AZORES - No longer a secret

Last May 13, I flew on United Airline’s inagural non-stop flight from Newark to Ponta Delgada in the Azores. The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal. The mid-Atlantic archipelago has nine islands, four of which I’m exploring: Sao Miguel, Pico, Faial and Terceira.

My top reasons for traveling to the Azores

It’s relatively undiscovered

In the short time I’ve been here, Azoreans have asked me how I know about their islands. They follow it up with a whisper, “This used to be a secret.”

Sete Cidades by Michael Girman

It’s now easy to get to

In less than six hours, the Azores can be reached on non-stop flights from Boston and New York.

Dramatic Landscapes

The Azores were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. There are lava fields, crater lakes, natural pools, hydrangea-lined roads and more cows than locals.

From Whale Hunting to Whale Watching

For many islanders, whaling was their tradition and source of income. It all stopped in 1986 and now companies rely on tourists who pay to go out to sea and watch whales and dolphins. In Pico, we spotted two blue whales and schools of common and striped dolphins.

Food and Wine

Tuna, octopus salad, limpets, pineapples, volcanic white wine, passion fruit soda, Gorreana green tea, Bolo Levedo bread, grass-fed beef, Sao Jorge cheeses…these are a few of my favorite things.

Rest or Play

There are so many well-marked hiking and biking trails in the islands. Surfers love Sao Miguel and divers love Pico. The air is clean and the pace is slow. Perfect for active and nature lovers and still under-developed to feel the authentic Azorean way of life.

Best Time to Go

is between the months of April and October with July-August as high season. Azoreans will tell you to expect the four seasons in one day so dress in layers.

Know Before You Go

Sao Miguel and Terceira have international airports and bigger hotels, mostly 4* The other islands have smaller boutique properties and availability becomes an issue during high season. A car rental is a must with an availability and price issue for last minute bookings. Do not expect mainland services and offerings. Take two steps back and appreciate the Azores for its unique beauty and qualities. It’s a safe destination. Being a small island, everyone knows everyone and Azoreans are kind and friendly people. Let’s plan your trip!

Dreams Do Come True

Years ago when Michael and I started to envision our lives as empty nesters, he shared with me his dream of traveling through Argentina once he retired, in Che Guevara fashion. I too have been inspired to choose destinations from books or movies and in M’s case, it was “The Motorcycle Diaries.”

Today, we are making his dream come true not on a motorbike like Che did, but in Travels with Tesa’s way. Yes, dreams do come true.

where we’re going

Buenos Aires - for art, culture history and tango

Mendoza - for Malbec

Patagonia - starting in Bariloche to Ushuaia

Bariloche - the Lake District

El Calafate - trekking the Glacier

El Chalten - Trekking Capital of Argentina

Ushuaia - The End of the World

Follow our travels on my IG @travelswithtesa where I plan to share our trip with regularity.

Most travelers from the United States with proof of full COVID-19 vaccination can enter Argentina, but there are restrictions.

• Proof of negative pre-departure COVID-19 test result - Travelers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test result. The test must be taken a maximum of 72 hours before departure to Argentina.

• Mandatory COVID-19 test after arrival for vaccinated travelers - Fully vaccinated travelers are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test between the 3rd and 5th day after arrival in Argentina.

• Mandatory proof of vaccination

• Travelers must fill out a declaration form a maximum of 48 hours before travel. This form should be presented in digital or printed form to the airline during check-in.

• Travelers must wear masks in public places and on public transportation.

I hit a wall in Namibia

We were touring on the Skeleton Coast, named for the wooden ships that once ran aground here. In this spectacular part of southern Africa, driving an all-terrain vehicle on the towering dunes is one of the highlights for travelers.

Our guide Shiimi assured us the ride would be smooth and easy. It was my friend Teresa’s first time driving any kind of motorized vehicle. But I watched her just GO. She climbed on her ATV and drove fearlessly behind Shiimi for two hours.

Me, not so much. It was my first time driving an ATV (my excuse) and I drove like an old Asian lady (I’m pretty sure I’m allowed to say that because I fit the description sometimes). My husband Michael literally drove circles around me, entreating me to shift out of first gear so I’d go a little faster.

Suddenly, in the distance, I saw Teresa and Shiimi at the base of what appeared a very high wall, of Game of Thrones proportions. Had I forgotten to tell Shiimi about my fear of heights? If I followed them to the top, would I have the nerve to go down?

Again, I watched Teresa just GO. If she could do it, so could I.

I decided not to look too far ahead and to just focus on what was directly in front of me. I drove like this until I reached the top. And then I stopped to look around.

BREATHTAKING, right?

And so WORTH IT.

I’d like to share a few takeaways from this experience with you: Be present. Trust your guide. Open yourself to new experiences (why we travel). Travel with people who can set the pace, lead the way and be by your side. I hope your travels result in equally breathtaking moments.