Hello from Paros! (well, at least as I’m typing this). I am off to Santorini today to enjoy my last couple of days in Greece before heading home. It has already been such an incredible trip, especially these last few days! I had been to Santorini and Mykonos multiple times before (they are the most popular destinations for my clients too, so definitely need to have a good knowledge of both). And while I really love both of those islands, it has been such a treat to discover some of the other Cyclades like Naxos and Paros. I’ll share more about both in my newsletter, but they have impressed me so much and I absolutely plan on returning for longer trips!

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a weekly recap of content ranging from around the globe. My hope is that each week, no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to feel more connected to it: through news, travel, food & wine… really, anything that appeals to the culturally curious. Let’s dive into the content I sourced for week 24.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION

I enjoyed this piece called ”I Traveled to Cartagena During COVID-19 - Here's What It Was Like.”

9 tips for beginners visiting Italy for the first time (or, my favorite tip, book a consulting session with me to help you plan your trip!)

AROUND THE WORLD

World leaders from the top global economies are currently gathering in Cornwall at the G7 to discuss matters including COVID-19 vaccines, strengthening the global public health, and financing climate action. Here is a recap of what has been happening.

Speaking of the G7, Sir David Attenborough (an absolute legend!) addressed the leaders on the topic of climate change, informing them that “they are facing the most important decisions in human history as they seek to tackle climate change.”
And speaking of climate change: I already fell in love with Paros these last couple of days, but this article about how they want to ditch plastic made me love it even more. I hope more and more destinations aim for goals like this.

Juneteenth is just around the corner (June 19th). This NPR podcast titled “The History Of Juneteenth” is an insightful listen to add to your list this week.

WEEKLY FAVORITES/ GREECE TRAVEL STAPLES

THIS HAT has been my go-to on this trip (have worn it almost everyday!) It’s great quality and made by one of my favorite sustainable brands.

THESE SANDALS (pictured above) are made by one of my favorite sustainable brands. I’ve had them and loved them for years, and they are the ideal shoe for any warm-weather travel destination .

THIS LOTION is perfect for a warm-weather vacation. It has addictive scent and a visibly tightening effect to the skin, plus a smoothing formula that adds a hint of shimmer to skin.

THIS TRAVEL BAG is great for your carry-on liquids (TSA approved for airport security) but also great to throw in a beach bag to prevent some of your smaller items (like sunscreen, AirPods, etc.) from getting lost at the bottom of your bag.

I’ve seen so many Grecian women wearing bathing suit tops like this, paired with long maxi skirts and it makes for such a nice transitional outfit while on the islands! I’m definitely in the market for one to replicate this look (the option linked is also sustainable).

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and hope to see you back again next week!

Whitney

Mykonos is an island in the Cyclades (in the Aegean Sea). It's most popularly known for its summer party atmosphere and beach clubs, but offers far more than just a party scene and thumping music. With iconic landmarks like 16th-century windmills, charming streets filled with Cycladic architecture and an incredible food scene, this cosmopolitan destination isn’t one you want to miss.

I came to Mykonos for my friend Victoria’s hen-do (or bachelorette party). It was such a fun destination to visit with a group. If you want help planning a bachelorette or any kind of group trip here, book a travel consulting session with me… I would love to help!!!

In the meantime, here are a few things you absolutely can’t miss while visiting Mykonos:

enjoy the beach clubs

As previously stated, Mykonos is famous for its beach clubs. Whether you’re in the mood for lounging on a sun bed, a great meal or a wild dance party with a DJ… you can really do any of the above at a beach club! Beach clubs don’t really “get started” until the afternoon, but then continue on into the night. No matter when you go (or where you go!) a reservation is advised to ensure you’re getting the kind of experience you want.

We went to Paradise Beach Club for Victoria’s hen party (which was so fun!) We also went at the beginning of May, so several beach clubs hadn’t opened for the season quite yet). I definitely want to go back again someday and try other beach clubs like Scorpios, Principote, Jackie O and SantAnna!

Read up on which club(s) are most appealing to you, then contact them in advance (keep in mind when you’re visiting- summer is quite busy so you’ll want to contact at least a few months in advance for optimal booking availability!)

2. GO FOR A BOAT DAY

Another activity we loved was hiring a boat for the day to get out at sea. We hired a private boat with Phoebus - which made for such a fun day! Similar to my experience in Santorini, our boat day in Mykonos included a Greek feast grilled fresh on the boat (souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, fresh veg, pita + rice). We had speakers to play our own music, as well as wine / drinks available.

3. GET LOST IN THE STREETS

Mykonos town is the most convenient place to stay (so you’re walking distance to the best shopping and restaurants). This area is brimming with alleyways to get lost in, lots of great shopping (and more importantly, idyllic facades that you can’t help but take lots of pictures of!

4. WATCH SUNSET IN LITTLE VENICE

Little Venice is one of the most popular spots in Mykonos (and is home to these famous windmills!) It’s also arguably the best spot to watch the sunset. Keep in mind, you can’t just show up right before sunset and expect to grab a table… plan to arrive at least an hour or two before (depending when you go) to claim a good spot. We loved Negrita (a gorgeous spot with bougainvillea draped above and a wonderful cocktail menu).

5. SAMPLE THE GREEK FARE

Greek food might be my favorite cuisine on the planet: it’s fresh, feels healthy but also gives a sense of indulgence too! Mykonos has no shortage of delicious cuisine to sample while you’re here. It’s always best to have a booking to ensure you get to try the spots that are at the top of your list. Here are a few of my favorites that we tried while we were here:

Niko’s Taverna (Absolutely delicious food and low-key atmosphere. Go for lunch and sit outside!)
Negrita (As previously mentioned, my favorite spot for cocktails at sunset!)
Avra Mykonos (Delicious food in a beautiful setting. Makes for a great dinner spot!)
Mamalouka (Another spot with delicious food in a beautiful setting. Makes for a great dinner spot!)
180 Degree Bar (Another spot on my list that’s incredible for sunset!)
Kiki’s Tavern (Another great lunch spot!)
Spilia (A dinner spot on my list that’s hidden in a cave).
Interni (This spot was high on my list for dinner but wasn’t open for the season just yet!)
*NOTE: A lot of the previously-listed beach clubs make great spots for meals as well!

BONUS: STAY SOMEWHERE WITH A GREAT POOL!

We stayed in two different places in Mykonos: Semeli Hotel at the beginning of our trip, and then a private villa we rented out when the rest of the hen party arrived a few days later. While Semeli was a great luxury hotel located right in the heart of Mykonos town, our villa was in a different area of the island. Both had advantages (Semeli was great for being centrally located to walk to shopping and restaurants, while our villa was great for a group to have our own space!) But one thing the two had in common? They both had a great pool! Given the “fun vibes” that Mykonos evokes, I loved that a great pool was available to us during the entire trip. For more about the best place to stay for your particular trip, book a travel consulting session with me!

MYKONOS PACKING INSPIRATION

While there is a lot more I could say about Mykonos, everything from where you stay to where you eat to what you do really depends on the type of trip you’re taking. Book a travel consulting session with me for help catering to your preferences to ensure an optimal trip!

Thanks as always for reading and I hope you love Mykonos as much as I did!

Whitney

This Week in the World: Week 24