Jamie and Vinh’s destination wedding at Unico Resort was nothing short of magical. In this post, they share their experience of planning a wedding away from home, tips for couples considering a destination wedding, and why a wedding specialist was key to making their dream wedding a reality.

Lauren: Why did you choose a destination wedding?

Jamie and Vinh: We chose a destination wedding because one of our very good friends got married a year prior to us and we loved everything about it. We loved that all the planning and preparation wouldn’t all be over in just one day. Instead, we were able to hangout and spend quality time with everyone throughout the whole week, which allowed us to really enjoy the wedding together  without feeling obligated to go from table to table all night. It also helps that everything was significantly cheaper compared to the US. We got everything we wanted for an incredible price. 

Lauren: How many attendees did you have?
What kind of experience did you envision your guests having? 

Jamie and Vinh: We had about 68-70 guests. The type of experience we envisioned for our guests was for it to just be a big weekend long party celebrating our love. I wanted our guests to have the trip of their life and to not worry about anything once they stepped on the resort except which drinks to order or what food they want to eat. I feel so lucky to have so many of our guests say it was one, if not, the best and most memorable wedding they’ve been to. 

Lauren: What was one part of planning your wedding that you knew you couldn't have done alone?
How did having a Destination Wedding Specialist help with that?

Jamie and Vinh: One part we couldn’t have done alone was definitely organizing all the bookings of the room, flights, and travel. Lauren’s direct relationship with Unico was also a great benefit. Just having Lauren’s experience with destination weddings and traveling in general was invaluable in planning a destination wedding. We had so many questions and had no clue what we were doing in the beginning and she made the process so smooth and easy. It was one less thing for us to stress about because she had it all covered. To say she was on top of it is an understatement. 

Lauren: What piece of advice would you give to couples who are just starting the planning process?

Jamie and Vinh: Some advice I would give to couples who are starting the planning process is that it will be stressful but it will all be worth it in the end. Just don’t forget that this day is all about you two, so try not to worry about all the noise and make decisions based on what you two want and what would be best for you. 

Lauren: What’s one “extra” you’re super glad you splurged on?  What surprised you the most about your wedding? 

Jamie and Vinh: One extra we were glad we splurged on was definitely the fireworks during our first dance. The fireworks were a big hit with our guests and they were so shocked when they came on. 

What surprised me most about my wedding was just how amazingly smooth everything came together even though everything was planned through email, video chat, and phone calls. I never physically saw anything and yet it was everything I could ever imagine and more. Everybody that we worked with was amazing and a key player in helping our vision come to life. 

Lauren: If you could choose three words to describe your wedding, what would they be?

Jamie and Vinh: Three words to describe our wedding would be magical, intimate, exciting. 

Lauren: What is your favorite memory from your big day?

Jamie and Vinh: It’s hard to pick one memory of our big day because we have so many but for Vinh, his was the fireworks during our first dance. For me, it was the last song when we had our friends and family surrounding us and singing with us. I just felt all the love at that moment. 

A note from Lauren: It was such a pleasure helping Jamie and Vinh with the wedding of their dreams!

Ready to plan your own unforgettable destination wedding? Contact me today to start planning your dream wedding at Unico Resort!

In order to give this hike an appropriate introduction, I have to tell you first about the weather conditions that we endured during this trek. We went to New Zealand in April, which is supposed to be their fall. This April, however, was unusually cold, windy, and rainy, which made for a lot of cancelled excursions. The day that we had set aside to do this trek was no different.

While checking into our hotel, which I swear was haunted (another story..), we noticed a sign at the check-in counter that described the conditions for the following day for the Tongariro Trek. The sign stated a -3˚C windchill with up to 70 mph winds. I know! Crazy, right??

Despite these horrible weather conditions, we layered up and decided to attempt this hike. We headed out from the hotel early that morning with our guide to the Mangatepopo car park.

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TIPS BEFORE YOU START:

1. Schedule a shuttle to/from your hotel - Parking at the Mangatepopo car park is limited to 4 hours for people that are doing shorter walks. If you are completing the entire trek, then you need to schedule a shuttle.

2. Check the weather. Check the weather. Check the weather!

3. Dress in layers.

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FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE:

Distance: 19.4 km (12 miles) point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 765 meters elevation gain and 1125 meters elevation loss if you hike from Mangatepopo car park to Ketetahi car park
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours
Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island of New Zealand

C/O Tongariro Crossing

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ESSENTIALS FOR THE TREK:

Tongariro National Park can be subject to unpredictable weather, and conditions can change quickly. It is important that all walkers carry the essentials for their journey across.

Take:

• Food and plenty of fluid, especially in the summer months. If you are planning on completing any of the summit tracks, ensure you have additional water supplies.

• Waterproof and wind-proof raincoat and trousers

• Strong, sturdy boots (you will be trekking over uneven volcanic terrain)

• Warm clothing layers: woolen or polypropylene thermals and fleece

• Hat and gloves

• Hot Hands

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• First Aid Kit

• Map

• Cellphone

Due to the rugged and alpine environment, the weather in the car park at the beginning of the track can differ greatly from conditions 1000 meters higher further up the track. Be prepared to change your plans and turn back especially when visibility is poor or strong winds prevail. [C/O Tongariro Crossing]

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Map C/O New Zealand Department of Conservation

Mangatepopo Car Park to Soda Springs (~1-1.5 hours)

When you leave the carpark, you will start off walking through the scrubby grassland, toward the Mangatepopo Valley. The trail is well-maintained and an easy walk starting off as boardwalks have been build to help protect the fragile environment. Views of Mount Ruapehu will be to the left, and as you round the corner, ominously in the distance, Mount Ngauruhoe comes into view.

Like so many other locations in New Zealand, Tongariro National Park was used during filming of Lord of the Rings. You might remember it as Mordor, where, during the entire trilogy, Frodo and Sam try to get to Mount Doom, aka Mount Ngauruhoe, so they can destroy the infamous ring. Unfortunately, as I stated earlier, the weather was terrible so Mount Doom was not visible during our trek. The next day, however, the weather cleared and there was a beautiful view of Mount Doom in the distance.

Soda Springs to South Crater (~1 hour)

This area of the trek is known as the “Devil’s Staircase” because it is super steep. If you have a clear day, then I’ve heard that view is beautiful. Even on an overcast day, the view looking out over the valley is still breathtaking.

This is a huge contrast from the leisurely boardwalk walk at the start of the trek. By the time you reach the top, you will be breathless!

Remember those layers that I recommended..yes this hike was done on the same day. I think I had enough clothes to change my full outfit like 3 times haha!

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SOUTH CRATER TO RED CRATER (~1 HOUR)

After climbing up Devil’s Staircase, you will continue along a long flat trail that looks like a lunar landscape that you would find on Mars. I don’t have any photos from here as this is where the weather took a turn for the worse.

These are the photos from the official Tongariro Alpine Crossing site. As you can see, the area is gorgeous on a clear day, even in the winter!

At the top of south crater, there are the emerald pools.

RED CRATER TO BLUE LAKE (~30 MINUTES)

Once you reach red crater, you are on an exposed ridge. Once we reached this point, it was -3 degrees C with winds up to 45 mph. It was literally insane. Due to the loose rock and sand, we were crawling at one point up this ridge with the volcanic crater to our right and a dropoff to our left. We could not see more than 2 ft in front of us. It was a very scary situation.

BLUE LAKE TO KETETAHI SHELTER (~1 HOUR)

KETETAHI SHELTER TO KETETAHI CAR PARK (~2 HOURS)

PACKING GUIDE FOR THIS TREK:

Disclaimer: This list contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees but support me to keep this site running!

The packing list below are the necessities for a trek on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The weather is unpredictable and can change quickly, so I recommend to pack in layers to be most comfortable.

CLOTHING

• Thermals (Base layer) - I like Thermotech or Hot Chilly’s

• Waterproof Jacket and Pants (I like this Northface Gor-Tex but Frogtoggs are the cheapest, most economical option.)

• Mid-layers

  • Fleece Pullover

  • Hot Chilly’s Half-Zip Pullover

• Outer-layers

  • Warm Vest

  • Jacket

  • Hat (Preferably fleece-lined) and gloves

• Hiking Pants (I like these Columbia ones or these Eddie Bauer ones)

• Hiking Socks (My absolute favorite! They are double-layered to prevent blisters.)

• Hiking shoes (Great resource for hiking boot reviews here)

  • Timberland Women’s Mt Maddsen Mid Leather Waterproof Hiking Boot

  • Merrell Moab 2 WP Low Hiking Shoes - These are my personal favorites, although, they are very heavy.

• Sunglasses

• Refillable Water Bottle - This one is nice because it has a clip to clip to your bag and also it compresses so packs down easily.

• Coola Sunscreen - My fav!

• Waterproof phone case

• Headlamp

• Camera

• Go-Pro

• DJI Mavic Pro

• Extra SD Cards

At Blonde Travels, I’m all about curating unforgettable travel experiences, and there’s no destination that does this better than South Africa’s Western Cape. Known for its dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable wildlife, the Western Cape has something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re in search of world-class wine, dramatic coastlines, or thrilling safaris, we’ve got you covered.

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Cape Town: A City Like No Other
South Africa’s “Mother City” is nothing short of spectacular. Cape Town is a blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. Imagine exploring the stunning beaches of the Atlantic, followed by a hike up iconic Table Mountain or Lion's Head. And when it comes to food and wine, Cape Town is unmatched, with extraordinary dining experiences that rival those in Europe—all at a fraction of the cost. From the top of the mountain to the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, there’s always something new to discover. Not to mention, the nearby Winelands in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer some of the world’s best wine and views.

The Whale Coast: Nature's Playground
From Cape Town, it’s an easy drive to the stunning Whale Coast, where you’ll find quaint seaside towns like Hermanus and Gansbaai, famous for their seasonal whale sightings. If you’re an adventure-seeker, you can even try your hand at shark cage diving in Gansbaai. The entire area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, from nature walks to kayaking, and with its jaw-dropping coastal beauty, you’ll never want to leave.

For more about the Whale Coast and best whale-watching seasons, visit South African Tourism.

Kruger National Park: Your Safari Adventure Awaits
South Africa’s Kruger National Park is a must for any safari lover. Home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), Kruger offers an unparalleled wildlife experience. But for those looking for more exclusivity and privacy, we recommend staying in one of the private reserves like Sabi Sands or Timbavati. Here, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and a more intimate safari experience, while spotting incredible wildlife up close. If you're looking for something a little off the beaten path, we also recommend exploring the Greater Kruger area, where you can stay in luxurious lodges with access to pristine wildlife reserves.

Malaria-Free Safari Options

Not everyone wants to risk malaria on their safari, especially families with young children. That’s where malaria-free safari reserves come in. Places like Madikwe, Marataba, and Welgevonden offer all the Big Five without the worry of malaria. Just a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg, these reserves offer exceptional value for money and the same incredible safari experience you'd find in Kruger, but without the crowds.

KwaZulu-Natal & Eastern Cape: A Different Kind of Safari

For a safari that’s a bit off the beaten path, head to KwaZulu-Natal, home to the Phinda Private Game Reserve, which offers a fascinating mix of wetland and bushveld ecosystems. For an added bonus, explore the beautiful beaches of the region. Or, take a trip to the Eastern Cape where malaria-free reserves like Shamwari and Gondwana provide a perfect complement to the iconic Garden Route. If you're looking for something truly unique, venture into the Kalahari Desert in the Northern Cape, where you'll not only find amazing wildlife but also discover the ancient heritage of the San people.

Cultural and Culinary Delights in Cape Town and Johannesburg

South Africa isn’t just about its landscapes and wildlife—it’s also a cultural powerhouse. In Cape Town, you’ll find museums, galleries, and cultural tours that showcase the history and diversity of the country. A visit to Robben Island is a must for understanding Nelson Mandela's legacy. While you’re in Johannesburg, don’t miss the chance to explore the Apartheid Museum, or visit the vibrant township of Soweto. And, of course, the food scene in both cities is world-class, with Cape Town offering fresh, coastal cuisine and Johannesburg boasting an emerging food culture that rivals any major city.

Beyond South Africa: Combine with Botswana, Zimbabwe, or Mozambique

At Blonde Travels, I know how to take your trip to the next level. If you're in the mood for more safari adventures, I often recommend combining your South African experience with nearby destinations like Botswana’s Okavango Delta, or visit Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Or, for the perfect end to your trip, head north to Mozambique, where pristine beaches and luxury resorts await, offering the ultimate relaxation after an action-packed safari.

Travel Logistics: Easy Connections to South Africa

I can make traveling to South Africa easy! There are direct flights from major U.S. cities to both Johannesburg and Cape Town, and it’s a quick connection through Europe or the Middle East for most international travelers. Whether you’re starting your journey in Cape Town or Johannesburg, it’s simple to get there, and once you do, I’ll be there to guide you through the ultimate South African adventure.

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Ready to explore the beauty and diversity of South Africa?
Let Blonde Travels handle every detail, so you can experience it all—relaxed, adventurous, and unforgettable.

Contact me today to start planning your dream adventure to Namibia! Let’s make your travel dreams a reality.

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Paros

Blue Oyster
Ampelas
Tel: +302284052707

At Blue Oyster bar/restaurant in Ambelas you will find a variety of fish, delicious starters, Mediterranean dishes and fresh oysters. It opened in July 2020 and in its dishes it hosts the best that the Parian sea and land has to offer. Fresh fish and shellfish, Cycladic products and locally farmed meat, are transformed into wonderful creations in its kitchen, which will not disappoint even the most demanding. Its environment is exactly what you are looking for on your vacation: A beautiful terrace overlooking the endless blue, air awnings, comfortable seating, finesse from end to end. The menu is of the same philosophy – familiar flavors, teased so as to highlight the top raw materials, elegant presentations, meat options and fish.

Cuore Rosso
Parikia
Tel: +302284022920

At Cuore Rosso, you will enjoy a culinary experience in true Italian style! Hre pizza is the queen!

Every product used in the kitchen is carefully selected from the most excellent Italian produce. The menu features a wealth of traditional Italian dishes: stuffed calzones, delicious lasagna, carpaccios, typical Italian platters of regional cold cuts accompanied by the famous fried 'gnocchi' and, finally creamy 'burrata' with truffle, delicious buffalo mozzarella and fresh salads with many tasty combinations! 

Galazia Hytra
Summer Senses Hotel
Tel: +302284093000

In collaboration with Michelin star restaurant Hytra (Athens), Galazia Hytra welcomes guests within the premises of Summer Senses Hotel indulging in an evening of fine dining under the Mediterranean stars. The team at Galazia Hytra invite guests to taste a menu of unique dishes representing the best of creative Greek cuisine with an international twist, updating classic recipes with modern techniques and exceptional raw ingredients.

Henri G
Parikia
Tel: +302284024407

Established in a unique neoclassical mansion built in 1890 and located in the centre of Parikia’s old Market Street. On its exclusive balcony, guests can enjoy an elegant dinner while shoaling up the atmosphere of the traditional market, by observing the goings-on in the streets below and enjoying the view on the dome of the “Aghia Triada” church. Chef Henri Emmanuel Guibert is half Greek and half French. He is presenting an elegant and sincere Mediterranean cuisine, with a discrete touch of French inspiration, using local selected products from Paros.

Sigi Ixthios
Naousa
Tel: +302284052639

Favorite meeting place for ouzo, fresh fish and seafood at Naoussa port. The menu is a smart blend of Mediterranean and Greek fish restaurant cuisine and uses local ingredients imaginatively. Freshness is what matters above everything else here. The location in the quiet side of the harbor of Naoussa offers magnificent views of the yachts in the marina. Try the beans with red sauce, a really tasty Greek recipe!

Siparos Seaside **** My fav
Naousa
Tel: +302284052785

Siparos serves the culture and flavor of Paros with a creative, contemporary twist.

We blend authentic Mediterranean tastes from local ingredients to make own-label products and traditional dishes, reimagined for the modern diner.

Mario
Parikia
Tel: +302284051047

Mediterranean cuisine and with target on quality, organic and fresh products with local aromas and tastes of the Aegean culture. Their cuisine uses local groceries, daily fresh fish and of course with the help of the weather, they offer best sunsets, with great food and refined wine. 

Mr. E
Parilio Hotel
Tel:+302284051000

Parilio connects with the local parian cuisine and pays tribute to old traditional recipes and local produce seen through the eyes of Mr. E, a global explorer of today, that anchored in Paros to connect his past with the present. While soaking in the calmness and relaxing surroundings, your stay will be enriched by subtle pleasures and a wealth of culinary diversions prepared by celebrated Chef Alexandros Tsiotinis.

Tsachpinis
Naousa
Tel: +302284051300

Right in the center of the small port of Naoussa operates fish restaurant Ouzo Seafarers Tsachpinis.

Situated directly accessible from each side of Naoussa and seafront provides the opportunity to enjoy other dishes, spaghetti with seafood, fresh fish, handmade, traditional dishes cooked with love.

Barbarossa
Naousa
Tel: +302284051391

Barbarossa has a history in Paros. Its kitchen has served celebrities, members of royal families, people who have written history. But the ingredients remain simple. They are the building blocks of Greek island gastronomy. The foods that Paros produces. Barbarossa's kitchen is Paros, on a plate.

Les Amis
Pounta Port
Tel: +302284051110

Wine bar restaurant with fine Mediterranean cuisine combined with gourmet flavors. Options from fine dips and dishes can accompany your drink. The magnificent balcony of the wine bar Les Amis will enchant you.

Klarinos
Lefkes
Tel: +302284041608

If you are looking for a break from fish, Klarinos in the beautiful village of Lefkes is the best place to try simple and wholesome Greek food. This is clearly a meat taverna, so make sure you try the succulent barbecue spare ribs, bifteki or sausage. For vegetarians, dishes like spanakopita and fried zucchini offer a delicious alternative. A budget choice with excellent value for money.

Ouzeri Halaris
Piso Livadi
Tel: +302284043257

Fresh fish and an endless list of fish appetizers by the port at Piso Livadi. 

Soso
Naousa
Tel: +306974878281

Located in a quiet cobblestone alley in the picturesque port of Naoussa, Soso prepares high-quality Greek fusion dishes that have made it the culinary queen of the town. Soso is perfect for a dinner for two and for those who like traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist. The wine and beer menu are varied and well thought of. Dishes like the haloumi cheese with honey, the lamb in lemon sauce and the slow-cooked pork are among the most popular.

Markakis
Piso Livadi
Tel: +302284042177

“Markakis” restaurant is located in the eastern part of Paros in the beautiful and picturesque port of Piso Livadi. The hospitable space combined with the wonderful traditional Cycladic meze plates and the affordable prices we provide create the ideal backdrop for the visitor. In our place you can try seafood, meat and vegetables dishes of high gastronomic interest as well as dishes with special flavors and Cycladic scents. Enjoy your lunch and dinner ideally with the new list of ouzo and Greek spirits as well as the wine list where you can find Greek labels always looking at the picturesque harbor of Piso Livadi.

Mediterraneo
Naousa
Tel: +302284053176

Favorite meeting place for ouzo, fresh fish and seafood at Naoussa port. The menu is a smart blend of Mediterranean and Greek fish restaurant cuisine and uses local ingredients imaginatively. Freshness is what matters above everything else here. The location in the quiet side of the harbor of Naoussa offers magnificent views of the yachts in the marina. Try the beans with red sauce, a really tasty Greek recipe!

Monastiri Beach Club
Monastiri Beach
Tel: +302284053560

Monastiri Beach Bar & Restaurant is a real-life utopia on Paros Island that shows its visitors how to experience life in a holistic and sustainable way. Whether someone is looking for a gastronomical adventure or just a place to indulge in the coolest summer activities, our venue, our services, and our staff can accommodate the most important moments of your life and satisfy everyone’s high standards and lavish needs. Get lost in our summer utopia and explore a side of life in unprecedented style.

Thalassa mou
Alyki
Tel:+302284091461

Thalassa mou offers fresh Greek Mediterranean cuisine. Home made creative dishes by owner chef Marios Salmatanis that are unique on the island. Extensive wine list.

Yemeni
Naousa
Tel: +302284051445

Greek traditional cuisine. During your walk in the picturesque alleys of Naoussa you will find Yemeni, a traditional tavern operating since 2007 with respect to quality and tradition. The menu includes mainly homemade specialties cooked with passion and fresh ingredients, most of which come from the owners’ farms. Traditional Parion omelette (strapatsada), lamb cooked in the wood oven with potatoes, cured beef served with cheese & tomato, meatballs with tomato sauce (soutzoukakia), stuffed cabbage leaves with rice & meat, and many more will certainly not make your choice easy. Do not miss the octopus with fava beans.

Antiparos

Captain Pipinos
Agios Georgios
Tel: +302284021823

Located at Saint George beach and overlooking Despotiko bay, Captain Pipinos is one of the most famous restaurants of Antiparos serving fresh fish and delicious seafood dishes. 

Klimataria Tavern
Chora
Tel: +302284061061

Greek traditional food

Sapou
Chora
Tel: +302284061165

Famous international cuisine restaurant

Lollo’s
Chora
Tel: +302284061215

Great pizza that tastes authentically Italian!

Vassilenas Blue
Antiparos Town
Tel: +302107210501

Vassilenas Blue brings to Antiparos the same prize-winning tastes and the hospitality tradition of the most historic Greek restaurant. Vassilenas was established in 1920 and is run by the same family for three generations. In Antiparos, away from the big crowds, we will be sharing our modern Greek cuisine and our love for fish, seafood, Greek wine, and relaxed hospitality. We are looking forward to welcoming you around the big olive tree that dominates our beautiful courtyard.

Samano
Chora, Kouros Village Hotel
Tel.+302284061497

Self-described as ‘’refined gastro’’, Samano restaurant is a new arrival in Antiparos dining scene. Mediterranean and Greek cuisine with a twist along with an interesting wine and cocktail list.

Santa Pacou
+30 6972424104

In the purely Cycladic setting with white tables and handmade decorative details adding their own touch of elegance, Santa Pacou is a traditional Greek cuisine restaurant with a modern twist and creative curiosity. King of experience, the traditional wood oven, which dominates the beautiful balcony and bakes incessantly kneaded bread, pies, local meats and much more.

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Contact me to help with your custom Greek Itinerary today!

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Namibia’s landscapes are truly one-of-a-kind, offering a captivating and distinctive beauty that sets it apart in southern Africa. Here, the desert thrives, home to extraordinary desert-adapted wildlife and a host of thrilling adventures in every region. Whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, or an adrenaline junkie, it’s clear that few places in the world are as remarkable or unforgettable as Namibia.

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Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert
Stretching along the entire western coast of Namibia, the Namib Desert is one of the world’s oldest and most iconic coastal deserts, with the Sossusvlei region standing out as its crown jewel. Home to some of the planet's most awe-inspiring sand dunes, such as Big Daddy, Big Mama, and Dune 45, Sossusvlei offers a range of unforgettable activities. Visitors can enjoy dune treks, quad biking, mountain biking, helicopter safaris, and hot air balloon rides, all amid the mesmerizing desert landscape.

Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast, where the rugged Atlantic Ocean meets towering sand dunes, is a land of stark beauty and raw power. Its name, derived from the shipwrecks that have dotted the coastline, adds to the mystique of this remote region in northwestern Namibia. Accessible only by small chartered aircraft, the Skeleton Coast offers spectacular aerial views that showcase its dramatic coastline. On the ground, experiences range from beach picnics with Cape fur seals to desert game drives in search of wildlife. Heading inland to the Hoanib Valley, visitors can encounter desert-adapted wildlife, including lions and elephants. Swakopmund, the gateway to the Skeleton Coast, also provides numerous activities, from boat trips to see sea mammals to a variety of dune adventures.

Etosha and Damaraland
As you journey southeast from the Hoanib Valley, the wildlife becomes even more abundant. Damaraland, in particular, is home to one of Africa’s largest populations of endangered desert-adapted black rhinos. Tracking these majestic creatures on foot or by vehicle in Damaraland’s Palmwag Concession is a thrilling way to explore the region's remote beauty. Further south, Etosha National Park awaits, offering world-class game viewing that rivals the best safari destinations across southern Africa.

Travel Guide
One of Namibia's standout features is the opportunity for self-drive safaris, allowing travelers to explore the country at their own pace while enjoying the flexibility of independent travel. Though self-driving offers greater freedom, the country’s well-established network of lodges ensures visitors benefit from highly trained local guides along the way. For those short on time, fly-in safaris provide a quicker way to traverse Namibia’s vast landscapes, with breathtaking aerial views along the route. Traditional safaris in game vehicles with guides and drivers are also widely available.

Namibia is easily accessed through direct flights from Johannesburg to Windhoek, the capital, or to Walvis Bay, near Swakopmund. Direct flights between Windhoek and Cape Town are also increasing, and Lufthansa offers weekly flights from Frankfurt to Windhoek. Additionally, there are several direct flights between Windhoek and both Zimbabwe and Zambia, as well as land crossings into Botswana.

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Ready to Experience Namibia?
Whether you’re drawn to the vast desert dunes, the incredible wildlife, or the adrenaline-pumping adventures, Namibia promises an unforgettable journey. As your dedicated travel advisor at That Blonde Travels, I’m here to help you plan every detail of your trip and ensure your experience is as seamless as it is extraordinary.

Contact me today to start planning your dream adventure to Namibia! Let’s make your travel dreams a reality.

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I just returned from an amazing two week island hoping journey through Greece. On our last stop, we stayed on the island of Crete in Chania. Domes has a couple of properties in Chania - Domes Zeen Chania, family friendly and Domes Noruz, adults only.

Domes Zeen Chania is where we stayed and we enjoyed their half board program. We took advantage of breakfast and pool-side lunches so that we could experience all of the dining options in town.

The resort is located on a pebbly beach close to Chania town. We rented a car to be able to explore on our own but the hotel also offers a shuttle into town for 10 euro each way.

Their pool was amazing for kids as it started really shallow and then gradually became deeper. It was awesome as Charlie was able to swim on her own for the most part. The kids all loved playing together so she was definitely warn out by the end of the day! This resort is amazing for kids with a ton of family friendly amenities - kids club, playground, swimming pool, beach, and a lounge with snacks!

We stayed in the Family Villa 2 Bedroom Private Pool which was perfect for us. This resort is really large and built into a hill. This villa was located at the top near the Haute Living area but also the furthest away from the pool and beach. Not to worry though, the resort offers golf carts that will come and pick you up to take you where ever you need to go.

C/O Domes Zeen Chania

The food was very good here with a lot of options for breakfast and pool-side lunch or snacks. Service was excellent as well and the bartender can make a very good (very spicy) bloody mary!

Overall, we loved our stay at Domes Zeen Chania and we are already planning a trip to go back!

I would love to book this fabulous property for you and your family today! Send me an email at lauren@thatblondetravels.com or fill out my contact form to get started!

Or you can always VIP yourself using my booking link here (Send me an email for the password).

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Image c/o Mamalouka

Website: Mamalouka

Address: 53 KOUZI GEORGOULI STREET, MYKONOS GR 846 00

Reservations required? Yes

Phone: Tel: +30 22890 23505

Would I recommend? Yes

Mamalouka was tucked away in the windy streets of Mykonos town. We headed out to this cute spot on our second night in Mykonos.

Pro tip: Parking in Mykonos can be challenging. If you are driving, I would recommend leaving earlier than you think so that you can park and walk the mile to dinner.

WHAT WE ORDERED:

To start, we ordered some pita bread and olives and I tried the local oysters.

For my main course, I had the grilled sea bass in yuzu sauce and Jarad had the seafood risotto. The sea bass was delicious!

For dessert, we had the ‘Ekmek kadayifi’ with cinnamon ice cream ‘Galaktoboureko’.

Overall, we really enjoyed our dinner at Mamalouka! I highly recommend checking it out if your Greece adventure takes you to Mykonos!

Contact me to get started on your own custom Greek vacation!

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Image c/o Thalassino Ageri Restaurant

Website: Thalassino Ageri Restaurant

Address: 35 Vivilaki str, Tabakaria, Halepa - Chania

Reservations required? Yes, via telephone only

Phone: +30 28210 51136

Would I recommend? Yes

We went to Thalassino for the sunset on our second night in Chania. Wow! When you round the corner while walking there, the view will take your breath away!

Highly recommend grabbing a reservation for during sunset. You will not regret it! Also, the ground is sandy so I would advise wearing comfortable shoes.

WHAT WE ORDERED:

For my drink, I had a local white wine that was similar to a Sauvignon Blanc. Greek wines are so yummy!

This is a local fish house so their menu changes daily based on what has been caught fresh! We started with some yummy homemade sourdough bread and the fresh grilled octopus. We also ordered a small thing of the fresh feta!

For my main course, I had the swordfish and Jarad had the fresh fish of the day. Charlie had her normal buttered noodles haha!

We didn’t order dessert here because we were so full!

Overall, we really enjoyed our dinner at Thalassino Ageri! I highly recommend checking it out if your Greece adventure takes you to Chania in Crete!

Contact me to get started on your own custom Greek vacation!

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