Though frequently called the Tuscany of the North of Italy, the Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy, only 40 miles south of Milan, is fairly unknown abroad. Tourists pass the area closely when travelling to the real Tuscany, to Umbria or further south. This is a pity as the Oltrepò really offers something worthwhile for almost every tourist, especially food and wine lovers. The area offers smooth hills, medieval villages and castles, panoramic views, … [Read more...]
Celebrate the first day of summer with Cyber Summer Discounts
Online shoppers don't need to wait until the days after Thanksgiving to save big. Cyber Summer deals are available today for 24 hours only — 19 select hotels and resorts are offering exclusive summer savings to celebrate the first official day of summer. Starting at midnight EST travelers will find discounted rates averaging 35% and up to 50% in savings. So whether you want to visit Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean or South Florida, it's … [Read more...]
Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Cellar: Tuscany, Italy – May 2016
After 600 years, the Antinori Family, arguably Italy's most well-known wine family opened their newest estate winery to the public in early 2013 (by appointment). The cellar is located about 25 minutes from Florence and 30 minutes from Siena. While this is a large winery (67,000 square feet), its physical footprint is barely seen because the entire winery and parking facilities are located underground and are built into the side of a hill. The … [Read more...]
A Grape Grows in Myanmar
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...]