This Week in the World: Week 31

Happy first day of August. I’m still sharing photos from Italy (even though I’ve been back in London for a week now). As much as I loved everything about our trip, it’s also been really nice to be back home to my routine and to be able to catch up on a lot of work. This month will bring a lot of travel in the weeks ahead, as I prepare to go back to the US to see family, friends and then head to Belize to host my next Atlas Adventures trip—I can’t wait! Until then, I’m very much enjoying some relaxing time at home.

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 31.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION

• The U.K. has reopened (without quarantine!) to fully vaccinated Americans!

• UNESCO adds 33 new sites to its 2021 World Heritage list— have you been to any of them?

• Travel is especially chaotic right now. Here’s why you should work with a travel advisor.

• Have you had a flight recently be cancelled or delayed? Here’s what you should do.

• 11 of the prettiest small towns in Italy (I can vouch for the first two… need to get to the rest!)

AROUND THE WORLD

• Simone Biles was a popular conversation topic this past week when she opted to prioritize her mental health by withdrawing from her participation in Olympic events. I, along with so many, applaud her decision and am frustrated hearing those who have criticized her decision. I saw several people share that “Simone Biles probably won't hear your tweets about her "quitting" or "playing the mental health card" but your friends who struggle with mental health issues will”. This podcast episode is a great listen about how incredible she is. I highly encourage anyone, but especially her critics, to listen to this inspiring story.

• “King Richard”, film starring Will Smith, will tell the story of Richard Williams (Venus and Serena’s father) in cinemas this November— I’m so excited for this!

• In honor of London reopening to American travelers in August, here are 73 amazing things to do in my favorite city this month.

• I love National Geographic and have so much respect for their reporting. I really appreciated this piece they did on why vaccines are highly unlikely to cause side effects long after getting the shot, as their science shows that even the most serious side effects for any vaccine, including COVID-19, occur within just a few weeks. A good read if you are apprehensive about the vaccine or know someone who is.

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• FAVORITE READ: I loved this piece on why “our biggest enemy is no longer climate denial but climate delay.”

• FAVORITE FINDS: While August is always one of the warmest month of the year, I always can’t help but to start thinking about the cooler temps right around the corner, so I’ve been eyeing some sustainable transitional pieces lately. Here’s what I’m looking to snag:

  • THIS ANORAK is sustainable, affordable and great for wet weather (which we have plenty of here in London).

  • THIS BAG is so timeless and elegant- I have had my eye on it for a while now.

  • THESE PANTS are made at a zero waste facility and look so comfortable- perfect with a tank and sandals in the summer or loafers and a cardigan as we enter into cooler temperatures.

• FAVORITE WINE: Ever since our trip to the Alto Adige region, I have been constantly craving an aromatic glass of Gewurztraminer (a popular varietal of this region). Highly recommend asking your local wine shop to recommend one to you (try to find one from Sudtirol specifically if you can) or you can order THIS ONE online.

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

xx

Whitney

CAPRI + SORRENTO TRAVEL GUIDE

As if we didn't already adore the history, cuisine + lively personalities of Italy, it's Amalfi Coast adds some of the most stunning Mediterranean landscapes in Europe to the country's resumé. The juxtaposition of the rugged coastal mountains against the sparkling sea is unparalleled, and you easily could spend weeks exploring all the amazing gems along the coast like Positano, Amalfi or Ravello.

I've often been asked "What are the best towns to visit along the Amalfi Coast?" To be perfectly honest, I'm still discovering the answer to that question by visiting as many as I can! But I do have some thoughts about a few you should consider: 

For for my particular visit this past October, we only had a few short days in between Santorini + Rome, so we chose to spend our time in Sorrento + Capri. 

I had already visited Capri with my brother last year, and knew I had to go back again when we were making our itinerary. Aside from being a summer favorite of holidaying VIPs, Capri is also a hugely popular day-trip destination because of a). those passing by on cruise ships or b). tourists staying on the mainland (I'm guilty of having been both). Regardless of if you simply visit for the day or stay for the week, you can't miss this Italian-chic island that was once Emperor Augustus' private resort and also the source of inspiration to some of Dolce & Gabbana's most iconic advertising. When planning your visit, be sure to include: 

CAPRI RELAX BOATS

Taking a tour of the island immediately upon arrival is my favorite way to get the lay of the land (not to mention, see some of the most iconic sights right off the bat.) On my first visit, I made the mistake of jumping on the first boat we saw. While the sights were still beautiful, we were crammed between tourists and scrambling to get the best seat we could snag). So this second time back, I made sure to do my research and find an alternate option. Enter Capri Relax Boats. Not only was I not squished between dozens of strangers, this time my friends and I had an entire (and incredibly nice) boat to ourselves. Our skipper was so great- not only did he take us on a tour of the entire island (and take dozens of pictures for us), he was a local who knew so much about the area and took us on a tour of the entire island. 

First, we stopped at the Blue Grotto, or Grotta Azzurra, which is arguably the most stunning + iconic sea cave in the world. The way the sun shines through water in the cave creates a blue reflection that illuminates it in a way that no words or pictures can properly portray. You simply can't visit Capri without seeing it for yourself. 

The last boat tour I did didn't stop here because it would be too complicated with that many tourists on board, so we had to take a separate boat ride back later. But since we used Capri Relax Boats this time and we were the only ones on board, it was no problem to stop on our way of the island tour.

Next up, we went to Il Faraglioni, which is perhaps the most iconic symbol of Capri. You'll likely recognize these rock formations as the stars of the Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Campaigns (so naturally, we posed for pictures in front of it and pretended we were models). Our skipper was such a good sport and kept driving us around again and again so we could get all the shots we wanted (another perk you definitely won't get on a group tour). 

Whenever you do pass under the arch, legend says you are supposed to kiss your sweetheart for years of good luck + lasting love. My first go round was with my brother and this time with 2 girlfriends so I can't say I've participated in this legend yet, but hey- gives me a reason to go back again someday!

Bathing Suit (SIMILAR), Prada Sunglasses (SIMILAR), Lipstick: Ruby Woo

Bathing Suit (SIMILAR), Prada Sunglasses (SIMILAR), Lipstick: Ruby Woo

Bathing Suit (SIMILAR), Prada Sunglasses (SIMILAR), Lipstick: Ruby Woo

Our skipper also took us to the best beaches + swimming grottos and pointed out dozens of opulent villas belonging to affluent VIPs. It was hands down my favorite thing I've ever done in Capri (on either trip) and I can't recommend using them enough. Regardless of your budget, they have scaleable prices and are truly worth every additional penny you'd spend vs. a group tour. Do yourself a favor and book a tour. 

After porting from our boat tour, we took an open air cab ride up to AnaCapri (which I referenced last time I came to Capri as the most terrifying, yet beautiful, car ride of my life). Once you arrive, you can take a chair lift up to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. Typically, you'll get incredible views and bask in the sunshine, but on this particular afternoon, the clouds came rolling in.  

The view above is still pretty incredible, although if you visit in the summer you're likely to get a view that's more like this: 

After we rode the chairlift up and back, we decided it was time for lunch. The island is full of wonderful places to eat, but you have to try three things whilst visiting Capri:

1). Limoncello: the delicious (in my opinion) digestive that was invented on the island and is made from fruit from the local lemon grove. 

2). Torta Caprese: a flourless almond + chocolate cake that bares the island's name.

3). Caprese Salad: the iconic salad we all love that's comprised of simple, fresh + local ingredients: mozzarella, tomato, olive oil and basil. 

My personal favorite place to eat on the island is Al Capri. Not only is the food incredible, but the views are incredible!

Once you cover your bases on everything else above, enjoy strolling the streets, shopping for souvenirs, and soaking up as much of the local beauty as you can muster. If you're only there for the day, be sure to check on the ferry times to ensure you don't miss the last one (which varies depending on the time of year). 

While Capri was an amazing day trip, we opted to stay on the mainland for the sake of convenience. After doing a bit of research, we landed on Sorrento: a beautiful resort town that straddles the cliffs overlooking the water to Naples and Mt Vesuvius. We found it to be a great home base for exploring the region's highlights (it's right in the middle of Capri, Positano, Pompeii, etc.-- even though we didn't make it to all of those places). The town is incredibly charming + fun to walk around (especially to shop for souvenirs like limoncello or custom made sandals). 

GRAND HOTEL AMINTA SORRENTO

When looking for lodging, we wanted to find someplace that was convenient, had great views and embodied the glamorous culture you associate with Almafi. I opted to partner with Grand Hotel Aminta Sorrento because they were all of the above (while also offering competitive prices I thought people would appreciate). Gianfranco, the hotel manager, was great about helping us arrive safely to the hotel. While Almafi is an incredible area, most people arrive via Naples-- which is known for pick pockets and other not-so-great stereotypes. While our original plan was to train to Naples and then take the local train to Sorrento, Gianfranco advised us a taxi was a better option, as the local train has even more of a reputation (plus you don't save that much by train- assuming you're traveling with other people). Immediately upon arrival, we grabbed some bellinis and started soaking up our view. 

Aside from the view being incredible and the staff being so wonderful to us, we also loved that they have a shuttle that transports you to and from the hotel and Sorrento's city center every 30 minutes. Driving a car along the windy cliffs of Italy can be a bit unnerving, so thanks to this shuttle you truly don't need a car whilst visiting Sorrento. 

We also loved their delicious breakfast buffet (I may have gone a little overboard on the pastries... but #Italy). If starting the day with a ton of sugar isn't your thing <boring> they also have a wide spread of eggs, bacon, cereals, fruit and everything else you could want. The same dining room also is open in the evening if you prefer to stay in rather than hit the town for dinner. 

Aside from the wonderful service, helpful + friendly staff and sweeping views-- I even loved the little details like the local artisanal ceramic tiles that adorn the floors + showers. Staying at Grand Aminta Hotel Sorrento was a wonderful experience and someplace I'd recommend to anyone visiting the Almafi area!

Last but not least, be sure to pack a few essentials with you when you go: 

-A chic one-piece (I feel like I saw so many Italian women wearing these.\)

-Designer Italian sunnies (I bought these in Sorrento but you can steal the same look here)

-Basic international travel essentials like I share here. 

-A fedora and sandals you can wear with your suit or your outfit.

While both of my Amalfi trips have been short + sweet, I've loved them both and definitely plan to go back again someday! If you're looking to experience a scenic beach vacation mixed with Italian culture (and cuisine-- obviously) then be sure to add these spots to your list! And as always, feel free to ask any questions you may have that I didn't cover in the comments below. 

I have lots more to share on the blog in the coming weeks, including: travel guides for Rome, Santorini + Brussels, Post-Travel Remedies (how to recover after a long holiday) and what I'm really excited to announce: my next set of travel plans! Lots more adventures coming your way in 2017... 

Until then, wishing you a happy + productive start to the week (and the year!)

xo, 

Whitney

Venice Travel Guide

Photos by Siza from Flytographer

Happy Tuesday! I'm currently cozied up in the cutest coffee shop in London and SO happy to be reunited with my dear friend Haley, from Sequins & Things! After a month of non-stop travel, I'm so ready for some R&R (and especially time to catch-up time with her!) She's also living "across the pond" for several months like I am, but instead of traveling non-stop- she's calling London home. Lucky for me, Haley happens to be the kindest soul on the planet, and is taking me in at her (adorable) flat in London for a little while. She's one of my best friends and we live in different cities back in the states, so I couldn't be more excited that we're getting some quality time together (and that it's in London!)

Now that I can stay put (for at least a little while) I'm hoping to play some serious catch up on all the traveling I've been doing the last few weeks. I've already shared my Lake Como and South Tyrol experiences on here, so today I'm recapping the last stop on my northern Italy tour I took with my friend Tillie: VENEZIA!

Photos by Siza from Flytographer

I've heard lots of mixed reviews about Venice. People have told me it's dirty or touristy or not worth wasting my time. But even still, I couldn't shake the desire to see this iconic lagoon town nestled in the Adriatic. While Venice is by no means the "perfect destination", I'm so glad that I didn't listen to the critics. It was an incredible experience and somewhere I'll always remember. 

Contrary to the advice I received, I definitely recommend that you pay it a visit. For starters, it's no secret that Venice is sinking- so it won't be around forever. But aside from any urgency due to natural forces, Venice is an incredibly unique and beautiful city- unlike any other you'll visit. And it's easy to tack it onto another trip, because you don't need to dedicate a ton of time there in order to see and do everything (we were there 4 nights and it was plenty of time). In fact, you can easily replicate the 13 day trip that Tillie and I did together (which includes Lake Como, South Tyrol and Venice) and the routing is perfect. 

No matter how you slice it, this Italian gem is absolutely worth seeing and someplace you should plan on visiting at some point in your lifetime. So when you go, here are my Venice recommendations: 

STAY

Where is the best place to stay in Venice? It depends on your price range! We stayed at a couple different places to be able to speak to multiple budgets. 

SAN CLEMENTE PALACE KEMPINSKI

Venice was the last leg of our trip, so by the time we arrived we were pretty worn out from lots of hopping around. Lucky for us, we were checking into San Clemente Palace Kempinski, a five star luxury hotel located on it’s own island in Venice and a proud member of Leading Hotels of the World. 

The property was pristine. All of the landscaping was perfectly manicured. All of the staff was sharply dressed, spoke English and couldn't have been more kind and helpful. Every detail from the outdoor heated pool, to fitness facility, to the elaborate breakfast provided to all guests (complete with mimosa bar- swoon!) was absolutely impeccable. 

Staying on a private island may sound inconvenient, but it was actually quite the opposite thanks to the private and complimentary boat system that runs directly to and from the Hotel and Piazza San Marco (aka the center of all the action). Boats are prompt, clean and comfortable (a nice break from the public ferry!) And if staying away from the city center concerns you, let me set the record straight. Venice is a bustling city with lots of tourists (especially in August when I was there), so it was such a breath of fresh air to feel some tranquility and seclusion from all the chaos.

All in all, I was highly impressed by everything and loved every second of my time here. If there is ever a time to splurge on a luxury accommodation, San Clemente Palace Kempinski is it. For more information, visit their website here. 

GENERATOR HOSTEL

I’m very fortunate to be able to travel some of the places that I do because of my job, but trust me when I say I know how to travel on a budget. While saving up for a five star hotel and splurging can be totally worth it, it’s still not realistic for everyone. So in the spirit of seeking out options for all, we traded the luxe life for a hostel experience (in hindsight, I'll probably flip-flop the order of the two next time!)

Believe it or not, it was my first time staying at a hostel (I've always been an Airbnb kinda gal when sticking to a budget). But even though we had just been so spoiled at San Clemente Palace Kempenski, I was still impressed by the accommodations at Generator Hostel.  Rooms are pretty bare bones, but offer everything that you need. And the public areas are actually quite impressive- designed with a similar feel to a boutique hotel. You can opt for a shared room with other travelers (as anyone who has done hostel travel knows) or you can also get a private room (which is what Tillie and I did). If you're looking to meet other travelers from around the world, hostel life can be a great experience (although we did feel slightly "old" for that scene!) I'm looking forward to staying with Generator again during another adventure I have planned... stay tuned! 

EAT

Looking for the best restaurants in Venice? Check out these favorites of mine: 

CIP'S CLUB AT BELMOND HOTEL CIPRIANI

Dining can be tricky in Venice. If you want a spot with a great view of San Marco or the Grand Canal, you’ll often find yourself at a tourist trap with somewhat subpar food. But if you hop just across the canal to Giudecca, you'll find Hotel Belmond Cipriani where you don’t have to compromise the quality of your food or your view. Cip’s Club offers delicious food and stunning views of Piazza San Marco from across the water (and it’s much quieter than all the chaos happening over there). I loved our lunch there and everything we ate.

Start with a glass of prosecco from their impressive wine list and the "Carpaccio Classico Cipriani" (thinly sliced raw prime beef seasoned with a signature sauce).  For your main, I recommend the "Filetto di Branzino al forno, Limone e Finocchio (delicious baked sea bass with lemon and fennel). And whatever you do, don't leave without trying their heavenly tiramasu- I could have eaten four of those things...

I adored our time there- but especially the time we spent chatting with Luana, my contact at the hotel. She joined us for a cappuccino after our meal to tell us more about the property and what a wonderful company Belmond is (we also discussed things like Italian men and what a war it is to be tempted with gelato on a daily basis... gelato usually wins). We loved everything about our lunch and Belmond experience so much that we actually returned twice more: once for a cappuccino and again for dinner by the pool. So if you're looking for a tranquil, scenic and delicious place to dine in Venice, be sure to pay them a visit (or three!)

We also had a little fun snapping some pics along the waterfront next to Belmond after lunch- so many little gems tucked around every corner! 

OSTERIA ANTICA ADELAIDE

I had so much fun shooting with Siza, a Venice local who is a photographer I was connected with through Flytographer. Aside from providing me with lots of great photographs to remember my trip by, she also gave me lots of recommendations for where I should eat in Venice. One of them was Antica Adelaide, a quaint hole in the wall that's tucked away in Cannaregio. Antica Adelaide is an old osteria serving authentic (and delicious) lagoon fare with unique menu items you won't find at every other restaurant. Since pasta is made fresh, they request that at least 2 people order a dish in order for them to prepare it- so be prepared to agree on a menu item with your travel companion. But be sure to try some seafood while you're there! Venice has a wonderful seafood selection and Antica Adelaide was some of my favorite (although being that it was a cozy little hole in the wall, it was also pretty dark- luckily I found this photo from foodspotting.com to give better representation of the experience than the dark and blurry photos I attempted to capture!) 

TRATTORIA ALLA MADONNA

This gem was another recommendation from someone during our travels, and we loved our experience. Trattoria alla Madonna is located right around the corner from Rialto Bridge and offers traditional Venetian dishes (including a plethora of fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere. Every day, fish and vegetables are carefully chosen and worked into the menu to ensure freshness and optimal taste. We had a wonderful evening there, and our server was hysterical (he appeased our many photo requests and took wonderful care of us throughout the entire meal). 

While Venice has many other renown seafood restaurants, I found the ones above to be less touristy (and less expensive!) without compromising the quality or experience. 

DO

HARRY'S BAR (HOME OF THE ORIGINAL BELLINI)

You've probably had a bellini at some point in your life, so why not experience one at the place where it originated? Harry's Bar is a 1930's known for it's creation of the bellini (along with impressive celebrity clientele over the years). Pop in for one before heading to a sunset gondola ride (like we did) and toast to the fact that a drink this delicious exists for us to enjoy. 

GONDOLA RIDE

Everyone dreams of a Venetian gondola ride. But much to my disappointment, I didn't realize how expensive they are! A quick 30 minute ride starts at €80- yikes! We almost let the high price tag keep us from doing it- excusing it away with things like "I guess it's touristy anyway- it's not like Venetians actually ride in them..." But deep down, I was sad. But after a Bellini at Harry's Bar, we were already drinking the touristy Kool-Aid and thought we'd give our negotiation skills a whirl. While batting your eyelashes still won't bring that price down, we were lucky to bump into a couple from Barcelona who asked if we wanted to share a gondola. Splitting the price between 4 instead of 2 makes it way more reasonable, and it was fun to chat with them a little (and have extra sets of hands to take pictures for each other!) In hindsight, I'm so glad we didn't miss out on the experience. Some things are straight up tourist traps and aren't even really worth the hype, but in my personal experience, a sunset gondola ride was worth every penny. Don't miss it. 

SAN MARCO SQUARE AT NIGHT

While you'll likely visit Piazza San Marco, or San Marco Square, during the day, be sure to go back at night time. Not only will you find it to be much less crowded than it is during the day, but lots of the cafes have string quartets playing romantic Italian music. Sit under the stars, order some gelato, and soak in all the Italian clichés you can muster. 

RIALTO BRIDGE

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest one in Venice and a must-see during your time there. It's a bit touristy, but is incredibly beautiful and romantic at night. There are lots of beautiful cafes nearby if you want to try one for a drink (I personally can't promise anything about the food if you decide to try one for dinner, but you can't go wrong with at least an apertif to soak in all the beautiful ambiance). We popped by on our way to dinner at Trattoria alla Madonna (and yes- we are wearing matching pink coats, but no- we do not sell Mary Kay). 

GRAND CANAL

Photos by Siza from Flytographer

Last, but certainly not least- be sure to wander around the streets near the Grand Canal so you can soak in the view (I personally loved the quiet streets I found near Dorsoduro right behind Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, where Siza and I wandered and shot a lot of these photos. Let yourself get lost + explore all the canals, the stunning architecture and countless gelato stands (still haven't found one I didn't like). 

Photos by Siza from Flytographer

Photos by Siza from Flytographer

Photos by Siza from Flytographer

A special thanks to my friends at Flytographer for helping me capture my Venice experience! Flytographer is a great company that connects you with professional photographers in over 190 cities around the world so that you can capture your travels in the manner they deserve. It's especially great for family portraits, engagements, or just gallivanting around solo like I did :) 

Venice is fantastic and left me with so many memories that I'll always cherish. As always, you know where to reach me if you have any questions: theblondeatlas@gmail.com. 

My computer is now dying and my stomach is growling, so Haley and I are off to find some lunch in London before meeting up with friends for dinner and drinks tonight! You can follow along on our adventures via Snapchat: @alyson_haley and @blonde_atlas. 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

xo

Whitney