This island in Greece is having a moment on social media - and for good reason. Milos is definitely becoming more popular, but it’s still one of my favorite Greek islands - and one I’d recommend if you want that classic Greek island experience without quite as much of the Santorini or Mykonos scene.

I’ve spent time traveling around Greece, and have written a few guides that I think will be helpful if you’re planning a trip.

Start with Milos

Milos has some of the most unusual scenery I’ve seen in Greece, from the moon-like landscape of Sarakiniko to colorful fishing villages and hidden beaches.

I recently updated my complete guide with when to visit, where to stay, how to get around, and some of my favorite places on the island.

👉 Read my Milos, Greece Travel Guide

Traveling to Greece solo?

Greece is one of those destinations that I think works really well for solo travel. Between the easygoing island atmosphere, friendly locals, and the ability to build your itinerary around exactly what you want to do, it can be a great place to travel on your own.

I put together a guide specifically about solo travel in Greece, including what it’s like traveling alone and tips for planning your trip.

👉 Read: Is Greece Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

And if Santorini is on your list...

One of the biggest questions when planning Santorini is where to stay.

Oia and Imerovigli are both beautiful, but they offer different experiences - and your choice can make a big difference in the kind of trip you have.

I broke down the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is right for you.

👉 Read: Where to Stay in Santorini: Oia or Imerovigli?

If Greece has been sitting on your travel list, I hope these guides make planning your trip a little easier.

And if you’ve already been to Greece, I’d love to know: which Greek island is your favorite? Milos is still at the top of my list.

XO,
Christy

P.S. If you want to follow along between newsletters, you can find my latest travel adventures on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

I hope you’re enjoying the last bit of summer (if you’re in the Western Hemisphere like I am). I’ve been spending a lot of time on my blog, going back through older travel stories and guides to give them a full refresh.

I can’t believe how many amazing trips I’ve experienced over the past 16 years of blogging, and I’ve found myself wanting to plan a few of them all over again.

Canada is at the top of that list.

So if I were planning a Canadian trip right now, here are three I’d seriously consider...

1. A Sea to Sky Highway road trip

Read it here

2. A wild grizzly bear trip in British Columbia

Read it here

3. A puffin-filled trip to Newfoundland

Read it here

I still have hundreds more posts to go through and update. Coffee and chocolate donations are welcome.

But for now, I hope these posts give you a little inspiration for your next trip.

xo,

Christy

P.S. If you want to follow along between newsletters, you can find my latest travel adventures on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

It’s been a little while. I had a minor surgery that slowed me down for a few weeks, but I’m happy to say I’m finally feeling like myself again!

Before my surgery, I traveled to Eleuthera, Bahamas with my family, and I wanted to share my real thoughts about this island.

Think: Pink sand beaches. Empty roads. Tiny beach bars. And some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen.

Since I'd already been to the Exumas a few years ago, I thought it would be fun to compare the two in an in-depth post for you guys. They're both incredible in their own way, but if you're trying to decide between them, there are definitely a few things I'd want you to know before booking.

👉 Read: Eleuthera vs. Exumas: Which Bahamas Destination Should You Visit?

Read it here!

Whether you’re dreaming of swimming with pigs or spending a week exploring hidden beaches, I hope this helps make planning a little easier.

Have you been to either island? I’d love to hear which one you chose - or which one is still on your bucket list. Would love to hear from you!

As always, thank you for being here.

XO,

Christy

P.S. If you want to follow along between newsletters, you can find my latest travel adventures on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

I’ve been busy behind-the-scenes with something that has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember - and it feels a little surreal to be finally taking steps toward making it happen.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may know that I went to a Move Abroad event a few weeks ago to gather more information from the experts. It happened to be in San Diego, and it felt like the stars had aligned for me. I was feeling stuck wading through conflicting information online and the never-ending research was just creating more questions for me.

Long story short, I got the information I was hoping for at the event and started the process for my partner to get his Mexican citizenship.

We still haven’t quite figured out all the details, so I don’t want to share too much yet (everything is still very much in flux). But this feels like I’m one tiny step closer to the possibility of living abroad, which has literally been a childhood dream of mine.

One of the first things I started researching once this felt real was health insurance. It’s one of the most confusing parts of the whole process, so I put together a post walking through everything I learned - what the options actually are, how I thought through them, and what I landed on. If you’re thinking about a move abroad (or just curious), I hope it saves you some of the headache it saved me.

And even if a move abroad isn't on your radar, SafetyWing also has great options for travel insurance on international trips - and the post explains both options.

Read It Here

A quick note: I’m a SafetyWing affiliate, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links - at no extra cost to you. I only share brands I actually use and trust, and SafetyWing is one of them.

Until next time…

XO,

Christy

Welcome to Catalina Island!

I’ve been to Catalina Island twice - once camping at Two Harbors and my most recent trip exploring Avalon, which is the main town most people visit. I’ve also spent time on two of the other Channel Islands, Santa Cruz and Anacapa, so I have a bit of a soft spot for all things island life off the Southern California coast.

I just published my complete Catalina Island travel guide with everything you need to plan a trip: how to get there (ferry options from LA, San Diego and Dana Point), what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and tips for first-timers.

👉 Read the Full Catalina Island Travel Guide

And if you’ve already done Avalon and want to venture further, read my Channel Islands Camping Guide.

If you’ve been, I’d love to know your favorite part. Hit reply and tell me - did you do a day trip or stay overnight?

As always thank you for being here.

XO,

Christy

P. S. If you want more in between newsletters, you can find my latest travel videos on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

I recently did a deep dive on two of my most popular Moorea articles and updated them with a ton of new information, including things that have genuinely changed since I first published them (like new government regulations on humpback whale swimming tours that affect when you should book your trip).

Here’s what’s new:

My Budget Travel Guide to Moorea has been updated with a full breakdown of what to budget for solo travelers, couples, and families, a new section on the best things to do on the island, where to eat without blowing your budget, the best beaches, and practical tips on getting around without a car.

Read it here

My Best Places to Stay in Moorea guide has been refreshed with updated hotel recommendations for every budget.

Read it here

Moorea is not as out of reach as people think. Yes, French Polynesia has a reputation for being expensive, but with some smart planning, it is absolutely doable. I’ve traveled Moorea on a budget multiple times, and I promise it’s worth every penny.

Have questions about planning your trip? Hit reply - I read every email.

XO,

Christy

It started with a post from someone who runs a social accommodation — the kind of place with shared kitchens, common areas, and the whole idea that you might actually meet someone while you’re there. They’d been watching something shift for a few years and were finally putting words to it.

The atmosphere ratings at their property had dropped noticeably, and it wasn’t because they’d stopped putting in the effort. The events calendar was still full. The space was still welcoming. But the guests had changed.

People were cooking in the shared kitchen with headphones in. Retreating to their rooms to watch Netflix. Spending several days under the same roof without learning a single name. And then checking out and leaving a review that said the atmosphere was dead.

I did most of my early travel in shared spaces before smartphones existed, and I remember exactly what those places used to feel like. You’d walk into a common room, order a drink, and within twenty minutes you’d have plans for the next few days with people you’d never met before. Not because you were particularly brave or outgoing. It just happened, because there was nothing else to do except be present with the people around you.

That sounds almost quaint now.

One person in the Reddit thread, someone in their 50s, described it simply: you’d head to the common room and talk to people, and now everyone is on their phone. Another described backpacking a decade ago, how you could walk into any shared space alone and find your people almost instantly, then tried it again a couple of years ago and sat at a bar full of people where everyone was quietly looking at a screen.

The property owner who started the thread had tried everything. Bar crawls, wine and cheese nights, group dinners, yoga, town walks. Turnout had fallen off a cliff. People signed up and didn’t come. Said they wanted to meet others and then stayed in their rooms. A former employee in the comments described guests saying “I’m bored. What are you going to do about it?” and then turning down every single thing that was offered.

Here’s where it gets more interesting, though, because one commenter took the conversation somewhere I wasn’t expecting. They talked about a shift from being citizens to being consumers; from people who actively participate in creating shared experiences, to people who wait passively for someone else to create them and then leave a review if it doesn’t materialize. And that reframing has stuck with me.

Because it’s not really about social accommodations specifically. It’s about how technology has dramatically changed how we interact (or don’t interact) with each other.

One guest apparently blamed the bad atmosphere on the bar stools in the kitchen. Another cited the lack of windows in the common room.

We’ve gotten very good at identifying what’s missing. We’re out of practice at being the thing that’s missing.

I want to be honest about my own role in this, because I think it’s the only way to write about it with any integrity.

I was more outgoing in my 20s and 30s, and part of that was youth and confidence, but a lot of it was just that smartphones didn’t exist for most of it. The social default was to engage with whoever was around you, because the alternative was sitting alone with your thoughts. Now the alternative is infinite and immediately available and fits in your pocket, and I’ve reached for it just as readily as anyone else.

And something definitely shifted after COVID. There’s a muscle for spontaneous social interaction that I let atrophy, and I’ve noticed it in small ways — in shared spaces especially, where I now default to quiet and contained in a way I never used to. I’m not proud of it. I’m also not sure I’m alone in it.

One comment in that thread has stayed with me. A solo traveler described spending an evening at a shared hostel bar, notebook in hand. A girl arrived with a drink, also on her phone, but kept looking up the way you do when you’re hoping someone will talk to you. She asked if she could sit down. They spent hours talking, went out that night, had one of those trips that turns into a story you tell for years. It didn’t require anything remarkable. It just required one person deciding to go first.

That story made me wonder what it would look like to travel as a 40+ female with that intention again. To stay in places built around shared spaces and actually show up in them — no headphones, saying hello, going to the thing even when you don’t feel like it.

And the thing is, you don’t need to stay in a hostel for this to apply. I have a trip to Italy coming up in September, and I’m staying in a B&B — a small, family-owned place, the kind most of us who travel in Europe are familiar with. No shared kitchen, no common room bar. But there’s breakfast every morning at a table where other guests will be sitting, and that’s a moment. A small, quiet window where connection is possible if you’re willing to look up from your phone and take it.

I know organized group trips exist for exactly this reason, and I understand the appeal. But that’s not quite what I’m talking about. Those trips solve the problem by pre-packaging the people, which tends to come with a significant price tag and a very different energy.

What I’m nostalgic for is something less curated: the feeling of moving through a destination independently and letting the road connect you with people organically. A shared breakfast table, a common kitchen, a bar where someone asks if they can sit down. The people you never would have met if you’d been staring at your phone.

I don’t have a plan yet, just a feeling I can’t shake. And I’m curious whether anyone else here feels it too — nostalgic not just for specific places, but for a specific kind of travel. The kind where you came home with people in your life you actually stayed in touch with, where the trip changed you in ways a perfectly curated itinerary never quite does.

So here’s my question for you: is it just me? Are most people content to stay in their own little bubble while traveling now — especially when you’re with a partner or a friend and the built-in company makes it easy to never look up at all?

Or do you find yourself nostalgic for a deeper kind of travel? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just hit reply.

The Maldives and Bora Bora.

And I’d recommend either one to almost anyone — not just honeymooners or couples, though they are two of the most romantic places on the planet.

I’ve been to both several times and I would not hesitate to visit either one again.

I put together a comparison of what it actually feels like to be there, how the bungalows compare, which one is easier to get to, when to go, and what to budget.

This is perfect for a couples trip, but can absolutely be done with girlfriends or solo. Any excuse to visit a tropical island works for me.

If either of these has been on your list, this will help you figure out which one to visit first.

Read it here!

And if you’re ready to start planning, I’d love to help. Reply to this email if you have questions.

XO,

Christy

I just finished a major update to one of my most-read posts - and a lot of the advice that’s been floating around the internet for years is simply no longer accurate.

A few things in there that you might not have come across yet: eSIMs have completely replaced the whole “find a local SIM card when you land” situation (Airalo and Holafly are the ones I recommend) and the 8-week flight booking rule is outdated. Booking earlier isn’t always better, and the actual sweet spot is a lot more specific depending on where you’re going.

Also, if you’ve never used the “Explore” feature on Google Flights, it’s worth poking around. You put in your home airport and it shows you prices to everywhere you can fly on a map. Great for when you’re flexible and just want to go somewhere.

If you’ve got a trip coming up, it’s worth a read!

35 Best Travel Hacks To Save Money

XO,

Christy

I've visited (and written about) the Caribbean a lot, but this place is different. This was my first time visiting an island that most people have genuinely never heard of.

Fair warning: it’s not cheap. But neither is Providenciales, so if you’re already considering Turks and Caicos, this isn’t a huge stretch.

Plus, the villas at Sailrock sleep large groups, which means splitting the cost with family or friends makes it way more manageable. For couples, it could be the most unique honeymoon or anniversary trip you’ll ever take.

I met so many families there who have been going back year after year. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident.

If this sounds like your kind of trip, I wrote up everything you need to know - where to stay, what to do, and whether it’s actually worth it.

Read the full post here

And if you’re seriously considering a stay at Sailrock, I can help you plan it as a travel advisor. There’s a lot more to it than just booking a room; choosing the right accommodation alone can make or break the trip. Feel free to reply to this email if you want help putting something together.

XO,

Christy

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a dome house surrounded by nature, I just shared a full guide to one of the most unique stays in Colombia.

My latest post covers what it’s really like staying at Bosko in Guatape - from the dome cabins and hillside pool to breakfast delivery, location, and travel planning tips.

Read it here

Also, I’m departing today for a new-to-me island (and one that not many people visit) in the Caribbean and I’m super excited to share it with all of you. Follow on Instagram if you want the real-time updates.

Hope everyone is staying warm and dry!

XO,

Christy

When I started back in 2010, blogging wasn’t a “thing.” Social media barely existed, influencer marketing wasn’t a concept, and most of us were still tearing pages out of guidebooks and stumbling our way through new destinations, a beautifully messy era of travel I still feel deeply nostalgic for.

The travel industry has changed in ways I never could have predicted — and I’ve had to change with it, pivoting more times than I can count.

Over the years, there’s one question I get asked more than any other: What is your favorite destination? Not just where I’ve been, but the destinations that stayed with me. The ones that shaped how I see the world, how I photograph it, and how I tell stories about it.

This question always catches me off guard, so I finally sat down to answer it for myself.

Read it here!

Thank you for being part of this community and for following my work through all its evolutions. I’m deeply grateful for the support, the messages, and the long-time readers who’ve been here for years.

A quick little update: I recently closed my Facebook group and I’m starting fresh with a new Facebook page after losing access to my original one. If you’re on Facebook, I’d love to have you join me there as I rebuild.

You can also follow along on Instagram and YouTube for more visual content.

Have fun out there!

XO,

Christy

This is a bit more of a personal note than usual. I’ve been at home recovering from major surgery, and while it’s definitely been challenging, it’s also given me some time to focus on what I love.

In the past few weeks, I’ve been able to finally share a couple of blog posts that have been on my mind for a while.

First up, I revisited my first trip to the Maldives and put together a video that highlights some important “what-not-to-do” moments. It was a bit of a heartbreaking experience to watch, but it’s been really well received and even shared by some nonprofit groups. I wanted to highlight that it’s not just about the picture-perfect moments, but also about protecting the wildlife and the environment.

This manta ray encounter broke my heart

And I also finally got around to writing a post about my photography book that I published earlier this year, Capturing the Soul of a Destination.

Read it here

I’m so grateful for this time to reconnect with my passion and share these meaningful stories. I’d love to hear your thoughts and what you’d like to see next!

Thanks for being such a supportive community.

XO,

Christy

My most recent post includes everything I wish someone had told me before my first trip to the Maldives. On my first trip, I stayed on a local island and I imagined I’d be snorkeling right from the shore every day (which didn’t happen) or that I would save money that I could then use to go on daily snorkel trips (but that was not always an option).

Honestly, if you’re traveling all the way from the U.S. (like I did), this matters so much more than you’d think.

You can read the full post here:

READ IT HERE

And on a more personal note… when this email hits your inbox, I’ll actually be in the hospital getting a major surgery. It hasn’t been an easy couple of weeks leading up to the surgery, but one of the things that has helped me through the preparation is writing and sharing these posts and photos with you. Having this little corner of connection and creativity is such a grounding force for me. So thank you for being here.

If you want more behind-the-scenes, come hang out with me on Instagram and Facebook — and if you’re planning trips for next year, don’t forget you can always use my Travel Planner for on-the-go organization.

XO,
Christy

If Italy is on your bucket list and you want to get the best deals, I recommend planning your trip now for the spring. Spring is one of my favorite times to visit —the crowds are smaller, you can avoid the summer heat, and everything is in bloom!

I wanted to share some of my favorite Italy tips and guides so you can make the most of your trip — and if you need one on one help planning your perfect itinerary, reply to this email or reach out here.

Best Things to Do in Italy
All the classics, plus hidden gems. Rome, Venice, Florence… and a few surprises you won’t want to miss.

Italy Travel Tips
How to get around, eat like a local, and avoid all the usual travel headaches.

Best Places to Stay in Lake Como
Lake Como is dreamy. Here’s where to stay so you can soak it all in without stress.

Italy Packing Guide for Women
Pack smart, stay stylish, and skip the overthinking.

Explore More of Italy
Hidden gems and local favorites to help your trip feel unique and fun.

P.S. For the best flight deals, I always check Going’s flight alerts — I’ve traveled all over the world using their flight deals.

As always, thanks for being here!

XO,

Christy

I hope you’re enjoying fall and getting ready for winter (if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere). I’m already planning my next trip to escape the cold, even though I still have tons of photos and videos to edit from my recent Maldives trip.

In my newest post, I shared a bit about what actually surprised me this time around.

Before I ever visited the Maldives, I assumed I’d prefer the local islands over the resorts — I’m usually all about culture and real-life experiences that big resorts tend to miss.

But on my most recent visit, I was genuinely surprised by how Sun Siyam (they’re 100% Maldivian-owned) managed to blend both culture and luxury in a way that feels truly authentic.

Read The Full Post

The Maldives Most Travelers Never See

I’ll be sharing video content from the Maldives soon on social media. You can find me on Instagram and my Facebook group. And if you ever want help planning your own getaway, you can work with me as your travel advisor — I’d love to help make your next trip happen.

Reach Out Here!

Is the Maldives on your bucket list? If so, I’d love to hear what you’re curious about or what you’d want to learn before planning a trip. Feel free to hit reply and let me know! Thank you for being here!

P.S. For those of you who are new here, I created an awesome travel planner to help you organize and budget for your upcoming trips. You can grab that here.

Get Your Travel Planner

XO,

Christy

I just got back from the Maldives, and wow… it’s one of those destinations that actually looks like the photos — crystal-clear water, overwater villas, and that “is this real life?” kind of feeling.

My first post from the trip is live: Inside The Maldives’ Most Romantic Private Islands

If the Maldives is on your list (or even if you just want to daydream a little), this one’s for you. I’ve shared details on all three islands I visited this trip, plus what makes each one special and worth the hype.

👉 Read the full post here

I have so many more Maldives stories and photos coming soon. Looking forward to sharing more.

Thank you for reading!

XO
Christy

First, a huge thank you for taking my survey last week! Your responses were so thoughtful, and I’m excited to start sharing more content based on what you want to see.

Several of you mentioned river cruises, so I wanted to start there. I had the chance to sail with Avalon Waterways through some of Europe’s most stunning rivers—and it was truly unforgettable. Picture waking up to the morning sun sparkling on the Danube, stepping off the ship to explore charming villages, and savoring local cuisine while drifting past castles and vineyards.

I’ve written all about my journey and shared some tips in these posts:

• 10 Benefits of Taking a River Cruise with Avalon Waterways

• 10 Things To Know Before Taking a River Cruise In France

And here’s the best part: Avalon is currently running a Fall Flash Sale. You can get FREE AIR or Save $1,500 per person on select 2026 Europe river cruises!

• Booking window: April 15 – November 9, 2025

• Travel window: December 31, 2025 – December 30, 2026

When you book with me as your travel advisor, I’ll handle the details to ensure your river cruise is tailored perfectly to you. Just reply to this email or send a message through my contact page.

👉 Explore Avalon Cruises Here

And on a personal note—I’m on my way to the Maldives for 12 days and can’t wait to share this trip with all of you! (You can follow in real-time on Instagram.) Expect photos, tips, and maybe even a few secret spots from one of the most beautiful corners of the world.

Thanks again for your feedback—I can’t wait to share more stories and tips inspired by what you’re curious about!

XO,
Christy

I want to learn more about you! I’m planning my next series of videos and blog posts and I want to ensure they serve you. It would mean a lot to me if you took a second to answer a few questions.

What destinations, tips, or topics would make your travel planning easier—or inspire your next adventure? Your feedback helps me create content that truly serves you.

👉 Take the quick survey here

It’ll only take a few minutes, and your input means the world to me. Thank you for being part of this journey—I can’t wait to share what’s coming next!

With gratitude,
Christy

It’s been a little while since I’ve written an update. I hope you’ve been doing well and finding a little adventure (or at least some sunshine!) wherever you are.

Things have been a bit quieter on the travel front for me lately. Life had a funny way of reshuffling some of my earlier plans this year, but honestly… I’ve been enjoying the down time at home in San Diego.

And…something fun I’ve recently added to my creative work is offering portrait sessions around San Diego!

It’s been so much fun getting behind the lens in a more personal way and capturing people in some of my favorite coastal spots. If you're in the San Diego area and would love to book a session, feel free to reply to this email — I'd love to connect! You can also follow along over at @ChristyWoodrowPhoto on Instagram.

After a few unexpected delays earlier this year, I’ve finally got some exciting travel on the calendar! I’ll be heading back to Europe in August and then returning to the Maldives in October. I can't wait to share more from those adventures with you!

Also, if Bhutan is on your travel wish list, I have something special for you — the amazing tour company I worked with is offering 10% off for my community! Just reply to this email if you’re curious or want more info.

And finally — if you're dreaming about your next trip (whether it's far-flung or close to home), I’ve been helping several clients plan unforgettable getaways this year — with some pretty great perks. Let me know if you'd like help crafting your next adventure.

Thanks for being here — I appreciate you more than you know.

xo,

Christy

Ordinary Traveler