Instagram story viewer> @frantastic_trips> Posts

FrantasticTrips

@frantastic_trips

3K

followers

3993

following

American
International and Domestic travel
Real experiences
Real tips

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

As an American traveler, I once thought international trips were out of reach.

I started traveling later in life and met my husband along the way. Our shared love of travel brought us together. Now he takes the photos and I share the stories.

After visiting many countries, I’m here to show other Americans that you can do this too.

What you’ll find here:

– Our favorite destinations and real experiences
– Practical advice based on what we actually did
– Candid notes on what to watch for
– A unique lens on India thanks to family and local insight

Ask questions. Learn with us. And let’s get that passport stamped.

#budgettravel #indiatravels #americantraveler #travelstory by @frantastic_trips

378

56

8 months ago

How many of these 6 global bites can you name? 🌍🍴

I’ve been eating my way across the map, and I’ve put together a little "Foodie IQ" test for you. Swipe through the slides, read the hints, and see if you can guess the country before you hit the end!

The Menu:

1️⃣ Rhymes with "Telephones" 📱
2️⃣ Looks like a donut, but definitely isn't dessert... 🐙
3️⃣ Say hello to "Mr. Fritos" (not quite!) 🥦
4️⃣ Caution: The Spice of Life 🌶️
5️⃣ A salty, crispy Hock... 🍖
6️⃣ Missing the yogurt and cucumber? 🥒

Drop your score in the comments!

(Did you get 6/6 or are you still stuck on the "Mr. Fritos" slide? 😂)

THE ANSWERS:

Spain: Boquerones (Vinegar-cured Anchovies) 🇪🇸

Japan: Takoyaki (Octopus "Donut" Balls) 🇯🇵

Italy: Fritto Misto (The "Mr. Fritos" Veggie Mix) 🇮🇹

India: (Your favorite spicy curry or Tikka!) 🇮🇳

Germany: Schweinshaxe (The Salty Pork Hock) 🇩🇪

Turkey: Karışık Izgara (Mixed Grill) with Adana Kebab & Cacık 🇹🇷

#FoodieTravel #GlobalEats #FoodQuiz #TravelGram by @frantastic_trips

301

44

7 months ago

Tent stay at Curry Village in Yosemite. Tall trees, open fields, and cliffs all around.
Comfortable setup, unforgettable views. This was in the month of October.
An extra sleeping bag is recommended as the evenings cool off.
Is there a more beautiful place?

#Yosemite #CampingViews #TentLife #NatureEscape #ᴇxᴘʟᴏʀᴇᴍᴏʀᴇ taken in Yosemite National Park by @frantastic_trips

96

29

6 months ago

👍

INDIA | Entry 1 | Sikkim

Sikkim: High altitudes, ancient monasteries, and zero plastic bottles.

A small Himalayan state bordered by Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet — and home to the world’s 3rd-highest mountain peak, Kangchenjunga.

📍 Must-See Highlights

Pemayangtse Monastery: One of the oldest in the state. Do not skip the top floor.

Rabdentse Ruins: Located near Pemayangtse; 17th-century palace ruins with stunning views.

Khecheopalri Lake: The "Wishing Lake." Legend says birds pick up every leaf that falls on the water to keep it pristine.

The High Valleys: Explore Yuksom, Khangchendzonga National Park, and the orange/kiwi orchards.

Quick Checklist:

✅ Permits: Register for your Travel Card & bring physical photos.

✅ Transport: Hire a local pro; the curves are no joke. Road conditions rugged.

✅ Etiquette: Walk clockwise, stay hydrated, and carry cash.

✅ Drink only factory-sealed bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks. Carry some cash (credit cards may not be accepted outside of hotel)

✅ View: Wake up at @MagpieChestnutRetreat for the ultimate Kangchenjunga sunrise.

For more general India travel tips, comment MORE.

#Sikkim #Khangchendzonga #Himalayas #IndiaTravel #TravelTips by @frantastic_trips

3

4

8 months ago

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Skagway, Alaska 🇺🇸

Step back into Gold Rush history in this charming frontier town, where colorful historic buildings meet dramatic mountains and rugged Alaskan scenery.

🚂 Travel tip: We saved $100 per ticket by booking online our White Pass Railway excursion directly rather than through Norwegian Cruise Line. The Skagway Depot is about a 15-minute walk from town where you will pick up purchased ticket and board the train. Check availability and pricing before your trip!

White Pass & Yukon Route Reservations: 800-343-7373

A little research can mean big savings while exploring Alaska!

#SkagwayAlaska #AlaskaCruise #WhitePassYukonRoute #AlaskaTravel #TravelTips by @frantastic_trips

3

6

4 days ago

Alaska by sea 🏔️🚢

This was our fourth Alaska cruise. We still love the spectacular mountain scenery and cruise experience. Living near Seattle makes getting to the cruise port so easy, and we appreciate the value of cruising close to home.

Cruise tips from our experience:

- May vs. October: May can offer better chances of snow-capped mountain views and generally milder temperatures.
- Cabin choice: We’ve experienced both balcony and inside cabins. Inside cabins are small, but perfectly comfortable for us. They encourage us to get out on deck for fresh air and those incredible views!
- Budget: On our recent Norwegian cruise, our cabin was about $1,000, plus $20 per person per day in gratuities.
- Drinks: The drink package is pricey. We prefer stopping by the onboard wine cellar to pick up a bottle of wine for under $50, including tip.

Alaska is a destination we’re happy to return to. And with a little planning, you can enjoy the scenery without spending more than you need to!

#alaskacruise #cruisetips #Alaska #cruise #travelmoreworryless by @frantastic_trips

3

4

4 days ago

✔️Famous floating reed islands (Uros Islands)
✔️Beautiful mountain + lake scenery
✔️Unique local culture
✔️One of the highest navigable lakes in the world
✔️Sits between Peru and Bolivia
✔️Near the city of Puno on the Peru side

People literally live on floating islands made of reeds that they have to rebuild constantly.

There are no cars and no police. The community lives by the code: Don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t be lazy.

#LakeTiticaca
#bucketlisttravel #travelreel #exploremore #amazingplacestovisit taken in Peru by @frantastic_trips

80

9

6 months ago

Rhodes, Greece — the “Island of the Sun” with 300+ days of sunshine.

Two castles, two views:
• A white hilltop city crowned by a fortress
• A sea-front castle guarding the harbor.

Step inside the Old Town (UNESCO) and it feels like a movie set—cobblestone streets, knight inns from different countries, and courtyards where you can still grab a coffee 500 years later.

Walk the Street of the Knights—one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world
Wander the massive walls and moats that once defended the city

Visit the Valley of Butterflies (summer) filled with thousands of Jersey Tiger moths

🧐You’re closer to Turkey than Athens

#rhodesgreece #unesco #historictravel #travelreels #bucketlisttravel taken in Rhodes Island Greece by @frantastic_trips

227

70

6 months ago

Oldest Capital in Europe:

Athens has been continuously inhabited for over 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world.

The "entertainment" we loved is part of a culture called Volta—the evening stroll. The vibe is vibrant with many small tavernas moving their musicians right onto the sidewalk so the music "bleeds" into the street. 💕💕

#travelréels #bucketlisttravel #greece #athens #lovetotravel🌍 taken in Athens, Greece by @frantastic_trips

200

29

6 months ago

👍 INDIA | Entry 2 | Jodhpur

Planning a trip to Jodhpur (The Blue City)

💙 Here’s what to know:

✨ Top Sights

• Mehrangarh Fort – Go right at 9 AM to avoid heat + crowds.

• Toorji Ka Jhalra – 18th-century stepwell, easy photo stop. Fun shops nearby.

• Navchokiya – The best blue streets. A 1-hour local guide helps you find hidden corners.

• Umaid Bhawan Palace (museum side) – Art Deco interiors + impressive royal vintage cars.

• Mandore Gardens – Worth the short ride out of town. Historic cenotaphs, and unique temple structures, set in large, walkable gardens.

🛕 Good to Know

• Uber for longer distances, auto-rickshaws for the small blue lanes.

• Dress modestly (shoulders + knees covered).

• Drink only sealed bottled water; avoid ice.

• Best time: October–March (summer is extremely hot).

✈️ Save on Flights (USA → Jodhpur) Fly into Delhi or Mumbai first, then book a separate domestic flight to Jodhpur — usually far cheaper than one through-ticket.

🏨 Stay: Devi Bhawan Boutique Hotel @devibhawan . peaceful, garden setting away from the city noise.

#JodhpurTravel #travelblogger #IndiaTravelTips #travelreel
#adventure taken in Jodhpur (Rajasthan) by @frantastic_trips

3

6

8 months ago

🌿 Can you guess the 3 Pacific Coast states?

All these scenes were captured while driving along the freeways from north to south — just the view from the road.

Drop your guesses below 👇
Answers will be pinned in the comments tomorrow.

#ExploreUSA #travelreelsoninstagram #didyouknowthat #travelquiz
#bucketlisttravel by @frantastic_trips

236

19

6 months ago

🏁 CONTEST CLOSED 🏁

The results are in! Check the Pinned Comment below for the official answers. 🗺️

Thanks to everyone who played—I'm finishing up the final winner follows now! ✅

5 Cities. 5 Countries. Do you know them all? ✈️🗺️

I’m looking for the City & Country for every location in this Reel!

How to play:

1️⃣ Watch the clip.

2️⃣ Comment your answers (Format: City, Country).

3️⃣ If you get a perfect 5/5, I’ll follow you tomorrow morning! ✅

Good luck! I'll be checking the comments in the morning. 👇

#bucketlist #globaladventure #hiddengems by @frantastic_trips

51

5

8 months ago