Compass & Key is highlighting the people who have found innovative ways to give back while discovering the world.

Meet Rebecca Rothney, Pack for a Purpose Founder

Compass & Key is thrilled to kick off our Giving Back series with Pack for a Purpose, a nonprofit that empowers travelers to bring meaningful items to the local community they are visiting. All it takes is a little room in your suitcase.

“My parents were big believers in the benefits of travel,” says Rebecca Rothney, Founder of Pack for a Purpose. “Travel was always viewed as an opportunity to meet new people and have new adventures.” Having traversed all seven continents, including hosting her wedding in Antarctica, Rebecca started Pack for a Purpose at age 60 after years as a successful small business owner. She hasn’t looked back.

C&K: How have your travels inspired Pack for a Purpose?

Rebecca: “We were under our luggage weight limit for our second trip to Botswana. As a former teacher, I knew first-hand how schools always needed supplies, so I asked Wilderness Safaris to find out what items we could bring with us as a donation to the school we were going to visit. We did the same thing on a trip to Kenya, and I thought, ‘if we make it easy for travelers to give back to the communities they visit, I believe they will.’ Pack for a Purpose was born.”

C&K: What are some of the most commonly requested items?

Rebecca: “Educational items like flash cards and puzzles, art supplies like crayons and glue sticks, medical supplies like stethoscopes and band-aids, even one small tube of antibiotic cream can help so many people.”

C&K: How can Compass & Key readers participate in Pack for a Purpose?

Rebecca: “It’s easy! Visit our website, find your destination, identify a project, and leave a little extra room in your suitcase to bring your donations. You don’t have to stay at a participating accommodation or tour company. Just drop off the supplies during your vacation, and they will deliver to the project on your behalf. Our "How to Pack" page helps maximize your suitcase space.

There are also plenty of creative ways to encourage your friends and family to participate with you. For example, if you’re traveling to celebrate a milestone event, like a honeymoon or special birthday, ask people to donate Pack for a Purpose supplies as part of or as their gift.”

Travel tip: bring your Pack for a Purpose supplies in a reusable tote or, better yet, house the supplies in something that could be part of the donation, like a backpack. Some countries no longer allow plastic bags, so reusable bags are best.

C&K: What are ways all of us can help bring Pack for a Purpose to destinations that are not yet part of the program?

Rebecca: “Pack for a Purpose has over 460 places across more than 60 countries, but there are so many more destinations we want to include. When choosing your accommodation, ask about the community projects they already support. Then encourage them to sign up for Pack for a Purpose by sharing a link to our signup page on our website. Or print out a few copies of articles like this one from Green Hotelier to leave behind with hotel staff to spread the word.”

C&K: Where are you traveling next?

Rebecca: “I’m heading back to Kenya where inspiration struck for Pack for a Purpose.”

Pack for a Purpose Destinations Spotlight

Here is a snapshot of some of the incredible Pack for a Purpose programs in amazing destinations around the world. With projects in over 60 countries, you're bound to find one for your next vacation.

Video: How to Pack for a Purpose

Pack for a Purpose, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, relies on volunteers and donations to continue maintaining and expanding their network of community projects around the world. 

If you can, help support the great work being done by Pack for a Purpose by donating through their website. You can also select Pack for a Purpose as your charity of choice through Amazon Smile, which donates a portion of all eligible Amazon purchases.

Share our infographic to spread the word about Pack for a Purpose and encourage your fellow travelers to participate!

EXPLORING EUROPE'S NATIONAL PARKS

When planning a trip to Europe, it's easy to overlook natural spaces in favor of world-class city destinations. You already know of our love of parks like Yosemite and the Smokies in the U.S., but after a little research, we are ready and eager to explore Europe's national parks. 

In a few weeks, we'll visit one of the region's oldest national parks and the only one in Slovenia, Triglav National Park. It promises plenty of outdoor adventures in its glacier-carved valleys, alpine-fed lakes and rivers, and medieval villages dotted among the forests. According to legend, the three peaks of the mountain dominating the park represent heaven, Earth, and the underworld, ruled by the triple-headed Slavic God Triglav. Subscribe to the blog and follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we share our experiences later this summer!

3 Things To Love

#1: Summer Music Festivals

With festivals in all corners of the globe, summertime is all about the music! Traveling for a festival is an entirely different way of experiencing a destination. Discover up-and-coming indie acts while bonding with locals and fellow travelers alike. And many festivals now offer a delicious array of food and craft beer for sampling in between sets.

After years of attending our forever-favorite Lollapalooza in Chicago, and with festival-darling Glastonbury taking a year off, we're excited for something new. Check out TimeOut's 50 Best Music Festivals in the World for 2018, including Sziget in Budapest, where we're headed following our week in Slovenia. Bilbao BBK Live in Spain, NOS Alive in Portugal, and Flow Festival in Finland are all on our wish list for next year.

#2: Bike Sharing Made Easier

We love exploring a new city on two wheels, and bike share programs make it a breeze. Apple Maps recently added bike sharing stations in more than 175 cities across 36 countries. Just search "bike sharing" in destinations like New York, London, Paris, Seville, and Montreal. 

Now there's no need to search for each city's bike share service separately, and Apple Watch fans can take advantage of the 'tapping' directions while biking between stations. 

Similar to Google, not all bike share programs are included, and the station info doesn't list available bikes, so while it's a step in the right direction, there is room for improvement. We still prefer CityMapper for comprehensive bike share info, but for the many cities not covered by CityMapper, Apple Maps are an ideal alternative.

#3: A Different Way To Browse the Mobile Web

I've been testing out a new mobile web browser called Cake (free for iOS and Android, cakebrowser.com) for the last few months, and I'm surprisingly smitten. Enter your search term and up pop colorful buttons to quickly isolate video, image, news, and shopping search options when you want to go beyond the typical search.

Then, instead of seeing the standard list of results, Cake immediately previews the first website. Swipe to preview other results as Cake loads them in the background, making it much faster to find what you're seeking. Cake also includes more video and image resources than the typical Google search, like Giphy, Vimeo, and Bing. I've found it particularly powerful for online shopping. 

Keeping us Entertained

• For fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, don't miss out on the special exhibition Tolkien: Maker of Middle Earth (June 1-October 28, 2018, free ticketed entry) at the Bodleian Libraries in Oxford, England. We loved viewing the original manuscripts and artwork, and catching a glimpse into Tolkien's family life, like the Christmas stories he created for his children. A walking tour showcases the places loved by the author in Oxford, where he spent most of his adult life. If you can't make it to England, a smaller version of the exhibition will travel to New York and then on to Paris in 2019. READ MORE
• On my bookshelf: Dear Mrs. Bird, a charming story of a young woman embarking on an unexpected career in the chaos of WWII London, and Sovereign, a thrilling work of historical fiction set in the 16th century that I'm reading to prep for a trip to York, England.
• On the big screen: The action-packed Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is everything you want from a summer blockbuster, and we cannot wait for our favorite superhero family to return in Incredibles 2.

Travel Chatter

• Yosemite National Park's Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias has reopened following a multi-year restoration project. Expect improved trails that respect the sensitive habitat as well as an expanded welcome center.
• More lodging options are now available in and around select U.S. National Parks including Yellowstone, Glacier, Zion, and later this year, Great Smoky Mountains, through glamping provider Under Canvas. 
• Rather than scroll through long lists of vacation rentals, we turn to the curated selections from Plum Guide, which is expanding from London and Paris to include New York, Rome, Milan, and Los Angeles as of July 2018.

UP NEXT

• Exploring the food, music, and culture of Knoxville in the next installment of our Local Expert series.
• An interview with the founder of Pack for a Purpose, an incredible nonprofit that helps travelers give to community groups in need.

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Paris surprises and delights with every visit. My travels last month took me and my trusted touring companions across the City of Lights in search of more markets, restaurants, bars, and shops to recommend to the Compass & Key community. I've narrowed down the list to my top five, and while none of these destinations are brand-new developments, they were new to me, and I couldn't wait to share them!

Easily remember these spots for your next Paris vacation using personal mapping app, Mapstr. Just follow the Compass & Key map (find us @compassandkey) to view these five spots along with 60+ other places featured in our Paris Destination Guide. Or, save each spot individually by clicking on the image below each description (learn more with our Mapstr Review). If you know where you'll be staying in Paris, use the CityMapper links for public transport and walking directions.

1. Le Pavillon des Canaux / Canal Pavilion

Restaurant/Café, 19th Arrondissement, pavillondescanaux.com

Shared on our favorite Tastemade series, Alice in Paris, we couldn't wait to check out this waterfront coffee shop, restaurant, and office workspace, Le Pavillon des Canaux. Located along the Bassin de la Villette, the largest artificial lake in Paris linking to the Canal St. Martin, this 130-year old former residence of the canal attendant was designed to make you feel at home. It will take a little extra time to reach the 19th Arrondissement, but it's well worth the trip to experience the buzzy corridor of shops and restaurants surrounding the lake.

Simply order inside from the daily menu and grab a cozy table among the many living room-style spaces or outside on the garden terrace (we were lucky to snag a spot). Expect homemade salads, soups, tapas, and custom juice blends, organic wines, plus coffee from local roaster Lomi. Check their events page for exhibitions, workshops, round tables and screenings (mostly in French, of course). Open Mon-Wed 10a-midnight, Thu-Sat 10a-1a, and Sun 10a-10p.

2. Rue Cler Market

7th Arrondissement

Tucked away in the 7th arrondissement, this was truly a travel-by-wandering discovery. Of the many markets that pop-up throughout Paris, this one along Rue Cler is one of a few that are permanent and open Sundays when so many other places are closed in Paris. The pedestrianized walkway allows easy perusal of the many market stalls, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Don't miss Italian deli Davoli, a creative cocktail from L'Eclair, the incredible variety of cheeses at La Fromagerie, and signature chocolates from Francois Pralus. Rue Cler market stalls are generally open daily 9a-6p, while shops and restaurants may be open later. Many shops closed Mondays.

Are you planning a vacation to the City of Lights? Check out our curated Paris Destination Guide!

3. Saoya Jewelry

6th Arrondissement, saoya.fr

While en route to one of my favorite Parisian bakeries, Poilane, we came across this gorgeous jewelry boutique and spent quite some time admiring the earrings, necklaces, and rings. Drawing inspiration from nature, the jewelry brand Saoya began in Provence and has since expanded to seven cities throughout France, including two shops in Paris. These affordable statement pieces caught my eye, particularly the Rivage collection of watercolor beads and stones. Open Mon 11a-7p, Tue-Sat 10:30a-7p, closed Sundays.

4. Musée des Arts Décoratifs / Decorative Arts Museum

1st Arrondissement, madparis.fr

Housed in a wing of the Louvre palace, the Decorative Arts Museum is now my favorite museum in Paris. Founded in 1882 to promote the applied arts, the museum is dedicated to connecting industry and culture, design and production. Throughout the permanent collection of furniture, tableware, and art, discover entire rooms dating from the late 1500s to the early 1900s that have been recreated, including a gilt study, a hotel drawing room, and Jeanne Lanvin's Paris apartment. 

While we didn't have time, the garden terrace of the onsite restaurant Loulou looks lovely for a long lunch. Much quieter than the Louvre Museum next door, this is a must-visit during your Paris vacation. Open Tue-Sun 11a-6p, closed Mondays. Temporary exhibitions open late until 9pm on Thursdays during select months.

5. Le Comptoir General

Bar/Restaurant, 10th Arrondissement, lecomptoirgeneral.com

Part living room, cocktail bar, and curiosity shop, Le Comptoir General is well worth the time it takes to find the hidden entrance off the Canal St. Martin. Don't expect any signs, just follow the locals during the day (and the long line at night). A small garden connects two immense shabby-chic rooms filled with greenery and designed for conversation. Open Mon-Thu 6p-2a, Fri 4p-2a, and Sat-Sun 2p-2a.

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What are your must-see places in Paris? Share your tips with the Compass & Key community in the comments below!

To celebrate the launch of the latest Compass & Key Destination Guide, the Islands of Malta, we've created this 4-day vacation plan to help you discover the very best of this Mediterranean gem. Experience the vibrant capital city, escape to the countryside, and wander some of the oldest archaeological sites in the world, all while leaving plenty of time to bask in the turquoise waters and warm sunshine.

Refer to the Essentials section of the destination guide to learn how to travel to Malta and for recommended lodging. To take advantage of an extended weekend, plan to arrive on a Wednesday, explore Malta for four days Thursday through Sunday, then depart on Monday. 

BOOK AHEAD

• To include a visit to the prehistoric burial site of Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum recommended for the morning of Day 2, advance booking of timed entry tickets is essential, ideally 4-6 weeks before your trip.
• Check the Valletta events calendar for theater and exhibition events of interest during your stay, some which may require booking ahead of time.
• Have your hotel make dinner reservations at our recommended restaurants, particularly during high season (July-September).
• Most spas require advance notice, so if you're planning on getting pampered, book ahead to avoid disappointment.
• Reserve the recommended half-day sailing excursion on Day 4 from Gozo, available Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

4 DAYS IN MALTA

DAY 1: VALLETTA

11 A.M.

Forego the alarm and sleep in on your first day, especially if you've traveled a long distance the day prior. After a lazy morning, begin by wandering the cobblestone streets of UNESCO World Heritage Site and Malta's capital city, Valletta. Get your coffee fix at local favorite Culto as you admire the Baroque architecture of the museums and townhomes. Make your way to the Lower Barrakka Gardens to start the Compass & Key walking itinerary, Valletta & Its Knights, but in reverse order. Visit the itinerary page for admission fees, walking times, and to save it to your mobile.

12 P.M.

It's time for lunch, and what better way to enjoy your first Maltese meal than by grazing the many gourmet food stalls of Is-Suq-Tal-Belt, a Victorian-era covered market that was renovated in early 2018. After sampling the local cuisine, it's a short walk to the Grandmasters Palace, one of the first buildings constructed in newly-formed Valletta by the Knights of St. John, where you can tour the State Rooms and Palace Armory.

3 P.M.

On to one of Valletta's most popular attractions, the recently refurbished St. John's Co-Cathedral, built in the 16th century to rival the greatest churches in Europe. Make sure to get the audio tour and allow time to appreciate Caravaggio's masterpiece, The Beheading of Saint John. Next, discover Malta's secret tunnel network at the Lascaris War Rooms, and learn how Malta played a critical role in helping Allied Forces during World War II.

5 P.M.

Exiting the War Rooms at closing time, find the nearby elevator to ascend to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, enjoying spectacular views of Valletta and the Three Cities across the harbor. Return to your hotel to rest and recharge before your evening out.

8 P.M.

Valletta offers an array of delectable restaurants for dinner. Harbor views can be found on the terrace of Phoenix at the Phoenicia Hotel, or at the Harbour Club below the Barrakka Gardens. Nestled in the historic center of Valletta, try Michael's at the Civil Service Club or family-restaurant Palazzo Preca. As the 2018 European Capital of Culture, make sure to check the Valletta events calendar before your trip to bookmark any art exhibitions or performances during your stay.

For vibrant nightlife, you've come to the right place. Find entertainment at the many bars and restaurants throughout Valletta, including live music at Cafe Society and gin cocktails at Yard 32.

DAY 2: SOUTH COAST & MDINA

9 A.M.

Travel beyond Valletta to explore the sites and seaside villages of the south coast. If you booked tickets ahead of time, start your day with a guided tour of another UNESCO World Heritage site, Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground burial complex dating to 4000 BC. From Valletta, take a taxi or one of a number of buses to reach the site. For those seeking more relaxation, enjoy some beach time at St. Thomas Bay near the village of Marsaskala.

12 P.M.

For lunch, head to Marsaskala to meet friendly locals, away from the crowds of Marsaxlokk. Only an 8-minute walk from St. Thomas Bay beach, or a 15-minute taxi from Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Tal-Familja Restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood dishes. Then, walk the shores of Marsaskala Bay to see local fisherman and their colorful boats.

5 P.M.

Next, we're taking you to a magical walled city in the center of Malta using the Compass & Key walking itinerary, An Evening in Mdina. Start at the ornate Mdina Gates (the fifth stop on the itinerary), built in 1724 by the Knights of St. John and easily recognized by fans of TV show Game of Thrones. Wander the labyrinthine streets past St. Paul's Cathedral and the stately mansions of wealthy residents of Mdina's past and present. Stop at Fontanella Tea Garden for a drink overlooking the Maltese countryside. Visit the itinerary page for admission fees, walking times, and to save it to your mobile.

8 P.M.

Return to Mdina's city center for dinner at The Medina Restaurant, serving Italian cuisine in a converted Norman home. Enjoy the magical ambiance of the courtyard as you reflect upon your second day in Malta.

DAY 3: GOZO

9 A.M. 
Check out of your Malta hotel and arrange transport to the Cirkewwa ferry port on the northern part of the island, about an hour taxi ride from Valletta. Once at the port, purchase your roundtrip ticket for the 25-minute Gozo Channel ferry crossing, catching the 10:30 a.m. boat. Upon arrival into Mgarr Harbour on the island of Gozo, hop in a taxi to drop off your suitcases at your hotel. We're expanding our Gozo Hills & History itinerary beyond one day to allow for more exploration. Visit the itinerary page for admission fees, walking times, and to save it to your mobile.

12 P.M.
You're off to beautiful Xlendi Bay for a relaxing lunch. If you're staying at the Compass & Key recommended Hotel Ta' Cenc, begin your Gozo experience with a 1hr stroll along the cliffs, heading west towards Xlendi Bay. Use this custom AllTrails map we created for the 2.5-mile hike. From other lodgings on the island, arrange for a taxi or plan to take a bus to Xlendi. Once there, head to Ta Karolina restaurant, with its magnificent bayside location and traditional Gozitan specialties. Look inland to see a hilltop castle in the distance, which is our next destination.

2 P.M.
Its a quick ten-minute drive (via taxi or the 2:09 p.m. bus 306 at the Xmun stop) to Victoria, or Ir-Rabat, Gozo's hilltop capital. Walk to the Citadel, the fortified castle that has served as a refuge since medieval times. Begin with the Citadel Visitors Center, then continue wandering the complex with visits to the Gozo Cathedral, the Old Prisons, and the other onsite museums.

4 P.M.
From Victoria, a 10-minute drive (via taxi or the 4:05 p.m. bus 307 at the Victoria Bay stop) takes you to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ggantija Temples. Considered one of the oldest humanmade structures in the world, the remains of these two temples predate the Great Pyramids of Egypt, Stonehenge, and the invention of the wheel. Learn more about the archaeological discoveries at Ggantija at its interpretive center before walking through the site. Head back to your hotel to check-in and relax before dinner. TIP: Ggantija last admission is at 5:30 p.m. Jun-Sep and 4:30 p.m. Oct-May.

8 P.M.
Enjoy an alfresco dinner under a 400-year old Carob tree at Carubo, one of three onsite restaurants at Hotel Ta' Cenc. Alternatively, end your day in Gozo back in Victoria at one of the local restaurants, including La Stanza, an elegant Italian restaurant in a former farmhouse, or Maldonado, a cozy Mediterranean bistro tucked away on a side street. TIP: Take advantage of Hotel Ta' Cenc's complimentary shuttle to Victoria.

DAY 4: GOZO & MALTA

9 A.M.
After three days of sightseeing, you deserve some time to unwind. Sit poolside at your hotel or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. If you're visiting during high season, Hotel Ta' Cenc offers a shuttle to its private rocky beach along a secluded inlet, ideal for a relaxing morning.

12 P.M.
A trip to Malta isn't complete without time spent on the water. Sail, swim and snorkel with a half-day sailing excursion, typically running Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 12-5 p.m. The tour includes visits to the lagoons around Gozo and the neighboring island of Comino. Make sure to check out of your hotel and store your luggage before the excursion.

6 P.M.
Wave goodbye to Gozo as you head back to Malta on the ferry. Whether you're staying at the same hotel from your first two days, or choosing another recommended hotel for your last night, check-in and relax before your last evening in Malta.

9 P.M.
Considered one of the finest views in Malta, the terrace at The Chophouse restaurant at Tigne Point overlooks the harbor and Valletta, which shines at night. Reminisce about your favorite Maltese moments over dinner and drinks, choosing from The Chophouse's extensive wine list. Get a good night's sleep before your departure the next day.

For more Malta inspiration and walking itineraries, read the full Compass & Key Destination Guide:

MALTA MAP

Click the filter icon in the upper right corner and select "4-Day-Vacation" to see all of the spots featured in this post.

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Longer days, fields of wildflowers, seasonal fruit at the market - it must be spring! Read on to discover everything we're buzzing about this May.

Road Tripping through France

I'm embarking on more journeys this month to seek out fun and fantastic finds for the Compass & Key community. You already know that many of the travel itineraries in our destination guides focus on walking, so this month I'm excited to get out to the French countryside to discover amazing road trips. Bonus: spending a few days in the City of Light to update and add to the Paris Destination Guide! 

The first foray into France is a road trip through the Loire Valley, where my Mom and I will be seeking out the most enchanting chateaus and gardens, sampling local wine, and keeping an eye out for serendipitous discoveries. As this will be my second trip to the Loire, I've already researched a few lesser-known chateaus to complement visits to icons like Chambord, Chinon, and Chenonceau. 

Late May brings me to southern France with my husband to discover the natural beauty and hillside villages of Provence. Just as I have done with our National Park Destination Guides (like Yosemite or Acadia), we'll be testing out some promising hikes in the region to pair with other attractions, like winery visits and village tours. Staying in Luberon Natural Park between Avignon and Aix-en-Provence allows for a plethora of day trips, which I cannot wait to share!

A post shared by Gorgesduverdon (@gorgesduverdon) on Sep 9, 2017 at 11:54pm PDT

A post shared by OFFICE DE TOURISME MARSEILLE (@choosemarseille) on Feb 28, 2018 at 4:45am PST

These trips promise to inspire plenty of blog posts, travel tips, and new destination guides. I hope you'll join me in France as we post regular updates on Facebook and Instagram! If you have any travel tips to the Loire Valley or Provence you want to share, I would love to hear from you - just email me tara@thecompassandkey.com.

3 Things To Love

#1: A Reusable Cup You Can Actually Carry

An estimated 500 billion disposable cups are thrown away globally each year, few of which are recycled. I was thrilled to discover Stojo (stojo.co, from $14.99), a new collapsible cup that fits easily into a jacket pocket or handbag, making it easy to begin reducing - potentially eliminating - my use of to-go cups at home and while on the road.

After two months of testing, I never leave home without it! I chose the Stojo Biggie because it holds up to 20oz, includes a foldable straw for cold drinks, and comes in a palette of pastel and neutral colors (I'm in love with the rose color).

#2: Macaron-Ice Cream Sandwiches

How have I missed this epic combination of my two favorite desserts? If you haven’t heard either, macaron-ice cream sandwiches are deliciously real, and you should seek one out immediately.

Unique flavor combos can be found in shops all over the world, like London's Yolkin, MILK in LA, or MIMA in Barcelona. Many of the Parisian boutiques well known for macarons will add these sandwich creations in warmer months. Or if you’re crafty in the kitchen, create your own with this recipe from Tasty.

Photo: Here I am digging into the Milo, chocolate malt ice cream sandwiched between pistachio macarons, at London's Yolkin. Yes, it was as delicious as it looks. 😋

#3: Free Audio Travel Guides...But Not for Long

Good news: one of our Ten Essential Travel Apps, Detour, is offering all of their exceptional audio travel guides for FREE through the end of May.

We’ve sampled the best in French cuisine in Paris, discovered architectural gems in Chicago, and learned how legendary jazz artists got their start in San Francisco.

The Not-So-Good news: Bose recently acquired Detour and currently plans to decommission the app in June. Download and enjoy Detour guides while you can, and fingers crossed that Bose finds a new hosting platform soon.

Keeping Us Entertained

• The new movie The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, starring Lily James, Matthew Goode, and Jessica Brown Findlay (all of whom also starred in Downton Abbey at some point), is a delightful adaptation of the book, which is one of my favorite reads. 
• Aussie singer-songwriter Kasey Chambers, an artist I've followed and loved for many years, is releasing her 12th studio album, Campfire. You'll love the title track for all of your summer gatherings.
• On my bookshelf: book club selection Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, the hit sci-fi book-turned-movie Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, and a biography about Catherine de Medici, the often misunderstood 16th-century Queen of France.

Travel Chatter

• Small-group tour company Context Travel has launched in Salzburg, providing an alternative to the massive bus tours that we encountered during our visit last year. Coincidentally, our fabulous private tour guide, Michala, is now working with Context!
• Nashville's newest boutique hotel, The Bobby, continues Music City's hotel expansion, joining popular properties like 21C Museum Hotel and SoBro Guest House. I want to check out the 1967 Greyhound bus the Bobby somehow hoisted onto its rooftop and retrofitted for late night parties.
• The Continental Divide Trail is celebrating 40 years as a National Scenic Trail and needs your help. Lesser known than the Pacific Coast or Appalachian Trails, the CDT has a fraction of the hikers yet plenty of spectacular scenery through areas including Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks. A new volunteer-led project called "Blaze the CDT" will help develop the trail with improved signage and mapping. Interested in helping out? Check out the details on the CDT website.

A post shared by Bobby Hotel (@bobbyhotel) on Apr 20, 2018 at 12:37pm PDT

A post shared by CDT Coalition (@cdtcoalition) on May 7, 2018 at 2:28pm PDT

Up Next

Our newest destination guide to the Islands of Malta is almost complete! If you haven't already, subscribe now and be among the first to preview the guide.

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Introducing Local Expert

Drawing from the Compass & Key community, along with our network of travel connections, friends, and family, we search high and low for people who are truly passionate about their hometown. Every Local Expert shares travel tips, stories, and a special walking tour designed exclusively for Compass & Key readers.

Series Launch: The Island of Key West

For our first Local Expert feature, we connected with Stacy Peele, a South Florida native and 10-year resident, to bring the tropical oasis of Key West to life. Located at the southernmost tip of the United States, Key West is an island with a rich cultural history, dynamic ethnic food scene, and spectacular natural beauty.

Discover Key West with Stacy as your guide, from the best Cuban coffee to a secret garden to the perfect place to watch the sun go down.

Up Next

More Local Expert features are in the works for destinations like Copenhagen and Malta. Do you know someone who could be our next Local Expert? We would love to hear from you. Share your recommendations by sending an email to hello@thecompassandkey.com.

For more vacation inspiration, make sure to peruse all the Compass & Key destination guides.

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What travel destinations would you like to see featured in our Local Expert series? Share your ideas in the comments below.

VACATION TIME IS PRECIOUS.

Taking time away from the daily grind allows us to gain fresh perspectives on life, meet new people, and experience different cultures. Yet it's all too easy to procrastinate and lose out on our paid time off. In fact, only 46% of Americans used all of their vacation days in 2016.

Today is National Plan for Vacation Day, an initiative from Project: Time Off, a coalition committed to changing the thinking and behavior of Americans about their vacation time. No matter where you are in the world, taking the time to plan out your holiday time, in fact, makes you happier. 

Planners report greater happiness than non-planners with their relationships, health and well-being, company, and job. According to Project: Time Off, a majority (52%) of workers who set aside time each year to plan for travel take all their time off, compared to just 40 percent of non-planners. Planners also tend to take longer vacations: while three-in-four (75%) planners take a week or more at a time, non-planners take significantly fewer days—zero to three—than planners at one time (42% to 18%).

HOW TO START VACATION PLANNING

1. BLOCK YOUR CALENDAR

I connected with Katie Denis, Chief of Research and Strategy at Project: Time Off, to learn how to help people get started. "Blocking your calendar is the most important step," says Denis. "Start with the boundaries in your life - work commitments, school schedules, and family events - and you will see opportunities to fit in vacation time." Use a monthly view of your calendar to find the natural gaps that fit around your existing commitments and make a note of those dates.

2. CREATE AND SHARE YOUR PLANS

Visit our 2018 Travel Planning page to use the handy online planning tool. Simply enter the number of vacation days for the year and add in the dates you blocked off in step one. Don't worry too much about WHERE to go just yet; the point is to set aside the time now. The tool allows you to share your plans not only with friends and family but also with your colleagues. Allowing at least a few months notice helps everyone at work prepare for your absence.

3. GET VACATION INSPIRATION

Now that you have your vacation time set aside, start dreaming! Talk to your friends and co-workers to find out where they are heading this year. Check out the annual lists of places to go from your favorite blogs and travel publications (I'm a fan of the lists from the New York Times and AFAR). Make a wish list of your top vacation destinations and start matching them with the blocks of time you have set aside. Consider travel time, weather, and seasonality. There are plenty of ideas on the Compass & Key blog and in our destination guides. Still stuck? Contact us and we'll help you brainstorm.

SPREAD THE WORD

Encourage everyone to take advantage of National Plan For Vacation Day.

Even the all-powerful pharaohs could not have foreseen how their civilization would endure through the centuries, enticing generations of travelers to discover its wonders. Like many of you, my fascination with ancient Egypt began as a young child during museum field trips, attempting to comprehend what daily life was like thousands of years ago.

Egypt was a trip I thought to be out of reach given the unrest over the last decade. That is until my husband and I learned of a small group tour down the Nile hosted by Wild Frontiers, which planned the African safari of our dreams earlier in the year. We had also received rave reviews from recent visitors to Egypt, who spoke of the many safety measures in place, empty temples, and grateful locals. In 1997, tourism made up 9% of Egypt's GDP; in 2017, it was just over 3%, according to the WTTC Economic Impact 2017 Report.

The Wild Frontiers itinerary captivated our imaginations, beginning in Luxor, then setting sail down the Nile towards Aswan. I pictured lounging on the deck of our 19-century style boat, gazing at ancient temples while village children waved to us from shore. With hats donned, we would bask in the warmth of the sun, pen long letters to loved ones, break for afternoon tea and listen to Agatha Christie share her latest mystery. The truth was not all that far off (unfortunately Agatha Christie did not join us, but our group of nine did include a songwriter).

Our guide, Mohammed, made a world of difference. With many hats to wear - translator, activity coordinator, hieroglyphic reader, personal shopper - he was generous with his wealth of knowledge and steadfastly upbeat, and we were thrilled to be his captive audience. Luckily our fellow travelers were just as inquisitive, eager to soak up every moment.

While the unrest continues in parts of the country, I still urge you to make the journey and experience the wonders of Egypt for yourself. Artifacts and sarcophagi behind glass will never compare to the towering temples, fertile lands, and welcoming people.

Favorite Egypt Moments

Egypt Trip Details

An experienced travel agent or tour company can help make this journey of a lifetime come true. Here are the particulars of our Egyptian adventure. 

TOUR COMPANY: This was a 10-day group trip (minimum five guests, maximum 12) organized by Wild Frontiers, including all ground transportation, meals, and plenty of pre-trip information including packing lists and tipping etiquette. A small group size is helpful when touring the sites, especially the busier locations.

SAFETY: We felt completely safe throughout our trip. At the time we booked our tour, the U.S. State Department travel alert cited the Sinai Peninsula, the Western Desert, and border areas as particularly dangerous, which are nowhere close to the places we visited during our tour. The major tourist sites had several security check points stationed before you even enter, including airport-style scanning.

**TIP: Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department, which provides regular updates and alerts from the local embassy. This program also ensures that the embassy has your information readily available in the event you need to be contacted.

TIME OF YEAR: End of December, over the Christmas holiday. Winter in Egypt promises pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s (F) and cooler mornings and evenings. Check historical weather for Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan.

TRAVEL: The pace of the tour was perfect. We decided to add two days in Cairo to see some of the sites before our tour began in Luxor. From London, it was a 5hr flight into Cairo then a 45min taxi ride to Giza (plan on 1.5-2hrs during rush hour). From Cairo, it's a 1hr flight to Luxor, where our tour group met up and traveled around via small shuttle bus to see the sites before boarding the dahabiya boat to Aswan. We spent one additional night in Cairo before returning to London. One could easily spend an extra few days in Luxor and Aswan, there is plenty to see and do.

GETTING AROUND: All transportation was pre-arranged seamlessly and made it easy to access the sites, including a fun variety of transport options: shuttle bus, tram, tuk-tuk, horse-drawn carriage, and even a pickup truck. We typically spent 1-2 hours walking around the sites, but the terrain was mostly level and easy to navigate.

STAY: The Mena House Hotel in Giza offers the most spectacular view of the pyramids and plenty of resort amenities. All remaining lodging was organized directly by Wild Frontiers, including:

• Luxor - the splendid Pavillon Winter Hotel, dating to 1905. We loved the lush central garden. 2 nights
• The Nile - Private dahabiya boat for our group. 4 nights
• Abu Simbel - the Eskalah Nubian guest lodge, a short distance from the temple complex, which we were anticipating to be rustic but was very comfortable. 1 night
• Aswan - the grand Mövenpick Resort on Elephantine Island. 1 night  // **TIP: If you're planning months in advance, try to book a room at the iconic Old Cataract Hotel, a Victorian-era palace where Agatha Christie penned Death on the Nile. Our guide said that rooms were fully booked nine months in advance.

EAT: All meals were included in our tour package. Expect dishes with Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean influences. One of our first meals on the dahabiya included roasted eggplant slices topped with garlic and herbs, a tagine of squash and zucchini, and stewed beef and rice.

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OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE

A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Rome

Travel Wisdom

Travel Wisdom

Have you visited Egypt?

Share your travel tips and advice with fellow Compass & Key travelers in the comments below.

If you're beginning to feel the pressure of finding gifts for everyone on your list this holiday, I'm here to help! To me, the perfect gift isn't about how much it costs or what brand name it carries; it's about giving something that is thoughtful and personal.

With some brainstorming and a bit of research, it's easy to come up with a list of gifts that will delight your friends and family. Thanks to online shopping and with the help of local shops, gifts can often be delivered within a few days. And remember, this approach to gift-giving is useful for any occasion. Follow along as I use these tips to find gift inspiration for a dear friend.

A LITTLE RESEARCH GOES A LONG WAY

Even last-minute gifts should have some thought behind them. Set aside a few minutes and grab pen and paper to find inspiration with these simple steps:

1) Answer Some Questions About the Gift Recipient:

What hobbies do they enjoy? Common hobbies could include travel, cooking, sports/outdoor activities, music, photography, gardening, etc.

What life events will be happening now or within the next year? This could include a new home, once-in-a-lifetime vacation, milestone birthday/anniversary, etc.

What activities do we enjoy doing together? Are you both first in line for the latest blockbuster movies? Do you visit the same music festival every year? Do you always meet up at a local coffee shop?

2) Seek Out Their Social Wish Lists

Finding gift ideas can be a cinch when your recipient is active on social media. Look for an existing wishlist on Amazon, and peruse their Pinterest boards, which may already include a wishlist. If you are both members of Goodreads, check out the recipient's "want to read" list for books you could give. Seek out your friends on universal wishlist sites like GiftHero. On Facebook, visit the "About" section of your gift recipient's profile to see the music, movies, TV shows, books and games they may have listed, or scroll through their "Likes" to find favorite brands, local shops, causes, and more.

Here's what my research notes look like after 15 minutes of brainstorming and online surfing:

Some gift ideas are easy to identify, such as the notebook or camera bag from the "Wishlist" board on my friend's Pinterest profile, or the books on their Goodreads list. I could contact Paste Magazine to extend an existing subscription or buy a new one, and I could buy a gift certificate for the local craft shop my friend likes on Facebook. If your gift won't arrive in time, use it as an excuse to get together with the recipient after the event. I have yet to hear of anyone refusing a gift after the event has past!

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT

Now that you've completed your research, some gift ideas may have already presented themselves. If not, consider any of these five themes to help you connect the dots. 

The Beauty of Real Books

Giving a book not only encourages reading, a pastime so many of us enjoy, but physical books are often delivered quickly. We are all familiar with Amazon, but also check IndieBound, which connects to local, independent book shops that can typically deliver a book with a few days notice. Or better yet, if you have a favorite neighborhood bookseller, stop by and ask for recommendations with your recipient's interests in mind. Aside from the titles I discovered in Goodreads, here are a few ideas for my friend based on my research.

Share a Part of You

If you're giving a gift to someone special, you already have quite a few things in common. The things that you love will often be cherished by your recipient too, or at the very least, appreciated because it's meaningful to you. Some examples:

• Buy another copy of your favorite cookbook and include sticky notes marking the pages with your go-to recipes. You can add a personal note to any of your favorite books, really, from the mystery you couldn't put down to inspiring nonfiction to the photography book you proudly display on your coffee table.
• Create a digital "mixed tape" of new music you've discovered. Easily share your playlist via iTunes or generate a playlist code you can print on a card through Spotify Codes.
• Gift the tech gadgets you can't live without, like a portable battery charger or the latest Apple TV. Be prepared to help the recipient set it up!

Gifts That Keep On Giving

When you give a subscription or membership, your friends and family can enjoy your gift many times over. Review your research notes on your gift recipient and think about a subscription or membership they might love based on their areas of interest. Consider niche magazines, local and regional museums, or expert-led courses. Here are some ideas for my friend:

• A membership to the local contemporary art museum, which is well known for its powerful photography exhibitions.
• An annual subscription to Hop & Barley magazine, a quarterly print publication about the craft beer movement.
• A bread baking course taught at my friend's neighborhood bakery.
• A three-month subscription to BarkBox with toys and treats for my friend's new puppy.

Time Together

Give the gift of experiences by planning an event together for a future date. This could include a trip to the theater, performance or concert, class, or distinctive outing or getaway. Once you have researched potential events, make sure to clear the date with the recipient before you give the gift. For my friend, I found a few activities we would enjoy together:

• A craft beer tasting at a brewery in the area.
• An all-day tennis boot camp.
• A calligraphy class at the local craft shop my friend follows on Facebook.
• A National Geographic talk about nature photography.

Donate to the Causes They Love 

Most of us have philanthropic causes we support, from children's charities to medical research to wildlife and nature preservation. Not only do many nonprofit organizations accept donations in honor of someone, they often allow donations towards a specific goal. I like giving donations to recipients who really don't want any more "stuff" but instead focus their energy on helping others. If you're not sure which organization to choose, remember that many communities around the world still need support after the string of natural disasters this year (read our blog post on the topic for ways you can help).

No matter who is on your gift list, I hope these simple steps inspire you to find the perfect gift this year! Happy gift hunting!

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How do you choose the perfect gift? Share your ideas with the Compass & Key community in the comments below.

Get Your Next Vacation for Less With Black Friday Travel Sales

With Thanksgiving only one week away, all you savvy shoppers out there are eagerly awaiting the impending barrage of sales that immediately follow on Black Friday (11/24) and Cyber Monday (11/27). Yet hotel, airfare, and vacation package sales don't always come to mind this time of year. Reward yourself this holiday by booking your next vacation - or adding an unexpected getaway - at steep discounts, all from the comfort of your living room.

What To Expect from Black Friday 2017

The initial predictions are out, and there are some promising deals on the horizon. DealNews recently shared their cheat sheet for travel deals this November:

• Starwood and Hyatt hotel stays 30-60% off
• Domestic U.S. flights from $20 roundtrip - almost every airline offered discounts last year
• International flights from $200 roundtrip - watch Emirates, Norwegian and WOW airlines, as well as Southwest and Delta

Keep an eye out for more deals leading up to the holiday. For example, Wyndham Vacation Rentals just announced savings up to 40% during their planned 100-hour Black Friday sale.

Favorite 2016 Black Friday Travel Deals

We scored some big travel deals last year, particularly on Cyber Monday:

• 50% off suites at select Small Luxury Hotel (SLH) properties
• 30-50% off select Mr. and Mrs. Smith hotel properties (via a 24-hour Cyber Monday sale only)
• Discounts on all-inclusive British Airways vacation packages to European destinations

Compass & Key's Shopping Tips

1. Cyber Monday can offer the most significant travel discounts

During the last two years, many of the best travel sales occurred on Cyber Monday (falling on 11/27 this year), some lasting only a few hours. If you are working that day, dedicate some time at lunch or during a break to snap up a deal or two. Most brands will tease the sale in advance, so make sure to monitor your emails and social media feeds. Follow Compass & Key on Facebook to see our picks of the best travel sales throughout the holiday period.

2. Focus on your favorite travel brands

If you have a preferred airline or hotel chain, make sure you're signed up for their email list to be the first to learn about sales around Black Friday/Cyber Monday. For example, we have status with Starwood hotels and American Airlines, both which offered tempting sales around the Thanksgiving holiday in 2016. We also enjoy boutique hotel stays, so we'll be watching Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Tablet, and Small Luxury Hotels, to name a few. And remember that sales also extend to travel accessories, including luggage, cameras, outdoor gear, and more.

3. Be flexible with your dates

The advertised sale price may not work with specific travel dates, so if you can, be flexible. Those willing to travel last-minute, during off-season months, on weekdays, and outside of holiday periods could save a bundle. DealNews noted that 14% of last year's best Black Friday deals were for travel before the end of the year, which could be an ideal way to take advantage of any unused vacation days.

4. Do your homework before booking

This tip is particularly important for vacation packages that include airfare and hotel. What appears to be an incredible deal may, in fact, only reflect a small discount off the typical price. Running a quick search through sites like Kayak or Skyscanner helps you determine typical flight costs, while Booking.com outlines hotel prices. We're fans of Skyscanner's map tool, allowing you to peruse flight prices from any destination airport for a given month.

With these tips from Compass & Key and a little preparation, your next vacation could be much cheaper when you take advantage of Black Friday 2017 travel sales. Now all you have to do is spread the good news to your friends and family who love to explore the world!

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What travel sales will you be looking for during Black Friday 2017? Share your tips with the Compass & Key community in the comments below.

Our first visit to Copenhagen was a delightful surprise. Nursing a newly sprained ankle, however, forecasted a tricky travel experience in a destination known for its walkability. Fortunately, Copenhagen is a compact city boasting an efficient transportation system, and I was lucky to have patient traveling companions. 

Bottom line, Copenhagen is effortlessly cool. Watch our video, peruse our snapshots, and learn more about how to plan your own vacation of discovery to this world-class destination.

Copenhagen Highlights Video

Favorite Copenhagen Moments

Copenhagen Trip Details

TIME OF YEAR: Mid-September. The weather was idyllic, with sunny days, cool breezes, and temperatures hovering around 60℉/15℃ throughout our visit. Local residents noted that this was unusual for the time of year, however.

TRAVEL: Arrived into Copenhagen Airport (code CPH) via London late afternoon on a Thursday for a long weekend visit, departing late Monday. The train from the airport to the city center is efficient (15 minutes) and cheap.

GETTING AROUND: Walking is best, but with my sprained ankle, I took advantage of the bus and metro train system regularly. We purchased 72-hour City Passes for unlimited transportation by bus, train, and ferry. While the buses don't reach much of the pedestrianized city center, you're still only a few minutes walk away. We used CityMapper for all routing.

STAY: Two nights each at Hotel SP34 and Manon Les Suites. SP34 is in a central location and the staff were helpful and friendly, but the rooms were a bit tired. We thoroughly enjoyed Manon Les Suites, and while it's a bit further out of the city center, its location is ideal for the bus system. Both had restaurants onsite and the spa-like pool in the center of Manon Les Suites was inviting.

EAT: Each day began at independent coffee shop Buzz, an inviting space with tasty smoothies and sandwiches. We enjoyed canalside drinks and snacks at Thai restaurant Sea by Kiin Kiin and Danish café Skipperkroen, lunch with a view on the ILLUM department store rooftop, and the best street food - especially the gourmet hot dogs - at Papirøen (closes end of 2017 and will reopen in new space). Do not miss the expansive food market Torvehallerne. As for dinner, it's easy to find Michelin stars in the Danish capital. Standouts include Formel B, offering a fusion of Danish and French cuisine, and 108, a spin-off of world-renowned restaurant Noma, offering inventive Nordic cuisine.

WANDER RATING: 10/10. There are so many interesting neighborhoods to explore, and the city center never felt touristy. The shopping is fantastic, thanks to contemporary Danish design.

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What are you favorite things to do and see in Copenhagen?

Share your travel tips with the Compass & Key travel community in the comments below.

Since the publishing of this post, Hurricane Irma has devastated parts of the Caribbean and damaged many Floridian communities. Now a new Category 5 hurricane has just made landfall in Dominica and is headed for the same parts of the Caribbean still reeling from Irma. All of the national and international aid organizations listed here are expanding efforts, but here are some organizations on the ground that are seeking donations: Antigua/Barbados Red Cross, Richard Branson's BVI fund, United for Puerto Rico, and St. John Rescue.

Thank you for your generosity!

In the wake of the natural disasters in recent weeks, many of us experience the same instinctive reaction: how can I help?

From the flooding in India, Texas, Nigeria, and Niger, to the mudslides in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo, tens of millions of people[1] have been affected with urgent pleas for help from local, national and international agencies. I believe that humans are inherently generous in times of need, particularly those who travel, but it can be overwhelming to know how to make the most impact.

Compass & Key has created this guide to empower you to donate responsibly to help communities around the world, now and in the future. For more information, see our list of recommended aid organizations, reference Charity Navigator for ratings, and read the news articles listed in the sources section.

1. Start Local

Find reliable local news sources online - the city newspaper is a great place to start - to identify the agencies on the ground that are seeking donations, volunteers, or other aid. Look for organizations like food banks, search & rescue teams, or those providing medical assistance. For example, the Houston Chronicle has been publishing an updated list of local groups that can put all donations to use quickly. On an international level, research established aid organizations that have local offices and support services on the ground, such as Global Giving, UNICEF, or the Red Cross.

Things are in high speed as we get baby items out to the community! Big shout out to our #volunteers for supporting us and our #HarveyRelief efforts! #houstonfoodbank #HoustonStrong

A post shared by Houston Food Bank (@houstonfoodbank) on Sep 3, 2017 at 7:26am PDT

2. Money Is Often the Most Impactful Gift

While donating clothing, toiletries, toys, and other physical items seem helpful, check first with relief organizations. This CBS News story reminds us that donations can sometimes cause more harm than help, often leading to waste. Monetary donations allow the organizations on the ground to distribute funds where they are most needed. This PSA explains it best (which aired after Hurricane Sandy):

If the budget is tight, use your natural talents and resources to give back. From hosting a bake sale to requesting donations in lieu of a birthday gift, there are plenty of ways to donate money. Crowdrise is an excellent resource for setting up an online fundraiser so that anyone can donate to your cause. And donating blood is always needed, whether you live in the disaster area or not (find a local blood drive here).

3. Think Short- and Long-Term

Communities often have a long road to recovery after natural disaster strikes. While an initial wave of donations can help, consider extending the impact of your generosity by splitting your donation into recurring amounts. Many charities and non-profit organizations are able to accept recurring donations when using a debit or credit card.

4. Remember Our Furry Friends

Beyond our beloved pets, all wildlife suffers during natural disasters. Animal welfare groups help rescue critters large and small, reuniting them with owners or rehabilitating them to release into the wild. Consider supporting Best Friends Animal Society (U.S. only) or the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Swipe ⬅️ for more: 5 rhino babies rescued in just one day! This year's flooding in Assam, India is believed to be even worse than last year, with more than 85% of #KazirangaNationalPark now under water. 🦏 Our IFAW-WTI team is on the ground now, we'll keep updating on Twitter @action4ifaw.

A post shared by IFAW (@action4ifaw) on Aug 15, 2017 at 12:53pm PDT

Love is all around at the Best Friends Rescue and Reunite Center in partnership with Montgomery County Animal Shelter. Thanks to our incredible volunteers, dedicated staff and supporters like you, the nearly 500 animals in our care are receiving the TLC that they need. These are a few of the heartwarming photos that have us feeling so grateful for your support. Learn more about how you can help via the link in our bio. #disasterresponse #hurricaneharvey #bestfriendsanimalsociety #SaveThemAll

A post shared by Best Friends Animal Society (@bestfriendsanimalsociety) on Sep 4, 2017 at 2:41pm PDT

5. Replenish Natural Resources

Mother Nature has a way of healing itself, but sometimes she needs a little help. Conserving our natural resources helps all life thrive. Natural disasters can have far-reaching impacts on the environment, so consider donating to groups like The Nature Conservancy or the Environmental Defense Fund.

Jacqueline Mevoghe catches and cleans fish off Aschouka Island, Gabon, one late afternoon in May. The Nature Conservancy is working with local partner OELO to help communities assemble and establish local fisheries associations to address issues such as illegal fishing gear and declining fish stocks. “I have been fishing since I was a little girl,” Jacqueline says. “You would just throw the net in the water and you would capture so many fish. Now it's very hard work: You always have to go to the water and set the nets and you don't always catch something.” OELO and the Conservancy hope to create a more sustainable fishing operation for the community and nature—photo by @roshni.lodhia. @nature_africa #gabon #fishing #sustainability #community #nature #indigenousday #savenature #livenature

A post shared by The Nature Conservancy (@nature_org) on Aug 9, 2017 at 1:55pm PDT

6. Keep on Traveling

So many cities rely on tourism dollars. But when natural disaster strikes, travelers often stay home. Many tourist-heavy destinations will be back up and running sooner than you may think, and your tourist dollars will go a long way in helping the local economy recovery. 

ORGANIZATIONS

These aid organizations are helping in areas impacted by the 2017 floods and have high ratings on Charity Navigator. These are just a sampling of amazing charity and nonprofit groups doing their part to help, so make sure to do some research on your own. Together we can all make a difference to communities in need!

WORLDWIDE AID GROUPS (7)

PET AND WILDLIFE CHARITIES (3)

ENVIRONMENTAL AID (3)

SOURCES

• Al Jazeera News & Sources (2017) 'DR Congo landslide death toll climbs to 200', Al Jazeera News, 19 August [Online]. Available at: http://bit.ly/2wwPkSd (Accessed: 5 September 2017).
• Phillips, K. (2017) 'Helping Out After Hurricane Harvey: Where, What & How To Donate', Forbes, 28 August [Online]. Available at: http://bit.ly/2wXXsdY (Accessed: 5 September 2017).
• Domonoske, C. (2017) 'Floods In South Asia Have Killed More Than 1,000 People This Summer', NPR News, 29 August [Online]. Available at: http://n.pr/2wQWvEV (Accessed: 5 September 2017).
• [1] Vidal, J. (2017) 'As flood waters rise, is urban sprawl as much to blame as climate change?', The Guardian, 3 September [Online]. Available at: http://bit.ly/2wuCuTg (Accessed: 5 September 2017).
• CBS News (2017) 'Best intentions: When disaster relief brings anything but relief', CBS News, 3 September [Online]. Available at: http://cbsn.ws/2xH53LT (Accessed: 5 September 2017).
• Balch, B. (2017) 'Hurricane Harvey: How to help victims of the Texas storm', The Houston Chronicle, 5 September [Online]. Available at: http://bit.ly/2w9gdtS (Accessed: 5 September 2017).

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What other aid organizations do you support in times of natural disaster? Share in the comments below, and thank you for everything you do to help others.

THE INSPIRATION

If you're like me, you have approximately one bazillion cookbooks lining your bookshelves, each which inspired you enough at some point to deserve the purchase. I turned to one such title, Good + Simple from the London-based Hemsley sisters, to reference the 7-day reboot plan that caught my eye about a year ago. I had tested and loved several of the sugar- and grain-free recipes already, so I felt confident in testing out the reboot plan as a post-vacation detox. The cookbook landed on my shelf specifically because it wasn't about a fad diet, but rather about nutritious-yet-tasty dishes.

THE PLAN

The 7-Day Reboot includes a complete shopping list and meal plan for two adults eating five times a day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with two snacks in between. The plan is 100% vegetarian, with vegan options noted. Shamefully I've never purchased so many fresh vegetables and herbs all at once in my life, but I was excited to get started. My husband planned to join me in this one-week detox as much as he could, and we both agreed to avoid alcohol for the week.

THE COOKING

Otherwise known as, "what happens when an amateur cook makes every meal from scratch for one week."

Is there a word that combines 'joy' and 'anarchy'? If so, please let me know and I'll file it away. I successfully used every kitchen gadget I own and ran out of refrigerator space. Twice. But I loved every minute. Practice makes perfect, as they say. And keep in mind, this has absolutely nothing to do with the amazing authors and their delightful cookbook, but is simply a result of my beginner-level abilities in the kitchen.

I began with the appropriately named, "Sunday cookoff", during which I prepared or prepped several of the dishes according to the well laid out instructions. This took the better part of a day, but I was thrilled with how many meals were ready to go. Every subsequent dish became easier to prep for and cook as I became more comfortable in the kitchen. While I wish I took Pinterest-worthy photos of every dish, I only captured one smoothie (and it's really not worthy of social media praise, but here you go).

THE RESULTS

For the first time in a long time, I enjoyed every meal I made. The perfectionist in me is typically disappointed with the outcome of new cookbook recipes, but not with the Reboot Plan. The dishes had plenty of flavor and were surprisingly filling. Eating small meals five times a day felt so much healthier than my usual schedule of over-indulgent lunches or dinners (or both). 

I struggled in the early part of the week with symptoms that I can only attribute to sugar withdrawal (see #1 in 'What I Learned' below). But I stuck to the plan and felt better by Day 5. Today is officially Day 7 and both of us feel leaner and have more energy. Weight-loss was not expected given the short time period, but our clothes do fit a bit better. BONUS!

My favorite dishes were varied, from the quick coconut dahl and quinoa kettle porridge to the cream of tomato soup and carob fruit and nut balls. These recipes are only available in the Good + Simple cookbook, but you can find a similar 7-Day Reboot from the same authors online at Red Magazine. Plenty of nutritious recipes are available for free on the Hemsley + Hemsley website as well.

A post shared by Jasmine + Melissa (@hemsleyhemsley) on Aug 19, 2017 at 2:48am PDT

WHAT I LEARNED

1. Sugar withdrawal is real. I had headaches on days 2, 3, and 4, and was so irritable on day 4 that I thought my husband might leave me forever (thankfully, love is patient, love is kind). I will be much more mindful of my sugar intake in the future.
2. Coconut oil can be used for pretty much everything, in and out of the kitchen. Check it out.
3. Chopping millions of vegetables is exhausting, but your food processor will save the day.
4. Nuts are digested best after 'activating', which means you soak them overnight to rid them of some acid and then dehydrate them for 12 hours (or roast them at 215F/100C for 20 minutes; thanks, YouTube!).
5. There is SO MUCH SALT added to processed/packaged foods. I knew this fact but didn't fully appreciate it until I cooked everything from scratch.
6. Soup makes a surprisingly delightful breakfast. Try it out sometime.
7. Yes, I CAN easily make nutritious meals without resorting to the pre-made stuff.
8. Indulging on vacation is fine as long as I balance it with smaller portions and plenty of veggies.

I'm going to do my best to stick with this new approach to eating, moving on to the regular weekly meal plans outlined in the Good + Simple cookbook. The joy+anarchy feeling may continue for awhile, but I'm confident that this new approach to my diet will mark an important change in my overall health and well-being.

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How do you detox after an indulgent vacation? Share your ideas with the Compass & Key community in the comments below.

We've just returned from another magical visit to Paris to refresh our destination guide. If you’ve perused the Compass & Key itineraries for wandering Paris, you know that they each range from a few hours to a full day and cover a variety of neighborhoods, or arrondissements. To help piece them together, we’ve created this 3-Day Paris Vacation Guide with some of our favorite sites, shops and restaurants. You’ll see how easy it is to craft your own itinerary to fit your energy level, travel style and time available.

Some Paris museums, shops, restaurants, and markets are closed on Sundays, Mondays, or Tuesdays. To avoid any closing times, this guide assumes arrival on a Wednesday, followed by three full days in the City of Light. Don’t let that stop you from visiting earlier in the week, as it’s relatively easy to work around closing times with a little planning (our Paris Museums & Markets infographic can help).

IN SUMMARY – FEATURED ITINERARIES

Day 1, Thursday – Notre Dame and its Neighbor // Montmartre & Moreau
Day 2, Friday – Paris, Elevated // Evening at the Louvre
Day 3, Saturday – Relax with Rodin // Impressions of St. Germain

ARRIVAL DAY - WEDNESDAY

If you’ve chosen an overnight flight to reach Paris, the odds are that you will feel groggy upon arrival in the morning. Drop off luggage at your hotel and beat jet lag with some fresh air and a little exercise. Compass & Key recommends a Fat Tire bike tour to get you oriented to the city while cruising the wide promenades and stunning parks. If this is a repeat trip, skip the bike tour and wander one of the many beautiful parks for an afternoon, like Bois de Vincennes or Bois de Boulogne. Take a quick nap before dinner, then experience exceptional city views from the rooftop at Institut du Monde Arab and dinner at Le Zyriab. 

DAY 1 – THURSDAY

10 AM

Sleep-in as needed to adjust to the time, but try and head out by 10 am to explore the Latin Quarter with our itinerary Notre Dame and its Neighbor, which gives you plenty of options. Grab a croissant and wander the stalls of Marché Maubert, admire the gothic architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral, or learn about the city’s medieval history at the Musée de Cluny.

1 PM

Break for a long lunch at Compass & Key favorite ChantAirelle, or pick up supplies from a Carrefour or Monoprix grocery store to picnic at Jardin du Luxembourg. After lunch, enjoy a well-earned nap back at your hotel.

4PM

Head to the hills to walk in the footsteps of Paris’ artists with destinations from our Montmartre & Moreau itinerary. Spend an hour at Musée Gustave Moreau or Musée de Montmartre (last admission 5pm and 6:15pm respectively), then pay homage to those artists at the Montmartre Cemetery, popping in some shops along the way. One hour before sunset, head to Sacré Coeur for its famous views over Paris. End your evening with dinner at Le Moulin de la Galette beneath one of the few surviving windmills in the area.

DAY 2 – FRIDAY

9 AM

After breakfast, follow our Paris, Elevated itinerary. Mingle with locals at La Promenade Plantée, Paris’s famous high line, an elevated railway-turned-park. Watch artists at work and seek out unique souvenirs at the shops below, Les Viaduc des Arts. Then walk to famed Marché Aligre, one of the oldest and largest markets in Paris and favored by many a chef.

1 PM

Enjoy lunch at the market, or head to a historic bistro led by famous Paris chef Cyril Lignac, Restaurant Le Chardenaux. Your afternoon is free, so continue exploring the area or perhaps wander the nearby Père Lachaise cemetery. Leave time for a nap if that suits you.

5 PM

Escape the crowds and visit the crown jewel of art museums with our Evening at the Louvre itinerary, designed for the Louvre’s late hours on Wednesdays and Fridays. With three hours you can see most of the highlights or simply wander at your own pace. You’ll never be able to see all of the Louvre’s treasures in one visit, so just enjoy the beauty of some of the most exquisite art in the world.

9 PM

Give your feet a rest with a late dinner reservation at Café Marly, overlooking PEI’s grand pyramid at the Louvre. Linger with a bottle of wine and the lovely views from the terrace, both of the Louvre palace and the people strolling along. If you’re looking for late night amusement, head back to the Latin Quarter.

A post shared by Le Café Marly (@cafe_marly) on Jul 21, 2015 at 11:39pm PDT

DAY 3 – SATURDAY

9 AM

Armed with our Relax with Rodin itinerary, explore the wonders of the 7th Arrondissement. Begin your day with fresh fruit and a croissant at Marché Saxe-Breteuil, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Stroll the lavish gardens and priceless sculptures at Musée Rodin, and if time allows, explore the museum itself, which served as Rodin’s home and workshop.

1 PM

Walk to Le Bon Marché and its indoor market, La Grande Epicerie. Choose your treats (and some wine) to take to-go for an afternoon picnic in our favorite secret garden, Jardin Catherine Labouré.

3 PM

Head to the 6th Arrondissement to search for souvenirs and gifts with our Impressions of St. Germain itinerary. Independent artists showcase their work at boutique Gab & Jo, art supplies of every kind can be found at Sennelier, while Ladurée provides glamorous treats with their famous macarons. Leave time to peruse the stalls of the bouquinistes along the Seine. If shopping isn’t on your list, visit the impeccable Impressionist art at Musée d’Orsay and admire the soaring columns of Saint Sulpice church. Drop off any shopping bags at your hotel and relax a bit before your evening begins.

8 PM

Spend your last evening with a special dinner. There is no shortage of exceptional cuisine in Paris. For the gourmand, visit the area around Marché Aligre with its highly rated restaurants like Le Cotte Rôti, Tondo, or Will. Enjoy exceptional views of the Eiffel Tower in the 16th Arrondissement at Monsieur Bleu, the restaurant at the Palais de Tokyo hotel. Or mingle with the locals at Vivant Cave in the 10th Arrondissement.

A post shared by Restaurant Tondo (@tondoparis) on Jun 30, 2017 at 10:26am PDT

A post shared by Monsieur Bleu (@monsieur_bleu) on Jun 21, 2016 at 1:06pm PDT

TRAVEL TIPS

• Hotel check-in times are typically in the afternoon, so if you arrive before your room is ready, you can always check your bags with the front desk.
• Restaurant reservations, particularly for dinner, are always encouraged.
• Consider a multi-day Paris Museum Pass, which includes access to many of the major museums and, most importantly, allows you to skip the lines. You can purchase them at most of the included museum sites or at kiosks around the city.
• Public transportation is a great way to get around Paris. The Metro isn’t the cleanest, but it’s certainly fast, or consider the Velib bike share system.
• If rain is in the forecast, opt for spending time in the many museums and save the parks for a sunny day.
• Looking for a place to stay? Check out the Compass & Key Hotel List.
• If you like someone guiding you around, checking out the many small group walking tours available through Context Travel. 

You can discover all of our itineraries with our Paris Travel Guide, including an interactive map, essential resources, and plenty of ideas to plan your own Parisian holiday.

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Sophia: Any suggestions for warm winter travel for a girls' weekend?

Compass & Key: Hi, Sophia! June/July is an ideal time to be planning for winter travel, particularly to popular warm weather destinations. Here are three spots we think you should consider from your home base on the East Coast:

1) St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

60% of the island is a National Park, featuring some of the most stunning, undisturbed beaches in all of the Caribbean. Hike to the sugar factory ruins at Cinnamon Bay, or take in sunset views at Peace Hill. Don’t miss snorkeling the underwater trail at Trunk Bay. Rent a house near Cruz Bay to enjoy fun nights out after the day trippers have returned to St. Thomas. 

A post shared by Virgin Islands National Park (@virginislandsnps) on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:37pm PDT

2) Isla Mujeres, off the coast of Cancun

Escape the Cancun crowds with a 20-minute ferry to quiet Isla Mujeres, a car-free island with beautiful beaches. Rent a golf cart to explore the lighthouse and temple remains at the southernmost tip of the island, and spend a day lounging at Zama Yacht & Beach Club. Hotel Secreto is a fabulous boutique hotel within walking distance of the charming town center with plenty of restaurants and bars.

A post shared by Hotel Secreto, Isla Mujeres (@hotelsecreto) on Mar 10, 2017 at 12:09pm PST

3) Bermuda

If Zika is a concern for any of the women on the trip, Bermuda is considered Zika-free, and it's about a two-hour flight from New York. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George and its historic forts or wander the Bermuda Railway Trail. Rental villas are readily available or try the newly opened hotel, The Loren at Pink Beach.

For more Zika-free destinations, check out this recent Condé Nast Traveler article.

A post shared by Bermuda (@bermuda) on May 10, 2017 at 10:13am PDT

A post shared by The Loren at Pink Beach (@thelorenbermuda) on Feb 4, 2017 at 2:26pm PST

Are you looking for travel recommendations from Compass & Key?

Message us on Facebook or email us with your travel-related queries.

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What warm weather winter destinations do you love? Share your ideas in the comments below.

Tis the season to celebrate everything we love about being outdoors - music festivals, farmers markets, picnics in the park, neighborhood barbecues, and of course, summer vacation! 

The Compass & Key Summer Gift Guide includes inspired artwork, picnic essentials, and products that make the most of traveling this season. And all 12 gifts cost below $200. So whether it's for the host/hostess, or any of the numerous special occasions of summer - weddings, anniversaries, birthdays - look no further than the Compass & Key Summer Gift & Gear Guide.

For the National Park Explorer

National Parks Map // From $55, etsy.com/shop/ElloThere

For anyone who is trying to reach all 59 of the U.S. National Parks, or simply loves these protected pieces of wilderness, help them showcase their achievements with this wall art from Ello There. They can commemorate each Park visit by placing the corresponding numbered sticker on the map. We are giddy every time we add a sticker to ours, which we proudly display surrounded by photos from our adventures. Available as a screen print or mounted on canvas.

For Those Who Picnic

Picnic Kit for Two // $59.99, enroutetravelware.com

Perfect for newlyweds, this compact set comes with everything they need for spontaneous al fresco dining, even a tablecloth. They can throw it in the car, daypack, or checked luggage for a gourmet picnic wherever their adventures take them. We've owned our kit for several years and use it constantly, especially to enjoy our finds at the weekend farmer's market. For the professional picnic partier, check out this picnic backpack.

Vintage Wine Carrier // $11.99, vapur.us

No more worrying about broken glass during picnics in the park. This reusable wine carrier rolls, folds and flattens to be easily transported once you're done enjoying your favorite wine. This ingenious product comes from Vapur, who also created our favorite water bottle. We use our wine carrier whenever glass is frowned upon, from dining poolside to day hikes to movies in the park.

Pocket Blanket 2.0 // $29.99, matadorup.com

We have found a million-and-one uses for this pocket blanket. Perfect for anyone on your gift list, but particularly those who spend a lot of time outdoors. We take this along whenever we leave the house or hit the trail. Easily fitting into a pocket, it's ideal for music festivals, when you don't want to bother with a bulky bag. Also featured in the Compass & Key National Park Packing List. Photos: Matador

For the Literati

Walden Tote Bag // $29, litographs.com

The perfect gift for any book worm, these brilliant pieces of art are created using the words from classic and contemporary literature. If you look closely, this tote bag features 20,000 words from Henry David Thoreau's masterpiece, Walden. The designs are also available as t-shirts, posters, scarves, and even temporary tattoos. Litographs honor a range of authors, from Jane Austen to Kurt Vonnegut to Walt Whitman, and donate books to communities in need.

For the Photographer

Bowery DSLR Messenger Bag // $149, onabags.com

For anyone who is embarking on an epic vacation this year and plans to capture their memories with a DSLR camera, help them carry it in style with this case from ONA. Offered in a variety of colors, the Bowery bag includes a padded interior for the camera and one extra lens, as well as handy pockets for a few accessories. Our Bowery has aged beautifully with time, and we bring it along to every destination we visit. Also featured in the Compass & Key Camera Travel Essentials list.

For the Organizer

Bandito Lifestyle Roll // $75, thisisground.com

Cords are now a part of our daily life, so help your gift recipient keep them organized with this sleek Italian leather organizer from This Is Ground. Useful for a variety of everyday objects, including headphones, camera cords, a pen/pencil/stylus, eyewear and more, the Bandito rolls up to easily transport in a briefcase, handbag, or carry-on. We're also fans of this set of cord tacos, which we use to keep things organized when we travel.

For the Beauty On the Go

Lazy Perfection Petites // $65, jennypatinkin.com

Ladies know that makeup looks more natural and lasts longer when applied with quality brushes. A quick touch up is easy with this petite set of professional makeup brushes from beauty expert Jenny Patinkin, the perfect gift for the modern woman in your life. For more travel beauty tips, check out our interview with Jenny.

For the Traveling Linguist

Traveller's Playing Cards // $14, herblester.com

Sure, a deck of cards is always a great gift, but why not help the recipient learn another language at the same time? Each card features commonly used phrases translated to French and Spanish. Some of our favorites: "Can you recommend a good restaurant?" or "Another one please." We bring our set wherever we go to brush up on our skills.

For the Foodie

Infused Salt Tasting Kit // $35, jacobsensalt.com

Help your favorite chef savor the bounty of summer with this salt sampler from Jacobsen Salt Company in Portland, OR. This sampler comes with a wooden stand for counter display, perfect for the host or hostess at your next barbecue.

For the Budding Reader

Enchanted Collection // $165, juniperbooks.com

We contend that books are always the best gift for kids, allowing them to use their imagination to travel to new worlds and far off places. Not only will this heirloom set of classics give them something to read on summer vacation, it will also be proudly showcased on their bookshelf for years to come. Juniper Books has created stunning decorative book sets like this one for kids and adults alike, including Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and much more.

For the Jet Setter

Secret Journeys of a Lifetime // $40, shop.nationalgeographic.com

Speaking of books-as-gifts, this coffee table book from National Geographic will inspire newbie and seasoned travelers alike. We received our copy as a gift and reference it every time we're headed to a new country. To personalize the gift, place sticky notes on the pages that inspire you most with a handwritten note as to why.

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What gifts are you giving this summer? Share your ideas in the comments below.

To feel like a local when you travel, it helps to look the part. That means packing a smart yet casual wardrobe, stylish accessories, and for us ladies, multi-purpose beauty products. The tools and tricks I love and use in my daily beauty regime - and on the road - came from fellow Chicago native and professional makeup artist Jenny Patinkin.

As a graduate of Jenny's Lazy Perfection Beauty School and owner of her makeup brushes, I love keeping up with Jenny as she shares the best in beauty through media appearances and her social networks. With the recent launch of her new book, Lazy Perfection: The The Art of Looking Great Without Really Trying, I was thrilled to connect with Jenny about her approach to beauty and how the globe-trotting women in the Compass & Key community can look and feel beautiful while on the road.

C&K: We love your line of makeup brushes. Can you share a bit about yourself and how Lazy Perfection came about?

Jenny: I personally don’t like to wear a lot of makeup because I think it looks more youthful and modern to keep things simple. That was always how I approached my own beauty routine, but until I started working with private clients who also prefer a simple-but-sophisticated look, I hadn’t put a name to it. Once the name of my Lazy Perfection aesthetic and philosophy was in place, the makeup brushes were a natural next step since I do feel very strongly that getting that fresh, natural look starts with high quality, super soft makeup brushes. They don’t over grab product from the pan and lay down a light, smooth layer of makeup without having to spend a lot of time blending and re-blending to make it look like you’re not wearing a lot.

C&K: How can “lazy perfection” apply to our beauty routines while on the road?

Jenny: Multitasking beauty products are the ideal Lazy Perfection travel tools. A makeup brush that can be used in more than one way or a compact set like my Petites, a cream blush that can also be used on your lips and lids, or an eye shadow palette that will give you lots of choices and combinations are all so compact to carry and easy to use.

C&K: Summer has arrived. What expert tips can you share for a makeup look while on a beach vacation?

I like to keep the skin pretty clean on the beach – it’s more about sun protection for me than makeup - so just a tinted sunscreen is a good option. A touch of waterproof gel liner and waterproof mascara with a lightly filled in brow and an SPF lip balm, and you’re good to go. If you want to add a bit more glamor, you can use the SPF lip balm on your eyelids and the tops of your cheeks to create a subtle glow, and adding a touch of a lip and cheek stain will give you a bit more color. Too much makeup on the beach looks very out of place and can melt away pretty quickly, so it’s always better to keep it simple.

C&K: What travel destinations are you excited about, and why?

Jenny: Aspen in the summer is my happy place. I like the fresh, clean air, and nothing energizes me more than a gorgeous view, the extra oxygen you get in a forest, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind and the crunch of stones or pine needles under my hiking shoes. Plus, the arts, dining and intellectual pursuits at The Aspen Institute create a well-rounded experience. I’m not much of a sitting-on-the-beach gal, to be honest – I prefer to be out and active.

Nothing beats the feeling of being surrounded by art, great ideas, and nature. #AspenIdeas _ #Aspen #Colorado #SpotlightHealth #ideas #creativity #nature

A post shared by Aspen Institute (@aspeninstitute) on Jun 30, 2016 at 6:53am PDT

C&K: We’re constantly looking for ways to pack light. What three beauty essentials do you always have in your carry-on bag?

Jenny: I always keep a multi-purpose balm with me to use on my lips, to hydrate around my eyes, to soften my cuticles and to tame flyaway hairs. Herbivore Botanicals is my current favorite.

A creamy concealer is probably my favorite makeup product. I use Amazing Cosmetics Hydrate around my eyes to brighten them up, on my nose and the sides of my nose to fill in pores and on my eyelids, forehead, and chin to neutralize redness. Keeping the center part of the face free from discoloration makes the rest of the face look even and pretty.

Juice Beauty Phyto Pigments Cream Blush in Seashell is a gorgeous peachy/pink color that looks good on pretty much everyone. I use it on my lids, cheeks, and lips to bring a little life to my face when I’m a jet-lagged mess.

C&K: What is your favorite piece of advice to share when it comes to beauty and travel?

Jenny: Keep your routine simple – you don’t want to spend more time in the hotel getting ready than you have to when there’s so much to see and do. And always have some sort of extra sun protection with you, like a hat. Creating your own shade as much as you can is going to keep you cool and really save your skin.

C&K: Compass & Key walking itineraries encourage wandering. Do you have a favorite area (neighborhood, street, etc.) to wander in Chicago? What are your go-to spots?

Jenny: I enjoy walking around in Bucktown and Wicker Park (on Damen and Milwaukee Avenues). It’s a very young, hipster neighborhood where trends are born, so I like to see what everyone is wearing and how they are styling themselves. And my favorite beauty boutique, Credo, is opening there this summer, so I am very excited about having all their clean beauty products available in Chicago.

I also enjoy the Michigan Avenue/Oak Street area for high-end designer shopping at Barneys, Hermès, Saint Laurent and Brunello Cucinelli. And a glass of rosé with a plate of tuna crudo outside at Fig & Olive is so chic and luxurious.

And in the evenings, it’s really fun to wander around the Fulton Market/River West area where there are some of the most exciting restaurants in Chicago. If you haven’t had a cocktail at Aviary or something to eat at Roister, then you are missing out.

A post shared by FIG & OLIVE (@figandolive) on Jan 4, 2017 at 1:37pm PST

A post shared by The Alinea Group (@thealineagroup) on Jun 8, 2016 at 3:21pm PDT

Special thanks to Jenny Patinkin for sharing these fabulous beauty tips and destinations in Chicago. Her new book, Lazy Perfection: The Art of Looking Great Without Really Trying, is available now from your favorite bookseller. Pick up a copy in time for your next vacation!

All photos courtesy of Jenny Patinkin

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This stretch of Italy's coastline is truly legendary, immortalized in novels and films and adored for its stunning beauty. During our recent visit over a long weekend, we quickly realized that it would take a lifetime to explore all that the Amalfi Coast has to offer. To properly enjoy 'la dolce vita' (the sweet life), select one town to call 'home' and relax there for a few days, perhaps with a day trip or two to other spots along the coast. Or do as we did and visit other areas on your way to and from the airport.

We found relaxation in the quiet fishing village of Nerano, located on the western portion of the Amalfi Coast, thanks to our friends who had invited us to join them on their second vacation to the area. While the large ferries do not stop there, we easily booked a day trip to Capri and found friendly locals and exceptional cuisine.

Scroll down for photo highlights from our first holiday on the Amalfi Coast, as well as the details you need to plan your own vacation of discovery.

Here are the particulars for our trip:

TIME OF YEAR: The first weekend of June. The weather was spectacular, with clear, sunny days and temperatures around 75℉/24℃.

TRAVEL: Flight to Naples, then rented a car for the 1.5-hour drive to the western part of the coast. Naples to Positano is about a 2-hour drive. We stopped for a few hours in Pompeii, as it's on the way from Naples to the coastal region.

GETTING AROUND: Not easy, but that may be part of the charm. While there is a bus system, traveling between villages can take several hours. Driving the narrow and busy roads and attempting to find parking can be difficult, but it's certainly possible.

STAY: Airbnb home rental in the small fishing village of Nerano, with beach access and plenty of restaurants at nearby Marina del Cantone. There are a variety of Airbnb options in that area, but if you prefer more hotel-like amenities, La Conca del Sogno is nestled in a bay of its own and offers a beach club and outstanding restaurant, located a scenic 20-minute hike from Marina del Cantone. For a more central home-base, try the B&B DieciSedici in Amalfi, as recommended by the New York Times.

EAT: If you find yourselves in Marina del Cantone, Il Cantuccio offers waterside views with a menu focused on fresh fish. For fine dining, book ahead for a table at Michelin-starred Quattro Passi above the bay. On a day trip to the island of Capri, we enjoyed the most beautiful al fresco lunch under a lemon grove (see photo above) at La Zagara in Anacapri.

WANDER RATING: 5/10. It's easy to wander within the same village, but it's time-consuming to explore neighboring towns since you have to drive or take a bus. There are cost-effective ferry options if you are staying in larger towns like Amalfi or Positano, but if you're located in a smaller village, hiring a boat is expensive. We looked into visiting Positano for an evening and the quote was $400 for a boat from Marina del Cantone.

Contact us or leave a question in the comments below should you be looking for more ideas for a vacation along the Amalfi Coast. You can also find inspiration with our other destination guides in Europe and beyond to help you plan an incredible vacation.

See you on the road,

Tara

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Temperatures are rising and school days are over, meaning only one thing: it's the start of Summer! As we mark the Summer Solstice this week, many of the U.S. National Parks enter their peak season, welcoming millions of people looking to discover the natural beauty of these preserved tracts of wilderness.

No matter the season, if you have any of the 59 U.S. National Parks on your vacation list, Compass & Key has curated nine essential tips to ensure you get the most out of your adventure.

BEFORE YOUR NATIONAL PARK VISIT

1) Get Social

The staff and volunteers at our National Parks curate helpful tips and stunning images through their popular social media feeds. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter well before your trip to learn more about local wildlife, park conditions, interesting trails, and more. The popular parks will have verified accounts with the official checkmark and often include 'NPS' (National Park Service) in the account name. 

Opt outside this weekend! Cade's Cove offers bike rentals and spectacular views of the park. Remember to bring ample water and enjoy the breeze against your cheeks. 📸: @aldrickt • • • • • Become a park ambassador! Tag #greatsmokymountains and show us how you're exploring the Great Smokies

A post shared by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps) on Jun 16, 2017 at 12:09pm PDT

Keep your eyes open for loons out on the lakes and ponds of Acadia! Baby loons are hatching and learning to spread their wings, so please be aware and courteous to these little ones by watching from a distance. Photo: NPS / Will Greene

A post shared by Acadia National Park (@acadianps) on Jun 15, 2017 at 2:07pm PDT

2) Find a Friend

A Friend of the Park organization, that is. These nonprofits help support and preserve the Parks in conjunction with the NPS by hosting educational programs, rehabilitating trails, and engaging the community. Because they are local to the park, Friends groups often share the best tips through their blogs, social media feeds and websites for off-the-beaten-track places to visit. They also have access to local history, providing context through stories and photos from early settlers and visitors. 

Find the right Friend of the Park website with this handy list shared by Find Your Park.

It's easy to get lost in the scenery at Tunnel View ... but tear your eyes away for a minute to check out the bronze topo map! The map was installed as part of a renovation project, one of several overlook restorations our donors have supported in recent years. Learn more: http://bit.ly/2dJ4Nld #Yosemite #TunnelView #DonorsMakeADifference

A post shared by Yosemite Conservancy (@yosemiteconservancy) on Jun 11, 2017 at 11:19am PDT

3) Preview the Park Newspaper

You will receive a Park Newspaper after paying any entry fees, detailing Ranger talks, educational programs and general news. But most people don't know that you can usually find the park newspapers online before your trip, helping you plan ahead for timely events.

These guides are typically published monthly or seasonally, and available as PDF downloads. Sometimes the guides are tricky to locate on the park websites, so try the search term "[WHICHEVER NATIONAL PARK] park newspaper", i.e. "Yosemite park newspaper".

Here are direct links to the newspapers published by some of our favorite National Parks (tip: you may need to scroll down the page to find the newspaper PDF links).

Park Newspaper Links: Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains, Glacier, Acadia (archive only), Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Canyon

4) Pack Smart

A little prep can go a long way when it comes to your National Park visit. We have compiled all of our favorite gear into the Compass & Key National Park Packing List. Check off the essentials in equipment, clothing, food and water storage, safety, and comfort. 

Travel Wisdom

DURING YOUR NATIONAL PARK VISIT

5) First Stop: Ranger Station / Visitors Center

Our first stop is always a National Park Visitor Center, where friendly Park Rangers are eager to help make the most of your visit (pro-tip: ask about the trails they explore on their days off). Review schedules for tours and Ranger-led talks and make sure to learn about any trail closures due to wildlife sightings or maintenance work. Visitor Centers also carry maps, guidebooks, snacks, and gifts, and many offer exhibitions about the history of the park.

6) Get Out of the Car and Onto the Trail

If you take anything away from this article, it's this bit of advice: leave your car. So many visitors barely exit their vehicles while touring the National Parks. But it's remarkably easy to experience the beauty of these wild places on the trail.

The National Parks offer a range of hikes for every skill level. Ask for ideas at the Ranger station, pick up a guide book, or consult an app like AllTrails, which makes it easy to filter hikes by length of time and level of difficulty. Check out our favorite hikes and guide books on the Compass & Key travel guides for Yosemite and the Smokies.

7) Start Early

The early bird catches the worm, as they say. Snag a parking spot, avoid the crowds, and capture the best photos during the golden hour by setting off for your hikes early. Also, if you're planning on visiting a popular trail, waterfall, or other major attraction, go on a weekday.

8) Keep Wildlife Wild

Spotting wildlife is one of the highlights of any National Park visit. Just remember to treat their home with respect, and help preserve their way of life by following a few simple rules. Remove all food from a parked car and store food appropriately while camping. Keep a safe distance from any wild animal, and never feed or approach them. We enjoyed observing this handsome fellow in Many Glacier Valley.

9) Preserve the Parks for the Future

It is a privilege to experience these preserved lands of natural beauty, so make sure to leave the National Parks as you found them for future generations of explorers. Follow these friendly reminders: leave nothing along the trail or at the campsite, regardless of how small, follow the main trails, leave wildflowers and plants untouched, and only use designated campsites and campfire rings.

For more helpful tips, visit the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

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For more vacation planning tips and detailed itineraries, visit the Compass & Key National Park destination guides.

A Curated Travel Guide and Map of the Smokies

A Curated Travel Guide and Map of Yosemite

How do you get the most out of your visits to the National Parks?

Share your advice with the Compass & Key community in the comments below.

Compass & Key presents three unforgettable day trips within easy reach of Paris, curated based on our first-hand experiences in each of these magical places.

1. Domaine de Chantilly

Transport: 25-minute train, Paris Gare du Nord station to Chantilly-Gouvieux station

Tickets: The €17 Domain ticket provides access to the Château, Grounds, Great Stables and Museum of the Horse

From the Chantilly train station, a pleasant 1-mile walk awaits you to reach the grand Château de Chantilly and its parkland. Only second to the Louvre in its vast collection of antique paintings, the layout of the art galleries in the Château have remained unchanged since the 19th century. On the way to the Château, make sure to stop by the Grand Stables of the estate, home to 30 show horses and a fascinating museum about the history of the horse and their role in war, hunting, and sports.

Once at the Château, make use of the audio guide included in your ticket and enjoy wandering the 18th-century suites and the remarkable collection of paintings, drawings, and sculpture. Leave extra time to wonder at the 60,000 volumes housed in the Reading Room, including medieval manuscripts dating to the 11th century.

Pause for lunch at the onsite cafe in the historic kitchens, leaving room for a dessert of Chantilly cream. Then escape to the outdoors, meandering along the Grand Canal to discover the many gardens of the Château park. 

2. Lille

Transport: 1-hour high-speed TGV train, Paris Gare du Nord station to Lille Flandres station

Lille is often overlooked, but its incredible history and architectural gems make it worth a day trip. Designated a European Capital of Culture in 2004, Lille offers a walkable old town with several noteworthy museums, interesting sites, and delightful cafés.

Highlights include the museum Palais des Beaux-Arts, the neo-classical design of the Opera House, the grand 17th-century citadel used to fortify the city, and much more. For a self-guided walking tour of Lille, view our curated tour on Triposo.

3. Versailles 

Transport: 20-minute train, RER C line to Versailles-Rive Gauche

Tickets: Fat Tire Bike Tours-Versailles, from €99pp, including roundtrip train tickets to Versailles, entrance to the Palace and the all-day bike tour

You may be wondering why we included a common day trip destination like Versailles, but we discovered a unique way to explore the grandest estate of them all: by bike. On two wheels, you're able to explore much more of the estate's 2,000+ acres than you would on foot.

The Fat Tire bike tour of Versailles begins in Paris, where you embark on a quick 20-minute train ride to your destination. Pick up your bike and head to the local market to purchase French delicacies for a picnic on the estate later in the afternoon. Cycle through tree-lined pathways to reach Marie Antoinette's Hamlet and the small Trianon chateaus, where you'll have time to explore on foot. Enjoy your picnic lunch at the far end of the Grand Canal, then wander the grand Palace itself with the included audio guide. You have the option to return to Paris with the group or continue exploring Versailles on your own.

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