Author: simon611

With the 2024 Olympics happening in Paris from July 26th to August 11th, travelers have yet another reason to visit this iconic city. While it’s thrilling to be part of such a unique event with millions of other enthusiastic people, delays and disruptions are to be expected. Tour companies like Servantrip are already anticipating these issues ahead of the big games.
However, this doesn’t mean you should cancel your Paris trip. By doing your research and keeping five crucial tips in mind, you can ensure an unforgettable summer getaway.
### Exploring the City Will Have Some Restrictions
If you’re a sightseer not interested in sports, you’ll need to make some sacrifices while exploring Paris this summer. Some of the city’s most iconic landmarks will be closed on specific dates to accommodate the Olympic crowds. Here’s a quick guide on when you can’t visit certain attractions in July:
– The Seine riverfront: Closed from July 20th to July 26th
– The Louvre: Closed on July 25th and 26th
– Musée Rodin, Centre Pompidou, and Musée D’Orsay: Closed on July 26th
– Some historic sites like Pont d’Iéna and certain neighborhoods will be closed during specific cycling events from July 27th to August 11th
Always check for updates as your trip approaches to stay informed about any changes.
### Apply for a QR Pass Now
This summer, accessing major sites like the Champs de Mars (where the Eiffel Tower is) will require a pre-issued QR pass. These codes are available through the official Olympics App and aim to ensure a safe and organized experience for the influx of travelers. The QR pass, which you can apply for on the official website, will serve as a digital key at checkpoints throughout the city. You’ll need to provide some personal information like your name and date of birth, but this will result in shorter wait lines, better-organized crowds, and a safer visit.
The QR pass comes into effect on July 18th at 13:00, so apply as soon as possible if you haven’t already.
### Make Plans A, B, and C
Don’t come to Paris with just one itinerary this summer. Even with careful planning, delays, traffic congestion, service cancellations, and other last-minute changes are likely. For every place you want to visit, timeline you want to follow, or restaurant you want to dine at, have a couple of alternative plans ready.
### Use a Traffic-Tracking App
Given how busy Paris will be, traffic jams and delays are inevitable. Keep your phone charged and have a reliable traffic-tracking app handy to avoid congestion. Citymapper is highly recommended by locals for this purpose.
### Enjoy a New Metro Line Extension
It’s not all disruptions! There’s a new extension of metro line 14 opening on June 23rd, which will get you from Saint-Denis Pleyel to Orly Airport in under 25 minutes, a significant improvement from the current 40+ minute journey. For more information and real-time schedules, check the official updates.

Dartmoor is a place that demands respect, with its stunning landscapes and unpredictable weather. Leaving snowy Bristol behind, we saw green fields by the time we reached Tavistock, and even a bit of blue sky. But as we drove onto the moor, the mist descended, and the fields were blanketed in snow.

“Don’t worry if we get stuck,” Guy said reassuringly. “I’ve got supplies in the back and know a great bunkhouse nearby.” But with a weekend at the Prince Hall Hotel ahead, I had no plans of getting stranded. Soon, we were driving up the hotel’s long, tree-lined driveway, our wheels crunching on the snow.

Inside, the owner, Fi, welcomed us warmly and handed us a large, old-fashioned key to our room, named Houndstor. Each of the eight uniquely designed rooms in the hotel is named after the Tors or granite outcrops scattered across Dartmoor. The hotel felt more like a friend’s cozy country house than an impersonal business hotel.

Our spacious bedroom had sash windows overlooking the snowy Dartmoor wilderness, with a small stone bridge over the river Dart in the distance. The room featured a cherry-wood sleigh bed, an antique Edwardian wardrobe, and a plush blue velvet sofa. The black stone fireplace with green marble-painted panels had two stag’s head bookends on the mantelpiece, holding a selection of adventure-themed books. The room’s creamy yellow color scheme, blue carpet, and contemporary touches in the decor made it feel welcoming. From the bed, we could see the moor, with only a solitary light twinkling in the distance at night.

The small bathroom, with classic white and blue tiles, had a shower tucked to one side. I appreciated the large bottles of Gilchrist and Soames toiletries, which felt more sustainable than miniature plastic bottles. A sign warned that the water, fed from a spring, might have low pressure at times.

The hotel, built in the 18th century as a judge’s home, has a rich history. It has served various purposes over the years, including a prison for French prisoners of war, a stable for the Prince of Wales’s racehorses, and now a hotel. Fi and her husband Chris took over the hotel five years ago, transforming it room by room into a stylish yet relaxed country house. Fi, a former film producer, and Chris, a local kitchen-fitter turned chef, make a perfect team. Chris maintains a kitchen garden, rears pigs for the hotel’s ham and bacon, and even built a cozy Shepherd’s hut on the property.

We settled into the cozy terracotta sitting room, enjoying a cappuccino by the fire. The room’s eclectic country chic decor included tapestry-covered wing chairs and Moroccan-inspired touches. Paintings of local landscapes and wildflowers added to the cheerful atmosphere.

The hotel is dog-friendly, and many guests had brought their pets. Fi and Chris’s golden retriever Portia and cocker spaniels Polo and CeCe were delightful company. Dogs are welcomed with a mat, bowl, and treat, and are allowed in most areas of the hotel.

After a delicious lunch, I went Nordic Walking with Elaine Sylvester, a Dartmoor Guide. We met at Two Bridges and walked up to Crockern Tor, learning the finer points of Nordic Walking along the way. The panoramic view from the Tor was breathtaking, and we enjoyed homemade lemon cakes back at the car park.

Back at the hotel, we reviewed the dinner menu in the sitting room. Fi and Chris have built a reputation for fine dining, with a menu that changes daily and features fresh, local ingredients. Our meal was delicious, with dishes like Guinea Fowl on wild mushroom risotto and West Country Venison with winter greens.

The dining room, with its lilac grey walls and colorful artwork, was inviting. The friendly, attentive service and beautifully presented food made for a memorable dining experience. The hotel also hosts intimate weddings, with the dining room serving as the ceremony space.

After a restful night, we enjoyed a cooked breakfast and set off to explore the moor. The hotel sells fishing licenses for the River Dart and can arrange wildlife walks with local guides. Our stay at Prince Hall Hotel was too short to enjoy everything Dartmoor has to offer, but it was the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Paxos, the smallest of the Ionian islands in Greece, is a place where most visitors come to do nothing but relax. The island offers stunning views, crystal-clear turquoise waters, delicious food, and a chance to unwind with friends and family. I stayed at the luxurious Villa Glaros, but if you feel like exploring, here are some things to do in Paxos.

When you arrive in Paxos, your first stop is likely to be Gaios, the island’s capital. This charming town is located on the sheltered eastern side of the island, protected by the islands of Agios Nikolaos and Panagia. The channel between them creates an extended waterfront perfect for yachts. You can enjoy a great view of the channel from the road leading from the New Port where the ferries arrive. If you arrive by ferry and don’t have transport, you can take a pleasant 15-minute walk along the channel, which might take longer if you stop to admire the colorful fishing boats and sleek yachts. The waterfront is lined with bars and restaurants, making it a great place for a stroll.

Gaios is full of narrow streets and pedestrianized areas with plenty of cafes and restaurants. The town is adorned with beautiful bougainvillea, and you’ll find picturesque views around every corner. The small folk museum on the harbor front, housed in an old school building, showcases artifacts found on Paxos and rooms furnished in local style. You might also come across the pretty bell tower and archway of the church of Agia Triada.

The main square in Gaios is the hub of activity, featuring the much-photographed Analipsi Church with its imposing bell tower. Surrounded by cafes and restaurants, it’s a great spot to watch the world go by. The square overlooks the busiest part of the harbor, where many island tour boats start. It’s a good place to inquire about boat trips.

Along the harbor front, you’ll find the statue of Georgios Anemogiannis, a hero of the Greek war of independence against the Ottoman Empire. Born in Paxos, he was a skipper of a fire ship that attacked Ottoman ships and was later executed. The statue, erected in 1966, welcomes yachts into the sheltered harbor of Gaios.

Gaios also has plenty of small souvenir shops and galleries. I visited a glass gallery where the owner makes colorful stained glass objects. I also found designer accessories at the Koo Concept Store on the waterfront, featuring the work of Greek designers.

There are many places to eat in Gaios, especially on the main square and along the waterfront. We had a great dinner at Carnayo, a taverna set a few blocks back from the water. The restaurant, run by chef-owner Spyros Tranakas, offers a contemporary twist on local Greek dishes. On a Friday night, we tried the Greek tasting buffet, which allowed us to sample a variety of local dishes. The buffet included salad plates, hot vegetable dishes, and BBQ meats. For dessert, we enjoyed Loukoumades, tiny deep-fried doughnuts soaked in honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay, Villa Glaros is the ultimate retreat. Set on a hillside with seven bedrooms, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and mesmerizing ocean views, the villa offers the services of a concierge and private chef. The stone-built villa is stylish and luxurious, filled with the owner’s personal collection of artworks and sculptures. Each bedroom has a marble en suite bathroom, finest quality bed linen, hardwood floors, luxurious detailing, and colorful artworks. The villa also features a long pool with a sunbathing terrace, a shaded dining area, a gym, and a secluded beach with kayaks and paddleboards.

A 15-minute drive north from Gaios will take you to Loggos, one of the three main towns on the island. Like Gaios, Loggos has Venetian-style houses clustered around the harbor. The town’s pedestrianized narrow streets, small squares, and views of the boats are its main attractions. We had lunch at Vassilis, a family-run restaurant with a prime position on the harbor front. The restaurant offers Greek and Mediterranean-inspired dishes and plenty of seafood. After lunch, we wandered around the harbor and visited a bakery with a tempting array of sweet pastries, ice creams, and traditional Greek nougat.

The east coast of Paxos is the sheltered side of the island, with plenty of lovely pebble beaches. On our boat trip around the island, we saw many beaches along the east coast, including Kipos, Marmari, Levrechio, Orkos, Lakkos, and Monodendri. Monodendri is a favorite beach with the well-known Ben’s Bar, a stylish beach bar where you can rent sunbeds and water sports.

Continuing north, you’ll reach Lakka, the third town on Paxos. Set around a beautiful bay with crystal turquoise water, Lakka is a favorite spot for yachts. The town has plenty of restaurants clustered around the waterfront. We had lunch at the Fanis Bar, which has a prime position surrounded by water. On another day, we ate at the excellent fish restaurant La Rosa di Paxos, which displays the catch of the day in an ice cabinet. From Lakka town, you can walk around the edge of the bay to reach Lakka Beach, a long pebble beach with a beach bar.

On the headland to the west of Lakka Bay is the Faros or Lighthouse, built in 1919. Although you can’t go inside the walled enclosure, you can see the lighthouse from outside the gates. Close to the lighthouse, you can walk down to Plani beach, a secluded pebble beach with rocks that are great for snorkeling.

Another lovely beach we visited is Mongonissi in the southeast of Paxos. The beach is sandy and popular with families. We had lunch at the Mongonissi Beach Bar, which overlooks the beach. On another occasion, we stopped at the Carnayo Gold Restaurant during our boat trip around the island.

Taking a boat trip around Paxos is a must-do activity. You can hire your own boat or join a group boat tour. Our boat trip took us along the sheltered eastern coast and the wilder west coast, with its stunning cliffs and sea caves. The blue caves are a highlight, with the clearest and bluest water. You can also see the Tripitos arch, a sea arch that you can walk across.

Another beautiful beach along the west coast is Erimitis beach. The cliffs here rise sheer and rugged from the water. We parked at the Erimitis Restaurant and walked down to the beach. The restaurant is a great spot to watch the sunset.

Antipaxos, the smaller sister island to Paxos, is a 20-30 minute boat ride away. The island is known for its impossibly turquoise water and sandy beaches. Most people visit Vrika beach, which has a beach restaurant. Mesovrika and Voutoumi are other beautiful beaches on Antipaxos.

To reach Paxos, most people travel via Corfu, which offers flights from many international destinations. From Corfu, you can take a ferry to Paxos. Kamelia Lines and Ilida II operate ferry services between Corfu and Paxos. It’s recommended to make an advance reservation during high season.

If you’re staying at Villa Glaros, you’ll be met by the villa team at Paxos New Port. Alternatively, you can arrange a taxi or transfer. For drivers on the Greek mainland, you can take a ferry from Igoumenitsa to Paxos.

Paxos is a beautiful island with plenty to offer, from relaxing on the beach to exploring charming towns and enjoying delicious food. Whether you’re staying at a luxurious villa or taking a boat trip around the island, Paxos is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Greece.

Last time I visited Budapest, it was summer. The weather was warm and humid, with thunderstorms looming. We took the kids to watch Hungarian folk dancing during the St Stephen’s Day festival. This time, I returned in February, with a hint of snow in the air and the promise of spring around the corner. This trip was different; I had 48 hours with my parents and sisters to explore the city, enjoy great food, and have as much fun as possible together.

For such a short trip, choosing the right hotel is crucial. After reviewing many options on the Avios website, we decided on the 5-star Intercontinental Hotel. This elegant hotel offers both luxury and a prime location on the banks of the Danube, close to Budapest’s main attractions.

Our room had a stunning view of the Royal Palace on Castle Hill, making it an obvious first stop. We walked across the Chain Bridge to the hill’s base, where we saw the funicular. Although it’s more of a tourist attraction and a bit pricey, we opted to walk up the easy paths instead. At the top, we admired the views from the balustrade towards the Pest side of the city and down the Danube. We watched the soldiers march in front of the Sandor Palace, guarding the Hungarian President’s residence, and continued towards St Matthias Church.

On a previous summer visit, my family let me explore St Matthias Church alone while they relaxed at a nearby café. The church’s interior was vibrant with painted frescoes and colorful pillars. I learned that many medieval churches were originally much more colorful than the bare stone we see today. The church’s multicolored tiled roof, replaced after WWII shelling, was particularly striking.

In front of the church is the Fisherman’s Bastion, a whimsical colonnade of turrets and arches built in the 19th century as a monument to the Guild of Fishermen. From here, we enjoyed spectacular views of the Hungarian Parliament Building across the river, which resembles the Houses of Parliament in London. In summer, open-air cafés on the battlements offer live Hungarian folk music. In February, we warmed up with coffee and strudel at the nearby Ruszwurm Cukrászda café.

Back across the river, we walked from the Intercontinental to St Stephen’s Basilica, another major Budapest landmark with a dome dominating the skyline. We browsed the souvenir shops and restaurants around the square. We returned to the cathedral for Mass on Sunday morning and explored the Basilica, named after King Stephen I, Hungary’s first king who brought Christianity to the country. His mummified hand is displayed in one of the chapels and paraded annually on St Stephen’s Day.

Later, we strolled along Andrassy Avenue, an elegant boulevard with high-end shops, passing the State Opera House on our way to the House of Terror. This museum, once the headquarters of the Hungarian Nazis and later the communist state terror organizations, offers a sobering insight into Hungary’s history under Nazi and communist rule. The exhibits, including a black and white wall of victims’ faces and a tank in a shallow pool, are powerful reminders of the past.

For a low-cost sightseeing tour, we took the No 2 tram along the river, which stops outside the Intercontinental Hotel. One direction takes you past the Hungarian Parliament Building to Margaret Island, where we enjoyed the Palatine Baths in summer. The other direction leads to the Central Market and Liberty Bridge, which crosses to the Gellért Baths. We bought tram tickets at a convenience store and validated them on the tram.

On Sunday afternoon, after Mass and brunch at The New York Café, we took the tram to the Gellért Baths for a quintessential Budapest spa experience. The baths, part of the Gellért Hotel, offer both outdoor pools in summer and steamy Turkish baths in winter. We spent a couple of hours trying out all the pools, with the beautifully tiled Turkish bath being our favorite. Remember to bring your own swimsuit, towel, and cap, as rentals are pricey.

On our final morning, we took the No 2 tram to the Central Market, a large indoor market with fresh produce, meat products, and paprika stalls. Upstairs, there are handicrafts and souvenirs, including painted eggs perfect for Easter or Christmas decorations. We also tried Lángos, a Hungarian street food, before heading back to the hotel to collect our bags and catch our taxi to the airport.

We packed a lot into our 48 hours in Budapest, revisiting old favorites and discovering new ones, and had a great time together. There’s still plenty left to explore on our next visit.

In this article, our guest writer Francesco Visconti takes us on a weekend trip to Verona, exploring the true Italian essence of the city beyond the famous Romeo and Juliet story.

Everyone knows Verona as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, and lovers flock there to see Juliet’s balcony. But for an Italian traveler like me, who seeks to uncover the real soul of a place, it’s clear that Verona offers much more, and its romantic charm existed long before Juliet’s balcony became famous.

A few weeks ago, I spent a weekend in Verona with my girlfriend. I had visited once before when I was 12 with my family, but this time, I truly appreciated what makes Verona special compared to other Italian destinations, something that one-day visitors might miss.

We arrived at the train station on Friday afternoon, just after lunch. Early autumn is the perfect time to visit Verona, with fewer tourists, pleasant weather, and beautiful colors everywhere. At this time of day, the streets are quiet, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere on Corso Porta Nuova, the grand boulevard leading from the 16th-century Porta Nuova to the city center.

At the end of the boulevard, we passed under two arches into Piazza Brà, stepping back in time. We left the modern city behind and entered the old Roman town of Verona, symbolized by the Arena, the second most famous Roman amphitheater after the Colosseum. The Arena is shorter but wider than its Roman counterpart, perfectly preserved, and renowned for its incredible acoustics, making it ideal for concerts and music festivals.

Until ten years ago, the Arena hosted Italy’s most popular music festival, Festivalbar. During my first visit to Verona, the festival was in full swing, so I couldn’t explore the Arena. This time, I was thrilled to see it from the inside, walk on the sand, and climb the steps to the top for a view of the surrounding rooftops.

Unlike the Colosseum, where you can hardly touch anything, the Arena allows you to roam freely. Instead of jostling with thousands of tourists for a good photo, we were almost alone, letting our imaginations transport us to the era of gladiators.

We spent a good part of the afternoon in Piazza Brà, and when we emerged from the Arena, it was “Spritz time.” The Spritz is a typical drink from Verona and the Veneto region, enjoyed around the same time that the English have tea.

In search of a nice bar, we transitioned from the Roman to the medieval era, strolling through the pedestrian streets within the old town walls. What struck me was that almost the entire area is pedestrianized, something I haven’t seen in any other Italian city, making the walk even more enjoyable. We found bustling streets filled with people shopping, eating ice cream, or relaxing at bars with their Spritz.

After our spontaneous Friday night tour, we planned our Saturday to explore the rest of the city. Our first stop was Juliet’s house and balcony. We tried to go early, but no matter the time, half the tourists in town are always there, gazing at the balcony or the statue of Juliet below it.

After participating in the ritual for a while, we moved on to the more enjoyable Piazza delle Erbe. This square has always been the heart of Verona: it’s the oldest square, built on the ruins of the Roman Forum, and has been a market site and now a nightlife hub, full of bars and restaurants.

Piazza delle Erbe is also a stunning collection of monuments and buildings from different eras: the municipal house, the Lamberti tower, the painted Mazzanti houses, the fountain with the statue of the holy Mary, the “Tribuna,” and the column with the Lion of St. Mark, symbolizing the power of the old Republic of Venice, which ruled Verona in the 15th century.

These attractions blend seamlessly, like a colorful painting, and at first glance, you might not even realize the rich cultural and historical wealth they represent.

After taking a moment to breathe, we continued our tour. Just 20 meters behind the municipal house, we reached another amazing square: Piazza dei Signori, with a statue of Dante Alighieri at its center. The imposing statue led the locals to nickname the square Piazza Dante. This medieval square is surrounded by monumental buildings, each connected to the next by arches. In one corner stands perhaps Verona’s most unique monument: the “Arche Scaligere,” open-air tombs topped by Gothic arches, honoring the illustrious Scaligeri family who ruled the city in the 14th century.

After a quick look at the cathedral and the basilica of St. Zeno, we visited Castelvecchio in the late afternoon. We timed our visit to enjoy a sunset walk across the charming Scaligeri bridge, which spans the river from the castle, and continued along the Adige River to the Pietra bridge, the only remaining Roman-era bridge. For a romantic experience in Verona, visit this part of town under the night lights!

We dedicated Sunday to shopping and sampling typical food from the Veneto region. While a foreigner might not notice the difference and find all Italian food delicious, as an Italian who eats pasta every day, it was essential to find a “trattoria” with authentic Veronese cuisine!

North East Wales is full of stunning views. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct towers over the Dee Valley, and the Talacre lighthouse is beautifully set against sand dunes on a wide beach. This part of North Wales is less crowded but still gorgeous and untouched. The Clwydian hills are great for walking, and there are charming market towns to explore.

During the Year of the Sea in Wales, we explored the canals, rivers, and coastline of North East Wales and found plenty to do. Here’s what we enjoyed on our weekend break:

On Saturday morning, we visited the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, completed by Thomas Telford in 1805 to transport coal, iron, and slate. Known as the “stream in the sky,” this UNESCO World Heritage site is the highest and longest navigable canal in Britain, standing 126 feet high and 1007 feet long. Walking across it is a thrilling experience, especially for those afraid of heights.

We started at the Trevor basin, where there’s a car park and visitor center. From here, you can watch canal boats waiting to cross the aqueduct. You can also take boat trips or organize canoe trips, though we opted to walk across, which takes about 10 minutes. After crossing, we drove down to the stone bridge at the valley level for photos and enjoyed coffee and cake at the café boat by the visitor center.

Next, we headed to Llangollen, a pretty town in the Dee Valley. It’s a busy tourist hub with ice cream shops, souvenir stores, and interesting indie shops like Ty Nook. In the evening, we visited The Corn Mill, an old stone pub with a deck overlooking the river, perfect for a drink or meal on a sunny evening. We also heard good things about the Gales of Llangollen Food and Wine Bar.

Across the bridge from the main town is the Llangollen Wharf, where you can take a horse-drawn canal ride or walk along the towpath to the Horseshoe Falls. Another highlight is the train trip from the Heritage Railway Station in Llangollen, where you can board a vintage steam engine to Corwen and even have afternoon tea on board.

We also visited Plas Newydd in Llangollen, a picturesque house and garden created by Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, known as The Ladies of Llangollen. They arrived in 1780 and became famous for their “Romantic Friendship.” The house is filled with wooden carvings and collected objects, and the gardens are beautiful, especially in spring.

A short drive from Llangollen, we visited Valle Crucis Abbey, the ruins of a Cistercian abbey founded in 1201. The remains of the 13th-century church and cloisters are surrounded by hills, making for a scenic visit. The road beyond Valle Crucis Abbey takes you up to the Horseshoe Pass, a favorite route for motorbike riders with stunning views.

We stayed at Gladstones Library in Hawarden, a residential library founded in 1894 by England’s Prime Minister William Gladstone. The library has boutique bedrooms, a comfortable sitting room, and the Food For Thought café. It’s a great place to stay for writers, book-lovers, or anyone looking to explore the area.

In Hawarden, we enjoyed dinner at the Glynne Arms, a stylish bar and restaurant. We also visited the Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, which showcases the best produce from North Wales. Another great farm shop is the Rhug Estate Organic Farm shop near Llangollen, offering local food and a popular restaurant.

We also visited St Winefride’s Well in Holywell, a medieval stone shrine with a spring that has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. The beach at Talacre is another highlight, with its iconic lighthouse and natural beauty.

For walking enthusiasts, the Offa’s Dyke path and the North Wales Coastal path offer fantastic routes. We also enjoyed a visit to Ruthin, a pretty town with medieval buildings and a fascinating town house, Nantclwyd y Dre.

Our final stop was Chirk Castle, a 13th-century castle with elegant 17th-century furnishings. The castle is surrounded by open parkland and offers a glimpse into the history of the Myddelton family.

North East Wales is a beautiful region with plenty to see and do, from stunning landscapes to charming towns and historic sites. Whether you’re exploring by car or on foot, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Italy is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Milan Duomo. It’s also known for its incredible cuisine and rich culture, making it a top destination for American travelers. Despite its popularity, most visitors tend to stick to just a few regions, leading to crowded spots and high prices, while much of the country remains unexplored.
Rome is an ancient marvel, Venice is incredibly romantic, and the Amalfi Coast is stunning. However, there’s a hidden gem that often gets overlooked: Umbria.
### Discovering Umbria: Italy’s Hidden Gem
Umbria, located in central Italy, is often overshadowed by its famous neighbors, Tuscany and Lazio. Despite its proximity to these popular regions, Umbria remains a mystery to many travelers. So, what makes Umbria special? What’s the landscape like? How’s the food? And most importantly, is it worth visiting?
### Majestic Nature
Unlike Switzerland or Norway, Italy isn’t typically known for its natural landscapes. However, Umbria, known as Italy’s “green heart,” offers stunning natural beauty. The region is characterized by hilly terrain, dense forests, national parks, natural springs, beautiful gorges, and spectacular waterfalls. For instance, the Marmore Waterfalls near Terni are a breathtaking sight, and the serene lake in Piediluco is surrounded by charming villages and historic castles. If you need a break from Italy’s cultural overload, Clitunno Springs is the perfect spot to relax in a rustic boutique hotel, enjoy nature, and swim in crystal-clear ponds.
### Rich Ancient Culture
Umbria has a population of about 882,000 people, mostly living in small towns. Perugia, the capital, is the main attraction with its defensive walls, historical monuments, and the 13th-century Priori Palace. Other notable towns include Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, and medieval gems like Orvieto, Gubbio, and Spello. These towns offer picturesque streets, traditional restaurants, and a glimpse into Italy’s rich history.
### Fewer Tourists, More Authenticity
Umbria is not on the typical tourist route, which means it sees fewer visitors compared to other parts of Italy. This year, around 907,000 tourists visited Umbria, with two-thirds being Italians. This results in smaller crowds, more authentic experiences, and cheaper prices. For example, hotel stays in Perugia can start at $77 per night, even during peak summer. Dining is also affordable, with meals costing under $50 a day in smaller towns.
### Underrated Umbrian Cuisine
No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in its culinary delights, and Umbria offers a unique gastronomic experience. Umbrian cuisine is known as “cucina povera” or “peasant cooking,” focusing on a no-waste approach and traditional recipes. Meat lovers will enjoy dishes like porchetta, norcino cured meats, and bistecca. There’s also plenty of pasta, salads, vegetable stews, and pizza, ensuring no traveler goes hungry or breaks the bank.
### Getting to Umbria
Umbria is a rural province, so the easiest way to get there from the United States is to fly into Rome. From Rome, you can take a train to Perugia in about 2 hours and 42 minutes, with tickets costing as little as $16. Assisi is even closer, just a 2-hour train ride from Rome for $15. The largest airport in Umbria, Umbria International Airport, offers short-haul flights from select European cities.
In summary, Umbria is a hidden gem in Italy, offering stunning natural beauty, rich history, fewer tourists, affordable prices, and delicious cuisine. It’s definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

On the Caribbean island of St Kitts, you can buy fresh fish directly from the fishing boats, and market stalls display a colorful range of tropical fruits. There’s always something interesting cooking on the roadside barbecues. If you love to eat, here are some local St Kitts food specialties I recommend from my visit.

The local beer of choice is Carib beer, made just outside Basseterre at the Carib brewery. It’s a smooth, thirst-quenching lager. The same brewery also offers the slightly more robust Stag and Skol beers.

For local soft drinks, try Ting, a refreshing grapefruit soda, or Peardrella, a fizzy pear soda often used as a mixer. Ginseng Up, with energizing Korean ginseng, is another popular choice.

Every Caribbean island has its favorite rum, and St Kitts is no exception. Despite the end of sugar production on the island twenty years ago, you’ll find a strong rum punch at many bars. Each bar has its own special blend of rum, fruit juices, cane sugar, bitters, and nutmeg. On the Ultimate Rum Runners tour, you can learn about the island’s rum-making history and sample local rums like Belmont Estate and Brinley Gold Shipwreck, which come in flavors like mango, coffee, lime, and coconut. Another local spirit is the clear CSR, made from cane juice and often mixed with local grapefruit soda to make a ‘Ting with a sting’.

Seafood is another specialty in St Kitts and Nevis. Lobster is abundant and can be found on menus from upscale restaurants to rustic beach shacks. Grilled lobster on the beach is a must-try, especially at Reggae Beach bar or the more upscale Spice Mill on Cockleshell beach. In Basseterre, you’ll find lobster at Ballahoo and Fisherman’s Wharf. Other local fish to look out for include Mahi Mahi, coconut shrimp, and grilled grouper.

Conch, a large sea snail with a pretty pink shell, is another popular seafood dish. It’s often chopped finely and mixed with flour and egg batter to make deep-fried conch fritters, served with a piquant dipping sauce. Conch chowder, a creamy soup with garlic and finely chopped vegetables, is another tasty dish.

For vegetarians and vegans, Ital Creations is a small organic farm near Basseterre that sells vegetarian dishes, juices, and smoothies from a trailer. They serve veggie burgers, wraps, homemade banana or carob cakes, and drinks like red sorrel juice or moringa smoothies. You can also find Ital vans serving veggie food in Basseterre, especially around lunchtime.

Roti, a soft chapati wrapped around a filling, is a popular fast food or lunchtime snack in St Kitts. Fillings include chicken, shrimp, or vegetables in a light curry sauce. You’ll find Roti on many lunchtime menus in Basseterre, on the Frigate Bay Strip, or at Cockleshell beach.

Market stalls in Basseterre sell fresh fruit, but you can also get your fruit fix from the Refresh Juice Bar van on Bank Street, which offers smoothies made with frozen yogurt and fresh fruit puree. The Smoothie King on the corner of Princes and Fort Street is another popular spot for fruit smoothies.

Spicy jerk chicken and pork are served all over the Caribbean, and St Kitts is no exception. Street-food vendors cook barbecued meat over oil drums along Bay Road in Basseterre, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Some vendors also offer traditional St Kitts food like black pudding and goat water, a spicy stew of goat meat and breadfruit. Fresh coconut water from green coconuts is a refreshing drink to wash it all down.

For those with a sweet tooth, local treats like Guava Cheese and sugar cake are a must-try. Guava Cheese is a jelly sweet made from guava fruit puree and sugar, with lime juice for a sweet and sour flavor. Sugar cake is a crumbly cookie made from coconut and cane sugar, often spiced with ginger and sometimes studded with peanuts.

You can’t leave St Kitts without trying its national dish of salt fish and Johnny cakes. Salted, dried cod fish is stewed in a sauce of onions, tomatoes, and peppers and served with Johnny cakes, deep-fried cornmeal dough balls. In Port Zante, Ms. Moore’s street food stall behind the post office is reputed to offer the best Johnny cakes in town. They are served with a filling of salt fish or chicken. Vendors on Fort Street in Basseterre also sell salt fish and Johnny cakes as a takeaway lunch, served with coconut dumplings, plantains, and breadfruit. Enjoy!

As we wandered through the narrow streets of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto in Rome, we noticed an abundance of small cars. I was surprised to see classic cars and motorbikes zipping through the cobbled streets, which I had assumed were pedestrian-only.

In Rome, small cars dominate the roads, and larger vehicles like people-carriers or SUVs are not common. These compact cars fit perfectly into the tight parking spots outside the old apartment buildings.

My son, who can easily distinguish a Fiat Cinquecento from an Autobianchi, was busy taking photos of these cars while we enjoyed our tiramisu at a restaurant. Small cars are highly valued in Italy due to the narrow streets of its historic towns and cities.

Finding a parking space can be challenging, and sometimes you need to lightly bump other cars to fit into a spot. Locals expect a few dents and scratches, so investing in a large, expensive car isn’t practical if it’s likely to get damaged on the first drive.

That’s not to say that classic cars aren’t appreciated. They look stunning against the backdrop of old terracotta buildings, adding a touch of La Dolce Vita to the scenery.

Southampton is your gateway to some of the best food in the South of England. From the chalk streams and vineyards of Hampshire to the salads from the Isle of Wight and the artisan food producers of the New Forest, there’s a lot to explore.

Here are some top places to eat in Southampton, especially if you’re visiting on a cruise. Knowing where to eat in between sightseeing is essential.

Mettricks is a locally owned café near the Southampton docks, aiming to bring great coffee to the city. The decor is cozy, with pine tables and mismatched chairs. They source high-quality meat and bakery products from local suppliers. If you need free wifi, this is the place to be. Try their egg and crispy bacon sandwich or a homemade cake with coffee. The original café at 117 High Street stays open in the evening for cocktails, wine, and real ales with light bites until 10 pm. Mettricks has branches at 117 High Street, 2 East Bargate, and soon at 1 Guildhall Place.

For a quintessentially English experience, try afternoon tea at The Grand Café, originally the historic South Western Hotel used by first-class passengers on the Titanic. Afternoon tea is served from 2.30-5 pm (book in advance) and includes delicate sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and a selection of cakes. If you’re visiting Beaulieu, another elegant afternoon tea spot is the luxurious Montagu Arms.

The Pig in the Wall is a boutique hotel set into the old city walls of Southampton. It serves light dishes, homemade flatbreads, and cakes from mid-morning to 10 pm. They specialize in charcuterie, with items like pork crackling and apple sauce or Honey Mustard Chipolatas. The decor is shabby chic with exposed brickwork and leather chairs. All produce is locally sourced, featuring New Forest pork, Hampshire cheeses, and Isle of Wight tomatoes. Their sister hotel, The Pig at Brockenhurst, is also a well-known foodie stop.

The Dancing Man is a micro-brewery, bar, and restaurant housed in The Wool House, a medieval stone building. They brew around 20 different beers in rotation, with seven on tap at any time. Look out for the Pilgrim’s Pale Ale and The Last Waltz. The menu is British, with pies served with buttery mash and greens, and a popular Sunday roast.

For a variety of great restaurants, head to the lively restaurant quarter in Oxford Street, just a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. The pedestrianized street has a vibrant atmosphere, especially on weekends and evenings. We recommend the Oxford Brasserie for a cosmopolitan menu using local produce and Olive Tree for classic French bistro food. The White Star Tavern specializes in modern British cooking with local Hampshire produce.

If you’re looking for a traditional pub, try the Duke of Wellington, opposite The Tudor House in the heart of the Old Town. The timbered building dates back to the 13th century and has been a public house since 1494. They serve a wide selection of draught and real ales, with pub favorites like fish and chips, steak, and ploughman’s with ham or cheese.

While exploring Southampton and other parts of Hampshire and the New Forest, look out for local specialties. The chalk soil of Hampshire is ideal for wine growing, and you’ll find some of England’s best-known wineries near Southampton. The still and sparkling wines from Nyetimber and Hambledon aim to rival the best champagne. You can visit the Three Choirs Vineyard at Wickham for tours and tastings.

Hampshire is also known for its peppery, green watercress, especially in the spring and summer. The Watercress festival is held in Alresford every May, and you can even take a steam train past the watercress farms.

The Isle of Wight, just a short ferry ride from Southampton, is known for its fresh produce like asparagus, cherries, apricots, and especially tomatoes. Look out for these on restaurant menus in Southampton. The local New Forest ice cream, produced in Lymington, is widely available in shops and cafés around Southampton. Other artisan ice cream producers worth trying include Sundae’s Child in Romsey and Beaulieu chocolate studio in Beaulieu village.