G'day! I'm Chris. I left my home in rural Australia back in 2007 to pursue a life less ordinary.
I specialize in ambitious travel - bucket list worthy journeys such as the Great US Road Trip, the ultimate African safari, and following the length of the Silk Road.
A Quick Guide to Hiking the Amazing European Mountains
Europe is a continent that is full of mountains (even though it doesn’t look like this when you check it on the map). However, at a closer look, you’ll see mountains throughout the entire land in locations like Italy, Switzerland, or France.
Actually, these are the most popular locations and you’ll discover various types of terrain, weather, and amazing scenery that are very picturesque. You will find hiking trails that will wind you around and take you to heights that will test your limits, yet will be fully worth the experience.
Preparedness – the first step
If you’re new to the experience, it’s best to think about preparedness first. After all, it will do you no good if you end up getting lost while exploring these gorgeous mountains. Thus, when it comes to hiking a long trip, you must include the necessities that will help you during your day-to-day travel. The most important items to have would include:
clothing
food
water
shelter
bedding
However, you should consider other items that will enhance your trip or keep you alive. For example, some of these mountains still have wild brown bears that may be a threat to your life if you don’t know how to deal with them. They are usually attracted to smells and your food may be an extremely motivating factor to chasing you. So, we recommend using the best bear canister money can buy to keep nosy bears at bay. Having a pocket knife or multi-tool will also come in handy.
To summarize, being prepared means expecting the unexpected, so make a list of things you know you will need before you pack so you can be fully prepared for such a trip.
European Mountains You Should Include In Your Trip
We discuss the first step (preparedness) so let’s move on to the second: mountains to visit. As already mentioned, Europe is full of gorgeous mountains, but there are a few that must be visited at least once in a lifetime. Below we compiled a list of the best challenges:
Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc is located in France and is a huge attraction for those who want to hike, mountain climb, or just take in some nice views. The total elevation is around 30,000 feet and it gives you a challenge as you hike the trail, but you get to take in views that many do not see. One great thing about this area is that it is very accessible and there are people around that can help you in the case of an emergency. You can also visit various points of interests that are just off of your trail to enhance your experience!
Dolomites
In northern Italy, you will find the Dolomites mountain range that is part of the Southern Limestone Alps. The Dolomites are divided into several other ranges such as the Tofane, Sella, Schiara and the Sorapiss. Many people love to hike here, as well as cycle, climb and ski. Besides seeing any peaks, you will go through several passes and can visit some of the major parks in the area like the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park.
Matterhorn
Nearly 15,000 feet in elevation, the Matterhorn is just one mountain located in the Alps, at the border of Italy and Switzerland. Many flock here in the summer months for some great hiking trails and views. You can find many themed hiking trails here, so you can get the most out of your trip. You can also learn about the glaciers, plant life and minerals of the mountain and learn about the legends and myths of the area!
Mount Elbrus
Mount Elbrus is over 18,000 feet in elevation and is known as the highest peak in Europe, and is one of the Seven Summits. Located in the Caucasus Mountains, this area is very rugged and can be a push to hike. You must be absolutely prepared here as Mount Elbrus is one of the world’s deadliest mountains and many died here, at this extinct volcano.
While there are many routes you can take, if you are new, you should take the Standard Route that is at the South Face, where you can begin your ascent at Azau Valley or Barrels Hut, where most people start off. Many state that you can stay in huts or find campsites on the mountain where you can rest up for the next day; these include facilities in which to wash and use the restroom.
Grossglockner
The Grossglockner is located in Germany and is over 12,000 feet in elevation, and is the highest mountain in the Alpine Republic. This area is great for hiking of any season, and it is full of demanding trails, themed paths, round paths and many valleys to trek through. The beauty is unimaginable, and you will surely want to take photos here!
You can take a guided tour or go it solo, but you may not want to miss out on the many waterfalls, and reservoir lakes in the area, such as Krimml Waterfalls, the 5th largest in the world. The water is nebulized and has negative air ions that help your immune system, and breathing! Stop in Kaprun for the reservoir lakes that also have springs, watercourses and power places. This mountain is not to be missed!
Monte Rosa
This mountain is located between Switzerland and Italy, and is considered extremely majestic. Part of the Alps, you can visit here and the Matterhorn if you choose! You can do the short hike in 2 days, viewing many glaciers, peaks and more! It is a medium difficulty range to hike, and is at a length of 5 km through the Aosta Valley and Val d’Ayas. The highest point on Monte Rosa is Bivacco Gastaldi, at 2,590 meters. You can feel comfortable bringing your teen children here for a family hike, where you may encounter Chamois, Marmots, and Ibexes as you trek through this beautiful mountain.
Jungfrau
Jungfrau is located in Switzerland and is full of beautiful scenery, animals, and trails to hike! You may find it hard to choose which trail, but a few of the best ones include Eiger Trail, Blumenthal Panorama Trail, North Face Trail, and Lieselotte-Weg Trail. You can do a trail in one day if you are short on time, for most of these trails, and either go with or without a guide. Visit amazing glaciers, lakes and more during your trip to Jungfrau!
Conclusion
As you can see, Europe boasts some of the world’s best mountains in which you can hike and take in amazing scenery, see beautiful animals, and have the time of your life, taking yourself to the limits!
About the Author
Rebecca lives in USA, but loves hiking all over the world. Her favourite is Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It usually takes 16 days, but she likes to slow down, enjoy mountains, company of other adventurers and take more pictures, so it took her 28 days last time. Another of her passion is the ocean, so all short and long hikes along the ocean shore bring a lot of joy. She also writes for HikingMastery.com.
Your Say
Have you hiked any of Europe’s amazing mountains? What are your tips?
I’ve made my own feelings about the fact Boracay is an overrated tourist trap in the past, but Diane from The Luggage List has a different perspective on the Philippines’ premier beach playground.
In the spirit of showing both sides of the story, today’s guest post sees Diane highlight the reasons why she thinks Boracay is worth a visit.
In Defense of Boracay
For a person who loves everything about tropical life, the Philippines is paradise. There are over seven thousand islands to choose from, so if you are looking for an island getaway you will be spoiled for choice.
This is why I consider myself extremely lucky to have grown up in the Philippines. My childhood summers were spent exploring different beaches and over the past three decades in this beautiful country, my own happiness has become equated with sandy toes, sun-kissed skin, and golden sunsets. Nothing more, nothing less.
While I’ve been extremely grateful to have seen many of the country’s most popular and beautiful beaches, there is definitely one that stands out the most – Boracay island, which is also the country’s number 1 tourist destination for both local and international tourists with good reason. Boracay is also recognized within the travel industry as one of, if not the best, beaches in the world.
Boracay has been a top destination in the Philippines for a long time now. While many tourists seeking remote island destinations have shied away from the island because there are more buildings now than ever before and overdevelopment is a problem, Boracay still has a charm all its own especially when you know where to look.
Why You Should Travel To Boracay
If you haven’t visited Boracay yet, here’s why you should:
The Powdery White Sand
Boracay is a seven kilometer stretch of the finest, most powdery white sand you’ve ever seen. There is something truly spectacular about the quality of the fine white sand in this island that no other island has. Walking down most parts of the beach feels like you are walking on talcum powder instead of actual sand. You have to feel it to believe it.
The Crystal Clear Water
The quintessential image of Boracay is one that shows off easily its most breathtaking quality: its crystal clear turquoise waters. I find it so difficult to look away from the sea especially during the dry, hotter months when the island tends to show off her beauty more than usual. It’s so peaceful to take a seat underneath a coconut tree and watch the clear waters caress the white sand, as they merge and form different shades of blue reflective of the bright, sunny sky.
The Nightlife
It might not be for everyone, but I have to admit that the sheer choice of happy hours, cocktails, and bars on the island is one of the things I love the most about it. In Boracay, every hour is happy hour! It’s not an uncommon sight to see tourists still partying hard when the sun has come up, but if you prefer peace and quiet there are also many coves that lend tranquility away from the crowds.
Editor’s Note: Boracay’s night life is definitely a lot of fun. My brothers and I had some truly wild nights at bars like Epic, befriending local girls and partying until the wee hours of the morning.
The Beaches and Coves
Boracay is famous for White Beach, the touristy area that attracts throngs of tourists, especially on long weekends and holidays. But that’s not all that Boracay has to offer: there are several lesser-known beaches and coves that are quieter and definitely more relaxing, but just as beautiful. These are some of my favorites when I feel like I need to get away from
Bulabog Beach is where all the water and kite activities are found. During certain times of the year, Bulabog Beach is the windiest part of the island and the choppy waters are dotted with kite boarders who seem to gently dart towards all directions.
Diniwid Beach is my personal favorite; this tiny cove offers the best sunset views in my opinion. The small beach can only accommodate a limited number of tourists, so it’s rarely ever packed.
Angol Beach is more rustic than other parts of the island. Here, I can enjoy a great pizza and cocktail in the middle of the afternoon and fall asleep on a hammock – that’s how quiet it can get.
Editor’s Note: There are definitely some bastions of peace and quiet in and around Boracay. We took an island hopping day trip on my first visit to Boracay and found plenty of quiet spots.
The Food
If I’m not out at the beach, you’ll probably find me eating in Boracay. Many foreign nationals have decided to call Boracay home and start a restaurant, so you can be assured that the international cuisine here is authentic. You also can’t go wrong opting for local Filipino food or fresh, mouthwatering seafood cooked whichever way you like it. There are several excellent restaurants throughout the island catering to budgets of all sizes. Even backpackers on a limited budget can still enjoy delicious food at reasonable prices. While many would say that dining in Boracay costs much more than our Southeast Asian neighbors such as Thailand and Vietnam, I would agree but at the end of the day it’s worth it especially if you are in the world’s number one island.
Even backpackers on a limited budget can still enjoy delicious food at reasonable prices. While many would say that dining in Boracay costs much more than our Southeast Asian neighbors such as Thailand and Vietnam, I would agree but at the end of the day, it’s worth it especially if you are in the world’s number one island.
Boracay has something for everyone. From solo travelers to families, the island offers a wide range of peaceful as well as exciting activities that everyone will enjoy. So pack your luggage and start looking for cheap tickets!
Have you been to Boracay island?
About the Author
Diane is the co-writer of The Luggage List and currently lives in the Philippines. Equally, in love with both tropical and mountain life, her travel plans are fueled by the obsession of finding the best possible views at sea or on mountaintops.
Your Say
Have you made it to Boracay? What were your thoughts on The Philippines’ most famous destination?
Sometimes known as China’s Vegas, Macau is a tiny peninsula and former Portuguese colony that today brings in more than seven times what Las Vegas does.
With gambling illegal in mainland China, the autonomous territory of Macau is where China’s gambling hungry masses go when they want to bet it all on black, roll the dice, or otherwise risk it all.
The demand for Macau hotels became so great that at one point, the city was building them at a rate of more than 16 rooms per day to accommodate the demand!
Macau’s casinos are undoubtedly the largest drawcard of the region, with popular temples to excess including City of Dreams and the world’s largest casino, the Venetian Macao. Between the restaurants, games of chance, and shows – there’s no shortage of things to do in Macau.
But if the glitz and glamour of casinos aren’t for you, is there any reason to visit Macau?
Macau’s history as a former Portuguese trade and slaving colony mean that it offers something different to anything you’ll find elsewhere in China.
The first and last European colony in China, Macau’s blend of different architectural styles and cultures make for a charming change of pace even if you don’t venture to the crowded Cotai Strip.
While there are other cities with European influence scattered across China due to the aftermath of the infamous Opium Wars, only in Macau can you see this mix of Portuguese colonial ambition and modern Chinese progress.
Without further ado, here are five things to do in Macau that don’t involve its signature casinos.
#5 – Eat all of the things
The fusion of Portuguese and Chinese culinary styles has led to Macanese cuisine being something totally unique to Macau.
When the wives of Portuguese sailors tried to recreate their favourite flavours from home using local ingredients, local delights such as African chicken, pork chop buns, egg tarts, and almond cake came into being.
Macau’s status as a trade port gave the locals access to exotic spices such as turmeric from India, Piri Piri chilli from Africa, and local flavours such as coconut milk and duck.
It all combines to make Macau something of a foodie destination, and no visit to the tiny pseudo-nation would be complete without devouring some of its signature dishes.
Egg Tarts
Arguably Macau’s most famous culinary export, egg tarts have become so popular on the mainland that KFC restaurants sell them alongside their usual offerings of fried chicken and burgers.
While both Portugal and China can lay claim to having invented the dish, the Macanese interpretation is a scintillating mix of sweet and savoury that practically melts in your mouth.
Egg tarts are available virtually everywhere in Macau, but for a real treat, head to Lord Stow’s Bakery for the city’s most famous example of the dessert.
Using spices imported from African colonies such as Angola, African chicken is a spicy dish that is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike. Made with Piri Piri chilli poured over butterflied chicken, the dish’s history only stretches back to the 1940s but it has become a staple in Macanese restaurants.
Tender and flavourful, it can be eaten 大盘鸡 (big plate chicken) style or, in more modern establishments, served in wraps or on sandwiches.
Pork Chop Bun
Lying somewhere between a hamburger and a greasy Chinese bao (bun), pork chop bun is a popular snack that serves up a boneless chunk of pork inside a soft white bun that soaks up all of the flavours that fairly oozes from the meat.
There are many contenders for the best pork chop bun in Macau, but the lines outside Tai Lei Loi Kei give some indication as to how popular its buns are.
An example of Macanese home cooking, Minchi is a delicious mess of leftover meat, sauce (usually soy sauce, but sometimes Worcestershire sauce or molasses), rice, and fried egg.
It’s a simple and flavourful dish that is considered by many to be Macau’s national dish.
Sawdust Pudding
More appetising than it sounds, sawdust pudding (serradura pudding) is part pudding, part parfait, part tiramisu, and part trifle.
A layered dessert made with crushed biscuit, cream, and condensed milk served in parfait dishes or tumblers, sawdust pudding is a cheap and easy to make dessert with many fans around the world.
The go to souvenir for visitors to Macau, these tiny dry biscuits are made in the Chinese style and flavoured with almond. While they’re not nearly as sweet as traditional cookies or cakes, almond cookies are cheap and easy to transport – making them the perfect ‘I totally didn’t forget about you while I was away’ gift for friends and family.
While they’re not nearly as sweet as traditional cookies or cakes, almond cookies are cheap and easy to transport – making them the perfect ‘I totally didn’t forget about you while I was away’ gift for friends and family.
More Macanese food!
There’s far more to Macanese cuisine than just the dishes listed above, so why not read a hunger inducing Guide to Macanese Food?
#4 – Wander Senado Square
Once the beating heart of Portuguese rule in Macau, Senado Square is today one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions due to the many examples of colonial architecture that line the cobblestone square.
Like so much of Macau, Senado Square is a blurring of the line between Portuguese and Chinese traditions, and it’s an enchanting site to see a bustling Chinese marketplace against the facade of stern colonial buildings.
The nearby St. Dominic’s Church is a great example of Baroque architecture, and for a great view of the street, you might want to consider heading up to the second floor of the Leal Senado Building.
For those looking to haggle for a bargain away from the crowds, the nearby Rua da Tercena is a popular place to hunt for antiques and art.
From old Macau to new Macau, Macau Tower is a 338m tall tower that defines the Macau skyline and is home to the world’s tallest commercial bungee jump – the AJ Hackett Macau Tower Bungee Jump.
Those brave enough to plunge headfirst off the towering pinnacle plummet from 233 metres and slow down just 30 metres from the ground. You can tackle the bungee jump after dark or even go crazy and bungee jump backwards.
My mate Jeremy from Travelfreak flinging himself off Macau Tower.
#2 – Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral
The ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral are arguably Macau’s most popular tourist destination. Constructed in 1580, the ill-fated cathedral caught fire in 1592, 1601, and 1835 before it was finally abandoned.
Once the largest Catholic church in all of East Asia, St. Paul’s facade today stands as a haunting testament to the fall of colonial rule in the East.
The nearby Macau Museum and Macau Fortress offer further insights into the peninsula’s fascinating history, and no trip to Macau can be considered complete without having seen it for yourself.
We’ve covered modern Macau’s casinos and old Macau’s colonial sites, but what about everyday life in Macau? Surely it’s not all egg tarts, roulette wheels, and old buildings?
Visitors to Macau wanting a more in-depth look into modern life can visit spots such as Taipa Village and the Coloane district for a window into the real Macau.
Located just south of the Macau peninsula, the rapidly urbanising island of Taipa was once little more than fishing shacks, duck farms, and fireworks factories. These days, Taipa labels itself as ‘authentic Macau’ and is a popular spot for foodies and for those wanting to get a little off the beaten path.
While it’s not without its casinos and its own colonial buildings, Taipa is a little less crowded and over the top than the rest of Macau.
Coloane
For a real glimpse into Macau’s less glamorous side, sleepy Coloane is where you’ll want to head.
A mixture of gracefully ageing Portuguese buildings and cheerfully coloured laneways, Coloane is a bit of a time capsule valiantly standing against the rapid development that has consumed the sea that once separated it from the mainland.
For those wanting a dip in the South China Sea, Coloane is home to the black sand of Hac Sa Beach as well as the picturesque Cheoc Van Beach.
Intrigued? Things Asian has a great piece of narrative on visiting Taipa and Coloane that’s worth a read.
Your Say
Have you ever made it to China’s Las Vegas? What were your favourite things to do in Macau?
‘Hipster’ may be a dirty word these days, but there’s a lot about hipster culture that draws me to a city. Good food, world class craft beer, beautiful landscapes to explore, and an overall sense of zany weirdness combine to make a city the kind of place
Good food, world class craft beer, beautiful landscapes to explore, and an overall sense of zany weirdness combine to make a city something remarkable.
In the United States, the hipster movement is most often commonly associated with a foursome of cities: Portland, Oregon, Austin, Texas, Seattle, Washington, and Denver, Colorado.
Of the four hipster heavens, I’ve managed to make it to three of them, with Denver thus far eluding my hunt for craft beer and kindred spirits.
With that in mind, I thought I’d compare the three I have spent some time in and see which hipster heaven is for you.
Is it Austin or Portland or Seattle?
Image courtesy of Thomas Hawk
Beer
A good craft beer goes hand in hand with a well-trimmed beard, a collection of vinyl, and an impractical vintage camera, and all three of these hipster havens boast fantastic craft beer scenes just begging to be explored.
American beer often gets a bad wrap due to watery messes like Pabst Blue Ribbon and Budweiser, but each of these cities is home to some world-class brews.
Portland Craft Beer
My love affair with craft beer started way back in the fall of 2009 when I paid a visit to Portland with my then girlfriend and we designed our own Portland brewery tour. Stumbling the streets of Portland in between flights of beer and greasy plates of delicious food remains one of the highlights of my trips to the US.
I returned again in 2012 to attend the epic Portland Craft Beer Festival, where I soaked in the summer sun while over-indulging in IPAs that were definitely not made for a session.
Intrigued? You can read more about my experience at the then Oregon Brewers Festival.
Portland is an eclectic city and its selection of beers is no different. There are almost as many breweries as there are Portland hotels, so you’re bound to be spoiled for choice.
While its quirkier neighbour might get many of the plaudits when it comes to craft beer, it was Seattle that was innovating craft beer back in the 70s and 80s.
The city might be most famous for its major exports like Amazon, Starbucks, and Microsoft, but Seattle’s liberal dusting of microbrewers, nano brewers, and craft beer bars flies in the face of its more corporate outward appearance.
It’s true that Seattle lags a bit behind Portland and Austin when it comes to the craft beer scene, but Lonely Planet’s beer lover’s guide to Seattle paints a pretty appetising picture.
Austin Craft Beer
Texans love beer, so it’s perhaps no surprise that the state’s quirky capital has produced more than its fair share of top-class beers over the years.
While Lone Star still holds sway as the most popular local brew, you’d be hard-pressed to find a grocery store in the city that doesn’t stock a dizzying variety of locally and nationally brewed craft beers.
There’s nothing quite as good as soaking in the Texan sun with an ice cold beer and a bit of (potentially vegan) barbeque.
My own visit to Austin saw me sipping suds and indulging in a curry at the deliciously weird Whip In, but there’s no shortage of options when it comes to craft beer in Austin.
Choosing whether Austin or Portland or Seattle has the best craft beer scene is a bit like trying to choose your favourite niece or nephew, but Portland gets the edge for me. As the #5 city in the US for microbreweries for capita, it edges out Austin (12th) and Seattle (19th). You just get more beer for your buck.
You just get more beer for your buck.
Score: Portland – 1 / Austin – 0 / Seattle – 0
Food
Having a great beer scene is all well and good, but you can’t live on beer alone.
(Trust me, I tried)
In addition to superfluous eyewear and beards that smell of perfumed oils, we hipsters are well-known for our enduring love affair with good food.
Sure, sometimes we take it too far and wax lyrical about pseudo-foods like arugula, kale, and durian but that kind of culinary extremism doesn’t take away from the fact all three of these cities have some ridiculously good food on offer.
Food in Portland
While Portland began my love affair with craft beer, it’s fair to say that my love affair with good food had started quite a few years earlier.
Even so, I found plenty to like during my visits to Portland in 2009 and 2012. Not only did the breweries all have some pretty amazing food to accompany my flights of beer, but my local guides had me sampling delicious Thai at e-San, braving Salvador Molly’s infamous spicy snacks, and making an obligatory stop at Voodoo Donuts.
Of course, there is far more to Portland’s foodie scene than my brief foray into over-indulgence. Check out this fantastic Portland foodie guide for more info.
Food in Seattle
I’m at something of a disadvantage when it comes to discussing Seattle’s foodie scene with any real authority, as all of my meals in the city were either home-cooked, eaten at the baseball, or grabbed from a fast food joint.
Even so, Seattle’s love affair with good food is common knowledge. From Zagat’s delectable Seattle foodie bucket list to the dizzying catalogue on Seattle Eater, you’re definitely spoiled for choice.
Famous for its smoked salmon, Seattle is also home to some world-class seafood and a remarkable array of high-quality Vietnamese food.
Are you a Seattle expert? I’m headed there next year and I would love your recommendations!
Texas’ most famous dish is undoubtedly a bit of barbeque, and Austin has that in spades. There’s far more to Austin’s food scene than a bit of meat cooked to perfection on the grill, however, and I was lucky enough to immerse myself in Austin foodie culture during my visit in 2016.
My introduction to Austin’s amazing food scene came thanks to the dynamic duo beyond Over Yonderlust, who introduced me to the Al Pastor Taco Truck that changed my life.
I then spent a day devouring all of the things with an Austin Detours food tour that took me to everything from the aforementioned Whip In to delectable food trucks to a vegan cat cafe where I had a remarkably good vegan beef brisket.
Only in Austin.
Then there were gourmet sausages (and beers) at Bangers, a fantastic brunch at Magnolia Cafe, and happy hour tapas at Hightower…
As you can probably tell by the way I waxed lyrical about Austin’s food scene, I was enamored of the place. There’s just so much variety and so much mouthgasm inducing deliciousness!
Score: Portland – 1 / Austin – 1 / Seattle – 0
Natural Beauty
When I travel, breathtaking vistas are something I take very seriously.
It’s all well and good to have a fantastic nightlife and top-shelf amenities, but you also need to be able to wow me with the natural beauty of your city to make it a keeper in my books.
While all three cities boast plenty of appeal, which hipster haven has the most to offer for an amateur outdoorsman?
Portland’s Natural Beauty
There’s no denying that the Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful regions of the US.
Mist-shrouded pine forests, dazzling waterfalls, and the angry grey of the Pacific make for a very appealing combination.
Portland is a city with a proudly green feel to it, with a number of gorgeous parks to complement its famous rose garden. Forest Park, in particular, has over 70 miles worth of trails for those wanting to get into the great outdoors without having to leave the city.
The nearby Columbia River Gorge is a truly stunning region of lush forest and gorgeous waterfalls where you can hike, camp, windsurf, and even indulge your love of craft beer.
Head in the other direction, and you’re on the beautiful Pacific coast where quaint towns like Astoria, Tillamook, and Seaside blend the stark beauty of the windswept coast with saltwater taffy, clam chowder, and (you guessed it) craft beer.
You can’t get much farther than the perennially wet and cool Pacific Northwest than the dry of Austin, Texas, but that’s not to say that Austin isn’t possessed of some truly gorgeous landscapes.
300 days of sunshine a year and some great hiking and cycling make Austin one of the fittest cities in America.
Like Portland, Austin boasts some great parklands, with the trails around Lady Bird Lake offering locals and visitors more than 10 miles of hiking in idyllic surrounds. The popular Barton Springs Pool is the place to be on a hot summer day, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to take a dip in all of Texas.
Leave your Austin hotel and you can venture to nearby state parks and some of Texas’ famous waterholes. Hamilton Pool, in particular, is one I was sad to miss on my recent visit to the Lone Star State.
While many joke about the fact it’s always raining in Seattle, the city’s notoriously fickle weather is a small price to pay for access to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the continental US. There’s no need to stay cooped up in your Seattle hotel when you can be out exploring.
Snow-capped Mt. Rainier, the vast Puget Sound, and lush evergreen forests combine to create one of the most picturesque cities in the world, and it’s a beauty that is only enhanced by the somewhat ominous weather that tends to cling to the city.
Three National Parks (Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades) sit right on Seattle’s doorstep, and this is complemented by a number of close parks perfect for hiking or camping.
There’s an enduring love affair between Seattle and the ocean that can be experienced in the form of kayaking, whale watching in the San Juan Islands, taking a scenic ferry trip, or simply soaking in the frigid serenity of a Washington beach.
Put simply, Seattle is a communion between man and nature that is hard not to love. The Emerald City is justified in its name.
I could wax lyrical about the beauty of each of the above cities for some time, but to me, Seattle best exemplifies the union between a city and its surrounding landscapes. It’s one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
Score: Portland – 1 / Austin – 1 / Seattle – 1
Sports
The hipster movement and sport don’t always go hand in hand, but I’m a complicated guy with complicated loves.
Who says I can’t enjoy brunch and a craft beer while also caring about the outcome of a bunch of grown men beating one another up for my amusement?
Sports may not be why everyone travels, but I’m of the belief that attending a local sporting event is a great insight into a city’s culture.
Sport in Portland
Sport probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Portland, but the Oregon city does have two professional teams competing in the NBA and in the MLS.
While the Portland Trail Blazers haven’t won the league since the 70s, the level of support the team has in its home city is so fierce that it’s been called “Blazermania”.
A more recent addition to the Portland sports scene, the Portland Timbers joined the national soccer league in 2011 and have already built a strong following. Whether it’s due to rampant soccer love in the city or a lack of competition, the Timbers enjoy large, vocal crowds for their home games.
For a fun Portland experience, join the Timbers Army for a game and listen to them belt out the likes of “You Are My Sunshine” as the team plays.
While Texas has a proud history in a number of national sporting leagues, Austin lags a bit behind the likes of Houston and Dallas in this regard. With no presence in the NBA, MLB, MLS, or NFL – Austin sports fans instead get behind their University of Texas Longhorns in basketball, football, and baseball.
Of course, there are more sports than just team ones, and Austin is definitely a hiking, jogging, and cycling city with a number of trails and parks to explore.
Austin also has a cricket club, and an American cricket team is the ultimate in irony.
Seattle is definitely a city that loves its sport.
From the legendary “12th Man” that the crowd represents at a Seattle Seahawks game to the game day experience at a Seattle Mariners game to the passionate fans behind the Seattle Sounders, this is a city that enthusiastically embraces its sporting heroes.
Seattle is a city obsessed with its Seahawks, and the Blue Friday tradition ahead of a Sunday game is a sight to behold.
I was lucky enough to attend a Seattle Mariners game back in 2012 with an avid fan, and while the game against the Toronto Bluejays wasn’t much of a spectacle, it’s hard not to enjoy a day out in the sun with beers, hot dogs, and good friends.
The Seattle Sounders boast the largest attendances in the entire MLS (Major League Soccer), with more than 40,000 people turning out to support the team when it runs out.
For a sports fan, Seattle is a runaway winner when it comes to both variety and the passion of its locals.
While Portland does a great job of embracing its local sides, Seattle edges it out on account of having more teams in top tier leagues.
Score: Portland – 1 / Austin – 1 / Seattle – 2
Overall Weirdness
Being weird is part and parcel of being a hipster. Standing outside of cultural and social norms is a what we do.
Austin and Portland share a “Keep X Weird” credo that best emphasises their desire to be seen as different, while Seattle has always been an outlier. Grunge found its roots in Seattle, and some of the world’s most influential and different companies have started in the Emerald City.
Is Austin or Portland or Seattle the capital of American weird?
Portland’s Weirdness
It might have found its roots in Austin, but Portland has definitely embraced the ‘Keep Portland Weird’ motto.
From naked bike rides to the city’s quirky selection of strip clubs (stripperoke, anyone?) to an adult soap box derby to the city’s massive Paul Bunyan statue to the town’s enduring obsession with Elvis, Portland is just deliciously quirky.
Voodoo Donuts is a local institution, and you’ve not really lived until you’ve stabbed a jelly filled, screaming man with a pretzel stick.
Of course, its weirdness can also be a tad creepy. A tour of the city’s infamous Shanghai Tunnels is a must while visiting.
Image courtesy of Ian Sane.
Austin’s Weirdness
“We said Keep Austin Weird first,” my Austin friend proudly told me as he showed me around the city’s eclectic collection of converted houses and containers that act as bars on Rainey Street, “Portland stole that”.
Far be it from me to weigh in on this controversial topic, but you can certainly see and feel a lot of similarities between Portland and Austin. They’ve both got a similar affection for the zanier side of life, they’ve both got fantastic food and beer, and they both embrace that delightful weirdness in a way that is totally endearing.
The Keep Austin Weirdfest is a perfect example of this dedication to the bizarre, but locals don’t need a special occasion to embrace the weirdness of it all.
Yard art, creatively dressed locals (and creatively decorated cars), and an openness to things frowned upon elsewhere in Texas make Austin every bit as quirky as its northern cousin.
Poor old Seattle doesn’t have the same reputation for eccentricity as Portland or Austin, but that’s seen as a point of pride by locals. Going out of your way to be weird is…well… it’s weird.
The weirdness in Seattle feels a bit more organic. Whether it’s the famous fish throwers at Pike Place Market (and the nearby chewing gum wall), the steampunk-esque Gasworks Park, the ultra-nerdy Science Fiction Museum or the ominous Fremont Troll hiding under a bridge, there’s enough zany in Seattle to keep even the most jaded tourist occupied.
Like Portland, Seattle also has its share of darker weirdness.
There’s the creepy Seattle Underground – a city beneath a city, as well as a haunted soda machine. Drink at your own peril!
As you can see, Seattle has an abundance of weird that doesn’t get the press it deserves.
Every one of these cities can lay claim to being the weirdest, and it’s all about which flavour of crazy you like best.
While Portland is more in your face weird and Austin has a more laid back approach to its oddity, Seattle has plenty of weirdness about it as well.
I’m gonna have to give the edge to Portland and Austin here, giving them both a point and giving us a complete deadlock.
Score: Portland – 2 / Austin – 2 / Seattle – 2
The Winner
The truth is, every one of these underrated cities has a hell of a lot to offer.
I couldn’t tell you which city I’ve had more fun in.
While Portland’s beer scene and overall weirdness were a breath of fresh air coming from rural Australia, the food scene and nightlife in Austin were among the best I’ve encountered anywhere.
I’ve definitely spent the most time in Seattle now, on account of my wife, Adventures Around Asia, being a Seattle girl. While the winters aren’t for me, I do love the city in the summer!
My suggestion? Sample them all and figure out for yourself which is your hipster heaven.
San Luis Obsipo (SLO) was one of the highlights of my 2016 Great US Road Trip. I could wax lyrical about why I love SLO.
Montreal or Toronto, Canada – Danielle.
Melbourne, Australia of course! My cousins call me a hipster because I wear skinny jeans.. I just like skinny jeans because I have great legs – Elizabeth.
I love Salzburg! The Grünmarkt (maybe I spelt that wrong) markets there are incredible – Ains.
Mancora, Peru. Very laid back surfing and backpacker town. Lots of cheap food and beer, and en route to a bunch of amazing destinations – MJ Sailing.
Berkley, California. Lots of craft beers from the area, food has a healthier presence as the area has alot of hippies, but doesn’t mean it doesn’t have all the usual yummy American food too. They have a place that makes deep dish pizza and it is hands down the best pizza of my life – Jem.
Beijing, China – Harshal.
Beijing’s hipster scene is surprisingly strong. I even wrote about Beijing’s hipster hutongs in 2015.
Reykjavik, Iceland – Tim.
Your Say
Austin or Portland or Seattle? Which of the above three takes the crown for you?
What other hipster havens have you found and loved in your time?
It’s hard to believe that it’s almost been eighteen months since myself, my mate James, and our red Mustang undertook the five week Great US Road Trip that took us from San Francisco all the way to New York.
It had been the culmination of months of planning and years of daydreaming and it was amazing.
We saw breathtaking national parks such as the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Park, drank entirely too much in Vegas, Austin, and Nashville, explored San Diego wine country, visited some Nevada ghost towns, wandered the streets on a New York walking tour, hiked Muir Woods, and so much more.
Even though we saw and did so much, it only left me hungry for more.
As amazing as that five week itinerary was (and you can see the five week US road trip itinerary), there were some unfortunate last minute cuts that I sorely wish we’d had the time to include.
Today, I thought I’d highlight those places I’m sorry I missed on my Great US Road Trip.
Ever since I lost my wine virginity in the Hunter Valley, I’ve been just a little bit obsessed with wine tours.
Where is Kait and I took a boozy Sunday drive through the vineyards around San Luis Obispo and then Hogg and I doubled down with a sun-drenched day of debauchery in San Diego.
Since then, it’s rare an evening goes by where Adventures Around Asia and I don’t split a glass and/or bottle of fine red wine over dinner and Netflix.
Looking back, I really wish we’d been able to make the side jaunt out to the Napa Valley to experience the US’ premier wine region.
While the idea of paying for tastings is alien to me as an Australian, I’d have liked it if only for the experience.
Why I Missed It: With ten days out of our five week itinerary already devoted to California, we just couldn’t justify the detour out to Napa and Sonoma to sample some wine.
Why I Wish I Hadn’t: The wine! The scenery! The opportunity to take a dawn hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley was one I was sad to miss.
Leaving Utah out of the itinerary was an extremely difficult choice.
Some of the images I’d seen online from Utah’s National Parks were just breathtaking, and time spent photographing and/or hiking through Bryce Canyon or Zion National Park would have been a fantastic second course after revisiting the Grand Canyon.
Unfortunately, tacking on what was essentially a two day round trip to get up to the parks and back was just not feasible on our tight schedule.
We ended up replacing the duo with a visit to the definitely worthwhile Petrified Forest National Park, where I got to see the Painted Desert that inspired Joshua Kadison all those years ago.
Why I Missed It: Utah was just a bit too far out of the way. If the Grand Canyon was a detour – Utah was a complete reroute.
Why I Wish I Hadn’t: I’ve always wanted to hike and photograph the canyonlands and the like. Next time!
For a coffee drinking, craft beer swilling, leftist hipster like me – it seems almost criminal that I haven’t made it to Denver yet.
With Portland and Seattle being some of my favourite places on earth and Austin getting major cool points during my visit, I was determined to pay a visit to the Mile High City this time around.
Unfortunately, with our ‘smiley face’ shaped route taking us from San Francisco to New York via the south, it would have taken a pretty sizeable spike up into the heart of the country to make it possible.
Why I Missed It: Denver just wasn’t on the way to anywhere else on our itinerary, especially with its focus on southern states like Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
Why I Wish I Hadn’t: The hipster in me is just heartbroken that I couldn’t sample some Colorado craft beer.
When we were looking for a way to break up the 10+ hour drive from Nashville to Washington DC, we were a little stumped.
With all due respect to that side of the country, there weren’t exactly a bunch of options leaping out at us.
Enter Asheville, the city with arguably the best Twitter game I’ve ever come across.
As I exchanged tweets with this plucky little mountain town, I became more and more convinced that we’d need to swing by and spend some time in this hipster and foodie friendly Blue Ridge Mountains haven.
When push came to shove though, we realized we had to make the trip in a single day and couldn’t afford a stop.
We had to content ourselves with Subway and Twizzlers, but Asheville is 100% on my list next time.
When it came time to decide where to stop off in Tennessee, we were surprised to find ourselves spoiled for choice.
While neither of us would consider ourselves to be country music fans, the opportunity to wander the honky tonks and drink with corn-fed country girls was tempting.
On the flip side, we’re both die-hard pro wrestling fans, and Memphis is one of the last true bastions of that lost art form outside of the WWE.
Then there’s the fact that Memphis is the birthplace of rock & roll and the home of Blues music. We’d both have loved the chance to enjoy some live music that was a little closer to our tastes than the twang of country music.
We looked long and hard at Memphis and Nashville hotels and tour operators ahead of the trip, but in the end, I pushed hard for Nashville and we didn’t regret it. Music City was a hell of a lot of fun.
Why I Missed It: It came down to Nashville or Memphis, and Nashville was a little closer to DC for our long drive north.
Why I Wish I Hadn’t: The old school wrestling, the blues bars, the Rock & Roll hall of fame, and more delicious BBQ.
I had the chance to cycle the Everglades back in 2012, but I’ve always felt that our few hour stop in the Florida Everglades didn’t do the vast wetlands justice.
Far from it: if Archer has taught me nothing else, it’s that I won’t be a man until I have the experience of jetting through the swamp on an air boat drinking beers and shouting at alligators.
I’d have also liked the chance to explore more of Florida as a whole. The state is bigger than some European countries, and a little beach time would have been a godsend ahead of the chilly weather we encountered in DC, Philly, and NYC.
Why I Missed It: Florida was just a bit out of the way as we turned north at Atlanta.
Why I Wish I Hadn’t: I barely scraped the surface in my previous visit.
When it comes to major US cities, Boston is the last big one to have avoided me.
I made it to New York, Chicago, Seattle, LA, Miami, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and DC on my visit to the US in 2012.
I checked off San Diego, Austin, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Nashville on my Great US Road Trip.
Somehow, I’ve still never made it to Bean Town and the land of the world’s most awesome accent.
It’s not just the fact that the New England was a bit too far north of our final finish point (New York), I also didn’t want to rush through a city with as much history and beautiful architecture as Boston.
With multiple blogging friends calling the city home, I know it’s one I’ll eventually make it to. When I do, I’m sure I can pick their brains for the best Boston hotel deals and places to hang out.
Why I Missed It: Our finish point in New York meant Boston would just be a bit out of the way.
The hardest cut to make might surprise some of you, but the decision to cut Lake Tahoe from our itinerary was a real kick in the guts.
Our original plan had us starting in LA, making up way up to San Francisco via San Luis Obispo, and then heading to Vegas via Lake Tahoe, where my Shadows of Africa colleagues Jake & Stacy live.
The opportunity to catch the tail end of ski season would have been amazing for a wide-eyed country boy like me. The most snow I’ve ever scene is the inch deep dusting my hometown in rural Australia gets every other winter.
We’d have enjoyed some fine Californian hospitality staying with Jake & Stacy, so it would have saved us money on Lake Tahoe hotels, and we’d have had two gregarious local guides to show us the bars and restaurants of this happening little mountain town.
Next time!
Why I Missed It: The Super Bowl made it impossible to find accommodation in San Francisco, so we had to switch things up and start from there and head south.
Why I Wish I Hadn’t: I’ve always wanted to try my hand at skiing, and Lake Tahoe is home to some good friends.
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