Greece

"It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but only an instant to fall in love with her."

— Henry Miller

Margaret knows this quote be true at heart. While studying at Colorado College, she spent five weeks retracing the path of the Odyssey on a study abroad trip. Greece provides endless opportunities for discovery, and epitomizes the idea that you don't just check a place off your bucket list, but rather collect reasons to return. Margaret's trip to Greece was so impactful, it even inspired the naming of Margaret and Shand's dog, Meli (Μέλι), meaning "honey."

Not only gorgeous and filled with history, Greece is also affordable and fun, with great food to boot. Better yet, May is is the perfect time to visit. Some of Margaret's favorites include:

Athenian Adventure

From the National Archaeological Museum to the Acropolis, Athens won't disappoint. Margaret also loved buying fresh fruit at the central market, watching the the changing of the guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma, and exploring neighborhoods from the Plaka (historic, romantic, winding streets) to Exarchia (the anarchist neighborhood filled with edgy street art).

Island Hopping the Aegean

Hydra: No cars, no trucks, not even bikes! This donkeys-only isle preserves its magic through its prohibition on any wheeled or mechanized forms of transport. Try touring the town on donkeys, cliff jumping, or dining at the Sunset Restaurant (at sunset, obviously). A short ferry ride from Athens, this can even be a day trip.
Paros: All the dreamy blue-and-white façades you can imagine. Wander around Naousa to experience a quintessential Cyclades paradise.
Milos: Wild moonscape beaches to ancient catacombs to the site of the discovery of the Venus de Milo (really the Aphrodite de Milos)—there is so much to explore on Milos.
Naxos: Climb Mt. Zas to see the mythic birthplace of Zeus. This mountain is the highest point in the Cyclades where you can see all the way from Greece to Turkey on a clear day.

The Irresistible Ionian

Swap the arid blue-and-white for a coast more resembling Italy's. The islands on the opposite side of the Greek mainland are stunning. From the white pebble beaches and crystal blue waters of Ithaca to the famous Shipwreck Beach on Kefalonia, visitors instantly know why Odysseus never gave up trying to get back to his homeland.