Standby & Beyond

From dazzling sunsets over whitewashed cliffs to the grandeur of ancient ruins, Greece is a country that stirs the soul. This travel diary covers a journey through Santorini, Pyrgos, and Athens, where I discovered peaceful villages, sun-drenched beaches, rich history, and unforgettable cuisine.  Santorini – Postcards in Real Life Wander through Oia and Fira and admire the blue-domed churches perched on cliffs. Sink your feet into the black sands of Kamari Beach . Sip sunset wine with views over the caldera. Enjoy local dishes: grilled octopus , meze platters, stuffed filo pastries. Visit Estate Argyros and Santo Wines for tastings with panoramic views. Photos to include: Blue domes Kamari Beach Santorini sunset Wine tasting Octopus & appetizers 🌿 Pyrgos – The Hidden Heart of the Island Stroll through quiet cobblestone alleys and admire the potted gardens. Relax at leafy cafés and enjoy the peaceful pace away from the crowds. Watch the sun set in vibrant hues from a roofto...

  Introduction Italy has always been on my travel wish list, and this trip was a dream come true. From the ancient echoes of Rome to the moonlit canals of Venice, and the fashionable streets of Milan, each city offered its own magic. This journey was filled with good food, better views, and unforgettable moments. Rome – The Eternal City Where I Stayed: Hotel Alexandra on Via Veneto — the perfect base for exploring Rome. It was charming, clean, and walkable to the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and metro access.   My stay at Hotel Alexandra, nestled on Rome’s iconic Via Veneto. What I Did: Explored the Colosseum and the Roman Forum Threw a coin in the Trevi Fountain at night Wandered through Piazza Venezia and Piazza Navona Passed the Pantheon , Castel Sant’Angelo , and admired Rome's stunning architecture at every turn Took a hop-on/hop-off city sightseeing bus to maximize my time   Standing in awe beneath the mighty Colosseum. What I Ate: ...

   Tea, Towers, and Timeless Charm ✈️ How I Got There I was lucky enough to fly first class standby with American Airlines , landing at Heathrow International Airport feeling rested, pampered, and ready for adventure. After arriving, I stayed overnight at the Marriott Hotel near Heathrow Airport — a convenient and smart base after a long flight. From there, I took a local bus to the train station, where I boarded a train to Paddington Station — one of London’s major transportation hubs. Traveling by public transportation was efficient, budget-friendly, and gave me a genuine feel for London life right from the start. 📅 Day-by-Day in London 📍 Day One: Arrival, Pub Classics, and Comedy Landed first class standby on American Airlines into Heathrow Checked into Marriott Hotel Heathrow Took bus and train into Paddington Station Stopped for a classic fish and chips lunch at St. Stephen’s Tavern across from Parliament Dinner at the hotel rest...

  Date Visited:  September 2017 Travel Style:  Spirit Airlines $308 Round Trip Budget Level:  $400 I flew standby from Miami to Managua, then took a local shuttle to San Juan Del Sur. Rented a car with Budget for $10 a day. Total for the (USD 54) 🏖️ First Impressions San Juan Del Sur instantly felt like a hidden gem — colorful, welcoming, and peaceful. It's the kind of place that feels like a secret beach paradise. From hiking up to Christ for those panoramic views, to sipping cold beer with ceviche right on the beach — it’s a place I’ll never forget. Whether you're flying standby, using points, or backpacking on a budget, this is a must-see spot in Nicaragua . I stayed at Villas Del Palermo Hotel & Resort, a cozy mountainside villa with the most spectacular view, and booked through Booking.com. It is safe, clean, and perfect for budget travelers. 🌴 Places to Visit in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua   Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia Perched atop a hill,...