10 Reasons To Put Northern Greece On Your Bucket List

Our accommodations in Tsagarada were hosted by The Lost Unicorn Hotel. All opinions expressed are our own and are based on our personal experiences.

When thinking of Greece, most people think of the sunny islands crowded with sunbathers or of Athens with its incredible history and millions of inhabitants. While we love these places, there’s another part of Greece that is equally beautiful and often overlooked.

Northern Greece has unexpected charm, natural beauty, incredible food, a fascinating history, and many great things to do. Here are just a few reasons we think you should put this unpretentious side of Greece on your bucket list.

A quince tree growing in northern Greece. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

1. You’ll See A Different Side Of Greece

You might be surprised to learn that a part of Greece experiences all four seasons. Northern Greece is filled with variety. The landscape includes wonders like the canyons of Vikos Gorge, fantastic rock formations, and the unique monasteries at Meteora. There are mountain ranges, including the mighty Mount Olympus, the tallest mountain in Greece. You can walk through forests, and then lie on a beach. Beautiful Sporades islands like Skiathos, Skopelos, and Skyros are just a short ferry ride away. Best of all, you can spend your time exploring without the crowds found in many of the more touristy areas, allowing you to see a different and authentic side of Greece at your own pace.

2. Everything Delicious Grows There

The fertile land and favorable conditions of Northern Greece make it possible to grow just about anything there. As you wander through the many charming villages, you’ll be surprised by the variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs growing side by side. On our visit, we saw chestnuts, pomegranates, oranges, apples, figs, walnuts, pears, kiwis, cherries, olives, lemons, quinces, and persimmons growing in home gardens as well as in planned agricultural areas. For a real treat, visit the many markets in Thessaloniki.

A path to a beach in northern Greece. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

3. There Are Some Fabulous Hiking Opportunities

Northern Greece is blessed with diverse terrain, making it a hiker’s paradise. Visitors can trek like their Ice Age ancestors on the Voidomatis Valley Trail. For something easy, short, and sweet, head to the Centaur’s Path Trail in Thessaly. You can explore the vast Pindos National Park or visit a nearby island like Skiathos with its more than two dozen well-marked paths, many with spectacular views of the sea. You can go for a quick morning stroll or take a picnic and make a day of it with unforgettable scenery worth discovering.

4. You Can Enjoy Glorious Food

The food in Greece is incredible, and Northern Greece has some of its own delicious specialties. Influences from neighboring Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania, and Turkey add a satisfying complexity to dishes such as soutzoukakia, or spicy oblong meat rolls, and kouneli stifado, a rabbit stew made with red wine. To try spetzofai, a rustic dish of country sausages and peppers in a rich tomato sauce that’s popular in the Pelion region, stop at a charming local spot such as Ki Opou To Pei in Neochori. Or learn to make it yourself at a Greek cooking experience at Kritsa Gastronomy Hotel.

Mylopotamos Beach in northern Greece. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

5. The Beaches Are Beautiful

Northern Greece has no shortage of gorgeous beaches. Summer is the perfect time to relax in the sun while watching the clear blue waters. Fakistra, Papa Nero, and Mylopotamos are just a few of our Aegean Sea favorites.

Movie buffs will be interested to know that many of the beach scenes in Mamma Mia! were filmed on Skopelos, which was called Kalokairi in the movie. The dances in the olive groves at the fictional Villa Donna were filmed in the Mouresi area.

For a special treat, have a seafood lunch at the beautiful Aggelika Fish Taverna, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Mylopotamos Beach while dining on fresh seafood. We loved the snapper — and shared a little with the feline friends who joined us for lunch on the airy patio.

6. The Accommodations Are Enchanting

When staying in a captivating location, you want to have accommodations to match. The tiny town of Tsagarada provides some wonderful options to keep you in that dreamlike state.

We stayed at The Lost Unicorn Hotel, a 19th-century manor home-turned-whimsical inn that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into an enchanted garden. The rooms are cozy and filled with delightful furnishings, and the library begs for you to relax with a book and something to drink from the bar. The restaurant, complete with crystal chandeliers and velvet chairs, offers fresh local ingredients and casual elegance. You’ll want to stroll the gardens, and you can even take the resident pooch for a walk.

Another delightful spot is the nearby Amanita Guesthouse, where chef/proprietor Filaretos Psimmenos cooks up wonderful farm-to-table dishes made with local ingredients fresh from the property’s large organic garden. Take a walk, go mushroom hunting, and enjoy the culinary curiosity of the hotelier.

Skip slopes in northern Greece. — Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock

7. There Are Festivals All Year Long

Everyone in Greece enjoys a good party, and the people of Northern Greece are no exception. There are festivals for just about everything, and they take place throughout the year. Thessaloniki, in particular, offers a variety of celebrations highlighting dance, mystery, art, music, film, food, books, and more.

The villages of the Pelion region also have much to celebrate. Pelion festivals include celebrations of sausages, international dance, flowers, pears, apples, chestnuts, cherries, religious feasts, and more.

8. You Can Go Skiing

Yes, you read that correctly! Northern Greece gets snow — so much so that you can ski, snowboard, or slide on a tube at several resorts. Of course, sometimes it’s just fun to sit inside the comfort of a lodge with a hot buttered rum. Either way, you can experience a winter wonderland in Northern Greece.

Enjoy the snow scene at the Elatochori Ski Resort in the Piera Mountains, which offers breathtaking views. Pertouli Ski Center has stunning vistas and easy slopes suitable for beginners and families, who can also enjoy night skiing or hot chocolate at one of the chalets. Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort, often called the Mykonos of winter, has a luxury chalet with a hotel, restaurant, cafe, bar, and more. And the unique Agriolefkes Pelion Ski Center offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the Sporades.

A Plane tree in northern Greece. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

9. You Can Try Tsipouro

Greeks appreciate great wine and spirits, and Northern Greece produces many wonderful wines. You can visit vineyards and wineries and taste various red and white varieties. There are even wine routes you can explore.

But the real pride and joy of the area is a unique spirit called tsipouro, which is produced from the solid remains of grapes after they have been pressed for wine production. The spirit is usually 40 to 45 percent alcohol. Some of the restaurants in small villages like Tsagarada have a tradition where you get a free dish for each shot of tsipouro you buy. We didn’t indulge in that tradition, but friends who live there told us that it can make for quite a lively meal, and they’re glad they don’t have to drive anywhere to get home!

10. You’ll Be Amazed At The Incredible Natural Beauty

Northern Greece offers the opportunity to enjoy natural beauty in every season. Walk along the beach and through forested trails, gardens, vineyards, and beautiful hills for unforgettable views.

The Pelion region has a unique network of cobblestone paths that connect the small villages with the main route and provide access for travelers and trade. Known as kalderimi, these cobblestone paths, many of which are hundreds of years old, were created to accommodate the donkeys and mules so important to life in Northern Greece. Beautiful scenery lines these heritage paths, and they are the perfect way to explore the area. Some of the better-known routes include paths in Tsagarada, Fakistra, Mouresi, Agios Ioannis, Kissos, and Mylopotamos. We enjoyed walking on some of them, including one in Tsagarada where we saw an incredible plane tree, surely one of the largest and oldest on record.

Greece has many beautiful areas, many of which have become popular with visitors from all over the world. For something different, less crowded, and enjoyable in any season, explore the many wonders of Northern Greece. You’ll experience scenery, food and drink, hospitality, history, culture, and many other delights in an unforgettable way.

I Finally Saw The Aurora Borealis, But It Wasn’t What I Expected

Ever since I was a little girl, seeing the aurora borealis — better known as the northern lights — has been a special fantasy of mine. This phenomenon has been on my bucket list since… well, before bucket lists were even a thing.

When I was in my fifties, my husband and I began traveling full time around Europe in our motor home. We headed to northern Norway, a prime aurora borealis-spotting location, with a big goal in mind: to finally see the northern lights.

What Is The Aurora Borealis?

When I was young, I couldn’t even pronounce these words, let alone spell them!

This spectacular show of dancing green lights in the night sky is caused by collisions between charged particles from the sun and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. The aurora has enchanted and intrigued humans from the beginning of time.

The Aurora Borealis In Norway

“We’re staying until we’ve seen the lights, no matter how long it takes,” I told my friends and husband when they asked how long our Norwegian journey would last. Now that we were in northern Norway, I wasn’t going to leave until I’d crossed this bucket-list item off.

“September is too early to see the lights,” we were told. But we have the luck of the Irish when it comes to weather-related events. We put our faith in the universe and were richly rewarded by Mother Nature.

It was September 17, 2018, in Tromso, Norway. Cheekily, we inquired about the best local viewing locations at the lights tour shop, which for just over $195 provides dinner, hot drinks, and a night of aurora borealis-hunting. The shopkeeper generously pointed us toward a distant beach at Grotfjorden, about 22 miles away.

We checked the My Aurora Forecast app, which provides information on the probability of seeing an aurora at any given location. The aurora forecast for the night was good, and the sky was clear. Full of anticipation, we parked our motor home and waited for showtime.

The Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway. — Ruth Murdoch

My Expectations

Anyone planning on seeing the aurora has certain expectations. I’d seen the northern lights on television, and even in the virtual world, they are spectacular. These days, you can check out YouTube videos or go searching the Internet for photos of the aurora borealis.

I expected that the northern lights would be special, and that the auroras would come out for a short time before flying away into the night. I expected a quick 10-minute show, and that the lights would come out every night to show off. But I was wrong.

Seeing The Aurora Borealis Live

What I didn’t expect was the raw emotion of seeing this spectacular vista live, up close and personal. My emotions were electrically charged, just like the lights.

Dressed in layers of warm clothing to protect against the 35-degree weather, we stepped outside at 8 p.m. to the most sensational night sky I’d ever seen.

The sky was alive with movement, dance, and intrigue. It seemed like some alien child was scribbling on the canvas of the sky. The northern lights danced as though to music only they could hear, from one side to the other, before skipping out of view or morphing into another fantastic display.

Long and slender tendrils of light curled as if around some mystical cosmic shape, and then swayed like drunken sailors trying to stay vertical. They shone brightly, then faded away, and then reappeared even brighter than before. Every second, the scene changed before my very eyes.

Standing there, I was speechless, hypnotized, and spellbound, with butterflies flitting deep down in my stomach. Tears fell from my eyes, and I had to pinch myself: Was I really here? Was this real, or was I only dreaming?

I couldn’t bring myself to look away, not even for a moment — I didn’t want to miss a thing.

I simply hadn’t been prepared for the range of emotions I was experiencing — not to mention the sheer splendor of what I was seeing. I wanted to phone my parents; I wanted to scream from the hilltops; I wanted to share this with the world.

Now I could finally tick the northern lights off my bucket list.

We stayed outside until long past midnight, and it was only when I realized I couldn’t feel my fingers any longer that I headed inside. So much for my expectations of a 10-minute show!

We were indeed lucky — this was the only show we encountered during our eight weeks in Norway. We chased the lights farther south, but the cloudy nights hid the aurora borealis from our sight.

When And Where To Witness The Aurora

If you’re looking to experience the northern lights, where should you go? The answer is as far north as you possibly can. The farther north you are, the greater the chance of seeing the aurora, and the more spectacular the aurora will be. The area near the Arctic Circle is considered prime aurora-hunting territory. Iceland and the northernmost parts of Norway, Finland, and Sweden are good European locations. Northern Canada and Alaska are the best spots in North America.

Once you are in the correct geographical area, make sure you are well away from built-up areas. Then position yourself on a hill or overlooking a clear expanse of water. Depending on how far north you are, the lights may appear in the north, the south, or even right above you.

Travel between mid-September and March, when the darker, longer winter nights provide the greatest chances of success. On top of this, you’ll need to time your visit for a clear night with a high level of aurora activity — and this is not something that you can do in advance.

Sadly, there are no fail-safe ways to ensure that you’ll see the aurora borealis, and travelers often spend night after night forlornly looking up at a cloudy, dark sky. Your success — or otherwise — is up to Mother Nature, and we all know how fickle she can be. The longer you can stay in aurora territory, the better your chances. Be sure to put other attractions and activities on your agenda to fill the days and the nights when aurora activity is low or obscured by clouds.

I might see you there for another round of northern lights deliciousness, because one visit is never enough!

For more details on locations and times, see this page.

Planning a trip to see the northern lights? Consider one of these hotels.

The Best Things To See And Do In Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city — by a long shot. Approximately 40 percent of Alaskans live within the city limits (only New York boasts a higher percentage of residents living in its most populous city). The result is that Anchorage has a little bit of everything: a diverse population, a great food scene, and a mix of museums, attractions, galleries, and shops. It provides both urban amenities and rural escapes.

Here are the best things to do on a visit to Anchorage.

The Anchorage Museum in Alaska. — Linda Harms / Shutterstock

Visit The Anchorage Museum

The Anchorage Museum, the largest in the state, tells the story of the city, its people, the land, and the distinct environment by using a combination of art and design, history, science, and culture alongside photography, video, sculpture, and multimedia. Some of its star attractions include the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, a planetarium, and an amazing science discovery center with hands-on marine life tanks.

The on-site cafe, Muse, is a step above the usual museum cafe offerings — it focuses on Alaskan cuisine. The museum’s gift shop has a beautiful selection of unique souvenirs featuring local art.

The Alaska Aviation Museum in Anchorage. — EQRoy / Shutterstock

Soar At The Alaska Aviation Museum

Located at the nearby Lake Hood Seaplane Base, the world’s largest seaplane base, the Alaska Aviation Museum tells the story of how Alaska shaped the aviation industry (and vice versa). During your visit, you’ll likely observe some of the 87,000 seaplane landings and takeoffs that take place each year at the base.

Visitors can tour four hangars filled with vintage aircraft (more than two dozen are still in flying condition) as well as special exhibitions, such as the ongoing Women in Aviation display. And in the restoration hangar, visitors can watch volunteers at work restoring antique aircraft. The atmosphere here is very hands-on, and kids and aviation enthusiasts alike will love the flight simulator!

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage. — Lisa A. Ernst / Shutterstock

Hike Or Bike The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Alaska is famous for its beautiful scenery. In Anchorage, there’s a great selection of trails and paths to choose from, but if you only have time for one, make it the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This flat, paved trail starts downtown and travels some 11 miles along the Cook Inlet coast, with multiple trails branching off from it. You can easily loop back downtown if you only want a short excursion.

If you prefer to explore on two wheels, there are several downtown bike rental shops to choose from, including Pablo’s Bicycle Rentals, which also offers electric bikes. With a bit of luck, you might just spot a beluga whale or a moose (from a safe distance!) as you explore.

The Matanuska Glacier in Anchorage, Alaska. — NattyC / Shutterstock

Go Glacier-Spotting

No matter how you get around, you should be sure to visit a glacier near Anchorage. The Matanuska Glacier, just off the Glenn Highway, can be seen from the roadside scenic overlook. If you’re visiting during the winter and feeling adventurous, there are even guided walks that will take you into the glacier’s caves and paths. Exit Glacier is equally accessible, just a short walk from the Seward Visitor Center at Kenai Fjords National Park. The park offers a number of ranger-led presentations and guided hikes to help guests get to know the glacier better.

Alternatively, you could ride the Alaska Railroad to access the Spencer Glacier, just 60 miles from Anchorage, which you can explore on foot or by kayak. And at Punchbowl Glacier, you can explore by helicopter or summer dogsled! If you go the dogsled route, you’ll see how the dogs are bred and trained before going on the ride of your life. At about $550 per person, it’s not necessarily the most economical activity in or around Anchorage, but it’s certainly one of the most memorable.

Denali National Park in Alaska. — valiant.skies / Shutterstock

See The National Parks

Anchorage is the gateway to several large national parks. Denali National Park was the first national park to be established in Alaska, and, on a clear day, you can see the parklands from Anchorage. Kenai Fjords National Park is famous for its whale-watching opportunities, and Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park is the largest park in the United States. Finally, Lake Clark National Park and Katmai National Park are beloved for their bear-watching spots. Buying an annual park pass is a savvy way to see the parks and save some money.

Be Inspired At 2 Friends Gallery

Anchorage has a great art scene, and one of the best places to check it out is at 2 Friends Gallery. A self-described “most unusual gallery,” it hosts Alaskan and international artists, and the collection is a quirky mix of fine art, unusual sculptures, unique folk art, and spectacular jewelry. The shop also takes art on consignment, and lucky customers might nab some amazing vintage pieces.

Get Crafty At The Far North Yarn Co.

This self-described “Alaskan yarn haven” lives up to the hype. Crafters will love this charming store! The gorgeous rainbow of yarn colors on display is utterly Instagram-worthy and will inspire your next project — which the shop can help supply, since it carries a great stock of patterns and projects. The shop’s KAL (knit-a-long) drop-in classes are free of charge and a great way to meet the locals.

Eating And Drinking In Anchorage

Forget about eating in Anchorage. As any local will tell you, everyone in town is obsessed with drinking — drinking coffee, that is. Anchorage has one of the most vibrant independent coffeehouse scenes in the U.S., with more coffee shops per person than any other city. The coffee is roasted locally, and the baristas are highly trained. Places worth visiting include Kaladi Brothers Coffee, well respected for its roasting skills; SteamDot Coffee, which happily caters to coffee snobs who want precision; Snow City Cafe, which counts President Barack Obama among its fans; and Side Street Espresso, famous for its daily chalkboard art.

After you’ve had your fill of coffee (if that’s even possible), grab a bite at one of the following outstanding options.

Bear Tooth Theatrepub

Screening a mix of mass-release and indie films plus hosting special events like the Fly Fishing Film Tour and the Barista Cup coffee competition should be enough to keep the Bear Tooth Theatrepub busy, but it doesn’t stop there. It’s also a full-service bistro-pub that serves about three dozen kinds of pizza as well as salads, wraps, tacos, and burritos. There are plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options, plus a long list of craft beers from Broken Tooth Brewing.

Try the Amazing Apricot pizza, with blackened chicken, cream cheese, apricot sauce, red peppers, carrot threads, green onions, cilantro, mozzarella, and provolone. The Call of the Wild is another great option, with reindeer sausage, steak, bacon, portobello and crimini mushrooms, red peppers, green onions, garlic cream sauce, mozzarella, provolone, and garlic oil.

The Writer’s Block Bookstore & Cafe

Building on the proud tradition of combining books and coffee, The Writer’s Block Bookstore & Cafe offers a good list of coffeehouse favorites, like banana bread and granola-yogurt parfaits. But it really goes the distance and makes its own bagels in house, serves up hearty panini sandwiches, and draws inspiration from Russian, Jewish, and American Southwestern culinary traditions. On the book side, The Writer’s Block boasts robust collections by Alaskan authors and authors from the Pacific Northwest. It’s a cozy, welcoming space.

Middle Way Cafe

Proudly unconventional, the Middle Way Cafe focuses on organic and local, sustainably sourced ingredients. The menu features sandwiches, salads, smoothies, burgers, and grain bowls. The extensive breakfast menu includes everything from avocado toast and a vegan breakfast burrito to blueberry banana pancakes and the Base Camp, a hearty platter of eggs; multigrain pancakes or French toast; and bacon, reindeer sausage, ham, or blackened tofu. Of course, the coffee is delicious and locally roasted.

Yak And Yeti

Yak and Yeti is both a full-service restaurant (at 3301 Spenard Road) and a wee cafe (at 1360 West Northern Lights Boulevard). The cafe keeps things simple, with offerings like curried egg salad sandwiches, potato leek soup, and pork curry rice bowls. The restaurant offers Tibetan delicacies plus Indian and Nepalese dishes, including homemade dumplings, spicy goat curry, and coconut shrimp.

Where To Stay In Anchorage

Alaskan Frontier Gardens Bed & Breakfast

Alaskan Frontier Gardens Bed & Breakfast is a well-established property that has been welcoming guests for more than 25 years. It’s set on 3 acres with gorgeous gardens, and guests have access to outdoor lounging spaces including a deck and spa. Rates range from $75 per night to $225 per night, depending on the size of room and the season. The property is located about 20 minutes from downtown Anchorage.

Parkside Guest House

This Arts and Crafts-style property offers bed and breakfast accommodations from June through September. The beautiful, spacious rooms at the Parkside Guest House start at $265 per night and include a continental breakfast.

Base Camp Anchorage

Base Camp Anchorage is a hostel unlike any other. It boasts a wood-burning sauna, locally roasted coffee (naturally!), and an organic vegetable garden, plus all-female dorms, mixed dorms, and a private room. Prices range from $36 per night to $88 per night, and amenities include laundry, parking, bike rentals, and a large backyard. This is the perfect option for budget-conscious travelers.

Historic Anchorage Hotel

Since 1916, this charmingly old-fashioned hotel has been welcoming guests to its 26 well-appointed rooms. It has all the amenities of a bigger hotel, including business and fitness centers, a concierge desk, and a full breakfast buffet. The Historic Anchorage Hotel is also rumored to have something that only a few hotels can boast — the occasional haunting! Rates range from about $120 per night to $320 per night, depending on the size of room and the season.

How To Spend A Day In The Latin Quarter Of Paris

The Latin Quarter of Paris is a neighborhood rich in delightful places to explore. You will want to spend time here when you visit Paris, because the Latin Quarter lies at the core of all that is historic and lovely in the French capital. And it’s lively and inviting, with sidewalk cafes and stately architecture. You’ll find it on the Left Bank of the Seine, just across the river from Notre Dame, in what is today known as the 5th arrondissement of Paris.

The name of the neighborhood comes from the time when the renowned Sorbonne University opened here in the 12th century. The students and professors spoke Latin, so that was the language heard on the streets. You will hear a variety of languages here today, as locals and tourists mingle and move along the boulevards and narrow, winding side streets.

Here are some of the best ways to spend a day in the bustling Latin Quarter of Paris.

Sorbonne Square in the Latin Quarter of Paris. — Sharon Odegaard

Stroll By The Sorbonne

You will feel a part of the prestigious world of the Sorbonne as you walk past the buildings where students study the literary arts and other subjects. Look up and marvel at the sculptures and graceful rooflines. Linger at a cafe in Sorbonne Square, with its red awnings and central fountain. It’s wonderful to spend time here and blend in with residents walking their dogs, students deep in scholarly discussion, and parents taking their young ones to school.

As you take in the atmosphere, remember that before the Sorbonne existed, the Romans occupied these streets. Hundreds of years before the founding of the university, Rue Saint Jacques, the main passage through this area, was known as Cardo Maximus.

National Museum of the Middle Ages - Cluny Museum in Paris, France — vvoe / Shutterstock.com

Travel Back In Time To The Middle Ages At The Cluny Museum

The Cluny Museum in the Latin Quarter is a small museum of treasures from the Middle Ages. It’s housed in an old townhome of the Abbots of Cluny. The architecture alone makes this a memorable stop in the Latin Quarter. Inside, the displays feature six world-renowned tapestries known as The Lady and the Unicorn. These colorful works of art are more than 500 years old. Finish your visit by strolling through the gardens outside the museum.

Entrance to Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris, France — Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock.com

Browse The Shakespeare And Company Bookstore

Shakespeare and Company is a bookstore located on a street that borders the Seine, right across from Notre Dame. The first Shakespeare bookstore in Paris opened close by in 1919. Owner Sylvia Beach wanted to provide a gathering place for authors like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and James Joyce. The current building dates to the early 1600s and began life as a monastery. Since the modern iteration of the bookstore opened in 1951, it has hosted its own share of famous authors, including Henry Miller, William Saroyan, Anais Nin, and James Baldwin.

Search the nooks and crannies of the store, and you’ll find not only books but plants, mirrors, a piano, a vintage typewriter, and a mellow resident cat. As the sign outside says, “This store has rooms like chapters in a novel.”

When you purchase a book, it’s stamped with the store’s logo, and you’ll have a wonderful memento of your time in this Parisian icon. I bought a copy of Hemingway’s book about Paris, A Moveable Feast. It’s the perfect souvenir.

The cafe next door offers coffee and pastries and specializes in vegetarian dishes. It also boasts picture windows with views of the Seine.

The Paris Pantheon in the Latin Quarter. — Sharon Odegaard

Pay Your Respects At The Paris Pantheon

If you wander around the Latin Quarter for a while, you’ll notice the imposing blue dome that belongs to the Pantheon. Once a church, the Pantheon now pays tribute to the heroes of Paris. It’s the burial place of Victor Hugo; Voltaire; scientists Pierre and Marie Curie; Antoine de Saint-Exupery, who wrote The Little Prince; and Louis Braille, who invented an alphabet for the blind.

Louis XV commissioned the Paris Pantheon to express his gratitude to God after he recovered from an illness. Architecture buffs will appreciate that the Pantheon, completed in 1791, uses Gothic principles of light but combines them with classical design. The building is known as the first neoclassical work of art.

The central, open room under the dome is where you’ll find the famous Foucault pendulum. A high ceiling was required for Foucault’s experiment showing the Earth’s rotation. Watching this pendulum slowly swing back and forth is truly mesmerizing.

The Medici Fountain in the Luxemborg Gardens. — Sharon Odegaard

Enjoy The Lovely Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens at the edge of the Latin Quarter will be a highlight of your visit to Paris. Lots of families hang out here, especially on the weekends. On the paths through the trees, you’ll see joggers and groups of people on roller skates. Others relax in the green chairs that line the pond. Happy children sail colorful wooden toy boats, pushing them with poles.

The centerpiece of the gardens is a real palace. Luxembourg Gardens and the palace date to 1612, when they were designed for Princess Marie de Medici, who became the queen of France. The palace is now used by the French Senate.

The gardens boast more than 100 sculptures. You will even find a small-scale replica of the American Statue of Liberty! Somehow the friendly French folks took one look at us and knew we were American. They insisted we should wind around the paths to see this. As their directions were in French, we had to follow their waving arm signals and almost gave up. But rounding a bend under the trees, voila! There was Lady Liberty.

Be sure to seek out the tranquil Medici Fountain, a historic treasure of the gardens.

Luxembourg Gardens is open daily, and it’s free to visit.

Odette Paris, a cafe in the Latin Quarter. — Sharon Odegaard

Eating And Drinking In The Latin Quarter

Here are some of my favorite places to dine in the Latin Quarter.

Les Patios

This charming cafe on Sorbonne Square looks out on fountains and the front door of the university. Sit outside or inside and enjoy tasty cuisine. I’ve eaten here several times, and the service has always been outstanding. Try the dame blanche for dessert — chocolate and vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.

Tabac De La Sorbonne

Next door to Les Patios, this cafe is also a winner. I’ve enjoyed a Parisian breakfast of croissants and coffee here before beginning a day of sightseeing. Locals crisscross the square, and you’ll feel like part of the neighborhood.

Odette Bakery exterior in Paris — AWP76 / Shutterstock.com

Odette Paris

This well-known bakery exemplifies the charm of the Latin Quarter. You’ll want to grab a luscious cream puff and a coffee and sit a while.

Where to Stay In The Latin Quarter

Hotel Des Grands Hommes

With its elegant decor and gourmet breakfast, the Hotel des Grands Hommes is my favorite hotel in the Latin Quarter. It’s located just steps away from the Pantheon, and you can walk out the front door and see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The staff is helpful and friendly. You can walk the entire Latin Quarter from here, but metro stations are nearby if you prefer.

Hotel Cluny Sorbonne

The Hotel Cluny Sorbonne is across the street from the Sorbonne and around the corner from Sorbonne Square. It’s small but comfortable, and a good option for budget travelers. Only one person at a time can fit in the elevator, but that’s a fun quirk. You can easily walk to many cafes as well as to a market. The metro as well as the RER train are nearby.

A street in the Latin Quarter of Paris. — Sharon Odegaard

Pro Tip: One of the best ways to spend time in the Latin Quarter is to wander and enjoy the atmosphere. You are near the Seine River, so you can’t get too lost. You’ll happen onto tiny parks, historic buildings, plaques honoring local heroes, and little shops. Enjoy a drink at one of the cafes, and then continue to amble along. If you’re anything like me, you’ll leave a piece of your heart in the Latin Quarter.

How We Became Sustainable Travelers And Why It Matters

As much as we love to travel, our travel is not without consequences for the people, places, and environments we visit. We feel it is our responsibility to maximize the positive effects of our travel and minimize the consequences. The idea of sustainable travel may sound confusing or difficult to adopt. But we have become more sustainable travelers ourselves, and we want to share with you some easy steps that helped us get there.

What Is Sustainable Travel?

Our definition of sustainable travel is traveling in ways that minimize the negative effects and maximize the benefits of your travel on the physical, social, economic, and cultural environments you visit. Being mindful of these twin goals in your travel planning is the first step to becoming a sustainable traveler.

Why We Became Sustainable Travelers

As food and travel writers, we often venture far from home to explore culinary backroads around the world. In the past, we traveled at any time of the year to any destination, always considering the maximum comfort and convenience for us.

Many years ago, however, we saw a conference presentation showing that some of the world’s most beloved historic sites and natural wonders were being destroyed by hordes of tourists eager to snap a photo and capture a memory for all to see. We realized at that moment that if things didn’t change, some of those magical places would disappear forever.

From that time on, we looked at travel through the lens of responsibility and sustainability, which now influences all our travel decisions and actions.

The writers visiting Yellowstone during the winter. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

How To Become A Sustainable Traveler

Once you decide that becoming a sustainable traveler is important to you, you will discover that there are benefits for you as well as for the world.

You start thinking differently about the travel experience itself. Rather than determining how much you can see and do in the least amount of time, you begin to focus on what kinds of experiences you want to have and the best ways to achieve them. We have discovered that connecting to people, culture, and nature during our travel creates a vastly more enriching and memorable experience than checking items off a list.

Here are just a few ways to become a more sustainable traveler and benefit not only yourself and your travel companions, but the places and cultures you visit.

Stop Contributing To Overtourism

One of the biggest challenges to sustainable travel is overtourism. Barcelona, with a population of less than two million people, hosts some 32 million tourists annually, many at the same time. Angkor Wat, the Galapagos Islands, Santorini, and other dreamy destinations have become nightmares full of crowds, crumbling landmarks, and threatened wildlife.

As a sustainable traveler, consider a different approach. Instead of Santorini, visit the gorgeous and underrated Sporades islands of Greece. Skip Barcelona in the summer and enjoy the delights of San Sebastian instead. Visit more crowded spots during the off-season, when you’ll get better prices and avoid the crowds.

We’ve explored northern Greece, Yellowstone National Park in the winter, tiny towns in the South of France, and off-the-beaten-path locations all over the United States. While these weren’t your typical travel experiences, they were some of the best, most authentic adventures we’ve ever had.

Choose Sustainable Transportation Whenever Possible

While traveling by air is often the most convenient way to go, consider whether it’s truly necessary. If you are traveling somewhere that is accessible by train or even bus, the journey itself can be a fantastic travel experience. You can also save a lot of money. If luxury is more your style, there are elegant train experiences that you’ll never forget. In places like Europe, you can easily explore many countries with a single pass.

Once you are at a destination, you’ll also want to consider how you get around. Local public transportation, group shuttles, pedicabs, and walking are all more sustainable options than driving. They’re also a great way to meet locals and get recommendations on what to see, do, and eat.

When air travel is essential, look for eco-friendly airlines, fly direct when possible, and take your own refillable water bottle, which saves plastic when you’re exploring as well.

The writers in Montana. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

Seek Out Sustainable Accommodations

Choose locally owned accommodations whenever you can. Supporting local businesses is a good way to sustain the local economy.

Wherever you stay, check for green programs, certifications, and sustainability commitments. Some hotels offer recycling programs, minimized housekeeping services, and even rewards programs for going green.

When deciding where to stay, be sure to consider how the business contributes to community engagement and social responsibility. You may be surprised by how many amazing options there are, so check all your favorite resources using your new filters before making a choice.

Make Sustainable Culinary Choices

One of the greatest joys of travel for us is exploring the culinary culture of a destination. To enhance the benefits of your culinary travels, eat where the locals eat, shop where the locals shop, and seek out opportunities to try local specialties wherever you can.

Don’t forget to share food with your travel companions! We often order dishes to share, giving us more to experience with less waste. Refuse unnecessary or wasteful items like plastic straws and plastic bags.

If you’re also trying to eat more plant-forward meals, apps like Happy Cow and Vanilla Bean can help you find great spots to try.

Why Sustainable Travel Matters

One of the best things about travel is learning about different cultures, histories, traditions, and peoples. It is one way we can feel closer to those who are far away, whether in distance or in understanding. But if we do not take steps now to travel sustainably, future generations will have to live with the consequences.

What would our world be like without birds and wildlife and mountains and seas? How would we understand the history of civilizations whose artifacts have been completely destroyed? Who wants to stand amidst a crush of cell phones raised to capture a view that can no longer be seen through one’s own eyes?

This could all become reality if we choose not to consider more sustainable options. We are glad to be more sustainable travelers, and we know that with some attention to the suggestions provided above, you too can help create a future where we can all enjoy this beautiful planet we share.

Experiencing Songkran, Thailand’s Giant Water Fight: 9 Things To Know

In Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, Songkran symbolizes new beginnings and the start of a brand new year. It’s a riotous, colorful, fun celebration culminating in a countrywide water fight that spans days and involves locals, expats, and travelers alike.

I spent several years in Thailand and was able to experience Songkran firsthand. If you are heading to the Land of Smiles in mid-April, be prepared to get swept up in the revelry and excitement of this iconic Thai water festival.

Before you grab your water gun and hit the streets of Bangkok, though, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your experience.

A giant water gun fight during Songkran in Thailand. — Mr. JK / Shutterstock

1. Prepare For Intense Heat

Songkran falls smack-dab in the middle of April, Thailand’s hottest month. Temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees, and there’s virtually no reprieve from the sizzling tropical sun. Thailand has three seasons: hot, cool, and wet, and April is the height of the hot season. There is plenty of sun and very little rain during this time, and many people find being outside for long periods extremely uncomfortable.

Although the water wars cool things down, it’s advisable to take precautions if you’ll be outside for long periods of time. Apply sunscreen liberally and regularly, especially if you’re being doused with water. Drink plenty of fresh water, and watch out for signs of sun poisoning.

2. You Will Get Soaked

There’s one cardinal rule of Songkran: Almost everyone is fair game. Since Songkran spans several days, there’s a good chance that you might be ambushed while picking up a coffee or out sightseeing. Certain areas, such as Phuket’s Patong district or Silom Street in Bangkok, have all-out urban warfare complete with hundreds of participants and festivities. Other spots are quieter, but there is no guarantee that you’ll make it through dry.

Songkran is a time to embrace the Thai concept of mai pen rai and adopt a more go-with-the-flow attitude. Resigning yourself to the fact that you might be caught off guard by a cheeky schoolkid with a water gun will prepare you for the inevitable.

3. Getting Drenched Is Considered Lucky

As it turns out, getting drenched is considered lucky in Thailand. Songkran is a time to cleanse oneself of bad luck and start the new year fresh. It’s also a time to celebrate familial bonds and local communities, as well as cherish those who have passed. Songkran marks the transition of the sun from Pisces to Aries, and the hundreds of gallons of water spilled during the festival symbolize renewal.

Getting soaked to the bone during the festivities means that you’ve freed yourself of baggage and are ready to start over with a fresh perspective and clean slate, so if someone dumps a gallon of water over your head, consider it a favor.

A parade during Songkran in Thailand. — 316pixel / Shutterstock

4. You Could Be Smeared With White Powder

Din sor pong is a locally produced powder that’s mixed with water and applied to people’s cheeks during Songkran. It’s a limestone clay derivative and generally won’t hurt your skin, but it can stain your clothes. Din sor pong is an important part of the Songkran ritual, but it’s been banned in certain party districts due to instances where it’s been used as a tool of sexual harassment. Check the rules before you hit the streets. You can usually find information online, but there should also be signage in Thai and English in many party districts.

Pure din sor pong is completely harmless, but there have been some instances where people have mixed together crushed chalk and water, which can lead to skin reactions. To be on the safe side, keep din sor pong out of your eyes, and wash your face immediately if you start to experience an adverse reaction.

5. There Are Unspoken Rules

Even boisterous countrywide water wars have rules! Although everyone on the street is technically fair game, you shouldn’t soak the elderly or babies. Never throw water on a monk, and avoid spraying those who are clearly not participating. Some Songkran participants delight in using ice-cold water, but that’s normally frowned upon. Never use water from canals or the ocean, and don’t spray it into people’s faces.

Songkran is a notoriously treacherous time to drive, and the week of the festival is referred to as the Seven Dangerous Days. Don’t splash cars or motorbikes as they are zipping by, even if others are doing so. Drinking and driving spikes during Songkran, and the roads are always wet, so it’s not the best time to practice your motorbike skills. Take rickshaws, public transportation, or walk when you can.

6. Keep Your Valuables Safe

If you want to fully enjoy the festivities without worrying about your electronics short-circuiting, keep your valuables dry and safe during Songkran. You can buy airtight plastic bags at most 7-Elevens, or you can bring sandwich bags from home. Your purse alone won’t protect your phone from the epic water war raging outside. Many people opt to leave their phones at home and only carry what they need for the day.

Don’t wear anything that you don’t want to be soaked and possibly smeared with din sor pong, and consider investing in cheap, rubber flip-flops to navigate the wet streets. Lightweight clothing that dries quickly and protects you from the sun is your best bet.

An elephant joining the Songkran festivities in Thailand. — Bule Sky Studio / Shutterstock

7. Watch Out For Pickpockets

Unfortunately, Songkran attracts some who are more interested in pilfering than partying. Gangs of pickpockets rely on distraction and massive crowds to make their move. Be a hard target by keeping all of your valuables in zippered pockets or bags on the front of your body. Many stores sell small watertight bags that you can hang around your neck and tuck down the front of your shirt. Pickpockets aren’t looking for a challenge, so take a few simple steps to make yourself a less desirable target.

8. Don’t Miss Out On A Songkran Blessing

These days, Songkran is an excuse to throw a giant party, but the festival actually has deep roots in Buddhism and is a time to get blessings for the upcoming year. Many temples around the country offer visitors the unique option to get a Songkran blessing from the resident monk. You can sprinkle scented water on Buddha statues or pour water on the hands of monks at particular temples. Ask the locals to point you in the right direction. It’s fun to partake in both activities and see the sacred side of Songkran in the morning and the saturated urban jungle in the afternoon. Songkran blessings set you up with good luck for the upcoming year and are an authentic and memorable way to experience Songkran in Thailand.

9. Look Out For Mischievous Elephants

Humans are not the only ones who get in on the Songkran fun. In places like Ayutthaya, elephants participate in the Songkran celebrations as well. Trained elephants are painted and paraded down the streets during the holiday, and sometimes they’ll even engage tourists in friendly water combat. Elephants squirt out water from their noses, dousing the crowd during these planned events.

If you want to go toe-to-toe with an elephant on Songkran, it’s a good idea to arrive early and get a good spot. These events are usually very popular and get crowded quickly. You should also avoid interacting with the elephants or their mahouts. Although the elephants used in Songkran celebrations are trained, they can still be unpredictable.

Experiencing Songkran will be one of the highlights of your trip to Thailand, and the best way to do it is to embrace the water festival with open arms. Follow these tips, and you’ll make the most of your Songkran adventure and have an amazing story to tell when you get back home.

Planning a trip to Thailand? Check out these eight things to know before you go, this guide to cultural etiquette in the country, and this list of the best things to see and do while you’re there.