By Tamra Bolton ITWPA Member Every November, farmers, craftsmen, artists, and culinary artisans descend on tiny Figline Valdarno, located just forty minutes from the heart of Florence, Italy. During the annual Autumnia celebration, visitors can immerse themselves in Tuscan country living and its myriad traditions. You can taste fresh olive oil grown on the surrounding … [Read more...] about Autumnia Festival (Figline Valdarno, Tuscany, Italy)
Destinations
A Weekend in Devonport — Auckland’s Charming Little Seaside Village
By Miguel Garcia ITWPA Member Photographs by Simone Garcia If ever the city of Auckland, New Zealand, had to offer its best, Devonport would be it. Situated a mere ten minutes by ferry from the Auckland Central Business District, Devonport is a pleasant treat for the senses. Beautiful Edwardian heritage buildings, spectacular bay scenery, and stunning beaches, this village … [Read more...] about A Weekend in Devonport — Auckland’s Charming Little Seaside Village
Batu Karas: It’s the Destination, Not the Journey
By Janet Nisted ITWPA Member “Thank God that’s over,” said Trevor as he wearily stumbled out of the dusty minibus into the welcoming entrance of the Java Cove Beach Hotel. Over an ice-cold Bintang, he described the 12-hour, bone-rattling journey by road from Jakarta. “That road’s got more holes in it than one of granny’s lace doilies,” he said. We celebrated our own … [Read more...] about Batu Karas: It’s the Destination, Not the Journey
Val Formazza – Italian Alps Summer Escape
By Jan Barton Alpine meadows, crystal-clear rivers, and snow-capped peaks greet the summer visitor to the ancient, glacier-carved Val Formazza in the western Italian Alps. During the warmest months of the year, which are usually July and August, Italians migrate to the ocean or higher elevations not only to escape the heat but also the huge throng of visitors making an … [Read more...] about Val Formazza – Italian Alps Summer Escape
Walking Wailea
By Tim Cotroneo ITWPA Member For those considering Maui’s plush Wailea hotel zone for their next vacation, expect to pay $14 for a Mai Tai, $170 for Old Blue Golf Club greens fees, and $285 for a weekly rental on a Mustang convertible. The good news is there is one awe-inspiring Wailea activity that is not only healthy, it’s absolutely free. Wailea is home to one of the … [Read more...] about Walking Wailea