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Posts by Julie Pogorelc

Home Author Julie Pogorelc

About Julie Pogorelc

Julie is a working professional who resides in Nashville, TN with her husband. She founded Peep Travels in 2018 with the desire to help others craft seamless vacations by offering trip planning services and sharing real-world travel advice and destination inspiration.

Why a dahabiya adventure is the best way to cruise the Nile 

Why a dahabiya adventure is the best way to cruise the Nile 

Nov 8, 2022

I don’t consider myself a cruise person. A giant ship with tons of people and scheduled “supervised” port stops –...

Our first bear encounter – Mt Rainier National Park

Our first bear encounter – Mt Rainier National Park

Jan 21, 2022

My husband and I have been hiking together for almost 12 years. We’ve hiked the Smokies, the Rockies and even...

Mt Rainier National Park – how to spend 1 day in Paradise

Mt Rainier National Park – how to spend 1 day in Paradise

Jan 16, 2022

Mt Rainier is a beaut! This 14,410 foot peak has more glaciers than any other mountain in the lower 48...

8 incredibly unique gift ideas for travel lovers

8 incredibly unique gift ideas for travel lovers

Dec 5, 2021

Looking for unique gifts for the travel-lover on your list? Look no further!   It’s 2021, and after the 2 years...

Stop overspending – set a trip budget that works in 4 simple steps

Stop overspending – set a trip budget that works in 4 simple steps

Sep 6, 2021

Have you ever gotten home from vacation to realize you spent way more than you thought you would?   We’ve all...

These 6 money saving tips will help that dream vacation become reality

These 6 money saving tips will help that dream vacation become reality

Sep 4, 2021

#wanderlusting? Let’s turn “it must be nice” into “that was freaking amazing!” I ain’t gonna beat around the bush – saving...

European hotels – what to expect (and not expect)

European hotels – what to expect (and not expect)

Nov 18, 2019

In Europe recently, I overheard some American ladies next to me at the hotel’s restaurant chatting about their predicament. They...

Lake Bled – All the things you need to do!

Lake Bled – All the things you need to do!

Jul 28, 2019

Ahh Lake Bled. Slovenia’s crowing jewel. It’s the most photographed spot in Slovenia for good reason, it’s so freaking beautiful!...

What is a UNESCO World Heritage site? And why you should care

What is a UNESCO World Heritage site? And why you should care

Jun 2, 2019

You may have heard that a place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But what does that even mean?   In...

Slovenian Easter eggs – a new tradition!

Slovenian Easter eggs – a new tradition!

Apr 8, 2019

So…why Slovenian Easter eggs? Well, it’s no secret that I am in love with Slovenia! And I pretty much consider...

Weekend trip to Joshua Tree – A desert quickie

Weekend trip to Joshua Tree – A desert quickie

Mar 19, 2019

An easy weekend trip to Joshua Tree… or so I thought. I think I might be cursed. Or at least,...

3 International themed dinner ideas for a cultured night in

3 International themed dinner ideas for a cultured night in

Feb 12, 2019

Some people would read that title and think, man that sounds like a lot of work.   Others might read it...

An opera at Milan’s famed La Scala – bucket list, check!

An opera at Milan’s famed La Scala – bucket list, check!

Jan 23, 2019

By pure luck and circumstance, I recently had the privilege of experiencing my very first opera (on my birthday!), and...

25 budget-friendly gift ideas for the traveler in your life

25 budget-friendly gift ideas for the traveler in your life

Dec 5, 2018

Looking for some great travel-related gift ideas that won’t break the bank? Look no further! I’ve rounded up a list...

4 ways to enjoy Italy’s Lake Garda in autumn

4 ways to enjoy Italy’s Lake Garda in autumn

Nov 28, 2018

Lake Garda in Northern Italy, is truly massive, completely diverse, and oh-so scenic! This (somewhat phallic shaped) lake is Italy’s...

Are you fit enough to travel in Europe?

Are you fit enough to travel in Europe?

Nov 13, 2018

Well, I just returned from what I can confidently call a “whirlwind” 10-day vacation in Italy…and boy, am I TIRED....

Visiting Bled Island – A real-life Slovenian fairy tale!

Visiting Bled Island – A real-life Slovenian fairy tale!

Oct 23, 2018

Have you seen pictures of Lake Bled? If you haven’t, well…you’re in for a real treat. This place is gorgeous...

Leaving the country? 11 things to do before you go

Leaving the country? 11 things to do before you go

Oct 8, 2018

Leaving the country huh? Super exciting! Maybe it’s your first time? Maybe it’s not. Or maybe you haven’t ever had...

3 Packing tricks to fly home with all your travel treasures

3 Packing tricks to fly home with all your travel treasures

Oct 2, 2018

Flying to visit family for the holidays? Or maybe home from an overseas vacation?  There are some times that you...

Getcho self outside! A weekend escape to the Smokys

Getcho self outside! A weekend escape to the Smokys

Sep 25, 2018

Travel doesn’t always have to be about going on big glamorous overseas trips. Of course, they are fabulous, but we...

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✨ Early bird gets the views! 🤩 ... It’s r ✨ Early bird gets the views! 🤩 ... It’s rumored that Germany’s iconic Neuschwanstein Castle was Walt Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella’s castle in Disneyland - and I can see why! 🏰 😍 ... Just below the castle is the Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge). It’s an incredibly popular site to grab postcard-perfect views of Neuschwanstein Castle but it’s usually swarming with people! There’s typically a queue to even set foot on the bridge. But on this morning in late August - I had it all to myself - for a whole 10 min! 😲 ... 👉Here’s how I made it happen: 1️⃣ Stay overnight nearby! This is key. We stayed at the beautiful Hotel Villa Ludwig @hotelvillaludwig in Schwangau at the base of the mountains. 2️⃣ Get up early! The buses and horse drawn carriages start running up the mountain to the castle & bridge around 8am. So you’ll want to beat the masses up the mountain. I arrived at the bridge at 7:45 am. 3️⃣ Hike up! I didn’t bother with a car/parking and hiked directly up the mountain via the trails from nearby the hotel. Google it! Door to bridge it was only a 25 min hike. It was a bit steep in spots, but wear some sturdy shoes and you’ll be fine! 1000% worth the effort ! 🙌 ... 📸:@peeptravels – Neuschwanstein Castle - Germany – August 2024 . . . . . #peeptravels #2025vacationdays #2025bucketlist #2025travel #travelideas #yournextdestination #adventuremoon #honeymoonplanner #meetyouin #traveltips #travelgermany #germanydestinations #germany #NeuschwansteinCastle #disneycastle #disneydestinations #cinderellacastle #germanycastle #marysbridge #Marienbrücke #traveleurope #eurotrip #europecastle #castle #hikeineurope #lonleyplanet #traveldeeper #cntraveler #worldtravelbook
📍Riquewihr, France 🇫🇷 ... 🚨HOT TIP: 📍Riquewihr, France 🇫🇷 ... 🚨HOT TIP: Don’t miss dinner in Riquewihr! While many restaurants in Europe open later and stay open later (here’s looking at you Spain & Italy 👀 ) that’s not the case in this small French village! We nearly missed dinner both nights of our trip. 😩 The restaurants here open around 6:30-7PM - have just one dinner seating - and then close around 8:30-9PM. Be sure to book yourself a reservation in advance or arrive when they open to try and snag a seat. Worth it though, because the food here is magnifique! 🤌 🤤 ... 📸:@peeptravels – Riquewihr, Alsace, France 🇫🇷 – August 2024 . . . . . #peeptravels #travelwithpeep #2024vacationdays #2024bucketlist #travelideas #yournextdestination #adventuremoon #honeymoonplanner ##meetyouin #strasbourg #travelfrance #france #alsace #UNESCOworldheritage #riquewihr #travelgram #latergram #traveltips
🌸 Lovely Strasbourg, France 🇫🇷 ... Sit 🌸 Lovely Strasbourg, France 🇫🇷 ... Situated near the border with Germany, Strasbourg blends French and German architecture, culture and cuisine in the best way possible. 🤩 ... Here’s my top rec’s for Strasbourg! (✅ SAVE for your future planning!) -Stroll around the cobblestoned heart of Strasbourg, known as the Grande Île (Grand Island) - a UNESCO heritage site -Marvel at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg one of the tallest Gothic cathedrals in the world. (Don’t miss the astronomical clock inside!) -Explore the alleyways of La Petite France - lined with colorful half-timbered buildings. -Eat some delicious Alsatian food! Here’s two places to try: -Maison Kammerzell (a bit touristy, but worth it) @maison_kammerzell_restaurant -La Cloche du Fromage - raclette, fondue, and everything cheese! (and some non cheese dishes too) Simply divine. 🤤 🧀 @lacloche_resto ... 📸:@peeptravels – Strasbourg, France 🇫🇷 – August 2024 . . . . . #peeptravels #travelwithpeep #2024vacationdays #2024bucketlist #travelideas #yournextdestination #adventuremoon #honeymoonplanner ##meetyouin #strasbourg #travelfrance #france #alsace #UNESCOworldheritage #strasbourgfrance #lapetitefrance #travelgram #latergram #traveltips
🌷Moody Spring weekend in New York 🏙️ ... 🌷Moody Spring weekend in New York 🏙️ ... I recently spent a lovely weekend in the Big Apple with the darling @exitoffstage who graciously put up with me nerding out about books and historic architecture 📚 🤓 ... Here’s what we did! ✅ Save this post for some inspo for your future NYC trip! -Get a beautiful caffeine fix at @remi.nyc -A peek inside the Morgan Library & Museum @themorganlibrary -Carb-load with some delicious pasta from @lapecorabianca -Continue your literary journey at the New York Public Library @nypl -Step back in time at the Cloisters @metcloisters -Have dinner in the plush Bar Room @thebeekmanmanny -Finish with some late-nite cocktails at @laissezfaire.nyc … Chef’s kiss 🤌🙌 ... 📸:@peeptravels – New York City, USA 🇺🇸 – March 2024
❄️ Nashville Snow 2024 ❄️ … A rare occur ❄️ Nashville Snow 2024 ❄️ … A rare occurrence in these parts! I will admit, the novelty and magic of it wore off after day 2 for me…but it sure does look pretty. 😍 … Grateful for my cozy little spot in this world 😊🏡 … 📸: @peeptravels - Nashville, TN USA 🇺🇸- January 2024
✨ Experience peak holiday cheer in New York City ✨ Experience peak holiday cheer in New York City 🌃 ... While December is a VERY busy time to visit the city that never sleeps....it just might be worth it to experience the twinkling magic that is NYC bursting with Christmas. 🎄 ... We went about it Home Alone 2 style....and started out with a lovely cheese pizza 🍕 (just for us). Try it for yourself! Take in the view from the Empire State Building. Go ice skating in Central Park. Have a fancy cocktail at the Plaza Hotel. Marvel at the tree in Rockefeller Center and get blasted in the face with the dazzling performance of the Sak’s building on 5th avenue. Then get cozy with some Christmas jazz at Tavern on the Green. ... There’s endless festive things to do and see, from Christmas markets to Broadway shows. You could easily fill up a week and not get bored. We filled up a long weekend and loved every minute of it. ❤️ ... 🎄 ✨Merry Christmas ya filthy animals!✨ 🎅🏻 ... 📸:@peeptravels – New York City, USA 🇺🇸 – December 2021 . . . . . #peeptravels #travelwithpeep #2024vacationdays #2024bucketlist #travelideas #yournextdestination #NYCchristmas #christmasinnewyork #newyorkcity #nyc #plazahotel #rockefellercenter #saks5thave #empirestatebuilding #iceskatecentralpark #centralpark #tavernonthegreen #homealone2lostinnewyork #homealone #homealone2 #lovelycheesepizzajustforme
Wander Milan in November 🇮🇹 … Get bougie i Wander Milan in November 🇮🇹 … Get bougie in Italy’s chic fashion capital! While November can be a rainy month in Italy, earlier in the month will afford you clearer skies and less crowds. And if it does rain...you can just pop inside for some world-class shopping with Italy’s designer brands. 🛍️ ... The Duomo di Milano is not to be missed! One of the largest cathedrals in the world it took nearly six centuries to complete. Head up to the rooftop and wander among the spires for a sunset view of the city. 🌅 ... Off season is also a good time to try and snag tickets to sought after sites. Like getting a glimpse of Leonardo da Vinci's mural masterpiece – The Last Supper which is an integral part of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Or a night out at the opera with seats at the Teatro alla Scala – one of the most famous opera houses in Europe 🎭 … You can never go wrong eating in Italy…and Milan doesn't disappoint. From hearty risottos to truffle-infused dishes, November is an excellent time to try some of Milan's seasonal delicacies. 🤌 ... 📸:@peeptravels – Milan, Italy 🇮🇹 – Feb 2020 & Nov 2018 . . . #peeptravels #travelwithpeep #2024vacationdays #2024bucketlist #travelideas #yournextdestination #italy #igitaly #igitalia #italia #visititaly #italyinnovember #milan #milano #lastsuppermilan #teatroallascala #lascala #operahouse #duomodimilano #duomorooftopmilan #galleria #prada
👀 Peep fall colors in the Smoky Mountains in Oc 👀 Peep fall colors in the Smoky Mountains in October 🍁 ... While the October crowds flock to Gatlinburg and the main drag of the Great Smoky Mountains NP for prime leaf viewing.... take the road less traveled and head over to the east side of the park instead. ... You’ll get fewer crowds, peaceful hiking and big Smoky Mountain views. For an October weekend itinerary, I suggest camping in Cosby Campground and hiking up to the Mt Cammerer fire tower. This moderately steep hike is worth the effort. You’ll be rewarded at the top with 360-degree views of those famous blue ridges of the Smoky Mountains ⛰️ ... 📸: @peeptravels – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA 🇺🇸 – October 2022 . . . #peeptravels #travelwithpeep #2024vacationdays #2024bucketlist #travelideas #yournextdestination #nps #gsmnp #greatsmokymountains #thesmokies #mtcammerer #mtcammererfiretower #hikethesmokies #takeahike #nature #fallcolors #fallleaves #fallcamping #autumncamping #smokiesinfall #leafpeeping
🇨🇦 Head to Whistler in September for epic hi 🇨🇦 Head to Whistler in September for epic hiking! 🏔️ ... While British Columbia’s Whistler is mainly known as a premier ski destination ⛷️ - the summertime hiking is not to be missed! With fewer crowds and mild, sunny weather the trails are yours to explore. ... By September the snow is fully melted, leaving the majestic mountains of Whistler blanketed in lush greenery. Take a gondola ride up Blackcomb or Whistler Mountain for awe-inspiring panoramic views of the alpine landscape, where emerald lakes and wildflower-strewn meadows await! 🌸 ... Summer in Whistler is also an adrenaline junkie's paradise! Strap on your gear for mountain biking down world-class trails or go zip-lining through the treetops – or from mountain to mountain on North America’s longest zip line route! ... And Whistler Village isn't just for après-ski! In summer, the village transforms into a bustling hub with boutique shops and diverse local cuisine. ... This gorgeous spot in the heart of the Coast Mountains isn't just a winter destination; it's a year-round playground for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and the perfect blend of nature and luxury. ... 📸: @peeptravels – Whistler, British Columbia, Canada 🇨🇦 – September 2022 . . . #peeptravels #travelwithpeep #2024vacationdays #2024bucketlist #travelideas #yournextdestination #canada #visitcanada #britishcolumbia #coastmountains #whistler #hikewhistler #whistlerbc #nature #pacificnorthwest #PNW #summerinwhistler #blackcombmountain #whistlermountain
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