Nicknamed “The City of Dreaming Spires,” Oxford is truly the most magical fairytale-like city in all of England.
There is so much to love about this city, but I’ll keep it short and let the photos give it justice! Oxford is so unique because it is rich with history, and it’s booming with college students. It’s a beautiful city that is young at heart, yet has an old soul.
“Every city has a sex and an age which have nothing to do with demography. Rome is feminine. So is Odessa. London is a teenager, an urchin, and in this hasn’t changed since the time of Dickens. Paris, I believe, is a man in his twenties in love with an older woman.”
– John Berger
I’m reminded of this quote often when I think of Oxford. While I couldn’t give an exact profile of Oxford in that sense, you can’t help but notice this city has a distinct personality as you meander through the narrow alleyways and whimsical architecture.
Here are some photos to give you a glimpse into Oxford, the Fairytale City of England.
The Radcliffe Camera
The rad cam is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Oxford. It was constructed in 1737 and serves as a library to students of the University of Oxford.
My favorite thing to do in Oxford, is to simply just walk around the streets admiring all the beautiful architecture.
This may sound creepy, but when you get into the suburbs it is so fun to look at the windows of the houses, people here are really clever with their window displays.
The churches are beautiful!
“The Oxford Bridge of Sighs”
Another iconic landmark of Oxford! The official name is the Hertford Bridge, but due to it’s resemblance of the Venetian Bridge of Sighs, the name evolved.
Getting a rooftop view of the city is a must.
My favorite view of the city is from the top of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, where you can get a stunning 360 view of the city, the Radcliffe Camera, and All Souls College.
This charming cinema was my favorite place to catch a movie. I wish more theaters where I live in the US were as cute as this!
Did you know Oxford is actually a real fairytale city in England? Can you visualize what classic tale resembles the photos below?
The scenic grounds of the University of Oxford colleges.
The college courtyards are absolutely stunning and are often times open to the public between certain hours! Pictured below are the famous grounds of Christ Church.
Oxford is a timeless city that takes you back in history. The cobblestone streets, blooming flowers, and ornate architecture are just a few of the things that make Oxford seem like a city from a fairytale.
After all, the classic fairy tale Alice in Wonderland was written in Oxford!
Published on Oct 16, 2023 | Last updated Oct 17, 2023
This post is all about how to day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. About Ninh Binh Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” is a province in North Vietnam that boasts breathtaking natural beauty. Its stunning landscape is characterized by towering…
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Published on Sep 4, 2023 | Last updated Sep 5, 2023 | Asia Travel, Blog
This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
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by Natalie | Published on Apr 23, 2020 | Last updated Sep 5, 2023 | Blog
Do you have a deep passion for travel but find yourself unable to embark on journeys? Here are a few imaginative ways to channel your wanderlust and express your affection for exploring, all within the confines of your own home.
If you’re travel-obsessed but are unable to travel. here are a few ways you can cure your “travel bug.”
Explore the world, at home.
1. Dive into your box of travel treasures
Does anyone else have a chest full of travel trinkets? Mine is stuffed full of everything from postcards, ticket stubs, or just little knick-knacks I’ve found along the way. This is the perfect time to go through it! I honestly had no idea what was in mine, until I took the time to really go through it. You may be surprised at some of the things you find, and the memories associated with them.
This ripped piece of paper doesn’t look like much, but it is one of my favorite travel souvenirs, and it was free! I found this piece of paper on the streets of a lovely little town in Cuba. I don’t know why I picked it up, or really why I even kept it but it’s one of my favorites.
2. Learn or perfect a hobby
Learning a hobby like photography, videography, or (travel) blogging are amazing hobbies to help you complement your love for travel.
3. Read that Travel-Inspired Coffee Table Book
We all have that travel-inspired coffee table we impulsively bought but haven’t read. Now is the perfect time to read it!
4. Catalog your travel photos.
Consider buying a hard drive to store all of your travel pictures. If you don’t have many photos, a flash drive will work as well. Once you have your storage device, create folders for each of your destinations. This has helped me massively in terms of organization and may put you at ease to know where exactly your pictures are.
5. Start a scrapbook or print book of your travel photos
Scrapbooking has always been something I enjoy. There is just such satisfaction in having all of your memories collected in one place. It’s also a fun thing to look back on with your friends and family. If you don’t have the patience for scrapbooking, organize a travel print book on Shutterfly.
6. Learn a new recipe from your favorite destination
My kitchen may not look like Thailand, but it can smell like it! Trying making goulash from Hungary, scones from England, or a Greek salad from Greece. Traveling has definitely expanded my imagination in the kitchen. Trying new international cuisine has kept me connected with learning about other cultures even I’m not traveling.
7. Read a book about a journey
If you are missing traveling, this book will take you all around the world and show you how you can grow by exploring. The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho is the perfect read for a time like this.
8. Explore somewhere new
Throw a dart on a map or dive into wanderlust Pinterest and discover a new destination you’ve never thought to travel to.
9. Start a journal
I’ve kept a journal since I was twelve! Writing is really therapeutic for me, and a great time capsule for my thoughts for certain milestones in life. Pictures are what you want people to see, but writing is how you really feel. Keep up with your journal on your next adventure to remember your travels.
Thanks for reading! I hope this post has helped you come up with ideas on how you can cure your “travel bug” in the comfort of your own home. I’d love to read in the comments below what you’ve been doing at home to feed your wanderlust.
Published on Oct 16, 2023 | Last updated Oct 17, 2023
This post is all about how to day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. About Ninh Binh Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” is a province in North Vietnam that boasts breathtaking natural beauty. Its stunning landscape is characterized by towering…
Published on Sep 12, 2023 | Last updated Sep 14, 2023
Researching your trip to Vietnam and find yourself wondering, ‘Is Halong Bay Worth it?” Here’s everything you need to know about visiting one of the most famous natural wonders of Vietnam. Halong Bay is said to be one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous places on…
Published on Sep 4, 2023 | Last updated Sep 5, 2023
This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
Published on Sep 4, 2023 | Last updated Sep 5, 2023 | Asia Travel, Blog
This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
Searching for the best Christmas Destinations in the world to fully experience all things fresh pine and mulled wine? As the holiday season approaches, these 27 picturesque Christmas destinations transform into magical wonderlands, complete with twinkling lights and…
by Natalie | Published on Apr 21, 2020 | Last updated Aug 20, 2023 | Blog
Growing up, I had always dreamed to study abroad. The idea of living and studying in a foreign country was romanticized within me since day one of watching the iconic Lizzie McGuire movie. I was ready to go abroad, meet my Paolo, and become an Italian pop star!!
Embarking on a journey of studying abroad is a thrilling adventure filled with anticipation, new experiences, and the promise of personal growth. It’s a chance to immerse oneself in a foreign culture, broaden horizons, and create memories that last a lifetime. However, as with any grand voyage, there are bound to be twists and turns along the way.
Here are a few tips to consider before you study abroad.
1. Studying Abroad is a challenge
Living in a new city and studying abroad is a wonderful experience, but it’s not always easy.
Relocating to a foreign country for an extended period of time is a hard thing to do, but you can do it!
You’re leaving your friends, family, pets, and there will be many things you will miss out on. It’s a matter of missing out on some things and trading your home experiences for a new adventure.
2. Application Processes can be tricky.
There are several factors that go into the decision process of studying abroad, many of them being out of your control. Your age, school connections, costs, and what you’re studying are just to name a few.
These were certainly things I didn’t think about when I filled out my study abroad application.
You can have everything you think you need to study abroad, but could still get your application denied for not being a proper fit.
3. You may not get the top destination of your choice.
As I just mentioned, there are so many factors that go into the decision-making process of studying abroad.
Decisions are being made by you, your college, and your financial circumstances.
In the end, your study abroad location could likely be a compromise. Just be happy that you are going to experience an entirely different life and focus on what you will gain from it.
4. Go with an open mind.
Going into my study abroad program, my expectations were too high. Problems will arise during your time abroad and it won’t always be perfect. You will grow so much from this experience!
Try new foods, make new friends, and try not to compare things to your home country.
5. Spend time in your study abroad city.
This was one of my biggest mistakes! I’m an American, and flights are insanely expensive in the US. So what I was most excited about studying in the UK were the wicked cheap flights across Europe.
While I loved getting to explore new countries I had never been to before, I felt that I missed out a lot on the local life of my study-abroad city. Additionally, there were many times when I’d miss out on college outings because I opted to travel on the weekends, which in the end resulted in fewer friendships.
Before you Study Abroad: make a list of what you want to gain from this experience.
Are you wanting to live like a local? Try as many different foods and learn about the architecture? Visit as many neighboring countries as possible? The opportunities are endless!
If your university doesn’t offer study abroad opportunities, there are plenty of outside companies that offer educational trips. These trips may even transfer over as elective credit hours to your major – it never hurts to check!
Published on Oct 16, 2023 | Last updated Oct 17, 2023
This post is all about how to day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. About Ninh Binh Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” is a province in North Vietnam that boasts breathtaking natural beauty. Its stunning landscape is characterized by towering…
Published on Sep 12, 2023 | Last updated Sep 14, 2023
Researching your trip to Vietnam and find yourself wondering, ‘Is Halong Bay Worth it?” Here’s everything you need to know about visiting one of the most famous natural wonders of Vietnam. Halong Bay is said to be one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous places on…
Published on Sep 4, 2023 | Last updated Sep 5, 2023
This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
Published on Sep 4, 2023 | Last updated Sep 5, 2023 | Asia Travel, Blog
This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
Searching for the best Christmas Destinations in the world to fully experience all things fresh pine and mulled wine? As the holiday season approaches, these 27 picturesque Christmas destinations transform into magical wonderlands, complete with twinkling lights and…
This post is all about photos of Hallstatt Austria.
Hallstatt, Austria, is a postcard-perfect village nestled in the heart of the Salzkammergut region. With its fairytale-like beauty, Hallstatt is renowned for its picturesque setting along the serene Lake Hallstatt and the majestic Dachstein Alps towering in the background.
The village has a charming, old-world atmosphere with its traditional Alpine architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant flower boxes adorning every corner. Visitors are captivated by the reflective waters of the lake, the historic salt mines that harken back to ancient times, and the tranquil vibe that makes Hallstatt an enchanting escape from the modern world.
Published on Oct 16, 2023 | Last updated Oct 17, 2023
This post is all about how to day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. About Ninh Binh Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” is a province in North Vietnam that boasts breathtaking natural beauty. Its stunning landscape is characterized by towering…
Published on Sep 12, 2023 | Last updated Sep 14, 2023
Researching your trip to Vietnam and find yourself wondering, ‘Is Halong Bay Worth it?” Here’s everything you need to know about visiting one of the most famous natural wonders of Vietnam. Halong Bay is said to be one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous places on…
Published on Sep 4, 2023 | Last updated Sep 5, 2023
This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
Published on Sep 4, 2023 | Last updated Sep 5, 2023 | Asia Travel, Blog
This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
Searching for the best Christmas Destinations in the world to fully experience all things fresh pine and mulled wine? As the holiday season approaches, these 27 picturesque Christmas destinations transform into magical wonderlands, complete with twinkling lights and…
Have you dreamed of accomplishing the iconic Preikestolen Hike in Norway?
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
About Preikestolen
Nestled in the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, stands as an awe-inspiring natural wonder that captures the hearts of adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. This enchanting rock holds the title of being one of the most spectacular viewing points in the world, and I can vouch for that!
Here is everything you need to know about Hiking Preikestolen in Norway.
My Preikestolen Essentials
How to get to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
There are many ways to get to Preikestolen. The most common way is taking the ferry from Stavanger to Tau.
Ferry from Stavanger to Tau
If you’re driving to Preikestolen from Stavanger, it will take approximately an hour and a half, including a ferry transfer.
Ferries from Stavanger to Tau typically run five times a day and costs vary depending on season, number of travelers, and whether or not you have a vehicle. During the weekend, they do not run as often.
Be sure to check the Google timetables as they may change depending on the day and season. Purchase ferry tickets to Tau here.
Once you get to Tau, you can continue to drive or wait for the Pulpit Rock shuttle, which will take you to the starting point of the hike.
Hike Transfers and Guided Tours
Booking a roundtrip transfer or all-inclusive guided tour can offer a stress-free, relaxed Preikestolen experience if you don’t want to worry about ferry timetables and transportation.
GoFjords has an express shuttle bus that departs from Stavanger.
Where to stay
Plan your stay in Tau or Stavanger. Lodging in Tau will be the closest option to Preikestolen, however, it’s a small town and there isn’t much to do there. Stavanger is much bigger and only a 40-minute ferry ride and a short drive. If you can afford to stay near the city center in Stavanger, that will likely be your best option.
Stavanger is pretty expensive, so here are a variety of lodging options for your trip.
Did You Know Going is My Secret to Scoring Insanely Cheap Flights?
Tips for Preikestolen Hike
People of all ages and with moderate physical activity can enjoy hiking Preikestolen. All you need is a light jacket, durable hiking or tennis shoes, a water bottle, snacks, and a camera! It is crowded most of the day, but the afternoon/early evening is the best time to go, as that’s when all the tourists are leaving.
Be sure to google ‘Pulpit Rock Weather’ before arranging your trip. Odds are, it will be at least drizzling when you go, but you don’t want to go in the pouring rain!
Pulpit Rock stands as an awe-inspiring testament to the wonders of nature and the thrill of adventure. Its panoramic cliffs offer an unparalleled view of the untamed beauty of the Norweigan fjords below.
Whether you are an experienced hiker seeking a challenge or an adventurer in search of inspiration, Pulpit Rock’s allure as an amazing hike remains undeniable, beckoning travelers from all walks of life to answer the call of the wild and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Have the most incredible time on your Preikestolen hike adventure.
Published on Oct 16, 2023 | Last updated Oct 17, 2023
This post is all about how to day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. About Ninh Binh Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” is a province in North Vietnam that boasts breathtaking natural beauty. Its stunning landscape is characterized by towering…
Published on Sep 12, 2023 | Last updated Sep 14, 2023
Researching your trip to Vietnam and find yourself wondering, ‘Is Halong Bay Worth it?” Here’s everything you need to know about visiting one of the most famous natural wonders of Vietnam. Halong Bay is said to be one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous places on…
Published on Sep 4, 2023 | Last updated Sep 5, 2023
This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
Published on Sep 4, 2023 | Last updated Sep 5, 2023 | Asia Travel, Blog
This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
Searching for the best Christmas Destinations in the world to fully experience all things fresh pine and mulled wine? As the holiday season approaches, these 27 picturesque Christmas destinations transform into magical wonderlands, complete with twinkling lights and…
