Travel Blog

Family Road Trip to Lugano in the Spring

We decided to travel to the Swiss Mediterranean to make life a little easier for traveling with all the challenges of today’s environment. Leading up to our trip we had a pandemic hiccup as my husband started coughing, runny nose and overall, not feeling well. In “normal” times you say clearly, this could be allergies or a cold. But these are not normal times and the doctor told him to take a PCR test to see if it was COVID. Now the thought of being quarantined in my apartment with three children, with no garden was almost a scarier thought than the idea of being sick. Finally, after a rapid test, my husband lost some of his brain to the invasiveness of the test and the longest 15 minutes of our lives we got the green light, he was negative! Of course, our next debate was whether this was a cold or allergies? We never did get to the bottom of those results.

Why did we choose Lugano? I wanted to go someplace as warm as possible in Switzerland. Lugano is known to have the warmest temperature so with mild winters and warm summers I thought this was the perfect place. And I told the kids this is the closest we can get to Italy for now. Lugano is in the South of Switzerland and is in the region Ticino where everyone speaks Italian. The landscape reminds me of the Caribbean (even if everyone calls it the Swiss Mediterranean) with tropical plants and palm trees.

What to do, I realized after this trip you can actually stay in the region for 7-10 days with a car because you can go for many day trips close by. We focused on family activities to the classics like the Swiss Miniature park which takes about 45 minutes unless you are with a 2/4 year old it can take about 20 minutes as they rush to the end to reach the mini train you can ride. Next door to the park, there is a nice playground for the kids of most ages to have some fun afterwards. There is also a lake so in warmer months you can even swim in the water and make the experience into a day.

Next up, the Funicular railways via our car and we choose to go up to the top of Monte Brè, where you can see all of Lugano and even into Italy. A spectacular view, playground up top for children, lots of walks and picnic areas which we partook in since restaurants were closed.
We also went to the classic Ciani Park via the bus from the hotel and when we arrived at the park it was an urban oasis filled with art exhibits and tulips this time of year. They also have a small park and beach areas for warmer times in the year. We took a nice stroll, stopped at the playground for a snack and some fun.


Our last classic, a cruise around Lake Lugano with an ice cream. This is a must do, you get to see the city from the water perspectives, and it is a site to see. Check out the pictures as words cannot describe how beautiful the colours are along with the uniqueness of the stops.
Where to stay, before I get into that I was thinking about the Hotel feeling when you check in. That overall excitement of exploring a new “home,” trying to figure out how the shower works and stopping for a moment to enjoy our new surroundings for a few nights. We choose the Splendide Royal as it is in my network as a Travel Advisor (message me about the perks when booking through Travel by LAC) followed for its family friendly atmosphere and pool. We cannot go someplace without a pool for the kids. It is quite centrally located, and the staff was very friendly.

Overall traveling in a pandemic, I felt like I had to do a more pre-planning in advance since restaurants were close, packing a picnic on the drive to and from, finding a good spot to stop for the picnic like a park (I found a great one in Sempach next to the like and sent it to a client too) to meet the needs of our children. During the trip, carefully planning the day to either find a bakery where to buy sandwiches, packing a picnic and or grabbing a pizza to ensure you do this before a child has a breakdown.

Lugano is a city filled with vibrant colours, life, art, and much more I recommend a visit to the Ticino region hands down as it will not disappoint.

Published April 2021
Written by Lori Castelnuovo

A trip to Turin, Italy during Covid-19


Traveling in the COVID-19 ERA means keeping your distances, wearing a mask always except when sitting/ eating, checking your temperature, 100% sanitized rooms and let us not forget washing your hands. In this new way of life I refuse to stop seeing, breathing, eating, and living new experiences. Of course, all within reason and safety is at my top of mind. I personally do not travel alone, I travel in a pack with one husband and three small children under the age of seven. I wanted to share my travel experiences to maybe alleviate fears, offer my thoughts on what I experienced and let us not forget the destination, Turin, Italy.


We decided last minute so basically in the week for the week to travel to Turin, Italy via Car with myself, my husband, three children and in-laws during the Autumn holiday. At first, I wanted to stay in my country, Switzerland due to the pandemic and then someone mentioned the magic word Italy. It is one country that has always put a spell over me, and I can never say no to. I cannot say no to the food, the people, the culture, the language, the sites, and the shopping. You had me at Italy…


We went through three countries in one day, through the Mont blanc Tunnel. A long weekend in Italy is always a good idea and even during this difficult time. During our time there we stayed at the Hotel PRINCIPI DI PIEMONTE it is a five-star hotel located in the centre of Turin. Our stay included breakfast, spacious guest rooms and was incredibly sanitary following the new COVID-19 procedures. Upon arrival you needed to offer your temperature, sanitize your hands, always keep your distance, and wear a mask. The mask rule was always required except when you were in your guest room or sitting to eat starting at the age of 6 years old.


The first evening we ended up at the Piazza San Carlo and it was full of life. Street performers, singers, fire jugglers and musicians filled the air with an infectious joy that I had not felt in quite some time. Most performers have masks, people stood at a distance and it provided a great start to a weekend of travel during the Covid era. 

What to do, we went to the following and I would recommend all three with or without children. First, we went to the Egyptian museum Museo Egizio within walking distance of the Hotel. Here you can discover ancient Egyptian artifacts and the museum itself was founded in 1824. From the exhibits to the building all was worth the visit. 

 

Second, we went to the National Automobile Museum Museo Nazionale dell`Automobile which we took a taxi to get to. The building on the outside was discrete but upon entering the building I found it to be an architectural diamond in the rough: designed by architect Cino Zucchi. It was empty, we saw one other family and it is the largest museum dedicated to the car industry. It has three floors and is an interesting journey of the inceptions of automobiles into today’s world for all ages.


Third, finally as any family with young children we had to visit the Valentino Park and we took a taxi as it is outside the centre as well. The park has playgrounds, botanical gardens, the Baroque Castle (Castello del Valentino), a Medieval Castle and Village. It was nice to be outside, see some green landscapes and all while wearing a mask.


All in all, the weekend getaway was a nice change of scenery, educational, good food (not mentioned in the article) and a well needed respite from the daily rigors of life.


Published February 2021

Written by Lori Castelnuovo

Essential, an Autumn in Provence Part Deux

The sun rises later, days become shorter and soon the first cool breeze… Where will you go and see the change of seasons?


Let us dive right into part deux. Provence is a region filled with many little towns/villages and one of my favourites is Uzès. Tourism is one of its main industries along with wine and culture. Uzès like most places has an extremely popular Saturday “marché” market. This market offers local products, clothing and other textiles made in the region, which is perfect for attracting a tourist market.

In regards to family travels you can visit the famous Haribo museum, a must visit to every child’s delight. One more hidden treasure is the Green Park “about 20 minutes outside of Uzés; a 100% natural park filled with animals, vegetable gardens, multiple playgrounds for all ages and it is the ideal park to spend the day and let your little ones run about and enjoy the great outdoors.


Moving to Saint Rémy de Provence where you can stroll its enchanting streets lined with ancient plane trees and through narrow passages to hidden squares and fountains. Explore the Alpilles, a chain of little mountains where Van Gogh and other artists and writers were inspired by the landscape and natural, untamed beauty. This area is a land with proud traditions and authentic styles. Besides the amazing surroundings there are many boutiques and art galleries to visit. You can sit outside and enjoy a coffee at a local café or a restaurant, or some of the local delights or enjoy the spectacular views of this natural beauty.


Provence is region filled with many sights however a must have is a car to get around easily or we can arrange it for you with a full day activities. Imagine a private driver taking you to discover some of the best wines in Provence and meet the producers of the region with your expert, local guide. What about a private hike? Provence is filled with beauty and adventure so why not taking a walk with a local guide who can show you the insights, stunning views and endless vineyards. The landscapes have an average of 300 days of sun per year and any hike can be tailored to your personal level.


Why not visiting Provence in Autumn, where the temperatures are cooler, and you can enjoy the magical light of Autumn. Peek into the more traditional Provençal life during this time period and see the stunning colours of your favourite vineyards Autumn foliage.

 

Published October 2020

Written by Lori Castelnuovo

Essential, a Summer in Provence
As the world starts re-opening its doors and as summer quickly approaches, I cannot help but think about Vacations in Provence France as a European essential.  As we are in uncertain times, I wonder if the summer will include more car trips, less air travel and for Europeans this means, the South of France.  The beauty of this part of France is undeniable and when I think of Provence, I cannot help but think about the smell of lavender, bathing in the Rhône River, visits to Avignon, and sipping on a glass of Cote du Rhône. The Rhône River cannot be missed literally, it flows from the Swiss Glaciers all the way to the Southeast of France which  brings us to one of the most celebrated cities in the South of France, Avignon.  

Avignon is on the Rhône River in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region, Avignon is known as the “City of the Popes/ Palais des Papes”. Why the name “City of Popes/ Palais des Papes” because from 1309-1377 the Popes lived and worked out of Avignon.  It is located on the left bank of the Rhône and is an appealing city with ancient streets, architectural beauty, theatres, museums and is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. 

Summer in Avignon consists of visiting the “City of the Popes/ Palais des Papes”, taking a walk along the Pont d’Avignon which a lot of children sing the song Sur le Pont d'Avignon and of course the Festival d’Avignon.  Sadly, the annual Festival d’Avignon is not happening, this year would have been the 74th edition however there is always summer 2021.  

If you venture out of the city, there is another UNESCO World Heritage site, Le Pont du Gard.  “Le Pont du Gard a three-level stone aqueduct bridge and one of the best-preserved pieces of ancient Roman architecture in the whole of France.”  Located about 30 minutes from Avignon. 

Avignon is a city of wine, also known to be the Capital of Rhône Valley wines and produces around 89% red wine, 7% rosé wine and 4% white wine.  Côtes du Rhône wines have been produced for over 2,000 years and are primarily full-bodied wines which makes for a sensory experience.  There are plenty of full day or half day wine tours at your finger tips.

Where to stay, how about at the 5 Star historic La Mirande an old mansion with (26) rooms at the centre of Avignon, the “City of Popes/ Palais des Papes”. The restaurant is a real gastronomic experience with the option to eat at the Chef`s Table.   A real historic experience at the heart of the centre and for more information contact Travel your travel advisor, LAC Travelbylac@outlook.com or www.travelbylac.com.

As the world reopens, rediscovers, and redefines how to create memorable experiences for now we dream, eventual travel and ensure we keep this close to our consciousness. 

Published May 2020
Written by Lori Castelnuovo
Portugal, the green capital of Europe in our dreams for now until we can travel again...

During these extraordinary times lets keep dreaming, this is what travel provides all of Us. Today we will visit Portugal, the European Green Capital due to the efforts to fight climate change, which has led to a 50 percent reduction citywide in carbon emissions. A remarkable country that offers culinary delights, astounding wines, and cultural experiences. Over the last ten years there has been a gourmet awakening which has shaken up the food scene and do not forget they also have a wide variety of wines for such a small country.  Portugal is a sea-faring country and offers traditional foods such as the salted codfish, sea bass, grouper and salmon as the fresh catch of the day.  Lisbon is the center of the culinary experience with new fusions of the “old world” and the meets the “new world”. 


For the Love of wine, Portugal’s Douro Valley vineyards have served as the center of the port-wine industry for 400 years. The valley birthed the Port, the most famous wine of Portugal. The region has such culture and historic value, did you know, the Douro Valley is on the list of world Heritage sites? 


Beyond Portugal’s famous Port you can discover natures wonders it has to offer such as beaches, waterfalls, “lakes of Peneda-Geres National Park, the gorges and peaks of Madeira, and the maze-like Moorish alleys of Lisbon”. One city in particular is an under visited city who is deserving of our attention.  Guimarães, a small but beautiful city is also known as the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality, as it was the home of the first Portuguese king.  While wandering the narrow streets of the historical quarter and visiting the incredible Ducal Palace and Guimarães Castle, its impossible not to note the richness and power of Guimarães’ history.  Portugal is a country full of history that will amaze and delight.


Where to stay, how about the sophisticated Belmond Reid`s Palace located in Madeira, which opened its doors in 1891 by a Scots man Mr William Reid. Belmond Reid's Palace is an international luxury travel hot spot for the most savvy travellers. 

“This living piece of history sprawls over 10 acres of sub-tropical gardens with more than 500 hundred different types of rare plants and flowers. All rooms have balconies, where a simple morning coffee or just a breath of fresh air to start your day, is turned into an unforgettable moment. 


Dining experiences start early in The Pool Terrace Restaurant for a slow buffet breakfast, a tasty menu à la Carte for lunch and several snacks and drinks throughout the day. Afternoon Tea is an iconic event at Belmond Reid's Palace dating back to when the hotel first opened. You can take your seat on our iconic terrace to indulge in our much-loved tradition of afternoon tea. Sample delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and homemade pastries accompanied by your choice from a selection of 24 teas, or toast the occasion with a glass of chilled champagne. For dinner, Michelin Star William Restaurant led by Executive Chef Luis Pestana is a destination in its own. With a menu celebrating the finest produce from the island, expect seasonal dishes of the highest quality.”

The hotel offers three pools plus one tidal pool, two tennis courts, The SPA with five treatment rooms and much more, are at your fingertips ready to be indulged in. The hotel is also perfect for family adventures or relaxing stays with your little ones. They offer children’s amenities such as bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, and a welcome toy. 


Whether you cruise, tour, unpack at the Belmond Reid`s Palace or choose something off the beaten path Portugal is a splendour of cultural, culinary and a great place to raise your glass at the end of the day. Cheers to getting you the most return on life!

Published April 2020

Written by Lori Castelnuovo
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