Hi travelers!

We know summer is the perfect opportunity to take a quick pause on everyday life, and go off to a traveling adventure (maybe cross off that bucket list travel destinations?). Whether you choose to do a road-trip or to change time zones, let’s face it - the planning process could be a little daunting. And with so many beautiful backdrops around the world, even just choosing the right city is hard!

There is a ton of information out there to help with your travel plans, but we know that the only way of getting the right travel insights is from the locals themselves. So, since we happen to have over 1,000 culture gurus across the world, we thought we would share with you a series that can help you plan (or decide) your upcoming trip.

Over the weeks, our series will feature the top visited destinations and, most importantly, tips from our photographers. Be sure to follow this series for your upcoming travels.

This week we’re going to start with Santorini, Greece.

Meet Shoot My Travel photographer Serafim, who we asked a few questions to get a feel for some key travel insights.
Check out what he has to say!

Who should visit?

Santorini is a destination that everyone can visit. It has facilities for all tastes and wallets but for sure is a place for lovers and romantic sunsets. Caldera sight is not the best place to go if you have kids due to height and too many steps. Older people might get the easier tired cause of this as well, but of course, they can always stay in other hotels close to the beach and the main city.

One thing to know before visiting?

Santorini has a lot of stone made pavements and steps, so I suggest especially for the ladies to have this in mind. Also, you shall have something to keep you warm when you go out at night except July & August.

If you were in Santorini for a day, what are the three must-dos?

Travelers I believe no matter what must visit Oia (its Ea in spelling - o&i in greek is e) in case they don't leave there and probably for the wine lovers must visit one of the many wineries of the island. For the end of the day, I suggest they pick a nice sunset spot in a restaurant (there are many) or see the amazing sunrise at Perissa seaside.

What’s your favorite hidden food spot and/or favorite dish to try?

Mediterranean cuisine and especially traditional Greek cuisine is easy to find almost everywhere in the island. You may try from greek souvlaki with tzatziki on the go-to gourmet tastes in restaurants. I find that in Akrotiri has some nice greek traditional taverna's that make fava, tomatokeftedes and greek salad with caper, feta, and olives. And personally, I have a really good friend he owns a restaurant (I can guarantee for him because I know he has very good and fresh food)

What is your favorite photo backdrop in the city?

As for photography, there is a shooting spot almost everywhere on this island. You just have to keep your eyes open. But the most stunning view is to the volcano.  

What are some travel hacks to help unlock a truly local experience?

Best way to see the most out of all from a traveler is to have a little luck and find a local who loves the job he/she is doing. In any case, Greeks are very friendly; you can receive suggestions then go back to the internet for more information and rating or simply discuss it with the receptionist.

P.S here are five additional Santorini facts to keep in mind:

• The currency is the Euro

• Best Time to Visit Santorini ranges from April to Early November

• Planning your Honeymoon? Best time is June and September

• There aren’t a lot of perfect fit hotels for large families so they should be reserved as early as possible!

• Interested in just sightseeing and photos? Then you don’t need the super hot weather. Try going in off-season months like late March, April, May, October

With photographers in over 250 cities around the world, our team has not only seen traveler adventures be captured, but stories are created with them! After all, a photo is more interesting when you also have a story to tell.  Remember to book a photo tour and get our local photographers share more of these tips and unlock the full travel experience!