After two pandemic summers, travel has returned – with a vengeance! People are determined to get away and see the world again! The aviation industry is witnessing rebounding numbers reportedly on par with pre-pandemic numbers. However airlines, airports, hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions don’t appear to be ready for this onslaught.

Domestic travel is off the charts! Have you seen the price of tickets these days? And don’t get me started on cancelled flights! But don’t be fooled into thinking this is just an American thing. Nope! It’s a worldwide issue and many European hubs have been hit hard this summer.

Much like in the U.S., European travel companies cut jobs when the pandemic began in 2020—around 200,000 aviation workers were let go. The travel surge has contributed to an increase in lost baggage, queue time, flight cancelations, and general mayhem. Airlines have trimmed their summer schedule to account for shortages, but it hasn’t been enough to iron out all the wrinkles.

And, according to international finance firm Allianz Partners, six times as many Americans will travel to Europe this year compared to 2021, and millions more than last year will travel to Italy. “This is a nightmare. I’m trying to get Colosseum tickets. And I said two, do the robot thing, hit ‘buy ticket’, and it sends you back. Everybody’s hitting the website at the same time, and it’s just not being able to keep up. I don’t know,” says a traveler documented in Revenge travel is here. Not all tourist destinations are ready, an NPR article.

So, what’s a traveler to do? Not travel this year? Heavens, no! We’d NEVER suggest such drastic measures! We do, however, have a great way to still take your European vacation but in a more relaxed, less stressful manner.

A few words of advice from your trusted travel experts over here at WOW! Travel Club:

1.  Avoid the “traditional” European tourist destinations: Italy, France, Spain, the UK;

2.  If you do visit Europe, work with a flight expert (yes, you know WOW! Travel Club has the BEST) to avoid majorly impacted European hubs; and the BEST advice we can give…

3.  Join us on our eight day WOW! Travel Club Iconic Greek Isles Private Yacht Cruise and avoid the crowds while still enjoying a European getaway!

While we’ll be visiting some of the more famous Greek islands, we’ll also be visiting some of the lesser known (translation: less crowded) islands. And if you ever need a break or you just want a bit of solitude, you can always return to our “floating hotel” – the Galileo – our motor sailing vessel boasting classic, old-style beauty, but with all the creature comforts, including an attentive, helpful crew!

We’ll be starting in Athens (with an optional pre or post-trip to explore the city), then sailing to the small, lesser-known island of Poros to explore this quaint village. Next day it’s Santorini! While Santorini is one of the most well-known and visited of the Greek Isles, this iconic place can NOT be missed with its whitewashed houses and blue domes! Day three takes us to the island of Symi, known as “best Greek island you’ve never heard of!”

Want to add another stamp to your passport? We’ve got you covered! We’ll make a stop in the gorgeous seaside village of Bodrum, Turkey. Day five takes us to Paros. It has everything you could want from a trip to the Greek islands: friendly Greek locals, delicious seaside food, unique beaches, fun towns… but without the throngs of tourists!

Day six takes us to Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for it’s “exceptionally extensive and rich” archaeological site which “conveys the image of a great cosmopolitan Mediterranean port”. From there we’ll head to Mykonos. This one is sure to be a bit busier, but it’s so iconic, we just can’t miss it! Mykonos offers amazing beaches, beautiful nature, picturesque villages, delicious Greek food and a chic lifestyle. And, of course, the windmills!

Our last full day will be spent on the island of Syros. It is the administrative capital of the Cycladic Islands, so there are great shops, restaurants, and cultural events, as well as beautiful beaches. It was the Greek capital for many years and has been inhabited by Romans, Arabs, Germans, and Venetians, and the influences are apparent in the  architecture and culture.

When we first announced this WOW! adventure, we sold out almost immediately! We added a second sailing and have a few spots available. This is one you definitely don’t want to miss! And just a note for those of you who may think, “oh this isn’t for me, I don’t like cruises”… this is NOTHING (I repeat, NOTHING) like a big, ol’ cruise ship! It is a small ship – more like a private yacht – with all the comforts of a hotel but on the sea!

FIRST SAILING: September 22-30, 2022 – SOLD OUT
Please contact gabriel@wowtravelclub.com for waitlist options.

SECOND SAILING: September 29 – October 7, 2022 – a few spots remaining!

Get out there and see Europe again… but without all the headaches! Sail with WOW! Travel Club.

Don’t miss the boat, literally….

Register now at https://www.wowtravelclub.com/iconic-greek-isles-2022/

Got questions? Call Gabriel at 818-444-2700.