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It’s historic travel news: in what the country’s tourism board is calling a “unique experiment,” the famous canal city of Venice, Italy, is implementing what it labels “a daily access fee.” The controversial ‘visitor’s tax’ takes effect April 25 after years of debate and delay.

The move is a pilot project that officials hope will ease the pressures of “over-tourism” in one of the most popular and vulnerable historic city destinations in the world. If successful, supporters hope the tourist toll will allow the city to become more liveable for its own residents – which in turn, will nurture the famous Venetian lifestyle that visitors to the city come in search for.

Venice has already – again, after years of debate and delay – banned large ships in the Grand Canal and Lagoon of the city. The toll on day trippers will also affect large ship cruise passengers who will now have to dock outside Venice and be coached into the city.

On 29 selected days throughout 2024 (April 25-30, May 1-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, June 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, July 6-7, 13-14), a €5 ticket will be required for day visitors entering Venice between 8:30 AM and 4 PM.”

However, there are exemptions: for locals and youths and those staying inside Venice. Those with overnight reservations inside the city already pay a city tax with their hotel booking, but you’ll have to have a QR code to pass through checkpoints/ access gates.

Tourism officials also encourage visitors to consider purchasing the Venice Pass for unlimited public transport and access to major attractions—to save time and get around using more sustainable public infrastructure: https://www.venicepass.eu/

“Explore Venice Responsibly!” A statement from tourism officials declares. “Let's embrace this new initiative to maintain the beauty and heritage of our enchanting city.”

Venice’s ‘experiment’ is one that the travel world – and especially other high-traffic destinations struggling with negative effects of their own popularity – are watching closely. Addressing ‘over-tourism’ is one of the components for more calls for more sustainable and responsible travel.

1. Spread the Travel Love Around: as popular destinations have been getting busier, savvy travelers are looking into paths less followed. Off-the-beaten path destinations have many of the same charms (and sometimes more! If you don’t love crowds and lineups) as their more-famous counterparts – and may be more welcoming to visitors. In addition, you know your travel budget is supporting a new local economy.

2. Consider Popular Destinations During the Shoulder or ‘Off’ Season: that’s when they are less busy. Destinations still want visitors, they just don’t want their infrastructure or community overwhelmed. Traveling there during the slow season smooths out spikes in traffic.

3. Your Expert Travel Advisor is Your Best Resource: they can help you navigate an increasingly complex travel landscape, with ways to maximize your budget (and potentially avoid paying a tourist toll), have the best visitor experience in a popular destination or help you discover a new, less-traveled destination you’ll love as much as the more famous ones.

Sandals Opens 18th All-Inclusive Resort in Off-the-Beaten-Path Caribbean Archipelago

Looking for a luxury, all-inclusive, nature-forward beach resort experience in a mostly-undiscovered destination? Sandals has opened the doors of its newest resort – with a view down a 300-foot pool straight to the pristine blue sea off the shores of the Eastern Caribbean destination of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

‘Vincy,’ as it’s affectionately called by those in the know, is a multi-island state, an archipelago with 32 islands and cays stretching 45 miles south from the main island of St. Vincent. Only eight islands are inhabited. St. Vincent and the Grenadines offers the best of an authentic Caribbean vacation experience: stunning natural beauty with a mountain backdrop and unique, black sand beaches; ecotourism such as hiking the La Soufrière volcano; exploring cascading waterfalls or visits to heritage sites including the Botanic Gardens, the oldest in the western hemisphere; the Tobago Cays (home of SVG’s national marine park), a horseshoe shaped reef that shields five deserted islets and is known to have some of the best sailing waters in the world.

The new Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines brings guests into that diverse and authentic Caribbean island experience. The company is calling its newest resort a ‘gem’ in its collection, as well as the most contemporary. It’s also host to a number of ‘Sandals Firsts,’ where couples can commune with nature, foster wellness, and reconnect.

The 300-foot linear pool connect a flora-framed lobby terrace to the horizon on the sea, with cabanas and cocktails inviting guests to relax along the way. Three other pools are arrayed on the property among lush vegetation.

A ‘Sandals First,’ Vincy Overwater Two-Story Villas feature expansive spaces spanning two stories above the sea, as well as dedicated villa perks including an exclusive table at Buccan. Beachfront Villas offer a tranquil retreat just steps from the sand; inside, guests are met with warm neutrals, organic textures, locally-sourced volcanic materials and pops of cool blue to create a harmonious connection with the island's natural surroundings.

Many of the resort’s suites also feature elevated amenities – from a dedicated media room and private pool to a personal fitness room with exercise bikes, yoga mats and a library of fitness classes. Sandals’ signature butler service adds an additional level of luxury, with butler-level room guests treated to memorable moments.

Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is ‘meticulously local’ – from built-in programming celebrating the island’s illustrious botanical gardens to the introduction of new dining concepts like Buccan, a large-format style dining experience that creates conversation and connection over locally harvested food roasted in an open hearth.

On site, you can take guided kayak experiences to Buccament Bat Caves and ride bikes throughout the resort’s gardens and winding trails surrounded by the destination’s natural flora. Interactive classes and tastings highlight the region's rich agricultural heritage, from aloe vera to local fruit like mango and breadfruit. Along the water’s edge, artisans bring forward soap making and handmade jewelry, among other crafts. As night falls, the essence of the island comes alive with vibrant festivities, from sunset parties on the beach to rum sensory experiences and movies under the stars.

Off site, discover adventure – from a towering waterfall to volcanic black sand beaches, sailing the clear blue seas and waving hello to abundant marine life below the surface via Sandals’ award-winning, unlimited scuba diving program.

Or change gears and find balance and serenity at the spa, offering the soothing ambiance of flowing water and lush greenery, and treatments that harness the natural minerals found in volcanic sand to exfoliate and detoxify.

Buccan is an immersive family-style, open-air culinary journey and the region’s first-ever solid fuel restaurant. The cooking style, done in local clay yabba pots, becomes a centerpiece of the experience, turning local cedar and sustainable sources like coconut husks into coal as chefs rely on ancient culinary techniques to create a menu highlighting local ‘Vincy’ ingredients with seasonal platters designed for sharing.

Scrimshaw taps into the island's abundant access to fresh seafood from its location on the coastal shelf, starring curry conch fritters; scallops with pickled, locally grown peanuts; and a vegan roasted pumpkin with lemongrass-tofu puree, spiced pumpkin seeds and red onion relish.

A sophisticated cocktail menu carries the narrative with the Scrimshaw Martini, finished with a dash of MSG for a unique umami experience to accompany fresh seafood dishes; and the Gin Tonica, a botanical excursion in a glass adorned with citrus wheels, rosemary pimento vermouth, and lime.

Parisol, an open-air beach club and kitchen, invites guests to salute the morning sun with smoothies that incorporate the viral superfood, sea moss; naturally gluten-free cassava flour pancakes; and locally loved ‘Bakes’ with salted fish and guava jam. Day time bites to savor by the sea include the tuna & charred cucumber aguachile to the snapper, skipjack, conch or lobster – served grilled, steamed or fried – accompanied by lemongrass rice and ginger cabbage slaw.

'Vincy' evenings on the resort come alive after the stunning sunset. Vibing to the beat of a curated selection of hand-picked vinyls, Three Jewels rum bar celebrates a quintessentially local Caribbean spirit, with a selection of 32 rums inspired by the destination’s 32 islands within 32 miles; more than two-thirds of the menu hones in on Eastern Caribbean distilled rums – one of five jovial bars around the resort.

Top Countries for Wildlife Viewing - and What to Photograph There

Wildlife photography safaris have never been more popular, as constant advances in technology make incredible image capture more accessible to ordinary travelers. One study of millions of wildlife photos on a photo-sharing website has revealed which countries’ creatures are the subject of the most snaps – indicating the best places to go to photograph some of the planet’s most photogenic wildlife.

The survey of photos determined the number of wildlife photos as a percentage of all photos taken in a certain destination – to indicate in which countries people photographed wildlife most.

In fact, five of the top ten spots are clinched by sub-Saharan African countries: Kenya is joined by Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia and South Africa. In all of these African countries, traditional, iconic, ‘Big Five’ safari creatures: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinoceros, as well as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, wildebeest and other, smaller creatures and birds like ostrich, dominate wildlife photography travel goals.

Canada actually had the most wildlife photos tagged overall – a higher absolute number than Kenya! But just slightly fewer as a percent of overall photography tagged Canada, indicating that Canada’s other, non-wildlife photo-worthy attractions pulled its rank of percentage of wildlife photography down a bit. 20.42% of photos tagged Canada featured wildlife.

Canada’s size and diverse landscapes, ranging from Arctic tundra to boreal forest, grasslands, ocean coastlines and more, mean that its iconic and most-photographed wildlife often live in completely different ecosystems, thousands of miles apart.

So lots of planning is required if it’s your goal to photograph a grizzly bear or a whale, a polar bear or a moose, an Arctic fox or an elk, leaping salmon or a lynx, a cougar or a puffin, a caribou or a beaver, an eagle or an orca.

And in the number three position with 19.19% of photos taken there featuring wildlife, a country that is famously an urban – not wild – jungle! Singapore is a city-state and is only 275 square miles in size – largely developed. But despite its vibrant urban setting, Singapore’s commitment to lush botanic gardens, wetlands and surrounding islands provide a setting for an astonishing range of wildlife – accessible to visitors with their cameras at the ready.

Singapore is a haven for lovers of birds and butterflies. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded on the island and its surrounding territories. Nature and wetland reserves and even Singapore Botanic Gardens are great places to spot hornbills, herons, and more tropical birds. Changi Airport has its own Butterfly Garden with a dazzling array of species and colors to awe arriving and departing visitors.

Spot otters in Singapore’s waterways; monitor lizards bask in the sun in nature and wetland reserves, and long-tailed macaques (pictured, top) are common sights in many of Singapore’s green spaces.

After Kenya, Canada and Singapore, the top 10 list for wildlife photography is rounded out, in order, by: Australia, Botswana, Tanzania, Lithuania, Namibia, India, and South Africa.

VIDEO: Behind the Scenes Tour of the Submarine Hangar on a Viking Expedition Cruise

Viking has two expedition cruise ships and each is equipped with 2 ‘yellow submarines,’ zodiacs, kayaks, and special operations boats that allow guests to launch into excursions right off the ship – no port infrastructure required!

That opens up a whole new way of experiencing the world, even in remote regions from pole to pole, on one of Viking’s polar-class expedition ships, the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris.

Cruise/ travel journalist Lynn Elmhirst and our cameras spent a day aboard the Viking Octantis with the director of Viking’s expedition operations during a recent expedition cruise of the Great Lakes for a fascinating, behind the scenes tour.

We were fortunate that Jorn Henriksen had come from Norway to be aboard during our 8-day Great Lakes cruise. We departed from Milwaukee, WI, cruised through Lake Michigan to the famous, car-free, horse-drawn-carriages-only Mackinac Island, then into Canada’s Georgian Bay on Lake Huron, where all the expedition ‘toys’ came out to allow us to explore North America’s “Inland Seas” as we sailed north west through the Soo Locks, into Lake Superior and onwards to Thunder Bay.

The expedition way of experiencing the world gives you a complete change of perspective on land and seascapes you may already think you know! From quiet kayaking along the shorelines to zodiac tours and special operations boat rides further afield from the ship. Not to mention the thrill of diving up to 300 meters in a sub into the depths of the waters you’re cruising!

Viking calls the large space devoted to the expedition ‘toys’ aboard the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris the “Hangar,” inspired by military jargon. And it’s designed with ingenious ways to load and unload the two submersibles, special operations boats, and get guests out exploring on the water, fast, no matter where the Viking Octantis finds itself.

Essential Tips for Booking Your Next All-Inclusive Vacation

It's not too late to book your all-inclusive getaway this season. But all resorts are not created equal. Making the wrong choice of an all-inclusive vacation can be the difference between the relaxing… or romantic… or active… or fun-filled family holiday you were hoping for.

Even if you’ve had terrific holidays at certain resorts in the past, a different group of travelers might not have the great time you remember. Are you part of a couple looking to reconnect? A group of friends? A family with small children? Teens? Multi-generational family?

They know the differences between the many all-inclusive resort companies that cater to every type of all-inclusive holiday-maker to help you choose from thousands of properties in sun destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Latin America and even Europe.

1. Location, location, location: After you choose between a tropical or an alpine vacation, there’s still lots more to decide. Do you want to do yoga on the beach facing sunrise? Or drink wine with your sweetheart watching the sun set?

But there’s more to a resort than east or west-facing locations. Some destinations are simply more convenient: are there direct flights from your gateway to the nearest airport? More than one flight per week for a flexible length of stay?

And do you hope to spend time off the resort? Does that translate to a destination with plenty of history, archaeology, adventure tourism, famous dive sites, local markets, a thriving dining or local nightlife scene to enjoy? Matching your off-resort interests – and the distance from them – can help ensure you create new memories on your holiday.

2. Who’s your daddy? Are you traveling as a multi-generational family where the interests of grandparents, single aunts and uncles, child-free adults and families with teens or small children all need to be accommodated? Are you looking for an adults-only escape?

A resort with a waterpark might make all the difference to a family with kids under 12. And an intimate property with quiet garden paths, romantic restaurants and a programming just for grow-ups might be just what a couple that needs to spend time alone together needs.

3. Life’s a beach: but is it the right beach for you? Some resorts have private beaches – even within a bay that creates a natural perimeter to keep your kids within eyesight - or provide privacy or intimacy that a public beach does not. But if you’re looking for a beach with lots of activities, including water sports, beach volleyball and long walks in the sand, you’re likely looking at a bigger and more public beach.

4. Size matters: How big is your ideal resort? Do you like being in a tower where you have an expansive view over the sea and lots of restaurants and amenities and activities, like tennis courts, several pools with different atmospheres (family, adults-only, even private plunge pools with your own private villa)? Or do you like to feel shut off from the world, where you have a short wander to a secluded-feeling beach?

5. Included Inclusions: The attraction of an all-inclusive is paying once in your local currency before you travel and not having to take out your wallet, calculate currency conversions very often, or worry about a big bill at the end of your stay.

But what’s really included in your fare? Only buffet-style dining? How about specialty restaurants? Are there limitations about how many times you can dine in a specialty venue? Are there watersports or wellness programming like yoga classes included? How about kids’ programs to keep the young members of the family entertained and occupied?

6. Available Add-ons: Even if you’re willing to pay for non-included perks and programming, what’s offered? Circus school? Mixology classes? A cigar lounge? Private, overwater bungalows? Luxury transfers? A private villa? How about a butler or dedicated concierge? And an uber-premium backbar?

7. All-inclusive, deluxe: Luxury is the newest trend in all-inclusive resorts, which used to focus on the more budget end of the market. Now, the convenience of the all-inclusive, packaged model, but delivered in true luxury style, is available more and more. And it might be right for you.

8. Loving local: Another trend is towards authentic local experiences and resorts that genuinely contribute to local well-being. New resorts tout that they arepreserving or actively rehabilitating local land or seascapes; sourcing ingredients from local producers/ producing ingredients on site; implementing resort design that reflects local history and culture; and supporting local artists and craftspeople and even schools and training initiatives.

VIDEO: Incredible! Helicopter Quest for Emperor Penguins on the Scenic Eclipse in Antarctica

The Scenic Eclipse ultra-luxury expedition ship is equipped with not one – but two, 6-seat helicopters – and they were the key to a life-changing excursion during our cruise in Antarctica. Even many of the crew and expedition team members said in years of bringing cruise travelers to the White Continent, they’d never seen Emperor penguins – the world’s largest penguins.

Well, after years in the planning, that changed. Scenic’s expedition team worked out a way to fly guests – 5 at a time – to the northern (closest) known Emperor penguin colony.

It was a transformational experience that was years in the making. The Scenic team had to figure out the logistics of helitours that land and disembark passengers on ICE – because that’s where Emperor penguins live.

Scenic is one of the signatories to an agreement among cruise lines sailing in the Antarctic to conduct operations with maximum safety for guests in a harsh and unforgiving environment and also to ensure the protection of the environment and wildlife that lives there.

Vital measures include sterilizing footwear getting off and back on the ship before and after every shore excursion, to ensure no foreign pollutants contaminate Antarctic territories. Plus, in the case of the Emperor penguin colony helitour excursion, to setting the helicopter down a minimum of 1 km away from the colony to avoid disturbing these giant birds, and their babies – in any way. All us humans were supposed to keep a specific distance from the Emperor penguins, who weren’t very helpful in cooperating! They were so curious, they kept following us around and coming up very close even when we kept backing away. The Scenic expedition team did establish a perimeter at the edge of the main body of the colony that no human crossed – but that didn’t stop some penguins from wandering over to check us out!

Emperor penguins are an incredible bird. Here are some other facts about Emperor penguins you may want to know if you are thinking of an expedition cruise to the Antarctic in the hopes of seeing them yourself.

2. Emperor penguins are the largest penguins – and one of the largest birds anywhere in the world! They can reach about 4 feet tall and weigh in at about 90 pounds! That also makes them one of the largest birds on the planet.

3. They are only found in Antarctica. There are 18 different species of penguin, but Emperors and one other penguin – the Adelie – are the only two that are truly and exclusively Antarctic.

4. Emperor penguins may be the only bird never to set foot on land. Unlike other species of penguins, Emperor penguins live exclusively on ice. “Fast ice” is a floating sheet of frozen ocean that’s attached to land, and that’s where Emperor penguins breed and raise their babies. Other types of penguins live on land. Their dependence on ice makes Emperor penguins particularly vulnerable to loss of ice at the South Pole due to climate change.

5. As we learned during lectures from the expedition team aboard the Scenic Eclipse, space-age technology is helping us learn more about these unique birds. Emperor penguin colonies are being discovered by satellite searches! Over the last 15 or so years, more than 30 previously-unknown Emperor penguin colonies have been discovered using satellite imagery of the coastline of the Antarctic – doubling the number of identified colonies. We were told the colony on Snow Hill that we visited by helitour had been seen via satellite.

6. If you really want to see Emperor penguin babies, you should book an early season Scenic expedition cruise. They lay their eggs in May or June, and chicks are still in their adorable, fluffy gray plumage in the southern hemisphere’s spring: November-December. That coincides with the November beginning of the Austral spring – late summer cruise season.

The Bahamas "Launching" as the Next Destination for Space Tourism

We have lift off! It’s a “giant leap” for The Bahamas, which is joining the exclusive club of destinations appealing to fans of humankind’s Last Frontier. The country has entered into an agreement with Elon Musk’s space tourism company SpaceX to become a global destination to witness booster landings.

SpaceX – short for the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. – is planning mission designs that will see SpaceX droneships serving a Falcon 9 landing location east of The Exumas. The spectacle will only be visible from The Bahamas – and that makes it the only space tourism destination of its kind in the world.

Tourism officials anticipate that awe-inspiring sight will be able to be viewed from Bahamian resorts, tourist hotspots and even cruise ships in local waters. The Bahamas, just off the coast of Florida, is a hop, skip and a jump away from mainland U.S.A., easily accessible for North Americans. For super space fans, it could be part of a space travel odyssey that includes Florida's Cape Canaveral, too.

It’s a whole new type of experience for visitors to The Bahamas’ 700 islands and cays. Right now, travelers visiting The Bahamas focus on world-class fishing, diving, boating, beach activities and cruise ports of call on cruise line private islands or The Bahamas’ own 16 unique island destinations.

The agreement “marks a new era for The Bahamas,” said Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “We are honored to work with SpaceX to enable their Falcon 9 rockets to safely land on an autonomous droneship within Bahamian waters, helping to continue their rocket reusability efforts.”

SpaceX has committed to supporting the creation of a space exhibit showcasing hardware space fans will recognize, as well as a SpaceX spacesuit. It will be the only such exhibit outside the United States, and is expected to become a major attraction.

The Bahamian landings will not only provide a new space tourism experience. They will also support SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet mission, but also contribute to saving lives, enhancing first responders' capabilities, and ensuring connectivity in times of disasters, as Cooper explains.

“Simultaneously, through Starlink’s high speed internet from space, this agreement opens doors to unprecedented opportunities for our citizens, fostering long-term advantages for education, emergency response and innovation,” he said.

The initiative also means The Bahamas is about to become one of the best-connected regional destinations. As part of the agreement, The Bahamas has arranged for Starlink internet connectivity at multiple locations across the Family Islands. While specifically designated for schools lacking sufficient internet capacity, it will also bolster the capabilities and operations of first responders in the area.

SpaceX's commitment to educational outreach through Science, Technology Engineering and Math and space-focused presentations several times a year will leave a lasting impact on the growth of STEM education in The Bahamas,.

Former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, was pivotal in helping cement the agreement for The Bahamas. In 2024, she is set to become an astronaut: the first Bahamian in space.

“The Bahamas is poised to embrace its newfound role in the global space industry, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history,” added Cooper. “We look forward to a future where The Bahamas stands proudly as a trailblazer in space tourism and technology in line with our Blueprint for change and our Innovate242 initiative,” he said.

New All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean Include Overwater Restaurant Made for Love

Just add love. Kindle or rekindle the flames of your relationship at two new, all-inclusive, adults-only, beach resorts this year. You can be among the first couples to indulge in the embracing warmth of all-new luxury resorts that make it easy to relax, knowing practically everything is already paid for.

If you’ve never been to Antigua, this new resort will inspire you to visit the intimate and prestigious island – one half of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Renowned for its 365 beaches – a different one for every day of the year – its chic sailing and yachting culture, fine dining, range of exclusive activities like yacht cruises and charters, helicopter tours, and its luxury, off-the-beaten path appeal for celebrities and VIP’s, Antigua is a jewel in the islands for travelers in the know.

From April, 2024, on the sunset-facing, northwest coast of the island, the Royalton CHIC Antigua (pictured, top) is setting a new bar for adults-only, all-inclusive luxury.

Pescari will elevate your dining experience with breathtaking ocean views, incredible sunsets and a stylish atmosphere – made for holding hands over the table and gazing into each others’ eyes… or relaxing over your glass of wine as the sun sets and the candles are lit.

In addition to the overwater restaurant, seven restaurants ranging from an authentic steakhouse to Caribbean, Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, five bars and an on-site rum shop conceived for the property, mean every night is memorable for you and your special someone.

Located on a sandy beachfront, Royalton CHIC Antigua’s 235 stylish rooms and suites each have a balcony or terrace for breathtaking ocean and sunset views, and modern décor. You’ll enjoy the company’s signature “DreamBeds,” rain shower and “All-In Connectivity” amenities; 24/7 room service featuring the picks from the menus of onsite dining outlets, creating the perfect setting for you and your sweetheart to spend the night “in.”

You can also take your beach holiday up another notch by upgrading to a category offering everything from butler services to personalized check-in and check-out, private space to call your own by the pools and on the beach, and ultimate in-room amenities.

Beyond pools and the beach, an entertainment plaza has a theater for live music and more; a spa with wellness offerings for the body, mind, and spirit, a fitness center with instructor-led activities including paddle board, sunset yoga, and beach bootcamp programs.

Another Secrets Resort, the latest Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt resort, has opened in the Dominican Republic. The 688-room Secrets Tides Punta Cana blends modern luxury with a romantic atmosphere offering an ideal escape for couples.

Located along the picturesque, palm-studded beach in the Uvero Alto neighborhood of the DR’s upscale resort community of Punta Cana, the resort pulls guests into a relaxed, island atmosphere with its traditional Dominican architecture, lush vegetation, bendy palms, and local flora. The island’s natural foliage and crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean merge to create the perfect romantic escape.

While many will immediately think of the resort as ideal for honeymoons, weddings, and vow renewals, everyday romance thrives at the resort whose byline promises “Unlimited Luxury” that includes a furnished balcony or terrace, a daily refreshed mini-bar, coffee bar, bath amenities, bathrobes, slippers, 24-hour room service, and more.

Upgrading will provide you with an even more spacious suite and a range of additional services including personalized check-in and checkout service, private lounge pool a dedicated area at the infinity pool and the beach, and an exclusive restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

On-site restaurants – 8 bars and lounges plus 6 a la carte restaurants in total - offer local and international cuisine, including South American, “Mediterrasian” fusion, as well as a buffet and grill and 24-hour room service perfect for spending the night “in.”

A Hotel on Italy’s Chic Lake Como Now Has the Largest Floating Infinity Pool in the World

For centuries, the glacial lake located in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, surrounded by the majestic Alps and near the Swiss border, has been famous for its crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and picturesque landscapes.

The serene, scenic… and cooler environment has been attracting the who’s who of Italian society escaping the summer heat of the cities for centuries. And travelers from around the world are in on the secret now, too.

Lake Como has attracted celebrities and prominent figures for decades. George Clooney, for example, famously owns a villa on the lake, and the region has been the backdrop for various films (one of Clooney’s “Oceans…” films, James Bond and more) and high-profile events, further adding to its allure.

The towns and villages that dot the shores of Lake Como are incredibly charming and offer a taste of traditional Italian life. Some of the most famous towns include Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Como. These towns feature colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and beautiful gardens and both humble and traditional, as well as world-class fine Italian dining, making them perfect for leisurely strolls and exploration and indulging in Italian lifestyle.

The region boasts elegant villas and palaces, such as Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, and Villa Serbelloni, which showcase architectural beauty and house art collections. Additionally, there are churches, museums, and ancient ruins that provide insight into the area's past.

For those not privileged to have a villa on Lake Como, never fear. The region is also known for its luxury hotels, spas, and dining establishments, making it one of the most privileged vacation destinations in one of the most popular countries for tourists.

Visitors can the Italian summer heat in the crystal-clear waters, including swimming, boating, and water sports. Visitors can rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the lake's pristine waters. Sailing is particularly popular, and the lake hosts regattas and boat races throughout the year.

Lake Como is also a celebrated Italian wellness destination. Many luxurious hotels and spas offer stunning views of the lake and provide a serene atmosphere for rejuvenation and pampering.

The Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, occupies a private setting on the sunlit shores of the lake in the 19^th-century Villa Roccabruna, transformed into a hotel with 73 rooms and suites and 2 private villas.

In addition to relaxing walks around the property and activities arranged by the resort’s Sports and Adventure team, guests now have new ways to drink in the hotel’s idyllic lake views.

The resort’s new, 131+ foot floating pool on the lake (pictured, top) is one of the largest infinity floating pools in the world. An architectural and stylish masterpiece, it was designed by the ‘star-chitectect’ firm Herzog & de Meuron. Spectacularly situated right on the lake and offering unobstructed views across the water, the pool’s sundeck or new café are the perfect spots for basking on sunloungers or in cabanas from morning to sunset.

The Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como also has a redesigned Spa featuring two private Spa Suites, two single treatment rooms, one couples’ treatment room, a beauty studio, a holistic heat and water experience area, and a zen garden with lake views.

Top Street Food Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

A trip to Vietnam is a feast for the senses, with exotic scenery, scents, sounds, fascinating history and culture. It’s also a literal feast. Vietnamese cuisine is a foodie favorite, and it doesn’t have to be high-end cuisine.

In fact, one of Vietnam’s can’t-miss destinations is also home to one of the country’s most vibrant street food scenes, offering mouth-watering insights into the country’s culinary treasures.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCM), formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling, motorbike-filled, modern Asian city with French colonial architecture juxtaposed against modern skyscrapers. Its storied past includes a 20^th century war, a colonial era, and an ancient history that infused Vietnam with a mesmerizing culture.

Learn about HCM’s wartime history at the War Remnants Museum, which provides insight into the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong, and the Reunification Palace.

Wonder at the mix of buildings, where modern, traditionally Vietnamese, and colonial styles harmoniously heighten the visual impact of the others. Immerse yourself in ancient Vietnamese history at beautiful temples like Jade Emperor Pagoda. For well-preserved colonial-era architecture, make sure to visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Central Post Office: Located in the heart of District 1 (the district still called Saigon), these are landmarks of HCM. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a beautiful red-brick structure, and the Central Post Office was designed by Gustave Eiffel, of Paris’ Eiffel Tower fame.

But sights and sounds of the city must be combined with its scents and flavors, and that’s where its culinary scene – and especially its celebrated street food and food markets – come in.

Ben Thanh Market in District 1 (Saigon neighborhood) is one of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City and a vibrant hub of activity. Here, you can shop for a wide variety of goods, including clothing, handicrafts, souvenirs, and, most notably, an array of delicious street food. Savor regional specialties like banh beo (water fern cake), banh nam (flat steamed rice dumplings)... Gate 7 of Ben Thanh Market is particularly renowned for its concentration of stalls selling delectable sweet desserts.

The market comes alive in the evening, making it a great place to sample local cuisine and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Vietnamese market culture.

Also in District 1, Tan Dinh Market stands out as a culinary gem with a history spanning nearly a century. Its food court comes alive in the evening, offering a variety of dishes from “broken” rice and porridge to noodles and refreshing beverages.

Cho Lon in District 5 and District 6 showcases the unique culinary traditions of Ho Chi Minh City's Chinese community. Binh Tay Market, Soai Kinh Lam, and Dai Quang Minh Market are culinary landmarks where people can indulge in roast duck, dumplings, chicken pot, and kung fu noodles.

In District 10, Ho Thi Ky Food Street is a vibrant destination with numerous food and drink stalls. Sample the spicy snail noodle soup (hu tieu oc) or the snail curry (pha lau oc) with its flavorful broth for dipping bread.

Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, also in District 3, offers mixed rice paper delights like golden beef sauce and fermented pork skin. In Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District, indulge in diverse cuisines from Vietnam's regions and notable Korean and Japanese restaurants.

These culinary destinations in Ho Chi Minh City give you a tantalizing experience of the incredible range of Vietnamese food culture. From bustling markets to lively streets, each location presents a unique blend of flavors and culinary traditions.

You may love to indulge in a little pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) or banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) at home, but a tasting tour of HCM will leave you forever trying to find such delicious Vietnamese cuisine again.

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