Hi there!
I recently wrapped up an epic two-week family adventure through Greece and Turkey, continuing my long-standing tradition of celebrating my birthday in a different country each year (without repeats, of course—rules are rules!). This year, I celebrated in style on a catamaran in Santorini, sailing through the Aegean Sea under that famous sunset. Let me tell you, if you're going to turn a year older, it might as well be while floating around a volcanic island with wine in hand!
Our trip kicked off in Meteora, where we hiked to monasteries perched on cliffs that looked like they were straight out of a fantasy movie. Athens followed, where we strolled through ancient ruins like the Acropolis. The Parthenon is majestic, but climbing all those stairs in the heat, ufff, they had me sweating like a pig.
Next up was Mykonos, where we hit the beaches by day and explored the winding streets of Mykonos Town by night. For a great time and easy exploration, I highly recommend renting an ATV—just be careful, because the streets can be narrow, and you’ll need good reflexes to dodge wayward cats and tourists. And Santorini? Well, it’s every bit as gorgeous as the photos show. The sunsets in Oia are spectacular, but also a bit of a competitive sport—get there early to stake out a good spot! Still, it's worth it!
After Greece, we hopped over to Turkey, and Cappadocia took my breath away (again, for the third time). The landscape views from the hot air balloon will never get old. Istanbul was our grand finale, and the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque were as stunning as you’d expect. Just a heads up: the line for the Hagia Sophia can get long, so definitely book your tickets ahead of time unless you enjoy standing in a Disney-like queue for hours.
Some quick tips: September is a great time to visit both Greece and Istanbul. The summer crowds are thinning out, but it’s still warm enough to soak in the sun. In Santorini, skip the Oia sunset crowds and book a catamaran tour instead—you get all the views, none of the elbow jostling. We did this catamaran tour and highly recommend it. And trust me on the Hagia Sophia: those pre-booked tickets will save your feet (and sanity).
All in all, this trip was unforgettable—and now, I just need to figure out where to celebrate next year. Any ideas? Keep the suggestions coming—I’m running out of countries!
Fall Travel Recommendations
Even though Summer is over, that doesn't mean there aren't fun travel destinations to explore. Here are a few handpicked recommendations that are great to visit this time of the year:
- New England, USA – The quintessential fall foliage destination. Drive through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts for breathtaking views of red and gold trees. Tip: Late September to mid-October is peak foliage season.
- Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina – Enjoy vibrant fall colors while hiking scenic trails or driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tip: Check out Cades Cove for wildlife sightings and stunning views.
- Sonoma, California – Fall is harvest season in wine country. Sip wine, enjoy the rolling vineyards, and bask in the warm autumn sun. Tip: Plan winery tours in advance as it’s a busy season.
- Kyoto, Japan – Famous for its beautiful fall foliage, particularly at temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Tofuku-ji, surrounded by crimson maple leaves. Tip: Visit mid-November for peak autumn colors.
- Munich, Germany – Fall means Oktoberfest! Enjoy local beer, hearty Bavarian food, and lively festivals in a cozy, fall atmosphere. Tip: Book accommodations early, as Oktoberfest is wildly popular.
- Edinburgh, Scotland – Fall in Edinburgh brings crisp air, fewer tourists, and stunning autumn colors across its historic streets and nearby hills. Tip: Hike Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city in full fall glory.
Safe travels!
Norbert
