Italy

From Affordable to Fanciful: Venetian Bars for Every Budget

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: one of the best things about travelling is getting to try different food and drink… and Italy is known for being a favourite foodie destination. One of the best areas of this delicious country is Venice, a city filled to the brim with delectable and indulgent eateries and cantinas. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best Venetian bars that are suitable for all budgets (don’t worry, it’s not all

Make the Most of Milan with These Fun Facts

For trends, design and all things art, there’s no better cultural hub to visit than Milan. This gorgeous Italian city is one you have to see – and experience – for yourself. However, before you jet off to the fashion capital of the world, read our post inspired by this infographic so you can get in the know about all it has to offer. From fantastic food to sensational sights, here are our favourite facts. Use them to make the

Tasty Warming Dishes from Around the World

Nothing beats a hearty, warming dish, even if you’re travelling to a warm-weather country. Many holiday destinations have their own traditional meals as well as the usual tourist offerings, so here are a few delicacies you can look out for while you’re away. Cocido Madrileño Though you may be tempted by tapas while holidaying in Spain, I recommend that you look out for cocido madrileño, the country’s national dish. This family favourite is a chickpea-based stew, often cooked in a

Spill the Beans: Coffee Etiquette Around the World

If you’re someone who likes to start the morning with a fresh, strong cup of coffee, chances are you like to do the same thing when you travel. Wherever you happen to be heading on your next adventure, you’re bound to benefit from the etiquette lesson that I found in this useful infographic. Here are a few tips for how to behave in some top holiday destinations – make sure you’re clued up before you order your first hot beverage!

Must-See Milan: The Best Things to See and Do

One of Italy’s most popular and beautiful cities, Milan, has a lot to offer. Its long history as a political and cultural hub has left it with an astonishing array of attractions, including 50 churches, 25 squares and 20 basilicas. Using this helpful infographic to navigate, let’s get into some of the city’s best attractions. Da Vinci’s Last Supper, Santa Maria d’elle Grazie We begin our journey in this imposing fifteenth-century church. Once a convent for the Dominican Order, this

Italian Delights: Traditional Venetian Food to Try

Italy is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide variety of dishes to tantalise your taste buds. Still, when many think of Italian cuisine, they think of spaghetti Bolognese, margherita pizza and not much else – but this country has far more to offer, especially if you venture to Venice. Each region boasts a distinct style and signature flavours. As a city on the water, Venice prides itself on its seafood. Read on for some of the best meals you can

Sand and Sophistication in Sardinia: From Olbia to Cagliari

It’s not hard to see why Sardinia is the Italians’ favourite holiday escape. Its stunning beaches and lush hinterland combine in just the right balance to create magic. For those visiting the gorgeous capital of Cagliari, its status as Sardinia’s capital of culture is upheld by a host of attractions that tell the story of its Roman, Carthaginian, Spanish and Byzantine past, and the city’s extraordinary beauty is the cream of its delicious cannoli. But Sardinia’s attractions are certainly not

Viva la Vegetarian! The Best Places in Europe for Meatless Eats

Vegetarianism is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle choice, and there are several reasons as to why. It has been said to have many health benefits as well as to help reduce global warming. Although some countries are more veggie friendly than others, it’s never impossible to find a meat-free meal on your travels. Eat Fresh in France Many travellers associate French cuisine with frog legs and snails, but France actually has plenty of delicious vegetarian options as well. A lot

Autumnal Eats: The Best Fall Foodie Festivals

If you’re travelling the world this autumn (or just consider yourself a cooking connoisseur), make sure you’re in the know about these fantastic foodie festivals that are happening throughout Europe. Immersing yourself in local culture and sampling traditional cuisine is an important part of the travel experience wherever your holiday happens to be, so attending a food festival is a fantastic opportunity to get a real feel for local life. Here are three of the very best fall foodie fiestas.

Ghoulish Gastronomy: Halloween Treats Around the World

Halloween is a tradition dating back to the Celtic period, and still celebrated today with pumpkins, trick-or-treating, fancy dress and various other peculiarities. In the UK we enjoy snacking on bonfire toffee, candied apples and American-style pumpkin pie, but many countries have their own unique take on culinary traditions for this special occasion… Ireland In Ireland, locals enjoy freshly-baked barmbrak, which is a fruit bread (rather similar to a Christmas cake) traditionally baked with objects inside. The person who finds

Find Romance in Ravello on a Couples Retreat

Few places say “romance” (or perhaps whisper it seductively into your ear) like Italy’s Amalfi Coast. I think it’s my favourite place on earth, offering sweeping coastline drives complemented by peaceful, sun-drenched landscapes when you venture inland. You’ll find the tastiest of fresh seafood, iconic groves of lemon trees, and the meeting of bright blue sky and sea on the horizon. Bring someone special here and you may well fall in love with it as much as I have. Allow

Amazing Amalfi: More than Just a Coast

One of the most visually dramatic parts of Italy’s rugged coastline, the Amalfi Coast, is a must see on any avid traveller’s list. This stunning region in what is a truly fascinating country is not one to be rushed, and is definitely a place that demands more than just a long weekend. From boat trips to church visits and from lazy lunches enjoyed in seafront trattorie to long walks through olive and lemon groves, the Amalfi Coast has so much

Eating Abroad: Dining Etiquette from Around the World

Many countries around the world have very different beliefs when it comes to meal-time manners. If you’re travelling abroad sometime soon and want to make sure you know the ropes, read on for etiquette tips for these popular destinations. Russia Russia has various unwritten rules regarding dining, such as men having to pour drinks for women who are seated next to them. Russians will also encourage you to take second helpings, however leaving a small amount of food on your