The Incredible Benefits of Pilates: why Pilates is so different and so effective

You’re about to discover why Pilates is the most popular exercise method in the world, why elite athletes use it, and why physical therapists prescribe it. No other exercise technique delivers more benefits which is why I call the man who created it, Joseph Pilates, the Einstein of fitness. Let’s look at why Pilates is so different and so effective.

Core Strength

Joseph Pilates first coined the phrase ‘core strength’ to describe all the muscle groups in our mid section – inner and outer abs, inner and outer obliques, lower back muscles, glutes, and the iliopsoas. He discovered that 3 of these muscle groups are virtually ignored by every exercise method – the inner (transverse) abdominals, inner obliques, and iliopsoas. When these muscles are strengthened everything changes from athletic performance to the movements of everyday life. We are stronger, leaner, lighter, and more balanced. Best of all, most back problems disappear!

Eccentric Contraction

‘Eccentric contraction’ is one of several ways that the body builds muscle. Pilates is unique in its emphasis on ‘eccentric contraction.’ It creates long and lean muscle tissue which is equally as strong but with less risk of injury. This is why professional athletes include Pilates in their training programs. And for the non-athlete, everyday movement becomes easier, such as walking, standing, lifting, and sitting.

Joint Health



So many exercise programs involve wear and tear on our joints such as hiking and jogging to name a few. Pilates is different! Controlled and fluid movement is a hallmark of this method. This kind of movement protect our joints. There is no wear and tear. Best of all, there is no better antidote to joint stiffness and pain than exercise, even for arthritis sufferers. Research shows that strength training such as Pilates is as effective as medication for most joint pain. I’m now 60 and with just a couple minutes of Pilates exercise in the morning, my stiffness and joint pain disappear!

Increased Energy

You’ll be surprised and delighted by increased energy and vitality following a Pilates workout. No more exhaustion so typical of a rigorous workout. This energy is the result of an unusual emphasis on breathing. Joseph Pilates seemed to know, long before science confirmed it, that breathing is key to the health of every cell and function of the body.

Complete Workout

Research has found that the body needs three different kinds of exercise: strength training, stretching, and cardiovascular conditioning, popularly known as aerobics or cardio. The most surprising finding of all is that any one of these alone will not keep you healthy. For instance, aerobics is essential for heart health, but it does not build muscle. By age 30 men and women alike begin to lose muscle all over the body. Only strength training restores muscle. And muscle protects all of our joints. Pilates is one of the few exercise techniques that combines all three into one quick workout.

No Equipment or a Gym

All you need is a bit of space the length of your body, a soft surface, and 30 minutes! You’re not restricted by gym hours, class schedules, or expensive fees. Best of all, no equipment is needed. You join the latest fitness trend by using your own body for resistance.


A Quick Workout

Pilates emphasizes only a few repetitions for each exercise – generally 3-5. You move from one exercise to another – more than 50 – without stopping, for a complete and rigorous workout in only 30 minutes.

Mind/Body Integration

This is another unique feature of Pilates – connecting body and mind. We slow down movement and coordinate it with breathing. We move precisely and fluidly. We even shut off the music and take off the earphones, at least in the beginning, to pay more attention to body sensations. This attention reduces the risk of injury and creates a new relationship with our body. Instead of the typical exercise attitude of ignoring or fighting the body, we engage in a partnership of listening to the body and respecting it. We’re greatly rewarded with new strength, flexibility, vitality, and balance.

Relief for Most Back Problems

Joseph Pilates discovered that most back problems are the result of weak abs rather than a weak back. His recommendation, which is now standard practice among physical therapists, is core strengthening exercises. Research shows that exercise is the best medicine for most back problems.

A Safe Workout

I wasn’t sure Pilates would work for my back problem, but I gave it a try. Soon I discovered the genius of Pilates. I strengthened muscles I never knew I had. Tight areas of my body became flexible. I felt new levels of balance and poise so striking that others noticed it as well. Most importantly, I began to move in new ways that no longer aggravated my back.

Dynamic Stretching

Pilates involves a particular kind of stretching known as 'dynamic stretch.' It is stretching while you move in contrast to ‘static stretch’ achieved by holding a position as we do in yoga. A third kind of stretching known as 'ballistic stretch' or bouncing is universally discouraged due to the high risk of injury. Research shows that dynamic stretch achieves greater range of motion with less discomfort in a shorter period of time.

So sign up for more information on the many Flavours tours today and discover the incredible wonders of Pilates in pilates holidays.

Author bio: 

Bob Hannum is an Advanced Certified Pilates instructor specializing in the original mat method for over 35 years. His teacher is the Pilates ‘Elder’ Mary Bowen. He is the author of numerous Pilates instructional books and videos available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and his popular website PilatesLessons.org. He provides free daily Pilates news and inspiration on Facebook. You can also visit him at Pinterest and Youtube.

Top Travel tips: Interview with Travel Writer Jeanine Barone

Today we are delighted to interview the travel writer Jeanine Barone about her top travel essentials and tips for singles holidays and solo travellers. Jeanine is a travel and food writer specializing in hidden treasure travel. Her work appears in dozens of magazines, newspapers and websites, including National Geographic Traveler, Conde Nast Traveller (UK), Virtuoso Life, the Dallas Morning News,  Monocle and many others. She has her own company, Land of J, Inc., where, among other things, she's designing a line of clothing and accessories for women who travel so, without further ado this is Jeanine Barone.

-Welcome to Flavours Holidays blog Jeanine, please tell us a bit about you and what inspired you to combine travel with writing.

          My path to becoming a travel writer was quite unusual and circuitous. I started out as a biologist and hoped to be a cardiologist until I didn't get into medical school. Then I taught biology on all grade levels, from elementary school to college, and continued my scientific studies with a double masters in nutrition and exercise physiology. (Yes, I'm quite the life science geek.) But, unlike my peers, I was not interested in doing research or going into clinical practice. Instead, I decided to be a health writer, publishing articles in all the major men's, women's and lifestyle magazines. Yet, travel has long been a passionate interest of mine. Since I was a teen, I explored the U.S. and international destinations on my bicycle -- I pedaled from Seattle to San Diego and led teen bike trips, including one from New York City to Montreal. So I thought it would be more fun and creative to combine my love of travel with my ability to craft great stories. However, I'm always a scientist at heart. And I use my background in nutrition and exercise physiology to advise others how to stay healthy and fit while on the road.

-Share with us your tried and tested travel essentials

         • A large cashmere pashmina makes a great blanket or, when folded or rolled up, a pillow or back/neck support on the plane. And, of course, I use it has a head cover when entering religious sites or I drape it around my shoulders when going out on a cool night.

         • Clothing that does double or triple duty. (This is a way to cut down on what I pack since I never ever check luggage.) For example, a clothing item called the Versalette can be worn 30 different ways, including as a tunic, dress, skirt and a shawl.

         • A pair of flat, Mary Jane-type shoes, such as those manufactured by Keen, which have a good sole for walking around town but also can be worn when you dress up for going out at night. (I only bring two pairs of shoes and this is always one of 'em.)

         • An unobtrusive travel wallet, like one made by Victorinox, that attaches securely to a belt and has lots of Velcro and zipper compartments.

         • Dental  floss, safety pins, a Krazy Glue-type product, and duct tape. These four items can repair almost anything.

         • My unique travel first-aid kit organizer: Doc-in-a-Bag. These five pouches with individual icons allow me to segregate my first-aid supplies – and I have a very extensive list of supplies that I travel with – by symptoms and body system, something that keeps me ultra organized.

-Are you a solo traveller? What do you like the most/find challenging when travelling solo?

        

         Many times I travel alone, at other times with a friend or two, and occasionally with a group when I sign up for a tour. Each method of travel has advantages and disadvantages. But, as far as solo travel is concerned, what I like about it is that I can set my own schedule and itinerary. I don't have to constantly make compromises, whether that means being forced to start the day late or having to visit endless antique shops. It's also easier to interact more extensively with the locals when I travel alone rather than relying on my travel partners for conversation. 

         But I'm not in love with eating by myself at night. My ideal travel situation would probably involve traveling with one friend who is flexible enough that we can each do our own thing during the day if we want and meet up at night for drinks, dinner and after-dinner activities.

         A big challenge of traveling alone is security issues, since I often enjoy hiking, as well as roaming around cities day and night. Usually there is safety in numbers.

-Tell us some personal safety tips for solo travelers

         • Never get a hotel room on the ground floor.

         • Always observe who is in the hallway and near the door of your accommodation before you insert your key.

         • Don't display flashy jewelry or tech equipment, which includes an iPad, iPhone, video cam or digital camera and lenses.

         • Don't carry a purse.

         • If you do carry a purse, never hang it on your chair nor place it on the floor, even if it's between your feet.

         • Speak with women business owners at your destination and find out about security issues.

         • Whether you’re traveling alone or not, make sure that your hotel room door has a dead bolt, including on sliding glass doors to balconies, patios or pools.

-What are the best tips for how you plan a trip

         I do a lot of research, including reading at least three different guidebooks and travel articles in newspapers such as the New York Times, LA Times, The Guardian, Times of London and Washington Post; reading blogs I respect; and posting questions on TripAdvisor and message boards. But the research continues once I arrive: asking owners of small independent shops as well as innkeepers, bartenders and restaurateurs for their suggestions.

-What is your most memorable travel experience

         I find all of my travels, whether domestic or international, pedestrian or exotic, memorable in one way or another. But my river cruise down the Amazon with International Expeditions is among my most memorable. Though I've hired experienced guides all over the world, native Peruvian Johnny, one of our naturalist guides, was the best I've ever encountered. Though I'm noted for peppering guides with a litany of questions, Johnny easily and gladly answered them all and never, as some guides are known to do, became frustrated with my seemingly endless inquiries. He was exceedingly generous with his time, many days spending an extra half hour with me to go over some of my biological and cultural questions. He's one unique guide: funny, warm, supportive, empathetic and even an entertainer and performer, playing in a band each night during happy hour. His strong love of the Amazon, its people and creatures is what he shared with all of us and that will stay with me forever.    

    
      Aside from this oh-so-positive guide experience, this trip offered a discovery-a-minute with surprises galore, both cultural and biological. Who knew that you can eat piranha and that they're tasty? Or that villagers farm rice atop sand bars? Or that families anchor their dug-out canoes beside floating parking lots of sorts so that they could go shopping for much needed supplies? Or that a species of catfish actually walks on muddy shores with its flexible pectoral fins? 

You can contact the author at her website J The Travel Authority
or follow her on Twitter:@jcreaturetravel and Facebook. 

Thank you very much for sharing with us these interesting tips and advice about singles holidays and travel planning and speaking about your favourite off-the beaten-track memories. We would love to have you with us on an authentic Italian cooking holiday or our extraordinary themed, pilates holidays in the most beautiful regions of Italy for another authentic memory to add to your collection.

Happy RE-New Year!! Out with the Old, In with RE-New!!

re - a prefix, occurring originally in loanwords from Latin, used with the meaning "again" or "again and again" to indicate repetition. (dictionary.com)

Re-solve, re-discover, re-vise, re-invigorate, re-infuse, re-lease, re-vive, re-create, re-view, re-start, re-do, re-flect, re-visit, re-invent…

Where do you want to go on 2014?

The "new" year is just beginning! Lose weight, exercise more, spend less, clean out the (fill in the blank), eat healthier, take a class and learn how to (fill in the blank), start (fill in the blank), quit (fill in the blank), and, of course, take that long-awaited and long-anticipated trip to (fill in the blank)… Ah, the ubiquitous New Year's Resolutions! Make 'em, break 'em! Re-make ‘em...again... Sound familiar?

Yeah, me, too! For years I dutifully wrote my
re-solutions down with a determined new found re-solve! Then I realized that most of them sounded oddly familiar...because they were re-peated from the prior year!

Well, I don’t know about you, but travel is and has always been on my list. And, about 7 years ago, I got sick and tired of just “having it on my list” and decided to do something about it! I de-cided that nothing was going to keep me from traveling again…and I do mean nothing! I was determined to go to go back to Italy and I did and that trip not only re-ignited my re-solve and deep seated love of travel, but was the beginning of many other wonderful travels.

Dream! Plan! Go!

So, I ask you: Where have you always dreamed of going? Make a list - start with your top 5 choices. Dream BIG for heaven's sake! Maybe you want to return to a favorite place? Explore a new one? Maybe there’s something or somewhere that has been on your "list" for a very long time...maybe too long? Re-solve now not to be deterred, to put an action plan in place, to not only re-kindle those dreams, but embrace new ones! Then, take action. Look up those destina-tions online, go to their websites and blogs, get brochures, listen to the music, watch movies and travelogues…Immerse yourself and see yourself there enjoying, exploring, and living your dream!

You can probably guess what's on the top of my travel list...okay, Italy Italy Italy…not only be-cause I am Italian but because I absolutely love everything Italiano…the food, the art, the his-tory, the language, the people…for me, it is my heart’s home and I simply can’t get enough of it… 

La dolce vita awaits you!

Although 2013 was a bit of a roller coaster for me, another dream trip to Italy this spring has been on the calendar and in the works for almost a year. Not only did I take a huge leap and am organizing small group tours but I am also stepping out of my comfort zone and will include some solo travel as well. Scary wonderful but just making the decision has opened up so many doors and possibilities I wouldn’t have every dreamed of…and I tell you this because there’s no magic in it - it’s all about desire and, yes, re-solve. And it’s all there for YOU, too!

Re-solve to follow your travel dreams!

And re-member, planning doesn’t need to be a daunting, overwhelming task - there are so many professional tour companies who have done all the legwork and organized fabulous trips for you!

An obvious choice is right here with Flavours Holidays. Want an intimate, small group experi-ence? Not ready for solo travel? Want to explore your culinary or artistic side or just wander the cobblestone streets and soak it all in? Perfect. You can do it all with Flavours! So make that list and share it with me, won't you? Let’s dust off our dreams, pack our bags and GO!!! Next year this time, I want us to be sharing photos and stories about those travel dreams that came true in 2014! You never know who you will inspire…so dream, plan, go! La dolce vita awaits!

Author bio:
Victoria De Maio, Postcards from Travel PiZazz

La dolce vita for me! My name is Victoria De Maio, and I am a passionate lover of all things Italian. As a travel consultant, blogger and writer, I am dedicated to providing no-nonsense, practical travel tips and insights - with a light-hearted twist. I specialize in helping people plan and take that next fabulous vacation.

Please join me at http://PostcardsfromTravelPiZazz.com and watch for Postcards from La Dolce Vita where you can join me on my travels in Italy this spring. You’ll also find me on Italian Notebook, Facebook (Postcards fromTravel PiZazz), Pinterest and Twitter (@LaDolceVita4Me ), about.com and Google+.

Putting the fun into making New Year’s resolutions

How is your New Year going so far? Have you stuck to your New Year's resolutions? Whether you have promised yourself to become healthier and try something extraordinary like Pilates holidays   or indulge on singles holidays and become a solo traveller for the first time - you need to learn how to put the fun into making it happen! Today's blog will teach you how:     

Let’s face it we’ve all been there - the tradition of New Year’s resolutions and the determination that this year will be different. We’ll stick to what we’ve set out to achieve. So why is it that we start off full of enthusiasm but after days or literally weeks we end up feeling miserable and demotivated?

We set resolutions like losing weight, stopping smoking or spending less money. All good on the surface but there are a few things to keep in mind when formulating a great resolution – and one that you’re likely to follow through on.  

Firstly, it’s important to be very careful about what you focus on because that makes a big difference to whether the resolutions will stand the test of time. The key is to turn your attention to improving your life rather than denying yourself of something. 

Understand your focus 

You may want to formulate a resolution to make new friends or find a partner. However, when setting a resolution, focus your attention on what is within your control rather than looking to another person to give you what you want. Think about what brings you joy in life, your dreams and passions. This is particularly important if you have a goal like ‘losing weight’. It should never be for anyone else except you. As mentioned earlier, instead of focusing on losing weight focus instead on the positive improvements like looking slim and feeling healthy, with lots of energy. Know exactly why you want to achieve this and the joy and benefits it will bring to you personally. 

In fact, a better place to start would be to love who you are now, regardless of size, shape, creative skill or anything else. It might sound crass but self-care is really underrated – however, if you take good care of yourself first you will find you have so much more to give to others and it will invariably attract likeminded individuals to you.

Creating a resolution

When formulating a resolution that you will follow through on, write down all the benefits of gaining that goal – and then also write down all the negatives. Really think about each of these very carefully, in particular the negatives as these are most likely to knock you off course or lead you to give up on your resolution. This is because with every resolution you take on you will ‘lose’ something and it’s this loss that can cause a problem because it means there is often a void of some kind. Maybe you want to give up smoking, yet you smoke when you’re bored or you might comfort eat when you’re sad or stressed and this causes you frustration because it’s taking you off course, away from what you set out to achieve. 

That’s why it’s so important to be honest with yourself before you start your New Year’s resolution. What void is the resolution likely to leave and how can you fill it, both mentally and physically? Decide what you will do instead in those moments when you are bored, stressed, sad or too tired. Know how you will keep yourself motivated, including keeping in mind your vision of what your world will look like when you achieve your goal.

Learn from the past

Many people find it hard to develop new friendships or skills later in life. Often, there can be a great deal of emotional baggage to bear. And this is a real shame because it is a great time to extend your social circle or creative and intellectual endeavours.

When making resolutions it’s important to learn from the past - but don’t let it hold you back. Large wholesale changes can be difficult so it is often best to make small incremental steps rather than trying to do too much at once. It’s about making these changes a habit, until you get to the point where it’s totally ingrained into your way of life. And if you make just one small change each day, week or month that can add up to huge progress over the course of a year. Choose the methods that work best for you to follow through on the action you need to take. 

  

Dream big

When formulating a resolution remember to include your big dreams as it’s these that really add a sense of excitement and adventure in life. It’s often important with these types of goal in particular to break them down into manageable chunks. If you’re not sure what to do, then ask someone who has already attained this achievement if possible. It’s surprising how many people will help you if you only ask. 

So whether your ambition is to start a new business, learn how to paint, meet new people, find a new partner, take time out for yourself to have a regular massage or enlist the help of a personal fitness coach - make sure you pick a resolution that will make you feel great and have a positive impact on your life. Always keep the end goal in sight and understand clearly why this resolution is a must for you, but most of all enjoy the process. 

A New Year means a new beginning, a new start. That’s 12 months of endless possibilities and opportunities to get what you want from life and make 2014 the best year yet.

Author biography

Mature Hearts helps mature singles over 50 find friendship and romance online.

Christmas Traditions in Italy

Today we kick start our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway and we want to get into the Christmas spirit and give you some inspiration for Italian holidays during the festive session. Here's what the American travel writer Margie Miklas has to say about Christmas celebrations and traditions in Italy:

Christmas is the biggest holiday in Italy and families, businesses, and cities and towns begin celebrating the season several weeks prior to Christmas through January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. As in most things Italian, traditions that date back many centuries continue to play an important role. Each region has its own traditions and here are just a few of the most well-known Christmas traditions celebrated in Italy.

Christmas Eve Celebration of the Seven Fishes

The Christmas Eve dinner has traditionally been celebrated with various fish dishes, usually seven but in some instances, up to thirteen. These could include baccala, clams, whitefish, eel, shrimp, mussels and calamari. Christmas Eve is the vigil of the solemn feast, Christmas, and typically, meat is avoided.

Although this custom originated in southern Italy, not all areas adhere to this tradition. My Sicilian friend, Angela Savoca tells me that her family has never celebrated Christmas Eve dinner with the traditional seven fishes. Angela was born and raised in Cesarò, Sicily, an inland mountainous area. She clarified that the mountainous inland regions do not have access to the fresh seafood. Only the coastal towns and cities have fresh seafood available, and in these places is where this tradition is more frequently practiced.

Christmas Eve Bonfires

Many towns and villages in Italy celebrate Christmas Eve by lighting grand bonfires and burning them all night, symbolic of the fire that warmed Baby Jesus. The northern ski town of Cervinia in Valle d’Aosta celebrates Christmas Eve with a torch-lit procession by skiers as they come down the mountain. The well-known resort town of Taormina lights a large bonfire, and the locals refer to this night as the Night of the Luminaria.

In the Molise region of central Italy, the town of Agnone in celebrates La `Nocciata, an ancient festival held on December 24th. Italian men dress in traditional costumes and carry thirteen-foot-high torches made from silver fir pinewood throughout the town. The procession, commonly called “La Fracolare” concludes with a gigantic bonfire known as “Bonfire of the Brotherhood.”  A Nativity scene is also on display at the square, and thousands of visitors from neighboring towns come to Agnone to be part of this experience.

Nativity Cribs or Presepe

Beginning December 8 families start to prepare their presepe, or Christmas crèche. It is not enough to simply bring the one out from last year. In Napoli, the entire family gets involved, including the children. Naples has an entire pedestrian street, via San Gregorio Armeno, where artisans create beautiful presepe all year.  Every family has one and they can be very elaborate with lighting, and different figures, not just religious ones. The Baby Jesus is never placed in the manger until Christmas Eve.

Italy has many other Christmas traditions and these are only a few. The season is very special in Italy and if you ever the chance to spend the Christmas season there, I highly recommend it. 

Margie Miklas is an American writer with a passion for travel and I particular, Italy. She is the author  of Memoirs of a Solo Traveler – My Love Affair with Sicily  .        

                                                                             

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Eating Healthy During your Visit to Sicily

One of the many misconceptions about Sicily is that it is full of sweets, fattening, fried and unhealthy foods.  Living in Tampa, Florida, which has a lot of Sicilian immigrants that arrived in the late 1800s, their descendants have that inaccurate view of the island’s cuisine.  Most of my fellow Americans in general believe that the food is fattening.  They think Sicilian cuisine consists of a deep-dish, thick-crusted pizza and spaghetti with meatballs.  They are sadly mistaken!  

True, you can find many of these non-healthy foods in Sicily.  The island is especially known for its famous desserts such as cannoli and cassata.  There is no other region of Italy as famous for its sweets.  And there are some fried street foods such as the arancini (rice balls) and panelle (chickpea fritter) that abound, especially in the capital city of Palermo.

However, it is very possible to enjoy healthy eating habits in Sicily.  The expected longevity of Sicilians and southern Italians in general tend to be the highest in all of Italy.  What is their secret?

The secret lies in the use of the natural foods and ingredients that are part of the island’s ecosystem.  The rich volcanic soil and temperate climate makes it ideal for growing and cultivating many of the so-called super foods such as (extra virgin) olive oil, fruits, legumes, vegetables, berries, tomatoes, artichokes, eggplant, garlic, figs, basil, etc.   

There is also an abundance of citrus such as oranges (blood oranges and other types), lemons and limes.  It’s impossible to go through any part of Sicily without noticing the cactus and the accompanying fruit known as cactus pear.  It’s also known as a prickly pear or Indian fig.  It is a fruit that is juicy and edible and known to aid in digestion.  You just have to take special care in peeling and eating this one!

Sicilians also have an abundance of organic fruits, vegetables and foods to choose from.  About a third of the organic farms in Italy are located in Sicily.  

We all know the benefits of drinking a glass of red wine every day, especially with your meal.  Sicily has some great reds including Nero D’Avola, Corvo and of course the famous dessert wine Marsala.  The wines from Tuscany get most of the glory for Italian wines but the Sicilian ones are just as good but underappreciated.  Aided by the rich volcanic soil of Mt. Etna, I would say there are some Sicilian wines that are even better.

Fish is also a very important part of the Sicilian cuisine as the waters off the island produce a great amount of high-grade seafood.  Much of the tuna is exported to Japan for sushi making.  There are many fish markets in Sicily where you can have many options of seafood available during that particular season.  And it is also a very important part of the Sicilian cuisine, more significant than pasta.  In Palermo swordfish is used at a meal to signify a special event. 

Another reason for Sicilian longevity is that they are not afraid to walk and use public forms of transportation.  The old Italian custom of la passeggiata, or taking a stroll before dinner is alive and well in many Sicilian towns.

So don’t put off that visit to Sicily for fear of gaining weight.  You can actually have a healthy vacation by eating and enjoying Sicilian cuisine.  You can come back a bit lighter if you are active and follow the Sicilian ways of walking everywhere and eating healthy.  Just try to limit the sweets… especially the cannoli!

About the Author:

Larry Aiello is an Italian-American living in Florida who loves to share his knowledge and passion for all things Italian.  You can find out more by visiting his website at Addicted2Italy.com.  He has also published a few books on Italy, the most recent called: First Time to Italy and Rome Vacation Planner: 2-Book Italian Travel Bundle and is available on Amazon. 

Memoirs of a Solo Traveler - My Love Affair with Italy

I am honored that Ioanna has asked me to write a guest post for Flavours Holidays, which is a wonderful travel website with special appeal for the solo traveler. I am passionate about Italy, ever since my first visit six years ago. I fell in love with the people, the places, the architecture, the food, and the culture. I knew that I wanted to return, and I have been to Italy four times now, and I am planning on a fifth visit this coming fall.

When I went to Italy for the third time, I went alone and I traveled solo throughout the country for three months, to fifty different towns and villages from the northern mountains to Sicilia. I enjoyed spending months making an itinerary of places to visit, although many travelers do not have the time or the desire  to make their own itineraries, yet like the idea of solo traveling. Customized tours, such as those offered by Flavours Holidays are the perfect answer for those travelers. You are with a small group and yet have free time to do as you like, and experience il dolce far niente, or  as the Italians say,  the joy of doing nothing. I place a high priority on that tradition.  

I liked having the time alone when I wanted it, and when I wanted something more structured, I joined a small group. An example of this is a winery excursion I participated in when I stayed in Siena. I knew prior to arriving in Italy that I would like to tour a winery, so I asked the hotel desk manager if he knew of any excursions to the Chianti area, and he happily arranged one for me. The next morning a small van arrived and I joined six or seven others for a very personalized tour of two family-run wineries. I met travelers from New Zealand, Boston, and Brazil. The day was fantastic.

One of the advantages in traveling solo but combined with a class, like cooking or art, is that you really do not feel alone, and you are meeting others who share your interests. I met a woman who had come to Italy alone to take a week-long mosaics class in Venice. She had connections with others and yet still had her freedom.

Staying in nice hotels is probably one of the more costly aspects to solo travel, since the charge for a single room is usually not much less, and sometimes event the same, as the charge for a double room. The added advantage of travel with Flavours of Italy is that there never is a solo supplement charge, and this can add up to great savings. The security to know where you will stay each night is very reassuring when you are traveling so far from home. I also connected frequently with family and friends back home through Wi-Fi, using Skype and Face Time. That little bit of communication helped, especially on days when I only spoke and heard Italian.

I love Italy and can't wait to go back .

Memoirs of a Solo Traveler- My Love Affair with Italy is available on Amazon UK at http://amzn.to/11hqKKt both Kindle and paperback editions

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What ARE You Waiting for Anyway? It’s Time to Pick a Flavour!

You’ve had it on your “list” for ages…go here or there, try this, take a class in that…but “life”, the day-to-day seems to consume those good intentions. You tuck away those little dreams and so it goes … for another month, another year, whatever…it becomes a “some day”, “one of these days” wishful thinking … Sometimes it even becomes a regret, a “I wish I would’ve…” 

OKAY! Stop right there!  I’m here to tap you on the shoulder and maybe get in your face a little. Time for  a little reality therapy… ready? Ask yourself right now: If not now, when? Let’s be honest…if you’ve always wanted to go some where  or try something, then isn’t it time to do something about it!? And I’m guessing that, since you’re here, going to Italy or back to Italy has been one of those tucked away little dreams. Am I right?? I thought so… And maybe you’ve had some other little ideas…like taking some Italian painting courses, taking authentic Italian cooking classes or even trying a new fun activity? And what better way than on a holiday in Italy! Now isn’t that the best of all worlds? 

Sure, you say, but where do I start? No “buts” because guess what? You don’t have to do the research and planning or concern yourself with the logistics (which can be daunting) because there are experts - Flavours Holidays - who have done it for you. And they have done a fantastic job, too! Their priority?  To make sure that you will enjoy every single minute of your holiday!  

So, get away, get inspired and  enjoy! No laundry, no errands, no worries, just you, your new surroundings, your new friends, and your little dream…coming true! What’s your pleasure? Castles, villas, ancient ruins, medieval hilltowns, breathtaking landscapes? Well, you can have it all and what more could you ask for? All you have to do is show up because Flavours Holidays has taken care of all of the details.

Your hardest decision will be deciding which destination and which activity to choose! Will it be Tuscany, Umbria, Venice, Bologna or Sicily? Whichever you choose, fabulous accommodations, culinary heaven and picturesque surroundings await you! Will it be pilates courses by the pool, water color lessons in the countryside, or cooking and sampling local specialties in your villa? Decisions…decisions…

Just leave your comfort zone at home, pack your sense of adventure, and you’re on your way! Enjoy the company and camaraderie of other enthusiastic travelers in a small group setting. And here’s something you may not have considered, when you travel and share your new experiences with an international tour group you often learn more than a new skill, you learn about each other.  There’s nothing as positive for international relations than personal relations and the friendships formed during our travels can last a lifestime. 

Perfect? Si? So, are you out of excuses? Unwrap that little dream and make it a reality….today!

Victoria De Maio, Postcards from Travel PiZazz

La dolce vita for me!  My name is Victoria De Maio, and I am a lover of all things Italian. I grew up in an Italian family in California and am in a constant state of “homesick for Italy”! 

As a travel consultant, blogger and writer, I am dedicated to providing no-nonsense, practical travel tips and insights - with a light-hearted twist - and I specialize in helping people plan and take that next fabulous vacation.

Please join me at http://PostcardsfromTravelPiZazz.com. You’ll also find me on Italian Notebook (http://www.italiannotebook.com/author/Victoria), Facebook  (Postcards from Travel PiZazz), and Twitter (@LADOLCEVITA4ME ).