SPRING TRAVEL ANNOUNCEMENT

Ever since I left Europe, I’ve gotten lots of questions about what’s next. I’ve been asked by you guys via Snapchat or in e-mails, from friends I recently re-connected with after being away, and even from people that I’m just meeting for the first time when they hear that I just moved back.

First and foremost, my answer isn’t that I’m simply going back to normal life at home. As dramatic as it may sound, my “normal" life died a long time ago. For a while that term could have meant having my same circle of friends I had always had. Then it spoke more to having a great corporate job.  Then it was a season of navigating starting a business, followed by a season of planning to move abroad. Long story short, things have progressively become less and less “normal” in my life these past few years, so I wouldn’t really know which of those normal lives to go back to, even if I tried.

So if I’m not going “back to normal” that brings us back to the original question: what’s next?

The long term answer is that I’m still figuring that out. While I do have several possibilities I’m mulling over, the reality is that none of them are certain yet. I mean, do any of us actually know what we’ll be doing later this year? You may think you do, but life has a funny way of throwing us curveballs...

As for the short-term future, I’ve had something up my sleeve for a little while now that I’m excited to share: I’m hitting the road in February for a six-week road trip to the west coast and back!

Seeing so much of Europe made me realize how many places I still haven’t seen in my own country (there really are so many wonderful places to travel in the US).  I’ve never seen the Grand Canyon or lots of other National Parks. I’ve never seen some of the amazing cities in the southwest. I’ve never been to some of the spots I’ve always wanted to go in cities where I’ve already been. So since I already had a few speaking gigs coming up at Universities out west (and since my car had a nice little break for about 5 months) I decided I want to hit the road and see some of the best travel destinations in the US before making any further plans abroad. 

I’ll be using the next few weeks to sort out details from the last adventure and to prep for this next one. I can’t share all the confirmed locations just yet (gotta keep some mystery!) but to give you a little taste of what’s to come, expect to see travel guides featuring: SantaFe, The Grand Canyon, Palm Springs and a handful of surprises that I can’t wait to share!

I also have a few open slots in my itinerary if you’re interested in booking me to stop through your city and host a goal workshop for you and your friends. I love hosting these dinners + dreaming big with people, and there’s no better time than the first of the year to make the happen! Click below to learn more or shoot me a note at: theblondeatlas@gmail.com.

Lastly, if you have any requests for cities you’d like to see travel guides on or any suggestions you think I should check out, I’d love for you to share in the comments below! 

Stay tuned for more details to come, and cheers to another year of adventure ahead!

xx- Whitney

How to Sleep On a Plane & How to Fight Jet Lag

One of the most common questions that my clients who hire me for my travel planning services ask is “Any tips for fighting jet lag?” When traveling abroad, chances are you'd like to try to catch some z's on your flight and adjust to the local time as seamlessly as possible. If you're a fantastic sleeper (or perhaps a narcoleptic) this may not be an issue. If you're like me however, sleeping at opportune moments isn't quite that simple. 

Over the years, I've sought sleep assistance on international flights from just about everything you can think of: lavender oil, bedtime tea, heavy wine pours and getting my physician to write me an Ambien prescription. For me, I've learned that if I want to sleep on a flight and adjust more quickly to the local time on arrival, it really comes down these 5 steps: 

1. HYDRATE BEFORE THE FLIGHT

It's no secret that water consumption is crucial to your overall well-being, but it's especially important before a flight (air cabins have zero humidity, thus drying you out even more).  Not only does this dehydration contribute to jet lag, but it can also impact your quality of sleep. Knowing this, most people make the common mistake of chugging as much water as they can before and during their flight, which (as you can imagine) leads to many trips to the less-than-luxurious bathroom facilities. Rather than overdoing it during or right before a flight, make a conscious effort to be drinking water non-stop throughout the day in the lead up to your flight. If you're someone that won't remember to drink water throughout the day, try chugging lots of it the morning of your flight rather than the hours right before. And be sure to have a reusable water bottle with you on the flight so you can take small sips at your convenience, rather than guzzling copious amounts during the in-flight service. Some of my favorites include:

• LARQ SELF-CLEANING BOTTLE: My brother introduced me to this brand with technology that neutralizes up to 99.99999% of odor-causing bacteria using UV-C Light. While I love the shape, size and functionality of so many water bottles, almost all of them start to smell or develop mold in creases that make me paranoid, so I really love knowing this product keeps the water I’m drinking pristine.

• MEMOBOTTLE: My favorite water bottle shape & functionality- period! It slides into bags so much more easily (and also the seat-back pocket in front of you on planes). I have noticed over time that the lid can get a bit grimy, so you may need to use an old toothbrush to scrub and eventually, replace the cap every couple of years. Even still, I love this water bottle!

• STAINLESS STEEL BOTTLES: I use ones like this quite a bit (largely, because these are the style that have been gifted to me on Safari at lodges like Singita and Great Plains Conservation) so I love feeling like I’m back in the bush!

BONUS TIP: I swear by these cure hydration packs - which have 4x the electrolytes as sports drinks but are made with natural ingredients (and no added sugar). Keep these travel size options in your carry on and drink on days you’re in the sky.

2. GET COMFORTABLE

You probably wouldn't sleep in stiff jeans or leather leggings at home in your bed, so avoid doing so on your flight. I find the best "travel uniform" that’s comfortable enough to sleep in, while still feeling more elevated than loungewear to be a combination of the following:

• BLACK LEGGINGS: When styled appropriately, black leggings don’t look like leggings. I love my Lululemon aligns because they’re comfortable enough to sleep in. I prefer to style them with something a bit longer on top (again, to mask the fact that they’re actually leggings & appear a bit more polished).

• A NAP DRESS: In warmer months a nap dress is a wonderful alternative - again, for the comfort. The smocked detail across the chest means I can get away without wearing a bra. If I opt for this, I always bring a cardigan to drape over my shoulders and throw as needed, as it can get a bit chilly in-flight.

• LIGHT LAYERS: If it’s summer, a light layer like this denim button down or this coat-igan might be all you need. In cooler months, these might be your base layer underneath a cozy jumper/sweater or a proper winter coat. Nevertheless, pieces like this are essential to ensure you’re never too warm or too cold as temperatures fluctuate between outside, the airport and in the aircraft.

• EASY ON-EASY OFF SHOES: I feel as though I’m constantly popping my shoes on & off when I fly: both through security & in-flight (don’t worry- I put compression socks on so I’m never barefoot!) In summer months, I opt for easy slides like ballet flats or a mule… while in winter I love these Laguna boots because they slide on & off so easily!

But aside from the clothes you wear, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cozy, so know what works for you. If you're a cuddler  + need something to snuggle against, book a window seat. If you're someone that needs neck support, bring a neck pillow. If you’re sensitive to light, pack a sleep mask. If you are perpetually cold, bring a warm scarf to wrap up in. Don't just buy the stuff you see in SkyMall because it promises you'll sleep like a baby-- you know what works for you. Do that. 

3. KNOW WHEN TO CALL IN SLEEP REINFORCEMENTS

You can do all the right things and sometimes, you just still can't sleep. Sure, it doesn't hurt to try things like lavender oil or bed time tea, but if you know you're a terrible sleeper, you may want to go ahead and plan for more drastic measures. If stretching out in first/business class isn't in your price range, talk to your doctor about a sleeping medication. I had never successfully slept on a plane prior to my first trip to Europe and I knew when we landed in Rome I would want to hit the ground running, not nap. I made an appointment with my General Physician to explain my predicament. She wrote me an RX for 4 tabs of Ambien and advised me to try one at home in my own bed prior to my travels (to ensure it worked for me and I didn't react poorly during my flight.) It worked like a charm. Proceed with caution however: there are tons of sleep aids on the market (ZzzQuil, Melatonin, etc.) and everyone reacts differently to them all. Whatever you think may work for you, I'd recommend taking my doctor's advice and trying it at home first before any travels. 

 4.  BE ONE WITH WHERE YOU ARRIVE

It’s tempting to start doing math to calculate what time it may be back home… but the best thing you can do to adjust more quickly is push through and embrace where you are. Avoid napping and try to eat meals at the the local time of your new destination. Additionally, try to go outside during the day, as the natural light will help your body clock adjust. Some people swear by a technique called “grounding” or “earthing” (which is essentially, just walking or standing barefoot on the ground to connect to the electrons on the earth’s surface to our bodies-possibly reducing inflammation and stress). I personally only do this if it can be done easily— like when I’m somewhere in nature or near a nice park with plenty of grass. However you cope, try to power through and stay awake until it’s locally, a time that you would normally go to bed— and set an alarm for the following morning so you don’t oversleep!

There are plenty of other techniques that people swear by, but these are what work best for me to be able to sleep on a plane and fight jet lag once I arrive to my new destination. I hope it helps you do the same!

If you’d like help planning a trip (and receiving hotel perks, upgrades and other benefits at no additional cost to you) my team would love to assist! Learn more about our travel planning services HERE.

And, if you’re keen to travel but don’t want to travel alone, we’d love to have you join us for an Atlas Adventures trip: group tours for women who want to travel with other like-minded people. See what trips we have coming up HERE!

Thanks for being here & safe travels!

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