Wineries to Seek Out in Italy’s Piedmont Region

Wineries to Seek Out in Italy’s Piedmont Region

Comments 2 comments

When most Italians talk about the best wine regions (of the 20 Italian regions), Piedmont is inevitably named along with Tuscany. The most esteemed Piemontese wine is the pricey Barolo, but there are many other well-known wines to sample throughout Piedmont: Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto d’Alba, and Moscato d’Asti. And if you’re a red wine connoisseur or aficionado, the lesser-known Grignolino may entice your palate like it did mine. Whether you’re in the vicinity during fall’s truffle season, or exploring at…

Read More Read More

How the US Election Result Helped Me to Connect My 2 Passions

How the US Election Result Helped Me to Connect My 2 Passions

Comments 0 Comment

“Where are you from?” The typical first question of cab drivers transporting tourists, pretty much anywhere in the world. “I’m American,” I reflexively replied. While I know some Americans try to always disguise their nationality while they’re traveling, that’s never been me. I realize that sometimes there are bad stereotypes out there about American travelers, but I specifically mention that I’m American for that reason – to combat stereotypes. Nothing is a bigger compliment than being told by a foreigner…

Read More Read More

Reasons Skiing in Europe is Just Amazing

Reasons Skiing in Europe is Just Amazing

Comments 0 Comment

Skiing in Europe is on a whole other level from what I had become accustomed to back in the US.  It wows on every level, from the views to the cuisine to the exhilarating atmosphere.  As with life in Italy in general, you get the maximum enjoyment by behaving as the locals do, and embracing all aspects of the European ski experience. Here are some of the happy surprises along the way: It’s pretty standard for a single ski area…

Read More Read More

Ways Hospitality in Oman will Wow You!

Ways Hospitality in Oman will Wow You!

Comments 0 Comment

Hospitality is renowned throughout the Middle East, but in Oman is in a league of its own. My recent week-long road trip through Oman was nowhere near my first visit to the region. I lived in Israel for a year nearly two decades ago, and have been back there many times since. I’ve traveled in Jordan and Egypt. I explored parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after Oman. But none of those places can compare with Oman in terms…

Read More Read More

10 Commandments for Visiting Venice

10 Commandments for Visiting Venice

Comments 0 Comment

Every time I’m in Venice, I feel like I am seeing visitors who arrive unprepared. Situated on an archipelago of many nearby islands with canals and waterways in between, Venice is a different kind of city than the ones you’re used to back home. Here are my Commandments for Visiting Venice, to make the most of your time in the city: Get ready to climb some bridges. Yes, you know that Venice is a city of islands, but you may not…

Read More Read More

11 Incredible Reasons to Visit Plovdiv, Bulgaria: In Pictures

11 Incredible Reasons to Visit Plovdiv, Bulgaria: In Pictures

Comments 0 Comment

Plovdiv is the most under-rated city in Bulgaria, and my absolutely favorite from my week-long trip. It holds 6th place on the list of the World’s 10 Oldest Cities, and the history dating back to the Roman empire (and long before) is ever-present as you explore the city’s many sights. Why go? See for yourself in the pictures below! Pedestrian Walkways No need to keep an eye out for aggressive drivers, you can stroll the city center in peace, where…

Read More Read More

How to Survive Missing Your Airline Connection

How to Survive Missing Your Airline Connection

Comments 0 Comment

It almost never snows in Milan. In three years of living there, I saw it snow for at most a half hour at a time – usually rain that turned into snow briefly, and then back to rain. Snowfall is typically light or non-existent each winter because most of the cold fronts and snow get trapped in the Alps not far outside of the city. The biggest accumulation I ever saw was a light dusting that lasted just long enough…

Read More Read More

How to Make the Most of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong

How to Make the Most of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong

Comments 0 Comment

Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is a series of celebrations so spectacular that many mainland Chinese – along with visitors from around the world – travel to the city to join in the festivities. Each year, there are a series of events, including the iconic fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. After spending a week in Hong Kong around Chinese New Year two years ago (my second visit), it’s hands-down the time I’d recommend for a trip. Chinese New Year…

Read More Read More

I’m a Liebster Award Winner!

I’m a Liebster Award Winner!

Comments 0 Comment

I’m thrilled to announce . . . that I’m a Liebster award winner!! Much gratitude goes out to Stefano of The Travel Bakery, an Italian from Turin who is also relatively new to this crazy journey called travel blogging, and who nominated me for this award. It’s a way for bloggers to recognize blogger newbies for their efforts. First, thank you so much to all of my readers for your support for Travel Savvy Gal! I started the blog in…

Read More Read More

Top Reasons to Savor Solo Travel

Top Reasons to Savor Solo Travel

Comments 0 Comment

One of the things that always surprises people the most about my frequent travel is how many trips I take on my own. Known in travel circles as “solo travel,” so many people have built it up as something to be feared, which requires a lot of preparation and know-how to be done well. But nothing could be further from the truth! The advantages to traveling with a friend, romantic partner, family, or group of friends are well known. When…

Read More Read More

Privacy/Disclosures Travel Savvy Gal is a participant in several affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Read the site's full Privacy/Disclosure policy here.