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Finding the right place to stay can define your entire trip. The best hotels in Florence, Italy, do more than provide a bed for the night. They become a central part of your experience in this historic, art-filled city. Whether you crave Renaissance grandeur, Tuscan tranquility, or contemporary style, Florence has a hotel that fits […]

October 9, 2025

The 7 best hotels in Florence Italy

Italy

Reflections along the Arno River in Florence Italy

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Few English cities have shaped the world quite like Liverpool. Once one of Britain’s most important ports, its ships carried people and goods across continents and helped power global trade. That maritime history left an unmistakable mark on the city’s skyline, its culture, and even its sense of humor. As a result, there are so […]

October 6, 2025

The 10 best things to do in Liverpool England

England

View of Liverpool city skyline from Royal Albert Dock with moored boats and brick warehouses

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Manchester has always had an edge. Once the beating heart of the Industrial Revolution, the city has reinvented itself into a hub of sport, music, science, and culture. So if you’re thinking about visiting but wondering what the best things to do in Manchester England may be, keep reading! Today’s Manchester is full of historic […]

October 3, 2025

The 10 best things to do in Manchester England

England

Manchester Town Hall in Albert Square with Gothic Revival clock tower

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What is a ha ha? If you’ve ever heard someone say the phrase, you might think it’s a joke. But it’s actually a curiously real landscape feature that dates back to the 18th century. Yes, it has a very odd name. But the feature itself had a key role in preserving some of the landscapes […]

August 30, 2025

What is a ha ha?

England

View looking out between two trees across the pasture at Hidcote Manor Garden. Upper edge of the stone ha-ha wall is barely visible across the lower third of the photo, showing how the ha-ha wall kept livestock away from the home and formal gardens while preserving the view.

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Ever notice that some bottles say “whisky” and others say whiskey”? Is it a secret code? Something special about where it’s from? Is “whiskey” a better way to spell it than “whisky”? Do they mean different things? Or it is just something to argue about after your second pour? The short answer is, proper spelling […]

August 11, 2025

Is it Whisky or Whiskey?

Scotland

Scotch whisky on a wooden tray on a wooden table, set out as a whisky tasting flight

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The first time I visited Florence was during my senior year of high school. I’ll be honest, I knew nothing about the city. I’d never even heard of it. So needless to say, I had no idea what the best things to do in Florence Italy would be. Somehow, through my 12 years of education, […]

July 4, 2025

8 things to do in Florence Italy on your first trip

Italy

Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo of Florence, with the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio and Giotto's Belltower. The structures tower over the city, with the hills that surround the city in the background.

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Everyone’s heard of Venice, but are you familiar with Chioggia Italy, or “Little Venice”? With charming canals winding through town, colorful buildings, and a more relaxed (as in far fewer tourists!) historic center, Chioggia is much more than just a smaller version of its famous neighbor. Chioggia may be less well-known, but it’s full of […]

July 3, 2025

Chioggia Italy: Embracing the Charm of “Little Venice”

Italy

The main canal through Chioggia Italy, with a bridge crossing over and boats along the sides. A belltower stands tall in the background.

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Venice is one of the most sought after destinations in the world, one that lands on many people’s bucket lists. And for good reason! There are so many things to do in Venice, Italy that you could spend weeks exploring and still not see it all. The city is unique, with so much art, architecture, […]

July 3, 2025

8 things to do in Venice Italy that most people miss

Italy

A Venice Select Spritz and an assortment of cicchetti ready to be enjoyed

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The Sistine Chapel (or Cappella Sistina as it’s known in Italian) is one of the most famous landmarks of Rome. It attracts more visitors than a gelato stand on a hot summer day! And why wouldn’t it? Most people visit to take in Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling frescoes. The frescoes in the Sistine Chapel are intricate […]

July 3, 2025

10 things you (probably) don’t know about the Sistine Chapel

Italy

The front of St. Peter's Basilica and the dome, designed by Michelangelo, at dusk. The darkening sky behind the dome is turning pink.

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The Florence Cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Florence Duomo, is one of my favorite buildings in the world. It’s where I spent my college internship giving free tours to visitors. I spent hours explaining the art, architecture, and historic significance of the building. The Florence Cathedral is also one of the […]

July 3, 2025

10 things you (probably) don’t know about the Cathedral of Florence

Italy

The Florence Cathedral facade, with the baptistry in front of it and the dome rising behind. The terra cotta dome contrasts beautifully with the pink, white and green marble of the facade.

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If you’ve ever had a full English or Scottish breakfast, you know they don’t mess around when it comes to a proper morning meal. But a traditional Irish breakfast is a classic of its own. It’s a hearty start to the day with no room left for lunch. A traditional Irish breakfast shares some familiar […]

July 1, 2025

What is a traditional Irish breakfast?

Ireland

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I’m a big fan of a full English breakfast, even though it’s a lot of food. At least, I thought it was a lot of food until I met its Scottish cousin! A traditional breakfast in Scotland shares some familiar staples with an English breakfast, but adds its own bold items for a fully Scottish […]

June 29, 2025

What is a traditional breakfast in Scotland?

Scotland

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An American woman was sitting behind us during a lovely brunch at Fortnum & Mason. We thought nothing of it until we heard her order, specifically asking for the “cooked bacon” instead of the uncooked bacon. The waiter was understandably confused, saying “our bacon is cooked, madam”. She kept insisting that he bring her the […]

June 27, 2025

What is a full English breakfast and should you try it?

England

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Venice is a city like no other. It’s a masterpiece of canals, palaces, and timeless beauty. But staying in luxury hotels in Venice, Italy isn’t just about comfort! It’s also about experiencing the city’s history, culture, and romance firsthand. From opulent palazzos on the Grand Canal to secluded island retreats, Venice offers a range of […]

March 2, 2025

The Best Luxury Hotels in Venice, Italy

Hotels

Tables and chairs along the Grand Canal at the Riva Lounge at The Gritti Palace, one of the best luxury hotels in Venice, Italy

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Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world, known for its canals, stunning architecture, and centuries of history. If you’ve spent much time there, you may think you know a lot of Venice Italy facts. But you (probably) know less than you think! Venice is so unique that it’s been listed as […]

March 1, 2025

10 Venice Italy Facts You (Probably) Don’t Know

Italy

View of San Michele island, housing the Venetian cemetery, from the water

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I spent 2022 living in Frankfurt, Germany. The culture, language, and surroundings were all new. After a couple months I found myself needing a short break. Someplace familiar. A Venice, Italy trip would be perfect! After studying abroad in Italy and traveling there multiple times, Italy feels much more familiar than Germany. I’ve been to […]

February 25, 2025

The recipe for a magical weekend trip to Venice, Italy

Italy

View from the lagoon, looking across the water at the side of San Marco and the belltower in the Piazza San Marco with gondolas lined up along the edge of the lagoon

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Tuscany’s rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and Renaissance cities make it a dream destination year-round. Whether you’re wandering through Florence’s historic streets, sipping Chianti in the countryside, or enjoying the olive harvest, every season offers something unique. But when is the best time to visit Tuscany? Finding the right balance of good weather and fewer crowds […]

February 22, 2025

Discovering the Best Time to Visit Tuscany

Italy

Sienna-colored houses overlooking the green Tuscan countryside

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Florence was the first city in Europe to enchant me. On my first visit, I fell in love. The unique tapestry of Florence neighborhoods, each with its own story and atmosphere, still holds a special place in my heart. I still can’t explain exactly what it was that first attracted me to Florence. It wasn’t […]

February 22, 2025

Florence Neighborhoods to Explore on Your Next Visit

Italy

The intricate facade of the Florence cathedral, or Duomo against a blue sky with a hanging lantern in the foreground

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Italy is a country of breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and fascinating history. From the snow-capped Alps to sun-drenched coastal villages, each of the regions of Italy offers something unique, whether it’s food, art, or natural beauty. Exploring the 20 Italian regions goes beyond visiting famous cities. It’s about experiencing the local culture, cuisine, and history […]

February 20, 2025

Discover the Enchanting Regions of Italy

Italy

The rolling hills of Tuscany, one of the best known regions of Italy

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Aix-en-Provence is a sun-drenched gem in southern France, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, and Provençal charm. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Aix en Provence, you’ll find everything from elegant boulevards and lively markets to world-class museums and scenic vineyards.  Just a three-hour TGV ride from Paris, this vibrant […]

February 19, 2025

The Best Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence

France

The front of the Aix cathedral across a cobbled square framed against a bright blue sky

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The Loire Valley is a dream destination for castle lovers. This UNESCO world heritage site is home to more than 300 châteaux, each with its own fascinating history and architectural beauty. With so many options, choosing which Loire Valley castles to visit can feel overwhelming. To help you plan, here’s a guide to seven of […]

February 18, 2025

The Best Loire Valley Castles to Visit on Your Next Trip to France

France

Exterior view of the Chateau de Chambord, the best known of the Loire Valley Castles, with fuschia flowers in the foreground against a paved pathway leading to the castle.

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A trip to Paris isn’t complete without visiting Versailles, the ultimate showcase of French royal opulence.  Just a short ride from the city, Versailles offers grand interiors, stunning gardens, and fascinating history. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an overnight stay, let’s make the most of your visit. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate […]

February 18, 2025

Visiting Versailles: The Crown Jewel of Any Paris Trip

France

An external view of Versailles against a blue cloudy sky with wispy white clouds and a running fountain in the foreground

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Craving a new way to experience France beyond the usual landmarks? From alpine peaks to vineyard-dotted valleys, these scenic drives in France promise adventure, charm, and unforgettable stops along the way.  Swap city crowds for winding roads and breathtaking views. Visit charming villages and stop to take in a panoramic view on your next road […]

February 18, 2025

7 Scenic Drives in France You Need To Experience

France

A view across a lake in France with cloud covered mountains in the background

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Paris is enchanting, but some of France’s greatest treasures lie just beyond the city.  These day trips from Paris offer history, art, wine, and breathtaking scenery – all within easy reach of the capital. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Paris regular, these unforgettable day trips will immerse you in France’s rich culture and […]

February 17, 2025

7 Day Trips from Paris to Discover France’s Hidden Gems

France

Looking up at Château de Chambord against a grey cloudy sky with greenery in the foreground