Welcome to No BS Bulletin 30! This week’s newsletter is arriving a little later than usual, and it’s not our typical format. Since No BS Beauty is just Cameraman and me, squeezing in a vacation means that some things inevitably fall through the cracks. But don't worry, we’ll be back to our usual skincare and beauty content next week!

We just wrapped up an incredible two-week trip through Europe, visiting Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania. After returning home six hours later than expected, we were welcomed by our dogs, who were initially excited to see us but quickly settled into their usual, laid-back routine (more on that in the "About the Dogs" section).

Our adventure was nothing short of amazing. Here’s a look at the highlights:

- In Poland, we explored the beautiful city of Krakow and visited the awe-inspiring Wieliczka Salt Mine—something Cameraman insisted on, and I’m glad he did. We also paid a sobering visit to Auschwitz/Birkenau, an incredibly moving experience.

- From there, we drove to Prague in the Czech Republic. Cameraman became an instant fan of Czech gas station hotdogs, and we toured iconic landmarks like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and took part in an unforgettable food tour with a fantastic guide. We also enjoyed a scenic boat ride on the Vltava River.

- Our journey continued via train to Budapest, Hungary. We loved watching the countryside roll by, even catching glimpses of Slovakia and Bratislava. Budapest was packed with sights, including Heroes’ Square, Shoes on the Danube, and a visit to Harry Houdini’s birthplace. Oh, and word to the wise—Cameraman doesn’t recommend train food!

- Romania was our last stop, and after a brief layover in Vienna (does a layover count as visiting a country? Vote in the poll below!), we arrived in Bucharest. Romania was mostly about indulging my dad’s interest in Dracula with visits to Peles Castle and Bran Castle in Transylvania. It rained all day, but the low-hanging clouds made the experience even more atmospheric.

The return journey was quite the adventure in itself. We started the day at 3:30 AM in Romania, heading to Frankfurt Airport for a connecting flight back home. Frankfurt Airport, with its confusing layout and multiple checkpoints, was a challenge. At one point, we were so turned around that we almost missed our connection! Luckily, we made it, but it was a close call.

Despite the hiccups, it was an unforgettable trip, and I feel so fortunate to have shared it with Cameraman and my dad. As much as I love traveling, it’s always nice to come home to our sweet pups and the comfort of home. Check out some pictures from our trip below, and stay tuned for more skincare and beauty next week!

About the Dogs

The dogs had an absolute blast while staying with Cameraman's brother during our trip. With all the extra playtime, treats, and undivided attention, they were living their best lives while we were away. Gabby, Lincoln, and Ike were thoroughly spoiled, with daily adventures and a bit more freedom than they usually get.

Since we've been back, though, it's been a different story! They've been completely exhausted, spending most of their time curled up and napping. It seems all that excitement has caught up with them, and they’re more interested in snoozing than anything else. It's clear they had a great time, but they’re definitely in recovery mode now!

Winner of the Week - The nice people of Eastern Europe 

This week’s winner isn’t a product or a skincare breakthrough, but rather the incredible kindness we experienced from the people we met in Eastern Europe. Whether it was locals helping us navigate the streets of Krakow, the friendly guide in Prague who made our food tour unforgettable, or the gracious hospitality we encountered in Romania, every person we met added something special to our trip. These interactions reminded us how much travel is about the people, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the warmth and generosity we encountered along the way.

Loser of the Week - Frankfurt Airport

This week’s loser is, without a doubt, Frankfurt Airport. After starting our travel day at 3:30 a.m. in Romania, we thought a simple layover would be just that—simple. Instead, we were greeted with a labyrinth of confusing and redundant checkpoints that had us zigzagging through the terminal for what felt like hours. We had to pass through three different security checks, each asking for the same information, leaving us scrambling and nearly missing our connecting flight home. The airport's layout was baffling, and even seasoned travelers like us were left bewildered. For an international hub, you’d expect things to be a bit more streamlined—Frankfurt Airport definitely dropped the ball on this one!

We need your opinion

We’ve got a fun debate for you this week! Cameraman and I have had an ongoing argument about whether a layover in a country, like our brief stop in Vienna, or passing through on a train, like we did in Slovakia, actually counts as "visiting" that country. I’m leaning toward no, since we didn’t really step outside the airport or explore the places. But Cameraman thinks a stopover is enough to say you’ve been there. What do you think? Cast your vote below and help us settle this travel debate once and for all!