Brirightback

Galway & Cliffs of Moher

May 25, 2019June 24, 2025 Brirightback

I hopped on a bus from Belfast to Galway, transferring in Dublin. In my typical fashion, I did not do a lot of planning before the bus so I arrived at Galway City Hostel starving. I found some awesome Mexican food and slipped into a comfortable food coma until morning. I had just wasted a day traveling, eating, and sleeping (honestly three of my favorite activities anyway) so I booked in a tour to ensure my next day would be more productive. The tour went to the Cliffs of Moher and was one of my favorite experiences in Ireland! I could have spent all day there exploring and taking pictures. The views were breathtaking from all angles.

Me genuinely smiling because someone saw me struggling to take a selfie and offered to take my photo

Moher Cliffs (sorry not sorry about the puns)

After the tour, I went out for dinner and drinks with a friend I made on the tour. We went to the Crane Bar, which she had heard had traditional live Irish music on that night. We tried some Guinness and listened to the performances to finish off an awesome day.

The next day, I was finally able to explore Galway on foot and spend some time people-watching and enjoying the nice (i.e. dry) weather in Eyre Square just outside my hostel. There were musicians playing all throughout the town center and lots of stores to check out. The highlight for me was that I got to meet a very fat dog outside one of the shops. I also took the Long Walk near the Spanish Arch. The arch itself was pretty underwhelming (I actually missed it a few times wandering around) but the walk was nice. If I ever go back to Galway, I would definitely go see the Aran Islands. I just wasn’t sure if I wanted to blow my budget on another tour while in Ireland, which would be all too easy to do- so much beautiful scenery!

Thanks for reading! My next country will be Scotland so watch out for a post soon!

3 Days in Belfast, Ireland

May 17, 2019May 18, 2019 Brirightback

I decided on about a day’s notice that my second stop on my trip would be Belfast in Northern Ireland in hopes of it being a bit quieter and less overtly touristy than Dublin. My experience there was just that. I was able to relax a little- a big change from the urge to go-go-go in Dublin and try and see everything. I caught a bus to Belfast and checked into Vagabonds Hostel. This place was so cool and had the most social and friendly vibe and it will definitely be my benchmark for all future hostels. The staff and other people staying there were always making everyone feel included. It was just such a nice atmosphere overall. I even stayed an extra night! I would highly recommend it for solo or group travel- just a really awesome place.

For my first day, I had (shockingly) not done much research and set off on foot to see some sights. I was aiming for St. Anne’s Cathedral but despite the help of offline maps and very sweet and patient locals, I never actually made it there. So, after putting in some serious mileage, I returned to the hostel (which I miraculously found) and decided to admit defeat and get dinner instead. I’m going to do a whole separate post for my favorite foods I had while in Ireland soon!

The next day, I woke up for an early tour to see some scenery that has been used in the filming of Game of Thrones. Needless to say, I was geeking out and psyched to see what I was in store for. On the tour, we saw the Cushendun Caves, the Dark Hedges, the Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. They were all really cool to see whether or not you’re a fan of the show. The rope bridge was pretty daunting if you are afraid of heights but I’d say the views more than make up for facing your fears. One thing I would’ve liked, had I rented a car, would be to go to the Dark Hedges earlier in the morning or later at night because having so many people around did not make for the best photo opportunities. The Giant’s Causeway was really interesting to see up close. I don’t think pictures fully do it justice. The tour lasted for almost twelve hours. It was a long day with a ton of walking but so worth it in my opinion.

For my final full day in Belfast, I headed to the Peace Wall to see the murals that illustrate ‘The Troubles’ between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The parts of the wall that I saw were by the Falls and Shankhill Roads. If you’re interested at all in the history of this conflict I’d definitely recommend making this a part of your visit to Northern Ireland.

Galway’s the next stop on my trip so stay tuned for that post in a bit!

The Journey Begins- Dublin, Ireland

May 9, 2019May 9, 2019 Brirightback

Hey all! I landed in Dublin early April 26th so I’ve been away from the States for about two weeks now. I spent most of my time in Dublin getting very lost- something about old European streets get me all turned around. On the plus side, I walked about 18 miles my first two days in Dublin. It still counts if it’s mostly in circles, right? Upon landing, I purchased a 3-day Dublin Pass which I wasn’t sure I’d need but it ended up coming in handy quite a few times. This pass costs €35 and covers unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tours, free entry to some attractions, and can be used on buses. I’d recommend the hop-on hop-off bus for the first day of your trip because you get to preview what you would like to see and sort of get a feel for how the city is laid out. I used them as a regular bus a few times as well when I walked too far and my feet were screaming (shout out to my plantar fasciitis!)

I stayed at the Times Hostel Camden Place and I was super nervous as it was my first time staying at a hostel. All my worries disappeared when I saw how clean and nice it was there. I would definitely recommend staying there, especially if you’re traveling with a group. As a solo traveler, it was not as friendly or inclusive in my opinion. I was so busy running around that I didn’t really mind the lack of company though.

I didn’t do any tours out of Dublin. I mostly just wandered and tried to see as much of the city as I could. Some of the highlights were Dublin Castle, the Temple Bar area, Trinity College, and Saint Stephen’s Green Park.

St. Stephen’s Green

I didn’t end up going to the Guinness Factory Tour but if I went back, I definitely would. Guinness really does taste so much better in Ireland and the view from the top floor is supposed to be awesome! Next stop: Belfast!

How To Pack For 4 Months of Travel

April 25, 2019 Brirightback

How do I do that?! Reading articles for months in preparation for my trip have still left me scratching my head at the eleventh hour, frustrated and tossing things around my room. I’ve always been a chronic overpacker, even as a kid. I vividly remember bringing a bag just for my shoes on a family vacation to Cape Cod when I was eight. Alas, I don’t have the budget to deal with that kind of nonsense for this trip, nor the strength to carry all that on my back. My main goal for packing for this extended trip is to have enough to get by without having to do laundry every few nights. Luckily, the weather is getting hotter so I won’t have to worry about needing too many layers of clothing.

This brings me to my decision to restrict myself to just a carry on bag and personal item. I will be bringing an Osprey Fairview 55 which is a bit bigger than a traditional carry-on but it’s squishier so don’t you narc on me. It includes a larger and smaller backpack that can be attached. I will also be bringing a Travelon crossbody/fanny pack along.

Here’s my packing list so far:

Essentials

Passport, ID, credit/debit cards, currency, student ID (for discounts)
Photocopies of important documents
Pens and notebooks

Clothing

Bras and underwear (1 nude, 1 nude strapless, 2 sports bras)
Several tops (tees, tanks, crop tops)
3 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of leggings
10 pairs of socks
3 Dresses
1 Skirt
1 Raincoat- packs into a small pouch
1 Jacket- From Primark- it packs into a small drawstring bag
Scarf with hidden pocket
3 bathing suits and coverup

Shoes

New Balance sneakers
Crocs wedges
Bare Traps Sandals
Flip flops (for showers at hostels)

Toiletries

Shampoo and Conditioner bars from Lush
Bar soap
Compact Hairbrush
Toothbrush, Floss, and Toothpaste (I found that you can find ones that are almost 3 ounces at the dollar store, so they’ll last longer than the tiny travel-sized versions
Solid sunscreen- Neutrogena
Venus Snap razor (a compact version that comes in its own little case) and extra razors
Q tips
Lip balm
Tweezers
Deodorant
Curology acne lotion
Anti-chafe gel (to prevent the dreaded Chub-rub)

Electronics

Cellphone and 2 chargers, tripod for phone
2 Anker portable chargers
Canon Rebel Camera, charger, tripod, spare battery, memory card
Chromebook and charger
Kindle and charger
Travel Adaptor

Medicine

Lactaid- I’ll probably use a box in Italy alone
Allergy medication
Benadryll
Advil/Tylenol
Travel Probiotic
Stomach issue meds (Pepto, Immodium, Tums, Dramamine)
Nyquil
Neosporin and Anti-itch Gel
Flonase nasal spray
Daily vitamins (gummy variety because I’m a child)
Emergen-C packets

Miscellaneous

Extra ziploc bags in various sizes
Reusable water bottle
Reusable straw (I use Final Straw)
Reusable shopping bag
Travel Towel
Sleeping bag liner
Pillowcase
First aid kit with bandaids
Nail clipper and file
Hand sanitizer
Headphones
Eye Mask
Snacks
Extra glasses and sunglasses
Purell wipes
Bobby pins and hair elastics
Padlocks for bags and for hostel lockers
Compact umbrella
“Bug bite thing” I haven’t met a mosquito that doesn’t love me yet
Headband (for windy or hot days)
Tissues
Earplugs
Conair space bags (I admit it. I cheated- I love clothes too much!)

That’s what I have so far so we’ll see how it goes! I fly tomorrow so let me know if I forgot anything 🙂 Thanks for reading!

I’m almost on my way!

April 23, 2019 Brirightback

Hey all! In just two short days I will be starting my four month solo trip to Europe! I’m Bri- I’m 27 and have been working for the past four years as a preschool teaching assistant with the goal of making some long-term travel a possibility. I love seeing new places and trying new foods along the way. It’s always been my dream to take a trip like this one. I’m gonna share what I see, do, eat and experience here and hopefully inspire you to get out there and travel. Here’s my “plan” so far:

Must-See Places:

Ireland
Scotland
England
Italy
Czech Republic
France
Austria
Greece
Albania
Portugal
Croatia
Romania
Poland
Cyprus
Hungary
Belgium
Netherlands

Maybes:

Luxembourg
Lichtenstein
Spain
Germany
Wales
Denmark
Switzerland

Nothing’s really set in stone yet but I’ll be staying in hostels and seeing where the wind and preferably cheap transportation can take me! Thanks for joining me on this journey! Look out for my next post- a packing list that will (hopefully) serve me well for four months. I’m still yet to finish packing. Pray for me!