Because travel is better with two - By writer/editor/photographer Melanie Wynne
The Hall of Geographical Maps at the Vatican
Before last May, I’d never been to Rome.
Please don’t look at me like that — I know. I’m a travel writer who had never been to Rome. There should be some sort of law.
The important thing here is that I’ve now visited Italy’s capital city for a whole three days, filling my eyes (and my belly) with the glory of a great empire. Oh, and walking in and out of a lot of amazing stuff that’s free of charge.
[Read more...]
Piazza de Ferrari in Genoa, Italy
“What news of Genoa?” — a line from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice – is the most famous theatrical reference to Genoa, a large port city on Italy’s Ligurian Coast.
To my ears, the question begs the following answer:
“Pesto, gorgeous churches, narrow, cobbled streets and harbor views — a surprisingly wonderful city to explore.” [Read more...]
The Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte’s beach club, by Tuscany’s Tyrrhenian Sea
Researching my springtime trip to Italy, I was amazed to find I’d never heard of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
How had I missed a whole sea…and in Tuscany, no less?
Happily, my geographic oversight has since been amended in person, after my stay at the luxurious Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte in the beach city of Viareggio. Here, the blue-green Tyrrhenian is the main attraction — and time seems to stand still. [Read more...]
One of Bernini's epic fountains in Rome's elegant Piazza Navona
Lately, I’ve been hard at work on some articles for popular site The Points Guy, which shows travelers how to get the most out of their points programs for flights, hotels and more. My second piece for them is a guide to the exciting Italian city of Rome, featuring top hotels and their points exchanges.
This past May, I visited Rome for the first time and fell madly in love with this vibrant city. It was a real pleasure to write about it for TPG, and I ask that you please enjoy Destination of the Week: Rome!
Le Petit Hôpital near Avignon, France, one of my (delightful) European destinations
Bon voyage — to me!
I’m off to Europe for a month, and to say I’m excited would be a hilarious understatement.
This trip will take me to France for two weeks, Italy for eight days and Croatia for nine days.
This is the longest trip I’ve taken since about 1985 — and here’s how it’ll all play out:
