Katie's Bliss

Dubai Travel Guide | 2 Day Itinerary

Katie — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 22:28:26 +0000

Oh beautiful Dubai! Our time in the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates was short and sweet, but oh so worth the visit. We spent two full days in Dubai over the course of our honeymoon. We had a short half-day stopover while en route to Tanzania, which I’ll be honest was spent entirely napping and showering at the Shangri-La Hotel. Then again nearly two weeks later for two nights, following our stay at this incredible resort in the desert outside of Abu-Dhabi.

If you’re planning a trip overseas to Africa or Asia, I would highly encourage making a stopover in Dubai if your schedule allows. Not only is it a great way to break up long flights and exhausting travel, Dubai is an incredibly fun city that’s very friendly to Western tourists. There’s so much to do and it’s very easy to get around! English is also widely spoken in Dubai.

Dubai Travel Guide 2 Day Itinerary

Dubai has always been on our bucket lists and our honeymoon was the perfect excuse to finally visit. It’s an ultra-modern city that feels like something from out of the future. Right away we were completely wowed by the towering skyscrapers and innovative architecture. Dubai is also located on the coast of the United Arab Emirates and has warm weather year round, so it’s a great destination to hit the beach and get some sun. There’s tons of luxury shopping and many sight-seeing opportunities.

Here’s a recap of everything we did along with a few more suggestions for planning your trip!

HOW TO GET THERE

We flew to Dubai via Emirates and had a great experience. Emirates is the only airline that has direct flights to Dubai from the United States so if you don’t want to deal with layovers, it’s your best bet! The service was incredible and if you have the budget to treat-yo-self I would highly recommend business class seats. We splurged for our honeymoon and it was an experience we’ll never forget! Going back to economy on our next trip is going to be toughhhh.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Cheetah Print Long Sleeve Shirt | Black Leggings | Gray Sneakers | Leather Backpack

WHAT TO WEAR

Dubai has gorgeous warm sunny weather all year long, however summer can get unbearably hot. During the “colder” months (November-April) temps average in the 70s and 80s making it the perfect place to escape if you live in a cold climate.

Is there a dress code in Dubai? Do women need to be be covered? I got these questions a lot while we there and to be totally honest, we felt there was very little pressure to dress any differently than we would at home during the summer. It appeared as if tourists could dress however they please i.e. in shorts, tanks, etc. without any fear of breaking a rule or being reprimanded. Dubai is a very International city and you’ll people of all colors and cultural background. At the Dubai Mall we noticed women wearing everything from burqas to mini dresses.

We visited Dubai in mid-January and the weather was sunny and in the low 70s. I personally opted to dress somewhat modestly when we were outside of our hotel, mostly for my own comfort and desire to be respectful of locals. I packed a lot of midi and maxi dresses and always had a light sweater with me (it got breezy in the evenings.) My husband wore lightweight linen pants and a mix of t-shirts and button downs.

MIDI & MAXI DRESSES

The only place where we wore our swimsuits was at our hotel and from what we could tell all types of bikinis and swimwear was accepted!

SWIMWEAR

OUTFIT DETAILS // Sun Hat | Tiger Stripe Bikini Top | Tiger Stripe Bikini Bottoms

WHERE TO STAY

We had a lovely stay at the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. Since our time in the city was so short we purposely booked this hotel because of it’s convenient location downtown and quick 10 minute drive from the airport. The Shangri-La is gorgeous and immaculately maintained– as you’d expect from a luxury hotel.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Red Gown | Chanel Bag | Nude Heeled Sandals | Watch

I’ve never experienced such an easy quick check in and been made to feel immediately more at home as I did when we arrived at the Shangri-La. The service was incredible and any question we had was answered with such care and detail.

We utilized the concierge for nearly all of our dinner reservations and had the front door bellman call us taxis for wherever we needed to go. There was a line of taxis always nearby so we never had to wait more than a minute for a ride!

We loved our luxe room overlooking the city. The view was incredible and we could even see the famous Burj Khalifa!

^^ the incredible view from the rooftop of the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai

OUTFIT DETAILS // One Shoulder Satin Gown | Rainbow Statement Earrings | Chanel Bag | Nude Heeled Sandals | Watch

Even though our time at the Shangri-La was short, we did get to utilize many of the hotel’s amenities like the spa and pool. Nick had an incredible full body scrub and I visited the in-hotel salon for a pedicure and blowout. Highly recommend checking out both if you decide to stay at the hotel. The level of service was on another tier compared to what you’d get at a US salon or spa. Can we also talk about the pool deck view?

DUBAI SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES

Heading to Dubai? Here are so some landmarks and activities to add to your must-visit list!

Burj Khalifa- 160-floor tower with an observation deck and restaurant. Highly recommend making a reservation for high tea at Atmosphere– the tower’s famous bar and restaurant located on the 122nd floor.

The Dubai Mall- huge shopping and activity complex. There are 1200+ stores, an aquarium, ice rink, theme park and more. It’s impossible to see everything in one day but it’s worth a walk through even if you don’t plan on buying anything!

The Dubai Fountain- located within the Dubai Mall complex with choreographed shows everyday!

Palm Jumeirah- Dubai’s man-made palm-shaped island that’s home to many luxury hotels like the Atlantis and sunny beaches.

Dubai Creek- this area of the city is where to go if you want to get a feel for “old” Dubai. Here you can shop at traditional gold, spice and textile souk marketplaces and visit the Dubai Museum.

Dubai Miracle Garden- 72,000 meter garden with incredible floral sculptures of animals, Disney characters, landmarks and more.

Dubai Desert- located just 20 minutes outside of Dubai you’ll find rolling dunes of sand as far as the eye can see. There are a plethora of tour companies that offer desert excursions like off-roading, camel rides, sandboarding and more.

Madinat Jumeirah- a shopping and hotel complex located right along the water that has a mix of traditional souk marketplaces and upscale eateries.

DUBAI RESTAURANTS

Atmosphere at the Burj Khalifa- famous bar and restaurant located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa. Offers daily high tea service!

White Beach- Super chic beach club and restaurant that just opened within the Atlantis resort complex on Palm Jumeirah. We sat outside and had the freshest seafood for lunch. The food was delicious and we loved the atmosphere!

Sea Fu- High-end Japanese beach-front restaurant within the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Major Nobu vibes! I’m usually not a fan of Asian cuisine but we loved our dinner here. The sushi options and black cod entree were amazing!

ZOCO- hip Mexican restaurant where you can dine on alllll the tacos, margaritas and guacamole. This is just what we were craving the last night of our trip and our meal was incredible! The fish tacos I had were better than any I’ve ever ordered from a restaurant in New York.

The post Dubai Travel Guide | 2 Day Itinerary appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

United Arab Emirates Travel Guide | 5 Day Desert Itinerary

Katie — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 19:25:49 +0000

The second half of our honeymoon took us back to the sunny United Arab Emirates, where we spent five days in the desert at the dreamiest resort. While the first portion of our trip was very adventurous (as you’d expect from a safari) our time out in the desert was super low key and relaxing. It was a nice change!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Ruffled Midi Dress | Statement Earrings | Beaded Bracelet | Waist Belt

Typically on trips Nick and I go fast and furious trying to cram in as many activities and sightseeing as possible. We love traveling that way, but we decided for our honeymoon that now was an opportunity to bring the speed down a notch and actually just chill.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Anthropologie White Dress | Statement Earrings | Layered Necklace | Woven Tote | Sunglasses

United Arab Emirates Travel Guide | 5 Day Desert Itinerary

And that’s exactly what we did! Nick actually planned this entire part of our honeymoon himself and did an excellent job. I was so impressed! We stayed at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara and loved it. Truly one of the most beautiful hotel properties I’ve ever experienced. I felt like I was in a real life Aladdin!

It takes about 3 hours to drive to Qasr Al Sarab from Dubai (1.5 if you’re coming from Abu Dhabi.) We set up a private car shuttle through the hotel concierge that picked us up from the Dubai airport after we landed back from Tanzania. It was a really easy drive– Nick and I both slept nearly the entire way. The roads and highways in the United Arab Emirates are all brand new and so smooth. Once we reached the desert the views from the car window were incredible too! All rolling dunes of sand.

We splurged on a One Bedroom Pool Villa Room because we figured why not? It was gorgeous and felt like our own little luxury cottage out in the middle of the desert. The highlight was definitely the heated infinity pool right outside our bedroom door!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Ribbed Swimsuit | Sun Hat | Beaded Bracelet | Sunglasses

Qasr Al Sarab truly looks like an Arabian castle or a medieval fortress. The property is huge. It’s the type of resort where you eat, sleep and do all your activities right on site. You’re so far out in the middle of the desert that it’s very much a private oasis feel. It’s very much the type of destination to go to if you’re looking to escape and relax.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Floral Maxi Dress | Statement Earrings | Woven Tote | Gold Necklace

That said, it is a big resort with hundreds of rooms. If you prefer a hotel with a small private boutique vibe this isn’t the place to go. The other guests were about an equal mix of couples and families. So yes this resort is kid-friendly! I was actually kinda jealous of all the cool activities and the club they have for kids on site.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Pink One Shoulder Swimsuit (just $18!) | Headband | Sunglasses

OUTFIT DETAILS // Orange Swimsuit | Sun Hat | Sunglasses

We spent the four days that we were there mainly posted up by the main resort pool or in our villa. One morning we did a sunrise dune excursion where we were driven out into the desert by a guide to enjoy Arabian coffee while watching the sun come up.

Every evening we would head to the main resort buildings where the property’s 5 restaurants are located for cocktails and dinner. We tried somewhere new every night and overall were pleased with the food. I wouldn’t say any of the meals were out-of-this-world memorable, but everything was very good. Breakfast was included in our room rate so we only paid extra for lunch and dinner.

The service at Qasr Al Sarab was incredible too. All the staff was incredibly attentive as you’d expect from a 5 star resort.

So what was the weather like? January is winter in the United Arab Emirates, which means sunny skies and 75 degree temperatures. If you’re planning a trip, here are a few more outfits ideas! I included one of Nick’s go-to honeymoon looks as well

OUTFIT DETAILS // Anthropologie Maxi Skirt | V-Neck Metallic Cami | Heeled Sandals | Statement Earrings | Beaded Bracelet

OUTFIT DETAILS // Lilly Pulitzer Silk Dress | Beaded Bracelet | Headband | Sunglasses

OUTFIT DETAILS // Belted Swimsuit | Patterned Skirt | Platform Sandals | Woven Tote | Sunglasses

NICK’S OUTFIT // Linen Shirt | Linen Pants (he ordered these in 3 colors) | Espadrilles

The post United Arab Emirates Travel Guide | 5 Day Desert Itinerary appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

Quebec City Winter Travel Guide

Katie — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 18:23:34 +0000

So nice I had to visit twice! I loved my first trip to Quebec City so much that I decided to return again this time with Nick and my grandparents.

Nick and I typically travel as a couple, but we decided to invite my Gram and Pop Pop to join us for a little holiday adventure. In their younger years they spent a lot of time in Europe and LOVED traveling, but they sadly can’t make it overseas anymore as the distance is just too far. We’ve always wanted to do something special for them and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give them a little taste of the Europe culture and charm they love a bit closer to home.

For those unfamiliar with Quebec City, it’s the capital city of the Canadian province of Quebec where French is the official language. The city itself dates back to 1608 and to this day still maintains its colonial roots. Quaint cafes, cobblestone streets, an intact fortress and the tall ramparts that surround historic Old Quebec all contribute to making visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time in France.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Gold Pleated Midi Skirt | Faux Fur Coat | Black Turtleneck (similar fully stocked style) | Embellished Headband (similar budget-friendly style) | Similar Black Heels

QUEBEC CITY WINTER TRAVEL GUIDE

Y’all know how much I LOVE France so I had a feeling that Nick would adore Quebec City. Since we all had the best time, I’m hoping this will become an annual December trip.

what to pack

If you’re visiting Quebec City in the winter you’ll want to pack your warmest clothing like chunky sweaters, leggings and fleece vests + pullovers. Don’t forget about winter accessories either! You will also need a hat that covers your ears, a scarf for your neck and a pair of gloves.

WINTER PARKAS

Oddly on this trip the temperatures were similar to what I’m used to in New York in December (30s) however my trip last year during the same timeframe was painfully cold. I’m talking single digit temperatures with wind and snow. I wore multiple layers of clothing under my Canada Goose coat and I was still freezing. I would recommend checking the weather the week before your trip and planning accordingly.

SNOW BOOTS

Quebec City gets a lot of snow in the winter so you’’ll also want to bring boots that are suitable for the elements. This is my favorite pair that I wore on both of my trips! I also included a few more recommendations below.

COLD WEATHER ACCESSORIES

SWEATERS & PANTS

HOW TO GET THERE

Depending on where you are coming from, I would recommend flying into Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. It’s about a 20 minute drive from Old Quebec, very well-run and easy to navigate. U.S. airports should take note…

We flew direct from Newark airport to Quebec City on United Airlines. The flight was just 1 hour 9 minutes!!! I believe Air Canada has direct flights to Quebec City from the New York area as well.

If you don’t mind a road trip, you can also drive to Quebec City. We have friends who have done this and they said it took them about 8 hours to get there from New Jersey.

Sightseeing & winter activities

We decided to take a slower pace on this trip because 1) I had already visited last year (you can read my Quebec City December Travel Guide here) and 2) we were with my grandparents and wanted the experience to be enjoyable for them. I think they would’ve been on the first flight home if we’d tried to do everything fast and furious like how Nick and I usually are on our trips LOL.

You’ll notice we visited a few of the same restaurants and attractions that I included in my first travel guide, however there are a bunch of new spots that I happily got to check off my Quebec City bucket list.

HOLIDAY SIGHTSEEING:
German Christmas Market (Address: Place et Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville)
European-style holiday market that’s walking distance from the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac hotel

Old Port Christmas Market (Address: 160 Quai Saint-André at the Old Port Market building)
Another well-known Quebec City holiday market that’s full of European charm

Boutique de Noel de Quebec (Address: 47 Rue De Buade)
Festive boutique where you can shop for Christmas decor & ornaments. Across the street from the German Christmas Market at Place et Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville!

QUEBEC CITY SIGHTSEEING:
Quartier Petit Champlain (quaint historic shopping district)
The Funicular (photogenic cable car ride down to Quartier Petit Champplain)
Quebec City boardwalk
Rue Sous le Fort (street for good photo opp)
Place Royale (pretty street & cobblestone square)
Notre-Dame-des-Victoires (oldest stone church in North America located in Place Royale)
Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville (shopping + German Christmas Market)
Rue Christie (cute colorful street)
Rue Couillard (cute street)
Rue du Sault-au-Matelot (cute street)
Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace (for good city view photo)
Place D’Youville (cute area + ice skating rink)
Grande Allée and the Parliament Building (bars, restaurants + good area for walking around)

QUEBEC CITY WINTER ACTIVITIES

Dogsledding
I really wanted to surprise Nick and my grandpa with an adventurous new experience, so I booked a half day dogsledding excursion. There are a number of places to dogsled near Quebec City, but since I wasn’t sure of the best one so I asked the concierge at our hotel for help. I told the concierge we wanted to go somewhere that was 1) not a far drive and 2) would be easy and not too intense since my Pop Pop is 80 (but 50 at heart :P)

They recommended Expedition Mi-Loup Dog Sledding on nearby Île d’Orléans– a small island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River just 15 minutes from Old Quebec. The concierge set everything up for me including the car transfer to/from Expedition Mi-Loup. All in I believe I paid around $100 per person.

We had the BEST time. Expedition Mi-Loup provides snow pants, boots, jackets and gloves so all you need to do is wear a warm outfit and bring your own hat. I would also recommend sunglasses since the sun glare against the snow can be very bright.

The actual dogsledding lasted about one hour. After a ten minute briefing on safety and how to steer the sled, we were paired with our sled dog teams. There are two people per sled– one person stands on the back to steer and the other person sits in the sled. Then halfway through the course you’ll stop and switch places so both people get a chance to steer.

We did a group excursion so there were about 16 other people (paired 2 people per sled) sledding at the same time as us. Expedition Mi-Loup had all the sleds set up in advance and you basically just follow the leader. Since we had three people, my Pop Pop actually got to pair with one of the Expedition Mi-Loup guides in the front sled dog team and lead our entire group. Nick and I were right behind them second in line.

It was a little intimidating at first because the dogs are so excited to run and you take off quite fast, but once you get going it’s actually really fun and relaxing. These dogs LIVE for this job and love being outside in the snow. You really don’t have to do much because they know the trail by heart. The scenery was beautiful as well!

The fun didn’t end after our trail ride. After thanking our pooch team for a good run, we spent the next 30 minutes playing with about 15 HUSKY PUPPIES. I didn’t want to leave! Dogsledding was fun and all, but the puppy time was definitely the highlight for me.

If you’re visiting Quebec City during the winter months and are looking to do something adventurous and out of your comfort zone, I’d definitely recommend dogsledding. We had a blast!

More Winter Activities:
Quebec City Winter Carnival (annual week-long event held in late January or early February)
Visit an ice hotel (Quebec City’s Hôtel de Glace opens every year in January)
Go to a thermal spa (I would love to visit nearby StrØm Spa Nordique or Sibéria Station Spa on a future trip!)
Skiing/Snowboarding/Snowtubing
Snowshoeing
Ride the Au 1884 slide (toboggan) on the Quebec City boardwalk
Ice skating
Ice fishing

restaurants & bars

Quebec City has a great food and drink scene! Here are some of the restaurants and bars I recommend.

QUEBEC CITY RESTAURANTS & BARS
Lapin Sauté- Adorable cozy spot in the heart of Quartier Petit Champlain that’s equally great for lunch or dinner
Café La Maison Smith- Casual cafe for lunch or a hot chocolate/coffee breakBar 1608
Bar 1608- Epic wine and cheese bar in the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel with an amazing view of Quebec City and the St. Lawrence River. The cheese and charcuterie boards are incredible!
Bistro Le Sam- Another chic spot in the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel that’s part restaurant and part lounge. I had dinner here on my last trip and lunch on this trip and both meals were fantastic!
La Grolla- Casual cozy traditional fondue restaurant. Highly recommend for a memorable AND tasty dining experience.
Chez Muffy at the Auberge Saint-Antoine- Farm-to-table restaurant serving innovative local cuisine in the Saint-Antoine hotel. We had a lovely dinner here!
Pub de L’Oncle Antoine- Cozy no-frills old stone pub in Quartier Petit Champlain. Great spot to stop for a beer!

^ Lunch at Lapin Saute restaurant

^ Fondue at La Grolla

^ Cozy ambience at Chez Muffy

^ Incredible drinks and charcuterie at Bar 1608

^ Lunch at Bistro Le Sam

^ Beer break at Pub de L’Oncle Antoine

If you’re looking for more Quebec City restaurant and foodie ideas, here are some additional spots that were recommended to me by followers and friends. Hopefully on a future trip I’ll be able to check these off my list!

MORE QUEBEC CITY RESTAURANTS + BARS

Le Continental (fine dining restaurant in Fairmont Le Château Frontenac)
Auberge St. Antoine + Bar Artefact (hotel bar with fireplace + good hot chocolate)
L’Affair est Ketchup (quirky local dining spot featured on Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown”)
Chic Shack (casual burger spot)
Bistro Sous le Fort (traditional French food)
Gaël Vidricaire (pastries + hot chocolate)
Bar Ste-Angèle (drinks + live jazz)

OUTFIT DETAILS // Wide Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater | Black Tote | Leggings | Over the Knee Boots | Aviator Sunglasses

hotels

We actually decided to book the same hotel I did for my trip last year: the gorgeous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. I’ve never stayed somewhere that’s reminded me so much of Hogwarts castle! It’s by far the largest and most visually stunning hotel in Old Quebec City.

Having the chance to stay at Le Château Frontenac is an experience in itself and I would highly recommend it! The service level is a 10/10, rooms are super chic and cozy, there are multiple restaurants and shops within the hotel and the location is walking distance to Quartier Petit Champlain (Old Quebec’s photogenic historic shopping district) and many of the city’s top restaurants and points of interest.

I would especially recommend Château Frontenac if you’re traveling with older relatives or kids and anticipate needing to drive anywhere. My grandma can’t walk long distances and the concierge and valet were beyond helpful with coordinating car service. The hotel actually has a complimentary valet car and can drive you to/from nearby restaurants and activities if you request it and the car isn’t being used. We took advantage of this perk throughout our trip and they were always available to drive us! So so convenient.

PS airport pickups/dropoffs to Château Frontenac must be scheduled separately and are not complimentary. We didn’t book ours through the hotel and just grabbed a taxi outside the terminal! Uber is also readily available in Quebec City.

The Château Frontenac is the only hotel in Quebec City I’ve ever personally stayed at so I can only speak to my experience there, however if you’re looking for more options here is a list of other top-rated properties.

MORE QUEBEC CITY HOTELS

Auberge St. Antoine
Hotel du Vieux Quebec
Le Germain Hotel Quebec
Hotel le Priori
Hotel 71
Hotel Clarendon
Auberge Place d’Armes

The post Quebec City Winter Travel Guide appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

Blue Lagoon Iceland Travel Guide

Katie — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 21:52:55 +0000

Blue Lagoon Iceland Travel Guide

The Blue Lagoon is truly one of the wonders of the world! I expected it to be beautiful from seeing it in photos, but wow it really is a sight to behold with your own eyes. The milky blue water covered in an enchanting cloud of steam looks more like something you’d find on another planet.

In November, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon for the ultimate 3-day weekend with a small group of bloggers and travel journalists. We had the best time experiencing all there is to do at the Blue Lagoon (it’s more than just a warm dip!) and even got to do some exploring around the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the lagoon is located. It was an incredibly fun trip with just the right amount of adventure and relaxation.

HOW TO GET THERE

You can get to Iceland very easily from the east coast, specifically if you’re flying out of New York or Boston. To get to Iceland and the Blue Lagoon, I took a direct flight on Icelandair leaving from Newark airport and had a really pleasant experience. I believe Icelandair also offers direct flights out of JFK as well. The flight time was only 4 hours and 45 minutes– that’s less time than it takes to fly to Los Angeles.

To visit the Blue Lagoon you’ll want to fly into Keflavík International Airport. This is Iceland’s largest airport located just outside of the capital city of Reykjavík. It’s also conveniently just a 20 minute drive away from the lagoon and the hotel where I stayed, Silica Hotel.

You can take a shuttle transfer direct to the Blue Lagoon from the airport or from Reykjavík. Renting a car also seemed like a popular way to get around. I noticed there was a very big parking lot near the walking path that leads down to the lagoon.

A lot of travelers who visit the Blue Lagoon often stay in Reykjavík as there are many more hotels and attractions there. I personally think the Blue Lagoon is worth a one or two night stay, however many visitors will come just for the day. Either way it’s worth it!

THE BLUE LAGOON

So what exactly is the Blue Lagoon? To put it simply, it’s a very large geothermal pond. The water in the lagoon is enriched with silica, algae, along with other beneficial minerals that contribute to the lagoon’s healing properties… and it’s gorgeous blue hue!

This unique geothermal spa attracts visitors from all over the world for more than just it’s beauty. The lagoon’s waters are particularly healing for those with skin ailments like Psoriasis.

Today the Blue Lagoon is so much more than just the lagoon itself— it’s a travel destination with two luxury hotels, a full-service subterranean spa, saunas, a boutique and two restaurants. I didn’t realize until I was there just how much more there is to do and see beyond going in the lagoon.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Headband | One Piece Swimsuit

One thing I was really curious about was the “touristy” aspect and if the experience would feel cheesy. There’s no denying the Blue Lagoon’s popularity on social media— it’s definitely become a prime travel hotspot in the last five years. So did it live up to the hype? Honestly y’all, yes,

I truly didn’t expect to enjoy the experience as much as I did. I expected the lagoon to be beautiful, but I didn’t anticipate the high quality of the spa and the lagoon’s facilities.

I also completely underestimated the spa’s size. There are multiple locker rooms for men and women with rows of showers, bathrooms, etc. and there is plenty of seating for lounging inside.

The lagoon itself is also HUGE. I’m not talking olympic pool huge— it’s more like a lake. I honestly don’t even know what I could compare it to. Trust me though… You can easily find your own private spot to wade and relax in the water away from other people.

While the waters, locker rooms and common areas were definitely busy with other travelers, the environment still felt incredibly peaceful and luxurious. I also never felt crowded or overwhelmed by the number of people (and I HATE crowds.)

Some personal highlights of my Blue Lagoon experience were the swim-up mud mask and drink bar. Yes! These are in the water! They kinda reminded me of what you’d find in the pool of a big tropical resort— just Icelandic versions

The mask bar was so cool. There’s a menu and you can choose a formula based on your skin concerns— dryness, anti-aging, etc. Once you pick a mask you apply it directly to your face while you’re chilling the lagoon. The “bar” bar had a variety of non-alcoholic and alcohol beverages— so yes, you can get your drank on in the lagoon too!

If you have the time and really want to take your Blue Lagoon experience to another level, I’d recommend booking a treatment at the on-site spa. Some services are even done directly in the water!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Headband | Black One Piece Swimsuit

The Blue Lagoon tourism office was kind enough to book the lagoon’s signature service, an in-water full-body massage, for me and the other girls I was traveling with. Essentially you lay in the water flat on your back on a partially submerged mat, while a therapist massages your entire body.

Full disclosure— I was too scared of getting my hair wet (more on why below) so I just asked for a shoulder massage where I could sit upright. It was lovely and so relaxing! PS all in-water spa services are done in a private section of the lagoon blocked off from other guests.

If you’re planning a visit I’d recommend allocating at least half a day to explore the lagoon. It’s not an experience that you want to rush because the entire point is to relax and enjoy wading in the water.

Premium tickets to the Blue Lagoon start at $79 per person and include the entrance fee, two silica mud masks, towel, robe, slippers, one drink, a reservation at LAVA restaurant and a glass of sparkling wine with your meal at LAVA. A Comfort ticket is also available for $56 and includes the entrance fee, a silica mud mask, towel, and one drink. There is no time limit with either ticket— once you arrive you can stay as long as you’d like until closing!

Can you get your hair wet?

Yes you can and many people do! The reason why this is even a question is because the rich minerals in the lagoon adhere very easily to hair and can be difficult to wash out, if you don’t prepare appropriately. When you walk into the lagoon locker rooms you’ll notice huge containers of conditioner and signs instructing you to apply it liberally to your hair before entering the water. This is to protect it from the minerals and allow you to easily wash them out afterwards.

I personally opted not to get my hair wet because 1) I have extensions and 2) the minerals in the water are known to be difficult to wash out. I honestly just didn’t want to deal with the hassle of washing and drying my lion’s mane (I still had my extensions in from my wedding) so to save myself a headache I rocked a bun instead. No regrets!

WHAT TO WEAR

All you need to go in the Blue Lagoon is your swimsuit! The water is very warm, but by no means scalding hot– temps range from 37-40°C or 98-104°F. It felt similar to a hot tub!

When you check in at the lagoon, the spa staff will provide you with a cozy robe, slippers and a locker key so you can store your personal belongings. Street clothes aren’t allowed to be worn beyond the locker rooms, so I wouldn’t bother bringing your own sandals or coverup to wear over your swimsuit. The robes and slippers they provide are very comfy and you won’t need them much anyway since you’ll be going straight in the water.

PS the Blue Lagoon stays open in all weather– don’t let rain or snow deter you from visiting!

I visited Iceland in mid-November and was pleased to find the weather and outside temperature was similar to what I’m used to at home in New York and New Jersey. I want to say it was around 35°-45°F over the three days of my trip– aka chilly winter weather.

Mother Nature can get a little crazy in Iceland. You can experience all types of weather in one day: sun, rain, snow, hail, wind– it’s so unpredictable! I’d recommend packing layers and appropriate clothing for wet winter weather. When I was there we were blessed with partly cloudy skies nearly everyday, however there were a few random moment of rain and hail. It also snowed about an inch one night!

WHERE TO STAY

Travelers wishing to visit the Blue Lagoon now can stay overnight thanks to the recent openings of two new hotels: Silica Hotel and The Retreat Hotel. Both are nestled within the lagoon itself– The Retreat at the main lagoon and Silica just a few minutes away down a scenic walking path.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Bubble Sweater | Fringe Scarf | Leggings | Black Shearling Lined Boots

I stayed at the Silica Hotel and was very impressed. The property is incredibly luxurious and photogenic from the Scandinavian-style interiors to the exterior amenities that really make you feel one with your surroundings. There are just 35 rooms so the vibe is very private. Each room has floor to ceiling windows with gorgeous views of the surrounding volcanic terrain.

To me, the most amazing perk of staying at the Silica Hotel is the hotel’s private section of the Blue Lagoon. Guests of the hotel have access to their own oasis away from the main lagoon. It’s so serene, peaceful and gorgeous!

PS rates at the Silica Hotel start at $560/night and include Premium entrance to the main Blue Lagoon.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Lavender One Piece Swimsuit

NEARBY SIGHTSEEING

While my trip was primarily focused on experiencing the Blue Lagoon and Silica Hotel, we did get in a little nearby sightseeing on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Blue Lagoon team set up a guided tour for us with a driver who took us around to all of these incredible spots:

OUTFIT DETAILS // Abercrombie Green Parka | Knit Beanie | Knit Mittens | Leggings | Sorel Fur Lined Boots

Reykjanes Peninsula Sightseeing:

+ Reykjanes Peninsula Lighthouse- the most popular lighthouse to visit among Icelanders
+ Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark- the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level
+ Brimketill- a small, naturally carved pool, by marine erosion, at the lava shore edge west of the town of Grindavík
+ Bridge Between Two Continents- This bridge was built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America
+ Gunnuhver- Iceland´s largest mud pool and steam vents. Legend says a female ghost inhabits the steam pits after being laid there almost 400 years ago.
+ Grindavik- a family-oriented fishing village located on the peninsula

The post Blue Lagoon Iceland Travel Guide appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

Loire Valley France Travel Guide

Amy Clackner — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 16:30:46 +0000

Just two hours southwest of Paris you’ll find the Loire Valley. This UNESCO heritage-listed site spans 280 kilometers along the Loire River and is dotted with hundreds of fairytale castles (aka “chateaux”) and local wineries.

If you’re looking for a beautiful region to road trip in France then the Loire Valley is the perfect place! It’s also a great second destination to add on to a Paris getaway as we did. PS you can read my Paris Travel Guides here.

Our time in the Loire Valley was short and sweet. Even though we had only two days, I still feel like we were able to get a good sense of the region and see many top sites.

Loire Valley France Travel Guide

HOW TO GET THERE

Getting to the Loire Valley is quite easy from Paris.

We chose to rent a car and drive ourselves the two hour trip, however public transportation is an option too. Buses and trains depart daily for Tours– the largest city in the Loire Valley.

However, once you arrive in the Loire Valley you will need to rent a car or hire a driver. The Loire Valley is comprised of many small towns and the famed chateaux and wineries are spread out across the region. A car is necessary to get from place to place! We really enjoyed driving here– the roads were easy to navigate and there wasn’t any traffic or congestion.

What to Wear

We visited in mid-October and temperatures were in the mid 60s fahrenheit. I packed clothing that was similar to what I would wear at home in New York at that time of year. Lots of cozy sweaters, boots that were comfortable for walking (you’ll likely be doing a lot!) and layering pieces.

The Loire Valley is known for its incredible Michelin-star restaurants so I would check the dress code if your itinerary includes any fancy dinners.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Anthropologie Red Lace Midi Dress | Black Pumps | Red Headband | Saint Laurent Bag

OUTFIT DETAILS // Revolve Blue Sweater Dress | Tall Knit Socks | Black Over the Knee Boots | David Yurman Bracelets

Where To Stay

You won’t find many recognizable chain hotels or resorts in the Loire Valley. Bed and breakfasts and converted chateaus-turned-boutique-hotels are more of the norm. Usually we are able to decide on a hotel quite quickly when planning a trip, but we went back and forth on where to stay for our two nights in the Loire Valley.

Our biggest challenge was finding a hotel that was in a convenient location for touring chateaux and wineries, but also had multiple nearby restaurant options for dinner. Since our time in the Loire was so limited, we wanted to avoid any unnecessary driving. During the day we knew to expect 30 mins – 1 hour+ drives between wineries and chateaux, but in the evenings we wanted to be able to go back to our hotel to wash up and be able to drive to dinner in under ten minutes.

After a lot of research, we decided to book a room at Chateau des Arpentis near the medieval town of Amboise. Staying there would allow us to get to many of the top sites in the Loire Valley in under an hour. We’d also be able to have dinner every night at one of Amboise’s handful of highly-rated restaurants. We were also really intrigued by the history of the chateau. The chateau itself dates back to 1313 (!!!) and throughout the centuries it changed hands between many French aristocrats. The 75 acre property is surrounded by a moat in the middle of a forest (totally felt like we were in a movie!) and is incredibly gorgeous. It was restored in 2007 and since then has been open as a boutique hotel.

We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of our room. During our research we noticed that many hotels in the region had sub par reviews and the interiors looked a bit dated. Our suite at Chateau des Arpentis was cozy, very clean and decorated in a traditional style that didn’t sacrifice modern comforts. The hotel also had free wifi, our bathroom had a free-standing shower (not always common in European hotels) and a yummy continental breakfast was included with our stay.

The property manager was also very helpful and spoke English. He was able to answer all our questions, provided us with recommendations of what to do/where to eat and happily called to make all of our lunch and dinner reservations.

What To Do

If you’re visiting the Loire Valley, you’re likely coming to do two things: drink wine and explore the region’s fairytale castles.

Tour Historic Loire Valley Châteaux

The Loire Valley is known as the “Valley of the Kings” for good reason. For centuries it was the playground of French aristocracy looking for a place to relax away from the bustle of Paris. Because of this there are literally hundreds of extravagant chateaux in the Loire Valley– aka 14th century vacation homes. What a life right?

Fast forward to 2019, you’ll find that many of these incredible chateaux are now landmarks open to the public. Since we had just under two days, we decided to focus our time on three different chateaux: Chateau Chambord, Chateau Villandry and Chateau Chenonceau.

^^ The magnificent Chateau Chenonceau

We really enjoyed touring all three, but our favorite was definitely Chateau Chenonceau. It had the most interesting location– literally built on top of the river Cher! The interior rooms were completely restored and styled with furniture and decor that made you feel as if you had stepped back in time to the Renaissance. Even though it was raining on the morning we visited, we still left completely in awe of the grounds and gardens.

The Loire Valley Châteaux We Visited:

+ Chateau Chambord
+ Chateau Villandry
+ Chateau Chenonceau

Chateau Chenonceau

Chateau Chambord

More Popular Loire Valley Châteaux (if we’d had more time!)
+ Château Royal de Blois
+ Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
+ Château de Cheverny
+ Château de Amboise
+ Château de Sully-sur-Loire
+ Château d’Azay le Rideau
+ Château du Clos Lucé

Chateau Villandry

OUTFIT DETAILS // Pink Wool Coat | Revolve Blue Sweater Dress | Tall Knit Socks | Black Over the Knee Boots | David Yurman Bracelets

Go For A Wine Tasting + Vineyard Tour

While touring chateaux was the priority of our trip, we still wanted to make time to do one wine tasting– ideally at a winery that was also once a historic chateau. There’s no shortage of vineyards in the Loire Valley, but not all can offer a 2-for-1 duo of being a historic castle AND having wine.

Château de Minière hit all the marks for us! It was conveniently located in the Loire Valley town of Bourgueil, between Tours and Saumur, just 25 minutes away from our final chateau tour of the day at Chateau Villandry.

We stopped in without having a reservation and right away were warmly greeted by the winery manager Jean Pierre. Over the next 2.5 hours we indulged in a tasting where we sampled Château de Minière’s red, white and rosé varietals.

Looking for another Loire Valley chateau winery recommendation? During our research Domaine du Closel popped up frequently as a top spot to visit, though I can’t speak to it personally.

Explore The Small Town & Villages Of The Loire Valley

You won’t find this in Paris! The Loire Valley is known for being home to some of the most charming villages and small towns in France. While driving from chateau to chateau we passed through the ones I’ve listed below. We also had dinner every night in the lovely town of Amboise near our hotel.

+ Amboise
+ Chinon
+ Candes-Saint-Martin
+ Fontevraud-l’Abbaye

WHERE TO EAT

Chez Bruno (Amboise) – This was our favorite meal in the Loire Valley! At Chez Bruno we feasted on pumpkin soup, lamb and homemade creme brûlée. The setting and atmosphere of the restaurant was super cozy too!

L’Epicerie (Amboise) – Another delicious dinner spot in Amboise. The menu consisted of traditional French fare where you could order dishes a la carte or a prix fix 4 course. I opted for the latter They also had the most epic cheese selection for dessert!

Bigot Chocolatier (Amboise) — Ok we didn’t actually eat a meal here but I’d highly recommend stopping in for a sweet treat. Bigot is a famous chocolate shop in the region that’s been owned by the same family for over 100 years!

La Cabane à Matelot (Bréhémont) – Great spot to stop for seafood along the Loire river. It’s only open a few days a week and the menu is very small because the chef cooks whatever has been freshly caught that day! It was all in French so I’m honestly still not sure what we ate, but it was tasty!

The post Loire Valley France Travel Guide appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

Paris Travel Guide | Honeymoon Edition

Katie — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 12:36:42 +0000

Paris has quickly become our favorite city. I mentioned in my last travel guide how Paris just has this magical energy that fills the soul. I know that probably sounds a little corny, but for us it rings true! Paris is a breath of fresh air compared to the bustle of New York. Being there almost feels like stepping back in time– it has a romance and nostalgia that no U.S. city could ever replicate, simply because of its history.

When we decided that we did indeed want to do some sort of trip right after our wedding, Paris was a no brainer. We’ve been there before and have visited most of the popular landmarks and museums, so it was the perfect place to go to unwind and just enjoy ourselves for a few days without the pressure of having to explore as a first time tourist.

Similar to our last trip, we skipped making a strict itinerary and instead let our feet take us where we were feeling each day. Over the course of three days we indulged in all the yummy French cuisine and drinks, saw a cabaret show, got in some museum action and checked out a few areas of the city that were new to us on foot.

Paris Travel Guide Honeymoon Edition

What To Wear

Heading to Paris in the fall? Here are some outfit ideas!

Hotel Review

I remember getting an email alert about Hotel Grand Powers grand opening earlier this year and thinking WOW I need to stay here. I held on to the information and when it came time to book a hotel for this trip it was the first place we looked. Right away I fell in love with the hotel’s elegant interiors, luxury amenities and convenient location close to the Champs Elysees in the 8th arrondissement. The fact that some of the rooms have Eiffel Tower views may or may not have played a part in my desire to stay there as well

“European glamour with 1920s heritage in the very heart of the Paris’s Golden Triangle, close to the Champs Elysees”

We booked a Deluxe Room with balcony for three nights and we loved our room. It was chic, super luxe and cozy and just looking out the double door balconies and seeing the city views gave me chills! We paid a pretty penny staying here, but we figured if there was one time we should splurge on a hotel room with an Eiffel Tower view it should be for our first trip as husband and wife

PS Hotel Grand Powers is a Small Luxury Hotels member property, which y’all know I’m such a big fan of! We stayed at an SLH hotel on our last trip too that we loved. I would say both are equally lovely and if you’re going to choose one over the other, I’d do so based on which location is most convenient for getting to the activities and sightseeing you have planned.

Restaurants & Bars

You may recognize a few spots on this list! Now that we’ve been to Paris a few times, we’ve found a few restaurants and bars that we really love and will likely frequent again on future trips. Nick and I are the type of people where if we find a place that’s really good– we’re happy to return. We also love trying new spots and found some awesome gems on this recent trip.

Breizh Cafe – After a long flight with very little sleep nothing sounded better than hot crepes. Nick and I shared a savory crepe with cheese and mushrooms followed by an equally delicious one filled with chocolate sauce and bananas.

Cafe Charlot – Great cafe with outdoor seating (perfect for people watching) in Les Marais! We had some time to kill in between exploring the neighborhood and the opening time of Little Red Door, so we grabbed a drink here and posted up for a good hour just taking in our surroundings. I’m a big fan of any spot that gives a healthy heavy pour

Little Red Door – This cocktail bar has been on Nick’s Paris list since our first trip and I’m so happy we were able to finally try it. Major speakeasy vibes from the get-go– the door isn’t even a real door. The left wall actually opens if you want to enter. We didn’t know this and thoroughly embarrassed ourselves and spent five minutes trying to figure out how to get inside. We had similar difficulty trying to decipher the menu. Every drink was inspired by a different world language and had ingredients we’d never heard of. The waiter encouraged us to read the spiritual description listed next to each one and choose whichever “spoke the most” to us. Well we rolled along with it and I still have no idea what we drank, but I can tell you it was very tasty!

Bistro Les Papilles – I feel like a broken record raving about Les Papilles because we’ve had dinner here every time we’ve come to Paris. I talk all about it in my first Paris Travel Guide and again in my second, but these are the cliff notes! Each night the chef serves all diners the same four-course meal, which consists of a soup, entree, cheese and dessert. Whatever he is feelin’! The night that we went the menu consisted of potato leek soup, lamb stew, bleu cheese with a fig compote and chocolate panna cota for dessert. SO good and just a really authentic and unique experience.

Hotel Costes – On our second day in Paris we had lunch at another discovery from a previous trip. I’m not lying when I say that Hotel Costes’ creamy mushroom pasta is the best I’ve ever had. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since our last trip so a repeat visit was a MUST. I ended up ordering the exact same things I got last time: a bloody mary, tuna crudo with jalapeno and the creamy mushroom pasta. The restaurant is expensive and a bit bougie, but the ambiance and experience is worth it in my opinion. Plus the location is perfect if you have plans to stop by the Louvre or explore the designer shops near Place Vendôme.

Le Petit Moulin – The most precious wine and cheese bar in Montmartre! We stopped in for a glass of wine before dinner and ended up wishing we’d had time to stay the whole night. There are only four tables and the owner serves you himself. We got there right at opening and he was kind enough to treat us to a wine flight explaining the background of each one as we sipped.

Le Refuge Des Fondus – FONDUE. Omg this restaurant was SO fun. There were no frills– you just tell them if you want cheese or meat fondue (both in our case!) and they bring you out steaming posts with all the accompaniments for dipping. If that doesn’t sound exciting enough just you wait. Wine is served in BABY BOTTLES. They’ll ask you if you want red or white and minutes later you’re getting handed a bottle. It was hilarious and everything was so tasty!

Au Petit Suisse – Traditional French bistro near Jardin Du Luxembourg. We had a very casual and extra cheesy (order the croque croque monsieur!) lunch here before exploring the gardens.

Botaniste – We had such a lovely experience having drinks at the Shangri-La Hotel on our last trip that we couldn’t resist visiting again. Fancy and expensive, but oh so worth it for vibe and experience!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Black and Gold Formal Dress | Black Channel Bag | Black Pumps | David Yurman Bracelets

Jazz Club Chez Papa – This French restaurant with nightly live jazz has been on my Paris list since our first trip! So so happy we were able to eat here this time. The food was great (traditional French cuisine) but the draw is really the ambiance and music. Something we’ll remember forever is when they played our wedding song ‘Cheek To Cheek!’

What To Do

We did a mix of sightseeing and leisurely exploring on this trip! If you’ve never visited Paris before and want first time recommendations definitely check out my previous travel guides: First Time Visiting Paris Travel Guide & 2019 Paris Travel Guide.

Explore Le Marais – This is a neighborhood where you’ll find many small boutiques, top foodie spots and cocktail bars. It’s charming, residential and feels more like “real Paris” since it’s removed from the touristy bustle in the city center. We spent our first afternoon just walking around without any specific destination in mind. Le Marais is also where you’ll find the famous Parisian square Place des Vosges, the Paris history museum– Musée Carnavalet and the Musée National Picasso- an art gallery dedicated to the works of famed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.

Place Des Vosges – I highly recommend walking around Place Des Vosges if you’re in Le Marais. It’s a great place to sit and people watch and just enjoy Paris. The surrounding red brick town homes are SO photogenic!

Musée Jacquemart-André – We aren’t big museum people, but Paris has so many great ones that we try to hit up one on every trip. This time we chose to tour Musée Jacquemart-André, a small privately-owned museum featuring the art collection of wealthy 19th century banker Édouard André and his wife Nélie Jacquemart. The museum itself was once their private mansion, but today it’s been converted into galleries that can be visited by all. We went on a weekday morning and perused the galleries for nearly two hours on our own (they do offer an audio tour in all languages.) It was lovely and very relaxing compared to the crowds of the Louvre!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Black Turtleneck | Tweed Mini Skirt | Pearl Hair Bow | Black Channel Bag | David Yurman Bracelets

Place Vendôme + Palais-Royal – Walking around Place Vendôme and the nearby Palais-Royal gardens is a must! We strolled around both after having lunch at Hotel Costes. Place Vendôme is home to many designer stores (Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, etc.) and the Ritz Paris Hotel (highly recommend Bar Hemingway for a cocktail!) then just a ten minute walk away you’ll find Palais-Royal– a former palace with the most spectacular gardens and courtyard. These are open to the public and there’s no entrance fee.

Montmartre – If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Paris and away from the tourist hustle then I highly recommend Montmartre. It’s a bohemian neighborhood located on a large hill in Paris’s 18th arrondissement known for being a haven for local artists and home to some of the city’s best nightlife and cabaret shows. Walking around the narrow cobblestone streets you can almost forget you’re in Paris because it feels (& looks!) like a small village. The most recognizable landmark in Monmartre is the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, however the biggest draw for us was just seeing the charming Parisian cafes, carousels, idyllic cottages and street art. There are so many local boutiques, restaurants and bars here too!

Moulin Rouge – Montmartre is home to Paris’ famous Moulin Rouge cabaret. We bought tickets in advance and loved the show! I was worried it was going to be a bit cheesy or too raunchy, but the show itself was very tastefully done despite having some nudity. When watching the show you’re seated at a table with other patrons (specific seats can’t be reserved– the staff chooses when you arrive) and served beverages of your choice!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Black Lace Dress | Kate Spade Watch | Black Pumps | Heart Earrings | Saint Laurent Bag

Couples Shoot at the Eiffel Tower – Can you name a more beautiful backdrop for pictures? I did a separate blog post all about our fun photo session at the Eiffel Tower. I highly recommend booking a photographer to get some cute shots while you’re visiting– it was so easy and a great way to get pictures together as a couple.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Black Turtleneck | Polka Dot Midi Skirt | Wool Coat | Black Heels | David Yurman Bracelets

Jardin Du Luxembourg – Walking around the Luxembourg gardens is another thing that had been on my Paris bucket list that we finally were able to check off. We strolled through here after lunch one afternoon and were pleased to find so many beautiful flowers and fall colors!

Champs-Élysées – You have to walk down this famous avenue in the 8th arrondissement that runs from Place de la Concorde near the Louvre museum all the way to the iconic Arc de Triomphe. It’s also home to many of the city’s best shops and restaurants. Conveniently for us it was located just steps from our hotel so we got to enjoy it multiple times when heading from place to place.

The post Paris Travel Guide | Honeymoon Edition appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

One Day In Park City Utah

Katie — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 07:00:12 +0000

I can’t believe I almost forgot to post my Park City Travel Guide! The last few weeks have been so busy that it feels like ages ago we were in Utah’s most popular mountain resort town. We weren’t there for long though… Our trip was short and sweet (just one night!) but oh so worth it.

To get to Park City we rented a car and roadtripped from Sun Valley, Idaho. You may remember we spent a week there with my family celebrating my Pop Pop’s 80th birthday– you can ready my travel guide from that trip here. To make the most of our time out west Nick and I decided to extend our adventure by a day so we could explore another area on our bucket list.

I had never been to Utah and have always had so many people rave to me about Park City. They weren’t lying because even in just a span of 24 hours we became completely smitten with this charming mountain town. Here’s everything we did!

How to spend one day in park city utah

WHERE TO STAY

The second Nick and I stepped into our suite at the Stein Eriksen Residences we knew we wanted to plan another trip back. Our jaws literally dropped to the floor! I mean, just look at this place?? I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised since every Small Luxury Hotels property we’ve ever stayed at has been incredible, but this was just on another level! We looked at each other and were like, “why didn’t we book a full week???”

OUTFIT DETAILS // Sweatshirt | Fleece Leggings | Mules

Obviously we did not need a suite this big for just two people for one, but the concierge was kind enough to upgrade us to the two bedroom condo you see here. This place honestly had it all! A full chef’s kitchen, two bathrooms, two fireplaces, walk in closets, a terrace with a HOT TUB. Am I dreaming?

We also couldn’t get enough of the tech features in our room! Everything from the curtains to the speaker system could be controlled via a single remote. Nick was geeking out!

Stein Eriksen Residences is located just a 10 minute drive from downtown Park City in the mountain resort area of Deer Valley. Here is where you’ll find most of Park City’s top resorts and hotels. The views are spectacular and to hit the slopes in the winter or hike in the summer all you have to do is walk out your front door. It’s an outdoor-lovers paradise!

So there are two Stein Eriksen properties in Deer Valley: the residences where we stayed and a resort-style lodge. If you’re traveling with a large group or planning an extended then I’d highly recommend the residences. Guests can take advantage of all the amenities you’d find at a luxury hotel, while staying in larger vacation home-esque accommodations.

At Stein Eriksen there is a 24-hour concierge, a valet, an indoor and outdoor pool, plus a fully equipped gym. There’s also a restaurant, lounge and outdoor dining terrace where breakfast is served buffet-style every morning. In the winter guests can literally ski in and out of the lodge!

If you’re looking for lodge with traditional hotel-style rooms then definitely check out the Stein Eriksen Lodge. It’s right down the road from the residences and when we drove by it looked absolutely gorgeous!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Purple Wrap Sweater | Black Leggings | Suede Booties | Sunglasses | Maroon Tote

Ok so you have 24 hours in Park City! Who do you do? Since we were coming Sun Valley, Idaho and had just spent the last week hiking, biking and horseback riding, we decided to spend our short time in Utah doing two of our favorite things: eating and drinking. Park City has an adorable downtown. Just walking around is an activity in itself! We spent the afternoon and evening browsing the local shops and had every meal at a different restaurant. I can’t imagine how cute it is here in the winter and when the streets are decorated for the holidays!

I listed out everything we did below, along with a few other activities we would’ve loved to do if we’d had more time! Guess I have a good excuse now to plan another trip…

WHAT TO DO

+ Have lunch at High West Distillery

+ Have dinner at Fletcher’s

+ Enjoy a drink at one of the many bars on Main Street

+ Explore downtown Park City

+ Grab brunch and coffee at Harvest

+ Grab a juice from Land Juicery

+ Shop at Root’d or any of the many clothing, home & foodie stores on Main Street

+ Ride the Funicular up the mountain to the St. Regis Deer Valley Bar (I’m dying to do this our next trip!)

+ Do all the outdoor things! Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding– the list goes on!

The post One Day In Park City Utah appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

Sun Valley Idaho Travel Guide & Photo Diary

Katie — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 20:03:40 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS // Topshop Cable Crewneck Sweater | Black Leggings | Booties | Fedora Hat

Never in a million years did I think my travels would take me to Sun Valley, Idaho. Prior to my trip I was honestly just completely unaware of what the state had to offer. Growing up and living on the east coast my domestic travels always have taken me south to Florida or north to New England– never west. If I was in charge of planning my own trip to one of the Mountain States, I likely would’ve chosen Colorado or Utah just because that’s all I know!

Well it’s a good thing I wasn’t in charge of planning my Pop Pop’s 80th birthday family trip because if so I never would’ve discovered beautiful Idaho. Earlier this month all of my extended family on my mom’s side made the trek out west to celebrate my Pop’s big 8-0 in the small mountain resort town of Sun Valley. It took some effort to get there– one rescheduled flight and a LONG layover in Denver– but I knew right when I was landing that this trip was going to be totally worth it. How unreal is this plane view???

OUTFIT DETAILS // Abercrombie Long Sleeve Dress | Over The Knee Boots | Faux Leather Tote | Faux Pearl Headband

I want to preface this travel guide first by letting you know it’s going to be a bit more brief than ones I’ve done in the past. Why? Since this was a family trip I tried my best to put my phone down and live in the moment. This was also one of the first trips I’ve been on where I wasn’t involved in the planning (shoutout to my Aunt Jen!) and I won’t lie– it was really refreshing just going with the flow and not having to worry about any reservations. I promise it’s still worth the read though!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Anthropologie Off-The-Shoulder Peasant Dress | Heath Booties

OUTFIT DETAILS // Woven Crop Jumpsuit | Denim Jacket | Canvas Tote | Slide Sandals | Ray Ban Sunglasses

Sun Valley Idaho Travel Guide

WHERE TO STAY

Sun Valley Lodge

My family booked a week-long stay at Sun Valley Lodge and found it to be the perfect home base for exploring the area. The town of Sun Valley and nearby Ketchum are very small and the lodge is the only large resort-style hotel in the area. It has historic roots dating back to 1936 when Sun Valley was first developed and over the years tons of famous faces have graced the resort– Clint Eastwood, JFK and Marilyn Monroe to name a few!

At Sun Valley Lodge you’ll find nearly all the amenities and activities you’d expect at any mountain resort: pools, a spa, multiple restaurants, bars and a concierge. There were a few surprises as well! The lodge also has it’s own ice skating rink and a bowling alley. No matter if you’re traveling as a couple or with your family (kiddos in tow) you’re bound to have a good time here. There’s something for everyone and the grounds are GORGEOUS.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Green Jumpsuit | Slide Sandals

OUTFIT DETAILS // Anthropologie Sherpa Vest | Textured Tunic | High-Rise Skinny Jeans | Clutch | Booties

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

+ Konditorei- I honestly felt like I was in Europe here! Loved this Austrian-inspired coffee and brunch spot located just steps from Sun Valley Lodge. Order the waffle and schnitzel!

+ The Ram- elegant dinner spot adjacent to Sun Valley Lodge in the nearby inn. We celebrated my Pop Pop’s birthday here and it was super cozy! The restaurant first opened all the way back in 1937 and is still a town staple.

+ The Roundhouse- this lunch spot was the coolest! To get there you have to take the gondola up Bald Mountain. The views are incredible and I had an amazing lobster roll with truffle fries. I can only imagine how much fun this spot is during snow season!

+ Duchin Lounge- classy old school bar located in Sun Valley Lodge. Some nights they have live piano and jazz!

+ Cristina’s- You have to stop here for lunch! Incredible fresh prepared food with a French twist.

+ Michel’s Christiania Restaurant- upscale French restaurant in downtown Ketchum. Definitely a place to dine if you’re really looking for a special night out! We had an amazing family dinner here.

+ Grumpy’s- local dive bar and burger place. No frills at all but SO delicious!

+ Sawtooth Brewery- there are lots of great local breweries in town and we loved the vibes at this one!

+ Boho Lounge- super cool new bar in downtown Ketchum. Loved the Bohemian vibes and decor!

+ Bigwood Bread- great spot to stop for a pastry or coffee– we grabbed the best breakfast burritos here before leaving town to road trip to Utah!

+ Bigwood Bar & Grill- had a yummy family dinner here one of our first nights in town. The outdoor patio has an amazing view of the golf course and mountains!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Abercrombie Satin Midi Dress | Saint Laurent Classic Sac Du Jour Tote Bag | Sam Edelman Pumps | Anthropologie Michaela Drop Earrings

Sun Valley is one of those destinations where there’s endless things to do at any time of year. During the winter Sun Valley’s mountains and rolling hills are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. In the summer months visitors come to hike, mountain bike, fish and horseback ride. It’s really an outdoor paradise and the landscape reminded me so much of Europe! I’ve honestly never seen such beautiful hillsides and wildflowers.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Alo Yoga Sports Bra & Leggings | Abercrombie Crew Sweatshirt | Adidas UltraBoost Running Shoes

My family coordinated nearly all of our activities and excursions through the concierge at Sun Valley Lodge. They were able to set up an hour-long trail ride on horseback for us (the lodge has its own stable on site) and give us info on nearby hikes. Nick and I went off on our own one afternoon and did a four hour hike up to the top of Proctor Mountain. The entire climb was GORGEOUS. I honestly felt like I was in a movie! I would say it was moderate to hard climb, but it’s definitely do-able if you’re active and accustomed to a lot walking. We had the best time!

WHAT TO DO

+ Hiking
+ Horseback Riding
+ Fishing
+ Mountain Biking
+ Explore Downtown Ketchum
+ Skiing & Snowboarding (in the winter)
+ Skeet Shooting
+ Parasailing

OUTFIT DETAILS // Plaid Boyfriend Shirt | Patagonia Fleece Jacket | Similar Skinny Jeans | Booties | Fedora Hat

If you’re not the outdoorsy-type there’s still lots you can do in Sun Valley! Just ten minutes down the road is nearby Ketchum, which is home to most of the area’s bars, restaurants and shops. It’s a really cute area for walking around! If you stay at Sun Valley Lodge there are multiple pools for lounging and an incredible spa.

Oh what a fun trip! If Sun Valley is this beautiful in the summer, I can’t imagine how breathtaking it must look when the mountains are covered in snow! I mean, why go to Austria or Switzerland when you could just to go Idaho? I’d love to return back one day and hit the slopes! Sun Valley was such a pleasant surprise for me. Living on the East Coast it’s so tempting to always hop across the Atlantic for big trips, but my time in Idaho reminded me that sometimes you don’t have to leave your own country to find the best adventures.

The post Sun Valley Idaho Travel Guide & Photo Diary appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

New York City Rooftop Bar Guide + New J.ING Dress

Katie — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 14:43:37 +0000

We’re officially in the dog days of summer everyone! Want to know my favorite way to cool off? Throw on a J.ING dress, head to a rooftop bar and order alllll the cool refreshments. Where New York lacks in swim-able bodies of water, it makes up for in fabulous bars and eateries with incredible views. You can find a list of my favorite spots in the city in my New York Travel Guide, but since I’m always getting specifically for rooftop recommendations I figured it was only fitting to put together something more detailed.

PS don’t forget to post a photo to your Instagram Story if you end up trying any of these places– I’d love to see where you end up and re-post to my own Instagram!

DRESS DETAILS // J. ING Plaid Picnic Dress (now 30% off!)

How cute is this plaid mini dress? It’s a perfect example of the playful, romantic designs you can find from LA-based womenswear brand, J.ING. I was recently introduced to their pieces and was immediately drawn to the bold prints and feminine silhouettes. Every design finds in with a trend, yet it’s done with a twist. LOVE this ruffled peach plaid print midi dress and this cold shoulder polka dot dress. Side note: J.ING is having a BIG summer clearance sale. Lots of dress, tops, skirts and more are up to 40% off!

New York City Rooftop Bar & Restaurant Guide

SERRA BY BIRRERIA AT EATALY
Flatiron District

You can get lost inside Eataly! Not only is it a gourmet grocery store and Italian food-lovers paradise, but it has a really cool rooftop restaurant and bar. The decor changes every season– during the winter months it could be an alpine ski lodge with Christmas trees, sheepskin rugs & throws. Then in the summer you could walk in and feel like you’ve teleported to the Amalfi Coast or the Italian countryside. The vibe is really fun and upbeat so it’s a great place for groups or to take out of town visitors. WARNING: the food is NOT good. I hate to say it, but it’s the honest truth. Go for a drink at the bar and take a few photos, then head elsewhere in NoMad, Flatiron or Gramercy for a meal. Check out my New York City Travel Guide for my recommendations– a bunch of my favorite spots are right nearby!

BROKEN SHAKER AT THE FREEHAND HOTEL
Gramercy Park

We were so lucky to be able to enjoy all the bars and restaurants within the newly opened Freehand Hotel during the last few months we lived in Manhattan. Brooken Shaker is the hotel’s tropical-themed rooftop bar and a great spot to hit up if you’re looking for trendy boho vibes without the pretentiousness. It can get crowded on popular nights and there is a line with a doorman so I’d recommend arriving early or making a reservation.Nick and I always would do a grandparent’s happy hour at like 3PM on a Saturday afternoon and never had to wait

THE ROOFTOP AT TIME OUT MARKET
Dumbo

Nick and I had the best time exploring the new Time Out Market in Dumbo a few weeks ago. The format is very similar to the Chelsea Market. There’s a food hall with pop-up eateries from Jacob’s Pickles, DO and David Burke Tavern, among others; along with lots of stores like J. Crew and West Elm. It’s a really fun place to explore and walk around anytime of year, but if it’s a nice day you HAVE to head to the rooftop. There you’ll find a bar, a few more foodies spots and the most incredible view of the Brooklyn Bride and Manhattan skyline. The night we went there was even live music!

image via Roof At Park South

ROOF AT PARK SOUTH
Gramercy Park

This was another one of our favorite rooftop bars near our old neighborhood! The Roof At Park South is such a hidden gem. There’s an incredible view of the Chrysler Building, the line is never that long and the small bits are just as yummy as the cocktails.

image via The Refinery Hotel

REFINERY ROOFTOP AT THE REFINERY HOTEL
Midtown West

If you work in Midtown or looking for a chic drink spot in a central location, then you need to check out the Refinery Rooftop. It’s a large space so I’d recommend it if you’re going with a group or your work crowd. The cocktails are yummy and there’s a big food menu too!

image via am NY

MR. PURPLE
Lower East Side

Mr. Purple is THE rooftop bar to go to in the Lower East Side. It’s chic, trendy and there’s a pool! It is a hot spot so I’d be prepared to wait in a line, but the view is worth it and the vibe is so fun!

image via The Aviary

THE AVIARY AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Midtown West / Upper West Side

The Aviary technically isn’t a “rooftop” bar butttt I decided to include it because 1) the view is sick and 2) the cocktails are unforgettable. Nick took me here a few months ago and we still talk about our drinks! Every cocktail is its own distinct concoction and served in a manner so creative and interactive that I don’t even know how to describe it in words. It’s the kind of bar you go to for a special occasion or if you’re looking to impress the parents or out of town guests. Just make sure you make a reservation AND be prepared to pay. It’s very expensive (worth it though!!!)

image via @Carlyahill

SUMMERLY AT THE HOXTON HOTEL
Williamsburg

So I’ll admit I haven’t been here (yet) but my best gal Carly told me I had to include Summerly on this list! She’s the first person I text anytime I need a recommendation so I trust her opinion like no one else– she’s never failed me! The description on the website is enough to convince me to head there asap: “Summerly’s panoramic rooftop brings East Coast summer vibes to the heart of Williamsburg—think lobster rolls, dreamy cocktails and rosé aplenty.”

Big thank you to J.ING for sponsoring this post!

The post New York City Rooftop Bar Guide + New J.ING Dress appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

The Amalfi Coast vs Santorini & Mykonos | Which Vacation Was Better?

Katie — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 13:33:35 +0000

I’m going to start out this post by attempting to answer a question I’ve been asked countless times since returning home from Greece.

Which vacation was better? The Amalfi Coast or the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos?

Both are D R E A M travel destinations and considered two of the most beautiful places in the world. Folks aren’t lying when they rave about the breathtaking views in Positano and the charming whitewashed towns perched atop Santorini’s famous cliffs. Oh and don’t get me started on the food… If you’re able to travel to either place you should consider yourself very lucky!

Don’t hate me for this answer, but you truly can’t go wrong with one or the other. I had an amazing time on my trips to the Amalfi Coast and Greece. I would return to both in a heartbeat and do the same itineraries all over again!

Now that we’ve got that out of the way… I’m going to attempt to compare and contrast two perfect travel destinations. While the Amalfi Coast and Greek islands are beyond magical and sure to give you memories that will last a lifetime, both have some differences that are worth pointing out. If you’re trying to decide where to visit (for real tho– you can’t go wrong with either one!) I hope this will help make your decision easier.

PS I visited both during the same timeframe (May 23-June 3) over back-to-back years. Italy in 2018 and Greece in 2019!

Highlights | Amalfi Coast, Italy

+ Incredible clifftop and town views. The views in Positano will literally take your breath away. It’s the most gorgeous place I’ve ever been. The views in town of Oia, Santorini are very similar, but if I haddddddd to choose I’d say I was more in awe by the views of the Amalfi Coast. This very well could be because I visited the Amalfi Coast before visiting Greece. Maybe if the trips had been flip flopped I’d be saying Santorini? The Amalfi Coast is definitely way may colorful and lush. In Greece the land is a bit more dry! There’s not as much green and the towns are whitewashed. Still gorgeous, but just different from the pastels and lemon trees you’ll see everywhere in Italy.
+ Very romantic. The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for a reason! It’s so romantic and charming. The cobblestone streets and cozy restaurants– ahh it’s like a movie!
+ Delicious food (Italian + seafood). I personally prefer Italian food so I’ll admit that I liked the food better on our Amalfi Coast trip. I could eat pasta and pizza everyday for the rest of my life and be happy! Every meal we had here was amazing.
+ Lots of options for excursions (boats, wine tours, cute towns, Pompeii, hiking) There’s so much to do on the Amalfi Coast! You could spend one day taking a boat tour out to Capri, the next hopping from winery to winery and the following exploring town and shopping. The historic ruins of Pompeii aren’t too far away and there’s also an amazing hike called the “Path of the Gods’ that connects all the towns of the coast.
+ Each Amalfi Coast town has it’s own unique traits. There is so much more to the Amalfi Coast than Positano! You could spend one day exploring Ravello, another exploring Amalfi, Praiano or Sorrento and a third on the island of Capri! It’s very easy to get from one town to the next, whereas in Greece you have to take a ferry or even switch hotels to experience a different vibe.
+ High-end shopping + luxury atmosphere. The Amalfi Coast definitely has a distinct air of exclusivity. The towns just ooze sophistication and beauty. It’s hard to describe, but I remember feeling really special and blessed to just physically be there. There were many moments where I had to stop and take it all in!
+ Can fly there direct from the U.S. (Naples or Rome airport). It’s not as difficult as you may think to get to the Amalfi Coast. Coming from the U.S. you can fly directly to Naples or Rome and from there take a train to either Salerno or Sorrento.

Highlights | Santorini & Mykonos, Greece

+ Gorgeous sunsets. Just imagine an artist taking every shade of orange, pink, yellow, red and purple and brushing them across the sky. We were treated to the most beautiful colors at sunset every single night in Greece! It was a feast for the eyes and one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen.
+ Incredible clifftop views over the Caldera (Santorini). Similar to the Amalfi Coast, Santorini is also known for gorgeous cliffside towns that look out across sparkling turquoise water below. Oia is like a whitewashed version of Positano, except dotted with its famous blue domes.
+ Romantic atmosphere (Santorini). Looking for rest, relaxation and romance? Santorini is the perfect place for couples and very popular for honeymooners. The charming towns are perfect for wandering and it doesn’t get more romantic than a candlelit dinner at sunset with a view.
+ More hotel options. Finding a hotel that fit our budget and preferences was 10x easier to do in Greece compared to our Amalfi Coast trip. We noticed that Mykonos and Santorini had a larger range of both affordable and luxury hotels to choose from and the accommodations were much larger. Our Amalfi Coast hotel was significantly most expensive than the hotels we stayed at in Santorini, yet our room was much smaller and didn’t include amenities like a private plunge pool and terrace like we had in Greece.
+ Delicious food (Mediterranean + seafood). If you love souvlaki, feta cheese and fresh fish you’ll be in heaven in Greece! We ate so much delicious seafood and drank a lot of local wine on this trip!
+ Easier to enjoy on a budget. Overall I’d say that the Greek islands are easier to do on a budget, simply because there are more options for hotels and restaurants. Don’t get me wrong– we did spend a pretty penny at a few meals and there were restaurants with expensive prices, but it wasn’t like Positano where every bill and hotel invoice felt like a gut punch. I remember actually feeling relieved that it was cloudy and had been raining the day we were supposed to take a sunset boat tour in Positano (we were able to cancel for a refund) because at that point I was starting to get scared to look at my credit card bill LOL.
+ Lots of options for excursions (boats, wine tours, ATV rentals, hiking). Looking for a vacation that combines sun and sand with adventure? Greece is perfect because there are a lot of options to get out and explore. Santorini is the best place to take a day boat tour (high recommend!) and there are a few different cute towns with their own unique charm that you can explore. Renting ATVs and getting around on your own is very popular in Santorini! In Mykonos there’s lots to do as well. You can rent a car and explore the island’s countless beaches or spend the day wandering around the adorable lanes of Little Venice getting your shop on.
+ Stunning beaches + beach clubs (Mykonos). If you’re a beach person and prefer to spend your vacations laying out on the sand while being served cocktails, then Mykonos is the place for you. I talked all about the island’s famous beach clubs in my guide! Basically what you do is rent your own chair or cabana for the day and indulge in all the sun, sand, food and drinks. There are many clubs in Mykonos each with a different vibe and aesthetic! All serve food and drinks– some even host parties with famous singers and DJs!
+ Great shopping (Mykonos). I’m normally not one to shop on vacation, but I couldn’t resist in Mykonos! There was an incredible mix of home decor, clothing, shoe and jewelry stores. Many designer brands had a presence (Gucci, Rolex, etc.) but there were also so many unique boutiques and cute shops with handmade items!
+ Nightlife is big. There’s a big party scene in Mykonos! You can indulge or as much or as little of this as you want. A few of the beach clubs are known for having a party scene both during the day and at night, plus there are bars and clubs that stay open late in town!
+ Relaxed and laid back bohemian vibes (Mykonos). The vibes were so chill and cool in Mykonos! Almost a little hipster. From the decor of the restaurants to the way local dresses– the atmosphere was very free-spirited!
+ Very easy to get around in a rental vehicle (Mykonos). Unlike the Amalfi Coast, it’s very easy to rent a car on the Greek islands. We had one for the entire time we were in Mykonos and it was the best decision! You drive on the same side of the road as in the U.S. and there was parking everywhere.

Things To Consider | Amalfi Coast, Italy

+ Very expensive. There’s really no sugarcoating it. The Amalfi Coast is hands down no joke the most expensive place I’ve ever been in my entire life. I didn’t think I could be shocked by prices after 6+ years living in overpriced Manhattan, but there were many moments in Positano where my jaw dropped looking at our bill. It was common to see drinks priced over 20 Euros and I don’t think we paid under 150 Euros for a dinner for two in Positano. Want to hire a taxi? A 10 minute one way drive will cost you 30 Euros. It was totally worth it though!
+ Not as many hotel options. And they’re crazy expensive! Even the non-luxury 2-3 star accommodations are pricey compared to other similar destinations.
+ It can feel very congested when crowded, especially in Positano. The towns of the Amalfi Coast are quite small and can feel even smaller when exploring the areas where most of the hotels, shops and restaurants are concentrated.
+ Lots of hills and stairs. Get ready for a workout! The towns of the Amalfi Coast are built into the tall cliffs so be prepared to do a lot of walking up and down hills and stairs. Most towns only have a few roads that are open to cars! When our hotel shuttle would drop us off in Positano it would be on the main road towards the edge of town and from there we’d have to walk at least 5-15 minutes to get to whatever restaurant, bar, shop or beach we were heading.
+ Roads are incredibly narrow and renting a car is not advised. Many travel guides and hotels will discourage you from renting a vehicle because the roads are just so tricky. There’s really only one road that runs along the coastline (literally right on the cliffside) but it’s one lane on each side and sooooo curvy. It’s not impossible to rent a car or vehicle. We saw people that had cars, but parking is tricky and you can run into traffic.
+ Beaches in the Amalfi Coast aren’t like what we think of in the U.S. Many are small rock beaches nestled into tall cliffs or are man-made cement platforms built out into the sea. You aren’t going to find wide sprawling tan sandy beaches here!
+ The vibes and decor are very traditional and “old world.” I wouldn’t consider this a negative at all– it honestly adds to the charm, but if you’re looking for a destination where the hotels and restaurants have a chic and contemporary aesthetic the Amalfi Coast probably isn’t the best place to visit. Many of the restaurants were very cozy (like you’re sitting right up against another couple.)
+ Very American and Asian tourist heavy + mostly honeymooners. This was definitely a plus in terms of communication (everyone spoke English,) but we were always very aware that we were tourists. The only time we encountered actual Italians vacationing was when we went to not-as-well-known Ischia! Also literally EVERYONE was on their honeymoon. It makes sense because the Amalfi Coast is probably the most romantic beautiful place on Earth, but expect to see couples everywhere! We didn’t notice many groups of friends or families during our time in Positano/Praiano/Ravello, however in Mykonos and Santorini the crowd was mixed and seemed a little more kid and baby-friendly.

Things To Consider | Santorini and Mykonos

+ You can’t fly there direct from the U.S. To get to the Greek islands from the states you’ll have to take at least two to three flights. You can read more about what airline and routine we took in my Santorini Travel Guide here.
+ Vibes aren’t as ultra-exclusive/luxury. While everywhere on the Amalfi Coast just oozed sophistication and luxury, the vibes in both Santorini and Mykonos were a little more laid back and casual. For example, it was very common to see gals wearing a cocktail dress, heels and holding a designer bag at dinner in Positano. In Mykonos and Santorini? Folks weren’t as label-heavy and I didn’t feel the same pressure I felt in Italy to dress up. This aspect definitely isn’t a negative! I think it all depends on what you’re looking for in a trip. If you’re planning a one-in-a-lifetime honeymoon maybe you’d rather opt for the fancier location? But if you want to just lay in the sun all day and throw on flats for dinner, then the casual vibes might be right up your alley.
+ Cruise ship crowds. The towns of Oia and Thira in Santorini and Mykonos Town get crazy crowded at certain points of the day when there’s a cruise ship docked at the port. There was at least one to two every single day when we were in both Santorini and Mykonos. When travelers would get off the boat to come to the island for excursions the towns would get mobbed and feel similar to walking in Times Square. I’m used to this because of where I live (thanks NYC) so it didn’t take away from my experience, but I could see how it would frustrate folks staying on the island and hoping to explore in a calm environment. PS I don’t remember seeing a single cruise ship in Positano! I think since the ports are smaller, it’s much harder for larger ships to dock…
+ You don’t always feel like you’re in Greece. One thing I loved about the Amalfi Coast is despite the tourist crowds, I always knew I was in Italy. Greece was extraordinary, but there were some moments (especially in Mykonos) where I felt like I could’ve been on any beautiful sunny island in the world.
+ To get a full experience you’ll want to visit more than one island. You can see more about the differences between Santorini and Mykonos in my travel guide here. Both are quite difference and have unique things to offer! Santorini is perfect if you’re looking for gorgeous views and to experience the water on a boat. Mykonos is all about beaches and has more options for restaurants and shopping!
+ Popular destination for families and young people, not just honeymooners. Again, this isn’t necessarily a downside depending on what you’re looking for in a trip. Santorini was definitely more honeymooner-heavy, but in Mykonos the crowd was so mixed! We saw group of friends, families and couples.

Oye. I know that was a lot, but I think there are three main points your decision is going to come down to.

Budget

Greece wins for being more budget-friendly. We spent significantly less in Greece than we did in the Amalfi Coast.

Your Travel Companion(s)

If I was planning my honeymoon I would choose the Amalfi Coast over Greece. The vibes were ultra romantic and everything just felt so…. Special? Dreamy? Magical? Not to say Santorini or Mykonos didn’t have this too, but there was just something about the Amalfi Coast that just took my breath away.

Traveling with friends or planning a family trip? I think Greece would make more sense. It wasn’t so honeymooner-heavy and I felt like there were more options for group activities.

How you want to spend most of your time

If you want to spend your trip in your swimsuit laying in the sun then head to Greece. The hotels in Santorini all have gorgeous pools with views and taking a boat tour is a very popular excursion (and easy to do on a budget if you join a semi-private tour.) The small rocky beaches on the Amalfi Coast pale in comparison to the gorgeous sandy shores of Mykonos.

I personally felt more motivation to get out and explore on our Amalfi Coast trip. We really didn’t spend a lot of time relaxing because we just felt like there was so much to do and see and eat.

^^ Don’t forget to pin this for later reference!

Want to read more about my trips? All of my travel guides are linked below!

AMALFI COAST
Amalfi Coast 7 Day Itinerary
Positano Restaurant Recommendations
Positano Bar + View Recommendations
Ravello + Amalfi Day Trip
Ischia Travel Guide

GREECE
Santorini Travel Guide
Mykonos Travel Guide

The post The Amalfi Coast vs Santorini & Mykonos | Which Vacation Was Better? appeared first on Katie's Bliss.