Theme Travel

When many think Italian food, chances are what comes to mind is a fairly standard image, one of pasta with meatballs or sausage, cheese-filled lasagna, chicken parmigiana covered in savory red sauce and many other dishes that have become the staples of Italian restaurants across America. The truth is, however, that what we commonly experience as Italian food is, in general, only an incredibly small slice of the amazing variety of tastes, textures and colors that make up Italian cuisine. No doubt, Italy is as famous for its incredibly diverse cuisine as it is for art, architecture and culture.

So what better way to experience the vast variety of what’s available in this Southern European nation than to make food an integral part of your travels there? The answer is there is none because pound for pound, a trip across Italy can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences and a true dream trip. From the fresh, simple tastes of Tuscany, to the spicy red sauces of central Italy, to any of a number of regional specialties, often influenced by neighboring countries of France, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Austria, you won’t be disappointed for even a second.

But don’t take it from me. Check out what RealTravelers Mike & Jac had to say about the amazing food they experienced during their road trip across Italy. Their first stop was Rome.

“On our first night in Roma we headed to Pizzeria San Callisto which we had read about as the best pizza in Roma… We sat outside (very cold by the way but better vantage point) and tasted some different bruschettas (yum!) and then the famous pizzas that lived up to expectations, falling off the plate and were brimming with flavour and freshness…

The Supermarceto is also worth noting - there are no supermarket chains around (in small or capital cities) but they all have proper delis where they slice whatever meat you like fresh off the bone/leg… There is a fine selection of wine at the supermarceto and even if you spend 4 euro on a bottle of a Chianti it is probably twice as good as a glass of house wine at an Aussie pub.” (more…)

Next stop was Florence, a city that needs no introduction, and for Mike & Jac the cuisine was as much a part of what made this unspeakably beautiful city memorable as the sites and attractions.

“On our first night we went to a nearby trattoria that was recommended in a guidebook – and it was on the mark! The Trattoria Contafino was a family run restaurant, full of locals enjoying the fantastic meals – primo (a pasta or soup), secondi (meat or fish) plus bread and side salad/veg and a ¼ litre vino for 11 Euro. The presentation of the food was simple but the flavour was sensational and the service homely. People often queue up out the front for a table. Also the dolce (dessert) was fabulous for an extra few euro – these Italians know how to make a fresh baked cheesecake and tiramisu!…

[The next day] we could not resist popping into our already favourite trattoria just around the corner – Mike tried rabbit for the first time and I had chicken with some fabulous artichoke sauce, of course there was primi and I had the most delicious ravioli with ragout (bolognaise) sauce and Mike was in heaven with the freshly rolled egg pasta fettuccine with pesto…We are not exaggerating – of all the meals in Italy prior to Florence and also the ones after (as we write this we are actually in Venice at the end of our Italy stay) it really did set the standard by which we would measure other meals – conceding that we were privileged to experience such an establishment (we went three times by the time we left Florence!).” (more…)

From there they continued on to the small village of Casoli in Bagni Di Lucca, where they stayed in a chalet and were able to experience truly local flavor in what can only be described as an intimate setting. Could anything else so perfectly epitomizes the emphasis on local flavor in Italian cuisine?

“As promised, Maria’s husband Daniel picked us and our luggage up at the carpark – Casoli is an 11th century medieval village complete with narrow cobbled stoned paths and accessible by foot only and with a population of only 35!

After a much deserved sleep we woke to the sound of Maria preparing our breakfast downstairs (ended up we were staying in a two story chalet with our room upstairs and our own dining room and lounge downstairs). It was a feast! Omellette, two types of cheese, salami, yoghurt, cereal, juices, bread, jams (they grow fruit and make their own preserves to sell at nearby markets), fresh coffee brought in once we were sitting, and a whole cake (of course we did not eat it all!)!” (more…)

I think it’s safe to say we all hope Mike & Jac will fill us in on the rest of their trip through Italy. But even this set of incredible experiences are only a piece of what you can find during your own travels. So get to planning and get to packing! Here are some resources that can help you:

Rome Hotels
Florence Hotels
Lucca Hotels

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Out and proud and looking for a fantastic travel experience? Every couple wants the opportunity to relax, have fun, and be themselves while on vacation, so we’ve compiled a list of some great gay-friendly vacation ideas, from exciting gay and lesbian events like Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney, to laid-back, rainbow proud cities like Key West and Provincetown where couples can walk hand in hand along the beach, or enjoy a romantic evening over a candle light dinner in a carefree and accepting atmosphere.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

This year, Sydney’s annual fun fest is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary — if you’ve never been to this dizzyingly delightful event, this is the year to get inaugurated! From cabaret to comedy, dance parties to discussion groups, film festivals to fabulous fashion, Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the world’s most joyous and memorable events. Big performers this year include comedian extraordinare, Marget Cho, and pop legend Cyndi Lauper. Celebrations actually get under way in February, with a full month of cultural, social, and musical events, all leading up to the preeminent Mardi Gras parade and party on March 1. Whether you choose to march in the parade, or watch from the sidelines, your sense of pride will skyrocket as thousands of gay and gay-friendly folks gather to celebrate this year’s theme, “Brave New Worlds.” The after-party promises an electrified night of performances by some of the world’s most cutting-edge DJ’s mixing beats inside kaleidescopic light shows. Let the dancing begin!

Tickets and passes for individual events, as well as the main parade and party are going fast, so if you want to be part of one of the greatest gay and lesbian celebrations in the world, start booking as soon as you can. For a list of great hotels to choose from in Sydney, check out Sydney Hotels.

Key West, Florida

In Key West, where the average temperature is just under 80 degrees, gay and lesbian couples will find a fabulous variety of fun in the sun activities. One of the United States’ most gay-friendly cities, Key West is an island paradise where the official motto is “One Human Family.” Any time of year, travelers can enjoy tanning on the beautiful beaches, diving and snorkeling in crystalline waters, biking through the historic district of Old Town Key West, experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Duval Street, stopping to smell the roses at Key West Botanical Forest and Garden, and so much more. Key West is also host to some exciting annual events, such as Gay Spring Break in March, Pridefest in June, and Womenfest in September. Key West’s GLBT Visitor’s Center is a fantastic resource for gay and lesbian travelers, offering information on activities, special coupons, and discount offers.

Ready to soak in a little sun and fun in Key West? Check out Key West Hotels to start planning your trip.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Voted “Best Gay Resort Town” by OutTraveler in 2005, and then again by PlanetOut in 2006, Provincetown is a mecca of culture, art, and adventure for the gay or lesbian traveler. Strolling past its pleasantly funky architecture, lovely tree-strewn streets, and historic sites (P-town was the first landing site of the Pilgrims and the place where the Mayflower Compact was signed), travelers will see gay couples walking hand in hand, gay parents pushing their children along in strollers, and a myriad of smiling and friendly faces. Located on the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a wonderful destination for whale watching, as RealTravelers Globally Speaking recently discovered:

“It was a perfect whale watch trip…since it had been raining there were very few people on the ship, we could run around at will. We rode out to Stellwagon Bank, a hot feeding ground, and immediately began spotting whales. In total, we saw about 20 humpback whales and over 100 dolphins!” (more…)

For appreciators of the arts, P-town is where it’s at. Dozens of art galleries line popular Commercial Street, and travelers can catch great theatre production here too at wonderful theatres like Provincetown Repertory Theatre (also on Commercial Street), and Provincetown Theatre Company on Bradford Street. Other activities travelers can enjoy include harbor cruises, sailing, dolphin watches, biking, beach swimming, and fishing. Oh, and let’s not forget, if it’s time to make the ultimate commitment to your partner, P-Town will be happy to host your wedding! Check out Provincetown Hotels to begin planning your stay.

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