Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! Where did you celebrate the 4th? I stayed local having just been in Europe for a few weeks. While traveling is my happy place, I also love being at home with family. I experimented with my smartphone photography when capturing the fireworks. As you’ll read below, I’m always trying to improve my skills.
If you find that you have reading time this holiday week, I’ll share a travel magazine that caught my attention. Published by one of my partners, The Travel Corporation or TTC, their e-magazine called Arrived caught my interest. I’ve traveled with TTC brands recently including Brendan Vacations (Ireland) and Uniworld River Cruise (Northern Italy) so can attest to the quality of their travel experiences for my clients and know how to match them to the right brand under the TTC umbrella.
Read on for the overview, link to the magazine, and scoop about the June issue…

Unique Bookstores
I make it a point to visit a locally owned, unique bookstore wherever I am in the world. Beyond the books on the shelves and décor, the staff are handy sources of local information, and bookstores sell fantastic gifts and souvenirs.
Arrived highlights ‘10 magical bookstores around the world,’ and I visited two on the list in the last two months (Venice, Italy and Santorini, Greece).
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: If you’re already intrigued, you can schedule a chat with me here: www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact.


Smartphone Photography Tips
When I travel, I take LOADS of photos with my iPhone 13 mostly for business purposes. Whenever I see an article with smartphone photography tips, I take a minute to scan it. It’s hard to capture great photos when you’re on the move and have only a few seconds to get a memorable, quality shot. If you want a quick brush-up for your own photos, the article gives some solid tips. I need to work on #7.
I took the first photo in Burano, Italy (a must-visit island near Venice). The colorful buildings that are characteristic of Burano are reflected in the window.
The second photo was taken in Santorini, Greece, and yes, the lovely gentleman agreed to me sharing his photo. Although he doesn’t speak a lick of English, my private tour guide knows him and asked in Greek. He’s sitting outside of his home sorting capers that he’s grown in his own garden. He spent many years at sea and now is retired.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Wondering how to navigate travel to Europe? You can schedule a chat with me here www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact, and I’ll talk you through it.

Jordan, Turkey & Germany
I’ve been to and through Germany, but Jordan and Turkey are both at the top of my travel bucket list. I work with incredible travel partners in all three countries, including TTC. Arrived will inspire you to explore yourself:
*Incredible Jordan – the Jordan Trail is 400 miles long running through 75 towns and villages.
*Stunning Coastal Turkey – learn about the TurkAegean coastline with its gorgeous beaches, wellness, and culinary experiences.
*Germany’s Majestic Forests – ecotourism hot spot for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts.
>> Here’s the link to read the June issue of Arrived: https://bit.ly/ArrivedJune22
Enjoy!!
Inspired? If you’re thinking about a bucket list trip, here’s the link to schedule a chat with me www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Follow my Facebook/Instagram pages this week for more travel inspiration: www.facebook.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting or Instagram: www.instagram.com/hidden.gem.travel
Wishing you and your family continued good health,
Susan