Hey, It's Cc Summerfield! I’m curious! why did you start traveling? No long stories, just 3 words that capture your reason, your spark, your “why.” Drop your 3 words below Let’s see what drives our community to explore! -Cc Summerfield

One of the things that makes Greece unforgettable isn’t just the scenery or the food it’s the people. Greeks have a word, (φιλοξενία) filoxenía, which means literally hospitality but also "friend to a stranger" It’s more than hospitality, it’s part of their way of life. You'll feel it everywhere you go especially in the small villages, it could be in the way a taverna owner slides you a free dessert “on the house,” or how a family-run vacation rental or inn leaves a basket of fresh fruit at your door. Here's what to expect when finding a place to stay: Boutique Hotels: Often housed in beautifully restored stone buildings or neoclassical mansions. Expect personalized service and local touches in the decor. Guesthouses & apartments: These are gems. What they lack in size, they make up for in warmth often including homemade breakfast and travel tips you won’t find online. Airbnbs & Villas: Great options if you’re staying longer or traveling with a group. Many offer ocean views, olive groves, or traditional architecture. Pro Tip: Always ask locals where they would eat or explore. You’ll likely find yourself at a table under the stars, sipping local wine with new friends. Have you experienced “filoxenía” when traveling? Share your story below, I’d love to hear it! Ps. I like the Greece Explained channel on Youtube for information about Athens and this video about where to stay in Athens.

One of my favorite things about exploring new places is discovering their flavors, and Greece does not disappoint. Even world-famous chefs like Gordon Ramsay have praised Greek cuisine as some of the best in the world and I totally agree! What makes it so special? Simple, fresh ingredients. Here are some of my must-try favorites: - Yogurt kabobs from Thanasis in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxLKzWgv0Nn/?hl=en - Gyros- the traditional meat is pork and lamb layered on the skewer and the shaved off and put into a warm pita with Tzaziki, tomoatoes, french fries and onions. So good! - Souvlaki - I like the chicken souvlaki with the mustard sauce, fries, tomatoes, onions and lettuce. - Lamb ( Chops Grilled or any other part roasted) - Greek salad - often referred to as a village salad or just salad it comes with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives and a large slice of fresh feta with a sprinkle of oregano and a drizzle of olive oil. - Tzatziki (with everything!) - Feta (also with everything!) - Moussaka - kind of like a lasagna but Greek style with eggplant - Tiropita (cheese pie) — the perfect grab-and-go breakfast - Koulouri - I would describe this as a bagel's thinner cousin, really good with some cream cheese (referred to over there as Philadelphia) and I like to add lox as well. - Bougatsa - try both the savory and sweet versions. My favorite spot is Bougatsadiko Psirri in Athens. https://www.facebook.com/bougatsadikothessaloniki/?_rdr - Fresh juices - I'm talking about fresh squeezed orange juice and their seasonal mixed fruit juice that you can get pretty much anywhere - Any and all seafood locally caught and served right of the boat, especially octopus - Freddo espresso or cappuccino - If you are a coffee lover then this one is for you, it will be like nothing you've ever had before. - Orange pie - This is more like a moist dense cake and it is delicious. - Baklava - this one may be obvious but I can't leave it off my list, this is a staple dessert item in Greece and there are many good places to get it.

First stop for January is a place I have come to know and love, Greece. Greece is a place that I could go back to multiple times and still feel like there is more to explore. There is so much diversity in just the geography alone. From the green, forested mountain villages down to the rocky, barren coastline of Mani, it all has its unique beauty. I would suggest going in May, June, September or October. Skip July and August unless you plan to spend your whole trip at the beach (its pretty hot and can be crowded those months). I would say Greece is a minimum ten day visit since it is a minimum 12 hour flight if you are flying direct. Places to visit on your first tip: - Athens - full of history, culture and great food. Spend at least 4 days here. - Paros or Naxos - for an island experience nearby these two are great choices and are just a ferry ride away out of Pireaus which is the port of Athens. Here is a video with suggestions for a three day itinerary of Athens: https://youtu.be/wQeW7wrSego?si=fdfcY9JiJHI18yC9 He hits all of the sites I would recommend (although his pronunciation could be better, lol) and he talks about a day trip to the Peloponnese area which I would definitely include and may suggest, if you are comfortable with driving continuing your trip out to the Peloponnese coast. The villages along the coast are picturesque. There are a few I recommend visiting if you decide to go this route. Kardamyli for its quaint seaside village feel, Monemvasia the castle city for its uniqueness and Elafonisos for the island experience.

Hey everyone! I’m so excited for our very first new members call tomorrow at 10 AM. It’ll be great to hang out together (virtually!) and chat about one of my favorite topics—travel! 🌍You can find the call link on the group calendar. Can’t wait to see you there!