⛵ 🌊 🐚 Salt Air & Secret Shores

TravelReport Weekly Issue 064

AuthorAuthor

Daniel Lowry & Sasha
January 09, 2026

👋 Hey besties!

We’ve spent the last few weeks living our best Mediterranean lives, and today we’re wrapping it all up with a bow. Whether you’re dreaming of the sparkling French Riviera or the rugged charm of the Balkans, this issue is your final dose of summer inspiration before we pivot to new horizons.

Let’s soak up those last few drops of golden hour. 🥂✨

🧠 The Traveler’s Trivia

Question: Which of these destinations is world-famous for its aromatic lavender fields that bloom every June and July?

A) Biarritz,

B) Comporta,

C) Hvar

🛡️ Bestie Health & Safety

  • Sea Urchins: In Croatia, the water is clear but the floor is spiky! Wear rubber water shoes to avoid a literal "sting" to your vacation. 👟

  • Biarritz Surf: The Atlantic is powerful—always swim between the flags and never turn your back on the ocean. 🚩

  • The 10-to-4 Rule: The sun is brutal mid-day. Swap the beach for a cool museum or a long, shaded lunch during peak heat hours. ☀️

  • Eco-SPF: Use reef-safe sunscreen. It protects your skin and keeps the turquoise waters of Comporta and Hvar pristine. 🌊

Want more safety tips? We’ve got you covered: Navigating Offbeat Destinations Safely. Travel insurance is your BFF. Missed flights, lost bags, or weather hiccups? You’re covered. ✅ Understand the true benefits of travel insurance here…

🌍 Spotlight Destinations: 🌍

🇵🇹 Comporta, Portugal: The "Anti-Algarve"

If you want luxury that doesn't scream, Comporta is your place. It’s located just 90 minutes south of Lisbon but feels like another planet.

  • The Vibe: Barefoot luxury. Think thatched-roof villas, endless rice paddies, and wild, sandy Atlantic beaches.

  • What to Do: Rent a vintage bicycle and ride through the rice fields to Praia do Carvalhal. Visit the Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira, a unique handmade wooden fishing pier that looks incredible at sunset.

  • The Food: You must try the local arroz (rice) dishes. Head to Restaurante Sal for the best fresh grilled fish right on the sand.

    More info here

    Watch a video here

🇭🇷 Hvar, Croatia: The Lavender Island

Hvar is the sunniest spot in Croatia and the perfect mix of high-end party vibes and ancient history.

  • The Vibe: Glitzy but grounded. Marble streets, Venetian architecture, and super-yachts bobbing in the harbor.

  • What to Do: Take a taxi boat to the Pakleni Islands for hidden coves and beach clubs like Carpe Diem. Back on the main island, hike up to the Spanish Fortress (Fortica) for that iconic orange-roof-and-blue-sea photo.

  • The Food: Gregada (a traditional fish stew with potatoes and white wine). Visit the small town of Stari Grad for a quieter, more authentic meal than Hvar Town.

    More info here

    Watch a video here 

🇫🇷 Biarritz, France: Surf, Sand & Sophistication

Located in the Basque Country near the Spanish border, Biarritz is where the rugged Atlantic meets French elegance.

  • The Vibe: Salty and chic. It’s been a royal resort since the 1800s, but today it’s the surf capital of Europe.

  • What to Do: Watch the surfers at Côte des Basques (the birthplace of European surfing). Walk the bridge to the Rocher de la Vierge (Rock of the Virgin) for 360-degree ocean views.

  • The Food: Explore the Halles de Biarritz (the local market) for Gâteau Basque (a custard-filled pastry) and tapas-style pintxos.

    More info here

    Watch a video here

🧳 The Bestie’s Packing Secret: "The Rule of Three"

To keep that suitcase light for these spots:

  1. 3 Pairs of Shoes: 1 white sneaker (for airport/walking), 1 chic leather sandal (for dinners), 1 flip-flop/water shoe (for those rocky Croatian beaches).

  2. 3 Color Palette: Stick to three colors (e.g., White, Navy, and Tan). If everything matches, you have endless outfits with only a few items.

✈️ Flight Steals: The "Golden Window" (Jan 14–16)

One-way deals because we love flexibility!

🍎 From New York (NYC)

🌴 From Los Angeles (LAX)

 🌼💬 Trivia Answer:

C - Hvar! You'll find lavender bags in every souvenir shop on the island.

👋 Catch You on the Coast!

Go pack that carry-on, stay safe, and don't forget to tag us in your photo dumps! Whether you’re sipping an espresso in a hidden Portuguese plaza or catching a sunset over the Adriatic, remember: the best trips aren’t just about the destination, they’re about the "bestie vibes" you bring with you.

Keep chasing the warmth and making those memories.

Sasha
✨
Editor, Travel Report Newsletter

Links and Guides:
To assist you in planning your next adventure, here are some valuable resources:

Stay safe, travel smart, and enjoy every moment of your journey. Until next week, happy travels!