As you read this, I am in the midst of exploring Chicago for the first time with my husband.  We have graciously been invited by the Hyatt Regency Chicago to celebrate New Year’s Eve at their glamorous Ballroom Blitz.  This is an incredibly special New Year’s Eve for me, because not only is it my first as a married woman, it is also the first I have ever spent with my husband in the 6.5 years that we have known each other.  I cannot wait for my (guaranteed) midnight kiss!

I hope you enjoy reading my ABC’s of Travel as much as I enjoyed writing them.  Answering the questions made me reflect on past trips that I had not thought about in years, even though some of these trips were so life-changing that I am the woman I am today because of them.  I wish everyone the most extraordinary 2012 — may it be filled with one beautiful adventure after another.

Age you went on your first international trip: The exact age I am not completely sure, but I do know that it was to Nassau, Bahamas and I was around the age of 10.  Surprisingly, I did not catch the travel bug until later on in life.

Best foreign beer you have had and where: I dislike beer immensely, but if I had to choose the best I have ever tasted it would be Tsingtao, which is found throughout China.

Cuisine (favorite): Whenever I consume Spanish food I feel like it was the best meal of my life.

Destinations – favorite, least favorite and why: My favorite destination is Brasil.  It is where I took my first solo trip in a country where I did not speak the language, it is where I got engaged, it is where I honeymooned, and it is where I hope to one day live.  I have yet to visit a place that I would refuse to visit again, having said that I would be fine not revisiting or never visiting about 15 American states (that shall remain nameless).

Buzios, Brasil

Event you experienced abroad that made you say wow: Celebrating New Year’s Eve on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.  I am convinced there is no place better in the entire world to ring in the new year.  Think 3 million people all dressed in white with 10 minutes of non-stop fireworks.

Favorite mode of transportation: First class, whether it is by plane, train, or boat, although train travel is my favorite of the three.  I like to arrive to my final destination relaxed and refreshed, so that I can start exploring immediately.

Greatest feeling while traveling: When I am on an adventure I feel like anything can happen.  I have truly become addicted to this feeling.

Hottest place you have traveled to: Driving throughout the Outback of Australia during the height of Summer.

Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Outback of Australia

Incredible service you have experienced and where: Every time I use Andrea Novick with Elite Travel International as my Travel Adviser I am absolutely blown away by her expertise, service, and insight.  She knows everything there is to know about travel.  She also happens to be my inspiration — she has been to Antarctica twice!

Journey that took the longest: NYC to Durban, South Africa.  It took over 30 hours of non-stop flying and of course it was worth it, but next time I have to fly this far I am breaking the trip up in stages.

Keepsake from your travels: I collect 2 things while traveling: 1) anything with elephants on it and 2) gold charms for my good luck necklace.

Let-down site – why and where: Despite my undying love for Brasil, I was deeply disappointed with Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.  While I think it is beautiful, I also do not think it should be considered one of the seven Wonders of the World.

Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Moment when you fell in love with travel: My first significant trip overseas was to China when I was 20.  I literally can remember the moment I walked off the plane and was consumed with the insatiable desire to see the rest of the world.

Nicest hotel you’ve stayed in: I have had the great fortune to stay in a lot of luxurious hotels, however the one that I go to in my mind when I am stressed is Pousada Maravilha in Fernando de Noronha, Brasil.  My husband and I stayed there on our honeymoon for 3 unforgettable days.

World's Best Infinity Pool in Fernando de Noronha, Brasil

Obsession – what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling: Sunsets, elephants, flowers, anything that is pink, oceans, unique perspectives of shots that have been taken a billion times over. . .

Passport stamps, how many and from where: I lost count.  I have been to around 50 countries and many I have repeated over and over again.  I have had 2 passports and each have had pages added.

Quirkiest attraction you have visited and where: Pass?

Recommended site, event, or experience: It was the most challenging trips of my life to date, however I highly recommend journeying to Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.  I remember thinking to myself the entire time I was there, “I wish everyone could see this.”  The magical landscape changes before your eyes from salt flats to mountains to desserts to aquamarine and red lakes with thousands of pink flamingos.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Splurge, something you have no problem forking over money for while traveling: I try to upgrade whenever possible (if it is for the right price).  I also like to splurge on dining experiences and excursions.

Touristy thing you have done: A horse and carriage ride through Central Park in NYC.  I do this every single time I visit and I did it several times while I lived there.  The tradition started when I was a little girl when my Dad would take me to the Big Apple every Christmas.  We would get hot chocolate and snuggle up together in the carriage and he would tell me stories about growing up in NYC.

Unforgettable travel memory: Taking a solo trip to the most remote island in the world: Easter Island, Chile.  The entire time I was there I kept pinching myself to make sure that I was not dreaming.

The Men of Rapa Nui

Wine, best glass while traveling and where: The bottle of Malbec (name forgotten) my family and my husband’s family shared the first time they met in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Wine is like water to me when I am in Argentina.

eXcellent view and from where: I have seen some extraordinary views all over the world, but without a doubt the best view was my husband’s smiling face as I walked down the aisle at our wedding at Faena Hotel + Universe.

Best Moment of 2011

Years spent traveling: Traveling became my #1 priority around a decade ago.

Zealous sports fans and where: My first soccer match was Boca Juniors vs River Plate, the 2 biggest rival teams in Argentina.  The crowd became so out of hand that all of the women and children were evacuated an hour before the men and then the fans from one team were let out before the fans from the other team.  Needles to say, I became a devoted soccer fan after that!  My husband and I plan to attend the World Cup in Brasil in 2016.

South Beach, known as SoBe to the locals, is a tropical paradise of white beaches, turquoise water, and beautiful people.  It is very lively; people walking, biking, jogging, and playing sports in the nearby beaches.  It is bulging with restaurants, bars, and events waiting to be experienced so there is always something to do here, be it day or night.

Ocean Drive

When most people think of South Beach, they most likely envision Ocean Drive.  This popular strip runs along the Atlantic Ocean and on the other side of it are trendy bars, lounges, restaurants, and hotels.  We spent a bit of time here just meandering about, people watching, and popping into whatever site caught our eye.  The hostesses and waitresses will come out and try to sell you on their spot, but make sure you pick the most comfortable for you and of course, the most appetizing.  South Beach’s spots are flowing with delicious food.

Nightlife

Miami is home to the famous Winter Music Conference (WMC) and Ultra Music Festival, two of the world’s largest electronic dance music events.  I am an avid fan of this music and when I attended both events, I feel in love with the vibe of this city.  WMC and the Ultra Music Festival are held in mid-March every year, so the weather is the prime and dance music is blasting from all around you, making you constantly want to move.  SoBe also provides a never-ending list of nightclubs and lounges to experience year-round from Mynt on Collins Avenue, Mansion on Washington Avenue, and Mango’s Cafe on Ocean Drive that plays salsa and Latin music has that spiciness that makes it so popular.

Lincoln Road

Lincoln Road is easily the area’s premiere shopping center and is full of beautiful people.  It is an open-air pedestrian mall, lined with boutiques, cafes, retail stores, and shops.  It also hosts the Art Center South Florida, so there is an abundance of artwork to be seen.  If you can make a day out of exploring this area, I do suggest it.  Miami’s fashion scene is among the best and is the largest Latin American fashion event in the US.  There are many shops here that I could spend days in.

Art-Deco District

I loved seeing South Beach’s historic art deco district.  Located in the heart of SoBe, you cannot miss it.  I have not seen another place in the US that even resembles it.  The pastel colored buildings and their geometric shapes contrast brightly against the sky, sand, and ocean.  The streets are lined with umbrellas and tables from the local businesses too; it really is so picturesque!

Lummus Beach

This beach is a dream.  The sand bar is just off the turquoise water where we would lie down and sunbathe while listening to the waves and people around.  There were people frolicking in the water, occasional vendors stopping by, and sometimes a drink or ice cream cart milling about.  Lummus Park is lined with palm trees to bike, skate, or jog around as well.  Do be sure to apply some sunscreen though.  Miami’s heat and humidity can get intense after a while.  One of the nights we were there, we watched the sun at Lummus Beach and it was stunning.  I suggest catching a sunset here while in SoBe.

South Beach has so much to satisfy a curious tourist.  Check out the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau to see what events catch your attention and go to Miami South Beach Hotels via Miamihotels.org to book your stay.  You will not regret it!

Florence, the second time around, did not cease to amaze me.  It had been a decade since I had visited the city, yet as soon as I began wandering around, it felt like it had only been days since everything seemed surprisingly familiar.  Trafalgar Tours presented our group with two choices: a tour of The Academy or shopping time.  I chose to do the former, even though I had previously been there.  I would never turn down the opportunity to get up close and personal with the “world’s most handsome man.”

Cameras are strictly prohibited within the museum.  If our guide had not started off the tour by informing us that the reason why cameras are not allowed is because the gift shop wants our money, then I would have followed the rule.  However, I believe that some rules are made to be broken and since the statues would not be harmed by me taking some pictures without a flash, I decided to sneak a couple with both my iPhone and DSLR.

Michelangelo is one of the most talented and prolific artists to ever grace this planet and his genius is evident inside The Academy.  The statue of David does not disappoint and the history behind it is fascinating.  I highly recommend paying extra for a tour if you should find yourself there.

As karma would have it, both of my cameras began to die and while I would have loved more pictures, I decided to save my remaining battery lives for downtown Florence.  Less than a five minute walk away from the museum is another artistic wonder — the Duomo.  I attended a traditional Latin mass there during my first trip to Florence and it is something that I will never forget, as I have never felt so authentically transported to another era before.

One of the fellow journalist’s on the trip and I decided to go off on our own for the rest of the evening.  She was very familiar with the city and also spoke Italian, thus she played guide.  Before we set off on our adventure though, we decided that a trip to Florence was incomplete without some gelato.

Florence continues to become more multicultural and cosmopolitan than its reputation for style, delicious food and wine, and passion for art.  It is truly one of the greatest cities in the world to photograph, especially at night when it shimmers and the cars dance through the neighborhoods with people out having fun.  Fair warning: the Florentine lifestyle is addictive and many tourists fall in love with the city and adopt is as their second home.

To end the day on the perfect note, my companion and I looked for the pizzeria with the most locals inside.  Once we found it, we shared a large margarita pizza and bottle of wine.  We toasted to our last night in Tuscany — tomorrow we would journey to Rome!

One of the most anticipated moments every year for children in Spain is the celebration of the “Three Wise Kings.”  This is a tradition that comes from the Bible and that was also adopted by some other Spanish-speaking countries like: Argentina, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay.  The legend says that the wise kings followed a star through the desert until they reached the place of Jesus’ birth to adore the newborn and give him presents (gold, incense, and myrrh — hence the belief of there being three of them).

It is true that in the last decades, the Anglo-Saxon tradition of Santa Clause (called Papá Noel or Pare Noel if you live in one of the apartments in Barcelona or anywhere around Catalonia) has become more and more popular and year after year it is more common to give gifts amongst family and friends on Christmas Eve.  However, the three kings’ visit on the night of the 5^th January continues to be the highlight of Christmas regarding children’s illusion.

Actually, all throughout Spain there are processions; each one adapted to the physical features of the place it is in.  Let me further explain: If your town has a river, like my hometown has, then the three wise men arrive by boat.  If you want to see one of these processions you had better go to Barcelona than to my hometown or to any capital whose city council has money.  In many inbound cities, towns, and villages they arrive by camels, donkeys, horses, carriages, or even in a helicopter.

I remember when I was a kid, on the night of the 5^th, I was so nervous that I could hardly sleep.  My parents urged me to leave the kings some food (they always proposed a glass of chocolate milk and biscuits and some raw carrots for the horses).  Certainly, the face of pure amazement in the morning when I went to the Christmas tree and saw all the presents and the empty glasses of chocolate milk was epic.

So, if you have children and tell them the legend they will have the most amazing time if you take them to one of the Barcelona apartments to see the Three Wise Men procession and then, the morning after, they will find gifts under the Christmas tree.

Maria Climent is a 26-year-old Catalan lady.  After studying translation, she decided her life was odd enough to became a humor scriptwriter and by default, a blogger.  This is how she is now a mother of no one and a better person.  She also cooks her meals.

No matter if you enjoy being on a guided vacation or not, there is no question that most local guides are going to know about certain spots in the city that you are currently visiting that you would have never discovered on your own.  Trafalgar Tours has a reputation for having the best Travel Directors in the world, because each of them have thoughtfully selected the most extraordinary “Hidden Treasures” to share with their group of travelers.  One of the best examples of this is San Miniato al Monte.  Before going into downtown Florence, Marco our Italian Travel Director, took us to this basilica.  It is one of his favorite places, since it attracts very few tourists, yet it deserves to be a major tourist attraction.

It was built in 1013 atop one of the highest points in the city, thus it is impossible to find better unobstructed views of Florence anywhere else.

As with all churches in Italy, the interior was as equally impressive as the exterior.  The way the light streamed in from the windows illuminating the colorfully painted marble was marvelous.

We did not have time to linger, as we had a special date with a famous Italian named David, but we left at the ideal time, as day was beginning to turn into night and the lighting was perfect for some final photos.

Adjoining San Miniato al Monte is both a monastery and a graveyard, both of which I would have further liked to explore.  As the rest of my group headed to the coach, I could not ignore a feeling in my stomach that told me to make a quick visit to the graveyard.  I had only but a minute, however I immediately saw why I felt the urge that I did: there was a stunning statue with a view of Florence in the background that begged to be captured on camera.

I only took one photo and it is now amongst my most favorite photos that I have ever taken in all of my adventures around the globe. . .

It seems I am always planning my next Disney vacation.  Even when I am at Walt Disney World, I am constantly making mental notes about what I want to do on my next visit.  Luckily, my next trip is just weeks away.  Shhh, do not tell the kids, as they do not know yet!

The Magic Kingdom

When you say Disney World, the first image you are likely to think of is Cinderella’s Castle nestled in the heart of the Magic Kingdom.  The sight never fails to take my breath away.

I like to get to the park gates about 30 minutes before it opens.  Now, I am normally a night owl.  However, when I am at Walt Disney World, I seem to magically wake up before the crack of dawn.  Early birds are rewarded, by getting to see, and sometimes be a part of, the official “Rope Drop” ceremony, where cast members and Mickey Mouse himself welcome you to the park.

Main Street, U.S.A

Main Street, U.S.A. is one of the happiest places in the entire resort.  I cannot help but be filled with high hopes and expectations for this day when I am there.  After all, those around me have likely been planning for this very moment for months, if not years.

First thing in the morning the streets are not as crowded.  The shop keepers are out, waving at guests with those over-sized Mickey gloves as they make their way to their favorite attractions.  The streets are damp, perhaps from the dew of the morning, or maybe it is the Florida humidity, and if you get to the end of Main Street in time, it takes on a golden hue as the street catches the rays of the rising sun.

This is also the best time of day to get your picture taken in front of Cinderella’s Castle.  I rarely like pictures of myself, as I like to be the one  who takes the photos.  But, if I must be in the picture, I like to have it taken first thing in the morning, while my make-up is fresh, my hair has not been disheveled by Space Mountain, and my clothes are still relatively clean.

Adventureland

At the end of Main Street, U.S.A., most people head to the right and off to Tomorrowland; I like to take a left and go straight for Adventureland.  The first major attraction you will see is the Jungle Cruise and it is unlikely to be open until 10AM or later.  I bypass it and go straight to Pirates of the Caribbean where there is no wait.

After we ride “Pirates,” we like to go directly to Splash Mountain.  I love the happy songs and the watery plunge into the Briar Patch.  When you disembark from your log, take a look at the photo gallery.  Even if you do not buy the picture, everyone in your party will get a good laugh seeing themselves as they take the big plunge.

Next, go straight to Thunder Mountain Railroad.  It is the “wildest ride in the wilderness” after all.  Thunder Mountain is always a family favorite; tame enough for the younger riders and those of us with weaker stomachs, though fast enough that my teenager enjoys it as well.

Liberty Square – Quick Take

Once you are finished with Thunder Mountain, head directly for The Haunted Mansion.  Enjoy singing ghosts and dancing spirits.  Just “beware of hitchhiking ghosts.”

Breathe and Re-energize

Given average winter attendance, the path I just led you down should take about two hours on a weekday and perhaps two-and-a-half on a weekend.  It is nothing short of satisfying to know that we have enjoyed four out of the five biggest rides in the park, all before lunch, and all with little or no wait.

Once you exit The Haunted Mansion, it will be time for an early lunch.  You will be at the door of my favorite counter-service restaurant in all of Walt Disney World, the Columbia Harbour House.  You will not find typical theme park fast food fare here.  We enjoy the Anchors Aweigh tuna sandwich and the Broccoli Pepper Corn Sandwich.  However, my favorite entree is the Lighthouse Sandwich, a hummus sandwich topped with a tomato slaw.

Fantasyland

Once our batteries are recharged, we like to head for the relative calm of Fantasyland.  I say relative, because in addition to throngs of families with very small children, Fantasyland is in the process of a multimillion dollar renovation. However, you can still ride many of your favorite attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.  Be prepared for some of these attractions to be closed periodically during construction.  Check your park guide map at the beginning of the day to see what attractions are affected by the renovations.

Liberty Square – Again

After you have strolled through Fantasyland, our party is faced with a tough decision: should we head to Tomorrowland or do we go to the slower paced, but still fascinating Liberty Square?  If I am not outvoted, and sometimes I am, I like to take this time to go to Liberty Square.

Having already enjoyed The Haunted Mansion, The Hall of Presidents is the only other major attraction to see.  I think I liked it better when I was a kid, but the tour of American history is fast-paced, kid friendly, and genuinely entertaining.  It is also home to Ye Olde Christmas Shop, a Christmas wonderland 365 days a year.

And no, I did not forget about the Liberty Square Riverboat.  It usually forgets me!  Every time I have been to the Magic Kingdom for the past five or so years, the boat seems to be closed for the day.  Call it bum luck, although one of these days I will ride the Liberty again.

Tomorrowland

I have my reasons for waiting until the evening to venture into Tomorrowland.  The lights of Tomorrowland really create a magnificent atmosphere.  The Astro Orbiters fly high overhead, and in my opinion, it is the best way to see the Magic Kingdom from a height only the birds get to enjoy.

Of course, most of the kids want to head straight for Space Mountain.  Even if you do not have a FastPass for this ride, the new interactive queue experience makes waiting an attraction.  My own competitive nature means that a day at the Magic Kingdom is never complete without riding Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.  Guests shoot laser beams at targets to rack up points and provide much needed power to the toy universe.  However, as my kids get older, their point totals are quickly approaching my own.

My final must-see of the day is the Monsters Inc., Laugh Floor, what I consider the hidden gem of Tomorrowland.  A cast of friendly and funny monsters need your laughs to power the city of Monstropolis.  If you are lucky, and twice I have been, you will get to be a part of the show.  It is a great way to relax your tired feet for twenty minutes and get a laugh too.

Back to Main Street, U.S.A.

As the day ends, I like to stroll down Main Street, U.S.A.  Note this is an extremely busy time on the street, as it leads to the only public exit of the park.  Coming from Tomorrowland, you will pass by the Main Street Bakery and, yes, that is the smell of chocolate chip cookies being piped out into the street.  It lovingly lures in weary guests with the promise of a sugary treat or some much needed coffee to keep you going until you collapse in your hotel.

This is the time of day I like to head into the Emporium, the biggest souvenir store in the Magic Kingdom for a little last-minute shopping.  Most of the items that you will find at the smaller gift shops throughout the park, you will find here at the Emporium.  These shops are often open up to an hour past the published park closing time.  So, let the crowds leave the park while you shop.  Then you can stroll onto the Monorail or ferry boat back to your car or resort after a full and fun day of magic.

Do not miss out on the adventure and start booking your stay at Magic Kingdom now!  Check out Orlandohotels.org for accommodation options near the park.

By Melanie Clatfelter.

There are many instances when staying in a vacation rental will save you money compared to staying in a hotel.  They are often priced lower than the comparable number of rooms in a hotel and the ability to cook your own meals can be a great way to save, especially if you are traveling with a group of friends or relatives.  In addition to fully equipped kitchens with cooking utensils, most rentals include all the amenities of a fully functioning home like laundry facilities and internet access.

Another nice aspect about vacation rentals is that the price is often negotiable.  Whereas a receptionist at a hotel only has so much authority to discount a room, with a rental you are often dealing with the owner or the property manager and they can offer any deal they feel is reasonable.  Here are some tips when asking for a better rate:

• Let them know if you are not going to use all the bedrooms in the rental.
• Are your dates flexible?  Can you squeeze into a vacant time slot that would otherwise go unbooked?
• Tell them if you are a senior.  In the United States, Veterans are also typically given discounts.
• When you are dealing with a management company with many rentals, tell them what your budget is and see what rentals they have that work within your budget.  Rentals that are new on the market are often discounted to get them started.
• Owners are afraid of irresponsible guests who may damage the home or disturb neighbors.  Tell them about yourself: why you are traveling, who is in the group, and what you are looking for in a rental.  Being talkative is good and a phone call and conversation goes a long way in reassuring both parties that the rental is a fit.

Perhaps the best chance to get a deal comes when you are booking something last minute since owners and managers are eager to fill in a rental that would otherwise stand empty.  But last minute planning brings up its own set of challenges and stresses, so if you are going employ this as a strategy make sure you have a reliable back up plan.

Great Vacation Retreats, a property management company on Kauai, will often give discounts for extended stays.  They even have a free car rental deal for guests who stay at on of their Kuhio Shores properties.  The key is to just ask!

Many overseas visitors to the UK are guilty of seeing the major tourist attractions and spending time in the main cities before departing — having failed to get off the beaten track and fully explore.  Here we suggest a few mini-break ideas perfect for those 20-somethings looking to escape from the daily stresses and strains for a few days in England, Scotland, and Wales.

A luxury golfing getaway at St. Andrews

Golf holidays abroad remain immensely popular, especially to 5 star golf resorts like St. Andrews in Scotland.  Hailed as the ‘home of golf’, St Andrews is home to oldest golf course in the world and offers challenging conditions to players of all abilities, particularly if the wind gets up.  St. Andrews has something for everyone, even if you have no interest in golf, as there are several high-quality spas in close proximity and you can also enjoy exhilarating cliff-top walks.  The Scottish Highlands are right at your doorstep as well.

Go surfing in Cornwall

With a spectacular coastline and beautiful beaches, Cornwall and the neighboring English county of Devon are prime locations to get out into the water for a spot of surfing.  Whether you fancy taking lessons for the first time or have been catching waves for years, towns like Newquay and Penzance are renowned for their superb surfing conditions.  Newquay also has a vibrant nightlife during the summer months.

Relax at Center Parcs

The emphasis at Center Parcs is on relaxation, making the most of the great outdoors, and spending some quality time with your loved ones.  There are several Center Parcs complexes in the UK that are ideal for getting together small groups of friends and family at any time during the year.  Do as much or as little as you fancy and feel refreshed after spending a few days tucked away in a log cabin with the people that matter most to you.

The Maldives have always been a popular destination for couples seeking romance and relaxation due to its pristine beaches, such as those found on Veligandu Island and the white sands of the South Ari Atoll in Nalaguraidhoo Island.  Along with its abundance of luxurious five star resorts (oh to stay at the Banyan Tree Madivaru or the Conrad Resort on Rangali Island!), it is no wonder so many wealthy celebs are attracted to the islands.  As 2011 draws to a close, we take a look back at some of past twelve months’ more notable visitors.

Kelly Brook and Danny Cipriani

The on-again off-again couple boarded a plane to the Maldives for a romantic holiday in late December 2010.  The England Rugby International booked the couple a flight to Male, the most populous and lively of the nations’ islands, before boarding a private seaplane to one of the more remote island’s.  Sadly it was not enough and they split again by January.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Irina Shayk

Shortly after the birth of his son (the modestly named Cristiano Ronaldo Junior), the Real Madrid striker took Russian model Irina Shayk away from the limelight for Christmas.  Proving the world’s most highly priced footballer does not like to do things by halves, only the most expensive resort in the Maldives was good enough for his island break.

James Corden

The Gavin and Stacey star proposed to his then-pregnant girlfriend Julia Carey on Christmas Day 2010.  Overjoyed by her response (yes!), he whisked his new fiancé away for a romantic vacation to the Maldives to celebrate.

Sarah Harding and Tom Crane

Nightclub DJ Tom Crane went one better in January by selecting a five-star private resort in the South Male Atoll to propose to long-term girlfriend Sarah Harding.  Presented with a sapphire and diamond ring surrounded by the clear waters of the Indian Ocean lapping against a white sand beach, there was no way the Girls Aloud singer was going to say no.

Danielle Lloyd and Jamie O’Hara

It seems the Maldives continue to be a popular spot for footballers to impress their WAGs.  Model Danielle Lloyd returned from a surprise trip to the Maldives with Wolves footballer Jamie O’Hara beaming with excitement, not to mention the tan she picked up after her ten-day trip.

With previous years seeing former celebrity visitors such as Naomi Campbell, Axl Rose, Russell Brand, and Katy Perry all enjoying the benefits of a secluded getaway on the islands, it is surely inevitable that we will hear of the island welcoming more familiar faces enjoying their holidays in 2012.  If you are planning a honeymoon for 2012 is the Maldives top of your list?  Let us know!

Leaving Florence was difficult, because every ounce of my being wanted to stay and explore the magnificent city further, however I was excited to participate in our next Trafalagar Tour’s Be My Guest dining experience and we would be returning later in the evening.  Within minutes the cobblestone streets and ancient cathedrals gave way to sprawling villas surrounded by olive groves — we were back in the heart of Tuscany again.

I Tre Pini, the restaurant where we would be both cooking and dining, is located in the Chianti region.  It is the creation of Chef Libero, our guide through the food market in Florence.

The elegant restaurant is housed in a 500-year old restored farmhouse with manicured gardens and an adjacent vineyard.  If you are looking for the best in Tuscan cuisine, look no further than this establishment.  Each traditional dish has been passed from generation to generation and I am confident that they have been even further perfected by Chef Libero.

If you have been following my blog, you would know that champagne is one of the loves of my life.  Thus, imagine my delight when I was introduced to a new hybrid of champagne called Fragolino.  It is a sparkling wine infused with strawberries and quite possibly one of the best things I have ever tasted.

Chef Libero has worked tirelessly to create other award winning wines from his vineyard, and while they really were sensational, I kept asking for refills of the Fragolino.

After our introduction to the restaurant and its wines, we donned aprons and hairnets and were each instructed to complete different tasks in the kitchen.  Thankfully, all I had to do was add some bread crumbs to the stew, as I am not gifted when it comes to cooking.  Being a part of the entire process was a special experience for me though and it definitely made me appreciate each bite of food that I put into my mouth more.

Around the 5th course, an incredibly charming gentleman surprised us by performing some classic Italian songs for us.  During his rendition of “That’s Amore” he asked me to dance with him.  How could I say no to that face?

Before we departed, I, of course, had to buy a bottle of Fragolino to gift my family.  I wish that I could have bought more, however my luggage (and honestly myself after all of the food I had just consumed) was already over the required weight limit. . .