Fodor's Week in Travel: Raise a Glass http://ift.tt/1I9sA7N

Want to make your next trip a vino-inspired one? We've got you covered. We found some of the best destinations worldwide for wine lovers and one to recoup from a night on the town. With gorgeous vineyards, fine dining, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these spots are perfect for your next vino vacation.

10 Ultimate Experiences in Burgundy

With newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site vineyards, this wine region, a short train ride from Paris, is a must for any oenophile.

Wine Lover’s Guide to Galicia, Spain

The Rías Baixas vineyards here attract wine devotees with its regional specialty—the white Albariño.

Wine Lover's Guide to Italy's Prosecco Region

UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Michelin-starred restaurants only add to the allure of these beautiful Italian wineries.

Nashville's 5 Best Coffee Spots

With Music City's wild nightlife comes the strong need for some much-needed morning-after caffeine. Check out these independent hot spots for your fix.

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Long Weekend in New Haven http://ift.tt/1M2FJDU

On the surface, New Haven seems like a modest New England town, complete with shady lanes, cute cafés, and historic buildings that conjure visions of colonial Connecticut. It doesn’t take long, however, to realize the cultural and culinary explorations that await. Much of what strikes a first-time visitor is related to Yale University, the cornerstone of New Haven’s economy and the root of its remarkably vibrant arts scene. Dive deeper and discover that the city itself is a great story, full of both character and characters for whom this centuries-old harbor town holds a special, uniquely American kind of pride.

Friday

New Haven makes for a great long weekend, clocking in at two hours from both Boston and New York City. Its two train hubs—Union and State Street Stations—are served by multiple railroads including Amtrak and Metro-North. Tweed Regional Airport, Megabus, and other transit lines are just a fifteen-minute drive from the city center.

There are several hotels of varying sizes in this college town. Remember to book well in advance, as they fill up fast among well-attended, year-round festivals and events. Outside of familiar chains and a few indies, the Omni New Haven Hotel is the go-to high-rise just off the town green. The Study at Yale, however, is the design-forward option just up Chapel Street.

For lunch, head to Claire’s Corner Copia to taste test a New Haven institution. Owner Claire Criscuolo opened this vegetarian eatery with her husband Frank in 1975. Today the bustling, casual restaurant is a true prize in the heart of town, serving award-winning quiche, soup, and desserts (the signature Lithuanian coffee cake is the stuff of legends). And it’s not just delicious, but also easy on your conscience. Claire uses organic, sustainable ingredients, along with vegan, kosher, and gluten-free dishes.

In the afternoon take a Yale campus tour. Free and open to the public, the student-led tours leave from the Elm Street Visitor Center weekdays at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and weekends at 1:30 p.m. For about an hour, you get an overview of the campus layout, history, notable artwork, and some of Yale’s architectural gems. The school has an impressive roster of famous people who gained their higher education on this storied campus, which dates back to the 1640s. Not many institutions can claim their influence on names like Morse, Whitney, Bush, Clinton, Streep, Buckley, and countless other high achievers.

That said, you can actually get closer to some of those trailblazers at the Grove Street Cemetery. On the north side of the main Yale campus, the cemetery is a meditative ground laden with legacy. It’s a lovely place to roam or to catch a free weekend tour.

It’s a nice surprise when a hotel restaurant exceeds every expectation. The Study’s Heirloom Restaurant pulls off seasonal farm and coastal cuisine in a polished, mod setting. Dinner prices are reasonable (even more so for brunch and lunch) considering the fresh, local ingredients like Connecticut-sourced produce, shellfish, and meats. Come prepared for impressive wine and cocktails and don’t miss the “warm local ricotta” with thyme and truffles.

Saturday

New Haven is a city of firsts. Many inventions and companies were born in this wee metropolis of just 130,000. (The population swells to about 200,000 once school resumes.) Among the world-shaking innovations are the Frisbee, cotton gin, automatic revolver, and the first telephone exchange. Food is obviously big here too, with the hamburger, lollipop, and Culinary Institute of America all rooted in New Haven’s heritage.

You’ll learn about these and many other facts on a very filling Taste of New Haven tour. Founder, guide, and native Colin Caplan and his team offer group tours mainly on weekends, though private and custom tours are available (and affordable). They focus on different neighborhoods and themes, including a bike tour and a Halloween-appropriate “Trick or Eat Spooky Tour.” But Caplan’s real expertise is in famous New Haven pizza—or as it’s locally known, “apizza” (pronounced “a-bizz”).

Catch the company’s Wooster Square tour. It varies a little but usually starts from Little Italy, at the famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (est. 1925) to sample traditional tomato or white clam pies or more modern variations straight from its enormous coal-fried brick oven. This is just one of the vintage Italian eateries on Wooster Street, where you can hear locals debate all day about which apizza is the best. Some lean toward supremely old-school joints like Pepe’s, nearby Sally’s Apizza, or Modern Apizza; others go for new-school artisan pies from Da Legna.

Clear your pizza palate with Italian ices from Libby’s, whose vintage décor appears trapped in the ‘60s even though it dates back to 1922. Its ices are divine, and you can take the cannoli to go. Back toward the city center, sample everything from tantalizing take-out Indian at Tikkaway Grill (don’t be surprised when it becomes a national chain) to fresh handmade breads and pastries at G Café to tasty empanadas and mojitos at Zafra Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar.

Theater is serious business in New Haven, where Yale School of Drama graduates like Paul Newman, Liev Schreiber, Jodie Foster, Frances McDormand, and so many more learned the entertainment ropes—a good number of them blazing a path to the Academy Awards. Saturday is a good night to take your pick of plays at the sophisticated Yale Repertory Theatre or the award-winning Long Wharf Theatre or a showy touring production at the historic Schubert Theatre. Who knows what future Oscar winner will take the stage during your long weekend.

Duck into the Owl Shop for a post-theater nightcap and cigar. It’s got sidewalk seating in warm weather, and its interior still owns that sexy 1930s-era, dark wood charm. If you miss it tonight, stop by tomorrow for daily happy hour from 5-7 p.m. and check the calendar for the live-music lineup.

Sunday

A hearty brunch awaits at Harvest Wine Bar, where $18 prix-fixe brunches bring you two courses, most of them loaded with fresh produce directly from the half-dozen farms listed on the menu. The spring pea ravioli is especially flavorful (though seasonal), but it’s hard to argue with an ace eggs benedict or “two-handed” BLT with avocado and lemon aioli.

A dose of culture follows at the beautiful Yale University Art Gallery, where you’ll find everything from European masters to African and Asian art to photography to impressive modern-American collections. It’s both free and small enough to enjoy in a single afternoon.

For souvenirs, head to The Shops at Yale along the corridors of Broadway and Chapel Street. There are several museums, restaurants, big and small retailers, and of course the Yale Bookstore where you can stock up on Bulldogs paraphernalia. On most Sundays you can find the Broadway Open Markets occupying the triangle at Elm and York, where local crafty types and a slew of food trucks set up shop all day.

Where to Stay

Located on the main artery that is Chapel Street, The Study at Yale is the result of a multimillion-dollar renovation completed in 2008. You’d never know its sleek accommodations were once a humble motor lodge. With its spacious rooms, enormous windows, and a few strategically preserved architectural details, the hotel offers 124 guestrooms and suites, each outfitted with local artwork and comfy leather reading chairs and lights—especially helpful for making use of the huge lending library in the hotel lobby.

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Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

They say the best things in life are free, and in San Francisco, enjoying some of the most iconic sights won’t cost you a dime. With its stunning natural beauty and a thriving arts and culture scene, the city has an abundance of things to do if you’re on a budget or just saving for other indulgences. From a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge to a drive down the crooked streets to world-class music in the park, San Francisco is a dream come true for the cost-conscious traveler.

By Amy Sherman

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10 Ultimate Experiences in Burgundy http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With its promise of fabulous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Burgundy—Bourgogne in French—lures wine lovers to its gentle landscapes and orderly rows of vines. This summer, UNESCO designated areas of Burgundy's Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune vineyards, along with Dijon's ancient center, as World Heritage Sites because of their cultural significance in wine production, which began in the Middle Ages. Exquisite cuisine, stone-built towns, medieval abbeys, château hotels, and bike rides past vineyards and canals also await. In Burgundy it's easy to combine a visit to top French wine regions with other pleasant pastimes—all just a short train ride from Paris.

By Linda Cabasin

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10 Best Scuba Diving Sites in the Caribbean http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Take a break from the palm trees and hammocks on your next trip to the Caribbean and venture into the depths of the ocean, where remarkable treasures await. The Caribbean sports a world-renowned scuba diving culture and hundreds of diving sites known for their colorful beauty and vast marine life. Whether you’re diving through the majestic wreck of a former ocean liner or dropping by a bay swarming with stingrays, paradise extends beyond the shores with these ten scuba dives in the Caribbean.

By Zachary Laks

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Wine Lover�s Guide to Galicia, Spain http://ift.tt/1KBKIIn

The lush, rain-soaked region of northwest Spain known as Galicia has been famous for centuries as the final stop for Christian pilgrims hiking the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile route starting in the Pyrenees and ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of St. James are buried. Over the last two decades, however, different kinds of pilgrims make the journey here: wine lovers hunting for heady surprises in the ancient grape varietals found in the open vineyards of Galicia’s lower estuaries, known as Rías Baixas.

Winemaking in Galicia dates back 2,000 years to the time of Roman occupation when it was exported to England by the gallon. However, Rías Baixas was not formally established as a Denomination of Origin for winegrowers until 1988, just after Spain joined the European Union. Recognition did not come easily for the regional specialty—the aromatic, white Albariño—since Spain is a country generally associated with the color red. Yet twenty years later, Albariño’s once cult-like status seems to have skyrocketed largely due to its popularity with expert American sommeliers. Today, there are hundreds of barrels of white vintages produced from the nearly 9,000 acres of grapes scattered throughout the subzones in Rías Baixas. Here’s our guide to exploring the best of the region.  

Santiago de Compostela

The logical launching pad for your winetasting tour is the buzzing town of Santiago de Compostela with its iconic Baroque cathedral. It’s not uncommon to see hikers or cyclists toasting the completion of “El Camino” at a wine bar along the city’s narrow pedestrian streets or to hear buskers playing bagpipes in Plaza Obradoiro, the main square, in homage to their Celtic roots.

Where to Eat: Culinary wizards Iago Pazos and Marcos Cerqueiro have transformed six stalls from the local farmers’ market into a tiny, ultra-modern eatery called Abastos 2.0. Sourced exclusively from the mercado, tapas here change daily, with inventive treats like mussels seasoned with crumbled pumpkin seed, grilled octopus with kale, and percebes (steamed barnacles), each served with Galician wines to match.

Where to Stay: Also known as Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the Parador de Santiago de Compostela, on the Plaza Obradoiro, is widely considered to be the oldest hotel in the world. Originally a hospital founded in 1499, the building is rife with historic touches, including creaky wooden doors with giant, old-style keys.

Val do Salnés Subzone

Set in the picturesque village of Cambados, Val do Salnés is the oldest, largest, and most productive subzone of Rías Baixas, with vineyards that hug the Atlantic coastline, granitic soils, and temperatures averaging 55º F.

Vineyards to Visit: Named after a legendary Galician troubadour, Martin Códax has flourished since its founding in 1986 by fifty families led by ninth generation winemaker Luciano Amoedo. Today, its wines are made from the harvest of more than 2,400 separate plots and imported by Gallo.

Nearby, the fourteenth-century family estate winery Pazo Señorans looks like it was lifted straight from the set of Under the Tuscan Sun. Winemaker Ana Quintela oversees the grape selection, while mother-daughter team Victoria and Marisol Bueno keep a close watch.

Last but most definitely not least, there’s Pazo Baión. Once owned by a Spanish drug lord, then seized by the government and turned into a winery by the collective Condes de Albarei, this sprawling stone compound in the Galician countryside boasts fifty-five acres of forty-year-old vines. The most promising bottle here is the namesake Pazo Baión Albariño with its clean taste and citrus and almond notes. (Five percent of all profits here are pledged toward fighting drug addiction.)

Where to Eat: Superb service, ridiculously fresh seafood, and unique presentation will win you over at upscale Eirado da Lena in the main square of Pontevedra. Try the finely sliced scallops served on sea stones.  

Where to Stay: A sixteenth-century manor house, Parador de Pontevedra (Casa del Baron) offers a central location in the heart of the old quarter, which makes a convenient base for exploring the various subzones of Rías Baixas. Peppered with antique portraits and mirrors, the building looks out onto a lovely little rose garden.

O Rosal Subzone

Located just below the town of Baiona near the Miño River, O Rosal is the southernmost subzone in Rías Baixas, known not only for its Albariño but also for Loureira and other varietals.

Vineyards to Visit: Terras Gauda, which is within walking distance of Portugal, is one of the most interesting wineries in Rías Baixas. Winemaker Emilio Rodriguez is keen on producing wines from the unusual Caino Blanco, a late ripening grape that yields the delicious, peppery La Mar, a refreshing alternative to the traditional Albariño. 

At Santiago Ruiz, Rosa Ruiz welcomes you into her ancestral home, a seventeenth-century estate surrounded by trellised vines. The highly drinkable namesake wine here is made from an assortment of grapes, and its label bears a hand-drawn map made for guests of Rosa’s sister Isabel’s wedding years ago. 

Wind down your day at Adegas Valminor, where you can sample winemaker Christina Mantilla’s Torroxal “O Rosal” Tinto, a rare, indigenous red blend that Mantilla rescued from obscurity.

Where to Eat: The limited yet memorable menu at La Casa de Las 5 Puertas, just a five-minute walk from Parador de Pontevedra, includes Galician specialties like potato omelets and fried eggs served with wild mushrooms.

Condado do Tea Subzone

This mountainous subzone with a slightly warmer climate and an abrupt landscape along the right bank of the Miño River is crossed by the Tea River from north to south. 

Vineyards to Visit: Pontevedra native Jose Limeres established a handful of vineyards throughout Rías Baixas in the 1980s when he was looking for reliable wines to pair with the cuisine in his Madrilenian restaurants. Now the flagship winery of the group, Bodegas La Val, uses only its own grapes to make mainly 100 percent Albariño wines, but it also offers a three-grape traditional blend made from Albariño, Loureira, and Texadoras. 

Pazo San Mauro is another Spanish estate that is so elaborately old-world that it looks like it was airlifted out of a Merchant Ivory film. Complete with a chapel built in 1582, the winery was purchased in 2003 by a well-to-do family from Rioja who has invested heavily in the restoration of the estate’s ancient buildings and the construction of a new wine cellar.

Finally, at Senorio de Rubios, you’ll welcome red on your lips after so much white. Sip the Senorio de Rubios Souson, a full, fruity red with the taste of tangy wild berries.

Where to Eat: La Ultramar (Rúa Padre Amoedo Carballo, 3; +34 986 85 72 66), with its open kitchen showcasing the culinary skill of Michelin-starred chef Pepe Vieira, makes for a brilliant finale to a winetasting tour of Rías Baixas. The airy, Scandinavian-style setting provides an ideal backdrop for Galician dishes with a modern twist, such as the roast beef tacos and sea bass ceviche.

Pair your tapas with wines by Paco & Lola, a Val do Salnés winery that produces a crisp Albariño that has quickly become one of the most popular wines in Spain. The winery itself boasts that the stars at the Los Angeles premiere of Vicky Cristina Barcelona sipped Paco & Lola—not bad for a wine that has waited thousands of years for its moment in the spotlight.

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Nashville's 5 Best Coffee Spots http://ift.tt/1U5Cywj

Any city with nightlife as kicking as Nashville's needs an equally robust coffee scene for those morning afters. Until recently, the pub crawlers and last-callers who made their way through Music City's legendary honky-tonks had only a few options for much-needed roast and relaxation. But over the past few years, the number of high-quality, independent coffeehouses in Nashville has increased exponentially, creating one of the nation's hottest local scenes. Here are five of our favorites.

Crema

Husband-and-wife owners Rachel and Ben Lehman have built Crema's loyal following one bean at a time with direct involvement in every stage of their coffee production, from the source to your cup. They've taken great care to develop personal relationships with each of their farmers and to train their employees to the highest standards of brewing.

But they're more interested in sharing their coffee passion than showcasing high-minded brewing techniques. They offer popular coffee classes such as Intro to Roasting, Espresso Basics, and Great Coffee at Home. Crema's space (for which Ben is the "co-owner and chief-executive janitor") is intentionally no-frills, as Ben and Rachel prefer to focus their investments on their products.

Fido

A favorite hangout of nearby Vanderbilt University students, Fido is as popular for its all-day menu of breakfast items, organic dishes, and hearty foods as for its array of signature coffee drinks. Fido maintains a small staff of highly trained baristas who have monthly contests to create the best drink recipes. Eclectic creations that have become regular items include the Sproda—Bordeaux cherry, Coca-Cola, espresso, and ice—and the Habicano—iced Americano with habanero, agave, mesquite, and lime. But it's not all exotic beverages. Fido serves excellent, single-source cups of coffee with flavor options such as local honey, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Eighth and Roast

Eighth and Roast (two locations: 2108 8th Ave. S, 615-730-8074 and 225 Chestnut St.) serves a serious cup of coffee, not in a haughty-coffee-snob kind of way, but rather in a benevolent-coffee-geek way. Instead of presenting multiple coffee varieties, owner Lesa Wood prefers to rotate a few selections weekly, highlighting a single farm.

Her famous iced coffee is flash chilled, which takes brewed coffee from piping hot to around 40°F in less than a minute. It's a method she borrowed from the beer industry, using both copper piping and plate chillers. Wood says it locks in all the tasting notes of hot coffee and keeps the bright acidity many people prefer over cold brew. Speaking of beer, the Affagato, a fresh espresso shot over house-made ice cream with a milk chocolate stout from a local brewery, at Eighth and Roast is pure delight.

Sweet 16th Bakery

Admittedly, you don't go to Sweet 16th specifically for the coffee. Well, you might. After all, they do serve delicious blends of Drew's Brews, a popular local roaster whose owner personally signs every bag.

Although this tiny neighborhood bakery isn't a coffeehouse-hangout kind of place, you'll want to come here for their breakfast sandwich, which unhyperbolically can be called "best ever" (or at least best in Nashville). Modestly appearing as "The Breakfast Sandwich" on the menu, this simple little wonder consists of an egg and cheese casserole with mild green chilis on a cheddar cheese scone. For a mere $2.95, it's the freshly baked scone—delicate, fluffy, and savory—that vaults this sandwich to the top of the handheld breakfast world. In fact all Sweet 16th's scones, pastries, muffins, brownies, and cookies are baked from scratch daily—mom's kitchen style—by co-owner Ellen Einstein. Pair any of the fresh-baked goods with a cup of Drew's for a real Nashville treat.

Frothy Monkey

Sure you could stop into Frothy Monkey, pick up a "Red Eye Latte" to recover from your long night in Music City, and be on your way. But you'd miss out on one of Nashville's best coffeehouse experiences.

Frothy Monkey not only has fantastic, single-source coffee, but also affordable breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus full of comfort items such as sandwiches you order on a first-name basis. Ask for "Nathan" to get peanut butter, bananas, and honey on multigrain. "Ida" is pimento cheese, spinach, tomato, and red onion on toasted sourdough. The names come from Nashville friends of Frothy Monkey: The coffeehouse partners with stellar local businesses including High Garden Teas and Black Abbey Brewing Company (with whom they collaborated to make the POTUS 44, a delicious coffee-porter tribute to the president, with Kenyan and Hawaiian coffee and "a little smoke that won't quit").

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Vietnam's Top 12 Experiences http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Vietnam offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.

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Wine Lover�s Guide to Italy�s Prosecco Region http://ift.tt/1fCcs4X

Thanks in part to the recession, economical Americans began switching from Champagne to Prosecco, a more affordable alternative with the same effervescence and celebratory spirit, and never looked back. Its fresh, light quality makes it easy to enjoy with any cuisine (even brunch). While many visitors look forward to the bubbling vino offered throughout Italy, we suggest visiting the countryside where it comes from.

Although a day trip (via tour or hired driver) to the Prosecco region is feasible from Venice, it’s worthy of its own long weekend getaway. We recommend renting a car so you can visit multiple towns and drive out to the vineyards. However, you can also take the train to visit the provinces of Veneto and purchase a Eurail pass to visit multiple destinations.

After a week of tastings, we determined that you truly can’t go wrong with Prosecco, Prosecco Superiore, Brut, Dry, or Extra Dry and that half the fun comes from invoking the spirit of the winemaker, the Italian culture, and the ambiance of the sun-soaked vineyards while you imbibe. In addition to popping bottles, we also uncovered an array of sights to see in between vineyard visits, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Michelin-starred restaurants to charming accommodations. Here are four of our favorite provinces and recommendations for each.

Venice

Start your journey in Venice, part of the Prosecco region. With waterways threading the entire city, no other place in the world rivals its unique charm.

What to Do: A romantic ride along its canals, a trip to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and a visit to San Marco Square after dark are absolute musts while you’re in town. Don’t miss a trip to Enoiteca Mascareta for fabulous wine curated by the eccentric owner, Mauro Lorenzon.

Where to Stay: Converted to a hotel in 1908, Hotel Saturnia has been owned by the same family for more than a century. Just steps from San Marco Square, it’s the perfect blend of ancient Venetian style and modern convenience. If you’re looking for a design hotel, check out the Saturnia’s sister property, Ca Pisani, which boasts contemporary elegance in the heart of the art district. If you’re looking to stay outside the hustle and bustle, the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is a quick ferry ride from San Marco Square. The Hilton offers killer views of the Venice skyline and a rooftop pool where guests can enjoy them. 

Where to Eat: If you’re looking for a romantic meal in an alfresco garden, try La Caravella or check out De Pisis for a fancy dinner along the canal. For the perfect traditional Venetian cuisine, check out Al Covo. For outstanding pizza, stop by Rosso Pomodoro. Save room for gelato at the famous La Boutique del Gelato (Salizzada San Lio; +39 041 522 3283).

Vineyard to Visit: Thirty-five minutes from Venice proper lies Venissa Wine Resort (on the minor island of Mazzorbo). Sample the only wine in the world made from the native Venetian Dorona grape. Less than 5,000 bottles are produced per year, and each one is bottled in limited edition Murano glass bottles finished with a gold leaf, which pays homage to the grape variety, which means “gilded.” Guests can tour the vineyard, dine at its Michelin-starred restaurant or more casual osteria, and spend the night at the resort.

Vicenza

Amidst a city surrounded by fortified walls lies a medieval landscape created by famed architect, Andrea Palladio. Vicenza’s unique architecture led to the town’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through Piazza dei Signori at the heart of the city to find Vicenza’s most famous landmarks: the Basilica Palladiana (the medieval courts) and the Torre di Piazza. Enjoy drinks on La Terrazza di Vicenza for sweeping views of the city.

Where to Stay: Villa Michelangelo is nestled in the Vicenza countryside as a haven for those in search of peace and quiet. Guests are spoiled with luxurious, individually decorated rooms, views overlooking a lush green valley, and a pool among olive trees. Sign up for a class with the chef for the perfect souvenir: the skill of Italian cooking.

Where to Eat: After a long drive up a winding hill you’ll reach Spinechile, the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Corrado Fasolato and his wife Paola. Spinechile is a culinary adventure you’ll never forget, with the some of the most imaginative dishes you’ll ever have. 

Vineyard to Visit: Take a tour of Zonin1821’s wine cellar and visit the museum to learn about the history of the vineyard through the Zonin family’s journey. Also, check out the unique stamp collection dedicated exclusively to vines and wines. End your visit with a wine tasting with enthusiastic sommelier, Gabriele, who will guide you on a passionate journey through Prosecco’s many flavors and sensations.

Treviso

Only twenty miles north of Venice lies the charming province of Treviso. Although its city center bears a resemblance to Venice, with its meandering canals and breathtaking churches, it’s missing one thing: the crowds. This tranquil town, where water wheels idly turn and locals leisurely amble its narrow, cobbled streets, offers a quiet place to enjoy life as the Italians do. Your time here is best spent watching the streams gush by as you sample a glass of Prosecco and nibble on traditional Veneto cuisine at local restaurants and osterie.

What to Do: Visit the Museum of Antonio Canova. Canova was once the finest sculptor in the world, and his work is exhibited worldwide in museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Temple of Canova, a grand structure across the road where Canova is laid to rest, is also a must see. Sample Italy’s national beverage at Castagner Italian Distillery, one of the finest grappa producers in Italy. But don’t expect your typical “firewater.” Owner and master distiller, Roberto Castagner, creates innovative grappa for discerning consumers.

Where to Stay: If you’re looking for luxury, check out Hotel Villa Cipriani, once home to Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The hotel is located in the small, affluent town of Asolo, known for its stunning mountainous views and its seasonal garden. If you’re looking to stay closer to the grapes, you can’t go wrong with Borgoluce’s farmhouse. Wander the green landscape of meadows, woods, and vineyards, interrupted only by the property’s great castle. Cool off in the bioorganic swimming pool that looks like a small lake and is carefully curated with plants handpicked to purify the water.

Where to Eat: Sample charcuterie, cheeses, and fresh handmade sandwiches at Dai Naneti, a traditional osteria filled with locals of all ages. For a lovely meal along the canals, check out Odeon alla Colonna and try their coffee pasta for a rush. If you’re looking for fancy fare, head to the small town of Oderzo and try Gellius, housed in a prison from the Middle Ages. During construction of the restaurant, Roman and Byzantine ruins were unearthed, and after three years of restoration, you can now dine among priceless archeological remains in the Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Vineyards to Visit: Book a guided tour at Villa Marcello, located in the foothills of the Veneto Prealps. Here, you can visit the cellars, sample the Prosecco, and learn about its history in a small museum dedicated to the estate’s evolution. Borgoluce is another family-owned vineyard, and its commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in its sustainable farming techniques. Visit its osteria or Borgoluce Frasca where you can enjoy dishes made with seasonal products from its farm.

Padua

Art, spirituality, and science coalesce in Padua. It is home to the first botanic garden in the world (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Italy’s second oldest university (where Galileo used to teach).

What to See: Book tickets at least a few weeks in advance for the Scrovegni Chapel, a UNESCO site and Padua’s version of the Sistine Chapel. Giotto’s frescos are truly artistic masterpieces. A visit here is guaranteed to be a trip highlight. The Basilica of St. Anthony nearby, burial place of St. Anthony and a major pilgrimage site, is also worth a stop.

Where to Stay: Hotel Villa Goetzen is a charming, family-run hotel with a hospitable atmosphere and simple, yet lovely accommodations.

Where to Eat: For a romantic evening, try Belle Parti in the historical heart of Padua, inside the aristocratic Prosdocimi Palace.

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Cuba�s Top 12 Experiences http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Cuba offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.

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Fodor's Week in Travel: Top Overseas Adventures http://ift.tt/1Jrg4mv

Looking to travel the world? Whether you want to immerse yourself in Roman art, Brazilian beats, or Chilean nature, our weekly roundup has all of the best experiences for your next trip covered.

Brazil's Top 12 Experiences

With Carnival, live samba shows, caipirinhas, and raucous soccer matches, Brazil knows how to party better than any other country.

25 Ultimate Things to Do in Rome

There is no better place than Rome to admire ancient ruins, ogle Baroque art on full display, and bask in the glory of cinematic greatness.

Chile's Top 12 Experiences

From viewing the breathtaking scenery of geyser fields to spotting Patagonian wildlife to hiking snow-capped volcanoes, Chile is a nature lover's dream.

10 Things You Need to Do Before Any International Trip

Before you take off on your next international trip, follow these ten steps to ensure that your getaway is a success.

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10 Things You Need to Do Before Any International Trip http://ift.tt/1Jrg1XH

Memorize the following and make it your mantra: Good travel is the result of good planning. That applies to any trip you take, but it’s especially true when you’re heading to a foreign country. It can be tempting to book a ticket and start fantasizing about your getaway, but there’s work to be done. In addition to the planning any trip requires—lodging, restaurants, activities, and so on—international travel calls for extra steps and research to ensure a stress-free experience. Fortunately, we’ve broken it all down into a ten-point plan that will help make your next international getaway a success.

1. Check your passport and apply for any necessary visas.

While it’s not necessary to memorize your passport’s expiration date, it’s best to take a look at it—and to verify that you know where your passport is stored—before making any international travel plans. Generally speaking, you want your passport to be valid for at least six months after entering a foreign country, though some nations will let you get away with less; refer to the State Department’s website for full details, organized by country. If its expiration date is approaching, you’ll need to renew your passport before your next overseas trip.

Though not a universal requirement, tourist visas are needed to visit many nations around the world, and the application process varies greatly from country to country. If you have an American passport, the State Department’s website is the best resource for determining if you need to apply for a tourist visa based on the countries you’re visiting and how much time you plan to spend in each one. It’s important to note that applying for a visa can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s best to get it out of the way as soon as possible. Some countries, like China, offer multiyear visas that allow for multiple entries and exits; if there’s a chance you’ll return to a country sooner rather than later, multiyear visas can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

2. Get vaccinated and stock up on medicine.

Depending on where you’re going, you may need to get special vaccines or medications as a precaution against various diseases. For the most comprehensive and up-to-date medical recommendations, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, which also lists health advisories by country. In addition, if you routinely take any prescription medication, make sure you have enough to cover the duration of your travels so that you don’t run out while you’re overseas. Finally—and especially if you’re going to any remote regions—it’s wise to pack non-prescription medicines (aspirin, Imodium, etc.) that may not be easy to find.

3. Check for travel warnings/advisories and register your trip.

Before you travel abroad, refer to the State Department’s Consular Information Program for Travel Alerts (“short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country”) and Travel Warnings (“We issue a Travel Warning when we want you to consider very carefully whether you should go to a country at all.”). It’s worth checking for these notices both before you book a trip and just before you depart. You should also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which makes it easier for the State Department to assist you in the event of an emergency. Similarly, write down the addresses and phone numbers of any American embassies or consulates in the destinations you’ll be visiting, in case you need to contact them.

4. Prepare your finances.

Before you travel overseas, call your bank and credit card providers to let them know where you’ll be; if the companies see foreign charges with no notice that you’re abroad, they might freeze your cards, which can be quite annoying if you’re in a shop or trying to pay for dinner. Before you travel internationally, be aware of the exchange rate and know how much things generally cost wherever you’re going so that you get some sense of how much you’re going to spend. If you want to get traveler’s checks, feel free to do so, but know that they are not widely accepted and are exchanged at a less favorable rate than the one you’ll find at an ATM, no matter where you are in the world.

5. Make copies of travel documents.

Most importantly, have at least one color copy of your passport’s ID page stored somewhere safe and separate from your passport. You should also make copies of any visas that pertain to your current travels. Hotel reservations, train ticket confirmations, and all other travel documents should be copied as well. In this digital age, it is very convenient (and eco-friendly) to only have digital copies of these documents handy. That’s fine, but be sure that these items are saved to your device locally so that you can access them without an Internet connection. Also, if you’re going to store sensitive information (like a scan of your passport) on your phone or in your email inbox, make sure your passwords are strong enough to keep potential intruders out.

6. Obtain an International Driving Permit.

The international road trip of your dreams isn’t going to happen unless you plan correctly. That’s because it’s illegal to drive without a valid driver’s license and insurance in most countries, and many do not recognize U.S. driver’s licenses. Car rental companies usually offer insurance, but for the license you’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit, either from AAA or the National Auto Club. It’s also smart to familiarize yourself with local driving laws wherever you plan to drive. Contact foreign embassies for official rules and regulations regarding driving.

7. Get all the necessary gear for your electronics.

Electrical outlets are different all over the world, so you’ll need to have adapters that allow your devices to plug into foreign sockets. Your best bet is to buy an adapter with different settings that adjust to most outlets, so you only have to worry about one adapter instead of one per country. You also need to check the strength of the electrical current wherever you’re going and make sure your devices are compatible—cell phones and computers often are. If you have a device that’s not compatible with a higher or lower current, then you’ll need to buy a transformer or leave that gadget at home. Finally, if you don’t own them already, it’s worth investing in portable phone chargers and/or spare batteries that can be charged and swapped into phones, cameras, and other electronics so that you can stay fully charged while you’re on the go.

8. Learn key phrases in the local language.

Of course it’s best practice to learn basics like “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Where is the bathroom?”, but the more you can say in the local tongue, the better. Then there are times when being able to effectively communicate is a matter of health and safety. If you have any food allergies or severe medical conditions, it’s important to learn how to inform others about those issues in a foreign language. If you don’t feel comfortable with your language abilities, then cheat and print out a document with relevant phrases or make flashcards that you can carry with you.

9. Research entrance and exit fees.

Regardless of whether a country requires you to obtain a tourist visa, it may levy an entrance and/or exit fee against you. For example, Argentina allows U.S. citizens to visit for up to ninety days without a visa, but a $160 “reciprocity fee” must be paid before entering the country—you won’t be allowed in without a copy of the receipt. Once again, the Consular Information Program is the most reliable resource for determining whether a country charges these fees; on any country page, look under the Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements tab for complete information.

10. Buy health and travel insurance.

Before you travel, check your health insurance policy to see if it includes international coverage. If not, consider buying a short-term policy that will cover you while you’re abroad, in case something should happen. Similarly, a smart way to protect your trip and your money is to purchase travel insurance. Policies and coverage vary from provider to provider, but the basic idea is that you can have your money refunded if your trip has to be cancelled, postponed, or cut short for any number of reasons.

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25 Ultimate Things to Do in Rome http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

It may be a cliché, but there’s no better advice for visitors to the Eternal City than the old adage, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” This is where la dolce vita originated, after all. Of course, after more than 2,000 years in existence, there’s enough to explore to keep you busy for years, with decadent pasta and gelato to indulge in, places to shop for everything from handicrafts to haute couture, archeological sites, Baroque churches, villas-turned-museums, and enough art to overload your senses. Whether you’ve never visited Rome or return often, here are twenty-five things you absolutely must do.

By Laura Itzkowitz

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Chile's Top 12 Experiences http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Chile offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler's list. Here are Fodor's top picks for a memorable trip.

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5 Chicago Restaurants That Will Transport You Around the World http://ift.tt/1eijXwJ

With dirt-cheap taco joints and trailblazing temples of haute cuisine—and everything in between—Chicago has one of the richest, most diverse, most satisfying food scenes in the United States. Of course, the city has hometown staples like deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and Chicago-style hot dogs, all of which are worthy of indulgence, but this is also a town where you where you can taste the flavors of the world. What’s more, certain restaurants and bars are paying increasing attention to décor, effectively conjuring other locales with their attention to design and furnishing in addition to menus. Whether you want to pretend you’re near the beach in Santa Monica, in a bustling bistro in Paris, or at a hip Tokyo eatery, these five spots will make you feel like you’ve temporarily departed the Windy City—but happily you won’t have.

Summer House Santa Monica

The beaches on Lake Michigan are nice, but they’re a far cry from the sands of California. Still, if you’re looking for a taste of the SoCal experience, head to Summer House Santa Monica in Lincoln Park for a beach-house setting and sunny vibes no matter what time of year. White-lacquered wood, string lights, hanging plants, and a retractable glass ceiling set the scene for this casual spot, which takes advantage of the warmer months but manages to feel like an escape even in the depth of Chicago’s miserable winters thanks to the sunshine and the wood-burning oven. (The restaurant’s main dining area is called the “Vitamin D Room.”)

The menu itself may not hew exactly to what you would find in Santa Monica, but the emphasis on light, fresh, and seasonal is authentic. Salads are lightly dressed, the excellent burrata is handmade daily, and the pastas are surprisingly the standouts of the menu. The lunch menu is limited, but at night you’ll find a greater emphasis on seafood, including sushi, and grilled steaks. The refreshing cocktails focus on fruit and herbal components, while the wine menu has a good amount of offerings from California, in particular the southern part of the state, a nice change from the Napa and Sonoma selections you can find everywhere else.

Paris Club Bistro & Bar

Paris Club originally opened its doors in the River North neighborhood in early 2011; at the time, it was a barn-sized brasserie with a nightclub upstairs and a see-and-be-seen crowd. These days, things are a bit different, as the space downsized, redecorated, and separated itself from the nightlife aspect, reopening as Paris Club Bistro & Bar in February 2014. The room has a classic look, with wooden paneling, leather banquettes, vintage French lithographs adorning the walls, and a handsome bar upfront. And the ambiance is different—better—more grown-up with an intimate, romantic vibe that puts the focus on the food rather than the people watching.

The menu of French classics, overseen by acclaimed chef Doug Psaltis, satisfies with familiar favorites such as escargots in garlic butter, steak tartare, moules frites, and coq au vin. Still, you’ll find occasional touches of surprising luxury, as in a dish of lobster scrambled eggs topped with black truffle, or profiteroles made with salted caramel, fleur de sel, and a rich chocolate sauce. The wine list features selections from Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, the Rhone Valley, and southern France, as well as a handful of international selections that are identified as “French at Heart.” In a city where traditional, unfussy French food is hard to find, this restaurant is a welcome retreat.

Ramen-san

Occupying what was formerly half of Paris Club, Ramen-san has been slinging its bowls of ramen since March of last year. The space is airy and bright, with sand-colored brick walls, blonde-wood benches and tables, and an uncluttered bar that doubles as seating for countertop dining. The soundtrack, which might include hip-hop, is loud and upbeat, while Japanese signs and golden-cat statues serve as the few decorations, making this feel like a place you might see young, hip diners if you were in Tokyo.

Of course, the point of coming here is to eat ramen, and there are seven options on the menu; stick to the traditional tonkotsu option or, if you’re feeling like something more unique, opt for the kimchi and fried chicken bowl. Small plates include de rigueur offerings like gyoza and steamed buns stuffed with pork belly, but don’t overlook the spicy Szechuan chicken wings, irresistibly flavorful and messy, or the wonton stuffed with pork and shrimp, doused with umami-heavy XO sauce. The cocktail program is designed by local legend Paul McGee, and there’s also a robust selection of Japanese whiskeys, a surprising find in this relatively modest space.

RPM Steak

Chicago has no shortage of great steakhouses, but RPM Steak brings a Vegas-sized dose of glitz and glamour to the sometimes-staid restaurant genre. A joint effort between hospitality group Lettuce Entertain You and celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic, RPM followed in the footsteps of RPM Italian, debuting in August 2014 and remaining a River North hot spot ever since. There’s no other way to put it: This is a sexy restaurant, with seductive lighting and spacious, half-moon banquettes lining the perimeter of the bar area, where you can perch and watch over the action in the main dining room.

If the ambiance doesn’t make you feel like a high roller, the menu (and the fifty-page wine and spirits list) certainly will. Foie gras, lobster, bone marrow, and Wagyu beef all make appearances, as does a showy “millionaire’s potato,” a large spud that is baked twice then topped with fontina and black truffle. To start, take the advice of the wait staff and create your own appetizer by ordering both the thick-cut bacon, with a bourbon-vanilla glaze, and the coal-roasted king crab—combine bites of each to reach a hedonistic nirvana. If you wish, you can spend almost $200 on a 36-ounce steak, or you can be reasonable and stick to the $39 steak frites—either way you won’t be disappointed.

Three Dots and a Dash

Sometimes you pass through an unmarked door, down a set of stairs, and suddenly you feel like you’re on a tropical island. That’s the case at Three Dots and a Dash, which opened in July 2013 but gained international recognition late last year when it appeared on an annual ranking billed as The World’s 50 Best Bars. (Yes, technically it is a bar, but they also serve food.) Ever popular, this downstairs den is a temple of Tiki-bar culture that both pays homage and brings a contemporary sensibility to Polynesian–themed drinking establishments. Sticking to a traditional Tiki-bar look, Three Dots and a Dash features bamboo, funky lighting, and all the other expected design elements without ever feeling too over-the-top.

As for the drinks, there are sixteen of them: half are old recipes sourced from historic Tiki spots like Don’s Beachcomber Cafe, which opened in Hollywood in 1936, and the other half are new inventions that stick to the tried-and-true formula of rum, fruit, and various other fun ingredients. There are also group drinks served in large vessels shaped like clam shells, skulls, or ships; there’s also an ostentatious treasure chest designed for six to eight drinkers, which is served with a bottle of Dom Pérignon for a cool #385—you shouldn’t order one, but it’s fun to see it at a neighboring table nonetheless. The food menu features throwback items as well, including coconut shrimp, crab Rangoon, and a genuine Pu Pu platter that serves three to four tipplers, an ideal way to soak up those drinks at the end of the night.

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