Destinations visited by Dinogo Planet staff in June

One of the greatest perks of being part of Dinogo Planet is that discussing travel plans counts as work. There's plenty to talk about, as it seems like every week, one or more colleagues return from an amazing destination, bringing back inspiring stories and travel tips.

While most of these trips are for research purposes, there are also annual leave vacations mixed in, and we love sharing extensive conversations about the beautiful memories made with family, friends, or even solo. Just this month, for instance, my colleague Chamidae traveled to Ecuador with her mother, where they swam with turtles in the Galápagos and enjoyed horseback riding in Cotopaxi—'pinch-me' moments they'll cherish forever. Our photo editor, Erin, finally took a long-awaited honeymoon with her husband to the Azores, where they explored different islands, relaxed in thermal pools, and developed a newfound appreciation for Verdhelo wine.

Here are additional destinations the Dinogo Planet team explored this June.

Isla Holbox, Mexico

Serina Patel, Marketing Manager

I ventured to the stunning Isla Holbox, Mexico for my sister's birthday celebration. After flying from New York to Cancún, we drove to Chiquila and took a ferry to the island. This car-free paradise offers buggy taxis and bicycles for getting around. While it attracts tourists, the crowd is far less than in Cancún or Tulum—ideal for a serene escape.

I stayed at Punta Caliza, a beautiful place with its own beach club nearby. The standout dishes I can't stop dreaming about are the chile relleno tacos and tostones with guacamole from Ser Casasandra Mojito Beach Club. Don’t miss Milpa, a stunning venue with a tasting menu. We dined, enjoyed cocktails by the beach at sunset, strolled up Punta Mosquito (where you can spot flamingos in the early morning), and even went horseback riding. What more could you desire?

My advice: Pack plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash for taxis. Also, think about reserving some activities ahead of time, such as dinners and beach club entries.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Aoife Breslin, Publicity and Marketing Coordinator

I spent a week exploring the stunning Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, visiting Split, Korčula, and Makarska. I enjoyed home-cooked dishes in family-owned taverns, wandered through ancient ruins and breathtaking natural scenery, and discovered local food traditions.

A highlight of my trip was kayaking to the island of Vrnik with Korčula Outdoors. When we arrived at the rocky shores, it felt like a ghost island with only a handful of families living there. Yet, it boasts some of Croatia’s most stunning beaches and hidden sea coves. On our guided tour, we learned about the island’s quarrying history before having lunch at Vrnik Arts Club, one of the island's few guest houses.

My recommendation: Don't miss trying torta makarana, a traditional Croatian cake-like dessert made with almonds, citrus, rose oil, and vanilla, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and tanginess.

Santorini, Greece

Chris Zeiher, Senior Director of Sales Trade and Marketing

Looking to explore a different side of Santorini? We connected with Nikolas Panagiotakis from Wineways and joined his “Fork and Cork” day trip to savor the island’s finest food and wine. Our first destination was the stunningly designed Estate Argyros, the largest privately owned winery on Santorini, where we enjoyed the island's native wines, including Assyrtiko (like champagne but without the bubbles).

Next, we zipped over to the quiet village of Akrotiri to visit the delightful farmhouse of Faros Products, where we relished rustic home-cooked meals made with fresh local ingredients – a Greek Salad featuring pickled caper leaves and tyropita (cheese pie drizzled with sweet grape preserves) – while the resident donkey, Marco Polo, looked on with approval.

My suggestion: The cruise boat crowds pack the towns of Oia and Thira during the day, so explore alternative spots like the picturesque Pyrgos, where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the entire island.

Azores, Portugal

Erin Lenczycki, Photo Editor

I spent a week in the Azores for a belated honeymoon! We explored three islands: São Miguel, Terceira, and Pico. I was amazed by the dramatic changes in landscape as we traveled, with each island showcasing its own unique beauty. This is definitely one of those rare places I could visit repeatedly; I felt like we only scratched the surface of its wonders.

My favorite accommodation was Caprica Eco Lodge on Terceira. Although we were stuck indoors due to rain for most of our stay, it was delightful to listen to the rain while nestled in the forest, sipping on bubbly. We visited all the hot springs on São Miguel, but Termas da Ferraria stood out to us. At low tide, the alcove releases 104°F (40°C) water, and the ocean waves provide a refreshing contrast at the entrance – it’s the ultimate experience. If you arrive late and the sea is wild, there's a thermal pool available for €5. On Pico, we dined at Cella Bar, enjoying a view of Faial as a storm rolled in. The food was incredible, and I've become a huge fan of Verdelho wine.

My tip: I strongly recommend renting a car to uncover hidden gems and tailor your itinerary to the weather.

Ecuador

Chamidae Ford, Associate Writer

I recently spent ten days exploring Ecuador with my mom. From Quito to the Galápagos Islands and Cotopaxi, we took in some of the country’s most breathtaking views. Snorkeling around Tintoreras, a small island near Isabela, was absolutely magical—swimming with sea turtles is an experience you can't miss! One of the unexpected highlights was hiking to the caldera of the Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island; the scenery is simply breathtaking!

My tip: Be ready for the significant altitude (it's serious!) by arriving early to acclimate before jumping into your adventures.