Great Things to do in Florence, Italy

Last updated on January 24th, 2025 at 08:17 pm Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance. Magnificent examples of Italian Gothic architecture were erected with the financial assistance of powerful Florentine families like the Medici’s. When you visit Florence today you can see why artists like Michelangelo were inspired by the city. Wander through the…

Michelangelo's Statue of David at the Accademia Gallery in Florence, Italy.

Day Trips from Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale

Packed with red rocks and tall saguaro cacti, Arizona features one of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes in North America. We recently enjoyed a great winter break in Tempe, home of Arizona State University. It’s a hip Phoenix area base to explore the Sonoran Desert and nearby highlights like the Apache Trail, Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

If you’re planning a trip to Arizona that includes great restaurants along with outdoor activities, you can base yourself in the Phoenix area and take nearby day trips. Here are several great day trips within and close to Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa and Glendale.

A sign in Sedona, Arizona with a beautiful red mountain in the background.

Richmond, Virginia: Weekend Itinerary for a Luxury Stay

Richmond, Virginia is earning acclaim for its innovative culinary scene, which pairs well with unique American history and architecture dating to the 1700’s. The state capital of Virginia was also the capital of the Confederacy during the US Civil War. From the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to the Virginia State Capitol Building and beyond, there is a lot to experience. Here are some recommendations for planning a special occasion in Richmond!

Statue of Jefferson in the hotel lobby

How to Spend a Week in Zanzibar

Zanzibar, aka Spice Island, is lined with white sand beaches, offering a vibrant fusion of cultures. The island was colonized by the Portuguese, Arabs and English and tragically was the center of the East African slave trade in the 1800’s. While the predominant religion is Islam, large Hindu and Christian populations also reside on the island. Impressive architecture reflects Arab, Indian and African influences. This article covers how to spend one week in Zanzibar.

Sunrise over the Indian Ocean, boats and balcony