Mykonos

You’ve probably seen photos of Mykonos before this. So you already know that it’s a stunning island with white-washed streets and dramatic windmills surrounded by impressive blue waters. It’s one of the most popular islands in Greece, simply because it’s one of the most beautiful. While Santorini is dramatic, Mykonos is dreamy.

Mykonos Little Venice Mykonos Mykonos MykonosGetting from Santorini to Mykonos was a bit of a challenge adventure because of a two-day ferry strike, which we knew nothing about until we were already in Santorini. Determined to not let union laws hinder our holiday plans, we recruited some fellow travellers and hired a private speed boat to take us to Mykonos.

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Santorini

Seems like everyone I know or follow on social media went to Greece this summer. And because I have a terrible case of travel envy, I jumped on the bandwagon too.

I’d been to Greece in my “youth” – in fact, it was one of the first places I visited when the travel bug bit me – but it was time for a re-do. So when my best friend Tav and her friends from Toronto planned a trip to the Greek islands, I invited myself along for the joy ride.

After a quick pit-stop in Athens, we found ourselves on the beautiful island of Santorini. It’s nearly impossible to take a bad picture of this place. The dramatic cliffs decked with whitewashed building compliment the turquoise water so perfectly.

Santorini Oia Santorini Imerovigli Santorini Fira Santorini ImerovigliI’ve never found myself snapping and posting so much on a holiday in recent memory. I mean LOOK at this place. Continue reading

Bristol

Autumn is here marking the end of another Great British Summer. When (and if) the clouds make way for some sunshine, England is a glorious place to be. Whether it’s dining outdoors, picnicking in the park or finding any excuse to go to the pub, Brits know how to make the most of the summer months.

And it’s not just my adopted home of London that comes alive in summer. I took a quick two-day trip to Bristol a month ago, and was impressed with its vibrant, eclectic and affordable offerings.

Bristol Bristol BristolIf I have to describe Bristol in one word, it’ll have to be cool. Bristol is just so cool. And not in the same modern, fast-paced, flashy way like London, but in a relaxed and unpretentious way. Everyone looks easy-going and acts friendly. Continue reading

Belgrade

This year, I’m definitely going to visit you in Belgrade.”

I’d been saying that to Sonja for about four years, so a visit to the Serbian capital was well due. I finally found some cheap flights and went over for a few days this July.

I’m not going to sugar coat this: Belgrade isn’t a pretty city. It has a certain “heaviness” about itself, perhaps owing to its recent past. But that heavy backdrop is what sets the scene for its cool vibe.

Belgrade Belgrade Manufaktura Belgrade If I had only one word to describe Belgrade, it would be lively. Locals are out and about, filling up the outdoor seats along leafy streets. Grey buildings have been spruced up with blasts of colourful decorations. No matter what time of day, you’ll find the locals enjoying their city.  Continue reading

Dubrovnik

Croatia has been on the top of my bucket list for a couple of years now. So, it’s fair to say that I went to Dubrovnik with high expectations. I’d been warned that it was touristy and crowded. But once you’ve been to Dubrovnik, you’ll understand that its popularity is well-earned.

Long story short: Dubrovnik is beautiful, charming and unique, and everyone should go once.

Dubrovnik Dubrovnik DubrovnikCat and I went to Dubrovnik for four days on our annual getaway (last year we went to Istanbul). We’re both active tourists, but we also love to just relax. Dubrovnik is perfect for both those holiday goals. Continue reading

Lake Como

When in Milan, take a day trip to Lake Como.

Lake Como Lake Como Bellagio Lake ComoThere are many reasons one should visit Milan (I’ve outlined some of them in my last post), but the accessibility to Lake Como should be pretty high up on the list. Lake Como is a beautiful deep-blue lake set at the foothills of the Alps in northern Italy. Its namesake region is known for stunning scenery and upscale holidaying. But most importantly, it’s where George Clooney lives (and now you know why it rings a bell). No, we didn’t run into him.  Continue reading

Milan

I don’t understand why Milan gets a bad reputation. I’ve heard it being called industrial, dirty and uninteresting. A friend also once referred to it as “the Manchester of Italy”. If that’s the case, I’m looking forward to going up to Manchester because I had a fantastic weekend in Milan this month.

People usually go to Italy for good weather, history, food, and architecture. Milan ticks all those boxes along with being modern, prosperous, and a gateway to exploring northern Italian lakes.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele Milan Duomo Milan MilanWith less than 48 hours in Italy’s fashion capital – half of which was spent exploring the said northern lakes – we tried to pack as much as we could in a day, fuelled by coffee and Campari, of course.  Continue reading

Chicago

Last minute trips end up being some of the best ones. Which is big of me to admit because trip-planning is half the fun for me. Notes, spreadsheets, Google Docs – I go the whole nine yards prepping for a trip.

But, this trip to Chicago was as sudden as it was fun.

michigan avenue chicago ChicagoTurns out that I am heading back to London after all (ignore everything I said in my last blog post). So, my best friend and I decided to use my last weekend in North America to visit our girlfriend in Chicago. We filled up the gas tank, drove across the border and followed the I-94 all the way to Chi-Town.

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Art Nouveau in Riga

Two weekends ago, my friends and I headed to the Paris of the North. Riga is an Eastern European gem with a labyrinth of cobbled- streets to explore. And an equally impressive number of bars to boogie at.

Riga Riga Riga

Riga boasts of the largest art nouveau open air museum in Europe. Forty percent of buildings in Riga are in the style of Art Nouveau, making the historic city centre a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue reading

Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world’s largest arts festival, featuring thousands of artists, performers, actors and comedians from around the world. But for me, Fringe was just another excuse to go back to Edinburgh this year.

Edinburgh Edinburgh EdinburghIf I had only three words to describe Edinburgh, I’d pick charming, beautiful and historic. There is so much to see and do in this lovely city, but the best part of going back for a second visit is that you’ve already checked off all the touristy items. Continue reading