Guys, my departure for Mykonos is in less than a week! Ahhhh! I’m only a tad over the moon about it. I’m also slightly unprepared! Don’t get me wrong, I love planning for trips, almost as much as I love going on them! I’ve always been the “itinerary girl.” You know, the person everyone in the group looks to for what’s going on, what we should do/see/try/eat. I can most definitely obsess about unearthing all the must-see hidden gems, the off the grid shops and best locals-only restaurants. It’s a bit of a sickness really.

But these days, spending endless hours digging up the very best insider tips just isn’t realistic. With everything going on around here, I have to be disciplined about sitting down and finding the best info I can in a finite amount of time. So I recently allowed myself one afternoon in the Loft to sit down and dig into all things Mykonos {Bailey & Chloe were happy to keep me company!}.

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I had all my tried and true tools at my disposal. My fave travel mags {back issues of VogueLiving, Conde Nast Traveler and T Magazine are my most frequent go-to’s}, and my trusty notebook of course. I’m still a sucker for handwritten notes. You never know when your phone might die when you’re traveling {I’m currently coveting this one, and this whole travel notes kit is pretty dang cute, btw!}. But this go round, I also added a new resource to my roster: Bing. Pulled up on my iPad and at the ready, it was the perfect way to dig into details when I read a mention of something interesting in a magazine article or guide book.

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Fun to use, I found that Bing delivers search results in really helpful ways. Typing Mykonos into the search bar immediately offered up maps, videos and restaurants as easily clickable menu options. I loved that it cut out the clutter right away. My initial search also delivered more than 20 results on the first page helping me discover great websites, blogs and even the most recent Huffington Post article really quickly! No clicking through page after page after page of useless results. To put it simply, {and in less nerdy user experience-related speak that I can quickly fall victim to} I tried Bing, and I liked it!

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Bing is also giving you another reason to give ’em a go: a Rewards Program! You can actually earn gift cards for using Bing. You rack up credits just by searching that you can then redeem for gift cards to popular stores such as Amazon, Starbucks and Sephora. Not a bad bonus for doing something you need to do anyway!

Despite for my first day of great research, I haven’t completely narrowed down our Mykonos itinerary. I’m going to give myself one more evening of digging before I set the final list. I can’t wait to share everything – what I pack, what I try out and all the new discoveries that I make with you!

And how about you? What trip would you love to plan at the moment?? Oh, and anyone out there have their own Mykonos tips to share?! While I love my online searches, you can never really beat a word of mouth recommendation!

 

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick // art direction + styling by Apartment 34 

I’m required to disclose a sponsored partnership with Bing. I have been compensated in exchange for this post in the form of payment, product, or experiences. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

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16 Comments

  1. I’m headed to Greece at the end of the summer and will be undergoing a similar itinerary process soon! And, there is NOTHING wrong with being itinerary driven! On every trip, I always end up being the one leading people around and making sure we eat at the best restaurants, that we really get outside the box/typical sights and sounds; the itinerary and careful research and def behind that!

    Please let me know if you come across anything you’d recommend, especially food!

    http://thatumamilife.wordpress.com

    1. Stay tuned–I’ll be sharing my favorite discoveries after my return.

  2. you’ll love Greece!!! food is fab, sea is amazing, weather is perfect, everything is nice over there!!!!!
    looking forward to see some pictures

    Love, Ylenia from Longuette

  3. i COMPLETELY get you on trip planning. we are going to thailand and i have been completely OCD about researching it. oh, and did i mention it is still 10 months away?! definitely checking out bing 🙂

    1. Lol! That is what I called being prepared! A year of research is going to pay off big time!

  4. oh my gosh, you are going to have a great time.
    greece is so beautiful! and the food!!!
    boat over to santorini if you have day free or for a really quick day trip…visit naxos (esp. plaka beach); it is the most beautiful beach on earth. nightlife on mykonos is amazing.

  5. I know this has nothing to do with your post but I need to give it a try. I’ve been looking for a round coffee table forever. I love yours, could you share where it was purchased? Thanks a bunch! Love your blog.

    1. I got it at the Alameda Flea Market. If you’re in the area, give it a go!

  6. Can’t wait to see all the beautiful photos you’ll be posting on your Instagram! Also, I love love seeing glimpse of your loft. So beautifully decorated~

  7. Would you mind sharing the sources of the pillows your living room? They’re all so beautiful!

  8. So pretty! Would you share the sources of the pillows in your living room?

  9. i am anxious about your experience in Mykonos. I am from Greece and i live in Athens, i spent the whole summer last year in Mykonos working. its a nice island with hidden beauties, wonderful beaches and this time of the year is the best for vacations.i wish you Happy Holidays!!!!

  10. Ahhhh a pernod/ouzo and ice sundrenched from a great day at the beach. After shower and nap, dark descends as you head to the main part of the town at the harbor and find the square off the harbor where Petros the giant white pelican hung out, which is now bustling with a jovial pack of diners. Picking one of the restaurants surrounding this square and becoming part of the scene, enjoy the simple food of Greece – Greek salad, grilled fish and beware of the retsina wine. Disco heart beats guide one to the Ab Fab night life….Mykonos is amazing! Take a afternoon/day for a trip over to Delos – small island – 30 minutes or less away from Mykosos where you can explore the old ruins of the the city. Boats are from the harbor. Also just walk through all the windy white washed maze of streets in the main downtown area, strewn with hot pink and salmon bougainvillea and beautifully painted doors. Enjoy!

  11. Hi Erin! I am a big fun of your blog and blogger myself from Greece! I have not been to Mykonos for a few years now, but since you have great taste and you love boutiques, you should have a look at the amazing Greek beach towels “Sun of a Beach” (according to their website can be found@WHITE, Matogiania, Mykonos, +30 2289 078547 and @HIPPY FISH, Ai Gianni beach, Mykonos, +30 2289 022901). Also, do not forget to buy KORRES and Apivita organic Greek beauty products available at most Greek pharmacies (there are great buy 1 get 1 free offers at the moment). Have a great time!

  12. Just wanted to add another recommendation to go explore the ruins on the island of Delos!