A little over three weeks ago, I returned from my last adventure. And I can’t believe I am saying this, but it is time to start planning a new adventure. I will be returning to Europe in about seven months, and I want you all to choose where I go once again. I had a lot of fun on my last journey, but I made a lot of mistakes. So, now I have seven months to get it all together and try again. And I am excited because my sister and mom will be joining me for the first two weeks.
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Meet Jennie And Gail
I told my mom last Christmas her gift was going to be coming on an adventure with me. My dad was also invited, but I know he’s more of a homebody and said it’s okay if he wants to sit this one out. Well, when he opted out, my sister Jennie decided to join us. And I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of her first European trip since high school.
A few years ago, I was lucky to bring my mom and dad overseas for the first time. They spent a little over two weeks with me before I sent them home, and I went and did workaway at a meditation center. That was probably one of my favorite trips I’ve taken to date. But we also did A LOT in that short time we had together. So this go around, I thought we go a little more relaxed.
We’re starting in Paris because I have a good friend that lives there and they both love him. But from there, I know my mom wanted to see the blue waters she’s seen in my photos. So, I decided we’ll spend most of our time in one location and make some day trips while we’re there. I asked them where they wanted to go, and both were happy going to wherever I mentioned. Well, if you’re traveling with me and you don’t have an opinion…I leave it up to you.
*I asked them if it was okay before I put their vacation up for a vote.
Where Should We Go On Our New Adventure?
I’ve picked three places I have already been to, but they will be combined with three areas I have yet to explore. This way, I can show them some of my favorite spots from my previous excursions, but it will still give me something new to write about on my new adventure. The only requirement from my mom was she wanted to put her feet in the water. So, where should we go next?
*Santorini And Crete, Greece
This past adventure, you all sent me to Santorini and I fell in love with it. The two main cities of Oia and Fira are a little more geared towards love and romance. So obviously that’s not why I want to go here with my mom and sister. Though the two cities are beautiful and I will definitely show them these spots, Santorini also has an adventurous side. And I think my mom and sister won’t only love the black sand beaches against the blue water, but also tours of the volcanos and exploring the smaller cities of the island, which I didn’t get to see due to me not having a car. I will be renting a car for all these adventures with my mom, so she doesn’t have to deal with the crowded buses.
If you send us this way, we will spend a few days in Santorini and then head over to Crete. Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and the 5th largest in the Mediterranean. I’ve never been to Crete, but I hear you can spend a month here and probably not see everything in that time. SO, that being said, I will get an Airbnb for the month and explore this massive island after they leave.
*Fun fact, if you are a long-term traveler, a lot of Airbnb’s will give you a HUGE discount if you stay a month.
*Amalfi Coast And Sicily
I started traveling after my best friend passed away and I took a long trip in his honor. Well, on that trip, I broke my shoulder. The big finale to this six-week vacation was a trip to the Amalfi Coast. My injury happened right before I was supposed to head down there. I MADE it to the Amalfi Coast, but I was in a sling.
I was grateful that I was able to keep going and see this beautiful place. My mom has been to Italy before, but not the Amalfi Coast. Although if we are in Italy, I won’t allow my sister NOT to see Florence or Rome. So this would be a little bit of my mom seeing the same thing with the grand finale being the coast again. My mom and I LOVE Italy, so if you choose this, we won’t complain. I mean, it’s Italy, what is there to complain about.
When my sister and mom leave, I will head down to Sicily. I’ve never been, and like Crete, I would stay for the month. Sicily interests me because it is so different than the rest of Italy. There is more of an “old school” vibe from what I hear. I haven’t chosen what part of Sicily I would stay in, and I’ll leave that up to you in a future post if you send us here.
*Also, I am dying to say “Picture it. Sicily. 2022…” like Sophia in the Golden Girls.
*And The Final Choice For My New Adventure: Skopelos, Skiathos, and Alonnisos
You all sent me to Skopelos for my birthday. I have to admit I often look at real estate online. While I could vacation at the Amalfi Coast and Santorini every year, I want to live in Skopelos. Mamma Mia’s home (one of my mom’s favorite movies) I just loved this old town feel. I sat outside talking to two old Greek men one night, saying how people still leave their windows open. And I responded, “On the first floor even?” Please remember I lived in NYC for most of my adult life, so this was shocking to me.
But it’s true. People watch out for each other here. Even as a tourist, I had a server tell me to sit down after a very sweaty hike and have some water. She didn’t even want me to order anything (I did). But Skopelos also has beautiful beaches, and it’s the greenest of all the islands. I’m not a huge swimmer, but even I couldn’t resist getting in the water because it was so clear.
Skopelos doesn’t have an airport, so we would spend a couple of days in Skiathos when we flew in. I had the opportunity to explore a little bit here while I waited for my ferry, but I know there is so much more to offer. Mamma Mia was also shot on this island, and they even have themed boat tours you can take and nightly showings of the movie at an outdoor theater. As far a Alonnisos, I don’t know much about it except it’s nearby and I want to go. I don’t know if my sister and mom will hit up two islands or all three, I KNOW they will love the Mamma Mia experience.
Where Should We Go Next?
Vote below and let me know where you want to send us on the first leg of our adventure. Because it’s not just my adventure, it’s OUR adventure. Voting ends 11/12!
*If this poll doesn’t work, try the one on the homepage.
Lynne P Rudolph
Ashley & I will be in Paris from 6/15-7/2. Hope our paths can cross!