There are certain places around the world that seem to be on every Must-Visit list, featured on TV shows and in movies and attract an unlikely high number of travel writers and bloggers. I’ve never really figured out the reason, but they exist and Lucca is one of those rarefied cities. Locate in Italy’s romantic Tuscany region, I remember first hearing about Lucca while watching an episode of “House Hunters International.” Ever since then, and after thousands of times reading about it, I’ve wanted to visit, to see if it really is as special as the world seems to think. I recently had that opportunity, while visiting Tuscany as part of a Viking oceans cruise of the Mediterranean. While docked in Livorno, one of the optional excursions was to spend an independent half-day in Lucca, an excursion I booked as quickly as I could. It was a fantastic and convenient way to visit this remarkable city and to discover what, if anything, makes it so very special.

Lucca

Like so much of Italy, Lucca is impossibly old, first coming to life before even the Romans. Surrounded by mountains, forests and farmland, arriving into Lucca fulfills the collective wish for what Tuscany should be like. In addition to its age, it also seems like Lucca has always been an important city. As a hub for trade, religion and scholarship, Lucca has long been one of Tuscany’s key cities and still is today really. One reason why I selected the “on your own” excursion to Lucca instead of an escorted tour was that I wanted time to explore the city on my own and in my own way, trying to discover what makes it tick. The excursion offered by Viking was exactly what I wanted. They provided the transportation, along with a guide who answered any and all questions on the way, but once we arrived we were let loose to do whatever we wanted. It was a chilly morning a week or so before Christmas and I was bundled up as I set off down one of Lucca’s many side streets to see what all the fuss was about.

The layout of the city still reflects the medieval age and Lucca is today perhaps most famous for its fully intact city walls that still encircle it. The Lucca walls though are completely unlike any other I’ve seen before in Europe. Instead of a narrow walkway high atop the city, the Lucca walls are large and expansive, very much a kind of urban park above the city. More ramparts than walls, once the city decided they really didn’t need them for defense in the 19th century, they did something very few other cities managed. Instead of tearing them down, they expanded and enhanced them. They planted trees and grass, which is why today the city is completely encircled by this tremendous green space. It’s remarkable and so rare that as soon as I spent some time walking the walls, I understood why they alone attract so many curious visitors.

Lucca is about much more than just its walls though, and armed with a handy map I was excited to discover more of the city. Nine in the morning though in Tuscany means that I very much had the city to myself, at least at the start of the day. I used that time to do an initial walk around the old town, stopping off for some hot coffee and to try the city’s local bread, a strangely sticky raisin bun covered with a bitter anise glaze. The morning light radiated off the ancient buildings, creating flashes of brilliance, capturing the city in a fiery glow. Walking past Roman amphitheaters and plazas, churches and cathedrals, I stopped into a few to admire the art and offer my respects. In the main square, the market was starting to come to life as stall owners methodically displayed their wares. I felt unsettled though, the city, while beautiful, and I still hadn’t connected and I certainly didn’t understand its meteoric rise to travel and tourism fame. So I did something I try to do whenever I can, I climbed.

I always love getting a bird’s eye view of new cities I visit and I was well rewarded in Lucca when I climbed the 230 steps of the Guinigi Tower. Originally built in the 1300s, this is one of the last remaining towers within the city walls and has one peculiar feature – a garden on top complete with oak trees. But of course the views stole the show, providing me with a 360-degree look over the ancient city of Lucca and the gorgeous countryside surrounding it. I was all alone and quickly got lost in my thoughts, reminding me of why I love to travel so very much. It was then and there that I connected with Lucca, gazing out upon its entirety and feeling the beautiful weight of the centuries. I could’ve stayed up there all day, but the wind and freezing temperatures forced my hasty retreat into the warm embrace of the closest café where I slowly regained feeling in my hands with even more coffee and a fresh pastry.

Overall Feel

I sat in that café for quite a while, watching people come and go as the incredibly kind owner welcomed each and every one. Reluctantly, I noticed the time and quickly made my way back to the main square to catch my ride back to the Viking Star. Standing there, I noticed that since my arrival the city had come to life. The streets were packed with people enjoying last minute Christmas shopping, buying dinner table centerpieces, and wandering in and out of local churches to say a quick prayer. In the corner of the square was a mechanical fortuneteller, exactly like the one in the movie “Big.” I couldn’t resist and plunked in a Euro to get my fortune. The card returned was in Italian, but after translating it I noticed a particular line that resonated with me: “You will go far and see much.” It’s a simple line, fairly generic and most likely printed on hundreds more identical slips. But it was a message I needed to read, a message I needed in order to feel reassured. Working for oneself is a constant battle against self-doubt and at that time and in that place, the universe knew I needed a gentle pat on the back and provided me with just that.

I left Lucca that afternoon gazing wistfully out of the coach window, having indeed fallen for the city. But it wasn’t the walls or churches that did it, no, it was something intensely more personal. Lucca became a restorative experience for me, reminding me of why I love this weird job I’ve created so very much and the passion for seeing the world that has been at the center of my identity for as long as I can remember. So yes, do visit Lucca when you’re in Tuscany, but do it for yourself. Do it to discover the power that a beautiful place can have on our souls and do it to remind yourself what makes this weird thing called life so intensely special.

The post My Search to Discover Why Everyone Loves Lucca, Italy appeared first on LandLopers.

I like quirky places, destinations that are a little different or unusual and, in most cases, the world’s smallest countries all fall neatly into this category. Usually formed due to a complex and politically unusual history, these microstates have embraced their stature, showing a fierce pride in what is ultimately a very small piece of real estate. I’ve had the great pleasure to visit many small countries around the world, including these personal favorites.

Malta

The quirky island nation of Malta in the Mediterranean has a long and important history, but it’s one not many people actually know a lot about. Long considered by Europeans as a sunny getaway, others from around the world are learning about this small country not just for its beaches and turquoise blue waters, but also for its art, architecture, cities and incredible history. Personally, there’s nothing I enjoy more in Malta than roaming the hilly streets of the capital city, Valletta. Whether it’s incredible harbor views or delving deep into the history of this colorful island, there’s plenty for all types of travelers to enjoy.

Monaco

Located on the French Riviera, Monaco fulfills our collective dreams of what this swanky part of the world should be like. What immediately attracts most visitors is Monte Carlo and its famous casino. Drawing the well to do for generations, the massive building still has the air of wealth and exclusivity, but there’s a lot more to the microstate than roulette. The old town of Monaco is what interested me the most, wandering past the Prince’s Palace and along quite side streets, it was only then that I started to connect with the country. But there is no doubt that all of Monaco feels as if it’s sprinkled with fairy dust, and to pretend you’re part of that elite community, even if just for a few hours, is well worth the visit.

San Marino

Enveloped by Italy near the coastal city of Rimini, San Marino is very much a real life fairy tale. This small speck of land calls a series of mountain peaks home; castle forts perched high above the surrounding valley serving as intimidating sentries. Most people only visit San Marino as a day trip from other areas in Italy, all eager for their opportunity to walk into that fairy tale. Visits to San Marino tend to be brief. It’s small, there’s only so much to see and do and for me, the hilly walking got a little annoying after a few hours. But there’s also no denying the travel magic contained within the city walls. Sure, most of the shops are touristy, but they’re in traditional buildings, ones that have been there for centuries. Walking along the winding streets, it’s very easy to imagine yourself in a San Marino of years gone by and you start to appreciate what life must have really been like. There are very few places left on this Earth, much less in Europe, where you can really and truly get this sort of perspective and it is for that reason more than any other that San Marino lives on as a place of enchantment for everyone who visits.

Vatican City

Rome is amazing and any first time visitor worth their travel salt will include some time in Vatican City. Thanks to its incredible history and importance, the Vatican fascinates me and I always find myself wandering around when I visit the Eternal City. For something a little different though, be sure to book a special Scavi tour. The Vatican Necropolis, or Scavi, is located directly beneath the immense St. Peter’s Basilica and contains everything from the Papal tombs to Roman cities of the dead. To visit you can book tickets on your own, which wasn’t the easiest process when I did it, but is well worth the hassle. The entire tour was an hour and a half, but it seemed like ten minutes. We wandered through all of the various levels of excavation, navigated uneven ground previously trod upon by Roman nobles. Included in the tour is an entire Roman city street and necropolis complex. It was incredible to peer through doorways and imagine the city two thousand years earlier.

Luxembourg

I honestly didn’t expect a lot from my brief visit to Luxembourg. It was a stop en route to somewhere else, but as so often happens, Luxembourg quickly became a new favorite destination of mine. Let’s be clear, Luxembourg is not a microstate. It is not Andorra or San Marino or the oft-confused-with Lichtenstein. Although it’s not big (999 sq miles with half a million residents) it’s big enough to have more than one city with actual things to do and see, unlike the other European microstates. Naturally though the most popular, and likely also the most interesting, is the capital Luxembourg City. Recognized by UNESCO for the important role it’s played in European history due not only to its strategic position within Europe, but also to the fact that it’s one of the largest fortresses on the continent. A few days is really necessary to properly enjoy the country, a surprisingly fun country to visit hidden quietly away in the middle of Europe.

Any Island

I love islands, but not for the reasons you might think. While the beaches and palm trees are always nice, islands tend to be quirky and interesting, full of local traditions and weird histories. They are floating small towns and I love learning more about them. This year, I think it’s important to visit the many small island countries of the Caribbean, as a nod of support following the devastating hurricanes of 2017. Much of the Caribbean was left unaffected by the hurricanes and even those islands hardest hit are already welcoming back tourists. Make 2018 the year that you visit, contribute to the local economies and help this beautiful part of the world get back on its feet.

The post My Favorite Small Countries Worth a Long Visit appeared first on LandLopers.

Food has become an increasingly important aspect of the travel experience for me, as I think it has for most people. Not only is the modern traveler more educated when it comes to all things delicious, but even the smallest of cities around the world are undergoing what I call a foodie renaissance spurred on by young and energetic chefs. The result is a travel landscape where food and drink play a starring role, so it’s weird that I haven’t written about food lately as much as I normally do. Purely the result of forgetfulness and not from a lack of experiences, today I want to quickly look back at the last 12 months or so and share my favorite travel and food experiences that in many cases were highlights of the journeys themselves.

Eating Around Colombia

What I enjoyed most on my trip to Colombia wasn’t a famous attraction, it was the food. I knew before even leaving home that the culinary side of the trip would be amazing, but even that is a gross understatement. Taking a Bogota food tour, I learned a lot about the culinary traditions of the city and country in general, from its many corn-based meals and snacks to desserts that may seem a little off, but which are all delicious. But it goes well beyond that into fresh and local eating, visiting the neighborhood or citywide markets and buying some of the freshest fruits and vegetables you’ll ever see. Due to the country’s unique sets of climates, they produce fruits so exotic you’d think you were in the middle of Thailand. I couldn’t even name half the fruits I tasted, but they were all delicious. Add in the medium-roasted and full-bodied coffee for which Colombia is so very famous, and the food scene in the country is worth a visit in its own right.

Corsican Picnic

Sailing around the Mediterranean is always a fun experience, especially when I get the opportunity to visit places new to me. Such was the case when I spent the day in sunny Ajaccio, Corsica. One of the best decisions I made during my time on Corsica was to join a cruise excursion into the city, with an emphasis on the daily market. Since food is always the first aspect of a new place I investigate, it was the perfect fit as my first introduction to Corsican culture. The variety of food is what impressed me most, I didn’t expect the island to be as fertile as it clearly is. Tasting my way around the incredible displays of meats and cheeses at the local market though is what I enjoyed the most, in fact, I was so inspired by the quality of the foods on display that I bought some and enjoyed an impromptu picnic lunch after the tour. Sitting there and looking out across the harbor as I ate my self-made baguette sandwich was pure perfection – better than any fancy lunch at an in-town restaurant by a mile.

Pica Pica in Barcelona

The capital of the country’s Catalonia region, Barcelona is one of the great culinary centers of Europe, both in terms of traditional as well as more modern cuisine. There’s a reason why some of the world’s best restaurants call Catalonia home, the unique combination of creative chefs and amazing local products make it ideal for creative food concepts. My focus in Barcelona though wasn’t on what’s new in Spanish cuisine, but what’s at the traditional core of the foodie experience – tapas and pica-pica. For generations, the practice of enjoying some light bites and a glass of wine or vermouth before a meal was common practice. One picked at the bites, which is ultimately where the term comes from. In the local Catalan language, picar means to eat small bites of many different types of foods. Originally including mainstays like olives, tomatoes, cheese and ham, it has evolved over time to include any number of small plates. Usually enjoyed in a local bodega, it still is the ideal way to start an evening out with friends, nights that always begin late and end with a fabulous meal. My meal that evening though was solely focused on tapas and pica-pica, the perfect way to best experience not just the city, but the up and coming neighborhood of Poble Sec.

Luther Dinner

I didn’t know what a Luther Dinner was before traveling to Germany, but while spending the week exploring so-called Luther Country, I enjoyed this rustic meal a couple of times. In general, a Luther Dinner is a meal that is inspired by what was popular to eat and drink in the 16th century. So, imagine lots of meat, stews, gravies and an absence of now-iconic ingredients like potatoes and sugar. At the Wartburg Castle Hotel, the chef took the concept and added a fine dining spin to it, creating one of the best meals I’ve ever enjoyed. Still paying homage to Luther, the locally sourced ingredients were creatively reimagined from baked saddle and belly of pork to an incredible honey ice cream, each course was also paired with regional beers and wines inspired by Luther. Food is an important part of the experience at the Wartburg Castle Hotel and after enjoying a meal I know I’ll never forget, I quickly understood why.

Alsatian Wine Route

Within the last year I’ve had the good fortune to visit the Alsace region of France twice, and it’s those visits that have convinced me that it is not only one of the best regions in France, but in all of Europe. One of the most contested areas of Europe, this sliver of land has passed hands between France and Germany probably more times than anyone can count. The result is the very unique Alsatian culture, which is a mix of German and French customs and traditions. Strasbourg is the largest city in the region, and a few days exploring are well spent. But the many towns and villages of Alsace are just as important and best seen along the Alsatian Wine Route. Whether you spend 2 days or a week exploring it, you won’t be disappointed, especially ending in the picture perfect city of Colmar. Colmar is the quaint town of our collective dreams and even after a couple of visits I still yearn to return and explore even more of the city.

Karakol Food Tour (Kyrgyzstan)

Thanks in large part to its unique position along the Silk Road, traders from around the known world passed through Kyrgyzstan over the centuries, bringing with them different spices and ingredients, recipes and techniques and infusing the region with a new way to enjoy food. The food tour in the city of Karakol is led by a local and takes guests through the successive waves of immigration to the region, from those early traders to the 19th century Russians. Dishes such as Lagman and Ashlyan-Fu are enjoyed but, more importantly, we learned why these dishes are so important to daily life in Karakol. Why people choose to eat them so regularly and, of course, the best places in town to find them. The Karakol food crawl was my favorite experience in Karakol not just because everything was so delicious, but because it was a truly immersive way to learn more about this fascinating part of the country.

Eating on the Ocean Floor

Burntcoat Head Park is an unlikely pilgrimage spot in Nova Scotia. Not really located close to anything, the entrance is quietly set amongst rolling farmland and pastoral landscapes. But it’s here where the most extreme tidal difference on the Bay was recorded, it’s here where its entry into the records books was secured and it’s here where those extremes happen every single day. It’s also the location for one of the most extraordinary dining experiences I’ve ever had the great pleasure to enjoy. A few years ago, the creative minds at the Flying Apron Inn came up with an audacious idea, to take advantage of those tidal extremes and to offer a fine-dining experience on the ocean floor. Arriving in the mid-afternoon, it’s so much more than just a dinner, it’s an experience. With pre-dinner snacks and drinks, guided tours of the Bay and local experts providing an insight into the region, it’s a robust experience with Fundy at its center. Naturally though, the highlight was the incredible meal itself, created by the Flying Apron’s Chef Velden and paired with local wines and beers. The afternoon and evening was fun in every meaning of the word, but it was much more than that. It was an immersive way to learn more about Fundy and to experience it in a very personal way. This is without a doubt one of the most creative meals I’ve ever enjoyed and one that I know I’ll never forget.

Lounging by the Finger Lakes

At the heart of the Finger Lakes experience in New York for many are the wineries, breweries and distilleries found all around the lakes. For decades, Finger Lakes wines were produced using native grapes and, for the most part, the results were mixed. But then in the 1960s, mimicking global wine trends, vinifera grapes were introduced and the wineries in the region started producing everything from stellar Rieslings to full bodied reds. Today the results speak for themselves and with more than 140 wineries in the Finger Lakes, visitors can try as many of these vintages for themselves as they want. It’s hard to go wrong when choosing wineries to visit, but for a fun and immersive experience stop by Wagner’s on Seneca Lake. Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery produces a wide selection of amazing wines, but they also have a brewery on site that creates just as tasty ales, porters and IPAs. With a large deck overlooking the vines and lake, it’s the perfect spot to sit back and relax.

Yangon Food Tour

Not surprisingly, one of the highlights of my time in Yangon was learning about the city’s very unique cuisine, in which I received a fun crash course while on a Yangon Food Tour. While I could have clumsily eaten my way around the city, I wanted to take a food tour for a more organized immersion into Myanmar’s foodie scene. I did some research and didn’t find many options, but then I discovered Yangon Food Tours. In operation for just a few months, this is very much a business with passion and I was excited not just to enjoy a food tour dinner, but also to support a truly local startup. The Yangon Food Tour is a good mix of stall and restaurant food, which, honestly perfectly reflects the style of eating in Yangon. And eating is serious business in the city, I marveled at how many restaurants and other opportunities to eat there were everywhere around town. Not unlike other countries in the region, food is at the heart of the experience and to truly start to understand the culture and people, you have to understand what they eat and how they enjoy food. Yes, the Yangon Food Tour was the ideal introduction to the cuisine of Yangon and Myanmar, but it did more than that. It was also the perfect way for me to get used to the city, to shed any concerns or fears I may have had in a new place and to learn to enjoy Yangon for everything that makes it so great. It was one of the highlights of my time in Myanmar, well worth the investment of $35 and a few hours of my time.

Cooking in Sorrento

Perched high on a hill overlooking the city of Sorrento and the bay on which it sits, I couldn’t help but fall in love. This is the promise, this is what the coastline of Italy should be and living there, even if only for a few days, was a travel experience I won’t soon forget. A slower pace of life, kind people and delicious food; add in amazing scenery and you have a recipe for success. While I loved learning more about the city, one of my favorite experiences there had nothing to do with the views or long history, it was instead an experience I booked to learn more about the culture through food. Chef Carmen has long been a fixture in Sorrento and has led cooking classes for years. She’s famous not only for her stellar cooking skills, but for a personality that lights up a room. Spending several hours with her, along with a small group of other students, I laughed more than I have in a long time as I learned the intricacies of making such classics as pizza, gnocchi and eggplant parmesan. While I’m not sure I can replicate the recipes at home exactly, there’s no doubt I had a fun afternoon and a delicious meal as a result of my time with Carmen.

Rural Fine Dining in Ireland

I normally don’t consider myself a fine-dining kind of guy and yet, whenever I experience a great restaurant, I almost always walk away impressed. That was definitely the case after an incredible 11-course tasting menu at the organic Strawberry Tree Restaurant at Macreddin Village. The BrookLodge and attached restaurant are a relaxing country retreat where pastoral luxury reigns supreme. I love great properties like the BrookLodge, tucked away deep in the rolling hills and a place where people go to do little more than relax. But it’s also home to Ireland’s only entirely organic restaurant, the Strawberry Tree. Led by a chef with a fierce obsession with seasonality, they even have a full-time forager on staff who treks every day to find the freshest ingredients in the pastures and paths surrounding Macreddin. The results speak for themselves; after a leisurely dinner I was as impressed as I’ve ever been by a food experience. Each course was more surprising than the last and when combined with great service and hospitality, it was the perfect evening.

Roman Holiday

Following my Viking cruise I was in Rome jut a few days before Christmas and so decided to join a very special walking tour with Context Travel. Famous for offering thoughtful and offbeat walking tours around the world, in Rome I decided to hop on their seasonal holiday food tour. Led by a local chef and food writer, she spent the morning taking us to some of Rome’s best kept foodie secrets to sample those delicacies most important around the holidays. Cakes and chocolates, sandwiches and pizza and of course gelato all played a role but, more importantly, I learned a lot about the holiday traditions of the city and how local Romans celebrate the season. No matter what you decide to eat in Rome, be sure to get out there and be adventurous, exploring new neighborhoods and finding your own perfect bites.

The post Traveling Foodie: My 12 Favorite Experiences From the Last 12 Months appeared first on LandLopers.

There are few places in the word as famous for its food than Italy. There’s just something special about traditional Italian cuisine that sets it apart from most of its neighbors. I’ve never seen a Swiss restaurant near where I live, but there are plenty of Italian bistros and there’s a reason for that. Italian food speaks to our souls in a way few other cuisines manage, so whenever I visit Italy food is of course an important part of the experience. I’ve enjoyed many great meals and food experiences in Italy, but here are some of my favorites, many of which go beyond simple pleasure and helped me better understand the regions and different cultures of this always fun to visit country.

Cooking like the Milanese

Food tours are great, but so are cooking classes that go into more depth than any tour could hope to. I look for these when I have enough time in any given place, especially since they usually last for several hours. I also try to do them in iconic foodie destinations, and Milan certainly qualifies as that. Northern Italy in general, but Milan and Lombardy in particular is home to some of the most famous Italian dishes, as well as the tastiest. Walking into the modest home of Chef Aurora, owner of Cook and Dine, I could already smell the aromas of cooking prep well underway. There’s something inherently calming about being in someone’s house, in their kitchen when learning how to cook. Had we been in a large industrial space I know I would’ve been a little nervous, but cooking alongside Aurora in her personal kitchen made it seem like I was hanging out with a friend instead of a teacher. Through her patient tutorial, that evening we learned how to prepare several iconic Milanesi dishes including: Osso bucco, pumpkin ravioli, cotoletta and tiramisu. It was a delicious way not just to learn about the food, but to really feel connected to the people who call both Milan and Lombardy home.

Regional Favorites

What is perhaps most interesting to me as an American is that while we may think we know and understand Italian food, we really don’t. No, we’re familiar with the Americanized version and while there are some similarities, there are many more differences. What we miss about Italian food is the regional nuance, how much the cuisine changes from one region to the next and, ultimately, fully understanding that there really is no such thing as Italian cuisine per se. No, instead there’s Venetian, Bolognese, Pugliesi and so on. Part of the fun of visiting Italy is getting to know and understand these differences; seeking them out wherever you go. In Mantua I enjoyed a pumpkin ravioli that was the best I’d ever had, in Lucca their strangely glazed breads piqued my interest and further south in the Amalfi Coast still more surprises awaited my attention. There are thousands of little foodie discoveries to be made in Italy and, I think, it’s an important aspect of any trip to the country.

Eating Trastevere

Over the last few trips to Rome I’ve joined a couple of food tours, each fun and delicious but also very different from one another. Eating Europe is a food-focused food tour company that I have come to depend on whenever I’m in Europe and in Rome that meant spending a morning exploring the Trastevere neighborhood with a local resident. For hours we meandered around this hip neighborhood, one I had never before visited, learning about its history and enjoying those snacks and meals important to the people who live there. From gelato and pasta to more local favorites, the morning spent with them was full of laughter and fun moments, including my first bite of porchetta. So much more than just expertly cooked pork, this homey dish is a pork roast that is stuffed with any number of ingredients and slowly cooked over wood for hours. It’s also a dish that folks very seriously, each provider certain that their version is the best in the city. That’s the real value in any great food tour, getting closer to local communities and learning all about them through what they love to eat.

Sorrento Pizza Making

Perched high on a hill overlooking the city of Sorrento and the bay on which it sits, I couldn’t help but fall in love. This is the promise, this is what the coastline of Italy should be and living there, even if only for a few days, was a travel experience I won’t soon forget. A slower pace of life, kind people and delicious food; add in amazing scenery and you have a recipe for success. While I loved learning more about the city, one of my favorite experiences there had nothing to do with the views or long history, it was instead an experience I booked to learn more about the culture through food. Chef Carmen has long been a fixture in Sorrento and has led cooking classes for years. She’s famous not only for her stellar cooking skills, but for a personality that lights up a room. Spending several hours with her, along with a small group of other students, I laughed more than I have in a long time as I learned the intricacies of making such classics as pizza, gnocchi and eggplant parmesan. While I’m not sure I can replicate the recipes at home exactly, there’s no doubt I had a fun afternoon and a delicious meal as a result of my time with Carmen.

All of Bologna

In Italy there is a saying about Bologna, it is often labeled as ‘The Fat, the Red, the Learned.’ The red actually refers to the generous use of brick in their architecture and the learned refers to the ancient and well-known university. The ‘fat’ though, that’s the interesting attribution and as I learned it is all too accurate. Bologna, and indeed the entire Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, is blessed with a clear overabundance of great foods, both in their natural form and man made. So many of what we consider to be Italian classics all come from Bologna: Mortadella, lasagna, ragu sauce, tortellini, Balsamic vinegar and so on. A brief walk through the city center, along with several great meals, proved not only how much the Bolognese love their food, but just how very good it is. It’s hard to find a bad meal in Italy, but in Bologna it is an impossibility.

Roman Holiday

Rome is truly one of the great food capitals of the world and it’s hard to go wrong no matter what your culinary interests may be. That being said, there are some easy ways to discover new foods and neighborhoods by taking an engaging food tour. Following my Mediterranean cruise I was in Rome just a few days before Christmas and so decided to join a tour with another company I love to work with, Context Travel. Famous for offering thoughtful and offbeat walking tours around the world, in Rome I decided to hop on their seasonal holiday food tour. Led by a local chef and food writer, she spent the morning taking us to some of Rome’s best kept foodie secrets to sample those delicacies most important around the holidays. Cakes and chocolates, sandwiches and pizza and of course gelato all played a role but, more importantly, I learned a lot about the holiday traditions of the city and how local Romans celebrate the season. No matter what you decide to eat in Rome, be sure to get out there and be adventurous, exploring new neighborhoods and finding your own perfect bites.

The post 6 Favorite Immersive Food Experiences in Italy appeared first on LandLopers.

Last year, I had the somewhat unique opportunity to join two very different Mediterranean cruises; one with Azamara Club Cruises and the other with Viking Ocean. Both started in Barcelona and ended in Rome, but many of the ports of call and certainly the experiences were very different from one another. One of the commonalities though was spending time at the Tuscan cruise port in Livorno. It’s from this base where cruises launch excursions to visit the broader Tuscany region but especially Florence and Pisa. On both cruises I spent time in Pisa, although on different excursion styles and so, oddly enough, I have spent nearly a full day exploring what is ultimately a very small place. Along with thousands of other tourists I stood there in front of that famous leaning tower, taking silly photos, paying for over-priced espresso and enjoying the day. But I learned a couple of things on those visits, lessons I want to share today.

Pisa is so much more than the Tower

The Piazza dei Miracoli or Square of Miracles is so called because the three main buildings have long been considered architectural marvels or miracles. Just think about it for a second, the cathedral, baptistery and tower or campanile were built between the 11th and 14th centuries. That wasn’t a great time to be alive in Western Europe and these gleaming wonders must have seemed positively otherworldly. And they still are really. Sure people visit to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and create terrible photos of themselves pretending to hold it up, but I find it hard to believe visitors don’t walk away entranced. From the perfectly manicured lawns to the style and symmetry of the buildings themselves, the eye is constantly attracted to new and wondrous sights.

It’s ok to be a corny tourist sometimes

I’ve said this before, I’m saying this now and I will most likely say it again – don’t be afraid to be a corny tourist. None of us are Anthony Bourdain or Rick Steves and we shouldn’t try to be. We’re on vacation, traveling and we need to make sure we enjoy the experience. This means that it is in fact OK to be a camera toting, crepe eating, attraction visiting tourist. Don’t let the hipsters and egocentric travelers tell you to always get off the beaten path and to only go local. Sure, this is good once in a while as I have written about, but on the whole don’t be afraid to embrace your inner tourist. There’s a reason why everyone who visits Paris goes to the Eiffel Tower, in London Westminster Abbey and in Rome the Forum. They’re awesome! They have always been awesome, they will always be awesome and you should see them. So ignore those nay-sayers and instead go, see the famous sites and enjoy yourself, especially when visiting a place like Pisa.

Let’s be clear, there is one thing of tourist interest in Pisa, it’s Miracle Square and that’s it. Even taking a guided tour, it doesn’t take very long to experience everything and in the process you will be one of those very corny tourists. There is no cool or avant-garde way to see Pisa and that’s fine. It’s ok to go, take those silly photos holding up the tower and head off to somewhere else. Pisa encapsulates the fun side of travel, and sometimes that’s enough.

How you visit is important

While Miracle Square isn’t large and it is crawling with fellow tourists, the two excursions I took to Pisa couldn’t have been more different in how I experienced this UNESCO World Heritage Site. To be clear, it’s not a slight against either cruise line, no, instead it’s about how I personally decided to experience Pisa. When presented with a variety of different tour options, when I sailed with Azamara I joined the On Your Own Florence and Pisa tour. A day out and about, guests are first transported to Florence, given a brief tour of the highlights before being set loose for some independent exploration. I much prefer doing things on my own and the tour was a great option. In Pisa we were once again left on our own, but here the experience really needs a tour guide to get the most out of the day. I realized that fact while on the Viking included tour of Pisa that provided us with a guided tour of the baptistery and cathedral. Thanks to that local expert, I learned a lot about the site, why it was built and why it’s so important. Pisa is about much more than a certain leaning tower, and the guide really emphasized that fact to me. Either way, I was able to enjoy what is a truly beautiful place and, luckily, on both visits I also experienced near perfect weather.

No matter how you decide to visit Pisa, Italy, visit you must. Although it’s corny, over-touristed, overpriced and a little hectic, there’s a reason for all of this – it’s a fun place to see in person. It’s ok to give in and be that uber-tourist sometimes. It’s the only way we get to experience some of the most famous places in the world that have become popular thanks to their inherent beauty and brilliance.

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Until just a few months ago, my opinion on Rome was fairly muted. I had only visited once before and that was for 1 day many years ago. Somehow I had missed returning until late last year when, in the span of just a couple of months, I found myself in the Eternal City not once, but twice. In the process, I discovered a city that I very quickly fell in love with, from its delicious food to the inviting plazas and of course the history found around every corner. Those trips quickly erased years of travel neglect and instilled in me a very sudden, but deep love of Rome. There’s naturally a lot to see and do in the city and any number of ways to connect with Rome on a deeper level, but for me these experiences were the catalyst into what is now an enduring love and admiration for this remarkable city.

Eating everything

Rome is truly one of the great food capitals of the world and it’s hard to go wrong no matter what your culinary interests may be. That being said, there are some easy ways to discover new foods and neighborhoods by taking an engaging food tour. Over the last couple of trips to Rome I’ve had the great pleasure to take two food tours, both fun and delicious but also very different from one another. Eating Europe is a food-focused food tour company that I have come to depend on whenever I’m in Europe and in Rome that meant spending a morning exploring the Trastevere neighborhood with a local resident. For hours we meandered around this hip neighborhood, one I had never before visited, learning about its history and enjoying those snacks and meals important to the people who live there. From gelato and pasta to more local favorites, the morning spent with them was full of laughter and fun moments. Following my Viking cruise I was in Rome jut a few days before Christmas and so decided to join a tour with another company I love to work with, Context Travel. Famous for offering thoughtful and offbeat walking tours around the world, in Rome I decided to hop on their seasonal holiday food tour. Led by a local chef and food writer, she spent the morning taking us to some of Rome’s best kept foodie secrets to sample those delicacies most important around the holidays. Cakes and chocolates, sandwiches and pizza and of course gelato all played a role but, more importantly, I learned a lot about the holiday traditions of the city and how local Romans celebrate the season. No matter what you decide to eat in Rome, be sure to get out there and be adventurous, exploring new neighborhoods and finding your own perfect bites.

Luxury digs

There’s no shortage of great hotels in Rome but on my most recent visit I decided to stay at a newer arrival on the luxury hotel scene, the Aleph Rome Hotel. Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, the Aleph is a boutique luxury hotel in the heart of the city. Its amazing location along the Via di San Basilio makes it the perfect home base no matter your interests in the city. Housed in a former bank, the hotel fully embraces the building’s long history with a revamped design that echoes the era of Gatsby and flappers. Intricate art deco design radiates throughout the hotel, from the exquisite public spaces to the immaculate rooms that are very much a haven away from the hectic city. Also featuring great food options and a relaxing rooftop lounge and restaurant, there’s no doubt that the Aleph isn’t just destined to be one of the city’s next great hotels, but that it’s the ideal location to call home as you explore the city.

Going underground

Rome offers dozens of opportunities to explore centuries past underground from the Vatican to the Piazza Navona. For the last couple of thousand years, Romans simply incorporated or built on top of older buildings, which means entire cities exist just a few feet below the surface. Exploring the city is akin is exploring an archeological dig site and there are several ways you can learn more about the city’s ancient past in fun and engaging ways. One of my favorite underground adventures was below one of my favorite modern sites, the Piazza Navona. An archeological site open to the public shows what used to be on this very spot, a massive Roman stadium. In fact, the horseshoe shape of the Piazza is the exact outline of the stadium, a fact lost to history literally for centuries. That’s one thing I love most about Rome, it tells the history of Western civilization in a way no other city can, all in a setting that is undeniably gorgeous.

Another popular spot that is both below and above ground is an easy walk from Tiber Island and a gorgeous place to explore on a bright sunny day – the Theatre of Marcellus. Julius Caesar originally planned the building, but he died before it could be built. Eventually it was finished in 12 BC and quickly became the most important theater in Ancient Rome. Holding 20,000 spectators, the shows may have been what drew the masses, but today it’s an incredible example of Roman architecture. Over the years it slowly crumbled into oblivion, with businesses taking up shop in the bottom and apartments created in the attic section. In fact, people still live in those apartments, believe it or not. With views of the Capitoline Hill and all the impressive monuments, I can only imagine what it must be like to call this place home. Of course, it’s also pretty amazing to live in a 2,000 year old Roman theater, just one of thousands of little marvels found throughout the city.

Aimless wandering

When asked about favorite places, I always say that Paris is my favorite city, and it is. But many of the reasons why I love Paris so much are also found in Rome, a fact that frankly surprised me. Not every city has an aura surrounding it and it’s not necessarily a result of age or interest. London, for example, lacks this unique quality, but both Paris and Rome have it in spades. They have a certain look and feel, cities well varnished by time and millions of residents over the centuries. Rome in particular has kept true to itself over the millennium, absorbing past generations instead of replacing them altogether. The net effect is a city that bears the imprint of those many years, a city that is fun to wander around aimlessly because you honestly never know what you’re going to find. Yes, I enjoyed hanging out in the Piazza Navona with gelato in hand, but I equally enjoyed walking around neighborhoods that remain nameless to me, just admiring the atmosphere and what it was like to be present in the moment. Sitting outside with friends enjoying a meal, lifting a glass of Prosecco in a silent cheer to a golden sunset, getting delightfully lost down a seemingly endless array of side streets; these are my favorite moments in Rome, much more than seeing the Sistine Chapel or trekking up the Spanish steps. Those private, independent moments are what endear us to new places, it’s why we travel and my visits to Rome reminded me once again of their importance.

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I don’t normally make it the focus of my travels, if there’s an opportunity for me to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I always make sure I stop. In 1972 the UN, through the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, began recognizing important sites around the world that they consider vital in order to maintain the cultural and natural heritage we have all inherited. Even though I haven’t even scratched the surface of visiting the more than 1,000 sites in every corner of the planet, I have been to quite a few and think every traveler should make a point to visit them if they can. To show the width and breadth of this amazing collection of sites, today I want to share some that while impressive, mostly fly under the tourism radar and hopefully in the process this list will encourage your own UNESCO themed visits in the future.

This year I’m working with Allianz Travel Insurance to share my thoughts about travel, what makes me happy when I explore the world and why I even travel in the first place. This post is done in partnership with them and I’m excited for the opportunity to share some fun spots to add to your travel bucket list.

The Jantar Mantar – India

The old town of Jaipur wasn’t just where my guide and I started the day, it’s where most tourists to this popular spot along the Golden Triangle begin. It’s here where the city’s most famous and important landmarks still stand, including the massive City Palace and the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jantar Mantar. This site fascinated me perhaps the most, due not only to its size but its purpose. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 larger than life astronomical instruments built in the early 1700s, including the world’s largest stone sundial. These surprisingly precise instruments were built in order to best calculate the movement of the earth and the heavens, so that advisors to the ruler could provide the most accurate astrological advice possible. It’s a remarkable achievement, even more so that it remains intact today, practically adjacent to the equally fascinating City Palace.

Town of Bamberg – Germany

Maybe it was the bright sunshiny day, or maybe it was the city’s famous smoked beer, but whatever did it, I totally and completely fell in love with Bamberg. It probably sounds repetitive, but Bamberg too has an ancient history, and it too is recognized by UNESCO for its beauty and incredibly intact medieval old town. It’s also so colorful, much more so than I would have thought and with picture-perfect views along the river it was an afternoon I know I’ll never forget. The city’s Christmas markets of course only add to this festive feeling, from smaller ones around town to the massive central Christmas market in Maximiliansplatz.

Shark Bay – Australia

Located in the wilds of Western Australia, the Shark Bay UNESCO World Heritage region may seem remote, but it’s well worth the effort to visit this remarkable area. Located near the popular beach resort Monkey Mia, Shark Bay is a popular place to explore either on your own or on a Jeep Safari. The striking red sand meets the azure waters of the Indian Ocean in a contrast that will take your breath away, but that’s not why it’s on the UNESCO list. It’s there thanks to its incredible flora and fauna, but especially the stromatolites at Hamelin Bay. Stromatolites are the oldest life form on the planet and the only place on the earth accessible enough for people to visit these prehistoric creatures is in the Shark Bay region. Aside from the prehistoric beginnings to life on earth, it’s just a fun place to visit, spending a few days to explore as one of the few tourists around.

Sabbioneta – Italy

Not far from the bustling city of Mantua is a far different town, one that when I visited was oddly quiet but captivating thanks to the unique lines and angles of the architecture and public spaces. I was in Sabbioneta, an early example of urban planning from the 15th century. More fortress than town, Sabbioneta was built by the powerful Gonzagas and the thick city walls and ramparts are all still completely intact. It was more than the defenses that interested me though, the grid pattern of the streets and the impressive squares and monuments are all what drew my attention almost immediately. Meant to impress, the Duke’s palace, the theater, churches and more are all on a scale and designed with a level of beauty that may have been representative of the era, but which are rare to find today. I wouldn’t recommend spending a lot of time there, but if you’re in Mantua definitely spend an afternoon or even a day exploring the strange little town of Sabbioneta.

Cape Floral Region Protected Area – South Africa

One of my favorite countries in the world, the beauty of South Africa is diverse and even opulent at times. The areas near Cape Town though have a secret, the rich floral region is amongst the most diverse in the world. From the scraggly fynbos to the yearly explosion of wildflowers, the ecology here is unlike anything else on the planet. A fact to consider, this area accounts for just 0.5% of the area of Africa but is home to nearly 20% of the continent’s flora. That’s an amazing level of diversity and makes exploring this region a beautiful experience. One of the best ways to get out amongst the fields is by taking a wildflower safari like the one offered at the Grootbos Resort in Hermanus. Expert naturalists take guests out in a safari truck to experience the natural side of the area for a once in a lifetime experience. Even if you’re like me and have a marginal interest in such things, the shocking beauty of the region simply can’t be denied.

Rock Art of Alta – Norway

Located deep in the heart of Norway’s Arctic Circle, the small town of Alta is known for a lot of things, but not necessarily the site that put it on the UNESCO map. I was in Alta to see the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies and a whole host of other wintertime activities. A pleasant bonus though was discovering the town’s not as famous but just as important rock art. The rock carvings in Alta go back as far as 4,200 BC and show a variety of scenes sharing the lives of ancient hunter-gatherers with us today. They were only discovered in the 1970s, but since then several of the sites have been converted into an open-air museum, preserving these prehistoric treasures for future generations. Sadly, I only got as far as the visitor’s center because during the winter the art is covered by snow. But during the summer months, thousands trek here to see the rock art and to explore the many hiking and biking trails around them.

Episcopal City of Albi – France

Located in the heart of the incredibly green rolling hills of the Tarn region of France, Albi is an absolute treasure. I’m a history fan, and I loved learning more about the tragic history of the Cathars, which culminated in and around Albi more than eight hundred years ago. But on the lighter side, Albi was also the birthplace of Toulouse-Lautrec, the famed French artist of the 19th century. The Toulouse-Lautrec museum conveniently located in the heart of Albi has just been renovated and it is a masterpiece of modern design and museum management. I truly enjoyed roaming the galleries admiring the impressive display of Toulouse-Lautrec works. No matter what you decide to do in Albi, I know you’ll enjoy wandering its streets as much as I did.

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Home to such iconic Italian names like lasagna, balsamic vinegar, Ferrari and Fellini, this week we’re exploring the fascinating Emilia-Romagna region. Although you may not be familiar with the name of the region, you absolutely know about its cities, towns and products that are amongst the most famous in Italy. This week we learn more about my favorite part of the country.

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In a country as diverse and amazing as Italy it’s hard to pick a favorite part, but for me it’s the Emilia- Romagna region. One of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited regions, the history here astounds me every time I visit. There’s a lot more to love though than just the past, including some of the world’s most famous dishes and luxury car brands that almost everyone has heard of. Months, if not years could be spent exploring the cities and towns of Emilia-Romagna, but in this week’s episode a true expert joins us to share what he loves to see and do in his home region.

Nicholas Montemaggi speaks fluent Italian, German and English, and is as well a passionate triathlete. Born and raised in Emilia Romagna he spent five years (2010-2015) at the local regional tourist office where he was responsible for Digital PR and International Online Media Relations. Since 2016 he is CMO of iambassador, a digital and influencer marketing agency in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

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There are many great culinary centers around the world; spots made famous either entirely or in part for their rich food history. My favorite though is without hesitation the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Although not a place many Americans know about, they really should because it’s from the towns, cities and farms spread across the area where some of Italy’s, and the world’s, most famous dishes and ingredients all got their start. The complete list of delicacies that hail from here would, and have, comprise an entire book so today I want to instead share some of my favorite bites, all of which are easy to try on your own trip through Emilia-Romagna.

Balsamic Vinegar

My most recent trip to the Emilia-Romagna region was mostly focused on the food culture and to start things off I spent the afternoon at a winery and producer of Balsamic vinegar, Venturini Baldini. Balsamic vinegar is characterized by a rich, dark brown hue and dense, syrupy texture and is produced in Modena and the province of Reggio Emilia in Emilia-Romagna. Producers must use the skin, seeds, stems, and juice of freshly pressed grapes from Lambrusco, Trebbiano, and other grape varietals grown around Modena. They cook the mixture over low heat until it thickens and changes to a dark brown color. The sugar transforms to alcohol but is not ready for consumption for at least 12 years, with the best balsamic aged between 30 and 50 years with a sweet, almost caramel aroma giving way to a balanced acidic flavor containing a light tartness. There are few things better than an expertly crafted Balsamic, which really is a treat in its own right.

Lambrusco

Italy is of course famous for its wines, but while in Emilia-Romagna I was surprised to discover something a little unusual – Lambrusco. An ancient grape varietal, it has been grown in the region since Roman times but it wasn’t its age that surprised me, it’s the fact that it’s a sparkling red. I wasn’t at all familiar with chilled sparkling red wines before my last trip to Emilia-Romagna, but I quickly realized why it’s so popular. It’s the ideal offset to the types of meals served in the towns and cities in this part of Italy and towards the end of my trip I too was a fan of an expertly produced Lambrusco wine.

Parmigiano Reggiano

The king of cheeses, you can’t go far in Emilia-Romagna without stumbling over this incredible bite, but for something a little extra special I spent the morning with one of the producers of this hot commodity. Parmesan cheese comes from the province of Parma. A distinguishing characteristic of the cheese is a dark or light gold rind protecting the soft, velvety, or slightly grainy texture of the cheese. The taste should be savory and delicate. Parmesan’s texture is fully dependent upon the aging period. Dairy farmers use pure cow’s milk taken from two milkings on the same day, one of which is partially skimmed. A traditional wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano reaches 18 inches in width, nine inches in height, and nearly 90 pounds in weight. The cheese ages for up to three years, producing a very compact, grainy texture falling under the category of hard Italian cheeses, and once you tase the differences between the ages you’ll be hooked just like I was.

Culatello

I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but before my most recent trip I had never before heard of one of Italy’s great culinary treasures – culatello. As it turns out, I’m not alone and this delicacy is routinely called the best food no one has heard of. I spent the day with one of the great producers of this incredible ham but to describe it here really won’t do it justice. Culatello is a slowly cured boneless ham that is made from the best muscle of the pig’s rump. It’s aged in dark and somewhat moldy cellars until it reaches perfection. Nearly impossible to find in the US, you really have to travel to Emilia-Romagna to try and appreciate this, the king of meats. Only about 30,000 culatello hams are produced each year, so while it may be a little pricey, it’s well worth it to try what is the best slice of meat I’ve ever had.

Pastas & Tortellini

You can’t go to Italy without trying pasta and, of course, in Emilia-Romagna there are many endemic varieties. One of my favorites though is the tortellini. Tortellini is delicate fresh pasta made from egg and flour commonly stuffed with meats, cheeses, or vegetables. Tortellini pasta was created in Bologna and has become ubiquitous in regional cuisine across Italy prepared in a variety of ways, from light tomato sauce to heartier sauces using cream, or vegetables as the base. One of the most popular dishes in Emilia-Romagna is Tortellini en Brodo, a comfort food consisting of fresh tortellini in chicken broth. 

Erbazzone

This was another new to me regional delicacy and while I’m not normally a fan of anything green, I found myself quickly going back for seconds and thirds. Erbazzone has become a gastronomic legacy highlighting the savory flavors of spinach, chard, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and pancetta cooked with butter and lard as a rustic country-style tart. The dish is baked and traditionally served hot or warm to enjoy the golden, flaky pastry. The original recipe was fried in pork lard until dark, but many recipes vary from customs based on the heritage of family recipes. The dish is more common in the Reggio Emilia province in Emilia-Romagna and the provincial capital referred to locally as Reggio.

Sauces

Once again, I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised to learn that two of my favorite sauces – and two of the most popular in the world – also hail from Bologna and surrounding communities. Bolognese sauce or ragú is the rich, hearty sauce from Bologna consisting of beef, pork, dry white wine, meat broth, tomato paste, and vegetables. The sauce traditionally accompanies tagliatelle pasta but is also used to dress lasagna or polenta. Béchamel is a thick white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.  The sauce often serves as a base for other rich and hearty cream sauces used in Emilia-Romagna dishes like lasagna, garganelli, and cannelloni.

It’s honestly very difficult to find a bad meal anywhere in Italy, but in Emilia-Romagna it’s impossible. Long known as the stomach of Italy, many of the classic Italian dishes loved around the world all got their start in this quietly humble province; traditions that are still going strong in the 21^st century. Even if you don’t have a food themed trip, you’ll soon learn as I did that any visit very quickly becomes a culinary pilgrimage.

This trip is a project managed by iambassador in partnership with Emilia-Romagna Tourism LandLopers maintains full editorial control of the content published on this site.

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2019 is now officially over, thank goodness, and since this is the start of the New Year I thought I would share some of my top travel picks for 2020. Some are obvious choices, others a little more unexpected but all are amazing places to discover for one reason or another. Also, these are in NO PARTICULAR ORDER. I don’t want to see anyone complaining that one destination is ranked higher or lower than another one; they all have my love and admiration.

South Africa

It’s been a few years since South Africa has been the star of travel media coverage, which is unfortunate. After making some incredible headway in travel and tourism, the nation took some steps backward making planning a trip there more challenging. What never changed are the many reasons to visit, which is why I’ve included it on my 2020 travel list. With new direct, non-stop options from the US and other points around the globe, getting to South Africa is easier than ever, and once you’re there you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you’re an urban explorer then cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town won’t disappoint thanks to their unique histories, great places to eat and, in Cape Town, the natural beauty that is found everywhere. It’s that nature though which draws most first-time tourists to South Africa, and getting out of the cities is absolutely essential for all visitors. The winelands are amongst the oldest in the world, and new hotels and restaurants are constantly popping up to cater to the oenologically minded. Safari however is arguably the most popular natural experience to enjoy, and there are seemingly countless ways to enjoy the country’s wildlife and at every budget level. South Africa really is the total travel package and is a trip no one soon forgets.

National Parks

I feel as if I’m running the risk of talking about the National Parks too much, but I can’t believe that would ever be possible. Very accurately called America’s Best Idea, the 419 sites included in the National Park Service system aren’t only unparalleled in the country, but the world. Most people only consider the 61 major National Parks, but the entire system is much more expansive and if you do some research you’ll probably realize that there’s one closer to you than you may think.

Rovaniemi, Finland

For whatever reason, remote destinations fascinate me and I love visiting them perhaps more than even the largest cities in the world. I usually tend to visit Northern areas though when it’s cold outside, but cold doesn’t even begin to describe the Arctic temperatures I found in Rovaniemi, deep in Finnish Lapland. This huge region is mostly woods, lakes and streams, but it’s also home to Santa Claus. In what can only be described as a brilliant marketing move, years ago Rovaniemi lauded itself as the official home of Santa Claus, a moniker that stuck. You should visit Rovaniemi not only to see Santa Claus, but also to spend time outdoors whether it’s snowmobiling, mushing with sled dogs or spending the night in a remote cabin learning about the Finnish obsession with both sauna and nature.

Orlando, Florida

It may seem silly to include the most popular tourist destination in the country on this list, but hear me out. Yes, the theme parks have added many new and fun features, but Orlando is on this list for everything there is to do outside of the parks. While visiting Orlando in 2019, I had the opportunity to explore more of the city itself, and I found some really lovely and fun spots everywhere I went. What might be most notable though is its food scene – much more dynamic than one would think. Home to one of the largest Vietnamese communities in the country, the opportunities to enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine is nearly unparalleled in the country. More than Southeast Asian delicacies though, many creative chefs have opened their doors in recent years, creating what is a surprisingly varied, dynamic and delicious foodie experience.

Juist, Germany

Most people don’t associate Germany with islands but, as I learned this year there are some fairly incredible islands just off the coast of Germany, including Juist. To be clear, Americans may be surprised to learn about Germany’s islands, but they’ve been well known to European tourists for a long time, and with good reason. Juist in particular is a remarkably special place thanks in large part to the absence of any motorized vehicles That’s right, motorized transportation is not allowed on Juist, which means that the only way to get around is by bike, foot or horse-drawn carriage. Rather than be an annoyance, it’s a wonderful way to slow down and truly connect with the destination in a way that’s normally impossible to do. Add to that great food and beautiful beaches and this is one vacation spot for your travel to-do list.

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Italy is a perennial favorite destination for tourists from around the world, but there’s a lot more to the country than the most popular spots like Rome, Florence and Venice. One of my favorite regions is one that I call quietly famous, Emilia-Romagna. Home to some of the world’s most favorite foods, this is one of the best places to visit if you like to eat. Parma ham, balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese, lasagna, ragu sauce and much more all hail from this region. There’s much more to enjoy than food though, including learning about Emilia-Romagna’s impressive automotive history. Legendary manufacturers like Lamborghini, Ferrari and Ducati can all be found here, also offering unique tours options for visitors. If you’re like me though and enjoy a nice city to explore, there are a few to include, most notably Bologna. The largest city in the region, its history goes back to before the Romans and its university has been one of the most important in Europe for centuries. Yes, head to those famous cities in Italy but also be sure to explore other areas of the country, like Emilia-Romagna.

Nevis

I was on Nevis to spend some time at the incredible Four Seasons Nevis – as idyllic a retreat as one come hope for. I discovered a lot more than a luxurious resort though, I very quickly became entranced by the island itself. Although Nevis is not a large island, the landscapes do vary widely but no matter where I found myself it was always beautiful. There are plenty of spots throughout the US, Mexico and Caribbean if all you want is a sunny beach. If you’re like me though and want an experience that feels unique, personalized and even adventurous, then Nevis is one of the best options. Thanks to the small size of both the island and the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, nothing feels prepackaged or formulaic because, well, it’s not. This is not your massive industrial-style resort experience, this is a calming and restorative travel experience that is unlike many others in the Caribbean.

River Cruising

An equal opportunity traveler, I enjoy mixing up how I experience the world, which is why I like the occasional cruise – including river cruises – to see new to me spots. Unlike their ocean-going cousins, river cruising is a much more individual and intimate experience. The ships are smaller, with anywhere from 100-200 people on board, and the access to the towns and cities along the rivers are much more convenient than deep-sea cruise ports. The most popular river cruises are found along the waterways of Europe, but you can find fun river cruises all around the world including in Egypt, Myanmar and China.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has sadly been in the news a lot lately for all the wrong reasons. In spite of those images we’ve all seen on TV though, it remains a fantastic destination to visit whether you have a day or a week. At first blush, Hong Kong seems little more than a flashy city full of people. But once you delve a little deeper, then you start to discover the real city that lies just beneath that shiny veneer. The best way to better understand Hong Kong is through the city’s favorite pastime, eating. Whether it’s 3-star Michelin restaurants, or some of the best dim sum in the world, you won’t walk away hungry or disappointed. Also be sure though to explore the city, visiting Lantau Island and even the newish PMQ, a cultural hub showcasing some of the best emerging creative minds in the city.

Machu Picchu

Let me just say straight up that no, I didn’t do the four-day Inca Trail hike. I have massive problems with both my knees and spending four days in pain and suffering was not high on my to-do list. No, instead I visited the famous ancient city like thousands of others, by taking the luxury train to the weird mountain town of Aguas Calientes and then a short bus ride up to Machu Picchu itself. This new world wonder surprised me in a lot of ways, most notably how beautiful almost every part of it is in person. All we tend to see is that ONE iconic photo overlooking the long forgotten mountain outpost of the Inca, but there’s so much more to it than that one angle. Spending a few hours exploring it I developed an appreciation not only of how it looked, but the skill it took to design and build. There are many fantastic Inca sites to explore in Peru, but it’s really only at Machu Picchu that you begin to understand the true genius of this sadly long lost civilization.

Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland

When I was planning my return to Ireland with Tourism Ireland, there was one experience I knew that I didn’t want to miss, a day living out my Game of Thrones fantasies in Northern Ireland. I’d seen photos of the special tour for quite a while, but it wasn’t until I found myself in County Down, Northern Ireland when I finally had the chance to participate. Winterfell Tours offers a number of different ways to learn more about the Game of Thrones filming locations, from spending a few hours at Winterfell, Castle Ward, to exploring more sites around the county. Game of Thrones isn’t for everyone, I get that. But this experience in Northern Ireland is so much more than visiting spots where they filmed the fantasy series. It’s about learning the history of the county and experiencing its gorgeous natural landscapes. If, along the way, you happen to meet a direwolf and throw an ax, then all the better.

Portugal

My only regret with visiting Portugal is that it took me so long to first visit what is an extraordinary destination. It’s not that I avoided Portugal, far from it, but the stars just never aligned until I joined a river cruise through the Douro River just a few weeks ago. To be clear, Portugal is a very unique and distinct destination that is thankfully unlike any other spot  in Europe. I think I thought it would be like Spain, but that’s certainly not true. The people are the nicest I’ve ever met in Europe, the food is incredible, the cities vibrant and alive and the natural beauty incomparable. Whether you decide to take a river cruise or explore on your own, just make sure to explore sooner rather than later.

Canadian Maritimes

I have spent a fair amount of time exploring Canada and almost never have I had a bad experience. But not all parts of the country get equal attention by international tourists, which is one reason why I want to highlight the provinces that comprise the Maritimes. Specifically, over the last several years I’ve had the great opportunity to explore two Maritime provinces, Newfoundland & Labrador and Nova Scotia. Made famous by the ultra-luxury hotel on Fogo Island, Newfoundland has had its fair share of press lately, but there’s so much more to the province than a nice hotel. Whether it’s St. John’s or taking a coastal road trip, the scenery, food and people will quickly endear you to the province. Many of those qualities aren’t endemic to Newfoundland though, they’re part of the overall Maritime experience, as I learned this year spending a week in Nova Scotia. Those same kind and very curious people made the trip remarkable, accentuated by natural wonders like the Bay of Fundy and a surprisingly high level of great food. So skip some of the more flashy provinces and instead plan to spend some time along the gorgeous Atlantic seaboard of Canada.

Golden Triangle

Ever since my first trip to Thailand many years ago, I have truly loved this part of the world. Also traveling around Laos and Myanmar, that love has only grown over the years and was expanded upon last year when I visited the Chinese side of the Golden Triangle in Xishuangbanna or just Banna. Thanks to its spot in extreme Southeastern China, Banna is completely unlike any other spot in the country. Located adjacent to the Golden Triangle, neighboring countries of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand are very close and, other the years, that’s meant a fluid border with a lot of cross-cultural sharing. Exploring more of the region, the buildings all look Thai, the smells are Thai – everything about the place screamed Chiang Mai instead of China. It was an odd sensation, one that I never expected but one that I dearly enjoyed.

Istria, Croatia

So much of the travel love in Croatia seems to go to Dubrovnik, that I thought I should highlight a lesser-known area of the country – Istria. This region found in the northwest portion of the country is as unique an area as you can imagine. It’s actually shared by three countries, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, and has a rich history and culture all of its own. In fact, if you ask residents where they’re from, they’re most likely to say Istria first and Croatia second. There are many great towns and cities to visit here, but two I recommend are Rovinj and Pula. Each city has its own unique appeal and no matter what you do, make sure not leave Istria without sampling some of the famous olive oils and truffles cultivated around the peninsula.

Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada

Otherwise known as Nevada State Route 375, this is a 98-mile stretch of road that starts at the intersection of U.S. 93 and the Extraterrestrial Highway and continues west to the intersection of the Highway and U.S. 6. Thanks to the fact that Area 51 rests along the highway, this area has long been known for alien sightings and a fierce belief in life from other worlds visiting the remote Nevada desert. Over the years the road has developed into what it is today, one of the quirkiest but also one of the loneliest stretches of road in the country. Visitors should go to admire the desert landscapes, enjoy fantastic blueberry pie at the Little A’Le’Inn, visit (sort of) Area 51, and spend the night at a haunted hotel in Tonopah, Nevada.

Egypt

I vacillated over whether or not to include Egypt, but I think that it’s such an important country to visit it simply has to be on this list. The first modern tourist destination, the wonders of Egypt have called to travelers around the world for generations. And with good reason, the monuments and sites so well preserved aren’t just nice to behold, they are world wonders in every sense of the term. Traveling through Egypt, the entire experience from Cairo to Aswan was much better than I had expected, but the real highlight of course was visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza. Located close to modern day Cairo, these massive monuments to power have been amazing visitors since the moment they were first built, popping up even in Ancient Greek and Roman travel guides of the day. Standing there immediately in front of them it was hard to mentally reconcile the fact that I was actually there. Having seen them in books, magazines and movies all of my life, it was hard to consider the fact that I was there at that moment in time. Since tourism is so low right now, there weren’t many other tourists around me, creating a special and rare moment of privacy, allowing for some introspection and time to fully grasp the importance of the moment.

Malta

The quirky island nation of Malta in the Mediterranean has a long and important history, but it’s one not many people actually know a lot about. Long considered by Europeans as a sunny getaway, others from around the world are learning about this small country not just for its beaches and turquoise blue waters, but also for its art, architecture, cities and incredible history.

Non-Coastal America

I’ve explored a lot of my own country in recent years, travel experiences that I didn’t know I needed. These trips though were perhaps my most important of the year as they brought into focus the realities of the US in 2019. As it turns out, things aren’t nearly as bad as those of us who live along the coasts think and driving across America was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. While I have had the opportunity to visit many different parts of the country, the most memorable adventure was driving the entirety of Route 66. More than enjoying the kitschy appeal of decades long past, the most important aspect of the drive was meeting new people along the way. Turns out the country isn’t the seething cauldron of anger that the news media would have us believe, far from it. No, instead I found people living their lives just like anyone else, and also taking pride in the communities they call home. It’s important I think for everyone, American or not, to leave behind them the glittering cities along the coastal edges and instead delve deeper into the US, to learn what really makes us tick and to have a lot of fun along the way. Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque and many other cities are all fantastic places to spend some time exploring, and they’ll teach you more about what it means to be American along the way.

Antarctica

If any continent lures travelers with the promise of special moments, it’s Antarctica. Hard to reach, hard to travel around it’s one of the last few truly adventurous trips still available to us in the modern era. And my own trip to Antarctica did indeed deliver those unique moments in spades. Aside from the impossibly cute (and slightly dirty) penguins though, it’s the seemingly impenetrable landscapes that impressed me the most. After hiking up a snowy switchback path to the top of a hill, I was met with one of the most impressive scenes I’ve ever witnessed. The icy waters extended into the horizon and all I could see were vast quantities of rock, ice and water. It seemed to go on forever and I have never felt smaller in my entire life. Standing there on the bottom of the world, it was an important moment to help quantify the immensity of the planet. It’s a fact that we modern travelers tend to forget. In an age when I can hop on a nonstop flight and be in Hong Kong tomorrow, it seems as if the world has never been smaller. But we forget just how massive this beautiful planet is and how many unique experiences there are to be had.

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