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I Do Believe It’s Time For Another Adventure : My Longest Trip Yet!

October 2, 2015 by Jean Holy Smithereens 13 Comments

When things get a little quiet over here at Holy Smithereens, you can rest assured that there’s always something brewing. And that can only mean two things: Trouble (the good kind) or Travel…or Both!

Well it’s that time of the year again. My itchy travel feet have been scratching the past months until they’ve caught fire.  And I really am fired up for this next trip because this will be the longest I’ll ever be away!

And truth be told, I’m a teeny little bit anxious, but a WHOLE LOT EXCITED!

You see, I’m not the kind of travel blogger who will blissfully give up worldly possessions in return for that eternal, permanent life of being a globetrotter.

I love having a base, having that mini routine of leaving and returning. I love having balance in everything most things (because one can never have too much fun, seafood, sun, and swimwear!)

Holy Smithereens! It's time for another adventure!
Holy Smithereens! It’s time for another adventure!

And speaking of balance, this trip will have equal parts of adventure (lots of new and unexpected destinations!) and luxury.

So without further adieu, here’s where I’ll be very soon…

*this is a longish itinerary, so be forewarned. Grab some tea, or a masseuse if you will....*

Romania

Hiking in Rural Romania!
Hiking in Rural Romania!

First stop..Romania! I will be flying into Bucharest, and quickly heading to Transylvania for a visit to Peles and Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s lair). Then spending some time in the rural mountainous area of Romania for some hiking. I’m very excited about this, I’ve been poring over images of the area we’ll be going to and they look so pristine!

Intercontinental Bucharest
Intercontinental Bucharest

After a couple of days’ hiking I’ll head back to Bucharest and recover at the Intercontinental Bucharest (the first Five-Star hotel in the city).  I’m looking forward to this stay because Intercontinental Hotels has added to it’s portfolio the “Insider Experiences” Program, which includes 5 cities that are sought-after by travellers. Bucharest is one of them and guests at the Intercontinental can experience a behind-the-scenes-tour of the Romanian capital nicknamed as the ‘Little Paris’.

Central Europe

The next 11 days after Romania, I will be touring and exploring Central Europe with JayWay Boutique Travel. They are specialists in Eastern / Central Europe and offer very customised tours suited to your travel needs. We’ll be indulging in a little bit of luxury , touring the following cities with JayWay:

Our Central Europe tour path with JayWay Boutique Travel
Our Central Europe tour path with JayWay Boutique Travel

Budapest

Szechenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest. Photo from Wikipedia
Szechenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest. Photo from Wikipedia

Our first stop with JayWay is Budapest. The largest city of Hungary will have no doubt lots of things and places to be explored. We’ll be staying at the Aria Hotel, a boutique hotel designed and inspired by music, so I’m very curious to see this!

High Tatras, Slovakia

Grand Hotel Kempinski at High Tatras, Slovakia
Grand Hotel Kempinski at High Tatras, Slovakia

JayWay was very cheeky, squeezing in this surprise destination on our tour! 😉

The High Tatras in Slovakia are a mountain range border along the northern region of Slovakia and southern region of Poland.

This is a quick visit but nevertheless, I’m very excited as the views look spectacular. A stay at the Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras will absolutely make this short visit memorable.

Krakow / Auschwitz Poland

Krakow. Photo by Wikipedia
Krakow. Photo by Wikipedia

And then we move to Poland!! A country I’ve long wanted to visit 🙂 I have fond and warm experiences with Polish people so I really am looking forward to being in Poland. After Krakow, the tour will take on a serious turn as we visit the concentration camp in Auschwitz.

We will be staying at Hotel Copernicus in Krakow.

Prague

Prague. Photo by Wikipedia
Prague. Photo by Wikipedia

Our last stop with JayWay is in Prague, the capital of Czech Republic. Apart from exploring this “City of a Hundred Spires”, we will also be taking day trips out of the city (Karlovy Vary).

We will be staying at Aria Hotel in Prague, described as a haven for music and art lovers wanting some luxury. I’m looking forward to experiencing that!

Munich

Munich from above. Photo by grayline.com
Munich from above. Photo by grayline.com

And then we head west to Germany, starting in Munich, the bavarian capital. We have missed Oktoberfest (as it is in September) but I’m pretty sure there’s tons to do in Munich even without Oktoberfest!

There are lots of day trips to be taken in Munich (alas the Munich – Salzberg train line is closed at the moment) and we’re sure to be doing some of that.

The Charles Hotel in Munich. Photo from Wikipedia
The Charles Hotel in Munich. Photo from Wikipedia

While in Munich, I’ll be staying at The Chalres Hotel, a hotel from the Rocco Forte group of luxury hotels around Europe (and expanding in the Middle East).

Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
Sofitel Munich Bayerpost

I will also be at the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, whose hotel design is a mix of neoclassical history with modern architecture.

Berlin

The Westin Grand Berlin
The Westin Grand Berlin
intercontinental Berlin
intercontinental Berlin

From the traditional bavarian German capital, we will have a change of environement when we move to Berlin. We’ll spend days exploring Germany’s capital, and experience it’s reputation for being a very hipster and modern city.

I’ll be staying in two classic hotels in Berlin (perfect for those who do Bleissure- mixing Business with Leisure)- The Westin Grand Berlin and Intercontinental Berlin.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam. Photo by Wikipedia
Amsterdam. Photo by Wikipedia

Amsterdam! Another first city for me. I’m looking forward to exploring this city of 165 canals. I’ll try to see if I can do as the locals do in Amsterdam and cycle my way around the city 🙂

The Dylan Hotel Amsterdam
The Dylan Hotel Amsterdam
Okura Hotel Amsterdam
Okura Hotel Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s hotels are full of character! I’m very excited to be staying at two very differently styled hotels. One is The Dylan Hotel Amsterdam, whose rooms have themes – Kimono, Loft, Signature, Loxura or Serendipity! I cannot decide which theme I want (they all look and sound magnificent!) but, I obviously need to choose a theme soon 🙂 Maybe I’ll do a random pick!

And then I’ll be staying at Hotel Okura Amsterdam – Amsterdam’s high-rise hotel. Okura also has a Japanese theme so it will be nice to see that infused with Dutch hospitality. Zen luxury, that will be a first for me!

London

The past 3 years, I’ve been making a happy yearly pilgrimage to London and this year is no exception. I’m always thrilled to be in London whatever time of the year, it still is my favourite urban city in the world, after all.

I’ll be attending the World Travel Market so that’s another happy reason to be in London. (The energy is just amazing!)

Also, London is a growing hub for luxury hotels. The demand seems to be ever increasing and as such there’s always new accommodation to be explored.

Andaz in Liverpool Street
Andaz in Liverpool Street

For this trip, I will re-visit The Andaz in Liverpool Street, a Hyatt property. I was there in 2012 and the hotel really had a very memorable and quirky impression that I want to return and see if it still has that charm that’s lingered on for 3 years.

Cheval Three Quays. Photo by jandkapartments.com
Cheval Three Quays. Photo by jandkapartments.com

And since I’ve always wondered what it would be like to live in London, I’m also going to stay at Cheval Three Quays, a luxury apartment-style living that overlooks the Tower of London and the River Thames.

And finally, I was smitten by the Jumeirah Hotel group last year when I had my first stay with them at the Jumeirah Grand Hotel via Veneto in Rome.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower
Jumeirah Carlton Tower

So my last home in London will be the Jumeirah Carlton Tower, conveniently located near Knightsbridge station (and also near Harvey Nichols and Harrods).

Abu Dhabi

A complete change of scenery will see us in Abu Dhabi! This is my second visit to the city, but this time the experience will be completely different as I will quite literally, be staying in the middle of the desert, at the Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara.

Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara
Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara

I’m really looking forward to this because though Qasr Al Sarab is complete luxury in the desert, it still incorporates a lot of traditional bedouin activities and experiences for guests.

This will definitely be quite a different experience from the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of Abu Dhabi as Qasr Al Sarab is located in the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world (Rub’Al Khali).

Dubai

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

And then I’ll be at the ultra mega metropolis that is Dubai! I have only been to Dubai on a day trip before so this will be my first proper stay, and I’ll be at the ultra romantic Jumeirah Zabeel Saray.

The hotel design is inspired by the Ottoman empire, and is located at the west crescent of the iconic Palm Jumeirah.

Maldives

Now an itinerary like this deserves a “holiday after a holiday” kind of break right?

That’s exactly what I had in mind so to cap off this long trip, I’ll be at the Maldives once more! I was there early last year and it’s been way too long since I’ve been in the water.

And by that I mean seriously spending hours and most of my days underwater – that’s really how I relax and unwind, so I’m super duper excited for this.

Velassaru Maldives
Velassaru Maldives

I’ll be rekindling my love for the sun and water at Velassaru Maldives. The resort has a brief tag line of “luxury undressed”, and nothing sounds sexier and more relaxing to me than this kind of simple indulgence. We’ll be discovering the reef of Velassaru well as we plan to spend hours and hours in the water, and take lots of underwater footage too 🙂

Anantara Veli Maldives
Anantara Veli Maldives

Now how does an ‘adults only’ Maldives resort sound like to you? I’ll be experiencing this kind of tranquility at the Anantara Veli. I’ve had a wonderful stay in two Anantara properties (in Bali) early this year and have no doubt that Anantara Veli will also be venue to unforgettable experiences in the Maldives.

Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives
Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives

My last stop in the Maldives is Jumeirah Vittaveli. Vittaveli means “vastness of space” and “eternal light”.

Well, I know for sure I’ll be in for days of eternal happiness because they have daily feeding of sting rays- my favourite sea creatures! 🙂

Jumeirah Vittaveli is also home to one of the healthiest and most abundant house reefs in the South Malé Atoll, so let’s keep our fingers crossed I don’t grow scales that much in this trip.

—

My travel companion

My last few travels this year have been with various travel buddies / company and while I thoroughly enjoyed them , its still not the same without our good old….

zombie's back
zombie’s back

Yep, our resident Zombie is back. And for a trip THIS long, I’m not quite sure how we’ll fare by the end of it…well, we’ll just have to take it one destination at a time! He will be turning a year older while we’re in the Maldives and I’m happy we’re spending it together.

Follow me!

Now for a trip of this length, I will be updating every single day- it’s also a way for me to keep sane, I tell you 🙂

Daily adventure updates will be over at:

Instagram – @jeanholysmithereens

Follow me on Instagram @jeanholysmithereens
Follow me on Instagram @jeanholysmithereens

Facebook – Holy Smithereens

Follow me on Facebook - Holy Smithereens
Follow me on Facebook – Holy Smithereens

YouTube – Jean Holy Smithereens

Follow me on YouTube! Jean Holy Smithereens
Follow me on YouTube! Jean Holy Smithereens

—

Now I’m burning to know: How long was your longest trip away from home? What kind of traveller are you – do you prefer being nomadic, or having a base?

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Filed Under: Travel Updates, Travels

About Jean Holy Smithereens

Jean is a lover of luxury travel and adventure, always looking for that "Holy Smithereens"-inducing moment on her travels. Follow the blog and other social media pages of Holy Smithereens to get the ultimate travel ideas for the luxurious adventurer!

Comments

  1. Ann says

    October 3, 2015 at 12:46 am

    That trip sounds AMAZING! I wish I was still in Europe so I could meet up with you for a meal in Amsterdam. I can not wait to see all the pictures.

    Reply
  2. NieNie says

    October 3, 2015 at 2:06 am

    So jealous and excited to see all the photos of your upcoming trip!

    Reply
  3. Aga says

    October 5, 2015 at 12:49 am

    Ohhh wow, that sounds amazing! Can’t wait to see/read more of the trip.

    Reply
  4. Grace @ Sandier Pastures says

    October 5, 2015 at 5:33 am

    Whew!! What a long trip!! But I got excited when I read: DUBAI!! When will that be? I just got back from a week long trip from Austria (visiting 3 cities) and I was so exhausted. I wish I have your energy!!

    Reply
  5. Suze The Luxury Columnist says

    October 5, 2015 at 10:38 am

    What a fabulous itinerary, Jean – you’ll love Romania by the way! If you get time, it would be great to meet up at WTM

    Suze | LuxuryColumnist

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      October 16, 2015 at 11:03 pm

      Hi Suze, I’d love to meet up at WTM! I will be there 3-5 Nov 🙂

      Reply
  6. Shikha (whywasteannualleave) says

    October 12, 2015 at 7:28 am

    Your trip sounds incredible Jean! I’ve been to a few of those Eastern European destinations but really want to return to show my hubby who hasn’t. And we were just recently talking about how intriguing Slovakia and Bucharest sound! I’mfollowing along on Instagram and loving your pics!

    Reply
  7. Catherine says

    October 14, 2015 at 9:31 am

    What an incredible trip Jean!!! I loved Budapest when I went last year, and I went to the High Tatras in Feburary. They were so beautiful and great skiing! I’m off to Krakow end of November so looking forward to your posts about that!

    I’m going to WTM too, on the Monday, like Suze said it’d be great to meet up if you have time! I’m a WTM novice so would be awesome to have a helping hand 😉

    C x | Lux Life

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      October 16, 2015 at 11:00 pm

      Thanks Catherine! I loved High Tatras I wish I could spend more time!
      I’d love to meet up at WTM too! I will be there likely from 3-5 November 🙂

      Reply
  8. Francois says

    October 23, 2015 at 3:09 am

    This trip will go crescendo, starting with a nice Europe tour followed by Middle-East and Maldives as a climax! I would like to do same kind of trip in US, if only I had time… Certainly later 🙂

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      December 2, 2015 at 1:27 am

      Thanks Francois, you described it perfectly! A crescendo trip. I did enjoy the latter part very well (Middle East and Maldives) and hope to be back again!

      Reply
  9. Ross @FreeYourMindTravel says

    November 7, 2015 at 8:37 am

    Sounds like an incredible adventure! Have wanted to travel to all those countries so I’m looking forward to following your journey!

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      December 2, 2015 at 1:08 am

      Hi Ross, thanks for the visit, I’ve just come back from the long trip! Thanks for following!

      Reply

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