When you think of Mykonos, the pictures that come to your mind are full of elegance and luxury. This island has managed to completely absorb these two words into the magnificent Greek summer.

Here is a short check list of things you should include in your trip to Mykonos, to make your vacations dreamy.

• Stay at a luxury private villa

There are a lot of private villas in Mykonos available for rent – and the reason is that there is a really high demand for privacy and luxury. Mykonos Luxury Villas are usually equipped with everything you may need to spend your vacations like a celebrity. Swimming pools, amazing gardens, spacious rooms and stylish decoration make a villa for rent in Mykonos the perfect accommodation for you and your friends.

Most of the villas are located near the best beaches of the island but in a good distance from them so that their guests have the privacy and serenity they wish. The number of bedrooms varies from 2 to 15 in some villas complexes so it is easy to find what suits you best. There are some wonderful Mykonos Villas around Mykonos Town as well.

• Rent a luxury car with an experienced chauffer

The best and most cozy way to move around the island is renting a luxury car. You will need to book your transportation, especially if you plan to spend your nights visiting different clubs and your days sunbathing at different beaches. 

Luxury cars have their own private drivers. Your driver will be ready whenever you need him, happy to drive you safely everywhere you wish. Having your own private chauffer means also you can drink as much as you want not worrying about how you will be able to drive back to your hotel or villa. Your experienced chauffer knows all the roads very well so you will not have to worry about getting lost or where to park either.

• Hire a chef for gourmet meals

If you are staying at a Mykonos Villa, hiring a private chef for the whole time of your vacations will solve your problems about where and what to eat. Your chef will make a list of things you like or dislike and will prepare all your meals according to your tastes.

Private Chefs in Mykonos are very well trained both in traditional and gourmet cuisine. It will be a great opportunity for you and your friends to try some exotic dishes you have heard of or just explore some unknown tastes. They also have a good knowledge of wines and champagnes – so you can ask for their suggestions on what should accompany each one of your meals.

• Rent a yacht for sea excursions

For an ultimate sea experience, try to rent a private yacht. They come with a skipper and a full crew and all you have to do is to let them know what you would like to do. Skippers know the sea around Mykonos and the beaches as their own home so they can take you to the best places. 

A good idea would be to visit some serene, virgin beaches that are not accessible by car or bike. There you can swim or sunbath in privacy or even have your own BBQ. You can also visit the islets of Delos and Rhenia, have a look at the amazing ancient findings and then spend some time on their quiet, sandy beaches.

If you or some of your friends are divers, you can ask your skipper to take you to some gorgeous diving spots. Mykonos has a wonderful sea life and some really interesting diving spots.

• Treat yourself with beauty services

Spa and wellness centers are everywhere in Mykonos, in most of the five star hotels, on the beaches or in Mykonos Town. Grab the opportunity to receive a high quality treatment and spend some hours in a luxurious spa. You will find a big variety of treatments for your body, your face or meditation. 

If you are staying at a big hotel or resort, you can have your spa treatment or beauty services at your own room or suite. If you are staying at a Mykonos Villa, you can arrange through a concierge agency for a therapist to come to your own place.

Avoid Breakdowns, Weather Hazards, and Other Common Road Trip Emergencies

Are you ready for that next road trip, to feel the wind in your hair with music blasting as your car cruises the highway? If so, then it is time to pull the Jeep Wrangler cover off and get your vehicle travel-worthy. There are several ways that you will be able to avoid breakdowns, weather hazards, and other road emergencies that could dampen your trip and cause unwanted extra expense. Here are some important details that will help make sure you are ready to hit the road and find your next adventure.

One of the first things that you should do when you decide it is time to travel is to give your car a once over. Check the lights, oil, antifreeze, tire pressure, horn, and wipers. If you need to add fluid or replace one of these parts, then you may be able to take a trip to the local auto store and get what you need. While you are there you may want to have them check your fuses and other electric equipment. Most auto stores offer this convenience for free. 

If you feel you need professional assistance to repair a concern, this would be a good time to take it to your local mechanic to make any repairs and check bigger issues such as brakes, transmission, and the heat and air in your car.

Next, check your legalities. Make sure your insurance is up-to-date and includes collision, roadside assistance, uninsured motorist coverage, and/or comprehensive insurance. You need to make sure that you have not missed registration and that your car is legal to be driven. 

Put a map in your glove box and set your GPS to help you find your way if you lose your way. Also, give a copy of your traveling plans to a friend in case of emergencies. Checking these items will help to ease any travel anxiety that you may have and help you have a happier, more restful traveling experience.

Often, vehicle tires are ignored until there is a problem. Many people do not get regular tire rotations and check there pressure as often as they should. Before you travel, check your tires. Tires are one of the most important safety aspects of your car. If you do not have enough tread depth, you will take the chance of sliding on slippery roads. By allowing your tire to grip the road, you will give your car better traction and better braking power.

Windshield wipers, batteries, and belts have a life span. Before you travel, make sure you check these items to make sure they are at maximum performance levels. There is nothing worse than losing a belt or busting a hose while you are on a trip. These things can be expensive to replace and often require other parts to be replaced at the same time, making for a more expensive problem. You also do not want to be caught in a rain or snowstorm with bad wiper blades. This can not only cause you to wreck due to poor visibility, but it can also cause delays in your trip because of having to wait out a storm because you are unable to see out your windshield.

If you are someone who loves the open road, it is important to keep your vehicle in peak condition all the time. This can be done by making sure you get regular oil changes. Changing it about every three-thousand miles is what most manufacturers suggest. While your mechanic has your car, have them also check your brakes, hoses, belts, brakes, wipers, and tires. They may make suggestions like replacing a belt or rotating your tires, but it is always good to have your car in the best traveling condition possible. Many people neglect small car issues, which eventually turn into large costly issues.

Wherever you decide to go on your next road trip, make sure to have some fun, plan some adventures, and take time to relax. Check the local attractions and make a plan for your trip. Make some stops along the way to and from your destination to maximize your vacation enjoyment.

Marseille is one of the most popular cities in France, encompassing natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a buzzing social scene. However, those planning to visit in 2020 should also look at some of the incredible locations nearby that make excellent excursions. 

• Aix-en-Provence

Take it slow in the ancient capital of the Provence, making plenty of time to admire the architectural wonders on display in the “City of Fountains”. You’ll find literally hundreds of these monuments to the city’s ancient Roman heritage in dozens of different styles, but a top pick is the Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins in the historic Mazarin district, which features four adorable dolphins spurting water.

Many are drawn here by the weekly market that features artisans, crafters, and food producers, but the market also represents Aix-en-Provence’s incredible cultural history, which is also on display at the Tapestry Museum and in the Musée Granet’s extensive Impressionist collection.

• Arles and the Baux des Provence

Arles is a traditional Provençal town, where you can stroll down tree-lined streets and stop for a coffee at an outdoor café in a shady public square. It’s what artists and visionaries have been doing here for years. 

In fact, Vincent van Gogh featured the Place du Forum in his painting “Café Terrace at Night”. Other locations he painted can be found along the Van Gogh Trail, while some of his paintings can currently be found at the Cathédrale des images in the Baux des Provence. 

This a great day trip to do in the winter months, combining two beautiful locations for the culture lovers out there and avoiding the intense heats and crowds that can restrict your enjoyment. Be aware though that you may need to look into car hire at Marseille airport to do both comfortably in one day. (You can save up to 30% on your car rental by clicking here.)

• Calanques

This beautiful coastal area between Marseilles and Cassis features some unusual, but magnificent natural scenery, with narrow fiord-like coves cut deep into limestone rock to create pools of seawater, while the light reflecting off the white limestone makes the water appear a beautiful turquoise colour. It’s the perfect place to sunbathe and get some stunning Instagram shots.

This is also a great place for nature lovers because the Calanques’ unique environment has attracted dozens of rare plant species, as well as plenty of wildlife.

Sporty types will also enjoy all of the outdoor activities on offer here, including:

• hiking
• swimming
• scuba diving
• snorkelling
• kayaking
• rock climbing
• (electric) mountain biking

• Salon de Provence

This small town, located on the edge of the Plaine de la Crau, is steeped in history from the ancient Roman site on the Hill of Valdemech to the fortress-like Château de l’Empéri (“Emperor’s Castle”), built at the request of the Archbishops of Arles between the 12th and 15th centuries.

When visiting the château, called “Emperor’s Castle” because Salon (and the rest of Provence) fell to the German emperors in 1032, you can also admire the Chapel of Saint-Cathérine, which was built in the 12th century.

While in Salon de Provence, you can also visit the Maison de Nostradamus, which was the residence of the 16th-century astronomer Nostradamus and now serves as a museum. It features historical editions of Nostradamus’ prophecies, some personal effects, and a reproduction of his study.

• Nîmes

Roughly an hour drive from Marseilles into the neighbouring Languedoc region, Nîmes is filled with ancient Roman monuments, including an amphitheatre, the Arènes, and a completely intact classical Roman temple, the Maison Carrée.

It’s also a delightfully different area to visit because of its location between Provence and Catalonia, meaning that you can see the French and Spanish influences of both provinces. This is best showcased in the cultural events, outdoor performances, and festivals that fill up the calendar during the spring and summer months.

The biggest event is the Festival de Nîmes, held over June and July, which attracts large crowds with music concerts held at the amphitheatre that we spoke about earlier.

If you happen to visit in winter, there are always exhibits worth your while in the Carré d’Art or any of the other museums and with plenty of sunshine the parcs and historic monuments are just as beautiful as in the warmer days.

You now have plenty of options for exciting day trips on your next Marseille holiday, no matter what time of year you go!