When I first heard that Nomadic Matt was organizing a travel conference, I knew I had to go. Attending TBEX in Toronto back in 2013 was one of the best things I’d ever done for my blog. With an impressive lineup of speakers, TravelCon in Austin, Texas, promised to be an unmissable event. I was excited to meet some of my favorite travel bloggers, learn new things, and hopefully make new friends. Plus, I planned to live on 90% tacos while in Austin!
The Summit:
Before TravelCon kicks off, I’ll be in Austin a week early for our annual girls’ getaway, known as The Summit. My best friends and I have been inseparable for 25 years, despite living far apart for the last 15. Nine years ago, we made a pact to meet up at least once a year, and The Summit was born. It’s my favorite event of the year, and I can’t wait to catch up with my girls.
Scoping Out Austin’s Best Coffices
In between The Summit and TravelCon, I plan to find the best “coffices” in Austin to get some work done for my flexible day job. One day will be dedicated to river tubing with The Blonde Abroad and 40 others. Any recommendations for the best adult beverage for tubing?
Post-TravelCon Adventure:
I didn’t want TravelCon to be my only big fall trip, so I looked for affordable destinations from Austin. My criteria: warm, ocean, and somewhere new. After considering Cuba and Mexico, I found a great deal with Norwegian Airlines: a direct flight from Austin to London for just $300 CAD. I cashed in some travel credit with WestJet for a flight home from London, but what to do in between?
Exploring Greece:
I narrowed it down to Portugal, Greece, and Turkey, with Greece winning out. The allure of Santorini’s whitewashed buildings and blue domes was irresistible. I’ll be staying in a cave hostel, which is much more affordable than the pricey hotels with caldera view infinity pools. I’ll still get to enjoy the same stunning sunsets.
My Greek itinerary includes 2 days in Mykonos, 4.5 days in Santorini, and 3 days in Athens. My plans are simple:
- Watch a Santorini sunset with a glass of wine
- Hike from Fira to Oia
- Visit the Acropolis
- Swim in the Aegean Sea
- Tour the microbrewery in Santorini
- Take plenty of photos
- Eat all the Greek food and try to develop a taste for olives
Conclusion
I’ll spend two days in London on my way home, mainly to update my fall wardrobe at stores like Primark, M&S, Tezenis, and Uniqlo. London in the fall is a special experience, and I’m looking forward to it.
