Croatia’s picture-perfect island of Losinj sits in the Northern Adriatic Sea, a stone’s throw from Italy. It has been luring visitors since the 19th century, when Austro-Hungarian aristocracy first recognized its regal sheen. The curative effects of a near-perfect climate, crystalline sea and air infused with the scent of hundreds of native plant species made it a top health resort. Tourists have once again taken notice of this salubrious … [Read more...]
Find the Quiet Side of Venice in Santa Elena
For most visitors, the Venice that they visit is jam-packed with crowds. The city is packed with spectacular sights and is one of the most popular tourist sites in Italy. It is one of my favorite European destinations. The city is wonderful any time of the year so I always schedule my visits for the off-season. Even then, I have been amazed at the number of visitors. Someone recently described Venice to me as a "Disneyland for adults" with … [Read more...]
Star Searching, Celebrity House Spotting with Starline Tours, Hollywood
What better time to take a Starline guided tour of Hollywood and hunt for celebrity homes and celebrities than during the Academy Award weekend. Hollywood's epic event attracts a number of celebrities to town, parties and those looking to see celebrities. Sure Hollywood is more chaotic then usual - with part of Hollywood Blvd shut down in the vicinity of Dolby Theatre and the buzz about the event by most everyone who happens to be in the … [Read more...]
Maybe Montserrat, Maybe Not?
Caribbean Chic and Volcanic VIPS in the Dead Zone "Lifestyles of the rich and famous" spokesman Robin Leach has nothing on budget jetsetter John M. Edwards. A West Indies "Old Hand" -- One who cannot sail, surf or fish - he still says Montserrat can't be beat for ATMO. If you don't mind destruction and destitution in the wake of a deadly volcanic eruption ... Maybe Montserrat? You plan your next Caribbean vacay around a disaster of … [Read more...]
Experience Authentic Venice at the Enrica Rocca Cooking School
I've been in Venice for 10 days by the time I meet Enrica Rocca; long past the point where I can stomach another meal from a restaurant with unappetizing photos of pasta plastered in the window. I'm desperate for something authentic and, as I walk with her through the Rialto markets, I sense I've found it. A native Venetian, Enrica is on a first name basis with most (if not all) of the vendors and shopkeepers in the city. The fishmongers at … [Read more...]
The Delights of the Menzies Welcombe HotelSpa & GolfClub
For many years as a youngster my Mum and Dad would take me to tea at this superb property deep in the heart of Warwickshire. Only a stone’s throw from Stratford Upon Avon the hotel offers all the many delights that country house hotels are famous for. The 157 acres grounds themselves are glorious with many secret pathways leading to extraordinary sights of the rolling hills of this shire. Growing up in Warwickshire was for me always an … [Read more...]
Bolzano Christmas Market
Are you rushing around trying to finish your Christmas shopping? Can't find anything in the shops for love or money? Perhaps you are just looking in the wrong place – the High Street might be fine for boring stuff like perfume, socks and ties but for something a bit different, a quick hop over to one of the many European Christmas markets is bound to do the trick. With time now quite short, you will need to make sure you choose the right one and … [Read more...]
A slice of Venice in Oakland
I've lived in the Bay Area, in northern California, since I was a kid, but have rarely had a reason to visit Oakland over the years. Oakland often evokes images of a poverty ridden, perhaps even a crime inflicted town. I just never thought it had anything worth checking out. I recently had the opportunity to spend the weekend in Oakland as part of a hosted trip for Dave's Travel Corner and boy was I wrong about Oakland. The city is definitely up … [Read more...]
Top 5 Beaches in Southern California
It comes as no surprise that the West Coast of the United States is one of the most traveled to destinations in the world—the main reason being that big, beautiful state called California. The Pacific Coast Highway will take you on a scenic adventure through some of the state’s most unique coastal towns, each covered with stunning beaches and their own breathtaking views. The planning has begun, and California is the next stop on your life … [Read more...]
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em
My husband Gaz and I donned our raingear and headed to Nanjing Lu, the main pedestrian thoroughfare and shopping district of Shanghai. Big, bright, neon and modern, much of Shanghai’s architecture resembled a caricature of what someone in the 50s thought “The Future” would look like. Shimmering glass buildings covered in a rainbow of glowing signs flanked the wide walkway. The streets heaved with people, and in the sea of short, black haired … [Read more...]