“If you must know—and you must, because you’re a curious person—doing it right in Greece would involve chartering a yacht and sailing close friends and family to a few of the country’s sun-drenched ports for all of September and October when daily highs are comfortable and the sea is still warm.” Having sailed in the Cyclades for ten days in Autumn with my mother’s sailing club, I can testify that it can be done at reasonable cost.
Wow, this piece really shifts the way we think about "budget" travel! 🙌 It’s refreshing to read about how the mindset behind travel can be so much more impactful than simply chasing the cheapest option. 🌍
The idea of prioritising the luxury of being there really resonates with me—sometimes it’s not about the most expensive restaurant or fancy hotel but about immersing yourself in the culture and experiences that truly make a place memorable. I love how you embrace the simplicity of local food, spontaneous experiences, and staying in residential areas where you really get to feel the pulse of a city. It’s these little moments that often end up being the most enriching.
Would love to hear more about your tips for family travel on a budget! 👏
Just so wonderfully written — the magic, simplicity, and unexpected pleasures all perfectly expressed. Of course it has an extra special meaning for me as it’s my ancestral homeland.
Thank you for reading, Andrea. I'd love to hear from musician writers like you about side trips while you're on tour, when/if you have time for side trips.
I haven't had a lot of experience with side trips when on tour. Ken and I did mix a handful of gigs and a road trip in NM and CO a few years back, but of course that isn't typical.
When I went to Cape Town, the people that brought me over did it wonderfully: I had something like 4 concerts and a workshop, but the whole trip was about ten days long, which gave me plenty of time to rest and to be a tourist. Plus they kept giving me money, so having days off was fine. Definitely not the typical tour!
More representative is the memory I have of friends saying, "Oh, you went to Prague—isn't it beautiful?" and my reply: "I have no idea; I was there less than 24 hours, and all I did was sleep, eat, and sing."
What you wrote about here feels much more like my experience with artist's residencies, which I know you're also familiar with.
One other memory your column triggered: Some years ago my extended family took a vacation together in Italy (lucky us!). Of course we went to some good restaurants, but my best memories hands down are of the two nights we stayed in, cooking together, then gathering around the big country table for dinner, conversation, and so much laughter.
“If you must know—and you must, because you’re a curious person—doing it right in Greece would involve chartering a yacht and sailing close friends and family to a few of the country’s sun-drenched ports for all of September and October when daily highs are comfortable and the sea is still warm.” Having sailed in the Cyclades for ten days in Autumn with my mother’s sailing club, I can testify that it can be done at reasonable cost.
Wow, this piece really shifts the way we think about "budget" travel! 🙌 It’s refreshing to read about how the mindset behind travel can be so much more impactful than simply chasing the cheapest option. 🌍
The idea of prioritising the luxury of being there really resonates with me—sometimes it’s not about the most expensive restaurant or fancy hotel but about immersing yourself in the culture and experiences that truly make a place memorable. I love how you embrace the simplicity of local food, spontaneous experiences, and staying in residential areas where you really get to feel the pulse of a city. It’s these little moments that often end up being the most enriching.
Would love to hear more about your tips for family travel on a budget! 👏
Just so wonderfully written — the magic, simplicity, and unexpected pleasures all perfectly expressed. Of course it has an extra special meaning for me as it’s my ancestral homeland.
Impressive travel story. Hopefully, readership will be high.
Thank you, Ellen. I hope it'll get around to plenty of readers. It's shareable, which helps.
What a beautiful and insightful column, Michelle!
Thanks, Jonathan. Once I figured out why our travel expenses weren't adding up for people, I had to write this column.
Thank you for another great column.
Thank you for reading, Andrea. I'd love to hear from musician writers like you about side trips while you're on tour, when/if you have time for side trips.
I haven't had a lot of experience with side trips when on tour. Ken and I did mix a handful of gigs and a road trip in NM and CO a few years back, but of course that isn't typical.
When I went to Cape Town, the people that brought me over did it wonderfully: I had something like 4 concerts and a workshop, but the whole trip was about ten days long, which gave me plenty of time to rest and to be a tourist. Plus they kept giving me money, so having days off was fine. Definitely not the typical tour!
More representative is the memory I have of friends saying, "Oh, you went to Prague—isn't it beautiful?" and my reply: "I have no idea; I was there less than 24 hours, and all I did was sleep, eat, and sing."
What you wrote about here feels much more like my experience with artist's residencies, which I know you're also familiar with.
One other memory your column triggered: Some years ago my extended family took a vacation together in Italy (lucky us!). Of course we went to some good restaurants, but my best memories hands down are of the two nights we stayed in, cooking together, then gathering around the big country table for dinner, conversation, and so much laughter.
Looks like a great trip! I love traveling that allows staying in one place and not feeling like a total tourist.
Thanks, Peggy. It's so much more enjoyable and fulfilling not to do too much on a trip, right?