How Traveling from the U.S. to a European Wine Region can be More Affordable than Traveling to Napa

How Traveling from the U.S. to a European Wine Region can be More Affordable than Traveling to Napa

My last blog post detailed why traveling to a wine region is the best way to experience a European country. Over Thanksgiving, I was at a winery in the Santa Ynez Valley in California. While I was tasting the wine and soaking in the vineyard views, I was reminded of how many of my friends and family members visit Napa Valley in northern California, yet never travel to Europe’s wine regions. Don’t get me wrong – I would love to visit Napa! But every time I start planning a Napa trip, the same light bulb goes off. 

It’s much cheaper to visit a wine region in Europe. 

(And I would always rather go to Europe!)

That said, I don’t think many people realize that. Most people probably think that a domestic vacation must be cheaper than an international one.

But that's not the case.

Using the Rioja wine region in northern Spain as an example, this post will show you how the cost really breaks down. I hope this post will convince you that Europe isn’t as expensive as you think and that it’s absolutely worth the longer flight!

Why Visiting Wine Regions is the Best Way to See Europe

Why Visiting Wine Regions is the Best Way to See Europe

As I was recently booking a trip to the Burgundy wine region in France for my parents and me, I was overcome with excitement. It just wasn't elation at the idea of going to Europe, it was the anticipation of showing them my way of experiencing Europe. 

Six Reasons Santorini, Greece is my Favorite Place in the World

Six Reasons Santorini, Greece is my Favorite Place in the World

There's a reason the first photo you see on my website is of a breathtaking Greek island. Santorini is, without a shadow of doubt, my favorite place in the world. I visited the island on my honeymoon in May of 2014. It was at the top of my bucket list, so I had no trouble choosing it as one of our honeymoon destinations.

Even the plane ride into Santorini is magical. The flight from Athens goes by in the blink of an eye, especially if you sit in a window seat, eyes glued to the myriad of tiny little islands below.

Santorini was five days of pure bliss. I'd go back in a heart beat.

Here's why.