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I Spent 7 Weeks in Europe With Just a Carry-on, and These Are the 10 Dresses I Wore on Repeat — From $23
I Spent 7 Weeks in Europe With Just a Carry-on, and These Are the 10 Dresses I Wore on Repeat — From $23

Travel + Leisure

timea day ago

  • Travel + Leisure

I Spent 7 Weeks in Europe With Just a Carry-on, and These Are the 10 Dresses I Wore on Repeat — From $23

One of my life's biggest regrets is not studying abroad in college and not reaching for that elusive chance for total immersion into another culture during a semester away. Though I've been able to make up for it post-graduation with nearly 20 trips to Europe, from family jaunts to Italy and conferences in Riga, Latvia to posh London stays, it has still felt like there was always a little something missing. Enter: my self-coined 'adult study abroad summer,' when I connected a string of work trips with some personal exploration for a full seven weeks away from home. This seven-nation European swing began with a memorable mother-daughter Adriatic cruise with Viking, then a group trip to the Republic of Georgia, a self-guided Balkan adventure through Albania, Corfu, and North Macedonia, and finally a luxurious sail around the Greek Isles with Windstar. As the captain of Team Carry-on-only, it was a delicate dance to properly pack for the weather, plus a mix of casual and more formal events and destinations. Luckily, I was able to curate the perfect wardrobe with a slew of versatile travel dresses for every possible occasion. Sightseeing at a museum? Check. Michelin-star dinner out? Covered. Walking day exploring a new city? Done. Below are the 10 dresses I suggest packing for the ultimate European summer vacation. Is there a fabric more iconic, cooling, and chic than linen in the summer? I think not. I wore my lovely linen-blend Alex Mill shirtdress, which is no longer in stock, everywhere from a Greek olive oil tasting in Monemvasia via Windstar to a casual lakeside dinner of Ohrid trout in North Macedonia, but you can achieve the same look with this version from it's on mega sale and available in black or olive in case you're not sold on white (pasta stains, oh me oh my). Pro tip: Consider adding a linen blazer to the mix, too. It'll be an elegant, lightweight jacket option that's easy to pack (and mix and match). Americans love athleisure, a trend that's been slower to catch on across the pond. While I wouldn't recommend sporting that leggings set out and about, I do suggest packing an athletic dress—especially one tailored enough that it could be mistaken for a normal dress—to get away with being comfy and stylish on your Euro getaway. I utilized a similar style to this Amazon-loved one for a day spent exploring beaches in Corfu, off the coast of Albania, part of the Ionian Islands of Greece. With an oversized button-down shirt, I could go straight from the sunny shores to a moonlit dinner in town without having to stop back at the Airbnb. Though not technically a dress, a matching skirt set does so much for a travel wardrobe that it is worth the space in your carry-on. Many shoppers have given the Prettygarden Matching Skirt Set from Amazon their stamp of approval. You can wear the top with high-waisted white jeans, or try the skirt with a sleek black tank. Trust me on this one, I saw so many coordinating sets on the streets of Europe, from the golden capital of Malta to the balmy Dalmatian Coast, and this is one item I truly wish I had packed for my summer away. $178 at A COVID-era trend turned wardrobe staple, the nap dress is meant to be so comfortable you can actually nap in it. I'm a longtime fan of Hill House Home, and I own more than 20 of these pretty dresses in whimsical prints. For travel purposes, I prefer to pack a more classic nap dress, like the Ellie style, which matches more and is less memorable than a fussier or more elaborate print. Bonus: it's truly wrinkle-resistant, so you can avoid the iron and toss it on before exploring old town Kotor. Alternatively, Amazon has similar nap dress-inspired silhouettes at lower price points; check out the Zesica Plaid Square Neck Puff Sleeve Midi Dress and the Chouyatou Smocked Flounce Dress starting at $29. No bow, no go—Balletcore is very much in . I mean, did it ever really leave? To incorporate the trend into your travel wardrobe, I'd pick up this gorgeous fit-and-flare dress from Quince; it strikes the perfect balance between flowy and structured, so you can feel comfy and look put-together. I wore a similar dress nonstop during my Georgia trip, going from mountains to vineyards to the bustling capital city and back again. In terms of accessorizing this classic silhouette, snag one of these uber-popular Marzoline beauties that are handmade in Milan. Embrace the season with a warm, pastel-hued dress like this one from Petal & Pup. It's breezy enough to beat the heat, but modest enough to mimic cap sleeves when visiting cathedrals or religious sites. Plus, the maxi length keeps it modern and approachable, while the cotton poplin fabric means only natural fibers touch your skin. Though this shade isn't my usual cup of tea, I spotted it on plenty of other European travelers and locals alike. A classic combination for any Euro getaway is blue and white. You might associate the color palette with Santorini for its famous white buildings and contrasting blue domes, but the duo really works anywhere in Europe. Take this chic Quince pick for example. It's made with 100 percent linen, features a fit and flare style, and is a comfy midi dress length. It's practically begging for some island time. A pretty dress that showcases just a peek of skin is ever-so playful and flirty, but there are elegant ways to nail the look. Amazon shoppers love this billowy maxi dress, which has two modest side cut-outs, adding unique contrast to the classic square-neck, short-sleeve silhouette. You can also play with cut-outs more elegantly with a gown like this metallic floral maxi, which would make a great destination wedding guest dress. There's no denying Tenniscore's presence in 2025's list of summer trends. And, as luck would have it, the look makes for an effortlessly stylish travel outfit. A classic white tennis dress pick like this Amazon-loved one is an easy layering piece that is equal parts comfy and elevated with its corset details and exaggerated pleats for easy movement when walking the winding streets of Rome. Afraid of spilling gelato on the pristine shade? Opt for it in one of its other eight available colors. Okay, hear me out. I know this isn't technically a dress, but a cute jumpsuit can function the same way: throw it on, stay comfortable, and make the most of your Euro trip. Spanx makes the bottom half of my go-to travel outfit (hello, Booty Boost leggings), but I have seen the Oprah-loved brand's jumpsuit around more than any other item this year. It's made in regular, petite, and tall sizes, crafted from the softest material, and comes in four neutral colorways. Pair this jumpsuit with a cozy sweatshirt, like Oprah's favorite AirEssentials Half-zip, for the ultimate monochromatic travel set. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week

Celebrity Xcel's Bora will cater to brunch and date nights
Celebrity Xcel's Bora will cater to brunch and date nights

Travel Weekly

time2 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Travel Weekly

Celebrity Xcel's Bora will cater to brunch and date nights

Bora, an alfresco rooftop venue, will serve brunch onboard the Celebrity Xcel. It's a first for the line, as it looks to erase the boundaries between ship and shore. And in true brunch style, Bora will feature an over-the-top bloody mary bar, handcrafted cocktails and a selection of classic brunch favorites with a Mediterranean flair. In the evening, Bora will transition to a romantic rooftop restaurant designed for guests who want to dress up for a date night and dine under the stars. Bora is the second of seven culinary spaces the line has announced for the Celebrity Xcel. It is a specialty restaurant, and pricing is not yet available. Wild mushroom toast, feta, figs, Manuka honey and pickled onions served for brunch. Photo Credit: Gwen Pratesi Alfresco dining with Med in mind Bora will take the place of the Rooftop Garden Grill adjacent to the Rooftop Garden on the Edge-class ships. During a preview of Bora on the Celebrity Beyond, guests were mentally (unfortunately not physically) whisked away to the Greek Isles. Surrounded by vibrant pink bougainvillea and Santorini-inspired blue-and-white decor, Bora came to life with roaming musicians, street artists and lively music. Before we sat down for brunch, we were treated to a selection of Mediterranean-style appetizers, featuring an olive oil tasting with varietals from Italy, Greece and Spain. These were paired with a choice of several cocktails, including a classic Aperol spritz. The bloody mary bar, which Celebrity is touting as "the best at sea," offered an impressive selection of garnishes, with creative toppings like bacon doughnuts, cheese and charcuterie skewers, crispy bacon with Tajin spice, snow crab legs, mini grilled cheese sandwiches and barbecue-glazed meatballs. For bloody mary purists, there were mild and spicy versions (with or without Clamato) and traditional garnishes such as fresh and pickled vegetables and cocktail olives. At the end of brunch, there was a rousing moment when crew members danced and paraded through the restaurant, waving their napkins in the air to the popular Italian song "Bella Ciao." Guests joined in on the fun. Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge at the line's Bora event on the Celebrity Beyond. Photo Credit: Gwen Pratesi Dishes creative and familiar The menu, which is still evolving, was developed over the last 10 months by Sidney Semedo, Celebrity's senior director of culinary operations, and his team. Semedo said Bora was designed to evoke a feeling of being in the Med (and it does) with its food, presentation, staff, decor and entertainment. The restaurant will be "elegant, yet approachable and sophisticated, yet familiar," he said. Bora's menu also features opportunities for culinary exploration. Shakshuka, a dish with origins in North Africa, is a perfect example, with eggs poached in a cumin-seasoned tomato sauce served with avocado and sourdough toast. Two shareable plates on the brunch menu included lamb kofta with tabbouleh and wild mushroom toast. The croissant Benedict elevates a traditional breakfast sandwich with lemon-scented gravlax, ricotta spread and beetroot powder. But guests will still find familiar breakfast favorites, such as decadent French toast and eggs and biscuits -- again, with a Mediterranean twist. As for timing, the brunch concept neatly fills the gap between traditional breakfast hours and the traditional lunch selections that you'd find at the buffet or at the poolside Mast Grill. Couples can sleep in late (after all, it is a vacation), linger longer in their cabins or enjoy coffee on the balcony before heading up to the rooftop for brunch. On the menu at night In the evenings, Bora will become an intimate dinner setting with chef-led, tableside presentations. While Bora's brunch offerings are mostly individual and Instagrammable dishes, there's an emphasis on communal dining at night, where guests can order individual plates or a selection of shareable dishes. Specialties at Bora will include lamb tagine with saffron couscous and a selection of seafood dishes, such as seared branzino with garlic aioli, razor clams and carabinero prawns. Guests can also expect to be serenaded with Italian love songs and Greek ballads during the meal.

I Island Hopped in Greece for 2 Weeks—and I Didn't Check a Bag Thanks to These 15 Packable Fashion Pieces
I Island Hopped in Greece for 2 Weeks—and I Didn't Check a Bag Thanks to These 15 Packable Fashion Pieces

Travel + Leisure

time21-06-2025

  • Travel + Leisure

I Island Hopped in Greece for 2 Weeks—and I Didn't Check a Bag Thanks to These 15 Packable Fashion Pieces

Greece will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the very first international destination my (now) husband and I visited, nearly a decade ago—and, just last year, it's where we went on our honeymoon. On the former trip, we visited Athens, Santorini, and Crete; on the latter, we spent two gorgeous weeks island hopping from Paros to Milos and then on to Sifnos. Visiting three Greek locales requires a foolproof packing list to ensure that every activity, terrain, and climate is accounted for. I also highly recommend sticking to a carry-on bag if you can (at least, that's my preference, especially when navigating the narrow streets of Greece). Below, explore the 15 non-negotiable travel clothing and accessory essentials I relied on that deserve a spot in your suitcase when visiting the Greek Isles this summer. A solid button-up blouse — ideally in linen, cotton, or silk — is at the top of my summer vacay list. I personally packed this Quince Washable Stretch Silk Blouse on my trip, and it's one I often take on any vacation because it's so versatile and easy to wear. Not only is it super lightweight and breathable (a must in a warm climate like Greece), but it also takes up virtually no space in your suitcase. Plus, this top is the ultimate clothing chameleon: Pair it with casual shorts and sneakers, wear it with a skirt and heeled sandals, or toss it over your swimsuit as a classy cover-up. I personally own it in white (and find that's the most versatile), but it also comes in a number of other lovely colors. For days of visiting beaches or exploring Cycladic towns, I always reach for an easy-to-wear pair of shorts. On extra warm days, I'm a fan of wearing a loose-fitting linen option like these Quince European Linen Shorts, which I packed for my last trip to Greece. I own them in black, but they're also available in a number of pretty colors and patterns to suit any preference. For something a bit more structured, you could opt for these classic Madewell Bermuda Shorts. Either of these neutral options could easily mix and match with any of the tops in your luggage, so there's no need to pack more than one pair in your carry-on. A gorgeous pair of linen pants is a must for any Greek vacation. I've been obsessed with the Australian fashion brand Dissh's elastic linen trousers for travel, but if you're looking for something at a lower price point, you can't go wrong with this $40 wide-leg pair from Halara. Whichever route you choose, you'll have a wrinkle-free, space-saving option that goes with everything, whether you're exploring the city or hanging by the beach. Let's be real, when we're packing for vacation—especially somewhere as scenic as Greece—you're going to want to bring at least one standout, picture-worthy outfit. My personal favorite: a statement dress, like this stunning floral one from ASTR the Label. It's worth noting that while a maxi dress may take up a bit more space than its shorter counterpart, it's a one-garment outfit, which is ultimately a space-saver. Any dress with a vibrant pattern or unique design will make you feel like an ethereal Greek goddess, in my opinion. However, you can still go bold with something understated like this smocked maxi dress from Amazon-loved brand PrettyGarden. Personally, I packed this Favorite Daughter linen dress on my last trip to Greece, and it was a chic hero piece for my vacation wardrobe. On a trip to Greece, you're going to need sandals that are well-suited for wearing to the beach, walking along cobblestone paths, and maybe even hiking down into secluded coves (yes, this came up while I was in Milos). For that reason, I'd recommend packing a pair of sandals that are well-suited for any active adventure, like the Teva Hurricanes or Merrell Speedfusions. When I'm headed to a coastal destination like Greece, I love packing a simple dress like Dissh's Lotus Linen Dress that I can toss on with a pair of sneakers and head out for a day exploring, or slip over my swimsuit before heading to the sea. It embodies that effortless Greek style, hardly takes up any packing space, and creates a complete outfit with just one easy-to-wear piece. For something a bit more budget-friendly, I found this linen dress at Amazon that achieves the same vibe at a fraction of the price. $90 at Amazon $90 at Nordstrom While you'll most likely spend your days ambling around Greece in a pair of sandals, it's always a good idea to bring at least one pair of closed-toed shoes on any trip (especially for when the temps drop at night). For the purposes of a Greek vacation, I'd keep it simple with a pair of white sneakers. On our trip, I opted for classic Reebok Club Cs, whereas my husband packed a pair of white and navy Nike Killshot leather shoes. Pro tip: I'd wear these on the plane to save space in your bag. A trip to the Greek Isles means plenty of time swimming in pools and the sea; therefore, a chic swimsuit is a must. For lounging by the pool at Andronis Minois Paros, I packed the LSpace Hazel Ribbed Bikini Top and matching bottoms, which I adored because both are super comfortable, offer a decent amount of coverage for a two-piece, and also the white piping gives the classic black bikini a more unique design. However, if you're not a fan of bikinis, then check out the Baewatch Colorblock Trim Ribbed One-piece Swimsuit, which has a similar style, or Cupshe's ultra-flattering one-piece that's only $40 at Amazon. Hopefully, your Greek isle itinerary includes plenty of time at the beach and on the water, which means your valuables might be in danger of getting wet or sandy. That's where a waterproof bag like this one from Amazon (which has thousands of five-star reviews) can come in handy. Simply slip in your phone and then enjoy the Aegean Sea stress-free. While you can get away with dressing pretty casual in Greece, I like to have at least one pair of sandals that feel elevated enough to wear to a nicer dinner, which is why I packed the Nisolo Platform Sandals for my trip and absolutely loved wearing them. Not only do they have incredible support for long days on your feet, but they also work just as well with a pair of shorts as they do with a more elegant dress. $198 $158 at Even though Greece gets quite warm in the summer, temperatures can drop at night, especially if you're visiting one of the windier islands like Milos. I recommend packing at least one jacket, like this insulated option from Vuori, which is one of my go-tos for just about any trip—it features a lightweight yet warm construction and neutral colorway that goes with everything. Speaking of layers, a cardigan is another great option for when the temperatures dip come nightfall. A few of my favorites include the Jenni Kayne Murphy Cardigan, which you can wear on its own as a sweater or draped over a dress (it came in handy when we ferried over to Sifnos, where we experienced the incredible cuisine and meandered about the breezy cliffside towns). Over at Amazon, you can achieve the same look with the Verdusa cropped cardigan ($30) or the Amazon Essentials V-neck Cardigan Sweater that's on sale for $17. One of my favorite accessories to pack is a silk scarf. It takes up virtually no room in your luggage, but can completely transform an outfit by adding a splash of color to an otherwise simple ensemble. Most of the scarves in my collection are either passed down from my mom or sourced vintage, but I spotted a couple that would be a great addition to anyone's collection, like this pretty blue and white option from Kurt Geiger, bold printed Nordstrom one, or even this silky floral-adorned option from Amazon that's on sale for $13. An iconically shaped pair of sunglasses is a great space-saving accessory that can elevate your entire outfit while also protecting your eyes. I packed these fun cat-eye sunglasses from Maui Jim for my last trip to Greece, and I love these sunnies for their vintage style, along with the fact that they feature polarized lenses, a must when walking around Greece or relaxing by the pool at our sophisticated yet understated hotel, Verina Astra. For a lower price point option, I'd recommend Goodr's no-slip, no-bounce Circle G shades for $25. When I'm enjoying a dreamy adventure abroad, I want my sleepwear to rise to the occasion. I am currently obsessed with the silky-smooth pajama sets from Eberjey, which feel truly luxurious on my skin. The breathable fabric also stays fresh and clean after multiple wears, reducing the need to pack excessive sleepwear. My other favorite summery shorts sets (both on vacation and at home): Cozy Earth's bamboo PJs, Quince's 100% European Linen PJ set, and Old Navy's $40 Poplin Pajama Short Set. Another small accessory that can make a big impact: jewelry, of course. For a Grecian vacation, I love this Pavoi coin necklace at Amazon, which only costs $17, or this layered set from Aritzan Joyeria, both of which help upgrade even a simple outfit. I'm also a fan of these lovely Gorjana braided earrings for the same reason. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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