Mapped by April

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  • How to Spend a Perfect 48 Hours in Seattle Before an Alaskan Cruise

    How to Spend a Perfect 48 Hours in Seattle Before an Alaskan Cruise

    If you are booking an Alaskan cruise that departs out of the Pacific Northwest, do yourself a huge favor: do not just fly in the morning of your cruise. Give yourself at least two days to explore Seattle first!

    Since I have been to Seattle quite a few times, I have dialed in the absolute perfect, most efficient layout if you only have about 48 hours to cross the best of the city off your list. Here is exactly how to maximize your pre-cruise stopover without feeling rushed.

    Where We Stayed

    We stayed at a beautiful property on Ward Street (Airbnb) in the heart of Seattle. It was the perfect central location for drop-offs, ride-shares, and getting to the waterfront quickly. There are a lot of great sections of Seattle to stay in. Depending on exactly where you want to be on the map, my suggestions would be: Fremont in North Seattle, Capitol Hill in Central Seattle, or Beacon Hill in South Seattle.

    🏙️ Day 1: The Iconic Seattle Staples

    For your first day, embrace the classic tourist spots.

    Mapped by April Money-Saving Tip: If you plan on doing the major city sights today, buy the Seattle CityPass. It saves you a ton of cash on bundled admission tickets for the Space Needle, the aquariums, and the museums rather than paying at the gate individually. You can pick it up at most of the participating locations. Typically, I just buy mine at the Museum of Pop Culture!

    The Itinerary:

    • Morning: Pike Place Market. Head here first to grab lunch, see the famous fish-throwers, and wander the flower stalls. It gets incredibly crowded later in the day, so hitting it closer to midday right after you check into your lodging is ideal. If you arrived before your lodging is available for your bags, use Bounce! It’s a local luggage storage app. Personally, I have stored my luggage at The Purple Store almost every time I’m at Pike Place.
    • Some special places in Pike’s that are worth mentioning:
      • If you’re a lover of Starbucks, the very first Starbucks is here! They usually have fun drinks that they don’t yet have in the rest of the stores.
      • The Gum Wall! It is super weird! But worth seeing and maybe participating in if you have some gum on you.
    • Afternoon: The Seattle Center Hub. This area is a goldmine because three major attractions are right next to each other:
      1. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop): If you are into music, sci-fi, or pop culture history, this building (designed by Frank Gehry) is a must-visit. You can pickup your CityPass here too!
      2. The Space Needle: Go up to the top for those classic, panoramic views of Mt. Rainier and the Puget Sound. You’ll book your timeslot with the CityPass app.
        • Fun fact – we actually got to walk down the exterior stairs of the Space Needle (by choice!) because they were doing elevator maintenance. They gave out free shirts and water when you hit the bottom!
      3. Chihuly Garden and Glass: Located right at the base of the Space Needle. The blown-glass artwork here is mind-blowing and looks incredible in photos.
      4. While you’re in the area, be sure to at least try a Seattle-Style Hot Dog (If you like hot dogs!) it’s delish and fairly unique.
    • Late Afternoon Drink: Mr. B’s Meadery. Take a break from the standard Pacific Northwest IPAs and head over to Mr. B’s for a mead flight. It’s a super cool, unique spot to relax after walking all afternoon. They have two locations now, but I do think that their Fremont location is the most cozy and fun.
    • If you have extra time: Check out the Woodland Park Zoo or take a peaceful stroll through the Seattle Japanese Garden.

    🛶 Day 2: Culture, Family, and Underground Secrets

    For your second day, you want to dive a little deeper into the city’s unique history and take things a bit easier before boarding the ship tomorrow.

    The Itinerary:

    • The Underground Tour: Start your morning in Pioneer Square and take a guided underground history tour. Seattle was actually rebuilt on top of itself after a massive fire in 1889, and walking through the literal buried storefronts and old sidewalks beneath the current city streets is fascinating. There are quite a few underground tour companies, as they each own different parts of the underground.
    • Afternoon Catch-Up: Leave the afternoon open to cross off anything you missed on Day 1, do some light shopping, or grab a coffee by the water. This means you should go to the Zoo, Aquarium, or Japanese Garden!

    ⚓ Day 8: The “Bonus” Post-Cruise Day

    The beauty of this layout is that when your cruise ship docks back in Seattle at 7:00 AM at the end of the week, you don’t have to stress about a morning flight. We booked a late-night United flight home (departing at 10:54 PM), which gave us one final, full “bonus day” in the city.

    Take your time getting off the ship, store your luggage at the a local locker service like Bounce, and use this day to hit any spots you missed, like the Seattle Aquarium or a ferry ride across the harbor, before heading to the airport. The waterfront park near the Aquarium is also awesome!

    I would also recommend the Seattle Great Wheel if you’re not scared of heights. It is so cool to see Seattle from this angle, and you’ll get a chance to see Mt. Rainer on a clear day!

    Next Up…

    Pack your bags and grab your boarding passes, because in Part 2, we are stepping aboard Holland America’s Eurodam for our full ship review, the best onboard activities, and everything you need to know before you sail away to Alaska!

    📸 All photos used in this post are taken by me and should not be reused.

  • The Ultimate Group Guide to Glacier National Park: Many Glacier & The Highline Trail (Part 2)

    The Ultimate Group Guide to Glacier National Park: Many Glacier & The Highline Trail (Part 2)

    Welcome back to part two of our massive, 14-person guide to Glacier National Park! In [Part 1], we covered the brutal logistics of planning for a huge group, our gorgeous home base in Whitefish, and the best highlights of West Glacier.

    Now, we are packing our bear spray and heading over to the wilder, more rugged side of the park: Two Medicine, the Many Glacier District, and the legendary Highline Trail.

    Day 3: What We Planned

    This trip took place in the end of August into, beginning of September. The weather was really warm in Montana, and after our Day 2 of Hidden Lake, a lot of us were exhausted. Now, to be honest, when I planned this trip, I did not plan any rest days.. which was… very ambitious on my part! So, I am being totally transparent when I say I will tell you what I planned to do and what I actually did.

    🌅 The Plan – The Two Medicine Sunrise

    Two Medicine Lake is one of the absolute best spots in the park to watch the sunrise. Depending on when you visit, first light hits between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM. We arrived about 30 minutes early to find a spot on the peaceful shoreline right by the historic Two Medicine General Store.

    The Afternoon Plan:

    • Boat & Hike: You can rent a boat or catch a boat shuttle across the lake to shorten the trail to Twin Falls Hike.
    • The Return Journey: On our way back to Whitefish, we planned to drive straight through the park along Going-to-the-Sun Road. If you have time and parking luck, pull off at the Sun Point Nature Trail or make the trek up to Virginia Falls!
    What Really Happened: We changed around our Day 4 Plan and split it into 2 days. Our original Day 4 plan was very ambitious and included horseback riding AND a 10 mile hike. So, we moved part of Day 4 into Day 3 to give us all of Day 4 for our big hike!

    Day 3: What we actually did – Many Glacier & Horseback Riding

    Day 3 took us to the Many Glacier District.

    Pro Tip: Don’t forget to grab a picture at the Glacier sign! This one is much less crowded than the others on the other side of the park.

    🐴 Morning Trail Ride at Cracker Flats

    We kicked off our morning at 7:45 AM with a group horseback riding tour booked through Swan Mountain Outfitters at their Cracker Flats location. We met up at the Many Glacier Hotel which was so cool to see! Highly recommend checking it out if you have time. Then, we headed over to the side of the lot where the horses were waiting for us.

    Our two-hour ride took us along the scenic shores of the Sherburne Reservoir and out onto the open flats where an old mining town stood at the turn of the century. Because “The Flats” are wide and clear, you get unbelievable 360-degree views of the massive peaks surrounding the Many Glacier Valley. The trail was beautifully mild, the horses were great, and we saw tons of wildflowers! We did not see any bears on this trail, though apparently the horses are very used to it!

    Short Afternoon Hikes in Glacier

    We drove around to get back to Going to the Sun Road and headed towards the Saint Mary’s Falls trail. This is a shorter hike that is absolutely beautiful! If I haven’t said it already, pretty much all the water you encounter is freezing cold (uh, glacial to be exact) but fair game for swimming. Many of my friends jumped right in!

    Driving on through Going to the Sun Road

    Since we had a pass for each day, we took advantage and kept driving through to stop at scenic points. When we stopped at Oberlin Bend we got an absolutely beautiful view of the mountains, and luckily, got to see some mountain goats too! As a reminder, please don’t approach the wildlife. Keep them wild!

    We headed home for the day to get ready for our long hike and load up on some carbs!

    Day 4: Many Glacier

    If you have ever seen those jaw-dropping, viral photos of Glacier National Park with water so vibrantly blue it looks fake, this is where they were taken! (I’ve put some in the slideshow below!)

    🥾 The Main Event: Grinnell Glacier Trail (10.5 Miles)

    This is a heavy hitting trail, and I would recommend only doing it if you are comfortable with the distance! However, this is by far my favorite trail we did in Glacier. It was unbelievably beautiful and I would do it again and again. If you don’t believe me, check out the gallery below!

    • April’s Honest Review: This hike is a long, strenuous, upper-tier challenge, but ask anyone who has done it, and they will tell you it’s one of the greatest trails of their life. The mind-blowing alpine views are continuous for almost the entire hike.
    • The Shuttle Hack: If 10.5 miles sounds daunting, you can buy a ticket for the Many Glacier boat tour. Taking the boat across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine shaves about 3.5 miles off your hike in each direction!
    • Elevation & Wildlife Warning: The elevation gain here is no joke; pack at least 2 liters of water per person. Also, be highly alert! Many Glacier is densely populated with wildlife. On this trail alone, we saw a mountain goat, a bighorn sheep, and a moose. Keep your distance and keep your bear spray unclipped.
    • If you hiked in a hot a day, you can swim in the glacier. A bunch of my very brave friends did it! Though be prepared there are literally icebergs floating in it!

    Day 5: What We Planned: Iceberg Lake &
    What We Did: Huckleberry Everything

    Our plan was to return to Many Glacier for another heavy-hitting classic: Iceberg Lake Trail (9.6 miles round-trip). The trail climbs steadily through open meadows and pine forests before dead-ending at a massive amphitheater of rock. Tucked inside the giant stone walls is a lake that literally has giant chunks of ice floating in it all summer long.

    Want an extra challenge? If you have the legs for it, you can add an excursion up to the Ptarmigan Tunnel, a giant tunnel blasted straight through the mountain wall that opens up to the northern face of the park. The tunnel doors are open from mid-July through late September.

    Now – we did not end up doing Iceberg Lake for 2 reasons: 1, we were exhausted and 2, you can actually see Iceberg Lake from the Highline Trail which we had planned the next day. Many people say Iceberg Lake and Grinnell Glacier are similar, but some people feel that Grinnell is superior. We took the day to rest and explore Whitefish as well as get some good eats. I’ll link some places we ate at below!

    Huckleberry Patch

    This is most definitely a tourist location, but if you didn’t know, there is a ton of huckleberry in Montana. This place had shakes, food, gifts, etc. I did have a huckleberry shake and yes it was delicious!

    White Raven Winery & Vineyard

    Not too far outside of Whitefish was a great winery! Their wines were delicious, they had amazing cheese platters, and their servers knew their stuff! We had a great time here and spent a few hours enjoying the outdoors sipping and snacking.

    Day 6: The Grand Finale on the Highline Trail

    We saved the absolute best for last. The Highline Trail is a legendary, one-way, 12-mile trek that hugs the “Garden Wall” high above Going-to-the-Sun Road. Now, I’ll be honest, I was actually so exhausted still that I did not go on this hike. Some of my amazing friends still did though, so I’m sharing their words of wisdom here for you as I do wish I went!

    How to Survive the Highline:

    1. Start Before 6:00 AM: You have to park your car at the Logan Pass Visitor Center, and the lot fills up instantly. We arrived in the pitch black, grabbed our gear, and crossed the street to the trailhead just as the sky was turning gray.
    2. The Garden Wall Add-On: Just under 6 miles into the hike, you will hit the optional Garden Wall trail. It is a brutal, straight-uphill, 1-mile vertical scramble that will absolutely kill your legs, but it is the best part of the entire day. When you crest the top, you are looking directly down onto the massive Grinnell Glacier below. It is spectacular.
    3. Take a Break at the Chalet: After descending from the wall, you’ll reach the historic Granite Park Chalet. It’s a hike-in, hike-out lodge where you can use a real restroom and buy a quick snack before starting the final leg of the journey.
    4. The Descent to “The Loop”: The final few miles downward to a sharp switchback on the highway called The Loop are unshaded due to past forest fires. It gets hot quickly, so slather on the sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

    🚌 Highline Shuttle Logistics: Because the Highline is a one-way trail, you finish at The Loop, but your cars are still parked miles away up at Logan Pass.

    • For Summer 2026: Glacier has updated their shuttle system. Shuttles running between The Loop and Logan Pass now require a ticket reserved in advance on Recreation.gov ($1 fee). Make sure you book your shuttle wristbands ahead of time, or ensure you have a designated driver in your group who skips the hike and drives a vehicle down to park at The Loop to meet you!

    🗺️ Ready to map out your own trek? Check out the exact routes, lookouts, and trailheads we used on my custom Glacier National Park Google Map.

    📸 All photos used in this post are taken by me and should not be reused.

  • The Ultimate Group Guide to Glacier National Park: Logistics & West Glacier (Part 1)

    The Ultimate Group Guide to Glacier National Park: Logistics & West Glacier (Part 1)

    Glacier National Park is nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” and it completely lives up to the hype. The pictures you may have seen of those turquoise glacial lakes? They’re real. And there’s wildlife around every corner.

    But if you are planning a trip here, especially with a large group, the logistics can be a beast. I recently organized a week-long trip to Glacier for a group of 14 friends. From navigating flights to splitting a massive luxury Airbnb and tackling the park’s notoriously strict traffic rules, here is exactly how we pulled off the perfect group getaway to West Glacier. Now, the hikes I will go over in this two part blog are *not* just for groups! So be sure to check them out if you’re trying to figure out what you’d like to do on your family trip to Glacier NP!

    ✈️ Group Logistics: Flights, Lodging, & Getting Around

    Flying into Kalispell

    We flew into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, which is a super convenient 45-minute to 1-hour drive from the park entrances. We rented a car in advance and it was ready for us at the airport.

    • Pro-Tip: Booking a week-long stay often yields much cheaper airfare than shorter weekend flights!

    The Ultimate Group Airbnb in Whitefish

    With 14 people, finding a place that feels comfortable and spacious is tough. We hit the absolute jackpot with our mountain vacation home located on Wood Run Drive in Whitefish, Montana.

    Whitefish is an incredible mountain town full of awesome shops, local breweries, and restaurants (like Sweet Peaks Ice Cream and Jersey Boys Pizza). Staying here gave us a fantastic home base complete with a hot tub and a massive kitchen for meal prepping group trail lunches.

    🛑 The Park Rules: The Daily Pass Nightmare

    When we went, Glacier required a rolling vehicle reservation system for roads like Going-to-the-Sun Road and Many Glacier. We literally had to log onto Recreation.gov at 8:00 AM months in advance, day after day, to secure passes for every single car in our group. It was a massive pain. Worth it for sure but such a pain!

    🚨 Mapped by April 2026 Update: If you are planning a trip for this summer, I have great news: Glacier has officially suspended vehicle reservations for 2026! You no longer need to fight for a morning QR code. However, because capacity is limited, park rangers will now temporarily close valley entrances if they get gridlocked. More importantly, Logan Pass now has a strict 3-hour parking limit to keep cars rotating. The lesson remains the same: Set that alarm and get to the park early AF!

    Day 0: Arrival, Bears, and Prep

    Once we touched down at FCA, we knocked out three crucial steps before heading to the house:

    1. Rent Bear Spray at the Airport: Yes, you can rent it right at the airport and return it before you fly out! This is non-negotiable, Glacier is active grizzly territory.
    2. Groceries in Kalispell: We stopped at the grocery store to stock up on a mountain of snacks and sandwich supplies. Making your own lunches is essential since food options inside the park are sparse.
    3. Pack Night Before: Pack your trail lunches the night before so you can grab-and-go in the dark. With how early you need to be up, you will not be interested in making food in the morning.
    4. Cell service and walkie talkies — There is basically no cell service in the park. If you are coordinating with multiple people in different cars, I highly recommend looking into walkie talkies. We were lucky enough to have one for each car, so we were able to stay in touch with the cars and update on parking.

    Day 1: West Glacier & The Magical Avalanche Lake

    We kicked off our first official park day on the west side. Crucial Rule: Parking in Glacier is almost impossible after 8:00 AM, so we woke up early to guarantee a spot.

    The Itinerary:

    • 9:30 AM Kayaking: We started our morning by renting kayaks right on Lake McDonald at Apgar Village. Paddling on that crystal-clear, pebble-bottom water with the mountains in the background was the perfect introduction to Montana. There are many kayak rental places and I believe we just booked with whatever group had the best price, so shop around!
    Kayaking Lake McDonald felt surreal!!
    • The Hike: Avalanche Lake Trail (4.5 miles round-trip): This is one of the most popular hikes on the west side for a reason. It winds through the breathtaking Trail of the Cedars before opening up to a spectacular, pristine glacial lake fed by waterfalls cascading down massive rock walls.
    The beautiful Avalanche Lake
    • April’s Trail Advice: Allow about 2–3 hours. Once you get to the lake, there are plenty of fallen logs to sit on. Bring a small picnic, a towel, and some water shoes so you can chill by the water and soak in the views.
    My husband and I enjoying the views on a log in Lake McDonald.

    Day 2: Scaling Logan Pass & Chasing Hidden Lakes

    Our second day took us high up along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass, the highest drivable point in the park.

    The Itinerary:

    • The Overlook Hike: Hidden Lake Trail (5 miles round-trip): This trail kicks off right behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center. It climbs through beautiful alpine meadows with panoramic views of the Continental Divide. The first half of the trail is boardwalk and fairly easy to navigate. If you aren’t up for the full 5 miles down to the lakeshore, the initial overlook offers equally mind-blowing views. Keep your eyes peeled, this is prime territory for spotting mountain goats!
      • It’s important to note that even though this hike is 5 miles, the descent to hidden lake and return is a lot on the knees. If you have trekking poles, I recommend brining them! It is a steep climb, and in the sun it is pretty brutal. Make sure you pack lots of water!
    • April’s Star Tip: If you have the stamina, stay in the park until dark. Because Glacier is a designated Dark Sky Park, the stargazing at Logan Pass is entirely worth the late night.

    🗺️ Planning your own epic route? Check out my custom Glacier National Park Google Map to see exactly where these trailheads, lookouts, and Whitefish restaurants are located!

    📸 All photos used in this post are taken by me and should not be reused.

    Next Up…

    In Part 2, we are heading over to the rugged East Side of the park for a trail ride through Cracker Flats, and the grueling, legendary 12-mile Highline Trail. Stay tuned!

  • How to Spend a Packed 3 Days in Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor, Maine

    How to Spend a Packed 3 Days in Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor, Maine

    Acadia National Park is easily one of the most stunning places in the United States. With dramatic rocky coastlines, dense forests, and mountain peaks rising straight out of the ocean, it looks like something straight out of a video game.

    I recently spent a fast-paced three days exploring Acadia and the charming town of Bar Harbor. Because I had just started a new job and had exactly zero vacation days to spare, we had to cram a lot into a short weekend.

    If you are planning a quick getaway to coastal Maine, here is my exact 3-day itinerary, along with a few major things I would do differently next time.

    🛑 The #1 Thing I Wouldn’t Do Again: 4th of July Weekend

    Let’s start with a major warning: Do not go to Acadia for the 4th of July. While the weather was absolutely beautiful and the holiday atmosphere was fun, the first week of July is Bar Harbor’s absolute busiest time of the year. The crowds are next-level, parking is a insane, and the town is just a little too crazy. If you can, aim for June or September to get the same great weather with half the stress!

    Where We Stayed

    Because we booked late and during a major holiday, we stayed in Trenton, Maine. It was about a 25-minute drive outside of downtown Bar Harbor, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise. Our place was right on the water and incredibly beautiful. If you don’t mind a short commute to the park, Trenton is a peaceful, scenic alternative to the packed hotels in town.

    Day 1: Exploring Bar Harbor & Grabbing a Park Pass

    We kicked off our first afternoon by exploring downtown Bar Harbor. The shops along Main Street are super cute, and the whole area is very walkable. We grabbed lunch (a lobster roll, obviously), wandered the local boutiques, and hung out in the waterfront park to soak in the seaside views.

    After checking out the town, we drove into the park to purchase our park entrance pass for the week and get our bearings. We also explored the Cadillac Mountain visitors center.

    Views from the visitor’s center in the late afternoon

    🗺️ Mapped by April Reservation Alert: If you want to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, you now need a vehicle reservation via Recreation.gov in addition to your standard park pass. These timed-entry tickets cost $6 and sell out incredibly fast (30% are released 90 days in advance, and 70% are released 2 days before at 10 AM ET). Do not forget to book these ahead of time! Also, there are different passes for sunrise vs. daytime because of the popularity!

    Day 2: The 3 AM Sunrise & The Wild Beehive Hike

    This was our main adventure day, and it required a serious wake-up call.

    🌅 Cadillac Mountain Sunrise

    We woke up at 3:00 AM to drive up Cadillac Mountain. It sounds tiring, but it is an absolute must-do. Because of its location, Cadillac Mountain is the very first place to see the sunrise in America for a large part of the year. Watching the horizon turn pink and seeing the clouds literally disappear below us as the sun rose over the ocean was completely insane.

    The sunrise at Cadillac Mountain

    🥾 The Beehive Trail

    Since we were already in the park at dawn, we really capitalized on being the first people there. We walked over to the Beehive Trailhead.

    This hike is incredibly popular, rocky, and notoriously dangerous because you have to climb up iron rungs and ladders built right into the steep rock faces. Doing it at 5:30 AM meant we completely beat the crowds and didn’t have to wait in a single file line on a cliffside. I also think this hike just might be a little overwhelming when a lot of people are there.

    Review: The Beehive is truly one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever been on in my life. It looks straight out of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Everything is so lush and majestic. However, if you are afraid of heights or steep drop-offs, skip this one. If you do tackle it, make sure you wear proper hiking sneakers or boots with traction!

    Side of a cliff on the Beehive Trail with unbelievable views

    🌊 Thunder Hole & The Parking Reality Check

    After the hike, we walked along Ocean Path over to Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. It’s a very easy, flat walk with gorgeous lookouts over the crashing ocean waves. We found a spot on the rocks to sit down and eat a packed lunch we brought with us.

    A peaceful lunch spot

    The Midday Catch: By the time we finished lunch, the holiday crowds had descended. The park became so crowded that there wasn’t a single parking space left anywhere else. We actually couldn’t drive over to explore other major sections of the park (like Jordan Pond) because of the gridlock.

    Day 3: A Hidden Gem & Incredible Local Eats

    For our final day, we started with a legendary breakfast at 2 Cats Restaurant in Bar Harbor. It is absolutely amazing! Do not skip it! Afterward, we parked near Main Street and walked off breakfast by doing some last-minute souvenir shopping.

    Escaping the Crowds at Schoodic Point

    To avoid a repeat of yesterday’s parking nightmare, we decided to leave Mount Desert Island and drive about an hour away to the Schoodic Peninsula.

    Schoodic Point is technically a detached part of Acadia National Park, located in Winter Harbor, and it was a complete hidden gem. It features the same rugged, insanely beautiful rocky coastlines but with a fraction of the crowds. The surrounding town was incredibly cute, and it gave us the peaceful park experience we were craving. It does get a lot of sun, so make sure you pack some sun protection!

    Rocky coastline in Schoodic Point

    🍷 Bonus: Where to Drink in Bar Harbor

    Before heading home, we checked out two awesome spots right down the road from one another (about a 5-minute drive apart) outside the downtown area:

    1. Atlantic Brewing Company (15 Knox Rd): They have a fantastic main facility where they offer tours and free tastings. They do have a restaurant downtown, but visiting the actual brewery campus is a much cooler experience.
    2. Bar Harbor Winery: Right nearby is this awesome local winery. You have to try their blueberry wine, it sounds unique, but it is absolutely insane and delicious. (Also, everything in Maine is kind of blueberry themed)

    🗺️ Want to explore more of Acadia? If you have more than 3 days, I highly recommend checking out my custom Acadia National Park Google Map which features all the incredible spots, like Jordan Pond, that I didn’t get a chance to see!

    📸 A quick note on visuals: All photos featured in this post were taken by me. Please do not download, copy, or reuse them without my written permission. Thanks for supporting Mapped by April!

  • The First-Timer’s Guide to Athens and Crete: Eat & Explore

    The First-Timer’s Guide to Athens and Crete: Eat & Explore

    Planning your first trip to Greece is incredibly exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. From decoding the local language to figuring out how to navigate the ancient ruins without melting in the sun, there is a lot to know before you go.

    I recently explored Athens and the stunning island of Crete. To help you plan your own Mediterranean getaway, I’m breaking down everything you need to know: from essential Greek phrases and must-try street foods to my exact itinerary.

    💡 Quick Cultural Tips & Logistics

    Before we talk about ruins and beaches, let’s cover a few essential logistics that will save you some serious awkwardness.

    • The Toilet Paper Rule: In many places in Greece, do not flush toilet paper. Because of old, narrow pipes, you need to place it in the small trash can next to the toilet. If you aren’t staying in a major city Marriott, play it safe and use the bin, especially in smaller beachside cafes and restaurants.
    • Pack the Essentials: Always throw a small roll of toilet paper and some hand sanitizer in your day bag just in case!
    • Language & Connections: Most everyone under 40 speaks excellent English. However, if you approach locals with even a tiny bit of Greek, they will absolutely love the effort.

    Mini Greek Vocab Cheat Sheet

    Try practicing these before you land:
    Σας ευχαριστώ – Sas Efharisto / Thank you
    Παρακαλώ – Parakaló / Please
    που είναι το μπάνιο – Pou eenai toh banyo? / Where is the bathroom?

    🍽️ The Ultimate Greek Food Guide (What to Order)

    The food in Greece is out of this world. Forget what you know about Greek food at home; here is what you need to order straight off the menu:

    • Gyros (“eeryos”): It’s pita stuffed with meat, tzatziki, lettuce, onion, tomato, and in some cases, french fries. Note: In Athens, it usually comes without extra sauce, but in Thessaloniki, they add ketchup and mustard!
    • Souvlakia (“soovlahkyah”): Grilled meat skewers (pork or chicken) seasoned with lemon, pepper, and oregano. You can get them on a platter, wrapped in a pita, or right on the stick. Pro-tip: Choose the spot where you can smell the grill from a block away!
    • Horiatiki: Traditional Greek salad. You won’t find a single shred of lettuce here —just perfectly chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, oil, vinegar, and a massive block of feta. The tomatoes taste like Jersey heirlooms, rich, deep, and not watery at all.
    • Bougatsa (“boohgahtsah”): The absolute best breakfast pastry. Flakey phyllo dough stuffed with a sweet, creamy cheese filling. They sell out fast because they are made fresh daily!
    • Seafood – For obvious reasons, Greece has a ton of amazing seafood. If you’re into fish, I highly recommend ordering whatever peaks your fancy on the menu!

    How to Order Coffee Like a Local
    You have to try a Frappe, the original Greek iced coffee made from whipped instant Nescafe, sugar, ice, and milk. It’s frothy, strong, and highly addictive. When you order, specify your milk and sweetness level.

    🏛️ Part 1: Exploring Historic Athens

    We based ourselves in Piraeus, a gorgeous waterfront neighborhood just outside the city center right by the original port of Athens. We stayed in a fabulous, highly walkable Waterfront Airbnb which made catching day-trip ferries incredibly easy.

    Sign in the heart of Piraeus

    Top Things to Do in Athens:

    • The Acropolis Museum: Hands down one of my favorite museums in the world. Do this first before you actually climb the Acropolis so you can understand what you’re looking at. Go early or late to avoid the midday crowd.
    • The Acropolis: The ancient citadel on the mountain where the Parthenon sits. It features stunning views, but there is zero shade and nowhere to sit. Wear great walking shoes, bring tons of water, and consider a guided walking tour (we loved Athens Walking Tours).
    The Acropolis on a perfect day!
    • Monastiraki: A massive outdoor marketplace perfect for wandering. Shopping Tip: Look for the local vendors selling raw Athenian leather. I bought a real leather purse here for around 30 Euros years ago and still use it every single day! The leather starts out stiff, but it molds to your body and deepens in color beautifully over time.
    • Thissio Neighborhood: A gorgeous, old-school pedestrian neighborhood right under the Acropolis. It features an outdoor movie theater and tons of cafes where you can dine with a direct view of the Parthenon lit up at night.
    • Lycabettus Hill: The highest point in Athens for a panoramic view. Have your taxi drop you off directly at the tram/train station, which will take you smoothly up to the top where there’s a tiny church and cafe.
    • Take a Day Cruise from the Port: Because Piraeus is the original port of Athens, it is the perfect launching pad for island hopping. If you want a break from the city heat, I highly recommend booking an all-day luxury sailing cruise. We took this exact Viator Day Cruise which took us to three stunning islands: Agistri, Moni, and Aegina. It came fully stocked with delicious food and drinks, and getting out on the water was an absolute highlight of our Athens stay!
    One of our island stops, we rented bikes and rode around the coast
    • Ferry Pro-Tip: If you decide to book your own local ferries to nearby islands like Mykonos instead of a guided tour, always aim to catch the first ferry out and the second-to-last ferry back. That way, if anything goes wrong or you accidentally miss your boat, you still have one final safety net to get you back to the mainland!

    Church Etiquette: When visiting Greece’s beautiful historic churches, dress modestly. Keep shoulders and knees covered. I always pack a couple of light beach sarongs in my bag to quickly tie around my shoulders or waist before heading inside.

    🌊 Part 2: Falling in Love with Crete

    From Athens, we took a quick 50-minute flight over to Crete, and it instantly became my favorite place on Earth.

    We stayed in the city of Chania at this absolutely beautiful Chania Airbnb with the sweetest host ever. Chania is perfectly split into Old Town (picturesque, narrow European streets filled with local artisan shops) and New Town (modern shopping), both within easy walking distance.

    Why Chania Steals the Show:

    • The Waterfront Dining: The harbor is lined with endless restaurants right on the water. You honestly can’t go wrong with the food here, just pick a view you like!
    Taken from the restaurant I was having dinner at! This is the view!
    Breakfast with a view!
    • Lots of Local Shopping: There are so many beautiful local shops and artisans. Take a peek inside each one, and take your time! They are so beautiful!
    • The Old Lighthouse: You can walk all the way out along the stone wall to the historic harbor lighthouse. This spot is incredibly special to me because it is exactly where my husband proposed! 💍
    A photo from my engagement shoot with lighthouse in the background
    • Endless Relaxation: While you can take glass-bottom boat tours or catch ferries to neighboring islands like Santorini and Mykonos from here , we barely left Chania. It’s the kind of place where you just want to wander the shops, hit the local beaches, and slow down.
    • Cats! Yes there are so many cute cats. Mostly just hanging around and taking naps. Truly a bonus for a cat lover like me!
    Peacefully sleeping kitten

    🍇 The Magic of Cretan Hospitality (and the Raki Tradition)

    You cannot talk about Crete without mentioning the hospitality! It is on a completely different level. The locals are incredibly warm and welcoming, and they have a beautiful dining custom that you will experience at almost every single sit-down meal.

    When you get your bill at the end of dinner, the restaurant will typically bring out a complimentary platter of fresh fruit or a small dessert, accompanied by a little glass carafe of Raki (also known as tsikoudia).

    Raki is a clear, twice-distilled grape pomace brandy. It is very strong, and it is served as a gift from the house.

    Mapped by April Culture Tip: Because it is a gesture of hospitality, they generally expect you to drink it! It’s considered polite to clink glasses with your table and take at least a sip. However, if you don’t drink alcohol, don’t panic, it is completely fine to politely tell your server you don’t drink, and they will not be offended. Otherwise, sit back, enjoy the free fruit, and toast to an amazing meal!

    ✈️ Heading Home: One Final Day in Athens (and a Special Souvenir!)

    After an unforgettable time in Crete, we caught a quick flight back to the mainland. Since our international flights departed out of Athens Airport, we decided to spend our very last day back in the city to ensure we didn’t run into any transit delays.

    But I didn’t spend my last day just killing time at the airport.. I actually had a very special appointment booked! Months before leaving for Greece, I had researched and booked a session at a local tattoo shop called Ritual Tattoo Athens.

    I was a bit nervous about the logistics of doing it on my final day, but they were absolutely awesome. The artists were incredibly professional, the shop had a fantastic vibe, and the overall experience day-of was flawless. If you are looking for the ultimate, permanent travel souvenir from Greece, I cannot recommend them enough!

    My pomegranate and olive tattoo, how Greek of me

    📸 A quick note on visuals: All photos featured in this post were taken by me. Please do not download, copy, or reuse them without my written permission. Thanks for supporting Mapped by April!

  • The Ultimate 5-Day Grand Teton, Jackson Hole, & Yellowstone Itinerary (And the Mistakes to Avoid)

    The Ultimate 5-Day Grand Teton, Jackson Hole, & Yellowstone Itinerary (And the Mistakes to Avoid)

    Planning a trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks can feel overwhelming. They are massive, crowded, and require a ton of logistics. I spent five days exploring both in late September, and while it was an incredible trip filled with wildlife, hiking, and beauty, I learned a few major lessons along the way.

    🛑 The #1 Mistake I Made: Our Lodging Choice

    Before we dive into the daily breakdown, let’s talk logistics. We stayed in Driggs, Idaho. To put it bluntly: it was far as hell from Yellowstone. Since Yellowstone is so massive, staying on the Idaho side forces you to spend hours commuting before you even get to the park. However, we were more focused on the Tetons, so for that it worked out.

    My Pro Tip: If I were to do this trip again, I would recommend booking two separate Airbnbs. Spend a couple of nights closer to Jackson Hole for your Grand Teton days, and then move up to a spot closer to a Yellowstone entrance (like West Yellowstone or Gardiner) for the rest of your trip.

    Day 1: A Relaxing Introduction to Grand Teton

    Heron Pond/Swan Lake Hike

    We kicked off our trip on September 20th by heading into Grand Teton National Park. Since we were adjusting to the area, we kept things relatively light, especially after a day of travel.

    • First Stop: Colter Bay Visitor Center. This is a great spot to grab a map, talk to park rangers about trail conditions, and stretch your legs. We also saw a moose here, just hanging out!
    • The Hike: We opted for some very chill, flat hikes around Heron Pond and Swan Lake. It’s a peaceful loop that gets you away from the heaviest crowds and offers great birdwatching. Also, the views are just absolutely beautiful!
    • The Afternoon: We spent the rest of the day wandering around the town of Jackson Hole, exploring the local shops and checking out the famous elk antler arches before making the long drive back to our base in Idaho.

    Day 2: Our One-Day Yellowstone Blitz

    Yellowstone is a lot of driving from one point of interest to another. It isn’t really the kind of place where you park once and hike to every spot. You will be hopping in and out of your car all day. It is also incredibly crowded. Even visiting in late September, the park was super busy! Everything is so accessible via paved pathways and boardwalks, everyone wants to see it. Which is awesome, but you need to pack your patience.

    Grand Prismatic Basin, zoomed in from the overlook trail

    Must-See Stops:

    • Grand Prismatic Spring: Walk the main boardwalk to see the vibrant colors up close. But if you’re feeling up for it, do not skip the overlook trail. Walk up the hill behind the basin on the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail. It’s a short, easy-to-moderate trail (under 2 miles total) with a gentle incline. The aerial view of the spring from the top is worth the extra steps.
    • Scenic Viewpoints: Take your time driving the main loop and pulling off at the marked vistas. The canyons and thermal features change around every corner.
    • Old Faithful: You can’t visit Yellowstone without seeing its most famous geyser. Cell service is practically non-existent in the park, so if you are traveling with a group, make sure you establish a designated meeting spot beforehand. The Old Faithful eruption schedule is posted all around the visitor centers, and if you happen to catch a stray bar of service, it’s updated regularly online.

    🗺️ Planning a longer visit? If you want to expand your Yellowstone adventure, check out my custom 3-Day Yellowstone Points of Interest Map to help plan your routes.

    Day 3: Cascade Canyon, Inspiration Point, and Wildlife

    September 22nd was easily our best hiking day of the entire trip. We drove over to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center early in the morning to secure parking.

    Cascade Canyon

    The Jenny Lake Shuttle Hack

    There is a boat shuttle that runs across Jenny Lake which can cut about 4.5 miles off your total hiking distance. We weren’t able to take it on the way in because it doesn’t run super early in the morning, and we wanted to beat the crowds to the trailhead.

    Instead, we hiked around the lake following this AllTrails route. Taking the long way gave us the opportunity to see:

    • Hidden Falls — A beautiful, rushing 100-foot waterfall.
    • Inspiration Point — A steep but rewarding climb that offers sweeping views across Jenny Lake.
    • Cascade Canyon — We didn’t do the entire grueling trail, but we hiked a good portion of it. The canyon walls towering over you are humbling.

    To end the day? We took the ferry back across the lake at the end of the day! Skipping that final 2-plus mile walk back saved us some serious time and foot ache.

    Wildlife Safety: We saw so many moose on this day, which was absolutely incredible. Please keep in mind not to approach or be on the path of these animals. On that same note, this is also active bear country. Always, always carry bear spray where it is easily accessible (not buried inside your backpack), and know how to use it.

    A moose near Cascade Canyon

    Day 4: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort & Local Eats

    After a heavy hiking day, we dedicated the next day to relaxation and food. We headed over to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and took the ski lift up to the top of the mountain. There are a few small alpine trails at the summit where you can stroll around and enjoy panoramic views of the valley without any strenuous climbing.

    View from the top of the ski lift

    We spent the rest of our afternoon and evening eating our way through town:

    • Jackson Hole Winery: A gorgeous spot to sit back, sip some local wine, and unwind.
    • A lot of the restaurants we visited unfortunately closed during COVID. I encourage you to walk around town and stroll into places! There are so many interesting places to eat and try!

    Day 5: Horseback Riding in Big Sky Country

    You can’t spend a week near Montana without getting on a horse. For our final full day on September 24th, we booked a trail ride and it ended up being one of the highlights of our entire vacation.

    We had the absolute best experience with Rockin’ M Horseback Rides. The guides were fantastic, the horses were wonderful, and riding through those wide-open western landscapes was the perfect way to wrap up our trip.

    The end of our Montana Adventure

    Reminder – At Night

    Don’t forget to look up at night! If you’re from a big city, you will probably never see stars like this! It was my first time seeing the Milky Way and getting some practice with astrophotography.

    Milky Way!

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