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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 […]

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Italy, Travel

March 2, 2025

The Best Luxury Hotels in Venice, Italy

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

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 […]

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Italy, Travel

March 1, 2025

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

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

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 […]

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Italy, Travel

February 25, 2025

The recipe for a magical weekend trip to Venice, 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

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 […]

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Italy, Travel

February 22, 2025

Florence Neighborhoods to Explore on Your Next Visit

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

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 […]

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France, Travel

February 17, 2025

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

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

Every major city has its famous neighborhoods. London has Kensington and Notting Hill. New York boasts Tribeca and the East Village. Rome charms with Trastevere and the Centro Storico. Paris does things a little differently. Instead of named neighborhoods, the city is divided into 20 numbered arrondissements. Each one has its own character, attractions, and […]

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France, Travel

February 8, 2025

A Traveler’s Guide to Paris Arrondissements

Skyline view across some of the Paris arrondissements

Rouen, the capital of Normandy, is a city steeping in history, brimming with stunning Gothic architecture, and home to some of France’s most charming streets. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a picturesque French getaway, Rouen offers plenty to explore. Best of all? It’s an easy day trip.  From […]

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France, Travel

January 29, 2025

The Best Things to Do in Rouen, France

Cafes and restaurants line Place du Vieux-Marché

Every year on March 17th, the world turns Irish! From turning the river green in Chicago to parades as far away as Tokyo, who can resist an excuse for a party? While Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, the global nature of St. Patrick’s day leads to a simple question. How much of […]

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Ireland, Travel

January 14, 2025

From Parades to Pints: How Ireland Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

I don’t normally spend a lot of time in my hotel room when I travel. But I’m the first to admit that the hotel can make or break a trip for me. That’s why when I was deciding where to stay in York England, I decided on The Grand York. My expectations are high, and […]

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England, Travel

December 30, 2024

Where to stay in York, England – The Grand Hotel

When considering a trip to the United Kingdom, London is where most travelers start. But there is so much more to England than London! Over the past couple years I’ve had the opportunity to explore a lot of England’s smaller towns and cities. One of those smaller cities is York, a gem of a city […]

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England, Travel

December 30, 2024

My favorite things to do in York England