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.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat (Gaelic)

May the road rise up to meet you

And indeed it did, for the two weeks that I spent on the island that is Ireland, both the Republic and Northern (UK) side.

The first half of my trip was hosted by a luxury DMC (Destination Management Company) and their rep company. DMC’s are local experts in a country and are my go-to when planning a client’s trip.

Adare Manor, The KClub, Lough Eske Castle

We experienced Luxury Ireland, stayed at beautiful castles, manor houses, and were enthralled with a wide variety of experiences — from a humbling visit to a tenement house, to uncasking a 50-year-old Jameson whiskey, to a helicopter ride to the Aran Islands, to foraging in the forest, to Michelin dinners, to a horse and hound welcome, to ax-throwing and falconry.

Horse and Hound Welcome at Mount Juliet Estate, Falconry at The KClub, Helicopter to the Aran Islands

The second half of my trip was more personal. Michael met me in Dublin and we spent the next week exploring Northern Ireland with Kieran, our private chauffeur and guide. We started in at the Titanic Museum in Belfast, then drove the Northern Antrim to the Giant’s Causeway, explored Derry and Donegal, and returned to Dublin for our flight home

Gleniff Horseshoe, The Dark Hedges aka King’s Road, Glenveagh National Park

There are so many reasons to visit, explore and experience Ireland. Here are some of mine:

• Over 90% of the adult population are vaccinated.

• Dublin is only 6 ½ hours from the East Coast. Clearing customs and immigration in Dublin makes it a very easy trip back to the US.

• The Aran Islands, Giant’s Causeway, Slieve Liag, Cliffs of Mohr, Wild Atlantic Way, Northern Antrim, Gleniff Horsehoe, and Glenveagh National Park are some of the most scenic and inspiring places I’ve ever been to.

• There is greater value for luxury accommodations in Ireland than in most European countries and even the US.

• There are 494 golf courses on the island!!!

• Irish butter, bread, and potatoes are a cut above the rest. Trust the weight I gained.

• Fans of Game of Thrones, rejoice. Northern Ireland boasts 25 filming locations in addition to the Game of Thrones Studio in Belfast.

• The TITANIC museum in Belfast is a must experience. I’ve since watched the movie again and see it now through a very different lens.

• Learn about The Troubles, the violent, three-decade-long conflict between Protestants and Catholics/Republicans and Unionists. 

• Celebrate the 23-year old peace treaty by signing your name on the Peace Wall (it’s encouraged).

• And lastly, the Irish. As Michael always says, “Every place is only as good as its people.”  

Visit Ireland and let me plan your trip.

Can you believe we only have two more months remaining in 2021? Stay safe and healthy.