Dilapidated. Decaying. Over-crowded. But to me, Venice is the most beautiful place in the world. Nowhere on earth can compare to this slowly sinking city. Sure, it’s teeming with tourists in the summer and yes, many of the crumbling buildings could use a little touching up (which I think is actually a huge part of the charm), but still Venice is a city of infinite postcard-worthy photos. I’ve been to Venice three times at different stages in my life, and each time I’ve looked at the city with a different perspective. I can’t wait to return in another decade to discover my thoughts then. Below are my top ten things to do in breathtaking Venice, Italy.

 1) Visit the Piazza San Marco during the day and at night. This is a very obvious answer, but to experience the heart of Venice at different times of the day will give you a glimpse into two very different worlds. By day, even though it’s noisy and overflowing with pigeons and tourists, you can still admire the sumptuous architecture of the basilica, surrounding arcades and Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower). By night, when most of the crowds have left—especially after the cruise ships have departed—the piazza has an eerie, yet romantic quality about it. Take a seat at one of the outdoor cafés, sip an aperitivo or glass of wine and listen to the tuxedoed musicians performing beneath flowing, white awnings. To be surrounded on all sides by so much history is beyond words. When I was there most recently, the tide came in and the piazza slowly started to pool with water, creating the most gorgeous reflections.

2) Take the elevator to the top of the Campanile di San Marco. A trip to the top of the highest point in Venice is a no-brainer for the most spectacular of vistas. Gaze out at the terracotta roofs of the city below, the Venetian lagoon dotted with boats, and the sparkling Adriatic Sea in the distance. It’s truly remarkable to see the domes of the Basilica San Marco, grayed with patina, from high above.

3)  Take a vaporetto to Murano. The island of Murano is world famous for its colorful and elaborate glass. You can wander the streets and even peek into a craftsman’s workshop to watch a glass-blowing demonstration. There are tons of shops on this petite isle where you can buy some glassware or keepsakes to bring home with you. Plus, the boat ride across the lagoon is a really enjoyable trip.

4) Catch some rays on the island of Lido. When you mention Venice, most people never think of the beach. However, the island of Lido—which faces the Adriatic Sea—features some fine sandy beaches that make for a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Venice proper. Although mostly residential, this narrow 6.75 mile (11 km) long island features many posh hotels and is also the location for the internationally renowned Venice Film Festival.

5)  Take a gondola ride along the canals. This is a favorite among tourists to Venice; however, it’s quite expensive (roughly €100  for a forty minute trip.) A cheaper option if you want to ride in a gondola but not break the bank is to take a traghetto. For only about 50 cents, these stripped-down gondolas dart across the Grand Canal from seven locations along Venice’s main artery. You certainly won’t be serenaded, but it’s perfect for photos.

6)  Window-shop on the Rialto Bridge. It would be nearly impossible to visit Venice without crossing Ponte de Rialto, located near the center of the city. Completed in 1591, its two inclined ramps lead up to a central portico. The bridge has three walkways: two along the outer balustrades, and a wider central walkway leading between rows of small shops that sell jewelry, linens, Murano glass, and other souvenirs.

7)  Tour the Doge’s Palace. Called the Palazzo Ducale in Italian, the Doge’s Palace sits at the edge of St. Mark’s Square on the smaller Piazzetta facing the lagoon. This Gothic palace was constructed between 1309 to 1424 as the residence of the supreme authority of the Repubblica Venezia, known as the Doge. You can tour the interior for a glimpse at Venetian opulence at its finest. Facing the lagoon is the Grand Chamber Council, where the ruling elite of Venice once met. You’re sure to notice Tintoretto’s masterpiece Paradise, said to be the largest painting ever done on canvas.

8) Visit St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica Cattedrale Patriarcale di San Marco) The lines to get in may be long, but it’s unquestionably worth the wait. Be sure to climb to the upper level for beautiful views of the church’s interior and to access the outside balcony. The basilica’s domed ceilings are gilded in elaborate Byzantine mosaics and the intricate inlaid marble floor is also quite spectacular.

9)  Take a vaporetto down the length of the Grand Canal. One of the best ways to see Venice is from the water—on one of the ubiquitous water taxis, called vaporetti. The S-shaped waterway snakes its way through the city and is lined with many opulent villas and palazzi, including the Palazzo Venier die Leoni which houses the impressive Peggy Guggenheim Collection. You’ll pass under the city’s three oldest bridges, Ponte de Rialto, Ponte degli Scalzi and Ponte dell’Accademia and see sights that can only be seen from the canal.

10)  Allow yourself to get lost! Venice is a cluster of over one-hundred islands, so you can’t truly get lost, but it’s sure fun trying. You can spend hours wandering the narrow labyrinthine alleyways, crossing over random footbridges, and admiring architecture steeped in history. Be sure to explore the other neighborhoods of Venice that are a little off the beaten tourist path too, like Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, and La Giudecca to experience a more “authentic” Venice.

Have you ever been to Venice? What were your impressions? Feel free to comment in the section below!

Perched atop nearly 1000-foot (980 meter) high cliffs—on the rim of the caldera—is the island’s main town of Fira. After taking a cable car, bus or even a donkey up from the port, you’re greeted by a charming village of stout, whitewashed buildings draped in bougainvillea, bursting with color. Wander aimlessly through a warren of cobbled streets, lined with tavernas, churches, boutiques, and cafés. Fira is great for shoppers, photographers, artists, or anyone who just wants to escape from it all.

Santorini features beaches with white, black, or even red sand. Just remember to bring your sandals or risk burning your feet! One of the most popular beaches on the island is Perissa, located on the southeast coast. The area has many hotels, bars and nightclubs and attracts visitors from all over looking for the perfect Greece holiday.

To catch a glimpse of one of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic sunsets, be sure to head to the town of Oia, at the island’s northern edge. Tourists and locals alike will stake out spots hours in advance, just to enjoy the glorious sight.

Santorini is easily one of my top ten favorite destinations in the world. I dream of returning there someday, hopefully soon. This paradise is the perfect place to soak up the sun and all of the magic that the Greek Islands have to offer.

Photo 1: public domain, Photo 2: WikiComons – Danbu14

Did you know that at one time Córdoba was the most populated city in the world? That was just one of the facts that blew my mind when I visited this spectacular and historic city. Located along the Guadalquivir River in Spain’s southernmost region of Andalucía, Córdoba is the perfect place to spend your spring or summer holidays. Control of this strategic city passed through many hands over the millennia—from the Carthaginians to the Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and finally, the Catholics. What resulted was a mélange of cultures, religions, monuments and distinctive architecture. In fact, much of the old city is well preserved and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its cultural significance.

With rows upon rows of candy cane-striped arches, Cordoba’s Mezquita is undoubtedly the most famous site in the city. Originally constructed between 785 and 787 CE, this Great Mosque was expanded many times over the next several centuries. Toward the end of the Spanish Reconquista in the fifteenth century, a cathedral was built nearly square in the middle of the mosque. Fortunately for future generations, they found a way to integrate the religious structures of this architectural marvel.

The above photo shows the detailed, gilded dome over the prayer niche at the Mezquita complex.

Built in the 1^st century BCE, the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) has withstood the test of time for over two millennia (multiple face-lifts notwithstanding.) Its sixteen stone arches span 810 feet (247 meters) over the Guadalquivir River.

The Torre del Alminar is a 305 foot (93 meter) tall bell tower located at the edge of the Mezquita complex on the former site of the mosque’s minaret. Date palms and orange trees are a common sight in the patios of Andalucía, giving shade from the searing Spanish sun.

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is a medieval fortress adjacent to the Guadalquivir River and only a couple of blocks away from La Mezquita. This fortress was once the residence of los Reyes Católicos, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, the very same Catholic monarchs who financed Christopher Columbus and his voyage to America. On the grounds are some gorgeous manicured gardens and fountains.

Along with Granada and Sevilla, Córdoba is another of the great cities of Andalucía worth visiting. Easily accessible from Madrid on Spain’s high-speed bullet train, the AVE, it’s a perfect destination for your Spain holidays this spring or summer.

Have you ever been to Córdoba? What are your thoughts? Feel free to comment in the section below!

Barcelona, the capital of the autonomous Spanish region of Cataluña, is famous for many things: sunny beaches, a mild Mediterranean climate, exotic cuisine, afternoon siestas and bold art and architecture. No other person has left his mark on the city quite like Barcelona’s favorite son, Antoni Gaudí. Visiting his many whimsical buildings is a must for any tourist to Barcelona. Below are three of the most famous and iconic sites, all definitely worth checking out.

Completed in 1910, Casa Milà (more commonly known as La Pedrera) is an apartment building in the upscale Eixample district, near many choice Barcelona hotels. It’s undulating stone façade is unmistakeable with intricate, wrought-iron detailed balconies. Visitors can tour the interior courtyards and exhibitions on the fifth floor. Don’t miss the rooftop for amazing views of the city and some otherworldly ornamentation on the building itself. The chimneys resemble the helmets worn by the Storm Troopers in the Star Wars films, don’t they?

Parc Güell is one of the best places in the city to stroll, relax and admire more stunning architecture. Built between 1900 and 1914, Park Güell is another great example of the Barcelona modernist movement. Situated in the hilly Gràcia district, the park’s main gates are flanked by two buildings that resemble gingerbread houses. As you enter, you’ll see dual staircases leading to a pavilion. Up top are the city’s famous undulating benches covered in shattered ceramic tiles—a technique called trencadís, a trademark of Gaudí’s style. Don’t forget to pose for photo in front of the salamander halfway up the steps— it’s a mascot for the city.

Undoubtedly the most recognizable architectural marvel of Barcelona is La Sagrada Família basilica. Construction on the magnificent edifice began back in 1882 and is not expected to finish until 2026. The sandcastle-like pinnacles of the church contain internal spiral staircases, which you can climb for some spectacular vistas of the city and sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Inside the basilica, the pillars that support the roof were designed to resemble a forest, demonstrating the influence nature had on Gaudí’s imagination. When I was in Barcelona last, the roof above the nave had just been erected. Since then, the interior of the basilica has been completed in time for Pope Benedict XVI to consecrate it last year.

When traveling to Barcelona, there are lots of great options for cheap hotels. The city has a terrific metro system so you’re never too far way from any of Gaudí’s magnificent works.

Have you been to Barcelona before? What were your impressions? Feel free to comment below! 

I’ve been working in television for fifteen years and finally have something that I can promote on my travel blog! The company I work for, Asylum Entertainment, is producing a hilarious new series for Travel Channel called “Travel Unraveled.” It will premiere with back-to-back episodes next Sunday, April 22nd at 8:00 p.m., with repeats throughout the week.

Whether you’re hopping in your car for a day trip to the beach or boarding a cruise ship for a week-long luxury escape, you never know what kind of adventure—or mishap—fate has in store for you. When your best-laid travel plans go horribly awry, someone  always seems to be there with a camera to capture your vacation calamity on tape. Whether it’s an encounter with a wild beast, a spontaneous bikini malfunction, or a water-sports wipeout, lucky for us someone recorded it for posterity for all to see. This is where “Travel Unraveled” comes in.

Each half-hour episode of “Travel Unraveled” presents real people in candid home-video moments as their vacation plans come apart at the seams. With light-hearted (if somewhat sarcastic) narration, on-camera interviews and some truly unbelievable video clips, the series provides a glimpse at trips going boom, bust and everything in between.

Some scenes include a man who goes one-on-one with a shark, a gang of monkeys that pulls off the ultimate heist, and bikini-clad go-go girls in compromising—and possibly painful—positions. Experience the low-tech, high-risk thrills of a real-life Redneck Rodeo, and if you’ve never seen a man kicked in the head by a horse…well, some moments just need to be seen to be believed. Others include a cliff-diving frat boy who nearly loses his life—and in the process loses his board shorts, a snowboarding fan who takes one for the team—right in the face, and you’ll see why kitesurfing and jetskis definitely do not mix.  Meanwhile, the weather forecast calls for high winds, hail storms and some hilarious mishaps.

Be sure to catch “Travel Unraveled” when it premieres Sunday, April 22nd at 8:00 p.m. on Travel Channel HD (and at 11:00 p.m. on Travel Channel SD)! Check your local listings for additional showtimes.

p.s. Look for my name in the credits too!

If you’re like me, you suffer from jet lag when you fly overseas or across the country. Nothing’s worse that getting to your destination and then sleeping half the day away—especially if you have limited time there—or waking up in the middle of the night with insomnia. It can take your body’s internal clock several days to catch up with the time zones you cross on your voyage. Some estimate that it takes a full day to acclimate to each time zone you cross. Here are some tips that I follow to help combat jet lag when I travel:

1. Adjust your internal clock. Gradually shift your sleeping and eating schedules to match the times at your destination. This works best if you do it for several days before your departure. Try setting your watch to the local time at your destination to help out.

2. Try to sleep on the plane. The better rested you are for your arrival, the less likely you’ll have to fight the effects of jet lag. Bring a neck pillow for the airplane or wedge your coat up against the window. Of course, a more spacious seat in business or first class would be nice too.

3. Consider taking “red eye” flights. It’s much easier to sleep on overnight flights than on ones that depart in the morning or afternoon. When you arrive at your destination the next morning, go about your day like normal.

4. Skip alcoholic beverages. It might be tempting to drink free booze on international flights, but alcohol causes dehydration, one of the biggest causes of jet lag. Plus, one drink in the pressurized cabin is much more potent than one on the ground.

5. Skip coffee. Try to avoid drinking coffee before or during your flight. The caffeine will prevent you from sleeping.

6. Stay hydrated. Try to drink 8 ounces of water every hour you’re in the air. Get an aisle seat if you think you’ll need frequent trips to the lavatory.

7. Consider sleeping pills. Check with your doctor about a prescription or pick up an over-the-counter sleep aid or a natural product like melatonin. This may help you relax and fall asleep in an uncomfortable seat. Avoid taking too much or you may be groggy when you land though.

8. Don’t go to bed too early. Once you land, try your best to stay awake as long as possible and go to sleep at the “normal” time at your destination. Go outside, get some fresh air and be active, if at all possible. Try not to nap or you might not wake up or be able to fall sleep when you go to bed that night.

Do you have any tips to add to this list? Feel free to add your thoughts to the comment section below!

I thought this would be the perfect week to share some photos of St. Peter’s Basilica—the world’s largest church, located in the world’s smallest sovereign state, Vatican City. At a mere 110 acres (0.44 sq km), the Vatican is also the only UNESCO World Heritage Site to encompass an entire country.

Dominating the skyline of Rome, St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano) was built in the sixteenth century through the early seventeenth century on the site of an earlier church that marked the site of St. Peter’s grave. Designed by numerous Renaissance Masters including Bramante, Raphael, Maderno and Michelangelo, the basilica is seen as the center of the Catholic Church. It’s vast interior is opulent beyond words—everywhere you look is marble and gilded ornamentation. Beneath the basilica is a crypt containing the tombs of numerous past popes, including the popular Pope John Paul II.

Designed by Bernini, St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) lies before the grand cathedral and can fit upwards of 300,000 people for services. Bernini designed the dual colonnades to reach out and symbolically embrace the worshippers within.

Vatican City was established under the terms of the 1929 Lateran Treaty, and as an independent state, it has its own postal service, currency, and army—the flamboyantly costumed Swiss Guards.

Below are some additional photos from Vatican City:

This is my submission for Travel Photo Thursday. Be sure to check out Budget Travelers Sandbox, Short Travel Tips, and  R We There Yet Mom? for more fascinating photos from around the world!

Have you been to the Vatican before? What were your impressions? Feel free to comment in the section below!

Dear loyal StruxTravel readers,

I am over-the-moon excited to announce the launching of StruxTravel: The Agency. It’s apparent in my writing that I love to travel. (In fact, if I had it my way I’d be traveling all the time!) One of the primary purposes of my blog has been to share my experiences and inspire others to travel too. So it seemed like a logical step to expand the StruxTravel brand into travel sales as well. Now, with my own private label website, you’ll be able to find the vacation of your dreams too!  It works just like Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz, is very user-friendly and easy to navigate. Plus, the prices you’ll find on there are extremely competitive, to say the least. I would be really grateful if you bookmark it and think of me the next time you plan a trip.

Here’s the link – http://agency.struxtravel.com

You can also easily access the site by clicking on the AGENCY tab at the top left of my blog.

On the site you can search for and book all of the following, plus much more:

• Flights
• Hotels
• Rental Cars
• Cruises
• Vacation Packages
• Group Travel
• Corporate Travel
• Romantic Travel
• Bundled Deals

If you need assistance beyond the scope of this website, you can also contact me directly for personalized service & travel consulting. At the top right of the site, next to my photo, there’s a secure email contact form and toll-free number.

Also at the top of the page, you’ll find a helpful “Travel Tools” section with information on sightseeing tours, travel insurance, destination guides, flight alerts, baggage policies, weather, and more. You can even sign up for email alerts to get the inside scoop on discounted rates and other travel news.

I’ve teamed up with Montrose Travel, an industry leader and one of the top 50 travel agencies in the United States. Through them I have access to global distribution systems and countless preferred suppliers (listed below). Additionally,  I’ll have the expertise of their seasoned travel professionals and affiliations with all of the principal industry associations including IATA, CLIA, ASTA, PATH, NACTA, OSSN, ARC, ARTA, and Ensemble Travel.

Here’s a list of my preferred suppliers:

Airlines

Cruiselines

Car Rental Companies

Tour Operators/Wholesalers

All-Inclusives

Specialty Suppliers

Hotels

Insurance

Rail

I thank you again for being an active reader of my travel blog. I’ve been working really hard at this new endeavor and hope that you’ll consider the StruxTravel Agency for your upcoming leisure or business trip! I invite you to check it out at http://agency.struxtravel.com and give it a test.

Best regards,

Michael Figueiredo

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

- St. Augustine

CST# 1018299-10

Like in weeks past, I’ll give no clues up front, but will periodically tweet and post clues on my Facebook and Google+ pages to help you out. So, if you don’t already follow me on Twitter, click here.

Do you know where I took this photo?

• Leave your guess here on my blog only (not on Facebook or Twitter) by Friday, March 30th at noon (PDT).
• I’ll be giving out hints via Twitter & Facebook throughout the day on Wednesday and Thursday.
• One guess per hint (i.e.: with each hint, you can leave a new guess.)
• One winner will randomly be selected from those who answer correctly and will be featured on my Facebook Fan Page, Twitter and Google+ Page with his/her name, blog (if applicable), Twitter and Facebook page, as well as a brief bio.
• Anyone can participate!

Please note: Moderation is turned on for this contest and all comments will need to be approved before they are posted. No need to resubmit your comment. This way, no one will steal your answer!

Here are the clues I’ve given so far:

Do you want to participate in your own “Where in the world?” Photo Challenge? Enter your URL in the box below!

The answer and winner of this week’s contest:

I knew this one would get easier after I started giving clues. The correct answer is Ibiza, Spain! Four people got it right,  but after randomly selecting a winner, congratulations are due to Ruth Rieckehoff from Tanama Tales!

Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands of the east coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. Well known for its notorious club scene in the summer months, Ibiza is also a place of great historical and natural wonders too. This photo was taken from the entrance to the  Cova de Can Marçà, spectacular underground caverns that you can access by guided tour. Below are additional photos from the inside of the caverns.

This week’s winner, Ruth Rieckehoff, is originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. She’s one of the most prolific travel bloggers that I follow and her blog is well worth checking out. Be sure to visit TanamaTales.com, become a fan of Ruth’s Facebook and Google+ Pages and follow her on Twitter too! (In case you were wondering, “tanama” is the Taino word for butterfly.  The Tainos were the pre-Columbian habitants of the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles and some of the Lesser Antilles.)

Here’s the photo from the last challenge, correctly identified as Dubrovnik, Croatia by Katrina at Tour Absurd. Nicknamed “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” one of the best things to do in this UNESCO World Heritage-recognized city is to walk around the nearly 2 km (1.24 mile) walls that completely encircle the old town. They’re up to six metres thick and are guarded by a system of turrets and towers that were built to protect the vulnerable city. They also make for amazing photo ops!

Katrina is an American expat who lives in Cork, Ireland with her Italian husband. She writes her blog to share her “adventures and observations about the absurdities and delights of life.” Be sure to check out TourAbsurd.com, become a fan of Katrina’s Facebook and Google+ Pages and follow her on Twitter too!

Amsterdam is a great place for outdoor activities like boating and cycling. In fact, it’s estimated that there are over 700,000 bicycles in the city!

Have you been to Amsterdam, The Netherlands before? What are your thoughts on “The Venice of the North”?

Check out Budget Travelers Sandbox for more great shots!

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