Local Travel Tip

When planning your trip to Italy, places such as Rome, Florence, and Pompeii instantly come to your mind. But whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the small island of Capri–possibly the most gorgeous place on Earth.

Unlike other parts of Italy, Capri has somehow managed to keep the slow, relaxed pace of living. Anyone who visits the island will instantly feel relaxed  as they are bathed in the warm, perfumed air.

Three places you DON’T want to miss when visiting Capri:

The Grotta Azzurra

An incredible natural wonder, this cave emits a bright, blue light. This breathtaking sight is something that cannot be matched and you’ll never forget. The cave can only be entered at certain times of the year when the water level is low, so plan your trip in advance to go during optimal seasons.

Anacapri

The city of Anacapri rests at the top of a mountain. A chairlift ride is offered to take you from the main city to the top of the mountain, where the view of the island is absolutely stunning. While in Anacapri, take the time to wander the streets and enjoy the atmosphere; inhabited by mostly locals, Anacapri will give you a more genuine experience then other tourist spots on the island.

Faraglioni Rocks

Despite erosion and winds, these famous rocks have somehow managed to survive, and have even been given names. Left to right, we have Stella, Faragilione di Mezzo, and Faraglione di Fuori. The third, Faraglione di Fuori is the only known habitat for a famous species of blue tinted lizard. Take a boat ride around the Island, and make sure you go near the base of these rocks to  experience how tall they really are.

On a trip to Italy no one can resist the allure of their famous gelato. However, Italians know that tourists are suckers for this delicious treat and they line the streets with gelaterias. With so many choices, how do you find the best? Your best bet is to ask the locals, but if your Italian isn’t up to par, here are some tips to finding the best.

1. Steer clear of big tourist spots. There are always plenty of enticing gelaterias around big tourist areas, but they are usually overpriced and not the best quality.
2. Look for a place with a limited number of flavors. While the stores with dozens of flavors look exciting, they are often not the best quality or most authentic.
3. Explore. Often the best gelaterias are found while just exploring through the winding roads of Italy.

While doing my own exploring in Italy I tried dozens of kinds of gelato. Here is what I found: In Rome, the Old Bridge Gelateria just outside of Vatican City is the best in the city. Inexpensive and delicious! If you find yourself in Siena, avoid the Piazza del Campo and take a stroll down Via dei Rossi. You will stumble upon CopaCabana, not only the best gelato in Siena, but the least expensive as well! If you are a chocolate lover, try their Fondente(dark chocolate).

Enjoy your search to find the best gelato and be daring in your selection of different flavors!

New Moon, the second movie of the Twilight saga, is coming to theaters on November 20th.

For those who are IN LOVE with this series, whether it is the books and/or movies, here are the places to visit to complete an absolutely thorough Twilight tour.

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