Italy Off The Beaten Path Travel Articles

Renting in Ischia, Italy, or on Cape Cod

Comparing the costs of renting on Cape Cod, Mass versus renting on the island of Ischia on the Bay of Naples. Italy is cheaper.

Fregene: The Beach Next Door To Rome

Fregene, in Lazio, about 30 minutes from the center of Rome, is a delightful beach town without crowds. There you can find fresh seafood, and a relaxing beach.

Arezzo, Tuscany: A Stunning Find

Arezzo Tuscany Italy is a secret gem, with so much culture and history plus the great food.

Sicily and Living Like a Sicilian Insider

Kim Schneider takes us to live for a while in Sicily, learning to cook, shop and enjoy the seaside scenery in various locations in Sicily, Italy.

Genoa Italy’s Charms Didn’t Elude Her

Discovering the birthplace of the famous discoverer, C. Columbus Genoa Italy, visiting the cathedral and the port and eating pesto and focaccia.

Florence: A Self Guided Walking Tour

A self guided walking tour of one of Italy’s most popular cities, Florence, where the Uffizi and many other treasures like the Ponte Vecchio await you.

Urbino, Intellectual Center of Le Marche

An exploration of the city of Urbino, in the Le Marche region in eastern Italy. Where to find truffles, where to stay and what to see in Urbino.

The Offida Carnival participant, one of hundreds. Cindy-Lou Dale photos.

It’s Carnival Time in Offida, Italy

At the Offida Carnival, it’s hard not to feel like a local. It’s the 500th year of this big celebration in Le Marche, Italy.

Supercar Drive: The Bad A$$ Raging Bull

Driving a supercar in Italy’s Le Marche region, taking the Lamborghini Hurrican through its paces in the winding roads of the Alps.

Under the Tuscan Sun on a Farm in Chianti

A Tuscan Agritourism Stay in the Chianti hills near Siena, meeting the winemakers and appreciating Italy for all it stands for.

Rome’s Underground Worlds

Rome’s underground attractions including the Stadium of Domitian, catacombs, Capuchin Crypts, Vicus Caprarius, otherwise known as the City of Water

The view from Zeneba & Matt's balcony in Soriano nel Cimino, Italy

“I Can’t Believe We Live Here!”

“I Can’t Believe We Live Here!” Matt Walker and Zemba Bowers left their jobs playing for symphonies and moved to Tuscany for a new life.

GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

Take a few minutes to travel the world with The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast. Brought to you by the long-running GoNOMAD travel website, The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast brings you audio stories from destinations around the globe. It’s short-form… 3-7 minute long episodes. No jarring AM radio-style theme songs, no ads, just an interesting short travel story and some food for thought, from editor Max Hartshorne. Fun!
While you’re planning your next trip or travel adventure, download and listen to The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

GoNomad is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more of our travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/
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The New Year celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and traditions that provides a unique experience for all who partake. The city is alive with energy as it transforms into a vibrant hub for festivities.

January 1 is not just a day but the beginning of a week-long holiday where locals and visitors alike engage in a variety of celebratory activities. The streets are bustling with life, illuminated by lanterns that glow softly against the backdrop of the night sky, while the scent of street food tantalizes the senses. This journey through Chiang Mai reveals the many layers of its New Year festivities, from its breathtaking natural beauty to the deep-rooted cultural practices that make this time of year so special. Among the most striking sights during this season is the blooming of the Himalayan cherry blossoms.

A short trip to Kun Chang Hian allows visitors to witness these stunning flowers in full bloom, creating a magical setting for exploration. Here, one can engage with local traditions, such as listening to the kyan, the traditional bamboo mouth organ played by village children, or trying one’s hand at archery using bamboo bows.

The culinary scene is equally delightful, featuring local delicacies, including the famous grilled pork sausage, which embodies the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. As the celebrations culminate on New Year’s Eve, a profound sense of spirituality envelops the city. Temples become sanctuaries for nighttime prayer, and the flickering lights of candles enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Participants gather to release floating lanterns, a symbolic gesture of releasing past burdens and inviting new fortunes into their lives.

This ritual not only enhances the visual splendor of the night sky but also fosters a deep connection among participants, creating a moment of shared hope and renewal. The New Year in Chiang Mai is more than just a celebration; it is a heartfelt embrace of tradition, community, and the promise of new beginnings.