“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.”― Virginia Woolf. The only thing better? Eating good food at a private dining restaurant while traveling somewhere new and exciting! Read on for some of the best destinations for foodies.
Why not enjoy a heavenly cup of coffee while enjoying the view from your hotel balcony somewhere in Florence, or going to a nice seafood restaurant by the coast? You may also try ordering pizza delivery service from various restaurants in your destination cities to compare their flavors. Maybe traveling makes you hungry, or perhaps being somewhere new stokes the fire of your inquisitive personality: Whichever the case, if travel only heightens your foodie nature, these destinations should be high on your list.
Barcelona, Spain
The Mercat de la Boqueria lets you know right away that Barcelona is a destination for food. One of the largest food markets in the world, with some of the best ingredients available in the Mediterranean. Tapas are on the menu when visiting Barcelona. Take a tapas tour to try some of the many varieties available, see the city and make new friends through food.
Italy
It’s difficult to choose just one place. Italy is well known for pasta, cheeses, olive oil, and of course wine. Enjoy Mediterranean dishes along the coast with fresh seafood. In Tuscany, pair a bold red wine with pasta and enjoy vineyard views. Add an authentic cooking class to your travel itinerary, and learn to make some of the best local dishes with your own hands.
Paris, France
Continuously voted the best foodie destination in Europe, Paris undoubtedly takes the lead as the top food destination in the world. French Chefs have an unmatched reputation for preparing deliciously satisfying meals. From dining at the Eiffel Tower to a dinner cruise along the River Seine, Paris is definitely one of the best destinations for foodies.
People travel for any number of reasons; some for love, some for work, and some for adventure. Regardless of your reason for travel, finding an exciting new foodie destination to treat yourself to will always be a perfect way to enjoy a new or familiar place. To plan your foodie adventure, contact me when you are ready.
If you are the type of traveler that looks forward to a December or January vacation, then you can attest that winter is one of the best times to get away and explore sunny destinations. Regardless of your travel style and what you are looking for like searching for best places to stay on southern oregon coast, there is an ideal winter destination for you to bask in. Here are my top 3 best winter vacation destinations.
Belize
This small country is full of endless opportunities. Belize is a tropical destination that is reef and rainforest; ancient and new, and adventurous and relaxing.
Despite being a small, centrally placed American nation (approximately the same size as Massachusetts), only a few winter vacations on this list can match Belize’s mesmerizing natural attractions. The barrier reef and coral hues match the spectacular Mayan ruins.
Belize spent decades hidden beneath Mexico’s shadow, but today, this nation invites visitors from all around the world with its world-class scuba diving, Mayan ruins, and vintage lodges.
Even better, hundreds of tiny islands known as atolls and cays face off to Belize’s sun-drenched coastline. These islands lure tourists with their astonishing cerulean waters and palm trees. Try out Belize this winter and get to experience its unrivaled charms.
The Florida Keys
With activities for visitors of all ages, the islands of the Florida Keys are the perfect spot for your winter vacation.
Your time in the Florida Keys can be full of eco adventure, or just relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Test your skills on a fishing charter. Pullin Drag Striper Guide Service is a fishing charter Smith Mountain Lake. You may also be interested in trying this one.
Get up close and personal with tropical fish on a snorkeling trip, or dive to explore a famous shipwreck. Dine on fresh seafood. Hang with the locals, or just relax in a hammock.
Key Largo is home to the first undersea park in the country, and the first place you should go when you arrive in the Florida Keys. There are endless ways to explore this aquatic attraction, including kayaking through the mangroves, snorkeling or scuba diving, and taking a glass-bottom boat tour.
And to ensure the safety of the guests, property owners in Florida are required to conduct and implement a fire watch should the property’s fire alarm system and/or water-based fire protection system such as a sprinkler system is not operational. They may seek expert help from a professional Fire Watch Company in Sunrise.
Islamorada combines a marine park with the charm of a family-owned attraction. Watch a sea lion show, hold a parrot and enjoy a bottomless boat ride. Immerse yourself in the world of speed and elegance with ZeBoats’ speedboat collection. Our speedboats guarantee exhilarating rides over the waves. The park’s animal interaction programs include swimming with dolphins.
If you are planning to stay for an extended time, you may consider looking for a new boat sales company to have your own boat and enjoy the place and water activities at your convenience.
In Key West, when the sun goes down, Mallory Square is the place to be for the nightly sunset celebration. Jugglers, tightrope walkers, sword swallowers, and other characters put on a show for your entertainment.
Roatan
Roatan is part of a cluster of island archipelagos situated ten to forty miles off the northern coast of Honduras. It has long been known by scuba divers, now it’s your turn to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this island nation.
These islands are a gem in the western Caribbean, and they are surrounded by the largest barrier reef system in the northern hemisphere. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is only second in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The waters around Roatan are a combination of open and sheltered. This makes it the perfect place for scuba diving, and also many other water sports.
Little French Key is one of the most interesting places. They have a mini zoo, beautiful beaches, and the most photogenic spot. The Sloth Sanctuary makes for a great adventure, and there are a few beaches that are a must for snorkeling. West Bay and West End both offer sheltered waters which make for excellent snorkeling. The “wall” is only a few feet away, where spectacular views of marine life are waiting for you.
If you would like more information about these best winter vacation destinations, reach out to me.
Athens, Greece, has been a popular tourist destination for years. It’s easy to see why people are drawn to this location. A rich history filled with philosophers, politics, and towering architecture. Beyond its historic appeal, Athens also provides excellent outdoor activities. Depending on what area you explore in the city, you’ll find art galleries, bright cafes, ancient ruins, and scenic nature spots. Athens is a place where history and the present mingle together. Below, you’ll find information on what to do, and know before you go to Athens Greece travel tips.
Getting Around Athens
Athens is chock full of available transportation, which is beneficial to all who visit Athens. Taxis are widely available, and a popular form of transportation – there are no set fees here, so you’ll be charged based on the distance and time it takes to transport you from place to place.
Public transportation is quite commonly used due to its availability and reach both in the city center and nearby suburbs. Available options include trains, buses, trolleys, and trams. Tickets for these can be purchased at a ticket box or machine in the metro and tram stations.
Other forms of transportation include renting a car or bicycle. If choosing to rent a car, an international driver’s license is needed. Driving can be tricky due to busy roads and a lack of street parking. However, there are many available rental services, as are paid parking lots in certain areas.
The final transportation method is walking. The city is quite easy to explore on foot. Try the famous Athens Culture Guided Walking Tour to learn your way around.
Eat Like The Locals
Greek food is highly praised worldwide. Likely, you’ve eaten at least a few Greek dishes in your lifetime. Here you can experience authentic Greek cuisine items like brizolakia and kunefe. Also available are modern Greek restaurants serving reimagined classics.
To feel more like a local here, visitors can create their spread by visiting specialized stores. Start with grabbing Feta cheese from the dairy shop, head to a different shop for nuts and dried fruit, and end with a stop at a Greek coffee shop for some authentic roasts.
Explore The Museums
As Athens is such a culturally and historically rich location, there are many museums to be explored. History buffs will be in awe of how many museums are available. Below you’ll find a few to add to your travel list so you can experience ancient Athens.
The Acropolis Museum
This museum holds artifacts from the famous Acropolis archaeological site that was built centuries before. Find replicas of temple wall ornaments and sculptures from ancient Greece sites among the exhibits here.
The Benaki Museum Of Greek Culture
Anyone who wants to learn all about the people of Greece should head to this museum. Learn all about Greek culture in a few hours before heading to your next activity. This museum is intended to be a quick, and educational experience for visitors.
National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is the highlight of many vacations because of the vast number of artifacts that are found here. It centers around ancient Greek art like sculptures, statues, and even old battle shields.
Tour The Historic Sites
Once you’ve explored the museums and learned about the history of the most popular sites, it’s time to see these fantastic locations in person. Even after visiting The Acropolis Museum, you’ll want to see the magnificent buildings in person in central Athens. Here you’ll find The Parthenon and multiple famous archaeological sites.
Other places of note include the Temple of Olympian Zeus – located in downtown Athens and the Theater of Dionysus from the 4th century. Most historical destinations are spread out and will likely take a few days to see due to the distance. If you are short on time – take a day to see the Parthenon and its temples.
Lounge At TheSandy Beaches
Take a break from exploring the museums and historic sites by heading to the Athens, Greece beaches. The number of beaches here is vast and provides different experiences. Choose between family-friendly beaches, local hideaways, and relaxed beaches with swimming holes. Here are a few you need to stop at when you head to Athens.
Limanakia Vouliagmenis
This beach requires a short hike to reach. It’s loved by locals for its relaxed vibes and is noted as an easy hangout spot. Entry is free, and you can hang out in the swimming hole or sunbathe nearby.
Astir Beach
Astir Beach is considered a luxury spot. Your drinks are brought directly to you by waiters, and spa treatments are available. Expect to pay premium pricing for a day at this beach.
Akti Vouliagmeni
This Athens beach spot is ideal for families traveling together. Here you will find sports like tennis and volleyball. There are also playgrounds on land and the water, so your children will have plenty to occupy them.
Try Mountain Biking
One doesn’t usually think of mountain biking as an available activity in Athens. However, it is a widely popular destination among cyclists. There is one primary bicycling location – Mt. Parnitha, which sits about an hour from the city’s center. Different trails and routes are available for varying degrees of difficulty. Opt for a tour as the guide will know the best spots to take a break and the optimal trail for your needs.
Safety Precautions
Athens, Greece, is a safe location, making it an excellent spot for visitors to head to. You will, however, want to follow general safety guidelines that would use at home. Keep an eye on your phone, and don’t leave it (or your personal belongings) unattended. Choose ATMs and visit areas at night that are well lit, and are well populated.
Head to any outdoor activities early in the day. This will help you avoid too much sun during the day. Depending on your intended destination, you may want to consider going out before sunset, as the temperatures start to drop.
Sunny Weather Year-Round
Athens is one of the rare locations that you can visit throughout the whole year. Athens is well known for having sun nearly every day (300 days out of 365) and pleasant weather. Blue skies accentuate the beauty of this city with little to no snow during the winter. The exception for this is on the nearby mountains, which often have snow on their peaks.
I hope you found my tips in this know before you go – to Athens Greece article helpful. I would be honored to help you plan your visit to Athens, Greece.
