Elafonissi & Balos Bay: Explore Crete’s Pink Sand Beaches

Pink sand beaches are some of the most sought-after in the world—and why not?

Along with glass beaches and sea cave beaches, pink-sand beaches offer a totally unique perspective on coastal relaxation.

But these delightful beaches are far and few between. The most famous pink-sand beaches can be found as far as Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Philippines.

Most are tiny and fragile, including Sardinia’s Spiaggia Rosa.

Following over-tourism in the 1980s and 90s, the government banned public visits to Spiaggia Rosa. Visitors risk a hefty fine for venturing onto its shores. In fact, the only way to see the beach is from a distance in the water.

But just a bit farther east are two of the Mediterranean’s most picturesque and grand pink sand beaches

Elafonissi Beach and Balos Bay are located on Crete. These are two of the only pink sand beaches in Europe—and they’re absolutely breathtaking. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s that pink sand about?

Pink sand is the result of a few distinct factors. The most common reason for pink sand is the presence of foraminifera, which are tiny organisms with red and pinkish shells.

When enough foraminifera gathers on shore, they mix with pale limestone and take on a pinkish hue. If there’s quartz present, the pink sand might even look like it’s glowing.

But just how pink are these beaches? Keep in mind that many photos are enhanced to make the sand look brighter.

Depending on the weather, the cloud cover, and other factors, you might notice more of a faint pinkish glow to the sand—not a hot-pink or bubblegum-pink tone. I still think they’re worth your time, especially if you enjoy exploring beaches.

Elafonissi Beach (Northwest Crete)

There are few paradises that deliver like Elafonissi Beach. Though it’s not necessarily a hidden gem, it’s not quite like the rest of Greece’s beaches.

First and foremost, the pink sand is a clear giveaway that visitors are someplace special.

Elafonissi is also home to rock formations and shallow pools of clear water (thank you, sandbars) that add a dash of ruggedness. The sandbar is particularly beautiful to walk across.

But those who like the finer things will be happy to hear there are a tasteful number of cabanas available, along with a public restroom. That means you can head there yourself in a rented car.

Or if you want to join a tour or day trip from a main city, you can easily do so.

Balos Bay (Southwest Crete)

If you’re okay venturing into Crete’s wilder southwestern coast, you can find Balos Bay (also known as Balos Lagoon). Normally, guests access this spot by ferry or boat rather than car.

Balos Bay is a lot smaller than Elafonissi’s stretching shoreline and sandbar. It’s sheltered by stunning green mountains, which pen in the beach and turn it into a lagoon.

That means the water is shallow and usually bathwater-warm. Because Balos Bay is a lagoon, you’ll be treated to technicolor waters along with pink sands. Depending on the time of day and tides, you can see cerulean, turquoise, and bright blue colors.

If I had to choose between Elafonissi and Balos Bay, I’d have to go with Balos—it’s got that tropical, mysterious vibe that feels very Hollywood.

There are dozens of ways to experience the magic of Balos, located near Kissamos. (I’d go for the boat tour!)

Spiaggia Rosa (Sardinia)

Want to see a pink sand beach but aren’t heading to Crete anytime soon?

If Sardinia is within reach, then don’t forget to check out Spiaggia Rosa. As I pointed out above, it’s now off-limits for wandering tourists—but you can still get close to the pink-sand magic.

Spiaggia Rosa is located on Budelli Island just north of Sardinia. The island is uninhabited, but visitors can stop by on a boat to explore the rugged landscape on foot—but Spiagga Rosa remains off-limits.

As mentioned up top, the Italian government formally protected the area in 1994. By then, much of its pink sand had been taken away by tourists. The beach has yet to return to its bright pink colors—but there have been improvements in recent years as the foraminifera shell deposits slowly recuperate.

Travel Agents Are Back—Do You Need One?

Travel agents have gone slowly out of style since the early 2000s.

On one hand, it’s about our perception of what ‘real’ travel is. Reality travel shows like Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and Passport to Europe popularized the idea of getting off the tourist track and into unknown lands.

On the other hand, it’s also about saving money. Most people believe that planning trips themselves can help them save big on flights, hotels, and more. This focus on savings has been important, especially considering more young travelers and students have hit the road over the last twenty years.

Pre-COVID, travel agencies seemed like vestiges of a long-last past.

Now, however, dozens of travel publications are reporting on the rise in bookings through travel agencies.

Gone are the days of getting into the nitty-gritty of researching, planning, and implementing complex trips—at least, for some travelers.

If you’ve taken a step back from travel agencies over the last decade or so, you aren’t alone. But why not take another look at whether handing over the reins to a trained professional might be right for you?

Here are the five surest signs that you would benefit from working with a travel agent to plan your next vacation.

Reason #1: You Have Funds, Not Time

Travelers know: t takes a lot of time and energy to plan a multi-leg trip. The farther from home, the higher the stakes. The more destinations on that trip, the more complex the demands.

In other words, planning a truly memorable trip is basically a part-time job.

Actually, it is a job—a full-time one that many people have trained for years to excel in. If you have the funds to put together a great trip but simply lack the energy and spare time, then pass it off to an expert. It’s that easy.

Reason #2: Your Trip is for Rejuvenation

If you’re traveling to drop off the map and relax, then don’t waste your precious time and energy planning.

Once again, it makes more sense to hand over the reins to an agent who will craft a calming trip for you. One that doesn’t include any short airline connections or murky questions about travel insurance.

When an agent plans your trip, all you need to do is show up with the necessary equipment for a great trip. Depending on how in-depth their planning is, you might not need to lift a finger at all—just follow directions when someone points you onward to a hotel room, restaurant, or tour.

Reason #3: You Have Specific Themes or Needs in Mind

Travel agents regularly use their experience and connections to create tailored vacations.

Like the name ‘agent’ suggests, they tend to have a lot of contacts in the travel world. Even if they don’t have direct experience creating the trip of your dreams, they have the resources to make it a reality.

Many travel agencies offer some type of specialized focus. These cover themes like ancestral tours that explore family trees or tours that focus on history, such as visiting WWI sites.

On the other hand, specialized travel agencies can also focus on client needs, including tours geared toward autistic travelers and tours designed for disabled travelers.

Reason #4: You Know Jack About the Destination

The less you know about a place, the more help you’ll need when planning a vacation.

While most travelers look forward to exploring a new culture and lifestyle, these obstacles can be difficult for travelers to navigate. From language barriers to what it means to be ‘on time’, it helps to have a basic understanding of your destination.

If that’s a little too hefty for you to manage, then let a travel agent do the heavy lifting.

Not only do they have experience planning trips to just about anywhere, but they also have a strong understanding of what types of concerns visitors usually have. Both will set you up for success.

Reason #5: You Want Accountability

One of the greatest risks of planning a trip is knowing what to do when things go wrong. There’s rarely a straightforward solution, as each problem is born from unique circumstances.

Every traveler has felt the sinking doom of running into one of these problems on the road.

Travel agents might not be omnipotent, but they’re usually the first resource when it comes to things going wrong.

If the hiccup was their fault, they’ll take immediate accountability to rectify the issue. Even if the obstacle you face isn’t their fault, they’ll still probably have a few spare ideas to help you solve your problem.

Elevated Arts: Where did Europe’s Most Prestigious Artists Live & Work?

Europe is the world’s most popular tourist destination in terms of sheer numbers.

The main attraction for millions is history and culture.

From stunning architecture to world-renowned cuisines, every region offers an unforgettable look at the humanities. In terms of the arts, coming face to face with prestigious paintings and sculptures is also high on the list for tourists in Europe.

Museums like Le Louvre in Paris, the National Museum in Prague, and the Tate Modern in London house some of the world’s most famous pieces. Many guests save for years to see works like the Mona Lisa, The Birth of Venus, and The Pieta—to name a few.

And while you’ll find contemporary art museums throughout Europe, none hold a candle to the institutions that preserve and showcase work from the continent’s most prestigious artists.

That being said—have you ever wondered where Europe’s most famous artists lived and worked?

Rather than visit the museums that house their most famous works, some tourists prefer to get up close to the neighborhoods, streets, and studios that these artists called home.

If you’re a fan of prestigious artists from Europe, then don’t forget to explore their old stomping grounds. Many old haunts have been turned into museums that offer tours that take you closer to the artists you know and love.

Here are four of the most popular options from across Europe.

Leonardo Da Vinci

Anchiano, Italy

With the last name ‘da Vinci’, you might think that this famous polymath came from the village of Vinci.

In reality, this prestigious artist hails from a nearby village called Anchiano. Until deep dives into the artist’s life in the late 1800s, most assumed he came from Vinci, instead.

Since 2000, Anchiano has expanded its Da Vinci-centric offerings. Visitors can explore the house where he was born (as the illegitimate son of a noble) and grew up, along with more expansive projects like the Museo Leonardiano.

If you’re inclined, you can even visit the Castle Sforza, where da Vinci created some of his first works while employed by the Duke of Milan.

Claude Monet

Giverny, France

You’ve probably heard of Claude Monet’s home in Giverny, which remains open to the public. It’s a hotspot for fans of Monet and other impressionists, as other famous painters like Pierre-August Renoir and Paul Signac regularly visited.

But what makes this location stand out is its impressionist design.

Money purchased the home (a 17^th-century farmhouse) back in 1883. He decorated according to his eclectic and colorful tastes—you’ll notice more modern pieces and antiques throughout the home.

But it’s the gardens that are worth soaking up.

Anyone who has studied Monet’s work will recognize the Giverny gardens. They inspired some of his grander works—but they were largely a passion project. Monet adored flowers, and the gardens in Giverny still highlight this, taking you closer to the artist and his deepest inspirations.

Gustav Klimt

Vienna, Austria

There’s no trace of the Vienna home where Gustav Klimt lived as a child—but the city has done a good job preserving his last studio.

He rented an old cottage outside the city center in his later years. After Klimt passed in 1918, the cottage swapped hands with various owners before being handed back over to Vienna’s housing authority in the 1990s.

Since then, the studio has been painstakingly restored. It looks pretty bare-bones and modern to me—but the outdoor gardens have the same fruit trees and flower blossoms that Klimt would have noticed during his time at the villa.

Similar to Monet’s home in Giverny, true fans of Klimt will be able to make the connections between what he saw at the villa and the colors used in his later works.

Salvador Dali

Figueres, Spain

Figueres is a small village located near Spain’s northeastern border with France. It was the long-time home of Salvador Dali, one of the most creative powerhouses in modern art.

Prior to his death, this prestigious artist crafted a vast museum to showcase his life’s works. The museum is a bit gaudy by today’s standards, but it’s not hard to see how revolutionary and mind-blowing it would have been upon its completion in 1974.

In addition to the Dali-curated museum, you can also visit his childhood home.

This museum focuses more squarely on Dali’s earliest years, including what was happening in Catalonia politically during his formative years and his development as an artist.

Visitors can go on a virtual and immersive tour, which might be more intriguing for fans who want a closer look at Dali’s early life.

Bulgaria is Home to an Ancient Womb Cave—Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to European tourism, Bulgaria probably isn’t at the top of your list.

But that might not always be the case. This country is a budding hotbed for unique attractions, including award-winning wineries, beautiful and sprawling forests, and historic cities and villages.

Bulgaria has plenty to offer history fans, in particular. For thousands of years, it’s been a meeting point for Eastern and Western cultures. Religious and cultural sites dot the country, along with historical landmarks.

One of them is a bit farther off the beaten path than others.

Near the town of Kardzhali in southern Bulgaria sits a once-abandoned cave and sprawling spiritual complex that belonged to the Ancient Thracians around 2,500 years ago.

Locals know the cave as Utroba Cave, aka Womb Cave. It’s one of Sofia’s burgeoning new day trips for visitors.

But why, you might ask, are tourists making the trip from Sofia to Kardzhali to see this womb cave?

The short answer: it really looks like a vulva and it’s got a magical vibe. Welcome to tourism in 2024.

The Womb Cave

Utroba means ‘womb’ in Bulgarian. Today, we know that this cave’s function and history are closely tied to fertility.

But back in 2001 when archaeologists rediscovered the cave, they were basing that title on looks alone. Since then, researchers have flocked to the area to study the cave and try to narrow down its specific functions.

Ancient people had carved the cave’s entrance to simulate a vulva. But that wasn’t all. Scientists also discovered that the inner chambers were carved to resemble a womb.

Once a day, sunlight reflects into the cave to form a phallic shape. And one day out of the year, that reflection pierces the cave’s altar and looks to spew light.

The big question: why?

Early studies of Utroba Cave led archaeologists to discover neighboring sites around the forest.

Though there’s no concrete evidence of what happened in the cave, researchers have a few theories. Some believe it could have been treated as a place of conception, maybe for couples who were struggling to conceive.

Others believe the cave served a more spiritual function (rather than a literal one). Utroba Cave might have been used as a ritual area to store items or even enrich poor soil.

We know that the Ancient Thracians lived for centuries in this part of Bulgaria. In fact, archaeologists have discovered remnants of their poetry and music that date back all the way to 3500 BCE.

Unfortunately, however, many of Bulgaria’s ancient burial sites (many of which were in caves) were plundered. Illegal digging teams have been in search of ancient artifacts from the Thracians, Byzantine Empire, Greeks, Romans, and more.

The ongoing battle to preserve and study these sites isn’t going to end any time soon—but it may well be too late for places like Utroba, which were likely plundered years ago.

Though it’s unclear when, precisely, Utroba Cave was constructed and what exact purpose it served, Bulgarians have readily accepted this ancient landmark. In fact, it’s apparently a common destination for local couples who are having trouble conceiving. Stepping inside the cave together is said to improve fertility.

Visiting Womb Cave from Sofia & Plovdiv

Whether or not you’re having trouble conceiving, I’d highly recommend visiting Utroba Cave. It’s located just outside Karzhali, which isn’t too hard to reach from Sofia or Plovdiv.

Cheap trains run frequently between Sofia and Kardzhali—but they can take up to six hours. Busses are faster, though the views usually aren’t that great.

If you’re heading to the smaller Bulgarian city of Plovdiv, you can also take a short train or bus to Kardzhali. You can even rent a private taxi for around $100, which takes around an hour.

Karzhali is a larger town in southern Bulgaria, which means you can find plenty of lodging and activities. Along with Utroba Cave, the area is home to the ancient ruins of the Perperikon Sanctuary and the Stone Wedding rock formation site.

If you’re heading to the Womb Cave in search of archaeological wonders and historical delights, then don’t miss out on Perperikon or the Stone (or Petrified) Wedding site.

Here are a few shortcuts:

Visiting Utroba

Visiting Perperikon

Visiting the Petrified Wedding Site

Scuba in Bali: How to Dive at Bali’s Karang Lestari Bio-Rock Reef

Bali is one of the world’s most beloved tropical hotspots. This island stands out for its lush greenery, colorful coral reefs, and unique culture, which has delighted visitors for decades.

That being said, if you’ve been to Bali you know that it’s tiny.

Like many other islands, it’s home to beautiful yet fragile natural wonders.

As the number of tourists and tourism infrastructure continues to expand in Bali, there’s a stronger focus on preserving its ecosystem. Along with its mountainous rice paddies and unspoiled jungles, supporting the island’s coral reefs and coastlines is a high priority for locals and visitors alike.

In fact, conservation and tourism go hand in hand in some rare cases.

On Bali, you can enjoy one of the world’s most effective and innovative new conservation projects—one that tourists won’t find elsewhere.

The Karang Lestari Bio-Rock Reef Project in Pemuteran on Bali’s northern coast is an underwater sculpture park that’s been steadily regenerating lost coral reefs. It’s not only one of the best places to dive on the island, but it’s actively helping to rebuild long-lost coral.

Want to scuba in Bali? Look no further.

Scuba in Bali: enter the world of BioRock

At their most basic, underwater sculpture parks provide a literal frame for coral to regrow while also providing divers with a cool experience. These dot the world, from Florida to the Mediterranean.

But that’s just the bare minimum.

Pemuteran, on Bali’s north shore, is rich in shallow reefs. But due to problems like bomb fishing and rising ocean temperatures, the reefs were largely destroyed in the late 1900s.

Only 30% of Bali’s original reefs survive, which has placed a great stress on fishermen who rely on the ocean to make their living.

In order to restore their coral reefs, villagers in Pemuteran decided to take matters into their own hands. In 2001, the municipality of Pemuteran partnered with local stakeholders, dive shops, and government institutions to fund a daring new project.

The idea was simple: use a new technology known as BioRock (also an organization) to restore coral reefs. BioRock uses a minute electrical current that spurs faster coral growth for a variety of species.

With the project in place, local sculptors were hired to create exciting pieces of art for the new underwater coral restoration project. In 2005, Karang Lestari was up and running.

Around a decade later, the UN World Tourism Organization handed Karang Lestari an award for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism. Almost 20 years since the sculptures were first lowered into the shallow waters, many of Karang Lestari’s pieces are covered in vibrant and healthy coral, along with the fish and marine life they protect.

Is it worth visiting?

If I sound obsessed, it’s because I am.

First, because the sculptures are well-done and eye-catching. Even if they weren’t covered in lovely sea life, I’d probably check them out at a gallery.

Second, because the coral growing on these sculptures makes each artwork feel co-created by nature—and who doesn’t love mixed media art?

Third, I like the moral of this story. I personally visited Karang Lestari around ten years ago. Multiple locals involved in the project shared their stories with me. There was a palpable sense of pride in what was happening and the project’s progress.

In fact, Karang Lestari’s success has led to other projects from BioRock Indonesia. If you want to scuba in Bali (or just snorkel), I highly recommend doing so at one of the two BioRock locations on the island. Let’s dig a bit deeper into both options.

How to Visit Karang Lestari & Deus BioRock

Along with Karang Lestari, you can also visit Pejarakan Deus Biorock. Both offer sculpture parks that were built using local innovation and BioRock technology.

Karang Lestari is located in the northern district of Pemuteran. You can check it out on TripAdvisor.

Deus BioRock is located in Gili Trawangan in Pejarakan. This project uses the same BioRock technology as Karang Lestari—but it’s run and organized by different entities. Deus BioRock is named after the motorcycle and art studio that helps fund it, along with The Marine Foundation.

If you’re stuck on choosing between them, I’d say go for Karang Lestari. It’s been around a little bit longer, which means its sculptures are slightly more colorful.

Active & Retired Military: Travel Deals for Military Personnel

There are hundreds of resources available to US veterans and active military members. But they’re not always easy to find and use, especially when it comes to travel offers.

But there are plenty of resources out there designed to simplify the process of finding and using military discounts for flights, tours, hotels, and more.

You might be thinking about the Armed Forces Vacation Club or WeSalute Club (both are solid options). But there’s no need to join a formal club to access savings.

In fact, you can find dozens of offers without joining a travel group.

Below, I cover the best travel deals for military personnel.

The focus is on flights and hotels, which are usually the priciest part of booking a trip. These deals are available from official state-sponsored initiatives and informal discounts offered by leading travel brands.

Let’s dive in.

American Forces Travel: Priceline Meets the DoD

The first stop for all active and retired military members is American Forces Travel. This platform works just like any classic booking site, letting users seek out flights, car rentals, and bundled deals.

There are specific experiences available, too, including cruises and events. This makes it similar to a military travel club—aside from one primary difference.

This platform is the brainchild of the Department of Defense and Priceline’s affiliate program. (It isn’t Priceline—just a partner.) As far as I can tell, this makes it the most robust travel resource for retired and active military members, especially when it comes to flights.

But before you dive in, make sure to read the fine print on the FAQ page. Despite the diverse range of options on American Forces Travel, there seem to be quite a few terms.

Airline Discounts

Airlines (like many other US businesses) show their support for the military by offering discounts to active and retired members. You can find these using platforms like WeSalute—or you can explore for yourself using this list.

Here are the US airlines that offer discounts for active and retired military members:

American Airlines: up to 10% off international and domestic tickets
Alaska Airlines: up to 5% off international flights leaving US and Canada
Hawaiian Airlines: up to 5% off economy seats from US to Hawaii
JetBlue: up to 5% off international and domestic tickets and free phone bookings
Lufthansa: up to 5% off transatlantic flights, plus 5% discount with Austrian, Swiss, and Brussels Airlines
Southwest: Lowest fares offered to veterans and active members
United Airlines: up to 5% off international and domestic tickets

Hotel Discounts

Hotel discounts are varied. They change depending on factors like the height of the season and availability. In other words, companies might not be able to offer discounts when they’re fully booked during the 4^th of July or New Year’s Eve.

That being said, retired and active military members do have quite a few options. Here are some of the best:

Best Western: discounts for military and government personnel in US & Canada
Hilton: Hilton offers discounts to active and retired military, and military families
IHG Hotels (Intercontinental Hotel Group): This massive parent company owns brands like Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites, and many more. There are over 6,000 IHG hotels worldwide—most of which offer discounts to miliary members and even military families
Radisson Hotels: Radisson is part of the US’s Military 1^st Program, which means active and retired members get discounts and room upgrades

Additionally, you might want to look into resorts that are part of the Armed Forces Recreation Centers program. These are easily accessible to families of active and retired military members.

Choose from four locations:

Dragon Hill Lodge (Korea)
Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (Germany)
Hale Koa Resort (Hawaii)
Shades of Green (Walt Disney World, Florida)