We got to Playa Porto Mari early, and before we even made it down to the sand, I already knew this one was going to be a solid stop. It’s easy to get to, easy to set up, and you don’t have to work for a good swim or snorkeling here (which I appreciated after a few rockier beaches).
It’s not my number one beach in Curaçao, but it’s one I’d absolutely add to your plans—especially if you want a mix of relaxing, snorkeling, and apparently keeping an eye on your snacks because there are pigs involved.
We pulled into the parking lot a little after 9:00am, and you can see the entire beach from up there before you even step out of the car. The water is that deep blue, super clear color Curaçao is known for, and the beach stretches out wider than I expected.
If you’re planning out your beach days, Curaçao 7 Day Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Curaçao helps map out how to fit spots like this in without cramming too much into one day.
Playa Porto Mari is on the west side of the island, and getting here is easier than a lot of the more tucked-away beaches.
Driving out here felt straightforward, and the parking situation was simple with plenty of space, which is not always the case at some of the smaller beaches.
If you’re figuring out logistics, renting a car in Curaçao makes this whole side of the island way easier to explore without relying on taxis.
Walking down from the parking lot, you can already see the whole beach before you even get to the sand—I was fully playing where’s Waldo trying to spot the pigs from up top.
We got there early enough that the beach was quiet, and it felt like we had more space than we expected for a spot this popular.
We set our stuff down pretty quickly and realized this beach is just easier than most. The sand is softer, there are fewer rocks, and getting into the water doesn’t feel like you need a strategy.
If you want a beach where you can lay out and swim without constantly watching your step, this is one of the better options.
I had my dry bag for the beach with me, which ended up being useful later when we were going back and forth between snorkeling and sitting (and also protecting my snacks from unexpected visitors).
I was laying on my chair not long after we got there when I saw one of the pigs walking along the edge of the beach. They stay more off to the side, but they’re definitely part of what’s going on here.
One of them came right up to us and made it very clear it was interested in my snacks, which I was not planning on sharing. They’re cute, but they’re not shy—so keep your food situation handled unless you want company.
We got in the water pretty quickly, and snorkeling here was easy to get into. The water was calm, visibility was clear, and you can reach the reef without swimming forever, but you do need to go out a bit.
I ended up spotting a sea turtle while we were out there, which immediately made it worth it for me.
If you want a full breakdown of where this ranks compared to other spots, Best Snorkeling in Curaçao: Top Spots You Can’t Miss helps compare what each beach does best.
If you want something more personalized, you can book a private t0ur here in Curaçao is a good way to hit a few spots without having to plan it all yourself.
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We paid around $6.50 per person to get in, then about $6 for chairs, and everything was set up within a few minutes.
Getting here early made a big difference—we had the water almost completely to ourselves at first, but by later in the day it filled in and jet skis started coming closer to the snorkeling areas.
We stayed a few hours, went back and forth between swimming and sitting, and that felt like enough time without dragging it out.
This works well as a morning stop before heading somewhere else.
Driving away, it felt like this worked best as a main stop, not the only stop. It gives you a little bit of everything, but it’s not the quietest or most secluded option.
If you’re planning a full beach day, pairing this with something more low-key balances it out.
While we were walking around a bit before leaving, I did notice some trash—small things like cigarette ends and bottle caps scattered around.
It didn’t take away from the whole experience, but it’s noticeable, especially at a beach that’s otherwise set up so well.
This works well if you want easy access, beginner-friendly snorkeling, and a mix of relaxing with things to do.
If you’re looking for something super quiet, completely untouched, or the absolute best snorkeling on the island, there are better options.
If you want a beach where you can swim, snorkel, lay out, and have close encounters with pigs, this fits into the day pretty well.
If you want to see how this compares to other west side stops, West Side Beach Hopping in Curaçao: Porto Mari & Grote Knip Guide breaks down how to plan it out.
If you’re still deciding where to stay to make getting here easier, you can find good deals here that can help you narrow that down.
10 stops. One very full day. Zero regrets. Amsterdam has one of the best food scenes I’ve experienced anywhere in Europe, but the honest caveat is that some of the viral spots come with lines that will genuinely test your character. I skipped a few. I regret nothing.
Here’s what actually made the cut on my self-guided Amsterdam food tour:
Fresh stroopwafels at Hans Egstorf: made right in front of you, warm caramel, no line. This one won.
Lourens cookie croissant: flaky outside, gooey chocolate inside. Did not share.
Café Winkel 43 apple pie: one of the rare viral places that fully lives up to the hype.
Davie’s Amsterdam for the Lelie sandwich: pastrami, pickles, marbled bread. Deceptively simple. Absolutely excellent.
De Kaaskamer to end the day: 400+ cheeses, grilled cheese with what they call ketchup (it’s not ketchup, and it’s better), and bunker cheese aged in underground military bunkers.
The full route covers 10 stops through Jordaan, the 9 Streets, the canal district, and the flower market area with a Google Map included so you can just follow along.
Full guide with every stop, tips for beating the lines, and what I’d skip vs. do again | link in bio.
#amsterdam #visitamsterdam #netherlands #travel #visitnetherlands #traveleurope
There’s a version of Gatlinburg that’s all fudge shops and tourist crowds, and then there’s the version that actually makes you want to come back.
Here’s everything worth doing downtown, in the order I’d do it: 🏔️
✨ Start at @gatlinburgskypark before the crowds hit
✨ Walk the strip mid-morning when it’s still manageable
✨ @googooclusters stop (see my post from Tuesday: don’t skip it)
✨ Dinner at one of the local spots off the main drag
✨ Wander back out at night when the lights are on and it gets actually pretty
This isn’t your overscheduled Smoky Mountain itinerary. It’s more of a “here’s what I’d actually do if I had one solid day” kind of list.
Full downtown Gatlinburg guide linked in bio. 🔗
If someone told me I’d spend five hours at SkyPark, I would not have believed them. And yet. 😅
Gatlinburg SkyPark sits above the strip and it’s one of those places that looks like a quick stop on paper and turns into most of your afternoon. The SkyBridge alone is worth it — longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and yes, you will look down.
✨ SkyBridge (longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America)
✨ SkyLift ride up with views of the Smokies
✨ Walking trails with mountain views in every direction
✨ Way less crowded than downtown
Fair warning: if heights genuinely freak you out, the bridge might not be your thing. The rest of the park is still 100% worth it. Full guide with tickets, tips, and what to skip linked in bio. 🔗
I walked into Goo Goo Cluster in downtown Gatlinburg thinking I’d spend five minutes and leave with a small piece of candy. I was wrong on both counts. 😅
You build your own chocolate cluster at a kiosk: caramel, sea salt, pretzels, cocoa pebbles, you name it, and then watch them make it right in front of you. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes and costs $15.
The caveat? This is not a snack. This is a full-size brick of chocolate that I was still eating two days later.
If you’re already walking the Gatlinburg strip, this is an easy yes. Especially if you have absolutely no self-control around caramel. (Asking for a friend.) Full experience breakdown linked in bio. 🔗
Your Knoxville Airport survival guide, from someone who’s flown through TYS 100+ times is now up on my blog🛫
Parking, TSA wait times, where to grab food before your flight, rental cars, all of it, from someone who actually knows this airport. No guessing, no googling at the last minute.
TYS is small, easy to navigate, and honestly one of the less stressful airports I’ve been through. You just need to know a few things going in.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗
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