August 2008
A few winters ago we spent New Years in Italy with some Italian friends. They invited us to tag along on their trip to the chic ski town of Cortina in the Italian Alps. While we didn't ski, we spent our days playing in the snow, wandering downtown, and eating lots of great Italian food. The town is quaint resort town full of skiers, relaxed food joints, and scenic vistas like the one above. This trip was really memorable for us, as we stayed with a friendly Italian family and a bunch of fun Italians (Francesco included) and got a peek into Italian mountain living that we would have never have gained access to as a "tourist."

Happy Hotelier: 10 Expat Blogs about the Netherlands
Expat blogs are great resources and Happy Hotelier points us to a great site for finding them.
Some people think they are savvy travelers. You know the type, endlessly bragging about how they got the best deal on a plane ticket, how they found a five star hotel for $99 a night. But what about after they get there? Chances are they blow their hard earned money on every overpriced tourist attraction forgetting all the money they've saved and mindlessly emptying their pockets to gain access into a city's cultural highlights. Don't be that guy.
Here's a tip for gaining access into almost any museum, for free. Do your homework, a bit of web research, and find out what days are free.
Our question today for Francesco....I am always curious what Italians actually eat for dinner. Is it the big spreads of food that we always see on TV or is that just for special occasions? What did you eat for dinner last night?
Jaunted: Food Travel 101 - BBQ
Jaunted highlights this funny video by the comic duo Rhett and Link that attempts to explain BBQ in the USA. To us native Virginians, BBQ is always pork, always pulled, and vinegar based.
I'm a big fan of design blogs and for travelers, they are often a great source for shopping advice. One of these stellar design bloggers is Holly Becker of Decor 8. She's lucky enough to have just set up a second home in Hannover, Germany and is documenting the experience of designing a home abroad at her new blog Haus Maus.
Not only does she offer loads of design inspiration and eye candy, but we found a great tidbit of travel advice.....how she beats jetlag.
The Guardian: Beer Girl's Rural Pubs
Outdoor pubs in the Uk that feature "cask beers and ciders straight from the barrel." Where's my passport?
On a hot August day like today, I need a little escape. So, I've let my mind wander back to a trip a few years ago where we had the opportunity to visit the small town of Durham in northern England. Green and lush with a scenic river surrounding the town, it provided the perfect spot for long walks and quiet reflection.
We recently did an interview with the folks over at Wandering Educators. We were able to share our thoughts on traveling as well as the trials and tribulations of starting a blog. Check it out here. Thanks for the glowing review guys!
This Non-American Life: Ten Things to do in Munich (for less than $5)
With Oktoberfest just around the corner, you're going to need some tips for saving money in Munich. The more money saved is directly proportional to beers drank.
When you're on a trip, you see a multitude of things that catch your eye. It's natural to want to record these memories of your trip, but that inclination can lead to the exact opposite: uninteresting, unmemorable shots. I've got a few tips to keep you from returning home with a virtual pile of photos that you'll never want to look at.
The highlight of any American roadtrip is a glitzy, gimmicky roadside attraction. Bright lights, oversized dinosaurs, and miles of billboards telling you to stop. So, what better place to spend the night on a trip down Route 66 than at the historic Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona?
SF Gate: Arthur Frommer Says to Skip the Staycation
Great advice for those who stayed home this summer because of fuel prices. Rethinking how you spend your money may open your eyes to a whole new world of travel.
Cool Travel Guide: Don't judge a guidebook by it's cover, judge by its author.
This is great advice, a guidebook is only as good as the person (or persons) who are writing it. Always look at their credentials and see if they're a good fit for your travel style.

We recently did an interview with the Karen Bryan over at Europe A La Carte's blog. We were able to share our thoughts on traveling as well some insight into the beginnings of Travellious. Check it out here.
When you're traveling around the world, you come to learn a few things about how to travel well. The folks over at Indie Travel Podcast are full-time world travelers; who better to look to for good advice than people who live, breathe, and exude travel?
One of their recent podcasts covered a topic near and dear to my heart, traveling lightly with electronics. If you're even thinking of traveling with more than an iPod, their discussion is well worth a listen.
One of my favorite ways to view art is in a house museum, a collection of art that is in the home of it's original owner instead of a museum. The home itself can often be a treat with original furnishings and period decor. More importantly, you get the privilege of seeing art on a real scale, as it was meant to be displayed. Instead of seeing art in a sterile white box, you get a unique and highly personal display of a collector's treasures. The next time you're heading to a new city, don't overlook a house museum.
One of the worst ways travelers can miss out on a great experience is by isolating themselves from the people they are visiting. Granted, it can be daunting to try to muster up the courage to speak to someone on the road, but it can be worth it.
At a loss for words? Start simple, and ask people where they like to eat. Or, ask them the best place to get a famous local dish, that is sure to get a good, if passionate, response.
The Guardian: A Ferris Wheel to Revive Baghdad Tourism?
























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