Relaxation and Connection: Embracing the Essence of the Sun Fun You Mediterranean Voyage

As the sun dips below the horizon and the gentle sea breeze caresses your skin, immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the Sun Fun You Mediterranean Voyage. We embrace the opportunities for relaxation, connection, and rejuvenation amidst the stunning backdrop of Greece and Turkey.

Unwinding in Paradise: There's something truly magical about the coves of the Aegean and the Mediterranean – a sense of timelessness and serenity that invites you to slow down, unwind, and savor each moment. We invite you to embrace the laid-back pace of boating life as you relax and recharge in the company of like-minded travelers. Whether you're lounging on the deck of our gulet, soaking up the sun on a secluded beach, or simply enjoying the beauty of your surroundings, you'll find that relaxation comes naturally in this idyllic paradise.

Moments of Reflection and Contemplation: Traveling offers us a rare opportunity to step outside of our daily routines, disconnect from the distractions of modern life, and reconnect with ourselves on a deeper level. Whether you find solace in the quiet beauty of a sunrise over the sea or the peaceful tranquility of a moonlit night, our Voyages provide ample opportunities for moments of reflection, contemplation, and self-discovery. Take the time to listen to the rhythm of the waves, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, and let go of the stresses and worries that weigh you down – for here, amidst the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean, you'll find the space and serenity to reconnect with your true essence.

Creating Meaningful Connections: One of the most rewarding aspects of travel is the opportunity to forge deep and meaningful connections with our fellow human beings. On the Sun Fun You Mediterranean Voyage, you'll find yourself surrounded by a diverse group of travelers from around the world, all brought together by a shared love of adventure, exploration, and discovery. Whether you're swapping stories over a delicious meal, sharing laughter under the stars, or embarking on new adventures together, you'll find that the bonds formed on this journey are as enduring as the memories you create.

Embracing Nature: At Sun Fun You, we understand that true wellness encompasses more than just physical health – it's about nourishing your body, mind, and soul in harmony with the world around you. That's why we offer a variety of wellness activities and experiences designed to promote holistic well-being and inner balance. From playing in the sea to hikes in the coves our itineraries are designed to help you reconnect with yourself, find inner peace, and cultivate a sense of wholeness and vitality that extends far beyond the boundaries of your Voyage.

As you embark on this journey of relaxation, connection, and rejuvenation with us, we invite you to embrace the essence of Sun Fun You – a Voyage that transcends mere travel and becomes a transformational experience of the body, mind, and soul. Join us as we unwind, reconnect, and rediscover the joy of simply being in the present moment, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean.

A Culinary Odyssey: Savoring the Flavors of the Sun Fun You Mediterranean Voyage

We strive to make the food on the Voyages as amazing as the scenery.

Local Ingredients, Global Flavors: At Sun Fun You, we believe that food is not just sustenance – it's an expression of culture, history, and identity. That's why we're committed to showcasing the best of Greek and Turkish cuisine using locally sourced ingredients that capture the essence of each region. From ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs to succulent olives and artisanal cheeses, every dish is a celebration of the vibrant flavors and culinary traditions of the Mediterranean.

Family-Style Dining: One of the hallmarks of the Sun Fun You is our commitment to fostering a sense of community and connection through shared meals. Each day, guests gather around the table to enjoy delicious family-style feasts prepared with love and care by our talented onboard crew. From hearty stews and fresh seafood to mouthwatering pastries and sweet treats, our meals are designed to delight the senses and nourish the soul, creating moments of joy and camaraderie that last long after the last bite is savored.

Farm-to-Table Excellence: We believe in supporting local farmers, producers, and artisans who share our commitment to quality, sustainability, and authenticity. That's why we work closely with trusted suppliers and partners to source the freshest seasonal ingredients for our meals, ensuring that every dish is a true reflection of the region's bounty. Whether you're sampling the sun-ripened fruits of the Aegean or savoring the earthy flavors of Anatolian cuisine, you can taste the difference that comes from knowing where your food comes from and how it's made.

Augmenting the Dining Experience: On each Voyage we find opportunities to visit a couple of our favorite restaurants. We have built these relationships over the years, the the owners look forward to our annual visits.

Prepare to be enchanted by the flavors, aromas, and textures of the Mediterranean. From farm-fresh ingredients and family-style dining to culinary workshops and immersive food experiences, the Sun Fun You Mediterranean Voyage promises to awaken your senses and nourish your soul in ways you never imagined. Join us as we savor the essence of Greece and Turkey, one delicious bite at a time.

Guided by Experts: Unlocking the Secrets of the Sun Fun You Mediterranean Voyage

We have a very high staff to guest ratio on our Voyages. We strive to guide every step of your Voyage by expert hands. Surrounding our guests with a team dedicated to their safety and joy is the not-secret sauce of creating unforgettable adventures.

Navigating Ancient Wonders: One of the most captivating aspects of the Voyages is the opportunity to explore ancient wonders and historical sites with our professional guide. Ali leads us on hikes to historical ruins, and loves nothing more than a group who peppers him with questions along the way. With our knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the rich history and cultural significance of each destination, bringing the past to life in vivid detail. Traveling is not just about seeing the sights – it's also about learning and growing as a person. That's why our guided tours are designed to be both educational and enriching, providing opportunities for intellectual stimulation and personal growth. Whether you're participating in a guided discussion about ancient history, attending a cultural workshop on traditional crafts, or learning about the local flora and fauna on a nature hike, our expert guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and insights with you, enriching your journey in ways you never imagined.

Fitness and Wellness Expertise: Each Voyage also features a certified fitness instructors who is dedicated to helping you stay active, healthy, and balanced throughout your journey. From invigorating boot camps to relaxing stretch sessions, our fitness experts will inspire you to embrace the joys of movement and mindfulness, nourishing your body, mind, and soul along the way.

Crew Dedicated to Details: We also have a captain and crew who spends every waking hour thinking about our safety and happiness. They cook the family style feasts, serving and clearing while we relax and enjoy. They clean the cabins and the decks daily. They manage the harbor paperwork, drive the boat, manage the moorings. And, they refill cocktails, tutor backgammon and bait fishing hooks.

As you embark on this unforgettable journey with us, rest assured that you are in good hands with our team . From navigating ancient wonders to discovering hidden gems and fostering a culture of wellness, they are committed to ensuring that every moment of your Sun Fun You Mediterranean Voyage is filled with wonder, enlightenment, and inspiration. Join us as we unlock the secrets of this extraordinary adventure together.

Small Group, Big Adventures: Discovering the Intimacy of the Sun Fun You Mediterranean Voyage

Post-pandemic, the concept of a small group vacation has really taken off. It’s not a new idea to us: its the format Sun Fun You started with. When you join a Voyage, you are stepping into a world where adventure knows no bounds and camaraderie reigns supreme. Welcome to the Sun Fun You Mediterranean Voyage, where our small group approach transforms ordinary travel into extraordinary experiences. There are so many reasons traveling in a tight-knit group is so special.

Exploring the Mediterranean in Good Company: Obviously all of our guests are different. However, they share a few things in common by the fact they’ve opted into our Voyage. They love exploring the world. They are open minded. They have an adventurous spirit. They like active travel. Imagine wandering through the cobblestone streets of Rhodes or gazing out at the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, surrounded by a group of kindred spirits who share your passion for exploration. That's the magic of a Sun Fun You Mediterranean Voyage. Our guests get to connect with fellow adventurers, forging bonds that last long after the journey ends.

A Personalized Experience: Traveling in a small group allows us to offer a more personalized and immersive experience for our guests. Forget about being herded around like cattle or feeling lost in a crowd – on the Voyage, you're more than just a customer; you're part of a family. Our expert guide, fitness instructor, captain and crew are always on hand to answer questions, provide insights, and tailor the experience to suit the interests and preferences of our guests.

Sharing Moments, Making Memories: From sharing stories over a delicious meal to laughing together under the stars, some of the most memorable moments of the Voyages happen when our travelers come together as a group. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, feasting on local cuisine, or simply enjoying each other's company on deck, you'll find that the camaraderie of our small group travel enhances every aspect of the journey.

Creating Lifelong Friendships: One of the most beautiful aspects of traveling in a small group is the opportunity to form deep and meaningful connections with your fellow travelers. Whether you're bonding over shared experiences, supporting each other through challenges, or celebrating each other's victories, the friendships forged on our Voyages often extend far beyond the confines of the journey itself. In a world where true connection can sometimes feel elusive, our small group travel offers a refreshing reminder of the power of human connection.

On the Sun Fun You Mediterranean Voyages, the journey is just as important as the destination, and our small group approach ensures that every traveler has the opportunity to experience the magic of travel in a truly intimate and meaningful way. Join us on this unforgettable journey, where small groups lead to big adventures and lifelong friendships are waiting to be made.

Closing the Gender Gap, One Voyage at a Time

Hey Voyages! Here’s a wild stat – did you know that us fabulous women make a whopping 80% of the decisions when it comes to travel? We're the real MVPs, planning the adventures and making memories. But here's the kicker: even though we're the boss travel decision-makers, the travel industry's executive lineup is seriously lacking in girl bosses.

Only 20% of travel company managers are women, and less than 10% are rocking it as executives. And yet women make up over two-thirds of travelers and even over half of the travel employees.

Cue the applause for SunFunYou! Maybe I should add “Woman Powered” to the flags we fly on the gulet because not only are we woman-owned and run, but we also try to champion shops and restaurants with leading ladies at the helm. When women-led businesses like ours rock it, it's not just a win for us; it's a win for breaking down those barriers and inspiring more boss babes to kick-start their own enterprises.

So, massive thanks for supporting Sun Fun You! You're not just booking a trip; you're joining the movement to bridge the gender gap in the travel biz. Traveling with us isn't just about globetrotting; it's about doing good while you travel like the queen (or king) you are! 🌍💁‍♀️✈️ #GirlBossTravelTribe

Throttling my activities

Throughout the Voyages, we emphasize the mantra, "everything is optional." We take pride in offering a variety of activities, meals, hikes, and workouts, and we genuinely appreciate it when everyone gets involved. However, we equally respect and support guests who choose to opt out of certain activities.

Let me share a couple personal experiences from this summer. During the June Voyage, I found myself grappling with sun poisoning, an unpleasant consequence of excessive sun exposure resulting in painful, itchy red bumps. Our destination was Nisyros, where we planned to visit a volcano. Ali, our enthusiastic guide, proposed an additional hike from the volcano back to the boat. Despite having an active group keen on the extra hike, I made the conscious decision to opt out.

While I accompanied the group to the volcano and spent an enjoyable afternoon exploring the crater with the group, I chose to take the shuttle back to the boat instead of participating in the bonus hike. It wasn't an easy decision for me, as I genuinely relish the excitement of discovering new hikes with Ali. However, my body was signaling a clear need to escape the sun promptly, and I listened.

Fast forward to the September Voyages, and I found myself facing a different challenge— a fractured ankle from dog-related tumble in my backyard. Despite the injury, I managed to participate in most of the hikes by prioritizing ankle elevation and Mediterranean submersion afterward. I did, however, skip the workouts that involved lateral movements and/or stabilization.

So, when I emphasize that the Voyages can be as active as you choose, I speak from personal experience. We've had guests who embrace every hike, even throwing in hill repeats for good measure. Conversely, some guests opt to skip all the hikes and the workouts. Then there are those, like me, who gauge their activity level based on how they feel in the moment.

There's a profound metaphor for life woven into these experiences—something about embracing the nuances and shades of grey. In a world where everything is optional, the power to choose how actively we participate is a liberating and empowering aspect of the Voyages and, perhaps, a reflection of life itself.

The magic of dancing!

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to forget the simple joys that reside within us, waiting to be unleashed. One of these joys is dancing. The act of moving to the rhythm of your favorite music not only brings happiness and release but also allows you to be your true, authentic self.

Dancing is a universal language. It's an expression of emotion, a release of energy, and a celebration of life. Whether you've taken classes or simply like to sway to the music, there's something deeply therapeutic about moving your body in rhythm.

I have never once been told I’m a good dancer. Despite my many attempts at salsa lessons, I still get confused about the steps. And, I’m not the best at following someone else’s lead. So what? Once of the great things about dancing is that you don’t really need to follow any rules. All you need to do is move your body and you’re dancing. I can’t salsa, but I sure can shake my groove thang!

During the last Voyage of the season, I started dancing. With abandon. And it was amazing. Did you know dance has a remarkable ability to melt stress away? I’m not exaggerating: when you dance, your body releases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, which can lower stress levels and elevate your mood. It's like a mini-vacation for your mind and body.

And, it’s great exercise. I woke up sore after dancing for hours. Who needs formal exercise when you can get a full-body workout while laughing and chatting with friends?

I brought my new liberating dancing style home with me, and took it to my friend’s birthday party. I danced as though I was on the deck of the ship, not worried that a room full of strangers were witnessing my moves. It was so much fun, and I truly wasn’t the least bit self-conscious. Even better, my freedom was contagious and I had a great time goofing around with friends.

So, put on your favorite song, close your eyes, and let your body move to the rhythm. Dance like no one's watching, and in those moments, you'll discover the truest version of yourself, wild, free, and utterly authentic.

💃🕺🎶

My long lost love: Books

When I started this blog, one of the first themes that started to surface was that my love of travel and books was about equal, and they were both based on my desire to explore the world. Visiting new places, whether via pages or planes, was equally exciting and rewarding.

Somehow over the past few years, I virtually stopped reading books. I think it had to do with my migration from paper books to ebooks, and then the distraction factor of competing media once I open my phone.

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve recommitted to reading books, and it feels so good!

After a few years of barely reading, I’ve read a bunch of books over the past couple months. It started with Tara Westover’s memoir, which I had next to my bed for a couple of years. My dog eats books, and I rescued it from her clutches and stuck it in my purse on the way out of the door on my way to Miami. What a fortunate happenstance that was as my flight was delayed then diverted to Tampa and I had lots of extra time. I was transported to rural Idaho, to BYU, to Harvard to Cambridge, all was sitting in seat 7A. It reminded me of the power of a great story.

And, while I talk about them as two different loves, travel and reading, the truth is that they are naturally complementary. Losing myself in a fabulous narrative is a great way to tune out the increasing irritations of traveling.

As perscribed by the great Dr. Seuss, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Pushing past comfortable

We try to cater to each guest on the Voyages, and find ways to meet everyone’s expectations.

And, we try to get everyone to try new things. Sometimes it’s small things (may people haven’t tried bulgar before); occasionally it’s big things: a co-ed Turkish bath; often it’s silly things: dressing up as a pirate to plan bingo.

It happens during fitness classes: singing bowls at yoga, HIIT, or bridges on a boat.

It happens during meals: feta with honey, Turkish pastry, cucumbers for breakfast.

It happens during hikes: encountering wild donkeys, watching a Greek wedding procession, swimming back to the boat.

It happens onboard: playing backgammon, drinking beer with breakfast, napping in public.

It happens. To everyone. And it’s one of my favorite things to watch.

A Heartfelt Journey of Friendship and Joy

In the world of travel and adventure, there are moments that transcend the ordinary, transforming into something truly exceptional. At SunFunYou, we are privileged to be a part of these moments for a special group of guests who have not just visited us, but become a cherished part of our extended family. We celebrate the bonds, the excitement, and the sheer joy that our SFY family members bring to our voyages.

A Place of Belonging

It's an extraordinary honor that SunFunYou has evolved into a personal sanctuary for a select few. Our family of SunFunYou enthusiasts has not only visited us once or twice but has chosen to keep coming back for more. I don’t take this loyalty for granted—they could be spending their time and money anywhere in the world. It is such an honor that they keep coming back. And, funnily enough it is a virtuous circle. The more they come back, the closer they become to the crew, the more the boat feels like a second home, the deeper our friendships develop. And, so, they come back again, and that’s how they move from guests to friends to family.

Highlighting the Year

For these special individuals, our voyages have become the highlight of their entire year. As the seasons change and life presents its challenges, they have something to look forward to – something that helps them navigate through even the darkest times. This anticipation creates a sense of excitement that's unparalleled, and as hosts, we are deeply moved by the knowledge that our offerings make a positive impact on their lives.

Welcoming with Open Arms and Hearts

As a host, the moment of welcoming these returning Voyagers on board is a feeling that's impossible to describe. The usual excitement that comes at the beginning of every voyage is magnified several times over. Knowing that this experience holds a special place in their hearts makes it all the more meaningful for us. The bonds that we share with these guests extend beyond mere hospitality – they're threads of friendship and shared moments that we hold dear.

Fostering Friendships and Connections

SunFunYou has been the catalyst for creating new friendships and deepening existing ones. The journey of travel has a unique way of bringing people together, and our voyages have become the backdrop for forging beautiful connections. These bonds are nurtured by shared experiences, laughter, and the simple joys of life that we embrace during our time together.

A Heartfelt Celebration

My friend Sue Ellis was a SunFunYou supporter from day one. Her radiant joy, boundless energy, genuine appreciation, and indomitable spirit were a true inspiration to us all. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate that she fell in love with SunFunYou, just as we fell in love with the positivity and light she brough into our journeys.

Sue was truly a seasoned world traveler, and had friends in every corner of earth. The fact that she returned home to us so many times was a giant gift.

And, there are definitely easier vacations. With all Sue’s physical challenges, lux hotels and pampering spas would have made more sense for her to spend her precious free time. But, she loved the boat so much. She loved watching soccer with the crew, soaking her sore body in the sea, eating the fab food, teasing Ali constantly, and meeting new friends.

That’s the thing about Sue—as many friends as she had scattered all over the place, she was constantly collecting more. Her generosity, intelligence, humor and spirit made her a great friend to have.

She was scheduled to come AGAIN for our last Voyage of the season. It’s going to be absolutely heartbreaking to not hear her laughter.

Celebrating Life's Precious Moments

In a world that often moves too fast, where days blur into one another, Sue was a true master of living life in the moment, seizing every opportunity, and embracing the joy that comes from shared experiences and meaningful connections. She showed us the profound impact that travel can have on the human spirit, and for that, we are eternally grateful. As we continue to welcome both new and familiar faces, we are reminded that the bonds we form and the memories we create are what make the journey truly extraordinary.

What's your packing style?

When my sister takes me and her kids on a trip, she creates a shared packing list for us all. She does the skeleton (with my niece) and John and I can add anything (in the unlikely event) they overlooked. It works great.

Well, it works great now that her kids don’t know they’re expected to know to bring a few default items like winter jackets when we’re driving to the Grand Canyon. But I digress.

My sister and I are list makers. Our mom was the master list maker, and we’ve taken her art and updated it with modern technology.

We make lists for EVERYTHING, sometimes just plain lists and sometimes matrices for sorting and prioritizing and decision making.

Except: somehow I don’t make packing lists. I don’t get it. I’m a last minute packer, and somehow in the whirlwind before I walk out the door it all comes together. For two things I love so much (lists and travel), how do I miss the opportunity to enjoy them in tandem?

By the way—I love the packing lists my sister makes, and use them. It’s not like I’m religious about my lack of a packing list.

Anyway, I’ve always sent our guests suggested tracking tips for the boat. Now, we’ve gone one step further. Since we launched our merch store, we now have a home for links to things people might want to bring with them, from aqua socks to tummy meds. I joined the Amazon Affiliate program for this, which means it doesn’t cost the guests anything extra, but Amazon kicks a tiny bit of money our way if anyone purchases through our store.

So, take a look and let me know what else I should stock our affiliate shelves with!

Souvenirs

Well, we finally did it. We launched the Sun Fun You merch store!

It’s really exciting to be able to offer guests Sun Fun You branded memories.

Getting the store together made me think about role of souvenirs, and what some of my favorites are.

1. painting from Puerto Rica I bought when I was there with my sister and her kids

2. tattoo from Puerto Rica on my shoulder that matches the one my sis brought home with her

3. rugs from Istanbul that blanket the floors in every room in my house

4. serving bowls from Morocco

5. apron from New Orleans I bought on a girl’s trip

6. Dogon doors from Mali

7. Fifa bag from South Africa World Cup trip

8. painting from Mongolia from the Trans Siberia trip with my sister

9. poster from Geneva from a trip with my mom and aunt

10. my greyhound Westy, who is a result of my visit to Oxford

Those are in no particular order, and there are many more. They each spark joy every time I see them. Do you know what’s even more amazing? The friends I’ve collected along the way, whom I met:

1. at the start of the marathon in Prague

2. at a French bistro in Frankfurt

3. at the airport in Istanbul

4. on Sun Fun You Voyage

5. working in Buenos Aires

6. working in Frankfurt

7. working in Fargo

8. visiting family in Lithuania

9. studying abroad in Prague

10. working out in LA

Traveling while grieving

They say not to make any big decisions while you are in the grieving process.

Don’t get engaged or divorced, don’t buy or sell a house, don’t quit a job. The reason for all these guardrails is the toll that losing a loved one takes on you—mentally, emotionally and physically.

For one year—at least—you’re supposed to put off all major decisions, and instead focus on two things: grieving your loved one, and caring for yourself. I was just talking with a friend who lost a parent three years ago, and today is the four-year anniversary of when my sister and I lost our dad. There’s nothing magic about one year, but there is something magic about caring for yourself.

Just like the flight attendants preach about the importance of making sure you don’t pass out so that you can render aid to others, it is important that you take care of your mental, emotional and physical needs so that you will be fit to care for those around you.

Self-care isn’t selfish. Most of us know that—and would give that advice to friends. However, it can still feel selfish to prioritize your needs over someone else’s. Not everything that is good for us (exercise, taking medicine) is enjoyable in the moment. (OK, my sister will say that exercise is enjoyable in the moment, and we agree to disagree on this point). Even if my 100 burpees feel terrible, I know they are important. Even if my daily baby aspirin makes me feel like an old lady, I know it is important. And, those are both forms of self-care. And so is reading a book, NOT answering a text, and taking a trip.

It won’t come as any surprise that my favorite form of self-care is travel. The entire process (even the things most people see as headaches like planning the trip and navigating the flights and roads) brings me joy. And, without a doubt, being on a trip is healing for me. New sights, sounds, tastes, smells. New ideas. Overcoming obstacles. Indulging in vistas. Laughing with strangers, snuggling with loved ones.

After the 1-year prescription for self-care has expired, I recommend you renew it.

Together is better: Mother's Day edition

guest post by Anna Gargiulo

Traveling with our son, Ryan, is so important to us as he has been traveling and living abroad since he was 23.

My husband and I had the privilege to travel on two different voyages with Ryan. We made some great memories on both voyages.
Being on these voyages gave us lots of good quality time to sit around and talk and also have some fun together and meet some great people and explore some beautiful Greek islands.

The crew were wonderful and so down to earth. I loved every minute!