Subject:

local

There are certain times of the year when you just don't want to be somewhere. Take Washington, DC, for instance, where most tourists visit in the summer when it's hot, sticky and downright miserable. But, a smart tourist knows to go in the shoulder seasons when the temperatures are more pleasant and you can see such natural beauties, such as the annual Cherry Blossom Festival on the Tidal Basin in April.

Timing is everything when it comes to travel, and knowing what to expect and when to expect it is a crucial step in planning a successful trip. Click below to see my tips on planning when to go somewhere.

Our question today for Francesco....What do you do for fun on the weekends? What do you do on a typical Friday night?

Our question today for Francesco....I've heard that Padova has one of the best open air markets in Italy. How often do you shop there? What do you buy? Guidebooks like to portray Italians as shopping for fresh food at the market every day, but is this reality? What are your suggestions for a tourist who wants to try shopping at a real Italian market?

There comes a point in almost everyone's life where they get to play tour guide. Whether it's for friends, family, or even the occasional couchsurfer, being a good guide for where you live is a difficult art to perfect. You've got to mix your city's culture, food, and personality with your visitors' own tastes; ending up with a unique recipe for adventure. But what ingredients should you pick?
Your first instincts may be to hit up all the standard tourist attractions. After all, isn't that what they're there for? But, to concoct a truly tasty trip, you'll need to be more selective in your picks. Follow along for a few ideas to keep your guests coming back for more.

Whenever you travel to an unfamiliar place, you'll likely be in the mood to sample some of the local fare. You don't have to plan your trip to the dish, but it helps to at least have an idea of what you want to try.
Singapore is a place where you can sample the best cuisine from many different cultures, without having to travel all over Asia. As a bonus, it also has some delectable dishes that are distinctly local. Before you go, get to know some of these dishes so you won't be stuck wondering what to try.

Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.

Our question today for Francesco....Tourists love to come to Italy to see the great works of art in Florence, Venice and Rome. But, where do Italians go on vacation? What are some of their favorite activities? When is the busiest time for travel in Italy?

Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.

Our question today for Francesco....why is it that Italians never seem to get in an orderly line, say like the British or Americans do? When I'm in Italy I never know what to do, and feel intimidated to tell someone, hey, I was here first. Can you give me some insight and some advice on how to survive waiting my turn around a bunch of Italians?