Mediterranean Escapes: Italy vs Greece

Italy and Greece are two of Europe’s tourism juggernauts.

Prior to the pandemic in 2019, Italy welcomed almost 100 million tourists. Greece, by comparison, welcomed around 33 million in the same year. Though dwarfed by Italy’s stats, that’s still a hefty number of visitors.

Tourists headed to either country are on the hunt for similar experiences.

They’re looking for beautiful ocean views, historic ruins, and delicious food—to name a few. They might simply want to kick back in picturesque areas, like Santorini or the Amalfi Coast.

Despite their similarities, Italy and Greece are very distinct.

And you can’t decide which is worth a visit, you aren’t alone.

I recommend sticking to Greece because it’s got fewer tourists, more dreamy islands, and better beaches—but I’ll let you decide for yourself. Here are the key differences between Italy vs Greece that tourists need to keep in mind.

Italy is easier to get around

Italy has one of the most robust infrastructures in Europe.

That’s partly thanks to the sheer number of tourists that visit. Trains and transportation systems need to ferry them around the country year-round. You can get from Point A to Point B with relative ease, from Venice to Palermo and back again.

Greece isn’t nearly as easy to explore.

Most visitors end up renting a car because it’s easier than taking trains, buses, and ferries across the country. If you don’t mind renting cars and driving cross-country in foreign lands, then that might not be a bad thing.

Greece is more affordable

Thankfully for those renting cars, Greece tends to be more affordable.

While prices are usually high in hotspots like Athens and Santorini—and are on par with Rome and Venice—you can always find a deal. From hostels to mom-and-pop restaurants to newly opened bars, Greece slashes its prices more often.

Italy, by contrast, tends to charge more for just about everything, even the gelato.

One study found that the cost of living in Italy is 34% higher than in Greece, which will affect the tourist experience, too. If you want a luxury experience in Italy, expect an extravagant price tag.

That’s not necessarily the case in Greece, especially the farther you wander off the tourist track.

Italy offers more in the way of culture

Greece isn’t short on culture—that can’t be understated.

When you wander through Thessaloniki, Athens, and other ancient cities, you’ll encounter incredible ruins and sites from the Ancient Greeks. (And even the Ancient Romans.)

That being said, Italy’s hold on history and culture is a little tighter because it carries the legacy of Ancient Rome and enlightened Renaissance thinkers.

You can dive into centuries of history in most major cities across Italy. Florence offers a lens to study the Renaissance, while Sicily’s stone ruins harken back to ancient times.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Italy is also your doorway into other unique (and tiny) nations like the Vatican and San Marino.

Greece lets you drop off the map

Greece has metropolises like Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Larissa on its list of big cities.

That being said, Greece has a smaller population. Hellas, as locals call Greece, is home to around 10 million people, while Italy has almost 60 million inhabitants.

What does this mean for tourists?

It means you can drop off the map relatively easily in Greece. Most tourists stick to famous areas like Santorini and Mykonos, but you can wander into truly off-the-beaten-path territory—and these places are home to hidden gems.

Some might even be the stomping grounds of the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece.

Greece is home to Europe’s best beaches

That brings me to my last point: Greece has better beaches than Italy.

I know, that’s probably controversial. After all, Italy is home to some of the most secluded and picturesque coves in the Mediterranean. From Sardinia to Amalfi, you can find jaw-dropping coastal displays.

But it doesn’t actually offer much in the way of sandy, sprawling beaches. Greece, on the other hand, has almost endless coastlines spread across its dozens of islands.

Looking for unforgettable pink sand beaches? Head to Crete. What about glass beaches? Also available near Rhodes. Looking for one of the World’s 50 Best Beaches? It’s in Greece.

Rentals vs Home Swaps: Are Home Swaps Right for You?

Remember hearing about Airbnb for the first time?

The novel concept of welcoming visitors into your home for a small price was a revolutionary idea in travel. It seemed to offer a perfect balance of savings, cultural immersion, and comfort.

But since its launch, Airbnb has evolved and changed.

One development is the skyrocketing price of Airbnbs. They’re no longer budget solutions to avoiding pricy hotels.

Thankfully for travelers who want to save on lodging, there’s a new solution on the rise for travelers. One that can help you save while exploring the world without forking over thousands for lodging.

Welcome to the era of home swaps. Like the name suggests, home swaps involve staying in someone’s private residence while they do the same in yours.

Remember the film The Holiday in which Cameron Diaz swaps her LA mansion for Kate Winslet’s cozy cottage in England?

It’s like that, except your host isn’t Jude Law’s sister. (Unless you have some seriously good karma.)

How do they work?

Home swaps are gaining traction because they allow travelers to exchange free lodging with another renter or owner. So long as both parties agree on the dates and are interested in each other’s space, they can arrange a swap at any time.

(Many platforms also run on credit systems, meaning you can get started even if your home isn’t market-ready yet.)

Many of my friends in Barcelona have done home swaps with great success—so I can tell you personally that house swaps are a solid idea so long as you use a trusted platform.

Here are three of the most popular home swap platforms today:

HomeExchange: A massive network that will connect you to house swappers around the world
Love Home Swap: A membership-based platform that’s a bit more exclusive
ThirdHome: A lux option that allows you to exchange homes in upscale areas

These companies should give you a solid start in the world of home exchanges. But if you’re still not sure if home swaps are right for you, then keep reading. These are the top five signs that it’s a good fit.

You’re not worried about others being in your space

I recently spoke to a colleague about home swaps. One of his immediate concerns was someone being in his space.

I made a joke about the fact that he must be hiding something. In reality, however, we all have different attitudes toward privacy.

For example, I’m a pretty hardcore introvert who wouldn’t think twice about strangers spending time in my space—just so long as I’m not expected to rub elbows with them.

But if you’re someone who tends to be a little bit germophobic or just straight-up private, then home swaps aren’t for you.

While it’s highly unlikely that a guest would rifle through all of your drawers and you do have the option to make certain places off-limits, this is more of a psychological barrier.

In other words, if it’s gonna irk you thinking about someone putting their dirty little piggies all over your suede furniture, you might not be the perfect candidate for a house swap. (Totally understandable.)

You’re struggling to find affordable hotels

Your decision might also come down to affordability. Most home swaps are free.

You might pay a one-time or monthly fee to use a platform—which makes sense. The platform needs to carefully vet its users and provide support.

But aside from that one-time or monthly fee, you won’t pay a thing.

All you need to do is ensure that your apartment is on par with the one you’d like to swap with. As in, it should be in a decent location for what the guests are looking for and have a solid design and good setup.

You’re looking for long-term lodging

One of the best things about home swaps is the sheer range of personalization.

Not only can you find like-minded people to swap houses with, but you can also choose the length of your stay.

Interested in a single weekend stopover? That’s on the docket.

But if you’re looking for an extended stay, then you can also find long-term offers.

Home swaps are increasingly popular for those who are traveling for business or education. For example, a nurse completing their residency might look for a home swap to save on costs while finishing their degree.

Or maybe you just want to kick up your feet for a whole month in Italy or Croatia. So long as you can find someone willing to swap houses, you can take on a multi-week trip easily.

You need added amenities—from pet care to car swaps

Once again, personalization is one of the coolest features of using a home swap.

Two of the more unique factors I’ve seen on swapping platforms are pet care and car swaps.

In terms of pet care, you can swap houses with the promise of taking care of pets. To be fair, I’ve only seen this advertised for cats—they’re a lot more low-maintenance than dogs.

If you’ve got a cat at home who needs some TLC while you’re gone, then consider swapping houses with someone who also has a cat. That way, pet care is baked into the exchange. (Also, cuddles!)

Depending on where you live and where you’re heading, you might also need access to a car. If that’s the case, then consider looking into a swap that includes a vehicle. Just remember that you’ll need to abide by local laws and have a relevant license.

You’re okay going DIY

Some travelers have avoided Airbnb because it doesn’t offer the same amenities as a hotel. In fact, the platform has come under fire for adding hefty cleaning bills and asking many guests to handle cleaning themselves. (Usually both.)

You might face similar demands on a house swap (although maybe not with a luxury platform).

If this is a turn-off for you, then stick to a hotel. But if it’s not, and you’re okay handling basic chores from switching sheets to loading dishwashers, then get a home swap immediately.

Classic American Cocktails: Origin Stories

Foodies like to eat their way through a city.

Drinkers like me prefer to drink their way through one. (I’m not an alcoholic.)

And I’m not alone. The United States has a long and storied history with booze. Over the years, we’ve innovated new ways to distill and blend alcohols, from Kentucky’s bourbon to white corn vodka to new bastardizations like RumChata.

Along with our penchant for crafting new liquors, American bars and lounges have also left their stamp on the mixology world, crafting some of our most delicious and original cocktails.

Some of these delicious drinks have their origin in the speakeasies of the last century. Others are modern twists on classic cocktails.

Think you can name a few of the most classic American cocktails? Let’s find out. (Hint: you should be thinking about New Orleans.)

Sazerac

From: New Orleans, 1850

Ingredients: cognac (originally Sazerac de Forge et Fils brandy), absinthe, one sugar cube, two dashes of bitters

History: The sazerac got its name from the brand of cognac originally used for this after-dinner drink. However, it can be made with rye whiskey—a callback to a brandy shortage that meant locals in Nola had to switch things up back in the 1870s.

Today, it’s one of the most iconic drinks in the city and has its own museum.

Old-Fashioned

From: New York, early 1900s

Ingredients: Whiskey, orange zest/slice, cocktail cherry

History: The old-fashioned’s first official shout-out comes from an American tax attorney in the 1880s… who moonlighted as a mixologist. (I guess the IRS has always been stressful.)

The cocktail’s name comes from its simple concoction, which was a callback to the ‘old fashioned way’ people once drank whiskey.

Whiskey Sour

From: Wisconsin, 1870

Ingredients: Whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup (sometimes includes egg white)

History: The first official mention of the whiskey sour comes from a Wisconsin newspaper—but its origins are likely a bit older. Some sources say this cocktail’s recipe is descended from the New York Sour (garnished with red wine) and the Boston Sour (made with egg white).

Over time, the drink moved outside of New England and evolved.

Mai Tai

From: Oakland, California, 1930s

Ingredients: Jamaican rum, Martinique rum, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, lime juice, simple syrup

History: Americans started drinking rum in greater quantities in the early 1900s. This led to dozens of new drinks—many sweet and boozy.

The Mai Tai recipe traces its origins back to two bars in Oakland, which were vying for ownership of this delicious cocktail. The colorful drink finally took off when it was added to high-profile cocktail menus in Hawaii in the 1950s.

Long Island Iced Tea

From: Long Island, 1970s or Tennessee, 1930s

Ingredients: Tequila, vodka, white rum, Cointreau, gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, cola

History: This is a controversial drink for a few reasons. First, its origin. Some claim that the first Long Island iced tea was first mixed during the Prohibition era. This would have been in a region of Tennessee informally known as Long Island.

Other sources say a man named Robert Butt was working for a bar in Long Island, New York. After a long night, he invented this monstrous drink.

Wondering how this drink got its name? Apparently, it’s just based on looks. This cocktail slightly resembles a glass of iced tea when freshly poured.

Tourist Guide: Sāo Paolo vs Rio de Janeiro

Brazil is full of life.

This country has a reputation for vibrant street life, friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and a palpable joie de vivre that can make any curmudgeon smile. Toss in some tropical beaches and what more could a visitor want?

But those who put Brazil on their itinerary usually have a few questions, especially when it comes to Rio de Janeiro and Sāo Paolo.

While Rio gets all the attention, Sāo Paolo is a much larger and more varied city.

So, which should you visit when you head to Brazil? I recommend scheduling some time in both cities if you have the time. But if you don’t (and it’s highly likely you won’t), use this guide to compare Sāo Paolo vs Rio de Janeiro.

Photo by Agustin Diaz Gargiulo on Unsplash

Rio de Janeiro has all the iconic spots

When you close your eyes and imagine Brazil, you’re probably seeing Rio de Janeiro.

Its mountainous coastline is famous, as is the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city and its famous Ipanema to Copacabana beaches. (You might even hear a tune from Frank Sinatra playing through your mind.)

If you’re on the hunt for a round-trip of Brazil’s most iconic landmarks, then Rio should be top of your list.

Most visitors squeeze in their favorite haunts in a four or five-day trip. That gives you time to see Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Selaron Staircase, Santa Teresa, and more.

Sāo Paolo is more affordable

Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.

But Sāo Paolo is well-known as a cultural and economic center in Brazil—meaning you won’t be short on things to do. It’s edgier, more urban, and absolutely sprawling.

And because it’s not quite as flashy as Rio, it’s also a lot more affordable. From hotels to day trips outside the city, you can find travel deals year-round. And, once again, you won’t get bored.

Business districts aside, Sāo Paolo also serves as a hub for the country’s most innovative artists. From street art guided tours to official museum exhibits at the Pinacoteca do Estado de Sāo Paolo, you’ll be able to sink your teeth into Brazilian culture.

Sāo Paolo is more cosmopolitan

That brings me to my next point: Sāo Paolo is a bustling cosmopolitan city.

You’ll feel this distinction in just about every way. Visitors have more choices when it comes to international cuisine, access to modern amenities, and fast-paced lifestyle.

I think it’s worth pointing out here that this cosmopolitan identity also means Sāo Paolo beats Rio in terms of nightlife—and that’s an important factor in Brazil.

Clubs, lounges, and bars are where you’ll rub elbows with locals, sample traditional cocktails, learn the basics of samba and other dances, and otherwise get into the Brazilian groove.

So if you like to explore cities, then consider going to Sāo Paolo instead of Rio. You’ll get a lot more bang for your buck in terms of sheer offerings. And in terms of prices, most hotels are half the price that they are in Rio.

Rio de Janeiro is half the size

Not everyone wants to dive into a bustling metropolis like Sāo Paolo.

So let me make this distinction even more clear: Rio is known for its more relaxed, beachside atmosphere compared to Sāo Paolo’s economic hustle.

Just look at the stats: Rio is home to just about six million, while Sāo Paolo is Brazil’s most densely populated city, home to almost 12 million.

If crowds and concrete aren’t your thing, then stick to Rio.

Not only are its day trips slightly more accessible (and greener, too), but there’s generally a more vacation-friendly and leisurely vibe. Though its beaches are busy year-round, you won’t find the same island-esque vibe in Sāo Paolo.

FAQs: Sāo Paolo vs Rio de Janeiro

Is public transportation available in both cities?

Given Sāo Paolo’s metropolitan nature, its public transport systems are a lot more robust and functional than in Rio. However, you won’t struggle to get around in either city. Both are home to metro systems and have extensive bus networks. Taking taxis in either is affordable and common.

Is it safer in Sāo Paolo vs Rio de Janeiro?

Brazil isn’t the safest location in the world for tourists given its high number of pickpockets. General safety tips in Brazil suggest avoiding walking alone at night and with valuables, including jewelry, smartphones, and other technology.

In terms of comparing these two cities, Sāo Paolo comes out ahead. It has a larger police force, which means its streets are a bit safer for locals and tourists. However, if you’re in a downtown or densely populated area, be wary in either location.

Do you need to know Portuguese?

Knowing a bit of the local language goes a long way – no matter the country. However, professionals working in the tourism industry speak English. If you’re heading on a tour or simply to your hotel’s bar, you’ll be interacting in English.

That being said, consider learning a few words in Brazilian Portuguese. I’ve read dozens of reviews highlighting just how friendly locals in Sāo Paolo and Rio de Janeiro are. Knowing the words for please, thank you, how are you, and a few other basic terms can go a long way in helping you make friends and uncover hidden gems.

10 of the Best Desserts from the United States

The world is full of culinary delights.

If you’re anything like me, you probably gravitate towards the sweeter treats.

From the dawn of human civilization, diet has been an important part of our lifestyle. Over the centuries, our palettes have evolved—and sugar is one of the biggest distinctions you’d find between an ancient menu and a modern one.

Regardless of where you travel, you’ll be able to find unique desserts. In fact, sampling new treats might be high on your list of reasons to travel—especially if you’re a foodie.

But Americans might not need to travel too far to find a delicious treat. If you’re taking a fine-tooth comb to some of the world’s tastiest desserts, you’ll notice many originated in the United States.

Given our love for all things sweet and delectable, that shouldn’t come as a surprise.

But can you list 10 of the most famous desserts from around the United States?

Bananas Foster

New Orleans, 1950s

This tasty treat combines bananas and vanilla ice cream with brown sugar, dark rum, and cinnamon. The rum comes last, added to the top of the dessert once the bananas are cooked and the ice cream scooped. Once the rum is poured, it’s lit on fire in a cajun-style tableside flambé.

Gooey Butter Cake

Saint Louis, 1930s

Rumors abound about how this cake was invented—either due to a recipe mishap or a serious love of butter from a cook in Saint Louis. The result was a sweet, rich, and semi-firm cake that’s heavy on the butter. Typically only an inch tall, this mini-cake is a next-level take on sugary opulence.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Massachusetts, 1940s

I’m so sorry to tell you, but the US didn’t invent apple pie. (It was the Netherlands.)

But we do have the chocolate chip cookie to our name—and if you’ve ever baked a batch yourself, you probably already know the name of this treat’s inventor. That would be Ruth Graves Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn. (Full disclosure: not everyone believes Wakefield invented the chocolate chip cookie.)

Boston Cream Pie

Boston, 1856

What do you get when you combine sponge cake, custard, and chocolate glaze? The best thing to come out of Boston: Boston Cream Pie. This custard cake is described as a ‘direct descendant’ of the Washington Pie and pudding cake, which came from an Armenian-French chef back in the mid-19^th century.

Banana Split

Philadelphia, mid-1800s

If I had to make an appeal on the most American dessert, it might be the iconic banana split. (Again, I’m so sorry, Apple Pie.) The banana split started to evolve alongside soda shops in Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s. This culminated in an official recipe in 1907, which required maraschino cherries and cutting the banana long-ways.

Key Lime Pie

The Florida Keys, 1930s

The key lime pie evolved from a previous recipe that was published in 1931, known as the ‘magic lemon cream pie’. This straightforward desert combined elements of custards and whipped pies. Just combine lemon juice, rind, egg yolks, and condensed milk—then pop it in the fridge. Thanks to this traditional cooling, the Key Lime Pie was originally dubbed ‘icebox lime pie’.

S’mores

1900s

Maybe I spoke too soon in the banana split section above.

Partly thanks to a cameo in the classic film The Sandlot, its association with campfires, and the fact that this treat was invented by the Boy Scouts of America, most Americans love s’mores.

Not only are they delicious, but they tend to bring a nostalgic feeling with them… along with debates on just how burnt a marshmallow should be to create the perfect s’more.

Angel Food Cake

Kentucky, 1830s

This butterless cake is made by whipping egg whites, flour, and sugar into a stiff but light sponge concoction. I’ll be the first to admit that angel food isn’t too popular these days; in fact, its popularity peaked back in the late 1800s. But it’s a delicious treat that I’ve yet to taste outside the US, which makes it distinctly American.

Cupcakes

Albany, late 1700s

Who would have guessed that cupcakes were an American invention dating back to the 18^th century? The original recipe was from American Cookery, written in 1796. It described how to bake light cakes in small cups that were designed as a single serving.

Funnel Cake

Pennsylvania, late 1800s

To be fair, many cultures around the world have some variation of the funnel cake. From Italy’s zeppola to India’s jalebi, you can find fried doughs galore around the world. But the US’s version started in Dutch colonies back in the late 1800s. Today, we know it as a staple of state fairs and other festivals.

Exploring the 3 Historic Inns of Annapolis

If you read my series on the best-preserved historical districts in US cities, then you might have raised your eyebrows.

I didn’t mention Annapolis, Maryland, or any of its three historic inns—all of which date back to the late 1700s. For history buffs, it was likely a notable omission.

Not only is downtown Annapolis well-preserved, but there are three hotels that have kept their doors open for centuries. These are the Maryland Inn, Governor Calvert House, and Robert Johnson House.

The three properties are clumped together as the Historic Inns of Annapolis. Not only are they part of the US’s Historic Hotels of America, but they’re actually the site of a major moment in US history.

Back on January 14, 1784, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay gathered in the Maryland Inn to formally end the Revolutionary War by signing the Paris Peace Treaty with British representatives.

That happened in the Treaty of Paris restaurant—which is still open to visitors today. Caught your intrigue? Let’s explore the 3 Historic Inns of Annapolis, including how to stay at each.

Governor Calvert House (est. 1720s)

This small home once belonged to a governor, Charles Calvert. But Calvert didn’t spend long in Annapolis, leaving town in the 1760s. Around this time, a fire destroyed much of the original property.

Following the fire, the house fell into the hands of the State of Maryland. The government added a section to the back so that the house could be used as barracks.

For decades in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the house changed hands. Eventually, it was signed over to the mayor of Annapolis in 1854. The mayor added Victorian features to the once-Georgian home.

Over time, the Governor Calvert House was slowly converted into an inn. This required extensive renovations in the early 1900s, which uncovered a few once-hidden features that dated back to the home’s construction in the 1720s.

The most interesting is a subterranean heating system used for Governor Calvert’s tropical garden, which you can still learn about today.

Maryland Inn (est. 1772)

The Maryland Inn is the largest of the three historic inns in downtown Annapolis.

If you remember seeing a narrow, three-story brick building when passing through the city, that was the Maryland Inn. It was originally constructed as a residence designed for high-society entertainment, but also functioned as a tavern and inn.

Throughout the 1800s, the Maryland Inn served as an important hotel for visitors—including political and military big-wigs. As Annapolis’s military focus grew, the Inn attracted dozens of respected figures.

But the inn slowly fell into disrepair. By the end of the WWI era, it was uninhabitable.

Starting in the 1900s, the Maryland Inn swapped hands, serving as an apartment building and private residence.

In 2007, Remington Hotels took over, replacing the King of France Tavern with a Starbucks. While the move angered many history lovers in the area, Remington Hotels (and previous owners) have gone to painstaking lengths to preserve the building’s historical design—while also updating it with modern amenities.

Robert Johnson House (est. 1773)

Shortly after the Maryland Inn opened its doors, a local barber purchased a plot of land nearby to build a brick home.

Unlike the other locations on this list, the Robert Johnson House (named after the barber who built the house) passed down from generation to generation. It didn’t excite any historical whimsy until the mid-1800s.

By then, sections of the home had been sold off. One even became the subject of an extraterrestrial encounter when its owner, a woman named Elizabeth Thompson, swore she was abducted from the home in 1812.

By the early 1900s, tales of alien abductions had died down. When the original Robert Johnson House fell into the hands of another local woman, she purchased the original sections of the house that had been sold off.

These were renovated as apartments but were later converted into a lux hotel when Paul Pearson bought the property in the 1970s.

Staying at the Historic Inns today

If you enjoy history—or even just quaint historical architecture—then I highly suggest you plan a visit to the Historic Inns.

You’ll have an astounding 124 guestrooms to choose from, all of which include a lovely balance of historical furnishings and modern amenities.

But each of the venues above offers a slightly different experience.

The Maryland Inn is the site of Revolutionary-era guestrooms, making it ideal for those who like history.

The Governor Calvert House, by contrast, has an atrium that’s designed for group gatherings—whether a business conference or a wedding party.

Lastly, the Robert Johnson House offers a slightly more lux experience, from its draperies to its 19^th-century antiques.