Meet the Buddies

Munich Airport gets Jet’s seal of approval! Clean, modern and easy to navigate, with clear signage and a quick train ride between terminals. Another big plus? There’s a nonstop flight from San Diego to Munich, making it an easy gateway to Germany and the rest of Europe. 🌍 Jet also noticed that Munich seems to understand something very important about long travel days: sometimes you just need a nap. 😴 There were plenty of places to relax, including comfortable spots in the Senator Lounge and even private Napcabs where travelers can close the door and get some sleep during a layover. Jet didn’t have time for a nap this trip, though. He had another flight to catch! ✈️ What makes an airport great for you — easy connections, a good lounge, great food, or somewhere to sleep? #JetThePlane #MunichAirport #EuropeanTravel

Murphy Finds His Home in Doolin ☘️ Murphy made his way from Galway to the tiny village of Doolin, on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Doolin may be small, but it has an outsized reputation for traditional Irish music — and Murphy found himself right in the middle of it at Gus O’Connor’s Pub. 🍺🎻 Opened in 1832, O’Connor’s has been welcoming locals and travelers for generations, with traditional music sessions that have helped make Doolin famous far beyond County Clare. Travel tip: Doolin makes a great base for exploring this part of Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher are just down the road, ferries leave nearby for the Aran Islands, and in the evening you can settle into one of the village pubs for live traditional music. Murphy liked Gus O’Connor’s so much, he stayed awhile. 💚 📍 Doolin | County Clare, Ireland #MurphyThePubDoor #LatitudeBuddies #DoolinIreland #WildAtlanticWay #IrelandTravel

Murphy Finds His Kind of Place 🍺 A Buddy shaped like a pub door was always going to feel at home here. Murphy stopped into The Quays Bar in Galway’s Latin Quarter — one of the city’s best-known traditional pubs, with a wonderfully quirky interior, live music and plenty of Irish atmosphere. And naturally, he had to check out the Guinness. ☘️ Travel tip: Galway is a great city for pub hopping because so many of its best-known spots are clustered around the Latin Quarter. Skip the car, wander Quay Street on foot, and pop into whichever place sounds good as you walk past. Murphy approves. 🍻 📍 The Quays Bar | Galway, Ireland #MurphyThePubDoor #LatitudeBuddies #GalwayIreland #IrishPubs #IrelandTravel

Murphy Takes on Galway’s Latin Quarter 🇮🇪 This colorful pocket of the city is made for wandering — narrow streets, traditional pubs, live music, little shops and plenty of places to stop for a pint. 🍺 The heart of it is around Quay Street and the surrounding pedestrian lanes, where you can easily spend an afternoon exploring and somehow still be there when the music starts that evening. Travel tip: Don’t rush through the Latin Quarter on your way somewhere else. Give yourself time to wander without a plan, peek into the pubs and follow whatever music you hear coming through an open door. Murphy certainly did. ☘️ 📍 Latin Quarter | Galway, Ireland #MurphyThePubDoor #LatitudeBuddies #GalwayIreland #LatinQuarterGalway #IrelandTravel

Aran has been found! 🧶🍦 We left two Arans behind in Ireland, hoping someone would find them and help continue their journeys. A few days later, a message arrived from Darragh at Murphy’s Ice Cream in Dingle: “Aran having his favourite ice cream brown bread in Murphy’s Dingle.” Some mystery traveler had found Aran at one of our original stops and carried him to Dingle, where Darragh found him at Murphy’s. After treating Aran to a taste of their famous Brown Bread ice cream, Darragh put him back out for another customer to find and carry on his journey. We don’t know who brought him to Dingle, which of our two Arans he is, or where he’ll turn up next. And that’s exactly the adventure. 🌍 #AranTheSweater #LatitudeBuddies #DingleIreland #MurphysIceCream #irelandtravel

🐴 Exploring Inisheer by Horse & Cart Getting to the Aran Islands is only the first decision—you can arrive by ferry or fly in. Once you’re on Inisheer, you need to decide how you want to explore. You can walk, but if you want to see more of the island during a day trip, there are better options. Rent a bike, grab a seat on one of the minibuses, or do what we did and explore by horse-drawn carriage. ✈️ Travel Tip: Currently, bikes are €10, while the minibus and horse-drawn carriage are €15 per person. We opted for the horse and cart, and I’m so glad we did. It was a relaxing way to see the island while winding along the narrow roads, past stone walls, beaches, ruins and little farms. Our driver was Amon, and our four-legged tour guide was Murphy. 🐴 Aran even got to sit on Murphy for a few minutes—which may have been the highlight of his day. 🧶😂 If you were exploring Inisheer, which would you choose: bike, minibus or horse & cart—and why? #AranTheSweater #LatitudeBuddies #Inisheer #AranIslands #IrelandTravel

🇮🇪 Aran the Sweater finally made it to the Aran Islands! 🧶 We started with Inisheer (Inis Oírr), the smallest of the three Aran Islands—and a great choice if you want to experience the islands as a day trip from Galway. Inisheer is small, quiet and easy to explore, with limestone fields, endless stone walls, sandy beaches, old ruins and tiny roads where you’re just as likely to pass a horse as a car. It feels very different from mainland Ireland. ✈️ Travel Tip: If you’re staying in Galway and only have one day, look for a tour that combines Inisheer with the Cliffs of Moher. We went with Galway Tour Company on their Inisheer, Doolin & Cliffs of Moher tour, which made it possible to experience both without having to coordinate ferries and transportation ourselves. And really… could Aran the Sweater come all the way to Ireland without visiting the Aran Islands? 😂🧶 Have you visited any of the Aran Islands? What would you recommend to someone planning their first trip? 🇮🇪 #AranTheSweater #LatitudeBuddies #AranIslands #Inisheer #IrelandTravel

☘️ Aran the Sweater made it to the Cliffs of Moher! 🌊 If you’re visiting Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher should be on your list. The cliffs rise more than 700 feet above the Atlantic, with incredible views along Ireland’s west coast. On a clear day, you can even see the Aran Islands in the distance. ✈️ Travel Tip: Don’t just stop at the main viewing area. Take some time to walk the cliff paths. The views change as you go, the crowds thin out, and there are plenty of great photo spots along the way. And bring a jacket—the wind up here is no joke! Aran came prepared. 🧶😂 Have you visited the Cliffs of Moher? What would you tell someone going for the first time? 🇮🇪 #AranTheSweater #LatitudeBuddies #CliffsOfMoher #WildAtlanticWay #IrelandTravel

Jet the Airplane found some futuristic new friends at Singapore Changi Airport! ✈️🤖 These aren’t ordinary airport wheelchairs—they’re autonomous mobility chairs designed to carry eligible passengers through the terminal without anyone needing to push them. They follow programmed routes, detect people and obstacles, and can even transport carry-on luggage. Naturally, Jet had to climb aboard and inspect the latest airport technology for himself. Would you take a ride in one? #JetTheAirplane #LatitudeBuddies #ChangiAirport #SingaporeTravel #futureoftravel

Meet Aran the Sweater! 🧶🇮🇪 For his very first adventure, there really was only one place to go. Aran made his Latitude Buddies debut today in Galway — surrounded by stacks of beautiful Irish knits at Aran Islands Knitwear. 💚 A little sweater. In Ireland. Sitting on a pile of Aran sweaters. We couldn’t have planned a better first stop. 😂 Welcome to the crew, Aran! Your travels officially start here. 🌍 📍 Galway, Ireland #AranTheSweater #LatitudeBuddies #GalwayIreland #AranSweater #irelandtravel

Murphy the Pub Door had his very first outing today—and where better to start than The King’s Head in Galway? 🇮🇪 He enjoyed a Guinness, a baby Guinness, fish and chips, and a bite or two of Guinness stew. He spent the evening with good friends, Irish music and plenty of laughs. Fun fact: The King’s Head is housed in a building that is more than 800 years old and gets its name from its historic connection to the execution of King Charles I. 👑 Not bad for your first trip to the pub, Murphy! 🍺🚪 #MurphyThePubDoor #TheKingsHeadGalway #IrelandAdventures #IrishPub #Guinness

Lumi was back in Penang and spent the afternoon cruising the strait! ⛵️ With watermelon snacks, sunshine and a front-row seat as the city began to light up, she got to see one of her favorite places from a completely different vantage point. 🌅✨ Not a bad way to spend an afternoon! #LumiTheLantern #Penang #Malaysia #PenangIsland #TravelBuddy SeeTheWorldDifferently

Coco spent the day at Shangri-La Golden Sands in Batu Ferringhi—a great option for families visiting Penang. You don’t have to stay overnight. The resort offers day passes with access to the pools and Splash Zone mini waterpark. There’s also an indoor Adventure Zone and a kids club. On the beach, visitors can rent jet skis, ride a banana boat or take a boat trip to Monkey Beach. If you had one extra day in Penang, would you chase street art in George Town or ride a jet ski off Batu Ferringhi? #CocoTheCoconut #LatitudeBuddies #PenangMalaysia #BatuFerringhi #FamilyTravel

Lumi’s walk through Penang included Chinese temples, neighborhood shrines and lantern-filled lanes. 🏮 These are the places worth exploring on foot. Look beyond the main attractions and you’ll spot incense burning outside temples, decorations hanging from family homes and small details that are easy to miss from a car. Start early before the afternoon heat, dress respectfully for temple visits and wear shoes that are easy to remove. If you could follow only one trail through Penang—temples, street art or food—which would you choose? #LumiTheLantern #LatitudeBuddies #PenangMalaysia #GeorgeTownPenang #MalaysiaTravel

Lila found the luckiest corner of Tokyo. 🐾☕️ Gotoku-ji Temple is known as the birthplace of the maneki-neko—the beckoning cat believed to welcome good fortune. According to temple legend, a cat once beckoned a passing feudal lord inside, saving him from a sudden thunderstorm. Today, visitors bring maneki-neko figures to the temple while wishing for happiness, prosperity and good luck. Lila slipped right into the crowd…although her coffee cup gave her away. Would Gotoku-ji Temple make your Tokyo list? #LilaTheLatte #LatitudeBuddies #GotokujiTemple #TokyoJapan #JapanTravel

✈️ Travel Tip from Jet the Airplane If you have a layover at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), don’t just sit at your gate. It’s one of the largest hub airports in the U.S., and there’s actually quite a bit to do. Flying through Houston? You’re probably on United since this is one of their biggest hubs, but you’ll also see American, Delta, Southwest (limited), Alaska, Spirit, Frontier, Air Canada, Lufthansa, ANA, EVA Air, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Qatar Airways, and plenty more heading all over the world. (Chase) 🚆 Take a ride on the Skyway. It’s a free train that runs inside security between all five terminals. Even if you don’t need to change gates, it’s worth hopping on to explore a different terminal or find better food. (Wikipedia) 🥂 Traveling solo? * Grab a lounge day pass if you have a long layover. * Find a quiet spot to catch up on emails. * Try some Texas BBQ or Tex-Mex before your next flight. * If your connection is several hours, treat yourself to a proper meal instead of airport fast food. (Fly2Houston) 👨‍👩‍👧 Traveling with kids? * Let them ride the Skyway—it usually becomes part of the adventure. * There are family seating areas, plenty of charging stations, and lots of room to stretch your legs between terminals. (Fly2Houston) 💳 Love airport lounges? IAH has a ton of them. United Clubs are everywhere, plus you’ll find lounges from airlines like Air France/KLM, American Express Centurion, and several international carriers depending on your ticket or lounge membership. (Sleeping in Airports) Jet’s stop in Houston was just a connection, but it’s one of those airports where a long layover doesn’t have to feel long. What’s your favorite airport to connect through? #JetTheAirplane #LatitudeBuddies #HoustonIAH #TravelTips #AirportLife

Lila the Latte had one mission in New Orleans… see if Café du Monde really lives up to the hype. It does. Most people know them for the beignets, but don’t sleep on the frozen café au lait. It’s cold, creamy, and exactly what you want when it’s hot and humid outside. Pair that with an order of fresh, hot beignets buried in powdered sugar, and now I understand why this place has been packed since 1862. Lila didn’t get to explore much of New Orleans this trip, but I’d say she made her one stop count. Now I have to know… are you ordering the traditional hot café au lait, or are you on team frozen? #LilaTheLatte #LatitudeBuddies #CafeDuMonde #Beignets #NewOrleans

Mardi the Mask traded Bourbon Street for the bayou today. She climbed aboard a Cajun Encounters swamp tour, zipped through the Louisiana wetlands by pontoon boat, spotted plenty of alligators, made a few curious raccoon friends, and got a glimpse of a side of New Orleans that most visitors never see. Travel Tip: If you have an extra half-day in New Orleans, book a swamp tour. It’s an easy way to experience Louisiana’s wildlife and bayous without driving yourself, and most tours include transportation from the French Quarter. Did You Know? The word bayou comes from the Choctaw word bayuk, meaning “small stream.” Today, Louisiana’s bayous form one of the largest wetland ecosystems in North America and are home to alligators, turtles, hundreds of bird species, and countless other animals. Would you rather spend the day exploring the French Quarter or cruising through the bayou? #MardiTheMask #LatitudeBuddies #LouisianaBayou #FindMeMoveMeShareMe #NewOrleans

Lola has been found! 💜🍹 After exploring the streets of New Orleans, Lola made her way into a local spot where a new friend gave her a warm welcome. Finding a Latitude Buddy is only the beginning—the real adventure starts when someone decides to share where they found one and send it on to its next destination. New Orleans has a long tradition of gathering over great food, live music, and colorful cocktails. It’s a city where strangers become friends, making it a fitting place for Lola to begin her journey. A huge thank you to @stephanienava… for sharing Lola’s discovery! We can’t wait to see where she travels next. If you found Lola, where would you take her next? #LolaTheHurricane #LatitudeBuddies #FindMeMoveMeShareMe #NewOrleans #TravelAdventure

Lola the Hurricane came to New Orleans with an empty stomach and left wondering how anyone chooses just one favorite dish. This trip included raw Gulf oysters, a loaded po’boy, jambalaya, étouffée, gumbo, red beans and rice, and enough fried seafood to make her think she may need another visit before she’s finished. Travel Tip: If you’re visiting with family or friends, order several local specialties and share everything. New Orleans is one of those cities where every restaurant puts its own spin on the classics, and you’ll experience far more by tasting a little of everything. Food History: The po’boy was created in New Orleans in 1929 when two brothers who owned a restaurant served free sandwiches to striking streetcar workers. Gumbo is even older, blending French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences into a dish that has become one of Louisiana’s best-known traditions. Lola still has one important question… Which New Orleans dish deserves all the hype: gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, a po’boy, raw oysters, or red beans and rice? #LolaTheHurricane #LatitudeBuddies #NewOrleans #FindMeMoveMeShareMe #LouisianaFood

Lola the Hurricane has found her new home! She’s staying at the Tipsy Trumpet in the heart of the French Quarter. Great live music, great food, and a place where families can enjoy the atmosphere together. If you stop by and find Lola, take a photo, tag us, and either bring her along on her next adventure or leave her for another traveler to discover. Where do you think Lola the Hurricane will travel next? #LolaTheHurricane #FindMeMoveMeShareMe #NewOrleans #FrenchQuarter #LatitudeBuddies

🎭 Mardi’s New Orleans Adventure — Stop #1 Mardi the Mask found a home tonight on a Lucky Dogs cart at the corner of Bourbon and Toulouse in the heart of the French Quarter. It didn’t take long for the cart owner to notice the tiny traveler. Rather than setting her aside, he carefully moved Mardi to the best spot on the cart before stopping to take her picture—a small act of kindness that perfectly captured the spirit of New Orleans. Did You Know? Lucky Dogs has been a French Quarter tradition for more than 75 years. Its iconic hot dog carts have become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, serving generations of locals and visitors alike. Question of the Day: If you discovered Mardi on the Lucky Dogs cart, where would you take her next in New Orleans? 💜💚💛 #MarditheMask #LatitudeBuddies #NewOrleans #luckydogs

Thursday night on Bourbon Street. The drinks are flowing, the music is loud, and everyone seems to be in a good mood. People are wandering from bar to bar, stopping for pictures, and just enjoying the night. Mardi the Mask is perfectly happy sitting here watching it all. Sometimes you don’t need to be in the middle of the party to enjoy it. 💜⚜️ Mardi 📍Bourbon Street, New Orleans #MardiTheMask #LatitudeBuddies #NewOrleans #BourbonStreet #NOLA

Lola talked Mardi into a weekend in New Orleans. Thirty seconds on Bourbon Street and Mardi said, “Yep… these are my people.” 💜💛💚 We’ve got jazz to find, beignets to eat, and a city to explore. We’ll let you know if we survive the music, the food, and the temptation to buy way too many souvenirs. See you around the French Quarter. 🎺⚜️ 📍New Orleans #MardiTheMask #LolaTheHurricane #LatitudeBuddies #FrenchQuarter #BourbonStreet

Cora the Coral is the newest member of the Latitude Buddies crew, and she’s starting out with a view of San Diego’s waterfront. San Diego has more than 70 miles of coastline and one of the largest recreational boating communities in the country. Spend a little time around the marinas and you’ll see everything from weekend sailors and sportfishing boats to yachts preparing for longer adventures. For now, Cora is enjoying the harbor views and dreaming about where she’ll travel next. Where should her first adventure be? #CoraTheCoral #LatitudeBuddies #SanDiego #SanDiegoTravel #TravelCompanion

Bruno spent some time at Bearfoot Chalet this week and quickly discovered two of the property's best spots—the Backyard Bar & Grill and the swing overlooking the fire pit. One of the reasons people keep coming back to Big Bear is that it offers a little bit of everything. In the summer, the lake becomes the center of activity with boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The surrounding mountains are filled with hiking and mountain biking trails, while the Village offers local restaurants, shops, and plenty of places to wander for an afternoon. But after a day exploring the mountain, sometimes the best part is finding a comfortable spot to sit, enjoy the fresh air, and talk about where the day took you. What destination surprised you by having more to do than you expected? #BrunoTheBrew #BigBearLake #BearfootChalet #MountainTravel #CaliforniaAdventures

Lola the Hurricane decided to settle in for a break while people wandered in from the casino floor trying to decide which flavor combo to order. The Electric Lemonade machines were getting a lot of attention tonight. If you’re doing Vegas in the summer, this is honestly one of the easiest ways to cool off while still staying in the middle of the action. Vegas tip: don’t skip the frozen cocktails when you’re walking the Strip. Places like Fat Tuesday are basically part of the Vegas experience at this point — giant drinks, neon lights, loud music, and somehow it’s always either the beginning or end of someone’s night. #LolaTheHurricane #LasVegas #VegasNightlife #FatTuesday #LatitudeBuddies

🎲 Pip the Dice rolled into the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay and spent the afternoon watching sharks, sea turtles, and giant rays glide through the massive underwater tunnels. The aquarium at Mandalay Bay is one of the more unique attractions on the Strip because it gives you a break from the casino crowds without ever leaving the resort. There are dozens of exhibits featuring exotic fish, jellyfish, and even Komodo dragons, plus a walk-through shark tunnel that feels surprisingly immersive for being inside a Vegas hotel. It’s an easy stop whether you’re traveling with kids or just want something different between meals, shows, and gaming. Mandalay Bay itself has a laid-back vibe compared to some of the busier casinos nearby. The beach-style pool complex is one of the most famous in Vegas, complete with real sand, wave pools, cabanas, and plenty of space to relax. You’re also connected by tram to Luxor and Excalibur, making it easy to explore the south end of the Strip. Pip is still somewhere inside Mandalay Bay waiting for the next adventure around Vegas. If you spot her, move him somewhere new and tag where he rolls next. 🎰 #PipTheDice #MandalayBay #SharkReef #LasVegas #VegasStrip

🎰 Jack the High Roller posted up at MGM Grand keeping an eye on the card tables from a nearby slot machine. MGM is one of the biggest resorts on the Strip, so it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon there without leaving the property. The pool complex alone has multiple pools, a lazy river, cabanas, and daybeds, and the sports book stays packed during major games and fight weekends. It’s also one of the easier casinos to navigate if you want a mix of nightlife, restaurants, gaming, and entertainment all in one stop. The MGM location is great if you like walking the Strip too. You’re close to New York-New York, Excalibur, Park MGM, T-Mobile Arena, and the tram that runs toward Bellagio. A lot of first-time Vegas visitors underestimate how much time they’ll spend just exploring the resorts themselves. Jack’s still somewhere inside MGM waiting for his next stop around Vegas. If you find him, move him somewhere new and tag where he ends up next. 🎲 #JackTheHighRoller #MGMGrand #LasVegas #VegasStrip #VegasTravel

Jack the High Roller lasted about three minutes inside Flamingo before finding a slot machine 🎰 One thing Jack likes about the Flamingo is that it still feels like the version of Vegas people picture in their heads. Flashing lights, frozen drinks, old casino energy, music everywhere, and people bouncing between machines carrying oversized cocktails like they’ve completely lost track of time. The Flamingo opened in 1946 and helped turn the Strip into what Las Vegas eventually became. A lot of the older casinos disappeared over the years, but the Flamingo still keeps some of that classic Vegas feel mixed into all the newer resorts around it. Travel tip: even if gambling isn’t really your thing, throw twenty bucks into a slot machine at least once while you’re here. Half the fun is just sitting in the middle of the noise and people watching for awhile. What’s your favorite classic Vegas casino? #JackTheHighRoller #FlamingoVegas #LasVegas #VegasTravel #LatitudeBuddies

Lola the Hurricane has officially been left behind somewhere along the MGM Grand lazy river 🍹☀️ After a full day floating through the pool complex with frozen drinks, loud DJs, and way too much Vegas sun, she decided to stay a little longer. If you spot her somewhere around Vegas, take her on the next adventure. Another casino, your favorite restaurant, a hidden Vegas spot, Fremont Street, a concert, or maybe even your next vacation destination. Just tap her tag, post a photo, tag @latitudebuddies, and show us where she ends up next. Vegas was just the starting point. Where would you take Lola first? #LolaTheHurricane #LatitudeBuddies #LasVegas #MGMGrand #VegasPools

Vegas lazy river checklist today ☀️🍹 • Float for hours • Reapply sunscreen every 20 minutes • Order something frozen • Pretend the cocktails aren’t $28 • Repeat until sunset Lola the Hurricane spent most of the day drifting through the lazy river at MGM Grand while DJs blasted music across the pool complex and inflatable tubes bounced into each other nonstop. Somehow it feels both chaotic and relaxing at the same time. One thing Lola noticed pretty quickly is that Vegas pool days are not really about swimming. They’re basically all-day social events built around heat, music, drinks, and surviving the afternoon sun together. Travel tip: get to the lazy river early if you want a calmer experience. By midafternoon it turns into full Vegas pool energy with packed float traffic and much louder music. Would you spend the whole day in the lazy river or claim a chair and never move? #LolaTheHurricane #LazyRiverDays #VegasVacation #MGMGrand #LatitudeBuddies

Lola the Hurricane settled into the MGM Grand pool scene almost immediately 🍹☀️ Vegas pool culture is basically a daytime version of the clubs. DJs all afternoon, frozen drinks everywhere, people floating around the lazy river for hours, and absolutely no pressure to do anything except stay cool and enjoy the day. By midafternoon, the cabana stopped feeling like a luxury upgrade and started feeling necessary. Shade, cold drinks within reach, and a place to regroup between trips around the pool made the heat way more manageable. Travel tip: some Vegas cabanas work off food and beverage minimums instead of separate rental fees. If your group already plans to spend money on drinks and food throughout the day, the cabana can end up costing a lot less than people expect. Just check the policies ahead of time because they change seasonally. Would you spend the day at a quieter resort pool or go full Vegas pool party mode? #LolaTheHurricane #MGMGrand #VegasPoolDay #LasVegas #LatitudeBuddies

One of the things we kept noticing while driving through Connemara were the endless stone walls crossing the countryside. ☘️ Many of these walls were built generations ago by farmers clearing rocks from the fields by hand. Instead of hauling the stones away, they stacked them into boundaries that still stretch across the hills today. In some places the walls seem to disappear straight into the mountains. Near Lough Bofin we pulled over beside one of them overlooking the lake and realized how quiet it was — just wind, water, sheep in the distance, and the occasional car passing through. The yellow gorse blooming along the roadside made the whole area look almost unreal in the sunlight. Travel tip: the drive through Connemara is just as much about the landscape itself as the destinations along the route. Give yourself time to stop at the viewpoints and roadside pull-offs because the scenery changes every few miles. Bruno found himself a tiny stone-wall hideaway overlooking Lough Bofin. 🍺☘️ 📍Lough Bofin Viewpoint – Connemara, Ireland #BrunoTheBrew #Connemara #WildAtlanticWay #IrelandTravel #galwayireland

Kylemore Abbey honestly feels like something out of a movie. ☘️📸 The abbey was originally built in the 1860s as a private castle for Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor and politician, after he fell in love with Connemara while honeymooning here. Later it became home to Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium during World War I, and they still operate the abbey and grounds today. What makes Kylemore special isn’t just the building itself — it’s the setting. The stone abbey sits directly against the lake with mountains rising behind it, and nearly every window inside frames another incredible view of Connemara. Inside, many of the rooms have been restored to reflect life in the Victorian era, including dining rooms, bedrooms, and sitting areas filled with original-style furnishings, photography equipment, clothing, and woodwork. Walking through it feels less like a museum and more like stepping through someone’s home from another time. And unexpectedly… the café was excellent. We stopped for lunch thinking it would be a quick tourist stop and ended up having one of our favorite meals of the trip. Fresh soups, brown bread, pastries, and desserts — definitely worth planning time for. Travel tip: arrive earlier than you think you need. Between the abbey, lakeside views, gardens, café, and walking paths, it’s easy to spend half a day here without realizing it. Snap may have found his dream location at Kylemore Abbey. 📸☘️ 📍Kylemore Abbey – Connemara, Ireland #SnapTheCamera #KylemoreAbbey #Connemara #IrelandTravel

We spent Mother’s Day driving through Connemara watching sheep and tiny lambs scattered across the hillsides. ☘️🐑 One thing that surprised us was how few fences there are. The sheep seem to roam everywhere — across the mountains, beside the lakes, and right along the roadside. From a distance they almost look like little white snowcaps spread across the green hills. We stopped at one of the roadside pull-offs near Lough Inagh where you can grab coffee, snacks, and little cups of feed for the sheep. Watching the mothers gently nudge their lambs along while the babies hopped through the grass was honestly the perfect way to spend the day. Travel tip: if you’re driving through Connemara, don’t rush it. The scenery changes constantly and some of the best moments happen at the small roadside stops where you can simply take in the landscape for a while. Bruno spent Mother’s Day making new sheep friends in Connemara. 🍺☘️ 📍Lough Inagh – Connemara, Ireland #BrunoTheBrew #Connemara #WildAtlanticWay #IrelandTravel #sheepofireland

We’re still learning rugby… but at this point we’ve officially adopted Connacht as our team. ☘️🏉 We went to Connacht vs Munster tonight at Dexcom Stadium and absolutely loved the experience. The crowd was loud from the start, green flags everywhere, and people genuinely passionate about the match. You can tell this team means a lot to Galway. The new Dexcom Stadium is also incredibly well done — modern but still intimate enough that you feel close to the action no matter where you are. Even walking in felt different than most sporting events with fans coming over together from nearby pubs and kids everywhere in Connacht jerseys. Travel tip: even if you don’t fully understand rugby yet (we definitely don’t), go to a match in Ireland anyway. The atmosphere alone is worth it. Bruno is officially a Connacht supporter now. 🍺☘️ 📍Dexcom Stadium – Galway, Ireland #BrunoTheBrew #ConnachtRugby #DexcomStadium #GalwayIreland #IrishRugby

We spent the afternoon just wandering Galway with no real plan and honestly that ended up being the best part of the day. Street musicians everywhere, pubs spilling into the sidewalks, and people just enjoying the sunshine. Travel tip for Galway: don’t over-schedule it. This is one of those cities that’s best experienced slowly — wandering side streets, stopping for a random pint, and spending time in the Latin Quarter. Bruno mostly just rode along soaking up the atmosphere today. ☀️🍺 📍Latin Quarter – Galway, Ireland #BrunoTheBrew #Galway #LatinQuarter #IrelandTravel #visitireland🍀🍀☔️☔️☀️☀️

Murty Rabbitt’s officially locked in the title of our favorite pub in Galway. We ended up there more than once this trip and every time it just felt right — good food, great atmosphere, and somehow always buzzing without feeling overly touristy. We had a half-pint of Guinness, a Baby Guinness, and cottage pie tonight while the city packed itself into pubs for the Connacht match. And honestly, if there’s rugby on, Murty Rabbitt’s is absolutely the place to be. It’s home to the Connacht Clan supporters group, so the place fills with jerseys, pre-game energy, and people arguing rugby before the first whistle even starts. Travel tip: Galway has no shortage of pubs, but the best ones are the places you naturally find yourselves returning to. This was that spot for us. Bruno blended in immediately. 🍺☘️ #BrunoTheBrew #MurtyRabbitts #GalwayIreland #ConnachtRugby #Guinness

One of the best parts of Paris? Honestly… just walking. After dinner, we wandered back toward the hotel and made a quick stop at Bistrot de La Gare to sit outside and people watch for a bit. No major plans. No rushing. Just the sound of conversations, café lights, passing trains, and the city slowly settling into the evening. Lila seemed perfectly content soaking it all in ☕✨ 💡 Paris Travel Tip: Don’t overschedule every moment in Paris. Leave time to wander, stop at random cafés, and simply enjoy the atmosphere. Some of the best memories here happen between the “planned” activities. 📍 Bistrot de La Gare, Paris #LilaTheLatte #ParisAtNight #ParisCafe #ParisTravelTips #TravelMom

First dinner in Paris: Les Affranchis 🇫🇷 And yes… the onion soup absolutely lived up to the hype. Followed it with a ribeye and French fries, then finished with crème brûlée for dessert — one of those meals where every course somehow gets better than the last. But honestly? The service may have been the best part. Warm, welcoming, never rushed… exactly the kind of little Paris restaurant you hope to stumble into. Lila was fully on board with this stop ☕🍷 💡 Paris Travel Tip: Skip the tourist trap cafés right beside the major landmarks for at least one dinner. Some of the best meals in Paris happen in smaller neighborhood bistros where the atmosphere feels local and relaxed. 📍 Les Affranchis, Paris #LilaTheLatte #ParisFood #FrenchCuisine #ParisRestaurants #FoodieTravel

Lila the Latte checked into citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon and immediately realized this place feels very different from a traditional Paris hotel ☕🇫🇷 Everything here is built around efficiency. Self check-in, compact rooms, mood lighting, blackout shades, and almost everything in the room controlled from a mini iPad. The rooms are definitely small, but honestly that’s probably fine for the type of traveler this hotel is built for — people who plan to spend most of their time exploring Paris instead of sitting in the room. One thing Lila liked most was the shared downstairs spaces. The lobby felt more like a modern coworking lounge mixed with a boutique hotel bar, and people actually used it. Some were working, some having drinks, others just recharging before heading back out into the city. Travel tip: hotels near Gare de Lyon make Paris much easier if you’re arriving by train or planning day trips outside the city. The metro access around this area is excellent and saves a surprising amount of time crossing Paris. Would you rather stay in a classic Paris hotel or somewhere more modern and tech-focused like this? #LilaTheLatte #citizenM #ParisHotels #ParisTravel #LatitudeBuddies

Bruno the Brew stopped at Oma Else for dinner while exploring Mainz 🍺 Felix made everyone feel comfortable the second they walked in. He checked on tables constantly, talked with guests, recommended beers, and somehow managed to make the place feel relaxed without feeling over the top or forced. One thing Bruno noticed in Mainz is that a lot of the smaller restaurants and pubs still feel local first instead of designed around tourists. That usually ends up meaning better conversations, better service, and a much more personal experience overall. Travel tip: when you find a restaurant full of locals in Europe, don’t rush through dinner. Slow down, order another drink, and enjoy the atmosphere a little longer. What’s one restaurant you still remember from a trip years later? #BrunoTheBrew #OmaElse #MainzGermany #GermanFood #LatitudeBuddies

Bruno the Brew spent the afternoon café hopping through Mainz. 🍺☔ Between the cobblestone roads, old timber-frame buildings, little cafés, and cathedral towers in the background, parts of the old town feel like they were pulled straight out of Beauty and the Beast or Hansel & Gretel. Even with the rain, people were still outside lingering over drinks and conversations instead of hiding indoors. Mainz was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago, and one thing Bruno liked here is that the city doesn’t feel overly polished or manufactured. It still feels lived in, which somehow makes the fairytale atmosphere feel even more believable. Travel tip: smaller historic cities like Mainz are worth slowing down for. They’re usually easier to explore on foot, less crowded than the major capitals, and full of little streets and cafés you would never find if you rushed through them. What’s the most “storybook” city you’ve ever visited? #BrunoTheBrew #MainzGermany #MainzAltstadt #GermanyTravel #LatitudeBuddies

Bruno the Brew spent half the afternoon in Mainz stopping to look at doors, ironwork, old signs, and little details most people probably walk right past 🍺 One thing Bruno noticed pretty quickly in Germany is how much history still shows up in everyday places. A random door handle can be older than entire buildings back home, and some of the old town streets in Mainz date back to Roman times. Travel tip: don’t just focus on the big landmarks in Europe. Some of the best parts of these cities are the little details between destinations — old doorways, hidden courtyards, cafés, and side streets that make the place feel lived in instead of just visited. What’s something small you noticed while traveling that ended up sticking with you the most? #BrunoTheBrew #MainzGermany #OldTownMainz #ExploreGermany #LatitudeBuddies

Bruno the Brew headed into Mainz planning for one quick beer and somehow ended up pub hopping around the old town for most of the evening 🍺 Mainz has been a wine and trade city along the Rhine for more than 2,000 years, and you can still feel that social culture today. Even with the rain, the outdoor tables stayed full and people lingered over beers and wine well into the evening instead of disappearing inside after the weather rolled in. One thing Bruno liked about Mainz is that it doesn’t feel overly polished or touristy. You can bounce between local pubs, wine bars, cafés, and cathedral squares all within a few blocks, and somehow the night just keeps unfolding from there. Travel tip: smaller river cities like Mainz are worth adding to Europe itineraries because they usually move at a different pace than the major capitals. They’re often easier to explore, less crowded, and end up feeling more personal. Would you rather spend your evenings in a huge capital city or somewhere smaller and more local like Mainz? #BrunoTheBrew #MainzGermany #GermanBeer #MainzAltstadt #LatitudeBuddies

Bruno the Brew checked into Hilton Mainz and immediately got comfortable along the Rhine River 🍺 After bouncing between cities, trains, and flights, he quickly learned that having extra space on a longer Europe trip makes a huge difference. The junior suite gave him enough room to actually slow down for an evening instead of just dropping bags and heading back out again. One of the best parts of this hotel is the location right along the Rhine. Mainz already feels calmer than some of the larger nearby cities, and watching the river traffic move by with a German beer at the end of the night felt like a pretty solid reset before the next stop. Travel tip: on multi-city Europe trips, upgrading the room for even one or two stays can completely change the pace of the trip without dramatically changing the total budget. Would you rather spend more on the hotel room or save the money for food and experiences? #BrunoTheBrew #HiltonMainz #MainzGermany #RhineRiver #LatitudeBuddies

One of Cappo’s favorite parts of Vilnius ended up being how easy the city is to explore without a plan. She’d start walking toward one thing and somehow end up spending an hour at a café, along a quiet side street, or just people watching in Old Town. Vilnius feels a lot calmer than many European capitals, especially once you get away from the main tourist streets. Even the busy areas somehow still feel relaxed. Travel tip: give yourself extra unplanned time here. Some of the best parts of Vilnius are the spots you accidentally discover while wandering between destinations. Have you ever visited a city that surprised you by how relaxed it felt? #CappoTheCappuccino #LatitudeBuddies #Vilnius #LithuaniaTravel #OldTownVilnius

#CappoTheCappuccino ☕✨ Cappo found his spot in Vilnius Cathedral… and decided to stay a while. ✨ Found him? Tap his tag with your phone to see where he’s been—and what to do next. Take him somewhere special, then share where you leave him so someone else can find him 🌍👀 #LatitudeBuddies #Vilnius #VilniusLithuania #LithuaniaTravel HiddenGems TravelFinds CoffeeLovers WanderMore TravelEurope SeekTheMoment FindersKeepers TravelFun

A different view of Vilnius ☕ Some places don’t need much… just a little time and a good spot to sit #CappoTheCappuccino #LatitudeBuddies #Vilnius #lithuania

Cappo spent the afternoon wandering through Vilnius with Gediminas Tower watching over the city in the background. One thing she noticed pretty quickly here is that Vilnius doesn’t feel rushed the way a lot of European capitals do. People linger at cafés, stroll instead of speed walk, and somehow every side street feels worth exploring. Gediminas Tower has overlooked the city since the 1400s and is one of the last remaining parts of the Upper Castle. The walk up gives some of the best views over the red rooftops and church towers across the Old Town. Travel tip: Vilnius is an incredibly walkable city, so leave extra room in your schedule here. Some of the best parts of the city are the streets, courtyards, and cafés you find when you stop trying to move too fast. Have you ever visited a city that immediately felt calmer than expected? #CappoTheCappuccino #LatitudeBuddies #Vilnius #Lithuania #GoVilnius

Cappo made it to Vilnius ☕🇱🇹 Caught the last light and decided to stay a little longer… He might still be out there 👀 #CappoTheCappuccino #LatitudeBuddies #Vilnius #lithuania

They’re ready ✈️ The founding crew of Latitude Buddies is heading out for their first adventure — each one with a different destination, a different story, and a chance to be found somewhere unexpected. If you happen to come across one… you’ll know what to do. #LatitudeBuddies #LilaTheLatte #BrunoTheBeer #CappoTheCappuccino #SnapTheCamera #PorterTheCarryOn