Day 5 - May 25, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 5 - May 25, 2012

SANTORINI, GREECE

Goin back to the islands folks. What's not to love about an island that has villages perched on cliffs, painted white with little blue roofs? Santorini is a Greek Island in the Aegean Sea that was formed from a volcanic eruption. For this part, most of the beaches are made up of volcanic rocks, which sucks for you if you didn't plan to rent a chair at the beach, your booty will be HOT!

I've been to Mykonos, another famous island of Greece, and I loved it. The people are amazing and so friendly, It's gorgeous. My pictures are unreal, and I had an amazing time. So, Santorini was clearly added to the list.

Mykonos was famous for its wind, Santorini is famous for its sunsets. Santorini is not exactly a party-island, not exactly an adventure-seeker's island, but never-the-less, you'll find both those things. I'm not exactly the kind of person who likes to "do" nothing. I can maybe take a whole day off and do nothing without feeling depressed. I have to be something.

(Santorini)

So, when I get there, I'll maybe plan around 3 days. Maybe four. Here are my ideas of what I'll do...
- Spend an entire day at the beach (Obvi.) I'll stake out the one with the most yachts (haha). 
- Go wine tasting - wines produced from sun-dried grapes.
- Hire a quad and circle the island during the day - exploring the towns beyond the masses.
- Jump off a cliff in Amoudi Bay - not too high of a cliff, I'm afraid of heights!
- Dine at a local Taverna that isn't in a touristy zone right on the water - meet the people/people watch.
- Spend a night in Kamari Beach, the black sand beach that has shops, bars, restaurants, nightclubs... (Things to do when I get restless!)

That's about it. A lazy way to end a trip to another fabulous destination maybe? Why not! Happy Friday all! Have a safe Memorial Day weekend!!

Day 4 - May 24, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 4 - May 24, 2012

SWISS ALPS

I've been on a beach kick for the first few posts, so even though I'm not a huge fan of cold weather (Might be an understatement), I have ALWAYS wanted to go skiiing in the Swiss Alps. The Alps in general, but I will leave those trips to other posts! What's the draw? Um, Skiiing, (ahem, Apres-skiing!) Apres-Skiing, fondue, chocolate, watches! Its like my dream! Melted cheese, bread, chocolate, wine, booze, and jewelry?! Hello Alps!

I'm also slightly obsessed with Swiss Mountain Dogs, AND St. Bernards. This is where they are from! I had a friend who recently visited the Alps and posted a picture on her facebook of a St. Bernard just chillin' at the top of a ski run. SO CUTE!!!

(St. Bernard)

 

I know from research and my own travels that Switzerland is NOT an inexpensive destination. As long as you go into it fully-knowing that you have to plan a savings for the trip, you will spare yourself the heart-attack. (Or homelessness.) Switzerland is one of the best year-round, active outdoors destinations. I want to go during the winter, which is between mid-December - April, with the coldest weather and best skiing in mid-January.

I did my research and of course you could go all-out and go to the most expensive resorts (St. Moritz, Geneva) but I would plan my destination around Grindelwald or Zermatt. Zermatt is at the foot of the Matterhorn (Your fav Disneyland ride?) and apparently has some of the most expensive accommodations in Switzerland, however, I went on Tripadvisor and you can find a place for under $100/night. Quite a few places actually. Same with Grindelwald. I say, as long as you do your homework and plan early, you can find a good deal.

Once you get there, go ski/snowboard, and explore the tiny towns. I can't even imagine how cute they are, pictures don't do it justice, I'm sure. Good news, no visas needed! Fly into Geneva or Zurich and you will have to take a train or bus to get to the mountain town of your choice! One note I forgot to mention, buy a Swiss Army Knife! Who wouldn't like that as a present? If your shopping for a girl, bring home lots of chocolate and you'll be golden.

Day 3 - May 23, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 3 - May 23, 2012

BORNEO

I've officially decided I MUST get to Borneo, like, in the next year. I researched flights from LAX and I can probably get a flight for under $2000 (hence the name of my blog haha).

What you might not know about Borneo: It is the world's 3rd largest island, it is in S.E. Asia and 3 countries share territories. The island is home to half of the world's known species of plants and animals (on one island!), 44 of those mammals which cannot be found anywhere else in the world! It's on the equator and once you get there it is relatively cheap, I'm talking like, $50/day cheap (food + accommodations).

(Orangutan)

Have you seen the IMAX movie "Born To Be Wild?" If not, its the cutest thing ever (EVER.) and you will understand why this destination made my list! Not only is it an island on the equator (hello, suntan!) but it is also the only truly natural habitat to the endangered orangutan. Not only the orangutan, but Bornean Pygmy Elephants (Holy cuteness) and Sumatran Rhino (the MOST critically endangered of ALL rhino species), leopards, sunbears and turtles! You know I love a turtle! Seriously, Borneo has so many endangered species existing outside of the zoo?! Yep, gotta go.

(Borneo, Nationalgeographic.com)

Beyond the animals Borneo has a ton of adventurous activities. It is owned partly by Indonesia so you know there will be great surf, great beaches to relax and get your tan on, and apparently Green Turtles lay eggs year-round here. You can hike, bike, swim, dive, snorkel and explore. Borneo is covered by rainforest, the Maliau Basin is referred to as "The Lost World," known as the world's oldest primary rainforest in pristine condition. However, the reason for the endangerment of some of these animals (such as the orangutan) is due to the clear-cutting and logging of the rainforest. (RUDE.)

 So there ya go. If I didn't have student loans to worry about I would find a way to volunteer over there. I think Borneo is AMAZE-BALLS. A couple fun facts for the road:
Only eat with your right hand. Using your left is considered inappropriate. Don't point, always use a whole hand to indicate directions and such. The world's largest flower, the Rafflesia is from Borneo. Apparently it smells like rotting flesh and translates to "Corpse Flower" ( Lovely.). A "Must-try" is the Durian fruit, which tastes super sweet but said to have an unpleasant smell. It's cheap! Its paradise. You should go. And probably take me with you. Just sayin.

Day 2 - May 22, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 2 - May 22, 2012

TURKEY

Okay, so I know that Turkey doesn't top everyone's travel wish list. But it should. Or at least I'll keep it on mine. This past summer I got to spend 6 weeks in Europe and how bummed am I that it flew by SO fast! 6 weeks sound long but believe me, when you try to conquer the world, you don't see enough of it! While I was in Portugal, during the final 2 weeks of my trip, I got to speaking with a businessman who had asked if I had been to Turkey. I thought, "Turkey, really?" He explained to me that if I liked Greece (Loved is an understatement!) then I would love Turkey. "Same coastline but cheaper" is how he explained it. SOLD.

Did you know that Turkey is the ONLY country to have a city that spans over 2 continents? That would be Istanbul. Part 1 of why I want to go to Turkey. Its like standing in the 4 corners of the US, only way better!

I'm an Art major. Art history is fascinating to me. So clearly, the Hagia Sophia had to be on the list. When it was built, it was the largest building ever, and have you seen it? It's gorgeous. Google it. Istanbul also has the world's largest covered outdoor market, the Grand Bazaar. (Hello shopping!) All those bright colored prints and jewelry that are so popular right now? Totally standard (and cheap!). 

Here's another shot of history: Remember having to read Homer's Iliad? Achilles battled the Trojans in Turkey. Remember Brad Pitt in Troy? (Swoon!)

(Oludeniz Beach)

Okay, so I proved by my first post I'm a beach lover so lets not disappoint. Turkey's beaches are insane. Sunshine 300 days a year, the turquoise blue of Mediterranean and Aegean seas, ancient hot springs, jasmine gardens, and last but not least...Karaoke bars! Check out Oludeniz or Patara Beach. Oludeniz is the most photographed beach of the Med and it has a gorgeous blue lagoon. Patara beach is nearby and has the longest stretch of sandy beach in the Mediterranean (I've been, LOTS of rocky beaches!), it is surrounded by ruins, and my favorite/most appealing/exciting part: a breeding ground of the endangered Loggerhead turtle (TURTS! Cute little old man faces!). Basically sold me on the entire country right there.

So that's that. Today I lust for Turkey and the beach, culture, and history, and a Brad Pitt look-a-like. You need a visa to travel here, but luckily its only $20, lasts for 3 months and you get unlimited re-entry. Go see Greece and come back! One day..

Day 1 - May 21, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 1 - May 21, 2012

BELIZE

If you're like me, you enjoy the perk of a great vacation: a tan. So I'm gonna get very cliche and start my first post with a destination guaranteed to give you a nice tan.

Belize has been a dream of mine for awhile. Just know that if you want to experience the dry season you should plan your trip between February and May; However, I want to go in late March. March 20-21 Belizeans celebrate the Vernal Equinox and who doesn't love a party? (Did I mention coconuts and rum?)

(Photo: cntraveller.com)

Besides the party factor, you should probably have an adventure bone to really get into all there is to do in Belize. You can snorkel or dive basically around the entire island (I LOVE TURTLES!), best known for the protected reefs and Blue Hole, which is basically a giant sinkhole in the middle of the ocean. You can also zip-line through a rainforest and see (literally) 500 kinds of birds, explore underground caves and rivers, and go check out Mayan ruins and the REAL Mayan calendar, since the indigenous people of Belize were the ancient Maya.

A couple more thoughts on Belize - they are famous for a habanero hot sauce (yes please!). The Belizean dollar is worth HALF the US dollar, if you are wise you wont have to spend a ton of money! Fresh fruit stands and food stalls are in the town and available for your loungey leisure at the beach as well! Just throwing this out there...I heard MAYBE you should invest in a Malaria shot, there might be a couple mosquitoes on the island.