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The village of Santa Maddalena, Italy and the Dolomites mountain range in the background covered in snow

5 European Winter Vacations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on November 3, 2021. Posted in Inspiration.

With the Alps winding their way through a sizable chunk of the continent, you’re spoiled for choices when it comes to winter vacations in Europe. Even those who don’t typically thrive in a snowy environment like the Alps will be mesmerized by all the region has to offer. But if you really would like to avoid seeing a single snowflake as much as possible, don’t be quick to write off a trip to Europe entirely. It may not be the Caribbean, but there are still wonderful experiences to be had in the northern hemisphere’s coldest months.

© Muhammad Fadhli Adnan | Dreamstime

1) Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

Home to some of the most postcard-worthy imagery of the Alps, the Bernese Oberland is the epitome of European winter vacations. This is one of the best places in the world to embrace the snow, whether you’re looking for a bucket-list ski trip or prefer to unwind aboard cogwheel trains that will carry you to some of Switzerland’s most famous peaks. Even for more casual strolls you’ll have to bundle up, but the castles and lakes you’ll encounter will be well worth it. Every night you can retire to towns like Thun or Grindelwald that ooze old-world charm and delve into pots of luscious cheese or chocolate fondue alongside a roaring fireplace.

© Mihai Neacsu | Dreamstime

2) Dolomites, Italy

Only in Italy could a place like the Dolomites go relatively overlooked. The Dolomites are a section of the Alps that’s well-known by hikers and adventure travelers, but are oft-forgotten by most visitors who flock to renowned areas like Rome or Venice. This jagged landscape sparkles in the winter when it’s dressed up with a coat of fresh snow, and you can choose to embrace from a distance in a cozy lodge or up close on the slopes. There are few better places in the world to try your hand at snowshoeing to uncover sceneries that are equal parts serene and stunning. The proximity to such Germanic countries like Austria and Switzerland will also be felt through the cuisine, with spätzle and beer frequently sharing menu space with tagliatelle and wine.

© Zdeněk Matyáš | Dreamstime

3) Canary Islands, Spain

Spain is known as a land of sunshine and, come wintertime, the Canary Islands are no exception. As the place with the most sunlight hours in all of Europe and springtime temperatures through the coldest months of the year, Northern Europeans flock here for milder weather as their homes get bogged down with snow and rain. Though it can often get a little too cold to enjoy the beaches of the Canary Islands to the fullest in the winter, there are plenty of other adventures to be had.

It’s up to you if that means summiting Mount Teide in Tenerife, windsurfing off the coast of Fuerteventura or sipping wine from the volcanic grounds of Lanzarote. Just know options won’t be and scarce, and you should end any day by taking in the dazzling light show that appears overhead each night, as the Canary Islands are home to some of the clearest skies in the world for stargazing.

© Sborisov | Dreamstime

4) Austria

Austria is a relatively small country, and any location has the capability for splendid winter vacations. City-dwellers will thrive in Vienna and Salzburg, roaming through Christmas markets and medieval streets. These cities are also a haven for foodies who might like to fill their bellies with warm, hearty cuisine such as schnitzel, goulash and apple strudel. And for those who prefer to flee the bustle of cities, there are countless lakefronts and mountainsides lined with rustic lodges for as calm or as active of a getaway as you’d like. All in all, it’s also a cheaper alternative to wallet-busting Switzerland.

© Alexey Fedorenko | Dreamstime

5) London, United Kingdom

If mountains and snow aren’t your thing, the capital of the United Kingdom may entice you. With notoriously cloudy skies and spotty rain showers year-round, people don’t tend to plan a trip to London based on the weather. The Palace of Westminster, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, to name just a few, look the same on winter vacations as they do in the summer. If anything, they earn the benefit of smaller crowds in the off-season.

Winter temperatures in London are pretty mild compared to some of the other options on this list, which means crawling from pub to pub at night isn’t too frigid of an endeavor. And if you do happen upon a day where the weather outside is truly frightful, wander your way through any of the countless museums the city has to offer. View Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone in the British Museum, admire a variety of art forms at the Victoria and Albert Museum and end your day at the Tate Modern, which also has a sweeping view of the city from its iconic pillar.

Featured image: © Pljvv | Dreamstime

COVID-19 Testing Sites in Italy

Written by Iulian Milcomete on August 2, 2021. Posted in Italy.

All travelers, including those that are vaccinated, must present negative results from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival back into the United States. If you are returning home via United Airlines, Delta, or American Airlines, we highly recommend using one of their recommended self-tests. You can easily book an appointment time that best suits your needs and perform these tests under the instruction of a medical professional through an app on your phone within the comfort of your hotel room.

Unvaccinated travelers in Italy will likely require additional tests, and the self-tests suggested by US airlines may not be accepted. Negative test results from within 48 hours are now required for unvaccinated travelers to go inside restaurants (food tours included), museums, bars, spas, pools, gelato shops, gyms, concerts, and sporting events. This includes the Ancient Rome sites like the Colosseum and the Forum, and also the Vatican. Soon, tests will also be required in order to board various means of transportation, such as trains and domestic flights.

Many hotels are happy to arrange COVID tests on the property for their guests. Though it is often more expensive, it may be worth discussing with your hotel, particularly if you are in a more remote area (such as Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast).

Below we have listed a number of testing sites in some of our most popular Italy destinations in order to aid you in sorting out your testing needs. For some locations, you may need to book an appointment in advance. If you need help doing so, the concierge at any of your hotels can assist you.

Rome

Farmacia del Corso
Address: Via del Corso, 242, Rome 00186
Phone: +39 066 792 983

Centro Diagnostico Pantheon
Address: Via Giustiniani, 12, Rome 00186
Phone: +39 066 880 5685

Farmacia San Lorenzo in Lucina

Address: Piazza di S. Lorenzo in Lucina, Rome 00100

Phone: +39 066 871 525

Florence

Lifebrain Poliambulatorio UMA
Address: Viale Giuseppe Mazzini, 16, Florence 50132
Phone: +39 055 574 344
Website: https://www.lifebrain.it/en/

Venice

Venice Airport
Address: On the ground floor inside the terminal, Venice Marco Polo Airport, Viale Galileo Galilei, 30, Venice 30173
Phone: +39 320 833 7932
Website: https://www.veneziaairport.it/en/info-and-assistance/swab-test-covid-19.html

BIELO HUB
Address: Sestiere Santa Croce, 499, Venice 30135
Phone: +39 041 523 7870
Website: https://www.bielohub.it/

Positano

Farmacia Ottica Rizzo
Address: Viale Pasitea, 22, Positano 84017
Phone: +39 089 875 863

COVID-19 Testing Sites in Greece

Written by Iulian Milcomete on August 2, 2021. Posted in Greece.

Unvaccinated travelers in Greece will likely require additional tests, and the self-tests suggested by US airlines may not be accepted. Negative test results from within 48 hours are now required for unvaccinated travelers to board ferries and domestic flights, meaning you may have to have tests done in multiple locations.

Below we have listed a number of testing sites in some of our most popular Greece destinations in order to aid you in sorting out your testing needs. For some locations, you may need to book an appointment in advance. If you need help doing so, the concierge at any of your hotels can assist you.

Athens

CrossBorder MedCare
Address: Marinou Geroulanou, 13, Athens 11524
Phone: +30 698 511 2000
Website: https://www.crossbordermedcare.com/

Central Clinic of Athens
Address: Asklipiou, 31, Athens 10680
Phone: +30 210 367 4000
Website: https://www.centralclinic.gr/en/

Bioatriki Healthcare – Chalandri
Address: 44, Pentelis Ave. & 2, Irakleous Str., Chalandri, Athens 10557
Phone: +30 210 680 0991
Website: https://bioiatriki.gr/covid-19-en.php

Santorini

Central Clinic of Santorini
Address: Agiou Athanasiou, 2, Fira, 84700
Phone: +30 228 602 1728
Website: https://santorinicentralclinic.gr/

Mykonos

Mykonos Medical
Address: Argyraina, Mykonos 85600
Phone: +30 228 907 7700, +30 228 902 8353
Website: https://mykonosmedical.com/covid-tests-info/

SEA Medical
Address: Angelika, Mykonos 84600
Phone: +30 228 902 7350
Website: https://www.seamedical.gr/service/real-time-pcr/

Scorpios Beach Club
Address: Paraga, Mykonos 84600
Phone: +30 228 902 9250
Website: https://www.scorpiosmykonos.com/test-center

Naxos

HealthCare Naxos
Address: Plateia Petroi Eviapaioi, Naxos 84300
Phone: +30 697 016 8858
Website: https://doctor-naxos.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

Crete

Gavrilaki General Clinic S.A.
Address: M.Mpotsari 76-78, Chania 73136
Phone: +30 282 107 0800
Website: https://iasishospital.gr/en/test-covid-19-info-english

Affidea Chania
Address: I. Hatzidaki 5 (Pl. Dikastirion), Chania, Crete PC 73134
Phone: +30 282 105 3940
Website: https://affidea.gr/diagnostiko-kentro/affidea-chania/

Affidea Heraklion
Address: Sq. Eleftherias 45 (Electra Building), Heraklion, Crete 71201
Phone: +30 281 034 2500
Website: https://affidea.gr/diagnostiko-kentro/affidea-heraklion/

Terrace with a view of the Acropolis at GB Roof Garden, an Athens restaurant

Athens Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on July 23, 2021. Posted in Athens, Restaurants.

In Greece’s historic capital of Athens, you are destined to have a meal as monumental as its famed ruins. Whether you prefer to indulge in classic cuisine or new and unique takes on it, there are plenty dining hotspots that will meet your needs. These Athens restaurant recommendations can help make narrowing down your plethora of options a little bit easier.

To Trikyklo

Pytheou 34 & Geometrou 1, Athens 11743 – +30 210 923 2384 – Website

Off the beaten tourist track, this taverna is a little gem for Greek food. Eat amongst the locals and try dishes such as tzatziki, feta with red chilli and olive oil, Greek salad, meat balls, veal baked in red wine, stuffed aubergine and fried anchovies.

2Mazi

Nikis, 48, Syntagma Square, Athens 10525 – +30 210 322 2839 – Website

The airy courtyard of 2Mazi is both welcoming and elegant, the perfect setting for a delightful meal. As in most Greek restaurants, you can’t go wrong with the lamb entree, but the tuna or poached grouper are fantastic alternatives if you’d like something from the sea. And if you don’t prefer meat of any variety, there’s also a vegetarian menu packed with delicacies like vegetable ravioli and mushroom and truffle risotto.

© 2Mazi

Oineas

9 Aisopou, Athens 10554 – +30 210 321 5614 – Website

With a bubbling atmosphere, decor and great food, this taverna is popular with tourists and locals alike. The unusual appetizers (fried feta in light honey) may conspire to make you forget to order any main dishes, but don’t — you can’t go wrong in any of your selections here.

Avocado

Nikis, 30, Syntagma, Athens 10557 – +30 210 323 7878 – Website

A vegetarian and vegan Athens restaurant café serving organic dishes with friendly staff that will help you with the menu. Nestled in a tranquil space, it offers you a healthy option in the city of Athens. Must tries include the Holy Guacamole and Pimento (a spicy non alcoholic drink from France) and the vegan pizza with veggies including avocado and eggplant.

© GB Roof Garden

GB Roof Garden

Hotel Grande Bretagne, 1 Vasileos Georgiou A’ Str., Syntagma Square, Athens 10564 – +30 21 0333 0766 – Website

For a fantastic view of the Acropolis by night and fancy Greek specialities including unique cocktails, go here. Enjoy one of these drinks alongside some steamed sea bass or pork cheeks with risotto. Check before you go to see if there are any special live music nights going on, such as jazz or opera. Reservations are recommended.

Metropolis Roof Garden

Electra Metropolis Hotel, Mitropoleos 15, Athens 10557 – +30 214 100 6290 – Website

For another stunning view of the Acropolis paired with a delectable menu full of Mediterranean cuisine and fusion dishes, consider the Metropolis Roof Garden perched atop the Electra Metropolis Hotel. Start with a classic shrimp saganaki before moving on to lobster orzo with smoked sausage, fresh truffle and caramelized cauliflower. End your meal with their unique spicy lemon and basil custard.

Featured image: © Hotel Grand Bretagne

COVID-19 Self Tests are Now Available for Travel

Written by Iulian Milcomete on July 23, 2021. Posted in Travel.

We hope you’re getting excited about traveling to Europe soon! One of the things that weighs on most travelers’ minds is ensuring they have all the required information to get into their destination country and then also back home.

To return to the United States, travelers must meet re-entry COVID-19 testing requirements. We include copies of the United States Passenger Attestation Form for re-entry with your final pack, but you will also need to have a negative viral test (NAAT or antigen test) within 3 days of your return flight in your destination country.

It’s now possible to order a test here to take along with you! We provide the links to our recommended testing kits below.

These tests are self-administered but you need to be on a video call with a Telehealth worker to witness you doing it. The appointments can be scheduled in Europe, but we highly recommend booking your video observation now to ensure appointment availability for the exact date when you need to be tested.

The top 3 major airlines suggest the following self-test kits:

Delta

United (please note you need 2 tests per traveller)

American

Or a smaller BinaxNOW test kit for 1 person – (please note you need 2 tests per traveller)

There’s still time to purchase travel insurance if you haven’t already done so, in the case of a positive test this should cover you for quarantine expenses, medical expenses etc. Please let us know if you would like to receive a quote.

Positano Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on June 28, 2021. Posted in Amalfi Coast, Restaurants.

Every year, people flock to Italy for the chance to taste some of the finest cuisine in the world. The Amalfi Coast epitomizes this trend with countless terraces inviting diners with gorgeous terraces and amazing dishes ranging coastal specialties like spaghetti with clams to homey favorites like Neopolitan pizza. These Positano restaurant recommendations will help you traverse the culinary roadmap of one of the most popular Amalfi Coast towns.

La Sponda

Le Sirenuse, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30, Positano 84017 – +39 089 875 066 – Website

Bougainvillaea covers the vaulted ceiling and hundreds of candles create a magical atmosphere. In the summer months meals are served al fresco where the splendor of the Amalfi Coast will captivate you. La Sponda boasts a cuisine that is simple, fragrant and light combining the best of local and Italian flavors with international flair. The Chef gives great emphasis to the choice of local ingredients which vary with the seasons. Behind glass windows in the restaurant, chefs can be seen preparing dishes in a kitchen decorated with handmade tiles and copper pots.

La Tagliata

Via Tagliata, 32b, Positano 84017 – +39 089 875 872 – Website

From the passion for genuine and natural products directly derived from their orchard, a love for antique traditions was born in La Tagliata. This restaurant boasts a spectacular location with its incredible view of the Galli isles, Capri and Positano below. It offers tasty and original handmade pasta dishes including gnocchi with a choice of sauces, fusilli with pumpkin and ravioli with provola cheese, rocket and mozzarella. Also on the menu is a great choice of meat: t-bone steak, chicken, grilled veal, sausages and lamb. Pick some plates to share amongst your group; the large portions allow for family-style dining.

© La Tagliata

Next2

Viale Pasitea, 242, Positano 84017 – +39 089 812 3516 – Website

Opened in 2004 it is an attractively furnished restaurant with modern lines and serious food, from updated versions of classic Neapolitan dishes to more creative fare like pumpkin soup with rosemary oil and shrimp.

da Vincenzo

Via Pasitea, 172/178, Positano 84017 – +39 089 875 128 – Website

Seek out Da Vincenzo for a well-deserved, Michelin-starred meal. Founded over 50 years ago by the current owner’s uncle, this upscale restaurant has a history to tell. It’s on the main one-way street in the southern part of Positano, so you won’t have to wander far from the fun! Specializing in seafood, our favorite options include tuna caponata antipasto, octopus, fava bean pasta, beef with parmesan, and tiramisu. Sip on a bottle of Barolo throughout your evening; you won’t be disappointed.

Lo Guarracino

Via Positanesi d’America, 12, Positano 84017 – +39 089 875 794 – Website

Lo Guarracino is situated along the path that winds around the headland, above the ferry ticket booths to the Spiaggia Fornillo, the best of the town’s two beaches. Serves simple, honest seafood with prices to match and a good place to watch the sunset. If you’re a connoisseur of Neopolitan pizza, this is also one of the best Positano restaurant recommendations to keep in mind.

© Lo Guarracino

Ristorante Max

Piazza dei Mulini, 22, Positano 84017 – +39 089 875 056 – Website

This is a special restaurant: you step in an art gallery and you feel as if you are in someone’s home. You will be surrounded by original artwork, paintings, furniture and decor. Their specialities include baby calamari stuffed with cheese seasoned with olive oil and herbs, and tagliolini with fresh local spiny lobster. Guests can also eat in a nice courtyard garden area with dim lighting during the evening: a very romantic atmosphere.

Chez Black

Via del Brigantino, 19, Positano 84017 – +39 089 875 036 – Website

Right on the Spiaggia Grande, it is one of the most popular casual restaurants in Positano. It is a local institution, allegedly nicknamed after owner Salvatore Russo’s eternal tan. This nautically themed place cannot be beaten for its location or as a great spot for people-watching. The friendly staff will guide you through their specialities, including zuppa di pesce – fish soup, paccheri con Positanese di seppie e polipi and spaghetti con ricci di mare – sea urchins served in a large metal urchin.

Il Tridente

Hotel Poseidon, Viale Pasitea, 140, Positano 84017 – +39 089 811 111 – Website

Il Tridente may be most known for its sprawling views of Positano, but it’s cuisine will also leave a lasting impression on you. Their menu full of seafood delicacies like monkfish ravioli and sea bass for two is rounded by savory black pig and an array of vegetarian dishes, such as the citrus risotto and sesame-roasted tofu. Even if you decide to have dinner elsewhere, still consider booking an earlier or later reservation at the cocktail bar to take in the lovely view over refreshing drinks.

Featured image: © Lo Guarracino

Naxos Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on June 24, 2021. Posted in Naxos, Restaurants.

With a booming agricultural economy, Naxos shines in its fresh authentic cuisine. Ducking into almost any charming taverna provides a delightful dining experience, but these tried and true Naxos restaurant recommendations are as close to a guarantee as you can get. As with any island across Greece, seafood is a staple, but you’ll also find a wide array of hearty meat and vegetable dishes.

Nissaki

Nissaki Beach Hotel, Saint George Beach, Naxos Town, Naxos 84300 – +30 228 502 5710 – Website

Located along the water, at Nissaki Restaurant you can dine with the gentle crashing of the waves and a refreshing sea breeze. Try the lobster spaghetti, a cornerstone of their menu, and pair it with a glass from their list of local Greek wines.

© Typografio

Typografio

Chora, Naxos 84300 – +30 228 502 2375 – Website

Typografio sits above Naxos town’s harbor, with plenty of outdoor seating to take in the view. The food mixes traditional and modern with ease, and the professional staff is always ready to assist. The restaurant is just outside the castle, making it a great stop for a meal after an afternoon exploring the area. Reservations recommended.

Barozzi

Ariadnis, Naxos Town, Naxos 84300 – +30 228 502 7672 – Website

Baorzzi has hopped on the trend of farm-to-table cuisine, taking advantage of the island’s bountiful agriculture to provide incredibly fresh dishes. The seafood dishes are outstanding, and the goat entree is a surprise fan favorite. While the wine list is extensive, it is also well worth ordering one of their carefully crafted cocktails with some unique ingredients such as gentian root or dittany.

© Scirocco

Scirocco

Platia Protodikiou, Chora, Naxos 84300 – +30 228 502 5931 – Website

Ask any local Naxian about the best restaurants on the island, and you are bound to hear of Scirocco. This wonderful restaurant serves traditional specialties like souvlaki or moussaka, but also local favorites. Try the Naxian salad or a seafood medley. Reservations highly recommended.

Santorini Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on June 18, 2021. Posted in Restaurants, Santorini.

One of travel’s greatest joys is sampling the local delicacies, and Greece is a powerhouse of Mediterranean cuisine. Nowhere is this more apparent than Santorini, the glistening white jewel of the Cyclades island chain. The top-notch culinary talent is one of its many draws, and these Santorini restaurant recommendations will help guide you towards some of the best on offer.

1800 Restaurant

Oia, Santorini 84702 – +30 228 607 1485 – Website

1800 Restaurant is held as a highly respected restaurant in Santorini, located in a traditional sea captain’s house on one of Oia’s quieter streets. Order the tagliatelle with filet mignon and pair it with a bottle from their award-winning wine cellar, all while enjoying the view from their roof garden.

Black Rock Restaurant

Oia, Santorini 84702 – +30 228 602 7337 – Website

For a modern reinvention of classic Greek cuisine, Black Rock Restaurant delivers. Watch the sun set on the caldera between bites of sea bass in lemon-fennel sauce or baked lamb for a quintessential Santorini dining experience. In addition to a delightful list of wines and cocktails, there are also a few refreshing mocktails to choose from, including non-alcoholic mojitos and sangria.

Seaside Santorini

Perivolos, Agios Georgios Beach, Santorini 84703 – +30 228 608 2801 – Website

This excellent beachside restaurant in Perivolos sits at the very end of the right-hand side of the beach; it’s a great choice for lunch or dinner. The creative, inventive menu of Mediterranean flavors has a cosmopolitan twist, drawing inspiration from different parts of the world for items such as their sushi or Greek paella.

Ammoudi Fish Tavern

Ammoudi, Oia, Santorini 84702 – +30 228 607 2298 – Website

Along the glistening water of Ammoudi Bay, seated about 200 steps (or a brief taxi ride) below the heart of Oia, you can find Ammoudi Fish Tavern. The restaurant’s location in a small port with excellent views of the sea resonates with the bountiful array of fresh seafood on their menu. And, just like any top-notch spot in Greece, there’s a sizable list of fantastic wines to pair with your meal.

Nikolas Restaurant

Erithrou Stavrou, Fira, Santorini 84700 – +30 228 603 6422

This traditional, family-run restaurant is tucked down one of Fira’s back streets, just next to the Enigma nightclub. It serves fantastic home-cooked food, but be prepared to queue for the privilege of eating with the locals.

Pacman Sunset Restaurant

Andronis Arcadia, Oia, Santorini 84702 – +30 228 602 7392 – Website

Sushi lovers will rejoice for Pacman’s open-air sushi bar with a variety of rolls both traditional and creative. But even those who don’t fancy sushi quite as much have plenty to savor, from handmade pastas to tomahawk steaks. You won’t be dining amongst the caldera views you’ve become accustomed to in Santorini, but the more direct sunset view is a sight to be seen.

Vanilia

Firostefani, Santorini 84700 – +30 228 602 5631 – Website

A romantic favorite, located opposite the old church high on the cliff in Firostefani. Choose a table downstairs for intimacy, and upstairs for a view of the ocean. Do try a local wine from the carefully put-together lists (Nikteri was our favorite).

© Vanilia

Onar

Firostefani, Santorini 84700 – +30 228 603 6164 – Website

Onar prides itself on its incredibly local ingredients, some of which are even grown by the restaurant itself, and this freshness shines throughout the Mediterranean menu. Start with the bougiourdi (a dip of baked feta, peppers and tomatoes), savor the shrimp spaghetti and round out your meal with some creme brûlée, all while enjoying the breathtaking view.

Volcano Blue

Fira, Santorini 84700 – +30 228 602 2850 – Website

The white-washed walls and blue accent decor leading up to the magnificent caldera view at Volcano Blue perfectly welcome you to the Cyclades. Like most restaurant in Santorini, seafood is their star, but there are also several fantastic chicken, pork and lamb options. And if you simply can’t decide between their tasty seafood dishes, the grilled platter for two will help you sample a variety.

© Volcano Blue

Lycabettus

Oia, Santorini 84702 – +30 228 603 6735 – Website

National Geographic once dubbed Lycabettus Restaurant’s outdoor dining area as “the most beautiful balcony in the world”. Not only is the view stellar, but every detail of the service and cuisine reaches that same standard. From the crab starter to the wagyu strip loin, an unforgettable, luxurious dining experience is guaranteed.

Anogi

Imerovigli, Santorini 84700 – +30 228 602 1285 – Website

The beauty of Anogi’s menu lies in its simplicity; their dishes are fairly straightforward, but they’re executed phenomenally. You’ll feel right at home in the cozy taverna with hearty meat and pasta dishes accompanied by a glass of local wine.

Cable car glides above the greenery of Casa de Campo with Madrid city buildings such as Plaza Mayor in the distance

Casa de Campo, Spain: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on June 10, 2021. Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, Spain.

El Retiro may be Madrid’s most visited park, but Casa de Campo is its largest at roughly 4,257 acres, roughly five times the size of New York City’s Central Park. This sprawling bit of land was a hunting ground for exclusive use of the royal family for centuries, until 1931 when the Second Spanish Republic formed handed ownership over to the city. A key area in Francisco Franco’s Siege of Madrid, remains of bunkers can still be found there today.

Fountain of water sprays high up from Casa de Campo’s lake with Madrid buildings peeking up out of trees in the background

It’s easy to spend an entire day without ever leaving the grounds of Casa de Campo with the abundance of activities it has to offer. The park maximizes its use of the massive space, home to not only a sizable boating lake and an outdoor pool, but also an aquarium, a cable car and an amusement park. The winding trails are perfect for biking and jogging, or simply taking a leisurely stroll. Some lead to hilltops where you can see monuments like Almudena Cathedral and Palacio Real peeking out of the trees just across the Manzanares River.

And while El Retiro tends to be a bustling with a decent amount of tourists, Casa de Campo is more laidback and ingrained in the community. You’ll find locals of all ages enjoying tapas or a drink at one of the restaurants near the lake as the sun sets or hosting various events at the pool throughout the summer.

Family with young children in an airport wearing masks

Post-Pandemic Travel Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation

Written by Iulian Milcomete on May 3, 2021. Posted in Travel Tips.

For many, setting foot into the changed world of travel is a daunting task. This could be your first time traveling, especially internationally, in well over a year and it’s impossible to ignore all the differences. It’s important to face these differences instead and getting ahead with these post-pandemic travel tips can help ensure that your vacation isn’t overrun by infectious worries.

1) Take advantage of off-hours

For example, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular sights in all of Rome, and you don’t have to wait for any building to open in order to visit it. This will help you dodge many of the crowds before they emerge from their hotels for the day. Waking up earlier to achieve this may not be ideal, but in exchange you’ll also receive the perks of better photo opportunities and a more personal experience with these monuments.

2) Make room in your luggage for cleaning supplies

Airplanes were disgusting enough before the word “coronavirus” became a part of our everyday vocabulary. If absolutely nothing else, consider slipping a pack of sanitizing wipes in your personal item to wipe down your tray table, arm rests, seatbelt and entertainment system on your flight. Hotels have really upped their cleaning game, but this still may be the first time you’ve stayed anywhere other than your own home in over a year. So if bringing cleaning supplies to do your own quick sanitizing sweep of the room will give you some peace of mind, then it’s worth the extra space. Just be mindful of TSA restrictions if you plan on packing any disinfectant sprays. And if you’ve hoarded a bunch of hand sanitizer, separate it into some mini bottles to bring with you.

3) Pack more masks than you think you’ll need

Mask mandates can vary from place to place, and it’s better to have too many masks on hand than too few, particularly if you prefer specific types of masks. The last thing you’ll want to worry about is having to constantly wash reusable masks or buy more reusable masks, so packing more is well worth the small amount of space they take up in your luggage. Keep in mind that in a lot of places, basic face coverings such as bandanas or neck gaiters simply won’t cut it. You’ll likely need less if you’re spending most of your trip on the beaches of Crete as opposed to touring historical sites throughout Athens, but this is still one of those rare items where overpacking could prove beneficial.

4) Break in your walking shoes

Pre-pandemic, you may not have thought twice about hopping on the metro or flagging down a taxi to take you from point A to point B. These are still probably safer options than roaming around lost in a city at night, but it’s also something you can cut down on in order to limit close contact with others. Instead of cramming into a tiny Uber with a driver you don’t know or a metro car filled with people to reach that restaurant you really wanted to try for lunch, you may wish to walk instead if the distance is manageable. Throughout your travels you may also find yourself walking longer routes to avoid pushing through bustling squares.

5) Opt outside

There’s no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery throughout Europe, like the green hills of Chianti or the soaring mountains of the Bernese Oberland. But if you’re visiting somewhere like Florence or Paris, it can be tough not to tour the inside of the Uffizi or the Louvre. There will still be plenty of smaller choices throughout your trip where you can opt outside though. Instead of popping in and out of tight boutique storefronts, you can weave your way through outdoor markets. And Europe has been far ahead of the United States in al fresco dining long before the pandemic ever struck, so it won’t be hard to find outdoor dining options. To ensure you have a table outside, have your travel designer book reservations for you far in advance.

6) Stay on top of requirements

Unfortunately, travel may be a bit more bureaucratic than you’re used to for the time being. And all of the other post-pandemic travel tips in this list will be rendered useless if you can’t enter your destination in the first place. Entry requirements to different countries could require a variety of documentation, and they could change from the time you book your trip to the time you actually depart. It’s better to have all of this in order in advance than to find out just before you depart that you’re missing something and have to scramble. You’ll also want to know what’s expected of you in order to return home and prepare accordingly instead of spending your last few days of vacation trying to figure it out.

7) Adjust your expectations

This is by far the most important of these post-pandemic travel tips in order to truly achieve a stress-free vacation. You don’t necessarily have to lower your expectations, but simply adjust them in order to prepare yourself for how things may be different. You might have to wear masks in many of your vacation photos. Lines at immigration may move slower. Certain venues may still be closed. However, there could also be some nice benefits. Some destinations may not yet be as crowded as they usually would be or you might score some deals. You can still have an absolutely amazing trip, it just may look a little different than it would’ve pre-pandemic.