On her Instagram account (@iamchristlclear) the stylish and likeable Viennese, whose first book Let Me Be Christl Clear published last year, provides daily unfiltered insights into her life and reaches a steadily growing following with her open, humorous manner. She also occasionally takes her followers on vacation with her and demonstrates how to enjoy the good life as a freshly published author. In an interview with Falstaff Travel, she reveals her previous vacation highlights, her insider tips for Vienna, and what's on her travel bucket list.

What's on your list for 2022?

Admittedly, my husband and I are not the ones who plan vacations forever in advance, we are rather spontaneous. But we have planned a few things for this year. For the time around Easter we have Spain in mind, Spain is simply always a good idea. In the summer we will travel to the wedding of a friend to Italy, more precisely to the Amalfi Coast. We also travel every fall on our wedding day, alternately abroad and within Austria. This year, we're staying in the country again for that. And I don't know if I should reveal this now - actually we wanted to keep it a secret - but I don't want to celebrate my 40th this year and would rather go somewhere warm and sunny during that time (laughs). But I haven't decided where exactly yet.

What do you look for in hotels?

I'm not going to lie: I have nothing against an adult only all-inclusive hotel. But it has to have a certain charm; I'm not a fan of huge "bed castles," as I like to call them. One decadent preference we have developed in recent years is rooms with private pools. I'm not mad if I don't have to share a pool with strangers.

What is the best hotel you have ever stayed in?

This is actually in Austria: the Schloss Pichlarn in the Styrian Enns Valley. The building is over 1000 years old and simply beautiful. We had a suite with a private mini spa including our own infrared sauna and experience shower. Incomparable. Abroad, it was on Gozo, the quiet sister island of Malta. There are old farms there that have been converted into hotels. I can't remember the name, but it was dreamlike. In the middle of nowhere, under olive trees, with a huge pool, fantastic food and extremely nice service. Top vibe all around.

"I'm not going to lie: I have nothing against an adult only all-inclusive hotel. But it has to have a certain charm, I'm not a fan of huge "bed castles"."
-Christl Clear

Which destination will you never get tired of?

Honestly? Greece. As predictable as it may sound, Greece is just great. It's very inclusive and open to everything, and I've never felt uncomfortable there as a Woman of Color. The individual islands are super diverse, the beaches fantastic and there is something for everyone.

Related: The most beautiful boutique hotels in Greece

What do you always order when you are in a hotel?

Margaritas (laughs)! And olives. My husband Markus always orders a local beer.

What's the best thing you've ever eaten on vacation?

We were on Santorini in a small hidden restaurant, to which one comes only over stick and stone. I don't really like seafood at all, but there was a calamari salad - never in my life had I eaten something so good, absolutely delicious! When in Lagos, you must try Agege Bread, the best bread in my opinion. In LA I once had a Cardamom Lavender Latte that I still dream about today. And the Kaiserschmarren in Saalbach is also legendary. A classic for a good reason.

What is your opinion of the staycation trend, i.e. vacationing in your own city?

This is still completely undervalued in Vienna. It can be a very great experience to see your city with different eyes and perceive it in a new way. Breakfast in the room, a trip to the spa and the activities that you normally don't find time for, like a visit to the museum, quickly bring a breath of fresh air into the familiar everyday life. My recommendation for this is the Emperor Suite in the Parkhotel Schönbrunn.

Which hotel would you recommend to visitors in Vienna?

Oh no, what an unfair question, there are so many! I love the Max Brown 7th District. It is so cozy and has a fabulous restaurant (Seven North(editor's note). The Magdas is also top-notch, very down-to-earth, and it employs only people who have fled, which I find absolutely first-class. And in the luxury category iit s of course the Ritz-Carlton, which is simply a beautiful, classic hotel.

Which is your favorite restaurant in Vienna?

Again, I can't possibly name just one. I will be brief: Door No. 8, super steaks, even better side dishes, of which we always order as many as possible; Sneak In for breakfast, the vegan breakfast burrito and also the Breakfast Burger are out of this world. Karma Food for healthy, vegan, and above all delicious food. And then there's my insider tip for traditional Austrian cuisine (paused). Should I give that away now and risk a run? All right, it's the old barrel with the best surschnitzel in the world.

And finally: What's on your travel bucket list?

Africa, the entire continent.

Christl Clear's hotel tip:

Schloss Pichlarn

Zur Linde 1, 8943 Aigen im Ennstal
Tel.: +43 (0) 36 82 24 440
Web..: schlosspichlarn.at
Price: from €136,- per night

Let Me Be Christl Clear

"Take the nap. Cancel the party, go on vacation (alone), insist when you have sex that you come out of it satisfied, too, and say no to things you're not up for more often." That's the blogger and author's advice in her debut Let Me Be Christl Clear, the here. .