Where Lonely Planet staffers traveled in July

17.07.2024 - 11:29 / lonelyplanet.com / Sasha Brady

Jul 16, 2024 • 5 min read

I am desperate for a vacation. I spend my lunch break searching up last-minute sun holidays and immersing myself in Lonely Planet articles on dreamy beaches, cool city breaks, epic festival experiences and places that offer incredibly tasty things to eat.

I'm more desperate than usual, mainly because summer has eluded me so far. I live in Ireland, and this part of Europe is enduring unseasonably dreary weather. I'm talking endless gray skies, persistent drizzle, and temperatures hovering around a chilly 18°C/64°F daily. I need to feel the sun so I'm considering a little trip in September. Maybe something like this? I've also been inspired by my teammates, who have been exploring some really colorful places in all sorts of climates recently.

Let's see what they've been up to in July—maybe you'll find some inspo in here too.

- Sasha Brady, Digital Editor

Ru Ogata, Visual Designer

I explored southern Italy with my husband Tosh, taking the train to three fantastic, yet very different places. We spent the first few days indulging in the sweet and savory delights of Naples and soaking in the city’s friendly, energetic vibes. I was surprised to find myself as excited by the sweet pastries, like sfogliatelle (flaky pastry with ricotta and cream filling), as I was by my primary reason for traveling to Naples — pizza.

Next, we traveled by train to the small town of Parghelia in Calabria, a highlight of my trip. My accommodation, run by the incredible host Gianni, featured private access to a stunning beach with free sun loungers and parasols. Gianni grows herbs, including the most amazing basil I've ever tasted, that guests are free to use when cooking. The town itself was small and intimate, with a surprising number of restaurant options despite not being touristy.

Finally, we visited the more touristy seaside town of Tropea, where I enjoyed some of the most delicious food of my trip. Highlights included a gelato dessert called tartufo at Caffè del Corso and lobster linguine at Il Marchese restaurant.

Tip: When visiting Parghelia, watch the sunrise with a spritz while lying in a hammock at the casual hilltop bar Pousada Café.

Max Felderman, Sales & Marketing Manager

I had a fantastic long weekend in New Orleans, staying at the historic Hotel Monteleone, one of the oldest family-owned hotels in the United States. I started with a swim in the rooftop pool and a famous Fleur de Lis cocktail before heading to the Garden District. There, I got a great haul at NOLA Mix Records, bought books from the Garden District Book Shop, and enjoyed excellent coffee at Whatever Coffee. Dinner and cocktails at Sylvain in the French Quarter capped off the day. 

The next day, with French Truck Coffee in hand,