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tripsforthesoul · 1 year

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Getting Lost in Italy

Italian Culture

Italian culture is composed of a beautiful mix of art, architecture, history, music, and food, making it a must-see destination. Italy is home to a wide variety of historical landmarks and sites, from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Colosseum in Piazza dei Miracoli, all sure to make your visit one to remember! Much of the culture in Italy is strongly influenced by religion, the Roman Catholic Church and Roman Mythology being the most prominent in historical and cultural aspects such as their architecture and art. In terms of customs, family orientation and a strong sense of community is what Italians are known for, and when visiting this country, expect gracious hospitality from the residents.

Food

Italy is famous for its high-quality cuisine that has become popular all over the world. This ranges from different variations of pizzas, pastas, risotto, cured meats, seafoods, cheeses, and my personal favorite, gelato! All of the ingredients used in Italian dishes are fresh and flavorful, and there is simply nothing like it! Whether you are fine dining or just roaming the cobblestone streets looking for a quick bite, Italy has some of the best cuisine if you’re a foodie looking to try a little bit of everything. In comparison to the United States, tipping is not as common in Italy, however it is important to show gratuity to these friendly residents.

Attractions and Activities

Rome is the capital of Italy and home to numerous historical events, and it is because of this that there is so much to see and experience. In Rome, ancient ruins of the Colosseum and the Pantheon monument are unforgettable spots. I would recommend visiting the Vatican City, home of the Roman Catholic Church, which holds the gorgeous Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, featuring some of the world’s most famous religious and renaissance style art/architecture. Florence is another go-to destination for gorgeous architecture and museums. Be sure to check out the Academia Gallery to marvel at The Statue of David! While you're in Florence, don't forget (though it's hard to miss) the breathtaking Duomo Catholic Church, which features stunning gothic architecture. When visiting these holy places, make sure to dress modestly and be respectful of the traditions and customs. If you venture to Venice, the Grand Canal is one of the main waterways that takes you through the beautiful Italian architecture. A gondola ride through the gorgeous bridges is something you have to experience for yourself! And finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip to southern Italy to the Amalfi Coast to see picturesque views and colorful towns that line the breathtaking cliffs.

Transportation

Italy has a great array of transportation methods that make getting to one city to another quick and easy for travelers. Depending on where you are, the most popular methods of transportation include trains, buses, and taxis. Italy has very narrow streets, so the best way to really get around the cities is by walking, but I would recommend the trains if you are traveling long distances, as they are very straight forward and inexpensive. If you happen to find yourself in Venice, and are wanting a more scenic method of travel, the city offers a considerably large network of transportation through canals using gondolas, ferries, and water taxis. These rides are extremely fun and I would highly recommend if you get the chance!

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tripsforthesoul · 1 year

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Next on the Bucket List: Spain

Spain is a stunningly vibrant nation that has plenty to offer all who visit, including breath-taking architecture, scenic spots, delectable cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage. I'll be breaking down some possible activities to include in your itinerary, there being endless things to do when traveling to this new and exciting area!

Activities and Attractions

Each Spanish city has a distinctive charm and offers something different for everyone who visits. The most widely visited locations are undoubtedly Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and the island of Ibiza, all of which have a ton to offer for tourists and locals. Spain has a rich and intriguing history, and visiting museums and art galleries is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's culture. Some of the most renowned museums are The Prado Museum and El Prado in Madrid and the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, all of which are tourist-favorites. If you want a different setting, there are many ancient castles and gothic cathedrals to visit in Spain, Lorca Castle and Burgos Cathedral being some of the most prominent to visit and admire. There is no doubt that Spain has some of the most stunning beaches in Europe, including Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, and Costa Blanca.

Festivals are popular in Spanish culture, where traditional eccentric dress is worn. At these festivals, there is flamenco dancing, tomato fights, bull races, contests, parades, and tons of Spanish cuisine. This is a great way to be immersed into Spanish culture whether you're alone or with a group! As we all know, Fútbol is a very popular and celebrated sport in Spain, and attending a match is another unforgettable experience for spirited fans of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

Food

Moving forward, Spain is known for its unique and tasty cuisine and each region typically has specialty foods. A very popular dish is Paella, which includes rice stuffed with saffron, vegetables and meat. Gazpacho, Tortilla Espanola, Patatas Bravas, and Pulpo a la Gallega are just a few of the most versatile options offered throughout the country. It is a known custom that Spanish residents eat dinner between the hours of 9 and 11 pm, so plan to have lunch between 2 and 4 pm so you're not famished waiting til dinner. Venturing out of your comfort zone and trying something you wouldn't normally eat is encouraged, and you should be openminded about everything because it might become your new favorite!

Transportation

Public transportation makes travel efficient and easy, and Spain has a great system that ranges from trains, buses, to metros, etc. These options are typically very cheap and will allow you to venture from city to city in the timely manner and help you navigate the country with ease and minimal stress! If you aren't fluent in Spanish, having a translator app is very useful for when you're on the road, though the majority of residents typically speak some degree of English.

When planning your trip to Spain, I highly recommend that you see all the things that this amazing country has to offer so you can appreciate and experience the beautiful Spanish culture and scenery. Everyone should have Spain on their bucket list, as there are endless things to do and an incredible culture that you just have to see for yourself!

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tripsforthesoul · 1 year

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Where to Next? The Beauty of Israel

Israel is a remarkably striking country that has so much history and culture, making it a popular tourist destination with much to offer to all visitors. From its unique blend of cultures to its delicious food and vibrant nightlife, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone to enjoy. With so much to do, it can be tough to navigate all the amazing things that Israel has to offer. Here is the only travel guide you’ll need to follow when you visit Israel to make the most out of your stay!

Food

When it comes to food, Israel is famous for its falafel, hummus, pita bread, and shawarma. You can find falafel joints all over the country, but the most famous ones are Itzik Hagadol and Abu Hassan Hummus. These popular spots are known for their high-quality food and are definitely worth a visit if you're a foodie looking for some authentic cuisine! You can find both of these restaurants in the heart of Tel Aviv in Jaffa, where the famous flea markets, also known as Shuks, are located.

Culture

Israel is home to many religions-Judaism, Islam, and Christianity- and the country’s culture reflects this unique mix of people of different backgrounds living together. If you come to visit during the holidays, whether it is a Jewish, Christian, or Muslim one, the streets will always be filled with people celebrating and dancing. If you plan on visiting during December, there will most definitely be both Christmas and Hanukkah festivities all over the country, especially in Jerusalem, the Holy Land. If you are not here during the celebratory months but still want to learn about the rich history of Israeli and Jewish culture, you can visit ancient religious sites like the Western Wall in Jerusalem or the old city of Tzfat year-round, or explore contemporary art museums like the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, which display important artifacts from both religious and historical events.

Transportation

Israel is a small country so it’s easy to get pretty much anywhere with just a car, but there is also the metro system that is tourist-friendly, and can be used to go to the beaches, downtown Tel Aviv, the bars, and the old city. If you don’t feel comfortable using the metro system in a foreign country, taxis can be easily spotted driving all throughout Tel Aviv and can take you to wherever you need to be!

Nightlife

Israel may be a small country, but it is known for its energetic nightlife and club scene. You'll find the best clubs in downtown Tel Aviv, and the city is always buzzing with people of all ages looking to have a good time. Some of the best clubs in the city include Shalvata and Sputnik, which cater mainly to the grunge/club scene, but there are many other options to explore that are all walking distance to each other.

Things to do

There's never a shortage of things to do in Israel. From historical monuments to goregous beaches, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Some of the must-see attractions include the Tel Aviv beach and boardwalk, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the Western Wall, the old city of Zefat, the Dead Sea, and the Shuk HaCarmel. Whether you're interested in history, religion, or just soaking up the local culture, you're sure to find something to do that sparks your interest and leaves you with a deeper understanding of the country’s uniqueness. If you’re looking for an itinerary with more adventure, be sure to check out the beautiful hiking trails of Masada and go camel riding through the desert!

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