Accor Vacation Club Travel’s Rule of Thumb: If it’s hot, make sure it’s really hot to boiling and beyond, after all you are not used to the potentially different preparation practices, water or odd-bod bacteria that may be present in the food. If there is flame, make sure the food is cooked through. A little common-sense works wonders to keep your belly healthy. How do you maximise engagement with a different culture and destination, particularly when time is limited? Unlike the “eat local” recommendation for hitting up google and the internet, (although this can point you in the right direction), it requires you to be open, friendly and engaging with locals once you’ve arrived. Start with your taxi driver or the hotel waiter. Ask what they like to do. Where the local hangouts are. Make sure you tell them why you are asking so they know you are interested in local life and learning more about life in the destination! Most people are proud of where they live, and are excited and energized when someone shows interest beyond the regular tourist.
Drivers are usually super flexible and happy to make adjustments. Some people think hiring a driver is only for the wealthy or that it’s unnecessary if you’re staying in one area. Nope. Even if you’re just hopping between Canggu and Seminyak, a private driver can save you from wasting hours stuck in traffic (because yes, Bali’s traffic can rival L.A.’s). Plus, it’s not as expensive as it sounds. Once you factor in the convenience and safety, it’s a steal. Another misconception is that drivers only know touristy spots. That couldn’t be further from the truth. On my last trip, I asked my driver to take me somewhere local for lunch, and he brought me to this small warung with the best nasi campur I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t have found it on my own, and it cost less than $5 for a full meal. 1. Book in advance, especially during peak seasons. Bali gets crazy busy in July, August, and December.
Totally arbitrary “bubbles” and ranking. I probably should have come out of the gate explaining the sheer idiocy of TripAdvisor’s bubbles (aka “stars”, even though they’re clearly round and not star-shaped) and ranking system, but I’m sure those of you who have ever been on TripAdvisor already disregard these totally arbitrary “quality indicators”. First let’s look at those bubbles. When Forbes Travel awards hotels their stars, they are working from a clearly-defined set of standards that each property has to meet in order to get to the next level (and they can see what these standards are and where they fall short). But the mob of anonymous travelers are simply making it up as they see fit. So my idea of what should get two bubbles may be your idea of four. Some properties get three bubbles even when the review says only positive things. So we’re all using the same system, but assigning our own personal meaning and criteria. TripAdvisor averages out the bubbles in your reviews for a general bubble score.
The shop is hidden down a lane and some steps off the main path. View of Skaros Rock on the Fira to Firostefani path. A plane flying over Kamari to land at the Santorini airport just a few miles away. Erotokritos Bakery in Kamari. Sirocco Pizza in Perissa. Costas, owner of Sirocco. Early morning at Luno Cafe. My favorite coffee spot in Oia. Astarte Suites near Akrotiri. Lunch at Aeolos near Akrotiri. View of caldera from inside Aeolos. Horiatiki (Greek salad) and saganaki (baked cheese). Moussaka: A classic Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, and ground meat, topped with bechamel sauce. Brizola (steak) with potatoes and souvlaki with potatoes. Fresh seafood with a view at To Psaraki in Vlychada. Dish of the day: Swordfish souvlaki with potatoes. Grilled manouri cheese with homemade pesto. Overlooking the marina … View of the island, looking north from the Venetian Castle in Akrotiri.
