Anxiety,
fear,
hate...
Why does fear bind our hearts? The unknown can be truly terrifying when shrouded in negativity.
I have been traveling all over the world, sharing memories and culture in hopes of spreading kindness and positivity.
My name is Andrew Chaffin and welcome to my story!
Chicago, Illinois 2019
Accommodation:
The Cambria Hotel (Airbnb)(8/10): This hotel is located in the heart of downtown. You couldn't ask for a better location! The hotel is fairly priced as well, but you have to pay extra for parking (roughly $55 per day)
Must See Things:
If you have never been before, you have to see the Cloud Gate/ the Bean, Shedds Aquarium, Navy Pier, Willis Tower. Each one offers a unique experience, but for me it's the nooks and crannies that make Chicago phenomenal. The city is home to the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright who has works of art all over. Chicago is also home to the hamburger university, a McDonalds that serves a few of the international menu items! There is also one museum that holds a special place in my heart, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. Finally there is nothing like sitting at the edge of Navy Pier at sunset. ​
Europe 2019
Accommodation:
Paris Airbnb in Montmartre (10/10): The location alone was a 10/10. You could watch the entire city light up at night from Sacré-Cœur.
Skopje booking.com reservation in the city center (6/10): The location was perfect for getting around, but be wary of beggars, they can be aggressive!
Must See Places:
Dublin: I was only in the country for 9 hours, so I have only one recommendation, the Guinness Storehouse! An absolutely amazing experience!
Paris: I have to recommend walking though Montmartre, the atmosphere is serene! Then there is the obvious Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe, and the Louvre. They may be obvious, but they are absolutely grand!
Vienna: A new record, 5 hours in a country! I missed the entire downtown by a few blocks, but I did enjoy a peaceful walk through Weissgerberviertel (The Wien Mitte Mall area) which I do recommend.
Skopje: a walk across the Stone Bridge into the old bazaar will make you feel like you are walking back in time! Matka Canyon is a place that should be on your bucket list! The lush greenery and old sanctuaries are out of a fairy tale! Finally, if you want a completely crazy experience, I have to recommend hiking and Paragliding off Mt. Vodno!
Ohrid: The whole town was like heaven on earth. White buildings with red clay roofs line the waterfront of lake Ohrid. The food, drinks and people are so amazing that I wanted to move there! Finally, be ready for some out of this world sunsets!
Saint Louis, Missouri 2020
Accommodation:
I have never really stayed in a hotel here since it is my hometown. However, I would have to say University City or Central West End is great choice! It has a great location with lots to do.
Must See Places:
Forest Park, it has to be on your list. It is home to one of the best zoos in the country, a science center, multiple museums and hosts a wide variety of events. Also almost everything is free. St. Louis is also home to the hill which is a stunning Italian part of town with the most amazing food. I would be a fool not to recommend the City Museum. The City Museum is not your typical museum. Finally, we have the Arch, it is a massive arch that towers above the city and leaves you in wonder.
Seattle, Washington
2020
Accommodation:
​Airbnb in Boulevard Park (5/10): The hosts were very friendly, but the location was very far away from the city!
Must See Places:
My biggest regret has to be not visiting Mt. Rainier. The mountain is massive and definitely should be on your bucket list! The first Starbucks and Space Needle are well worth a visit as well. If you are a fan of delicious seafood then look no further than Pike Place Market! The market sits on the side of the hill overlooking Elliot's Bay. Finally, I have to recommend going out onto the Bay at sunset!
Cape Town, South Africa 2021
Accommodation:
Airbnb in Cape Town City Center (7/10): The city center is kind of empty, but it is perfectly placed in the middle of everything making getting around easy! I would say this area gets dangerous at night, so if that worries you I would stay closer to Camps Bay!
Must See Places:
Hands down Table Mountain is the best spot! No matter the weather you will find the most amazing people and views! Next up has to Camps Bay for some surfing. If you are an animal lover I have 3 stops for you: Cape of Good Hope for penguins, Cheetah Outreach out in Somerset, and finally the Two Oceans Aquarium. Last but not least, V&A Waterfront is a massive section of the waterfront with shops, entertainment, and food! If you walk along the coast going west you will find one of the most stunning walkways for sunset!
La Bonne Bouchée
Location:
12344 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 (Near St. Louis Missouri!)
Must Try foods:
The Macarons are so delicious and fluffy! The Croissants are perfectly flakey! The Quiche and Eggs Benedict are mouthwatering. Everything is good, but be careful if you have any food allergies, so be sure to ask before hand so you know what to avoid!
Orlando, Florida
2022
Accommodations:
Bluegreen Vacations Fountains, Ascend Resort Collection (9/10): Fun fact, I have no idea if non Blue Green members can stay here, but if you can it is a really nice resort! Beautiful waterparks and places to relax with all kinds of restaurants nearby! It is kind of far from any of the main parks.
Must See Places:
Disney World, but be ready to break the bank... it is ridiculously expensive. My favorite is Epcot though! SeaWorld and Universal Studios are fun parks just around the corner and definitely worth a visit as well! Finally, if you want something relatively free to do and outdoors, Disney Springs is a stunning outdoor shopping mall!
Spain 2022
Accommodation:
Madrid/Seville: I stayed with friends so I do not have an exact review, but I highly recommend staying in the main downtown of both cities to make things simpler!
Cantagua Hostel in Valencia (7/10): The hostel is located decently far from everything, but the cleanliness, the breakfast and the ease of socializing were amazing!
Unite Hostel Barcelona (9/10): Located just a few blocks off the beach and not too far from public transportation into the city! The hostel itself was very clean and had an entire floor dedicated to hosting social events!
Must See Places:
I physically do not have enough room to type out all of my recommendations, so I am going to be blunt. A walking tour in every city is a must! You can see a lot of the famous highlights, stunning districts and get pretty good food recommendations!
Madrid: El Retiro Park was lovely for relaxation. Go outside the city to the country for gorgeous hikes. Segovia is a neighboring city with a castle well worth visiting!
Seville: Plaza De Espana is a sight to behold and rich with history! If you have a day I highly HIGHLY recommend a road trip to Rhonda (the most beautiful bridges) and Setenil de las Bodegas (a town built into a canyon/cave).
Valencia: The City of Arts and Science, it is home to one of the most amazing aquariums I have ever been too! Also try the orange juice.
Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia and partying. I also urge you to walk the city, there are so many hidden games all over!
France 2022
Accommodation:
The People (Marseille 7/10): Location, perfectly located near the coast and the city! The shower and rooms were very clean. Finally, the breakfast was delicious, but kind of small.
St Christopher's Inn Paris Gare du Nord (3/10): The location wasn't near the city, but there were some really delicious restaurants around! The hostel was filthy and the showers had massive cracks in the floor. The social aspect was great with a big bar in the center, but it was always extremely loud.​
Must See Places:
When in Marseille I only have two recommendations, but they are well worth a visit! A walk on the coast is a must and if you're feeling up for it, jump in the Mediterranean for a refreshing dip! Finally, I recommend a relaxing hike up to Basilica of Notre-Dame-of-la-Garde for a spectacular view!
Ahh, Paris, the city of love. Where better to start than the Eiffel Tower followed by 2 days in the Louvre. If you are a day person I have to recommend shopping! The city is home to so many lovely shops to shop at. However, be careful, they will probably upcharge you at souvenir shops! If you are a night person, the city is home to quite a few night clubs or if you prefer a quiet night, a trip to Eiffel Tower is just as amazing! Finally, my favorite is a walk through Montmarte and Sacré-Cœur
Netherlands 2022
Accommodations:
​MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West (8/10): located not too far away from the city, but I recommend buying a train pass since the hostel is next to a train station (about a 10 minute train ride). The hostel was very clean and had an amazing staff.
Must see Places:
My personal favorite has to be Zaanse Schans, a beautiful and historic windmill village. Next up would have to be the historical Anne Frank House! If you are a fan of beer or just want to experience the culture of the Netherlands, I recommend the Heineken Experience. Finally, a trip to Amsterdam wouldn't be complete without a stroll through the lovely canals!
Germany 2022
Accommodation:
Airbnb in Cologne: (3/10): The Airbnb was great, but the city was very bland.
MEININGER Hotel Berlin Mitte in Berlin (6/10): Perfect location for getting around the city! It was decently priced, but it was missing that social aspect that I loved.
Must See Places:
Cologne: The Cologne Cathedral is absolutely stunning as well as Melatenfriedhof!
​Berlin: I highly recommend visiting the Brandenburg Gate. It is a massive gate leading to the beautiful green park of Tier Garten. I also recommend visiting the massive and stunning Reichstag Building.
Switzerland 2022
Accommodation:
Hostel 77 Bern (10/10): Switzerland is an expensive place and that applies to public transportation. Luckily, Hostel 77 offers a transit card included in your stay. The hostel is located near the main area and offers a nice spread for breakfast!
Must See Places:
​Interlaken is not in Bern, but if you have time I strongly urge you to visit the stunning mountains. Bern is a city that depends on the season. I was visiting in winter so I spent my time enjoying a hot cup of coffee walking the old town and visiting the Christmas Markets. If you visit around Christmas the starlight Christmas market is a must see!
Milan, Italy 2022
Accommodation:
MEININGER Milano Lambrate (7/10): Located just outside of downtown, this hostel is very affordable and a nice place to stay. To put it bluntly, it was a bland hostel. They offered a breakfast upgrade, simple rooming and all the necessities. However, it had no social life, at least while I was there.
Must See Places:
​If you have ever wanted to go on the roof of a gothic cathedral, then Duomo Di Milano is a must see! The entire structure towers above the city and is full of rich history. Milan is known for its fashion, so I highly recommend Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. If you have time, I strongly recommend a short journey north to one of the most beautiful places Lago de Como. Finally, my favorite QC termemilano is a spa with an ancient ruin aesthetic and I highly recommend it!
Venice, Italy 2022
Accommodation:
The Generator Venice (5/10): This hostel has quite a few ups and downs. To start, the hostel is located on an island making it quite expensive to reach the mainland or main island. They also have a weird policy stating that no outside food or drinks can be brought in. However, the hostel was fairly priced among all the other options and has a really relaxed spot to meet new people.​
Must See Places:
I am a sucker for the natural beauty of place, so walking the streets and eating food is all I need. However, the Rialto bridge is an absolute marvel too see! Then there is St. Marks Square which is surrounded by magnificent architecture of palaces and churches. Finally, I highly recommend a trip to the island of Murano, home to some of the most beautiful glass creations!
Tuscany, Italy 2022
Accommodation:
Plus Florence (8/10): The hostel was a little far from the center, about a 30 minute walk. However, there were so many opportunities to meet people! The Hostel offered balconies and rooftop access which made new years eve so much nicer!
Must See Places:
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a stunning and massive build right in the heart of Florence! Now I could tell you about all the museums and monuments around, but I have to recommend something else, food! All’Antico Vinaio is home to the mouthwatering focaccia sandwiches, but get there well before open or you will be in line for hours! Finally, and I can't stress this enough, get a Florentine Steak. It is a 2 pound steak that destroyed me with flavor. I recommend La Fettunta for it!
Rome, Italy 2022
Accommodation:
During my stay at The Generator Rome (6/10), the hostel was undergoing construction. However, the location was convenient and the interior was well-maintained with clean bathrooms, bedrooms, and public spaces.
Must-See Places:
The Colosseum a must-see attraction in Rome, but I also enjoyed exploring the city streets and trying various foods. Walking around led me to discover the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, both beautiful historical sites that can get crowded quickly. And of course, a visit to the Vatican is essential for any trip to Rome. The stunning pillars and architecture are absolutely divine! The Vatican also houses the magnificent Sistine Chapel!
Naples, Italy 2023
Accommodation:
Ostello Bello (8/10): A phenomenal hostel! The workers are extremely friendly and fun. The main lobby has an outdoor terrace which hosts a party almost every night where you can meet all kinds of people. It is located in the middle of the city which gives you easy access to everything except the airport!
Must See Places:
Ostello Bello, even if this is not your hotel it is the perfect place to kick back and meet a wide variety of people! The Duomo di Napoli is visually stunning cathedral you should not miss as well as Castel Sant'Elmo. The city is very massive with tons to see and do. However, a trip outside the city to the ruins of Pompeii is a must! Finally, a trip to the waterfront will leave you speechless. You can dine on some of the best pizza in the world while watching the most gorgeous sunset on the Mediterranean!
Palermo, Sicily 2023
Accommodation:
Double H Hostel (3/10): This one is hard too rate. The location was perfect and the people were amazingly friendly. They also had a decent breakfast that came with the booking. However, it was nearly impossible to find. Also it was overwhelmingly dirty. The beds were placed all over and you had to walk through other peoples rooms to leave.
Must See Places:
Parco Tomasi di Lampedusa is a beautiful park along the waterfront that I highly recommend! Swimming is a must in Sicily and there was no better beach than Mondello Beach. It gives you a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea while relaxing. Basically any restaurant, almost every single restaurant was mouthwatering! Finally, wrap up you nights partying on Macqueda Street with a cannoli from Cannoli!
Malta 2023
Accommodation:
St. Julian's Inħawi Hostel (10/10): I honestly can say I have nothing bad to say about this hostel. The breakfast was better than most restaurants. The location was perfect with a stunning view of The Mediterranean Sea. It has a great variety of social events and relaxation areas. I would 100% recommend this hostel!
Must See Places:
I am a sucker for the island of Gozo. It is covered with stunning old towns, rolling green hills, and beautiful beaches. The Blue Lagoon is a must see if you love glowing blue waters. If you are looking for a party, then I have to recommend the bars and restaurants of St. Julian's! Finally, no trip to Malta is complete without a stop in Valletta
Egypt 2023
Accommodation:
Pyramids Planet Hotel (6/10): This hostel was very nicely priced and offered a delicious home cooked breakfast. It was a little far from the city, but it offered a magnificent view of the pyramids. The building itself was kind of difficult to find and they do not accept card.
Must See Places:
The Pyramids of Giza is a requirement of course. However, I urge you to ditch the beggars and the average tourist behind and trek into the desert. Every single person will try to stop you or make you pay, but its completely safe. I also highly recommend a white or black desert tour! It takes multiple days, but I highly recommend it. Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is also an amazing stop, but be sure to watch for pick pocketers.
Greece 2023
Accomodation:
Athens: Baloo Hostel (6/10): The location and social events could have been better (possibly due to the timeframe I was there). However, this hostel had amazing communication and was perfect for resting with its cozy environment.
Santorini: Villa Agas (8/10). A private villa located in the center of the island made for a perfect getaway. The villa is also located right next to some delicious and friendly restaurants.
Must See Places:
Athens: I would be a fool not to say the Acropolis of Athens for its stunning views. Around the town are historical ruins that gives you a view of the past. Finally, I must recommend walking around the Monastiraki Square. During the day you can dine on delicious Mediterranean food while shopping. At night, you can spend your time drinking and mingling under the lights of the Acropolis!
Santorini: Oia, it has become one of my favorite places I have ever seen. You can watch the stunning sunset and if you wait a little bit you can see all of the stars come out! I also fell in love with the Red and Black beaches of the island!
Budapest, Hungary 2023
Accommodation:
Maverick City Lodge Hostel 8/10 would highly recommend! Has fun events for guests like wine tastings, great location with many delicious restaurants to choose from.
Must see Places:
Szechenyi Baths is a famous thermal bath in the city that will melt away your worries. Buda castle sits atop a massive hill and is home to an underground labryinth and many stunning views of the city! Finally, the Danube river is lined with beautiful and historical buildings and sculptures!
Vienna, Austria 2023
Accommodation:
Hostel Ruthensteiner (5/10). I would recommend a place closer to downtown. However, it is a little cheaper and surrounded by tons of restaurants and shops!
Must See Places:
The Schönbrunn, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the Hofburg Palace. For a taste of Viennese culture, be sure to visit a traditional coffeehouse and try some Sachertorte. I must recommend walking around the downtown area at night. The entire city glows a beautiful golden orange color like I have never seen!
Prague, Czech Republic 2023
Accommodation:
Prague Dream Hostel (8/10). This hostel is in a great location! It is very central to all the sights and a perfect place to meet new people. The hostel is just off the main street which is full of delicious restaurants if you are hungry!
Must See Places:
Vzorkovna Dog Bar is a must if you like a unique atmosphere with your drink. If you like history and stunning architecture, the Prague Castle is just across the river. If you want to see something more modern, a trip to the dancing house could be for you. PetÅ™ín Gardens is a lovely spot to visit if you want a relaxing afternoon. However, the PetÅ™ín Tower or mirror maze in the garden is a nice little adventure.
Copenhagen, Denmark 2023
Accommodation:
Steel House Copenhagen (7/10). An absolutely amazing hostel. It has a modern touch and a very warm atmosphere. The entire hostel is always full of people and hosting events. It is very easy to socialize and get to know the city. However, it is quite a walk to reach the highlights of the city.
Must See Places:
Nyhavn and the surrounding shops needs to be at the top of your list. The buildings are so colorful and right on the water! One of my personal favorites has to be The Royal Library. Even if you're not a fan of books, the architecture is beautiful! Finally, I recommend seeing Kastellet. It is a giant star shaped park that is very relaxing.
​
Sweden 2023
Accommodation:
Kiruna: Spis hotel and hostel (7/10): The location was perfect for a home base and offered the best hotel breakfast I ever had! They also have a sauna for the cold winters! The rooms could be nicer, but overall a great time!
Stockholm: City Backpackers Hostel Stockholm (7/10): The hostel is very central to everything in the city and has an amazing lounge and kitchen for meeting new people! Also very clean!
Must See Places:
Kiruna: I highly recommend timing your visit to see the Northern Lights as well as the ice hotel. They town also offers snowboarding and skiing, but pack heavy, it gets cold that far north!
Stockholm: Gamla stan is an island that houses a Nobel Prize museum, the Royal Palace and a number of interesting shops! Even if you are not a fan of books, I highly recommend checking out the Stockholm Public Library!
United Kingdom 2023
Accommodation:
Clink261 (6/10). This hostel is located quite a distance from the city, but is right next to Kings Cross station for getting around! The hostel is well priced, but kind of cramped. Offers breakfast at an additional charge!
Must See Places:
While in London, there is Big Ben at West Minister, the London Eye, the Buckingham Palace, the Shard, lots of pubs and Harry Potter places! If given the chance, I recommend walking by the river during the day and at night for two completely unique experiences! Finally, if you are a James Bond fan, you can check out the building used in Daniel Craig's series!
In the surrounding areas, I highly recommend taking a trip to see Stonehenge in the beautiful town of Salisbury!​
New York 2023
Accommodation:
HI New York City Hostel (7/10): Located in West Harlem, a block or two away from Central Park. The Hostel is massive and quite maze like, so don't get lost! The rooms and showers give a college vibe.
Must See Places:
New York is known for so many things: Pizza, Cookies, monuments and skyscrapers. Where better to start than the food, I love the New York style pizza at Scarr's Pizza! Levain Bakery – NoHo, NYC makes some of the best cookies I have ever tried.
It wouldn't be a trip to New York if you didn't visit the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park and Grand Central Station! Finally, there is Times Square. A place so overwhelmed with people its near impossible to move. You won't find a lot of locals there either, mostly tourists. However, at night it is a sight to behold. Just be sure to watch for pit pockets!​
Las Vegas 2023
Accommodation:
​The Cancun Resort (9/10): The location is very deceptive, it looks close to the strip, walkable even, but trust me its not. The resort was very clean and had a lot of food and drink options! The pool also had an Aztec pyramid with waterslides and other leisurely activities! Strangely, over half the pool was closed due to understaffing in the summer. Also be careful, they have really high bathtubs!
Must See Places:
The main strip is a must! It is covered with amazing stores, casinos and shows! For best shows, the Las Vegas Sphere and the Blue Man Group are phenomenal. If you're daring, I urge you to hike into the Red Rocks or the Grand Canyon, but do your research. There are different parts of the canyon that follow different rules!​
Argentina 2023
Accommodation:
Iguazu: Tierra Guaraní Lodge (9/10): Nestled perfectly in the jungle with a stunning aesthetic! The atmosphere is a 10/10! However, the only flaw is, do not drink the water or beverages made from tap water unless you want your trip to be spent on the toilet!
Buenos Aires: HTL 9 de Julio (8/10): Located perfectly in a very popular area of Buenos Aires. There are plenty of options for food and drinks! Fairly clean as well. At night, some shady people hang out around the area so be careful!
Must See Places:
If you want to experience something out of this world, then Iguazu is a must! The entire town is surrounded by dense jungle and waterfalls! It is like Niagara Falls but better! The food at Wicz Bar in Iguazu is absolutely delicious and it's just a short walk away from Hito Tres Fronteras (The spot where 3 countries meet)! When in Buenos Aires, Pizzería Güerrín is a must, the best pizza I have ever had! I would also recommend a sunset at the Olympo Sky Bar! Finally, to see as much of the city as possible, I strongly urge you take the yellow bus tours!
Peru 2023
Accommodation:
Lima: Pariwana Hostel (9/10): Phenomenal location and wonderful staff! Perfect environment for meeting new people and pretty clean!
Cusco: Viajero Kokopelli Cusco Hostel (10/10): My favorite hostel I have ever stayed at! The structure was very open and outdoorsy! The atmosphere, people and social events were all wonderful! Location is at the start off the Sacred Valley giving you endless adventures!
Must See Places:
Peru is overflowing with adventure, from the hikes into extreme altitudes to see Machu Picchu to sandboarding in the desert of Huacachina. There is surfing all along the coast. Massive carvings in the earth that you can only see from above, the Nazca Lines. There is a rainbow colored mountain and massive amounts of jungle! Finally, the food, it is so good that I am left speechless!​
Costa Rica 2024
Accommodation:
Airbnb in Coco Beach (8/10): Coco Beach is a perfect location for getting around to all of the best spots in Guanacaste! There are plenty of delicious restaurants and bars to choose from!
Must See Places:
Being 100% transparent, if visiting Costa Rica, I would only spend 2 full days in the capital, San Jose. Pay a visit to Alajuela, Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm (the best Starbucks I have ever visited), and Poás Volcano before departing the capital. If you have an extra day, I highly recommend booking a trip to Tortuga Island!
Now if you're ready for a fun road trip, here's the list: Monte Verde, a mountain top jungle hidden in the clouds and full of adventure; Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna; La Leona Waterfall, be prepared to wade through a river into a cave waterfall (buy tickets in advance); and finally head to the beautiful coast of Guanacaste! Ocotal Beach, Playa Conchal and Playa Grande are my favorite beaches in the world! They offer the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen!​
I MUST ADVISE, Public transportation there was very unreliable for us. We were taken to the wrong place multiple times. Uber is very expensive and the roads are very bad making it hard for some Ubers to get to their destination. I recommend a rental car, but only if you feel comfortable driving in dangerous conditions. The roads are practically invisible especially in the mountains.
