Glacial Paddleboarding

Welcome back for our 11th issue of the Travel Onist, the travel newsletter that takes you around the globe faster than your Wi-Fi connects. We’ve got some exciting recommendations for you this week so let’s get right to it!

Here’s what we’re serving up today:

Space pods in the white desert

Guest recommendation from Florence

Glacial paddleboarding

Neighborhood maps for your travels

Stay

Echo by White Desert - Antarctica

Space pods in the middle of the snow desert. This tagline — “Inspired by astronauts. Used by explorers.” — is pure electricity. That is exactly the kind of energy I try to bring here at T.O. They have some other locations and experiences that are worth a look as well.

Truly an aspirational stay more than anything, I’d like to think this is one of the more unique travel destinations you can come across. If you have the funds to pull this off, please take me with you 😇.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

L'arte Di Dory - Florence, Italy

This Florentine restaurant recommendation comes in from a Travel Onista, Michael B! And because his word is as good as gold, it gets the TO stamp of approval. Michael, thank you for your service 🫡 .

When you see locals come in, hug and double-cheek kiss the owners, you know you’re in the right spot. This restaurant is run by a husband and wife team plus one assistant to help Dory in the kitchen. The husband is the host and waits the tables while Dory whips up magic in the back. The kitchen is in the front with a glass window, so you can see the deliciousness in action. A spot like this ensures you won’t get caught by one of Florence’s many tourist traps.

Experience

Glacial Paddle Boarding - Alaska, USA

We have a stateside recommendation for this week’s experience—glacial paddle boarding anyone? Although not your typical paddle boarding locale, I think the crystal clear water and glacial backdrop miiiiight just make this a worthwhile experience. I mean, c’mon, look at that picture 😍. And if you’re worried about falling in (although I know cold plunges are a big thing now), the tour comes with a dry suit to help ensure you get the true Alaskan experience.

Carry On

Hoodmaps

Here’s a great website to help you get a lay of the land the second you step off the plane in a new place. Hoodmaps is the vibe check of neighborhood maps, helping you get a sense of where to go and where not to go.

AI Travel Art Piece of the Week

Cheers til next week,

T.O.