The Sunday Getaway - 08 12 2024 - Impromptu discoveries

Ever wondered how did you end up having avocado smash for breakfast, traveling to Japan on your next long-haul or joining that hyrox class at the GYM? What? You’re up to date with the former two trends but haven’t really caught up with the latest sports agenda? Not to worry, the industry will get to you.

Rewinding to a lovely Monday start, as we’re descending in Cannes on a Lufthansa flight for a good 48 hours session of working, meeting and talking all things travel. It’s the biggest travel event of the season and everyone’s already looking at the year ahead. Which destinations are now talk of the town? Which parts of Greece should the industry turn to next? And how’s Athens holding up on the ever-developing front of becoming an all year-round destination? I hear the FT is paying tribute to its top-notch natural wine bar scene (yes, it’s true - after all the bakeries, it’s now the turn of vino).

Which reminds me, if you’re looking for a downtempo, yet lively hideout on a weekday eve, Kennedy is your go-to wine place.

We’re having lunch at one of the beachside hotels with a bunch of travel advisors from the US. They’re all regulars in Greece, some already with friends they visit each year, and we’re nailing down hammers on the best recent hotel additions in Greece. Gundari in Folegandros, Cali in Mykonos, Odera in Tinos. I’m sure one or two must have caught your eye in the recent months. I’m astounded by how all of them are familiar with the hotel names and their offering, if not with minuscule details about their service. I mean, I get it, this is their job.? But on a first level, it’s what the industry is feeding them. As basic as that.?

But not all travel (or breakfast dishes and fitness classes for that matter) should be just about that. Traveling should also be about impromptu discovering of new places, sticking to one’s place tradition and looking back at the heritage of one’s place. Cause it’s really about the people.

Saturday morning in Rome and the sun is basking over the city on what is a glorious day. Even though I’ve visited before, I’m not at all familiar with Rome’s streets or alleys. So we found ourselves in this very old, local cafe outside the paraphernalia of the immediate city centre, near Villa Borghese. And thankfully they don’t do avo smash here. But they do offer a killer fiocco al pistachio and a signature caffe al cioccolato.

We’re sitting at one of the tables outside as a car pulls up for a few minutes just enough for a quick espresso hit. The bar inside is buzzing with people standing on the counter and nibbling on cornetti, maritozzi and other sweet breakfast treats. Baristas forcefully manning the Marzoccos are tending to a continuous flow of coffee, talking loud with each other as they swirl back forth.

Its all happening on this very local joint that is definitely off the tourist map. And it’s refreshing to impromptu discover something that truly authentic, dated but new!

Travel On.

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