JourneyEtc

Who doesn’t enjoy shopping? Even if one doesn’t derive complete enjoyment from this activity, it is still a necessary and unavoidable part of life. Perhaps catering to these kinds of people, several places in the world have created weird shopping centers that will not only entice you to purchase items, but also entertain you as you gaze upon the strangeness of their architecture.

Because shopping centers have existed for a long time, architects are now more challenged to create a different style that will appeal to buyers, or simply to those who just want a change of style.

Khan Shatyr in Astana, Kazakhstan

At least three passengers are dead, more than 14 people are wounded, and around 50 people are still unaccounted for as the cruise ship Costa Concordia ran aground a sandbar resulting it to keel over near Giglio in Italy last Friday night. The ship had more than 4,000 passengers.

Initial reports say that the evacuation was a story of panic where a lot of passengers cannot get onto lifeboats, decided to return to their room, while others jumped into the water and swam to reach the shore.

According to authorities the captain of the cruise ship is already under arrest for man slaughter and abandoning ship. Coast guard and other rescue teams are searching the waters for possible survivors while divers were sent to check the submerged decks of the ship.

Majority of the 3,200 passengers were Italian, French, British, and German nationals. The number of crew was about 1,000.

Italy is among the top destination of those who want to travel. Statistics show that every year, Italy welcomes more than fifty million travelers from around the globe who want to see the magnificent cathedrals of the Roman Catholic faith, enjoy the warm climate and great waters, taste genuine Italian food, and see all the best destinations in Italy. The country boasts of 41 declared world heritage sites, and no country in the world is at par with that.

The number of tourists is great but Italy continues to be under appreciated as most the travelers only venture to Rome, then Venice, and maybe Milan. There is more to Italy than the thousand old structures, gondola ride, and shopping. There is more to it than what you can read on Italy travel guide brochures.

Here are some Italy travel ideas in case you are planning to visit this beautiful country:

Travel destinations and great food come together like how we need air to breathe. When you go to different places, there will be a culinary experience that will make a mark in your soul and make that holiday memorable. Here are some of the best food destinations across the globe:

India

If you will be crossing states and towns in India, expect a burst of different flavors to be served on the dining table. The main staple when your in the north is roti and rice when you are in the south. They usually come with chutney, vegetables, and dhal. The meal may come with some meat or fish. Your taste buds will love the range of exotic spices that come with every dish in India.

Japan

With the tough economy and unstable exchange rates, going for a holiday in Europe does not come cheap. If you are on a tight budget, every discount or freebie is a big help to stretch you travel money. Here are some of the best things to do in Europe for free:

Watch the sunset at Pliazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy

The Piazzale Michelangelo is just a few minutes away from the city center of Florence. The place provides a spectacular view that can be considered as one of the best in Italy. You will also see here one of the fake David’s in Florence. It is great to see this place during the day but it is a different experience when you get there before sunset and watch the sun go down the horizon.

Listen to the choir of Westminster Abbey in London

Dreaming about an Italy holiday is easy, you just close your eyes and let your imagination work. Reality sets in when we try to figure out how much you need to spend for an Italy trip. Going to Italy has never been cheap and some even skip this travel destination because they want to stretch their budget during a tour.

You budget for an Italian holiday really depends on how you want to travel. You can splurge and spend a fortune or you can make things happen even with a limited travel budget. There is no way we can come up with a formula for an Italy travel budget but we lay out some of the things that you need to consider so you can enjoy your trip to Italy.

Airline tickets

Coffee. The drink’s popularity has spread worldwide since its appearance in written history in 1671 to its aroma reaching different countries via instant coffee packs at homes and offices, via Starbucks, or other brands which satisfy every person’s craving.

One country which can really claim that it knows coffee like it knows how to breathe is Italy. In Rome, for example, you can find coffee bars in every square, cranny, monuments, and nooks that you will see. Cappuccinos are part of their souls.

Those who do not know a lot about coffee may think that when in Italy, you can order either an espresso or a cappuccino. You can get these two but they are only a small part of a long list that you can choose from. Coffee in Italy is spelled as V-A-R-I-E-T-Y.

Here’s a list that may help out coffee lovers in case you go to Rome and decide to get a cup in a coffee bar:

Everything about taking a cruise is classy and romantic. That is, of course, until you leave the boat, and you’re fighting for space in off-shore attractions along with your hundred or so companions. There are exceptions, though. We’ve listed the best cruises to take if you want to step out of the usual tourist hellhole. You can call them VIP cruises because you’ll be served like royalty when you take these tours.

Seven Seas Navigator’s Cruise to Italy

When you join the Seven Seas Navigator on one of their cruises to Italy, you get to enjoy an all-suite cabin, which keeps most of the ship’s passengers inside their quarters and out of the corridors. The crew also offers 24-hours of room service, so you can actually enjoy the trip without leaving your room too frequently.