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My Favorite Things to Do in St. Martin

St Martin - favorite things to do in St Martin

St. Martin/St. Maarten is a small and charming island in the Caribbean Paradise that is so easy to fall in love with.

Since the 17^th century, the island has been shared by the Netherlands and France. However, there is no official border between the two sides and you do not need a passport to get from one side to another.

The French calls the island Saint Martin. This side of the island is well known for its lovely landscapes, fine dining, pristine beaches, and an appreciation of all pleasures in life.

The Dutch calls the island Sint Maarten. And this side is well known for its festive nightlife, sandy beaches, casinos, and jewelry shopping.

But the nickname “SXM” united both sides with the slogan ‘the friendly island”. The whole island is a melting pot of cultures, history, food, and activities.

After visiting this Caribbean Paradise for a week, I came up with a list of my favorite things to do in St. Martin.

The Dutch side of the island

Explore Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the Dutch capital of the island and is located with a stunning view of the Great Bay beach.

If you like to shop, Philipsburg is the ideal location. Front Street is lined with high-end boutiques and jewelry stores. You will find plenty of fine jewelry, watches, designer clothes, electronics, and more. It is duty-free heaven for shoppers!

Even though plenty of stores got closed during the covid-19 pandemic, many are back and reopened for business.

I like the Boardwalk. It is the most popular place in town and has many options for lunch and dinner. You can go for a swim in the blue waters of the Great Bay, lounge on the beach, and then come back to the Boardwalk for a tropical cocktail.

Many beachfront restaurants are serving the fresh catch of the day – Caribbean lobster, grilled snapper, and conch fritters.

However, when a few cruise ships are docked, the Boardwalk and Front Street can be overcrowded with tourists.

Mullet Bay Beach

Mullet Bay beach was one of my favorite spots on the island.

The moon-shaped Mullet Bay is a beautiful beach with perfect soft white sand and bright turquoise waters. Thanks to its protected coves the water is calm most of the time with just a few occasional waves. This is a perfect spot to spend the whole day.

Mullet Bay beach - my favorite things to do in St Martin

We booked beach chairs in advance and brought our own food so we could have a picnic on the beach. But there are two small beach restaurants if you need food and drinks. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent but bring cash.

The French side of the island

Orient Bay Beach

St. Martin island is blessed with 37 gorgeous beaches. But Orient Bay beach is probably one of the most famous in the entire Caribbean and is often called “St Tropez of the Caribbean”.

This 2-mile-long, white powdered sand beach is truly beautiful. It is protected from the Atlantic waves by a reef so, the snorkeling here is just incredible. But be warned! Because one part of this beach is famous for its nudity.

Many bars and restaurants are directly located on the beach. But when Hurricane Irma hit the island in 2017 it left a trail of devastation on Orient Bay. All beach bars were wiped out and all vegetation and many coconut trees were swept away.

Luckily, the vegetation is growing back quickly, and the beach still has soft white sand, and the colors of the sea are still spectacular.

I am glad that most of the beachfront bars and restaurants have reopened for business.

We made reservations at the charming Coco Beach restaurant. It lies towards the northern end of Orient beach. After delicious lunch with a view, we spent the rest of the day swimming in clear tropical waters and lounging on comfortable beach chairs with matching umbrellas.

Grand Case village

Grand Case is a charming town facing Grand Case Bay. There is only one major road in Grand Case – Boulevard de Grande Case and it is lined up with restaurants, bars, and clothing boutiques.

Grand Case is a small town, and you may want to park yourself at one of the beachfront restaurants for the whole day. The most popular ones Captain Frenchy’s and Rainbow Café are right next to one another at the end of the main strip of restaurants on Boulevard de Grande Case.

Also, this small town is often called a “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean”. Many top chefs of the world opened their restaurants here. You can find an interesting mix of French Caribbean and Creole cuisines.

If you want to splurge on a gourmet feast via European style, you should make reservations at famous restaurants such as Ocean 82, Le Temps de Cerise or Villa Royale. These restaurants have full bars with great wine selection. Your dinner will be pricey but worth every bit of it.

But if you want to get a taste of less expensive food, I recommend eating at the local Lolos.

The open-air barbeque stands are called “Lolo” by locals. These are a good place for a well-seasoned rack of ribs, chicken, or grilled red snapper served with rice, beans, and coleslaw. I would highly recommend dining here at least once.

The full platter costs from $10 to $20 and is a real bargain on pricey St. Martin. We paid $100 for the four of us for big plates of grilled snapper with vegetables, salads, and drinks. Just remember to bring cash, there is a sign “no credit cards”.

Besides the 5-star restaurants and local barbeque Lolos, you must visit the beach.

Grand Case Bay beach has stunning turquoise waters and golden sand. There are plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas for rent.

Trip to Pinel Island

Pinel Island is located on the Northeast side of St. Martin and is set in the heart of the French Marine Park. This place is popular with locals and tourists so you should come early to find a parking spot.

One day we decided to visit this little treasure in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. We drove to the Cul de Sac on the French side and took a small ferry for a ten-minute ride. The first ferry arrives around 9:30 a.m. and operates every half hour until 5 p.m. Expect to pay $12 per person for a round trip and $25 for the chairs. Bring cash!

Yes, Pinel Island is a bit expensive to visit but well worth it.

The first thing you see is picture-perfect scenery – the turquoise water and the white sand of the beach surrounded by coconut trees.

Karibani beachfront restaurant Pinel Island

There are two cute French restaurants with full facilities and a souvenir shack at the back of the main beach. The two main restaurants are Yellow Beach and Karibuni. We prefer Karibuni. But both places serve fresh lobster and seafood, and you should expect to spend around $150 for lunch with drinks for two people.

We had so much fun laying out under our umbrellas, drinking frozen mojitos, and taking dips in the crystal-clear Caribbean water.

Hiking or driving to Pic Paradis

You cannot miss the adventure of hiking or drive to Pic Paradis.

Pic Paradis is the highest point of the island at a height of 1,391 feet. It rises from the center of St. Martin on the French side and is not far from the village Colombier.

If you are ready to explore St. Martin wilderness, you should go hiking or rent a car and drive to the top of the mountain. There are plenty of hiking trails leading to the observation decks. A view from the deck over the island and the rainforest below is spectacular. If you are lucky, you will see wild monkeys eating peacefully in the shade of big trees.

The coastal hikes and walking trails are also very popular. Make sure to climb to the top of the hills because the views from the peaks give breathtaking panoramic views of the island. You can find many places for incredible photos.

Where did we stay in St. Martin?

When it comes to where to stay, it depends on what you are looking for. The island offers a wide range of accommodation, from the five-star resorts to charming boutique hotels. In addition to that, there is a big variety of timeshare and condo rental options.

Regardless of whether you choose to stay on the Dutch or French side, everything is relatively close and easy to access with a rental car.

We stayed at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Divi is a timeshare resort with 235 rooms, three pools, four restaurants, a mini-mart, and a gift shop. You can choose from an all-inclusive package (a rare option on this island) or room only.

Divi location

The resort is located on a peninsula within walking distance of Philipsburg on the Dutch side of the island. The best part that is located on its private beach facing Little Bay waters. I believe it has a perfect location for a relaxing stay on a tropical island.

I would recommend renting a car if you are planning to explore other sides of the island.

Divi amenities

The resort has a full-service spa, gym, water-sports center, and several shops. There are two swimming pools located at Seabreeze bar and a new infinity pool on the hilly side of the resort. The bars and restaurants provide a great mix of fine dining and casual poolside snack options.

Divi hotel value

We stayed at Divi hotel for seven days and paid $2,600 for a junior suite. I believe that on this island where hotels are quite expensive, this was a good value for our money.

Our room was spacious and comfortable with a scenic view of Little Bay beach. The room had an open concept of sleeping and sitting areas with a kitchenette and a bathroom with a jacuzzi and a large-size shower room.

Final Thoughts

There are many great reasons to visit the island – history, culture, beaches, food, fun, and shopping. We did not have time to take in all the sights of this beautiful island.

But we were happy to explore and experience a small piece of this paradise that is a little Dutch and a little French.

Have you traveled to St. Martin? What is your favorite things to do in the Caribbean?

3 Best Towns to Visit on Lake Como, Italy

by Maggie Leave a Comment

Lake Como in Italy and local ferry - best towns to visit on Lake Como

Lake Como could be described as La Dolce Vita of Italy. This upscale resort area in Italy’s Lombardy region where Italy meets Switzerland is well-known for its spectacular scenery set against the foothills of the Alps.

For many years this area was a popular summer retreat for aristocrats and the wealthy thanks to the beautiful villas, stunning gardens, and peaceful villages. But even today huge crowds of tourists and locals come to spend time at these Belle Époque Era towns on the shores of Lake Como.

This post is featuring my experience of visiting 3 of the prettiest towns on Lake Como – Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.

Bellagio

Bellagio is often called “The Pearl of Lake Como” and is widely considered to be among the most beautiful towns in Europe. It is classy, glamorous, and frankly more expensive than other small towns around the lake.

It was our first visit to Lake Como. We spent 3 days in Bellagio and this lovely town left me wanted to go back for more.

We traveled by bus from the city of Como and when we arrived, I was taken by stunning panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. The town has unbeatable Old-World elegance with shopping arcades, flower-lined promenades, luxury hotels, and villas facing the lake.

How to explore Bellagio:

The best way to discover Bellagio is by walking through its picturesque cobblestone streets. The town is small and located on two levels.

Bellagio steep stairs with pastel color houses

The lower part runs along the waterfront promenade with hotels, shopping arcades, bars, and restaurants. And the higher part needs a lot of uphill climbing on cobblestoned stairs until you reach Via Guiseppe Garibaldi. From the top of this street, you can get picture-perfect views over the rooftops of Lake Como.

Basilica of San Giacomo

The Basilica of San Giacomo is a Romanesque church built in the 12^th century. It is located in the center of the old town – Piazza della Chiesa – on the hillside, and it makes a great landmark from the water. We found this beautiful old church while strolling along Via Guiseppe Garibaldi.

Bellagio is well-known for two villas and gardens:

Villa Serbelloni
Villa Melzi

Villa Serbelloni

I have read a lot about Villa Serbelloni and its scenic location. This luxurious holiday villa by the lake was built by the noble family from Bergamo in the middle of the 19^th century. Later on, the villa was converted into 5- star luxury hotel. It’s well-known for beautifully maintained gardens which occupy a large area above the town. The Villa Serbelloni Gardens are owned by the Rockefeller Foundation and can be visited on guided tours.

Villa Melzi and Gardens

Villa Melzi was built at the beginning of the 19^th century. Francesco Melzi D’Eril, the Vice-President of the Napoleonic Italian Republic commissioned to build this perfect example of neoclassical architecture as his summer residence. The villa is set in beautiful gardens with classical statues and century-old trees. The villa is not opened to the public. But you can buy a ticket and stroll the gardens.

small pond and a woman sitting on the edge-Bellagio

On a hot August day, this place was a perfect retreat. Filled with native and exotic plants, small ponds, and park benches perfectly situated with the views of the lake, this was a wonderful place to go for a stroll.

Cruising Lake Como

Cruising Lake Como was our favorite experience. We purchased tickets for a boat ride from Bellagio to Varenna and then to Menaggio. It cost us 15 euros per person for the whole day. We spent a wonderful time being on a boat passing magnificent villas with gardens, enjoying gorgeous lakeside views of Bellagio and other small towns that sit on the edge of the lake.

Trombetta express train

Another great way to explore Bellagio is to hop on the Trombetta express train. It’s a small tourist train which you can board on the ferry dock and then enjoy 30 minutes tour of panoramic views of Bellagio. You can request a stop at a few locations such as the Hotel Belvedere, Villa Melzi, and San Giovanni Church.

Varenna

Varenna is located in the center of Lake Como, on the eastern shores of the lake. It can be easily reached by boat from other towns like Bellagio and Menaggio.

We took a boat ride to Varenna. And it looked exactly like it was described in touristy brochures – a small fishing village with brightly colored houses and villas that sit close to each other on the waterfront of Lake Como.

We spent a few hours there before going back to Bellagio. The place looked rustic and charming, romantic, and peaceful. We walked along the lovely promenade and admired the views of the lake, the boats, and the mountains.

Even though Varenna is a popular destination, it tends to be less crowded than the famous resort-town Bellagio. The town has a train station, which makes it an ideal choice for travelers from Milan who are not planning to drive to the lake.

Lake Promenade

As with most towns on Lake Como, we started our visit to Varenna with a promenade along the lake. The path began exactly where we got off the boat. The first part of the promenade is a narrow path. Then when we approached the town center, we had lovely views across the blue waters of the harbor to the pastel color houses with mountains rising steeply behind.

And I will be honest – the walk is very picturesque.

Town Center

Varenna’s town center is very small with several tiny cafes, waterfront restaurants, gelato shops, and bars. It is a perfect place for lunch. It was Sunday and the place was overrun by tourists who came here to have an idyllic lunch. We couldn’t even find any available seats at any of these places for lunch.

A little further we reached a small stony beach with many swimming enthusiasts. Behind the promenade, we found the old part of Varenna with ancient alleys and steep stairs. We followed those passageways and passed many old stone houses with overhanging flowerpots, and ivy-covered balconies.

It was a hot summer day, and after climbing so many steep stairs we decided to stop for an Italian aperitivo at one of those bars with the view.

Piazza San Giorgio

Piazza San Giorgio is the main square in the village surrounded by two historic monuments – the Church of San Giorgio and the Church of San Giovanni Battista.

The Church of San Giorgio is located at the top of the square and is dominated by its tall bell tower visible from the lake. Inside the church, you can find wonderful ancient frescos. At the bottom of the square is a small church of San Giovanni Battista with impressive medieval frescos inside.

Castello de Vezio

The ancient Castello de Vezio that overlooks Varenna is dated back to the 11^th century. We started our climb but never made it to the top because it was quite a steep walk to get there. But I can tell that the views from the top will worth the effort. Probably we will go there next time!

Like all towns around Lake Como, Varenna has several luxurious villas.

Here is a list of villas to visit for their lush gardens:

Villa Monastero
Villa Cipressi (now a hotel)

Menaggio

Menaggio is one of the largest towns on the lake. It is very easy to visit Menaggio because it is located directly across the lake from Varenna. Hence, you can visit both towns in one day by taking a boat. Usually, it takes 15 to 30 minutes to reach both towns from Bellagio.

Lakefront promenade

Menaggio is a lovely and very laid-back town. It was not as crowded as Bellagio and Varenna. We really liked this town and spent half a day strolling along the elegant lakefront promenade. It started at Piazza Garibaldi and runs along the Lake Como between flower beds, palm trees, and colorful houses.

Piazza Garibaldi

Piazza Garibaldi with its 19^th century architecture is a popular meeting place. This place is filled with small boutiques, cafes, and bars. You can see many locals and tourists stopped here for a cappuccino or gelato while enjoying a breathtaking view of the lake.

Old Town

The Old Town of Menaggio is located in the upper part of the town and still keeps the medieval look with stone buildings, narrow alleys, and steep stairs.

In medieval times, Menaggio was a walled city. It was worth hiking up the steep stairs to explore the older part of town where we could see the remains of the old medieval wall.

Villa Mylius Vigoni

Villa Mylius Vigoni is one of the best things to see in Menaggio. This beautiful villa was built in the first half of the 19^th century and is famous for its lush English garden.

You can book a guided tour of the villa and its large gardens on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Unfortunately, the tours were not available In August when we visited Menaggio.

At the end of the day, we stopped for an aperitivo at one of many cafes facing the lake and watch life goes by. Real Italian La Dolce Vito!

Where we stayed:

Hotels in Bellagio are more expensive than in some of the neighboring towns. We stayed at Hotel De Luc.

Hotel De Luc is a family-run, boutique hotel located right in the center of Bellagio overlooking the main squire. Our room was clean and modern with gorgeous lakeside views from our terrace. My favorite part was to spend time on a rooftop bar with a glass of Italian aperitivo while enjoying the unbelievable views of the lake, distant mountains, and small boats crossing the lake.

How did we get to Bellagio:

We traveled to Bellagio from Venice by train and then by bus from the city of Como.

The easiest way to get to Bellagio is to fly to Milan and then take a train to Varenna (1 hour). Bellagio doesn’t have a train station so you will need to take a boat from Varenna to Bellagio. The boat takes 15 minutes, just check the schedule ahead of time If your train arrives late, so you will get on the last boat.

You can purchase your boat tickets at the booth at the boat terminals. Some boats do not go directly to Bellagio. So, when you purchase your tickets, you can ask the cashier which boat you should get on.

Highlights of My Trip to Venice, Italy

by Maggie 4 Comments

I have been dreaming about visiting Venice for years. And our first trip there did not disappoint.

Everyone has heard of Venice because it is one of the most visited cities in the world. The entire city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Something intriguing and mysterious about this city when you just arrive. It feels like you are entering a different world.

This city crossed by the canals instead of roads with colorful palazzos sitting on the water’s edge is truly unique. And the mixture of Byzantine, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture leaves anyone wondering if this magical city is real at all. The entire city is one work of art. And nothing quite prepares you for its beauty.

Here are the highlights of my first trip to Venice.

A little bit of history:

At the beginning of the 6^th century, people came to live on the marshy islands of the Adriatic Sea blue lagoon to escape the hordes of Huns and other invaders. Later, this settlement built on swamps started to grow.

At the beginning of the 9^th century, the Republic of Venice was formed. It was called “The Most Serene Republic of Venice” to reflect the desire to focus on trade and avoid wars with invaders who were constantly creating chaos.

The city of Venice was built on huge wooden supports that were cut and brought from the mainland. Those wooden legs have stood under the water for many centuries and have been slowly calcified with the minerals from the sea. In the end, the wooden footings worked as the foundations for all buildings in the city of Venice.

St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco in Italian) is one of the busiest squares in the city and the main tourist hub. The whole square looks enormous and usually crowded with tourists and all kinds of vendors during the day.

St. Mark’s Square is home to some of the stunning architectural attractions in Venice including St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Campanile, and Doge’s Palace.

Another great thing about St. Mark’s Square is that there is no traffic. This piazza may be the only large public square in Europe with no noise from cars, buses, and scooters. You can only hear the melodious sounds of the bell rings coming from the St. Mark’s Clocktower.

It is hard to miss this early Renaissance building located on the north side of St. Mark’s Square. The construction of both the tower and the clock dated to the 15^th century. The tower was placed where the clock could be visible from the waters of the lagoon and shows every one the wealth and glory of Venice. You can hear the bell ringing every hour.

We decided to stop for a drink at one of the glitzy cafes surrounding St. Mark’s Square. Even we paid double the normal price for the two Spritz Campari, we really enjoyed the moment of being part of Venetian life.

St. Mark’s Basilica

The St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is the most famous church in Venice.

The church is considered one of the best surviving examples of Byzantine architecture with the construction completed in 1063.

The St. Mark’s Basilica is a real showpiece of St. Mark’s Square. The main façade is decorated with multicolored marble columns and sculptures of the griffons. These winged lions are a symbol of St. Mark. Over the centuries, the basilica’s opulent design and solid gold mosaics served as a symbol of Venetian wealth.

Touring the interior of the church is free but be prepared to wait in line to enter. The St. Mark’s Basilica opens at 9:30 a.m. and we arrived around 10 a.m. so the line was long and the wait time around 45 minutes.

As with all tourist attractions in Venice, I recommend booking tickets online, so you can skip the line.

St. Mark’s Campanile

The St. Mark’s Campanile towers high above St. Mark’s Square. It stands 323 feet high. It is easy to notice right away that this tower looks new compared to its surroundings. The tower had completely collapsed in 1902 and had to be rebuild.

You can climb on the top of the tower to get the best views of Venice. We skipped the climb even it is in an elevator and no stairs. But I saw many photos taken from the top and the views are really magnificent. From the top, you can have spectacular views of the whole St. Mark’s Square, the St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Venetian Lagoon, and nearby islands.

But I would recommend buying tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace is one of the most interesting landmarks in the city of Venice. It was built in 1340 in Venetian Gothic style. For centuries the palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice – the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice.

The government was made up of several councils. And the largest committee was created of the male members of every noble family in the city.

While it is a palace you can still buy the tickets and tour the Doge’s apartments.

Bridge of Sighs

We walked between the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Campanile toward the blue waters of the Venetian Lagoon and found ourselves on the Riva degli Schiavoni – the lagoon’s waterfront.

It was a warm sunny day, and the views of the lagoon were absolutely beautiful. We could see the dozens of gondolas bobbing in the water, as well as the San Giorgio Maggiore across the lagoon. Walking along this wide waterfront promenade we reached the Bridge of Sighs on the left. You cannot miss this famous landmark because there are always groups of tourists taking pictures.

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the enclosed bridges in Venice. It was built around 1600 out of white limestone, and you can see that it has windows with stone bars. The bridge was built to connect the new prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.

After it was built, the bridge became a symbol of Venice’s architectural beauty and a reminder of the cruelty of life. According to legend the name of the bridge comes from the sighs of prisoners who crossed this passageway on the way to their prison cells. Many prisoners who made their way across the bridge could have the last glimpse of Venice and its blue lagoon.

Rialto Bridge and Venice’s Grand Canal

Four bridges go across Venice’s Grand Canal. And out of all of them, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest and the most beautiful.

The first bridge was built around the 12th century. It was the only spot to cross the Grand Canal without boarding a boat. The current version of the Rialto Bridge dates to the late 16^th century. There are all kinds of shops lining both sides of this stone bridge. But the best part is to pause at the top of the bridge and enjoy the incredible views of the Grand Canal.

We walked across the Rialto Bridge and found the bustling Rialto Market. Originally it was built as a fish market in the 11^th century. Though parts of the market are filled with touristy stuff, this is still a local place where you can buy fresh produce and fish.

Gondolas and Vaporetto

The best way to explore Venice is from the water. And experiencing Venice’s canals is unforgettable. You can take a private (100 or 80 euro) or a group (60 euro) for 30 minutes gondola ride through the canals. Venice’s canals can be crowded, but we were traveling during the global pandemic times, so we didn’t see huge groups of tourists.

We didn’t book any gondola rides. Instead, we used Venice public transportation which is made up of boats. Taking a vaporetto or water bus is a great way to explore Venice from the water on a budget. We paid only 7.50 euros per person to get a ride along the Grand Canal which provides the same magnificent views of the city’s grand palaces.

Venice’s tiny streets and bridges

We walked towards the Ponte dell’ Accademia – one of the four bridges in Venice. This bridge was my favorite. We spent hours looking at the postcard-perfect view of the Grand Canal.

We liked to wander through many of the tiny pedestrian streets, alleyways, and bridges that make the real Venice. Unfortunately, many of the grand homes are boarded up and empty. Sometimes we noticed that the lower level already sits underwater.

Nevertheless, it is an amazing experience to get lost in Venice. You can find tiny dead-end bridges over the quiet canals that lead to hidden architectural gems. Small gardens grow in overhanging window boxes. And clothes drying lines span across the waterways.

If you want to learn more about Venice, I would recommend taking a 90-minutes walking tour. We have learned so much from our amazing guide about Venice’s history, art, and architecture.

Walking Tour with Get Your Guide

Final Thoughts

Before this trip, I had seen images of Venice in guidebooks, Instagram, and tourist brochures. But nothing had prepared me for its beauty. I fell in love with this city at first sight. Many times I just stopped in awe of its canal views, piazzas, and old palaces. The whole trip was a real treasure I will never forget.

Highlights of My Trip to Florence, Italy

by Maggie 6 Comments

I fell in love with the city of Florence on my first trip to Italy ten years ago. We spent only one day there, and it was not enough. This time I was so excited about spending 4 days in Florence before going to the Tuscany countryside – Castello Le Leccia – for my daughter’s wedding.

In this post, I wanted to share with you the highlights of my trip to the beautiful city of Florence.

Florence (Firenze in Italian) is an amazing city known as the heart of the Italian Renaissance. It is full of history, art, architecture, and delicious food. The city’s rich history is full of big names such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, and Filippo Brunelleschi.

On our first day, we head out to the Piazza Del Duomo (Cathedral Square) which is the focal point of Florence. This is the main tourist hub, and it is also home to some of the most stunning attractions in Florence including the Duomo, the Campanile, the Baptistery.

The Duomo

The best-known structure of this big plaza is the Florence cathedral – the Duomo. The official name is the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Flower (the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore) but everybody calls it “Duomo”.

The Duomo is the main church of Florence. The entire structure looks enormous and not only the great dome which was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The construction began in 1296 and lasted for one hundred and forty years. The magnificent brick dome that covers the central space of the Duomo is considered the largest in Europe.

The Campanile

It is hard to miss another symbol of Florence – the Campanile. This magnificent tower is standing next to the Duomo, and it was designed by Giotto.

The three hundred feet high tower is one of the best showpieces of Florentine architecture and is often called ‘the Giotto’s Tower’. The façade was built in colorful green, pink, and white marble panels and it matches the façade of the Duomo.

If you want to go to the top of the tower to get the best panoramic view of the city and surrounding hills you have to be ready to climb 414 steps to reach the very top of the tower. There are no elevators! The climb is a workout. But you can go at a calm pace and make use of various terraces where you can stop, relax, and take pictures.

The Baptistery

Another impressive structure of the plaza is the Baptistery. The octagonal shape building stands across from the Duomo and the Giotto’s Tower.

The Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to 1059. The exterior is very ornamental and decorated with Renaissance figures who were baptized here, including poet Dante Alighieri.

But the main attraction is the doors of the Baptistery. You can always see a big crowd of tourists trying to take pictures of the doors on all sides of the Baptistery. But I think the bronze doors portraying scenes from the New Testament draw the most attention. You cannot miss them.

The doors were created by Lorenzo Ghiberti. It took him 21 years to complete this project. These magnificent, gilded bronze doors consist of twenty-eight panels framed by ornamental foliage on both sides.

Palazzo Vecchio and statue of David

On our second day, we walked to the Piazza Della Signoria. It is one of the busiest and most popular squares in the city. The Palazzo Vecchio with a statue of David by Michelangelo is one of the main attractions.

The Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) is the town hall of Florence. This solid massive building with two rows of Gothic windows and one simple tower has a long history.

The construction started in 1299 and lasted for more than one hundred years. In the beginning, it was built for the magistrates of the city. Then in the 1540s Duke Cosimo de Medici moved to the Palazzo and decided to turn this place into his residence showing the security of Medici family power in Florence.

Italian sculptor Michelangelo Buonarotti was born in Tuscany. He is frequently associated with Florence for his relationship with the Medici family. The work of this great Renaissance artist can be still found in Florence – drawings, sculpture, paintings, and architecture.

One of Michelangelo’s most well-known works is a marble statue of David – a symbol of strength and youthful beauty. In 1504 it was installed next to the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio. In the late 19^th century the original statue of David was removed from the piazza and moved indoors to protect it from damage. Later on, the copy of David was placed in the same location.

If you want to see the original David, you need to visit the Museum of the Academia (Galleria dell’Accademia).

The Uffizi Gallery

The city of Florence is covered with fascinated museums, but the Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and famous museums in the world. Its name is associated with the work of great Renaissance artists – Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bellini, and many others.

The Uffizi Gallery has an incredible art and sculpture collection. When I travel, I like to go to the museums, but this time I skipped the Gallery because I visited it on my first trip to Florence. If you want to go, I would recommend to pre-buy your tickets so you can skip the waiting line.

Uffizi Gallery Entrance Tickets

studded door and marble sculptures-highlights of my trip to Florence

The Ponte Vecchio Bridge

You cannot visit Florence and not go and see the Ponte Vecchio bridge built in the 1300s. You have probably heard of it and seen many images. But it is something else when you are there and walk across its span.

The Ponte Vecchio Bridge is a unique place with hundreds of shops hanging over the Arno River. This famous old bridge is described as Europe’s oldest arch bridge.

It was a beautiful day and I spent three hours exploring the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. I feel like I am going back in time except that the vendors are no longer the medieval butchers and merchants. Today, the tiny shops are selling souvenirs, jewelry, and art.

Palazzo Pitti

Most people rush through a courtyard in the center of Palazzo Pitti to get to the gorgeous Boboli Gardens. The sandy façade of this grand palace looks rather plain. But when you step inside you will be overwhelmed by the opulence of this monumental structure.

For many centuries, the powerful Medici, Lorraine, and Savoy families served as the Grand Dukes of Florence and used the Palazzo Pitti as their personal residence.

It all started with the wife of Grand Duke Cosimo Medici, who didn’t like living in the narrow Palazzo Vecchio and decided to buy the Palazzo Pitti and turned it into the family residence. The Medici had done many renovations, expanded the palace, and added the large courtyard where many lush celebrations took place.

The Boboli Gardens

We spent a few hours walking around the Boboli Gardens. The most famous gardens in Florence are spread out directly behind the Pitti Palace. Like everything else, it didn’t grow overnight. Its creation started in the 15^th century and span over 400 hundred years.

We enjoyed walking through the beautifully manicured gardens and landscapes. You can spend hours there away from the crowds and traffic. It was very peaceful. The gardens are filled with grottos, trails, pools, arched walkways, and magnificent marble statues.

Another interesting fact is the construction of the Vasari corridor. This long-arched walkway was built to connect the Pitti Palace with the Uffizi, church, and Palazzo Vecchio. It would allow the Medici family members to move around the city without facing the public.

Piazza della Repubblica

The Piazza was originally built as a site of the city forum. But today it is a big plaza lined up with elegant cafes and a merry-go-around. We spent many hours walking around and sampling a lot of gelatos.

St. Lorenzo Market

The Lorenzo market is a huge local market located next to the St. Lorenzo church. I was planning to book a food tour there but never did. Probably next time. But I spent hours exploring a market on my own. Fresh produce, local food and wine, olive oil, and vinegar.

At the end of the day, we walked to Piazza Michelangelo for the spectacular sunset over the city with the hills of Tuscany in the background. We had to climb lots of stairs, but we were not disappointed because the views were definitely worth it.

We did a lot of walking all 4 days. Florence is an incredibly amazing city and I want to go back again. If you are new to this unique city, I recommend booking a 90-Minute Walking Tour.

Florence – Walking Tour with Get Your Guide

roof top terrace with the view of Florence — **We had the best view of the city of Florence from our Airbnb roof terrace**

Have you been to Florence? What were your highlights?

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Retirement Travel Tips for Planning a Vacation

by Maggie Leave a Comment

ocean beach with red umbrellas - retirement travel tips

Traveling can be a major part of your lifestyle If you are part of the baby boomer generation. With the children grown and gone, these empty nesters have all the freedom to spend their time and money exploring the world.

We all know that traveling can be exciting, but it takes time and effort to set up your travel itinerary and organize a whole trip. Even though it does take time, but it is well worth it because it will ultimately save your precious time when you are actually there to explore.

Here are some helpful travel tips to consider before planning a vacation or going on a long-term trip:

Prepare your home before going away.

It might be hard to leave your house when you are going away on a short or long trip. But creating a list of tasks needed to prepare your home is one of the most important tips.

When you check off each task accomplished, you can head off on your adventure knowing that your home is safe.

Clean out the refrigerator and freezer and get rid of all perishable goods.
Empty and wash all trash bins.
Empty the dishwasher and leave it cracked open, so any additional water in the system will evaporate.
Set the thermostat to practical temperature. For our winter trips, we always set the thermostat to 55 degrees. It keeps the house well above freezing and prevents the pipes from bursting.
Make sure that the smoke detectors are working properly.
Turn off the water valves to toilets, sinks, dishwasher, and washing machine. This can prevent any damage from water leaks. We usually turn off the main water line into our house before we leave.
It is recommended to turn off the water heater. There is no reason in maintaining a hot tank of water for months when you are away traveling.
If you are leaving for a very long time, I would recommend unplugging all electronic devices.
Arrange with the local post office to have your mail is forwarded or held. Mail can be held for 30 days or less, and you can do it through USPS.com. Although, our small-town post office can hold mail for three months. Also, reserving a P.O. Box from a local post office can be a good idea as well. Even though we pay all our bills online, we still receive a lot of leaflets and flyers in our mailbox. When you are away on a long trip you do not want a bunch of letters hanging out of your mailbox, shouting to the world that you are not home.
If you are planning a long-term trip, try to put on hold your cable TV and internet. Not all cable TV and internet service providers will allow you to do that, but some will. So, if it is possible put your expensive services on hold.
I like to leave my house clean before I go on vacation even though it is the last thing you want to do in the middle of packing. That is why I always thank myself and feel happy when arriving back to a clean and uncluttered home.
The ideal way to leave your car is parked in a garage out of everyone’s eyes. We do not have a garage, so we have to leave our cars parked in our driveway. Another tip is to disconnect the car battery to prevent drainage.
It is important to have trusted neighbors or hire a house sitter. When we travel, we leave a set of house and car keys with our trusted neighbors. We feel grateful to have good neighbors who help to keep our home safe while we are away.

Benefits of using travel apps.

There are apps for almost everything these days and it includes traveling. The rise of websites gives us direct access to hotel and airline booking.

But let’s face it – vacation planning can be overwhelming. You can spend hours browsing hundreds of travel websites and blogs researching destinations, accommodations, available flights, tours, and activities. You can go back and forth multiple times before ultimately choosing one.

But if you want to spend more time enjoying your trip and less time planning, you should consider using travel apps.

Even you do not use apps in your daily life, consider taking advantage of many helpful apps when you start preparing for your travels.

person holding a smartphone - retirement travel apps

If you are looking for a travel app to help to book your trip, Kayak is one of the best apps to make that part of travel easy. I prefer to use Kayak because it is a one-stop shopping app for browsing hundreds of websites for the best deals on hotels, flights, vacation package deals, and car rentals.

I like to use TripAdvisor while researching and reading reviews of restaurants, hotels, and destinations. The best part is you can make reservations directly from the app.

Yelp features reviews written by people who visited local eateries, cafes, diners, restaurants, etc. I even wrote several reviews and posted them on this website. If you are looking for a local flavor, this app might be your best bet.

Google Maps is one of the best driving directions apps available. You do not need to carry a printed map with you anymore. It might be not perfect, but it helps me to get around in places or towns I never visited before.

WhatsApp is one of my favorite apps to communicate with friends and family who live overseas. I use simple text messages, group chats, video chats, and phone calls to keep in touch with everyone when we travel. We can exchange photos and videos without SMS fees.

The Best Travel Apps from NomadicMatt

Benefits of using a travel agent.

The travel industry has changed over the last decade. These days many people prefer to plan their own trips because online booking makes it easy to book airline tickets, hotels, tours, or cruises without visiting a travel agency.

However, the traditional travel agencies have not entirely disappeared. Many have adapted to the modern era. And there are still some situations when you may want to work with a travel expert instead of doing it yourself.

Here are the top benefits of using a travel agent:

Travel agents are well-connected experts. They will do all the work for you if you do not like planning or have a complicated itinerary. If you are planning a big family vacation in another country, a travel agent can help to coordinate all the logistics. So, instead of spending hours on the computer searching for the best deals you will just pay the bill and show up at the airport.
Many travel agents specialize in a particular type of travel such as cruises, luxury tours, resorts, etc. Travel agents have established relationships with many travel companies. They can help you plan a trip that meets your budget and needs without wasting your time and money on the things you are not interested in at all.
Travel agents often have access to benefits that you might not be able to get on your own. Whether it is a hotel room upgrade without added expenses, better seats on the airplane, reservations to a popular tour, or event tickets, a travel agent can add some perks to your trip.
Using a travel agent can help you save time and money even you have to pay a fee for their services. Generally, all agents receive information about rates and discounts and access to promotions from the resorts, tour operators, cruise lines, and other travel industry providers that are not available to the public.
When you are working with a travel agent you can rely on her/his travel assistance if something goes wrong with your trip arrangements. You can call your travel agent if you need to rebook your flights or need assistance with the wrong hotel room or no scheduled transportation to a resort or a theme park.

Consider buying travel and medical insurance.

You do not have to be a frequent traveler to know that decent travel and medical insurance can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle.

We always buy travel insurance when we go on our overseas vacations.

But choosing travel insurance is not one size fits all process. You have to consider trip cancellation, medical emergencies, policy cost, exclusions, etc.

It is recommended to buy travel insurance within 15 days of making the first deposit on your trip, since buying early can qualify you for bonus coverages. You have to read through the insurance policies to understand what coverages are offered without an additional cost. Those bonus coverages may include:

Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
Emergency medical insurance moved from secondary to primary
Additional accidental death coverage

The main thing to remember is that you must buy travel insurance coverage before it is needed.

Even though some travel medical plans are available for purchase after you have left, most plans with medical coverage are required to be purchased before departing. That means you cannot buy any medical coverage once you got sick and need medical help.

The same applies to all travel insurance coverage.

You do not need to be in perfect health to start traveling. But you need to be in good enough health to endure the stress of being on a road for a long-time. Therefore, if you have a chronic health issue, I recommend checking with your doctor before making long-term travel plans.

Keep in mind, that Medicare does not cover medical expenses happen outside of the US. That is why you will need to buy travel insurance to cover any medical emergency.

How to Find the Best Travel Insurance from NerdWallet

What to pack for long-term travels?

When packing for a long-term trip, the most important things to keep in mind are the length of your trip and the weather.

woman in boots with luggage bag - retirement travel tips

When I am preparing for a trip, I always start with a travel packing list, so I do not forget anything important. My general packing list includes:

Clothes – underwear, sleepwear, socks, T-shirts, a casual shirt, one pair of jeans, one pair of pants, shorts, a few dresses, swimsuits, a sweater, shoes, and sandals.
Accessories – a hat, sunglasses, an evening bag, a purse, a few belts, jewelry, and an umbrella.
Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, hairbrush, curling iron, sunscreen, makeup kit, medications, bandages, a small bottle of shampoo and conditioner.
Electronics – cell phone, universal plug adapter, laptop, and electronic chargers.
Documents – passport, copy of passport, emergency contacts, list of medications, a printed list of passwords, credit cards/ATM card, money/ cash.
Misc. items in my handbag – house keys, glasses, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, earplugs, headphones, a book.

We all know that the pandemic has changed the way we travel. Make sure that you have your vaccine passport (vaccination certificate) or negative Covid-19 test results in your handbag. Many airlines require one of these forms to proceed. And do not forget to have a face mask on you and to keep a few extra in your handbag or carry-on.

Safe and Happy Travels!

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What are your favorite tips when planning a vacation or a long-term trip?

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