Remember the old adage, “If it’s Tuesday, it must be Belgium?” That kind of travel schedule leaves most people overwhelmed and exhausted, with nothing but a blur of photos to show for it.

Debbie Menin and Tim Dunn took on the challenge and traveled from the ocean to the mountains, across the golf greens and the countryside, all in the span of two fast-paced weeks.

And she shares the lessons she not only learned, but that all of us should apply the next time we attempt something like this.

ATHENS, GREECE: A few hours

Our first day began at 3:30 a.m. and was still going strong after 30-odd hours while jumping on a third plane headed to Santorini. Never mind the three-hour Atlanta tarmac delay or the lost bag in Athens. Not to mention the two trains to see the Parthenon on the Acropolis. It was all worth it to spend 45 minutes taking 10 photos in 100-degree-plus weather hiking up the Athens marble mountain side in my finest diamond-studded sandals. (Clearly, hiking was not a part of the equation when choosing the Greek travel attire the day before.)

At the time, the media was recommending Athens a no-go for tourists but it didn’t seem to make a negative impact on the three-hour tour.

Learn more on how this situation impacted travel with The Acropolis, Propylaea & Athens Travel, Greece. 

Next time: Consider seeing Athens AFTER the islands when you are adjusted to the jet lag and are more equipped for hours of walking and sightseeing.

SANTORINI, GREECE: 1.5 days, 2 nights

The island is the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, although another popular theory holds that the Thera eruption is the source of the legend of Atlantis. The volcanic eruption in 1500 BC leaving a bay surrounded by sheer cliffs now lined with white-washed villages is a photographer’s paradise.

The Canaves Hotel, nestled into the natural environment in Oia, is a must for visual types: the view is especially a sight to be seen at 6:30 a.m. while watching the sun cast shadows on the blue dome-topped churches.

You know it’s early when you run into the trash burro tended by a local with switch in hand while trying to get through the cobblestone streets before the town wakes up. Even the dogs and cats had that quizzical look of, what the hell are you doing up at this hour? With less than a day and a half in Santorini, one must take full advantage of the precious time. Sleep when you die, they say!

More than 200 artistic photographs later, the true essence was captured. But the picture-perfect day turned out to be not so perfect after a slip of the finger deleting every photograph! Blame it on the jet lag!

Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you deal with it. Up before sunrise again with only a few hours to recapture the essence of the shots from yesterday. (To find out later that you can recapture deleted pictures only if you do not take anymore photos! Too late for that, brain child!)

Next time: Stay longer and make sure to see the whole island including the black beach.

If you accidentally erase your photos remember not to take anymore until you buy a new chip. Learn how to use the camera—all the tools will come in handy, such as focusing in on the foreground while blurring the background. Take as many photos as possible to remember it all, and remember the mornings are glorious for coloring and shadows.

For more, visit the Italy & Greece Travel section of PeterGreenberg.com. 

MYKONOS, GREECE: 2.5 days, 3 nights

Off to Mykonos on the high-speed catamaran, or better known as a cattle call, with 500 tourists smoking in the blazing-hot sun. The best question of the day: “Do I really have to stand in this line?” So much for the glamorous cruise of the Greek isles.

No way out. Mykonos town is truly like no other. The village is known for its endless shopping, dining and, of course, dancing. The vibrant blue doorways contrasting against the whitewashed stucco wall once again is perfect for all photographers alike. Back in the day, the maze-like cobblestone pathways were built for one reason only: to keep the pirates out.

Today, especially in high season, instead of the pirates, the town is invaded, or better yet completely overtaken, by the tourists unloading the cruise ships in droves. Definitely a place to avoid in the high summer months. The escape is only a bus ride away to the Myconian Imperial Hotel and Thalasso Spa Center in Elia Beach. Taking advantage of their treatments designed to eliminate jet lag seemed like a great idea at the time, unless you can’t wake up from an afternoon nap to even make it to the spa.

Next time: Don’t go to Mykonos during the height of the summer. Fly from Santorini instead of taking the ferry. Explore the beaches. Buy jewelry, but if you are on your way to Switzerland don’t let them talk you into a watch that doesn’t work when you leave.

Related links:
Off the Brochure Travel Guide: Athens, Greece
Greece Travel Beyond Athens: Crete & the Greek Islands
The Acropolis, Propylaea & Athens Travel, Greece 

INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND: 1.5 days, 2 nights

Time for a sneak peek of the Alps, similar to Chevy Chase overlooking the Grand Canyon in National Lampoon’s Vacation. After all, a European vacation wouldn’t be complete without it.

One flight, two trains and a full day of traveling … it seems all like a dream. In the same day you see blue or red shutters with matching doors on white stucco homes and all of a sudden, sans the stucco, replace with shingles and you find yourself in Interlaken, Switzerland.

Is it worth it for just a day and a half? In one word, absolutely!

Fortunately, waking up to a room with a view at the Victoria-Jung Frau Grand Hotel and Spa offers more than a peek of one of the highest “peaks” in the Alps—Jungfrau, also known as the top of Europe, standing at 11,333 feet. Then on to another train ride up 2,000 feet and we are in the highest “town” in Europe, Grindelwald—where the snow never melts.

Switzerland is best described as sensory overload. Sight: magnified at every turn as you experience the clouds lifting off the Jung Frau; to the left, flowers potted on the window sills, then to the right, a steeple pointing up to the sky. Sound: the whistle blowing as the train rolls down the track; the church bells chiming welcoming in the night; the river flowing as the snow gives way to the warmth of the summer. Smell: The cool, clean mountain air; fresh chocolate croissants baking in the early mornings. Taste: The hazelnut chips of the Nutella; the rackelette with pickles; and of course the chocolate, cheese and beef fondue. All assaulting your waistline and challenging your self control.

No wonder all the gnomes are so fat and happy!

Learn more: Ask the Locals Travel Guide: Interlaken, Switzerland. 

Next time: You can’t possibly take in Interlaken by staying only two nights.

Rent bikes and ride along the river and around the lakes. Make sure you go on the tandem parachute landing on the field outside of the Victoria-Jung Frau Grand Hotel.

In the summer, day hikes in Grindelwald a must. Then take the highest railway station in all of Europe, a two-and-a-half-hour train ride up to see the peak of the Jungfrau, but check the weather so you aren’t caught in a cloud!

Enjoy the view of the Aletsch glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. Eat chocolate, beef and cheese fondue. Have as many fresh chocolate croissants as possible—work it off later!

ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND: 1 day, 1 night

What happened to Avis handing out maps of the actual roads and not just a large view of the UK? What happened to the Tom Tom AKA GPS that we ordered? Ten hours of trains, planes and getting lost in automobiles, we are at the old Rufflets Country House Hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland.

Now, what happened to making tee times in advance?

After begging and pleading we certainly did not get on the Old Course (build in 1850) but we did get on the newest course (Castle Course built in 2007) not to be confused though with the New Course (built in 1895)! After a challenging day golfing along the windy ocean side, buying every St Andrews golf hat you can find, then eating Haddock fish and chips, it is time to move hotels again, which really means, time to get lost again.

Next time: If you don’t have a lot of time, stay at Gleneagles another night and drive to St. Andrews for a day of golf. A strong recommendation is to spare the time and stay longer to play as many rounds as possible. Set up tee times far in advance. Get down to a 10 handicap to play the Old Course. The Kings Barns is also a must. Tour the ruins and eat Haddocks fish and chips.

Don’t miss the British Isles Travel section for more information. 

GLENEAGLES, SCOTLAND: 1.5 days, 2 nights

You know you have hit the wall when you get up two nights in a row to use the bathroom and you actually hit the wall because you think you are in the hotel room from the night before!

If there was any wall to hit though it might as well be in the Gleneagles Hotel (grand opening 1924). Known as the playground of the Gods, the grounds offer golf courses fit for a Queen … or a PGA member.

However, par for the course at Gleneagles doesn’t always have to be on the golf course.

Start the day with the European Sunday brunch, shop for Scottish cashmere, play a round with the salt of the earth caddies and have a Cornish pastie at the turn. Then enjoy high tea and finish off the evening with roast beef and Yorkshire puddings (not to be confused with black pudding. Google the difference). Then sample the oldest Scotch you can find—for Scotch drinkers only.

Driving around and around roundabouts on the “other” side of the road, then finding out the access road is closed, is not the idea of fun. The shopping is certainly fun but has its downside: adding another bag of luggage. Then carrying five bags up and down stairways while running to catch the train on time is also not fun.

Once the whistle blows and you are headed South alongside the North Sea and you have five hours to relax, have lunch, play gin rummy, trains become very convenient—even fun again. As long as you are in first class, it is a very efficient way to travel down to London. On second thought, a flight only takes 45 minutes, but then you certainly wouldn’t be able to enjoy your next round of Haddock fish and chips.

Next time: Stay longer. Play all three courses, walk the grounds, play croquet, ride horses and relax in the spa. Make sure you have a rental car with GPS and all else will be grand.

THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE & LONDON, ENGLAND: 2.5 days, 3 nights

Here, dogs seem to rule the roost. A pack of six Jack Russell terrorists are running the country … house that is. The relative’s home, originally two barns dating back to the early 17th century is now on the cover of Period House Magazine—with all the original beams in place. Sleeping in the tack room gives you a great feeling knowing that you spent the night in the “bridle suite.”

No surprise to know that the local pub, Wellington Arms is one of the top eateries in the entire country and the bill will certainly attest to that! On to another relation’s home for two more nights.

A testament to taller breeding is more prevalent than ever when you keep walking into beams in a very charming home originally built in 1690. (Try going to the loo at night!)

Can you say, “Eat, pray and love to shop?” Don’t do London without Harrods. Similar to Mykonos, there is no way out.

The maze-like pathways were built for one reason only: to spur the economic stimulus plan. First floor Hermes, second floor Gucci, then to the Christmas shop, this elevator never seems to stop.

Next time: Depending on how many times you have made it to London, you may want to stay longer to do the tourist thing, as it’s well-worth the history lesson. Trains are a great way to travel in England as long as you have the scheduled and book first class if it is a longer ride. No one likes driving on the wrong side of the road especially in roundabouts.

THE TRIP HOME: 24 hours

As said earlier, there is no way out … of the country without Harrods miraculously appearing again at Heathrow.

Next time: If you declare everything thing you buy over a certain amount you will be taxed at the airport on the way back home! Flying non-stop is always recommended if available. Night flying seems to work better than one long 24-hour day, as the adjustment period back home won’t take as long.

LESSONS OF THE ROAD

After a trip of a lifetime, would you do it again if the worst included lost luggage (to be found), lost photos, lost ring (to be found a few days later in the safe), lost camera (to be found a few days later on the eighth hole) lost sleep, lost golf balls (never to be found), and being lost in the beautiful Scottish countryside?

Absolutely, is the answer, but stay for three weeks!

Jet lag, along with planes, trains and automobiles without GPS can make you lose your mind (to be found later though)! As you travel down that yellow brick road of life always keep in mind that Dorothy would say, “There is no place like home!”

Text and photos by Debbie Menin and Tim Dunn for PeterGreenberg.com.

Related links on PeterGreenberg.com:

• European Travel section
• Golf Travel section
• British Isles Travel section
• Off the Brochure Travel Guide: Athens, Greece
• Ask the Locals Travel Guide: Interlaken, Switzerland