you...
I have a new favorite vacation cocktail! 🍹🥃🍋
Refreshing, smooth, easy to drink, and perfect for a sunny afternoon in Ireland.

Eventually, after what may have been a wh***ey-inspired extension of everyone's shopping and tasting time, we managed to gather the group and get everyone back on the bus. A few people may have arrived slightly later than planned... but who's counting? 😂

Our next stop was the famous village of Blarney.
Most people know it because of Blarney Castle, a medieval fortress built nearly 600 years ago and home to one of Ireland's most famous attractions: the Blarney Stone.
Legend says that anyone who kisses the stone is gifted with the "gift of eloquence" or, as many know it, the gift of gab. In other words, you'll never be at a loss for words again!

Of course, earning that gift requires a little commitment.
To reach the stone, visitors climb approximately 150 narrow stone steps to the top of the castle. Once there, you lean backward over an opening high above the ground while attendants help you safely kiss the stone. The wait was about 90 minutes.

Now, some members of our group patiently waited their turn to kiss the famous stone. As for me? I decided a cozy Irish pub and a pint were a much better use of an hour and a half! 🍺😂

I figured I've never really had a problem talking, so I probably didn't need any additional help from a rock. Nancy seemed to agree. Besides, the pub had significantly less climbing involved and much faster service!

The town itself is lovely, filled with colorful storefronts, welcoming pubs, and plenty of Irish charm.

After Blarney, we settled in for another couple of hours on the road as we made our way to Tralee.

Our home for the night was the beautiful The Manor West Hotel, a modern and comfortable hotel located just outside the center of Tralee. After a full day of wh***ey tasting, shopping, sightseeing, and strategic pub stops, it was the perfect place to relax and recharge.

By the time we arrived, we were more than ready to put our feet up and reflect on another fantastic day exploring Ireland.
Not a bad way to spend a day! ☘️
And if you're wondering what souvenir I may be bringing home from this trip...
It just might be a bottle of Jameson and a six-pack of ginger ale. 🥃🍋😉

***ey 🍀🥃🏰🇮🇪🍺

08/29/2026

Scotland Adventures!