Off to Gran Canaria!

The Canary Islands are a quick 2:30 hour hop from most places in Spain. Situated off the coast of Morocco, the islands are a wonderland of volcanic hiking and beach fun with really interesting landscapes, super reasonable accommodations, and some of the nicest people you'll ever meet.

Why did I choose this? Well...I had 4 days before meeting my husband in Italy and needed a little solo time (I used to do a lot of solo travel and really miss a bit here and there), and I didn't have enough time to go to my initial thought (Marrakech and surrounds), so on a quick spin of the globe, this is where I landed. No really, I had no prior knowledge

of the islands at all.

Tips: rent a car. It is cheap ($30 a day) and makes the island so easily accessible. I went with Hertz because it is associated with my credit card. Pack your water for day trips to the inner island...towns are few and far between. Hotel, I am 100% in love with the place I stayed, the Santa Catalina. For less than $200 a night you have 5* luxury surroundings and service in a really convenient area.

When I landed, I picked up the tiny little Fiat and made my way to Las Palmas...at rush hour. It actually wasn't super horrible comparing it to other European driving experiences. On check-in I made a reservation at their 2* Michelin restaurant, Poemas because I was feeling fancy. I will not ruin all of the surprises this tasting experience held, but it was just outstanding, seafood heavy, local wines, and stellar service. The best news, however, is that a 14 course tasting with wine was only $130...in terms of Michelin experiences, this is a hidden masterpiece.

I ended the evening on the terrace with a live pianist and planning the next few days.