Palace Paradise: A Review of Sintra’s Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palaces
When my partner and I stayed in Sintra last month, one of the places we were excited about going was Pena Palace. Our hotel’s host told us, “It’s nice…but the Quinta da Regaleira Palace is better.” I ended up visiting both, and if you’re curious if which one’s worth the visit, look no further! Pena Palace Sintra is a town set on the side of … Continue reading Palace Paradise: A Review of Sintra’s Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palaces
Revisiting Places: A Waste, or Chance for a New Perspective?
I’ve never been someone who wants to go on the same trips year after year; I know some people have a favourite place to spend their Christmases or summers, but I always want the novelty of a place I’ve never been before. Whenever I go somewhere new, I often feel the need to suck the marrow out of every experience. My rationale is: this might … Continue reading Revisiting Places: A Waste, or Chance for a New Perspective?
Sintra: The Castle-Filled Countryside a Quick Trip from Lisbon
If you’re looking for the answer to “What is the best day trip from Lisbon?”, I’ve got your answer: it’s Sintra, Portugal. I went last week for a four-day trip surrounding a wedding, and I got to revisit the beautiful countryside—full of village quaintness, national park attractions, and so many castles! Why is Sintra so popular? Sintra was full of people, wherever we went. So … Continue reading Sintra: The Castle-Filled Countryside a Quick Trip from Lisbon
What is Travel Burnout (And How Can I Stop It)?
I’ve been really lucky this year, to travel as much as I have. I use the word “lucky”, because I want to acknowledge that travelling comes from an enormous place of privilege; I have enough money to go where I like, enough time to research the best rates and travel deals, and loved ones to travel with. One of those privileges is the fact that … Continue reading What is Travel Burnout (And How Can I Stop It)?
Me, or We? Deciding to Take a Trip Solo, Partnered, or With a Group
I’ve travelled solo, with romantic partners, with besties, and in groups; good and bad trips, domestic and international. And what I’ve found is that what happens on a trip—the things I do, see, and enjoy—vary greatly based on who you have with you. You can’t always choose who comes, but you can always choose who you ask! Continue reading Me, or We? Deciding to Take a Trip Solo, Partnered, or With a Group
Welcome to No Small Wander!
This is my 25th blog post of 2025, and I wanted to use the opportunity to re-introduce myself. Who Am I? My name is Charlotte, and I’m a blogger in her 30s who loves travel. I moved from Canada to London over a decade ago, and since then, I’ve been using the proximity to a lot of other European cities to travel as much as … Continue reading Welcome to No Small Wander!
How To Stay Off Your Phone While Travelling
Last Autumn, I was taking the ferry from the tiny island of Lokrum to Dubrovnik, as part of a Croatian holiday. As the water was lapping against the boat and the wind blew through my hair, my boyfriend sitting at my feet as we watched the waves our ferry made—I remember feeling really present, and happy, in that moment. Then, my phone pinged. It was … Continue reading How To Stay Off Your Phone While Travelling
Getting Around London: The Ultimate Guide to Public Transit
If you’re visiting London, you’ll undoubtedly be using TFL at some point. Transport for London (TFL) is the company that runs the tube (overground and underground) and bus services throughout London. London has one of the best-connected transit systems in the world; I’ve never been in a position of needing to get somewhere and not having a possible route. However, it can feel complicated due … Continue reading Getting Around London: The Ultimate Guide to Public Transit
The Best Two-For-One Museum Ticket in Paris: L’Orangerie and Musée D’Orsay
While touring the halls of Sainte-Chappelle, I made some friends who asked me what I was planning on doing during my trip. That’s the first time I’d heard of the Musée de l’Orangerie. I love Monet’s water lillies paintings; when I was a kid, I took charcoal classes at the local bookstore, and learned how Money would paint the same scene, again and again, at … Continue reading The Best Two-For-One Museum Ticket in Paris: L’Orangerie and Musée D’Orsay
The Emotional Impact of an International Move
I moved from Ottawa, Canada, to London, England, about 12 years ago. I was 23, naïve, and assumed that everything would work out for me. I’m super lucky that it did; I got a job, a houseshare with some amazing people, and was able to build a life I’m really proud of. I had no money, but a ton of delusion. Recently I was thinking … Continue reading The Emotional Impact of an International Move
No Small Wander 