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The Great Wide Somewhere

  • ABOUT
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Me
    • Bucket List
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African Safari: Plan Your First Experience

Imagine feasting your eyes on majestic animals and exotic game like you’ve never seen before - all close-range and under the warm blanket of the sun. Millions of people head to Africa for epic safaris every year. If there’s one trip worth planning for, it’s an African safari trip. If you haven’t experienced one before, your mind is probably plagued by several questions - which country to choose, what to expect, what to avoid, etc.?…

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5 Amazing Things to do in France

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of France? For many, it's romance- which is fitting given that Paris is considered the city of love. With a booming tourism industry, France is more than just Paris, the Eiffel Tower, and other top favorite tourist attractions however. While those are lovely places to see, you want to have more than a mere sightseeing experience. So, this article will focus on five things…

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Florida’s Hidden Gems

Whether you’re planning a dream vacation, or relocating to the Sunshine State- you’ll want to ensure you hit all the best spots! From stunning scenery and scorching beaches to world-renowned attractions, there’s always something to do in Florida. To start creating your ultimate Florida check list, take a look at a few hidden gems I've discovered over the years that can help you get started: Take a Trip to Singer Island Situated just off the…

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Top Tips: American Road-Trip

Dreaming of the great American road trip is a fantasy almost as old as the invention of the automobile itself. Who hasn't had this ambition at some point in their life? With a diverse landscape, culture and scenery unique to each state, the experience is bound to be one that will create unforgettable memories! With international travel likely to be restricted for a while to come, many are revisiting the idea of a road trip.…

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Haunted Places near Cincinnati: A Road Trip

Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, it’s still fun to check out sites fabled to be haunted by a restless spirit or two. If you’re in the mood to visit some haunted houses near Cincinnati, (+Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana) here is a fun lineup: Starting out in Cincinnati (exclude stop number one if it’s too out of the way), work your way around these sites to see a few creepy places. Stay in…

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Traveling in Style: When to Treat Yourself!

For many travelers across the world, budget travel is the holy grail of adventure. There’s nothing like striking out somewhere new and feeling like you’re exploring the place from the ground up. Who wants to simply visit a succession of five-star hotels that are all the same, where you could be anywhere in the world, right!? It sort of defeats the point of traveling in the first place. However, on the flip side, it’s alright…

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Best Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

If you're visiting the Great Smoky Mountains or Gatlinburg area, going on a hike is of course THE main attraction! These are (in my opinion) the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains: Having visited Gatlinburg, on many separate occasions, these are the hikes I’ve done that have stood out to me the most! Also, please make sure to check the park website for trail conditions and closure notices before setting out. Cades Cove: If you…

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Gatlinburg: Things to Do

Living just a few hours away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I’ve visited Gatlinburg, Tennessee at least twenty times. Thinking back on all these ventures, I’ve compiled my personal recommendations on the top things to do! These activities may all fit into one Gatlinburg trip, or you can spread them out over separate visits. I’ve gone down there for Bachelorette parties, with my family growing up, on my honeymoon, and for a college…

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Singer Island/Palm Beach: Things to Do

I’ve traveled a lot in my lifetime, but some places have had a bigger meaning or impact on my life than others. Singer Island, Florida is one of these locations that will always have a part of my heart! Growing up, my grandparents had a condo on this gorgeous island near West Palm Beach. Every summer we’d spend about two weeks there. Until I was 25, it was host to some of the absolute best…

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Travel + Sloth Nursery Theme Ideas

I’ve always been one to love “themes”. I’m that girl who has been forcing her friends to dress up and attend my various themed parties for years. Having a sloth nursery then should come as no surprise!  After perusing Pinterest for years, there were two themes I couldn’t ignore: travel, and sloths. Since my wedding in 2014 was travel-themed, most of my home decor is, and even my baby shower was “welcome to the world”…

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About This Blog

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Latest Posts

  • Scotland: What to Pack for Summer Travel (for Women)

    March 14, 2023
    By Michelle W.
  • Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

    March 2, 2023
    By Michelle W.
  • Useful Gift Ideas for Travelers

    November 21, 2022
    By Michelle W.
  • Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Things to Do + Yourcation Awaits Cabin

    September 14, 2022
    By Michelle W.

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Top Posts

Scotland: What to Pack for Summer Travel (for Women)
What NOT to do in Cuzco, Peru
Scotland Road Trip Itinerary
Montanejos: Hot Springs & Waterfalls - A Valencia Daytrip
Sound of Music Sites in Salzburg, Austria
Greece: 10 Day Itinerary Ideas
Valencia, Spain: Top 10 Things to Do
England Itinerary Ideas: 8-10 Days

© Michelle Weigold and The Great Wide Somewhere, 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Please read full privacy policy/disclosure information here

Not sure what to pack for a summer trip to Scotlan Not sure what to pack for a summer trip to Scotland?💁🏻‍♀️Check out my detailed packing list (links included) at the link in my bio! I got you covered!

The best advice is always be prepared for rain, ☔️ dress in layers, and know that it can get much colder than you’d think!

This list is based off what I wore on my trip there last summer from the US, 🧳 and I’m actually headed back again this month! Follow along! ✈️ 

((Places in photos: 1) Medieval town of Culross 2)Eilean Donan Castle 3) Yesnaby Cliffs: Orkney 4) Midhope Castle “Lallybroch” 5) Circus Lane: Edinburgh 6) Eilean Donan again)) 

#scotlandtravel #visitscotland #packinglist #travelblogging #scotland_insta #scotlandisnow #discoverunder20k #eileandonancastle
🇨🇷 Yes, it is intense, but this is definitel 🇨🇷 Yes, it is intense, but this is definitely doable if you’re short on time and want to see as much as you can! My blog has all the details and logistics- 🚌 but we used private shuttles and public buses to get around, stayed in amazing (and cheap!) hostels, and had a fantastic time! 🎉 

Before you say “__ days isn’t enough time in xyz location”, I do understand this sentiment. 😇 However, I had been there for 8 weeks at that point, and made this itinerary for my brother and friend when they visited. 🦥 We had to work with what we could! 

Alllll the logistics, details, hotel links, and even a handy Google map of our route 🗺️ are all in my giant planning blog post! The link is in my bio- or just go to www.greatwidetravel.com/costaricaitinerary ✈️🌎

Happy planning!! 🌴🦥🇨🇷

#costarica🇨🇷 #costaricacool #discovercostarica #puravidacostarica #travelplanning #travelblogger #discoverunder20k #costaricagram #costaricatravel #tortuguero #sanjosecostarica #lafortuna #manuelantonio #visitcostarica
Visiting the Smoky Mountains? 🏔️ Make sure to Visiting the Smoky Mountains? 🏔️ Make sure to add the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park to your list! @gatlinburgskylift 

I’ve been to the area dozens of times the last few years, but never knew how cool it would be at the top of the chairlift! 🤗 There is of course the bridge, but several other activities, viewpoints and dining too. You can access the entrance from the main strip, and admission is $32.95 for adults, $18.95 ages 4-11, and kids under 3 free 🎉

⚠️Full disclosure: If you’re even a little scared of heights, this park and the SkyBridge are probably not for you! 😅 I got a little freaked out with how the bridge bounces slightly, and the glass bottom portion. You’re definitely high up in the mountains too! 🫣

Also be extremely careful if you bring young kids, 👶🏼 Lorenzo made me so nervous on the bridge, and the chairlift up doesn’t have any sort of seatbelts. Of course it was fine and all is well, just hold them tight! 😀

#gatlinburg #smokymountains #smokymountainsnationalpark #skylift #skybridge #familytravelblog #budgettravel #visitgatlinburg #tennessee #visittennessee #themountainsarecalling 

|| Our tickets were gifted to us by the Gatlinburg Attractions Association ||
@thepopupbnb Check them out! Have you ever gone @thepopupbnb Check them out! 

Have you ever gone glamping?? 🏕️ 

As someone who has been on extremely “un-glamorous” camping trips all during my childhood and now with my husband, I had never tried glamping before…but oh how I appreciated it! 🙌 

I think the biggest perk was getting all those fun positive things about camping, 🔥 but not having to deal with setup or cleanup!

@thepopupbnb offers tons of options if you’re interested in trying this out yourself. They do group setups, photo ready sessions, wedding party stays, and individual nights like we did. 🏕️ You can also add on extras like firewood, s’mores supplies, a movie projector, heaters, chargers 🔌 and more! Just check their website.

I very luckily won this stay in a giveaway contest, 🎉and we would definitely try it again! They set up all over the US, but are based in Ohio. 

#popupbnb #glampinglife #campingvibes #ohiofindithere #midwestblogger #midwestexplored #ohiotravel #cincyexperience #glampingnotcamping
Great weekend getaway from Cincinnati! 🏡 Check Great weekend getaway from Cincinnati! 🏡 Check out @hopewellcroftcabin in Adam’s County, Ohio: It’s just a 1.5 hour drive from Cinci, and has sleeping space for up to 9 guests. There’s a deck, full kitchen, and plenty of woods around the property to explore! 🌲 

Full disclosure, this cabin is actually owned by my husband’s family 😇 . It’s on property originally owned by his grandpa, and I love seeing John and Lorenzo out there exploring and enjoying their roots. 🥰 I get to come out a few times a year, and it really is a relaxing place! I also helped decorate some of it, so please admire 💁🏻‍♀️

You can book through their website and also on @airbnb 🎉

#adamscounty #ohiogram #hopewellcroftcabin #airbnbhomes #cabinrentals #countryhome #ohiofindithere #midwestblogger #ohioblogger #ohioexplored
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 It seems like a lot, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 It seems like a lot, but this road trip is definitely doable if you’re short on time! 🚙 My blog has all the details and logistics.

Before you come at me and say “__ days isn’t enough time in xyz location”, I do understand this sentiment. 😇 However, we were traveling without our 2 year old son, and could only get childcare and be away for so long. We had to work with what we could! 

Alllll the logistics, details, hotel links, and even a handy Google map of our route are all in my giant planning blog post! The link is in my bio- or just go to www.greatwidetravel.com/Scotland-road-trip ✈️🌎

Slainte and happy planning!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 

#scotlandtravel #scotlandexplore #scotlandroadtrip #travelplanning #travelblogger #discoverunder20k #scotland_lover #scotlandisnow #scotlandtrip
Just north of Indianapolis, it’s easy to add thi Just north of Indianapolis, it’s easy to add this to your list if you’re in the area! 🎉 There’s so much to do here @connerprairie - my husband and I were very intrigued and didn’t want to leave, but there’s also plenty to keep the younger kids entertained. 😀

Make sure to add this “living history museum” to your itinerary next time you’re in @visithamiltonco - and check out my other reel for more ideas on things to do in the area.

#hosted #visithc #connerprairie #fishersindiana #visitindiana #midwesttravel #travelblogger #discoverunder20k #familytravel
Knowledge Bar & Social Room (located in Covington, Knowledge Bar & Social Room (located in Covington, Kentucky) recently opened its doors on April 11. 🎉 I had the opportunity to check out this elegant new space along with my husband John, and try out a few of their delicious and eye-catching drinks!🍸

((I was a bit hesitant at first about what their “mocktail” selection might be like (given I’m 5 months pregnant! 🤪), but my expectations were exceeded with the delicious creations our bartender came up with. In the video mine are the pink floral drink 🌸 and then the cute pineapple 🍍 one!))

This bar is located on the property with the new hotel “North by Hotel Covington”, and is named after the winning racehorse 🐎 bet on by John Coppin (the founder of the department store where @hotelcovington now sits!). The interior decor definitely pays homage to its Kentucky racehorse heritage, and also has artwork on the ceiling 🎨 as well as a colorful light installation outside one of its large inner windows. 

The drink experience here definitely has an emphasis on presentation, 🍹and the cocktail names are derived from the origins of Hotel Covington itself! It’s like a history lesson, in a glass! 🥃 Plus, if you purchase a cocktail, you’ll get to indulge in some elevated bar snacks (which my pregnant self definitely appreciated 😇!).

Next time you’re in the Covington area, make sure to stop in, and see the space where the new North hotel is too!

Thank you to @knowledgebarandsocialroom for hosting us! #hosted covingtonky #meetnky #nky #lovethecov #hotelcovington
In theory, driving 1.5 hours to see 12th century a In theory, driving 1.5 hours to see 12th century abandoned abbeys is an incredible idea 😀 . The reality was sadly not quite as exciting. 

Before anyone comes at me, YES, before we left I checked numerous websites and blogs to figure out the route we should take to see 4 of the 5 abbeys. None of the official government websites said anything about the construction, the fencing, or restricted access to the sites. 🤔 So, yes, I was surprised and disappointed when one by one, each abbey we visited was more and more restricted. Also that they still made you pay to go in. 😐

The chain link fences were really high, and made getting photos very difficult unless you found a broken link and could stick your hand through 📸. I was frustrated by this, because they could have been creative and figured out ways to let visitors get close and see the buildings without risking them going in. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 

Yes, I understand these are centuries old ruins. 🏰 The signage said they are crumbling and guests are in danger of falling stones; yet I still feel they could have roped off interior sections with less visually obstructive barriers than an ugly tall chain fence. 

There were also signs about the “construction projects” going on at every single site, 🚧 yet we were there on a weekday afternoon and didn’t see a single construction worker at any of the sites 🤷🏻‍♀️ . 

Besides being “so close and yet so far” to these structures, the history of these places is still fascinating and I enjoyed learning about them. 🤓 

The 4 abbeys we visited were: 
📍 Dryburgh
📍 Jedburgh
📍 Kelso
📍 Melrose 

These were all built right along the border with England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 because they wanted the English who came into Scotland to see these grand abbeys early on, and have it be their first impression of the country. 😮If you know anything about history though, then you know it’s a small miracle these buildings survived all the things they have over 800+ years! 

⭐️ The big question- do I suggest visiting? Well, I’m not sure. This was filmed in June 2022 so things might be better by now! Regardless, definitely visit nearby Rosslyn Chapel though!!
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