Why The Cinque Terre In Italy Should Be Your Next Trip

by Jessica Festa on

Once a coastline of sleepy fishing villages, the Cinque Terre, or “Five Lands,” has become a popular destination for tourism over the recent years. What makes this Italian destination different from most tourist hot spots, however, is that it has somehow managed to retain its old-world charm and simple style.

Located in the Liguria region of Italy, the five towns that compose the Cinque Terre include Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The area hasn’t succumbed to the corporate world, as terraced hills of colorful buildings and small shops allow visitors to experience real life on the Italian Riviera. Moreover, the area is well known for its grapes, olives and pesto, which have unique flavors due to the mild, warm climate and shelter from winds by nearby mountains. Hiking from town to town is a popular activity, and a great way to experience each area while seeing as much as possible.

In October 2011, the towns of Vernazza and Monterosso experienced devastating floods, burying the cities under 10 feet of mud and leaving the people without water or electricity. Locals have been working feverishly to get the area back to its original state, and have done an excellent job of staying on schedule with the rebuilding. One great way to experience the beauty of the Italian Riviera is to stay in the towns of Vernazza and Monterosso. There, you can drink Ligurian wine, enjoy the cuisine and immerse yourself in the towns’ traditional cultures. It’s a unique time to go, as there is a feeling of renewed joy in the air. Moreover, you’ll be one of the first to experience the old town with its new vitality.

For a more visual idea of the Cinque Terre, check out the gallery below.

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[Images via Big Stock]

Tokyo Celebrates Summer With Their Annual Eel Day

by Jessica Festa on

While many Westerners picture watermelon, daiquiris and ice cream when they think of summer, Tokyo gets excited for their traditional treat, broiled eel. In fact, they even have a special day to commemorate the dish, Unagi no Hi, also known as Midsummer Day of the Ox, or Eel Day.

The annual event, which takes place every year at the end of July, took place on Friday, July 27. Apparently, the high content of oil in the animal’s flesh can provide locals with enough energy to get them through the remaining hot summer days. On the holiday, locals will head to their favorite restaurant serving eel to order the dish.

According to CNNGo, a bucket of live eels is traditionally kept under the floorboards of the restaurant, until ordered by a patron. Then, the animal is sliced into filets and pierced with bamboo skewers. From there, they are lightly grilled over charcoal before being steamed to soften the meat and release the oils. Finally, the eel is placed back on the charcoals to broil some more while basting. This method is known as kabayaki, and has been employed since Tokyo was called Edo.

Unfortunately, Tokyo’s neighborhoods are changing, as are people’s tastes. Not only that, but the decrease in eel supplies and the rising price of the dish make this once common meal an occasional splurge. For your next trip, you may want to consider visiting Tokyo to taste the tradition before it’s too late.

[Image via Alpha]

Colombiamoda 2012: Fashion And Culture In Colombia

by Jessica Festa on

For those with an interest in travel, fashion and culture, Colombia hosted their annual Colombiamoda fashion event this past week, from July 24-26. The event is world-renowned, with over 30,000 industry professionals from 46 countries coming from all over the world to attend. In fact, Colombiamoda is such an important happening; it helped place Medellin on the map as the “fashion capital of Colombia.”

It’s not just attractive models and high-end retailers that make Colombiamoda such a hit, but the fact that fashion and textiles play a very important role in the city. Medellin is often considered the industrial capital of Colombia, with textiles being one of their biggest areas of commerce. Fifty-three percent of total exports of finished clothing go to countries like the United States, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Ecuador and Europe. Moreover, the industry generates 30 percent of Medellin’s employment.

%Gallery-161283%The event is also important because of Colombia’s stance as a major influence on world fashion. For one, garments are high quality and unique but cost very little to make. Additionally, many popular brands are produced there, such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Calvin Klein, Dockers, Gap, Levi Strauss, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. Locals take great pride in their city’s reputation, and designers at the show often have their garments reflect the culture and lifestyle of Colombia.

Visitors also got a taste of Mexican fashion from international guest and designer Christian Cota, who based his pieces on the story of an American girl in love with Mexican culture. Cota used craft traditions of the Aztec country roots and handmade garments for his creations.

Looking to attend other major fashion events during fashion season? Upcoming Fashion Weeks include:

  • New York- September 6 to 13, 2012
  • London- September 14 to 18, 2012
  • Milan- September 18 to 24, 2012
  • Paris- September 25 to October 3, 2012
  • Tokyo- October 14 to 24, 2012

As of now, Colombiamoda 2013 is set for July 23 to 25. For a more visual idea of the event, check out the gallery above.

[photos via Proexport]

Top 10 Reasons Couples Argue On Vacation

by Jessica Festa on

Planning a trip with your sweetie, but nervous about potential trouble in paradise? Online travel agency latedeals.co.uk looked into the matter by surveying vacationing couples to figure out the top reasons lovers argued with each other on a trip.

For those who think their relationships are too strong to need to worry, the data shows differently. In fact, the study found over 75 percent of couples argue at least twice during a two-week trip. To help your relationship avoid becoming part of the statistic, read the following list and try to steer clear of these argument starters:

1. Men checking out other women at the pool or beach
2. Disagreements over activities
3. What to eat and where
4. Drinking too much
5. Driving and map reading
6. Packing
7. Women taking too long to get ready
8. Spending too much money
9. What time to get to the airport
10. Disagreements over currency

Have you and your partner ever had a disagreement while traveling?

[Image via Big Stock]

11-Year-Old Boards International Flight Without Passport Or Ticket

by Jessica Festa on



With all the security and red tape most travelers endure at the airport, it’s surprising – and scary – that 11-year-old Liam Corcoran-Fort was so easily able to get by security, board an aircraft and fly internationally without a passport or ticket.

While shopping in Manchester with his mother, the boy decided to sneak off, hopping a bus to Manchester International Airport after finding a bus ticket on the ground. According to Corcoran-Fort, once he got to Terminal 1 he walked right through the body scanner, metal detector and boarding gate onto Jet2.com Flight LS791 to Rome, Italy.

“There were lots of people but I didn’t speak to anyone. I followed where people were going and then at the barrier I went underneath it,” said the boy. “I didn’t have anything on me and no-one asked me for anything. I just carried on walking.”

According to news.com.au, the boy claims he didn’t have the intention to cause harm, he simply wanted to use to the toilet; however, it ended up just being too easy. It wasn’t until passengers noticed the lonely boy talking about how he had wanted to run away from home that Corcoran-Fort was discovered.

There is currently a full investigation in progress to find out how a young boy could have passed through five security checks and boarded an airplane without showing a ticket or passport. So far, five Jet2 and airport staff members have been suspended.