no travel required // our armchair travel round-up

Once upon a time, we rounded up our favorite travel links of the day or week, all in one place. It was a form of armchair travel and digital escapism when we were, in reality, chained to our desks. This series basically started with the blog, and unfortunately over time, a lot of the old links have moved or changed.

In an effort to keep the general vibe alive, below is what’s survived out there on the internet.

AIRLINES

If we could arrange for all international flights to be this way, that’d be top notch. Delta Flight Delay Causes Plane to Take Off With Just 2 Passengers

Does anyone have 42k to spare? Because if so, we’d like to buy two tickets, please & thank you. Actually, make it 63k and you can join! The Best Airline Seat That $21,000 Can Buy

Thoughts or additions from you, our little travel gurus? What You Need To Know About Flying

Ugh, wish we would have read this before our last trip on Ryan Air from DUB > LHR. Or six years ago when the wino paid $600 to get her bag from Paris to Dubs on Ryan Air… The Ultimate Guide for Surviving Low Cost Airlines in Europe

Well, so this is the neatest. 8 hours of Airliners Departing from Los Angeles in One Single Photo

Argh, more negatives than positives in our opinion. 7 Travel Predictions for Airline Passengers in 2014

This made the rounds last week, but is worth watching again even if you’ve already seen it. We may have teared up, it’s fine. IT’S THE SEASON OF GIVING. WestJet Christmas Miracle: real-time giving

We tweeted this last week, but in case you missed it… it’s five minutes long and instructs in a song/rap combo. Might as well have the cast of Glee on every flight. (…yeah, actually, the wino would probably be into that.) Virgin America Has Just Released What Might Be The Best In-Flight Safety Video Ever

Part of us likes this idea, and the other part of us knows that this is gonna cause some dramz amongst parents everywhere. We’ll see how long this lasts. Asian Airline Offers Baby-Free ‘Quiet Zone’

DESTINATIONS

AFRICA

The title pretty much says it all. This Graphic of Africa’s Actual Size Will Blow Your Mind

northern africa

Mmm, wouldn’t have to twist our arms to get us here. Chefchaouen, Morocco in Photos

sub-saharan

If you couldn’t tell, we’ve got Africa on the brain. Why is Botswana a Holiday Hotspot in 2015?

Now if we go to Africa and we don’t see every single one of these animals, we’re going to be REALLY disappointed. 15 Photos of Animals in South Africa Guaranteed to Make You Smile

We never get tired of posts like this: Animal Safari Photos from Africa

These pictures. Amazing. Kolmanskop, Deserted African Mining Town, Is Almost Completely Buried In Sand

Now if you don’t mind, we’re going to go continue our anti-productive day and discuss all the things we would pack for our safari trip to Tanzania. (Absurdly large floppy hat taking precedence of course). Treading Lightly in the Simanjiro Plains of Tanzania

ANTARCTICA

Wait, whaaaat? Antarctica and Back in Day? Yup, you can.

Thanks, once again Buzzfeed, for explaining things in pretty pictures. No really, we mean it. The 21 Things Everyone Wants to Know When you go to Antarctica

Things we’ll never do but certainly can appreciate. Camping in Antarctica

ASIA

To be perfectly honest, China isn’t really at the tip top of our travel wish list. These pictures might change that, though. Top 3 Budget Places You Can’t Afford to Miss in China

This is just too adorable. The packing list?! We, too, understand the importance of packing the right costumes. Ready for Thailand: Our Experienced Traveller

Cambodia street food: for or against? On Street Food and Those Who Love (and Deride) It, and Where to Eat it in Siem Reap

CANADA

The Planet D duo make us want to be a little less lazy and a little more adventurous. Or at the very least a lazy/adventurous hybrid situation. In Search of Algonquin Moose – A Canadian Wildlife Safari 

CARIBBEAN

Yeah, I mean, we’d probably go to St. Barts. No but seriously…. when can we go to St. Barts? Doing St Barts in Style

We’ll take two please! The Private Island is Up for Sale and it Looks Just Perfect

CENTRAL AMERICA

Pretty sure we would  never be able to do this… In the Water with Whale Sharks – Cancun, Mexico

We want to see this! The One Million Turtle March: An Arribada in Costa Rica

Well, we certainly agree. Costa Rica is Fucking Beautiful

EUROPE

Getting sunburnt just thinking of visiting these places, but it would def be worth it. Top 10 Islands in Europe

We want to go on an ice skating tour of Europe! 10 of the most beautiful outdoor ice rinks in Europe

central europe

In case you missed it, we’re pretty sure we’re meant to live in one of these. Or any castle in any other country, we’re not toooo picky. 18 German Castles that Put Disney to Shame

We rue the day we didn’t try rosti. We will return to you, Swiss food! What To Eat In Switzerland: 5 Foods Beyond Fondue

Note: definitely more inclined to partake in physical activity if rewarded with wine. Cycling and Sipping Between Germany and France

eastern europe

Oh GOD, as if carnivals don’t give us enough nightmares. And in Romania no less?! Clearly this is run by vampires. Descend into the 400 Foot Deep Amusement Park

Save your pennies. ‘Dracula’s Castle’ On Sale for $80M

But but but! We love halusky! We can see where she’s coming from, though. Sigh. 5 things I dislike about Slovakia

Mosques, why are you so pretty? Rüstem Pasha: My Favourite Mosque in Istanbul

northern europe

Anyone wanna go halfsies on the blue and black clapboard house?? Postcards from Holland

scandinavia

To add to the never-ending list of reasons we want to visit Scandinavia: Why Locals (and You) Will Love Copenhagen this year

Scandinavia is at the tippy top of our list. And no, it’s not just because of Frozen. Ok, it’s mainly because of Frozen. Budget Travel Guide to Oslo, Norway

And! Speaking of Iceland, Happy Birthday to Tiny Iceland, who turned two this week! Check out Inga’s recap of this past year, and see if you spot any familiar faces. Tiny Iceland—A year filled with memories

Yup, all of these. 22 Magical Facts That Will Make You Want to Move to Norway

Well, doesn’t Norway just look stupid pretty. The Fjords in Norway

Because eloquence is lost on us in our hangover daze, all we can say is coooooooooooooooooooooooool! Stories in Stone: The Tanum Rock Carvings in Western Sweden

united kingdom

Why is Cornwall SO FRICKIN CUTE ALWAYS?! Preparing to Plant Poppies for WW1 Anniversary at Lost Gardens of Heligan

Oh em gee, that picture of Cornwall. No wait, the one of Devon! No, all of them! 21 Gorgeous Panoramic Shots from Around Britain

Well ok, who wants to move?? We’re not picky, anything on this list will do. Britain’s Happiest Towns

Touche, London. Touche. London Is Now the Most Popular Tourist Destination in the World

Well, this is horrifying. And the “Walkie Scorchie” is a terrible nickname. Do better, brits. The skyscraper that’s melting cars

I mean. Formidable Beauty in the Scottish Highlands

Does anyone have a time travel machine? Anyone? 26 Haunting Photos of The London Fog

western europe

Malta looks great and all, but we want to be bff with the Buzzfeed staffer who wrote this. “Water so blue you’ll want to punch yourself in the face.” 14 Pics That Prove Malta Is The Most Underrated Country In The Mediterranean

Is it just us, or does Spain keep getting prettier? 5 Cultural Things to Do in Malaga, Spain

Count us in. 5 Vacations for a Francophile Other Than France

We both lived in France and have only collectively seen two of these. Whoops. Best Day Trips from Paris

Oh, France. French Baker Busted for Working Too Much

Happy slightly belated to the Eiffel Tower! Girlfriend looks great for 125. It’s the Eiffel Tower’s 125th Birthday! Here’s 10 Things You Didn’t Know About It

We kinda wish we were meeting in Paris circa 1946 after looking at these photos. Paris Unadorned: Black and White Portraits of the City of Light, 1946

Huh, interesting. We’re kind of on the fence about the High Line, so a Parisian version? Meh. Will send the romantic to investigate and report back. In Paris, a New York-style High Line

Wouldn’t mind a little weekend excursion to Burgundy, that’s for sure. Le Petit Weekend: Burgundy At A Glance

Well, this is terrifying. Watch spectacular HD footage of giant avalanche crashing through the Italian Alps

This doesn’t really answer the question. It just makes us want to ditch everything and move to Capri forever. SIGH. Capri or Anacapri: Which Town to Stay In On the Island of Capri

We want it and we want it all. A guide to ordering coffee in Italy

We really have yet to see anything about Greece that doesn’t make us wish we were there right this second. Lost in the Odyssey

 

How much would you like to be the woman in this picture? Ristretto: Paris is Brewing

THE MIDDLE EAST

Coolest! Har har har, see what we did there? Unexpected Snowstorm in Middle East

Eesh, this is unfortunate. At least they got some good pictures out of it? Why I’d Prefer to Forget Visiting the Dead Sea, Jordan

OCEANIA

We’re kind of hoping this is a magical disappearing/re-appearing hidden island, of the LOST variety. Anyone else? New Island Discovered! Sort of.

SOUTH AMERICA

LOVE that Afar just literally spun a globe and sent a writer off to explore. We’d probably get, like, Fargo or something. …no offense, Fargo. Spin the Globe: David Farley in La Paz, Bolivia

Meanwhile, in other parts of the world… It’s So Hot in Rio de Janeiro That Zoo Animals Are Being Fed Popsicles

As if The Galapagos isn’t already way up on our list! 10 amazing places to visit in the Galapagos Islands

“A 20-pound forest rat in the jungles of South America is a glorious beast.” Um. Agree to disagree, Mr. Zimmern? Bizarre Bites: Rat

Even more photo amazing-ness! La Boca’s Colours

Well, this is depressing. The Demise of Machu Picchu 

UNITED STATES

new york

Wait, but. How have we never been to any of these? A Look at my Favorite Unpretentious NYC Restaurants

Can we get this in all cities? And not just grilled cheese but, like, pizza? Wine? Shoes? Grilled Cheese Delivered By Parachute, Coming Soon to NYC

Aaaand, we’ve never been to any of these. Shaaame. Where to Drink Wine in NYC

The most wonderful time of the year! New York City Beer Week Ready to Roll

Oh no. We love Roberta’s. A Naked Waitress Served Pizza at Roberta’s, and More News

Just in time for us to start planning our upcoming Manhattan staycation this weekend! We were trying not to be too depressed about it, and this is helping. 36 Hours in Downtown Manhattan

These photos are a perfect representation of everything we love about Central Park right now. Central Park in the Fall

everywhere else

Salt Lake City surprises us (probs because of Sundance), but the rest seem pretty on par. Top American Destinations To Avoid In 2013

We’ve never actually been to Portland, but this does seem like a very Portland reaction. The PDX factor: Portland airport’s carpet inspires microbrews, memes and more

Now that the wino is back in Pennsylvania, this might have to be her next road trip, oui? Brick Farm: New Jersey’s Coolest Indoor Artisan Market

Where and how quickly can we sign up?? Adult Sleepover at American Museum of Natural History

This sounds like our kind of road trip, oui? Road Trip: Searching the Willamette Valley for the Perfect Pinot

None of these things seem weird to us? 36 reasons Philadelphia May be the Weirdest City

One of the most New York-y things to ever happen in history. Best Roommate Ad Ever: Free Studio for Back-Walking, Wife-Finding Female

More icy goodness from last week’s polar vortex in the ole U-S-of-A. Frozen Chicago: What the Windy Cindy Looks Like Under Ice

Sooo, you’re saying the wino should leave New York and join the romantic en France? Well, ok! Pollution Report Paints Gloomy Picture of Smoggiest US Cities

“Go big and hope to make it home by ordering a massive glass boot of Snake River lager.” Yeeeaaah, why haven’t we been to Jackson Hole, yet? America’s Best Ski Resort Restaurants

This makes us sure that we need to add the Rockies to our ski dossier. 11 of the Most Gorgeous Ski Resorts in Colorado

AND! The oldest bar in America is in…. (drumroll please) Exploring the Oldest Bar in America

Sigh, Vegas, Vegas, Vegas. Will we ever find you appealing? Honestly, we can’t really imagine it. But this is, at least, a very good start: Things To Do In Las Vegas Without Gambling

We’ll get to you someday, Texas. And it seems like maybe San Antonio is a good place to start? Eh? Highlights from San Antonio

A SLOTH BEAR? IS THIS REAL LIFE? The Sloth Bear In Our Nation’s Capitol

Amazing photos AND now we’re hungry. I Left My Stomach at O’o Farms #SEEMAUI

WORLDWIDE

Want/need to visit all of these ASAP. Hotels You Must Experience At Least Once in Your Lifetime

Well, now we just feel super unaccomplished. This Man’s Epic Worldwide Selfies Will Inspire You to Travel

Oh la laa. World’s Best Cities for Romance

This one’s for the wino! (The romantic is trying her hardest to get into GoT but… meh.) 11 Places All “Game Of Thrones” Fans Need To Visit

The wino is in the midst of entertaining honeymoon ideas, and these are both hindering and helping. The 21 Most Awesome Hotel Views On Earth

You know, JUST when we were starting to feel well traveled. Have you seen any of these?? 22 Unbelievable Places that are Hard to Believe Really Exist

Ahh we can’t pick a fave! What say you? Travel Bloggers Reveal the Best Places for a Weekend Escape

Yeah, no thanks. 15 Heart-Stopping Skywalks That Will Turn Your Legs To Jelly

We’re partial to Shakespeare & Co. but these will do. Beautiful and Bizarre Bookstores of the World

We’ll sign the leases on all of them, please and thank you! 6 Jaw-Dropping Castles for Rent

Is this supposed to be hugely motivational or extremely depressing? Because…. Top 10 Places to Go Before They Disappear

If we ever outgrow our love affair with city exploration, we’re officially becoming beach people: The best beach villas in the world

It is that time of year! 10 MORE of the World’s Most Fascinating Cemeteries

Flying to Munich exclusively to visit the airport brewery. 10 Surprisingly Cool Airport Attractions

Welp, this is making us a little sad to be sitting at our desks this Monday afternoon. Scenic Views from Airplane Windows

Simply amazing. 20 Highlights from the 2014 Sony World Photography Awards

We rarely (never?) wake up for the sunrise, but these photos are pretty enticing. And now I’m trying to remember the last time I actually did see the sunrise. 40 Breathtaking Examples of Serene Sunrise Photography

EVENTS

art

While you’re doing that, we’ll be scraping together random objects and calling it art. New Art Exhibition Features ‘Banned Booty’ Confiscated From Airport Security Checkpoints

christmas

Willing to travel to each of these places to confirmtheir beauty! Beautiful Christmas Lights Around the Globe

If Santa could lend two girls his space-defying bag for like, one trip, we’d be eternally grateful. Fun Facts About Santa’s Annual Sleigh Ride

We normally opt for red wine or champagne, but hey, these works too. The 12 Drinks of Christmas

Can anyone hook us up with a time machine? Anyone?? 13 Magical Vintage Photos of Paris at Christmastime

So thankful that we got to experience Christmas traditions in the United States AND Europe this year! A Few Holiday Traditions Around the World

France may be deemed the healthiest option in Europe, but the romantic will prove this wrong by exclusively eating baguettes & brie this Christmas. Britain: Topping the fat table for unhealthiest Christmas dinner

Take us here and take us here NOW. Xmas Markets & Winter Magic from Vienna to Salzburg …

The romantic is handling things by heading to Morocco. Sounds normal, right? How to Celebrate Christmas While Living Abroad

Colmar is so on our someday list. 10 of the Most Beautiful European Christmas Markets

“Tu peux passer chercher la dinde chez le boucher?” HA, yeah ok. Pickin’ up la dinde (the turkey) isn’t that easy, Frenchies. Ask the romantic, who just tried on Saturday. More on that later, though. Common French Christmas Phrases

political

Welp, these are amazing. Scenes From D-Day, Then and Now

sports

Apparently we’re all about the throwback snaps this week. But how much do you love these photos?! Groovy Wimbledon circa 1971

FOOD & WINE

Ummm, wouldn’t mind bread with chocolate toppings. What Kids Around the World Eat for Breakfast

We like this, we like this. A Groovin’ Slow Food Movement Taking Over the World

SUPER important information: Global Hangover Cures That Will Numb the Pain (But Turn Your Stomach)

Hungry. 11 Maps of Countries and Continents Made From Their Iconic Foods

Ah psh. Half Moons? Harlequins? It’s a black and white cookie, guys. Move along. Black and White Cookies: The 10 Things You Didn’t Know

We learned about this on our Foods of New York tour of the Greenwich Village, many moons ago! An interactive NYT article is almost as fun as a tasting at O&Co in the Village. Almost. Extra Virgin Suicide: The Adulteration of Italian Olive Oil

We’re normally fully behind all pumpkin-related creations, but not sure how we feel about this… Burger King Japan Debuts Pumpkin Burger

We always prefer to mix our exercise with our actual hobbies. This sounds right up our alley: World’s Most Bikeable Wine Regions

A must for our next London trip, for sure. Want to try 300 Drinks from 5 Different Continents?

GENERAL

Hey, it’s Friday the 13th! Friday 13th: The accidental superstition?

Can’t relate to this 100% (for one, we’re closer to 30 than 25 oh em gee), but def nodded along more than a few times. I’m Turning 25, And I’d Rather Spend My Money On Travel Than On A House, A Wedding, Or A Child

Not the prettiest infographic (about halfway down the page), but this is the alphabet according to Google autocomplete. Who knew Walmart was big in Brazil? And still using Mapquest, America?! What the hell? The Phonetic Alphabet according to Google – 2015

FYI, if any parents are looking to bring along someone on your travels to help watch your kids, WE’RE YOUR GALS. Except, is drinking whilst babysitting allowed? A Family Vacation: Priced with a Nanny Included

If we’ve been to nearly half of these places, can we just have the $325,215 and make our own itinerary? Spend Just $325,215 and Visit 20 Iconic/Exotic Movie Locations

Sing it, sister. We love everything about this. Gaining Confidence Through Travel

This isn’t really a travel-related post except for the fact that Geraldine is a travel blogger, but it’s both insightful and beautifully written and so we shall link to it. Brain Surgery: 1 Year Later

Yep, sounds about right. What travellers do after a trip? They apparently search for more trips [INFOGRAPHIC]

Handy tips for people that suck at packing. What?! Not US, per se. (HA haaa gotcha, it’s totally us). Travel 101: 9 Forgotten Items to Pack on Your Next

We can say with 100% certainty that our parents did not write this. Why I Encourage My Kids to Hitchhike

PREACH. How Four Years of Perpetual Travel will Change You

We’re not really introverts ourselves, but for those of you who can identify: An Introvert Abroad: 5 Ways to Strike Social Balance When Traveling

We are clearly big fans of the very first tip. Vicarious Travel: How to Make the Most Out of Other People’s Travels

We love a good travel website/app life update. Curate Your Own Adventure

As newcomers on the blogging-conference circuit, we’re always interested in reads like these: A First Timers View on World Travel Market (WTM)

Bahaha. The word “Mugunghwa” is a funny one. The Ways In Which I’ve Travelled

We’re printing this out and turning it into wallpaper. What I’ve Learned From Life And Travel

We’re going to have to take her word for it. Travel Tip Tuesday: Travel Burnout – Is There Such a Thing as Traveling Too Much?

“What we lack in pay, we make up for in lifestyle” is our mantra. 17 Unique Quotes From Young Travelers That’ll Make You Want To Pack Up And Go

Good thing we live in modern times where pictures are in color, otherwise how would people have known who was the blonde and who was the redhead, ya know? Are Colorized Photos Rewriting History?

We always like reading these. One Year of Travel: Lessons Learned

Finally! A pocket guide to tipping (to help us avoid the inevitable awkward moments when we’re in Switzerland). 8 Most Common Tipping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

This almost makes us sad about traveling. Almost. A Guide to Leaving Everything Behind

We’re like, reaaaaaaally unsure of how we got left off this list?? The 30 Nicest Travelers to Follow on Twitter

Touche. The Beauty of Ignorance: When It’s Better Not to Know.

We’re all about self-improvement. Normally. Depends on the day. But sometimes. Lynn Hughes’ Travel Writing Tips

Um, we are turning this sporadic drinking game into our new rule of life. I am a bad influence

Our hearts are breaking over the rumors that Pan Am may be cancelled. What will Sunday nights be without the Captain Dean and Collette romance??? Pan Am Was My Higher Education

HONEYMOONS

Can we go on all of these even if it’s not our honeymoon? Please and thank you. Alternative top honeymoon destinations

NATURE

ICEBERG, RIGHT AHEAD! Yes, this link is included only so we can make a Titanic reference, but also the pics are RULL pretty. Icebergs and their Hidden Stories

It’s here! Spring Flowers Mean Winter’s Almost Over!

OMG. That’s all we can really say. 10 Luxurious Spots That Put the “G” in Glamping

Happy Earth Day! 27 Stellar Photos Of Earth Taken From Space

OH EM GEE, HEARTS EXPLODING. This Trainee Sheep Dog Learning the Ropes will Brighten Your

Some photo gems:  TravelPinspiration: Waterfalls

The wino gifted the romantic & the hubs with a baby pumpkin to kick off our favorite season of the year. In honor of her generosity: Photo Essay, Autumn Leaves

TRAVEL FORECASTING

To the nomadic rich everywhere–we envy you. No office, no boss, no boundaries– Rise of the Nomadic Rich

Every flight should have lie-flat beds, amiright?! Flight Forecast: What Travelers Should Expect in 2013

TRAVEL HACKS

accommodations

Hmm, we tend to shy away from extended periods in remote locations… we get a little stir crazy. Thoughts? Feelings? When Choosing Where To House Sit, Should You Try a Remote Location?

Who knew Deej was such a con artist?! Hotel Confidential

Alright, officially pursuing lives as professional housesitters. Sign us up. Dream housesits around the world: Travelers share their most memorable housesitting experiences

Host families are the bestest. 10 Tips for Staying with a Host Family

communication

Americans everywhere need to read this pronto: Tips for Interacting with Locals When Traveling Abroad

Norwegian social interactions sound so aggressive, huh? What is Proper Handshake Etiquette Around the World?

One app not mentioned that the romantic loves: VSCO Cam. Also, check out our own phone photog skills here and here. Self-promotion, oh yes it is. 10 tips to shoot better photos on your phone

This video is super weird. What does English sound like to a foreigner?

couples travel

Our strategy includes drinking a lot of wine. Lots and lots of wine. The Ups & Downs of Couples Travel

Not travel related, but according to these girls, we struck other-half GOLD! Neither of our misters pick their noses, live with their parents, OR have weird last names. So. Score for the romantic & the wino. 30 Rules For Boyfriends From Two Wise Little Girls

Ha haaa, good thing we found two suckers to drag along for the ride. Don’t date a girl who travels

safety

“19. Avoid dark alleys.” Ok but, that’s just general life advice, right? 20 tips for solo travellers

Selfie sticks can be dangerous, apparently. Also, YA LOOK LIKE A NERD. 15 Places Around the World Where Your Selfie Stick is No Longer Welcome

We want to travel on all the dates. Best and Worst Dates to Travel this Summer

This post is ridiculous. Getting kidnapped isn’t really what we would call a “mistake” anyone makes. “Oops! Kidnapped again!” Also, comparatively, leaving your cell photo data on probs won’t ruin your life. 10 Travel Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Life

solo travel

Maybe we’re babies, but neither of us have ever reaaaaally traveled alone. For those considering: 7 Reasons Why You Should Travel Alone At Least Once in Your Life

So how’s that for some armchair travel, eh?!

xo,

ashley & carolyn, aka the romantic & the wino