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Autumnia Festival (Figline Valdarno, Tuscany, Italy)

At the Autumnia Festival in Tuscany you can taste fresh olive oil grown on the surrounding hillsides, talk to the family growers, sample the region’s famous wines, and ask local vintners for their recommendations. The bustling streets are also filled with vendors of multi-colored fruits and vegetables and locally-raised smoked meats. Expert chocolatiers demonstrate their craft and offer free samples of their delectable wares. Artisan cheese makers, basket weavers, cane makers, and woodcarvers all ply their trades in the crowded market.

A Weekend in Devonport — Auckland’s Charming Little Seaside Village

Whether it be something for history buffs, beach-going families, or the avid adventurer — scaling the side of Mount Victoria, one of Devonport’s local ‘mountains,’ for example — there is always something to do and the little village unsurprisingly ends up spoiling visitors with choices. Try having a light brunch at Devonport’s Stone Oven Bakery and Cafe, a little red and white cafe around the corner of Clarence Street, with its vibrant atmosphere and cheerful staff. Cozy, warm, and homely within, the cafe embodies a contemporary household character, while wooden tables and chairs that spill onto a deck outside make a perfect background for a breezy conversation over an open-air lunch.

Batu Karas: It’s the Destination, Not the Journey

Batu Karas, West Java, isn’t a hard-core surfing destination. But for longboarders, and for beginners, it’s close to heaven. The Point works with just a one-and-a-half-foot swell. Its long, fat waves are ideal for longboarders and unintimidating, fun, and very forgiving for learners. Some say the waves here are “the best beginner waves in the world.” It’s not surprising that Batu Karas produces some of Indonesia’s top surfers.

Val Formazza – Italian Alps Summer Escape

Alpine meadows, crystal-clear rivers, and snow-capped peaks greet the summer visitor to the ancient, glacier-carved Val Formazza in the western Italian Alps. During the warmest months of the year, which are usually July and August, Italians migrate to the ocean or higher elevations not only to escape the heat but also the huge throng of visitors making an annual pilgrimage to this beautiful country.

Walking Wailea

Wailea is home to one of the most beautiful walking paths in all of Hawaii. The views, colors, landmarks, beaches, and people-watching far exceed the five-star rating for which Wailea is known. This exhilarating outdoor diversion is a great way to start your day, and it won’t cost you a nickel.

How to Eat Like a Real Palermitano

There is no question for me that when it comes to food Sicily can’t be beaten. The island offers the best of Italian cuisine spiced up with North African and Arabic influences, due to the island’s historical location as an important hub along the Mediterranean trade route. Palermo, Sicily’s capital city, has its own unique cuisine and a thriving street food culture that easily ranks amongst the world’s largest. But first you have to know where to find it, as many of the offerings retain an air of secrecy and may require a little local knowledge to track down.

The Island Spirit – Small Group Cruise in Big Alaska

“Slap it, baby, slap it!” The captain turns the ship around to optimize views and turns off the motor. Two whales create breach-and-dive theater for 28 minutes, with squeals from passengers almost as loud as the barking sea lions witnessed yesterday. There’s no need to take separate excursions. This entire nine-day cruise serves as a wildlife watching and glacier viewing expedition. No schedule prevents us from staying for as long as the whales continue their performance, and the size of our ship is conducive to discovering wildlife in places that larger ships can’t access. The chef will adjust. Dinner will be delayed tonight to accommodate this unscheduled pre-dinner show.

Mendoza Beyond Wine: Cacheuta Thermal Baths Hotel and Spa — Bathrobes Provided

The thermal pools cascade as seven pools overlooking the raging river. The higher up the cascade the pool is located, the hotter the water temperature, ranging from 106 to 82 degrees. The best way to enjoy the pools is to start at the top, at the hottest, spending five minutes in each pool and working your way down to the last one, a large pool with “warm” (82 degree) water. Some of the pools have bubblers, providing “massages.”

Castaway Cafe

Located on the property of the Aston Ka’anapali Villas, Castaway Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and includes a special keiki (children’s) menu for your little menehunes. While dining on macadamia nut, pineapple, and banana pancakes for breakfast, a barbecued pork sandwich for lunch, or shrimp and mango curry for dinner, you’ll see why this is one of the locals’ favorite secret spots.

Glendalough: Walking in a Special Place

In sixth-century Ireland, St. Kevin sought a haven of peace and serenity for his monastic “city.” He chose Glendalough. Strolling through this valley, you can understand St. Kevin’s thinking. Take one of the many paths into the forest and you find yourself alone, forgetting about the outside world. There are no sounds of traffic. No crowds. The smells of the forest fill the air. The leaves gently rustle. Birds dash between the trees. Away from modern society, you can see why St. Kevin chose this place of spiritual peace.