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WHY THE HECK DID I EVER MOVE AWAY FROM PALM SPRINGS?!

It’s a question I always ask myself anytime I return to Chicago after any trip to my former home (Palm Springs). For anyone not in the know, I lived in Palm Springs from 2014 - 2018 and I honestly can’t say enough amazing things about this magical destination. I could go on and on about the history, culture, art, architecture, and welcoming community.

So as soon as I stepped out into the 20-degree frigid air after landing at O’Hare yesterday I found myself asking, what am I doing here?! I say this only jokingly because I do adore Chicago but it’s this never-ending winter that really grinds my gears.

Anyways, SO MUCH to catch you up on since the last time we chatted.

WHERE TO NEXT?!

I’m home for the next few days before I run away from the cold again (lol). This time it’s to a destination I know you’ll be interested in learning about - ITALY. More specifically - Puglia, Sicily & the Amalfi Coast!

Linda and I are headed there to do one of our scouting trips Since nearly 65% of all of her clients are interested in visiting these regions & I’m considering hosting a Gals Abroad Getaway trip or two to these parts of the world, we had to get over there ASAP. Plus with all the attention Sicily is getting after White Lotus, I had to go see what all the fuss is all about.

We’re going to be there for 3 weeks and switching hotels almost every night haha so needless to say this is very much NOT a vacation but OMG wait till you see some of the properties we are visiting.

TIPS FOR VISITING THE AMALFI COAST

PRO TIP 1: Visiting this part of Italy at this time is going to be the BEST time to go if you’re looking to avoid crowds and keep your budget low (the same can be said for the beginning of October). That said April can be a bit overcast with temps in the 60s so if you’re looking for the hot summer sun…you won’t get that at this time of year.

PRO TIP 2: If you want to visit any of these regions of the world, the more lead time in planning you can give yourself, the better. Linda would say give yourself at least a year (especially if you’re looking to visit in the height of season) because these destinations book up VERY fast.

PRO TIP 3: Book with a travel advisor to get complimentary room upgrades and included breakfast. While finding a “deal” in this part of the world is nearly impossible, there are ways to stretch your dollars in different ways and a travel advisor can help you do that. If you want to connect with Linda to plan your next trip - click here.

Gals Abroad Getaways Greece 2023

The gals are returning to Greece in September 2023! Join us on a fabulous adventure to Athens, Paros, and Santorini, and for those who choose to join, Mykonos!

REGISTRATION REQUESTS & EARLY BIRD PRICING OPEN EXCLUSIVELY TO OUR NEWSLETTER MONDAY 3/20!

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MY PALM SPRINGS HIT LIST

It’s been a minute since I updated my Palm Springs Destination Guide. While there are still some tried and true recs in there, I wanted to share some of my recent discoveries in case you’re planning a trip there sometime soon!

WHERE TO EAT

  1. Porta Via [Palm Desert] - Hands down my new favorite spot in Palm Desert on El Paseo. Get their Pota Via sushi roll & their butternut squash ravioli. Yes they do sushi and pasta and knock both out of the park.

  2. Cali Rosina [Old Town La Quinta] - I say with absolute certainty that they have the BEST avocado toast I have ever had in my entire life. Also for any matcha fans, this is where they do it right.

  3. Paul Bar [Palm Springs] - Do not judge a book by its cover here, trust me. They have the BEST curry I have ever had in my life & they do a very interesting spin on a sidecar (it comes frozen). PS they don’t take reservations and you’re gonna have to wait in line but trust me, it’s worth it.

  4. Boozehounds [Palm Springs] - you truly cannot go wrong with this spot for ANY meal but my fav is brunch and you should absolutely eat outside (ps their whole concept is that you can bring your dog which I think is the cutest thing ever).

  5. Bootlegger Tiki [Palm Springs] - You won’t find more creative & expertly crafted tiki cocktails anywhere else. Put this on your must-visit list.

WHAT TO DO

  1. GO VINTAGE SHOPPING - My favorite spot in Palm Springs is The Frippery and in Palm Desert, I adore The Fine Art of Design.

  2. VISIT THE INDIAN CANYONS - This is one of my favorite places to get off the grid and into nature. There’s an oasis, waterfalls & if you want to really go big, head to Smoke Tree Stables to ride up the canyons on horseback (it’s EPIC).

  3. SELF-GUIDED BIKE TOUR - rent Bikes from Bike Palm Springs and then head to the Old Las Palmas neighborhood to have yourself a classic Palm Springs Door tour (Bike has an amazing map).

  4. HAVE A SPA DAY - There is truly no comparison to what Two Bunch Palms Offers in terms of serenity and centuries-old geothermal spring water. I also adore the spa at Parker Palm Springs (aka the Palm Springs Yacht Club) as well as the Omni Rancho Las Palmas.

  5. TAKE A WALKING TOUR OF THE OLD HOLLYWOOD NEIGHBORHOODS - The Palm Springs historical society offers some really fun tours - you can find them all listed here.

WHERE TO STAY

  1. POPPY VACATION RENTALS - I’ve been working with this LOVELY vacation rental company that’s been in the desert for MANY years & I think their properties are so well designed.

  2. AVANT STAY - Another GREAT option for vacation rentals (especially in the high desert)

  3. THE SANDS HOTEL & SPA - This has been one of my favorite hotels since the moment it opened. The aesthetics are amazing and their onsite restaurant, the Pink Cabana, is a MUST visit even if you don’t stay there. Just be aware that this hotel is in Indian Wells and not Palm Springs.

  4. PARKER PALM SPRINGS - A true Palm Springs classic. Everything about this property is iconic - PS Gene Autry & Merve Griffen both owned this property before it was purchased by Mr. Parker and turned into the hotel we know today.

  5. LA SERENA VILLAS - Another one of my favorite properties, this chic spot is right in the heart of downtown which makes it the perfect place to base yourself if hanging in Palm Springs proper is your priority. Plus their onsite restaurant Azucar is super yummy too!

If you want more Palm Springs recs, watch the video below (an oldie but a goodie) and check out my Visit Greater Palm Springs Dining Guide.

THE LATEST TRAVEL NEWS

  1. Can ChatGPT Plan Your Vacation? Here’s What to Know About A.I. and Travel.

  2. Would you spend $30,000 to travel the world for a year on a boat?

  3. The Case For Traveling Slower—And Deeper

  4. This ‘White Lotus’ Palazzo Is Now Available to Rent on Airbnb

  5. What Causes Turbulence on Flights?

CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH:

  1. THIS SUIT - It’s on sale, so comfortable and comes in a bunch of colors (here’s the matching pants & top)

  2. THIS PHONE CASE - all the players at the BNP are gifted with these and I truly can tell you this is the BEST phone case for travel hands down.

  3. THIS CAFTAN - So fun for vacay and so comfy

  4. THIS SUNSCREEN - is the only brand I wear.

HAPPY ENDING

This reel is TOTALLY me on any beach vacation haha.


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Adventure Awaits!

xx Allecat

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