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There’s no doubt that Italy is an amazing country for a holiday; it’s in fact one of the most visited countries in the world, but this doesn’t mean that you have to settle for attractions or places that are packed with tourists. There’s an uncrowded side of the country that’s waiting to be explored, and there’s no better way to do it than on a walking holiday. Italy is a hidden gem for hikers; it’s home to several walking routes that are ranked among the top ones, but today I’ll show you the lesser-known routes that will make your trip unique, the ones that are far from the hustle and bustle.

Orbis Ways: The Agency That Takes You Where No One Else Goes

The first thing you should know is that a walking holiday to Italy may need more planning than a typical holiday. why? Usually, on a walking holiday, you go through different stages while staying in different towns, so you will need to book different accommodations, move your luggage, keep an eye on dates, etc. Fortunately, if organizing this type of adventure isn’t your thing, Orbis Ways is the perfect solution. 

It’s a travel agency that’s specialized on walking holidays or hiking trips, and they have gathered a ton of positive reviews on top-notch platforms like Google Reviews and TrustPilots where other travelers praise their attention to detail and flexibility of their packages, which get everything done for you, from booking accommodations, to luggage transfer and assistance on the trail, this way you can focus on the experience.

The Best Hidden Trails You Should Explore

Many people prefer to travel to places that are not packed with tourists or even locals, that’s why choosing an alternative route is key. The most famous paths, like those in Cinque Terre or the Dolomites, are often crowded, especially during peak season. Despite that, those are highly recommended thanks to their good infrastructure: the trails are well taken care of, well marked, and you can find a lot of amenities along the route. On the other hand, there are other routes that offer the same beauty but with a reduced number of tourists. Also, by choosing less crowded destinations, you’re supporting local economies that don’t depend on mass tourism.

A good example of a lesser-known route is the Camino del Brigante in Calabria. This trail follows the ancient routes of 19th-century bandits and passes through forests, rivers, and remote villages. Another option is the Via del Sale in Liguria, a historic road used for the salt trade that today offers stunning views of the Alps and the Mediterranean. But if you prefer something more relaxing, the Langhe Hills in Piedmont are an amazing option; the vineyards and small villages look like they are frozen in time.

Whether you choose the Dolomites, Cinque Terre, or the Camino del Brigante, you need to be prepared physically and keep in mind that the key to enjoying these routes is to bring only the essentials. Comfortable, layered clothing is a must, since mountain weather can change quickly. Good sunscreen and sunglasses will protect you in exposed areas, while a physical map or GPS will save you if you lose signal. And, of course, don’t forget your camera, because these landscapes are so incredible you’ll want to take a ton of pictures.

Conclusion

Italy is so much more than popular destinations; it’s a complex country packed with amazing landscapes and many hidden gems that are waiting to be explored. These alternative routes will not only let you escape the crowds but also connect with nature, history, and local culture in a more intimate way. Whether you choose Calabria, the ancient roads of Liguria, or the vineyards of Piedmont, every step will bring you closer to an Italy that few ever get to experience.

While the Caribbean is not a country, its many countries and islands offer their own unique experiences. These places also offer some of the best tourist attractions you can find anywhere. So if you’re looking for a place to visit that has great beaches and warm waters, then look no further than this list of wonderful places for the best caribbean beaches:

There are many beaches in the Caribbean region, but this article will list a few of the best beaches you can visit. During the Covid 19 pandemic a number of travel restrictions have been added and removed. Be sure to visit one of these websites prior to going on your Caribbean vacation. 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

https://www.uspassporthelpguide.com

Parrot Cay Beach – Turks and Caicos

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a group of 40 islands located east of Florida. Here you can find some lovely beaches including Parrot Cay Beach which is often featured as one of the worlds’ most beautiful beaches due to its turquoise blue waters and cream-colored beaches.

Sunset Beach – British Virgin Islands 

Another nice beach would be Sunset Beach in St John, United States Virgin Islands. This beach has a long stretch of white sand beaches with clear warm water that is great for surfing, snorkeling, or just sunbathing.

Seven Mile Beach – Grand Cayman Island, Cayman Islands

This beach is on the western side of the Cayman Islands, home of the best Caribbean beaches. Seven Mile Beach is twenty-one miles long with white sugar sand and warm, calm waters. The best part about this beach is if you tire of playing in the water there are tons of other things to do. 

There are many resorts offering day passes which include food, drinks, equipment for activities, and more. This allows you to have a day full of fun for one price. There are also many restaurants on the beach where you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes.

Magens Bay – St Thomas Island, U .S . Virgin Islands

Located on the northside of St Thomas Island is one of the most popular and best beaches in the Caribbean. With a mile-long stretch of white sand and warm water, this beach is perfect for diving and snorkeling since there are many reefs nearby. Magens Bay also has an historic fort overlooking the water. There is even a small hike to the bottom part of the bay that offers different views from above. 

Saint Lawrence Gap – Christ Church, Barbados

The best Caribbean beaches are not limited to one island. If you’re looking for a little more excitement then head on over to Barbados where you will find Saint Lawrence Gap. Here there are great bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs, and more. 

There are also some great beaches in the area for swimming, snorkeling , kayaking, jet skis, parasailing, and watersports. If you’re looking to party all night long on one of the best Caribbean beaches then this is your best option.

Conclusion

Do you want to go on vacation for a while to the Caribbean or take an amazing trip? You don’t have to be rich, but you’ll need to think outside the box when it comes to saving money for travel. 

Today’s article is a mini-guide to the state of Idaho, which hides many surprises. As it is otherwise known, Gem State has to offer you hundreds of attractions that will impress you. We managed to gather the ones that really stand out from the vast number of places in this state through these hundreds of attractions. So we provide you with an essential travel guide to Idaho, leaving the rest to you to discover for yourself. After all, the magic of exploration is a big part of our every trip.

Lava Hot Springs

Traveling along the Portneuf River, you will discover a small and unique town called Lava Hot Springs. The American government bought the area around the city in the late 1800s by the Indians and has shown significant growth for years. The area’s thermal springs are quite widespread, with five hot pools, an Olympic swimming pool, and water slides and diving platforms. The modern facilities of the place are impressive, which attract a lot of people every year.

Shoshone Falls

The impressive Shoshone Falls are so tall that they are 40 feet above the corresponding Niagara Falls. Of course, these waterfalls are not that wide, but again, this is enough for people to call them the “western Niagara Falls”. Try to visit Shoshone Falls, where this waterfall is located, ideally in spring and summer, to be able to experience all its splendor. The local authorities have installed a system of unique lights that illuminate the specific waterfalls, giving them an even more magical look. We are really talking about an experience that you should not miss.

The Perrine Bridge

The eighth highest bridge across America, located above the Snake River, can cause dizziness with its enormous height of over 486 feet. There is also the option of a narrow path for those who are not afraid of being too high, so you can experience an experience that will definitely raise your adrenaline levels. You can park your car on the north or south side of the bridge. Also, on the north side, a path leads you to the base of the bridge, allowing you to admire from below this imposing structure.

Bruneau Sand Dunes

In Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park, you can find the tallest dune in the country. You can not use your car in that area, so you should limit yourself to climbing on foot. You can do dozens of outdoor activities in this area, such as birdwatching, fishing, and stargazing, because we are talking about a place of outstanding natural beauty that is visible throughout the day. Visitors to this place can also camp in this place and spend their nights observing the stars of the night sky. How do you like this idea?

Highway 12

If you dream of great and abundant roads, ideal for a road trip, you should live the experience that the highway offers you 12. As it is otherwise known, the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway offers you an incredible route from the state of Washington that reaches Montana. The road has a total duration of four hours, but during this time, you will have managed to see an incredible green landscape that you will not have the opportunity to see again, as well as to make your stop and enjoy these magical sceneries up close, grabbing the steering wheel again and continuing to your final destination. And if you do not have your own vehicle, you can turn to the solution of a rental car. Erna Low offers its valuable services throughout Idaho, at affordable prices and with a vast variety of vehicles that will meet your every need. The state of Idaho is waiting for you, will you answer its call?

With international travel on pause for the moment, our travel bucket lists aren’t getting any shorter. In fact, quite the opposite! As the focus remains on staying home, staying local, and waiting for the world to heal, it’s easy to get caught up staring out your window dreaming of your next destination. 

So, when it’s safe to travel again, where will you go? 

These adventure destinations are sure to inspire your next lockdown daydream session.

1. Hike Acatenango Volcano, Guatemala 

If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with a live volcano, Guatemala is the place to do it. Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, three of which are active and the rest dormant. Acatenango is the third-highest volcano in Guatemala, offering a challenging but achievable hike. 

Reaching the summit takes around five hours, but it can also be done as an overnight hike with options to camp out under the stars. From here you’ll see Acatenango’s crater and reach the best lookout point for viewing the active Fuego Volcano, which is always putting on a show.

2. Try Dog Sledding in Alaska

Imagine speeding through snow-covered Alaskan Forest on a sled pulled by dogs. This Alaskan obsession can be enjoyed as a one-day trip or multi-day adventure, with opportunities to see the vast Alaskan countryside, pet the beloved sled dogs, and learn about the rich cultural heritage behind the sport.

3. Snorkel with gentle giants at Ningaloo Reef, Australia

The whale sharks of Ningaloo Reef are the biggest fish in the ocean. Living on a diet entirely of plankton, there’s no need to fear these gentle giants. Between March and August, these amazing creatures migrate along the coast, putting on a spectacular show for snorkelers.

If you’re curious about sharks, but you’re not quite into cage diving with Great Whites, this adventure might be right up your alley.

4. Visit the cutest little capital in the world – Wellington, New Zealand

Fly to the corner of the world and visit the cutest little capital, Wellington City. Here you can get the full mix of New Zealand’s natural, cultural, political and historical scene while trying some of the country’s best cuisine and coffee. 

Wander along the waterfront, visit parliament’s Beehive building, or discover New Zealand’s vibrant history at Te Papa Museum. If you stay nearby you’ll also be able to visit the native wildlife at Zealandia Ecosanctuary, or see many of the famous movie artefacts at Weta Workshop. With the smell of coffee filling the air and music bustling out from every shop, the vibe is always good in Wellington.

5. Go Ziplining in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Head to Northern Thailand to scale the canopies of the 1500-year old Chiang Mai Rainforest. Ziplining on a single-person swing lets you glide along the Yang treetops, giving a bird’s eye view of the jungle below and making this a bucket list activity for GoPro fanatics and rush-seekers. This activity offers the perfect adrenaline rush for solo travellers, groups or families. See the wonders of the jungle including cliffs, rivers and the wonderful Chiang Mai wildlife.

6. Try Coasteering in Pembrokeshire, Wales

What’s Coasteering, you ask?

Coasteering is an exhilarating way to explore the coastline of Wales. This unique adventure takes you to Pembrokeshire where you’ll navigate the coastal terrain with a mix of cave exploration, cliff jumping, swimming, and rock climbing. This safe, action-packed adventure will get your adrenaline pumping and showcase the beauty of the Welsh coast and wildlife. With a fun team of experienced guides, your Coasteering experience will be one for the memory bank.

7. Go Dune Bashing in Jaisalmer, India

Experience the beauty of Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer on this thrilling 4×4 adventure. Dune Bashing is relatively new to India but is quickly gaining popularity with adventure-seekers. Unleash your inner adventurer as you blast your way over the golden mounds of the Thar Desert.

Check out the tourist hub at Jaisalmer while you’re at it. Taste the Indian cuisine, ride a camel, and visit the ornate Jain temples that date back as far as the 12th century.

8. Walk village-to-village in Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is a colourful string of picture-perfect villages on the Italian Riviera. Like a scene from a postcard, the incredible location offers an authentic Italian experience. Traverse the area’s villages using a mix of boat, rail, and walking trail. 

This flexible walking adventure can be as long as you like, with the option to stop for a smooth cappuccino, an Italian lunch, or handmade gelato along the way. See the hillside fishing villages, climb the steep pathways, marvel at the olive groves, and explore a historical castle before making your way back to your seaside hotel.

9. Float through the Takachiho Gorge, Japan

Head to Japan’s Takachiho Gorge for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With unimaginable scenery, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto a movie set. This deep volcanic gorge was formed by four separate volcanic eruptions that date back as far as 270,000 years ago. Feel the mist from the waterfalls plunging over the basalt columns as you float along the calm Gokase River. Feel free to disembark your boat to hike the Takachiho trails and discover the natural and cultural features of the area.  

10. Take a Hot Air Balloon over Marrakech, Morocco

No adventure bucket list is complete without a ride in a hot-air balloon, and where better to do this than over Marrakech. Take in the expansive view from above this bustling city. See the Atlas Mountains, valleys, date palms and olive groves, and look out onto the surrounding Berber villages. You’ll set off at sunrise when the air is still and the city is waking. When you’re safely back on the ground, explore more Moroccan experiences such as camel riding and 4×4 tours.

When the world opens up again, your dream travel destinations await.

So for now hold onto that bucket list, and keep dreaming of your next adventure!

Are you dreaming of Dolce Vita and can’t wait to shop in Milan, visit museums in Florence, and eat all the pizza in the country? I’m just as excited as you are about your first Italian trip.

There are certainly some things you need to know before you leave, though. For a start, don’t forget that you will probably need to apply for an ETIAS authorization from late 2022.

So if you’re planning long-term, remember that those who can go to Italy visa-free now, like US citizens, will need the new electronic authorization soon (don’t worry though, you can request it online in just a few minutes.)

Now that the bureaucracy is out of the way, you may start drafting your Italian itinerary and familiarizing yourself with the Italian lifestyle and customs. It’s no secret that Italians live well and long: Italy ranks above the average in terms of income and wealth, work-life balance, health, and social connections, according to the OECD. 

Moreover, it has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, within the top 10 on the planet with an expectancy of 81 years of age for men and 86 for women. It may have something to do with the Mediterranean diet and the long walks by the sea.  

Finally, there is a very strong sense of community and high levels of civic participation in the country.

But how to enjoy your time in Italy and get a real sense of how Italians live? Well, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Keep reading to find the most important Do’s and Don’ts for Italy if you’re a foreigner visiting the country.

Italian Do’s for Tourists

Here are examples of behaviors that Italians will appreciate:

• Do greet strangers like taxi drivers, waiters, etc. with a smile or a “Buongiorno.” Italians are very friendly and welcoming people and will love a quick conversation.
• Do talk with your hands. This Italian stereotype is completely true and if you don’t know how to better express yourself in the local language, use gestures.
• Do compliment the country as Italians are proud of their picture-perfect natural and cultural beauties.
• Do carry some cash with you as you will probably find some establishments that don’t accept card payments.
• Do dress up (but don’t stress about it.) Especially if you visit large centers like Rome or Milan and chic holiday destinations, you will spot fashion victims all around you. In general, Italy is a country that pays more attention to quality clothing than the average. Remember that in churches and other religious places (even if they’re major tourist landmarks) you’re expected to cover your knees, shoulders, and cleavage.
• Do look after your belongings as pickpocketers are at work in urban areas, especially in busy spots like street crossings, museum queues, and metro stations.
• Do relax. Yes, there’s a lot to see and do in Italy. But if you do Italy right, what you will most likely bring home with you is a great sense of relaxation and having enjoyed life. With their world-class food and wine and laid-back lifestyle, Italians know how to do it. Learn from the locals.

Italian Travel Advice: Don’ts in Italy

It’s true that Italians are friendly and relaxed. It’s also true that some tourist habits may get them to raise their eyebrow. For a smooth and enjoyable experience in Italy, here are some behaviors to avoid:

• Don’t get in the way of local life. Although Italian art cities look like open-air museums, people live here. Try not to disrupt everyday life. Don’t block pavements and narrow streets, photograph residents without their permission, or shout and play loud music while on vacation.
• Don’t fall into tourist traps. Fine, some will be unavoidable. But try, for example, to stay clear of restaurants near major tourist sites. Unsurprisingly, they will have tourist menus with high prices and often low-quality ingredients.
• Don’t tip like in the US. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Italians leave tips that are smaller than in the US, unless they have found the service exceptionally good.
• Don’t picnic on monuments, historic steps and fountains, or inside museums and above all, don’t forget to take your trash with you if you do. Hefty fines apply.
• Don’t forget to validate your tickets if you use public transport like trains and buses. Train stations may be hard to navigate in Italy and it’s easy for foreigners to forget to look for the validating machines before getting on the train. However, that may result in a fine.
• Don’t expect Italian food to be like it is abroad. That means, for example, not ordering fettuccine Alfredo (they simply don’t exist in Italy) and refraining from adding ketchup to your pasta. 

Author Bio: 

Susan Noel is an experienced travel writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips with the audience.