Lavender Season in Provence – Active Vacations to Romantic Travel Destinations

To venture to Provence in July is to be lost in a purple colored sea. Oceans of lavender everywhere – in patches, in waves, in perfect rows, field after field – the hillsides of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence are daubed in blue, mauve, grey and violet by great swathes of lavender in bloom. This is harvest time in Provence’s lavender regions – the tractors are rolling, the distilleries steaming and lavender festivals are in full swing.

Lavender, the emblem of Provence, has been growing here forever. Its formal cultivation however is rather new, and has given rise to lavandin; a hybrid version used more for industrial purposes.

“Fine” or true lavender is grown for its essential oils. To qualify for the highly coveted AOC (Appellation of Controlled Origin) – France’s highest stamp of approval – the lavender must meet very strict criteria, its production limited to 284 villages and cultivated in regions above 800 m in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the Drome and Vaucluse. Used for perfumes, in aromatherapy and medicinally, it must also meet olfactory tests, and special harvesting and distillation processes. Read the rest of this entry »

Best Italian Honeymoon Destinations

If you are looking for romance, it is difficult to beat an Italian honeymoon destination. An Italian honeymoon is by definition a top honeymoon spot when it comes to romance. The grandeur of Rome, the splendor of Florance or Venice and the shopping in Milan make an Italian honeymoon the dream destination for many couples. But there is more to Italy than its magnificent cites full of breathtaking architecture. There are also great beaches in Sicily and on the Amalfi coast and rolling hills in Tuscany for you to enjoy on your romantic honeymoon. Read the rest of this entry »

Travel to New Zealand – What is the Best Time of Year to Go to New Zealand?

Of all the questions I that are put to me, the most difficult question is “When is the best time to go to New Zealand?” Without knowing what your interests are, or what you want to do, it is very hard to answer. The question may be “When is the best weather in New Zealand?” However the answer may change depending on what your interests are. So perhaps you want to come and go hiking, fishing or skiing. Maybe you are interested in gardening, or just want to do a self drive holiday. All of these will give a different answer to the question “What is the best time of year to visit New Zealand”. Read the rest of this entry »