In anticipation of our Travel Journal launch on April 20, we're sharing travel stories, tips, and advice for each of the four destinations that inspired the four Travel Journal colors! Read more about the colors and destinations here.
The Deep Blue Travel Journal was inspired by Greece! Below, Promptly Journals Customer Service + Marketing Manager Katie Blount answers prompts from our Travel Journal and shares the details of her trip to Greece with her mom and sister.
TRAVEL GUIDE TO GREECE
NAMES OF TRAVELERS:
Katie, Allie and Judi
Trip taken 2006 to Greece/Greek Islands (this was actually part of a broader vacation across Europe)
WHAT INSPIRED THE TRIP AND THE DESTINATION?
My mom, sister and I took a trip throughout the Mediterranean to celebrate my little sister’s graduation from high school. We visited Greece for several days, including Athens and the beautiful island of Mykonos.
FAVORITE SIGHTS:
The water was some of the bluest I’ve ever seen, and you just couldn’t help but look out at the water. The view of the island as you were entering the harbor was spectacular, too—all of the pretty white houses dotting the hillsides made for an incredible landscape!
FAVORITE SHOPS YOU DISCOVERED:
There were so many little shops tucked around every corner, from high-end designers to quaint local spots. The narrow streets provided much-needed shade, so we found ourselves exploring the cobbled paths from shop to shop. Many of these little gems had goods spilling out into the street, and several even had outdoor seating for passersby. Unfortunately, I don't remember the specific names of the shops—I wish I had a Travel Journal back then to document these details!
MOST INSPIRING OR MEMORABLE MOMENT:
I had dreamed of visiting Greece for as long as I could remember (it was at the very top of my list at the time), and I was so excited to finally see it with my own eyes. I remember the feeling of arriving on the island and realizing what a special place this was—a vibrant, bustling gem in the middle of the sea.
FAVORITE ACCOMMODATION:
We were traveling via cruise ship for this trip, so we retired to our accommodations on board at night. I’d love to plan another trip to the island, and next time I would probably choose something like this sprawling Airbnb or this minimalist villa for our visit.
FAVORITE EATS:
Practically every meal we ate in Greece was eaten alfresco, either tucked under the shade of the bougainvilleas or near the shore with a view of the ocean. I couldn’t enough Greek Salad, and I’m sure I ate it twice a day during our visit. It was in Mykonos that I discovered Panzanella, which has since become one of my all-time favorite dishes!
ANY FUNNY/AWKWARD MOMENTS OR MISHAPS?
I hate to admit this, but I was not as diligent about sunscreen back when this trip was taken. I actually sustained my worst-ever sunburn on this trip, due to the strong Mediterranean sun near the equator. Let’s just say, it wasn’t pretty!
WHAT DID YOU LOVE ABOUT THE LOCAL CULTURE?
It was so full of life! There was great energy here, and everywhere you turned something was happening. Fishermen coming in from the sea, men stringing up freshly caught seafood near the shore, children splashing in the waves, couples sipping wine at the edge of the beach, the chatter of shoppers meandering down the narrow streets. But surrounded by the ocean, there was still a sense of serenity and quiet even with so much going on.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS GOING HERE?
Explore as much as you can—there is so much to see! It’s easy to stay close to the beach, but you’ll get a much better feel for the island’s culture if you venture inland. There are beautiful windmills and centuries-old churches, and the sight of the beautiful whitewashed architecture never gets old.
Stay tuned all week for more Promptly Journals Travel Guides! And don't forget to mark your calendars for April 20 when our new Travel Journals land in the shop!
