Nicholas Kontis's Blog (126)

Let’s face it, the internet has created a whole new world of travel opportunities, and has made making new friends over a computer entirely possible. Social media has taken over the travel world, and meeting new travel friends has never been easier. Recently, on my annual trip to London, I was given a most…

Want to beat the summer rush to the Mediterranean? Then consider a visit to Greece in May. Traveling to Greece before the summer rush has a lot to offer. Less crowds when you visit ancient Athens and the Acropolis, or the Temple of Apollo at Delphi makes taking photos and hiking around ruins and…

When one thinks of Belize, most likely the first thought to come to mind is the fabled Blue Hole, and the world’s second largest barrier reef, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. But the tiny nation surrounded by its big brother to the north, Mexico and Guatemala to the west and south, is an eco-travelers, adventurer enthusiasts dream. Taking a closer look, there is more to Belize than meets the eye.…

As I sit here in my condo in the warm weather of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, sometimes I forget how blessed I am. Born on perhaps, as many will attest to, the most beautiful island in the world, Santorini, then to have my parents move to San Francisco when I was 4 years old, I feel very fortunate. I have spent a lifetime roaming the streets of this world-class city. Contemplating my return to the city this weekend to watch the 49ers with my fellow locals, I just learned that San Francisco…

Pilots fly guests to Santa Rosa Island, where they explore forests, beaches, and a historical ranch on foot or in four-wheel-drive vehicles.

To begin this 5.5 hour trip, pilots whisk passengers away on a 25-minute flight in a Britten-Norman Islander, across a stretch of the Pacific to the hilly, grass-strewn Santa Rosa Island. Upon landing, enjoy a self-packed picnic lunch on a secluded beach or on one of the cliffs that overlooks the water. After…

Many of us have been fortunate enough to have been on safari in Africa - some of us more than once. An African safari is something that should be on everyone's bucket list.  I have been fortunate enough to have been on a hot-air balloon over the Masai Mara - truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But all safaris, safari lodges, and games reserves are clearly not all alike. Once in a while you just have to live like a star.



But even if you're not Brad and Angelina, but just have…

Spacious Suites with Panoramic Mountain Views

Fireworks in Madrid, Spain ring in the New Year

New Year's Eve…

October in the City by the Bay - I just can’t say enough about it. Getting a late Indian summer means warm days in October. This year the city would host the America’s Cup yacht race trials and the annual Naval “Fleet Week,” complete with the Blue Angels buzzing over San Francisco Bay, all on the same weekend. San Francisco is one of world’s favorite cities. October weekends include street fairs, music festivals, food and beer festivals, and more. The city comes to life with warm days and…

Have you dreamed of going to visit the breathtaking sites of South America? Well, now is your chance. Enter our sweepstakes by January 18 for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for two to one of South America’s greatest wonders. You’ll choose from four incredible destinations: Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Argentina,…

Christmas is upon us once again. What is it about Christmas that brings out the inner child in all of us? For billions of people around the world Christmas is the biggest holiday or time-off of the year. The annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ is also one of most popular and busiest times of the year to travel. The holiday is most likened to Santa Claus and the North Pole, but while many will spend Christmas in the snow, not all Christmas destinations are filled with white…

Located 10 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, the Fisherman's Outlet is one of L.A.'s favorite seafood lunch restaurants, an iconic L.A. eatery and  "fish heaven" to Angelenos and tourists alike since 1961. The location may not be the best in L.A,  located near Little Tokyo and  Skid Row - so why do people come from throughout the L.A. area to this seedy neighborhood? For mouth-watering seafood cooked to perfection. Open for lunch only, be prepared to wait in line during the lunch rush hour,…

Sometimes even living in a nation with arguably one of the best cuisines on the planet, I still crave something other than delicous tacos and some of the freshest sea food on the planet. After all, variety is the spice of life.

Table with a view

On Puerto Vallarta's malecón (boardwalk) lies one of the my favorite Italian restaurants in the…

To be a native Californian, one grows up with an appreciation for outdoor spaces. Where else can you surf and ski in the same day or climb a waterfall and be in the desert in a matter of hours. California, “The Golden State”  that brings us Hollywood, Cable cars reaching for the stars, up San Francisco hills, fine wine, technology that charges the world, also gives us some of the greatest outdoor spaces that rival any destination on the planet. In California you’re never far from nature.…

Once again I can say that "I survived WTM London." World Travel Market, the leading global event for the travel industry is held every year in November at London's Excel conference center. WTM is a vibrant must-attend four-day business-to-business event, presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to travel professionals from over 160 countries. By attending WTM, participants gain immediate competitive advantage for their business and stay abreast with the latest…

Get in a cab and take a short taxi ride from Playa Del Carmen for a truly unique experience. Alux Restaurant & Lounge Noy is an underground bar, where you might need to go by a candlelight. Overcoming the stairsis half the battle and brings you to the hall, filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Alux (pronounced “ah-LOOsh») – a whole…

Halloween, the annual festival, brought to America by immigrants from Ireland and Scotland has become America's biggest party day, perhaps after New Year's eve. For the last 200 years Americans have celebrated Halloween. The customs of carving pumpkins, jack o' lanterns comes to us from the Celtic traditions. What is the magical allure that so many folks want to celebrate at Halloween?  The costumes?  The Halloween parties? The memory of childhood?  A chance to throw off inhibitions and to…

In a gala ceremony held at Passenger Terminal EXPO in Vienna, the World Airport Awards were announced by SKYTRAX. These are most coveted awards for the airport industry, and this was underlined by a record attendance at the ceremony for airports and airport hotels from across the globe. Take a tour around the Awards website to find out which airports have been named as the world's Best!

The World Airport Awards™ are the most prestigious recognition of quality for…