2024 is the year of experiential travel! 

It’s not just about visiting a destination, but experiencing it deeply through it’s people, it’s food, it’s history and geography.  Here are some destinations to consider exploring deeper and possibly visiting in the near future:

1. The Region of Piemonte in Northern Italy – It’s draw is a mix of gastronomy, culture, and nature.  You can also easily reach the region through Turin Airport from Toronto and I would suggest visiting in the fall or winter.

• Fall –  Attend or participate in the Alba White Truffle Fair (a month-long experience offering cooking shows, cooking classes, tasting workshops and more).  Next, I would combine wine with history.  Some of Italy’s best wines are found in this region (specifically Langhe-Roero and Monferrato) so, while visiting and tasting those wines - why not also visit the Castle of Grinzane Cavour and learn about the area’s history.  Lastly, don’t forget to visit Lake Maggiore or Lake Orta for its natural beauty, historical towns and of course fantastic food.
• Winter – Now if you love to ski then you won’t be disappointed with over 1,350 km of slopes and 50 ski stations with some of them boarding on France.  Why not ski in two countries in one day!

2. The Region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in Southwest France – Love a good road trip.  This is the region to do it!  From mountains to vineyards to towns to beaches.  This region offers a real variety.  Here are a few reasons to insoire you:

• Climb 100 m or so high at Dune du Pilat along the Atlantic
• Experience oyster harvesting and taste the freshness
• Swirl some wine from Bordeaux, but don’t forget to try cognac from Cognac
• Visit cave paintings dating back 17,000 years
• Hike through the pine mountains
• Stroll through Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO world Heritage Site
• Enter Basque Country and if you have the time cross the border into Spain and enjoy the wine in Rioja and the tapas in San Sebastian.

3. Slovenia – Now I know it’s not a region, but it’s a small country and definitely worth mentioning.  It’s significantly less expensive than visiting Italy and France and has so much to offer than just Lake Bled.  Including:

• centuries old fairy-like castles, historic towns dating back to medieval times, tasty wines for you to discover, trails to hike and caves to explore. 
• For those who love adventure, check out Soca Valley.  Not just the filming location of The Chronicles of Narnia, but a playground for those that love to hike through the mountains, race down the river in kayaks and fish world famous trout.
• As for when to visit, Slovenia offers so much all year round, but if I had to be specific, I would pick May or October.  May is less busy, not as hot as summer.  October brings cooler days and the changes of colours in the leaves.
• Lastly, Croatia is just below Slovenia so, why not extend your trip and continue into another incredible country to explore.

Interested in booking a trip or learning more, set up a complimentary consultation with me and I am happy to talk travel with you.  Click here to book!