Alena's Top Travel Spots for Summer 2025

1. Santorini, Greece

2. Kyoto, Japan

3. Cape Town, South Africa

4. Banff, Canada

5. Bali, Indonesia

• 6. Reykjavík and Iceland’s Golden Circle

Contiki is a travel company specializing in group travel experiences for young adults aged 18-35. They offer curated itineraries across various destinations worldwide, focusing on adventure, culture, and social connections.

Contiki provides a range of trip styles, including guided tours, city breaks, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Their packages typically include accommodations, transportation, meals, and experienced tour guides, making travel stress-free and immersive.

Known for fostering a vibrant community, Contiki is ideal for solo travelers, groups of friends, or anyone seeking to explore the world with like-minded adventurers.

7 Days in Greece - One Suitcase

• sundresses of varying lengths


• plenty of sunglasses


• at least 3 pairs of comfy - cobblestone friendly sandals


• light jacket or cardigan and a jean jacket for the evenings


• athletic dress / combination for Athens sightseeing and inter- island travel days


• comfortable tennis shoes


• compression socks for travel days


• moisturizing hair products ( the islands are dry! )


• converters ( and or European hair tools )


• small crossbody bags (2)


• two swimsuits


• beach cover - ups ( functional & stylish as the beach clubs are often a walk )

Looking to work with a travel advisor on your next adventure? This can be a stress free way to plan your trip, especially if you're looking for personalized recommendations and assistance before and during travel. Here are a few suggestions on how to successfully work with a travel advisor!

1. Research: Before contacting a travel advisor, do some  research about your destination, budget, preferred travel dates, and tours you'd like to include. This will help the agent better understand your needs and preferences.


2. Find a reputable agent: Look for travel agencies with good reviews and a solid reputation. You can ask friends and family for recommendations or find a destination specialist!


3. Initial consultation: Schedule a consultation with the travel advisor.  During this time, discuss your preferences, budget, and any specific requirements you have for your trip. Be clear about what you're looking for!


4. Ask questions: You are encouraged to ask  questions about the advisor's experience, services they offer, and their knowledge of your chosen destination.


5. Review proposals: Once your advisor has a good understanding of your preferences, they will create one or more proposed itineraries for your trip. Review these carefully and provide feedback or request changes as needed.


6. Booking: Once you've created the trip of your dreams, your travel advisor will handle all the bookings for flights, accommodations, transportation, and tours.


7. Communication: Stay in regular communication with your advisor throughout the planning process. If you have any concerns or changes to your plans, don't hesitate to reach out to them for assistance through the appropriate avenues.


8. Confirming final details: As your travel date approaches, your advisor will provide  all the necessary details for your trip, including flight and hotel confirmations, transportation vouchers, and suggestions for tours and dining.


9. Feedback: After your trip, provide feedback to your advisor about your experience. Let them know what you liked and if there were any areas for improvement. This will help them better serve you and future travelers! And of course refer all your wanderlust friends!

By using this as a guide and maintaining open communication with your travel advisor, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel planning experience for all involved!!

I recently came back from a whirlwind week long visit to Iceland! I successfully trekked my way through the country with JUST a carry on suitcase and my backpack. I'm here to tell you it was WORTH it.

Normally I don't stress about carry- on vs. checked bags but this trip was tedious with regards to airfare. I had to switch airlines half way thru my journey and needed to avoid the baggage claim!  So here we are at my carry - on only dilemma.

I knew the weather would be cold, wet and windy. So I obviously needed lots of layers, without packing TOO much bulk .  Of course I always use my packing cubes which help with the bulk too. Below you will find my list of clothing packed that lasted me for 6 full days in Southern Iceland. IF I can do it, you can too!

 

• Sports Bras ! ( lots of bouncing around if you catch my drift )


• Fleece lined leggings ( 2 pairs )


• Dressy leather leggings ( 1 pair )


• Warm wool socks / hiking socks (6 pair )


• Lace up hiking boots


• Fashion combat boots ( also good for hiking )


• Layering tank tops for under sweaters ( 2)


• Packable puffer jacket ( fits into a rain poncho bag ) Thanks AMAZON!


• Long sleeve layering tops/ turtlenecks (3)


• Wool Scarf / Wool Hat (2) / Gloves


• Jeans (1 Pair )


• Swimsuit ( you can rent them at the geothermal spas )