Influencer Wendy Barker found a new perspective on Santorini, a destination she had visited multiple times, after shifting from DIY planning to consulting a high street travel agent. This change led her and her husband, Darren, to explore quieter areas of the island, discovering local tavernas, traditional villages, and secluded beaches away from the typical tourist crowds.
For their 27th wedding anniversary, the couple stayed in an adults-only hotel in Perissa, a village on the island's southeastern coast. Perissa, known for its Black Sand Beach and relaxed waterfront, offered a more authentic experience compared to the bustling resort of Kamari. Barker noted a shift in her travel habits over the years, from family-focused trips in Florida to European and package holidays, emphasizing travel's role in spending time together.
Following advice from travel agents at a local TUI store in Brighton, Barker and her husband explored villages like Megalochori and Akrotiri by bicycle. Megalochori's narrow alleys and traditional cave houses offered a contrast to Fira's crowded terraces, while Akrotiri provided a peaceful atmosphere with its whitewashed buildings. A cycling trip to the 19th-century Akrotiri Lighthouse, a spot Barker admitted she likely would not have found on her own, became a highlight of their trip.
Dining experiences also proved revelatory. Restaurants such as Metaxi Mas, situated in the hills above Kamari, and The Cave of Nikolas, offering sea views, provided authentic meals at a fraction of the cost of more polished establishments. Barker described the experience at Metaxi Mas as "unforgettable," praising its view, atmosphere, and food, with a full dinner for two costing between €60 and €80, including wine. At The Cave of Nikolas, simple, fresh seafood and Greek salads were enjoyed for around €3.
A sunset prosecco cruise along Santorini's volcanic cliffs was another experience curated by the travel agent. Barker stated that while Instagram can be inspiring, it doesn't reveal the full picture of a destination, and this approach felt like discovering a "different Santorini."
Retail advisor Jo, who assisted with the Barkers' holiday planning, explained that many travelers only experience one facet of popular destinations like Santorini. She highlighted how travel agents can provide insights from personal travel and customer feedback to guide clients toward unique and often overlooked experiences. This, she noted, often makes the most significant difference in a trip, transforming a familiar destination into something new.
Barker concluded that the travel agent's recommendations significantly enhanced their trip, leading them to discover places beyond the typical Instagrammable spots and creating a more fulfilling holiday than they might have planned themselves.