After discovering the Renaissance of Florence, primarily on foot, I was ready to settle down. Just 16 kilometers away was my home for the week, the Villa le Dame. Located near Impruneta, the Villa le Dame presented luxury accommodations without the luxury price tag. It was heaven.

First, I had to book in advance. The low season, between October and December, offers the best rates. However, the high season during July and August has the most activities and great weather. Just getting back, I was lucky enough to secure pretty decent rates for the prime accommodations I received!

Upon arrival, the staff greeted me as if I was a VIP guest. What an incredible feeling! The registration was quick and efficient and I was immediately escorted to my own private villa. The villa has four bedrooms upstairs and living room, kitchen, sitting room with a fireplace and game room below.

One may mistakenly believe this ancient stone architecture lacks modern conveniences. However, that was not the case. The facilities and amenities are actually quite modern with satellite TV, DVD/CD player, air conditioning throughout, washing machine as well as a dishwasher.

Outside is equally amazing with a private swimming pool, barbeque grill for parties and a picturesque view of the Chianti vineyards. It was truly breathtaking. The area was quiet and peaceful; perfect for couples or families looking for a quiet getaway from the bustling city of Florence. I soaked in the sun and just felt a sense of peace surrounding me.

I needed to get some food for dinner and breakfast. This was not a problem since Impruneta was only 1.7 kilometers away. I chose to walk the countryside and meet some of the local residents. People were very friendly and most accommodating. The nearby hamlet had numerous cafes and restaurants, so why not see what a real cappuccino taste like? Any intentions of cooking soon dissipated after getting wafts of fresh bread baking and simmering tomato sauce.

I like hanging out with the locals, so I watched a group heading for a nearby restaurant, Osteria Antica Sosta. After finishing my cappuccino, I followed suit. No sooner had I sat down was I warmly greeted by others. I joined them as they introduced dishes yet to be explored by my inexperienced tongue. I enjoyed Chianti wine along with a variety of dishes, including Wild Boar Pasta, a favorite amongst the locals. Everything was delectable and very different from the Italian food I get in the States.

Afterwards, I headed back to the Villa le Dame. With nice music playing in the background and watching the crackling fire, it felt like home. If you find yourself longing for a true Italian experience, Villa le Dame truly has it all.

I would advice people travelling to Tuscany to locate their perfect Tuscany villa rental at italianview.com listing beautiful villas and offering outstanding customer service.

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1. Dunn’s River Falls – Jamaica Island offers some incredible shore excursions, but one of the absolute best is Dunn’s River Falls. These falls are breathtaking, and while a climb to the top may be challenging it is well worth the effort once you reach it. On your way up you can stop and take a dip into the river to cool off if needed.

2. Jamaica ATV and Zip Line Adventure – This shore excursion takes about five hours, and will offer you plenty of excitement along with some relaxing moments. Take your ATV along the hillside terrain, enjoying the speed and fun. The zip line adventure includes several choices, with some that are heart stopping and others which are less extreme.

3. River Tubing – Spend hours or even a full day enjoy all of the fun that the rivers on the island offer. Tubing down the river can be relaxing and slow-paced, or you can go flying along for a fast-paced exciting ride. The tropical climate make this a great choice on a hot afternoon, and allows you to see the natural beauty of the island.

4. Horseback Riding – Horseback riding is a very popular activity on Jamaica Island, and it can be a great shore excursion that allows you to explore everything and relax at the same time. There are many trails through the interior of the island which are perfect for this activity.

5. Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour – Nine Mile, the small village where Bob Marley was born and also the final resting place of this beloved star, is a very popular shore excursion for many cruise passengers. You will tour the home where Bob Marley was raised as a child, and this is the place which served as an inspiration for many of his songs.

6. Parasailing and Wave Runner Adventure – This shore excursion includes both jet skis and parasailing, a guaranteed way to get your heart rate up and your adrenaline pumping. As you soar over the island the views are incredible, and nothing beats the fun of an afternoon on a jet ski.

7. Montego Bay Catamaran Adventure – Jamaica Island is famous for Montego Bay, and this location offers a fantastic catamaran excursion. You will enjoy a day of snorkeling, sailing, and fun in the sun. This excursion also includes a trip to the Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Restaurant and Bar.

8. River Rafting and Montego Bay City Tour – Raft the Great River, on a bamboo raft which is thirty feet wide. You will spend an hour simply relaxing as you raft along, enjoying all of the spectacular beauty that Jamaica offers. After the rafting is finished you will tour the city and do a little shopping.

9. Montego Bay Resort All Inclusive Day Pass – The Montego Bay Resort is a world-class all-inclusive resort, and a very popular shore excursion is a day pass here. You can enjoy all of the food and drinks you desire, including alcoholic beverages, and enjoy the water park and other amenities that this resort offers.

10. Montego Bay Highlights Excursion – This shore adventure takes about four and a half hours to complete, and is one of the most popular tours on Jamaica Island. You will enjoy air-conditioned vehicles as you travel around visiting the most popular, beautiful, and historic places on the island.

Kayla McBride is one of the fellow article contributors of the travel informational website Travel Advisor Tips.

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Far from the smoggy hustle and bustle of major metropolises like Rome and Naples, the peaceful town of Sorrento, Italy is a quaint and quiet refuge for weary travelers. The nearby ocean offers fresh breezes and stunning views, and many popular destinations are just a short trip away. Take a stroll through the sunny downtown streets or indulge in an authentic meal at an outdoor cafe, all the while taking in the old-world atmosphere of this southern Italian town.

One of the greatest draws to Sorrento is the majestic rocky bluffs that drop off to the sea. There are few sandy beaches to be found, but what this town lacks in expansive shores it more than makes up for in sweeping views of the Mediterranean. The city itself, which is nestled between lush green hills, curves around the water and creates a breathtaking vista when lit up at night.

Sorrento is also known for its charming downtown, which is characterized by narrow streets and numerous shops. Here you can find many unique souvenirs, from colorful, hand-sculpted candles to limoncello, a famous Italian liqueur made from lemons. You can also find many items handmade by local artisans; lace tablecloths, earthenware vessels, and other original works of art are available around every corner. Take a relaxing afternoon stroll around town and discover for yourself the great supply of souvenirs to be found.

Dining in Sorrento can be a one-of-a-kind experience. For a special night out, there are several high-end restaurants located on the soaring cliffs above the water. Many of these eateries specialize in fresh seafood, and some even have expansive outdoor terraces. The view of blossoming lemon trees beside the ocean will add to the atmosphere as you indulge in rich lobster risotto or lemon cake. For a less formal but equally delicious meal, check out one of many casual restaurants, which are also known as “bars”, in the downtown district. You can order a freshly made panini or pastry from the front of the restaurant and take it to go, or sit down and enjoy a made-to-order pizza in a quaint cafe setting.

Although Sorrento itself is not known for any significant tourist attractions, it is a wonderfully centralized location for your travels to nearby popular destinations. The famous island of Capri, for example, is just a ferry ride away from Sorrento and is a great place to visit on a day trip. Take the scenic chairlift ride to the top of Capri and be rewarded by stunning 360-degree views, or treat yourself to a tour of the majestic Blue Grotto, a sea cave where the bright azure waters are lit mysteriously by a natural underwater glow. Sorrento is also a great starting point for a tour of the breathtakingly scenic Amalfi Coast, along which you can visit such famous towns as Positano and Amalfi. The ancient city of Pompeii, remarkably well-preserved in layers of volcanic ash, is a relatively short journey from Sorrento, and a tour of the town is both fascinating and educational.

When you’re weary from your journeys in the beautiful but busy cities of Italy, take some time to slow down in Sorrento. Some of the best sightseeing in Italy is just a short journey away, and the sweeping views and wonderful culture of this charming city will not disappoint.

Western Mediterranean cruises as well as Eastern ones can be purchased as Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruises. Find out about where the luxury cruise will visit, which cruise liners you will travel on and also where you will need to get on board. Seven separate ships are used by Royal Caribbean International on these routes. The older of them have been brought up to date to the same standard as the newer ones.

Their names are:

Splendour Of The Seas
720 people can be on board RCI’s smallest boat here although there is lots of room for everyone.

It will be a 12 day Eastern Mediterranean cruise leaving from Civitavecchia or Venice.

Vision Of The Seas
There are only 765 people on board this boat which makes it nice and cosy. Climbing rocks and lots of similar pastimes are still available on board though. It rarely is seen in the Mediterranean as it is based in Northern Europe.

It departs from the Turkish city od Istanbul or from Venice and caters mostly for Holy Land cruises.

Voyager Of The Seas
3114 passengers can be travelling on this Royal Caribbean International (RCI) liner in the voyager style.

Make your way to the Spanish city of Barcelona or Venice in Italy to embark in these cruises. Venice is a very old city for trade in the Med. It is unusual in that all the houses are built on stilts in water. I have seen few such unusual places.

Before starting on your 7 day cruise do visit the city and enjoy some of the wonderful sights there. There are some smells also!

Navigator Of The Seas
There are fifteen decks on this enormous luxury ship. There is rock climbing and and ice skating rink. Brilliant service will be received by the 3114 passengers because there is one member of crew for about each 2.6 travellers.

You will be embarking on this ship in Italy. You can go and visit the Pope at the Vatican as Civitavecchia, the boarding port, is near Rome. An Eastern Mediterranean cruise as well as Western will leave from here.

Brilliance Of The Seas
The 2501 travellers on this ship will all be boarding the liner in Barcelona. Its cruises last for 12 nights. Eastern Mediterranean cruises are the speciality of this luxury cruise liner.

You will be stopping of on Greek islands like Corfu, seeing the splendour of Egypt at Alexandria and visit ancient Athens and unusual Venice.

Adventure Of The Seas
2004 saw this fantastic cruise ship get modernised and each traveller will find that they have a lot more space than they did before that.

It sails out of Spain from either Barcelona or Malaga. If you are one of her 3114 passengers, you will be on a short cruise. This means that you will have plenty of time to fit in some sun worshipping after it on the glorious beaches of the Med for to make your vacation that little bit longer.

Make it a holiday of two weeks and have double the fun.

Independence Of The Seas
A maximum of 3634 voyagers can be accommodated on this luxury liner. It is the biggest they have. It was only built in 2008. This luxury cruise liner has 14 decks full of exciting things to see and do.

Southampton, England is its base port so your holiday could include visiting London and the other historic places in the U.K.

The Canaries, off the coast of Africa are included in some trips she makes. The Western Mediterranean cruise actually lasts for 18 days.

Cruise deals will be on offer on a lot of them, whatever the name of the liner, when you book a Royal Caribbean International Mediterranean cruise.

With the way that the economy is today I have had to become the money advice expert for our family and would like to share some ideas that I have found.

This one is about taking a vacation and going on a Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise and the glories of Western Mediterranean cruises in general.

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L.A. has a lot to offer. The City of Angels is always on-the-go and seemingly driven by glitz and glamour. And if you’re willing to fight the traffic, you’ll find some of the world’s best restaurants, shopping and attractions – from studio tours to museums, from beaches to piers.

L.A. is the epitome of big, bold and beautiful – and most of the hobbies in this town hover around “the scene”. So, if you’ve had your share of the beach, head inland to tour the star-studded Sunset Boulevard or Melrose Avenue – and keep your eyes out! Since the restaurants and bars drive the social hustle n’ bustle, you’d better allow yourself that afternoon power-nap if you want to keep up with the cool kids.

Remember: the stars come out at night – this is LA after all. This town seems to shimmer after sundown… you can rock it out on the Sunset Strip or club it up in Hollywood. So, if you like your bars cool, your martinis dry, and your restaurants scrumptious, make sure you’ve got your wallet, your appetite and your energy for your night on the town Hollywood style.

Here’s our insiders guide to some of the best restaurants and nightlife options. Know this: fights broke out between our editorial staff when somebody foolishly suggested we limit our journeyPod Picks in L.A. to only 10 Restaurants and 10 Bars. We had so much fun tearing it up in Tinseltown that we had to go with 15 selections in each category. Of course, another fight ensued when we tried to assign numbers to all of these hotspots — so cooler heads prevailed and we have since removed the rankings.

Be assured of one thing… all 30 of these places are ridiculously fantabulous and require your own A-game. Maybe even after a night on the town, you too will understand why even people in the biz think “Entourage” seems so real…

Bars & Nightlife

1. The Derby: (Los Feliz) “Swingers” wannabes hoping to catch a glimpse of Vince Vaughn or Jon Favreau join swing fans in this hotter-than-ever dance hall. With 1940′s decor, live music (seven nights a week) and dance lessons, your whole posse will have a blast! FYI: The Derby was named a historical/cultural landmark by the Los Angeles City Council in May ’06. Located at 4500 Los Feliz Blvd. (and Hillhurst Ave.).

2. LAX: (Hollywood) We’ve all been introduced to DJ AM by Nicole Ritchie – but he now needs no introduction! Known as one of the most sought out DJ’s, DJ AM (a.k.a Adam Golstein) opened this first-class airport-themed lounge for all the L.A. jet-setters. Located in the heart of Hollywood, this destination hotspot boasts mirrors in the shape of airplane windows and metal hangar doors. The dance floor often gets cramped (similar to dancing in an airplane cabin), but it’s tons of fun in a “Mile High Club” kinda way! LAX is located at 1714 Las Palmas Ave. (and Hollywood Blvd.).

3. Forty Deuce: (Melrose) The small parking lot across from Paramount Pictures houses this modern institution that’s been transformed into a retro-cool lounge reminiscent of a 1920′s speakeasy. The parlor-style seating, burlesque shows (strutting to the rhythm of a live jazz band) and fine cocktails keep the Hollywood crowd happy and partying until closing time. Located at 5574 Melrose Ave. (at Beachwood Dr.).

4. Barney’s Beanery: (West Hollywood) In L.A., most people think that nothing can get better with age. But the city’s third-oldest restaurant (located at 8447 Santa Monica Blvd. near La Cienaga Blvd.) manages to prove everyone in Hollywood wrong. Since opening its door nearly 90 years ago, it has attracted celebrities to regular Joe-shmoes who crave good ol’ comfort food (your choice of 150 different burgers, 65 chilis and 90 omelettes). While many may refer to this as just a “dive”, the good food and cheap drinks keep this Beanery jumping nightly. (Just make sure you bring your I.D. – even Johnny Drama got carded here recently!).

5. Stone Rose Lounge: (West Hollywood) This recently opened LA version of the NYC nightspot houses itself in the redone Sofitel Hotel (at 8555 Beverly Blvd., near La Cienaga Blvd.). A destination for young starlets (and the guys who want them) boasts a 5,000 square foot lounge and outdoor patio. While it’s not your usual L.A. nightlife scene, this laid-back atmosphere with refined martinis and the outside fire pit cabanas are well worth visiting.

6. Social Hollywood: (Hollywood) What’s old is new again! This place used to be the massive Hollywood Athletic Club and now boasts a lounge, restaurants, games rooms with PlayStations and Xboxes, a screening room and a private club. The Moroccan-inspired venue features food that has been strong right off the bat and a social scene which has won over the cool kids. Located at 6526 Sunset Blvd. (at Schrader Blvd.).

7. Sky Bar: Tagged as one of L.A.’s hottest nightclub spots since the day it opened, Sky Bar is open, airy and makes you feel like you’re floating up in the clouds atop the Mondrian hotel (located at 8440 Sunset Blvd.). Boasting some of the most beautiful views in all of L.A. (along with its trees, pool and candlelight) and the cities most fashionable set – please don’t let the long lines and bouncers deter you. If and when you do get past the red tape, please don’t stare at that hunk that regularly appears on the pages of US Weekly and People!

8. Formosa Cafe: (West Hollywood) An area classic (served as the location for the movie L.A. Confidential), this Chinese-themed dimly-lit hotspot features red leather booths and a bar that serves intoxicatingly powerful martinis. Known as one of the movie industry’s watering-holes, Formosa features autographed shots of Hollywood stars lining the walls (and you may even be lucky enough to spot Bono or Beck in one of the booths). Better for drinks than dinner (and make sure you dress the part to avoid hassles at the door). Formosa Cafe is located at 7156 Santa Monica Blvd. (between La Brea and Formosa Ave.).

9. Privilege: (West Hollywood) Madonna isn’t the only one who knows how to reinvent herself. Nightlife guru Sam Nazarian knows all too well about reinvention. Before its new look and name, this club was known as a gothic playground called Shelter, a Nordic lounge, a St. Tropez-style resort and a mock construction site. Now Privilege is a sensuously white-on-white oasis that has the feel of a South Beach resort (sans the humidity and sand in between your toes). Saturdays are tough since Brent Bolthouse (godfather of celebrity events) hosts parties here – so if you can, opt for a weekday visit. Unless of course, you can get your name on the guest list or finagle past the ear-plugged security guards. Privelege is at 8117 W. Sunset Blvd. (and Crescent Heights Blvd.).

10. Guy’s Bar: (West Hollywood) Ever wonder where the stars go for karaoke? You’ll find the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Ritchie at this intimate and exclusive WeHo club. Guy’s is a simple mishmash of cushy couches that’s mostly reserved for private industry-related events. However, try this place on a Saturday (promoter-run) night when the door policy is a bit more relaxed (and yes, do show some leg!). Guy’s Bar is located at 8713 Beverly Blvd.

11. Tropicana Bar: (Hollywood) Old Hollywood meets New Hollywood at this bar in L.A.’s Roosevelt Hotel – where you’ll find stars lounging in style at an outdoor patio that boasts a 60′s vibe with cozy plush seating and a glowing pool. A typical hipster joint, the bar is also a tropical oasis with neon-illuminated palm trees, private bungalows, a fireplace and linen-covered chaise lounges. If you’re in no mood to rub elbows with the nighttime fashionista/glamourista crowd, Tropicana Bar is ideal for sunny CA afternoons. Just don’t forget to notice the David Hockney blue-wave mural at the bottom of the pool at 7000 Hollywood Blvd.

12. The Bar: (Hollywood) Not just a bar, The Bar! Nestled between a gas station and a seedy hotel (5851 Sunset Blvd. and Bronson Ave.), this place is easy to miss. But those who find their way to one of Hollywood’s hottest revamped watering holes will see newly renovated digs and eye-catching patrons. Some days you’ll hear a rock n’ roll jukebox blast the sounds of the Ramones, other days you’ll find local DJ’s spinning old and new pop. For those who feel like a cig, some air or just a break from the sounds, cram your way outside to the bamboo-lined smoking alley.

13. Mood: (Hollywood) This 6,500 square foot former office building at 6623 Hollywood Blvd. has been transformed into a tropical Garden of Eden – think South Pacific! The club’s Balinese design boasts sensuous colors/textures and in-the-flesh trumpeters and bongo drummers that accompany the hip-hop and rap sounds that you’ll hear. Stocked with exotic treasures made from bamboo, batik and carved wood, Mood draws sexy young Hollywood socialites and other glitz and glam from Tinseltown.

14. The Lounge: (West Hollywood) Okay, so here’s the lowdown…This sexy Miami Beach-style club draws a great crowd with its borderline location (WeHo and Beverly Hills) and open-door policy. The Lounge boasts a main room with bar and dance floor, and a spiral staircase that leads up to a swanky lounge area filled with comfy booths and table service. DJ’s here spin a dance-party mix of hip-hop, R&B and house music favorites. The Lounge is located at 9077 Santa Monica Blvd. (and Doheny Dr.).

15. Key Club: (West Hollywood) A state-of-the-art live music venue (located at 9039 Sunset Blvd. and Doheny Dr.) with futuristic audio, video and lighting technologies, Key Club is one of WeHo’s most popular spots. The VIP area downstairs, called the Plush Lounge, is typically crammed with the Hollywood “It” crowd. A full restaurant and menu is also available on the second floor (reserving a table there is the secret to actually getting in on busy nights). Key Club features a few bars and plenty of ways to get your drink on – a perfect place to either start or end your night out on the Sunset Strip.

journeyPod.com is the only place you need to visit for information on the trendiest bars and restaurants, the most luxurious hotels, and the most exclusive parties and shops for discriminating travelers. Visit journeyPod.com for the lowdown on where to go in Atlanta, New York, Miami, LA and other major cities around the world, and listing to our monthly travel podcast for the best in upscale travel and entertainment. If you like the finer things in life, journey to journeyPod.com!

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The Eternal City of Rome is without doubt one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Below you will find a selection of the most interesting tourists sights, all of which are a must-see if you are coming to visit the city:

Colosseum (Metro Station: Colosseo)
Synonymous with Rome, the impressive Colosseum is usually the number one must see for tourists in Rome. Building of this great structure began around 70 AD under the instruction of Emperor Vespasian. However, it was not completed until 80 AD during the reign of Emperor Titus. Initially, the Colosseum was used for public events, such as gladiator matches, mock sea battles, executions and animal hunts. But the use of the Colosseum for public events ceased during the Medieval era and nowadays it only hosts a few very important Catholic ceremonies. Through the ages the building has been badly damaged, but it still remains as the iconic monument of Rome. Just adjacent to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum which was the political centre, as well as the main trade area of Ancient Rome; this is an amazing place to stroll through and well-worth a visit.

Saint Peter’s Basilica (Metro Station: S. Pietro/Musei Vaticani)
This tourist site is of course technically located in the Vatican. Home to the Catholic Church and the Pope, it is one of the most visited basilicas in the world and at the same time, also a mecca for Catholics from around the world. The site is said to be where Peter – the apostle who is considered the first pope – was crucified and buried and there was a basilica marking his grave since 324 AD. It was not until the 15th century that the current version of the basilica was constructed and throughout the centuries there have been major contributions and alterations made by Bramante, Sangallo, Michelangelo and Bernini. Today it has the largest interior of any Christian church with a capacity of 60,000 people. As well as the interesting Vatican Museums you will also find Michelangelo’s beautiful Sistine Chapel here.

Trevi Fountain (Metro Station: Barberini)
This stunning Baroque fountain is one of the largest and most beautiful in the city. It stands at 25.9 metres high and 19.8 metres wide. The fountain was completed in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini who took over the design and construction from Nicola Salvi after his death. Salvi in turn had used several features previously designed by Bernini who drew the original design sketches 100 years earlier. As it is a busy tourist sight, be prepared for the crowds no matter what time of the day you visit. And don’t forget, as the saying goes, if you want to return to Rome, you should throw a coin backwards into the fountain!

Accommodation also plays an important role in your experience when you are on vacation. Therefore, it is essential that you choose the right hotel, etc for your needs. HotelsChart gives you an idea of what properties are available in Rome, so just click on the following link and browse a various selection of b&bs, apartments, guest houses and hotels in Rome: http://www.hotelschart.com/rome/index.htm

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The beautiful city of Rome in Italy is one of the world’s most important tourist destinations and also one of the most fascinating. The city is steeped in history; from Etruscan and Roman ruins to Renaissance buildings and Christian symbolism. The city also offers the visitor an amazing amount of famous sights and attractions, such as the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, Coliseum and Pantheon. And of course we should not forget to mention the great Italian cuisine and shopping.

With millions of visitors pouring into the city each year, you will find that there is a wide and varied selection of hotels in Rome, as well as other types of accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts, apartments, guest houses and so on. There is a complete range of prices available in the city, which usually depends on the property’s star rating and location, as well as the facilities and amenities that it offers.

Nowadays, it is easy to book a hotel on the internet from one of the online booking agencies. Often all you need to book your perfect accommodation in the Eternal City is a credit card, which can be used to guarantee your hotel room. However finding the hotel that best suits your needs is more difficult. If you are looking for assured quality accommodation and a general good service, then a 4 star hotel would be the perfect match for you.

With a 4 star hotel in Rome, you can expect a professional service from the hotel personnel, a service which is helpful but not intrusive. Guest rooms will be of a generous size, but you should remember that many of the building in Rome, especially the historic centre are reasonably small, and this can be reflected in the size of the guest room. Decoration should be of a high quality, using the best of fabrics and fittings to ensure a comfortable experience.

Rome can be hot and humid during the warmer months, and thankfully air conditioning should come standard in a four star hotel. These days some kind of internet connection should be available in your room, either as a free service or a paid one. It has also become more and more common to find a computer already fitted in the guest room. An en suite bathroom is of course a must, and you may be lucky to also have jacuzzi or hydro-massage shower. Most other modern comforts should also be provided for.

The actually amenities and services available in a four star hotel can vary greatly, and it often depends on the size of the establishment. A pools, be it outdoor or indoor, is quite a rarity for a Rome hotel, especially in the city centre. However, small gyms and spa areas or a wellness centre can be found in several areas, especially the larger ones or boutique style establishments. A good quality, in-house restaurant is often another facility found in a good 4 star Rome hotel, however with all the excellent restaurants in the city, it is more a convenience than a necessity.

HotelsChart has a wide selection of hotels in Rome ( http://www.hotelschart.com/rome/index.htm ). They offer a real-time and secure booking process, and some great deals, if you are looking for a 4 star Rome hotel: http://www.hotelschart.com/rome/4-star-hotels-rome.htm

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The distinctive beauty of America’s Southwestern States is celebrated in dozens of National Parks. Why not plan this season’s RV camping itinerary around a few you’ve never visited? By breaking down the Southwest into easily-driven itineraries, RV campers can get the most from their miles. Here are two suggestions for routes you may want to travel this year by motorhome.

Itinerary I: Albuquerque to Ramah, New Mexico
Petroglyph National Monument, located just west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a fascinating start to this Southwest National Parks itinerary. Hundreds of ancient carvings or “petroglyphs” are visible along the trails that snake through canyons, volcanic cinder cones and Pueblo ruins.

Plan to spend enough time to take more than one trail from start to finish. Not only will you leave knowing more about the ancient Pueblo tribes, you’ll also be treated to views of the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley. There’s no camping allowed inside the Monument, but Albuquerque has abundant RV parks waiting for your reservations.

When you’re ready for more National Parks RV camping adventures, head southwest of Albuquerque to El Malpais National Monument. This unforgettable Park features lava tube caves, cinder cones and other volcanic formations to experience from its trails and scenic overlooks. The Bureau of Land Management runs a campground onsite, and there are numerous RV campgrounds in nearby Grants, New Mexico.

Don’t leave the region without making the forty-two mile drive farther west to Morro National Monument. This ancient watering hole near Ramah, NM preserves the carvings and other evidence of ancient Pueblans, seventeenth century Spanish explorers and later Anglo settlers. Hike the trails or just spend an afternoon in the visitor’s center; you’ll leave with a deeper respect for America’s early inhabitants.

Itinerary #2: Southern Arizona National Parks
If your trips to Arizona have only encompassed the Grand Canyon, it’s time you learned the beauty of Southern Arizona’s National Parks. About an hour south of Phoenix (or an hour north of Tucson) RV campers with a thirst for ancient Native American culture will find Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This Park preserving the history of the “Big House” Pueblan ruins was the very first archaeological site protected by the US government.

Back in Tucson, you’ll find a national treasure in the form of Saguaro National Park, home to thousands of this region’s giant cacti. Not only will you experience the beauty of this Giant Saguaro forest, you’ll also be surrounded by the jaw-dropping scenery of two mountain districts. Tucson and Rincon Mountain Districts both serve up spectacular scenery and are well worth the round-trip drive. For a true high-desert camping experience, try Catalina State Park just north of Tucson.

To complete your Southern Arizona National Parks education, make the loop southeast of Tucson to Fort Bowie and Chiricahua National Monuments. There you’ll experience both stunning desert beauty and a taste of the bitter conflict between Native Americans and early settlers. By the way, there’s “no-hookups” camping available at Chiricahua and you’ll find full-service RV campgrounds nearby in Willcox, AZ.

Once you’ve explored these two parks to your heart’s content, swing south to the Southern edge of Arizona to Coronado National Monument. The fascinating Coronado Cave Tour, numerous hiking trails and scenic motorhome camping in surrounding Coronado National Forest make this site commemorating the Spanish explorer’s journey north unforgettable.

Complete the Southern Arizona loop by heading northwest from Coronado to Tumacacori National Monument. Three Spanish colonial mission ruins can be visited within this Park’s boundaries. Learn about the work and influence of Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries in the former New Spain region of Pimiera Alta in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Nearby Amado, AZ offers two RV campgrounds right off the highway.

There you have it: two possibilities for experiencing the fascinating American Southwest by RV. The National Parks and Monuments there will have your cameras clicking and your minds expanding as you explore this region’s beauty and history. Choose your route now and plan to enjoy the road not taken this season on yet another American Southwest RV adventure.

This article was written by Joe Laing of El Monte RV, your source for RV rentals throughout the United States. For other great RV camping vacation ideas see Monty’s Musings RV Camping Blog

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