While autumn settles in, the LP team has been savoring the last glimpses of summer with a variety adventures across some beautiful destinations. Max, with his knack for finding the coolest wine bars wherever he goes, uncovered a perfect sundowner spot in Sicily that I’m definitely bookmarking for next year. Rachel, who curates our Instagram and Pinterest accounts, spent time in Portland, Maine, with her wife, exploring the kind of cafes and independent boutiques that perfectly capture her eye for aesthetics. Meanwhile, Alex took his camera stargazing in the Bahamas (there was much “oohing” and “aahing” over his Milky Way pics in the office), Aoife traveled the Swiss Alps in a rented campervan with friends, where they spent their days sunbathing, swimming and picnicking by lakes and Sofie – always up for an adventure – escaped the heat to icy Greenland for a family holiday. – Sasha Brady, Digital Editor | | | Max's top picks for Sicily | 1. Best beach: My favorite was in Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, one of Sicily's most famous natural parks. The beach was about a 45-minute hike from the entrance in brutal heat, but it was well worth it! 2. Can't miss: A visit to Cefalù. Stop at Enoteca Le Petit Tonneau and have a glass of wine overlooking the beach where the second season of White Lotus was filmed. 3. Top meal: Dinner at Abbazia Santa Anastasia, a gorgeous winery in the mountains near Castelbuono. Max's tip: Don’t skip Catania, a fantastic city that's a bit more gritty and welcoming than Palermo. We spent a night at Palazzo Marletta, a wonderful hotel in the city center. – Max Felderman, Sales & Marketing Manager, Trade | | | Aoife's top picks for Switzerland | 1. Best experience: I still have to pinch myself when I think of the views I was met with when I reached Lake Oeschinensee. Nestled in the Bernese Alps near Kandersteg, reaching this lake feels like you are stepping into a real-life postcard. 2. Can't miss: Jungfraujoch, otherwise known as the "Top of Europe". The journey to this summit begins with a steep gondola ride, followed by a scenic cogwheel train trip through tunnels carved into the mountains. On arrival you'll be treated to a 360-degree view that stretches as far as Germany and Italy on clear days. 3. Top treat: Switzerland is famous for its rich chocolate heritage and brands like Lindt, Toblerone and Cailler, but nothing compares to the joy of savoring a handcrafted praline from a local chocolatier. Aoife's tip: We rented our campervan from Roadsurfer, which I highly recommend for its responsive service. When we punctured a tire in the middle of our trip, the company had us safely back on the road within the hour. – Aoife Breslin, Publicity & Marketing Coordinator | | | Alex's top picks for the Bahamas | 1. Best experience: Island-hopping to Cat Island and staying at Rollezz Villas Beach Resort. The remote location offers stunning views of the Milky Way on clear nights. 2. Can't miss: Experiencing a lively Rake and Scrape music session – don't be shy; join in and learn a step or two. 3. Top drink: Sky juice! A unique and potent mix of coconut milk, condensed milk, nutmeg and gin. I bought mine from a guy selling it out of his car trunk. Alex's tip: It's easy to fall in love with the Bahamas, especially if you go exploring beyond the typical tourist trail. The Out Islands offer a perfect blend of history, culture and secluded paradise, with impossibly blue waters, sugar-sand beaches and rich cultural experiences set to the rhythms of Junkanoo. – Alex Howard, Editorial Director | | | Sofie's top picks for Greenland | 1. Best experience: The hike with our Greenlandic guide John in the Ilimanaq tundra – he had such a wealth of knowledge about the land, and we had lots of interesting conversations about what life is like in such a tiny settlement where the sea freezes from December to May, meaning a shopping trip or any emergency is by helicopter. 2. Can't miss: The Icefjord in Ilulissat completely overwhelms you with its beauty and size as you approach the coast. 3. Top meal: The three-course set menu at Restaurant Egede (only open from June to September annually) that included reindeer carpaccio and musk ox. Sofie's tip: Be prepared for a change of plans – this is Greenland, and though airport runways are being extended to make access easier, the weather doesn’t often play ball. – Sofie Andersen, Production Editor | | | Rachel's top picks for Portland, Maine | 1. Best experience: A sunset cruise of Casco Bay to see Diamond Pass and the Calendar Islands. We also saw dolphins, seals and a bald eagle.
2. Can't miss: A visit to Soleil, an extremely colorful shop filled with things like lobster toiletry bags and notebooks with croissants on them. 3. Top meal: Anything at Green Elephant, an all-vegetarian restaurant perfect for a quick lunch – minimal wait and a great menu.
Rachel's tip: Book your sunset cruise with Casco Bay Sunset and Lighthouse Cruise ($52/person) and arrive early to snag stellar seats on the upper deck. – Rachel Lewis, Senior Marketing Manager | | | Trending articles this week | | | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
