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The Street Survivors of India - via Humanity.TV

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The Street Survivors of India - via Humanity.TV

The Gohemians Guide To India: Part Three – Jaipur

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The Gohemians Guide To India: Part Three – Jaipur:

Jaipur – its pink, pink and it makes the boys wink! (well kind of, it’s pink due to the terracotta colour of a lot of the buildings but I’m afraid it sounds much more romantic than it really is). Yet the so-called ‘Pink City’ has a lot to offer; sights to see, markets to shop in and beautiful people…but, of course, it’s still got that bonkers quality we’ve all grown to love about India.

Following Gohemiantravellers from Delhi to Agra

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Following Gohemiantravellers from Delhi to Agra:

Moving from Delhi onto Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) was a welcome break indeed. Delhi is a great place to get your head around India – as it’s really got it all (the madness, the chaotic roads & some interesting sights too). And from what I’ve read it’s the worst of the bunch, from Delhi out, it gets that little bit easier…..

Wanderstory: Gohemiantravellers Trip to Delhi

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Wanderstory: Gohemiantravellers Trip to Delhi:

Gohemian Traveller recounts her experiences in Delhi, India. Follow her as she makes her way around the Indian capital and check out her Wanderfly profile for more recommendations. Head to Wanderfly, to start your own discovery trip!

The Westfjords, Iceland - adventure travel!

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The Westfjords, Iceland - adventure travel!:

The Westfjords’ rocky landscape is awe-inspiring; it ranges from dramatic peaks and gaping valleys to plunging coasts which are home to small fishing villages where the locals cling to a traditional lifestyle. Welcome to Iceland’s region of adventure, fresh air, and (nearly) human-free wild.

Spring break! (one year later) Spring Break! But Cancún can be...

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Spring break! (one year later) Spring Break! But Cancún can be more than just booze and Girls Gone Wild. Strap on some scuba gear and head for the ocean or take a few day-trips to explore the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula, which is littered with Mayan ruins and historical sites. But, if all you’re looking for is booze and Girls Gone Wild, then you can find it here as well. But, we urge you, scuba and Mayan ruins. Please?

Wanderfly 2.0 Welcomes You About a year or so ago, we...

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Thrill-Seeker's Switzerland: Interlaken, two lakes, two types of adventure

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Photo By: VeijoM

Yodels that echo across Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland do not come just from Alpine farmers. Gaze skyward, and you’ll spot screaming thrill seekers as they tumble out of airplanes, leap out of gondolas, and swing through narrow, rocky ravines. Adrenaline junkies worldwide venture to the small, unassuming Interlaken, Switzerland not only for calendar-quality shots of the Alps but also for extreme sports. Here, you’ll bungee jump, skydive, canyon swing, hang glide, and hydro-speed. If the action requires a parachute and ends in the suffix -ing, you’re guaranteed to find it here. On my last trip to Interlaken, I seriously contemplated a 440-foot bungee jump from a ski lift over Lake Stocksee. To my chagrin, or perhaps to my rescue, the gondola was closed for the season. I, therefore, opted for a warm and fuzzy, 300-foot free fall at Gletscherschlucht canyon near Grindelwald. It. Was. Terrifying. Imagine jumping off a cliff feet-first, plummeting to your near death, then at that very moment when your stomach seizes, a rope catches and swings you through a narrow passageway between rock walls. Watch a video of my canyon swing here:

For the more docile adventurer — or for those recently scared out of their wits — Interlaken also offers scenic treks, romantic lake-side walks, and relaxing mountain-top train rides. Hike Harder Kulm for views of Lakes Thun and Brienz; visit the highest Alpine railway station atop Jungfrau peak; or road trip to nearby Giessbach Falls and ride the funicular to the Giessback Hotel for a cocktail. To plan hair-raising adventures or zen Alpine excursions in Switzerland, check in with Wanderfly.

A City in Ruins: Adventures through Ancient Cusco

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Photo by: Davidandnasha

  “Sexy woman, huh? Check out those curves!” the tour guide remarked emphatically. We stood side by side and my eyes followed where his finger pointed. I craned my neck to check out the megalith stone structure towering before me. Confusion. There was no language barrier; he had spoken in English. “What?” I asked with a furrowed brow and a laugh. “Locals reference, sorry. We like to call Sac-say-hua-man as such because it sounds like sexy woman.” He doubled over in hysterics. At 11,000 feet in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco’s oxygen-depriving altitude breeds madness among locals. Desperate inside jokes surely could not be product of boredom, however, there are just too many monuments to explore (most of them with tongue-twisting names). Ollantaytambo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara: say that three times fast. Off the well-worn gringo trail from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, you’ll find thrilling ways to explore surrounding Incan ruins.  

The Cradle of Gold

In preparation for a five-day trek deep into the Peruvian jungle to reach Machu Picchu’s sister site, Choquequirao, get out your machete. On this intrepid adventure, you’ll trudge through wild thicket catching scenic views of the Apurimac Valley. Many travelers imagine this site — serene in it’s silent occupation — akin what Machu Picchu once was before it became crowded with tourists. Choquequirao’s architect, Topa Inca, envisioned it a site we are yet to fully uncover. Even in it’s current awe-inspiring state, Choquequirao still remains only thirty percent excavated, which makes it an exciting destination for future travelers. To cope with the vertigo-inducing altitude on the way there, keep your pockets stuffed with coca leaves to chew. I’m not sure if they actually work, but they sure do taste good and make you feel cool.  

Photo by: Daveaustria.com

Outside Plaza de Armas

Take a deep breath and then hike the steep incline from central Plaza de Armas to reach Sacsayhuaman. Here, you’ll be inspired by the seamless stonework it took almost 100 years to construct. Standing at 11 feet tall, some stones weigh at least 300 tons. At the portal, you’ll easily find strangers offering horseback riding tours. Trust them. They’ll lead you off the beaten path and on a private tour straight through the wild. Ride from Q’enko and Puca Pucara to Tambomachay. Sites like Q’enko can be luke warm on the impressive scale, but ultimately it’s more about the journey and the memory of what these sites used to be.  

More than Machu Picchu

On the way to Machu Picchu opt, as most tourists do, to tour the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In a single-day guided bus tour, you’ll make stops at ruins like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Chinceros. The final destination on the Sacred Valley tour, Ollantaytambo archaeological site dominates the Urubamba Valley with boastful features you’d never imagine were incapable of holding off Spanish invasion. Climb about Temple Hill, explore the terraces, and then return to town and shop the market where you’ll find that perfect macrame bracelet you’ve been wanting.  

Santa Barbara on a Shoestring

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  Santa Barbara, California: land of the elite. Here, Oprah Winfrey lives next door to Ellen DeGeneres in the mansion-clad hills and luxury travelers on opulent getaways lounge either at the seaside Bacara Resort and Spa or the beachfront Four Seasons Biltmore; each hotel runs for at least $500 per room per night. If you’re a budget backpacker, however, don’t let this town’s hefty price tags make you take a u-turn on your road trip up California’s Pacific Coast Highway. There are plenty of ways to get by and enjoy some of Santa Barbara’s best highlights for under ten dollars.  

Fill Your Buddha Belly

Start your stay at the Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel, a not-so-shabby place to hang your swim trunks; daily breakfast included. For lunch, wander from the hostel’s central, downtown location to Lilly’s Tacos just down Chapala Street and sample authentic Mexican fare that wont break the bank. They charge only $1.60 per taco and serve up some intriguing options to fill tortillas from classic carne asada and marinated pork to cow eye and tongue. The latter varieties are not for the faint of stomach. Then, make it a zen afternoon. Either head to Yoga Soup for an evening donation-based Vinyasa class with instructor Eddie Ellner or venture up to Santa Barbara Body Works where you can enjoy a seventy-five minute Swedish full-body massage for just $35. Advanced appointment required.  

Celebrate the Happiest Hour

In the evening on either Friday or Sunday, hit up happy hour at Enterprise Fish Company for discounted appetizer specials like shrimp quesadillas and a margarita for under $10. Any night of the week, swing by  The Neighborhood, a happening dive bar, which offers tremendous happy hour deals on greasy grub, cocktails, and beer seven days a week. For night owls, they also have additional discounts after 11 p.m. If you’re in town Thursday night, start out at Madison’s Sports Bar and Grill for dollar well drinks.

Photo by kunalthedreamer

 

Explore the Great Outdoors

Over the weekend, leave your wallet at the hostel, and either take a hike or hit the beach. Visit www.santabarbarahikes.com to select a trail in the foothills that matches your skill level. For the trepidatious, hike to 7 Falls, a three-mile round-trip journey that involves rock hopping and trudging through creeks. For a milder stroll, take the San Ysidro Trail. From either vantage point, you’ll enjoy picturesque views of the coast. Ready to soak up the sun? Then head to East Beach and join a game of beach volleyball with locals, or take a timeout at Butterfly Beach, Hendry’s, or Leadbetter. For more budget-friendly outdoor experiences, cruise down to the docks. At the Santa Barbara Sailing Center and rent kayaks for either five dollars an hour with your student I.D. or ten dollars without. Comb through the seas and lazy sea lions on distant buoys or under and around the nearby pier. Also, opt to rent beach cruisers for nine dollars at locales along the beach boardwalk like Wheel Fun Rentals. Other worthwhile freebies include self-guided tours of the Santa Barbara Mission and Courthouse any day of the week; and on Sundays, a visit to the Santa Barbara Art Museum or a trip to Cold Springs Tavern for live music and a low-priced grilled barbeque beef sandwich.   — top photo by LEO-ONE  

Puerto Rico's Best Beaches

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by Lisa Dworkin | thebestbeach.net Puerto Rico is blessed with miles of beautiful beaches covering five distinct zones: greater San Juan, the northwest coast, the east coast, the southwest coast, and the Puerto Rican out islands of Culebra and Vieques. Most visitors to Puerto Rico only go to the beaches in or near San Juan, unless you are a surfer and then you will want to head directly to the beaches near Rincon on Puerto Rico’s northwest coast.  

Greater San Juan Area Beaches

San Juan’s beaches lie on Puerto Rico’s Atlantic coast. These beaches are blessed with light, golden sand that’s so soft you’ll sink into it. Although the waters of the Atlantic tend to be rougher than the Caribbean, variations in the sea floor, currents, and wind patterns mean you can find whatever type of water conditions you want within a relatively compact distance. Three of the greater San Juan area’s most popular beaches are Condado Beach, Isla Verde Beach, and Ocean Park Beach.  

Condado Beach

Condado Beach is located within San Juan in the – surprise – Condado neighborhood. Condado has drawn comparisons to South Beach, although Condado has a more laid back vibe. Like South Beach, Condado has a beautiful beach that is close to hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. You can also indulge in one of the ultimate forms of hedonism by getting a massage right on the beach. Look for the kiosk by the San Juan Marriott Resort.  

Isla Verde Beach

Isla Verde Beach is located in Carolina, just to the east of San Juan. Isla Verde is the second of Puerto Rico’s two main hotel zones – Condado is the first. There’s a kiosk right on Isla Verde Beach where visitors can rent jet skis, surfboards, paddleboards (SUP), boogie boards, and kayaks. All of these activities attract many families to Isla Verde Beach, but for anyone who likes water sports Isla Verde is a great beach destination.  

Ocean Park Beach

Ocean Park Beach is in San Juan’s residential Ocean Park neighborhood. It’s a gated neighborhood with a single entrance, but if you tell the guards you’re going to the beach they’ll let you through. Ocean Park is Puerto Rico’s premier people watching beach, so it attracts a lot of singles and young couples, both locals and tourists. It’s also a popular beach for kite surfers. —

Northwest Coast Beaches

The beaches of Puerto Rico’s northwest coast lie roughly between the towns of Isabela and Rincon. This is surfing country, attracting surfers from all over the world for international competitions or just to hang out and hang ten with friends.  

Jobos Beach

Jobos Beach is located in Isabela, a small town about 75 miles west of San Juan. Jobos draws many surfers to its consistent waves, but it’s a great beach for non-surfers too because of a unique and magnificent blowhole that erupts off the cove on the right-hand side of the beach. After the initial spray, the water flows down the other side of the promontory forming a waterfall. The water is also calm enough for swimming in the cove.  

Crash Boat Beach

Crash Boat Beach is somewhat unusual on this part of Puerto Rico’s coast because the water is almost always calm. That, plus the water’s crystal clarity, makes Crash Boat an excellent swimming beach. It’s a popular beach with families because of the calm water, public restrooms (a rarity in Puerto Rico), and numerous food vendors, although honestly anyone who likes the beach will like Crash Boat.  

Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach is in Rincon, Puerto Rico’s premier surfing town. Although Rincon has many world-class surfing beaches, Sandy Beach stands out because it’s where Tamboo Beside the Pointe is located. “So what?” you say. Well, CNN GO lists Tamboo Tavern as one of theBest 50 Beach Bars in the World; Esquire Magazine named it one of The Best Bars in America- twice; Travel  + Leisure Magazine called it one of America’s Best Beach Bars; Conde Nast Travel named Tamboo one of the Best Caribbean Beach Bars; and Bacardi Rum awarded it with its Best Mojito Trophy for two years in a row. Between an amazing beach and an amazing bar, Sandy Beach is an amazing place to be! These six beaches aren’t the only fabulous beaches in Puerto Rico, but they’re definitely among the best. — About Lisa Lisa Dworkin is the founder of thebestbeach.net and has loved the beach since she was 6 years old. Today she spends her time visiting, writing about, or dreaming of beaches. — top photo by Liz Saldaña

The Best Food In La Paz, Mexico

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Over the winter holiday, I spent a week in La Paz, Mexico. The city is like most Mexican tourist destinations; a lot of people speak English, it’s almost always sunny, and there are tons of great restaurants. This was my first real vacation in a long time, and I wasn’t sure what I was going to want to do with my time off, but it quickly became clear that my top priority was food, and over the course of a week, I ate at all of the best restaurants in town. Here are a few places that shouldn’t be missed: El Carrito - Situated directly across from the shore, El Carrito is a funny little place. Because the tables and chairs were made of plastic and covered with Corona logos, it sort of felt like eating in someone’s backyard. I ordered fish tacos and a Negro Modelo. The tacos were filled with fresh breaded fish and cabbage and then drenched in a white cream sauce. I added a generous serving of spicy salsa and enjoyed a wonderful lunch for about $5. El Perico Marinero - I ate lunch in the garden behind El Perico Marinero on my third day in La Paz. The food was plentiful and delicious. I ordered some kind of traditional Mexican food sampler plate, which included chile relleno, enmolada, and chicken tacos. Everything was delicious, but the chile relleno was a stand-out; the pepper had the perfect crunch to compliment its cheesy middle. The restaurant had a relaxed atmosphere and the patio offered a nice mix of shade and sun. Ostioneria Bismark-Cito -  While I was browsing the internet for things to do in La Paz, I kept finding mentions of a taco truck with incredible lobster tacos. I decided that it was definitely something worth trying, and I spent a bit of time trying to track down the cart. Ultimately I discovered that the cart had been so successful that its owner was able to open a full restaurant. It was a big open place packed full of large families, and it served delicious freshly caught seafood. The lobster tacos lived up to my high expectations; they were accompanied by coleslaw and salsa, which made them reminiscent of a classic northeastern lobster roll. Photo by 3dom

Racing Gauchos, Punk Rockers, and Tango Dancers: A Photographer's Buenos Aires

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Buenos Aires, Argentina: a city so photogenic, sometimes it feels as though it’s posing. While you could pack up your SLR with plans only to wander around town and snap shots at random, there are certain locales that will help you capture the Paris of South America at her best angle. Even if you’re not a photographer, these recommendations highlight some of the city’s key cultural elements. Here are some of my favorites:  

Kim y Novak Bar

Get ready for a wild photo set. Enjoy your evening siesta, then with tripod and camera in hand, head to Kim y Novak bar in Palermo around 2 a.m. any night and capture the eclectic mix of people that crowd in to grab an ice cold Fernet y Cola or the bar’s signature drink: the Jo Jo. Drag queens, punk rockers, hipsters, celebrities, artists, and a random sampling of interesting, pink-haired renegades, you never know what you will get. It’s definitely a unique side to Buenos Aires you must see.  

Sunday San Telmo Market

A local artisan models one of his handmade masks at the San Telmo Market

Every Sunday, Calle Defensa in Buenos Aires’ most historic district becomes one of those unique places where, despite crowds, you must counter-intuitively stand still. Follow the light, adjust your shutter, then get comfortable. I promise ideal action-packed moments will appear right before your eyes. In mid-December, don’t miss La Llamada de Candombe when almost 2,000 colorfully costumed carnival groups march the streets with feather headdress-clad dancers and bongo drum players. Just make sure you bring ample memory cards.  

La Catedral Milonga

Milonga: Simply stated, a place where tango is danced. With soft overhead can lights and a background enshrouded in darkness, La Catedral milonga makes for perfect silhouette shots. The lighting at this rustic, underground hot spot allows you to capture images that will make you look like a professional photographer without actually being one. Bring a lens with a low aperture setting, so you can up your shutter speed and freeze milongueros mid-motion. Most important: don’t forget your tripod and your dancing shoes. Address: Sarmiento 4006, Almagro district  

Buenos Aires Free Walking Tour

On a tour through town, learn about Buenos Aires’ rich history and scope out shooting locations you’d like to explore later on. These tours are cost-effective, fun, and informative and they allow you to, at the very least, capture a broad sweep of the city’s famous landmarks. This includes La Plaza del Congreso, Teatro Colón, and El Obelisco. For more information click here.  

El Mataderos Fair

Step away from city life for a day, and explore Gaucho culture. Argentine cowboys race on horseback as locals snap their fingers and stomp la chacarera, a type of Argentine folk dance. It’s a must-do cultural spectacle that will round out your photo collection. La Feria de Mataderos takes place on Sundays April through December. In between shots, make sure to snag a savory humita: a sweet corn tamale filled with cheese. Location: Mataderos neighborhood at Av. Directorio and Av. Lisandro de la Torre. To get there, take buses 55, 63, 80, 92, 117, 126, 141, 155, or 180.  

El Caminito, La Boca

Believe it or not, most of those stunning, colorful shots of Argentine tango dancers are confined to a three-block radius in one of the city’s most shady neighborhoods: La Boca. Guard your gear on the way there and away, but once you enter El Caminito — a bustling rainbow-painted promenade rife with tango performers — you’re safe. Duck down alleyways and scale staircases to capture unique angles. For scenery shots, don’t forget your wide angle lens.

The colors of El Caminito reflected through a pink mirror

Curator Experiences: Music in TN

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Wanderfly curator Anastasia Medytska gives her top picks for the best places to experience Tennessee music:  

Nashville

1) Mercy Lounge “Mercy lounge is a musical mecca of sorts. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, I loved the cheap tickets and variety of shows. Mondays are Rock & Roll Trivia nights, fun!” 100 Cannery Row Nashville, TN 37203   2) Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge “This honky-tonk is a tourist must-see. It’s a Nashville legend with a bit of musical history - everyone has passed through here (Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, Kenny Chesney- to name just a few) and you should too.” 422 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203  

Memphis

3) Sun Studios “I love (aka am slightly obsessed with) Johnny Cash, so no visit to Memphis is complete without a visit to Sun Studios, where this legend, among a few others (Elvis! Jerry Lee!) got their start.” 706 Union Ave Memphis, TN 38103   4) Hi-Tone “This divey music venue offers up some surprisingly delicious brunch. It’s mostly frequented by hipsters and the like, but it’s a great place to see a show and drink some cheap beer. They occasionally have a deal for $5 all-you-can-drink PBRs!” 1913 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN 38104   5) Stax Museum of American Soul Music “Memphis is known for rock&roll but I never expected that R&B and soul originated here too. So many classics are featured at Stax, from Ike&Tina to Isaac Hayes. Super educational and cool museum (they even have a dance floor and recording studio).” 870 E McLemore Ave Memphis, TN 38106   6) Graceland No one should be allowed to leave Memphis without visiting Graceland, it’s like walking around the pink elephant in the room. From the cars to the costumes to all the platinum records, I definitely learned a lot about Rock & Roll and Elvis by the time I left this place. It might have been the 50s-style diners that won me over though… 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd Memphis, TN 38116  

Best Italian Winter Destinations

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by Jessica Spiegel Italy, like many European countries, is most often thought of as a fair-weather destination - and with good reason. Those glorious Tuscan hillsides aren’t sunny and green year-round, y’know. Italy, however, is open for business year-round - and when cheap air tickets are easier to find in winter than in summer, an off-season visit is even more appealing. Here are three cities worth considering for a winter trip to Italy - one for people in search of an Italian ski vacation, one for people who want a popular destination at a bargain price, and one for people who want to steer clear of winter weather completely. Buon viaggio!

Ski Hub in the Italian Alps: Turin

(Image via)

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the northwestern city of Turin makes an excellent base from which to explore some of Italy’s best ski areas - it was, after all, the setting for the 2006 Winter Olympics. The Alps are just over there, on the horizon, and offer some pretty fabulous options for skiing and snowboarding. The collection of ski resorts known as Via Lattea (near the French border) have runs for different skill levels, including ski schools for beginners. More advanced skiers may particularly enjoy the night skiing at Sestriere - the Giovanni Alberto Agnelli run is open until 10pm. These slopes were used during the 2006 Olympics, and at roughly one hour from Turin this area is an easy day trip. Not only that, there’s a train station at Oulx that you can reach from Turin (and other major cities), so you don’t even need to rent a car if you prefer not to. Head back to Turin for a little après-ski relaxation and you’ll find a city that’s cosmopolitan but not too big - it’s easy to explore on foot, and although it doesn’t boast world-famous art collections like Florence or Rome it does have one of the Catholic church’s most venerated relics (the Shroud of Turin), a top-notch Egyptian museum, and a car museum. But really, after a day on the slopes, there’s probably no better way to enjoy Turin than from a table at the Caffè al Bicerin, nursing the thick coffee-and-chocolate concoction named after the cafe itself.

Easier on the Budget in the Off-Season: Venice

(image via)

Venice is notorious as an extremely expensive city to visit, which means that many budget travelers skip it or limit themselves to a day trip from a home base on the mainland. If you can go during certain parts of the winter, however, your budget will go much further - and you’ll have fewer crowds to fight through, as well. Snow in Venice is something of a rarity, but make no mistake - the islands in the lagoon get cold in winter. It’s that damp, bone-chilling, cut-right-through-you cold, too, so don’t go without a warm coat. Having said that, there’s no sweeter reward after wandering aimlessly in a chilly and hauntingly foggy Venice than to slip into a bar and order a caffè corretto - that’s an espresso with a shot of grappa to you and me - or follow the locals into a cicchetti bar, where they eat bite-sized servings of regional specialties accompanied by a small glass of local wine. Visiting Venice during the winter has its drawbacks - a gondola ride through the canals is a pretty cold proposition in January, and some of the hostels close for a few months - but budget hotels offer rooms at their lowest rates all year. This means you can actually stay for a couple of nights rather than schlepping in and out from the mainland each day. Note that off-season pricing doesn’t apply around Christmas and New Year’s, and it’s important to find out when Carnevale is happening, too - it’s sometimes in late February, and that’s absolutely high-season, nevermind the weather.

Milder Winter Weather: Palermo

(image via)

Maybe you’re not into winter weather at all, and even the idea of a warming coffee-and-chocolate drink isn’t appealing enough to make you want to don a down coat. Never fear, Italy has other wintertime destinations that are far more temperate - all you need to do is look south. A city like Naples is certainly milder in winter, although you’ll get plenty of rain, but one of the pleasures of a visit to Naples is seeing the nearby Amalfi Coast - and that’s not really much fun in the winter. Keep going south, then, until you’re forced to get off the mainland and onto the island of Sicily. You won’t necessarily find balmy bikini weather during a Sicilian winter, but Palermo’s average high temperatures in December-January are right around 60F (15C) and the average rainfall is distinctly less, too. As an added bonus, prices are lower and crowds are fewer - which is, of course, every traveler’s dream come true. Settle into the old city in Palermo and wander from beautiful church to beautiful church, enjoying the in-situ art, and check out the palazzo from which the Kings of Sicily once ruled. You can do some holiday shopping in one of Palermo’s many outdoor markets, see an opera in the historic theatre, sample cannoli from every pastry shop you pass, and - if you’re lucky - see the Christmas lights twinkling over the city’s most famous crossroads, the Quattro Canti. Spend more time on the island (and rent a car) to visit your choice of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, home to some incredible Greek ruins. About the Author: Portland-based writer Jessica Spiegel is a serious Italophile - she’ll happily take a winter trip to any part of the country, and she has yet to find a season that’s too cold for gelato. Jessica works for indie travel experts BootsnAll.