Three girls on a bachelorette trip, and the first time outside Asia for all of us. (It certainly helped that we are best friends.)
August 2017 was a life-changing month for me and my girls. We set off on my bachelorette trip, ahead of my wedding later that year.
We wanted an unusual overseas destination, one that fewer people pick. As girls in our twenties who were in love with the idea of Europe, we chose a continent none of us had ever seen. Our goals were clear: fun and adventure, a trip that was easy on the budget, and of course, safety.
Planning it ourselves
Back then, research meant simple internet searches and travel magazines. It was hard work, but it felt worth it. And after months of reading, we chose Greece.
Greece is a country of islands in the south of Europe, with clear blue beaches and some of the most photographed places in the world. With ten days in hand, we kept to central and southern Greece, which were easier for travellers.
Athens
Athens, the capital, was our first stop. We strutted around feeling like Greek goddesses (yeah, so what!) as we visited the Acropolis and explored the streets of the city.
Crete
From there we flew south to Crete, the largest island in Greece. We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb a short walk from the sea. Our days were sunsets, local markets and festive lights.
We bought day passes for the hop-on hop-off bus. We went to Preveli Beach (a partly nudist beach, as we found out later!) and the old town of Chania.
We shared pizzas the size of a car tyre, and had gelato or ice cream with every meal. Some days, ice cream was the meal!
Santorini
Next came Santorini, by ferry. We stayed at a lovely boutique resort and had breakfast looking out over the Mediterranean. Trust me, the island is every bit as pretty as it looks online.
A private day-long cruise became one of the best parts of the whole trip. Some European families joined us, and we danced to Bollywood songs together. We dived into the sea, swam, drank wine and ate good food. What a way to end our time on Santorini!
Mykonos
Our last stop was the little beach party town of Mykonos. At first, it gives you a bit of a Goa vibe! We stayed at a very basic beach hostel, but what a vibe. Strangers chilled together, sipping beer by the pool and on the beach, and playing board games.
By day we wandered the cobbled lanes. By night we partied at a beach club nearby, with Despacito the song of the summer.
Hearts full
We flew home from Athens with our hearts full. These notes are just a glimpse of a very special trip with my girls. We met every goal we set, and we also changed plans and made things up as we went along. (Shhh... not every story is going public!)
Your turn
So, bachelorette or not, first trip to Europe or not. Is there a place you haven't seen yet? Write to us, and we will help you make it happen.
About the writer
Pooja Ganesh
Pooja curates stays for Gentle Mile Holidays. She looks for places that are unique, not just expensive, across India and abroad.
