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Maddy's Avenue
Maddy's Avenue

Hello! I'm Maddy.

Holding up a glass of wine at a Tuscan vineyard. A day trip around Tuscany is one of the best things to do during your 3 days in Florence.
Adventure | Europe | Italy | Western Europe

Spello, Italy: Travel Guide to Umbria’s Most Charming Town

Daydreaming of visiting the ancient town of Spello, Italy, in the heart of the underrated region of Umbria? I don’t blame you! Perched up high, on the side of Mount…

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Ischia, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ischia Island
Adventure | Europe | Italy | Luxury | Western Europe

Ischia, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ischia Island

I’ll come right out and say it: the volcanic island of Ischia, Italy is the most underrated destination in Italy. So, if I were you, I’d visit immediately – before…

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Tuscany in One Day Itinerary: Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, Pisa
Adventure | Europe | Italy | Western Europe

Tuscany in One Day Itinerary: Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, Pisa

Seeing all of Tuscany in one day is impossible. But what about seeing the highlights on a Tuscany day trip? Now that’s a different story! Departing from Florence, you can…

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Boats lined up on a canal by a colorful walkway in Burano, Venice
Adventure | Europe | Italy | Western Europe

How to Visit Murano and Burano from Venice: The Ultimate Guide

Want to take an epic day trip from Venice? Look no further than the quaint, vibrant islands of Murano and Burano! Just a stone’s throw from Venice, these adorable islands…

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11 Best Things to Do in Alberobello, Italy + Must-Know Tips!
Adventure | Europe | Italy | Western Europe

11 Best Things to Do in Alberobello, Italy + Must-Know Tips!

When you visit Alberobello, in the Puglia region of Italy, you’ll be transported straight into the pages of a medieval fantasy novel. The town’s magical atmosphere, iconic stone huts (trulli),…

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2 Days in Venice, Italy: A Perfect Venice Itinerary for First-Timers
Adventure | Europe | Italy | Western Europe

2 Days in Venice, Italy: A Perfect Venice Itinerary for First-Timers

With just 2 days in Venice, you might feel like you’re cutting it close… Can you really get to know this magical city in just 48 hours? Find the best…

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19 Best Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast + Must-Know Tips
Adventure | Europe | Italy | Western Europe

19 Best Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast + Must-Know Tips

So, daydreams of swimming in the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, sipping Aperol spritzes atop panoramic rooftop bars, shopping for lemon-inspired ceramics, and eating fresh seafood convinced you to jump on a…

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The Perfect Day Trip from Florence to Cinque Terre
Adventure | Europe | Italy | Western Europe

The Perfect Day Trip from Florence to Cinque Terre

Considering taking a day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence?  You’re probably daydreaming of sipping local white wine, snacking on fried seafood, and swimming in azure waters under those iconic…

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Dreamiest Amalfi Coast Itinerary (For 3 to 7 Days!)
Adventure | Europe | Italy | Luxury | Western Europe

Dreamiest Amalfi Coast Itinerary (For 3 to 7 Days!)

If you’re reading this Amalfi Coast itinerary, chances are you’re planning to explore one of Italy’s most gorgeous coastlines. Magnifico! Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, an Amalfi Coast…

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Welcome to paradise in Southern Crete… 🇬🇷✨

📍Sfakiá (Chora Sfakion), Crete, Greece 

I just spent two weeks on Crete (the largest Greek island) and stumbled upon a hidden gem: the remote coastal village of Sfakiá. 

In Chania, before we set off, the rental car shop worker told us, “You haven’t been to Crete unless you visit Sfakiá.” While a restauranteur (of the best restaurant in Chania, IMO, @toantikristo) said, “As you drive through the mountains, think of me, remember my words. Roll the windows down and smell the wild oregano on the warm sea air.” 

Clearly, we were onto something good...

We spent three nights at a beautiful boutique hotel (Eleana Nature & Art). Lazed the days away at the beaches in Sfakiá - as well as in Loutro and at Sweetwater Beach (both reachable only via boat or hiking). Swam in some of the brightest azure waters I’ve ever seen. Sipped Aperol spritzes. And dined on allll the Cretan salads, Sfakian pies, and fresh seafood - from whole-grilled snapper to marinated octopus salad. It was bliss. 

Visiting Crete? Add this peaceful beach village to your list!

According to locals, it’s only ever busy in July and August.
Let’s call this one “BTS: My life as a full-ti Let’s call this one “BTS: My life as a full-time travel blogger (on a 9-month Instagram hiatus)”.

Oh hi! 👋 It’s like I blinked and almost a year has passed since I posted on here. Time to catch up! Here’s a 30-second peek into life lately, including…

- Living in Oaxaca City as a digital nomad (again!)
- Exploring the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii
- Saying “yes!” atop Roy’s Peak at sunrise in New Zealand 💍
- Embarking on two South Island Great Walks (Abel Tasman & Kepler) 
- Spending a month in my old hometown: Byron Bay, Australia
- Wining and dining across 9 regions of Italy over 2ish months
- Discovering the most breathtaking, remote beaches in Crete
- Spending time with family in California, the PNW, and New Zealand

I’m spending the summer in Bend, Oregon - smashing out work, and Instagram videos, apparently! - before another year of non-stop adventures across Canada, Europe, Japan, and beyond! 

Where are you off to this summer? ✨
Last week’s hiking trip to Mammoth was a little Last week’s hiking trip to Mammoth was a little snowier - and a whole lot more beautiful - than expected ❄️🐶😍

Here’s your sign to plan a trip to Mammoth Lakes, California!
POV: You road trip to the “Yellow City” of Iza POV: You road trip to the “Yellow City” of Izamal but the pink 100-year-old hacienda you stay at tries to steal the show.

Seriously though, how beautiful is this place?!

I booked a room at this charming hacienda at the very last minute - literally a second before we left our apartment in Mérida - for just $70 USD 🤯. I didn’t expect too much, but needless to say, this place absolutely stunned me on arrival.

The gigantic guest suites (with air conditioning; a must in the Yucatán!), tranquil grounds, antique Mexican décor, pink details, and warm hospitality were everything.

I immediately wished we’d booked an extra night just so we could relax by the pool all day. (Go here. Do that. And order a mezcalita for me.)

SAVE THIS IN YOUR YUCATÁN DREAM TRIP FOLDER. 🇲🇽

📍 Hacienda Sacnicte, Izamal, Yucatán, México
Located in the heart of the Yucatán jungle, you’ll find the most charming town that’s painted completely yellow! 💛✨

📍 IZAMAL, YUCATÁN, MÉXICO

Perfect for an overnight stay at one of the beautiful haciendas nearby, pass the time by…

- roaming the enchanting yellow streets
- climbing up Pirámide Kinich Kak Moo (at sunset!)
- visiting the Convento San Antonio de Padua
- eating traditional Yucatecan food (like cochinita pibil) at delicious spots like @kinichizamal 

Add this town to your México bucket list!

And follow @maddysavenue for more travel inspiration! ✨
Add these destinations to your Costa Rica itinerar Add these destinations to your Costa Rica itinerary!

After living in Costa Rica for six months as a digital nomad, these have been my favorite places! 🇨🇷

🌊 Manuel Antonio (2-3 days): There’s a reason why this is Costa Rica’s most-visited national park! The abundant wildlife you’ll encounter along the jungle trails here will blow you away. Plus, Manuel Antonio is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole country. 

🦥 La Fortuna (2-4 days): Welcome to Costa Rica’s adventure capital. From zip-lining through the jungle and relaxing in natural hot springs, to hiking along Arenal Volcano’s lava trails, rope-swinging into waterfall pools, and white-water rafting, endless adventures await… And so do the sloths and spider monkeys!

☀️ Playa Negra (3+ days): If you just want to surf and chill out, come to Playa Negra. Cacey and I love this rustic village for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beach, waves, epic coffee, and great restaurants. Plus, Playa Avellanas is just 10 mins away. 

If you’re planning out your Costa Rica itinerary, I’ve got a full guide for you! Check it out for planning inspiration, more destinations not to miss, where to stay, what to do, and how to plan your route. Link below or in bio!

https://maddysavenue.com/costa-rica-itinerary/
I’ve been a little silent on IG the past few wee I’ve been a little silent on IG the past few weeks because… I’m back home in Southern California for a bit!

Before the next few months of overseas travel, I’ve been soaking up allll the time with family and friends, mornings at my fave café, walking the (best) doggy, sunsets at the beach, and hiking in the mountains. 

I still have so much to share from the last couple of months in México (including my all-time favorite destination!), but I couldn’t resist posting a snowy little snap from this week’s trip to Mammoth Lakes with the fam. ❄️✨
Your Mérida foodie guide 🌮✨ SAVE THIS POST! Your Mérida foodie guide 🌮✨ SAVE THIS POST!

I recently wrapped up one month of living in Mérida as a digital nomad, and I have the absolute scoop for you on the 15 best places to eat and drink in the city.

☕️ COFFEE
@aristabarista_mid - Their iced pistachio latte is literally out of this world. Insanely amazing.
@baretto_mid - Gooood coffee. That’s all you need to know.
@manifesto_mid - Local coffee roaster with two locations; good place to work online.
@socomerida - Great coffee, over sourdough everything.

🍽️ RESTAURANTS
@pueblopibil - The place you see in this reel, which is actually in a town called Tixkokob, 30 minutes outside of Mérida. Worth the trek for the amazing cocktails and succulent cochinita pibil made the traditional Maya way - slathered in achiote spice paste and sour orange, and slowly roasted for 14 hours in an underground pit (pib). 
@mugymx - Traditional Yucatecan cuisine, beautiful atmosphere, and potentially the best hand-made tortillas I’ve ever had.
@holoch.mx - My vote for the most delicious dinner and enchanting ambience in Mérida. Do not miss it!
@lachayamaya - A locals’ favorite, the menu features dozens of Yucatecan and Maya dishes that you won’t find out of state. Go to the charming “Casona” location.
@aguademar.restaurante - The most beautiful natural Mexican wines and equally stunning dishes focusing on local and seasonal ingredients. Worth the splurge.
@mercimid - Brunch here and then tell me that Mexican-French is not the best fusion ever. Impossible.
oliva_merida - For when you just need some good Italian to break up the rotation of cochinita and relleno negro.

🍷 DRINKS
@cuernodetoro.taproom - Creative local craft beer and yummy pub food with a Mexican twist.
@cerveceriabacab - The owner is a Bend, OR transplant brewing crafties alongside epic live music on Friday & Saturday nights.
Bacchus Wine Bar - A local (and friendly) sommelier’s retirement project that involves Mexican and international wines, charcuterie boards, and other tapas.
Bird - A “listening bar” with an impressive selection of vinyls and rotation of local craft beers.

Thank me later for doing the delicious research for you… The pleasure was all mine 🤤

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