Do The Sand Dunes Come Alive At Kobuk Valley National Park?

BY  Sibashree Oct 16, 2025

I still remember the fresh breath of air as I opened the gates of the Villa Spectra. The lush green hills in the backdrop were inviting for an immediate stroll, while the Sun-drenched terrace was calling me to get soaked in the Tuscan Sun. Everything about the villa was very intimate and warm, and just the way I wanted. The serene setting and the luxury inside! Everything was worth the wait! Yes, I planned and dreamt of the day for five years, kept a separate savings account for the travel, and that’s a different story!  And I chose Le Collectionist villas because I wanted to soak in the luxury and richness Italy offers, with the history of the Gladiators and the Medici dukes and their sophisticated cultural landscape. I was in Italy for a trip of 15 days, and this is how the luxury villas and everything I saw became a part of my Roman Holiday. How Does History Speak Through The Alleys Of Rome? (With A Dash Of Luxury)  The history of Italy is layered. So, knowing about the history of Italy is not like visiting points A, B, and C. Whether it is the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the walled city of Lucca, each location has a story to share. Now, choosing Villa Spectra from Le Collectionist was again a brilliant choice for me, as their concierge services and local partners ensured access to the real narratives of the places. 1. Tuscany: When Light Teaches Patience And The Time Stands Still My mornings in Tuscany began with the slow rattle of shutters. From the kitchen window, cypress trees pointed like metronomes toward a pale sky. Furthermore, it was quite warm by the afternoon, and floating in the villa pool, reading, or catching up on the best delicacies were the best refuge I could think of. By dusk, I was out to see the color of Chianti. Seeing the sunset rays painting the houses while sipping a glass of Brunello was the ultimate Tuscan experience. The Val d'Orcia landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the highlight of my Tuscan experience. Also, the overall Tuscan landscape looked like a Renaissance painting for me, with verdant hills and cypress trees. 2. Puglia: The Still Stones Carry The Secrets The dry stone architecture of Alberobello looked like the Sakshi or eternal witness I have read about in many Hindu texts. Now, thousands of miles away, I was connecting to my roots, and I had goosebumps thinking about the universality of the truth. Masseria Ozen was my home for the days in Puglia. 3. Amalfi Coast: Sniffing The Sea And Lemon Positano ridgelines and Amalfi were the highlights of my day in Amalfi. I had the most theatrical experience in Amafi amidst the whiff of lemon and white stones. My mornings here started with the sound of espresso spoons in the coffee cups and morning bells. Evenings were lazy, sipping on the sharpest Amalfi sherbet and watching the ferries passing. However, for me, the most exciting part was taking an after-hours walk with the villa concierge, taking us through Pompeii. The fresco colors were magical. 4. Rome And The Appian Way: Where History Speaks The villa I was staying in gave me access to the Appian Way through the garden gate. With the city still sleeping and the cold stones under my feet, it was like going many centuries back. I kept exploring, and when I reached the Villa dei Quintili ruins, the light had turned honey-gold. I sat on a fallen column and felt, absurdly, both guest and citizen of another age. Don’t Rush: Pick Your Favorite Zone In Italy  You cannot rush a holiday in Italy. Now, I was on a 15-day vacation, and that’s why I could touch upon many areas. However, with my trip ending, I realized that it was foolish of me. I should have focused on a distinct zone. Must-Visit Zones in Italy Highlights Puglia and Alberobello • Olive Groves • Trulli Districts • White Towns Rome and the Appian Way • Cecilia Metella • Villa dei Quintili Tuscany and Val d’Orcia • San Quirico • Montalcino • Pienza Amalfi Coast and Pompeii • Positano Ridgelines • Frescoes and Forums in Pompeii • Ravello • Amalfi Sardinia • Su Nuraxi Nuraghe Complex Venice and the Lagoon • Torcello’s Basilica Lake Como and Lombardy Villas • Alpine Views • Villas with Liberty-Style Architecture  Don’t Forget To Listen To The Hidden Narratives When visiting places such as Pompeii, the Val d’Orcia, or Puglia, there is much to explore beyond what meets the eye. For example, the graffiti of Pompeii features election advertisements, love notes, and more, indicating a complex past. On the other hand, the Val d’Orcia is a testament to the Renaissance urban planning. Again, the dry stone architecture of Puglia can be a lesson about how to defy gravity. Why I Chose Luxury Villas Le Collectionist? For Quiet Luxury And Love For History, Of Course  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Collectionist (@lecollectionist) I chose the Luxury villas Le Collectionist because I wanted to stay near the key attractions in Italy without the hassle of crowds. I wanted some quiet time, and the concierge team was very helpful in suggesting the right day and time to visit the important landmarks. They also helped me with the ticketing and stuff. Furthermore, they arranged special after-hours access for the villa residents. So, staying in the Le Collectionist luxury villas was not just about finding the most premium accommodation. They ensured access to a deeper and more convenient cultural exploration. How Can You Choose The Best Luxury Villas Italy Le Collectionist? The time of your visit (seasonality), the experience you want, the style of villas, and some non-negotiable attributes are the things to be considered when choosing the best luxury villa by Le Collectionist in Italy. Factors to Choose the Best Luxury Villa Details Type of Experience You Want • For farmhouse-like setups, choose villas in Tuscany. • If you want the dramatic experience of a cliff villa, choose one in Amalfi.The Style of Villas• When traveling solo or with your partner, a compact villa will be the best choice for you.• You will need a multi-suite villa when traveling with your family.Seasonality • In winter, the piazzas and museums of Rome are the go-to places. So, choose villas near them.• Furthermore, shoulder seasons are ideal for outdoor exploration. So, choosing a villa near the Amalfi Coast or near Tuscany will be a great choice.Non-Negotiable Attributes • Pools • Pergolas • Airconditioning • Water Facilities  What Are The Best Luxury Villas Italy Le Collectionist For History And Premium Experience Lovers? Here are the best Le Collectionist villas in Italy if you want to explore the history of the country and the dolce vita. 1. Villa Spectra, Tuscany  For me, Villa Spectra in Lucca was the main character of the Tuscan vacation story. The terrace and the living area of the villa gave me enough time and chances to soak in the Tuscan Sun. Villa Spectra has 5 bedrooms, and the charges are around $2400 per night. 2. Villa Masseria Ozen, Puglia  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mune_Architecture (@mune_architecture) Located in San Vito dei Normanni, Villa Masseria Ozen exudes a quintessential Italian charm.  For me, the highlight of the stay in Villa Masseria Ozen was the dinner under the stars. Masseria Ozen has five bedrooms, and the charges will be around $1400-1500 per night. 3. Villa Salvatore, Amalfi Coast  Within 300 meters of the Amalfi Coast, Villa Salvatore was my perfect home. The trees near the villa stretch down to the sea, and for me, the breakfast time on the terrace was amazing because of the stunning views around. Your stay at Villa Salvatore will cost around $3,665 per night. 4. Chalet Gatsby, Lake Como  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Collectionist (@lecollectionist) Chalet Gatsby looks over Lake Como, and this is precisely why I chose it. However, the villa has only five bedrooms. So, check availability or try early booking. The villa is also close to the village of Brunate. I loved the walk from the villa to the village in the morning and late afternoon. The tariff here will be around $1500-3000 per day. 5. Villa Limoncello, Florence  Villa Limoncello won me over with its serene location. Also, with an infinity pool, it made me wake to the sound of water. Furthermore, the hammam or the massage room was my favorite. This villa has seven bedrooms and five bedrooms, and the pocket pinch is $4,820 per night. Why Are Concierge Services Such A Big Deal?  The concierge services and assistance of these villas were the common threads among the places I visited in Italy. Here’s why they are so special. 1. Guides Who Teach You About Places  When I was in the Appian Way or Pompeii, the concierge service guides were like the mobile history books. 2. Makes Logistics Hassle-Free  With concierge services, I did not have to worry about the car rentals. The vetted drivers took me to the important locations. They know everything from ZTL boundaries, parking spaces, and drop-off timings. 3. Ensures Smooth Access Concierge services take advantage of the tie-ups, and booking is always done through official channels. So, the slot selection is clean, and you will get the best official discounts. Exploring Italy Without Stress: Be Smart With Logistic Planning  For Rome • Explore Appian Way places such as Aqueducts, Catacombs, and Quintili. Then, have a late lunch.• Wear sturdy shoes to walk comfortably on the basalt stones.Tuscany Days • Explore Val d’Orcia and don’t plan visiting more than two hill towns.Amalfi Coast • Avoid traffic with boat rides. Visit Pompeii early in the morning or late.Puglia • Visit Alberobello in the early morning.• Hit the beach at noon.• Have dinner under the vines. My 15-Day Travel Itinerary In Italy This is how my itinerary for the 15-day vacation in Italy looked. Days Activities Day 1 - Arriving in Lake Como • Traveling from Milan to Lake Como• Lakefront lunch• Boat ride to Varenna & Villa Monastero• Dinner at Villa• Watching Mirrored Lake at DawnDay 2 - Heart of Como • Visiting Villa del Balbianello• Having lunch in Menaggio by Lake Como• Riva boat tour • Spa in the evening• Aperitivo dinner in the villa Day 3 - Milan Excursion • Traveling to Milan• Visiting the Brera • District and The Last Supper Museum • Lunch at Marchesi 1824• Returning to Como Day 4 - Verona & Valpolicella • Driving east from Milan to Verona & Valpolicella• Visiting the vineyard villa near Negrar• Visiting Juliet’s balcony and Valpolicella wine tasting in the afternoon• Dinner under vines with Amarone & Tiramisù Day 5 - Venice Arrival • Reaching Venice and enjoying a water taxi ride to the Grand Canal Villa• Dorsoduro stroll in the afternoon• Sunset gondola ride• Seafood dinner at Alle Testiere Day 6 - Florence • Taking the train from Venice to Florence• Private Uffizi tour in the morning• Watching the sunset on Ponte VecchioDay 7 - Chianti Wine Route • Taking a vineyard drive from Greve to Radda on the Chanti Wine Route• Enjoying rustic trattoria lunch• Spending the evening in the villa by the poolside Day 8 - Val d’Orcia • Exploring Val d’Orcia • Moving South to Pienza Villa • Exploring Montepulciano • Attending local cooking classes Day 9 - Rome Arrival • Beginning of the Roman Story• Driving to the Appian Way Villa• Explore Villa dei Quintili and Cecilia Metella. Day 10 - The Eternal City • Early tour to the Vatican City• Having coffee at Piazza Navona• Visiting Pantheon, Trevi, and the Spanish Steps• Enjoying a terrace dinner in the villa Day 11 - Amalfi Arrival • Reaching Positano via Naples• The signature welcome at Villa Limoncello• Relaxing by the poolside• Having a seafood dinner Day 12 - Coastline by Sea • Boat to Capri & Grottoes • Having a Picnic with Champagne• Watching Sunset• Relaxing at Night in a Jacuzzi Day 13 - Pompeii & Vesuvius • Private archaeologist-led tour• Vineyard lunch & Lacryma Christi tasting• Swimming in the evening Day 14 - Puglia • Villa Check-In• Traveling to Bari• Visiting Trulli Dinner in the Olive Grove Day 15 - It’s a Wrap • Visiting Ostuni after an early breakfast• Lunch and Sunset Drink• Destination: Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla  Local Secrets That No One Talks About The Val d’Orcia farmhouse owners explain the aging of the cheese served. So, you not only have the best cheese, but also an anecdote to take home. You have to plan your sleeping hours based on the location you are visiting. Puglia is the most beautiful in the twilight hours, and the Val d’Orcia ridge or the Appian Way are great for early walks. Once again, keep the official links of the tickets booked, offline maps, and documents handy. Moreover, avoid overscheduling, as driving and the distinct experiences at different locations require time. In addition, remember which area is suitable for what type of traveler. Have a look at the table below for a better understanding. Places to Visit in Italy Suitable for Travel Groups Nearby Heritage or UNESCO Sites Rome and The Appian Way History Enthusiasts and Families The Appian Way is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Places to Visit here are:• Tomb of Cecilia Metella • Circus of Maxentius • Appia Antica Villas • The Catacombs of San Callisto Amalfi (Amalfi Coast, Positano and Ravello) Photographers and Couples • The cultural landscape of the Amalfi Coast PugliaFamilies and Multi-generational Groups • Alberobello Tuscany Road Trips • Val d’Orcia Sardinia Cultural Enthusiasts and Coastal Holidayers• Su Nuraxi Nuraghe Complex  With Sustainability And Etiquettes In Mind…  Italy is the country of ancient ruins. So, while exploring archaeological or historical places, you must be very careful and respect the barriers as explained by the guides and officials. Furthermore, opt for concierge services and travel in the early hours to avoid the rush in these cultural and historical places. Take help from licensed guides to help the local community and listen to stories that only locals know. Visiting Rome And Staying In Luxury Villas Italy Le Collectionist: FAQs Here are some frequently asked questions and answers. 1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Pompeii?  Yes, Pompeii is a year-round destination. However, if you want to enjoy mild weather conditions, visit Pompeii in the shoulder seasons, such as September to October and April to May. 2. Why Is Trulli So Famous?  Trulli, a place of great cultural importance, is famous as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stone huts here are whitewashed, and they have conical roofs.The architecture of these huts represents the quintessential architectural style of the Puglia Region. 3. Is There Any Resource To Learn About The Landscape Of Tuscany?  Yes, you can read the UNESCO World Heritage Convention page on Val d’Orcia and other heritage sites to have the historical or cultural background and context about them.  4. What Is The Best Villa-Based Experience Near Rome? You will find the Villa dei Quintili while driving on the Appian Way. The vast ruins get fewer crowds compared to other historical zones in Central Rome.You can keep an offline leaflet handy, as the mobile network may not work here.

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 2, 2024

Ah, summer vibes mean vacays, road trips, and the classic "Are we there yet?" soundtrack. But let's face it, keeping kiddos entertained during long car rides is no easy feat. The struggle is real! And we all know too well that screen time takeover – not the best road trip memo. Why miss out on the fun? Road adventures are a golden chance for your little explorers to dive into new activities, discover cool stuff, and dive into some classic road trip games. Because let's be real, they won't remember the drive if their eyes are glued to a screen. Time to make those miles memorable. I mean, if you're living in a place for a few days, I think you might be Looking for soccer camps all around. However, if you can’t find something as such, we would suggest you go through the following tips instead. Tip – 1: Make The Entire Thing A Game  Picture this: you're on a classic car ride, cruising down the road. Now, you've got your go-to games like I Spy, Car Bingo, and The License Plate Game. But when those start feeling a bit too familiar, it's time to turn up the fun with some karaoke action! Now, I get it, not everyone's a singing superstar, so let's mix it up. Try this game called Karaoke Masters: create a playlist of tunes everyone knows before you hit the road. Play just a few seconds of a song, and let the kids guess what it is. Throw in some rather goofy ones like "Old McDonald Had a Farm" or "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt" for extra laughs. Trust me, it's a road trip game-changer! Note: Ever tried those travel trays for road trips with the kids? I swear by them! They’ll give the little ones a handy flat space for coloring, drawing, or whatever keeps them busy. Plus, no more stuff rolling off with that raised edge. And get this – there's even a cup holder and pockets for snacks. Safety-wise, the edges are soft and padded, just in case. Perfect for meals on the move too! We've been using them for years, and they've been a game-changer. 2: Give Them A Surprise Box  So, on every road trip, my kids get super pumped about this amazing thing we call the "surprise box." It's basically just old lunchboxes I snagged at a garage sale. Now, the magic happens when I fill them up with all sorts of fun stuff I’ve found on the – garage sales, Dollar Tree, clearance aisles, you name it. And let me tell you, it's a big hit! The best part? Everything inside is brand new to them, making each little toy or activity way more exciting. I toss in some snacks and sweet treats for good measure, too. Now, if you really want to milk the suspense or use it as a reward for some stellar behavior, you can get creative. Maybe make a bunch of small surprise bags to open at specific times or pit stops. Think Legos, Hotwheels cars, fidget toys, smaller-sized dolls - you name it. Dollar Tree is like a goldmine for budget-friendly goodies. Happy travels! 3: Let Them Listen To An Amazing Story  Switch up your pre-trip routine this summer! Instead of downloading movies, go for podcasts – like movies for your ears! Check out NPR's Wow in the World, their first podcast for kids. It's not just for your little ones; the whole family can enjoy it. Discover the mysteries of why shoelaces never stay tied, the secrets of astronauts' bathroom breaks in space, and how saying "thank you’ can boost your health. It's a fun way to learn together! 4: Play Mobile Games Or With Toys  When you've got a whole bunch of time ahead of the children, make the most of their iPad love! There are cool games that are not just fun but also educational. If your little one enjoys coloring, grab 123 Color: Talking Coloring Book – it's like coloring without the mess of crayons. Plus, there are world maps for some on-the-go geography lessons. And for the older ones, Minecraft Pocket Edition is a big hit! When the road trip gets bumpy, go back to the good old days! Try card games, Mad Libs, and even the classic Etch A Sketch. Travel-sized board games like Clue, Trouble, and Scrabble are perfect for the ride. Don't forget Bingo! And hey, let your little one bring along their favorite toys – it's not just fun, it's like a piece of home on the road! 5: Make Memories As You Go  Ever wish you could relive those awesome family trips without spending hours on photo albums? Well, here's a cool idea: get the kids involved! Let one kid be the photo guru, another the daily journal keeper, and a third the memento collector – think souvenirs, coasters, and random cool stuff. Pack some instant cameras, paper, markers, crayons, glue, and tape. Every night, before crashing, let the kids create a page of memories from the day. When you're back home, make it a massive deal with a family night dedicated to flipping through their masterpiece. Trust me, it's a trip down memory lane you won't want to miss! 6: Reward Their Good Behavior  You know, sometimes a little bribery can work wonders. Are kids not cooperating? Try throwing in a sweet deal. If they can keep the complaints to a minimum for the next hour, promise them a pitstop at the ice cream stand. Want some quality time with mom or Dad by the pool? Well, leaving the siblings alone might just do the trick. And if you can manage a whine-free morning, congrats – you get to decide where to eat for lunch or which attraction to hit up first. But, let's not forget the other side of the coin. If kicking the back of Dad's seat is your thing despite being told to stop, sorry buddy, but the hotel game room is off-limits that night. Tough love, you know? 7: Let The Children Have A Say Have you ever noticed how kids can turn a simple car ride into a full-blown protest when they're not into it? Well, here's a trick to avoid whining and complaining to get them involved in the trip plans! Imagine this: instead of dragging them along, let them take the wheel (figuratively, of course). For the little ones, just give them a few hours of power. They get to decide when and where to stop and for how long. Yeah, it might mean hitting up every random spot on the way, but hey, it's a small price for some peace and quiet, right? And it's not just about pit stops. Let them call the shots on what to do during their reign on the road. Maybe a quick detour to a quirky roadside attraction or a pit stop at a diner for a milkshake. Let their imagination run wild. Now, if you've got some older kids, turn the planning up a notch. Give them the keys to the whole day. Let them map out the route, plan all the stops, and come up with a theme for the day. It's like a little road trip takeover by the mini road trip experts. Plus, they can create the ultimate playlist for the journey. So next time you're hitting the road, remember, hand over the reins to the little road trip planners, and you might just avoid the dreaded backseat rebellion. Happy travels! Read Also: Journey To Joy: Unleash The Potential Of Your Road Trip With These Tips Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Anticipated As TSA Prepares For Busy Season! The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites

BY  Arnab Jun 20, 2023

Few experiences compare to traveling or living abroad. The thrill of immersing yourself in a vibrant new culture or experiencing the lifestyle of a different country is unrivaled. But despite the sheer joy of these adventures, many travelers and ex-pats will miss certain home comforts from time to time. Whether it’s your favorite snack or a specific brand of skincare you’ve always used, there are always things we miss when we’re abroad. But getting your hands on your favorite products when you’re abroad can be a challenge. Local international shops have limited options, and international fees can quickly get expensive. The good news is there’s a simple solution — parcel forwarding services. If you’re an ex-pat or a globetrotter looking to buy products from home, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together everything you need to know about parcel forwarding in one place. Understanding Parcel Forwarding At its core, parcel forwarding is a pretty straightforward concept- pretty much like what Canada shipping companies do. It’s a service designed to make international shopping easier and give access to a wider range of products. We’ll dig into the specific steps of how it works later, but here’s roughly how it works: Go to your favorite eCommerce store and shop as you usually would When it comes to ordering the products, you use a local delivery address that your parcel forwarding service has provided. The parcel forwarding service receives your order, usually at a warehouse where it will be processed. The company will ship your parcel to you wherever you are in the world. Essentially, the parcel forwarding service gives you a local address and then takes care of getting your parcel to you. Plus, they often offer parcel consolidation, so you can order from multiple places and just pay one shipping fee. The Benefits Of Parcel Forwarding Obviously, the biggest benefit of parcel forwarding is you can order from anywhere in the world without having to worry about shipping restrictions. But the benefits go well beyond that: Consolidation Of Multiple Purchases One of the significant benefits of parcel forwarding services is the ability to consolidate multiple purchases into a single shipment. This not only simplifies the tracking process but can also save substantially on international shipping costs. Reduced Shipping Rates Parcel forwarding companies have contracts with leading courier companies, which allow them to negotiate lower shipping rates. These reduced rates are passed on to customers, making international shipping more affordable. Reliable And Secure Parcel forwarding services are known for their reliability and security. They ensure your packages are safely stored and securely shipped to your destination. In many cases, insurance is also available for added protection. Flexible Delivery Options Whether you need express delivery, standard shipping, or other specialized shipping methods, you can select the best option for your situation. Efficient And Time-Saving Parcel forwarding takes the hassle out of international shipping. They manage all aspects, including customs documentation, which can save customers a significant amount of time. Your Step-By-Step Guide To Parcel Forwarding Now you understand what parcel forwarding is and why it's a fantastic tool for international shoppers, let's dive into how to make the most of it: Step 1: Choose Your Parcel Forwarding Service Start by selecting a parcel forwarding service provider aligned with your needs. Look for a company with a good reputation, transparent pricing, excellent customer service, and flexible shipping options. Step 2: Setting Up Your Account Once you've selected a service, the next step is to set up an account. During this process, you'll provide essential details such as your contact information, shipping address, and payment details. Step 3: Time To Shop! Now comes the fun part — shopping! When you're ready to checkout, simply use the address provided by your parcel forwarding service. Step 4: Handling Your Parcels Once your items arrive at the forwarding service's warehouse, they'll notify you. At this stage, you can choose to consolidate multiple packages or select your preferred shipping method. Step 5: Forwarding Your Parcels Finally, your items are forwarded to your current location. Choose your preferred shipping method, pay the associated costs, and wait for your package to arrive! Tips And Tricks For Parcel Forwarding Just like any process, there are a few tips and tricks to make parcel forwarding a breeze: Merge your packages — If you're shopping from multiple stores, take advantage of your service's package consolidation feature. This can significantly reduce your overall shipping costs. Check prohibited items — Always check the shipping restrictions of your current country before making a purchase. A good parcel forwarding service should have a comprehensive list of prohibited items for reference. Repackaging options — Look for parcel forwarding services offering repackaging to reduce shipping weight and subsequent costs. As a traveler or ex-pat, parcel forwarding is a fantastic tool for maintaining access to your favorite products without the hassle and high costs of international shipping. So the next time you crave a taste of home or spot a must-have item, don't let shipping restrictions hold you back. Read Also: Why Myrtle Beach Is The Ideal Summer Destination 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen