Gentlemen On The Go: Travel Essentials For The Modern Man 

BY  Ankita Dec 18, 2023

Imagine waking up to the serene sound of waves on the Amalfi Coast or savoring a cup of freshly brewed espresso on a sunlit terrace overlooking the rolling Tuscan hills. This is the enchanting promise of a villa rental in Italy—a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and cultural immersion that transforms an ordinary vacation into an extraordinary adventure. In this guide, we'll explore the intricacies of planning the perfect Italian rental villa getaway, from selecting the ideal location to making the most of your stay. Why Choose a Rental Villa in Italy Italy, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers a diverse array of rental villa options. These properties range from rustic farmhouses in the heart of vineyard country to opulent mansions on the shores of the Mediterranean. Unlike typical hotel accommodations, villas offer a heightened level of privacy and space, allowing you to unwind in a setting that feels genuinely your own. Moreover, a luxury villa rental in Italy is not just about luxurious lodging; it's about immersing yourself in Italian life, experiencing the local customs, and enjoying the freedom to explore at your own pace. Finding the Right Villa Selecting the perfect villa is a journey in itself. Start by considering the location—each region of Italy offers something unique. A villa in Tuscany might provide rustic charm and proximity to historic cities, while a Sicilian beachfront property offers stunning seascapes and a laid-back vibe. Consider the size and layout of the villa, ensuring it accommodates your party comfortably. Amenities are crucial too—do you need a fully-equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, or a private pool? When it comes to amenities, think about your dream vacation and choose a villa that turns that dream into reality. Timing and Booking The best time to book a villa in Italy largely depends on your vacation preferences. The summer months are bustling with energy and warm weather, ideal for beachside villas or enjoying the lively Italian summer culture. However, the shoulder seasons—spring and autumn—offer milder weather, fewer tourists, and often more attractive rates. Regardless of the season, booking in advance is crucial, especially for popular destinations or unique properties. Early booking not only secures your preferred dates but often provides more competitive prices. Planning Your Stay Tailoring your stay is what sets a villa vacation apart. Beyond just a place to sleep, villas can be the centerpiece of your Italian adventure. Many offer unique experiences—imagine participating in a cooking class in your own kitchen, guided by a local chef, or enjoying a private wine tasting in the villa’s cellar. Plan these activities ahead of your stay to ensure availability and to fully immerse yourself in Italian culture. Also, consider any special requests or needs you might have—some villas offer services like childcare, personal trainers, or event planning. Making the Most of Villa Amenities The amenities offered by Italian villas are often what make your stay truly memorable. Many villas boast private pools, stunning gardens, and outdoor dining areas—perfect for enjoying the Italian sun. Inside, you might find fully equipped kitchens, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and luxurious bedrooms. Some villas even come with staff—housekeepers, cooks, and concierges—who can enhance your stay by taking care of daily chores, preparing meals, or helping you navigate the local area. Exploring the Local Area Your villa rental is a gateway to exploring Italy's rich tapestry of culture and history. Venture out to local markets to sample fresh produce and regional specialties. Visit nearby historical sites and immerse yourself in Italy's deep history. Or simply stroll through local villages, enjoying the architecture and friendly faces. Remember, part of the joy of a villa rental is the freedom to explore at your own pace, discovering hidden gems and creating unique memories. Practical Considerations When planning your villa vacation, there are several practical considerations to keep in mind. Transportation is one—while some villas are easily accessible by public transport, others might require a car rental, especially in more remote locations. Familiarize yourself with the local language and customs to enhance your interaction with locals and enrich your experience. Safety is another consideration—ensure you are aware of any local guidelines or regulations, particularly if you're traveling with children. Conclusion Choosing a villa rental in Italy offers an exceptional opportunity to experience one of the world's most beloved destinations in a unique and intimate way. It's a chance to create a vacation that is not just a break from everyday life, but a rich, immersive journey into the heart of Italian culture and luxury. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, your Italian villa getaway can be a dream come true, filled with memories that will last a lifetime. Read Also: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? 12 Best Things To Do In Sanibel Island – Tour And Travel Guide Exploring The Unexplored: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling?

BY  Arnab Sep 7, 2022

Colombia is well known for its big cities. However, it also has beaches that are comparable to paradise.  Whether on the Caribbean Sea or the Pacific Ocean,  the best beaches in Colombia offer you the most beautiful sights and many activities to do. Further, beautiful coral reefs, sunrises, sunsets in the middle of the ocean, global accolades, and unparalleled beauty await a visit to Colombia’s heavenly beaches. Also, the best beaches in Colombia are crucial for the booming tourism scenario of Colombia.  Moreover, Colombia is a key player in Latin America in the global landscape of beach tourism that is expected to reach 341.10 billion by 2031.  Hi, in Today’s Tour and Travel blog, we will focus on the best beaches in Colombia and what you can expect at those locations.  Best Beaches In Colombia: Plan The Best Vacation Due to its strategic position between the Pacific and the Caribbean, Colombia has around 2900 km of coastline.  Further, it has close to 300 beaches. So, it’s impossible to visit them all, and for now, you can focus on the best beaches in Colombia, I have enlisted here.  Moreover, Colombia has its dry season between July and August and December and February.  So, if you have plans to explore the beaches, choose any of these months to make your plans. 1. Historic Beach In Santa Marta Santa Marta is recognized as the oldest city in Colombia. It has almost five hundred years of history, founded in the early sixteenth century. The streets reflect its history, even after many years of looting by pirates. It’s surrounded by natural ecosystems, being the entrance to large parks such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Tayrona National Natural Park. There is also a great selection of hotels in Santa Marta, Colombia that will suit the needs of every type of traveler. The most recommended are the downtown area or El Rodadero, which is a coastal area five kilometers south of downtown. The latter is an area cut from the city by the Ziruma hill and is a highly touristic area. To be close to the beach, this is one of the best areas to stay. Thanks to Santa Marta’s history, there are many museums to visit, such as the Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino, the place where Simon Bolivar spent his last days, and the Tairona Gold Museum, ideal for those who would like to know more about the local cultural history, and the Gabriel Garcia Marquez House Museum. The latter is not located in Santa Marta but is almost two hours from downtown, however, it is worth the visit if you want to know the place where the writer Gabriel García Márquez was born. 2. Nature For Everyone In Tayrona Up the coast of Santa Marta is the Tayrona National Natural Park. This park is composed of 15 thousand hectares, 3 thousand of them being maritime areas. It’s one of the most important natural parks in Colombia and South America, located 34 kilometers (21 miles) from Santa Marta. It’s possible to stay in a hotel, although there is lodging inside the park or even the possibility of camping. Being on the coast, it has more than fifteen beaches to visit. Depending on your travel plans, you can camp at Castillete beach, or stay in one of the luxurious Tayrona Ecohabs at Cañaveral beach. Swimming is prohibited at Cañaveral due to the water’s fierceness. There’s only a small protected area set up for swimming known as La Piscinita. If you are looking for diving or snorkeling, the best beach is La Piscina. It has calmer water and many coral reefs. The most photographed beach in Tayrona is Cabo San Juan del Guía. It’s considered the most beautiful, but for the same reason is where you can expect more people. If you are looking for the opposite, it is better to go to Nudist Beach, where there are usually very few people, or take a walk at Playa Brava. 3. The Walled City Of Cartagena Officially named Cartagena de Indias, this city has been one of the most important ports in Colombia since its foundation. Like many Caribbean ports, it has been present in many pirate conflicts. The remnants of the protection against these plunders are present in the many colonial walls still standing. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is one of these remnants. It’s located on a hill on the outskirts of the walled city and constitutes the largest construction erected by the Spaniards during the centuries of their occupation of the colonies. You shouldn’t leave Cartagena without visiting the city, however, if you’re traveling to visit the beaches, Bocagrande is the best known and most touristic, since the best hotels are in this neighborhood. On the other hand, it’s also recommended to visit the beaches near Cartagena, since they will be less crowded and you won’t feel the hustle and bustle of the city. The best one is Playa Blanca on Baru Island. The landscape of fine white sand and clear turquoise sea is unparalleled. 4. San Andrés And The San Bernardo Archipelago: Colombian Paradise Islands Some of the best beaches in Colombia are located on its islands. The island of San Andres is located in the Caribbean, east of Nicaragua, belonging to the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina. Aquatic ecotourism is one of the main activities, especially snorkeling, but also scuba diving in places where there are underwater statues. On the other hand, the San Bernardo Archipelago is made up of ten islands, each with its own activities and wonders to enjoy. The artificial island of Santa Cruz del Islote holds the world record for being the most densely populated island on the planet, with 1,500 people living on about one hectare. You also can snorkel in the open sea and stay in a house in the middle of the ocean. 5. Isla de Baru, The Picture-Perfect Beach Vacation On Colombia’s Caribbean Coast  With white sand and turquoise waters, Isla de Baru is one of the best beaches in Colombia. Further, it is the ideal Colombian getaway if you want to relax.  Further, the bars on the beach serve the best cocktails. You can have them with local seafood dishes made using fresh ingredients from the sea.  You can plan a day trip to Isla de Baru or even stay for a few days. Read Also: Top 10 Best Beaches In Florida 6 Things To Do At The Beach This Fall 10 Best Beaches In Italy That Will Surprise You The Most The Many Reasons Hotel Stays Become Extended In New York City

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 27, 2023

Rome is unlike any other place. Here are some of the best things to do in Rome, as recommended by locals, whether this is your first or 20th visit. This is a city where narrow streets lead to stunning temples, the mound serves pasta, and there are endless opportunities to people-watch. There's a reason it's one of the most well-known cities in the world, but you can only truly appreciate its allure if you visit. Things To Do In Rome It's important to have a plan because Rome is much larger than you may have imagined. Archaeological finds, famous art collections, and an abundance of culture can all be found here, making you want to visit again and again. But don't worry, you still have plenty of time to enjoy an aperitif outside in the warm sunshine and digest your lunchtime pasta. Vatican Museums And Sistine Chapel Across 54 galleries, courtyards, and hallways, the Vatican Museums, established by Pope Julius II in the sixteenth century, are home to one of the greatest and most significant art collections in the world. The Sistine Chapel is home to thousands of prehistoric sculptures, Raphael pieces, and, of course, Michelangelo's frescoes. Get tickets to explore the Vatican Gardens, which are home to fountains, plants, and a recreation of the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, as well as the Vatican Necropolis, which is beneath St. Peter's Basilica, if you have the time and can arrange well in advance. The Colosseum The Colosseum is a must-see when visiting Rome, of course. Rome's crown jewel is this magnificent building—you know, the kind of thing you see on postcards—and it's even more amazing in person than you could have imagined. It is the world's largest amphitheater, with a capacity of 80,000 people, and was constructed between 72 and 80 AD. This used to be much more peaceful, with local Romans coming to watch animal hunts or bloody gladiator fights. Because of the sometimes insane lines, we advise purchasing tickets in advance. However, the 360-degree view over the theater on the fifth level makes it well worth the climb. Castel Sant’Angelo Hadrian, the Roman Emperor, constructed the striking cylindrical fortification known as Castel Sant'Angelo, or "The Castle of Angels," on the banks of the Tiber River in the second century AD. The popes used it as a castle and fortress after it was first inaugurated as a mausoleum for Hadrian and his family. It even has a hidden escape route connecting the building to Vatican City. These days, it's a museum featuring rooms decorated with frescoes, a display of medieval weapons, and expansive views of Rome and the neighboring St. Peter's Basilica. Inside is a small cafe where you can have a drink or some snacks while taking in views of the Vatican. The Pantheon One of the best-preserved ancient structures is the Pantheon, which was constructed by Emperor Hadrian in 125 AD. With a diameter of 142 feet, its dome is the biggest in the entire globe. This is a must-see in Rome, and if you're visiting the city over Pentecost weekend, you're in for a treat. This tops every tourist's list of things to do in Rome. To commemorate the occasion, tons of rose petals are dropped from the oculus during Sunday Mass. It's quite a sight. The Pantheon is free to enter as of the time of publishing (May 2023), but there are plans to charge visitors an admission fee of €5. Galleria Borghese Originally built in the sixteenth century, Cardinal Scipione Borghese showcased his extensive art collection under its roof. It is still regarded as one of Rome's top museums. Expect to find extraordinary creations within, as the Cardinal was an ardent art collector who was also a big fan of Caravaggio's works and an early patron of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Highlights of the museum include Caravaggio's Boy with a Basket of Fruit, Canova's Paolina Bonaparte, and Bernini's Apollo and Daphne. Take a stroll through the park after your visit to the "pleasure palace," which was once a suburban villa submerged in the vast gardens of Villa Borghese. Domus Aurea The opulent Domus Aurea (Golden House) of Emperor Nero is a rare window into Rome's underground world and is regarded as one of the most magnificent homes of its era. It was constructed as an opulent amusement venue close to the Colosseum between 64 and 68 AD, covering numerous historic hills in Rome. It was then devastated by the city's destructive fire in 64 AD. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, guests can participate in guided tours. A virtual reality tour is also available, which helps recreate the villa's former splendor. Read Also: Eternal Elegance: A Guide To The Best Hotels In Rome Capitoline Museums The Capitoline Museums are housed in three buildings on the trapezoidal Piazza del Campidoglio, which Michelangelo created in the sixteenth century. Known as the world's first public museums, they hold Renaissance marble statues and Roman bronzes, including the Capitoline Wolf, a symbol of Rome's founding, and the Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. An underground tunnel through the Galleria Lapidaria connects the two buildings of the museum. Visitors can also enjoy a superb view of the Roman Forum. Make time to spend a few hours perusing the collection, and don't forget to pay a visit to Piazzale Caffarelli's hidden garden, which is tucked away right behind the square. Gianicolo Rome sometimes referred to as the "city of seven hills," is renowned for its picturesque viewpoints and abundance of terraces that provide breathtaking views of the cityscape. Gianicolo, the highest point in Rome with a panoramic view over the Eternal City, is worth the trek even though it isn't technically one of the fabled hills. It is situated above the Trastevere neighborhood. Nearby is the magnificent Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, which was featured in La Grande Bellezza's opening scene. Its majesty will astound you. Testaccio Market The Testaccio neighborhood is the epicenter of Rome's culinary traditions, making it a must-visit destination for foodies and daring diners alike. The region was once home to the biggest slaughterhouse in Europe, and workers were typically compensated with leftover animal parts, known as the “quinto quarto,” or fifth quarter. The Testaccio Market, a bright and modern structure full of enticing stalls, serves everything from freshly made pasta and craft beers to tripe stews and artichoke sandwiches. It is one of the best things to do in Rome while enjoying the varied cuisine and delicious street food. Wrapping Up Rome, with its two millennia of architecture, art, and culture, is an outdoor museum and one of the most visited cities in the world for good reason. You can lose hours discovering historical marvels, traveling between sites, or searching for the best gelato, but insiders use guided tours and skip-the-line entrance tickets to beat the crowd. Hop-on, hop-off tours let travelers quickly check off items on their lists of things to do, but group excursions to the Vatican Museums, Roman Forum, and Colosseum provide a deeper experience. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about things to do in Rome, please comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites Tips For Planning The Perfect Getaway In A Rental Villa In Italy How Much Time To Spend In Italy