VIENNA

Vienna is the kind of city that makes you want to slow down, drink coffee in a chandelier-lit café, and pretend you live in a Wes Anderson movie. Regal yet welcoming, it's a place where imperial palaces meet cozy wine taverns, and classical music floats through the air as naturally as the scent of fresh strudel.

I spent four days in Vienna and honestly, it was the perfect amount of time to fall completely in love with this beautifully preserved European capital. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for the best slice of sachertorte, Vienna has something for you.

4 NIGHTS

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BEST TIME TO VISIT – April–June or September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds

GETTING AROUND – U-Bahn (super clean & easy), trams, or walking

CURRENCY – Euros – credit cards widely accepted, but keep a little cash for smaller shops and cafés

Where to Stay in Vienna

Luxury

• Hotel Sacher Wien – Iconic, elegant, and home of the original sachertorte. Old-world charm and unmatched service.

• Rosewood Vienna – A newer luxury option blending historic architecture with contemporary design. Central location.

Modern & Stylish

• Hotel Motto – Eclectic Parisian-meets-Viennese glam with bold interiors and a rooftop bar.

• The Guesthouse Vienna – Understated elegance with cozy rooms, a fantastic café, and views of the Albertina.

Budget-Friendly

• MOOONS Vienna – A boutique-style hotel with sleek rooms and surprisingly great rates. Steps from the main train station.

• 25hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier – Colorful, quirky, and super fun. Great for creatives or solo travelers.

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Where to Eat in Vienna

Traditional Viennese

• Plachutta Wollzeile – Famous for their tafelspitz (boiled beef), this is a must for a true taste of Austrian cuisine.

• Figlmüller – Known for the best schnitzel in Vienna. Portions are huge—come hungry.

Modern & Trendy

• Motto am Fluss – Chic dining on the Danube Canal with a beautiful brunch and great evening vibes.

• Labstelle – Farm-to-table dishes in a cozy, stylish space. Great wine list too.

Cafés & Sweets

• Café Central – Historic and photogenic. Expect a line, but the cakes and ambiance are worth the wait.

• Demel – Classic pastries and imperial flair. Grab an apple strudel and a window seat.

• Joseph Brot – Great bakery for fresh breads, sandwiches, and healthy brunch options.

What to Do and See in Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace
Tour the former imperial summer residence and walk the perfectly manicured gardens. Don’t skip the Gloriette view!

Belvedere Palace
A gorgeous baroque complex housing some of Austria’s most famous art—including Klimt’s The Kiss.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Climb the tower for panoramic city views, or simply admire the stunning Gothic architecture from below.

MuseumQuartier
A cultural hub packed with museums, galleries, and cafés. Ideal for art lovers and architecture enthusiasts.

Vienna State Opera
Even if you don’t catch a performance, take a tour. The interiors are jaw-dropping.

Naschmarkt
A vibrant market with everything from fresh produce to global street food. Great for a midday snack and people-watching.

Ride the Ring Tram
A fun, affordable way to see Vienna’s key historic buildings without doing all the walking.

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Final Thoughts

Vienna is elegant without being pretentious, classic without being stuffy. It’s the kind of city you’ll want to return to again and again. Between the palaces, pastries, and peaceful energy, four days here feels like a real treat.

If you’re planning a European itinerary that includes Vienna + Prague + Budapest, I’d love to help you build the perfect route.

📩 Let’s start planning

PRAGUE

Prague, with its romantic cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and centuries-old charm, is truly a city that feels like stepping into a fairytale. It’s packed with history, yet buzzing with modern energy, where cozy cafés and cool cocktail bars sit next to castles and cathedrals.

During my visit in March, I only had two full days to explore, and let me tell you, it wasn’t nearly enough! I highly recommend at least three to four nights to truly soak in everything this stunning city has to offer.

4 NIGHTS

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BEST TIME TO VISIT – MID-APRIL TO MAY AND SEPTEMBER TO MID-OCTOBER IS SHOULDER SEASON. BRING A WARM JACKET.

GETTING AROUND – UBER, TRAINS, OR WALKING

CURRENCY – EUROS, MOST PLACES TAKE CREDIT CARDS

WHERE TO STAY

Luxury

• The Mozart Prague – A luxury option with historic elegance and river views, just steps from the Charles Bridge.

Modern & Stylish

• Boho Hotel Prague – Chic, minimalist, and walkable to Old Town. My favorite boutique hotel in the city.

• The Julius Prague – Stylish and modern with apartment-style suites and a great location near Wenceslas Square.

Trendy & Artsy

• NYX Hotel Prague by Leonardo Hotels – Funky, artsy, and centrally located with a young, social vibe.

Budget-Friendly

• Mosaic House Design Hotel – A great budget-friendly pick with eco-friendly touches, a cool café, and a lively atmosphere.

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WHERE TO EAT

Eska – A modern Czech restaurant in the trendy Karlin district. The food is creative, beautifully plated, and the sourdough is reason enough to visit.
Kantýna – Think upscale Czech pub meets butcher shop. It’s casual, communal, and serves some of the best meats and beer in town.
Café Savoy – Elegant Viennese-style café with fresh pastries, chandeliers, and amazing brunch.
U Modré Kachničky (The Blue Duckling) – Romantic and traditional, perfect for a cozy Czech dinner.
Mlejnice – A rustic hidden gem near Old Town Square with hearty Czech classics at great prices.
Manifesto Market – An open-air food hall with a rotating lineup of international street food and great cocktails.

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WHAT TO DO AND SEE:

Charles Bridge
One of the most iconic sights in Prague. Go early in the morning for fewer crowds and dreamy views over the Vltava River.

Prague Castle
More of a complex than a single castle, this sprawling site includes palaces, courtyards, and chapels. Don’t miss St. Vitus Cathedral, it’s absolutely stunning.

Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock
The heart of Prague. Make time to watch the hourly clock show, then grab a drink at one of the nearby cafés for prime people-watching.

Mala Strana Neighborhood
Charming and less touristy, with quiet streets, hidden gardens, and pastel townhouses. One of my favorite areas to wander.

Lennon Wall
A colorful symbol of peace, rebellion, and art. Bring a Sharpie if you want to leave your mark.

Petřín Hill
For panoramic city views, take the funicular or hike up. There's a mini Eiffel Tower at the top (yes, really), plus peaceful gardens and wooded trails.

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Final Thoughts

Prague is one of those cities that sneaks up on you—it’s romantic, walkable, and full of beautiful contradictions. Whether you’re into history, food, architecture, or just wandering without a plan, it’s the perfect long-weekend destination in Europe.

Need help planning your trip to Prague (or pairing it with Vienna, Budapest, or another European city)? I’d love to help!

📩 Let’s start planning

Disclaimer: This post contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees, but support me to keep this site running!

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GREECE ITINERARY: ATHENS, MYKONOS, PAROS, CRETE

Our 14-Day Greece Itinerary:

Athens (1 night)

Mykonos (3 nights)

Paros (3 nights)

Crete (5 nights)

Athens (1 night)

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Total days: 14

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When someone comes to me wanting to plan a custom vacation to Greece, I immediately get excited! Greece is one of my all-time favorite European countries, the food, the culture, the hospitality, it's truly hard to beat.

For my second trip to Greece, I wanted to experience both the energy of the “hot spots” and the ease of more under-the-radar gems. On my first visit, I explored Naxos, Paros, and Santorini. This time? We chose a blend of classic and new: Mykonos, Paros, and Crete.

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ATHENS (1 night, pre-ferry/flight stay)

Athens is usually more of a gateway than a destination for me, but it’s always worth a short stop. I recommend staying in the Plaka area or near Syntagma Square for easy access to restaurants, shopping, and views of the Acropolis. One night is all you need if you're just passing through!

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MYKONOS (3 nights)

Mykonos is exactly what you'd expect: buzzy beach clubs, whitewashed charm, and a mix of glam and grit. Yes, it can be busy, especially with cruise ships in port, but there’s also a calmer side.

We stayed just outside of town to enjoy a more relaxed vibe. Mykonos is great for foodies, couples, and even families (yes, really, if you avoid peak party zones). It’s a fun stop if you want a taste of the “see and be seen” Greek experience.

✨ Tip: Book restaurants in advance and escape to less-crowded beaches like Agios Sostis for a quieter day.

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PAROS (3 nights)

Paros continues to win us over, so much so, this was our second visit! It’s like Mykonos’ cooler, calmer cousin. No cruise ship crowds, plenty of charming villages, and incredible food.

We stayed in Naoussa, which is lively but not overrun, with beautiful waterfront dining and boutique shops. Rent a car or ATV to explore smaller villages like Lefkes and take a boat day to nearby Antiparos or Kolymbithres Beach.

✨ Tip: Paros has the perfect mix of local charm and modern comfort. It’s ideal for couples, families, or anyone looking for laid-back luxury.

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CRETE (5 nights)

Crete completely surprised us—in the best way. It’s rugged, vast, and packed with things to do. Whether you're hiking gorges, wandering historical towns, or relaxing at Balos Beach, Crete delivers.

We split our time between Chania (so charming and walkable) and Elounda for a quieter, more luxe finale. Crete is the largest Greek island and stays open year-round, making it a fantastic choice for shoulder season or travelers who want more than just sun and sand.

✨ Tip: Don’t miss a cooking class or wine tasting in the countryside. Crete’s food scene is incredible and so rooted in tradition.

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ATHENS (1 night before departure)

We wrapped up our trip with one final night in Athens to catch our flight home. This is always a good idea in case of ferry delays or schedule shifts. If you didn’t get to see the Acropolis at the start of your trip, now’s the time!

Planning Your Greece Trip with That Blonde Travels

This itinerary is a great mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure—and completely customizable based on your pace and travel style. Whether you want to swap Paros for Naxos, add in Santorini, or slow it down with longer stays in fewer places, I’m here to help.

Let’s plan your dream Greece vacation!

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WHERE TO STAY

Don’t forget—when you book through That Blonde Travels, you’ll receive VIP perks at most of these properties, all at no extra cost to you.
Think complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, resort credits, and more. Here are a few of my favorite stays in each destination:

ATHENS:
• The Dolli
• New Hotel
• Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery Collection
• One&Only Aesthesis (NEW + stunning!)
• Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

MYKONOS:
• Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge
• Cali Mykonos
• Kalesma Mykonos

PAROS:
• Parīlio, a Member of Design Hotels
• Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort
• Parocks Luxury Hotel & Spa

CRETE:
• Domes Noruz Chania – Adults Only
• Domes Zeen Chania
• Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort

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Want help choosing the perfect hotel or villa for your Greece getaway?

Luxury Redefined: A 9-Night Caribbean Voyage on Explora I

If you're searching for a luxury cruise experience that blends the elegance of a high-end resort with the freedom of the open sea, Explora I from Explora Journeys should be at the top of your list. I recently had the incredible opportunity to embark on a 9-night sailing, exploring breathtaking destinations from Miami to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Barths, Tortola, and back. Spoiler alert: it was an unforgettable journey.

Itinerary & Accommodations

Vessel: Explora I
Duration: 9 nights
Route: Miami → Dominican Republic → San Juan, Puerto Rico → St. Barths → Tortola → Miami
Fully Inclusive Rate: Starting at ~$5k per person (double occupancy) in the entry-level suite

We initially booked an entry-level suite but were thrilled to receive an upgrade to the Premier Penthouse (Room 10045) just days before sailing. The extra space was fantastic, and if I sail again, I would absolutely love to experience the Cove Residence, which features a separate bedroom and a private Jacuzzi on the balcony.

Our suite host provided excellent service, keeping our space spotless and ensuring a seamless turn-down service each evening.

Dining & Culinary Highlights

One of the most exciting aspects of any luxury voyage is the dining experience, and Explora I delivered in every way. Guests raved about the food, and the diverse selection of restaurants meant there was something for every palate.

Dining Overview:

• Room Service: Stellar! We enjoyed breakfast in our suite daily with a wide variety of options.

• Specialty Dining: A variety of culinary experiences were available, each with its own flair. The Italian specialty restaurant, which is complimentary for our clients, was an exclusive experience worth trying.

• Bars & Lounges: The drinks onboard were expertly crafted, with the lobby bar on Deck 4 standing out as a favorite spot for a perfectly mixed cocktail.

Onboard Experience & Entertainment

Explora I is designed for relaxation and refined luxury. The ship offers an array of entertainment and leisure options:

• Multiple Pools & Sun Decks: We particularly enjoyed the Deck 5 pool, which was perfect for families and had just the right depth for kids. Poolside service was impeccable.

• Fitness Studio & Sports Deck: A well-equipped gym, a movement studio, and a walking track provided plenty of opportunities for fitness lovers. The pickle-ball and basketball courts were a fun addition.

• Shore Excursions: Embarking and disembarking at ports was seamless, making it easy to explore new destinations stress-free.

Candid Thoughts & Guest Experience

Explora I delivers a refined, resort-like atmosphere at sea. The clientele was mostly well-traveled, sophisticated cruisers who had experienced other luxury lines. Many guests we met had been on several Explora Journeys and spoke highly of the service, ambiance, and overall experience.

One of the standout features was the Wi-Fi quality, which was excellent throughout the sailing.

Where Explora I Excels

• Spacious, well-designed suites with top-tier service

• Gourmet dining with a variety of options

• Seamless embarkation and disembarkation at ports

• High-quality onboard entertainment and fitness facilities

Perks for That Blonde Travels Clients

Booking through That Blonde Travels grants access to exclusive benefits, enhancing your Explora Journeys experience. These perks include:

• Up to €300 Journey Experience Credit per suite

• Complimentary Transfers (varies by destination)

• Complimentary Dining Experience at Anthology, the Exclusive Specialty Restaurant

• Complimentary Access to Hydrothermal Spa Areas

Final Thoughts

Explora I redefines luxury cruising, combining five-star service with a laid-back, resort-style atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or embarking on your first journey at sea, this experience is sure to impress. From world-class dining to impeccably designed accommodations, this was truly an unforgettable way to explore the Caribbean.

Would I sail with Explora Journeys again? Absolutely. The journey was seamless, luxurious, and a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

For more details or to book your own Explora Journeys experience, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help plan your next luxury escape!

Back in January, I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing the ultra-chic Palm Heights in the Cayman Islands! This boutique, all-suite beachfront hotel is pure paradise and offers the perfect mix of luxury, relaxation, and stunning aesthetics.

Everywhere you turn, there’s a picture-perfect moment waiting to be captured. From the stylish, retro-inspired decor to the dreamy ocean views, Palm Heights truly exudes effortless elegance.

Situated on the iconic Seven Mile Beach, reaching this luxury retreat is a breeze. Simply fly into Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport, and within a quick 10-minute drive, you’ll find yourself in paradise. I always recommend renting a car to explore the incredible local dining scene—trust me, the food here is absolutely worth it!

Palm Heights is an all-suite hotel, making every room feel like a private retreat. I stayed in the One-bedroom Oceanfacing Penthouse, and WOW—it was spacious, beautifully designed, and had the most incredible sunset views from the balcony. The mid-century modern decor mixed with warm Caribbean touches created the perfect vibe.

One of the standout highlights of Palm Heights? The incredible dining scene. This hotel offers a variety of exceptional culinary experiences, from the freshest seafood at Tillie’s to expertly crafted cocktails at The Coconut Club. Every dish was a celebration of local ingredients and bold flavors, making each meal unforgettable. Adding to the charm, the service has a unique European beach club feel, with staff from all over Europe. I especially loved getting to know everyone—shoutout to George for making our experience even more memorable!

Another standout feature? The wellness and spa experiences. Whether it was morning yoga with ocean views or a deep-tissue massage at The Garden Club spa, every moment felt rejuvenating.

For That Blonde Travels clients, my VIP amenities include:

• Complimentary daily breakfast for 2

• Resort credit to use towards dining or spa treatments

• Upgrade on arrival (based on availability)

• Early check-in/late check-out (based on availability)

If you’re looking for a high-end, effortlessly cool escape in the Caribbean, Palm Heights is IT. I’d love to book this dreamy getaway for you! Email me at lauren@thatblondetravels.com or fill out my contact form to get started!

This hotel is truly a standout among Caribbean luxury resorts—perfect for honeymooners, couples, and even solo travelers looking for a stylish retreat!

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C/O Ritz Carlton Yachts

Luxury at Sea: Aboard ILMA with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

If you're looking for an ultra-luxury yachting experience that blurs the line between a private yacht and a high-end cruise, ILMA from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection should be at the top of your list.

The Yacht Experience

ILMA offers an all-inclusive, highly personalized journey at sea, with rates starting at approximately $10,000 per person (double occupancy) for a 7-night itinerary. This price tag grants access to an intimate and luxurious sailing experience that prioritizes comfort, exclusivity, and world-class service.

WHAT Sets ILMA Apart

Beyond its stunning design and five-star service, ILMA boasts unique features that truly set it apart from traditional cruising experiences:

• The Marina: A floating water playground accessible when anchored, offering kayaks, paddleboards, and more. It’s the ultimate way to feel like you’re aboard a private yacht rather than a traditional cruise.

• Pop-Up Workshops: Guests can participate in engaging activities like nautical knot-tying, mixology classes, jewelry cleaning, and even photography enhancement workshops.

• Exclusive Event Nights: ILMA hosts themed nights like Havana Nights and the White Party, offering an elevated entertainment experience.

C/O Ritz Carlton Yachts

C/O Ritz Carlton Yachts

The Ritz-Carlton Level of Service

The level of service on ILMA is nothing short of exceptional. Every guest has a Suite Ambassador who seems to anticipate needs before they even arise. The dining staff quickly learn names and preferences, adding a personalized touch to every meal. The ship is not particularly family-oriented, with only 5% of total capacity allocated to children, making it an ideal option for adult travelers seeking a sophisticated experience.

C/O Ritz Carlton Yachts

STARS Perks for That Blonde Travels Clients

Booking through That Blonde Travels grants access to exclusive Marriott STARS benefits, enhancing your Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection experience. These perks include:

• Personalized welcome confection and an upgraded bottle of champagne or wine delivered to your suite.

• A complimentary dinner for two at a specialty restaurant—a $375 per person value and a truly special fine-dining experience.

• A personalized welcome from the Hotel Manager.

• A bridge tour at the Captain’s discretion—a rare and exciting behind-the-scenes look.

• An exclusive Suite Upgrade* for added luxury (based on availability).

• Complimentary access to Starlink premium Wi-Fi services, ensuring seamless connectivity at sea.

C/O Ritz Carlton Yachts

Final Thoughts

ILMA delivers an ultra-luxury experience at sea, blending world-class hospitality with an intimate and sophisticated ambiance. With only 50% of guests being seasoned cruisers, ILMA is proving to be a game-changer in the luxury travel space. Whether you’re a yachting enthusiast or a high-end traveler seeking a new experience, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s ILMA is a voyage worth taking.

Would I sail with them? In a heartbeat.

Have questions about ILMA or looking to book your own Ritz-Carlton Yacht adventure? Reach out to That Blonde Travels for expert guidance!

C/O Ritz Carlton Yachts

Jamie and Vinh’s destination wedding at Unico Resort was nothing short of magical. In this post, they share their experience of planning a wedding away from home, tips for couples considering a destination wedding, and why a wedding specialist was key to making their dream wedding a reality.

Lauren: Why did you choose a destination wedding?

Jamie and Vinh: We chose a destination wedding because one of our very good friends got married a year prior to us and we loved everything about it. We loved that all the planning and preparation wouldn’t all be over in just one day. Instead, we were able to hangout and spend quality time with everyone throughout the whole week, which allowed us to really enjoy the wedding together  without feeling obligated to go from table to table all night. It also helps that everything was significantly cheaper compared to the US. We got everything we wanted for an incredible price. 

Lauren: How many attendees did you have?
What kind of experience did you envision your guests having? 

Jamie and Vinh: We had about 68-70 guests. The type of experience we envisioned for our guests was for it to just be a big weekend long party celebrating our love. I wanted our guests to have the trip of their life and to not worry about anything once they stepped on the resort except which drinks to order or what food they want to eat. I feel so lucky to have so many of our guests say it was one, if not, the best and most memorable wedding they’ve been to. 

Lauren: What was one part of planning your wedding that you knew you couldn't have done alone?
How did having a Destination Wedding Specialist help with that?

Jamie and Vinh: One part we couldn’t have done alone was definitely organizing all the bookings of the room, flights, and travel. Lauren’s direct relationship with Unico was also a great benefit. Just having Lauren’s experience with destination weddings and traveling in general was invaluable in planning a destination wedding. We had so many questions and had no clue what we were doing in the beginning and she made the process so smooth and easy. It was one less thing for us to stress about because she had it all covered. To say she was on top of it is an understatement. 

Lauren: What piece of advice would you give to couples who are just starting the planning process?

Jamie and Vinh: Some advice I would give to couples who are starting the planning process is that it will be stressful but it will all be worth it in the end. Just don’t forget that this day is all about you two, so try not to worry about all the noise and make decisions based on what you two want and what would be best for you. 

Lauren: What’s one “extra” you’re super glad you splurged on?  What surprised you the most about your wedding? 

Jamie and Vinh: One extra we were glad we splurged on was definitely the fireworks during our first dance. The fireworks were a big hit with our guests and they were so shocked when they came on. 

What surprised me most about my wedding was just how amazingly smooth everything came together even though everything was planned through email, video chat, and phone calls. I never physically saw anything and yet it was everything I could ever imagine and more. Everybody that we worked with was amazing and a key player in helping our vision come to life. 

Lauren: If you could choose three words to describe your wedding, what would they be?

Jamie and Vinh: Three words to describe our wedding would be magical, intimate, exciting. 

Lauren: What is your favorite memory from your big day?

Jamie and Vinh: It’s hard to pick one memory of our big day because we have so many but for Vinh, his was the fireworks during our first dance. For me, it was the last song when we had our friends and family surrounding us and singing with us. I just felt all the love at that moment. 

A note from Lauren: It was such a pleasure helping Jamie and Vinh with the wedding of their dreams!

Ready to plan your own unforgettable destination wedding? Contact me today to start planning your dream wedding at Unico Resort!

In order to give this hike an appropriate introduction, I have to tell you first about the weather conditions that we endured during this trek. We went to New Zealand in April, which is supposed to be their fall. This April, however, was unusually cold, windy, and rainy, which made for a lot of cancelled excursions. The day that we had set aside to do this trek was no different.

While checking into our hotel, which I swear was haunted (another story..), we noticed a sign at the check-in counter that described the conditions for the following day for the Tongariro Trek. The sign stated a -3˚C windchill with up to 70 mph winds. I know! Crazy, right??

Despite these horrible weather conditions, we layered up and decided to attempt this hike. We headed out from the hotel early that morning with our guide to the Mangatepopo car park.

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TIPS BEFORE YOU START:

1. Schedule a shuttle to/from your hotel - Parking at the Mangatepopo car park is limited to 4 hours for people that are doing shorter walks. If you are completing the entire trek, then you need to schedule a shuttle.

2. Check the weather. Check the weather. Check the weather!

3. Dress in layers.

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FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE:

Distance: 19.4 km (12 miles) point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 765 meters elevation gain and 1125 meters elevation loss if you hike from Mangatepopo car park to Ketetahi car park
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours
Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island of New Zealand

C/O Tongariro Crossing

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ESSENTIALS FOR THE TREK:

Tongariro National Park can be subject to unpredictable weather, and conditions can change quickly. It is important that all walkers carry the essentials for their journey across.

Take:

• Food and plenty of fluid, especially in the summer months. If you are planning on completing any of the summit tracks, ensure you have additional water supplies.

• Waterproof and wind-proof raincoat and trousers

• Strong, sturdy boots (you will be trekking over uneven volcanic terrain)

• Warm clothing layers: woolen or polypropylene thermals and fleece

• Hat and gloves

• Hot Hands

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• First Aid Kit

• Map

• Cellphone

Due to the rugged and alpine environment, the weather in the car park at the beginning of the track can differ greatly from conditions 1000 meters higher further up the track. Be prepared to change your plans and turn back especially when visibility is poor or strong winds prevail. [C/O Tongariro Crossing]

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Map C/O New Zealand Department of Conservation

Mangatepopo Car Park to Soda Springs (~1-1.5 hours)

When you leave the carpark, you will start off walking through the scrubby grassland, toward the Mangatepopo Valley. The trail is well-maintained and an easy walk starting off as boardwalks have been build to help protect the fragile environment. Views of Mount Ruapehu will be to the left, and as you round the corner, ominously in the distance, Mount Ngauruhoe comes into view.

Like so many other locations in New Zealand, Tongariro National Park was used during filming of Lord of the Rings. You might remember it as Mordor, where, during the entire trilogy, Frodo and Sam try to get to Mount Doom, aka Mount Ngauruhoe, so they can destroy the infamous ring. Unfortunately, as I stated earlier, the weather was terrible so Mount Doom was not visible during our trek. The next day, however, the weather cleared and there was a beautiful view of Mount Doom in the distance.

Soda Springs to South Crater (~1 hour)

This area of the trek is known as the “Devil’s Staircase” because it is super steep. If you have a clear day, then I’ve heard that view is beautiful. Even on an overcast day, the view looking out over the valley is still breathtaking.

This is a huge contrast from the leisurely boardwalk walk at the start of the trek. By the time you reach the top, you will be breathless!

Remember those layers that I recommended..yes this hike was done on the same day. I think I had enough clothes to change my full outfit like 3 times haha!

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SOUTH CRATER TO RED CRATER (~1 HOUR)

After climbing up Devil’s Staircase, you will continue along a long flat trail that looks like a lunar landscape that you would find on Mars. I don’t have any photos from here as this is where the weather took a turn for the worse.

These are the photos from the official Tongariro Alpine Crossing site. As you can see, the area is gorgeous on a clear day, even in the winter!

At the top of south crater, there are the emerald pools.

RED CRATER TO BLUE LAKE (~30 MINUTES)

Once you reach red crater, you are on an exposed ridge. Once we reached this point, it was -3 degrees C with winds up to 45 mph. It was literally insane. Due to the loose rock and sand, we were crawling at one point up this ridge with the volcanic crater to our right and a dropoff to our left. We could not see more than 2 ft in front of us. It was a very scary situation.

BLUE LAKE TO KETETAHI SHELTER (~1 HOUR)

KETETAHI SHELTER TO KETETAHI CAR PARK (~2 HOURS)

PACKING GUIDE FOR THIS TREK:

Disclaimer: This list contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees but support me to keep this site running!

The packing list below are the necessities for a trek on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The weather is unpredictable and can change quickly, so I recommend to pack in layers to be most comfortable.

CLOTHING

• Thermals (Base layer) - I like Thermotech or Hot Chilly’s

• Waterproof Jacket and Pants (I like this Northface Gor-Tex but Frogtoggs are the cheapest, most economical option.)

• Mid-layers

  • Fleece Pullover

  • Hot Chilly’s Half-Zip Pullover

• Outer-layers

  • Warm Vest

  • Jacket

  • Hat (Preferably fleece-lined) and gloves

• Hiking Pants (I like these Columbia ones or these Eddie Bauer ones)

• Hiking Socks (My absolute favorite! They are double-layered to prevent blisters.)

• Hiking shoes (Great resource for hiking boot reviews here)

  • Timberland Women’s Mt Maddsen Mid Leather Waterproof Hiking Boot

  • Merrell Moab 2 WP Low Hiking Shoes - These are my personal favorites, although, they are very heavy.

• Sunglasses

• Refillable Water Bottle - This one is nice because it has a clip to clip to your bag and also it compresses so packs down easily.

• Coola Sunscreen - My fav!

• Waterproof phone case

• Headlamp

• Camera

• Go-Pro

• DJI Mavic Pro

• Extra SD Cards