Sunday, February 21, 2016

How to Plan a Romantic Los Angeles Staycation

Romantic Los Angeles Staycation

If we could have our way, every weekend would mean a new country, state, or city. Every week would be a new adventure, and every day would be host to a new trip. Sadly, even as travel bloggers, this is not realistic.

Whether work, money, or time are your constraint, sometimes you simply can’t get on a plane or train and “just go”.

So what do we do when we have an insane itch to travel but don’t have the means to make that happen? We plan a staycation!

Here is your guide on how to plan the most romantic Los Angeles staycation!

Yoga at FS Westlake

Stay at Four Seasons Westlake Village

At this point it is no secret that we have a love affair with the Four Seasons. We have had the most incredible hospitality experiences of our lives at Four Seasons resorts. So, for our LA Staycation its no surprise we decided to spend our weekend with Four Seasons Westlake Village.

FS Westlake sits very near the Los Angeles and Ventura County lines in Westlake Village, CA. Positioned just off the 101, FS Westlake is incredibly accessible and perfect for travelers ranging from business people to those on extended holiday in LA and even couples like us looking for a great place to staycation.

four_seasons_stir_coffee

Once you valet your car you will be absolutely shocked to realize you’re merely feet from the 101. FS Westlake is an oasis that emulates nature and Italian architecture throughout the property.

Our weekend at FS Westlake was a romantic dream. The perfect staycation to make you feel like you’re not anywhere near home. We spoiled ourselves with champagne, an hour couples massage at the opulent FS Spa, and topped it all off with meals fit for royalty.

FS Westlake Staycation

Onyx, the Japanese restaurant at the resort features a menu and quality of food that rival and quite possibly surpass the likes of Katsuya and Nobu. It wouldn’t surprise us to find out that we tried everything on the menu, because it seemed like that was the case. And honestly, EVERYTHING was delicious!

Get the sake sampler while you wait for your starters and then indulge in some of the best fish you’ll find anywhere.

FS Westlake Brunch

Sunday champagne jazz brunch is also a very popular offering at FS Westlake. Again, we probably tried almost everything that was offered. Well, just look at the picture and see for yourselves!

You and your significant other will love hearing live jazz music, enjoying champagne, and stuffing your faces with one of the best brunches we have ever had. Since brunch doesn’t start until about 10:30, be sure to head to the coffee bar, Stir for some quality espresso and pastries.

Of course, we made sure to hit the beautiful fitness center to help burn a couple of the thousands of calories we enjoyed.

Helpful Tip: Four Seasons also has a resort in Beverly Hills!

Four Seasons Yoga

Dodgers_Game

Cheer On Your Local Teams!

LA is a sports Mecca. There has been a void with the lack of an NFL team for the last 2 decades, but the return of the Rams this year marks a monumental time for LA sports. We have sports going on here literally all year!

We are spoiled with our options: Dodgers, Angels, Lakers, Clippers, Ducks, Kings, Galaxy, USC and UCLA….seriously….we have a plethora of sports options and each game makes for a great date night.

If you want an extra romantic sports night be sure to go to a Dodger game on a Friday night and then sit on the field afterward for Friday night fireworks!

Mt. Waterman Hike

Go Outdoors

Southern California and greater Los Angeles in general are home to some of the best hikes we have found in the world- including The Bridge to Nowhere, Sandstone Peak, and Escondido Falls!

The Bridge to Nowhere hike is tough hike, but if you’re an adrenaline junkie, then its perfect for you. Once you reach the bridge, you can pay to bungee jump! There’s also plenty of pools and mini waterfalls to relax in and rest your legs before you head back!

Mt. Waterman Hike

One of our favorites,  the Mt. Waterman hike has a 5.5 mile trail which cuts through the beautiful pine trees and up to the summit of Mt. Waterman.  Once you reach the summit, you’ll enjoy a gorgeous and expansive view that stretches over the Angeles National Forest.

Read more about our favorite hikes!

Wine Tasting Santa Ynez

Go Wine Tasting

Believe it or not, greater LA has some awesome wine tasting opportunities. If you’re willing to drive about an hour, spend some time in the small town of Santa Ynez, near Santa Barbara.

Reminiscent of Napa Valley, the small, Western style downtown offers a number of great restaurants, while the surrounding county offers a plethora of vineyards with cultural focus spanning the globe.

If you’re not looking to drive very far, check out Malibu Wines for some decent wine, live music, and a cute picnic! Take snacks and such with you and enjoy the afternoon in the beautiful mountains of Malibu.

Read more about our experience wine tasting in Santa Ynez!

Couples Travel Bucket List

Hit the Beach

Whether you have experience in the ocean or not, LA is the perfect place to play in the water with your love.

Depending on wave height, wind, etc. you can either enjoy a nice afternoon surfing or stand up paddle boarding. If water sports aren’t for you, just head to the beach and enjoy the relaxing landscape, or even do some acro-yoga with your partner.

If you feel like getting outside around sunset- which we highly recommend because Southern California sunsets are unbelievable- then grab some food and make yourself a romantic picnic on the beach. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Beach Acro Yoga

There is seriously an endless supply of activities to enjoy in Los Angeles, so clearly this is just a short list. After traveling extensively you’ll even begin to see your hometown a bit differently and learn to love it even more as you enjoy it in ways you hadn’t even thought about.

So go be a tourist in your home town and enjoy a romantic staycation this weekend!

READ NEXT: 10 Essential Tips for Traveling as a Couple

 

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Saturday, February 20, 2016

The Ultimate Madrid Travel Guide

Ultimate Madrid Travel GUide

Madrid is often overshadowed by its northerly neighbor Barcelona. There seems little reason for this, though—with delicious food, affordable living, and deluxe shopping, the capital of Spain deserves its own spotlight of fame!

Discover what many locals already know and love about their city—plentiful rooftop bars, nonstop nightclubs, fantastic museum exhibitions, and luscious green parks.

Check out all of my tips in the ultimate Madrid travel guide!

What to Expect in Madrid

What to Expect in Madrid

  • Language: The official language is Spanish, naturally! You’ll find that many people do speak English.
  • Currency: The Euro
  • Credit Cards and Banks: The majority of retailers and restaurants accept debit card as payment; an increasing number are using credit cards.
  • Climate: Hot and dry summers, cold winters, and mild springs and autumns. Infrequent rainfall.

Getting Around Madrid

Getting Around Madrid

Madrid has one of the best public transit systems in the world. City traffic tends to be congested so it’s best to stay off wheels unless you’re driving out of town.

  • By Metro: The metro is very easy to navigate, even for non-Spanish speakers, and it’s much less expensive than other metro systems in Europe. If you’re heading into the suburbs, hop on one of the local trains or buses.
  • By Car: Parking is no picnic in Madrid, but if you must arrive by car, be sure to use a reliable GPS.  
  • Arriving by Air: The airport is just a few minutes from downtown. Catch the metro to the city center for just a couple of euros. 

Renfe Train

Where to Stay Madrid

Where to Stay in Madrid

Madrid is an extensive city, with many different neighborhoods. While getting around via metro is easy, picking an awesome area to begin with can only make the trip better!

The Best of Budget Accommodations in Madrid

  • Hostal Madrid: Single, double, and triple rooms—all with free internet and 24-hour reception. Prices range from 19 to 62 euros per night. Hostal Madrid is a budget-friendly option and is located in the heart of the historic center between Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.
  • La Pepa Chic: Single, double, family, and panorama rooms—all with Wi-Fi. Prices range from 50 to 71 euros per night. La Pepa Chic, a modest B&B in the historic center, is close to the Atocha train station and has an Art Nouveau feel.
  • Room Mate Óscar: Rooms, minisuites, and suites—all with Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception. Prices range from 119 to 260 euros per night. You will find the Gran Via just 20 meters away.
Luxury Hotel Madrid

The Best Luxury Accommodations in Madrid

  • Hotel Ritz, Madrid: Built in 1910, this exquisite Belle Époque hotel offers excellent restaurants and an intimate cocktail bar. Don’t miss the luxury spa wellness center, which offers premium massage treatments and facials.
  • Westin Palace: This 1912 hotel is located in the “Triangle of Art,” which means it’s within walking distance of the Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofia Museums.
  • Hotel Orfila: The Orfila is a stunning boutique with cream-color walls, a flowered patio, and a rooftop terrace. Built in 1886, the hotel feels more like an art gallery with its period furniture and marble décor.

What to do in Madrid

What to Do in Madrid

As a lively capital city, full of history and culture, beautiful parks, and exciting nightlife, Madrid encompasses everything a traveler could want!

  • Flamenco Dinner: One of the most iconic forms of dance, Flamenco originated in Spain and still plays an important role in the culture. Madrid has a range of venues that offer Flamenco shows with a traditional Spanish dinner—a lively and fantastic way to spend the evening. Be sure to check out Villa Rosa!
  • Real Madrid Futbol

  • Watch a Game of Fútbol: Spain is one of the most fanatic nations when it comes to soccer, and Madrid is a perfect spot to catch a game. Stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale strut their stuff around Madrid. Players from Atletico Madrid (the underdogs) are equally exciting to watch.
  • People Watch at Puerta del Sol: As a major transport hub, the Puerta del Sol is the most interesting square to visit in town. Here you’ll glimpse intriguing statues, public artworks, and historic architecture. Grab a coffee and relax while you watch the people of Madrid go about their business.
  • Wander Around Parque del Buen Retiro: I would compare this park to NYC’s Central Park- a beautiful oasis in the middle of a large, bustling city. You could get lost in the park’s paths, fountains, monuments and get some great people-watching in too!
  • Palacio de Cristal

  • Marvel at Palacio de Cristal:  Located inside of Retiro Park, the Palacio de Cristal was built in 1887 and is made almost entirely of glass set in an iron framework. It is set in a 130-hectare park alongside a large lake where there is a variety of flora and more than 15,000 trees to discover on a sunny Spanish afternoon.
  • Visit the Catedral de la Almudena: This ornate cathedral is one of the largest in Europe and blends a neo-Gothic style with modern statues and pop art décor. Construction took more than a century and the cathedral was only consecrated in 1993.
  • Pastries in Madrid

  • Eat your heart out at Mercado de San Miguel: The beautiful Mercado de San Miguel sits next to Plaza Mayor and serves a variety of pastries, snacks, and tapas. Locals and tourists alike flock here to sample fresh nibbles, and it’s a great way to see Madrid through the eyes of its natives.
  • Classical Art of the Highest Order at the Museo del Prado: The Museo del Prado is one of the best museums in Europe—it boasts a fine collection of classical art from Spanish masters like Velasquez and Goya and far-off artists such as Rubens, Botticelli, and Caravaggio.
  • Take a Day Trip to Segovia or El EscorialSegovia is a colorful, Spanish town- home to an ancient (and incredibly stunning) Roman Aqueduct. El Escorial was once the home to Spain’s Royal Family, and now offers tours of the palace and is an operating monastery.

Where to Eat Madrid

Where to Eat in Madrid

Madrid is has a plethora of traditional, authentic Spanish cuisine. Here are some of the must try places to eat in Madrid!

  • Churros & Chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés: Don’t miss this famous and historic café at Pasadizo de San Gines. Since 1894, this delicious Chocolatería has specialized in thick hot chocolate and mouthwatering, deep-fried churros.
  • Chocolatería San Ginés

  • Madrid Food Tour: Join Devour Madrid Food Tours and learn about the city’s age-old relationship with culinary delights. It offers a range of specialty food tours from neighborhood gourmet treats to the history of tapas.
  • Vermouth and Pinxtos at Mercado de San Miguel: Get your nibbles and tidbits form the Market of San Miguel. This historic market in the old quarter is perfect to sample your way through Spanish cuisine—vermouth, pintxos, oysters, olives paella, caviar—the list goes on and on.
  • Madrid Paella

  • Visit a Butcher for Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (the BEST ham in Spain): The best ham in Spain is incontestably Ibérico de Bellota ham, which is made from the black Ibérico pig whose diet consists of wild holm oak acorns. This ham can cost twice what normal ham does but oooohhhh is it worth it!
  • The Bar at Ten Con Ten for a G&T: Madrid’s favorite cocktail is the gin and tonic—and there’s no better one than at Ten Con Ten. This chic bar is hugely popular with upscale Madrileños and celebrities. The eclectic menu also includes queen scallops, roasted octopus, Asturian beans with quail, and monkfish hamburger. Be sure to reserve your spot well in advance!

Top foods to try!

Bacalao (salted and dried cod), olive oil and olives, jamon (ham), cheese, patatas bravas (smoky potatoes fried in oil with aioli), pimientos de padrón (spicy fried peppers) and tintos de verano (carbonated sangria)!

Read Next: Top Seven Things to See and Do in Madrid

 

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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

How to Protect and Treat “Blue Lagoon” Hair

How to Treat Blue Lagoon Hair

For travelers visiting Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is high on almost everyone’s bucket list. It’s warm, milky blue water and otherworldly appearance is like something out of a dream. On my last trip to Iceland, I took the day to relax and play around in the lagoon, and it was magical!

While the silica and sulphur in the water of the Blue Lagoon are amazing for your skin, beware.

The geothermal water can have negative effects on hair, especially for women!

As a blonde, water is my hair’s worst enemy. I’ve definitely had issues with everything from green hair problems after a swim in a pool to breakage from too much ocean water, so I was worried.

The geothermal water at Blue Lagoon has high levels of silica, and while silica is not harmful to hair (I repeat, NOT harmful to hair — don’t panic!), it can become stiff and difficult to manage once wet. You will feel the mineral buildup and you will need to treat it.

I’ve gotten asked quite a few times, how the heck to avoid this issue, so I’ve put together some of the tips that worked best for me.

Here’s how to protect and treat Blue Lagoon hair!

Blue Lagoon Hair

Before You Go: Pack a Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner

To prevent that mineral buildup, pack a clarifying shampoo and a deep-conditioner that doesn’t contain protein. After swimming in the Blue Lagoon, you’ll need to clarify the mineral buildup from your hair then recondition it.

1. Rinse Your Hair Before Entering

If you rinse your hair with mineral water before entering the geothermal water, your hair will absorb less silica, resulting in less of that feeling of mineral buildup!

2. Apply Conditioner BEFORE Getting in the Water

Lather up your hair in your deep conditioner, and leave it in while you bathe! (Remember, you want a deep conditioner that doesn’t contain protein — just pure moisture!) The Lagoon also offers complimentary conditioner in the shower area if needed.

3. Splash Around

Many girls had their hair up in buns and swim caps, but I was adamant on getting an epic shot in the Lagoon, so I went all in. Don’t be afraid!

4. Wash Your Hair

When you get out of the water, immediately wash your hair with your clarifying shampoo 2-3 times. There’s also complimentary shampoo in the shower areas if needed.

5. Rinse

Rinse thoroughly then towel blot out some of the water and put your deep conditioner on the mids and ends of your hair.

6. Deep Condition Overnight

If you need to rinse your hair out before you leave the spa, let the conditioner really soak in, and don’t rinse until you’re ready to leave. Then, do an overnight deep condition when you’re able. Repeat the shampooing and conditioning process the next day if you still feel buildup.

After washing with a clarifying shampoo and an overnight deep condition, my hair was 100% back to normal!

I hope these tips help you enjoy your trip to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland! If you have any questions, please comment below.

Swimming in the Blue Lagoon

READ NEXT: Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

 

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

The Ultimate Florianopolis Travel Guide

Florianopolis Travel Guide

Florianopolis is a region in Brazil that comprises the Ilha de Santa Catarina. The island, dubbed “Floripa” for short, has been a popular beach destination for surfers and partiers for decades.

The island is 33 miles long and offers travelers tasty seafood, white beaches, show-stopping nightlife, and quiet Azorean fishing villages.

This travel guide is filled with travel tips to help you plan your trip to Florianopolis!

What to Expect in Florianopolis

What to Expect in Florianopolis

  • Language: Portuguese, as in mainland Brazil!
  • Currency: The Brazilian Real
  • Credit Cards and Banks: Many vendors prefer cash. Most credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted. US dollars are accepted by many shops throughout Brazil.
  • Climate: The summer season is December to March, and is generally warm and humid with distinct seasons.

Rainy season: The rainiest time of the year is closest to September

Dry season: April marks the beginning on the dry period!

Floripa Beach

Getting Around Florianopolis

Getting Around Florianopolis

Traffic can be really bad around Florianopolis, so be sure to factor in travel time if you’re looking to get around.

  • By Bus: If you need local transportation, the bus system is really cheap and easy to use.
  • By Car: If you need to do a lot of driving, rent a car—it will take you about two hours to travel between the north and south points. 
  • By Taxi: If not by bus or car, you can hail or call a cab. Easy Taxi is a great app for getting cabs in Brazilian cities; just take note that there may not be as many cabs in Floripa.

Bus Ride in Florianopolis

Where to Stay in Florianopolis

When choosing where to stay, consider the location rather than the hotel itself. Staying in a great area in Floripa will make all the difference to your trip.

The Best of Locations in Florianopolis

  • Lagoa Da Conceição 
  • Praia Mole

The Lagoa and the Praia Mole are the “crown jewels” of the island. Here you will find the region’s most stunning natural beauty. They offer fantastic beaches, lush green mountains, soft white sand dunes, and the beautiful Lagoa da Conceição lagoon itself.

The area has stunning visuals but also a large variety of leisure and sporting options such as boating, kiting, wakeboarding, fishing, and swimming suitable for children of all ages.

With its shallow waters and year-round high winds, Floripa offers world-class windsurfing; in the town centers, you’ll find fantastic dining, trendy cafes, nightlife, and boutique shopping—all authentically Brazilian.

Both the Lagoa and the Praia Mole are located in central Floripa making it easy to access the north and south points.

Beaches in Floripa

Helpful Tip:

Most locals and Brazilian tourists recommend renting a house. It’s nice to have access to a full kitchen and, if you’re traveling with a group, there are plenty of larger homes available for rent. Otherwise, there are some smaller hotels and hostels all around the island.


What to Do in Florianopolis

What to Do in Florianopolis

From the historical site to seaside activities, Florianopolis has plenty to do.

  • Beaches: My favorite beach is Praia Mole but check out any of the island’s other 41 beaches. Many have little coves that are great for swimming. You’ll run into fewer crowds in the south.
  • Hang in Lagoa: There are tons of activities to do, mostly geared around the water: boating, kiting, wakeboarding, fishing, and swimming.
  • Surf: Some beaches are well-known surf spots. Gear up your adventurous spirit with some boarding! If you’re there in October you can catch the annual Santa Catarina Pro.
  • Mangarosa Bikinis

  • Shop for Bikinis & Havaianas: Home to the Brazilian Bikini and the most comfortable sandals ever- make sure to shop while in Floripa! While in Lagoa, clheck out the Havaianas store and and Mangarosa for bikinis!
  • Party in JurerêJurerê Internacional is a high-end beach community in the northwest that hosts parties in high season. Top nightlife options can be found here. There’s nothing like a party at Jurerê Internacional Hotel where you’ll find charm, elegance, fun DJs, jetsetters, and young party goers. You’ll find massive parties anywhere and everywhere you look, especially during Carnival (January-February) or the surfing championships.
  • Visit Campeche IslandCampeche is a Florianopolis island less than a mile off the southeastern coast. Here you’ll find a few trails in the rainforest, waters perfect for snorkeling, and several petroglyph sites. Visits must be scheduled and temporary (you can only stay up to an hour and a half). To get here, catch an inflatable boat or schooner from Praia do Campeche, Armação, or Barra da Lagoa.
  • Hike to Lagoinha

  • Hike to Lagoinha do Leste: This beach is remote and secluded. It is accessible only by trails and is claimed to be the most beautiful beach on the island. To reach Lagoinha do Leste, you must hike for two hours along the steep coast. When you arrive, reward yourself by swimming in a freshwater lagoon or surfing in the emerald green water. Be sure to pack a lunch to enjoy while you’re there!
  • Sand board down Dunas JoaquinaSand boarding is a popular sport at the Joaquina Dunes—it’s basically bodysurfing on sand. The dunes can be up to 200 feet high and you can reach speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour. The dunes are located between the Lagoa da Conceição and Praia da Joaquina—rent boards for just $5 an hour.

What to Eat Florianopolis

What to Eat in Florianopolis

It’s not about where to eat, but what to eat in Floripa! Dive right in and taste what you’ve been missing all your life. The region’s claim to fame is its fresh seafood (particularly the oysters, food trucks, and tapioca. Here are some of the must eats!

  • SeafoodSequência de camarão is one of the most popular dishes in Floripa. It’s a huge dish of seafood appetizers—shrimp, crab, fish, octopus—served with salad and fries. Also, don’t miss delicious oysters baked in cheese—a dish to die for!
  • Tapioca: The dish can be served savory or sweet. Often, sweet versions are served with coconut and sugar. Cuscuz de tapioca is sold by beach vendors and is a popular dish of tapioca couscous with coconut, condensed milk, and sugar.
  • Coffee: As a staple of food and drink in Brazil, you must try some coffee while traveling there. My favorite hangout was at Jack and Jacks– great coffees, nutella croissants and live music in the evenings!
  • Coffee Florianopolis

  • Food Trucks: In Lagoa, don’t miss the Food Truck “Parking Lot.” This food spot features food trucks and a skate park.  
  • Açai Bowl: A healthy and refreshing treat for those hot beach days! The açai fruit comes in a bowl filled with granola, banana, and guaraná sugar. This is the perfect snack for daily energy, especially if you’re planning to hit the surf! Look for it in kiosks and juice bars along the beach.
  • Beach Food: With so many beaches in Floripa, you’ll find tons of unique and delicious beach food. Gobble down grilled cheese on-a-stick, roasted nuts, fresh coconut water, or an acai bowl!

Brazilian Grilled Cheese

Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Rio in a Weekend

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Monday, February 15, 2016

Five Things to Do Before a Flight

Things to Do Before a Flight

We all know that flights are not the highlight of any trip. Whether a short commute or a long-haul flight around the globe, there are preparations you can take to ensure a smoother, and more comfortable journey.

Here are my top things to do before a flight!

flight passport

– – Dress Well – –

Choose your travel clothes based on comfort and destination. Airplane temperatures can be a bit chilly, so dress in loose layers and keep a simple jacket or sarong in your carry-on bag. Opt out of belts, hats, or excessive jewelry—these can slow you down when you’re passing through security.

Choose baggy, comfy clothing so you can relax easily on your flight—imagine being crammed in a cabin for six hours in tight jeans!

If you’re landing in a destination with a different climate, have a change of clothes ready. If you’re headed to a Caribbean beach, carry sandals and shorts so you can change on arrival. If you’re landing where there is snow, be sure to make room for a sweater.

The Ultimate Carry On Bag

– – Pack Hygiene Products – –

There’s something magical about toothpaste and a wet washcloth—they can brighten your day. Pack a small zipper storage bag with the essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, hairbrush, and maybe a facial scrub.

Using these during or after the flight can perk you up and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to face your new settings (and jet lag, if need be).

Read Next: The Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide

Flight essentials

– – Drink Liquids – –

Drink lots of water before and during your flight. Aircraft air conditioning can mess up your skin and fluid levels, and knock your body out of its natural equilibrium.

Pack a small, empty container, and fill it at the fountain after you’ve passed security. Alternatively, you can purchase a water bottle to take onboard with you.

Alcohol on flights

– – Avoid the Bar – –

Yes, alcohol during the flight can be tempting—especially if you’re traveling with your mates—but on an airplane, it’s better to minimize your consumption. Alcohol dehydrates you and makes you more susceptible to illness.

Try herbal tea instead—it helps you stay hydrated and soothes nerves.

Turkish Airlines Business Class

– – Pack Snacks – –

No matter how short your flight is, chances are you’ll get hungry. Pack some easy snacks—trail mix, nuts, raisins, chocolate.

Avoid smelly cheeses or smoked fish—these can disrupt your neighbors. And don’t bring fresh fruits and vegetables—many airlines don’t permit them onboard.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Survival Guide for Long-Haul Flights

 

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Sunday, February 14, 2016

Top Romantic Getaways in Greece for Couples

Romantic Getaways in Greece

Greece and romance may as well be synonymous!

Volcanic cliffs meet the beautiful blue sea where you and your loved one meet some of the most hospitable people we have found in this world.  The food makes for wonderfully romantic dinners and the culture will elevate your romance to new levels.

As a warning, if you visit Greece before you’re married like we did, you’re definitely going to be asked by about 90% of the people you meet if you’re on your honeymoon.

So when you travel with your loved one, be sure to visit these top romantic getaways in Greece!

Cliffs of Akrotiri Greece

– Walk Along the Cliffs of Akrotiri –

Escape the crowds and enjoy the beautiful views of Santorini from the Akrotiri side of the island. The affordable cliff side hotels that are rather secluded make this the most romantic side of the island.

We found a 4 star resort for $120 a night in the middle of July!

Beach in Greece

– Explore Mykonos’ Private Beaches –

Rent an ATV, or 2 like we did, and explore the island in search of a private beach. We found multiple secluded beaches with the most breathtaking crystal clear blue water.

Bask in the sun the Greek way (nude) and skinny dip with your loved one.  Nudity is accepted just about everywhere on Mykonos so no need to be shy.

Sunset over Santorini

– Enjoy a Sunset in Oia, Santorini –

The Oia, Santorini sunset is one of the world’s most famous and most romantic sunsets. Yes, it can get quite crowded, but get to the tip of the island early and enjoy a picnic and some wine with your significant other! Who

Athens Acropolis

– Discover the Ancient Ruins of Athens –

What’s more romantic than exploring ancient ruins and finding yourselves in history? Imaging yourself as a couple thousands of years ago walking through the Acropolis can be quite a mood setter. Or maybe we are just nerds? Not sure.

Greek Cuisine

– Embrace True Greek Culture –

Nea Makri is a wonderful example of true local culture, and is about an hour outside of Athens. Small town Greece is just like small town Italy- an absolute dream.  It is quaint, hospitable, simple, down to earth, and filled with delicious food and wonderful people.

Nea Makri is a fine representation of small town Greece and is a spot you should definitely make a point to visit. Not to mention, it is very near the Port of Rafina, which is a great spot to catch a ferry to the islands.

Greece Couples Travel

Over to you! Where have you and your better half been in Greece that you found romantic? What types of activities did you do that you think other couples would enjoy as well?

Share with us in the comments below!

READ NEXT: 10 Essential Tips for Traveling as a Couple

 

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