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Hey Reader, I'm back with some advice for your June travels. Hopefully, your summer will be busy with new adventures and activities! I've really enjoyed living in Kigali and have spent a lot of time checking out cafes and restaurants... and shops! Although a lot can be same-same-but-different, it's been fun to have an excuse to window shop... I've also been exploring cafes and testing out the internet while doing my real job. My favorites are YoKiGaLi and Lemon. So far in June, we've already travelled to Sweden and France. We visited Wilhelm's family in the south of Sweden for a week, and now I'm in Strasbourg visiting my aunt, uncle, and cousins! Here is a simple 3-day itinerary for Strasbourg; it's worth a visit. Next month is going to be crazy! We will be spending some days around Kilimanjaro (for views and a day hike) in early July, and we have a huge Pacific trip planned for my cousin's wedding in mid-July. We will be heading off to New Zealand and then Samoa for family celebrations. Following that, Wilhelm and I will go to Vanuatu and Fiji! 2025 Vacation Cheat Sheet: JuneEach month, I provide all the deets to make your vacation planning easier.
I may earn a small commission if you book using my affiliate links. If you’re in Minneapolis this month, be sure to make reservations at Owamni by The Sioux Chef far in advance. This restaurant specializes in indigenous cuisines from the region. Those of you on a road trip in the South of France, book this sailing trip (that I did, too) around Calanques National Park. In Namibia, hike up the famous Big Daddy Dune; enter Sossusvlei Park at 7am to avoid the heat of the day and if you are not familiar with driving a 4×4 in the sand, I suggest you park at the end of the road and take the shuttle to the hike’s start. In Durban, South Africa, get drinks at the famous Oyster Box Hotel at sunset.
European Getaway: AlbaniaVisit the Albanian Riviera and then hike in the Accursed Mountains. Ismail Kadare’s book Broken April put Albania on the map for me in 2019. I somehow came across his work in a list and was fascinated by the portrayal of life in the Albanian mountains. The scenery depictions were incredible. Albania is just getting on the tourist radar, and you won’t get the same crowds as in a country like Italy. African Getaway: SenegalSpend a weekend in Dakar exploring the city and Goree Island. Senegal has some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. I went to Dakar for work and just had the chance to explore the capital on this excellent day tour. South Africa: Vaal RiverThis peaceful getaway along the Vaal River is everything you’ll need for a relaxing weekend. US Getaway: ColoradoCheck out Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, exploring the blooming wildflowers, and road-trip through mountain towns. Master planner? In August, you can discover the majestic Yellowstone and Grand Teton in Wyoming, or explore the beautiful medieval towns and ice caves in Montenegro. For a beach escape, head to Turkey for a cultural and culinary feast, and in South Africa, Dullstroom offers a romantic retreat filled with activities or relaxation. What I like right now:1) French Pasteries: My favorite pastry shop in Strasbourg is Naegel. Save this spot now in case you visit. They have the best tartlets! 2) Good weather in Sweden. I was worried it would rain in early June, but we had pleasant days and 10 pm sunsets hanging out with friends and family. You can keep up to date on what I'm up to on Instagram. Otherwise, see you next month! I read and respond to all my emails! Got a question, just let me know! |
Each month, you’ll get travel tips, destination inspo, and the first deets on where I’ve been lately.
Hey Reader, I'm excited to share that both the Fiji and Samoa guides are up on the blog! If you're thinking of a big trip for 2026, let the itineraries inspire you. Fiji was at the end of our Pacific trip after visiting Samoa and Vanuatu, and we decided to extend our travels to include it. Instead of opting for the typical deserted beach island escape, we were craving some local adventure. So, we took buses and rented a car to explore Viti Levu, the main island, and had an amazing time. The...
Hey Reader, I've been holding off on sending my October newsletter because I really wanted to let you know of some new guides. However, I got derailed with a busy conference week for work (which was very exciting as it was here in Kigali and I got to show my colleagues around). Their favorite places to go were Boho Lounge for the African Gastronomy menu and Repub Lounge. I also took them to the Abraham Konga Collection for shopping. Expect a Pacific guide to come out in the next month. This...
Hey Reader, September is typically the time of changing seasons, whether it's from summer to fall in the US or from spring to summer in South Africa. But here in Rwanda, the temperature stays fairly consistent year-round. The main difference is between the rainy and dry seasons, though honestly, I’ve barely noticed it—aside from drier trees. There are two rainy seasons in Rwanda. And by "rainy season," I mean that the rain lasts an hour or two in the middle of the day. It's not a full-on...