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Thursday, July 17, 2025

Guatemala on a Budget: Solo Trip Recap

Ever dreamed of backpacking Guatemala solo on a budget? I spent a week hiking volcanoes, swimming in jungle pools and hopping from town to town, all without breaking the bank.

Guatemala Budget Travel Banner - GoPetranelle.com

From the breathtaking beauty of Semuc Champey to the smoky thrill of climbing Pacaya Volcano, this was one of the most adventurous and budget-friendly trips I’ve taken.

Want to know how I planned it all, from transportation and hostels to booking tours without overspending? I wrote a full guide here:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Guatemala on a Budget: A Solo Week of Volcanoes and Jungle Adventures

๐ŸŒด Trip Highlights:

  • ๐ŸšŒ Scenic bus rides through Guatemala’s mountains and jungle
  • ๐ŸŒŠ Swimming in Semuc Champey—unreal natural pools
  • ๐ŸŒ‹ Climbing Pacaya Volcano and roasting marshmallows on lava
  • ๐Ÿ›️ Staying at cheap (but charming) hostels with other backpackers

This trip was proof you don’t need a huge budget to travel big. Head over to the full post to see my exact route, prices and tips for a week you’ll never forget.

๐Ÿงญ Read the full post on GoPetranelle.com »

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

3 Days in Tobago: A Chill, Last-Minute Island Escape

Need a spontaneous Caribbean getaway? I pulled off a last-minute 3-day trip to Tobago and it turned out to be exactly what I needed: relaxing beaches, affordable eats, and just enough adventure to keep things interesting.

3 Days in Tobago Banner - GoPetranelle.com

Tobago is one of those places where you can slow down, explore without a car, and still pack your days with local flavor. Whether you're flying in from Trinidad or sneaking away for the weekend, it's perfect for travelers on island time.

Want to know where I stayed, what I ate, and how I got around without renting a car? I wrote a full guide packed with tips, costs, and chill vibes here:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read: 3-Day Tobago Travel Guide for Last-Minute Adventures

๐ŸŒž Tobago Highlights:

  • ๐Ÿฝ️ Fresh seafood at Store Bay & Pigeon Point
  • ๐Ÿ–️ Crystal-clear beaches without the crowd
  • ๐Ÿš• Getting around with local taxis and route vans
  • ๐Ÿง˜๐Ÿฝ‍♀️ Lazy mornings + spontaneous mini-adventures

It’s the kind of trip you don’t need months to plan. Just grab a swimsuit, hop on a flight, and let Tobago do its thing. Check out the full blog for itinerary tips, where to stay, and my Tobago must-do list.

๐Ÿ️ Read the full post on GoPetranelle.com »

๐Ÿ—บ️ 3‑Day Tobago Itinerary Map

View all the top stops from my Tobago adventure—color‑coded for activities, restaurants and must‑see locations. Use this interactive map to follow along or plan your own trip!

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: A Peek Inside the Wizarding World

Whether you're a lifelong Potterhead or just mildly curious about the world of Hogwarts, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London is pure magic from start to finish. From sipping butterbeer to standing in the Great Hall, it’s the kind of experience that makes you feel like you’ve walked straight into the movies.

Warner Bros Studio Tour Banner

I visited on a duo trip to the UK and let me tell you—this place exceeded my expectations in every way. I’m talking Diagon Alley strolls, green screen broom rides and some seriously cool behind-the-scenes secrets.

If you’re planning a visit and wondering what to expect, what to wear, or how to book tickets without getting overwhelmed, I wrote a full breakdown here:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – A Magical Day in the Wizarding World

๐Ÿง™‍♀️ Quick Tips for First-Time Visitors:

  • ๐ŸŽซ Book tickets at least 2 months in advance – they sell out fast!
  • ๐Ÿš† The studio is about 1 hour from central London by train + shuttle.
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Charge your phone, you'll want a million photos.
  • ๐Ÿฅค Try the butterbeer... even if it's just once.

To see exactly what the tour includes (and the one thing I wish I knew before I went), head over to my full blog post.

๐Ÿช„ Read the full experience on GoPetranelle.com »

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

6 Days in Reykjavik: A Solo Winter Adventure You’ll Never Forget

Dreaming of Iceland but not sure how to make it work solo—or in winter? I just returned from an unforgettable 6-day solo trip to Reykjavik and it was everything: northern lights, hot springs, ice caves, and cozy cafรฉs that look straight out of Pinterest.

6 Days in Reykjavik - GoPetranelle banner

If you think you need a car, a group, or a huge budget to explore Iceland—think again. I did it all with shuttle buses, public tours, and layers of warm clothes (lots of layers ๐Ÿงค).

For a full breakdown of how I planned the trip, where I stayed, what I packed, and all the magical moments in between, check out the full post:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Explore Reykjavik: Your Complete 6-Day Solo Winter Adventure

๐ŸงŠ Trip Highlights:

  • ๐Ÿง–๐Ÿฝ‍♀️ Soaking in geothermal hot springs with snowflakes falling around me
  • ๐ŸŒŒ Catching the northern lights on a clear night tour
  • ๐Ÿด Saying hi to Icelandic horses (yes, I tried the meat too!)
  • ๐Ÿฝ️ Warming up with creamy seafood stew and lamb soup

This was one of my favorite solo trips to date—and I promise, if Iceland's on your list, winter is the time to go. Bundle up, bring your curiosity, and head to the full blog for the full itinerary, costs, and tips that’ll make your trip smooth and memorable.

❄️ Read the full itinerary on GoPetranelle.com »