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Popular travel and lifestyle blog featuring travel tips, fashion, food and photography from around the world. Follow Kiersten on her adventures!
A little slice of paradise for the whole family in Crete! 🇬🇷🌴
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Condé Nast Traveller named Phāea Cretan Malia its “Best for families” pick in its guide to the best hotels in Crete, and after our stay, I can see why!
Finding a resort that’s genuinely family-friendly without sacrificing the things you love about a luxury getaway isn’t always easy. But this place gets it SO right!
A few highlights from our stay:
🍽️ The FOOD! Honestly, one of the biggest highlights. Every restaurant had its own unique atmosphere and menu, and everything we tried was absolutely delicious. I loved that dining here felt like an experience in itself.
🥖 The breadmaking experience: We got to make traditional bread together, which was such a fun, hands-on way to experience a little bit of Cretan culture.
🏊🏼♀️ The pools: Gorgeous pools surrounded by lush gardens and plenty of space to swim, play, or just lounge in the sunshine.
🏖️ The beach: The resort sits right on the beach, so you can go from the pool to swimming in the Mediterranean in minutes. The best of both worlds!
🛏️ The rooms: We stayed in a Deluxe Family Bungalow, which had a separate kids’ bedroom with bunk beds, a bedroom for the adults, and two bathrooms. Such a great setup for families!
🧸 The kids’ club: A beautiful space with activities for little ones, giving parents a chance to enjoy some downtime, too.
What I loved most was that it never felt like we had to compromise on the kind of hotel experience I love just because I was traveling with a little one.
Definitely one to save for your next family trip to Greece! 🤍
📍 @phaeacretanmalia | Crete, Greece
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#crete #cretegreece #greecewithkids #familytravel #luxuryfamilytravel
Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca, Mexico! 💀🌼🇲🇽
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In 2024, I finally got to experience Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, and it was everything I’d hoped for and more! This had been on my bucket list for YEARS.
One of the things I admire most about Mexican culture is the beautiful way they honor those who have passed. Losing someone we love is one of the hardest parts of being human, and I think there’s something so special about having an annual tradition dedicated to remembering and celebrating their lives.
Día de Muertos is actually a multi-day celebration, with different days dedicated to honoring loved ones who have passed, including children and pets.
Families create beautiful ofrendas (altars) filled with photos, marigolds, candles, and their loved ones’ favorite foods and drinks. It’s believed that their spirits return to visit, and these offerings help welcome them home.
What I love most is that it’s not about forgetting the sadness of losing someone. It’s about making space for the joy of having loved them in the first place.
I just think the world could use a little more of this ❤️
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#DiaDeMuertos #DiaDeLosMuertos #OaxacaMexico #DayOfTheDead #MexicoTravel
Safe to say we love Spooky Season 👻🎃 Happy Halloween from Cape Town, everyone!
This might just be the easiest way to stay
connected while traveling! 📱✈️
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From quick international trips to spending an entire year abroad, @holafly_esim has made staying connected while traveling so much simpler.
I use Holafly Plans, a monthly eSIM subscription with coverage in 160+ destinations. I installed one eSIM and can stay connected as I move from country to country—all with one monthly price.
As an American traveler, I especially love having a U.S. number that can receive texts while I’m abroad!
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Is there anything prettier than autumn? 🍂🤎
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The changing leaves, crisp mornings, cozy sweaters, and all those gorgeous golden colors.
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#AutumnVibes #FallFoliage #FallTravel #Autumn
Hi Kiersten!
I’m a student at Florida State University currently planning a study abroad trip for the summer of 2016 in Florence, Italy. First off, I absolutely love your website! I’m a Pinterest addict and I’ve visited dozens of travel blogs and yours is by far my favorite. You wouldn’t believe the shock I experienced when I came across your post on gluten free food. Having Celiac Disease I have no choice but to eat gluten free, which worries me about being abroad. I visited Italy a few years ago and also witnessed the accommodations for gluten free options. I am excited to get back and try out this place!
Thanks!
Kate
That’s so wonderful to hear! I was shocked by how celiac friendly Italy is! Many Italians are celiac apparently. I actually just posted another article on gluten-free travel. Hope it helps! https://theblondeabroad.com/2015/01/06/10-helpful-tips-gluten-free-travelers/
This is perfect! I have family from Naples, Italy, it is very common! Thanks again,
Kate