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Vacation to Greece

Greece & Beyond — The Trip of a Lifetime

Experience the magic of Greece through the eyes of fitness model and lifestyle creator Heidi Cannon as she explores Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and beyond. From breathtaking ancient ruins to unforgettable Mediterranean food, this travel diary captures the beauty, lessons, and laughter of an 18-day European adventure. Perfect for anyone dreaming of their next wellness-inspired getaway.

Hello friends — and a big warm welcome to anyone new who’s stumbled across this corner of the internet. I’m Heidi Cannon, and I’m so excited to share one of the most unforgettable adventures of my life.

We just spent 18 incredible days traveling throughout Europe, with a main focus on Greece (Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens), as well as a few breathtaking stops in Bodrum (Turkey), Montenegro, and Croatia.

This was the first time my husband and I traveled internationally together outside North America, and to be totally honest, I almost had a panic attack on the plane. It had been years since I’d taken a 12+ hour flight, and somewhere midair, I realized I might have a touch of claustrophobia (thanks, Dad ). But we made it — and I’m so grateful we did.

A Perspective Shift

This trip was one of the most eye-opening and soul-recharging experiences I’ve had since living in Australia years ago.

It reminded me just how different life can feel outside North America. Over there, people walk more, talk longer, and eat slower. Life isn’t about rushing — it’s about connection and presence. It was such a refreshing reminder that happiness isn’t found in bigger homes or faster schedules, but in the moments that make you stop and breathe it all in.

And the food… wow. From the fresh Mediterranean fish to the endless Greek salads, everything was simple yet so flavorful. Fun fact — authentic Greek feta is made from goat cheese, which gives it that rich, creamy texture. They don’t hold back on the cheese either, and honestly, I wasn’t mad about it.

Walking Through History

One of the most surreal moments of the trip was standing inside the Parthenon in Athens — a structure over 3,000 years old. Being surrounded by that much history was beyond humbling. Since coming home (it’s been less than a week!), I’ve turned into a bit of a history nerd. I actually plan on spending time at the library diving deeper into ancient civilizations — something I never thought I’d say considering how little attention I paid in history class back in the day.

Cruising the Mediterranean

We traveled between destinations aboard Virgin Voyages, an adults-only cruise line that completely exceeded expectations. The food was incredible (yes, I gained six pounds — totally worth it ), and the ports were longer than most other cruise lines, which meant more time to explore without feeling rushed.

Highlights from the Journey

If I had to choose one standout destination, Croatia would be near the top. The people were so warm and welcoming, and I couldn’t believe it when locals told us there’s virtually no crime. No homelessness, no theft — just a strong sense of community. We spent one day kayaking through Croatia’s coastal caves, and it felt straight out of a movie.

Mykonos was another dream come true. I finally got to do a belly-dance photoshoot in my costume with the Mediterranean Sea as my backdrop — something that had been on my vision board for years.

Then there was Santorini, which honestly looked like it had been painted by the gods. Every view was postcard-perfect, with whitewashed buildings cascading down cliffs overlooking the bluest water imaginable.

But… we definitely earned our dinner that night! Since the cable cars weren’t running, we had to walk down 600 steep stairs to reach the port. Locals offered donkey rides, but I couldn’t bring myself to accept — the animals didn’t seem treated as kindly as they should be, and it didn’t sit right with me. So, we opted for the extra cardio instead — and let’s just say, my legs will never forget it!

Bodrum, Turkey was another gem. The mix of culture, coastal beauty, and lively markets was fascinating — though I couldn’t stop laughing at how many designer “Prada” bags were floating around. Everyone had one!

Montenegro was stunning, but traffic was next-level. There’s literally one road in and out of the main port, so if you don’t time it right, you’re in for a long wait. Even still, the scenery made it worth every minute.

The Cats of Europe

Something that truly warmed my heart was how much love people across these regions have for cats. Locals leave food out for them everywhere — little bowls along streets and alleyways — because the cats help keep the rodent population under control. It’s such a beautiful example of coexistence and care. Honestly, I wish we did that at home. I’d totally bring my cats to restaurants if I could!

Packing, Food & Final Thoughts

So, how did I manage to pack for nearly three weeks in Europe? Organization! I pre-planned every outfit, labeled each day’s look in travel bags, and stuck to my schedule. (If the weather hadn’t cooperated, I would’ve been in trouble — but luckily it was perfect.)

I even brought a few of my WBFF gowns, which felt so special to wear again. Let’s be honest — it’s not every day you get to wear a full gown anymore!

And if you ever make it to Athens, please don’t skip the food tour. It was one of the best culinary experiences I’ve ever had. Message me and I’ll send you the guide’s info — but be warned: you won’t need to eat for a week afterward.

This trip was originally planned five years ago, but like many dreams, it was put on hold when the world shut down. We finally made it happen this year for my best friend’s birthday, and it was worth every moment of waiting.

There wasn’t a single bad day — just sunshine, history, laughter, and the kind of memories that change your perspective forever.

I’d especially like to give a huge shout out to our tour guide who happens to be my besites husband Jwan for putting together such an incredible trip for us ! He really knows his stuff when it comes to picking the best tours and locations to explore!! (he’s in the pics below)

Until the next adventure,

Our incredible Ship https://www.virginvoyages.com/