#short-term parking Athens Airport

[fivestarparking]

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[katarh-mest]

In Georgia it is awful. My city, Athens, is an hour east of Atlanta.

We have been begging for 30 years to have a short rail connection to the MARTA station 50 miles away in Doraville. It would let us get to the ATL airport without having to take a bus, car, or van. It would let us go to museums, the zoo and the aquarium, and to visit family and friends, without having to use a car. It would free up thousands of cars of traffic from people who commute along that corridor daily.

And the NIMBYs in Gwinnett county keep saying no.

The good news is we're now part of a long term high speed rail plan, finally, but this train line probably won't be built before I'm dead. (This particular line would also let me visit my in-laws in SC without having to use a car on I-85; they could pick us up at the Greenville-Spartanburg airport 5 miles from their house. It would be a bidirectional train for us from Athens at least twice a month, and that's not even touching on being able to go to Charlotte for a weekend!)

I want this so bad. The gas to get to Dunwoody Station (to take the train to the airport) in my car is about $30 round trip. The parking at Dunwoody station is $5 a day. MARTA from Dunwoody to the airport is $5 round trip, per person. So a weekend trip that involves a plane flight is at minimum $50 for two people by car, and goes up from there if we stay longer. That's the cheapest, most hassle option. There are more expensive, less hassle options (van ride to the airport for $120 round trip per person, or airport parking itself for $10/day minimum.)

NOT TO MENTION THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE ON I-85 AND/OR I-285 HELLSCAPES IN THE CURRENT CHEAP SCENARIOS.

If I could get a train ticket to the airport, round trip, for a reasonable rate ($50-75 per person would be swell for high speed) and it could get me there in about an hour, and I could avoid I-85 entirely, I'd pay it in a heartbeat.

I don't think people in the Northeast realize how bad the transit is outside the Northeast. Like let's say you live in Cincinnati and want to visit a friend in Louisville. These 2 cities are about 90 miles apart as the crow flys. Your only options are to drive, take one of 3 daily busses from Greyhound and Baron busses, or fly.

In comparison, if you wanted to get from Baltimore to Philadelphia which are about the same distance, you get 17 daily busses from Flixbus, Megabus, Greyhound, and Peterpan Busses as well as 36 amtraks

[jeannereames]

And how is Greece in terms of security? Is it safe for women traveling alone?

Yup. I personally don’t like to travel by myself, but that’s a preference, not due to fear for my safety in Greece.

There are a couple things to beware of: keep your passport and money well-secreted at all times, especially on the subway from the airport in Athens. It’s a pickpocket extravaganza. Once I got where I was going, I normally didn’t carry my passport around with me, but kept it hidden in whatever place I was staying, or a lockbox in the hotel. But I’ve never been robbed by hotel personnel. Still, some national passports are valuable so watch it. Again, touristy areas are more dangerous for that sort of pick-pocketing.

Greek salesmen (and I do mean men) can be either pushy or ignore you entirely to chat with friends. Occasionally, especially in touristy areas like the Plaka in Athens, I’ve had to tell them to get out of my face. Far more often, you have to hunt somebody down to wait on you, especially NOT in touristy areas. *grin* Also, in restaurants, waiters won’t come to check on you like they do in the US. You have to flag them down. It’s considered rude to hover: so they don’t. Greeks can spend *hours* in a restaurant with friends. *Hours*. Nobody is shoving you out the door.

Greeks do like their public protests, sometimes over relatively minor (by US standards) things. Ha. They take politics seriously. They can actually be fun to watch from a distance.

In short, take the usual precautions--don’t get dead drunk in a club, don’t accept rides from total strangers, etc.--but you’re not heading off into the back of nowhere. :-) Violent crime, especially murder, isn’t much of a problem. Greeks should be more cautious of visiting the US than the reverse. We have idiots here who walk around carrying AK-47s. The only place you see guns in Greece is on the military guys guarding national buildings. Even then, they’re pretty nice. We got lost in Ioannina and accidentally pulled into the parking lot of the 8th Infantry Division (or I think that’s what it was). The two Greek soldiers at the gate were very puzzled by the American chicks in a French rental, but pointed us to where we needed to go. I’m sure we weren’t the first lost tourons they’d seen.

Greece depends on tourism, so it’s pretty safe.

[newstfionline]

Monday, May 24, 2021

Coming population decline (NYT) Maternity wards are shuttering in Italy. Ghost cities are appearing in China. Hundreds of thousands of properties in Germany have been leveled and the land turned into parks. The world’s demographics are changing, pushing toward more deaths than births. Though some countries’ populations continue to grow, fertility rates are falling nearly everywhere else. Demographers now predict that toward the middle of this century, the global population will enter a sustained decline for the first time.

New COVID-19 cases plummet to lowest levels since last June (AP) New coronavirus cases across the United States have tumbled to rates not seen in more than 11 months, sparking optimism. As cases, hospitalizations and deaths steadily dropped this week, pre-pandemic life in America has largely resumed. Hugs and unmasked crowds returned to the White House, a Mardi Gras-style parade marched through Alabama’s port city of Mobile, and even states that have stuck to pandemic-related restrictions readied to drop them. As the seven-day average for new cases dropped below 30,000 per day this week, Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pointed out cases have not been this low since June 18, 2020. The average number of deaths over the last seven days also dropped to 552—a rate not seen since July last year. It’s a dramatic drop since the pandemic hit a devastating crescendo in January.

An IRS refund logjam (WSJ) Taxpayers are encountering unprecedented delays getting refunds, said Laura Saunders at The Wall Street Journal. “A host of problems rooted in the COVID-19 pandemic” has led to a severe backlog at the Internal Revenue Service. The agency is “reviewing about 16 million 2020 returns, mostly because of tax changes last year and in March,” while simultaneously gearing up “to send checks to millions of families” who qualify for upfront child tax credits this summer. Having to delay two annual filing deadlines last year, apply new tax-law changes, and “coordinate 470 million stimulus payments” hasn’t made the IRS’s job easier. Fortunately, the agency will pay 3 percent interest on “most tax refunds issued after April 15,” as long as the return was filed by May 17.

Leaving home: West Virginia population drop is largest in US (AP) After her company told employees in 2017 to start working remotely, customer service representative Haley Miller decided to break from her lifelong home of West Virginia. The beaches of St. Petersburg, Florida, provide a far different view than the mountains of her native state. She is not alone. According to newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau, West Virginia lost a higher percentage of its residents than any other state in the nation. From 2010 to 2020, the population dropped 3.2%, or about 59,000 people. Reasons for leaving vary, but common themes emerge: a lack of opportunity or low pay; not enough to do; a political climate that some find oppressive, and poor cellphone and internet service. About 16% of West Virginia’s residents live in poverty, surpassed only by Arkansas, Kentucky, New Mexico, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Italian cable car plunges to the ground, killing at least 14 (AP) A cable car taking visitors to a mountaintop view of some of northern Italy’s most picturesque lakes plummeted to the ground Sunday and then tumbled down the slope, killing 14 people. The lone survivor, a young child, was hospitalized in serious condition with broken bones, authorities said. Six of the dead were Israeli citizens, including a family of four who lived in Italy, the Israeli foreign ministry said. It wasn’t clear if the other couple was related. The mayor of Stresa, where the incident occurred, said it appeared that a cable broke, sending the car careening until it hit a pylon and then fell to the ground. At that point, the car overturned “two or three times before hitting some trees,” said Mayor Marcella Severino. The car was believed to have fallen around 15 meters (50 feet), according to Italian media. Sunday’s tragedy appeared to be Italy’s worst cable car disaster since 1998 when a low-flying U.S. military jet cut through the cable of a ski lift in Cavalese, in the Dolomites, killing 20 people.

Croatia ready to welcome foreign tourists, hoping they come ROVINJ, Croatia (AP)—Sun loungers are out, beach bars are open and rave music is pumping. Hotels and restaurants are greeting visitors hoping to get a head start on summer after more than a year of coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions. Croatia has widely reopened its stunning Adriatic coastline for foreign tourists, becoming one of the first European countries to drop most of its pandemic measures. Now, the ability of people to go there depends on each country’s travel rules. The mood is relaxed in the Istria region, the northernmost part of the Croatian coast famous for its pebble beaches, thick pine forests, wine and delicacies such as truffles, olive oil, goat cheese and prosciutto. Hardy anyone wears masks on the streets or in restaurants in the picturesque town of Rovinj. Still-standing limits on indoor dining and rules requiring a set amount of distance between tables are rarely observed. “People are fed up with lockdowns,” said Nikola Sandic, a waiter at a seafood restaurant located in a small boat harbor. “They have a glass of wine, watch the sea, and that’s all they need.”

Belarus opposition figure detained when flight diverted (AP) A prominent opponent of Belarus’ authoritarian president was arrested Sunday after the airliner in which he was traveling was diverted to the country after a bomb threat, in what the opposition is calling a hijacking operation by the government. The Ryanair plane was carrying opposition figure Raman Pratasevich and traveling from Athens, Greece, to Vilnius, Lithuania. Deputy air force commander Andrei Gurtsevich said the plane’s crew made the decision to land in Minsk, but Ryanair said in a statement that Belarusian air traffic control instructed the plane to divert to the capital. The Belarusian Interior Ministry said Pratasevich was arrested at the airport. Pratasevich is a co-founder of the Telegram messaging app’s Nexta channel, which Belarus last year declared as extremist after it was used to help organize major protests against Lukashenko. Pratasevich, who had fled the country for Poland, faces charges that could carry a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

In the Russian Arctic, the First Stirrings of a Very Cold War (NYT) Chunky green trucks carry Bastion anti-ship missiles that can be prepared for launch in just five minutes. A barracks building, sealed off from the elements like a space station, accommodates 150 or so soldiers. And a new runway can handle fighter jets, two of which recently buzzed the North Pole. Franz Josef Land, a jumble of glacier-covered islands in the Arctic Ocean named after an Austro-Hungarian emperor, was until a few years ago mostly uninhabited, home to polar bears, walruses, sea birds and little else. But thanks to a warming climate, all that is changing, and quickly. Nowhere on Earth has climate change been so pronounced as in the polar regions. The warming has led to drastic reductions in sea ice, opening up the Arctic to ships during the summer months and exposing Russia to new security threats. As the sea ice melts, Russia is deploying ever more soldiers and equipment to the Far North, becoming essentially the first military to act on the strategic implications of climate change for the region in what some have called the beginnings of a Very Cold War. The Arctic ocean has lost nearly a million square miles of ice and is expected to be mostly ice-free in the summertime, including at the North Pole, by around the middle of the century. “In a sense, Russia is acquiring new external borders that need to be protected from potential aggressors,” the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, a Berlin-based think tank, wrote of Russia’s problem of disappearing ice.

More than 125,000 Myanmar teachers suspended for opposing coup (Reuters) More than 125,000 school teachers in Myanmar have been suspended by the military authorities for joining a civil disobedience movement to oppose the military coup in February, an official of the Myanmar Teachers’ Federation said. The suspensions have come days before the start of a new school year, which some teachers and parents are boycotting as part of the campaign that has paralysed the country since the coup cut short a decade of democratic reforms. Myanmar had 430,000 school teachers according to the most recent data, from two years ago. The disruption at schools echoes that in the health sector and across government and private business since the Southeast Asian country was plunged into chaos by the coup and the arrest of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Around 19,500 university staff have also been suspended, according to the teachers’ group.

Iran says inspectors may no longer get nuclear sites images (AP) Iran’s parliament speaker said Sunday that international inspectors may no longer access surveillance images of the Islamic Republic’s nuclear sites, escalating tensions amid diplomatic efforts in Vienna to save Tehran’s atomic accord with world powers. The comments by Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, aired by state TV, further underscored the narrowing window for the U.S. and others to reach terms with Iran. The Islamic Republic is already enriching and stockpiling uranium at levels far beyond those allowed by its 2015 nuclear deal. “Regarding this, and based on the expiration of the three-month deadline, definitely the International Atomic Energy Agency will not have the right to access images from May 22,” Qalibaf said. May 22 was Saturday.

Life Under Occupation: The Misery at the Heart of the Conflict (NYT) Muhammad Sandouka built his home in the shadow of the Temple Mount before his second son, now 15, was born. They demolished it together, after Israeli authorities decided that razing it would improve views of the Old City for tourists. Mr. Sandouka, 42, a countertop installer, had been at work when an inspector confronted his wife with two options: Tear the house down, or the government would not only level it but also bill the Sandoukas $10,000 for its expenses. Such is life for Palestinians living under Israel’s occupation: always dreading the knock at the front door. The looming removal of six Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem set off a round of protests that helped ignite the latest war between Israel and Gaza. But to the roughly three million Palestinians living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which Israel captured in the 1967 war and has controlled through decades of failed peace talks, the story was exceptional only because it attracted an international spotlight. Even in supposedly quiet periods, when the world is not paying attention, Palestinians from all walks of life routinely experience exasperating impossibilities and petty humiliations, bureaucratic controls that force agonizing choices, and the fragility and cruelty of life under military rule, now in its second half-century.

[pursuingtheplanet]

A low roar makes me jump as I stare over the city. I look up to see the belly of an aeroplane soaring above us. The vibrations are pretty violent, and I almost fear for the ruins surrounding me. After nearly two hours on a coach, this is the Heraklion that greets us: hot, busy, eclectic. Just one of the stops on our tour of Eastern Crete.  

While I understand the need for an early pick up for this particular trip, it doesn’t mean I like it. Thankfully the air is cool at 6:30 am while we wait for our ride, and we are quick to doze off in its cushioned seats. Halfway to our destination we stop at a roadside café in the middle of nowhere. The driver grabs a much needed coffee, while the rest of us make the most of the fresh doughnuts and orange juice on offer. Tummies full and legs stretched, we quickly doze off again for an hour or so until our driver wakes us up by sharply breaking in a car park. This alerts us to our first: no trip to Crete would be complete without a visit to Knossos.

The last time I came here I was four years old. Now, after studying Classical Civilisation and ancient literature as part of my degree, it is a site I have been desperate to revisit. The Sunday morning heat is uncomfortable but the place isn’t manically busy yet; just a few guides marching groups through narrow spots like the ‘Room with the Copies’ and temporarily blocking them. The swallows that are perched and nesting above doorways do make for good entertainment though, especially when they begin dive-bomb unsuspecting tourists below. The place is certainly fascinating however. The grand staircase and royal apartments offer insight into the sheer scale of the site. My musical background draws me the ‘theatre’ where I take a snap with a well-known travel mag to try and get featured (it doesn’t work). The backdrop to the ancient palace is also stunning, rolling hills and lush green trees framing the site, adding to its grandeur. Yet I must confess myself a little disappointed: while the sheer age of the site certainly makes it impressive, there are elements that dim its raw legitimacy. Patches of red paint mark ‘re-creations’, and square windows have been added in during some points of its excavation. I may sound ungrateful, ignorant even to some; don’t get me wrong, I am incredibly grateful for the preservation of the palace, along with other similar sites across the globe. The re-painted frescos across the palace, made to look suitably aged, are very well executed. I guess I just had an image of a palace whose original architecture had been almost completely preserved, or lay in near complete ruin with its age being the focal point, not some hybrid sitting in-between. Some of the more disparaging sights created by other tourists: a man has been employed to sit a particular spot and shout at people attempting to take pictures stood on top of one of many giant urns, and a gentleman is yelled at after wandering around with a cigarette in his mouth. It is a place that I need to come back to in the low season, I feel, away from the tours and masses of tourists that come stomping through the gate just as we are leaving. Away from those that come here just because it is on some list of places to visit or a hotel excursion. And away from the heat.  

Our next stop, however, fulfils any further questions I may have of the site itself; a short drive into the city centre of Héraklion leads us to the Archaeological Museum. The first three rooms immediately grab my attention, the bright lights making all the gold displayed in cabinets glitter. Our guide book states them as “luxury objects from the Neolithic settlement of Knossos and Prepalatial tholos tombs of the Mesara, as well the burial complexes of Malia, Mochlos, and Archanes”. Any grandeur the palace of Knossos may have lost is certainly compensated for within its safely stored treasures, the pinnacle object for me being the Malian golden bee pendant, displaying Minoan taste at its finest.           There is even a stunning replica of the Knossos palace, which can rival Leavesden Studios’ miniature Hogwarts in terms of detail. My favourite element of the museum, however, has to be the Phaistos disc. The earliest known example of Minoan text, the disc is believed of be of a religious nature, possibly a prayer to a Minoan Goddess (thanks to a 2014 study). In the museum though it sits isolated, both sides displayed in a glass cabinet while a single bright bulb shines above it, making the clay almost appear gold and shimmering. I manage to grab a quick snap of it (don’t worry, I’m allowed to), and smile as a little girl with a very expensive looking camera patiently waits for people to move out of the way so that she can get the perfect picture.

Walking beyond these sparkling treasures, I learn that the museum is very strict: some exhibits cannot be photographed since they have not been formally published yet, which is fair enough. It is also amusing to see grown men flinch at a woman’s bark of “be quiet!” when the level of noise in each room gets a little high, the echoing reprimand reminding me of being told off in a school assembly. Though I am glad to not be the subject of her shouts, it does not deter me from getting as close as I can to each exhibit, beautiful frescos such as the ‘Bull-Leaper’ and a stunning Gold Myrtle wreath proving yet more insight into life inside Knossos.              

By the time we’ve finished in the museum, we don’t really have time to explore the city. There is a chance, however, to grab a coffee and the first slice of ‘real’ baklava I’ve encountered since being in Greece. It should seem fitting then that it is the biggest slice I’ve ever seen. Savouring every crumb I can, I’m amazed by the juxtaposition of the city that surrounds me. We’re in the old part of tow, ruins and tired looking buildings dotted around us, while aeroplanes glide low into the nearby airport, vibrations making the air buzz, and giant ferries hum in the port, destined for Athens.  Settling back in our comfy seats for the long drive back, we expect to arrive at our hotel just before dinner. But just an hour into the journey we make an unexpected stop in Réthymno, Crete’s third and ‘middle’ city.                

“We stay here for a bit. No longer than 45 minutes. Go. Go wander.”

We obey our guide and step out into the surprisingly cooler air of the port of Réthymno, dark clouds above us signalling imminent rain, while a chilly breeze is a welcome breath of fresh air. We walk up a slight hill and are suddenly in the old part of town, the small harbour greeting us echoing Chania’s charm and character. We can see a maze of narrow streets ahead of us, but whether it is the early morning finally catching up with us, the extensive travelling, or the Sunday afternoon attitude in the air, suddenly the canopied bars lining the harbour are incredibly inviting. We pick one with comfy sofas right next the lapping water, old ships tethered up to our right, resting for the day before the tours of the coast begin again tomorrow. Orange juice is again the drink of choice, though the choice of food on the menu is extensive. The table next to us have opted for a fresh fish platter, which seems to contain a myriad of shellfish, squid, swordfish, and others that I don’t recognise. It looks fabulous, though the cats loitering next to the table seem to be getting the lion’s share, perhaps due to on being very clearly pregnant. The hum of a Harley accompanies our quiet drink, speeding away as we had back towards our own ride. We spot other restaurants making the most of the quiet time of day before the crowds roll in, setting up stunning displays of today’s offerings, live crab and lobster attempting to scuttle away before their claws are banded shut.  

Relaxing into the last leg of our journey, I try and remember everything I have seen today, all the treasures and artefacts, everything precious and ancient. Suddenly I become very thankful for the guide book we picked up in Héraklion. Yet it is this last stop that has proved to be the most curious, a place that I have seen signposted but never thought of visiting. As we leave Réthymno the heavens open, and I decide I definitely want to come back here, for a meal at least.  

[toldnews-blog]

New Post has been published on https://toldnews.com/sports/worlds-best-yachting-destinations-from-antigua-to-the-whitsundays/

World's best yachting destinations: From Antigua to the Whitsundays

(CNN) — Anchoring in idyllic bays. Slipping into azure waters for a refreshing dip. Warm breeze filling the sails en route to the next enchanted spot. Drinks and dinner on board under the stars. Gentle lapping to loll you to sleep.

And repeat. Day after blissful day.

A sailing holiday is a passport to another — watery — world where land-based worries are blown away on the breeze.

Those with the right qualifications can charter their own boat. Some prefer the help of a skipper and crew, others like to take charge while sailing into a flotilla for shared travel experiences.

However one chooses do it, the life aquatic is not to be missed.

First, however, comes the decision on which tip of the planet to drift towards. Here are some of the best destinations around the world for sailing holidays:

Greece

A sailing odyssey in the Greek islands offers everything from quiet coves to charming harbors.

Spiros Vathis/Flickr

A land lapped by sparkling seas and seemingly more islands than stars in the sky.

With sun-baked beaches, turquoise waters, olive groves, deserted bays, rustic harbors with white-washed houses and spilling bougainvillea, Greece provides the perfect canvas for a sailing odyssey.

The Ionian, with Captain Corelli’s Kefalonia in the south and Gerald Durrell’s Corfu in the north, offers gentle breezes and easy line-of-sight sailing on Greece’s west coast. Charming villages such as Kioni on Ithaca or Fiskardo on Kefalonia are some of the highlights.

The stronger summer meltemi winds of the Cyclades chain to the east of the mainland, with islands such as Mykonos, Ios and the flooded crater of Santorini, offer a challenge to more experienced sailors.

Further east, the Dodecanese islands off the Turkish coast offer a compromise — not quite as windy but still untamed and authentic. From Rhodes north via Kos, Kalimnos, Lipsi and Patmos, the islands provide a snapshot of traditional Greece and as much life or solitude as you can handle.

Another popular area is the Sporades north of Athens, with islands such as Skiathos and the picturesque, tumbling town of Skopelos, the film set for “Mamma Mia.”

Or there is the Saronic Gulf south of Athens, an area of easy sailing and short hops, with highlights such as historic Aegina, romantic Hydra and cosmopolitan Poros.

Getting there: Flights to Preveza for the Ionian; Athens for the Saronic Gulf; Volos for the Sporades; Kos and Rhodes for the Dodecanese; Santorini, Mykonos and a host of local airports for the Cyclades.

Turkey

Buzzing Bodrum on the Gulf of Gokova is at the heart of Turkey’s sailing scene.

Dennis_Patty/Flickr

From isolated, pine-fringed coves to glitzy marinas and jet-set nightlife, the coast of Turkey offers something for every type of sailor. For those who want to truly relax, a traditional wooden gullet crewed by professionals could be the answer.

The epicenter of Turkish sailing is Bodrum, an international resort on the north coast of the Gulf of Gokova. From there easy hops take you to quaint harbors such as Gumusluk, small bays with wooden jetties fronting local restaurants such as Cokertme, or remote inlets such as Amazon Creek with an idyllic, away-from-it-all feel.

The Hisaronu Gulf has charming waterfront towns such as Datca, Selimiye and Bozburun as well as plentiful quiet anchorages. Sailing east past lively Marmaris takes you to the calm waters and gentle sailing in Fethiye Bay, with its scattering of secluded coves, some with a lone, rustic taverna.

At the head of the bay are the bustling towns of Gocek and Fethiye for more restaurants and markets in which to haggle for rugs and local produce.

Getting there: International flights to Bodrum or Dalaman.

Croatia

The Kornati National Park in Croatia is an unspoiled gem away from the crowds.

Dymtrok/Flickr

This Adriatic gem features historic towns, picturesque harbors and smart marinas, isolated anchorages and deserted islands in one neat package in the northern Mediterranean.

Stretching from Pula down to medieval Dubrovnik, Croatia’s coastline offers a wealth of sailing opportunities with reliable afternoon winds and more than 1,100 islands to explore.

The remote Kornati National Park is an unspoiled oasis — so stunning, in fact, it moved author George Bernard Shaw to write that God created the islands “out of tears, stars and breath.”

The Dalmatian coast south of Split contains the islands of Brac, Hvar, Vis and Korcula, the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo. There’s everything from quiet coves and gentle towns to buzzy cosmopolitan Hvar and Dubrovnik-light Korcula.

Beyond the forested island of Mljet lies the jewel in Croatia’s crown: Romantic Dubrovnik, a UNESCO heritage site, with its charming Old Town. It’s also must visit for sailing fans of “Game of Thrones,” much of which was filmed here.

Getting there: International flights to Dubrovnik, Split, Pula, Zadar.

Italy’s Aeolian Islands off Sicily offer a varied voyage among seven distinct islands.

Kuhnmi/Flickr

Sicily, Italy

Lying off Sicily’s northeast coast like a bejeweled pendant are the awe-inspiring Aeolian IsIands.

This rugged volcanic chain, named after Greek wind god Aeolus, features seven spectacular islands.

Jutting out of emerald seas, each has its own personality, from the active cone and black sands of Stromboli and the hot springs of Vulcano, to vibrant Lipari and chic Panarea, to verdant Salina and car-free Alicudi and Stromboli. Lastly, Filicudi was nicknamed “Bone Island” because of the pirates who died there after long sieges.

From historic Tropea on the Italian mainland, sailors can access the beautiful beaches and swimming spots, quiet anchorages and sleepy waterfront towns in which to savor authentic Sicilian cooking.

For those with more time, or flying into the capital Palermo, the enchanting Egadi Islands off Sicily’s northwest tip offer an equally isolated escape. Pretty Favignana is known as the tuna capital of the Mediterranean, while remote Marettimo provides solitude in a stunning setting.

How to get there: Flights to Lamezia Terme Airport or Palermo.

The British Virgin Islands (BVIs), Caribbean

Richard Branson’s Necker Island is one of the British Virgin Islands, a mecca for sailors.

KansasPhoto/Flickr

A sailor’s paradise of warm winds, deep blue seas, blissful beaches and waterside shacks for eating, drinking and soaking up the island vibe. Hurricane Irma caused widespread damage in the region, but yachting and tourism is already bouncing back and the sailing is as good as ever.

Tortola is the main island and the starting point for exploring the host of outlying islands and cays, with spectacular scenery, sheltered anchorages and superb snorkeling.

There’s Virgin Gorda, with its dramatic rock formations at The Baths; Jost van Dyke, the smallest of the four main islands, with famous joints such as Foxy’s and the Soggy Dollar Bar; the coral atoll of Anegada with sunken shipwrecks and spectacular sea life; and Norman Island, said to be the inspiration for the novel “Treasure Island.”

Soggy Dollar Bar, White Bay, Jost van Dyke, British Virgin Islands; +1 284 495 9888

Foxy’s, Great Harbour, Jost van Dyke, BVI; +1 284 442 3074

How to get there: Flights to Beef Island Airport, Tortola or to St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and take a ferry to Road Town.

Antigua, Caribbean

Antigua is reputed to have 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, so what better way to explore them all than by boat? The warm, gentle trade winds, turquoise waters and oh-so picturesque anchorages make it a sailor’s idyll at the heart of the Leeward Islands.

Ashore, historic Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour is the throbbing heart, but further afield you’ll find waterside dining for all budgets and lively rum bars, perfect for a famous “jump up” — a dance session to the rhythm of steel drums.

Sister island Barbuda — 40 miles to the north — has more birds than people and offers a gentler pace with pink sands and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling.

The famous Antigua Sailing Week regatta is a melting pot for sailors looking for competitive racing and punishing partying.

How to get there: Flights to VC Bird International Airport, Antigua.

Steady trade winds, beautiful beaches and good harbors make Antigua synonymous with sailing.

Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com

Windward Islands, Caribbean

Take a deep breath and inhale the exotic scent of spices drifting on the breeze. With reliable winds and blue-water passages, white-sand beaches and dazzling reefs, colorful towns and verdant hillsides, the Windward Islands will reward sailors looking for a true Caribbean adventure.

From pretty St George’s on lush Grenada, known as the “Spice Isle,” at the southern end of chain, you can easily hop to Carriacou, Petite Martinique and Petit St. Vincent.

The prevailing winds during the sailing season blow from the north east so many opt for a one-way passage south from St Lucia, starting at lively Rodney Bay before sampling the beaches and pointy Pitons of the verdant island.

Cruising further south, there’s Saint Vincent, the popular Admiralty Bay on the S-shaped Bequia (pronounced bekway), upmarket Canouan, tiny Mayreau lapped by aquamarine waters, and the spectacular reefs of the Tobago Cays Marine Park.

How to get there: Flights to St Lucia or Grenada.

Tobago Cays is an idyllic destination in the Windward Islands.

_dChris/Flickr

Bahamas

More than 700 coral cays stretch like a necklace into azure seas from the southeast coast of Florida. Gentle trade winds, sheltered waters and myriad marine life make the Bahamas an ideal destination for families and the less experienced.

The Abacos are the epicenter of Bahamian sailing with the lively Marsh Harbour as the base from which to explore the 120-mile chain of islands.

One day you can anchor off a pristine beach with crystal clear water such as Treasure Cay, the next moor up in one of the small colonial-era towns such Hope Town on Elbow Cay and New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay.

Further afield the pink sand beaches on Eleuthera or the 365 cays of the Exuma group offer endless opportunities for exploring and relaxation.

The big-game fishing, and diving at sites such as Dean’s Blue Hole, the Abacos Train Wreck and the USS Adirondack is also spectacular.

How to get there: Flights to Marsh Harbour, Treasure Cay or Nassau.

The Bahamas offers gentle sailing, spectacular beaches and pretty towns among its myriad cays and islands.

Chip Gallent/Flickr

Thailand

White-sand beaches backed by swaying palms and jungle, sheer limestone towers jutting out of jade-colored seas and exotic flora and fauna are just some of the treats on offer on a sailing trip to Thailand.

From thumping Phuket, yachts push east into Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea to explore this mostly undeveloped region dotted by technicolor coral reefs, remote fishing villages and world-famous beaches and honey pots such as Maya Bay, the location for the film “The Beach,” James Bond Island and the world-renowned Phi Phi islands.

Add in friendly locals — Thailand is the “Land of Smiles” after all — and fragrant cuisine and you have the ingredients for zesty Asian adventure.

How to get there: International flights to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or Phuket.

Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea offers exotic sailing amid spectacular scenery.

The Moorings

Seychelles

The ultimate Instagram boast, Seychelles is a sailor’s paradise in the Indian Ocean.

Lying 1,000 miles off the East African coast, the archipelago offers the full castaway experience among 115 isolated islands dotted across aquamarine seas. The main yacht charter area is focused on the inner islands around the forested Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.

Decent winds, warm water, snow-white beaches, kaleidoscopic coral and exotic wildlife, such as giant tortoises, coconut crabs and whale sharks, make the Seychelles a Shangri-la for sailors.

From the main island of Mahe, yachties can island hop from one idyllic bay to another, mooring off brochure-worthy beaches such as Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette before a peaceful night at anchor under the stars.

How to get there: Flights to Seychelles International Airport on Mahe.

The Seychelles is a Shangri-La for sailors.

Jerome Kelagopian/The Moorings

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Just the words French Polynesia are enough to conjure images of swaying palms, crystal-clear lagoons, blissful beaches and fringing reefs teeming with marine life.

The islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine, Tahaa and swooned-over Bora Bora and are just the highlights of this exotic 118-island chain in the South Pacific.

With balmy trade winds, a consistent climate and a combination of sheltered waters behind the reefs and more exciting open-water passages between islands, French Polynesia is a watery world like no other.

Everyone from the artist Paul Gauguin to sailors, divers, snorkelers, sun-bathers and canoodlers are enchanted by the contrasts of turquoise seas, emerald mountains and cobalt skies of the Tahiti region.

How to get there: International flights to Papeete-Tahiti, hop to Raiatea.

Tahiti offers the quintessential South Pacifc vision of aquamarine water, powder-white beaches and palms trees.

Audrey Svoboda/Tahiti Tourism

Tonga, South Pacific

This Polynesian kingdom of more than 170 palm-covered islands is a sailing gem in the South Pacific.

Fewer than half of the islands are inhabited, meaning a voyage into the blue offers a true get-away-from-it-all experience.

Picturesque Vava’u, with myriad islets, lagoons and coral reefs, is the starting point, either for quick hops or longer open-water passages to deserted tropical beaches and idyllic anchorages.

Itineraries might take in beautiful Hunga Lagoon, a sunken volcanic crater, or unspoiled Port Maurelle Bay on Kapa, or friendly Lape where the locals are inclined to lavish you with a traditional Tongan feast.

It’s the stuff of quintessential South Pacific dreams, with world-class diving and snorkeling, sport fishing and humpback whale watching thrown in as standard.

How to get there: International flights to Fua’amotu Airport on Tongatapu followed by domestic shuttle 150 miles north to Lupepau’u Airport on Vava’u. Or via Nadi on Fiji.

Whitehaven Beach in Australia’s Whitsunday Islands is world famous.

Tourism and Events Queensland

Whitsundays, Australia:

Between the coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef snuggles Australia’s very own chain of 74 tropical islands.

There’s the famous Whitehaven Beach, a jaw-dropping curve of powder-white sand, world-class resorts on Hamilton and Hayman Islands and reefs teeming with life.

From Shute Harbour near bouncing Airlie Beach, you can disappear into a blissful bubble of exhilarating sailing, remote beaches, sublime snorkeling and snug anchorages in jungle-backed bays perfect for evening sundowners on deck.

For those just after a quick taste of paradise, plenty of ex-America’s Cup and former racing yachts take tourists and backpackers on short overnight cruises to sample the silica sands of Whitehaven, the sublime views from Hill Inlet and possibly spot some whales migrating along the east coast of Australia.

How to get there: International flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, domestic flights to Proserpine or Hamilton Island.

[abbiegoesabroad-blog]

The spring break that I probably didn’t need, but am glad I took

Somehow the halfway point of my semester abroad has already hit and passed. Time is moving so quickly I don’t even think that I can keep up. I feel like I still have so much to do and see before I head home in May. The silver lining of this fact is that with the halfway point in the semester, comes spring break. Although I love living in and exploring Rome, I also like to take advantage of the cheap travel that being in Europe offers. So I packed ten days worth of my life into one carry-on suitcase (the downside of cheap flights here is that you’re only allowed a carry on), and set off for yet another European adventure.

Part one: Berlin, Germany

In all honesty, I booked a flight to Berlin because it was the most interesting place of the cheap options. Randomly booking this flight was probably in my top-five of the best decisions of my life (may or may not be a slight exaggeration).  Anyway I pretty much loved every second in Berlin. My flight landed mid-day and already people were drinking beer at the airport. This was my first impression of Germans and it did not disappoint.

The first thing that I did in Berlin was go on a walking tour. During this tour I saw all the main sights, everything from the Brandenburg gate to the Berlin wall and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. During the tour I learned a lot that I didn’t know about Berlin, especially during the cold war era. There were actually two walls separating the city, with a little no-man’s-land in between. The sections of those walls that still remain today were pretty disappointing. I expected it to be taller, or more exciting in some way or another.

Our tour guide told us that seeing the wall often has the “Mona Lisa effect” on tourists because everyone is excited to see it, and then disappointed when they do. 

The Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe was incredible. It takes up this massive block of space in the middle of the city and is comprised of hundreds of blocks/weird rectangular things. It’s pretty eerie to walk through it because first off, you have to do it alone, it’s not big enough for two people to walk side by side. It’s simple, all the blocks are spread out on a perfect grid. The height of each block varies, along with the ground. As I was walking through, I felt uncomfortable. For me, the sound was the weirdest part. There were a number of people of all ages throughout the memorial. Kids would run through it and I’d hear their laughter and then suddenly I wouldn’t. I think if the desired effect of the memorial was to make people alone, or disconnected from society, then it’s a huge success.

There are no words or dates surrounding the memorial (besides a small plaque stating the rules of the monuments). However, there is a museum underground dedicated to the Jews of the holocaust that helps give an identity to the victims. I could probably write this entire blog about the museum itself. Instead of doing that, I’ll write about my favorite room. After reading about the events leading up to the holocaust, you’re lead into a dark room with brightly lit screens on the floor. Each screen features letters and diary entries from victims of the holocaust, they show a scan of the physical copy, the English translation, and a little footnote of the person along with where the writing was found. In my opinion this was the most personal of all the rooms and most of the letters were hard to read. My visit to the memorial was definitely a reality check. Most of the time I feel like I’m living a dream since I’ve been abroad, and I like to think that I’m at least relatively aware of how lucky I am to have the opportunities that I’ve had this semester. However, the trip to the memorial reminded me that not only am I lucky to be able to study abroad, but am also lucky for the treatment I receive from my government and for the rights that I usually take for granted.

This shot that I got is slightly misleading as the ground looks even when it really was not. 

Another thing that I enjoyed in Berlin was going to its famous Mauer Park flea market. Every single Sunday hundreds of people set up their tents and sell everything from handmade necklaces to used German steins. It was my favorite environment to be in because there was different music playing throughout the whole park. At the entrance was a full band, as I waked further in there were a few other street performers, and a few tents playing music. The flea market was crowded. Despite this I loved making my way from tent to tent to see what people had to offer. There were a few tents selling records and I was disappointed in my inability to ensure a safe return for any potential records, so I had to just admire without buying anything.

Although I can’t pinpoint a single moment that I decided that I wanted to live in Berlin at some point in my life, I think the idea may have come to me while I was in Mauer Park. It was such a neat spot because locals and tourists alike came to the same place and I could see myself spending every Sunday here someday.

I didn’t take too many pictures at Mauer Park because I was too busy taking it all in, but far off in the back you can see the flea market tents.

I stood for a decent amount of time just watching different people cover various sections of the wall with new designs.

I could write another couple thousand words about how Berlin was amazing and the food was amazing and the beer was amazing and how I didn’t even know exactly how German I was until I actually spent some time here. But I’ll end the Berlin portion of this update with a picture of me at the Marx-Engels forum.

My inner sociology nerd (which is basically every part of me) found this picture necessary.

Part 2: Athens, Greece

Halfway through spring break I flew from Berlin to Athens, which wasn’t my final stop of spring break. However, I did have a little under 24 hours to spend in Athens so I packed it with as much as I could do. After checking into my hostel (thank god I had my passport with me), I went out to see the city.

The first thing that I noticed was how cheap everything was. Gyros off the street were only €2, and I’m pretty sure I could have eaten them for the rest of my life. As any place with tourists, there were a million souvenir stands and shops all over. Everywhere that I’ve went so far on this trip I’ve gotten a shot glass to remember the city (Side note: my collection of shot glasses before I left was at 3, when I get home it’ll be a little bigger). My Athens shot glass was literally €1. All the cheap options were a nice break from what I’ve paid in other cities. It also made me feel like I could live there just based off of the price of things.

What I did manage to squeeze into my short stay in Athens was a fish pedicure and visit to the Acropolis. The fish pedicure was weird to say the least. In theory, it was really cool and interesting to watch the fish latch on to my feet. On the other hand, it felt like a bunch of bugs were crawling all over me.

I did leave with super soft feet and a picture as proof that I did it. 

The morning of my flight to Mykonos I made the hike up the Acropolis. There are so many things that I could say about the hour or so I spent up there. First off, no matter where I go, or how many cool views of cities I see, I’m still amazed at seeing places from another level. The acropolis was no exception. The temples were impressively huge and I wish I had more time to fully appreciate them. The best thing about getting up there first thing in the morning was that there weren’t as many people there. Even in the short amount of time that elapsed while I was there, the amount of people making the hike and joining us at the top grew quickly. I tried to picture what the place looks like in the middle of weekend day in the summer and appreciated it being March.

I had to say a quick goodbye to everything that Athens has to offer and make my way back to the airport. After this I boarded a plane that showed me the quickest flight I’ve ever had (I didn’t even have time to play a full album), and I landed in Mykonos.

Part 3: Mykonos, Greece

When I was in the planning stages of spring break I think I had a picture in my head of how each stop was going to go. The first stop was going to be an adventure with things to do from start to finish, as would probably be the Athens stop. The plan was to end spring break with a few days on a beautiful island, spending the days on the beach. Mykonos technically held up to this expectation, as it was a beautiful island that gave me breathtaking views, and I did technically spend my days on the beach. The thing is, when I picture spending days on the beach, I think hot, sunny, and lively and in that aspect Mykonos did not deliver.

Side note before I continue: Mykonos definitely delivered in terms of beautiful sunsets.

On our first night we had to walk 30 minutes each way to get dinner, as it was still ‘off-season’ for tourists, most of the restaurants were not open. This theme pretty much stuck with us the whole weekend as all the businesses were undergoing their renovations for the new season. Although this was a little disappointing, I liked being able to see everyone get ready for the tourists. People were working hard everywhere we went. There would be people painting the famous white lines on the streets, or cleaning their shops through the nights.

The weather might have been okay, but the wind made any possible beach laying out unbearable. Instead I rented an ATV and explored the island that way. This was definitely more adventurous and let me see more of the island than I would have if I had just gone to the closest beach every day.

There are a couple of different ways I can look at my couple days in Mykonos. On one hand it was the worst part of my spring break because I had to eat at the same restaurant for three different meals. On the other hand, my pictures turned out great because no one was there to ruin them (which has happened a lot this semester). On top of the great pictures, I got a sort-of “behind-the-scenes” look at Mykonos. There was a spirit of excitement among everyone that was easily shared, and kept me in a good mood for my last few days of spring break.

Probably the most common sight of Mykonos when visiting in March

[gtfovacations-blog]

World's best sailing destinations

(CNN) — Anchoring in idyllic bays. Slipping into azure waters for a refreshing dip. Warm breeze filling the sails en route to the next enchanted spot. Drinks and dinner on board under the stars. Gentle lapping to loll you to sleep. And repeat. Day after blissful day. A sailing holiday is a passport to another -- watery -- world where land-based worries are blown away on the breeze. Those with the right qualifications can charter their own boat. Some prefer the help of a skipper and crew, others like to take charge while sailing into a flotilla for shared experiences. However one chooses do it, the life aquatic is not to be missed. First, however, comes the decision on which tip of the planet to drift towards. Here are some of the finest destinations on the planet for sailing holidays: Greece A land lapped by sparkling seas and seemingly more islands than stars in the sky. With sun-baked beaches, turquoise waters, olive groves, deserted bays, rustic harbors with white-washed houses and spilling bougainvillea, Greece provides the perfect canvas for a sailing odyssey. The Ionian, with Captain Corelli's Kefalonia in the south and Gerald Durrell's Corfu in the north, offers gentle breezes and easy line-of-sight sailing on Greece's west coast. Charming villages such as Kioni on Ithaca or Fiskardo on Kefalonia are some of the highlights. The stronger summer meltemi winds of the Cyclades chain to the east of the mainland, with islands such as Mykonos, Ios and the flooded crater of Santorini, offer a challenge to more experienced sailors. Further east, the Dodecanese islands off the Turkish coast offer a compromise -- not quite as windy but still untamed and authentic. From Rhodes north via Kos, Kalimnos, Lipsi and Patmos, the islands provide a snapshot of traditional Greece and as much life or solitude as you can handle. Another popular area is the Sporades north of Athens, with islands such as Skiathos and the picturesque, tumbling town of Skopelos, the film set for "Mamma Mia." Or there is the Saronic Gulf south of Athens, an area of easy sailing and short hops, with highlights such as historic Aegina, romantic Hydra and cosmopolitan Poros. Getting there: Flights to Preveza for the Ionian; Athens for the Saronic Gulf; Volos for the Sporades; Kos and Rhodes for the Dodecanese; Santorini, Mykonos and a host of local airports for the Cyclades. Turkey From isolated, pine-fringed coves to glitzy marinas and jet-set nightlife, the coast of Turkey offers something for every type of sailor. For those who want to truly relax, a traditional wooden gullet crewed by professionals could be the answer. The epicenter of Turkish sailing is Bodrum, an international resort on the north coast of the Gulf of Gokova. From there easy hops take you to quaint harbors such as Gumusluk, small bays with wooden jetties fronting local restaurants such as Cokertme, or remote inlets such as Amazon Creek with an idyllic, away-from-it-all feel. The Hisaronu Gulf has charming waterfront towns such as Datca, Selimiye and Bozburun as well as plentiful quiet anchorages. Sailing east past lively Marmaris takes you to the calm waters and gentle sailing in Fethiye Bay, with its scattering of secluded coves, some with a lone, rustic taverna. At the head of the bay are the bustling towns of Gocek and Fethiye for more restaurants and markets in which to haggle for rugs and local produce. Getting there: International flights to Bodrum or Dalaman. Croatia This Adriatic gem features historic towns, picturesque harbors and smart marinas, isolated anchorages and deserted islands in one neat package in the northern Mediterranean. Stretching from Pula down to medieval Dubrovnik, Croatia's coastline offers a wealth of sailing opportunities with reliable afternoon winds and more than 1,100 islands to explore. The remote Kornati National Park is an unspoiled oasis -- so stunning, in fact, it moved author George Bernard Shaw to write that God created the islands "out of tears, stars and breath." The Dalmatian coast south of Split contains the islands of Brac, Hvar, Vis and Korcula, the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo. There's everything from quiet coves and gentle towns to buzzy cosmopolitan Hvar and Dubrovnik-light Korcula. Beyond the forested island of Mljet lies the jewel in Croatia's crown: Romantic Dubrovnik, a UNESCO heritage site, with its charming Old Town. It's also must visit for sailing fans of "Game of Thrones," much of which was filmed here. Getting there: International flights to Dubrovnik, Split, Pula, Zadar. Sicily, Italy Lying off Sicily's northeast coast like a bejeweled pendant are the awe-inspiring Aeolian IsIands. This rugged volcanic chain, named after Greek wind god Aeolus, features seven spectacular islands. Jutting out of emerald seas, each has its own personality, from the active cone and black sands of Stromboli and the hot springs of Vulcano, to vibrant Lipari and chic Panarea, to verdant Salina and car-free Alicudi and Stromboli. Lastly, Filicudi was nicknamed "Bone Island" because of the pirates who died there after long sieges. From historic Tropea on the Italian mainland, sailors can access the beautiful beaches and swimming spots, quiet anchorages and sleepy waterfront towns in which to savor authentic Sicilian cooking. For those with more time, or flying into the capital Palermo, the enchanting Egadi Islands off Sicily's northwest tip offer an equally isolated escape. Pretty Favignana is known as the tuna capital of the Mediterranean, while remote Marettimo provides solitude in a stunning setting. How to get there: Flights to Lamezia Terme Airport or Palermo. The British Virgin Islands (BVIs), Caribbean A sailor's paradise of warm winds, deep blue seas, blissful beaches and waterside shacks for eating, drinking and soaking up the island vibe. Hurricane Irma caused widespread damage in the region, but yachting and tourism is already bouncing back and the sailing is as good as ever. Tortola is the main island and the starting point for exploring the host of outlying islands and cays, with spectacular scenery, sheltered anchorages and superb snorkeling. There's Virgin Gorda, with its dramatic rock formations at The Baths; Jost van Dyke, the smallest of the four main islands, with famous joints such as Foxy's and the Soggy Dollar Bar; the coral atoll of Anegada with sunken shipwrecks and spectacular sea life; and Norman Island, said to be the inspiration for the novel "Treasure Island." Soggy Dollar Bar, White Bay, Jost van Dyke, British Virgin Islands; +1 284 495 9888 Foxy's, Great Harbour, Jost van Dyke, BVI; +1 284 442 3074 How to get there: Flights to Beef Island Airport, Tortola or to St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and take a ferry to Road Town. Antigua, Caribbean Antigua is reputed to have 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, so what better way to explore them all than by boat? The warm, gentle trade winds, turquoise waters and oh-so picturesque anchorages make it a sailor's idyll at the heart of the Leeward Islands. Ashore, historic Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour is the throbbing heart, but further afield you'll find waterside dining for all budgets and lively rum bars, perfect for a famous "jump up" -- a dance session to the rhythm of steel drums. Sister island Barbuda -- 40 miles to the north -- has more birds than people and offers a gentler pace with pink sands and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. The famous Antigua Sailing Week regatta is a melting pot for sailors looking for competitive racing and punishing partying. How to get there: Flights to VC Bird International Airport, Antigua. Windward Islands, Caribbean Take a deep breath and inhale the exotic scent of spices drifting on the breeze. With reliable winds and blue-water passages, white-sand beaches and dazzling reefs, colorful towns and verdant hillsides, the Windward Islands will reward sailors looking for a true Caribbean adventure. From pretty St George's on lush Grenada, known as the "Spice Isle," at the southern end of chain, you can easily hop to Carriacou, Petite Martinique and Petit St. Vincent. The prevailing winds during the sailing season blow from the north east so many opt for a one-way passage south from St Lucia, starting at lively Rodney Bay before sampling the beaches and pointy Pitons of the verdant island. Cruising further south, there's Saint Vincent, the popular Admiralty Bay on the S-shaped Bequia (pronounced bekway), upmarket Canouan, tiny Mayreau lapped by aquamarine waters, and the spectacular reefs of the Tobago Cays Marine Park. How to get there: Flights to St Lucia or Grenada. Bahamas More than 700 coral cays stretch like a necklace into azure seas from the southeast coast of Florida. Gentle trade winds, sheltered waters and myriad marine life make the Bahamas an ideal destination for families and the less experienced. The Abacos are the epicenter of Bahamian sailing with the lively Marsh Harbour as the base from which to explore the 120-mile chain of islands. One day you can anchor off a pristine beach with crystal clear water such as Treasure Cay, the next moor up in one of the small colonial-era towns such Hope Town on Elbow Cay and New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay. Further afield the pink sand beaches on Eleuthera or the 365 cays of the Exuma group offer endless opportunities for exploring and relaxation. The big-game fishing, and diving at sites such as Dean's Blue Hole, the Abacos Train Wreck and the USS Adirondack is also spectacular. How to get there: Flights to Marsh Harbour, Treasure Cay or Nassau. Thailand White-sand beaches backed by swaying palms and jungle, sheer limestone towers jutting out of jade-colored seas and exotic flora and fauna are just some of the treats on offer on a sailing trip to Thailand. From thumping Phuket, yachts push east into Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea to explore this mostly undeveloped region dotted by technicolor coral reefs, remote fishing villages and world-famous beaches and honey pots such as Maya Bay, the location for the film "The Beach," James Bond Island and the world-renowned Phi Phi islands. Add in friendly locals -- Thailand is the "Land of Smiles" after all -- and fragrant cuisine and you have the ingredients for zesty Asian adventure. How to get there: International flights to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport or Phuket. Seychelles The ultimate Instagram boast, Seychelles is a sailor's paradise in the Indian Ocean. Lying 1,000 miles off the East African coast, the archipelago offers the full castaway experience among 115 isolated islands dotted across aquamarine seas. The main yacht charter area is focused on the inner islands around the forested Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Decent winds, warm water, snow-white beaches, kaleidoscopic coral and exotic wildlife, such as giant tortoises, coconut crabs and whale sharks, make the Seychelles a Shangri-la for sailors. From the main island of Mahe, yachties can island hop from one idyllic bay to another, mooring off brochure-worthy beaches such as Anse Source d'Argent, Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette before a peaceful night at anchor under the stars. How to get there: Flights to Seychelles International Airport on Mahe. Tahiti, French Polynesia Just the words French Polynesia are enough to conjure images of swaying palms, crystal-clear lagoons, blissful beaches and fringing reefs teeming with marine life. The islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine, Tahaa and swooned-over Bora Bora and are just the highlights of this exotic 118-island chain in the South Pacific. With balmy trade winds, a consistent climate and a combination of sheltered waters behind the reefs and more exciting open-water passages between islands, French Polynesia is a watery world like no other. Everyone from the artist Paul Gauguin to sailors, divers, snorkelers, sun-bathers and canoodlers are enchanted by the contrasts of turquoise seas, emerald mountains and cobalt skies of the Tahiti region. How to get there: International flights to Papeete-Tahiti, hop to Raiatea. Tonga, South Pacific This Polynesian kingdom of more than 170 palm-covered islands is a sailing gem in the South Pacific. Fewer than half of the islands are inhabited, meaning a voyage into the blue offers a true get-away-from-it-all experience. Picturesque Vava'u, with myriad islets, lagoons and coral reefs, is the starting point, either for quick hops or longer open-water passages to deserted tropical beaches and idyllic anchorages. Itineraries might take in beautiful Hunga Lagoon, a sunken volcanic crater, or unspoiled Port Maurelle Bay on Kapa, or friendly Lape where the locals are inclined to lavish you with a traditional Tongan feast. It's the stuff of quintessential South Pacific dreams, with world-class diving and snorkeling, sport fishing and humpback whale watching thrown in as standard. How to get there: International flights to Fua'amotu Airport on Tongatapu followed by domestic shuttle 150 miles north to Lupepau'u Airport on Vava'u. Or via Nadi on Fiji. Whitsundays, Australia: Between the coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef snuggles Australia's very own chain of 74 tropical islands. There's the famous Whitehaven Beach, a jaw-dropping curve of powder-white sand, world-class resorts on Hamilton and Hayman Islands and reefs teeming with life. From Shute Harbour near bouncing Airlie Beach, you can disappear into a blissful bubble of exhilarating sailing, remote beaches, sublime snorkeling and snug anchorages in jungle-backed bays perfect for evening sundowners on deck. For those just after a quick taste of paradise, plenty of ex-America's Cup and former racing yachts take tourists and backpackers on short overnight cruises to sample the silica sands of Whitehaven, the sublime views from Hill Inlet and possibly spot some whales migrating along the east coast of Australia. How to get there: International flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, domestic flights to Proserpine or Hamilton Island. Read the full article

[simpleology1]

Seeking a furnished seaview house close to Athens International…

Seeking a furnished seaview house close to Athens International…

Seeking a furnished seaview house close to Athens International airport or a villa is not straightforward.

Seeking a fully equipped seaview apartment close to Athens International airport or a hotel isn’t simple. We present you a good group of these flats, houses, villas which were selected by our best collaborators in places such as Artemida, Vraona, Spata, Markopoulo, Rafina and other residential areas close to the airport.

Welcome to the first and most specialized short-term house rental service in Greece. By selecting us, you’ll have the possibility to experience a unique stay in one of the fully equipped and furnished residences we’ve available near Athens International airport. In a nutshell, flats, villas and all our houses, including studios, join:

A large number of alternatives in perfect places. Here you can locate a full selection of residential services with total privacy & flexibility, exceptional aesthetics and consistently excellent value for money close to the sea and near Athens International airport. The main edge of my house is the place: 2km (3 minutes by car) from the closest beach, the large sandy beach of “8th bus station” and also 3 km from several magnificent beaches and the center of Artemida. Practically with a vehicle or a 3,5 – 5 EUR cab you’re everywhere in within 3-5 minutes.

As I understand very well how pleasant is to be served I’m passionate about servicing individuals.

Used to travel and work in a variety of countries giving folks my services all time through. Want to sail, enjoy the Greek way lifestyle and always with pals and pleasant firm.

Important Links:- https://goo.gl/Boi3V4 https://goo.gl/Ejl64u https://goo.gl/HK0XQy https://goo.gl/kJKEJd

The region around Athens International airport and the way you can gain The sea is shallow so makes it perfect for families with little kids while the shore. What there are facilities with chairs/umbrellas / showers, numerous café and restaurants.

Okay, everyone comes here for the shore but what about the town? The coastal ave is full of eateries, cafes and stores and during high season hundreds of cars looking for a free place for parking. Folks of Athens started to come for the shoreline due to the proximity with all the capital although it’s amazing the this was only a small village until the late 70s. Working class people started to build summer houses here and in our days the town has about 18.500 permanent inhabitants, so now is one of the largest towns in east Attica. It’s not anymore merely a summer resort but the commercial epicenter of the general place that additionally contain Spata town.

The general region include several rural areas full of wineries.

The ones that aren’t interested about the shore they better drive to Vraona.

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Seeking a furnished seaview house close to Athens International airport or a villa is not straightforward.

Seeking a fully equipped seaview apartment close to Athens International airport or a hotel isn't simple. We present you a good group of these flats, houses, villas which were selected by our best collaborators in places such as Artemida, Vraona, Spata, Markopoulo, Rafina and other residential areas close to the airport. Welcome to the first and most specialized short-term house rental service in Greece. By selecting us, you'll have the possibility to experience a unique stay in one of the fully equipped and furnished residences we've available near Athens International airport. In a nutshell, flats, villas and all our houses, including studios, join: A large number of alternatives in perfect places. Here you can locate a full selection of residential services with total privacy & flexibility, exceptional aesthetics and consistently excellent value for money close to the sea and near Athens International airport. The main edge of my house is the place: 2km (3 minutes by car) from the closest beach, the large sandy beach of "8th bus station" and also 3 km from several magnificent beaches and the center of Artemida. Practically with a vehicle or a 3,5 - 5 EUR cab you're everywhere in within 3-5 minutes. As I understand very well how pleasant is to be served I'm passionate about servicing individuals. Used to travel and work in a variety of countries giving folks my services all time through. Want to sail, enjoy the Greek way lifestyle and always with pals and pleasant firm. Important Links:- https://goo.gl/Boi3V4 https://goo.gl/Ejl64u https://goo.gl/HK0XQy https://goo.gl/kJKEJd The region around Athens International airport and the way you can gain The sea is shallow so makes it perfect for families with little kids while the shore. What there are facilities with chairs/umbrellas / showers, numerous café and restaurants. Okay, everyone comes here for the shore but what about the town? The coastal ave is full of eateries, cafes and stores and during high season hundreds of cars looking for a free place for parking. Folks of Athens started to come for the shoreline due to the proximity with all the capital although it’s amazing the this was only a small village until the late 70s. Working class people started to build summer houses here and in our days the town has about 18.500 permanent inhabitants, so now is one of the largest towns in east Attica. It’s not anymore merely a summer resort but the commercial epicenter of the general place that additionally contain Spata town. The general region include several rural areas full of wineries. The ones that aren't interested about the shore they better drive to Vraona.

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