On this trip, I was able to visit three new countries:  Switzerland, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as spend time in Italy (quickly growing to be my favorite place in Europe).

It’s time to do a new map representing how much of the world I’ve visited.

I’m keeping count of the countries based on the Century Club’s official listing of countries of the world, and think that I’m approaching 22-ish or so.  I’ve got a couple more trips planned this year, so am hoping to add a few more countries to the  list.

Here’s what MY map looks like:

Create your own visited map of The World or Like this? try: Triposo Travelhacks

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Although the driving was left in the hands of the guys, we’ve covered enough ground that I can make a few observations (albeit from the passenger’s seat) about driving in Italy.

• People drive fast on the Autostrada.  Really, really, fast!
• Tailgating seems not only permissible, but encouraged.  Even when you’re going fast on the Autostrada.  Leaving any discernible gap between the car ahead of you is an invitation for someone to pass.
• You need a navigator or two to read the map and watch for directional signs.  When you blowing by them at speeds of 100+ kph, you need some extra eyes reading them.
• All roads lead to Rome – or so it seemed – as no matter where you are there is a sign pointing you toward Rome.
• In rural areas, you’ll find lots of narrow roads, frequently on the side of a mountain, and frequently containing lots of switchbacks.  People still drive fast.
• When you are driving along the steep side of a mountain, you probably won’t find any guardrails or warning reflectors.
• On these narrow winding roads, drivers will pass on a curve.  And sometimes that driver is in a large bus or truck.
• In the small, picturesque hill towns, the roads are very narrow and rarely go straight.  People drive on them, even though there is very little room on either side of the car.  We did this once, and in error.  The photo shows the street, a term used loosely, that we drove down.  Most of the time we parked and walked.
• Don’t expect drivers to stop for you in a cross walk. You’re going to need to dash across the street.

The stereotype of aggressive Italian drivers has some roots of truth, but these observations are not meant to be demeaning.  We soon found ourselves conforming to many of these driving habits as well.

If you’re staying in one of the larger cities like Rome, Florence, or Milan, you’ll probably have no need for a car.  If you want to take a day trip, you can rent one for a day or two.  But, if you’re going to explore the beautiful rural areas of the country, like Tuscany or Umbria, you’ll need to have a car.

Have you driven in Italy?

Photo credit:  personal collection

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I’ve been interested in Dubrovnik for years, long before Croatia separated from the former Yugoslavia.  The area was, at least I was led to believe, the area the maternal side of my family hailed from.

I have lots of restaurant, hotel, and attraction recommendations that I’ll be sharing over the next couple of months.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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I keep hearing it over again  - relaxation is what your body needs. Nourishment, renewal and balance are so important, yet I often put them on the end of my list of things to do. It’s almost like a need to force myself to do those things. When it’s time to focus on some self-love, it’s time for me to book a weekend (or week) at the Canyon Ranch.

Canyon Ranch originated in Tucson, Arizona in 1979 and has since expanded to Massachusetts (in 1989) and Miami Beach (in 2008). These properties have set the standards for health spas worldwide. If you are looking just for a hotel, you’ve come to the wrong place as your stay at any of the properties will be an all-encompassing experience: the spa, daily fitness activities, outdoor pool, full time physician and wellness specialists, gathering spaces and in-house restaurants will all add to your experience. I’d say they are the focal point here with the hotel suites more of a side note.

The evening I arrived at Canyon Ranch was a night of chaos in Miami. The roof of the Fontainebleau had collapsed just down the street so I couldn’t have asked for a better night to have escaped from it all. From the moment you enter the door, relaxation is in order. There’s no waiting in line at the check-in counter, but rather you sit down to make sure everything is in order. You soon receive your itinerary for your stay, a list of classes offered during your time there (and there are hundreds), a glass of refreshing Hibiscus tea and go over any dietary restrictions you might have. They are here to nourish your whole body and nothing is left out.

It’s time to hand over anything that reminds you of work (cell phones are banned in most area) as relaxation is a must.

The Spa

The center of activity should lie in the spa at Canyon Ranch. This 70,000 square-foot oasis combines all you need for a spa, wellness and fitness. What better location can you ask for than being situated on the Atlantic Ocean! Be sure to devote time each day to spend in the Aquavana. This thermal facility brings hot and cold sensations to you in a multi-sensory experience - an herbal sauna, hydro spa, Finnish sauna, crystal steam room, ice igloo, experiential shower-cabins (Atlantic Storm turned Polar Mist turned Caribbean Monsoon), your senses will be awakened. There are 54 treatment rooms on site, a men and women’s locker room and body treatments that are plentiful. Indulge in a signature treatment or head next door to the salon where even the manicures and pedicures use only vegan products.

The Fitness Center

Filled with state-of-the-art cardio, weight and strength-training equipment you will work with your personal trainer to reach your goals. There’s absolutely no cheating here as you are given a key that documents the number of reps, the amount of weight lifted and keeps a log of your workout history. All guests receive access to a list of complimentary classes ranging from a walk on the beach to Buff Ballet Booty to Kinesis Basics.

The Suites

All rooms are luxury suites here at this property equipped with a spacious living area (720 square feet to 1,200 square feet), large flat panel entertainment systems, fully equipped kitchens, high-speed internet access, plush robes and slippers, 400-thread count lines and a daily newspaper. And, don’t forget the gorgeous oceanfront views.

Restaurants

As someone who covers restaurants often, the dining experience is the center of my hotel experience and I believe that the Canyon Ranch Grill lived up to my expectations. It fits into the mode of healthful eating, provides all the nutritional information of the food on the menu, offers classes on how to create a healthy diet and bring it with you and still delivers a flavorful cuisine that all led to a memorable dining experience.  The stuffed spicy poblano peppers with goat cheese and shrimp were extraordinary, but you can find my entire review here.  It’s important to note that the  Miami location is the only property that serves alcohol, and while they do, everything is organic and biodynamic. In addition to the main restaurant, they do have EeZz’s Juice Bar (a smoothie bar), The Cabana (their poolside dining experience) and the Carillion Cafe where tea, wine and cheese are served.

What I truly loved about the Canyon Ranch was that everyone that I met on-site was passionate about this property. From the concierge to the waitstaff to the receptionist at the salon, I could tell everyone loved what they did at the Canyon Ranch and it was evident in the aura I felt walking around the resort. This is a rare find in properties in Miami, but one that I could easily get used to.

Next time I feel the overload of my everyday workload and need to break away, this is the perfect escape.

The Canyon Ranch is located at 6801 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. For reservations, call 305-514-7474.

Today’s guest post comes to us today from Katherine Lynch, travel writer at The South Florida Traveler for PlanetEye. When she’s not exploring new destinations, you will find Katherine exploring South Florida Restaurants at Dine Magazine , enjoying a glass of wine or planning wine and food events in South Florida.

Photo credits:  courtesy of Canyon Ranch Miami Beach

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Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh is a busy place throughout the year - at some point in the history of Edinburgh, someone thought it would be a good idea to combat our fickle and sometimes torturous weather with a series of festivals. Now, I think the city is deserving of the title City of Festivals, because nearly every month you’ll run into a festival or two to spruce up your visit.

Here’s the low down on some of my favourite festivals; if you want to check out the full festival calendar, head on over to Edinburgh’s Inspiring Capital website.

Beltane Fire Festival, End of April - I love the Beltane Fire Festival because it’s a good excuse to wander up onto Calton Hill at night - the views are stunning. While yes, I would agree that the antics of the fire festival performances can be bizarre and downright rude, the fires blazing along the National Monument makes me feel like I’ve travelled back in time to some ancient ritual performed by the Greeks. And to feel the searing heat and squint into the bright flames of the bonfire at the end of the show is a treat not often experienced here in Edinburgh. (Note: This is not a family-friendly event.)

Edinburgh International Film Festival, mid-June - Edinburgh’s film fest is a real gem for me because it features so many good indie features from our various European neighbours. Other festivals tend to show off big blockbuster hits with many of America’s major stars, but here in Edinburgh the focus is more on cinematic quality and top notch cinematography. The venues that host the festival as well - particular the Cameo and the Filmhouse - are such cute and cosy movie houses, I’d recommend a stop there even if the festival isn’t on.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival, August - Any festival-related text would be remiss not to highlight The Edinburgh Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival. The city is literally transformed - sometimes I still don’t believe it myself - into a bustling metropolis twice the size of normal and every empty space all over town becomes a performance venue, which does add to the serendipity but sometimes these cramped, hot spaces aren’t always the ideal choice. The Fringe has so many acts it can be really overwhelming - don’t worry so much about it, just live in the moment and ask around for a recommendation. If you’re on a tight budget, go to the half price tent next to Princes Street and Waverley Station in the afternoon for discount seats.

Hogmanay, end of December - What would any self-respecting city do when the winters turn cold and daylight becomes sparse? Hold a party, of course. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (an old Scots word for New Year’s) features fireworks, a German Christmas market, loads of amusement rides, and plenty of merry good cheer. Grab your warmest coat - but keep in mind it’s not that cold - and head here to celebrate Christmas in Edinburgh style.

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For more information on Edinburgh, be sure to check out the Edinburgh Guide - hopefully we’ll have it covered. If you still can’t find what you need, you can contact me, I’m happy to help.

Photo credit:  raymccrae @flickr

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The image of the submarine varies. Let it be Jules Verne’s submarine, the Nautilus from the book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the claustrophobic World War II U-boat searching the Atlantic for it’s next target, a nuclear-era stealth “boomer” playing blind man’s bluff with the Soviets, or a deep sea exploration sub diving to uncharted regions of the ocean for an underwater documentary film.

Yet most people probably don’t know that you can take a ride in an actual submarine.  Not in a simulator, not at a museum or in a pool, but in the open ocean.

Atlantic Submarines operates submarine tours in 8 destinations in Hawaii, the Caribbean and Guam.

All of the submarine tours visit local reefs, marine parks or, in some cases, shipwrecks. The Aruba submarine tour, for example, passes over two WW-II wrecks, while the Maui tour in Hawaii visits the Carthaginian, a replica of a 19th century vessel that was sunk off Lahaina to create an artificial reef.   My recent tour was in Cozumel, Mexico, diving on the one of the world’s most extensive natural reefs. 

Most of the Atlantic submarines dive to depths of 100-120 feet, and carry up to 48 passengers in their standard 65-foot (19.8m) submarine .  In Waikiki, they operate their 100-foot, 64-passenger Atlantis XIV, the world’s largest passenger submarine.

After a short boat ride, usually about 20-30 minutes, you arrive at the transfer point.  Once on site, the sub surfaces from the previous tour and the transfer boat ties up to the sub.  Passengers are efficiently transferred from the submarine to the boat and visa-versa. 

Anticipation rises as you climb aboard the submarine and are directed toward one of the two hatches.  To descend into the submarine, you need to turn around and climb down a short ladder into the sub’s hull.

Two rows of molded back-to-back seats facing outward line both sides of the submarine, and passengers are directed where to sit.  All the seats offer the same view, but seats up front allow you to also watch the sub operators in action.

My 40-minute submarine dive started with some brief safety instructions, information about our submarine and recommendations as to what to watch out for during the tour.

Within seconds, we heard “Dive, Dive” over the PA system, followed by a klaxon sounding and we were gently descending into the ocean’s depths.  Rows of windows offer great outward viewing for an unforgettable experience as you watch marine life pass by.  On some tours you may experience sea turtles and sharks swimming past your window, in others, colorful fish, anemones and other reef life, such as long sea fans and soft corrals swaying with the currnet.

Many people assume that viewing the ocean will be similar to an aquarium with its artificial lights. But in the ocean, at depths over 40 feet or so, the water filters much of the sunlight so everything has a bluish-green tint. 

As the sub descended deeper, there was no sense of claustrophobia as most people were mesmerized by the views out of their window. The electronic depth gauge clicked off our depth in feet, eventually reaching our maximum depth – 103 feet (31m).

The ride is comfortable and seems virtually motionless. The operators were able to hover the sub even in the strong Cozumel currents, giving people a chance to see large sea fans or spectacular orange corrals. 

And even as a scuba diver, I thought the Atlantis submarine tour was an enjoyable and very memorable experience. 

After the tour, each passenger was given a certificate to document their trip to 100 feet below the ocean’s surface. 

If you take the tour, remember, a submarine is referred to as a “boat, not a “ship”. And don’t let the music playing from the movie Jaws as you descend into the sub unnerve you. Just sit back, relax and enjoy your “dry” dive.

Atlantic Submarines

• Aruba
• Barbados
• Cozumel
• Grand Cayman
• Guam
• Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Kona)

Prices – Vary by destination - about $100.00 for adults, some destinations offer discounts for teens, $65.00 for children 4-14. Children must be at least 4 years old and a minimum of 3 feet (0.91m) tall. You can pre-book your tickets on the Atlantis Adventures website as most tours offer a discount or around 15%.

Jon Rochetti is the writer of the Washington DC-based travel blog, The DC Traveler, for PlanetEye.

Images – ©2009, Jon Rochetti

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I recently heard about a new experience the aquarium will be offering – a Dive with the Sharks program.  Offered to hotel guests of Mandalay Bay and THEhotel, this program will give certified divers the chance to accompany dive guides to hang out with over 30 sharks in the 1.2 million gallon exhibit.  Divers must be 18 years of age and older.

Dives are offered once per day, and there is a limit to two participants per dive.  The experience is a 4-hour commitment, during which you’ll have a chance to experience an up-close educational program about shark health and behavior.  The adventure begins with a guided tour of Shark Reef, where participants will learn about the various predators residing at the aquarium.  Then, you’ll get an orientation sessions and changed into wetsuits and don equipment.

Each dive will be a different experience, as they will be adapted to what’s going on in the life of the sharks.  Once in the water, participants will get up close and personal with sand tiger, white tip, and sandbar sharks, among others, along with green sea turtles, sawfish, and all sorts of other marine life.

Care has been taken to ensure the health and safety of all the marine life as well as the participants.  The limits on participants ensures personalized attention and safety throughout the entire experience.

The Dive with Sharks experience doesn’t come cheap — $650 for single diver or $1,000 for two divers (booked together).  This includes the guided tour of Shark Reef Aquarium, orientation session, the dive (about 45 minutes), and a post-dive snack.  All equipment is provided:  wetsuit, protective stainless steel chain maille as well as a mask, fins, tank, buoyancy-control device, regulator, weights and booties.  You’ll also receive a certificate and video of the dive.

Participants can bring up to four friends to watch the dive from outside the exhibit at no additional admission fee.  They can join in the introductory guided tour.

You must present a valid certification from a recognized dive instruction agency such as PADI or NAUI to participate.  The program is available four days per week, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Advance reservations are recommended.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of MGM MIRAGE

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Needing a bit of a stretch break, along with wanting some coffee and a bit of nourishment for the road, our band of travelers stopped at the “ristop” just off the autostrada (A-1) south of Milan.

I’m not a McDonald’s kind of gal.  No apologies – it’s just not my fast food preference.

Fortunately for me, right next to the burger and fries counter was a wonderful selection of pastries, paninis (sandwich), and coffee.  Our traveling snack turned out to be a hit, not a miss.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Lake Maggiore isn’t the largest of the Italian Lakes, but it is the longest, stretching about 40 miles from Sesto Calende at the Italian end to Magadino at the Swiss end.  The east side of the lake is in the Lombardy region and the west in Piedmonte.  The lake area is considered pre-Alp, and the area surrounding it is a mixture of hills and mountains that eventually lead to the Alps.

Around the lakes are numerous little town (or communes), each with its own flavor and ambience.  Most of the towns are quiet and casual, although their are a few that have rather opulent hotels and cafes.  I much preferred the casual, laid back spots, drinking coffee and eating where the locals were.   There is, however, most likely a town that will appeal, no matter what your preferences are.

With a location that provides a steady supply of wind, Lake Maggiore is also a popular spot for windsurfing and sailing.

Photo credits:  personal collection

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I love sightseeing, but the pressure to hit a laundry list of attractions can make your vacation feel like a competition, or even worse, work! One tactic that helps me keep my “must see” list under control is to limit it to three destinations. List checkers like my husband still feel like they’ve “accomplished” something. And it gives dawdlers like me enough space on our itinerary to enjoy a second cup of coffee – or aperitif – at a charming, out of the way café.

Here’s my “Three to See” in San Francisco!

Crissy Field and Golden Gate Bridge

As soon as you catch sight of the iconic red-orange Golden Gate Bridge, stretching across to Marin County, you’ll be glad you made the trip to Crissy Field in the historic Presidio National Park, even if you just get out of the car for a few minutes and soak up the views.

Wind, rain or shine, the Bay is filled with sailors and surfers. The island of Alcatraz seems close enough to touch, the San Francisco skyline stretches out to your right, and the seaside town of Sausalito, which will look familiar from many appearances on TV and in movies, is just across the bay.

History and aviation buffs will be fascinated by Crissy Fields’ decommissioned hangers, and vintage photos of aircraft dating back to the earliest days of flight.

You can bring a picnic lunch, pick up sandwiches and drinks at the Crissy Field Center or get an organic snack at the cute – and aptly named — Warming Hut Café.

Just remember to bring an extra sweatshirt or two – even when the famous fog is away, it’s still one of the windiest places in the city.

The Exploratorium

Just a few steps away from Crissy Field, at the Palace of Fine Arts, you’ll find the Exploratorium, a family friendly “Museum of science, art and human perception.”  There are loads of interactive exhibits, and touching is encouraged – at last, a fun museum for the kids! In fact, it’s a hand-on learning environment for kids of all ages.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is $14 for adults, $11 for seniors, people with disabilities and youth ages 13-17, and $9 for each little one between 4-12. Under 3, get in free! Also, the admission is free the first Wednesday of every month, but plan to arrive early to beat the crowds.

The Exploratorium is also a part of the CityPass program, which is definitely worth considering if you plan to hit a few museums during your visit to SF:

The Ferry Building and Farmer’s Market

If you don’t have time to visit the Central Valley farms and Napa Valley vineyards, take an afternoon at the Ferry Building  at the base of Market Street in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Foodies in particular will enjoy this recently renovated emporium that celebrates the local culture of food.

Open storefronts display the best produce, wine, cheese, chocolate and aromatic oil olive from the region. You can sample cuisine prepared in styles from around the globe. And on Tuesdays and Saturdays a Farmer’s Market with dozens of stalls fills your senses with the sights and aromas of fruit, vegetables and flowers.

There’s no charge to stroll through the Ferry Building or Farmer’s Market, but be warned: your pocketbook will be tempted by gelato, fresh bread and gorgeous organic produce at every turn!

Cat Lincoln is a freelance writer and social media consultant based in San Francisco, where she and her husband are often mistaken for tourists because they always have such a good time. In addition to sharing her favorite travel tips on UpTake, she is a contributor to style and green sites including StyleList, GreenDaily, and Tonic News.  Cat is also the co-founder of humorous pop culture sites 40 Whatever and wishbone clover.

In her spare time Cat is an amateur photographer, and is always on the lookout for new and exciting restaurants, especially ones with good desserts.

Photo credit:  Cat Lincoln

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