If you want the best Athens itinerary for first-timers that includes essential day trips, I got you covered!

There was a time when I thought my world was small. I waited for plans that never materialized and for "someday" to arrive. But then, I took the leap. I started traveling solo, and suddenly, the world opened up in ways I never imagined.

I’ve always said that travel is the best way to grow, and after hitting 18 countries, I’ve decided that 2026 is the year I go further than ever before. From the rugged coastlines of the Balkans to the neon-lit streets of East Asia, my itinerary is officially set.

You know I love a good itinerary, but every time I zip up my suitcase or feel that plane rumble down the runway, I take a deep breath and remind myself of one simple truth: Travel is an incredible privilege.

My recent solo travel adventure to Athens was a full-sensory experience: I soaked up the ancient history, I conquered my nerves, and most importantly? I ATE EVERYTHING. Seriously, Greek food is not just a cuisine — it’s a comfort!

I decided to dedicate the morning to some reflective solo exploration before capping off the entire trip with a legendary sunset! It was a day that perfectly showcased the blend of ancient power and vibrant modern life that makes Athens so captivating.

Day Five brought me the final, fantastic full-day trip outside of Athens! This time, it was a historical and scenic journey to Ancient Corinth and Nafplio.

I woke up excited for my Saronic Gulf island hopping day trip, ready to swap ancient ruins for sparkling Aegean waters. This was hands-down one of my favorite travel days!

I woke up early, excited for my day trip to Delphi, home of the famed Oracle. It was a perfect example of why small group tours from Athens are often the best way to see the historical sites outside the city: all the history, none of the transport stress!

After a beautiful soft landing, I was ready to dive headfirst into ancient history and Greek culture. Day Two was a perfect blend of learning, eating, and finally ticking off a ridiculous bucket list item!

This trip is all about a solo female travel adventure, and my first night in Greece was the perfect soft landing. Grab a mythical cup of coffee, because here’s the play-by-play of my journey from Toronto to Athens!

I found the ultimate solution for travel lovers who want the adventure without the agony: Journee! They book your entire trip, including flights, hotels, and activities, to a surprise destination.

I recently experienced the overwhelming, magical, and entirely unforgettable rush of Tokyo — and I learned one major lesson: planning is everything, but so is protecting your energy!

This is my carefully planned 7-day Tokyo itinerary.

Tokyo is a foodie playground where every street corner tempts you with sizzling plates, colourful desserts, and flavours you didn’t even know you needed. Whether you’re a curious traveller, an anxious diner seeking comfort, or a dessert-loving dreamer on a mission, here are the best places to eat in Tokyo—straight from my tastebuds to yours.

The last three days of our trip we ended up re-visiting some spots and just soaking up the Tokyo vibes. Japan has become one of my favourite places — but I know I’ll have to go back one day.

The first adventure was literally just getting to Shinjuku. We made the mistake of taking the metro to Shinjuku Station directly. It’s known as being the world’s most notoriously confusing metro station, and it definitely was stressful to navigate.

That’s the thing about travelling – whether you’re doing it alone or with friends or family – you need to protect your energy. If you’re going to be planning a busy itinerary and packing as much as you can into your limited time in a new country, that is expected. But you also have to plan for some downtime. 

If you’re hoping to eat the iconic fluffy pancakes at Happy Pancake, you’re going to have to go a couple of hours early, scan the QR code and get on the virtual, waiting list. You’ll get contacted when your reservation is ready!

When I think about Tokyo, I think about the city’s rich history and culture. So the day we had planned to go to Asakusa and see Senso-ji Temple, I was so eager to get up and go.

Then it was time to head to Shibuya Sky for our ticketed slot. Most people try to book this lookout ticket for sunset, but we wanted to go early in our day. So if you’re trying to book for sunset hour, it’s going to be hard to book.