The vines of Burgundy, Tuscany and Napa Valley produce some of the world’s most polished pours. While you can use many superlatives to describe these oenophile’s Disneyland, it’s a stretch of the imagination to describe any of these famed wine-producing regions as undiscovered. While Myanmar is no threat to Bordeaux as the next global grape deity, I was surprised that any wine at all is being produced here. The pagoda-laden landscape may not … [Read more...]
5 Types of Accommodation that Will Make Your Trip Magnificent
Where you stay can make a big difference to your vacation. It is difficult to feel like you are experiencing the culture of the country when you are staying in a hotel room that looks like anywhere else in the world. If you do a little bit of research beforehand you can find some really magnificent accommodations that will be the highlight your stay. Here are five examples of places to stay that truly reflect the culture. You want to escape … [Read more...]
7 of the Most Luxurious Boltholes around the World
Luxury boltholes are perfect options to have some wonderful experience away from busy and noisy city life. If you want a change of scene and a break from the hustle and bustle atmosphere, consider spending some wonderful moments in some of the following luxurious boltholes around the world and escape your daily life: Water Villas in the Maldives The Maldives is always among one of the most popular luxury travel destinations in the world for … [Read more...]
The Introvert’s Guide to Backpacking
“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” -Bilbo Baggins, Fellowship of the Ring I never wanted to go backpacking. I had no interest in staying in hostels. An introvert by nature, I found the peace and privacy of a hotel room necessary, not only for the enjoyment of the trip, but for my mental sanity. Then the cheapskate … [Read more...]
Find Your Travel Tribe & Plan an Unforgettable Adventure with TripTogether
Whether you’re seeking an escape from the winter blues, in need of a stress-free retreat or want to check off a dream experience from your bucket list – a trip abroad is the best way to fulfill these goals. However, planning your vacation and finding the right travel partner is often the tricky part. I can’t tell you how many times my friends have bailed on travel plans we made due to scheduling conflicts and finances, leaving me to plan my … [Read more...]
Conversation, Margaret Lehmann – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley
Recently during a visit and exploration of the Barossa Valley in South Australia, I had the opportunity to sit down for a short chat with Margaret Lehmann at her home. She is one of Barossa's food and wine pioneers, a champion of its preservation and was an integral part of the growth of Peter Lehmann Wines. Conversation invariably was about food and wine - over a glass of Semillon from Peter Lehmann appropriately called "Margaret". With … [Read more...]
Michelangelo Screenwriting Takes Writers on an Italian Odyssey
Los Angeles, CA—Michelangelo Screenwriting is an experiential travel retreat and writing program where screenwriters expand their creative capabilities against the backdrop of the Italian countryside. Founded in 2008 by UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television professor Paul Chitlik and UCLA alumnus Carlo Cavagna, Michelangelo Screenwriting developed from the idea that many screenwriters need to escape the distractions of their everyday … [Read more...]
Italian Food Without Tomato Sauce
Living in San Francisco, there's no dearth of restaurants to choose from on a Saturday evening. A few weekends ago, I was given the opportunity to dine in Oakland and wondered what on earth the food scene would be like - was there even a food scene?! The answer is a resounding yes!! From the Temescal area to the streets around Broadway and Telegraph, Oakland surprises with top notch chefs, hipster bars and a thriving food scene! Then there's … [Read more...]
Arizona Biltmore Creating 10 Edgy Epicurean Evenings For its 24th Season of ‘Winemaker Dinners’
PHOENIX, Ariz. The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (www.arizonabiltmore.com) is planning 10 extravagant epicurean evenings – of innovative gourmet dining, acclaimed wines, winemakers talking about their wines, and after-dinner drinks and cigars – for the resort’s 24th season of Winemaker Dinners. Each Winemaker Dinner will feature an original multi-course menu, prepared by Executive Chef Gordon Maybury and Chef de Cuisine Bryan … [Read more...]
A Bittersweet Roman Holiday
Rome: probably my favorite city on Earth, if I had to choose only one. Our time here was emotional and bittersweet, but Rome's beauty did what it could to try and ease the pain. We planned the last month of our round-the-world trip to be mostly a family affair. We saved Italy and Austria for last, because we thought it would be comforting to see some of my relatives after being on the road all year, and because it would be a smooth … [Read more...]