All Entries in the "Destinations" Category
A Dangerously Sweet Chocolate Festival in Florence
The pension where we students live provides breakfast and lunch, but not dinner, so most nights we eat at typical three course Italian meal at a restaurant; pasta, meat and a dessert. After inhaling such a large meal, we usually stroll around Florence. Last week we stumbled upon the famous Chocolate Festival in Piazza della [...]
I left my heart in … Paris
Last weekend I fell in love with a new city, Paris. For three euphoric days I ran around the City of Lights and, like most first time visitors, I tried to see all the tourist attractions. We climbed the Eiffel Tower in the teeth-chattering winter weather, fell into a trance listening to the boys’ choir [...]
Budget Traveler Tells Five Things Not to Do in London
London has no shortage of attractions. Whether you’re into food (best Indian food, hands down), shopping (Harrods…need I say more?), sports (nothing better than a pint of ale and some footie in the pub), or art (Tate modern, V & A, the British Museum, to name a few)—there is something for everyone. Even for the [...]
Best Travel Books for France, Paris
What can I read to help plan a trip? Here’s a selection of books we love for travel inspiration or escapism. Selections are from the GutsyTraveler and readers. These fiction and non-fiction books will transport you to the destination through the setting, the way the author uses words and immerses you into a different culture. [...]
Luxury in Bali at the top of the dream list.
If you could go anywhere, for a week of unparalleled luxury and exoticism, consider Bali. On my fourth trip to Bali I was introduced to the Amanresorts’ award-winning, secluded properties. Already well known to discerning global travelers, the exclusive Amanresorts are also popular with Hollywood stars. There’s a buzz among the well-heeled Aman-junkies who are [...]
Wildest Mating Strategies in Animal Kingdom Now on Display in San Francisco Museum
From sex change to cannibalism, the natural world is filled with wild mating strategies. In a new aquarium gallery titled Animal Attraction, the California Academy of Sciences delves into the science of sex, exploring the remarkable and often surprising techniques animals have developed for attracting mates and producing offspring. Visitors will encounter hermaphroditic banana slugs, [...]
Wine Tour & Tasting in Chianti
Wine tasting in the Tuscan hills is a “must” while visiting Italy. Three other students and I rented a car in Florence and took off for a 12- hour tour of the Chianti Region, home of the famous Chianti Classico wine. We began with a three-hour hike through the vineyards. The vines were [...]
Weekend in the Tuscan hills
By: Annalyse, College Correspondent in Italy Studying (Sometimes) For my second weekend in Firenze, my friends and I decided we wanted to have a truly Italian experience, so we rented a car. We rented a mini compact car from Eurocar, for 70 Euro for a day full of adventures. When split between five people, it [...]
Paris where the summer solstice is a night of music
I went to Paris, thinking I’d visit museums and historic sites. Jazz in St. German des Pres. Instead I happened upon the summer solstice on June 21st, the “Fete de la Musique” – one of the best free, street-music festivals in Europe. The mood was electric and I got a taste of authentic Paris culture [...]
Trendy, Chic and Cheap in Paris
Don’t be put off by the name or the location, Mama Shelter, nestled into the 20th arrondissement, is one of the trendiest hotels I’ve discovered in terms of quality and price (89 Euro). The lobby, rooms, lively bar and bistro are tres chic with a guests to match. On my last trip to Paris I [...]
