Reading poolside at the Andaz Scottsdale Arizona Books to Read on Vacation - Summer Reading List

Books to Read on Vacation: Summer Reading List 2019

July 7, 2019 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 30 comments

Now that summer is here, one of the essential questions I am always thinking about is . . . what books to read on vacation!

Sure, I have a bunch of items that I take with me on pretty much every trip, and they are mostly clothing and accessories. But no airline flight or beach relaxation for me is complete without a good book to keep me company.

Or better yet, a fully loaded e-reader to have a compact way of taking as many summer reading books as I want!

When I travel, I always like to read at least one book that is set in my destination. And since vacation is a time to relax, I also like reading some lighter reads – from romance to thrillers to laugh-out-loud memoirs. Maybe even take the distance from home and a clear mind to devour something interesting that is non-fiction.

Reading my Kindle at the Andaz Scottsdale Arizona Books to Read on Vacation - Summer Reading List 2019 — Reading my Kindle at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows in Arizona

The list below has a little bit of something for everyone, and is organized into categories, so you can jump ahead to whatever sections speak to you!

Here are my top picks for summer reading this year:

Books to Read on Vacation: Romance

Red, White & Royal Blue

by Casey McQuiston

This one sounds absolutely adorable. The son of the US president has a confrontation with the Prince of Wales, and then the fake friendship they portray (for damage control in the media) turns into love. If you like politics, or royals, or just enjoy reading about two people falling for each other despite difficult circumstances, this is the book to bring with you to the beach.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

The Bride Test

by Helen Hoang

I had so much fun last summer reading the first book in this series, The Kiss Quotient, that I’m excited to have a follow-up novel to read so quickly. The main character in this book was a side character in the previous book, although the story line seems to be similar with unrequited love and family meddling woven together into a single story.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler

by Kelly Harms

The plot is simple enough – a single mom escapes to the big city (without her kids) for the summer and finds a love interest that turns her world upside down and makes her reconsider her life choices. Even though it’s a pretty basic premise, good beach reads are always in order for summer – and this is one of my picks because of how hilarious the writing is supposed to be!

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Books to Read on Vacation: Thriller

Her Daughter’s Mother

by Daniela Petrova

I am drawn to this book partly because its premise is interesting – what happens when an infertile woman accidentally meets (and intentionally befriends!) the woman who is her anonymous egg donor to have a baby. Also, I am admittedly drawn to read something with a title character named Lana – just like me! While the initial details of the book make it sound like a human interest story, the thriller aspect comes into play when the egg donor goes missing and Lana might have been the last person to see her before the mysterious disappearance.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

My Lovely Wife

by Samantha Downing

A typical suburban couple with kids gets bored and then somehow decides the secret to keeping their marriage exciting is getting away with murder. Literally. I admittedly know very little about the book since I don’t want to ruin the suspense and surprise of reading it. But it sounds like a fun page-turner not unlike the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith that will definitely entertain.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

The River

by Peter Heller

Set in the great outdoors of northern Canada, the peace of the natural surroundings are disturbed when two college friends overhear an argument between a man and a woman and then later see . . . only the man, paddling alone on the river. Again, I’ve prevented myself from reading anything that might spoil the story for me, but it sounds like this one gets pretty real, since descriptions talk about desperate wilderness survival. Don’t read this one on a camping trip!

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

When comparisons are made to Agatha Christie, one of my favorite mystery authors, I know this book is for me. A high-powered, seemingly successful marriage ends when the main character shoots and kills her husband one night the moment she sees him. And then goes completely silent. The book details the criminal psychologist who works with this silent patient to try and unravel the mystery of why.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Books to Read on Vacation: Historical Fiction

Death is Hard Work

by Khaled Khalifa

Although Syria is not featured prominently in the news most days, rebel activity and humanitarian issues continue. So picture the scene set by this Syrian author, imagining a man whose final wish is to be buried in the tumultuous Aleppo region in the family plot. Once the surviving children decide to honor their father’s last request, the story unfolds. I don’t know that I’ve read any books set in Syria, and am looking forward to learning a bit about it through this fictional story.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Inland

by Téa Obreht

This book won’t even come out until August 2019, but after devouring the author’s previous novel The Tiger’s Wife, I couldn’t leave this pick off my summer reading list, as I hope to read it while it’s still summer. Obrecht’s novels are part-historical, part-magical in her gorgeous storytelling style, with details unfolding in a way that completely captivates me. I’m also eager to read a historical novel set in Arizona Territory in the late 1800s after my recent Scottsdale trip.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

The Old Drift

by Namwali Serpell

I am drawn to what sounds like a James Michener style fictional tale spanning three families and several generations in Zambia, and based on a historical autobiography of Percy M. Clark called The Autobiography of An Old Drifter. It’s quite an ambitious scope for a debut novel, and I can’t wait to be transported to another place and time following along.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Vintage 1954

by Antoine Laurain

Like Inland above, this novel is part historical fiction and part fantasy. Drinking a bottle of Beaujolais wine from 1954 transports a bunch of modern day apartment dwellers to Paris of the 1950s, where they soak up the culture of that period while trying to find a way back to 2017. While technically historical, this is exactly the kind of wine-fueled exploration and light reading that is ideal for summer getaways.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

In case you missed them, check out my previous Travel Savvy Gal (TSG) Summer Reading Lists for *even more* summer reading inspiration:

TSG Summer Reading List 2017

TSG Summer Reading List 2018

Books to Read on Vacation: (More) Fiction

Daisy Jones & The Six

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This sounds to me like the book version of a cross between the cult classic movie This is Spinal Tap and Almost Famous. Set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the book is about a journalist seeing the inside workings of a hugely successful band of the era, and I love this idea for what a different type of novel this is. Reid is also the author of the popular The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, so if you liked that, this summer reading book may be for you!

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Home Remedies

by Xuan Juliana Wang

This debut short story collection explores issues of Chinese youth, in China and America, touching on other serious and cultural themes as well. I always find summertime to be great for short stories, because you can breeze through an entire single narrative in one afternoon.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Queenie

by Candice Carty-Williams

If British humor – or should I say humour – is your thing, this summer read might be up your alley. Centered around a Jamaican British woman who breaks up with her long-time white boyfriend, there are more complex issues of race at play as you follow her string of bad decisions in the wake of the breakup. It sounds like somewhere between total fluff and a serious read.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

The Editor

by Steven Rowley

This one is vaguely historical fiction, but only because Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis features prominently, and is mostly a regular tale with a famous character inserted. Other than Mrs. Onassis serving as one of the two main characters, this book really sounds like it is about the relationship between her as “The Editor” at publishing house and a budding author who is struggling to finish a manuscript about his dysfunctional family. Of course boundaries are blurred, and the editor and writer relationship becomes the story. I want to read this both for the historical aspect and the focus on books – which I obviously love!

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Books to Read on Vacation: Memoir

From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home

by Tembi Locke

I’ve been back living in the United States almost as long as I lived in Milan, but I am still feeling like a former expat adjusting and continue to miss Italy. So of course I was drawn to this memoir by the mention of Sicily in the title alone, not to mention the story beginning when the author experiences love at first sight encountering a professional chef on a street in Florence. Of course, nothing is ever simple when an Italian family is involved, and I can’t wait to follow along for this story.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love

by Dani Shapiro

I am not one to do any of the genetic tests out there, but plenty of others are. Even just in my circle of friends, I have heard stories of surprise relatives or unexpected paternity. I know just enough to know that this is a not uncommon phenomenon and there are even support groups on the internet for people who are struggling with these unearthed family secrets. What I didn’t realize is that there is a also a book detailing one person’s surprise discovery about her father and how she reconciles it with the person she thought she was.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Books to Read on Vacation: Non-Fiction

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

by Caroline Criado Pérez

I am fascinated by the premise of this one, talking about the inherent design bias of fields as vastly different as medicine and the automotive industry. I’m interested in reading it because it doesn’t sound like just a litany of complaints by women, but instead is a reasoned, intellectual look at the assumptions we take for granted in the everyday world.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War

by Leymah Gbowee and Carol Mithers

Although this account was published in 2011, I only just heard of this book of how women in Liberia of different religious backgrounds banded together to lead a war-torn nation to peace. I love a feel-good story as part of my summer reading, and it’s even better when it’s true.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

by David Epstein

As a blogger, I keep hearing how important it is to have a focused niche where you are *the expert.* Which is all well and good for many people out there, but I really feel equally enamored about so many aspects of travel – adventure, culture, food, wine, expat life – and so I write about them all! I am hoping this book gives me a bit of validation, and am curious to see the flip side of Malcolm Gladwell’s argument in Outliers that 10,000 of hours of focused practice will lead you to mastery and success.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

In case you missed them, check out my previous Travel Savvy Gal (TSG) Summer Reading Lists for *even more* summer reading inspiration:

TSG Summer Reading List 2017

TSG Summer Reading List 2018

Phew, that was a lot!

Obviously when I started looking into books to read on vacation this summer, I found quite a lot of amazing options to dive into. I can’t wait for summer travel – and summer reading – and hope you’ve found some great reading inspiration for the coming months as well.

Happy travels! And happy reading!

Lana

Any books on this list that you’re already reading and loving? What other books to read on vacation would you recommend for my summer reading? Let me know your summer reading recommendations below!

Want to have access to this Summer Reading List again? ‘Pin’ it to save for later!

Scottsdale Food Guide: Best Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona

July 1, 2019 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 34 comments

Disclaimer: Some (but not all) of the experiences listed here were hosted in partnership with Experience Scottsdale. Food and drink opinions are of course very opinionated – and completely my own!

As I looked into the best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale – and there are a ton – one question kept crossing my mind: Why is the food in Scottsdale, Arizona so good?

The answer that came to light over a week spent in town and snippets of conversation with servers, restaurateurs, and locals is actually quite simple.

If you’re a chef in the west and want to make a name for yourself, some of the big food cities – like Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles – are very expensive and high-risk ventures. So what do you do?

Open a restaurant in Scottsdale!

To incubate your idea, tweak your dishes and concept, and build up an even stronger proposal for making the jump to a bigger city foodie scene.

And Scottsdale just happens to be THE DESTINATION for a lot of these restaurants, as talented chefs looking to make a name for themselves feed you excellent food along the way.

Of course, not all chefs are looking to leave.

The local food movement has also been taking hold in this area, with chefs using locally sourced produce from the nearly year-round growing seasons and showcasing Arizona ingredients.

Even Arizona locals in the area – who don’t live in Phoenix or Scottsdale already – know that if they are looking for a great meal, Old Town Scottsdale is the place to go.

And one of the first things I realized looking for the best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale is that Old Town Scottsdale is bigger than you think.

It doesn’t cover all parts of the city (the lovely Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows where I stayed for part of my trip is a bit outside its borders) but most of the outstanding eating establishments with the best food in Scottsdale you’ll find within its confines.

My overall impression eating and drinking my way through Old Town Scottsdale is that is does basic, simple cuisine and upscale casual really well. (I had one fancy meal and honestly wasn’t wowed by it.)

There are also a shockingly large number of delicious bars in Old Town Scottsdale.

In walking distance of Old Town Scottsdale, you can drink your way through breweries, wine tasting rooms (including an urban wine trail!), a distillery, and multiple acclaimed cocktail spots.

Best Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale

Organized alphabetically in each section – one for restaurants and another for bars – my picks for the best restaurants and best bars in Old Town Scottsdale are not mutually exclusive.

Of course some of these Scottsdale foodie spots had delicious coffee or cocktails to go with their incredible bites, which I’ve noted below.

The places I’d seek out just for their beverages though – from coffee bars to cocktails bars – are listed in the next section (although some of those spots also serve food).

I did a ton of research, asked plenty of locals, and used my traveler sixth sense to seek out the best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale and eat as much as I could of the best food in Scottsdale during my visit.

READ MORE: How to Find the Best Restaurants When You Travel

And even then, not everywhere I ate wowed me enough to make it into this post.

You would not believe the amount of eating I did in a week – this is the short list Scottsdale Food Guide with the places that I am still dreaming about back at home!

Now for the most delicious Scottsdale bites I enjoyed over a week in town:

Citizen Public House

Citizen Public House picked up several new restaurant accolades when it opened in 2011, like being named a “New Restaurant Not to Miss” in Esquire magazine, with some good company in Charleston’s Husk and Chicago’s Girl & the Goat.

Not only is it cozy and lively on a random weeknight several years in, the welcoming vibe is backed up by the quality of the food and drink.

In addition to some creative craft cocktails with unusual ingredients like kiwifruit simple syrup and tobacco bitters, there are also half a dozen barrel-aged cocktails (and I don’t think I’ve ever seen more than one or two on a single menu before).

Foodwise there are upscale versions of traditional dishes, including interesting combinations like pork belly pastrami, amaro meatloaf, and the pan-seared scallops I enjoyed with a cola gastrique.

While all of the food dishes were excellent, it was one of the appetizers that stole the show for me: “The Original Chopped Salad,” a dish so famous it has its own Facebook page.

Originally crafted at the now shuttered Cowboy Ciao and known then as the “Stetson Chopped Salad,” this combination of pearl couscous, Asiago cheese, arugula, pepitas, dried currants, dried corn, smoked salmon, and a buttermilk dressing was shockingly good and quite memorable, with so many layers of flavor and textures combining to form a bite that made me swoon and feel as if I was eating the best salad I’ve had in my life. And I’m not even a salad person!

There’s a reason this chopped salad has a following. I’d go back to Citizen Public House anyway, but I’d *rush* to go back for this dish.

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Diego Pops

The tacos at this Mexican restaurant definitely hit the spot, although were not as memorable for me as the appetizers and drinks.

I’d come back in a heartbeat though for either of the appetizers I sampled.

First, they do a version of Grilled Street corn that is topped with the more common toppings of cotija cheese and lime, then pushed from good to an all out umami-bomb by the addition of crushed flamin’ hot cheetos, which provided just the right amount of crunch and MSG-addictiveness.

Of course, the corn was not to be outdone by what is possibly the signature dish – the Brussels sprout nachos.

I hated brussel sprouts as a kid and love them as an adult, and this version has nachos (yum), topped with brussel sprouts (I’m already sold), and then pushed over to top by a fried egg that makes this feel incredibly indulgent – even as you eat your veggies.

The incredible food spread was then washed down with some excellent cocktails.

In my case, the prickly pear margarita which was just the right amount of tart and sweet. Between the distinctive flavor and familiar bright pink hue, I felt transported back to my travels in Malta, where prickly pear grows on the side of the road with abandon.

There are also sno-cone margaritas (!!) that I hear are more sweet, and come in watermelon lime and mango habanero flavors.

READ MORE: Top 12 Reasons to Go To Malta

Farm & Craft | food + affection + community

Any place that serves breakfast until 3pm is my kind of place.

While all of the dishes sounds simple enough (and quite healthy), the ingredients are so fresh that it really delivers on flavor and you forget it’s supposed to be good for you.

I ordered the innocuous sounding breakfast sandwich with fried egg, avocado, cheddar, and chicken sausage on a flax whole wheat bun.

Anytime I read the words flax or whole wheat, I usually high-tail it in the opposite direction, but I didn’t even remember what was in the bun because the flavors were so buttery and unctuous as I slowly savored each bite.

I enjoyed it with the equally good house-made lavender lemonade, and there are plenty of other fruity concoctions as well as cocktails, wine, and beer.

FnB

While the accolades of this restaurant are too numerous to mention, the recent naming of FnB’s chef Charleen Badman as “2019 Best Chef – Southwest” by the James Beard Foundation is notable as she is the first Arizona chef to win in over a decade.

Known as the “veggie whisperer,” Badman delivers on the promise by highlighting some of the freshest produce from Arizona’s many growing seasons.

Yes, the menu is vegetable-forward but dishes with fish and meat are just as delicious.

Standouts from the vast spread I enjoyed on my recent visit included a citrus-cured salmon with buttermilk, cucumber, and flower petals and a simple dish of local fresh apricots with ricotta, almonds, and balsamic honey.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you’re having trouble getting a dinner reservation in the wake of the James Beard award win, head next door to FnBar, where you can also indulge in the full dinner menu from 5pm on.

Rehab Burger Therapy

The burgers at Rehab Burger Therapy have been named the best burger in Arizona many times over – a well-deserved accolade, by the way – but it is really the whole experience that made this a standout spot.

From the décor to amazingly friendly service from enthusiastic, passionate server Salyna to all of the amazing food combinations that make its way into every burger they serve.

In addition to the creative burger concoctions, you can also choose your burger size (small for me), bun type (I got the pretzel bun), side dish (I got sweet potato tots), and rehab sauce of choice (garlic sriracha aioli for me).

On Salyna’s recommendation, I ordered the Spicy Mac n’ Cheese burger that also was my favorite, and overflowing with the comfort of mac n’cheese while still delivering strong flavors from the sauce and burger itself.

As part of a food-curious group, I also got to sample several of the other burgers, with the poblano being my second-favorite for the intense flavor of the poblano pepper that was great paired with the beef.

In addition to our main burgers, our group also ordered the Elvis burger, which has been their best seller for 7 years, and combines some of the The King’s favorite flavors, with the burger coming on a chocolate chip banana bun with peanut butter, chocolate bacon, and caramelized bananas. Yes, it is a savory burger that also involves PB, but it’s not as weird as you might think.

Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop

Don’t get me wrong, the toasted marshmallow latte was divine, but this bakeshop is squarely in my food category for all of its amazing traditional baked goods and twists on some classics.

I was fortunate to visit the week of Sweet Dee’s first birthday celebration, and got to enjoy a host of birthday-themed treats, including mini cupcakes and the over-the-top birthday cake doughnut.

Yes, they took birthday cake THEN battered and fried it into a doughnut!

While I was busy indulging my sweet tooth, I heard about their savory doughnut.

Basically it is an eggs benedict in doughnut form! Inside the doughnut is a poached egg, Canadian bacon, and house hollandaise.

While I didn’t have enough of an appetite to justify ordering the savory doughnut too (although I did consider it!) between the incredibly baked items I did enjoy and the incredibly friendly staff, this spot is top of my foodie list for my next trip to Old Town Scottsdale.

The Mission Old Town

The Mission Scottsdale Food Guide - Best Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona — Photo by Rebecca of Rebecca and the World

They say that both food and service are important to a restaurant experience, but if you only get one, good service is the quality that gets you returning.

I’m happy to report that in the case of The Mission Old Town – like fellow restaurant The Fat Ox listed below – they delivered both excellent food and outstanding service.

It’s not often that when I go wandering in search of the ladies room, that there is someone who immediately spots me and walks me all the way to the door to ensure I find it.

It was the little touches that elevated my service experience at The Mission from great to exceptional.

In addition to the wonderful service throughout the meal, the food was delicious, which is the part that landed this spot on my list of best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale.

As for the food the most memorable bites for me were the excellently-executed table-side guacamole and the grilled street corn with a tangy, spicy sauce that was addictive.

The drinks were also incredible, and The Mission treated our group to small tastes of several of their best ones.

The House Specialty called “The Missionary” was a perfect – and colorful – mix of their house margarita and red sangria. There was my full drink, the shockingly creamy avocado margarita, which I’ve never seen or had before and thoroughly enjoyed. Then at the end of the meal, a creamy dessert cocktail came along with churros and dipping sauce, which was a perfect end to a stellar Scottsdale food experience.

Zuzu Restaurant at Hotel Valley Ho

I don’t usually frequent restaurants at hotels other than where I’m staying, but there were a few good reasons to seek out Zuzu Restaurant anyway.

This spot wasn’t on my list for savory dishes, but I am so glad that the timing worked out to meet fellow travel blogger Alley for brunch as well as dessert at Zuzu.

I ordered what sounded like the most typical local breakfast dish, called planks and eggs, with sweet potato “planks,” pulled short ribs, a fried egg, cotija cheese, lime crema, and crispy fried tortilla strips.

To my surprise, the dish also came with a soft flour tortilla as a side too, which might have been the best flour tortilla I’ve *ever* had.

It was clearly made with love and had such great flavor even though it was basically plain bread.

But the original draw to this spot was the dessert that beyond lived up to its name – The “Show Stopper” Shake.

Even though I had seen pictures online before I arrived, this shake is a whole lot more than a milkshake and is even bigger in person than I expected.

The flavor combinations change monthly, and I was lucky enough to be there for a Hawaiian-themed shake shortly after my Hawaii travels. Sure, there was a milkshake, but mine was also topped with a pineapple upside down cake, passion fruit tart, and orange creamsicle – plus a side of chopped fruit, coconut macaroon, and orange gelatin slices.

Definitely order this giant and fun concoction with a friend . . . or several!

Show Stopper shake at Zuzu Hotel Valley Ho Scottsdale Food Guide - Best Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona — Photo Credit: Alley of Travel Tribe Guides

Show Stopper shake at Zuzu Hotel Valley Ho Showstopper Shake Scottsdale Food Guide - Best Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona — Photo Credit: Alley of Travel Tribe Guides

While the service was sadly just mediocre, the food was so good that it was a fabulous final food experience to end my time in Scottsdale.

Best Bars in Old Town Scottsdale

The word “bar” can mean lots of things. This round-up shares my picks for the top bars in Old Town Scottsdale, from coffee bars to brewery bars to wine bars to cocktail bars.

So whatever your drinking preferences, there’s something for you below:

Cartel Coffee Lab

Cartel had the best coffee I enjoyed in my week in Old Town Scottsdale. They take their coffee quite seriously, and my cortado had rich coffee flavor and aroma with a super smooth milky topping that was great for refueling right in the heart of town.

While I was on my way to lunch when I popped in and was unable to linger, the space was inviting with long tables perfect for catching up with a friend or hunkering down to get some work done.

Goldwater Brewing Co.

This is my kind of family business.

For a craft brewery, there is a huge available selection of in-house brews to order at the bar. And if you’re indecisive (or just enjoy trying a lot of different beers) like me, you can order any 4 beers as a flight.

The iconic beer here is the Desert Rose cactus ale, made with prickly pear from local cacti.

While sold out as you can see on the menu sheet, our server Parker was kind enough to give us an impromptu tour of the operation and a sample of the next batch of Desert Rose, which while not quite ready yet, is already delicious.

Goldwater Brewing Company Scottsdale Food Guide - Best Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona — Impromptu brewery tour with Parker of Goldwater Brewing Company, Kay of Jetfarer, Jennifer of National Park Obsessed, Theresa of The Local Tourist, and Janet of Go! Learn Things

LDV Winery

While I visited all 4 winery tasting rooms that are on the Scottsdale Wine Trail, LDV (Lawrence Dunham Vineyards) Winery tasting room was my definite favorite.

And the only one that made my list of top bars in Old Town Scottsdale.

Like the other wine trail spots, LDV Winery has its actual vineyards a several hour drive away in the Wilcox area of Arizona, with a similar elevation to Argentina. Especially since was my first wine tasting stop in Old Town Scottsdale, I was fortunate to have Tasting Room Manager Sherylann as an excellent guide to their history and selections.

My top sips were some of the red wines – a 2013 Grenache (which I bought) and both the 2013 and 2014 Petite Syrah, even though the two vintages tasted a bit different from one another.

Another reason to be sure to stop in – delicious regular and infused local olive oils and vinegars that are available for sale, and also to taste!

Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale

I knew about the Dave Matthews and Donald Trump wineries in Charlottesville, Virginia, but I had no idea that Maynard James (MJ) Keenan – most famous as the lead singer for bands Tool and A Perfect Circle – was another celebrity winemaker.

Merkin Vineyards has only had a presence in Old Town Scottsdale since March of 2019, and unlike the four wineries on the Scottsdale Wine Trail, this spot is more of a wine bar than a tasting room.

READ MORE: Best Wineries in Charlottesville, Virginia

Apparently MJ Keenan only recently discovered that he is descended from Northern Italian winemakers, and is embracing that heritage as he grows mostly Italian (and Spanish and French) grape varietals.

As part of a hosted event, I was lucky enough to share sips with three fellow travel bloggers. So after a couple of rounds, we had basically tried most of the available selections!

My top sips were the bold red wines – including the Garnacha and Tempranillo – along with some of the blends.

There were also some really delicious platters of food, with simple ingredients packing huge flavor in true Italian style.

It is both for the wine and incredibly flavorful dishes available that Merkin Vineyards was one of my favorite bars in Old Town Scottsdale.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! While Merkin Vineyards does not officially offer wine flights, you can create your own wine tasting if you go at less crowded times on weekdays before 5pm.

This wine bar in Old Town Scottsdale is also a family affair, with Maynard’s dad’s farm growing much of the produce for the simple and delectable bites available.

All enjoyed to one of Maynard’s eight personally curated music playlists for the venue – featuring, of course, lots of tracks from Tool.

Second Story

Located on the Second Story of a building in the heart of Old Town, this is one of the bars in Old Town Scottsdale that hits the spots at the end of the night.

I don’t usually order off-menu for my first cocktail at a new place, but I was feeling feisty and – as is the sign of a great bar – my relatively vague instructions led to a delicious ginger whiskey sour.

I liked the balance of spicy and smooth so much that I sipped especially slowly to make it last.

Second Story also has quite an elegant feel when you walk inside, which I wasn’t expecting.

The other part I did not realize until I went is that it is basically a whiskey- and bourbon-centric bar, with over 300 whiskeys on premises.

They also have a food menu, with full dinner options as well as happy hour bites.

One Place Outside of Old Town Scottsdale Worth the Trek

Trek is a bit of an exaggeration as this spot is a mere 2 miles from the waterfront in Old Town Scottsdale, and will take less than 10 minutes in a car and under $10 by ride share if you don’t have a vehicle of your own.

It’s not the only place I ate at outside of Old Town, but it’s the only one I’d go back to.

The Fat Ox

I was still feeling a bit hungry after one of the evening events for Bloghouse Scottsdale (I have a big appetite, what can I say?) and this restaurant was close to where I was staying at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows.

You can tell a lot about a restaurant based on how they greet a solo female diner, and at The Fat Ox it was done just the right way – business as usual.

The hosts at the stand were gracious and welcoming, and the whole restaurant was buzzing with lively conversation, so I happily strolled to one of the few empty spots at the bar.

READ MORE: How to Eat Well When You Travel Solo

After 3 years of living in Italy, I am always a bit skeptical of going to an Italian restaurant in the US, but I was pleasantly surprised at how good the food was.

I ordered the Malloreddus Lamb Verde, a seasonal fresh pasta dish with a perfect balance of flavors and textures between the lamb, olives, pecorino cheese, mint, and chopped almonds .

Even though the panna cotta was a little on the sweet side for me overall, the fruity foam and crunch with the garnish on top made for a delicious bite as well.

Bartender Brian provided excellent service and conversation (no, he didn’t know I was a travel blogger until the end of the meal) and he perfectly crafted the fun-named “Sage Against the Machine” cocktail for me, with tequila, sage-infused agave, and a lambrusco (Italian sparkling red wine) float that I enjoyed with my dishes.

Even if you’re staying in Old Town Scottsdale, which is a few miles away, it is definitely worth the trip to enjoy a meal here.

And be sure that whenever you plan your trip to Scottsdale, come hungry!

Looking to book a room in Scottsdale? Check out these great spots!

Bespoke Inn – A splurge & my favorite place I stayed in Old Town

Hyatt Place Scottsdale/Old Town – Best Value for Money & Central Location

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows – Posh resort I enjoyed north of Old Town (and close to The Fat Ox restaurant!)

Are there any questions about the Scottsdale food scene that I haven’t answered yet? What spots on this Scottsdale Food Guide are your favorites? Any other recommendations of restaurants or bars I should try on my next visit? Let me know in the ‘Comments’ below.

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View of a Boat on the Grand Canal in Venice

Where to Stay in Venice, Italy

June 25, 2019 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 0 Comment

How does one person become an expert on where to stay in Venice, Italy?

In this case, live in Milan for several years, under 3 hours by train from Venice, and visit often like I did!

Venice was so close to Milan that I visited often, sometimes even as part of a last-minute weekend plan. So when people ask me about where to stay in Venice, Italy, I have quite a few ideas from all of the great places I’ve stayed.

Amazingly, I never repeated a hotel or B&B stay in my many trips. Partly because it’s fun to explore new neighborhoods and get to know the city, and also because there was one trip with my parents when they visited, one as a solo traveler, another with friends, and so on.

Which is good news for you, because I have *personally stayed* at almost all of the places listed below. And can attest to what great jumping off points they are for exploring this magical city.

I don’t know that there is one singular best place to stay in Venice – either a specific hotel or neighborhood – but there are certainly are many best places to stay in Venice, Italy.

And let’s be real, this is life, not every experience was completely magical. So I’ve also included plenty of TRAVEL SAVVY TIPS and resources to help you avoid common pitfalls that come along with staying in Venice – so you can focus on enjoying this incredible city!

Where to Stay in Venice, Italy

As you’ll see in your research, there is no one right or easy answer as to where to stay in Venice.

It may depend on:

Whether you are traveling solo or as a couple or in a group
Whether you are traveling with family or friends
If this is your first trip to Venice or a return visit
How many nights you’ll be staying

Are you overwhelmed yet?

I am all smiles strolling around Venice, Italy and the side canals

Not to worry, while the options are many, I think there are really some very basic things to keep in mind.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Most visitors when deciding where to stay in Venice will either want to be close to the train station OR close to the main tourist sights around St. Mark’s Square/Piazza San Marco. → Decide which you’d prefer.

And it’s also important to keep in mind that Venice is not like other cities you’ve ever visited. For one, there are NO CARS.

So it helps to have some idea of what sights you’ll see on your visit, and how much walking you’d like to do to pick the best location to stay in Venice.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Regardless of where in Venice you stay, I always recommend staying close to a stop for the vaporetto, which is Venice’s metro system – by boat! It is a great way to get around the city and even to some of the islands you can’t reach by strolling across a bridge, like Murano and Burano.

Best Places to Stay in Venice, Italy

Now this is the part you’ve been waiting for – specific recommendations of places you can stay that are convenient, affordable (or maybe even a splurge!) and considered to be in a best location to stay in Venice

Best Places to Stay in Venice Close to St. Mark’s Square

If this is your first trip to Venice, let’s face it, you probably want to stay close to St. Mark’s Square, known in Italian as Piazza San Marco. That is where many iconic sights are located, and you’ll get to view them at all hours of the day as you explore.

While you’ll need to get yourself from the train or bus to your hotel (most likely by boat, of course!) once you have dropped off your luggage, Venice will be at your doorstep.

Arriving at the airport in Venice?

Check out options for airport transfers HERE

There is also a bus from the Marco Polo airport to Piazzale Roma (right by the train station and main vaporetto metro boat stops) that runs every 20-30 minutes and costs €8 one-way or €15 for a round-trip ticket.

Find the current bus timetable for the “Venice Marco Polo Airport – Venice Piazzale Roma (express service)” HERE

FOR AFFORDABLE LUXURY

Locanda Al Leon

St. Mark's Square Piazza San Marco in Venice Italy — Just a few steps from here to get back to Locanda al Leon

Location:
3-minute walk to the St. Mark’s Square/Piazza San Marco
3-minute walk to the closest vaporetto stop (the Venice metro boats) with a lot of available routes

Price:
$150/€130 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:
I got lucky and was able to stay here last minute on a July visit and can attest that even though it is a gorgeous, historic building with a traditional Venetian feel, the A/C is modern and will combat the hottest day you might face in Venice. The staff is very hospitable and it really is a beautiful property. Plus, the hotel is in a great location, so it’s really great value for money.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! They also have some cheaper single rooms if you are a solo traveler.

Read Reviews | Book Now

QUAINT B&B

Residenza Corte Antica

View of Ponte all'Accademia Where to Stay in Venice Italy — View of Ponte all’Accademia, the bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice

Location:
10-minute walk to the St. Mark’s Square/Piazza San Marco
4-minute walk to the closest vaporetto stop (the Venice metro boats)
2- minute walk to the Bridge of the Accademia/Ponte dell’Accademia (one of the few bridges that crosses the Grand Canal!)

Price:
$160/€140 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:
With a 5.0 score on Trip Advisor with 500+ reviews, who doesn’t love this Bed & Breakfast? Although I have not been able to stay here yet, this is my top choice for my next visit to Venice. While an easy walk to St. Mark’s Square and the main tourist sites, it is also close to a bridge across the Grand Canal that gets less attention than Rialto Bridge, but is just as beautiful. Plus, some of my favorite Venice attractions are right across the bridge. The B&B is recently renovated and reviewers talk about the beautiful property, delicious breakfast, great service, and excellent recommendations around Venice from staff. This is in a quieter part of San Marco quarter, which is a plus for me as well.

Read Reviews | Book Now

Best Places to Stay in Venice Close to the Train Station

Train Station Santa Lucia in Venice Italy

The main train station in Venice, Stazione Santa Lucia, has the advantage of also being close to most of the various metro (vaporetto) lines, so it is an easy jumping off point, regardless of where you’d like to explore around Venice.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Be aware that a “hotel close to the Train Station” may also be over a bridge with a lot of stairs, so consider the exact location of your accommodation when deciding which luggage to use for your trip.

READ MORE: 10 Commandments for Visiting Venice

This is my favorite part of Venice to stay, because it is accessible to boats and exploring by foot, but is far away enough from the main tourist hub to have a more relaxed feel. You also have better food options nearby if you’re tired after a day of sightseeing and want to stay close by.

GRAND CANAL VIEW & ROOFTOP BAR

Hotel Carlton

Location:
5-minute walk from the Santa Lucia train station (over a tall bridge)
5-minute walk to the closest vaporetto stop (the Venice metro boats)

Price:
$200-300/€190-270 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:
This is one of the absolutely closest hotels you can find by the train station, which is your likely arrival point. It’s just a short walk from the station and over a bridge, with plenty of locals lined up to help you with your luggage (for a charge, of course). As for the hotel, it’s the only room I’ve stayed at in Venice with a view of the Grand Canal, so if you splurge for a canal view room you are in for a treat. When my parents visited we stayed here, and they were able to get a good deal through a travel agent back home. Plus, their rooftop bar, the Sky Lounge, is a luxurious spot to spend the evening sipping away as you look out over the water.

Read Reviews | Book Now

TOP-RATED HOTEL ON TRIP ADVISOR

Hotel Moresco

Location:
8-minute walk from the Santa Lucia train station (over a bridge)
8-minute walk to the closest vaporetto stop (the Venice metro boats)

Price:
$250-300/€230-280 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:
Although I haven’t stayed here, this would be the ultimate splurge hotel in Venice, still with the convenience of the location close to the train station. Those who have been lucky enough to stay here rave about the service and note that staff members exceed expectations so everyone had excellent stays. Although close for getting around, it is also in a quieter neighborhood than the Hotel Carlton above.

Read Reviews | Book Now

CHEAPEST OPTION (& FOR SOLO TRAVELERS/GROUPS)

Ca’ Riza

Location:
10-minute walk from the Santa Lucia train station
20-minute walk to the St. Mark’s Square/Piazza San Marco
10-minute walk to the closest vaporetto stop (the Venice metro boats)

Price:
$110-160/€100-150 per night, approximately

Why I Liked It:
The word ca’ is a shortened version of casa, or house, and there is definitely a homey feel for this place. This was my favorite spot to stay as a solo traveler, and is more affordable than other spots due to having a shared bathroom for the single rooms. The property also has double, triple, and quadruple rooms with private bathrooms. The location is in easy walking distance to stop of my favorite cicchetti and restaurant spots, and also has been renovated since my last stay.

Read Reviews | Book Now

READ MORE: How to Eat Like a Local in Venice – Best Spots to Sample Cicchetti

Where to Stay With a Group or Family

While there’s always the chance of scoring a great hotel or B&B deal, I find that for more than 2 people, an AirBNB is typically the cheapest and most convenient accommodation option – not just in Venice, but in all of Italy!

If you’ve never tried it before, click THIS LINK to get a $40 credit after your first AirBNB stay!

Before booking your AirBNB, definitely read reviews and make sure that other guests have had their stay go smoothly, as not all Venice AirBNB experiences are good ones. (For my one bad AirBNB experience in Venice, I ended up staying the rest of the weekend at the lovely Locanda al Leon – the first spot on this list – which completely redeemed the trip!)

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Pay extra attention to the availability of the host in case of a problem. Also check reviews to see if people met their host quickly or waited a long time, which happens more frequently with AirBNBs in Venice vs. other places.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you visit in summer, be sure that there was adequate A/C noted by other guests (and that the property has it in the first place!).

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you are arriving very early or late in the day, make sure there will be someone available at your arrival time.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Be sure to have the ability to call local phone numbers and/or be on a data signal to use apps to get in touch with the person you are meeting, if needed.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Of course, you may be surprised to learn that AirBNB can sometimes be more expensive than a hotel, so I always recommend checking your options so you can make an informed choice:

Explore AirBNB options in Venice HERE

Check Hotel and B&B prices in Venice HERE

Tips on Where to Stay in Venice and Booking Strategies

For most visitors, the challenge is not where to stay in Venice, but how to get to your accommodation once you arrive in the city!

Since cars are not allowed in Venice, visitors basically arrive by bus or train (the stations for both are close to one another), and then make their way to a hotel or guesthouse on foot or by boat.

While some hotels offer shuttle service to arrive, I’ve always found my way on my own.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Whatever your plan, take into account how you will arrive and how far somewhere is from the train station when making your hotel booking.

When deciding on where to stay in Venice, you can quickly check details using the public transportation option on Google Maps – in Venice, it shows you boat routes!

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Sometimes B&Bs are more expensive than hotels – and sometimes the reverse is true – so be sure to check for Venice accommodations with your dates inserted to compare prices and availability.

However you decide to book, be sure to consult the Travel Savvy Gal Checklist for Booking Accommodation to make sure there’s nothing you forget to check when you decide where to stay in Venice.

Once you’ve booked, wherever you’re staying will likely provide information on the best way to arrive, whether it is by foot or boat.

Actv metro boat/vaporetto in Venice, Italy — Actv metro boat (vaporetto) in Venice, Italy

BOAT OPTIONS

If you are figuring this out on your own, there are 2 main boat options:

Boat Taxi – this is different from the metro boat (vaporetto) and different from a gondola. Just like you can hail a car taxi on a city street, you can grab a boat taxi leaving the docks next to the train station.

Boat Metro (vaporetto) – Like in any other city, the public transportation option will be the cheapest. You can purchase vaporetto tickets from a machine in person when you arrive, or arrange it ahead of time as part of a Venice City Pass. There is also an app for your mobile phone: the AVM Venezia Official App.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! No matter how you purchase your vaporetto ticket, be sure to validate the ticket by scanning it with the machine on the dock outside of the train station. They will come and check sometimes and you could be fined if you forget!

READ MORE: Top Tips to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes Tourists Make in Italy

Want to know more about Venice and making the most of the city? Check out my other Venice posts!

READ MORE: 10 Commandments for Visiting Venice

READ MORE: How to Eat Like a Local in Venice – Best Spots to Sample Cicchetti

READ MORE: 11 Things That Look Just a Bit Different in Venice

READ MORE: Venice Cheat Sheet

Going to other places in Italy on your visit?

READ MORE: Top Aperitivo Spots in Milan

READ MORE: Where to Stay in Florence

READ MORE: Best Bites: Where to Eat in Rome

READ MORE: Naples Cheat Sheet

And for some more tips on traveling across Italy:

READ MORE: Top 10 Ways to Experience Italy Like a Local

READ MORE: Where to Find the Best Gelato in Italy

Plus, invest in a hard copy (or electronic!) guide for extra trip planning details and inspiration:

Italy Travel Guide

Venice City Guide, including Day Trips

Pocket Venice Guide

Italian Phrasebook & Dictionary

Happy travels!

Lana

Are there any questions about staying in Venice that I haven’t answered yet? Let me know in the ‘Comments’ below.

Planning a trip to Venice sometime soon (or want to)? Or not ready to book yet? ‘Pin’ this post to save for later!

Travel Story: Experiencing Flamenco in Seville, Spain

June 1, 2019 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 4 comments

Duende.

It is mystical, powerful, emotional. A word that defies definition.

Embodied in the flourish of a bullfighter snapping his red cape in an impassioned ¡Olé!

Captured in the intensity of the flamenco music and dance.

Or in my case, the primal wonder I too felt, experiencing a performance of flamenco in Seville.

Flamenco in One Word: Duende.

Carnal, primal
The lone square of dance floor
The stomp
The clap
The hip sway
The allure

Inviting the audience in
Then repelling us in a moment, with the quick double snap of the castanets

Other spots cater to tourists with performers on a stage
But this spot is real, personal
Low-key with nachos and pitchers of sangria
Two shows nightly

I’m so entranced by the first performance
My friend and I know instantly we’ll stay for both

The performers change but the sustained intensity is real
The passion for the craft
The pride in recreating those time-honored, ancient steps
with feeling
making them personal
The raw emotion of falling in love and losing it all
The intensity and depth of feeling that comes through with every step
every sultry, seductive beckoning

And I’m so close
I can see the beads of sweat
Feel her eyes sear through me
The artist at work
With feeling
It all feels so personal in this moment
And everyone in the room channels the electricity

This is flamenco
The reason everyone seeks it out
To live the emotional arc
Be brought up high, only to land grounded at the earth at the end
Feeling touched by the experience
Emotions at the surface
This is what it means to live
To live your art
Art is life.

Pictures are not allowed of the performances, which I realize too late
I’ve taken one.
A single visual memory of the magic created in an intimate space
The whisper of flamenco lingering with me

And a feeling
That this life is amazing, and intense
Meant to be lived with full passion, a full heart
Chasing your dreams
Having a passion even if you do not profit from it at all
Using your passion to connect with others to inspire them
And I leave inspired

Something burning in me that I have not yet channeled
A blog that has not yet been dreamt of
An intensity of a singular travel experience that makes me send every friend who goes to Seville to this spot

Then taking years to even attempt to capture the experience of that night in words
None of stacking up to the experience of sitting in that audience
making eye contact with the dancer behind the performance
and letting my soul be stirred

It only works if you let it.

Seeing Flamenco in Seville

Admittedly, I had not done much to prepare for my trip to Seville (and the friend I was traveling with hadn’t either). We tried to make up for the lack of advance planning by posting on Facebook and pinging friends we knew had been. From the airport!

As we fielded suggestions, I was surprised at the recommendation to see a flamenco show, specifically at La Carboneria. It was honestly not on my radar at all. But I’m so glad we went.

It is free to see flamenco at La Carboneria, with shows at 9:30 and 10:30pm (and sometimes also 11:30pm). There is a bar on one side, a small square slab for flamenco dancing on the other, and long tables and benches in between. La Carboneria has a full bar, which includes the option of purchasing sangria by the liter. There are also some pretty basic food options, which we did not sample since we had eaten beforehand.

Many locals call this the best flamenco in Seville, and surprisingly, the audience was a mix of both locals and visitors. The venue certainly does not cater to tourists, and felt like a very local experience you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

TIP! It is also a very intimate space, so if you get there enough in advance, you can snag a spot on a bench right next to the dancer.

TIP! If you stay for multiple shows, a lot of people leave after seeing one performance and you can snag a better spot then.

For the performance itself, there is a guitar player and a single dancer expresses her art on a fairly small square slab placed on the floor, that looks as if it is made from some sort of slate or rock. The steps are incredibly intricate, but it is the emotion and intensity – the duende – behind both the dancing and guitar playing that defines flamenco.

It was so mesmerizing we knew immediately after the first performance that we would stay for a second show.

I was obviously a ‘blogger in the making’ at the time, because I struck up a conversation with the dancer there that night in between shows. Apparently it is not the same person every night, but over the course of the week, two or three excellent dancers who do flamenco dancing as their passion. And it shows.

While I fell in love with La Carboneria , many tourists (including some who have also been to this spot) prefer the larger, choreographed show you can pay for at other venues. With a bigger show, there are more performers, brighter colored outfits, and a stage where you can more easily see the complex footwork of flamenco.

If that’s you, definitely plan to catch a different flamenco show that matches your style, it’s such an incredible art form to experience!

TIP! There are a range of flamenco shows around Seville. Some are free, others are paid shows, and it depends from one to the next if food and/or drinks are included with the ticket price.

The dinner and flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco El Arenal comes highly recommended, or you can find other options to catch a flamenco show in Seville HERE.

As for me, I’ll take the raw emotion – the duende – of flamenco at La Carboneria any night of the week. Twice.

Have you ever experienced a flamenco performance? Or another artistic performance that moved you? What made it memorable?

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Best Wineries in Margaret River, Western Australia

March 13, 2019 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 4 comments

How many wine regions do you know that were founded as the result of a research paper?

From an unusually academic start, the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia was born. It all started with a 1966 paper by Dr. John Gladstone identifying the region as suitable for wine production (since it was similar to the Bordeaux region of France). Apparently that’s all it took for some enterprising Aussies to start planting grapes and making wine.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Now, 50 years later, although Margaret River produces only around 3% of Australian wine, it is responsible for 20% of Australia’s most premium bottles.

That is a pretty high density of the good stuff, making Margaret River one of the best Australian wine regions you could choose to visit to make the most of a wine trip in Australia. Plus, with surf beaches, rock climbing, and nature nearby, even the New York Times posed this question about Margaret River: “With Beaches, Wine, and Buzz, Is This Australia’s Next Hot Place?”

READ MORE: One of the coolest things in WA – Pemberton Climbing Trees

READ MORE: Excellent Eating around WA’s Southern Forest

Margaret River is strategically located between two capes jutting out from Australia’s western coast, meaning sea breezes from the Indian Ocean keep the grapes in perfect growing conditions. And at approximately a three-hour drive from the city of Perth, it is close enough for a weekend trip.

While I hear most often that “Australia is far,” there are actually many parts of the world with direct flights to Perth, the nearest major city to Margaret River in Western Australia (WA).

Beside other Australian and New Zealand locales, you’ll find direct access to Perth from many major cities in Asia and the Middle East, such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. There are also direct flights from Johannesburg (South Africa), and as of recently, even a direct flight from London!

READ MORE: 12 Things to Expect on Your Visit that are “So Perth”

And there’s no better time to check out this incredible wine region.

The Basics of Australian Wine and Wine Tasting

For my first visit to the region, I had been living in Perth, Australia for almost a year and had a pretty good sense of the local wine varietals. But in case you’re less familiar, here is a bit about the types of wine you’ll see at the wineries:

White Blends

In addition to single grape varietals you likely already know, Australians love their wine blends. The blend you’ll see most commonly is of the sweeter Semillon grape with the more acidic Sauvignon Blanc. You may have tasted these two grapes together already in a Bordeaux white, but in Australia, you’ll basically see two variations:

SSB standing for Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, meaning that there is a higher percentage of Semillon in the blend.
SBS standing for Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, with a higher percentage of Sauvignon Blanc

As you might expect, the blend takes on more of the characteristics of the grape that is named first. Try lots of both and decide which you like best! (I prefer SSB.)

Shiraz

First off, spoiler – Shiraz and Syrah are exactly the same grape. But just because you know Syrah does not mean you’ll know Australian Shiraz though, only because of the many different ways it is produced. Even one Australian Shiraz to another can taste quite different, so keep an open mind and taste lots of these wines.

Red Blends

Of course you’ll see plenty of blends with Shiraz, like Cabernet Shiraz (blend with Cabernet Sauvignon) and Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, known as a GSM blend found typically in the Rhone region of France. Interestingly, another popular blend I’ve only seen in Australia – Shiraz Viognier – with the red Shiraz grape blended with white Viognier.

And there are lots of other Cabernet blends beyond Cabernet Shiraz, although you’ll most typically see Cabernet Merlot, which is both fruity and bold.

Other Things to Know Before You Go

You’ll notice quickly in Australia that Australians (Aussies) have nicknames and abbreviations for just about everything! And wine is no exception. The shortened version you’re most likely to encounter is the Aussie nickname for Chardonnay which is the abbreviation ‘chardy’ (pronounced SHAR-dee).

Don’t bother looking for a winery’s ‘tasting room,’ as you won’t find it. Instead, seek out the ‘cellar door.’

And don’t be dissuaded by the predominance of screw-top bottles over corked wine bottles, as in Australia it is not related to the quality of the wine. Since beginning the switch to screw-top bottles around the year 2000, today around 99% of all Australian wine is bottled that way.

Now let’s get down to it – which wineries you should visit to sample some incredible Margaret River wines!

Best Wineries in Margaret River

With an area so well known for its premium wines, there are plenty of exceptional wineries that are worth a visit. All of those alphabetically listed below are wineries that I’ve visited and enjoyed enough to purchase wines – which for me is a high bar to clear!

Also, wine tasting in Australia is probably more laid back than winery visits you’ve had in other countries, with ‘cellar doors’ that are open typically every day of the week and welcoming anyone who is in the area to stop by.

All smiles exploring Margaret River wine country

Often tastings are offered for free or for a minimal fee, which will often be waived if you make any purchases during your visit. Private tastings or tours at a winery tend to be extra, and often require advance booking.

TIP! Even if you think you know a grape or a wine, it all tastes different in WA, so keep an open mind and try everything!

Now go and enjoy your winery visits at….

Arimia Winery

Reservations: Not needed

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre (GSM), Petit Verdot, Rosé, Shiraz Viognier, Verdelho, Zinfandel

Arimia Winery was a last-minute addition to my wine tasting itinerary based on a recommendation from nearby purveyor Gabriel Chocolate. You’ll see a lot of French style blends and grapes, taking advantage of Margaret River’s similarity to some parts of France. There is also a restaurant on-site which makes for a scenic and delicious meal overlooking the vineyard.

This is also possibly the spot where I bought the most wine:

Ashbrook Estate

Reservations: Not needed

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Riesling, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Verdelho

This one of the oldest and also one of the best wineries in the Margaret River region, producing common grapes along with those less often seen in Australia, like Riesling. A third generation winery, Ashbrook celebrated its 40th vintage in 2018. There is great care taken with all the wine produced here, with grapes picked completely by hand, leading to a delicious final product.

Cape Mentelle

Reservations: Not needed for the Cellar Door; “bookings essential” for a private tour or tasting (additional fee)

Tasting: AUD$10 tasting fee per person, waived with purchase

Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS), Semillon, Shiraz, Zinfandel

This is one of my all-time favorite wineries from the region, and also one of the easiest to find represented at restaurants and wine stores outside of Australia. Which is not surprising since it holds the distinction as being one of the ‘founding five’ wineries of the region. Especially memorable wines include their SBS blend, the Cabernet Merlot Trinders blend, and the Zinfandel. Plus, the straight Cabernet Sauvignon makes for such perfect, smooth sips, it was my bottle of choice at a recent steakhouse dinner in the US.

Cape Naturaliste Vineyard

Reservations: Not needed

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (SSB), Shiraz

Cape Naturaliste is one of the younger vineyards on this list, but one with consistent, quality wines. Even with the excellent quality, its wines are more affordable than some other wineries in the region, leading many of its vintages to sell out every year. Their SSB white blend is one of my favorites. The winery also aims to be in harmony with nature, hand picking grapes and applying bio-dynamic philosophies to preserving the local environment.

Cullen Wines

Reservations: Not needed, except for Private Tour and Tasting or for groups of 7+ people

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot (Diana Madeline), Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Malbec, Malbec Petit Verdot (Red Moon), Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS)

The fourth of the ‘founding five’ Margaret River wineries, Cullen opened the year after Cape Mentelle and has continued to evolve since then. Today it is Australian certified organic and bio-dynamic winery with fruit that is harvested by hand and an estate that is carbon-neutral and naturally powered. The wine is sophisticated and smooth, and comes in at a mix of price points, with some more affordable bottles and a few that are more exclusive – with a price to match.

Flying Fish Cove

Reservations: Tastings by appointment Monday-Friday

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Chardonnay (sparkling), Rosé, Shiraz, Shiraz (sparkling), Shiraz Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS), Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (SSB)

One of the few Margaret River wineries that requires reservations, be sure to arrange with them in advance so you can sample their delicious wines. Offering a range of lines (at a range of price points), there are delicious wines to excite your palate, including a few sparkling ones. If you’re not sure which Aussie wine you fancy, Flying Fish Cove will help you figure it all out as you taste across their impressive varietals.

Gralyn Estate

Reservations: Not needed

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Fortified/ Late Harvest/ Muscat/ Port style dessert wines, Rosé, Shiraz

Gralyn Estate also dates from the first wave of wineries in the 1970s and today is a boutique winery known for its fine wine production. A specialty here that you don’t see at many other Margaret River wineries is the dessert wine portfolio, which ranges from late harvest wines to sweet fortified and port-style ones that I love. You may not make the splurge to buy a ton of bottles here, but it is definitely worth coming for a tasting.

Juniper Estate

Reservations: Not needed

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc (Aquitaine Rouge), Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Riesling, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS – Aquitaine Blanc), Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (SSB), Shiraz, Tempranillo

I was on an organized tour my first day in Margaret River, and after not loving the first winery, the tour guide brought us here and it was exactly the type of winery I was looking for. In addition to the Aussie staples, it offers delicious bottles of Tempranillo, a Spanish grape that grows surprisingly well in Western Australia, and also beautiful whites like Riesling.

But the show-stopper for me is their Aquitane Blanc, the best SBS I have ever tasted. The blend hails from France, but with the Margaret River grapes and expert treatment by this winery, it has a je ne sais quoi that will stop you in your tracks as well.

Leeuwin Estate

Reservations: Not needed for tastings; recommended for tours, food flights, and other experiences

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Chardonnay Brut (sparkling), Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS), Shiraz

Part of the first wave of wineries to open in the region, Leeuwin Estate is a mainstay known for its consistent quality wines. Still family owned today, Napa Valley renowned winemaker Robert Mondavi actually helped the family transform the land from a cattle farm into a world-class winery. The estate also has a restaurant on-site and is big enough that it regularly hosts special events. And its “Art Series” of wine isn’t just lip service – there is also an art gallery at the winery.

Stella Bella Wines

Reservations: Not needed for individuals; groups are strictly by appointment only

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Moscato, Pinot Gris, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS), Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (SSB), Shiraz, Shiraz Cabernet

I found this to be one of the most laid back and fun wineries for a visit, but still with incredibly high-quality wine. I like so many of the wines I can’t even pick a favorite – for me it is between their various red wines and red blends and the more delicate of their white wines, like Chardonnay and the SSB. Although the winery has only been around since the 1990s, it has been racking up awards and is renowned across Australia for the incredible wine it produces.

Vasse Felix

Reservations: Not needed for tastings; recommended for tours, food flights, and other experiences

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Blanc de Blancs (sparkling), Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS), Shiraz

I keep talking about the ‘founding five’ wineries of Margaret River and this is THE ONE, the very first winery in the region. Like Leeuwin, there is also a restaurant and art gallery on site, and events that are hosted there. But of course the main attraction is the wine. It is spectacular, and I was pleasantly surprised to find some great value wines along with the pricier lines, with their red offerings as my favorites.

Voyager Estate

Reservations: Not needed for tastings; recommended for tours, food flights, and other experiences

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Chenin Blanc (sparkling), Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS), Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (SSB), Shiraz

Voyager didn’t come onto the Margaret River wine scene until the late 1970s, but it has become one of the most established and recognizable wineries since then. Its Chenin Blanc is my favorite from the region and its other whites are some of my favorites as well.

The on-site restaurant made for an excellent lunch when I visited, with scrumptious food beautifully displayed in a lovely space – and plenty of delicious wine to go with your meal.

Woodlands Wines

Reservations: Not needed

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Franc Merlot, Cabernet Merlot Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir

Woodlands Wines became established in the Margaret River region in the early 1970s, right after the ‘founding five’ wineries. As you can see from the list above, it specializes in red wines and blends, using some of the less commonly found grapes in the region like Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Pinot Noir, making some fabulous wines.

While the reds are great and numerous, there is one white wine that is absolutely outstanding and memorable – the ‘Chloe’ Chardonnay. It is bright golden in color and an explosion of flavor that wows you and then lingers as it shifts to some of the more subtle notes of the wine. And since it is such a small production, your best bet to taste this outstanding wine is at the Woodlands Cellar Door. Followed by buying some to take home, of course!

Tips for Wine Tasting in Margaret River

There is certainly no shortage of incredible wineries in Margaret River. To make the most of your wine tasting trip, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

Australian ‘drink driving’ rules are strict.

Unlike other countries where you need to be suspected of a violation before you can be subject to a sobriety test, it is routine all over Australia to set up a road-block and take a breathalyzer (or ‘breathalyser’) test of every single driver on the road. WA is so serious about breathalyzers that once I even had to take one before going on the Tunnels Tour at the Fremantle Prison in Perth.

If you do decide to drive yourself, be responsible and exercise caution. You’ll see signs around a lot of the wineries asking, “Who is the skipper?” about a designated driver.

For those who don't speak Australian, skipper = designated driver — For those who don’t speak Australian, skipper = designated driver

So take a tour!

There are several reputable and well-regarded tour operators in Margaret River, who will both drive you around to wineries and recommend excellent spots based on what you like. Many tours book up quickly (especially on weekends) so make your arrangements in advance.

I went on an excellent tour with Top Drop Tours, where the driver/guide did an excellent job tailoring that day’s itinerary to my wine preferences.

Find out more about Top Drop Tours HERE

Explore other Margaret River wine tour options HERE

Don’t just taste wine.

This is a lesson I first learned wine tasting in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys of California. Even besides meals, it is important to mix up mix all that wine tasting with getting food in your stomach. Two of the best places to do that in Margaret River:

Gabriel Chocolate is an award-winning chocolatier that sources cacao beans from around the world and produces a wide range of chocolates at their Margaret River factory. Get all your questions answered by the helpful staff and taste differently sourced chocolate from around the world side-by-side to get a great sense of each.
Olio Bello has been harvesting olives in the region since the 1990s and they are serious about the product they produce. Over a dozen of varieties of olives are grown, hand-picked, and cold-pressed, all right on their massive property. At their tasting room you can sample various olive oils and preserves.

TIP! If you come during their olive pressing season from April – June, you can watch the olive milling process and taste the new oil as soon as it’s made.

Check out all there is to do in the region!

Other food and activity purveyors are best located on the Margaret River regional map, helpfully marked with different icons based on whether it is a winery, art gallery, activity, and also specifying whether there is a restaurant attached for each.

There are plenty of outdoor adventures to take advantage of as well, from hiking to world-class surfing to rock climbing.

Me rock climbing right on the Indian Ocean coast in Margaret River

Find the most updated regional map HERE.

TIP! You’ll also be able to pick up hard copies of the map at various wineries and Margaret River attractions.

Including Australian truffle country.

The other thing you may not know about this part of Western Australia is that nearby you’ll find the most truffles of any other spot in the southern hemisphere! While you may associate truffles more typically with Italy (or France), there are actually truffles in several parts of Australia, although you’ll find the vast majority in one part of WA.

Truffle season lasts from late May until September, when you’ll have access to freshly harvested truffles to enjoy, although you can enjoy local truffle products all year long. And sometime in late June or early July – the exact timing varies from year to year – you’ll be able to enjoy the annual Truffle Kerfuffle, the local truffle festival located about a 90-minute drive from Margaret River.

And definitely stay over.

As you can see from the massive list of top wineries (which doesn’t include every spot I visited, just the best ones), I spent several days exploring the Margaret River region – and so should you! Most visitors stay either close to nature or in town. I liked staying in the town of Margaret River, with lots of restaurants in walking distance to not have to worry about driving after a day of wine tasting.

I had an exceptional few nights at the Rosewood Guesthouse, which went above and beyond to provide little touches throughout my stay. The elaborate breakfast is a great start to a day of wine tasting or outdoor activity, and there are complimentary refreshments available all day long, from tea and biscuits to complimentary port and sherry for a nightcap. The Rosewood Guesthouse will also coordinate any number of snacks, in-house massages, or tours for you, including the option of a private tour in the on-site, cream-colored 1956 Rolls Royce:

Sadly, when I visited, the Rolls Royce was all booked out for the weekend. Quite a nice way to tour the vineyards, if you can get it... — Sadly, when I visited, the Rolls Royce was all booked out for the weekend, but I still got to admire it!

This was not a sponsored accommodation of any kind, I just had a really fabulous stay at the Rosewood Guesthouse!

Check out Rosewood Guesthouse pricing and availability HERE

Explore other Margaret River accommodation options HERE

Staying somewhere attentive and cozy was definitely a great way to end each day in Margaret River.

And even beyond wine country, the region has so much to offer that it is a great destination for a weekend (or longer!) escape.

Happy travels!
Lana

How do you decide which wine country you’d like to visit next?Have you been to Margaret River? Any other wineries there that you love?

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How to Avoid Common Mistakes Travelers Make on their First Visit to Bangkok

March 3, 2019 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 0 Comment

I hated Bangkok the first time I visited.

I’m the kind of person who goes to a new city, and even before I leave, am planning itineraries in my head for when I am able to return. Questions like “What city would you like to go back to?” always stump me because the honest answer is “Almost everywhere.”

In Bangkok, I spent my time thinking about how quickly I could escape the city and never have to come back.

Fast forward to when I was living in Milan, Italy and as part of a holiday raffle, won a prize that would have excited anyone else – a free round-trip flight to Bangkok!

Honestly, I felt a bit restrained in my excitement. How did I end up with the one gift everyone would want but me??

Quickly rationalizing in my head, I realized that a flight to Bangkok would be a good excuse to go to Hong Kong and celebrate Chinese New Year there. And that I could tack on some time in northern Thailand for rock climbing and other adventures that I had skipped on my first trip.

Rock Climbing in Chiang Mai, Thailand before returning to Bangkok — Rock Climbing in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Even though I had to fly through Bangkok both coming and going – honestly? I debated spending any time in the city at all.

In the end, to avoid having multiple back-to-back flights to get back home to Milan, I decided to spend a minimal amount of time in Bangkok and would try to have a better experience the second time around.

Why I Hated Bangkok & Tips for What to Do Instead

Bangkok is not an easy city for many travelers, even experienced ones. It boasts its own special brand of chaos that is hard to handle and can be quite frustrating. Even more so if you’ll be traveling solo.

Here I break down all the parts of Bangkok that drove me crazy on my first visit – and what to do instead so you don’t repeat my mistakes and have an enjoyable visit when you go. I even came away from my return visit liking the city.

It’s possible, I swear!

#1 | What Went Wrong with Taxis and Tuk Tuks

Trying to go somewhere? Transportation in Bangkok can be a challenge.

It was sometimes hard to hail a tuk tuk – the open-air mini transport common in southeast Asia – if you weren’t going to one of the most common tourist spots. Other than heading toward Khao San Road where backpackers tend to stay, drivers would often shrug their shoulders at your intended destination and simply drive off.

Taxi rides were equally difficult to come by. Even once after getting in the taxi – ably hailed with assistance from hotel staff – I got lost on the way (even with a street address written out in Thai!) because so many street names are identical or don’t go in order depending on which direction you’re traveling in the city.

Another time when I had Google Maps open on my cell phone in Thai, and an address marked off with a star, after minimal effort glancing at the screen, the taxi driver decided that it was too much effort to figure out the destination and he simply drove off without me.

What to Do Instead

Even though it doesn’t help all of the time, having verified locations with Thai writing and marked on a map ready to show the driver will increase your chances of hailing transport immensely. The one time I could not get a taxi to take me to my destination, a tuk tuk driver consulted the map on my phone and was able to go right there.

It also helps to stay somewhere that is close to the Skytrain or other public transportation, so that you are minimally dependent on tuk tuks or taxis to get around. I stayed right by a Skytrain station on my return visit and it was much easier to get around the city on my own.

Check out budget hotel deals in Bangkok HERE

TIP! If you are staying at a hotel or near a hotel, it is probably much easier to get a tuk tuk or taxi organized there. Staff are happy to hail one off the street or call.

TIP! There are also some taxi apps that were not available on my first trip but exist now – see the ‘General Travel Tips’ section below.

#2 | What Went Wrong with the Weather

Bangkok the first time around was quite uncomfortable with the heat. Even though it was December, it was quite hot visiting attractions during the day, and I was coated in a glistening sheen of sweat within minutes of walking outside.

What to Do Instead

The obvious solution, which did not occur to me on my first visit, is to simply do a tour of outdoor attractions at night, when temperatures are cooler. On my return trip, I did a fabulous Bangkok Night Lights Tuk Tuk Tour with Expique.

While I don’t always opt for organized tours when I travel, this small group tour was perfect. During the more moderate weather after the sun went down, tuk tuks whisked us around the city, and our engaging guide shared tidbits of information at every stop and shared a Thai local’s perspective.

Explore Tour Options with Expique HERE

In addition having a guide, taking the tour made transportation easy. The meeting point was at a Skytrain station and since there are dedicated tuk tuks for the entire tour, you don’t have to contend with the hassle of hailing a tuk tuk yourself between each attraction as you would have to do on your own.

TIP! You can also pay extra to have your tuk tuk transport you back to your accommodation at the end of the tour.

#3 | What Went Wrong with Money

You would not believe how many arguments ensued with taxi drivers about making change.

It goes something like this: I offer a bill sufficient to pay the fare. The driver holds up his hands helplessly explaining that he does not have enough change and asks if you have a smaller bill. As a tourist, it’s hard to tell if it’s a real predicament or if someone is trying to scam you.

What to Do Instead

While in some cases it may seem like someone trying to extort you into paying more, the reality is that most street vendors and tuk tuk or taxi drivers only have small bills. If you have anything decently large (500 Baht or more), they may legitimately struggle to make small change.

Even though 500 Baht is only around US$15 or €15, it is often too large a bill for vendors or drivers to accept or make change for.

Be prepared to over-tip or even easier – avoid conflict by having small bills on hand. Otherwise the Asian custom of saving face may prevail, and the driver in an effort to avoid conflict, will drive off without any money at all. Don’t put drivers in this difficult position.

TIP! Change out any large ATM bills at a currency exchange – this is easy to do at the airport or your hostel/hotel – or at a brick-and-mortar store like a 7-11 or supermarket if you make a small purchase.

#4 | What Went Wrong with Public Transportation

In many cities I’ve traveled around the world, local public transportation systems have pretty thorough coverage of the city center. In Bangkok on my first visit, this was not the case.

My hotel was not particularly close to a Skytrain station, and there were very limited options to get around without taking the long trek or struggling with other transport options. It was a hassle, and felt limiting in terms of exploring the city.

What to Do Instead

Stay near a centrally located Skytrain station!

As I’ve already mentioned, finding taxis or tuk tuks are not always easy, so having nearby access to the reliable transportation system dramatically changes your experience in the city. I was able to easily get to my accommodation from the airport when I arrived and had close access to get around Bangkok on my own once I arrive.

READ MORE: Top Reasons to Savor Solo Travel

Of course, being central as well as near a Skytrain station ensures more access on foot as well, and there were several attractions and markets within walking distance.

For my second visit, I stayed at In A Box Hostel.

Find budget accommodations at In A Box Hostel HERE

Find other great deals on accommodation options in Bangkok HERE

#5 | What Went Wrong with the Crowds

When Bangkok gets crowded, it is really crowded.

My first visit was over New Year’s Eve, and the city was completely packed during the holiday period. Like other cities around the world, Bangkok has a large fireworks display that attracts a lot of tourists looking to celebrate somewhere memorable.

Traveling during a holiday period also meant overwhelming crowds and lines at tourist attractions, with most people heading in similar directions to the most popular markets and sights around town.

Wat Pho during the day. Not pictured: the immense crowds below.

What to Do Instead

First, the Bangkok Night Lights Tuk Tuk Tour with Expique that I mentioned in #2 above was a great way to experience the city and sights minus the crowds. I wish I had known about it on my first visit.

Explore Tour Options with Expique HERE

Bangkok also boasts also lesser known but equally amazing tourist attractions, like The Jim Thompson House. Seek out more sights that are off the beaten path to experience Bangkok in a more relaxed way. Or visit during the off season.

Museum dedicated to the American businessman who revitalized the Thai silk industry before his mysterious (still unsolved) disappearance in Malaysia in 1967

General Travel Tips for Bangkok

Of course, compensating for all of the typical first-time visitor mistakes won’t be enough to keep you safe and happy in Bangkok all on their own.

Most of the tips listed below are general city smarts, although some are specific to Bangkok and Thailand.

Here are some more tips for when you go:

Plan to haggle.

Take at least half the price off the initial offer from any vendor when you make your counteroffer, but be kind when reaching an agreeable price.

Keep valuables secure.

Especially with all the motorbikes zooming around, the threat of a snatch-and-grab for your purse, camera, or other valuables is real. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure and out of reach of any rapidly passing vehicles, especially motorbikes.

Watch out for scams.

The most common scams are people telling you either that “tourist attractions are closed for official reason X” or that there are “no restaurants are in that direction” – and then re-directing you to their friend’s jewelry store or overpriced tourist restaurant.

At tourist attractions, scammers may even be wearing official-looking badges!

Also, don’t buy any gems or jewelry or tailored suits unless it is from a reputable store someone reliable has vouched for. These are common products that many scammers target.

Be Savvy with each Transit Option.

Tuk Tuks. Be sure to negotiate a price before you get in and don’t pay until the end of your trip when you have arrived at your destination.

TIP! It helps to ask at your hostel/hotel what the approximate price should be before hitting the streets, so you can have confidence with your negotiations.

Peering out at the brightly colored taxis

Taxis. Be sure you are running on the meter, and then track the route on your phone to be sure you’re being taken the direct way. If the driver refuses to run on the meter, leave the vehicle and find a different taxi.

Apps. Uber and GrabTaxi are great alternatives to hailing a taxi off the street.

TIP! If you plan to hail taxis with the apps, buy a local SIM card or be sure your home country’s data plan will work.

Boats. I didn’t realize that boats were part of public transit until late in my first visit. It’s a great way to get between many places most directly.

Practice good Buddha etiquette.

Don’t sit with your feet facing the Buddha or take any pictures where you are higher than Buddha. Even if it’s sweltering, having something lightweight like a scarf or cardigan to cover up. And remove hats and shoes before entering a temple.

Explore local cuisine.

Gorge yourself on street food, especially at Chatuchak Market on the weekend. Many dishes come as a series of little bites, so easy to sample many different items from different stands, whether you’re at a market or just strolling around the city.

You’ll also see sidewalk cafes that have tables to sit-down, but are basically full restaurants where all the cooking happens on the street!

And of course, Bangkok has great upscale and fine dining spots. But what you may not know is that they are likely to be way more affordable than comparable spots at home. As a solo traveler, I was pleasantly surprised at how many dishes I was able to sample off tasting menus, like the one at nahm, on my return visit.

Take a cooking class.

Using a large mortar and pestle to grind green curry paste.

I don’t always take cooking classes when I travel, but it is a great approachable way to learn about the ingredients you’ll find at Thai markets and how to turn them into delicious dishes. I still use what I learned at a cooking class with Silom Thai Cooking School in Bangkok to cook Thai dishes at home regularly.

Find Silom Thai Cooking School Reviews & Booking Information HERE

Treat yourself.

Massages in Thailand are ridiculously cheap. I found my favorite spot on my last visit by looking at reviews close to where I was staying and found a great, local spot.

Outside of fancy hotels and spas you’ll spend a mere US$5 or €5 for either an hour-long foot massage or full body massage.

Obviously there are a lot of great reasons for visiting Bangkok and Thailand, and yes, I recommend that you visit. However, having a great time is not as easy to do as it might be in some other places you’ve visited.

So keep your travel savvy heightened when you go and follow these tips – and you’ll have an amazing time.

Happy travels!
Lana

Have you ever been to Bangkok? Did you enjoy your visit? Any other tips that I missed?

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YOU Could Book A Flight Today

February 17, 2019 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 2 comments

How many months into the year is it when you are reading this? And how many trips have you actually booked already for the year ahead?

Are they all the travel you hope to take? Do you have travel goals for this year? And are you on your way to achieving them?

For most of us, the answer is probably no.

But, why not? What is holding you back?

READ MORE: 10 Reasons to Travel Anyway

Many of us have a bad habit of over-complicating things, and planning travel does not have to be one of them.

All you need is to “Just do it”:

1. Pick dates

2. Ask for the days off of work, if needed – although this could also be for a weekend trip outside of work hours, where the only person needed for the decision is YOU

3. Pick one or several locations you’d be interested in – the more flexible you are, the easier it is to definitely take a trip

4. Find the best/cheapest option and BOOK A FLIGHT!

***Congratulations*** now you’re traveling somewhere!!

All smiles on my Emirates Airline flight

When I recently booked my flight to Denver, I was excited and posted on Facebook that I was “all set.” My sister, who I’ll be visiting, countered with a long list of things yet to be determined – where we’re skiing, where we’ll stay overnight by the slopes, and arranging my ski rental.

My perspective?

If I’ve booked the ticket, I’m going on the trip! The rest is just details.

Of course we’ll figure out where to ski and arrange a place to sleep. Ski rental spots abound. But I’m so excited to be traveling! And now that I’ve booked a flight, I will be =)

How much effort or research does it usually take you to book a trip? And at what point do you feel like you’re “set” for your travels?

With two flights booked this week, I was just tossing around another weekend trip with a friend. We’ve discussed going away somewhere for the weekend before, but have never gone anywhere.

Why not, you say? Well, we’ve never booked flights.

What will make the difference this time around – whether or not we book flights to actually go somewhere. Then, it’ll be a trip.

So, my challenge to YOU —

Forget about all of the reasons not to go.
Forget about the cost keeping you grounded. Depending on location, your time away can be cheaper than what you’d spend staying at home.
Forget about whether you have a travel buddy or not.

With or without a travel buddy, pick a day sometime in the next week, and book!

(If flights are very expensive where you are, or at the time you’re looking to travel, you’re not off the hook – find a good bus or train fare and lock it down.)

Or use one of these excellent mailing lists or website features to help inspire you:

Mailing Lists to Join (I subscribe to all 3!)

Airfare Watchdog

This is focused mostly on US departing cities, but offers a lot of information about international destinations as well, and is targeted to your preferred departure point.

The Flight Deal

This is a US-centric newsletter offering great deals on itineraries. Their motto is “Just because it’s a great fare doesn’t mean it’s a great deal” provides a bit of an insight into their philosophy. It’s very friendly to browse deals on their website as well.

Scott’s Cheap Flights

Offers a free and premium version. If you’re planning to book one of the heavily discounted deals or mistake fares, paying for the premium version could be worth your time. Even with just the free version, you’ll get deals e-mailed and access to the private Facebook group.

Catching sunrise over Europe from a plane

Searching Online for Cheap Destinations or Itineraries

Kayak Explore
This is one of my all-time favorite website features. Not only can you compare fares on multiple airlines with lots of details specified, like flight time, budget, and number of stops, but you can also search without a specific destination in mind! To browse possible flight options, you can even zoom in on certain regions of the world and see which destinations fall within your budget anytime, or on a set of specific dates.

TIP! Not all discount airlines will have their fares appear on Kayak, so also check those websites directly for any discount airlines at your departure and arrival city before booking.

Skiplagged

This site is similar to the Kayak Explore feature above, with the ability to customize your departure city and browse options anywhere in the world. Skiplagged specializes in heavily discounted fares you won’t see on other sites, although do be aware of any flight results using the controversial practice of a ‘hidden city’ flight, as airlines have begun to crack down on passengers who don’t fly all the legs of their itinerary.

With a little flexibility on destination and dates, and some clever internet sleuthing, there is a trip out there in your budget and waiting for you.

You know what this means – no excuses!

So browse some possible options, and commit to booking that next flight in the week ahead.

You can do it.

Happy travels!
Lana

Have you booked all your travel for this year yet? What obstacles usually keep you from booking a trip? Are there any other resources you find helpful for booking flights that I missed? Let me know in the ‘Comments’ below!

And when you do book your next flight, keep me posted with where you’re heading!

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Top 12 Reasons to Go To Malta & Malta Travel Tips

February 7, 2019 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 0 Comment

Malta felt like it was on my bucket list forever.

At a short, direct plane ride from Milan, going never seemed urgent during the three years I lived in Italy. Which meant that I never went!

Fast forward to an autumn European trip I was planning after moving back to the US, and I knew Malta was a destination I definitely wanted to include on my visit.

The biggest question I got – “Why are you going to Malta?”

Apparently most people know very little about this small group of islands south of Sicily, so I wanted my first blog post about Malta to be filled with all the incredible reasons to go!

Top Reasons To Visit Malta

It’s Affordable

Even though Malta has become popular as a cruise ship port and with other European tourists, it is still quite affordable. You can get a pretty good tasting menu at a restaurant for around €30 or less, which is always a great marker for me of how much things cost. Street food is dirt cheap.

It’s even affordable to get there, with many discount flights arriving from all over Europe. Plus, there are plenty of reasonable accommodation options for your stay.

Save up to 30% on your hotel on your next upcoming trip!!

Cute Fishing Villages

Yes, this is just as picturesque as you’re imagining! Traditional fishing villages have remained from ancient times and can be spotted by their traditionally painted boats. You’ll see some of the luzzu with a painted eye on each side due to the Phoenician custom to ward off evil and protect fishermen at sea.

Forts to Explore

The islands of Malta, once part of the British Empire and now part of the Commonwealth, have held strategic importance in the Mediterranean for millenia. So it’s not surprising that it is a country with plenty of fortifications you can still visit today dotting its coastline, from massive forts to fortified lookout towers.

It’s even been sometimes known as ‘Fortress Island’ due to the number of forts and its safe, natural harbors for ships.

Maltese Food

You know I’d go pretty much anywhere if I heard good things about the food! As an island nation that changed hands many times in history, Maltese cuisine includes Spanish, French, Italian, and other Mediterranean influences.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoeF0g8FrAz/

Rabbit is considered to be the national dish and another local favorite is pastizzi, a palm-sized flaky pastry typically filled with cheese or a pea mixture. And the desserts will make you swoon – my favorite was imqaret, an Arabic-inspired pastry filled with a date spread.

Coastline Dotted with Caves and Pools

The rocky coast of Malta lends itself to caves that have been carved out by crashing waves, or indentations in the rock that form natural pools.

These are worth the effort to seek out as they are often not as crowded as the beaches and are beautiful places to explore and swim.

Ancient Stone Cities

Part of Malta’s heavy fortifications mean that there are also walled, stone cities throughout. Most famous are the coastal capital Valletta and Mdina in the center, which served as Malta’s capital through medieval times.

The results have stood for centuries and are beautiful to visit today.

READ MORE: Top 8 Travel Destinations of 2018

Wine Culture & Visiting Wineries

Yes, Malta has wine! Delicious wine that you’re unlikely to have tasted if you’ve never been. I visited two wineries on my trip and had great tours and tastings at both.

Even without going to a winery, you’ll be able to sample a variety of Maltese wines by the glass, half-bottle, carafe, and bottle at your meals each day. While familiar grapes are grown in Malta, there are also some delicious indigenous grapes like Ghirgentina (a white) and Gellewza (for red wine), both delicious varietals blended or on their own.

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Beaches

The archipelago of Malta is composed of islands, so there are plenty of beaches to enjoy nearby wherever you decide to stay. Since the landscape is inclined toward creating natural harbors, all of the beaches I visited had stunning and dramatic views of the Maltese coastline.

The swimming was lovely too, of course.

Impressive Archaeological Sites

From the 6,000 year old prehistoric burial site known as the Hypogeum to ancient temples and catacombs, archaeological sites are located all over Malta, and provide an interesting window into this region’s past.

St. Paul's Catacombs in Rabat — St. Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat

If you like history or are fascinated by ancient cultures and traditions, there are plenty of spots to explore all over Malta.

Sunsets

There have been some places I’ve seen in my travels where the sunset is gorgeous and colorful nearly every night. And Malta is one of those places.

Wherever you are on the island, know when the sun will be going down so you can plan to be outside and watch the show. Malta had some of my favorite sunsets of the whole year!

READ MORE: Travel Superlatives 2018

Sunset at St. Julian's Bay — Sunset at St. Julian’s Bay

Outdoor Activities

The landscape of Malta is both dramatic and beautiful, and there are many way to take advantage of the great outdoors. There are interior hiking trails and also rocky coastal walks that link different beaches.

Malta is also known for one of my favorite sports, rock climbing, and has incredible limestone to climb on both Malta and Gozo. There are plenty of other outdoor adventure opportunities like cycling and diving as well.

Boats, Boats, Boats!

I love seeing boats and traveling by boat, and being on Malta with its many harbors provides plenty of chances to do both. There is a functional ferry to get between Sliema and the capital Valletta, as well as ferries and tours departing from many main spots around Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Even if boat travel is not your thing, plenty of boats will be docked and provide beautiful views along Malta’s coast.

Top Tips for When You Go

Transportation

The main thing you’ll want to know about getting around Malta is that there is lots of traffic! Traditional rush hours are the worst, but there always seem to be a lot of vehicles on the road and often bus delays.

If you decide on taking public transit (like I did), it is easy to purchase your bus pass from the public transit stand next to the Costa Coffee and by the exit from the airport – either from a person or the machine.

There is an Explore Card that is just for the bus and an ExplorePlus Card that also includes a round-trip ticket on the Valletta ferry and either a day on a hop-on hop-off bus around the island or a boat to the Maltese island of Comino. More details and prices are HERE.

TIP! The two downsides for me of riding the bus were the delays that made it hard for transferring bus lines and also when rush hour buses from Sliema to Valletta were so crowded they did not stop to let additional passengers on.

If you don’t love walking as much as I do (or are not as patient) you’ll probably want to rent a car for your time in Malta.

TIP! Be aware that if you’d like to take the car to one of the other islands, ferry space for a car can be quite limited and you’ll want to arrange this in advance or arrive very early to queue.

In either case, when you first arrive, a taxi is likely your easiest option to arrive at your accommodation, and there are set prices for each destination. My taxi trip from the aiport to Sliema (across the water from Valletta) was €20.

Traveling Solo

Malta is a great destination for traveling solo, especially since pretty much everyone speaks English, as a former British colony and now part of the Commonwealth. I was there for 5 nights on my own and had an easy time navigating and taking advantage of the different sights and activities around Malta, including getting a reservation for 1 at many of the restaurants. Malta is also very affordable, so even when you’re not splitting the cost of a room, it doesn’t break the bank to make the trip.

READ MORE: Top Reasons to Savor Solo Travel

Eating and Drinking

For whatever reason, tasting menus are plentiful around Malta, which was wonderful for me as a solo traveler who likes to try as many dishes as possible when I travel!

TIP! A lot of restaurants have a small capacity, so be sure to reserve ahead of time, even if it’s just earlier in the day for that same evening.

TIP! Making a reservation is necessary, even as a solo traveler!

While you might not be able to pick out the small archipelago of Malta on a map (you should go look!) there is so much see, do, and enjoy on the various islands. Now, go plan that trip!

Happy travels!
Lana

Have you been to Malta? What were the highlights for you? What types of activities do you look for most in your travels?

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How to Spend a Weekend in Thessaloniki, Greece

January 29, 2019 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 0 Comment

Whether you know it as Thessaloniki, Salonika, Salonicco, the second-largest city in Greece is an ideal location for a weekend getaway any time of year.

Regardless of variations, this is a northern Greek gem that does not get nearly enough attention when it comes to destinations in Greece, and you’ll get to explore quite a bit in just a weekend in Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki is a pretty compact city, so most of the things you’ll want to do will be in easy walking distance:

Taking advantage of walking the central pedestrian area and markets
Checking out ancient ruins peeking through all over town
Strolling the waterfront
Riding a boat
Exploring culture and history at local museums
Savoring bites as you take in the vibrant culinary scene

Plus, there are cheap, easy flights from many other cities in Europe (I spent a weekend in Thessaloniki when I lived in Milan).

Anyone could happily spend a weekend here at any time of year.

Thessaloniki would be easy to do as a solo trip, but I recommend going with a travel buddy or two to maximize the different dishes you can try at the Greek feasts you’ll enjoy at restaurants around town.

When I visited, it just so happened that a friend and I were looking to go somewhere on the weekend of Valentine’s Day. Then a third good friend wanted to join as well – so we started referring to it as our Galentine’s weekend in Thessaloniki, of course. (In case you’re as clueless as I was, Galentine’s Day started as a fake TV holiday and now is a real thing women celebrate on February 13 ^th.)

Whether you’re single or coupled – and our trio was a mix of both – it was a fun excuse to have a weekend away.

Although, really, Thessaloniki is so wonderful you don’t need an excuse. Just go!

Things to See and Do in Thessaloniki

On the Waterfront

White Tower

This is the most iconic building in town, and the one you’ll see most often in connection with the city.

It is a cylindrical building on the waterfront that has been previously used as both a fortress and a prison, and now houses a museum and lookout point on the roof.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Tickets details are HERE and are at a reduced rate during the off-season, from November to March.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you’ll be visiting other museums in town, there is a combined ticket available for admission to several different spots.

Boat Rides

Technically, it’s not a “boat tour,” it’s a “floating bar.” Which means that admission is free, but you must by a drink while you’re on board (alcoholic or otherwise).

The boat trip around the harbor will last from 30 minutes to 1 hour, and is well worth it for the fun of being on the water and the great city views you’ll see along the way.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Boats leave from the shore just outside the White Tower.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Boats will not go if the weather conditions are bad, so if a boat ride is a priority, check the forecast and plan accordingly.

Walk the Shore

It may not sound like an activity, but the waterfront is lovely!

See “The Umbrellas” by Giorgios Zoggolopoulos

After the White Tower, this sculpture is probably the second most recognizable part of Thessaloniki. Be sure to stroll and see it for yourself:

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Stare up at the Monument of Alexander the Great

The monument is suitably impressive and larger than life to commemorate the local boy who spread Greek influence to far away lands over 2,000 years ago.

Befriend Locals

Everyone is pretty friendly around Thessaloniki. Especially when they think you’re a professional photographer and decide to pose for you!

Around Town

Roman Forum

Like many ruins across Europe, this spot was discovered just decades ago by accident, but is impressive in its scale and how well the stone structures have stood the test of time.

You can appreciate the site just strolling by, but if you’d like to explore more, there is a museum on site as well.

Plateia Aristotelous & The Main Pedestrian Area

Aristotelous Square is one of the more modern areas of the city, and is especially impressive as viewed from the water on a boat ride.

Continuing on from the square is the main pedestrian area, popular with locals, tourists, and street vendors galore. It’s a very scenic part of town overlooking the water.

Modiano Market

There is mixed information online about whether this area is closed temporarily or permanently, but whether it is this historical market or another market in town, it’s a great opportunity to experience the bustle of the market, taste local goodies, and see the various meat, fish, and produce on offer.

The Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki

Through the late 1800s, over 50% of Thessaloniki was Jewish, which is an overwhelming percentage for any city. Thessaloniki’s Jewish population dwindled after the devastating fire of 1917, although it still made up approximately 20% of the city’s population until World War II, when almost all of Thessaloniki’s Jews died in the Holocaust.

The museum gives a window into what Jewish life in the city was like at its peak and a history of the people since then.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! The museum is closed from early afternoon on Friday and all day on Saturday in observance of the Jewish Sabbath. If you only have a weekend in Thessaloniki, the museum will only be open on Sunday from 10am-2pm (and does have more hours if you visit during the week).

Arch of Galerius

Dating to the Roman Emperor Galerius in the 4^th century, there are intricate battle scenes carved into every angle of the stone.

Hagios Giorgios/Rotunda

Nearby and dating from the same time period as the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda is a beautiful building of stone and art worth visiting.

Church/Crypt of Hagios Demetrios

Dedicated to Saint Demetrios, patron saint of Thessaloniki, this is a UNESCO heritage site famous for its mosaics.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Use the stairs next to the altar to descend to the crypt.

Church of Panagia Chalkeon

While young compared to other churches in the city at just around 1,000 years old, there is some beautiful artwork inside and palm trees beautifully surrounding the outside of the church.

Church of Hagia Sofia

Not to be confused with the one in Istanbul, this church is distinctive with its yellow outside, and definitely one of the most crowded – and impressive – churches we saw during our weekend in Thessaloniki.

Monastery of St. Theodora

While this wasn’t on our radar before visiting, we wandered into this central spot and were mesmerized by the intricate decorations and bright colors.

Chasing Views

You’ll get some great views on the waterfront, both from the top of the White Tower and while out on the water on a boat ride.

For the opposite perspective, hike to the upper part of the city (yes, this means uphill!).

Things to see on your way:

Church of Agioi Anagyroi Eptapyrgiou

A beautiful church that is definitely built in a different style than many of the churches in the city center, and features lovely artwork and color.

Heptapyrgion Fortress/Eptapyrgio Castle

With many names all meaning “fortress of seven towers,” this fortress/castle actually boasts ten towers, overlooking the complex and the city below.

It’s still undergoing renovations (and it shows!) but it is worth the uphill trek to reach this spot.

Other Museums to Check Out

We spent more of our time exploring on foot outside, but would have enjoyed checking out these spots if we had more time (or if it had been rainy):

The Archaeological Museum

Museum of Byzantine Culture

Museum of Photography

Where to Eat in Thessaloniki

Let’s be real, one of the main reasons to visit Greece is for the food!

From fresh feta to seafood to sizzling concoctions served tableside, we savored it all as we ate our way through the city.

Our best bites:

Agioli

Right on the promenade overlooking the water, we were able to enjoy the outdoor seating, even though it was February when we visited.

Portions are piled high with some of the delicious seafood specialties Greece and the Mediterranean is known for.

Bazagiazi

Located by Modiani Market (see above), this restaurant was low-key but serving up delicious dishes and oozing with Greek hospitality.

Going for dinner felt like an experience, and it’s obvious why locals flock here for meals.

Mpougátsa

One of the most famous shops that makes the traditional sweet “mpougátsa” of Thessaloniki, this crunchy and somewhat sweet pastry is worth seeking out on your visit.

Mia Feta

This was definitely our most memorable meal of the trip. There is a large communal table in the middle of this shop and restaurant.

From the cheese assortment to other savory baked dishes, each bite here was incredible and the staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating.

The cheese selection is vast and varied, so don’t be shy about ordering a feast!

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! You can find their menu in English on their Facebook page HERE.

Negroponte

Serving up small plates that change daily, seating spills out onto the street giving you more opportunity to score a table and enjoy the delicious cuisine.

We sampled a lot of things from the grill, enjoying the feast of dishes that came out one after another our first night in town.

It was quite the welcome to the local food scene!

Where to Drink in Thessaloniki

From coffee to wine to random concoctions from street vendors, there are plenty of local Greek beverages to sample during your stay.

Greek coffee anywhere!

The coffee options around Thessaloniki are seemingly endless, and you’ll want to taste your way through the myriad of excellent options.

Particularly popular with the locals is the Greek frappe, with iced coffee and usually also milky foam on top. You’ll spot Thessaloniki locals drinking frappe regardless of the weather.

PortoGalo

Part restaurant, part wine bar, part wine shop, this centrally located gem has plenty of options for how to enjoy it.

We ended up here for dessert and wine at the end of the night, and were surprised at their vast variety of both Portuguese and international selections to enjoy – including, of course, lots of port dessert wines.

Ristretto | espresso wine bar

Photo Credit: Lisa Gilpin — Photo: Lisa Gilpin

The space is beautiful and I had no idea during our visit that it was actually connected to a hotel.

Although espresso is part of its name, for us it was where we enjoyed some delicious wine our first night in Thessaloniki.

(More) Tips for Visiting

The biggest thing to know for coming to Thessaloniki is to bring your walking shoes!

Once you’re in town, it really is the best way to get around and get the flavor of this historic city.

When you first arrive, which will likely be by airplane, there are plenty of cheap and convenient options to reach the city center.

A taxi will take about a half hour and cost approximately €20. There is also a public bus, the 01X (or 01N at night) that runs frequently and costs approximately €2 per person for around a 45-minute ride, which is how we entered the city.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you plan to take the bus, be sure to identify the stop ahead of time that is closest to your accommodation (in English and Greek!) and have it marked in your phone so you can follow along on GPS as well and disembark at the right spot – we missed our stop and had to backtrack on foot in the rain to reach our hotel!

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Get all of your bus questions answered on the English version of the local public transportation site HERE.

As a bustling city, the dining scene in Thessaloniki gets quite crowded on Friday and Saturday nights.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If there is one restaurant at the top of your list, be sure to reserve in advance.

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Otherwise, be prepared that you may have to stop at a few places before finding a restaurant with available seating.

Overall, it was a friendly and easy city to visit, and can be very enjoyable even without extensive planning ahead of time.

Where to Stay in Thessaloniki

Even if you don’t plan much about how you’ll spend your time or which restaurants you’ll seek out for meals, you’ll want to arrange a place to sleep ahead of time!

All of the options listed below are quite reasonably priced and very centrally located.

If you visit in a trio or larger group, many of the options have triple rooms or larger suites or family rooms. If you visit solo, many of the options offer single rooms for a discounted price.

Listed in order of approximate price per night, here are my top hotel picks:

Hotel Esperia – Budget Option

(Single/Double/Triple Rooms) This is by far the most budget option on the list, and where we stayed in a budget triple.

It is a bit further from the center than the other options, but offers a great view over the ancient Agora and Roman Forum ruins, and is a great bargain.

Check for prices & availability HERE.

The Caravan Bed & Breakfast – Most Highly Rated

(Double/Triple/Family Rooms) A few blocks closer to the center and the waterfront than Hotel Esperia above, guests rave about its charm and the excellent breakfast that is included in the room price.

This is the most highly rated option listed here, on multiple booking sites.

Check for prices & availability HERE.

The Modernist Hotel – Most Central

(Double/Suite/Family Rooms) Located right off the bustling pedestrian area, guests loved being close to food and shopping, and found the hotel itself to be quiet since it is off one of the side streets.

This is definitely the most centrally located of the options listed here, and quite reasonably priced for what you get.

Check for prices & availability HERE.

Bahar Boutique Hotel – Closest to Best Restaurants

(Single/Double/Executive Rooms) Not quite as central as The Modernist Hotel, however this spot is closest to the part of town with some of the best restaurant options.

Room prices include their excellent breakfast, this is a location with luxury mixed with charm.

Check for prices & availability HERE.

Wherever you stay, you’ll really be using it as a jumping off point for all of your exploring around the city!

Find Your Best Thessaloniki Travel Deals Today- Book Now!

Thessaloniki has enough to see and do that you won’t be bored, but is compact enough to comfortably explore by foot over the course of a weekend.

For us, Thessaloniki was great as a Galentine’s weekend destination, since it was warmer than Milan and other parts of Europe in mid-February.

While I don’t usually travel for Valentine’s Day, it can be a fun excuse for a trip.

READ MORE: Visiting Verona – A Romantic Getaway for Valentine’s Day

And really, a weekend in Thessaloniki is a great trip to plan – especially last-minute – since there are so many cheap flight options from around Europe.

Do you travel for Valentine’s Day weekend? What makes an ideal weekend getaway for you? How do you decide which cities to visit when you travel to a new country?

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Where to Eat in Stavanger, Norway: Surprise Foodie Destination

January 16, 2019 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 2 comments

I can’t stop talking about where to eat in Stavanger, Norway.

How did a city I had never heard of before become the surprise foodie destination of my last two-week European trip?

By far, it was the city that excited me the most for its food and drink offerings. And as I ate and drank my way through, Stavanger, it delivered.

It’s a pretty simple story, really.

Stavanger was a small town through the 1960s when the oil boom hit, and has since grown into one of Norway’s most sophisticated dining scenes, with no shortage of oil executives and business travelers eating lavish meals on their expense accounts – supporting excellent restaurants all around town.

READ MORE: Travel Superlatives 2018

Now Stavanger is Norway’s third-largest city and was the first outside of Oslo to have one of its restaurants awarded a Michelin star. Since then, a second restaurant has earned the same accolade.

With Stavanger’s proximity to the Lysefjord’s beautiful scenery and famous hikes, it’s likely to be a pass through point for any outdoor adventuring you do in Norway.

Like many other travelers to this region, I passed through Stavanger both coming and going.

The Stavanger dining scene isn’t just serving up great food and drinks, there is some exciting innovation with local and seasonal ingredients that made it a unique experience, not just your standard “good food.” All with a Norwegian twist, of course.

It’s a city I’d go back to, just to eat.

When you do go, here is where you’ll find your best bites and sips:

Top Coffee Shops

Bøker og Børst

Meaning “books and booze” (since it also operates as a bar) this spot is filled with quirky and fun décor that makes you feel instantly cozy the moment you walk in the door.

The staff was also super friendly, and served up my favorite coffee in all of Stavanger – and I sampled a lot more than made this list.

Plus, the ultra-moist slice of decadent carrot cake was a great way to treat myself after a cold, rainy morning on the ferry ride back from the Lysefjord.

Kokko Kaffebar

This spot is actually just around the corner from the previous coffee shop, but has a very different vibe that is light and airy.

There is beautiful décor across multiple levels and bright, open seating. Kokko Kaffebar also serves up great coffee, with a very smooth flavor. Although I did not enjoy my food quite as much, since I found their baked goods to be a bit dry and not as flavorful as other spot.

Where to Eat in Stavanger

26 North

It is not usually my style to eat at a hotel restaurant – especially one that is a Norwegian chain – but this one is really delicious and it was worth being out of my comfort zone to sample the cuisine here.

26 North offers local “farm & fjord” options daily (an option each from the land and the sea) and what is overall a locally-inspired menu.

There is an appetizer sampler, which is a great way to try traditional Norwegian dishes, especially if you are dining solo like I was.

Even a dish that sounded pretty standard, like the steak I ordered, was both cooked and seasoned incredibly well, and I slowly savored each bite.

READ MORE: How to Eat Well When You Travel Solo

Egget

I knew from the moment I read about the concept of this restaurant that it was my kind of spot and the experience lived up to my expectation – it was my favorite experience in Stavanger and the best food I ate in all of Norway.

There is no menu, just a talented young chef putting together food based on what is available that day in delicious small courses. Like Uri Buri restaurant in Israel, the server will keep bringing additional courses until you stay “stop.”

And they were all so absolutely delicious:

BBQ crab with cashew cream, celeriac root, grated horseradish, grilled broccolini and mustard, and grilled oat milk bread
Grilled hake with apple cream from the chef’s dad’s garden, kaffir lime zest, and fennel leaves
Grilled fish with perfectly crispy skin and a spicy, rich, deeply flavored shrimp bouillon I couldn’t get enough of
Crispy-skin lamb with blistered carrots and pumpkin seeds
Cheese course

Of course, you can tell them any dietary restrictions at the start, and the dishes will be tailored to you as needed (and don’t worry, the staff and chef speak excellent English).

There is also a comprehensive wine selection, that you can enjoy without the pressure of buying an entire bottle, with the server/sommelier guiding you in wine pairings for that day’s courses.

Egget was a great solo dining destination, with a counter overlooking the open kitchen where you can sit and watch the details of how each dish is prepared and if you’re lucky like I was, make friends with fellow diners.

Also, the price was so reasonable for what I got!

The total bill came out to 1,020 NOK (105 Euros/US$120), with about one quarter of the price for my wine pairings and the remaining three-quarters covering the four courses plus cheese plate.

Fisketorget

Located right on the water’s edge, Fisketorget is part fish market (its literal translation) and part restaurant serving up local fish and seafood specialties.

For me, this was Norwegian comfort food in a beautiful locale, with plenty of beer and wine options to pair with your food.

While looking out over the nearby inlet, I enjoyed a giant bowl of Norwegian specialty fiskesuppe for lunch, a hearty fish soup which had delicious flavors and lots of different type of seafood – the perfect cozy indulgence to warm me up on a chilly day.

Renaa Matbaren

Although I did not make it to Stavanger’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, RE-NAA, I had a fabulous meal at the slightly less formal version, known as Renaa Matbaren.

Food in Norway tends to be on the pricey side, but if you come for lunch here, there is a great “lunch box” deal with a set starter and dessert, along with a choice of three main dishes.

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First, the food is outstanding, with great combinations of cooking techniques to yield delicious flavor and texture combinations that you’ll want to savor for each bite. There is also a great wine list, with many options by the glass to pair with your food.

But the piece of my experience at Renaa Matbaren that put it over the top was the exceptional service.

Although I was dressed for the ferry ride I would take shortly after my meal, I was treated like a queen when I dined there, without any assumptions being made based on my appearance, which was just a wee bit casual:

TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! In addition to this more casual version and the original Michelin-starred RE-NAA, there is also an Xpress RE-NAA bakery and artisan pizzeria.

Where to Drink in Stavanger

Pjolter & Punsj

You know it’s a great cocktail spot when you come for one post-dinner drink and end up staying for three.

Plus, you make half a dozen friends along the way.

First off, let me say that the cocktails are incredible. Mixing drinks behind the bar is award-winning mixologist Truls Thomsen, who was also fun to chat with (plus, he lived in both the US and Perth, Australia, just like me!).

Many of the cocktail ingredients are in-house concoctions that take several days to prepare, and it shows when you taste the delicious result. Which is why this is where the servers from the nearby Michelin-starred restaurant choose to drink at the end of their shift.

There are also a lot of local spirits and sensibility woven into the cocktail menu here.

Each drink on the menu is displayed along with a different sardine tin, an homage to the now defunct canning industry in Stavanger.

Flavor combinations are locally and historically inspired, with aquavit (a local spirit) as a prominent ingredient in the cocktails.

Which isn’t hard to do because the bar boasts the largest aquavit collection in the region.

This spot could easily thrive in London or New York or Bangkok – but instead you get to enjoy it in Stavanger.

Places to Check Out Next Time

Lervig Aktiebryggeri

Craft beer has exploded in Norway in recent years. Lervig is Stavanger’s local brewery, with its beers widely available at restaurants and bars around town.

You can also visit the brewery itself, with lots of information on the English website linked above, including how to book a tour.

RE-NAA

This is Stavanger’s 1^st Michelin-starred restaurant and also the older sibling to Renaa Matbaren, where I enjoyed the fabulous three-course lunch mentioned above.

After having tasted the chef’s creations, I’d definitely splurge on a meal at this spot on a return trip to Stavanger. It is 1,600 NOK for the 20-22 course tasting menu (165 Euros/US$190) and then another 1,400 NOK (so almost as much!) for the wine pairings.

Start saving your Norwegian kronor now!

Sabi Omakase

One year after RE-NAA earned a Michelin star in 2016, this spot joined it with one of its own.

A sushi omakase experience limited to 10 diners per seating, Sabi Omakase runs about the same price as RE-NAA, at 1495 NOK per person for food and offering wine pairing at the same price, which is approximately 150 Euros/US$175 for each.

Yes, so now you might have just a bit of an idea why I ate so well in Stavanger during my visit.

It was a big reason I loved Norway, and why I’m now recommending it as a top travel destination to anyone who will listen.

READ MORE: Top Travel Destinations of 2019

Whenever I return to Norway, I’m eager to spend even more time eating my way through the city.

Any other top spots I should check out when I return to Stavanger? What has been your favorite city for eating? Any city that surprised you with its foodie scene?

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