I think I speak for America when I express pure joy that spring is in the air. But it’s more than just the weather that’s bringing a fresh breath of energy. Our spring favorites from Lake Como to Greece have proof of life this April, and summer travels are in sight.
The Current State of Travel
Before I get into all the possibilities of travel, it’s impossible not to address the current situation in the Middle East. We were ready to put Israel back on the travel list for the summer. Unfortunately, Israel and the entire region for that matter, are on pause until at least the fall. There has been significant disruption to the region that not only impacts the Middle East, but also trips to Africa and Asia. However, if you are routing through Dubai or Qatar this summer, it’s still too early to change your flight. We are optimists that something will pause the war and flights will resume — but a back-up plan is a necessity.
My Upcoming Trip with Singita
Personally, I am headed to Africa in a few days with Singita, my favorite lodges in the world. In the current state of travel, I had to do several acrobatics to get there. In lieu of a seat on Emirates or Qatar, I’ll be routing through Amsterdam on the way to Rwanda, with Delta and KLM. On the return from Kilimanjaro, British Airways was the best alternative. Yes, I am flying with the dreaded one-way ticket, which is never cost-efficient. There were no points or mileage tickets that made sense, so it was a small fortune — but you do what you have to do. The key takeaways from my situation are 1) Singita is worth it; and 2) Expect air travel to be more expensive this summer.
That’s pretty much my take on the current state of travel, along with keeping an open mind and flexibility. But above all, continue to travel. Maybe this is your summer to stay stateside and check out the new lodges in Utah. Or, maybe it’s time to revisit the newly reopened Pacific Coast Highway. Whichever adventure you choose, there are always places worth exploring.
Hotels To Look Forward To This Spring
I am headed to Greece in a few weeks, as my friend has never been. Apparently, he was too busy working hard and raising kids to spend his summers in Mykonos, dancing on a table at Nammos. Well, we’re making up for lost time, and we’ll be there before it’s overrun with tourists. That’s what I love about spring travel: the authenticity shines bright before the crowds arrive. There are a few new hotels on Paros and Antiparos, such as Luura Cliff and The Rooster that are on my list. Also, Gundari on the lesser-traveled island of Fulagrandos has piqued my interest. Including Belmond Splendido (which reopened last year), this is a peek at the hotels that I think will be the places to be this spring and into summer.
My Spring Hotel List:
Africa
Singita Kwitonda
The Pinnacle Kigali
Singita Sabora
Singita Sasakwa
Italy
Orient Express Venice
Les Airelles Venice
Reschio, Umbria
Passalacqua Lake Como
Belmond Splendido Portofino
Greece
Four Seasons Athens
The Rooster Antiparos
Gundari Fulagrandos
Kalesma Mykonos
Luura Cliff Paros
Mongolia
Ok, Mongolia is not on a hot list, but it is on my list, as I continue to travel the world. No matter where you choose to be this spring, enjoy the world as it begins to awaken this season.
All the best,
Christine Drinan, Founder
Christine’s Other Musings
A New Way to Travel
The Best Version of Yourself
The House Favorites
