Navigating Travel With A Loved One Experiencing Middle-Stage Dementia

BY  Arnab Feb 6, 2024

When you picture a perfect Mediterranean getaway, what comes to mind? Lush vineyards, rugged seaside cliffs, and hillsides dotted with pretty churches and gelato by the coast - these are staples of Italy's unique natural and cultural landscape. While the major cities attract millions each year, some of the country's most incredible treasures lie just offshore - its islands.  This article has some of the most amazing islands’ list you will find around Italy. So, if you are a travel enthusiast, here are a few of Italy’s most stunning islands. Sicily  As Italy's largest island, Sicily’s charm is endlessly diverse, from coastal towns like Cefalù and Taormina to the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. Cycle along rural routes through almond and olive groves or simply relax on the beaches along the Ionian coastline. The island's strategic location means every era of history has left an indelible mark, which is on display in everything from architectural gems to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With its year-round warm climate and superb hospitality, Sicily promises an authentic Italian island paradise. Taking a holiday in Sicily means stepping into a whole new world. Start your journey in Palermo’s Arab-influenced street life. Then, drive along the north coast, stopping at Cefalù, before continuing down the east coast to Taormina for more incredible panoramas. After exploring art-filled towns like Catania, head inland to appreciate mountaintop vistas from Etna.  When it comes to accommodation, private villas are the ideal choice for a stay on the island. There’s a good selection of holiday accommodation in Sicily to choose from. Villas, apartments, and agriturismi often boast private pools, outdoor spaces and fully equipped kitchens, as well as catering services. Opting for a villa rental allows you to enjoy comfort, independence and the flexibility to come and go as you please, all essential ingredients for an idyllic island getaway. Sardinia  Sardinia, located west of the Italian peninsula and Italy’s second-largest island, boasts over 1,800 kilometers of stunning coastline and crystalline waters. Discover beaches of fine white sand set against a backdrop of jagged granite cliffs that tumble dramatically down to the sea, or venture inland, where rugged mountains and ancient stone villages contribute to the island’s its unspoiled appeal. Nature lovers will want to spend time amidst plains of wildflowers and forests that are home to rare birds and mammals. Sardinia's unique culture is evident in its gastronomy, which features cheeses like pecorino and ricotta, and in its traditions, for example, sheep-herding festivals. Coastal hubs like Cagliari, with its medieval landmarks, and Spanish-influenced Alghero, welcome travelers. Away from these areas, authentic farm stays provide a glimpse into local pastoral life.  Diverse natural beauty and amazing landscapes all contribute to the thrill of exploring Sardinia. Along the coast, hidden bays and lighthouses dot limestone cliffs that plummet down to azure waters, and inland, craggy peaks rise green from dense cork oak forests. Packed with archaeological riches and fringed by remote beaches, Sardinia’s natural beauty and slow pace of life are simply mesmerizing. Elba Elba Island is a stunning destination, famous for its varied landscapes and history, located off the Tuscan coast. Also known as the island of Napoleon due to the French emperor's brief exile here, Elba boasts beautiful beaches, mountains, and varied rural scenery. Swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters that fringe sandy shores and pocket-sized coves. Or set off on one of the hiking trails that lead up into Elba's mountainous interior, where slopes are dotted with picturesque medieval villages.  Foodies will delight in local specialties that showcase the bounty from surrounding waters and hills, from lobster to tender beef. The island’s geological heritage is also interesting, thanks to a long history of iron mining. Offering a heady combination of exploring Portuguese fortresses, mineral-rich hot springs, superb beaches, and picture-postcard town centers, Elba is a superb holiday destination for those looking for beauty, history, and relaxation on an unspoiled Italian island Capri  Catch a glimpse of the hideaway cove, or of pathways that wind through Bougainville and oleander-filled fragrant gardens. Above the sapphire-shaded Mediterranean, limestone rocks soar into dazzling blue skies. Capri is endlessly seducting, attracting visitors with its charm and mild climate and the promise of exploring lush hillsides before relaxing in seaside restaurants and strolling through tiny villages. Immerse yourself in the relaxed pace of life in the Mediterranean amidst stunning natural scenery and in the open-hearted culture of Italy's islands for a truly unforgettable experience. With careful planning and a natural desire to explore, a visit to any of Italy’s paradise islands – Sicily, Sardinia, Elba,, and dazzling Capri – will provide long-lasting visual memories of natural beauty and a wonderful cultural journey. Ischia If you want to take your eyes off Capri a bit, simply hop on a ferry and travel across the Gulf of Naples. Here, lies the neigh neighboring of Ischia which boasts about its topical springs. Moreover, they invite glorious soaks, mesmerizing beaches and Neapolitans basking in the sun and holidaying. In these busy town centers, you might also find some great restaurants, gelato stalls, and other tourist attractions.  Ischia first got fame in Neapolitan Navels and their subsequent TV remakes by Elena Ferrante. Although it is bustling you will not find it too busy, so visit it anytime you want. Dive into the astounding beach of Giardini la Mortella, soak in the dramatic view of the Aragonese Castle, and don’t forget to visit the upmarket villages near Sant’Angelo.  Concluding Words Italy is a place full of wonders. From bustling lanes to deserted islands, you never know what will surprise you. So, if these islands are not on your bucket list already, ensure to add them soon. There are other tourist destinations too which are located in these islands. Discover them while you travel here.  Make sure to have a safe trip, and do not forget to live in the moment. So, that’s all about the mesmerizing islands of Italy. I hope you liked this comprehensive guide. If it helped you gain necessary insights, do comment below. Thank you for reading.  Read Also: Roman Revelations: Unforgettable Things To Do In Rome, The Heart Of Italy! Tips For Planning The Perfect Getaway In A Rental Villa In Italy Exploring The Allure Of Holiday Getaways In Italy

BY  Abdul Aziz Jul 12, 2022

Are you planning a trip to New York City? If you are, you are probably thinking about which landmarks to visit, where you’re going to eat, and where the best places to shop are. But have you stopped to think about where you are going to stay? There are so many different accommodation options to consider while in New York that it can be hard to determine which one is the best for you.  Luckily, we have put together a guide to help you find the best place to stay during your trip of a lifetime. Now, there are two aspects when you want to know about the best places to stay in New York.  First, you have to consider the options available. Secondly, you need to know the family-friendly locations in the city of New York. So, let’s find out the best places for your accommodation. Best Places To Stay In New York: Explore The Options  Hotels and short-term rentals are the most popular places to stay in New York. Having said that, if you are a first-time traveler to the city and have your family with you, luxury or boutique hotels will be the best choice.  Airbnb and other short-term rentals are great when you are somehow familiar with New York City.  So, where will you stay in New York? Explore and choose the best options for you. Luxury Hotel If you are looking for a luxury bedroom with city view, then residing in a luxury hotel may be the perfect option for you. There are plenty of high-end hotels in New York City that offer excellent services and breathtaking views of the skyline. There are many benefits to staying in a luxury hotel while in New York. For starters, you will be able to enjoy the amenities that these hotels offer. Room service, concierge services, and housekeeping are just some of the things you can expect. You will also have access to the hotel's fitness center and swimming pool if they have one. Another advantage of staying in a luxury hotel is the prime location. Most of these hotels are located in the heart of the city, so you will be close to all the action. You will also be able to enjoy the hotel's restaurants and bars, which can be a great way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. So, if this sounds like something that appeals to you, start looking for a luxury hotel similar to Concorde Hotel New York before it is too late. Vacation Rentals Over the years, the idea of staying in a vacation rental has become much more popular, especially in cities like New York. This type of accommodation is a wonderful way to get a little more space than you likely would in a hotel room. Not only that, though, but you'll have access to a kitchen, which can save you a lot of money on food costs. Don't forget to think about the location and the size of the rental before making a reservation. Take the time to do some thorough research beforehand, as where you stay can make or break your trip. If you don't know where to start, then don't worry. There are a number of websites that offer vacation rentals in the city, so start your search there. Hostels: Best Places To Stay In New York For Solo Travelers Hostels are a suitable option for budget-minded travelers who want to save money on their accommodations. There are several hostels in New York City, and most of them offer private rooms and shared dorms. They can also be a great way to meet other travelers, many of whom will offer social activities and tours that you can benefit from during your trip. When choosing a hostel, be sure to read the reviews carefully to make sure that it is clean and safe. You should also try to book a room in advance, as they can fill up quickly during peak travel times. This is even more likely in destination hotspots like New York. Airbnb Another popular option for travelers these days is Airbnb. With Airbnb, you can rent an entire apartment or just a room in someone’s home. This can be a fantastic option if you’re looking for more of a “local” experience, or if you simply want to save some money on your accommodations. When looking for an Airbnb in New York City, be sure to keep the following in mind: Location – One of the most important things to consider when choosing an Airbnb is its location. Make sure to choose one that is close to all the attractions you want to visit. Size – Make sure to choose an Airbnb that is big enough to comfortably accommodate you and all your belongings. Amenities – When choosing an Airbnb, be sure to check what amenities are included. Some listings will include things like a kitchen, laundry facilities, and more. Reviews – Be sure to read the reviews of any listing before you book. This will give you a good idea of what other travelers have thought of the accommodations. By keeping these things in mind, you are sure to find the perfect Airbnb for your needs. Family-Friendly Places To Stay In New York: Know The Best Areas  The best places to stay in New York for you will depend on whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned traveler. Further, the ideal location for your stay in New York will be decided based on your preference. Midtown: One Of The Best Places To Stay In New York For First-Timers Midtown is your go-to destination if you are in New York for the first time. In Midtown, you will find many hotels with varying price ranges.  Further, Midtown is close to many prominent landmarks in India, including the Rockefeller Center, the Broadway theaters, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), etc.  Choose Upper East Side If You Love Luxury If you want a quiet and luxurious experience, the Upper East Side will be one of the best places to stay in New York. Central Park and 5th Avenue are the famous landmarks of this area.  Furthermore, you will find many museums here like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Neue Galerie, Asia Society New York, etc.  Greenwich Village And Chelsea Are Great For Romantics  Are you already familiar with New York and have explored the best sites? You can find accommodation in Chelsea or Greenwich Village. Finding a place to stay in these locations will help you to have a better understanding of American culture.  Further, Greenwich Village and Chelsea have the best jazz bars, swanky restaurants and comedy clubs. Further, you can visit Washington Square and enjoy the performance of street musicians when in Greenwich Village or Chelsea.  Conclusion No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of wonderful places to stay in New York City. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel or an affordable hostel, we’ve got you covered. So don’t wait any longer – start planning your trip to the Big Apple today! Additionals: When In New York: Don’t Miss Out On These Things Does New Jersey Have Good Nightlife? Let’s Find Out! New Jersey — The Comfort And Golf Hotbed You’ve Been Missing

BY  Mashum Feb 12, 2019

Brace yourselves – the storm of starry-eyed romantics, displaying affection in public, is coming. For people who are in a relationship, this Valentine’s Day might be the perfect time to express their love for their partners. But for other folks who are single, this occasion may seem a bit, well, cringe-worthy. It doesn’t have to be. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love in different forms. It can be love for a spouse. It can be love for parents, siblings, kids, and friends. It can be a love for the community. Lastly, it can be love for yourself. Traveling is one of the best things you can do to show how much you love yourself. Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck at home, binge-watching series and avoiding social media. Go out. Explore. Visit places and do activities that spark joy. Where to go and what to do this Valentine’s Day? Here are travel tips ideally suited for singles this season of love. 1. Travel to a nearby off-season getaway for the weekend Take a weekend trip to somewhere near yet away from the city – somewhere close to your heart. Just make sure to go “off-peak” to enjoy cheaper rates and less crowd (unless you’re ready to mingle.) If you don’t want smooching couples to rain on your parade, there are utterly cheesy, thus crowded destinations and activities to avoid. Skip fancy flower and chocolate shops, candlelit restaurants, secluded resorts, tall towers, malls, bay view parks, and romantic hotels. Avoid travel packages that say something like “romantic champagne dinner for two.” Instead, go hiking.Search for underrated beach resorts with exciting daytime activities and great nightlife. Visit museums and historical destinations with interesting architectures. Don’t forget to bring a tripod or mono pod to take beautiful photos. 2. Try blood-rushing travel activities for the first time When was the last time you did something daring for the first time? Take advantage of the freedom you have and do something you've been dreading to try. There are travel activities that don’t need a partner to enjoy. Find a hiking trail and explore with strangers and take great pictures along the way. Don’t just chill by the shore – learn surfing, paddle boarding, and other waterspouts. Go skydiving. If that’s too nerve-racking (and expensive) for you, you may try zip line. 3. Fall in love…with animals It’s amazing how an animal can change your life – and make you feel like you’re not alone in this world. Aside from bonding with your pet, you may enjoy visiting an animal sanctuary, a safari, or an octogenarian. You can also drink coffee at a pet cafe nearby. 4. Go have a relaxing staycation in the city Can’t travel far? Book a hotel room in the city all for yourself. Enjoy the view of the skyscrapers from your balcony. Use hotel amenities including in-room television with free movies, roof deck swimming pool, spas, and buffet. You can also go out to nearby establishments, like restaurants, cafes, and pubs, malls, cinemas, and museums have the time of your life. 5. Give yourself a wellness retreat Devote the entire day, or even a weekend to relaxing to treat your body, mind, and senses, at someone special like The Aerial BVI – you deserve it after a long week of working non-stop. The wellness retreats at The Aerial BVI can be booked exclusively for your entire family or group so you can enjoy the private beach, activities, and amenities whether you stay for the day or a week! If hotel accommodation is too expensive, go to a spa for a rejuvenating massage. Get facial treatment. Go to a hair and nail salon for a quick makeover. Go shopping. At the end of the day, pamper yourself with a glass of wine or champagne. Or hot chocolate or tea, if you don’t drink. 6. Master the art of solo dining Avoid candlelit restaurants, they say, for they’ll be packed with lovers this Valentine’s Day. But what if you want to treat yourself to a juicy steak at the best steakhouse in Omaha (or wherever you're traveling), and a glass of wine? Here are the tips for enjoying yourself at a restaurant. Rule number one: Don’t mind them and go treat yourself with your favorite dish and liquor. Avoid encountering couples by going for lunch instead of dinner. If you’re in a fancy restaurant with no entertainment or whatsoever, make sure to bring any reading material or any source of entertainment. You can also take out your phone, take great photos, and edit them like a pro. You may also go to casual coffee joints where you can enjoy your alone time at peace. Check out night markets for interesting food offerings, which may suit your palate. If you’re at a bar, choose a counter seat. Chat with service people. You can even chat with another solo diner. 7. Go to bars/clubs with entertainment Dining places with live performances are perfect for solo travelers, who are sick of looking bored and lonely when dining alone. They also provide great value for time and money, since you can enjoy great food and entertainment at the same time. Find a bar with stand-up comedy acts, jazz, rock, or acoustic band performances, spoken poetry, and other forms of performing arts which suit your taste. 8. See your favorite musicians live Music buff? Celebrate V-Day with your favorite artists. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a pricey concert – it can be a music festival, free outdoor shows, or gigs at a local bar. 9. Attend day workshops Do you want to learn how to make chocolates? Or be your own bartender by learning how to mix cocktails? Do you want to take your skills in photography or painting to the next level? A day of learning more about something you're passionate about and/or something new and exciting pays off in the long run. 10. Travel with friends and/or family Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you have to travel alone. Gather your single friends, guys, and girls, and plan a getaway. Rent out a vacation home, a huge hotel room, or go camping with a bonfire on. Make music, drink, play games, and be merry. Okay, so your friends have other plans. Don’t fret – spend time with your family. You can go third-wheeling with your parents or plan a family getaway out of town. Having fun doesn't have to be expensive and far. A plus point: It’ll be cheaper since you get to share the expenses. Read Also:  Romantic Getaway Tips: 9 Ways to Celebrate Love without Special Occasions Tips For Improving Your Holiday Experience