Liz Picurro, Author at Shared Adventures

5 Movie & TV Inspired Destinations

July 19, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Have you ever watched a movie or tv show and thought you really wish you were there? Of course you have! Especially during the last few years, when we were all binge-watching our favorite shows and using them as an escape into another world.

We’ve rounded up five cool destinations that were catapulted into fame and put on countless bucket lists because of movies and TV shows. Whether you’re looking to visit the exact spot where your favorite actors stood, or just want to experience the vibe of the worlds they created, these destinations are unforgettable additions to any must-see list.

New Zealand

This is perhaps the place that has capitalized on “set-jetting” tourism the most.

New Zealand is, of course, well known for the Lord of Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. And how could you not want to visit these incredible landscapes, lakes, mountains, and rivers? In addition to the over 150 filming locations of LOTR, New Zealand was the backdrop to other famous films like the Chronicles of Narnia, King Kong, and Avatar. The country exudes an other-worldly, larger-than-life atmosphere, and is well worth the long trip.

[Photo Credit: Nate Johnston via Unsplash]

If you are going to see Hobbiton in Matamata then you can expect crowds, tickets, and a bit of over-tourism. But the great thing about New Zealand’s on-screen inspiration is the wide open spaces and the multitude of locations utilized by different films. There are a wide variety of destinations within the country where you can explore filming locations and make the most of your stay.

If you don’t want to brave the crowds at Hobbiton, you can make your home base in Wellington for some of the most accessible LOTR locations, including Tongariro National Park. Skull Island (Lyall Beach & Shelly Bay) from King Kong is also near Wellington. If, instead, you’d like to step through the wardrobe into Narnia, base yourself around Aukland for the incredible forests, or on the South Island where you’ll find Elephant Rocks. There’s plenty of space to enjoy it all.

[Photo Credit: Dario Mueller via Unsplash]

Sicily

We’ve had a lot of requests for this incredible Italian destination thanks to White Lotus season 2. Much of White Lotus takes place in Taormina with picturesque seaside vibes, luxury villas and hotels and incredible Greek ruins. But Sicily is the Mediterranean’s largest island, with a rich history all its own, and there’s lots to explore.

We would recommend staying in two locations – Taormina (or the larger Catania) in the shadow of Mt. Etna and then Palermo on the other side of the island. This way you can enjoy the beach clubs and a few well-planned day trips to the quaint local seaside towns along the coast. While you can use a train to get across the island, having a car is extremely helpful for day tripping.

[Photo Credit: Flo via Unsplash]

While Sicily is not quite as packed with tourists as other parts of Italy yet, it is seeing an increase in travel over the past five years. If you’re looking for a similar vibe without the crowds we recommend Sardinia. An Italian island with stunning landscapes and unbelievable beaches. Or, Puglia for the quaint seaside villages and unforgettable food. Or you could try Crete for all the Mediterranean island flair and nightlife with a Greek twist.

[Photo Credit: Flo via Unsplash]

Ireland

From fictional worlds like Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and Dungeons & Dragons to real-world stories like Derry Girls, Once, and Vikings. Ireland is a very popular filming location! Lush green forests, dramatic cliffs, and seascapes combine to offer viewers unforgettable scenery.

Depending on which film or show you find most inspiring, you’ll either head to Northern Ireland (Derry Girls, Dungeons & Dragons), the craggy cliffs and stunning roads along the west coast ( Star Wars: The Force Awakens/ The Last Jedi, Game of Thrones, The Princess Bride), the forest of Wicklow County (Vikings, P.S I Love You), or the quintessential city vibes of Dublin. Each area of Ireland has something incredible to offer, but the more popular sites will also come with crowds at certain times of the year.

[Photo Credit: Lori via Shared Adventures – read about her Scottish and Irish Honeymoon here]

Here are some more off-the-beaten-path suggestions, if you prefer. Instead of The Cliffs of Moher, you can try the Sliabh Liag Cliffs in Donegal in the far northwest. Or, the Cliffs at Loop Head Kilkee in County Clare. If you’re looking for Star Wars vibes but not wanting to battle the crowds at Skellig Michael, you can try Malin Head in Donegal ( where many of the scenes were filmed). And a great alternative to the famous Ring of Kerry is the Skellig Ring Road just to the northwest of the Ring of Kerry, but with nary a tour bus in sight.

[Photo Credit: Alicia & Jay via Shared Adventures — read about their Irish Adventure here!]

Paris

The city of light, art, and romance – Paris has been glorified in movies and tv since the beginning of film and has certainly inspired many travels.

Whether you’ve recently been inspired by Emily in Paris or Lupin, or you were inspired years ago by Midnight in Paris, Amelie or countless others, the list of movies set in Paris is never ending and it certainly merits a visit.

[Photo Credit: Nicole & Paul via Shared Adventures — read about their Paris Anniversary Adventure here!]

While you won’t ever find the bustling city lacking crowds, visiting in the shoulder or off seasons will certainly help. Spring and Fall are beautiful times to enjoy the romantic narrow streets, wide boulevards, fabulous food, and unique architecture.

[Photo Credit: Kim & Paul via Shared Adventures — read about their first time in Paris here!]

Overlooking Paris at sunset from the Arc du Triomphe

If you’re looking for the Parisian vibe without the crowds, there are two other cities you can enjoy. Strasbourg is near the German border. It features a stunning cathedral, gothic architecture and narrow streets. And Lyon used to be the capital of France and has retained its remarkable heritage. You can take the tramway to glide above the Rhone river, or head underground for secret covered passageways. Lyon also boasts several Michelin starred restaurants and gourmet food. A perfect destination for a chic city break.

Greece

The Greek Islands have an undeniable visual appeal. Incredible turquoise waters, white-washed buildings, and charming seaside villages populate the movies as much as social media. Perfect for a beachy holiday, the Greek Islands provide every bit of those Mamma Mia vibes you’ve been craving since 2008.

If you’re inspired by the wealthy private island from Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, then you’ll want to head to Spetses. With luxury and tradition, this is a favorite island of the rich and famous. Close to Athens, the Saronic Island is a perfect addition to a mainland Greece adventure. And those inspired by Daisy Jones & The Six can explore the quaint port and serene alleyways of Hydra – another of the Saronic Islands in the Aegean.

On the other side of the Aegean, Mamma Mia fans will be taking a ferry to the Sporadic Islands of Skopelos and Skiathos, which are ideal for a peaceful laid-back vacation. With gorgeous nature, small fishing villages, and idyllic emerald waters, these islands are a bit more difficult to reach, as there’s no ferry from Athens. You’ll either need to take the ferry from Agios Konstantinos in central Greece or Volos in Thessaly. Or fly into Skiathos directly.

For any Greek Island adventure, we recommend a little island hopping. While places like Santorini and Mykonos have gotten a bit crowded, there are plenty of islands to explore that have yet to gain a huge influx of tourism. Why not get creative and check out Milos, Folegandros or Naxos instead.

Wherever you’re inspired to travel to, whether from the latest tv show or movie or a simple Instagram post – let us know! We’re always excited to help you realize your travel dreams and can offer options to fit the perfect vibe.

Paris Anniversary Adventure

June 27, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Nicole and Paul wanted to celebrate their 10th anniversary somewhere romantic, iconic and international. With amazing architecture, food, and one of Paul’s favorite soccer teams playing- Paris was the perfect destination! We sent them on a week long adventure in the city of light. Here’s how it went:

We absolutely LOVED our trip – the weather was gorgeous with the exception of one afternoon we got rained on. Everything was GORGEOUS – in awe of the history and architecture.

Here are some quick notes:

Flight

So awesome to travel internationally again. They give you food, don’t charge for alcohol, and have plenty of in-flight entertainment to keep you busy. The first-class area looked really nice too (if anyone wanted to pay for that).

Transportation

The car service that picked us up was decent. The driver said he almost left bc it took us almost an hour to get our bags and go through customs. He said he tried to call me but I didn’t have international calling or decent wifi to accept calls. Luckily he waited but they should know that it can take over an hour to get through everything.

Paris Food & Drink Tour

It was the perfect tour to “ease” us into Paris. Due to the timing of our flights, we did not feel much jet lag which was nice.

Joshua, our tour guide was AWESOME! He gave us the right info at each place and was personable with everyone. The small group was nice. It was nice to visit local shops and to learn about how the different cheeses and wines are made. Paul is now a Chablis fan! The tour ended at an Absinthe bar which made Paul very happy. 🙂

At the end of the tour, Joshua gave some recommendations on where to eat for dinner. We took his recommendation and went to Chez Nicos for crepes!

Hotel

We really loved the boutique hotel. [Hotel Pont Royal] The staff was very nice and spoke English! We were thrilled breakfast was included as it was one less meal we had to worry about. We absolutely LOVED our balcony – it was perfect.

The room itself was nice (a bit small) and there was nowhere to put our luggage but we made do. The bathroom didn’t have much shelving for our stuff so we just had it on the floor…maybe that’s a Euro thing.

Friday – Walking Everywhere in Paris

We walked an INSANE amount of steps: 26K and walked all over the place. We saw Moulin Rouge, Paul found the cafe from the movie Amelie that we really liked, we went to the I Love You wall, took some cool photos of the metro signs, and ended with the catacombs

Saturday – Photo Shoot, Notre Dame & the Louvre

I was able to find a last-minute photographer through a referral from another photographer and made Paul get up at 5 AM so we could meet the photographer at 7:15 and take photos with the least amount of people in the background. Now THAT is love. The photos came out really well and the photographer was great!

[Photo Credit: Jordan with The Parisian Photographers]

Afterward, we enjoyed a croissant and cappuccino at Patisserie where we met the photographer (it was delish) and headed back to the hotel to change. From there we walked to Notre Dame which was breathtaking even though we could not go inside. They had these cool exhibits showcasing different photographers and how they documented the fire and showed the plans to put everything back together.

a couple celebrating their anniversary with the Mona Lisa in Paris

That afternoon we toured the Louvre which was really cool and HUGE. Seeing the Mona Lisa was neat after seeing it in so many art history books. Our tour guide was really passionate about art history so we lucked out.

Soccer Sunday

Sunday was our Paris Saint-Germain soccer game. THAT WAS EPIC – Paul was in soccer heaven. Such a cool experience, so glad we splurged on the seats – we were about 7 rows from the field and the players were RIGHT THERE. PSG didn’t play well and lost but we were thrilled with our experience.

a couple celebrating their anniversary at a PSG football/soccer match in Paris

Monday- Eiffel Tower and Shopping

Monday was our Eiffel Tower and shopping day. Eiffel Tower was VERY BUSY. Cool views but very crowded. We witnessed a proposal! Afterward we walked to the Arc de Triomphe. You could not go up because it was their Labor Day in Paris and was closed. All the shops on Avenue des Champs-Elysees were also closed for Labor Day. We did find an Italian place to eat lunch and that’s when it poured on and off.

We continued to stroll to Alexander III Bridge and luckily no one was on it due to the heavy rains so we captured some nice shots.

Tuesday – Giverny Day Trip

Giverny was sooo pretty and it was nice to see the France Countryside. Our tour guide was very nice. Lunch was really good and Chateau de Versailles was beautiful. Could see where Newport got its inspiration from. Versaille was VERY CROWDED and we did not have much time to explore the grounds. Inside was fairly quick but VERY crowded. Like navigating through a crowded concert.

While we were sad to leave, if we stayed I am not sure where else we would have walked bc we confidently walked everywhere in Paris! LOL

Top Tips for Your First Trip to Europe

June 14, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

First time traveling to Europe? There’s a lot to consider for your first big trip abroad! If you’ve reached out to us to help you plan, you know most of the details are already taken care of. All that’s left is to pack, get on the plane, and enjoy your adventure! But even with a trusted travel agent by your side, it can feel a bit daunting heading to a completely unfamiliar place. Aside from preparing for the extra-long flight, what else do you need to know before you go? As seasoned European travelers, here are our top tips:

Packing

What to Pack: No matter where you’re going in Europe, you will be guaranteed to need three things: comfortable walking shoes, layers, and adapters. Your favorite dress shoes might look amazing, but if you’ve never walked farther than from the restaurant to your car in them, they need to stay home. Generally, the weather is constantly changing throughout the day. Fresh mornings give way to sweltering midday before cooling down again into beautiful evenings. To cover these changes you’ll need to bring some lovely light layers. Finally, you’ll need to select an all-purpose adapter to allow your US plugs to fit into a European outlet. Plus a converter if you’re bringing a US appliance (like a hairdryer) that can’t handle their stronger voltage.

Pack Light: Even with careful planning, at some point on your adventure you’ll need to lift your suitcase. It won’t be over your head, perhaps just a small step into your hotel, up and over the bridges of Venice, or simply over the gap between the train and the platform. But you want to be sure you pack a suitcase that you can manage and maneuver. Check out our packing it all in a carry-on guide – even if you don’t plan on fitting it all in a carry-on, you’ll find some good tips to help you minimize.

[Photo Credit: Liz via Shared Adventures]

Important Items: Make sure you pack all medicines, important phone numbers, a change of clothes, and expensive items/ electronics in your carry-on bag. Anything you need in the first 48hrs goes in the carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost.

Your Phone

Check with your provider: Communicating while abroad is important – whether with other people in your group or with your friends and family back home. Or, if you need to access maps, use handy travel apps, post on social media, or check other internet info. Check with your mobile phone provider in advance to see what their international plan is, how to set it up, and whether it’s worth using.

Offline: If you decide you don’t want to use your provider’s international plan, you must put your phone into Airplane mode to avoid roaming charges. Even if you’re not actively using your phone, unless it’s in airplane mode, it’s using data. It’s also worth looking up how to download offline maps. This will help you so much when you’re jumping from wifi to wifi.

[Photo Credit: Angela Compagnone via Unsplash]

Connecting: Most crucially, when you’re abroad, you’ll need to dial the country code to contact anyone. Here’s how to do that (works for both iPhone and Android). Secondly, we cannot recommend WhatsApp enough. Everyone in Europe has and communicates through WhatsApp. That includes your tour guides, your drivers, and even some restaurants. Imagine trying to make a dinner reservation when you don’t speak the language. Instead of struggling to communicate, you type out the request in a translator app. Then, simply send the translation to the restaurant via WhatsApp text! Easy, simple, and with no misunderstandings! WhatsApp also works off of the wifi/ mobile data. So even if you decide not to set up an international plan, you can communicate!

Money Matters

Check With Your Bank: You’ll want to check your bank’s foreign transaction fees and currency conversion rates. Be sure to let them know you’re traveling so they don’t flag any card purchases by mistake. If you have a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees (like a Capital One or Chase Sapphire) now is the time to use it! Also, be sure to bring a Visa/Mastercard since many places won’t accept Amex or Discover

In Belgium Beth showing off her chocolate- shopping bags in the Brussels Shopping Mall

Cash vs Card: It’s not necessary to get a huge amount of foreign currency before you leave, but you’ll need some pocket money. The general rule is: anything under 10€ should be paid in cash. Some places won’t accept cards if it’s under 10€ and sometimes it’s more polite to pay for tips, taxis, cups of coffee, etc in cash. Plus, public toilets will only take 1€ coins. Remember: 1€ and 2€ are coins so don’t just get rid of “spare change”! For larger purchases in shops and restaurants, you can use your card to get the best exchange rate and some added protections.

[Photo Credit: Beth & Bob via Shared Adventures Travel – check out their Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris Adventure here! ]

Tipping: While in Europe, resist the urge to tip the way you do in the US. In restaurants check to see if a service charge is already on the bill. If not, and if you’re inclined to tip, don’t leave any more than 10%. Tip tour guides and drivers 2€ -10€ per person. For taxis, you can round up to the nearest Euro. European service workers, in general, make a living wage and do not need/expect a generous American-style tip.

Cultural

Language: Of course, they speak a different language! In major cities, a lot of the service industry at least speak English related to their jobs. But it’s always nice for you to try to meet them halfway. Always try to learn “hello & goodbye”, “ please & thank you”, “ do you speak English?” and “Where is the toilet?” These all go a long way. Don’t forget all the signs will be in the foreign language as well! Luckily, in transport areas like train stations and airports, you’ll often see English in small letters underneath.

Dining Times: Throughout most of Europe the dining times are more specific. Many places, especially in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, close down for an afternoon siesta between 2:30 pm – 7 pm.

To avoid only finding sad sandwiches for lunch, make sure you’re getting lunch before 2 pm. Similarly, many restaurants don’t serve dinner until 7 pm. Certainly, there are a few open earlier, and in big cities, some are open all day. However, you’ll limit your choices if you’re trying to eat dinner before 7 pm.

[Photo Credit: Hilary and Zackary via Shared Adventures Travel — read about their Rome & Amalfi Coast Honeymoon here!]

Finally, in Europe, water doesn’t come automatically to the table. If you want water, you’ll have to order it and it usually is only available by bottle without ice.

Rooms: Unless you’re booking a suite, most of the hotel rooms and beds tend to be smaller than typical American standards. And that includes the bathrooms.

Safety

Be Informed: To keep yourself informed, you can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service that allows you to pre-register your travel plans with the US State Department. This way, they can keep you informed of safety conditions at your destination(s). Plus, the US Embassy will know how to reach you in the event of an emergency (including a family emergency at home). To enroll in STEP, visit https://step.state.gov/step/. To keep others informed – make sure you leave a full itinerary with a reservation number with a friend or family member.

Keep Tabs on your Belongings: As with any crowded city or location, you want to make sure to keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t leave your phone in your back pocket, and have a bag that goes across your body and has zippers/ multiple pockets.

[Photo Credit: Kim & Paul via Shared Adventures — read about their Paris Adventure here!]

Standard Precautions: Even though you are on vacation, please follow the same health/safety precautions you would if you were closer to home. Don’t drink to excess (especially in the hot sun), and never leave a drink unattended. Don’t wander around alone at night; practice the buddy system. Lock your hotel room windows and doors (and use the deadbolt provided, or bring an inexpensive door wedge or travel lock of your own). Leave expensive jewelry and electronics at home, and keep valuables in a safe and secure place (such as the in-room safe). If you run into legal trouble or are the victim of a crime, reach out to the nearest US Embassy for assistance. Your rights/responsibilities are different in foreign countries.

While there will always be new things to discover on each adventure you take, we hope this blog has helped you feel more prepared to tackle your first big trip abroad! Now you’re ready to step off the plane and enjoy your European Adventure stress-free. Bookmark this page for later and if you would like some help planning your next adventure let us know!

A First-Time Paris Adventure

May 31, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Kim and Paul had traveled quite a bit before – but usually to the Caribbean. This time they were looking to head across the pond and enjoy the city of love and lights: Paris! We knew we wanted to make their first Parisian experience seamless and packed with all the best sites. Here’s how they spent a week in Paris:

We are first-time travelers to Europe so this trip to Paris was both exciting and daunting. I quickly found there was no reason to be daunted. From door to door, our trip went off without a hitch, and for that we are so grateful. Everyone we encountered in Paris was pleasant and helpful and of course, smiled at our poor attempts to converse in French and fortunately, most knew enough English to communicate with us.
From the first day we arrived, we were out and about exploring the city. Our hotel was in the 6th Arrondissement located on the Left Bank with easy access to many sites on our list. We walked all week long, using the Metro once and Uber twice.

Ann had booked tours that included a half-day visit to Versailles Palace, Skip the line tour of the highlights at the Louvre, and a Skip the line tour of the Eiffel Tower. Those tours were at the end of the week so I filled the first few days with places to visit with the help of our goddaughter who came over from the UK for two days to sightsee with us.

Monday & Tuesday

Monday afternoon, we visited Montmartre, ate our first crepes, and walked through the neighborhood and the Covered Passages. It was raining that afternoon so we went back to the hotel to take a rest and then went back out to Montparnasse where we were staying and walked through the streets and found a place for a light dinner.

Tuesday we had plans to meet our goddaughter at the Catacombs. We purchased tickets in advance for the first entry at 9:45 am. There was a small line and we got right in and really enjoyed the audio tour.

From there we headed to Ile de la Cite to see Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, and the Conciergerie. Along the way, we popped into a café for lunch, then continued our journey.

After visiting Ile de la Cite, we strolled along the Seine and stopped for hot chocolate and a pastry on our way to see the Eiffel Tower in full view, lit up and sparkling on the hour — it was an impressive site. We found a restaurant about a block away from the Eiffel Tower and sat outside like Parisians and enjoyed dinner and a plate of macarons for dessert.

Wednesday

Wednesday started off with a visit to the Orsay Museum, where we strolled through the artwork, found the Clock, and got a picture taken. In the background, across the Seine, I kept seeing a Ferris Wheel in the distance and decided we should go for a ride.

We walked across the pedestrian bridge and headed through the Tuileries Garden by the Louvre and reached the Ferris Wheel which was part of a Christmas Market. Then, bought lunch and headed back to the Gardens to enjoy a picnic on this sunny day. We strolled through the Christmas Market after eating and then took a ride on the Ferris Wheel and enjoyed wonderful views of Paris.

After the Ferris Wheel ride, we headed to the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees. We climbed the Arc de Triomphe and were rewarded with more stunning views of the city. We headed back to the Eiffel Tower to find “The American Library” which was the location of the historical fiction novel “The Paris Library” that I read recently with my book group and I had to take a few pictures. It turned out that the library was literally right around the corner from the restaurant we had dinner at the previous night. We also had another beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower all lit up, it was pretty magical.

Thursday

Thursday morning, we enjoyed a guided tour of Versailles Palace. The tour guide was wonderful and I would highly recommend a visit. We also had time to walk around the gardens. At this time of year, they aren’t blooming but they are still very impressive to see.

We arrived back in Paris around 12:30 p.m. and decided to go to the hotel to relax before our dinner plans that evening. This was Thanksgiving Day and we booked a River Seine Dinner Cruise to mark our “holiday.” On the way back to the hotel, we were passing Musee L’Armee and Sainte Louis Chapelle where Napoleon’s tomb is located. We had purchased multi-day museum pass, so we popped in to see the Chapel and some of the museum on our way back to the hotel. I’m a history buff so being able to pop in to see different sites even for a short time was worth it to me.

The dinner cruise on the River Seine was fun, the food was good and the views were again spectacular. The Louvre, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the “mini” Statue of Liberty were all lit up.

Friday

We toured the Louvre with a “Skip the Line Two Hour Highlights” tour guide. Our guide Adam knocked the tour out of the park. He was informative, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable and made the tour very memorable. He is a professor at University and had previously worked at the Louvre for two years researching artifacts, he clearly loved his work and I still remember what he “taught” us rather than “told” us.

After the Louvre tour, we found a café to have lunch near the Latin Quarter. I had an audio tour that I downloaded to tour the Latin Quarter, so that is how we spent Friday afternoon, starting at the “Shakespeare and Company” bookstore and ending at the Pantheon near the Luxembourg Gardens. We saw many sites, including where Ernest Hemingway lived, the Sorbonne University, Musee Cluny, jazz clubs, markets, and St. Etienne du Mont church where the famous steps from “Midnight in Paris” was filmed. When this tour finished we started back to the hotel and it was such a beautiful night we continued to walk through the streets watching the people and enjoying the Christmas decorations that were beginning to appear on storefronts.

Saturday

Saturday was our last day in Paris, we started the day by walking to Musee Rodin and strolling through the gardens viewing all the Bronze statues, and then going into the Museum to see all the artwork. It was breathtaking to see so many pieces of art that I’ve read or heard about my entire life. To see them in person really brought them to life.

Saturday afternoon we had a “Skip the Line” tour of the Eiffel Tower. We enjoyed time on the second level and then went to the Summit. It was overcast that day but so worth going to the Summit. We hung out there for a bit and then took the elevator back to the second level and decided to walk down the two levels. So we could spend time on level one before descending all the way.

After the tour, we made our way back to the hotel, stopping in a patisserie to enjoy a sandwich. Then walked around Montparnasse for another hour or so, soaking it all in because we were leaving early the next morning.

Au revoir Paris, until next time. There is still so much to see! Many thanks to Ann and her team for helping make this vacation exceptional.