This Week in the World: Week 25

Hello from rainy London (contrary to the photo of Santorini above!) Today is my last day of having to quarantine at home after my trip to Greece, so the last 5 days have been spent cozy on the couch catching up on tons of work, watching TV and getting some much needed rest. I thought having to quarantine would give me PTSD after a year of so much time spent in lockdown, but it was oddly satisfying taking it so slow after a non-stop trip. It goes to show I’m definitely out of practice traveling as full-on as I used to!

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 25.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION

• Europe has finally lifted the U.S. travel ban after 458 days!

• Starting tomorrow, Italy is requiring travelers from the UK to quarantine for 5 days upon arrival. I am meant to go (as Italy is one of my top markets that clients visit and I need to see the latest landscape) so currently deciding if I go a bit earlier and stick out the quarantine, or push the trip back for later this fall. Ah, the joys of pivoting travel plans during COVID!

• In honor of Father’s Day, I loved this piece on “Travels with my dad.” I have so many special travel memories with my dad and this article made me excited to get some more on the books!

• Spain has reopened to travelers—here’s everything you need to know.

• And most exciting on this list…we have rescheduled the Atlas Adventures Paris trip for this October and we have a few spots available! You can read all the details HERE. Tickets go on sale this Tuesday, so be sure to check back then to snag your spot!

AROUND THE WORLD

• Yesterday was Juneteenth (which is officially a federal holiday now!) I loved this story about how “After decades, Opal Lee finally gets her day off”.

• Get the Pimm’s ready…Wimbledon is back this year! I definitely plan to at least go to the lawn

• I just bought tickets to an outdoor screening of “Notting Hill” this summer that is happening in front of Westminster Abbey (and there are lots more pop-up films happening all around London!)

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• FAVORITE FILM: We watched Pixar’s “Luca” on Friday night and it was so heartwarming! Pixar always does such a good job creating feel-good films, and this one was especially enjoyable given the Italian Riviera backdrop.

• FAVORITE SHOW: We also binged the entire second season of “Lupin” last night (only 5 episodes to be fair!) and really enjoyed it. It’s also great for travel lovers, as the location is set in Paris.

• FAVORITE LISTEN: I always enjoy NPR’s “Life Kit” podcast, but this week, in honor of Juneteenth, I really enjoyed THIS EPISODE from Layla Saad called “A Personal Antiracism Tool For People Who Think They’re Allies.” I also highly recommend reading her book “Me and White Supremacy”.

• FAVORITE FIND: I bought this Sézane top a month or so ago but I have been wearing it out lately. It’s a great basic that can be worn as a layer, but the scallop detailing makes it interesting enough to wear on it’s own too— I love it!

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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 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 23

Hello from Myknos! I am so thrilled to be traveling in Europe again for the first time since COVID. While I feel very fortunate to have come out of this last year with so few “bruises” compared to so many others, it was still a really challenging year not being able to do so many parts of my job. Now that destinations are re-opening and people are being vaccinated, I’m so happy to be able to get to places first hand so I can report on the current climate and better serve clients so everyone can stay make sure we’re traveling in a safe and informed way. I feel so incredibly thankful to be back to work doing what I love. I will never take it for granted. I will share more about my experience in Greece in just a moment…

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 23.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION

• Are you keen to visit Greece too? Here are a few things you need to know:

  • Travelers must complete this passenger locator form before arriving to the airport for their flight to Greece.

  • Travelers also must present either their vaccination card (showing you’ve been fully vaxed for at least 14 days), a negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours of arrival) or a proof of antibodies from a laboratory.

  • COVID safety has felt really comforting thus far! Hotels/ hospitality in general are being fastidious with precautions, and we’ve spent all our time outdoors (except when in our room to shower/sleep). Many hotels also offer on-site testing so you’re all set for your journey back.

  • If you want help planning a trip to Greece, book a consulting session with me (I’m scheduling from late June onward at the moment).

• Both France and Denmark are opening to vaccinate travelers this week!

• I’m currently planning a trip to Italy this summer, but keeping a watchful eye out for developments as they happen. I found THIS ARTICLE to be helpful for those of you in the same boat.

• Have you seen the news this week from United? These futuristic jets set to launch in 2029 could half the flight time of international journeys (including New York to London in ~3 hours!)
  

• This little known region in Italy is meant to have some of the best wines.

• A hotel has opened at Versailles—and it’s everything you could hope for!

AROUND THE WORLD

• Happy Pride Month! While many often associate this month with fun parades or various posts we see on social media, it’s important to make time for education and advocacy. I enjoyed THIS ARTICLE on some LGBTQ+ history and THIS ONE from a few years ago to help with the “ABC’s”of LGBTQUIA+.

• Yesterday the world celebrated Environment Day. While it’s great that awareness is increasing, climate change and toxic air remain issues of deep concern.

• Naomi Osaka, a superstar in the tennis world, pulled out of the French Open after she was fined for skipping a news conference. I enjoyed this article, highlighting mental health and asking if it really had to end this way?

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• I love THIS STRAW BAG that I picked up for my trip to Greece (I love it because it’s great for a resort type of destination, but also works nicely for any destination in the spring/summer).

• I tried some Assyrtiko wine from THIS PRODUCER out of Santorini the other day and fell in love with it! We are going to try to go next weekend when we’re in the area… but I highly recommend checking out their wine!

• I’ve been listening to these playlists non-stop since arriving in Greece:

  • Aperitivo Time (have loved this one for a couple years now! Discovered it on a trip to Puglia).

  • Tropical House

  • Gurney’s Summer Bech Club

  • Cheval Blanc St-Barth x Philippe Paris

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

xx

Whitney