10 tips to upgrade a fun trip to an unforgettable lifetime experience.

Here are our top 10 tips to upgrade a fun trip to an unforgettable lifetime experience.

1. Send yourself a postcard

This might sound a bit weird, but take a moment to sit down, reflect on your experience, and send a heartfelt postcard to yourself – this way you can capture the memories and emotions you feel while they’re fresh in your mind. 

2. Get stuck into local literature

A great way to connect with the country you’re visiting is by diving into a book set in that destination, where the story can transport you there in your mind and deepen your appreciation for the local culture and history.

3. Tune in to travel podcasts

Not a big reader? Immerse yourself in stories from your destination with podcasts that provide local insights, share hidden gems, and offer unique perspectives on the destination. One of our favourites is "You Should Have Been There" available on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Music and Google Podcasts.

4. Live like a local 

Forget the tourist hotspots for a day! Seek out real local experiences, whether it’s a cultural event, exploring lesser-known restaurants that locals love, or getting involved in traditional activities that offer a rare glimpse into the local way of life. You agent will probably know a few hidden gem eateries or opportunities to join a cooking class, maybe a dancing lesson.

5. Get off the beaten path

Ask your trusty travel consultant to guide you towards unexpected adventures, local hidden gems, and experiences that you wouldn’t normally find – it’ll stand out from normal holiday activities and stick in your mind for years to come. Super tip... ask your Agent about Withlocals or ToursByLocals

6. Take a travel journal (and remember to use it!)

Document your journey as it happens by jotting down the nitty gritty details, once-in-a-lifetime highlights, and bursts of emotion as they happen. One of our favourites for travel is a Moleskin Pocket Hardcover notebook.

7. Connect with locals

Forget the language barrier, humans can always communicate! Break down cultural walls by initiating conversations and forging connections with locals – they can provide insights and interactions you simply won’t get anywhere else. **Super tip use google translate app and try speaking to locals as authentically as you can, they will love you for your effort and go the extra mile.

8. Get out of your comfort zone

Get your travel agent to recommend and book you some adrenaline-boosting activities that will push your boundaries – not only will you leave with a sense of accomplishment, but there’s also no way you’ll forget the experience. 

9. Favourite your photos at the end of the day

When you hit the hay at the end of a day’s exploring, help your memories sink in by spend 10 minutes to flick through your photos and mark your favourites and delete the ones that on second thought are subpar – future you will thank you for it!

10. Disconnect from devices

One of the best ways to connect is to disconnect: take a planned break away from technology, put away your smartphone, headphones and gadgets. Fully engage with your surroundings – you’ll find you create a deeper connection with the people, culture, and beauty of your destination.

Eco-Lux Greek Island Hopping

A 12 DAY-ITINERARY FOR THE CYCLADES

Spellbinding sunsets that burn deep orange. Whitewashed villages webbed across cliffs. The Cyclades feel like pieces of paradise scattered in the ocean. Make some of the best boutique hotels in the Greek islands your base, and start exploring. In this itinerary, we’ve strung together some of our favourite island gems to help you get started.

AT A GLANCE

• 12-day independent itinerary for the Greek islands – starting in Mykonos, based on ferries or flights from Athens

• Days are filled with classic Cycladic vistas, tiny coves and local cuisine – with each night spent at specially selected SLH boutique hotels

• Highlights include stylish nightlife on Mykonos, peaceful Paros and scenic Naxos, ending with Santorini’s rugged landscapes and famous sunsets

START IN STYLE: MYKONOS

Kick-start your island escape on glittering Mykonos, where A-listers and fashionistas fill the tables at seaside tavernas. Though some parts of the island draw in cruise ship crowds, there’s plenty of peace to be had, too. By day, unwind on one of its postcard-perfect beaches. Head to Agios Sostis or Fokos for empty stretches of sugar-white sand. Or explore the authentic old town of Hora with its famously photogenic church, Panagia Paraportiani – bright white against the blue Aegean backdrop.

As the evening creeps in, the island’s reputation as a party hotspot picks up. To join the fun in style, start your night with a Sundowner at a laid-back bar in Little Venice. Then take a scenic stroll to 180-degrees Sunset Bar to see the sky in all its tropical-toned glory.

With eight eco luxury hotels to choose from, Travel Shack has certainly got you covered. For a stylish Grecian getaway with sweeping views of the sacred island of Delos, Head to Mykonos Grand Hotel and Resort. Suggested stay 2-3 nights.

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES: PAROS

Charming rural villages. Rich history. Fresh, locally-caught fish. Basking in the shade of its flashier neighbours, sleepy Paros is everything you’d expect from a quintessentially Greek island. Today, its well-preserved allure is reserved only for those who are in on the secret. But word is slowly getting out.

While it’s still peaceful, explore the island’s historical sights. The Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for those interested in Greek history. It’s also home to some impressive churches, like the Panagia Ekatontapyliani, with soaring columns of Parian marble and a tucked-away museum.

UNPACK YOUR SUITCASE AT: MR & MRS WHITE

Set in Náoussa, a quaint Parian fishing village, Mr and Mrs White Paros is a white-on-white boutique retreat boasts a crystalline pool and outdoor shisha bar. Suggested stay 2 nights.

NEXT OVER THE HORIZON: NAXOS

Switch up the scenery and head to Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades. With its mountainous interior and occasional rainclouds, its bountiful produce is as varied as its lush landscape. Be sure to sample the local ingredients at restaurants around the island. Locally-grown potatoes, figs, olives and fresh fish take centre stage on many menus. Reserve a table at Nostimon Hellas, a superb eatery in the beating heart of Naxos town.

The soaring peaks of this diverse island offer more than just seasonal ingredients. Hike into the hills for impressive views and captivating villages, like the picture-perfect streets of Halki.

UNPACK YOUR SUITCASE AT: NAXIAN COLLECTION LUXURY VILLAS & SUITES

At one with its surroundings, Naxian Collection Luxury Villas & Suites is a cluster of boutique retreats surrounded by vineyards, horse-riding trails and centuries-old olive groves. Suggested stay 3 nights.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: SANTORINI

As the sun begins to set on your island adventure, it seems only fitting to make Santorini your final port of call. With flame-hued evening skies and dramatic cliffs iced with white stone houses, these are views you’ll yearn for long after you leave. Though its style draws in crowds, its substance keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Take your time taking in the sights. Try the walk from Fira to Oia, which winds along the Caldera clifftops and through classic Cycladic villages. Half way through your walk, fuel up on fine dining fare with an even finer view at La Maison.

SPELLBINDING ESCAPES…

Cut into the volcanic cliff face, Canaves Oia Hotel is a Grecian medley of Santorini-inspired aesthetics and cool contemporary furnishings. Or for a piece of paradise in an achingly romantic setting, make for San Antonio. With 10 hotels to choose from, have fun choosing your favourite in Santorini. Suggested stay 3-4 nights.

TRAVEL TIPS

Take the scenic route between islands and travel by ferry – each leg of the journey takes up to an hour. Explore on foot or pick up a hire car while on each of the four islands. Ask our Team for details about transfers or transport provided by individual hotels.

BOOK YOUR BOUTIQUE HOTELS

To book the hotels on this independent itinerary, get in touch with our one of our Travel Professionals. We’re ready and waiting to plan luxury adventures 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So whenever inspiration strikes, just get in touch here