This Week in the World: Week 24

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

• 7 of the top European countries to visit this summer (spoiler alert: Greece is one of them!)

• Regret never studying abroad? This new “study abroad for grown ups” is selling out fast.

• 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!

xx

Whitney

This Week in the World: Week 17

Hello again! It’s been a non-stop week as clients continue to inquire about summer travel, group trips are being rescheduled, new prospective group trips are being planned and London is bustling with things to do! I’m enjoying being busy again and having so much excitement ahead!

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 17.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION:

• What will summer 2021 look like for travellers?

• With vaccinated (or negative test) Americans now able to travel to Greece, you might want to consider reading up on this list of 13 of the most beautiful villages the country has to offer.

• We don’t know for certain yet, but France is aiming to reopen to vaccinated Americans by summer.

• Even if you’re not acting on booking travel just yet, it’s a great time to be dreaming up plans for a future trip! I, personally, am reading up on this list of 5 Amazing Wine Destinations in Africa for Delicious Drinks and Beautiful Views.

• Venice isn’t the only European city filled with charming canals…consider visiting one of these other destinations for fewer crowds.

SUSTAINABILITY

This past week we celebrated Earth Day. I shared some tips and tricks about how our individual micro-decisions can have a large collective impact. If you haven’t already tried incorporating these efforts into your daily life, consider giving them a go.

• This re-usable beeswax parchment paper is a great alternative to single use plastic wrap (and easy to clean!)

• Composting is an important practice that can reduce greenhouse gases and instead, turn food scraps into more fertile soil. If you’re not quite ready to set up a compost in your back garden (or perhaps you don’t even have a yard!), try collecting your food scraps in these biodegradable compost bags and popping them in the freezer. Then, find a community compost where you can drop them off.

• This podcast had a week full of great episodes including why and how to eat less meat, how to talk to your kids about climate change and several other listens that are only about 20 minutes each.

• A number of global leaders have issued carbon reduction goals that are more ambitious than previous targets…but is it enough?

• Here are eight new environmental documentaries to watch and learn from.

• And, of course, travel is a huge contributor to carbon emissions. Here are some ways to travel a bit more sustainably.

AROUND THE WORLD

• The world watched as Derek Chauvin was convicted on all accounts of George Floyd’s murder this week. I enjoyed reading this article on why celebrating Chauvin’s conviction is not enough.

• Meet Afghanistan’s incredible first female tour guide.

• Since Myanmar’s military seized power in a coup on February 1, an initial shock has lead to many protests. This article explains how the country’s people hold out hope for international help… yet none is coming. This podcast also has some good information on the subject.

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

xx

Whitney

This Week in the World: Week 13

Hello again! It’s a “pour another cup of coffee” morning over here, as the UK finally sprung forward to begin Daylight Savings last night (we’re two weeks behind the US). I’m very pleased that it will be light out until 7:30pm tonight (and pretty soon it will be light until after 9pm here! I love British summertime!) We have some gorgeous weather ahead, which is great because starting tomorrow we’re allowed to have picnics outdoors with up to 6 people from other households! And pretty soon (April 12th) our shops can reopen and we’ll be allowed to dine outdoors at restaurants… I can hardly wait!

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 13.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION:

• Want to go to Europe this summer? Here are your options.

• Why I remain hopeful about the future of travel.

• Craving a bit of culture? Here’s how to make the ultimate Japanese comfort food: udon noodles.

• Travelers are sitting on more than $10 billion in airline credits — here’s what do to do before they expire.

AROUND THE WORLD:

• New Zealand parliament passed a new law this week that allows couples who have a miscarriage or stillbirth to be eligible for paid bereavement leave. I think Jacinda is so great and appreciate so many of the policies she has implemented over the years!

• These two reporters write about gun violence in America as their full-time jobs (and have been doing so for over a decade). I enjoyed this piece they wrote on why everything about America’s gun debate is wrong.

• I am highly sensitive when it comes to animals so I had to take a break before I could finish… but Netflix’s ‘Seaspiracy’ is going to change your thoughts on seafood forever. I know how much we all love food, but I believe it really is so important for all of us to be more mindful consumers (reducing the amount of meat we eat can have a huge impact on the planet... and there are tons of delicious vegetarian options!) But beyond our diet alone, all of us have a responsibility to use as little plastic as we can. As I saw it put “we don’t need a handful of people living zero-waste or vegan lifestyles perfectly… we need millions of people imperfectly making some effort.”

• London sprung forward last night (our Daylight Savings begins 2 weeks after the US). Here’s what happens to Big Ben when the clocks all change.

• Here’s a simple explanation of what happened at the Suez Canal.

• I saw my friend Rebecca share that Paris will be the first to commit to staging a climate-positive Olympic and Paralympic games when they host in 2024. Very excited to see this!

WEEKLY FAVORITES:

• FAVORITE LISTEN: All men need to play a part in ending violence against women, and this podcast highlights what that can and should look like.

• FAVORITE FIND: Speaking of violence against women, I ordered a Birdie Personal Alarm to keep on my keychain to feel a bit safer whenever I’m walking alone. You can use code BLONDEATLAS at checkout to save 10%.

• FAVORITE SAVES: A few Instagram posts I loved and saved this week are HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE AND HERE.

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

xx

Whitney