While travelers may dream of Florence’s galleries or Venice’s canals, those in search of something quieter—more intimate, more rooted—should set their sights northwest. Here, in the shadow of the Alps, the region of Piedmont unfolds like a secret worth sharing. Its name, meaning “foot of the mountains,” is more than geographical—it’s poetic. This is where the drama of jagged peaks meets the softness of vineyard hills, and where time seems to slow in step with the season’s harvest.

— Travel Research Online
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“Pura Vida,” the national mantra of Costa Rica, literally translates to “pure life,” but in Costa Rica its implications spread far beyond the literal meaning.

— Travel Research Online
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The dual-nation Dutch/French island of St. Martin (Sint Maarten on the Dutch side) is known for a lot of things: crystal clear aquamarine waters, expansive beaches, great seafood, and plenty of sun. Its sandy shores aren’t the only things that sparkle, however; the jewelry district of Philipsburg boasts brilliant jewelry at great prices. Here are a few tips for making the most of your shopping experience.

Start Early: It’s never too early to start shopping, especially when unpredictable weather and late summer storms can shut down the entire island (during my one-week stay this past August, the Prime Minister shut down the island’s schools and shops for two entire days). As such, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to hit the shops, especially as…