Top 5 Unexpected Design Highlights From My Trip to Japan

September 23, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team Leave a comment

Recently I was in Japan and did several Design Around the World videos so you could get a sense of the graphic design in the country.

Hope you enjoy this count down!

Cat Bus

At the Studio Ghibli Park in Nagoya, I stumbled upon a life-sized replica of the Cat Bus from My Neighbor Totoro. Imagine my surprise when I walked into the room and found this massive, whimsical bus that my entire family could climb aboard for photos! The entire park is a treasure trove of design inspiration, full of vibrant colors and beloved characters, but the Cat Bus in the Grand Warehouse truly stole the show.

Tokyo Station Hotel

The Tokyo Station Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s a masterpiece of design and architecture. Overlooking the historic train station, our room offered stunning views and the breakfast room featured breathtaking chandeliers. The hallways were adorned with beautiful artwork, making it a must-visit for any designer seeking luxurious inspiration.

Golden temple in Kyoto

After visiting a couple of temples earlier in the day, the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto left a lasting impression with its dazzling gold leaf exterior. The surrounding grounds are equally stunning, offering multiple vantage points to take in this architectural marvel. If you’re an architecture enthusiast, this temple is a must-see. It’s even more breathtaking in person—no video can truly capture its beauty.

Non Mickey Mouse DisneySea

We took our kids to DisneySea, and I was amazed to discover an entire world filled with characters I’d never seen before. Unlike the usual Mickey Mouse-themed attractions, this park features Mickey and Minnie’s adorable stuffed animal friends as the stars. You’ll find these beloved characters everywhere, replacing the traditional Mickey ears with something uniquely Japanese.

Bathrooms!

This might surprise you, but the bathrooms in Japan were one of the biggest highlights of my trip! For first-time visitors, the cleanliness, design, and functionality are nothing short of astounding. From the informative signage to the high-tech bidets, every bathroom—from public restrooms to hotel facilities—was immaculately designed. Some even had stylish wallpaper and other decorative touches. It was a delightful surprise that I wasn’t expecting!

What about you? Have you been to Japan? What surprising designs or experiences did you encounter? Share your thoughts in the comments!

XOXO,

Carina

Whale Sharks, Japanese Aquariums, and Osaka Castle

September 2, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team Leave a comment

My visit to the Osaka Aquarium and Osaka Castle turned into an unforgettable double excursion that we squeezed into a single day while in Japan. Initially, I hadn’t planned on stopping in Osaka, but as soon as my daughter discovered that the aquarium had whale sharks, it became a must-visit for our family.

The YouTube video I made about this trip doesn’t fully capture how amazing the aquarium is. The graphic design work was top-notch, with detailed information about all the animals and marine life, and the visuals were stunningly beautiful.

Osaka Aquarium houses not one, but two whale sharks.

The aquarium itself was a masterpiece of design, with beautifully illustrated maps and signage guiding us through the exhibits. The experience kicked off with an immersive underwater tunnel, making us feel as though we were walking on the ocean floor among colorful fish and rays.

As we ascended through the aquarium, we encountered playful otters, seals, penguins, and, of course, the whale sharks. The Pacific Ocean Tank, where these gentle giants swim, was awe-inspiring. Standing before the enormous cylindrical tank, we were captivated by the graceful movements of the whale sharks and the variety of other marine life. The experience felt truly immersive, as if we were right there in the ocean with them.

After enjoying some blue whale ice cream—a fitting treat given our surroundings—we continued through the aquarium, exploring jellyfish exhibits and Arctic marine life. Even the aquarium’s restrooms were noteworthy, with creative designs that kept the immersive experience going. The gift shop was our final stop, where my kids eagerly picked out whale shark plushies as souvenirs.

In the afternoon, after a brief rest at our hotel, my husband and I decided to visit Osaka Castle. This was our only outing without the kids, who needed some downtime since this was definitely a go-go-go trip to Japan.

The walk there was a delightful mix of modern cityscape and historical architecture. We couldn’t resist stopping for a quick snack, which made me feel like Chihiro from “Spirited Away.” There is a huge contrast between the traditional stone walls and moats of the castle against the backdrop of modern Osaka.

Exploring the castle was a journey through time, with each level offering insights into its rich history. Artifacts like letters, armor, and swords brought the past to life, and the intricate design and craftsmanship of the castle were awe-inspiring. The panoramic view from the top was the perfect end to our visit, offering a serene moment of reflection as we looked out over the lush greenery and urban landscape of Osaka.

Before heading back to our hotel, we explored a nearby building filled with shops and eateries, where I tried an adventurous dish: beef and mashed potatoes i

n an ice cream cone. While it wasn’t quite what I expected, it was a fun experiment to cap off an unforgettable day.

Our day in Osaka was a whirlwind of discovery, blending the beauty of marine life with the rich history of Japan. It’s a city that left a lasting impression, and I highly recommend making time to explore it if you ever find yourself in Japan.

Also if you want to see me eating a mashed potato ice cream cone, that at the end of the youtube video!

Of course, if you want to see more, there is nothing like video! Watch my Design Around the World adventure here

XOXO,

Carina

Design Around the World: Ghibli Park in Nagoya, Japan

August 19, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team

If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli’s enchanting films like my family is, you need to check out Ghibli Park in Nagoya, Japan! We had loads of fun here on our Japan trip.

Ghibli Park offered us a magical experience through the beautiful designs and art that filled the place. The park is divided into several themed areas that are unique and so much fun. It highlighted the amazing animated films that make Studio Ghibli so historic and popular.

The park did a great job at showing the historical background of the filmmaking, context, and behind the scenes of films. There was a fabulous area my family went through with film posters, food, and interactive areas.

Some of our favorite spots we went to had characters you could pose next to for movies like Spirited Away (the first film my family watched and made us fall in love with these films), My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, The Boy And the Heron, and others! This photo is from the Ponyo themed area:

Around every corner there were great examples of the films and surroundings that were so detailed. Some of my favorite designs that I noticed here were the wallpapers! The bathroom wallpapers were stunning, and I had to grab a few shots of them as I observed.

We ended our time in the Grand Warehouse in the gift shop where you could find incredibly cute stuffed animals, games, and other lovely things. It was a long and fun day! If you haven’t watched any of Studio Ghibli’s films, I highly recommend giving them a shot!

To get a more detailed description and visual experience of Ghibli Park, watch the YouTube video of this adventure by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/@carinagardner/videos

Design Around the World: Kyoto Japan Tour

August 12, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team

My family and I booked a tour through Kyoto Japan to most efficiently see everything in the time we had there! It was incredibly beautiful to see the temples, nature, and other parts of this city.

The tour we went on took us to four different places: Fushimi Inari Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and Arashiyama.

There were plenty of food and shopping stands at our first stop before getting to the grounds of the Fushimi Inari Temple. We saw the famous shrine of the Kami Inari, the deity of good harvests and business success. This is one of the most popular images of Japan.

We were obsessed with all of the tiny details in these places. The temples and shrines are beautifully designed and decorated, along with the gates leading up to them! Seeing design in a Japanese culture in real life was so amazing to me.

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple was next, and our favorite part was probably the Otowa waterfall. We got to drink the water of this waterfall as it is sterilized by UV light. It’s supposed to have healing qualities and attract good fortune!

At the Kinkakuji Temple, we were blown away by how beautiful and golden it was! It is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks and is also known as the Golden Pavilion. The top two floors are covered in gold leaf, which was incredibly designed, not only looking beautiful, but having meaning behind it to represent purity.

Our final stop was at Arashiyama. This is a bamboo grove and forest that was stunning! I noticed a lot of great signs and detailed patterns of many buildings as we walked into the park. The bamboo stalks get up to 30 meters tall, and it was breathtaking to see in person.

If you want to watch the YouTube video of our Kyoto tour, click here It was such a beautiful part of the Japan trip my family did!

Design Around the World: Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Tokyo, Japan!

August 5, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team

My family are huge Harry Potter fans, and so we had to take a tour of the Warner Bro’s Studio on our Japan trip! It was so worth it, and so cool to see the inside scoop of how they filmed the Harry Potter movies.

I was so impressed with the designs found all over this place. As soon as you walked onto the property, there were beautiful sculptures. I noticed paper cut out designs, wallpapers, incredible architecture matching the movies, the clothing of the actors, and other details that went into creating the Harry Potter world.

The experience itself was incredible as you toured through this place. The work and details that went into creating all of this does not go unnoticed. Throughout the tour, there were short films you watch in different rooms to make you feel like you are in the Harry Potter world. It was so impressive.

After the Forbidden Forest, there was an outdoor area with exhibits and a cafe. We had some butter beer, pot pie, and a huge dessert. Again, so many small details everywhere!

My favorite part about the tour was probably the graphic design elements that I was able to see. They were some of the most inspiring that I’ve seen. Towards the end of the tour, there was a spot with all the graphic designs of the logos, plaques, posters, wooden signs, and great typography.

If you’re ever thinking about going to one of the Harry Potter Studios, go! They have one in Orlando, Hollywood, and Beijing as well!

If you want to watch my YouTube video on this experience, you can click the link here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyhOZJgC4JM

Design Around the World: Tokyo City with Carina

July 26, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team

After the day my family and I spent at DisneySea, we headed into the city to check it out and I loved it. Here are a few highlights!

We stayed at the Tokyo Station Hotel. It was established in 1915, showing Japan’s rich cultural heritage. The artwork and architecture was beautiful!

Our first day in the city was spent doing a lot of walking. I was blown away by how clean this city is! It was also relatively quiet considering how big of a city it is. The futuristic vibe is so interesting and fun. I saw so many things that caught my designer eye like photographs, uniform arches, and big signs (that I can’t read of course).

We went to a lot of shops that were themed for Anime, Pokemon, Japanese pop culture, Hello Kitty, Sylvanian families (Calico Critters), and others! We got a lot of souvenirs. The designs in these places were so inspiring.

At one of the stores, there was a section of Studio Ghibli stuff, which my family is a big fan of. There were these paper theater products you could purchase, and make crafts of characters from these animated movies. Seems like a fun Glowforge, Silhouette, or Cricut project!

After stopping for some food at some stands and a cat cafe, we went to the Senso-ji Temple! I understand now why this place is so famous for getting so many tourists. This is Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. The signs and symbols were stunning, as well as the giant lanterns! One of the things I loved most about this place was the signage and images with clean shapes and lines. Truly a magical place for a designer!

Lastly, I wanted to highlight the Imperial Gardens. It felt like Central Park in New York City. Although you can’t go into the Imperial Palace except on certain events of the year, we walked these grounds and enjoyed the lush scenery. I enjoyed this incredible city so much.

If you’ve ever been to Tokyo, let me know what your favorite sites were! Also be sure to visit my YouTube channel for the video of this stop on our trip at https://www.youtube.com/@carinagardner

Design Around the World: Universal Studios and DisneySea in Tokyo, Japan!

July 17, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team

Back in June, my family and I went to Japan! We went to so many fun destinations, but I wanted to highlight our time in Tokyo DisneySea and Universal Studios in Osaka in this blog post.

First DisneySea! It was our first full day in Japan. Tokyo DisneySea is divided into seven themed areas, known as “ports of call,” each offering a distinct experience and atmosphere including the

Mediterranean Harbor which was Italian themed.
American Waterfront which is early 20th century New York and New England.
Lost River Delta which is of the Ancient Central American ruins.
Port Discovery which is a futuristic marina.
Mermaid Lagoon which is an underwater kingdom from the little mermaid.
Arabian Coast which is Arabian nights.
Mysterious Island which is Jules Verne-inspired.

Waiting in all the lines gave me plenty of time to take inspiration for my creative ideas. The park was filled with visuals and scenes that were interesting and fun to look at. One of the best places to get inspiration as a designer is by going into the shops!

As for Universal Studios in Osaka, this was the last stop on our trip. I noticed so many different signs, symbols, ambiance, and use of general design principles here.

I love the bold font that they generally use for the Universal Studios logo. If you have a big enough audience and people know who you are, your branding can be more attentive and less restrictive!

We visited Nintendo world, Hero Academia, Harry Potter, Sesame Street, and Hello Kitty themed lands in the park! All of them had a variety of different designs and sights to see. We loved the rides and interactive stuff we could do at each spot.

My family and I would highly recommend going to both of these places in Japan! It was eye-opening as a designer to be in this part of the world. If you want to watch the YouTube videos for both of these places, visit my Youtube channel!

Ever wanted to be a surface pattern designer? Learn more at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

Introducing the University of Arts & Design

July 12, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team

I am so excited to announce the University of Arts & Design Business! This has been quite the undertaking and we are SO excited to start in enrollment in August for our Fall Semester.

Why a University?

As many of you know, we have a program called Design Suite. This professional development program teaches budding artists and designers how to create profitable businesses. Over the last three years, the course load in this program has grown to over 17 courses and includes replays of virtual conferences, workshops, weekly meetings, and bonus courses.

The insights we have gained from working with creatives daily and understanding what it takes for any designer or artist to get sales have been invaluable.

The Evolution of Design Suite

Design Suite has been a transformative platform for our designers. The program’s growth reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive education that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in the art and design industry.

Based on my own experiences as a designer for the last 16 years, I have seen new artists and designers find their creative strength and learn to create businesses that really work. From foundational courses on design principles to advanced workshops on business strategies, Design Suite holistic approach has helped creatives find their own markets to sell in including die cutting files, surface pattern design, printables, planners, stickers, clipart, laser files, and so much more.

Bridging the Gap: From Program to University

Given the success and expansion of Design Suite, the natural next step was to establish a university. At the beginning of 2024, I started revising and retaping the current coursework in Design Suite into semester long courses. I started adding more definitive final projects and quizzes to these courses.

This up-leveling process was to help our current (and lifetime course members) continue to improve and hone their design skills. As we see our students become better critical thinkings, develop their business skills, and develop their artwork, it became clear that what we were doing was a game changer.

This decision to create a university wasn’t made lightly. We recognized a growing need for a more structured, in-depth educational experience that could offer not just courses, but a full-fledged degree. By transitioning to a university format, we can provide a more rigorous and recognized pathway for creatives to achieve their professional goals.

What to Expect from Our University

Our university will build on the foundation laid by Design Suite. Students can expect a curriculum that integrates design and business education seamlessly. Courses will cover a wide range of topics, including advanced design techniques, marketing strategies, product development, and business management. The goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the competitive world of art and design.

Starting Fall 2024, we are offering a Master of Arts in Design Business with 2 areas of Emphasis—Digital Technology and Visual Arts. We are also offering Undergraduate Certificate Programs. Both of these programs include 36 credit hours, which we recommend being done in 4 semesters.

Design Suite is NOT going away. If anything, we have seen the membership grow as we have made strides to build the University. We believe that the University appeals to those who are interested in a degree or certificate to continue to build their resume, seek higher education, or want a structured method of learning how to run a design business.

Community and Flexibility

One of the core strengths of Design Suite has been its vibrant community. As we transition to a university, we aim to foster an even stronger sense of community among our students. To achieve this, we have designed a balanced mix of meetings and flexible online courses.

Some courses will meet a few times during the semester, while others will have no scheduled meetings. This approach allows our busy students to benefit from ample opportunities to learn from classmates and build valuable professional connections while maintaining the flexibility necessary to balance work and family life.

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it brings. By establishing a university, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting creatives at every stage of their careers. We believe that with the right education and resources, our students can achieve remarkable success and make a significant impact in the art and design world.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop our programs and prepare for the launch of our university. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm for Design Suite and our future university. Together, we are creating a brighter future for creatives everywhere.

To learn more about the University of Arts & Design Business, please visit www.uadb.education

Looking forward to designing with you!

Carina

Design Around the World – Rijksmuseum

July 10, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team

The Rijksmuseum of Amsterdam lived up to why it’s so famous, and I wanted to share some highlights here on the blog about it!

In my YouTube video that I made for this stop on my trip, I mostly highlighted the paintings I really loved or found interesting. Some of my favorites included the Van Gogh self portrait, a colorful shop window by Isaac Israels, a portrait by Therese Schwarz, the forest scene by Koekkoek, and many more.

The art-historical library in the Rijksmuseum is the largest library in the Netherlands, and I got to go and see this as well! This is a working library and there were people actually down in the bottom working which was so cool to me. I loved its brink-red and gold polychrome cast-iron colonettes. The walls are decorated with painted foliage. It was mesmerizing as a designer to see!

There was also this oversized dollhouse that I wanted to highlight since I showed a lot of it in my YouTube video and on Instagram! The details of this dollhouse were breathtaking and so fun to analyze.

The dollhouse had moldings on the walls and ceilings, the tiny furniture and all the beautiful little pieces like cushions, paintings, ruffles, and murals. There was dishware and tile. Every room was so brilliantly created.

The cherry on top from that day was meeting up with one of my Design Suite members who happened to be in Amsterdam that day as well. Check out my Instagram or YouTube to see more photos and videos of the Rijksmuseum! I loved my time there so much.

Design Around the World | Markets in Amsterdam

July 3, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team

Join Carina in her latest Design Around the World video Exploring Amsterdam’s Unique Markets: A Journey Through Flea Markets, Flower Markets, and Art Festivals

Amsterdam is a city renowned for its picturesque canals, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. In Carina’s latest Design Around the World video, she took a delightful walk through some of the city’s most iconic markets, discovering hidden gems and unique finds along the way. Here’s a quick look at her adventure, highlighting the flea market at Waterlooplein, the famous Bloemenmarkt flower market, and the art and design market at Westergas.

Waterlooplein Flea Market

Her journey began with a leisurely walk to the Waterlooplein flea market, one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most historic markets. Established in 1885, this market has evolved from its origins as a Jewish market into a bustling multicultural hub. Situated near significant landmarks such as the Rembrandt House Museum and the Stopera (city hall and opera house), the market boasts around 300 stalls offering a diverse range of goods. From vintage clothing and antiques to books, jewelry, records, and quirky collectibles, Waterlooplein is a treasure trove for bargain hunters and collectors. Whether you’re seeking one-of-a-kind pieces or simply looking for a fun day out, this market has something for everyone. During her visit, Carina picked up a charming watch for her daughter and an old tin with a motif that inspired her.

*Tip: Bring a jacket, as the wind can be chilly.

Bloemenmarkt: The Flower Market

Next, Carina went to the enchanting Bloemenmarkt, also known as the flower market. Dating back to 1862, this market is renowned for its vast selection of tulips, including bulbs, fresh flowers, and tulip-related souvenirs. The vibrant and colorful stalls offer a delightful shopping experience for flower enthusiasts and tourists alike. Beyond tulips, the market features a variety of other flowers and plants, catering to all tastes and seasons. Visitors can purchase seeds, vases, and other memorabilia, making it a fragrant and visually stunning spot to explore. This market quickly became one of Carina’s favorite places in Amsterdam due to its lively atmosphere and beautiful displays.

*Tip: Ensure tulip bulbs are certified for export to avoid customs issues.

Westergas Market

Carina’s final stop was the Westergas market, an art, design, and fashion market located in a lovely park. Although she arrived too early to see all the vendors; the market is known for its housewares, ceramics, fashion, vintage items, jewelry, accessories, illustrations, and affordable art. The market also features lovely organic food and drinks at the indoor and outdoor cafes, creative workshops, and live music.

Amsterdam’s markets are a delightful blend of history, culture, and vibrant local life. Whether you’re a collector, a design lover, or just looking for a fun day out, these markets have something for everyone. Check out the full video on Carina’s channel for more inspiration and details!

If you enjoyed this post and video, don’t forget to subscribe for more design adventures around the world. Happy exploring!

Design Around the World: Amsterdam City Highlights

July 1, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team

I wanted to feature a few more things that I loved in the city of Amsterdam on my recent trip there. I went with my friends Nikki and Natalie who also own companies, and it was such a great getaway. Be sure to read my other blog posts about the trip, and watch my Design Around the World videos on YouTube!

The city of Amsterdam is a global hub for creativity and innovation. It’s filled with iconic architecture, art, and urban planning. There is an old world charm and contemporary flare that sets it apart from the rest of the world.

I stayed in Hotel Nobleman. Each room was themed. Mine had dark walls, camel colored leather, a copper bathtub, gold detailing everywhere, and mini stroopwafels left for me every day! I highly recommend staying there, it was so much fun. The design features of this hotel had to be some of my all time favorites from the trip.

Everywhere you go in Amsterdam, there are bikes, reflecting the historic city’s commitment to environmental stewardship, which I loved. I learned there are more bikes than people in The Netherlands which is so interesting!

Overall, the city itself was so amazing. I know why it’s so famous now! I was filled with new design inspirations by coming to see this part of the world. Stay tuned for my blog post about the Rijksmuseum coming up!

Ever wanted to be a surface pattern designer? Learn more at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

Design Around the World: Amsterdam Tulip Highlights!

June 21, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team

What would a trip to The Netherlands be without seeing the tulips? I absolutely loved going to this famous site in Europe. Here are some highlights of how it went!

The Keukenhof Gardens are about a 45 minute drive from Amsterdam, and during that drive I was able to take a look at some design elements in the signs, architecture, and colors all around. We passed some really cool buildings that amazed me.

As soon as we got to the gardens, this amazing entryway greeted us. It was much more modern than the other architecture I had seen in the city.

The garden itself is known as the “Garden of Europe” and is one of the most visited attractions in The Netherlands. We went during the last week of the season, but still got to see some beautiful tulips. There are also hedges, other flowers, and food attractions at the gardens!

We went inside a cafe due to rain, and I got to see some eye-catching fonts and designs for bathrooms, food, light fixtures, and others. We also got to look at the famous flower shows in pavilions all throughout the gardens, showing arrangements and designs to inspire people for their own gardens and designs.

Another highlight was that we got to go during the 75th anniversary of the gardens! There was a sign entirely made out of tulips that was very impressive. A pavilion we went inside had more clothing, logos, and historic facts for the 75th anniversary as well.

After the Keukenhof Gardens, we went over to see some historic windmills, a clog making store, and other historic buildings. The preserved windmills and architecture were fascinating to me. Learning and seeing why this country is so popular was a great experience! If you are able to, you will not regret going to The Netherlands!

Ever wanted to be a surface pattern designer? Learn more at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

Design Around the World: San Antonio Riverwalk Highlights

June 14, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team

Hello all! I recently visited the San Antonio Riverwalk and wanted to give a rundown of what I thought as I explored there. Be sure to watch the YouTube video I made of my experience as well! The YouTube link is at the bottom.

I stayed at the Omni La Mansion Del Rio hotel. Walking out of the back door of the hotel takes you straight to the Riverwalk. I highly recommend staying there!

As soon as I walked out to the Riverwalk, I noticed the patterns, colors, symbols, and signs all around me. With the Hispanic background that this place has, it truly is such a great example of design and culture intermixing.

The architecture was a mix of old and new which was really interesting to me. It told the story that this historic place continues to live on while becoming slightly modernized as time goes on. There is old stone wall and new cement wall right next to each other, along with young palm trees and mature cypress trees.

The signage was also fun to analyze, especially through a designer’s eyes! There are individual designs for each sign, which I saw a lot of on the Riverwalk. Each sign portrays a different connotation!

Cutouts of symbols that were on the boats floating along the river were so beautiful. I didn’t have time to ride the boats, but the designs were so well fit with the Hispanic culture. Symbols are such an important element in design!

I loved my time in San Antonio! Be sure to watch this Design Around the World Youtube video to see more about the Riverwalk! YouTube video

Carina’s Trip to the Greek Islands: A Review of Rhodes, Lipsi, Kos, and Santorini

May 27, 2024 by Carina Gardner Team

I’m trying to get better at updating you on some of the fun things in my life, and this post has been long overdue. You should see more posts and videos from me that inspire my creativity, in the hopes that it inspires you too!

Last August (2023), I took a trip with my husband and two of my kids (my third was taking summer classes and did not come) to the Greek Islands. My brother-in-law is from the small island of Lipsi, and we wanted to meet his family as well as attend his sister’s Greek wedding.

The overall trip took about two weeks, and we visited the following islands: Rhodes, Lipsi, Kos, and Santorini. We also spent a short amount of time in London. It was our European stop before getting to the Mediterranean.

If you’ve ever thought about going to the Greek Islands, here are a few highlights of the trip that will hopefully help you plan something really fabulous. As stated, this was a family trip and therefore had to be kid-friendly. We had a teenager in high school and a 5th grader. My sister-in-law, who met us in Lipsi, traveled with their three girls who were all under the age of 6. She definitely had a harder time than me traveling since her children were younger than mine.

But I digress.

Rhodes

First of all, every island we visited was so different and so beautiful. We were on Rhodes while the forest fires were burning. However, we had booked a hotel on the other side of the island before we even knew the fires were happening.

Rhodes was a magical place to kick off our tour of some of the Greek Islands. The first thing we did when we arrived was head down to the hotel’s beach while the sun was setting. After 24 hours of traveling, this moment on the beach made the lengthy flights worth it!

There is something amazing about breathing deeply at sunset with people you love on a beach.

Favorite things on Rhodes:

Valley of the Butterflies: This was amazing! You are in a grove of trees and walk a path with water while thousands of butterflies perch in the cool shadows of the trees. None of my pictures did this amazing phenomenon justice.
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes: The flooring rockwork was my favorite here. Talk about quilt pattern inspiration!
The Town of Lindos: We had a great time wandering the alleyways one evening in the little town of Lindos. We originally went to see the bay where supposedly St. Paul came in when he visited Rhodes. The town is a mix of small alleyways full of dessert and dinner spots. My kids enjoyed the knick-knacks and trinkets around every corner.
The Beaches: There are really a lot of great beaches but noticeably at the resort we stayed at. We stayed at the Apollo Hotel which had a lovely beach and pool area. My kids also loved the buffet-style breakfast every morning.

Lipsi

I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Lipsi. We got there by ferry and were greeted by my three nieces. There is nothing like seeing family in a totally different country on the other side of the world.

Meeting everyone in this town was so fun. We had the best beach day with my sister and brother-in-law. Finally, being able to experience a Greek wedding was incredible!!! If you have a chance to ever do this, I cannot recommend it enough. It was everything you think it is supposed to be. When Josh went to grab some breakfast at 8 a.m. in the morning, the wedding was still going on (we gave up at 2 a.m.).

Kos

We were in Kos more as a passing through than anything else. You have to fly to Athens to get to Santorini but there are no airports on Lipsi. So we took a ferry from Lipsi to Kos. From Kos, we flew to Athens and then Santorini.

At Kos, we hit up the Tree of Hippocrates and then spent the day at the Lido Waterpark I think the most embarrassing moment of my life happened at that waterpark (No, I’m not going to tell the story but you can imagine it. Just think “loose swimsuit” and “fast slide.”).

Santorini

My kids said that this was their favorite island for just hanging out. We stayed on the west side of the island on the cliffs in one of those famous cave hotels with its own hot tub. There are many of these spots and many are called “apartments” not hotels.

There were no beaches close by, so Santorini was more about eating out, shopping, and planned activities. I used Get Your Guide for most of my bookings the following:

Here are the direct links for what we did:

Horseback Riding

Catamaran Cruise

While on Santorini, I also did one of those Flying Dress photoshoots. I was hoping it would work for the Make Art That Sells book cover, but I ended up not using them. I’m still glad I did the shoot because it was a fun experience.

If you have been thinking of doing a family trip to the Greek Islands, make sure and add a few days of downtime into your trip. It also took us 3 days to not take naps during the day (jetlag with kids took a lot longer to combat than I thought).

Even though we had activities planned, we also prioritized shopping, eating, hanging out, and going to the beach. Sometimes on vacations I like to plan a lot of activities to make sure we see and do everything on our bucket list, but this is one of those vacations where the scenic route is nice. We went slow. We had a luxuriously easygoing breakfast most mornings. We took naps.

Basically, I rested. Because I did that, I came back from this trip ready to get back to designing and creating!

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