Puglia Is Calling!

ANDIAMO IN PUGLIA!

Answer the call and make your first trip back to Italy a very special one by joining Private Italy Tours!

The region of Puglia occupies the ‘heel’ of Southern Italy. Here you will find historic towns (many of which have histories that go back thousands of years), diverse landscapes, excellent food, and some of the best beaches in Southern Italy.

These tranquil towns of Puglia will delight you, as they are not bombarded by the hoards of tourists you find in Rome, Milan, or Florence. The small group exploration of the Puglia region includes visits to Ostuni, Alberobello, Leece, and Gallipoli, to name only a few of the whitewashed, hilltop villages which dazzle in the midday sun.

The slower pace of life contributes to this region's magnetism, allowing you to explore at an unhurried pace, soaking up the rich culture and present-day feel of each locality.

During your visit to the region, we will stay at an old Castello now converted into a luxury villa. This villa boasts an incredible amount of outdoor and open space; you can sit out by the pool or wander through the luxurious, wide-open rooms of the Castello.

Whether it's wine tasting, a walking tour to discover beautiful architecture, a boat trip to magical caves, or olive oil tasting and cooking classes to make dishes from recipes passed down through generations – there are 101 reasons you should visit Puglia.

Strolling through Bari, the capital town of Puglia, you might stumble upon a tradition passed down from generation to generation if you pass through the right street.

Take a walk down Via Arco Basso and you will see the Nonne (Grandmothers) of the neighborhood sitting right outside their front doors hand making the famous orecchiette pasta made with semolina and water.

The Nonne knead the dough into a tidy mound then slice it into pieces when ready to make the concavely shaped pasta. It's become quite the attraction when visiting Bari because the pasta grannies have built quite a bit of fame over the past years through posts on the Instagram account @PastaGrannies.

Thank you Mark Gordon Smith, founder of Private Italy Tours, for inviting us to join him this fall and sharing this great info! Come along with us!

Romantic Asheville Is A Trusted Resource

Plan a getaway trip to Asheville and the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains with this awesome insider's travel guide. You can create your perfect vacation in the "Land of the Sky.”

RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide now covers 16 counties (90-mile radius of Asheville) and features plenty of places for all to explore.

Plus they have the best festival listings with plenty of local art and music. RomanticAsheville.com's mission is to serve as a trusted resource for insider information and tips on Western North Carolina for visitors and locals alike.

They highlight and promote area destinations, attractions and resources to celebrate and preserve the region's natural and cultural beauty.

Aside from Covid 19 Hardship relieve on a case by case basis for our small business partners who were greatly impacted in 2020 by the pandemic, they proactively reached out to AIR to offer support via a local restaurants special online and social media campaign.

https://www.romanticasheville.com/listing/food-and-drink/asheville-independent-restaurants-date-dining-choices.htm

In 2021 they are supporting Asheville Bed and Breakfasts via, ABBA, in much the same way:

https://www.romanticasheville.com/listing/lodging/asheville-bed-breakfast-experience.htm

Additionally RomanticAsheville.com supports local nonprofits through sponsorship of events, showcasing education, foundational conservation and trail building efforts to name a few.

Their annual calendars evolved in 2020 to focus on small businesses of all sorts to help, as much as possible, through the pandemic. They have proactively researched and added links in their beginning efforts showcasing equity, social justice and equality.

Visit Winnipeg And Explore Canada’s Most Awesome Capital→

I don’t know if I want to let this secret out of the bag, but Winnipeg has world-class performing arts, is a foodies dream come true, and you can go see polar bears swimming over your head. This place celebrates human rights, and is quietly moving from the center of the continent to the center of our attention.  

Vogue calls Winnipeg, “an absolute must-visit destination,” and National Geographic listed it as “one of the best trips on earth,” while Conde Nast Traveler named Winnipeg as one of the 21 best places to go in 2021. So the timing is just right for a visit. 

Winnipeg is so culturally diverse there are more than 100 languages and nationalities represented throughout the region. Winnipeg is known for its unique winter experiences, flourishing arts scene, colorful festivals, and character neighborhoods, as well as its green spaces and access to outdoor activities. Let’s go!

Neale Bayly Is A Motorcycle Rider, Philanthropist, Adventurer And Master Storyteller

Neale Bayly has a lifetime of storytelling adventures and travelled in over 80 countries, more than 50 of them on a motorcycle, as a photojournalist, two-time Tele award winning television producer-host, and as a humanitarian. He formed Wellspring International Outreach to benefit sick and abandoned children in Peru, South Africa, and Kenya.

Today, Neale is still just as passionate about motorcycles, travel, and philanthropy as ever and is working on his next documentary to bring the old motorcycle of his youth back to life and return to his South Devon, England, home after 35 years.

Discover the story behind Neale's Laverda Project, his foundation and how we can all help support what Neale holds dear to his heart. Listen Here.

To help raise awareness for Wellspring’s work, Neale created a TV series called Neale Bayly Rides: Peru. The show follows Neale and a diverse cast that includes a Doctor, a Pastor, an IT consultant, a Chef, and a riding instructor from the BMW performance centre as they first prepare for and then ride around Peru. The journey eventually takes them all the way back to Moquegua, and the orphanage where it all began for Neale. The show was aired on Speed TV. 

Wellspring International Outreach currently funds projects that benefit sick and abandoned children in Peru, South Africa, and Kenya, and to help raise money and awareness Neale leads motorcycle adventure tours that end up with a visit to the projects.

Currently residing in Charlotte, North Carolina Neale is still just as passionate about motorcycles, travel, and philanthropy as ever, and is working on his next documentary to bring the old motorcycle of his youth back to life and return to his South Devon home after 35 years. You can watch “The Laverda Project” as it evolves on YouTube.

Neale’s vision: Ride motorcycles in beautiful places in the world to benefit those less fortunate than ourselves. Please support an authentic philanthropist who truly loves to help those in need.

Check out more about Neale Bayly here.

New Orleans Is A City for Sensing Personality Types

Nina Zapala knows you cannot understand traveling without understanding who you really are and what type of personality you have. Her pioneering approach to personality typing showcases the important aspect of the metaphysical side of life. Enjoy Nina’s adventure in New Orleans!

New Orleans, a city for sensing personality types, is a great vacation option, especially if you’re an extroverted sensor.

New Orleans, otherwise known as Bourbon Street, The Big Easy, The Crescent City, or Nola, whatever nickname you give it, is a sensory-driven town. It’s a landmark city in the USA on the shores of the Mississippi River in Louisiana; it’s travel-worthy. These common nicknames lay claim to a city that is a fusion of food, outlandish fashion, sensual energy, blues music, Mardis Gras, and so much more. Did you know that Mobile, Alabama, says they were the first to introduce Mardis Gras to the US, not New Orleans?

Anywhoo, what was so intriguing was the facade of a slumbering city. Yet behind the closed doors, the city of New Orleans has a wild energy that won’t be contained by a door, gate, or boarded-up windows.

New Orleans a City for Sensing Personality Types in Pandemic Times

This was my first visit to the area, and I felt the energy of a slumbering city with a giant personality. My friend and I showed up around 7 AM to drive around Bourbon, Decatur, Canal, and Royal streets, to name a few. It gave us time to cruise the area to see what we wanted to further explore. I was traveling with the Harmonious traveler, while I’m a Curious traveler. We got along splendidly. The idea of exploring first and returning later suited both of us just fine. We aren’t planners, preferring to travel spontaneously.

We arrived in time to capture a city ritual. In the wee hours of the morning, the city awakes to a morning bath. An army of street cleaners were tidying up the streets and sidewalks in anticipation of the many tourists who’d arrive for a day of “Fishbowl” cocktails, sultry blues, and sumptuous eats.

Sensing Personality Types will Find New Orleans Tantalizing

 While my friend and I enjoyed the city, I couldn’t help but think travel types with extroverted sensing traits would love this town. Travelers with extroverted sensing traits have a keen eye for detail, often related to architecture, fashion, and art. They love to interact with the world and adore sampling new cocktails and cuisine, and for them, a happy vacation is taking in a wide variety of sensory and physical pleasures that life brings their way. New Orleans is that place.

Those with extroverted sensor traits relish novel experiences. Their eye for details will have them tuning into the style and aesthetics of a place, plus they crave hands-on experiences. Two prominent extroverted sensing types are the Spirited and Playful travelers. In contrast, two introvert types with extroverted sensing traits are also seekers of innovative experiences, the Abstract and Active travelers making the Big Easy an attractive getaway.

Many of these types would find New Orleans an exciting place to visit. When traveling with them, you’ll find them investigating a variety of physical activities; shopping, eating, biking – taking a painting, pottery, or cooking class. These activities in the physical world are how they gather information using their five senses. Strolling the French Quarter will have those with an extroverted sensing trait anticipating the variety of possibilities that lay before them. From local artists shops to Mom and Pop bakeries and charming general stores. Like us, they too may want to visit the Central Grocery Store on Decatur Street, which opened in 1906, to chow down on their infamous muffuletta sandwich. It’s gained nationwide fame, and it sure got my vote!

Voodoo, T-shirt and Sex Shops

You’ll find kitschy t-shirt shops tucked in between a variety of sex shops, Voodoo and occult shops. As you enter these stores, you’re greeted by an aroma of incense as it perfumes the air, while shelves overflow with crystals and Pagan statues. I even spotted a four-inch metal spike in one of the occult shops. YIKES! Add in 13 adult sex shops, with unending novelty items; leather, lace, whips, and chains the variety is endless, as is the imagination. I believe even an extroverted sensor may be on the verge of overload. 

Please know I’d be arrogant to think all travelers with sensing traits would find New Orleans their cup of tea. A number of these specific travelers may have been raised in traditional or strict religious families. Ahh, your social persona having its say, so The Big Easy would never make it as a bucket list contender. Your social persona often, while often unconsciously, overrides your personality type. A social persona is the conditioned aspect of your personality type based on unconscious beliefs developed in childhood, a country’s culture, life experiences, and relationships.

The Architecture Style of New Orleans

The architecture in New Orleans will also be of interest for those with an extroverted sensing trait, it’s a visual feast for these types. The architecture style of NOLA is often referred to as Creole, with whispers of “French Colonial” characteristics. As the years have passed, the local architecture has taken on a style all its own. It’s a tapestry of French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences that reflect the demands of the hot, humid climate that penetrates the area. It’s cozy, colorful, and welcoming. Hey, you’re in the south so expect a welcoming vibe. In NOLA it’s not a sugar-sweet welcoming; it’s a southern welcoming with an edge.

The French Quarter – Excerpt by Sally Reeves

“Secluded in the muddle of the French Quarter’s raucous street life linger elements that still impart a kind of stately antiquity. They are Spanish and French-era pieces. Some are rightly celebrated for their survival of the epochs; others, dressed in garish costumes at the shop level, maintain a quiet dignity overhead. There are only about a dozen known Colonial-era buildings in the Quarter. Surely more would have survived except for two late eighteenth-century fires. But armed with some simple guidelines, you can recognize the early types.

Check the corner of Chartres and St. Louis Streets. There, on the riverside of Chartres is a house with a well-known restaurant and a balcony. Note that the balcony is higher than usual, almost too high for the building. The arched, barred transoms under it are bringing light to a short middle floor called an entresol. This is where the old Spanish shopkeeper Juan Paillet kept his wares. The entresol house was an early experiment in vertical living, with the shop on the ground floor, the warehouse in the middle, and an elegant residence on the upper level. Note the type at 440 Chartres, at Bourbon corner Bienville, at Royal corner St. Louis, and in mid-block at 500 Decatur. Most date to the 1790s.”

I was also intrigued by the narrow alleyways that give way to lush, green gardens and places where statues stood proud, and fountains flowed. At the same time, other spaces open to intimate restaurant settings. I just stood and imagined days gone by with grand parties and days of summer frolicking.

New Orleans a Slumbering City Awakens

My friend and I came back to Bourbon Street after sightseeing in the Garden District and Magazine Street to find the city slowly awakening. We visited the Cafe Du Monde for beignets and wandered through the square, watching as a few musicians tuned their instruments. A quick turn down Madison Street had us facing a squad of police officers. We learned they had been called to supervise an upcoming Showtime miniseries shoot for Just Another Day In The Big Easy.

Affordable Local Art for Sensing Types

A place I believe these types would love to shop is the Dutch Alley Artists co-op. It’s affordable, and you’ll find many local artists, jewelers, painters, and sculptures displaying their works of art. As my friend and I browsed this shop we found wonderful depictions of the city. My friend purchased a very unique pair of earrings by jewelry artist Stefano Velaska, pictured. He’s was charming, informative, and fun. He was happy to regale tales of how he landed in New Orleans. He even took the time to engrave the earrings. Oh-so-special.

This is what I love about NOLA. it’s so rich in character and the folks who live and work here are super excited to share their heritage. There’s a sense of true local pride.

 New Orleans a City for Sensing Personality Types

I hope you enjoyed New Orleans, a city for sensing personality types especially if you have an extroverted sensing trait. I promise you won’t be disappointed visiting the Big Easy. There is so much to discover and do in the area even beyond the French Quarter and Bourbon Street as Magazine Street also offers a plethora of quaint and unique shops, while The Garden District, which backs us to Audubon Park is another area to see. This district is a gorgeous neighborhood. It’s a feast for the eyes as the homes are architecture wonders, impressive, detailed, and grand.

Get to Know One Other

I look forward to building a community of type seekers—individuals who want to grow and learn more about their personality type and how it influences the everyday, and travel is no exception. The idea is to understand your best self, to share your gifts and genius, becoming a powerful and loving force in the world. And I’m up for whatever it takes to make this happen.  If you want to learn more on how to Unpack Your Personality Travel Secrets for Seekers visit here: www.ninazapala.com

Thanks Nina! Can’t wait to find out where you’re off to next!

The Amalfi Coast and a Renaissance Master

Private Italy Tours doesn’t just offer a ‘tour’; they share experiences and encounters with the Italian culture: your own villa, meals in private homes, aperitivos served on the terrace of pools, visits to private art restoration workshops, visits to small, family-owned wineries, interactive cooking classes, all while taking time to note the more ephemeral like the odor of lemon blossoms along the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Coast of Italy curves along the Mediterranean coast, south of Naples. As you rise above the village of Sorrento, you follow the signs to the small village of Sant’Agata sui due Golfi, one of the highest points on the Sorrentine Peninsula. From that village on, hold your breath; this is the most spectacular coast of Italia, and its beauty will create memories you will never forget.

The major villages, from north to south along this stretch of shoreline are Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Maiori, Minori and, at the far southern end of the coast, Salerno. The town of Amalfi once represented one of the three largest maritime republics in Italy, along with Genoa and Venice. Today, the port of Amalfi plays host to spectacular private yachts, cruise ships, and the few remaining inhabitants who make their living fishing the rich and varied sea life that inhabit the waters of the Gulf of Salerno. 

The village of Amalfi has one of the most beautiful basilicas on the coast: Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea, the Duomo of Amalfi. The original church was completed in 987 A.D. and additional expansion of the complex was completed at the end of the 13th Century. Contained within the crypt are said to be the remains of Saint Andrew, brought by crusaders to the village of Amalfi at the conclusion of the First Crusade. Within the Cathedral, you will find a well-known painting by a little-known Renaissance artist: Andrea del’Asta (1673-1721). It is his Martyrdom of Saint Andrew, believed to have been completed in 1706. The remains of the apostle are in the crypt, below the cathedral’s altar. 

The piazza you enter after passing through a small arched tunnel from the waterfront offers cafes and shops where you can sit and enjoy a break in the glorious coastal sun, whose rays shimmer off the glazed tile domes of the Cathedral.

Visitors have, for centuries, fallen under the “spell of the sirens” whose haunting calls nearly enticed Odysseus to wreck his ships on the rocks of the Li Galli islands, just off the coast of Positano. These three rocky outposts in the sea, Gallo Lungo (the largest and once home to Rudolf Nureyev), La Rotonda, and La Castelluccia have beckoned travelers since recorded history. The remains of a Roman era boathouse — a few broken columns that lay visible in the shallow water near the shore — provide haunting reminders of the centuries during which these islands were occupied. s are often a top choice for introverts.

By staying in Minori or Maiori you find a more authentic Amalfitana community with stores, nice restaurants, and lots of locals who will welcome you with open arms. Hotel costs are much lower than those farther north along the coast, and the same is true for the price of dining out as well as prices for food.

A bit farther south of Salerno, you will discover some of the most spectacular ancient temples and ruins in Europe including Paestum, which contains the three most perfectly preserved Doric Temples in the world, and Agripoli, site of one of the earliest ancient Greek settlements on the Mediterranean.

Continuing south, you will encounter the villages of Castellabate, Acciaroli, and Marina di Camerota. These lovely places lie on the shores of the Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano, one of the largest nature preserves in Italy. The Cilento coast has slowly gained popularity, so we recommend going before it is ‘really’ discovered.

When on our small group exploration of Italy, this area rates extremely high in popularity among our new and repeat guests. The cerulean sea, the odor of lemon blossoms wafting on the breezes along the coast in villages, and fresh seafood all combine to make this a truly magical and unforgettable place. The Amalfi Coast is a dream for the awakened, and a place where memories are made along the precipitous coast of Italy.

Thank you to Mark Gordon Smith for sharing this wonderful blog! I know I can’t wait to go there.

Fall Weekend Getaways for Introverts

Head out of town for a weekend getaway – sans the crowds!

Enjoy hearing from Nina Zapala for some of the best fall weekend getaways for introverts. Fall vacations have become popular. Many places across the US have been highly publicized as the best place to leaf-peep. With all of this publicity, large crowds and the hustle and bustle of a popular place often cause discomfort for introverts.

Nina shares he amazing fall trips suggested below to tap into an introvert’s travel personality. And yes, we all agree, not all introverts are the same. Many introverts express extroverted traits, yet many others have core preferences intrinsic to an introvert’s reality. If you answer yes to three or more of these questions below continue reading; if not, you may want to review Fall Foliage Trips for Extrovert.

 The questions:

Do you prefer an inner world or outer world- you know peace and quiet, time for reflection?

Where do you generally live; in your head or the psychical world?

Do you think before you speak?

Are you often told you’re a great listener?

Do you crave alone time?

 Best Fall Weekend Getaways for Introverts to Avoid Crowds

Introverts who want to take advantage of the incredible fall season may want to skip the uber-popular “Top Ten Lists,” and stay away from trendy fall getaways. As an introvert, you’re likely to appreciate simplistic travel experiences. For example, you may find a small group of colorful trees; riveting reds, sunny yellows, and pumpkin oranges, to satisfy your fall foliage cravings. Introverts drink in the world internally needing less variety and stimulation. An entire mountain chain may become overwhelming and not at all necessary.

No matter the destination, fall is a season to be celebrated. Why not book a trip to Denali Nation Park in Alaska or North Lake Tahoe? The secret shores on North Lake are a sleepy escape compared to South Lake Tahoe. These trips are fantastic fall getaways for introverts who want to avoid big crowds.

Introverts More Amazing Fall Trips: Visit National Parks

Many state and national parks have slowed, the crowds have thinned, and yet the trees are in full, fall bloom. You may want to plan a staycation to a local or regional park. Choose a national park to enjoy contemplative walks or discover a charming small town and experience an excellent comfort-food meal. National Parks are often a top choice for introverts.

Introvert Fall Trip Ideas to Avoid New England Crowds

Cabot, Virginia – Yes, it’s home to Cabot cheese. In fall, introverts can enjoy a few community events; Apple Pie Festival and Fall Festival. The area’s population is under 2,000, so I assume the crowds won’t be significant plus the area is charming and chock full of history.

Franconia Notch, New Hampshire – Hiking enthusiasts may want to visit the Flume Gorge, a magnificent waterfall known for its astonishing rock formations, and brooks. Hikers can’t help notice the grand walls of natural granite that formed over 200 million years ago. The bright red pedestrian bridge, Flume Covered Notch cuts a path over the Pemigewasset River inspiring slow moments. Franconia Notch is a spectacular mountain pass with scenic views of Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges. Want an aerial view? Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is an option. Pack a journal… you’ll use it!

Colrain, Massachusetts – The town is in the northeastern part of the Berkshires, and is home to two state forests, Catamount State Forest to the Southwest, and half of the H.O. Cook State Forest to the northeast. Hell, the town even promotes a mushroom walk. Very introvertesque.

Solo Travelers Fall Trip Idea

Hobart Bay, Alaska – Population one, with set on a beautiful bay, just 70 miles south of Juneau, an abandoned logging camp, is about as crowd-free as you can get. You may want to bring your camping gear and more since there isn’t much around unless you head into Juneau. But just think of the peace and quiet.

Fenwick Connecticut – Katherine Hepburn used to call this idyllic coastal town home with a population hovering around 43 residents. Bundle up and enjoy the beauty of Connecticut’s coastline. Visit The Katherine Hepern Cultural Arts Center, long strolls on the beach, and a do-nothing state of mind!

Fall Getaways for Couples: East & West Coast Trips

West Coast

Sedona Arizona – Sedona may not deliver the kaleidoscope of colors found on the East Coast, but the buttery yellows against the red rocks of Sedona are stunning. Plus, you can enjoy a scenic drive on Oak Creek Canyon Highway 89. And don’t miss West Fork Trail, which straddles the Oak Creek stream and steep canyon walls. It’s an enchanting place and a great place to pull out your journal to document the magic of nature.

Tidewater, Oregon – This is a genuine water town where five streams: Alder Creek, Buck Creek, Cougar Creek, Crab Creek, and Cherry Creek all converge. Hike Siuslaw National Forest to enjoy coastal forest areas and pristine dunes. A trip to the White Wolf Sanctuary is also worth a stop. Tidewater is an off-the-beaten-path place, ideal for introverted children and parents who want to unwind and savor the autumn season.

North Lake Tahoe, California – The area is known as the sleepier side of Lake Tahoe — an introvert’s dream. An aerial adventure course at Granlibakken is the first of its kind in California. So many water adventures try a paddleboard adventure at Kings Beach or snowboard in Squaw Valley. Another excellent way to spend a few days is to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, the world’s largest hiking trail. The trail is bound to deliver quiet moments with inspiring views. Thirsty? You may want to sample a beer or two at Alibi Ale Works beer garden, offering a European vibe and flavorful brews.

Willow Canyon, Arizona – With a population hovering around 3,500, this is a beautiful place to hike, let go, and enjoy the season of fall. Click here for a few ideas on the best places to hike.

East Coast

Delta, Alabama – Located outside of the bustling southern city of Birmingham. Only an hour away, you’ll find Cheaha State Park. This park provides the highest elevation in the state, and panoramic views bursting with bright reds, pumpkin oranges, and sunburst yellow hues. The park also offers onsite camping, five restaurants, golf, and fishing. If you’re looking for night time fun, shopping and a variety of eateries head back into Birmingham.

Blairsville Georgia – Brasstown Bald is the highest peak in the state and one of the most prominent mountains in North Georgia. Think vivid fall landscapes. If you’re an experienced hiker, you may want to hike the Arkaquah Trail to the tippy- top. This hike requires a steep initial incline while traversing ridge lines. The reward: breathtaking views of colorful fall leaves with overlooks of charming farms below.

Everglades, Florida – This fall trade leaf-peeping for bird watching. Late November brings birds from across the country who enjoy the warm weather. A variety of various bird species, mammals, and reptiles roam through the wetlands in fall. It’s also baby alligator season, and one of the best times of year to spot native Everglades species. Tip: Visit before the busy season starting in December.

Tip. If your partner is an extrovert, they may need more variety, give it to them, so the trip goes smoothly.

A Pumpkin Patch is Oh-So Fall!

Families come in all shapes and sizes, whether a parent or a child is an introvert these escapes are introvert-worthy.

Hayden Alabama – Nothing says fall like a great pumpkin patch in Hayden, Alabama, a Charlie Brown kinda experience. Kids will delight in wagon rides, a pumpkin patch train, bungee jumping, and a giant inflatable slide, and more. Even better, it’s free to get in, with inexpensive pay-as-you-go activities.

Fellsmere, Florida – Is a sleepy, undeveloped town outside of Vero Beach, Florida. Fellsmere whispers a Florida fall. Be sure to kayak Blue Cypress lake, home to the largest population of Osprey. Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve is kid-friendly to include a small museum and restrooms. You’ll want to take an airboat tour of the lake, and of course, pack your bathing suit as the beach is only 20 minutes away.

Daniel Boone National Park, Kentucky – A place where you can spot dark purple leaves and dogwood leaves turning crimson red. It’s a place to view more natural stone arches than any other eastern state within the US. Not to mention recounting the tails of explorer Daniel Boone. With two-million acres, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds!

Tate Georgia – This is another tiny city in the South you have to go even if it’s just to visit the nearby DIY/garden center “Goats on the Roof” in Tiger, Georgia. A refreshingly fun and old school throwback to the 1950s country store of sundries, sips, and treats. Oh, and you’ll want to visit Bell Mountain Park and Historic Site, Hiawassee, Georgia. And why not bring the pup? These are all pet-friendly places!

Beaconsfield, Iowa – A quintessential American town, unspoiled by developers and mobs of tourists, the community building is a historic landmark, and the original home to Hy-Vee grocery store. Be prepared to do nothing!

Nina wrote Unpack Your Personality©️ as a guide to plan joy-filled getaways on the road to your authentic life. Her guide reveals hidden aspects of yourself to help you to plan the ideal vacation while also revealing travel triggers to help you get in touch with your higher self, your DivineSelf. The information is thought-provoking and soul-shifting to help you rethink yourself. Happy Traveling!

Reptile Expert Bruce Shwedick + The World Crocodile Conference

Bruce Shwedick is the director of Reptile Discovery Programs based in Plant City, Florida and the co-founder of the Crocodilian Conservation Center of Florida which will be based near the central Florida town of Frostproof.

In addition, he is also a member of the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. With over 650 members from around the globe, it is the world’s largest organization focused on the conservation and management of the world’s crocodilian species which at the moment, number at 25.

Bruce provides us with a valuable, and fascinating, conversation.

How is the CSG organized?

It is organized within the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, under the chairmanship of Professor Grahame Webb from Darwin, Australia and it’s executive board members, Alejandro Larriera from Santa Fe Argentina, Dr. Perran Ross from Gainesville, Florida, Christine Lippai from the US and South Africa, as well as Charlie Manolis and Tom Dacey, both from Australia.  Certain CSG members provide scientific advice to the member parties of the CITES convention, they provide updates for the IUCN RED LISTS and the CSG has created a conservation action plan for every crocodilian species as well.

How did you become involved in the CSG?

I begin attending meetings in southern Africa that included many CSG members back in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. We talked about my travels back then the last time I was on your program.  In addition to attending CSG meetings in other countries, such as Argentina and Colombia and in Gainesville, Florida, I also submitted reports and photographs of my work with crocodiles to the CSG’s quarterly newsletter.

In 2002, I was formally invited to become a CSG member and I have served on the steering committee since 2008.

Tell us about your trip to the World Crocodile Conference.

In May 2013, I attended the 22nd Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group. It was also called the World Crocodile Conference and it was held in the city of Negombo, which is located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, just north of Colombo. In addition to the meeting, the CSG’s Veterinary Science Working group organized a crocodile veterinary workshop which was held the day before the meeting began. It was organized by Dr. Paolo Martelli from Hong Kong, Dr. Cathy Shilton from Australia, Dr. Gowri Mallapur and Colin Stevenson from India and Anslem de Silva, who is considered to be the father of modern herpetology in Sri Lanka.

When I heard about the workshop, I attempted to register but was informed that the registration was limited to 50 people and it was full. I was then referred to Dr. Gowri. As I had not previously met her, I contacted my close colleague, Colin Stevenson. Originally from Australia, at that time he was the director of the world-famous Madras Crocodile Bank and Center for Herpetology in Chennai. He said to me, “No worries, Bruce.” “The workshop will be held at the zoo in Colombo and you can help me with capturing the zoo’s salt-water crocs that will be handled as part of the veterinary demonstrations.” He went on to explain that the vets will be teaching health assessment procedures and demonstrating medical techniques such as drawing blood samples.”

I thanked him and told him I would catch up with him upon my arrival. Attempting to catch up with Colin turned out to be just the beginning of my Sri Lankan adventure.

Before my arrival I was contact by a young man from Sri Lanka named Avishka Godehewa. He asked me specifically on what time and date my flight would arrive. I thought he was from the meeting’s organizing committee and was arranging for my ground transportation, so I gave him my details. It turned out he was a high school student that, like me, was very passionate about crocodiles. He just wanted to know when I was coming in. When I arrived at the Colombo airport there was no one there to meet me. I needed to find Colin, so I took a cab to an internet café. Once there I wrote Colin but did not get an immediate reply.

As Colin told me he would be in Colombo, I took a cab to the city, instead of going directly on to Negombo.

What a thrill! The taxi driver dropped me near the harbor by the area which features many historic buildings constructed by early Dutch colonists. Several people asked me if I needed any help. They asked if I was a sailor off one of the ships docked in the harbor. When I learned that there was not an internet café nearby, I asked a Tuk-Tuk driver if he could take me to a place for lunch. However, I had a specific request. I explained that I wanted him to take me the place where he went to lunch. I wanted a place that would serve local food, and that would not be expensive. He agreed and we were off. I thought something might be wrong when we left the old part of the city and he started driving me on the main across to the far side of the harbor. It was quite a tour though and I was able to get a good view of the harbor including the old British administration building. We finally arrived at a very nice hotel and he informed me that I could have lunch here. I asked him if he would be joining me and he declined and said he would wait. When I entered the hotel, I inquired about lunch and was directed to the second floor. There I found a buffet complete with everything imaginable!

If you are not familiar with Sri Lankan food it is similar to Indian food based upon rice and curries, but the unique spices and seasonings give it a distinctive and delicious flavor. In addition, being by the sea, there was plenty of seafood as well!

I never found Colin that day and that afternoon the Tuk Tuk driver transported to the meeting’s venue hotel in Negombo.

It cost about $50. for my brief but lavish Colombo experience and if not for Avishka, I would not have seen the harbor at all during my visit!

The next day we were transported by bus to Sri Lanka’s National Zoo located in the town of Dehiwala. It is located just south of the city of Colombo. Colin and I assisted Dr. Martelli with the crocodile captures and everything went smoothly. That is just how we like it, no drama! After the capture and handling and veterinary demonstrations, a group of young men wearing dark blue shirts approached me and started asking me questions. I explained to them that in the early 1970’s my older brother Michael and myself began presenting educational programs about reptiles and that one of the first reptiles that my brother acquired for our programs was a seven and a half foot long Sri Lankan python that he named Samadani. Back in those days the Sri Lankan python was considered to be a sub-species of the Indian python, known to science as Python molurus, it was given a sub-species name of pimbura which means python in Sri Lanka’s sinhala language. Samadani became a part of our programs and a part of our lives for twenty years. I then explained that my brother and I had also raised both species of Sri Lanka’s crocodiles.

Which species of crocodiles are found in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is home to the Mugger and to the Saltie. The Mugger is an inhabitant of fresh-water habitats throughout the lowlands of the island. It is also found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Iran. It is similar in size to the American alligator ranging from about 7 to 11 feet and occasionally reaching 13 feet. In is normally shy and typically only bites people defensively.

The Saltie, also known as the Salt-water, Estuarine or Indo-Pacific crocodile is the world’s largest reptile. It is found in coastal situations along Sri Lanka’s west and southern coasts, but to a lesser extent also on the east coast. It has an expansive range from the north-east coast of India to Australia, including the islands of Oceania. Males often reach 14 to 16 feet and a specimen captured in 2011 in the Philippines measured twenty feet, three inches. It was the first twenty-foot crocodile to be found anywhere since one drowned in a fisherman’s net in Papua New Guinea in 1979 and the first 20-foot croc to be captured alive in modern times.

In Sinhala, the Mugger is called Hala Kimbula which refers to fresh-water crocodile and the Saltie is called Gata Kimbula which refers to salt-water crocodile. The Saltie is occasionally still referred to as “minikana” which means man-eater. It does prey upon human beings, in addition to a typical crocodilian diet, and Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to construct large numbers of protective barriers in order to allow people to have access to water without fear of a crocodile attack.

What happened next?

The young men in the blue shirts were member of the Young Zoologists’ Association of Sri Lanka, also known as the YZA. Founded in 1972, it has over 450 members, ages 13 to 35,  and is based at the Dehiwala Zoo. No sooner did I mention my experiences with Sri Lankan reptiles, they grabbed me by the arm and lead me into the zoo’s reptile building. There they took me behind the scenes and draped a seven and half foot-long Sri Lankan python across my arms! They also brought out other reptiles, including a cobra, a variant of the Indian cobra, and like the pythons, the cobras in Sri Lanka are known for their rich coloration.

Then I was asked by the young men, if I would speak to some of their members at the zoo that afternoon. I agreed and after lunch was taken to a building on the zoo grounds where I spoke for an hour about my work with reptiles and with the CSG. It was as if the lecture had been arranged weeks in advance and for me personally, it remains one of the highest honors in my lifetime. You see Marylin, as a young man I had always dreamed of visiting Sri Lanka, but never imaged it would ever be possible.

The CSG’s formal meeting began the next day and during a coffee break I was approached by a member of the YZA, the Young Zoologists’ Association based at the National Zoo of Dehiwala.

He explained to meet that after the meeting, the YZA would be traveling to a rainforest to collect litter left behind by visitors. He invited me to join the trip and I accepted his invitation.

Some of my colleagues were planning to travel to the south-west corner of the island to visit Yala National Park. It is renowned for its populations of elephants, leopards, sloth bear, deer and lots and lots of Muggers.

Unfortunately for me, it was beyond my travel budget to attend.

Some of my colleagues were looking for less expensive alternatives for a post-meeting field trip and I invited two of them to join me on my excursion with the YZA. The responded positively. However, several days later they approached me during an evening dinner event. The room was loud with conversation and when they spoke to me, I only caught a part of what they said. It was something like; “Bruce, we’re sorry but we cannot join you on your field trip, the group is going to………..and we are not equipped for that.”

I said, no problem and wondered to myself, “Where are we going and am I equipped?” As I had made a commitment to the group, I decided not to change my plans. Following the meeting we traveled once again to the National Zoo and I was informed we would depart late that night.

One of the group’s members named Janith Jayarathna helped me find a hardware store in town where I purchased two stout pieces of wood, similar to the handles of a shovel. I planned to give them to the zoo’s reptile curator and to explain to him how we sometimes use them during the process of restraining a crocodile’s jaws.

After securing the crocodile with a rope and then placing a small, wool blanket over the head and neck, one pole is placed on each side of the jaws. This makes it a bit safer to then secure the crocodile’s jaws before we actually place our hands on the animal. The blanket gives both the croc and the handlers an extra layer of protection.  

Janith and I used the sticks that day as walking sticks and we walked all across the town to the beach and back. It was a long walk and little did I know, it was preparing us for our journey ahead.

Upon returning to the zoo, I asked if I could use a computer to access the Internet. I did not research our destination because it was still unknown to me. I was directed to the office of the zoo’s deputy director, Mrs. Renuka Bandaranayake. She allowed me to use a pc and afterwards she looked at me said, “So, you are going with the group?” I replied, “Yes.”

She then asked, “What do you have to wear?” I replied, “My field boots, my jeans and heavy shirt, and the YZA has also given me one of their uniforms to wear.”

She shook her head and walked over to a low cabinet. She removed a rain jacket and rain pants and said, “Here, these are mine. You may wear them. Please return them after your trip.”

I thanked her and then arrangements were made for me to get some sleep in one the rooms at the zoo used by their nighttime guards.

The bus left late at night and after traveling for some time we stopped in town where we entered a shop for hot tea and snacks.

As our journey continued, we began traveling on winding roads that grew steadily higher in elevation.

We arrived in the very early morning hours in the village of Nallatanniya. The bus was parked in a large lot and we entered the town which featured enormous statues of Buddha, one of which was reclining, and one was seated.

We ate a big breakfast at a local restaurant and were given a tour of the national park’s office which included a display of what the office looked like many years ago, complete with a vintage typewriter. The wall was adorned with the skin of an enormous python.

After the sun was up, our journey began, and we walked as a group for several kilometers. Our view consisted of forest covered hills upon which we could periodically see distant waterfalls.

Periodically the group would stop. A small gecko was observed on the side of an elevated area next to our path. The group gathered around it with such interest, it appeared as if they were observing a treasure. From their perspective as student naturalists, it was.

Eventually our path came to an entrance way and the path became more elevated. When we crossed a bridge over a fast-moving river. I asked, “Do we start cleaning here?” “No” was the reply.

When we reached the beginning of a series of wide steps made of concrete and stones, I asked, “Do we start cleaning here?” “No, someone else will clean here.”

Eventually I was given a woven bag and a pair of latex gloves. Then they explained, “now we clean.”

I also learned about our destination, we would be ascending to the top of Sri Pada, also know as Adam’s Peak.

We would be climbing 5,200 steps to the summit, where we would spend the night at a Buddhist temple, known for a rock depression believed by Buddhists to be the footprint of the Buddha, by Hindus to be the footprint of Shiva and by Muslims and Christians to be the footprint of Adam.

Just for reference to my friends from the Washington, DC area where I grew up, the Washington Monument has 898 steps. As a child, my family went to the top of the monument, but we may have taken the elevator! The stairs up have been closed to the public since 1971 due to visitors suffering heart attacks. The stairs down were closed in 1976 due to people being injured in falls.

So, our cleaning began. Most of what we collected were small plastic food wrappers and sandals. They were mostly plastic or rubber sandals, similar to those that in the US we would call flip-flops.

As we climbed higher, the weather grew cooler and we were pelted with periodic rain that got heavier and colder the higher we climbed.

Every so often, we stopped at small kiosks which were essentially food stalls with tables and benches or chairs. They were enclosed with a light framework of wood and covered in plastic sheeting.

We enjoyed more hot tea and even more delightful warm food.

I did not pass any litter or sandals that I did not pick up. I worked like a vacuum cleaner and soon my gloves were torn to shreds.

The steps were wide, but I quickly noticed that if you left the wide steps and ventured too far to the right, you could fall and fall to your death in a raging river. I noticed that if you ventured too far off the steps to the left, you would also fall, but only far enough to break your legs. So, caution was required.

We came to a wide clearing which was used as a campsite by one of the national park’s staff members. One member of our group noticed a plastic bag with contents inside of it. He picked it up and emptied it upon the ground. Out fell a sandal and a live snake!

It was the Mapila, also known as the cat snake. For my fellow students of herpetology, it was a small member of the genus Boiga. A mildly venomous rear-fanged snake.

After observing the snake seek a new shelter from the cold, we continued our accent which, in total, spanned many hours.

Eventually we came to a place where the steps narrowed, where they became much steeper and wear a single railing was situated in the center.

By that time, our group was well spread out, as we had been assigned to smaller groups and given specific areas to clean.

I declared to those nearby, “I am exhausted from the work and the cold, wet weather. I must stop cleaning now and just climb or I will not have the strength to reach the summit.”

By the time I reached the summit and the temple, it was dark. I was asked to remove my hat and my shoes and then instructed to cross a courtyard and to strike a bell. To westerners it would be called a gong, but instead of striking with an object swung to the side like swinging a baseball bat, it is struck with a large metal rod suspended on a rope or cable. I was instructed to just push the rod towards the bell and to strike it only once, as this was my first visit to the temple.

I was then led to an area inside that resembled a basement with a smooth cement floor. I was given a message from the Buddhist priests. The message was, “Thank you for what you did today.”

After receiving that unexpected message, I was led to a woven mat of the floor next to one of the building’s support beams. I was told, “You will sleep here.”

As I looked around, I saw that many members of the YZA were sleeping side by side with the girls on one side of the room and the boys on another. I also noticed that they had changed into dry and very warm clothing.

Sometime later, I was awoken. They said, “Mr. Bruce, we woke you because you were shivering violently.” Indeed, I was. I felt like my remaining body heat was being drawn out of my body and into the concrete floor. I felt like I was suffering from hypothermia.

Members of the YZA began handing me some of the extra items of warm clothing that they had brought with them, including a cloth hood one might use for skiing and they moved me to a place between a group of the male students where I would be better insulated from the cold.

When I awoke early the next morning, it was still dark outside. I began to prepare to leave. Someone said, “Mr. Bruce, where are you going? I responded. “I have to leave now, or I am going to die from the cold.”

Please keep in mind that I have lived in central Florida for more than twenty-five years and that during the winter when the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night, we feel like we are out on the arctic tundra!

I was informed that I must not depart from the 7,200-foot summit until after the sunrise. They took me outside to witness what appeared to be the conditions of a winter storm, with cold rain blowing sideways against the dark sky.

As the sun began to rise, more visitors began to arrive. They had climbed the mountain during the night.

Some of them wore insulated jackets with fur lined hoods, these were outfits used by climbers and came complete with gloves and goggles!

We watched the sunrise, and, in the distance, we could see beautiful lakes scattered across the distant landscape.

My friend Janith appeared and told me that now we would clean the area surrounding the temple.

I replied, “I cannot, I must begin my descent.” I was still suffering from fatigue and exposure to the cold.

Once I reached a lower level where the sun was warming the mountain, I stopped to rest and to bask in the sun. After a short while, I felt much better.

As I looked around, I noticed the bags. The bags of litter and sandals that we had collected the day before.

I thought, “I bet this not like what would happen in America, where at the end of a weekend nature clean-up, the parents of high school students would arrive to fill the beds of their pick-up trucks with all litter that had been collected by their kids.”

I suddenly realized that the members of the YSA would be carrying it all the way back down the mountain by themselves!

I approached two bags that were closest. I lifted them one a time. One was heavy, one was a bit lighter.

I thought, “Which one can I carry all the way down the mountain.” I could not find a strong stick in order to carry both across my back, so I chose the lighter bag, not being certain that I could carry the heavy one the entire distance.

I made it safely down the mountain and began the walk back along the path. It seemed to be ten times longer that it had been the day before and periodically I would ask for directions, just to be certain that I was on the correct path that would take me back to the town and especially, to the bus.

When I returned to the bus, I changed from the long black pants of my YZA uniform, back into a pair of dry blue jeans. I walked to the town and enjoyed a lunch.

It was hours later when the YZA members began to return. They were exuberant and although some were carrying individual bags like I had, some were carrying two bags, each tied to the ends of a pole and held across their shoulder. Others had tied their bags together and as a group they were carrying a large number of bags.

Once everyone had returned to Nallatanniya, a ceremony was held and all the litter we collected was weighed. It totaled 1,600 pounds.

Every year 20,000 religious pilgrims of many faiths make the journey to the summit of Sri Pada. Many discard their sandals along the way, so that when they arrive at the summit, they are barefoot.

For the past twenty years, the dedicated member of the Young Zoologists Association have made the annual ascent as well, to renew the environment for Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife and also for the benefit of those people that will visit this special place in the year to come.

It was a remarkable experience for me, and I have just one hope, to ring the temple bell, with the YZA, at least one more time.

Although my time in Sri Lanka was brief, my visit will remain with me to the end of my days, along with the friendship of all those I met.

After returning to Colombo, I would join another new friend, biologist Dinal Samarasinghe, and travel to the southern end of the island to the city of Matara. There I would join him and his team on a survey of salt-water crocodiles in the Nilwala river. It was my first survey of Asia’s wild crocodiles, the first of many I have joined since then.

If you enjoy surfing, birding and eco adventures, or if you are a foodie and enjoy visiting historic and religious sites, when it is possible, you should definitely consider adding Sri Lanka to your list of future adventure travel destinations!

Acknowledgements

Bruce would like to express my appreciation to the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka in Dehiwala and the Young Zoologists’ Association of Sri Lanka for the kindness and hospitality extended to me during my visit and travels in Sri Lanka.

And he would like to thank Shositha Liyanage, Avishka Godahewa, Tharaka Priyadarshana and Christine Lippai for their assistance in my preparations of this travel memoir.

Why We Freak Out on Vacation. It’s Not What You Think!

If you believe in serendipity and seek soul-feed experiences that lead to self-growth, be sure to check out Nina Zapala.

Here Nina shares some ideas about personality types, vacations, freaking out and more. Check it out! We may not be taking many vacations right now, but this insight relates in many other ways. Thanks Nina!

Why We Freak Out on Vacation. It’s Not What You Think!

Why we freakout on vacation is not what you think, but I know it’s more than meets the eye. Have you seen it? A person goes a bit berserk on vacation. I have had a few breakouts, and honestly, I think we all have.

 Traditional thinking on the topic goes something like this: you’re in a new place, not familiar with the surroundings, probably lost, trying novel cuisine … Yeah, that’s somewhat true, but isn’t this why many of us travel, to discover new places, cultures, food, people and more. This old-school logic isn’t holding water in my book. I’m calling #BS on these assumptions.

If you didn’t want the stress of discovering something new, you could have stayed home and watched National Geographic, and saved money. I believe it’s all related to personality typing.

 What’s Behind the Vacation Freak Out?

 So many things can contribute to a freak out while on vacation, but I think the number one cause is being out-of-touch with your personality type. You know those four pesky letters related to typology that many know about, but the majority of us are like WHAT! 

 Why we sometimes freak out on vacation often stems from an uneasyness from within. I don’t believe for a minute; it’s because we’ve lost the joy of experiencing life’s adventures. There’s an unexpressed knowing within us trying to grab our attention. These hidden knowings are often overlooked in our daily routines.

It’s so much easier to come up with a relatable societal excuse; it’s the kids, I’m overworked, I hate my boss, I’m too busy ⏤ blah, blah, blah. Yet, while on vacation, our daily routines are left in the dust. There’s no place to hide these subconscious knowings. So the freak out shows up to tell us it’s time to rewrite our life story. As an FYI in regards to Unpack Your Personality©️ I call freakouts – travel triggers, just so ya know.

 Why Personality Typing on Vacation

 Did you know we are all born with a distinct personality type? We, as human beings, tend to rely on what comes most natural to us as it fills us with confidence and enthusiasm.

 While this is natural, what happens is we tend to stay on easy street. We’ll ignore the stop signs telling us this isn’t the right path or we’ve missed the detour, and now we’re really lost. Ignoring our unveiled potential leads us to question ourselves, and for many of us, we become restless and bored – igniting a midlife crisis. “Is this all there is?” “What is my life purpose.? “Why do I keep on making the same mistakes?” Or we ask, “How did I get here?” This is a question I asked myself and was shocked as the answers began to reveal themselves. I knew why I was too overwhelmed to deal with it.

Additionally, sometimes events like our childhood experiences, life tsunamis, societal and peer pressures, and our country culture hijack our personalities. Each of these factors plays an important role in shaping our personality. 

Every one of us experiences their personality according to their individual personal reality. 

How You Interact & Experience the World

Carl Jung expressed this idea using four psychological functions indicating how we know, and how we experience the world around us:

Sensing

Intuition

Feeling

Thinking

Travelers who have well-developed sensing and intuition functions prefer direct experiences; it’s how they perceive the world. Yet in very different ways. Intuition is related to immaterial, the unseen, theoretical, and metaphysics. At the same time, sensing is associated with the material, seen, observing, and hands-on experiences. Yet each function to help us gather information. (Understand this is how the letter P influences a personality type.)

 Another set of travelers will use feeling and thinking, our judging function. It’s how we evaluate information, make decisions, and come to conclusions. But a feeling function is vastly different than a thinking function. Did you know 75% of females have a feeling trait?

 FYI, I’m a female, and I have a thinking function. Please, understand nothing is 100% when it comes to personality typing. We are all different. In brief, thinkers tend to be logical and impersonal, while feelers observe the feeling of others and their own when making decisions. (Understand this is how the letter J influences a personality type.)

 Often Misunderstood: Introvert & Extrovert Preferences

People often misunderstand their relationship with introvert and extrovert, as these preferences sit on the opposite end of the personality spectrum. The extrovert has an outward energy flow while the introvert has an inward energy flow. Let’s further define the two. An introvert has more of a relationship with self, and the world, with depth and intensity. An extrovert has a relationship between the self and the collective. They’ll happily share their time and energies with a broader range of people, places, and activities.

Here again, and this is the more popular expression of the introvert and extrovert preference. An introvert, experiences things inwardly, subjectively, while the extrovert experiences things outwardly, objectively. Can you see how not understanding your personality can lead to a vacation freak out?

How Personality Functions Show Up on Vacation

Personality functions show up loud and clear. This brings me back to the premise of this blog post… personality functions are often the reason behind the freak out. Let’s take a deeper look.

 Introvert & Extroverts

If you’re an introvert, the New Orleans Jazz Festival, which attracts well over 400,000 people, probably won’t be on your bucket list while your extrovert friend or partner will be thrilled to have a ticket for the festival. If you, as an introvert, attend, I expect a freak out. It’s outer-worldly overload!

Intuitive & Sensing

If you’re an intuitive traveling with a sensing type rest assured, you’ll be like I don’t care about the facts, details, or particulars of a situation. And please, when I’m lost in thought, it doesn’t mean I’m ignoring you. In actuality, I’m thinking about the connectivity of it all, and yes, I probably did forget to pack the sunscreen.

Feeling & Thinking

If you have a feeling function and you’re traveling with a thinking type you’ll probably feel the sting of the logical thinking while on vacation. If your dying to go to the newly opened restaurant but the line is a mile long, your thinking travel mate will be like – let’s not waste two hours waiting to get seated. Yes, they say this knowing you had your heart set on dinning here. They’re not mean… they’re just using logical reasoning. And they’re likely to be out of touch with your feelings, and their own. This may have to do with an undeveloped or unhealthy thinking trait. Please don’t take it personally, and whatever you do, if you dead set on going to the restaurant, mount a logical discussion. Well, we won’t be here tomorrow, when do you suggest we go? You know I had my heart set on dining here, why don’t I stay here and if you prefer, wander around and meet me back here in an hour…

Why We Freak Out on Vacation?

Can you see how personality typing can have you freaking out on vacation? There are so many complexities to each personality type. Add in the layers of a person’s individual life story, which makes understanding one another all the more difficult. So while I can agree, a wee bit, with the idea of the unknowns of travel, I believe these physical symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg. Deep below the surface are oodles of personality potentials screaming to have a say in your big beautiful life.

 Why We Freak Out on Vacation Is Not What You Think It Is

 Are you now a believer? Do you believe why you freak out on vacation could be a result of not being in touch with your personality type? I hope this post brought you clarity on the topic of why we freak out on vacation. Believe me; I know this to be true as I’ve spoken with hundreds upon hundreds of travelers who let me know unhappy they were on vacation.

 It’s the reason I’ve developed Unpack Your Personality© and the 16 guidebooks to help you explore your personality type pre, during, and after your vacation.

 Your Travel Personality Story

Honesty, I can’t get into your unique travel personality story here, too much to share. So it’s why I decided to develop 16 guidebooks (tiny books) detailing your personality with supportive spiritual practices, and what it’s like to travel with you. I believe a spiritual component is necessary to assist with a deep-dive into your personality type. My theory stems from the idea that we are a mind, body, and soul. You can’t have one without the other. With that said each guidebook provides a mind, body and soul outlook; personality typing (mind), body (travel), and soul (spiritual).

Please know it’s always my intention to bring you closer to your authentic personality type, embedded with a spiritual practice so you can weather the storms of life a bit easier.

Join the Revolution

I’d love to see you on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, but the best way to feel a part of this community is by subscribing to my upcoming newsletter. I want to inspire a revolution of like-minded women who are committed to a life defined by a DIVINELY fabulous personality with a healthy heaping of spiritual undertones. The world needs YOU!

Tune In

My radio interview aired on Speaking of Travel part of the iHeart radio network with host, Marilyn Ball. Give it a listen here. I’m also working on 16 guidebooks on the subject matter of Unpack Your Personality.© It’s a modern-day approach to personality typing supported by spirituality. I’m working on finishing up the books, and will then need to get a printer, develop a Podcast, and so much more.

A new and exciting path for me. I look forward to building a community of seekers—individuals who want to know their truth and shine brighter in the world. We’ll become a positive force, the light-showers of the world. I’m super excited to make this happen. Are you with me! Let’s start a revolution!

Travel Virtually to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Poland

In collaboration with Melody from Global Med Travel.com, Speaking of Travel invites you to travel on some amazing virtual tours.

Melody invites you to travel with her on a virtual tour of two UNESCO world heritage sites. Pull up Google Earth in your browser and type in UNESCO –  #23 & 24 on the map are jaw-dropping structural masterpieces.

As a result of strict conditions imposed by the Roman Emperor in the mid 1600's, three Protestant churches were permitted to be constructed in this region of Poland, but were required to be built only of wood and clay.

To meet this and other specifications, the builders of the Churches of Peace had to rely on what UNESCO calls "pioneering constructional and architectural solutions of a scale and complexity unknown before or since in wooden architecture" The Google Earth tour of these two sites will have you walking right up to the colorful wooden sculptures, and looking up through the mind-bending multi-tier galleries, up to the decorated ceilings of these timber-framed masterpieces.

 Another thing to know about Poland: the country is investing heavily in its hospitals, which have become a hotspot for medical tourism in Europe.

 We hope you'll enjoy your virtual tour of these two incredible Polish churches on Google Earth's UNESCO world heritage map.

Thanks to Melody from Global Med Travel.com

Link to Google Earth’s UNESCO World Heritage Map

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Keep Italy On Your Radar!

We MUST never stop dreaming of travel to Italy! We will rebound!!

From Mark Gordon Smith of Private Italy Tours:

Like a storm over Riomaggiore on the Cinque Terre coast, we have all experienced a kind of shadow when considering a return to Italy following the onset of COVID-19. 

The days ahead will reveal the ultimate resolution of this worldwide epidemic, yet I would ask you to keep some things in mind: 

• Italy will open its borders when it can and, with the sure diminution of this virus, will begin to welcome visitors back with gratitude and humility. The impact of this situation on tourism cannot be minimized. Guides, hotels, restaurants and other providers of service will surely do all they can to provide the easiest possible way to return to visit sights, sounds and tastes of the Italian culture.

• Remember those in positions of responsibility must act in a manner which balances the potential risk of infection with the sure knowledge the financial impact of the losses incurred are enormous.

• We expect the worst of this event will end by early summer; we hope that by midsummer, in most cases, a sense of normalcy will return to travel across Europe.

In the interim, what can you do?

• If you have been planning a trip to Italy, don't give up.

• Consider traveling during October, November 2020, or the spring/summer of 2021. 

• Get travel insurance that protects you from cancellations. Purchase any travel insurance policy with a great deal of care; pay attention to what insurance companies accept as a basis upon which to cancel. An "Act of God" is not usually a valid reason to cancel a trip. If you truly have concerns about possible infections by such a virus, or your health is currently tenuous, then don't go; postpone your trip until 2021.

• Look for offered special discounts from tour operators. The largest tour operators, and numerous small ones, will surely offer discounts to entice travelers. Villa companies will offer some form of incentive to book villas.

• If you have already placed a deposit for a villa or tour in Italy, discuss options with your villa company or tour operator to rebook later with no, or minor, penalties.

• Airlines. Call, and be patient when calling. This is probably not the best time to purchase a ticket from a ticket re-seller. Given the vagaries of the situation, getting a refund once a ticket is issued, or getting through to a representative, may prove more frustrating that it is worth. Airlines are starting to match fares you find through online services. Ask for a matching fare and you may meet with success.

Most importantly of all: COME BACK TO ITALY! This spiritual land is a second home for so many travelers, a haven of peace, culture, food, wine and life.

We stand ready, today and always, to assist you in any way. 

www.private-italy.com

As I have often said over the years, "It doesn't matter how you go to Italy, but GO!"

Chef Santiago Vargas

Chef Santiago was born in Lima, Perú, surrounded by flavors and traditions from the Andes. From a very young age, he loved the art of cooking. In 2008, he moved to New York City with a suitcase and a dream of becoming a gourmet chef. Since embarking on that early venture, Chef Santiago hasn’t stopped following his passion for food.

Santiago has worked in several renowned restaurants in Long Island, NY, preparing dishes ranging high end Italian cuisine to the traditional American barbecue. Among his accolades, he received praise for his work in Newsday, Long Island’s press. Recently, he was featured on Skillet, a podcast highlighting food and memories of chefs living in America’s Southern states.  

When he set out to find his niche in Asheville’s food scene, Santiago realized that his true passion is for sharing the exquisite flavors of his home country. He cooks from the heart, and that’s tangible in how he selects ingredients and lovingly prepares his dishes. Before becoming a private caterer and chef, Santiago previously owned an award-winning food truck, Out of the Blue Peruvian Fusion Cuisine. The awesome food truck won several awards and competitions, including best chicken wings. Yummy! And it was the first to introduce authentic Peruvian flavor to the city of Asheville. Thanks Santiago!

And you can have your own special dinner with Chef Santiago! Santiago’s dinners are tailored to your desires with delightful and authentic flavors for an exclusive experience to be remembered. Right in your own home! Invite me please!

Click here!

Pop Ups

Follow Chef Santiago in different locations around Asheville. He has your passport to discover Peru without a flight there.

Click here!

Protecting Against Covid-19

The Coronavirus (now called Covid-19) is transmitted by airborne droplets. The World Health Organization recommends avoiding close contact with people suffering from a fever and cough. But when traveling by airline, cruise ship, and public transportation, we have very little control of our immediate environment. Here are some tips for how to manage being in close quarters with other travelers:

First: Keep an alcohol-based hand rub in your pocket, and wash your hands as often as possible when moving through transportation hubs. For airline travel, pick up some hand-sanitizer wet wipes. This limits the amount of liquids you're carrying. In addition to cleaning your hands, these can be used to wipe down the arm rests and tray. 

Secondly: Avoid touching your face: especially your nose, mouth and eyes. You can carry a small supply of face masks that will cover your nose and mouth. There are many different types of masks, so ask your local pharmacist for recommendations. If you've decided to wear your mask, you need to assume that the outside of the mask is now contaminated. Once you've put on the mask, avoid touching it. You should learn proper technique for taking off your mask - do not just tuck it back into your bag. Place disposable masks directly in the trash once you've reached a lavatory where you can wash your hands after removing the mask.

Whether traveling or not, it's always a good idea to get plenty of rest, and to eat healthy foods. It's easy to get run down when traveling, and that makes us more susceptible to infection. 

Finally, if you become sick while you're traveling, you should inform the crew, and seek medical care. For more information, visit the World Health Organization website for the latest updates and recommendations on Covid-19.

 Thanks to the good people at Global Med Travel for this important health travel tip.

Blue Ridge Mountains – Top Spots for Winter Romance

Want to get away with your honey for a special winter getaway? Think cozy cabins, romantic candlelit restaurants, and of course some frosty fun.

North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains are a year-round playground for adventure and romance, but wintertime is especially a time to reignite passion. With the ridges covered in snow, lovely, romantic accommodations and cold-weather recreation, the Blue Ridge is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

If your idea of an ideal romantic winter vacation includes cuddling up by a roaring fire with snow flakes gently falling across a landscape of pristine nature, the Blue Ridge provides the most romantic winter retreat with tranquil accommodations to spend quality time with your sweetie, snuggled up and enjoying this dreamy destination.

There’s something about winter that woos us into intimate, quality time to bond. And what better way to nest together than in a charming rustic cabin. Cabin Fever is the ultimate eco resort getaway, perfect for a romantic weekend. Located in historic Saluda, Cabin Fever has seven lovely cabins where you can relax and get away from the hustle of everyday life.

For a unique and more upscale accommodation, located right in the heart of downtown Asheville, plan your stay at the Windsor Hotel, featuring 14 luxury suites, each with its own character and charm. The finishing touches include chocolates on your pillows, locally made soaps and works of art commissioned from local artists.

You’ll find a great selection of Blue Ridge lodging and vacation rentals at Blue Ridge Cabins of Carolina Mornings. They are a local company and will help you find a selection of cabins, condos, and vacation homes offering up the best amenities to make your romantic getaway as cozy as ever, like hot tubs, mountain views, and fireplaces.

When it’s time to leave the ordinary realm of every day life, why not plan something different to shake things up? If you are stuck in a rut when it comes to romance, the Blue Ridge has so much to see and do, you will want to have a date night on a regular basis!

Plan your complete date night agenda with a visit to America’s largest home at Biltmore and immerse yourself in timely hospitality. Savor award-winning wines, hold hands while strolling through century-old gardens, and explore the 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard. Ride horses, shop, eat and maybe even kayak down the river together.

Carl Sandburg once said, “Let a joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by.” A perfect date to feel the joy is a trip to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. Here you will discover the legacy of Sandburg through his stories, songs and the beauty and serenity of his home. And be sure to visit his goat barn. Nothing like a little goat to get your juices flowing!

Grab your partner and head over to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. With a variety of hiking trails, one of the highest waterfalls in the East and a unique elevator running directly through the rock, there is something romantic about finding yourself at the top of the world… together. For some real togetherness, take some climbing lessons. And share the love by bringing Fido along. It’s pet friendly!

Long day of hiking?  Perhaps a spa and wellness experience is just what the doctor ordered. Whatever your pampering choice, there is nothing better than relaxing with a Blue Ridge Mountain Spa experience. From lovely hotels and resort spas to stand alone spas, you can pamper yourself in the Blue Ridge from sun up until sundown.

Some people associate romance with wine, but in a region so in love with craft beer, relationships often brew over a cold one in a taproom. Enjoy the natural wonders of this beautiful mountain area while enjoying some of the most delicious libations. You don’t need a special occasion to explore all the rich flavors of the wines, beers and spirits in and around the Blue Ridge Mountains.

All of the towns throughout the Blue Ridge are filled with charm and friendly locals. So forget the big cities and start planning a small town getaway with your sweetie. With quaint main streets lined with century-old buildings now housing artists and cozy family-owned eateries, along with meandering rivers running though downtown areas, along with stunning vistas and a world of winter activity, you’re sure to fall in love with the mountains.

Special thanks to Blue Ridge Mountain Host!

A Valentine's Day Getaway For Conscious Couples

A Valentine’s Day getaway can be a happiness cure for conscious couples. But there are some things to consider. Nina Zapala, an award-winning public relations professional, writer and entrepreneur, addresses opposite personality traits and the need for external validation vs. a liberated you — passionate, self-fulfilled and engaged. Read on if you desire a loving Valentine’s Day getaway.

Couples Argue Once A Day While On Holiday

Bickering is relatively common while on holiday. As many as 40% of couples argue every day while on vacation, according to Holiday Auto. The study of 2,000 couples also states, “One in 10 couples break-up after a vacation.”  Nina also witnessed this as a travel professional. In speaking with hundreds of travelers, she realized the majority weren’t all that happy with their partners. This info is another reason Nina developed Unpack Your Personality: Your Soul’s Journey to Self.

What Is The Happiness Cure For Conscious Couples?

If you want to enjoy a truly loving getaway with your partner, it begins with you ⏤ falling in love with you. If you depend on external sources, a beautiful location, fine dining, and other niceties to bring you love, this is a falsehood. Counting on external things to bring you happiness is a form of codependency. Similarly, seeking external validation from a partner to make you happy is also a form of codependency. Another person can’t fill you with peace, joy, passion, and happiness; this is an inside job; self-validation.

After meeting hundreds of vacationing couples Nina learned that happiest of them all had one thing in common… read on to learn more.

Winter Adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Blue Ridge Mountain Host features a beautiful 10-county region of Western North Carolina. Visit their website for more info on all there is to see and do in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!

A winter escape to the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains is an invigorating, rosy-cheek feeling experience. Visitors come for the mild winter weather surrounded by snow-dusted peaks, making it easy to access winter adventure and cozy times.

Outdoor Activities

The best cure of the winter blahs is a dose of fun, and you don’t need to go far to find a place to play. Here are some of our favorite ways to get outdoors in the winter.

• Located in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and just 30 minutes from Asheville, is Wolf Ridge Ski Resort and Vacation Rentals. With slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing this place is offers something fun for the entire family.

• Imagine experiencing a massive cavern, complete with unusual stalactites and stalagmites with Eastern Pipistrelle bats, salamanders and blind trout. Take a drive over to Linville Caverns, where you can step inside a mountain at the only show cavern in the NC Blue Ridge. With a constant 52-degree temperature inside the cavern, this is an amazing adventure in any season.

• There’s nothing like taking a driving tour of the spectacular waterfalls in and around the Blue Ridge. There are clearer views and just amazing ice formations during the cold snaps. Be sure to bring your camera.

• Pearson’s Falls and Glen is a natural attraction in the foothills of the Blue Ridge between Tryon and Saluda. With a 90 foot waterfall and 275 acres of rich cove forest, this is a perfect winter time stop.

• Catch views of the beautiful falls at Looking Glass Falls, a roadside waterfall near Brevard.

• Douglass Falls near Barnardsville is a high and free-falling waterfall with an easy half-mile hike to the falls in a virgin forest.

• Head over to Old Fort and check out Catawba Falls in the southern tip of the Pisgah National Forest. At 100-feet high, Catawba Falls is one of the exceptional waterfalls in the Blue Ridge.

  Mountain Views That Go On Forever

  There’s no end to the hiking season in N.C.’s Blue Ridge Mountains and no end to beautiful vistas. Trails are less crowded and there are views you would never see during the summer. Here is where to visit.

  • Starting out in Asheville, head over to Bearwallow Mountain Trail. This short hike provides 360-degree views towering over the Hickory Nut Gorge, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

  • For a family and pet-friendly hike to a beautiful waterfall, check out the Moore Cove Falls Trail. This 3/4-mile hike takes you to one of the prettiest and most accessible waterfall hikes.

  • There really aren’t rattlesnakes on the trail to Rattlesnake Lodge. This pleasant three-mile hike takes you to the ruins of a historic private lodge and follows the Mountains to Sea Trail. It’s close to Asheville and follows an old wagon train road with spectacular views and lush forest.

  • Lovers Leap Loop Trail is a local favorite where your feet are officially on the Appalachian Trail. It’s a lovely drive to Hot Springs, a small trail town nestled in a valley beside the breathtaking French Broad River. Climb to the summit for amazing views from Lover Leap along the two-mile trail. Follow the white blazes of the AT through town and along the banks of the river.

  • And while you’re there, be sure to check out the trail at Max Patch, a short scenic drive from Hot Springs. You’re still on the AT on a grassy, bald mountain with 360-degree views. At an elevation of 4,629, Max Patch is one of the most beautiful summits in the Southeast.

  Indoor Activities To Escape The Cold

  Whether you’re seeking wintertime thrills or searching for long winter views and magical ice sculptures made from waterfalls, there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you warm and toasty this season around the Blue Ridge. Take a break from the snow sports and choose some indoor happiness at these cozy spots.

  • Natural hot springs have been used for healing and wellness for centuries. Soak in the naturally heated water at the Hot Springs Spa, just a short drive from Asheville. Book an hour or two in a private tub right on the French Broad River. The heat in the hot spring water helps sooth those aching muscles and you’ll feel more relaxed and less stressed.

  • There’s no better way to warm your soul than art. Whether it’s a symphony performance or an artist’s masterpiece, art brings out emotions to make you feel alive. A winter visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains is the perfect time for cultural exploration.

  • The museums in the Blue Ridge Mountain region provide a fun, enlightening way to stay out of the cold. Many museums are open year-round and offer unparalleled collections of art on view. The Folk Art Center, located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is one of Asheville’s most popular attractions with juried artisans from the Blue Ridge and nine southern states represented through exhibits and daily craft demonstrations. Open daily, year-round.

  • Tucked into the Blue Ridge foothills is the Hamilton Williams Gallery and Studio, a contemporary craft gallery and pottery studio with a curated collection of modern craft provided by local and regional artists. The restored 100 year-old building provides a welcoming and cozy space to linger and explore.

  • The Toe River Arts Council Spruce Pine Gallery connects the arts and the community in a large gallery offering changing exhibitions and a well-stocked gift shop. Relax with a cup of hot coffee steaming in a handmade mug beside the wood stove.

Get Cozy And Warm With A Good Drink

During the winter, the pace slows down and everything becomes more peaceful. And it’s a wonderful time to warm up with a glass of wine, a home-brew or a crafty cocktail in the NC Blue Ridge.

• Visit Biltmore Winery and enjoy a complimentary tasting of their handcrafted wines. Wine hosts take you on a journey through the wine making process and you can taste the deliciousness of reds, whites and sparkling wines by the glass.

• The Bold Rock Mills River Cidery & Tap Room is a short drive from Asheville and you can learn about the process behind the cider crafted from locally sourced Henderson County apples. They have complimentary daily tours and hard cider tastings. An apple cider a day keeps the doctor away!

• Spend some time strolling through the Grove Arcade, one of Asheville’s architectural jewels. Savor great champagne at the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar. You won’t be a loss for places to eat either. Some of the city’s most eclectic dining options are all under one roof.

Top Cultural Winter Experiences in the Blue Ridge

A winter experience in the Blue Ridge is imbued with cultural experiences meant to energize and delight your wanderlust senses while fulfilling your winter itinerary.

• The Blue Mountains are home to a rich tradition of music that has shaped American music for generations. Follow the Blue Ridge Music Trails to find music year-round at festivals and jams. The music here is part of the fabric of community life.

The NC Blue Ridge boasts a number of theaters ranging from local productions on black box stages to the official playhouse in the state. Cozy up with a bag of hot, buttered popcorn at independent cinemas or catch a local production in a thriving creative community.

• The Fine Arts Theatre is home to Asheville’s art and independent films for over 20 years. The theatre is open daily.

• The Tryon Fine Arts Center brings Grammy-award winning music, art, education and world-class art exhibits, along with classes, film series, great shows and fabulous music.

Winter Warmers

While making the most of your wintertime Blue Ridge Mountain experience, a cozy accommodation is the ideal way to warm up in your wintry surroundings from the comfort of your warm armchair.

• Echo Mountain Inn Bed & Breakfast is a charming country inn not far from Asheville in beautiful Hendersonville. You can cozy up around the large fireplace and play some board games for some old-fashioned fun. Or spend some time putting together a challenging jigsaw puzzle. Enjoy a hearty and healthy breakfast each morning and get ready for your day out and about.

• Spend some time in Black Mountain at the Red Rocker Inn, featuring newly renovated elegant guest rooms, many with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and antique claw-foot tubs. Grab your cup of hot chocolate and stargaze around the fire pit. And there are delicious, home baked cookies for you every afternoon!

From one end of Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge to the other, there is no reason that the change in seasons should stop you from entering your vacation mode. So grab your cozy sweater and get ready to plan your ultimate winter getaway.

When An Ordinary Tour Just Won’t Do

One of the best ways to get to know a city is by taking a tour. It's always lovely to stroll around a city's downtown area and see the sights and capture some unique history.

But I discovered there’s more to a town when looked at from a bird’s eye view. The amazing team at Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours helped organize a recent group tour and we were able to see a part of Asheville’s best views from high above the city.

You sit back and order some handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, local wines, and small plates of yummy food while learning about Asheville from the early years.

And then you get van-chauffeured to the next rooftop bar stop. A fun time indeed!

Visit Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours

Unpack 16 Personalities With Nina Zapala: A 2020 Resolution for Self Growth

Happy New Year! Travel expert Nina Zapala explains how to unpack 16 travel personalities for a 2020 New Year's resolution for self-growth.

Unpacking travel personality types, your personal truth, may be the smartest New Year's resolution you'll make. So why not begin the new year with a new outlook?

How many resolutions have you kept over the years? We probably can all say we’ve dropped more than we've kept. So why is personality typing its own resolution for self-growth?

According to U.S. News & World Report, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. What exactly goes wrong in this process? Many say resolutions don’t work because:

• They are too vague.

• There is not enough understanding. What’s the why behind the resolution?

• We might not know who we truly are.

• The resolutions may not be relevant.

• Or maybe we’re just not ready for a change.

We put a lot of pressure on ourselves crafting goals and then try really hard to achieve them. A question to ponder… Have you identified your genuine self to know what you really need for self-growth and self-acceptance? This question is essential for keeping and achieving successful resolutions.

Many of us will read a “tip list” for 2020 resolutions, get a few ideas, and think, “Hey, this one sounds good. I’ll give it a try.” Well, what if this program doesn’t resonate with your personality type? Epic Fail!  

Learn more how travel triggers can inspire self-growth by visiting Nina’s blog.

You Know You Want To Go To Italy!

Italy is always on the top of my travel list. And there’s no better way to discover the art, the history, the food and the people that are Italy than with Private Italy Tours Ltd. They present small group tours of Italy through its most beautiful and inspiring regions.

Your own villa. Cooks who prepare your meals. Private guides. Exceptional hotel accommodations. Full time bilingual tour leaders. Only 10 to 14 guests in each tour. Experience Italy at the pace of Italian life. They provide all the support while you enjoy Bella Italia — your own private tour of Italy.

Since 2003, Private Italy Tours Ltd has accompanied over 1,100 guests across Italy. They offer six unique and unforgettable itineraries: Venice & Tuscany, Umbria & Le Marche, Lake Region & Northern Italy, Southern Italy (Sicily and Amalfi Coast), Puglia and Basilicata, and a special tour examining the Florentine and Flemish Renaissance in Florence and Amsterdam.

For an introduction to the 2020 Art Tour, click here.

Most importantly, you will meet the people of Italy – the true heart of the country and culture. Private Italy Tours Ltd brings Italy to YOU!

Their guests’ enthusiasm for exceptional tours is reflected in their testimonials and they are proud of the level of confidence expressed in the quality of services.

If itinerary planning in Italy is what you seek, Private Italy Tours Ltd offers support for independent individuals, couples or small groups of travelers who wish to explore on their own.

And their itinerary planning service includes Italy villa rentals and hotel reservations, private guides in any city required, restaurant recommendations and reservations, museum vouchers, rail tickets in Italy, car rentals, and step-by-step itineraries – all of the assistance you require.

Discover and explore a world of seclusion and retreat where the worries of travel won’t be a burden. Come home again to Italy with Private Italy Tours.

Private Italy Tours Ltd was founded in 2003 by Mark Gordon Smith. He has traveled across Italy for over 45 years and is the author of several books about the experience of traveling in Italy. Join one of his small groups for what has consistently been rated a “Five-Star” experience in Bella Italia.

Ten Simple Ways To Inspire Happy Travel

Fellow traveler and blogger, Nina Zapala, offers up 10 simple ways to inspire happy travel this Thanksgiving season.

She was motivated to put this list together by a need she once had to make things perfect.

God bless her Mom, who would rant and rave, trying to get it all done while also keeping up with five little kids. Wow! Her mom was really a superwoman!

Nina says she’s been known to spiral out of control because she forgot to make a dish, while a variety of delicious dishes are on the table. Or visited a relative’s home, and always wanting to be the pleaser, will eat stuff she normally wouldn’t.

And even worse, she would force her son to do the same, under the guise of politeness.

Not sure how to squeeze it all in?

Check out these 10 Tips from Nina!