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Greece Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Things to Do

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Ancient wonders. Island life. Incredible food. And a way of living that invites you to slow down and savor it all.

Whitewashed buildings and narrow streets in Naxos town
Naxos, Greece

Dreaming of whitewashed villages, sparkling Aegean waters, ancient ruins, and unforgettable Mediterranean experiences? This Greece travel guide will introduce you to the best places to visit in Greece, from Athens and the iconic Greek islands to charming mainland destinations, extraordinary food, and authentic cultural experiences.

There are places you visit. And then there are places you feel. Greece is most definitely the latter.

Of course, you’ve seen the photographs: whitewashed villages spilling down cliffsides, brilliant blue domes, ancient ruins glowing beneath the Mediterranean sun and water in shades of blue that hardly look real.

But Greece is so much more than its photographs.

It’s lingering over dinner long after the plates have been cleared. It’s wandering down a narrow stone lane with absolutely no idea where it leads. It’s hearing church bells drift across an island village. It’s tasting olive oil produced from trees growing just down the road.

And it’s standing somewhere humans stood thousands of years before you and realizing that your little moment in history is exactly that—a moment.

Greece invites you to slow down.

To look around.

To stay awhile.

And that’s exactly how I believe we should travel.

WHY GREECE?

Greece manages to be several destinations wrapped into one.

You can spend a morning exploring one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites and your afternoon at a seaside taverna.

You can lose yourself in the energy of Athens, retreat to a tiny island village, hike through dramatic landscapes, sail the Aegean or simply sit beside the water with a glass of wine.

History is everywhere, but Greece doesn’t feel trapped in its past.

Its ancient heritage lives alongside contemporary Greek culture, deeply rooted traditions, family life, food and that wonderfully relaxed Mediterranean rhythm.

And then there are the islands.

Greece has thousands of islands and islets scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, with more than 200 inhabited islands—and no two are quite alike.

That’s important when planning a Greek vacation.

There isn’t one “best Greek island.”

There’s a Greek island that’s best for you.

EXPLORE

ATHENS

Where Ancient Greece Meets the Modern World

Don’t make the mistake of treating Athens as simply the airport you fly into before heading to the islands.

Give it time.

This is one of the world’s great historic cities, but Athens is also energetic, creative and very much alive.

Of course, the Acropolis commands attention. Standing beneath the Parthenon and looking across modern Athens is one of those experiences that reminds you why travel photographs can never quite replace being there.

Visit the Acropolis Museum. Wander through Plaka. Explore Monastiraki. Find a rooftop overlooking the Parthenon. Browse a neighborhood market. Sit at a café and watch everyday Athens happen around you.

Athens is where Greece’s extraordinary past and its modern identity collide.

And that’s what makes it fascinating.

The Parthenon at the Acropolis in Athens
Athens, Greece

MAINLAND GREECE BEYOND ATHENS

Ancient Wonders, Mountain Villages & Unexpected Beauty

While Athens and the Greek islands tend to steal the spotlight, mainland Greece is filled with extraordinary destinations that deserve a little attention of their own.

Think dramatic mountain landscapes, charming stone villages, legendary archaeological sites, medieval castles and seaside towns where life unfolds at a wonderfully relaxed pace.

Here are a few mainland destinations worth discovering.

METEORA

Monasteries in the Sky

Imagine centuries-old monasteries perched atop enormous pillars of rock, seemingly suspended between heaven and earth.

That’s Meteora.

One of Greece’s most extraordinary landscapes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site combines breathtaking natural beauty with remarkable spiritual history. Six historic monasteries remain active and open to visitors at designated times.

It’s the kind of place that leaves you wondering how on earth anyone built anything up there!

Best for: Dramatic scenery • History • Spirituality • Photography

DELPHI

Where the Ancient World Sought Answers

Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking a sweeping valley of olive groves, Delphi was once considered the center of the ancient Greek world.

People traveled from across the Mediterranean to consult the famous Oracle of Apollo, seeking guidance on everything from personal decisions to matters of state.

Today, its spectacular archaeological ruins and mountain setting make Delphi one of Greece’s most fascinating historic destinations.

Best for: Ancient history • Greek mythology • Archaeology • Mountain scenery

THE PELOPONNESE

Greece’s Legendary Heartland

Connected to the rest of mainland Greece by the Isthmus of Corinth, the Peloponnese is a treasure trove of ancient history, beautiful coastlines, traditional villages and spectacular landscapes.

Discover the ancient theater of Epidaurus, the legendary ruins of Mycenae, the birthplace of the Olympic Games at Olympia and the enchanting seaside town of Nafplio.

Then venture into the region’s countryside, where olive groves, vineyards, mountain villages and family-run tavernas offer an authentic taste of Greek life.

Best for: History • Road trips • Food and wine • Culture • Scenic towns

THESSALONIKI

Greece’s Cultural & Culinary Capital of the North

Greece’s second-largest city is lively, cosmopolitan and wonderfully rich in history.

Thessaloniki blends Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences with a vibrant contemporary atmosphere, a beautiful waterfront and an exceptional food scene.

Explore its historic churches, wander through colorful markets, discover its famous White Tower and indulge in local specialties, including bougatsa, a delicious pastry often enjoyed for breakfast.

This is a city where history and modern Greek life mingle effortlessly.

Best for: Foodies • Culture • City exploration • Byzantine history

HALKIDIKI

Three Peninsulas, Endless Beauty

Just southeast of Thessaloniki, Halkidiki stretches into the Aegean Sea in three distinctive peninsulas, often described as three fingers.

Kassandra is known for its lively coastal towns and resorts, Sithonia for its quieter coves and natural beauty, and Mount Athos for its extraordinary monastic heritage.

With turquoise waters, pine-covered landscapes, traditional villages and beautiful coastlines, Halkidiki offers an appealing alternative to the more famous Greek islands.

Best for: Coastal scenery • Relaxation • Nature • Traditional villages

ZAGORI

Stone Villages & Mountain Magic

Tucked into the Pindus Mountains of northwestern Greece, Zagori feels like discovering an entirely different country.

Picture traditional stone-built villages, arched bridges, forested mountains and the dramatic Vikos Gorge.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape, Zagori is a wonderful destination for travelers who love hiking, architecture, nature and discovering places well beyond the usual tourist trail.

It’s proof that some of Greece’s most unforgettable views have absolutely nothing to do with the sea.

Best for: Nature • Hiking • Traditional villages • Off-the-beaten-path experiences

THE GREEK ISLANDS

Here’s where planning Greece gets interesting.

The islands aren’t interchangeable.

Some are glamorous. Some are sleepy. Some are rugged. Some are lush. Some have extraordinary beaches. Others are better known for history, hiking, food, nightlife or traditional villages.

The key isn’t collecting as many islands as possible.

It’s choosing the right combination.

SANTORINI

The Showstopper

Let’s start with the Greece you’ve seen on your screensaver.

Santorini really is spectacular.

Its whitewashed villages cling to the rim of an ancient volcanic caldera high above the Aegean, creating one of the most recognizable landscapes in the world.

Oia gets most of the attention, but Santorini is worth exploring beyond its famous sunset viewpoints.

Visit traditional villages. Discover the island’s volcanic beaches. Explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri. Taste wines made from grapes grown in volcanic soil. Sail into the caldera.

And yes—find somewhere wonderful to watch the sun go down.

Santorini may be famous.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth experiencing.

Best for: Romance • Scenery • Wine • Iconic Greece • Celebrations

Iconic blue domes at sunset in Oia, Santorini, Greece
Santorini, Greece

MYKONOS

Glamour With a Greek Soul

Mykonos has a reputation.

Beach clubs. Beautiful people. Nightlife. Luxury hotels.

And yes, you’ll find all of that.

But don’t reduce Mykonos to the party island.

Wander through the maze-like lanes of Mykonos Town early in the morning, before everyone else wakes up. See its iconic windmills. Explore Little Venice. Find tiny churches tucked among whitewashed buildings.

And consider a trip to nearby Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.

There’s another side to Mykonos hiding behind the glamour.

You just have to go looking for it.

Best for: Energy • Luxury • Dining • Nightlife • Beautiful towns

CRETE

Practically a Destination of Its Own

Crete is Greece’s largest island, and it deserves far more than a rushed stop.

Here you’ll find dramatic mountains, beaches, archaeological treasures, historic towns, tiny villages and one of Greece’s strongest culinary identities.

Explore Chania’s Venetian harbor. Discover the Palace of Knossos. Hike if that’s your thing. Visit family-run producers. Learn about Cretan olive oil, cheese, herbs and wine.

Crete works particularly well for travelers who want to go deeper rather than hop rapidly from island to island.

Best for: Food • History • Nature • Longer stays • Immersion

NAXOS

The Deliciously Authentic One

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and one of those wonderful islands that seems to offer a little of everything.

Beautiful coastline? Absolutely.

Traditional mountain villages? Yep.

Ancient history? That too.

And because Naxos is unusually fertile for a Cycladic island, food is a major part of the experience.

Explore inland villages. Taste local cheeses. Try the famous Naxos potatoes. Sample kitron, the island’s traditional citrus liqueur. Wander through Naxos Town and watch the sunset near the ancient Portara.

This is an island that rewards curiosity.

Best for: Food • Villages • Authenticity • Beaches • Variety

The Temple of Apollo in Naxos, Greece
Temple of Apollo, Naxos, Greece

PAROS

Effortlessly Charming

Paros delivers much of what travelers imagine when they dream about the Greek islands.

Whitewashed villages. Blue doors. Bougainvillea. Little harbors. Gorgeous water.

But it combines all of that beauty with enough restaurants, shops and activity to keep things interesting.

Wander through Naoussa. Explore the traditional village of Lefkes. Find a quiet beach. Take a boat out for the day.

Paros has become increasingly popular for good reason—it manages to feel both sophisticated and unmistakably Greek.

Best for: Couples • Friends • Wandering • Dining • Cycladic charm

PATMOS

Greece’s Quiet, Soulful Side

Patmos offers something completely different.

Tradition holds that Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation here, and the island’s religious heritage remains an important part of its identity.

The historic center of Chora, the Monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse are recognized together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But even beyond its history, Patmos has an atmosphere that’s difficult to describe.

Quieter. Reflective. Beautiful without shouting about it.

It’s the sort of island that makes you want to put your phone away.

Best for: History • Spirituality • Quiet luxury • Culture • Slowing down

CORFU

A Completely Different Greece

Travel west to the Ionian Islands and Greece changes.

Corfu is greener and lusher than the Cyclades, with architecture reflecting centuries of Venetian influence.

Corfu Town’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with fortresses, narrow lanes, elegant buildings and beautiful squares.

Pair that with beaches, countryside and traditional villages and you have a Greek experience that feels dramatically different from Santorini or Mykonos.

Best for: Architecture • History • Scenery • Villages • Longer stays

DISCOVER

GREECE THROUGH ITS FOOD

If you’re going to understand Greece, you’re going to have to eat.

I know. Terrible assignment.

Greek cuisine is rooted in ingredients that don’t need much fussing with: olive oil, vegetables, herbs, grains, seafood, meats, cheeses and whatever happens to be growing nearby.

Try the classics, of course:

Moussaka. Souvlaki. Spanakopita. Dolmades. Grilled octopus. Greek salad. Fava. Fresh fish. Baklava. Loukoumades.

But then go further.

Ask what the island or region is known for.
Try the local cheese.
Taste the local wine.
Order something you’ve never heard of.
Visit an olive producer.
Take a cooking class.

And please—have dinner somewhere where you can sit outside for entirely too long.

That’s practically a Greek cultural experience in itself.

Dining al fresco in Greece
Dining al fresco

PHILOXENIA

The Greek Art of Welcoming a Stranger

One of my favorite things about Greece isn’t a place at all.

It’s philoxenia.

The word is often translated as hospitality, but its roots convey something deeper: friendship toward strangers.

You may experience it as a warm welcome, a conversation that lasts longer than expected, something extra appearing on your table or a local proudly sharing something about their home.

These interactions don’t appear on sightseeing checklists.

Yet they’re often what we remember most.

That’s why I always encourage travelers to leave some breathing room in an itinerary.

You can’t schedule serendipity.

IMMERSE

DON’T JUST SEE GREECE. EXPERIENCE IT.

It’s easy to create a Greece itinerary that becomes:

Athens ✔
Santorini ✔
Mykonos ✔
Home.

But checking destinations off a list isn’t the same as experiencing them.

Instead of asking only:

“What should I see?”

Ask:

“What can I experience here that helps me understand this place?”

Take a cooking class.

Visit an olive grove.

Taste wine with someone who can tell you why it tastes different here.

Sail the coastline.

Explore an archaeological site with an expert who can make those stones tell a story.

Walk through a village without an agenda.

Visit a neighborhood market.

Sit at a family-run taverna.

Talk to people.

Watch the sun set.

And leave a little room for absolutely nothing.

Sometimes doing less allows us to experience far more.

WHEN TO VISIT GREECE

For many travelers, May, June, September and early October offer a wonderful balance.

The weather can be beautiful, destinations are active and you may avoid some of the intense heat and crowds of peak summer.

July and August deliver full Greek-summer energy, along with the highest temperatures, biggest crowds and strongest demand in many popular destinations.

Spring brings greener landscapes and wildflowers in many areas.

Fall can be wonderful for travelers who prefer a slightly slower pace.

The important thing to understand is that Greece isn’t one climate or one travel season.

Athens, mountainous mainland regions and islands scattered across different seas don’t always behave exactly the same way.

The best time to visit depends on what you want your Greece to feel like.

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Greece uses the euro (€).

English is widely spoken throughout major tourism areas, but learning a few Greek words is always appreciated.

Try:

Kaliméra — Good morning
Kalispéra — Good evening
Efcharistó — Thank you
Parakaló — Please / You’re welcome
Yamas! — Cheers!

Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. Greece is filled with stone streets, steps, hills and archaeological sites that weren’t designed with cute vacation sandals in mind.

Island hopping also isn’t quite as simple as pointing at three islands on a map. Ferry routes, schedules, flight connections and geography matter enormously.

Two islands that look close together may not necessarily make sense together logistically.

This is one of those destinations where thoughtful itinerary design makes a huge difference.

Shopping in Greece
Shopping in Greece

WHAT SHOULD YOU PACK?

Think polished, comfortable and Mediterranean.

Lightweight clothing works well during warmer months, along with comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a light sweater or wrap for cooler or breezy evenings.

Bring a swimsuit even if Greece isn’t primarily a beach vacation for you.

When visiting monasteries and churches, be prepared to dress respectfully and follow posted requirements.

And leave some room in your suitcase.

Greek olive oil, wine, ceramics, jewelry and other little discoveries have a mysterious tendency to require a trip home with you.

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED?

This may be the question I wish more travelers asked.

Because Greece rewards time.

For a first trip, 10–14 days allows you to combine Athens with two or possibly three additional destinations without spending half your vacation packing, unpacking and waiting for ferries.

More isn’t always better.

I’d rather see you experience three places beautifully than race through six.

Travel isn’t a scavenger hunt.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR GREEK ISLANDS

Don’t begin by asking:

“Which Greek islands are the best?”

Start with:

“How do I want this trip to feel?”

Do you want glamour and nightlife?
Quiet villages and local culture?
Exceptional food?
Beaches?
Ancient history?
Hiking and nature?
Romance?
Luxury?
A little bit of everything?

Once you know that, choosing the right islands becomes much easier.

And just as importantly, the islands need to make sense together.

The best Greece itinerary isn’t necessarily the one with the most famous names.

It’s the one where the destinations, experiences and logistics work together to create the kind of trip you actually want.

GREECE, THE VACATION DESIGN TRAVEL WAY

I believe the most memorable vacations do more than take us somewhere beautiful.

They give us an opportunity to Explore. Discover. Immerse.

Explore somewhere that makes you curious.

Discover the people, food, history and traditions that give it meaning.

Immerse yourself enough to come home with more than photographs.

Greece makes that wonderfully easy.

Come for the ancient ruins and blue Aegean.

Stay for the villages, the long dinners, the conversations, the history, the people and the wonderfully Greek reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do is slow down and enjoy exactly where we are.

And maybe say Opa! once or twice.

I certainly won’t judge.

Ready to Experience Greece Beyond the Postcards? Get started today!

From ancient wonders and beautiful islands to incredible food, local traditions, and unforgettable cultural experiences, Greece has a way of capturing your heart.

At Vacation Design Travel, I create thoughtfully designed, immersive vacations that go beyond simply seeing the sights.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first Greek adventure or returning to explore somewhere new, I’d love to help you discover the Greece that’s right for you.

Schedule Your Complimentary Discovery Call

Something special is coming!

I’m also designing an exclusive, personally hosted Greece experience for a small group of adventurous, later-in-life-divorced women who are ready to rediscover their zest for life—together.

Join the Greece VIP Waitlist for first access to trip details and priority booking opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Greece

What is the best month to visit Greece?

May, June, September, and early October are often excellent choices for travelers who want pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the busiest summer months. The ideal timing depends on whether you’re prioritizing beaches, sightseeing, cultural experiences, or island hopping.

How many days should I spend in Greece?

For a first-time visit, 10–14 days is a wonderful starting point. This allows time to experience Athens and two or three additional destinations without constantly packing and unpacking.

Which Greek islands are best for first-time visitors?

Santorini and Mykonos are popular for their iconic scenery and lively atmosphere. Naxos, Paros, and Crete are also excellent options, particularly for travelers interested in traditional villages, local food, history, and authentic cultural experiences. The best choice depends on your personal travel style.

Is Greece expensive to visit?

Greece offers a wide range of experiences and price points. Costs vary significantly depending on the destinations, season, accommodations, and activities you choose. Santorini and Mykonos tend to command higher prices, especially during peak summer, while many mainland destinations and less-visited islands can offer better value.

Is it better to visit mainland Greece or the Greek islands?

Both offer incredible experiences! Mainland Greece is especially rewarding for ancient history, archaeological sites, mountain villages, and cultural exploration. The islands offer beautiful coastlines, distinctive local traditions, charming villages, and memorable seaside experiences. Combining both can create a wonderfully balanced itinerary.

Do I need a travel advisor to plan a Greece vacation?

While it’s possible to plan Greece independently, a knowledgeable travel advisor can help you choose the right destinations, coordinate ferry and flight connections, recommend accommodations, and design experiences that match your interests. This becomes especially valuable when visiting multiple islands or combining mainland Greece with island destinations.

About the Author | Jenny Mancini

Photo of Jenny Mancini owner vacation design travel
Jenny Mancini, owner and founder, Vacation Design Travel

With over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, Jenny Mancini is the founder of Vacation Design Travel and a trusted expert in designing culturally immersive European vacations and luxury small-ship cruises.

Her passion goes far beyond simply visiting destinations. Jenny specializes in creating thoughtfully curated travel experiences that connect travelers with authentic cultures, fascinating histories, local traditions, and unforgettable moments.

Combining decades of industry expertise, firsthand destination knowledge, and trusted travel partnerships, Jenny takes the guesswork out of planning while helping her clients experience more of what makes each destination extraordinary.

Jenny’s philosophy is simple: Travel should do more than take you places. It should change the way you see the world.

You Only Have 18 Summers. Don’t wait to travel with your kids!

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“One day…we’re going to take the kids to Hawaii!”; “We really want to travel over to Europe, but we’re waiting until the kids are older”; “We really want to go out West and see the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, but our summers are just too busy”. Do any of those statements sound familiar to you? The average American family doesn’t think they spend enough time together (guilty). Between school, work, sports, and extracurricular activities it’s no surprise that we are all feeling disconnected and burned out. The best way to reconnect with your loved ones is to get away. No distractions and no excuses: just you and your kids (or Grandkids) spending “quality time”, enjoying each other’s company and maybe even experiencing an unfamiliar culture together. “Next Year, maybe” turns into the year after that… and so forth… until you “blink” and you’re sitting at their high school graduation wondering what the heck happened!

Travel is proven to be a wonderful learning tool for children. Seeing how people live in other countries can open their minds and hearts and expand their imagination exponentially. Here are a few things that travel can provide for your family:

1. It can create lasting relationships… both between your own family members and people you meet while on the road. These folks that you run into along the way give you a glimpse of what life is like outside your regular circle of friends and can give you a fresh perspective on how other cultures live. A client told of one dinner in Lausanne, Switzerland when a spiked-hair, and heavily tattooed Aussie spent some time joking with her daughter and playing with her kids’ meal toy. At home, she would probably have been scared to death of him!

2. You can learn another language… There is something very exciting about being able to throw around a few words in French, knowing how to say hello and thank you in Portuguese, or ordering off of a menu written totally in Italian…and hoping you don’t end up with something inedible! And… knowing that if you do accidentally order goat’s testicles, that your whole family will still be laughing about it 20 years from now!

3. It gives you and your kids perspective… Meeting folks from other cultures will teach you that the way you look at the world (maybe through the distorted lens of our mass media) is not the way everybody does – and that you could be dead wrong about some things! We have had many meaningful conversations about why Europe is so far ahead of the U.S. in its transportation infrastructure, why people of Native Hawaiian descent still protest becoming a part of the US, and why so few French and Italian teenagers feel the deep temptation to drink alcohol to excess like ours do here in America. One client was fascinated that about 80% of the locals they met in Italy said… ”AAAhhhhh, Asheville?” when he told them he was from North Carolina. Who knew?

Are you reading this and thinking “Boy…I’ve always wanted to see the Colosseum with my kids”? If you want to do it now, you’ve probably always wanted to. You’ve imagined it, daydreamed about it, envisioned it. Guess what? Now’s the time to DO IT! I have several vacations on my desk right now for folks just like you, who are ready to finally take their 16- and 21- year-olds to Europe before they leave the nest… or who are celebrating a high school graduation with a trip to Hawaii – the destination chosen by their son. Remember… you only have 18 summers!

Book a call with me today to chat about your hopes and dreams!

No matter what happens, here’s how you can be the best travel companion

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Whether you’re going for a couple of weeks or even for months together, there are some foundational things that are critical to making travel with someone else successful. Ashlea Halpern is an editor at Traveler magazine who recently spent a year globetrotting with her boyfriend. Here are some of her best tips for making it work so you can come back from your journey stronger than ever.

Get clear on what you’re good at and what you’re not good at — and play up each other’s strengths. You might be awesome at small details, or you might be more of a big-picture kind of person. Either one is fine, of course — but be honest with yourself about where you excel. Use your gifts to help make the trip better, and let your travel partner do the same. If you hate navigating and you’re no good at it, then don’t insist on being the one to find the hotel at 11pm in a city of ten million people. Find another way to get that done. When you see yourself and your companion get more done when you balance each other out, then differences don’t have to be catastrophic.

Go ahead and step out of your comfort zone, but be clear about your boundaries. Yes, traveling is all about expanding and learning, and it’s good to try all kinds of new things. But don’t be afraid to set limits. If you absolutely do not want to go skydiving, don’t do it — but if it’s someone else’s dream, offer to be there cheering her on. If you really want to try roasted beetles, go for it! But if your friend refuses, respect that and move on. There are plenty more adventures ahead to enjoy together.

Find small certainties within the chaos. So much of travel is uncertain — you’re in a new place, surrounded by things you might not recognize, trying to navigate through language and cultural barriers. If you’re traveling long-term, you know the agony and exhaustion of flight changes, train schedules, taxi rules, late nights, early mornings. Fatigue can make you vulnerable to illness, impatience, and arguments. Take an honest look at yourself and identify one or two things you need to do every day to keep you grounded. Is it a good breakfast? A great cup of coffee? A reasonable bedtime? An afternoon walk? Time with a good book? Then, to the best of your ability, try to honor those needs, even when everything is up in the air. Compromise with your travel partner — if he’s an early riser and you’re a sleeper-inner, find a way to meet in the middle, or try to accommodate those natural tendencies. Maybe he gets up at six and reads the paper or works out while you snooze for an extra hour. These small concessions will pay huge dividends later on when the time comes where you have to make sacrifices due to schedules or other needs.

It’s okay to spend time apart. Especially if you’re an introvert, you might need alone time to stay sane. Or you might just want to spend an afternoon exploring on your own, talking to new people, doing different things. It’s okay! It’s normal to get sick of spending weeks at time in close quarters with the same person. A little pre-planned, cordial time apart might be the exact thing that helps you be at your best together.

When things get tough, stand together. It’s normal to bicker about small things. Everyone does. But when there’s something major, remember that you are a team. Hold off on blame, engage empathy, and get to work — together.

Don’t forget to be silly. Laughter has saved many a relationship. It brings us back to what matters. It helps us take ourselves less seriously. It reminds us that it’s more important to be connected than it is to be right. Recognize when your travel partner is trying to lighten the mood, and don’t be afraid to let go and be goofy together. That time when everything was going wrong, and you stopped and realized how ridiculous it all was, and you laughed so hard that you both had tears rolling down your cheeks — that will stay with you forever. Go with it.

If you’re ready to embark on the fun, crazy adventure of traveling with a new friend or a tried-and-true loved one, give me a call! I’d love to help you make it the best experience yet. You can reach me by clicking here.

Turn your red-eye into some shut-eye

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Sleeping well on a plane has developed into a certain kind of art — and into a healthy business — with savvy travelers constantly scoping out new ways to make long flights more conducive to actual rest. Here are a few that really seem to have some payoff.

Splurge on a better seat. Sure, not everyone can afford a premium seat in first or business class, where you can take advantage of fully- or almost-fully-reclining seats and loads of leg room. But for long-distance flights, it can still be worth it to spend the extra money on an exit-row seat, a bulkhead seat, or a window seat. Flying on off-peak days, like a Tuesday evening, will also increase the likelihood that the flight will be less crowded and quieter.

Do the best you can with flight times and direct flights. While crossing many time zones always poses its own sleep challenges, do your best to pick a flight time and schedule that will sync up most naturally with your sleeping and waking times. Leaving in the evening will work better than trying to get REM at three in the afternoon.

Know your cues. Which side of the bed do you sleep on at home? Book on that side of the plane. Do you usually have a cup of tea before bed? Bring a few packets of your favorite herbal. And grab your own small travel blanket and comfy slippers while you’re at it (the airline pillow or blanket can be used for extra cushioning or lumbar support if you like). Spritz your pillow with a mild lavender essential oil. The more familiar things you can do, the more your brain will recognize the cues that it’s time for rest.

Sweet darkness, sweet silence. On most trans-oceanic flights, you’ll see the blue glow of nearly every seatback screen flickering, no matter the time. We know that the type of light emitted by screens is proven to disrupt sleep. For any rest at all — let alone good rest — keep your screen off. Bring an eye mask or cap to block out as much light as possible. Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to create the quietest environment you can.

Buckle up over the blanket. When the plane hits turbulence, flight attendants are required to make sure people are safely buckled in. If they can’t see that your seat belt is fastened, they have to disturb you to check. Make it easy for them and for you — simply click the buckle over the blanket.

Rather than paying more for less in the airport, do some quick research before you leave to find the best travel pillow for you. There are dozens to choose from, and they range widely in price, portability, and visual quirkiness. Check out reviews like this one from Travel + Leisure — and note how the reviewer coordinates the best pillows with each type of sleeper. Chances are, there’s a pillow out there that will support your head and neck and give you the rest you need.

What are your best tips for getting good sleep on an airplane? I’d love to hear them. And if you’re ready to plan your next (well-rested) journey, I’m here to help! You can reach me today by clicking here.

Staying Wise, Staying Calm, And Looking Ahead

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For any person who loves to travel, who loves the freedom of being able to go almost anywhere, who sees the world as a beautiful place to be explored — this is likely a time of some discomfort and uncertainty.

It is, of course, good to be wise. It’s smart to listen to experts and make necessary preparations.

Many of us are having to adjust our businesses, our budgets, our schedules — and for many of us, that might include huge changes to vacations, weddings, honeymoons, reunions, and other getaways we’ve been looking forward to for months.

I want to say: I’m sincerely sorry for the upheavals. I’m feeling them, too.

And I also want to say: there is hope, and there is so much great stuff to look forward to.

There will be a time when this uncertainty will be resolved and the fear will lift.

While we’re doing our part to keep ourselves and our communities healthy — practicing social distancing, being conscientious about washing our hands, staying home, not touching our faces — we can also experience the excitement and joy of making future plans.

Four quick things to know about travel in the coming months:

  1. Many airlines are waiving change fees on all tickets booked for future travel.
  2. Amazing destinations are offering refundable packages, special offers, and extra freebies to those who book now. 
  3. This is a smart time to buy inexpensive trip insurance so you have the option to cancel and get your money back if things change before you depart. 
  4. It’s not too early to start dreaming, planning, and booking for 2021 trips!

Right now, it is a season of stillness, of staying close, of appreciating all that we have right in our own homes. It’s in our best interests to accept this temporary shift. We have a unique opportunity to be of service to one another in ways we maybe haven’t imagined before.

And just imagine how incredible it will feel, when the time is right, to stretch our wings, set off across oceans and mountains and miles, and make the whole wide world our home again.

I am sending all my best wishes for health, healing, happiness, and hope for you and your loved ones in the coming weeks and months! If you have any questions about your travel plans, please don’t hesitate to reach out here.

Sincerely,

Jenny

Plan Now, Travel Later

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Where are you dreaming of going?

Having to stay home during the pandemic isn’t easy for anyone. Even if you are taking advantage of the slowed pace, or are finding unexpected joy in the quiet — this time can still be a time of restlessness, uncertainty, and anxiety. You probably know someone (maybe yourself!) who had to cancel a destination wedding, a summer vacation, or a trip they’d been anticipating for months or even years. 

If you’re someone who loves to travel, restricted movement can feel especially discouraging. Travel isn’t just about going places. It’s about the entire experience, the anticipation, the joy, about who you are and who you become when you visit someplace new. 

There can be a real sorrow in the letting go, especially amidst so many other changes and unknowns. One thing I’ve heard a lot of people saying is, “I wish I hadn’t put off taking that trip I always wanted to take.”

But believe it or not, now is a great time to be planning your post-Corona-celebration trip. 

There are a few reasons that this downtime is the ideal time to give me a call and get started planning your vacation of a lifetime. 

1. The travel restrictions won’t last forever. I know it can feel like it when you’re staring down weeks or months of having your biggest excursions be to the grocery store! But this is an event with an end. Beginning to dream and plan now can be a wonderful way to nurture hope and excitement, and to keep your mind focused on all the good things that will be possible again.

2. There are many deals to be had. All around the world, resorts and venues and restaurants and parks are just as eager to have you return as you are to get out into the world again. They want you to visit, and they are ready to offer incredible deals. As your agent, I have access to discounts and VIP perks that these businesses are waiting to offer.

3. It’s easy to build in travel protections when you book. You don’t have to worry about losing money if something comes up. Many airlines and resorts are offering penalty-free cancellations or adjustments. They know these are unusual times, and they want to be as flexible as possible. Remember: they want your business! Travel protection insurance offers additional peace of mind.

4. Perhaps begin closer to home. We may be a bit hesitant to circle the globe for a while. There are so many amazing destinations near you to enjoy! National Parks, river cruises and significant sights abound in many countries. Some of the best National Parks in the world are located right here in the U.S.! Destinations of breathtaking natural beauty, a number of them feature fascinating cultural significance. Cruise along one of many U.S. rivers in luxury onboard charming paddle-wheelers, reveling in captivating history and incredible scenery along the journey.

One of the many amazing gifts of traveling is that it teaches us resilience, curiosity, and how to find joy in the little things. 

Wherever you are right now, I encourage you to embrace this moment and start dreaming of your next adventure. When we emerge again, imagine the new appreciation we’ll have for things like bustling cafes, sunlit beaches, and just being able to interact face to face again. There are so many beautiful things ahead. When you’re ready to get started, you can find me here. I can’t wait to chat with you about future adventures!

Christmas is right around the corner!

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What To Give?

Stumped about what to get the traveler in your life? Try these ideas!

When it comes time to buy a travel-loving friend a gift, it’s easy to feel stuck on what to get. Journals are great — but not all travelers are journalers, and those that are often have at least a few blank ones on hand. Here are unique takes on classic ideas for the various kinds of travelers in your life.

For the foodie: send delicious global flavors right to their doorstep. Try The World with top chefs from Argentina to Morocco who assemble gorgeous boxes filled with curated delicacies from each country.  Delivered every month, each box contains descriptions for how to use the tasty and exotic flavors in your own recipes.

Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

For the well-accessorized: customize a favorite map to make cufflinks, a bracelet, or pendant. Have a special place you want to commemorate? Maybe the place of a first date, or a favorite childhood destination? This can be a beautiful and deeply personal way to show your traveler that you know what matters to them most.

For the crafty commemorator: check out this simple, beautiful way to re-trace steps and wonderful memories with a map and thread. The maps can be titled, as well. Imagine a wall decorated with these minimalist representations of adventures!

For the traveler who has everything and wants to give back: Why not make a donation to a favorite cause in your traveler’s name? You can choose organizations that support environmental stewardship, advocate for people in crisis, promote education, or help bring beauty, such as Tourism Cares, The TreadRight Foundation or Cool Effect.

For the traveler who’s always up for adventure: Experiences pack the biggest punch, happiness-wise. At Experience Days you can give the gift of a lifelong great memory to someone you care about. Try everything from hang gliding to art lessons throughout the United States. What a great surprise for honeymooners or a friend’s next big adventure!

For the gadget-junkie: this funky, universal worldwide travel adapter is perfect for the tech-savvy traveling family and will help ensure everything stays running smoothly.  For the hardcore gadget-junkie, what about these stylish vests, hoodies, and jackets with interior pockets (for men and women) to hold everything from smartphones to keys to water bottles?

For the photographer: If your friend is never without her smartphone or camera, why not make it easy for her to create beautiful, lasting photo albums, calendars, or prints of her best shots? At Artifact Uprising, she can connect directly with her Instagram account and assemble her most gorgeous memories.

If you need help planning the next adventure to fill an album, stitch on a map, or wear around your neck — or to give the gift of travel! — contact me today and let’s get started!

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok on Pexels.com

Voluntourism: Take a Trip, Make a Difference

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The famous playwright Henry Miller said, “One’s destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things.”

Those who travel know this well. The places we visit — whether it’s a state park near home or a safari in an exotic locale — have the power to change us in many ways, both simple and profound. We learn about ourselves and others, about being able to deal with uncertainty, about gratitude, about being in the moment and appreciating the world and extraordinary people around us.

What if your next trip could not only change you, but change the world for the better? Have you considered taking a service-centered vacation?

As our world rapidly shrinks due to connectivity and easy access to information, we are becoming more aware of life outside of our small, comparatively privileged bubbles. More and more people are asking how they can make a difference.

Also known as “voluntourism”, service-based trips offer the opportunity to spend your vacation time, skills, and dollars with those who need them most. They’re also great opportunities for kids (and adults!) to learn empathy and gain a perspective on today’s most pressing issues like global poverty, the environmental impact of climate change, the well-being of children, and conservation of animals and the natural world.

Here are a few tips to get you started and help you make the most of any volunteer vacation.

Go with heart, but plan with your head. Like any kind of travel, voluntourism is vulnerable to scams and fraud. I can provide you with names of reputable and responsible companies. Make sure you know what to pack, which vaccinations are required, which fees might apply, and what challenges (if any) might be present in the area or the work you’re about to engage in.

Look for opportunities that encourage relationship. It can be easy and somewhat tempting to pop in someplace, make an appearance, and then leave. Your feel-good emotions are triggered, and you don’t have to commit much of yourself to a place or a project. But that shortchanges both you and the recipients of your good intentions.

The website www.govoluntourism.org puts it like this: “A balanced engagement alternating between voluntary service and tourism activities allows for a reciprocal relationship with communities. The economic impact of tourism is blended with the social impact of volunteering: recipients become servers and servers become recipients.”

Know yourself. If you’ve never been exposed to extreme poverty or the pressing plight of some of the globe’s endangered species, be aware that trips like these can be extremely emotionally demanding. Talk to people, research, ask questions, and be prepared for what you might see and experience.

Especially where kids are involved, always opt for good training and a true time commitment. There are many people who have a deep heart for the suffering of children worldwide, and they want to do something to lift spirits and support good work. Again, look for reputable companies that understand the complex issues associated with working with children and other vulnerable populations. For example, breezing into town and spending an afternoon at an orphanage and then leaving the next day can be very distressing for kids who are already dealing with the pain of leaving and loss. A good volunteer organization will tell you exactly what is required of you to have the greatest positive impact on others’ lives — and you can decide if it’s a commitment you want to make.

Take time to rest and process. When your engagement is over, take at least few days before leaving to get to know the community you’re visiting better (many organizations will build this into your trip), to rest, and to write or talk about your experience with others. Many people are surprised by how life-changing these trips can be — in the best possible ways! — and it can take a while to integrate that new perspective into your everyday life.

Stay in touch. Even if you never visit that particular location again, it’s a good idea and can bring your experience full-circle if you stay connected to the organization you volunteered with. Sign up for newsletter updates; share photos you took; write a note or email a few times a year.

Looking for some more ideas? Check out books like this one, or check out this list to see more trusted organizations. The world is a big place — but you can make a big difference!

As always, I’m thrilled to be in a business that helps connect people with the best places and the best parts of themselves. If you’re ready to plan your next adventure, you can reach me simply by clicking here.