The more color the better at these diverse fetes found all around the world!
Cuisine
Experience the Magic of Winter in Val Gardena
In Val Gardena, winter extends beyond the excitement of outdoor activities, inviting visitors to unwind and immerse themselves in the region’s wellness centers and delicious restaurants. Soak in the alpine culture of the Ladin people, who have created a distinctive community in the Dolomite region that blends Swiss, Tyrolean (Austrian), and Italian mountain lifestyles.
Poland: Home of the Best European Christmas Markets
Every year, annual traditions take over Poland as buildings and houses are decked in decor while colorful and cobblestone streets are flooded with twinkling lights. Massive Christmas trees take over charming squares as horse drawn carriages become the town Uber. The fatty and fried oil smell of delicious pierogi dances through the air coupled with people using mulled wine as a source to stay warm, physically and mentally. The colorful buildings of famous and historical streets lead you through town during the day, at the same time becoming engulfed in Christmas illumination by night. Throw a little snow into the mix to create a real life snow-globe and winter wonderland masterpiece.
The Best Food in Puglia, Italy
In an extremely diverse country of landscape, culture, history and food, Italy’s shining attribute is the use of simple and seasonal ingredients. One of the most charming and fascinating aspects of Italian cuisine is the unique differences between the 20 regions. The South of Italy in general has influenced the gastronomical scene across the globe, thanks in large part to “Cucina Povera”, or peasant food. Although it may be defined as the food of the poor, these are some of the best dishes of Italy. The simplicity is what makes them so special and shows that you don’t always need some extravagant and expensive recipe to enjoy an incredible experience. However, travelers to Italy often miss out on exploring the region of Puglia while instead going to the tourist hotspots of Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence and Napoli, whereas this region may be one of the best for any foodie out there.
7 Day Southern Italy Itinerary
Southern Italy is home to the stunning region of Puglia, one of the country’s most underrated areas and best-kept secrets. It’s slowly gaining in popularity, but you can still enjoy quieter times in the off-season. Keep reading for an epic seven day itinerary through southern Italy with a special focus on Puglia.
Puglia, Italy: the Ultimate Guide
Seabirds and swallows sing overhead, dancing in the golden light reflections upon historical buildings of white limestone as the sun begins to set. Sounds of waves crashing against rocks below echo through town, as the sweet and refreshing smell of salt from the vibrant blue-green Adriatic Sea penetrates your nostrils. Travelers navigate through narrow cobblestone streets, adorned in twinkling lights as the ambience of glasses clinking upon one another sets up an evening to remember. Platefuls of handmade pasta, tossed with seasonal ingredients accompanied by the freshest and creamiest local cheeses play the protagonist at every table. Puglia, Italy, occupying the “Heel of the Boot”, is one of the country’s best regions and the gem of the Adriatic.
Hidden Gems of Andalucia, Spain: Vejer de la Frontera, Carmona, and Antequera
Andalucia, Spain, is unlike any other region in southern Europe. Imagine sun-drenched days in an epic landscape that includes pristine beaches and impressive mountain ranges. Charming white-walled towns speckle the region and the dining is unparalleled. Cultural influences range from Moorish to Mediterranean, and Flamenco is a way of life. This is Andalucia.
5 Reasons to Explore Sarawak, Malaysia
There’s never been a better time to explore Sarawak. Between their award-winning annual Rainforest World Music Festival in June and unparalleled year-round outdoor adventure, this Malaysian destination is bursting with culture, flavor, and activity.
Peruvian Cuisine
Peru is home to an array of dining experiences, from world-renowned restaurants to Indigenous recipes one can only experience deep in the jungle. The fresh flavors of Peruvian cuisine will leave your mouth watering for more South American delicacies.
Things to Do in Peru Other Than Machu Picchu
Peru is undoubtedly one of the most stunning countries on Earth. Home to 84 of the world’s 103 ecosystems and 28 of the 32 climates on the planet, its landscape is one of the most diverse destinations. You can find yourself hiking the Andes in the morning, exploring iconic Incan archaeological sites in the afternoon, then finishing the day off watching wildlife in the jungles of the Amazon. Gorgeous cities offer some of the best gastronomy on the planet thanks to Pisco and potatoes, while the cobblestone roads take you back in time. Culture and rich history are always on full display as the proud locals across the country are some of the most welcoming and loving people you will ever meet. I continuously try to find the right words to describe Peru, but I don’t know if I ever truly will. But that’s exactly how Peru makes you feel, speechless.
Slow Down in Gilbert, Arizona
Gilbert, Arizona is a place that invites you in to experience it without overwhelming you, with shorter wait times and smaller price points than better-known hubs in the American Southwest, so you can slow down and savor it all.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Hidden Gems
It’s that time of year again. Twinkling lights strung up across buildings, decorated trees commanding city centers, holiday music dancing through the air, the smell of hot wine and baked gingerbread suffocating your nose and of course, chestnuts roasting on an open fire. If you love the holiday season, then there aren’t too many experiences as magical as exploring different Christmas Markets across Europe. While they’re all worth seeing, it may be hard to choose the right market for you. Each country does it differently as vendors focus on local cuisine and souvenirs that will leave you overwhelmed, wanting to buy everything. The biggest and most famous markets definitely live up to the hype, but it is the lesser known ones off of the usual tourist route that will give you the most unforgettable Christmas market adventure.
