Is Burgundy worth visiting if you are not into wine?
Europe, France line 1, France, Burgundy Elena Craparotta Europe, France line 1, France, Burgundy Elena Craparotta

Is Burgundy worth visiting if you are not into wine?

As my trip to Burgundy approached, I grew quietly worried that perhaps Burgundy wasn’t where I would have ‘chosen’ to go after all. Why? Because I had always assumed that Burgundy was all about one thing: wine. And, despite enjoying the occasional glass with a nice meal, my knowledge of wine is amateurish at best.
However, in less than three weeks Burgundy won me over completely. I arrived a hesitant, slightly sceptical visitor, and left a staunch supporter of everything Burgundian. Yes, it is that easy to fall in love with this region.
So, if you think Burgundy isn’t for you because you are not passionate enough about wine to plan a trip around it, please read this article and allow me to explain why this part of France might be just the place for you too.

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The complete guide to renting a car in Venice in 2024
Europe, Italy line 1, Italy, Venice Elena Craparotta Europe, Italy line 1, Italy, Venice Elena Craparotta

The complete guide to renting a car in Venice in 2024

There's no point in having access to a vehicle in the ultimate road-free city. But there are a few destinations that can only be reached via a pleasant road trip from Venice. Or your journey may not be to Venice, but you may have decided to hit the road from there.
As a former resident and now a regular visitor, through the years I have rented numerous cars in Venice to either have freedom of movement in the area when I visit my family or to start road trips destined elsewhere. In fact, I would go as far as to say that I have dealt with most rental agencies in the area. And I am here to share all I have learned in the process.

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All you need to know to enjoy Venice like a local
Europe, Italy, Italy line 1, Venice Elena Craparotta Europe, Italy, Italy line 1, Venice Elena Craparotta

All you need to know to enjoy Venice like a local

It is the aura of magic and legend surrounding Venice that grants it a place in most people’s bucket list: it must be seen to be believed. However, its uniqueness also means that no one goes fully prepared for it and this is where this guide comes in handy.
Strong of my long relationship with the city, I share all kinds of tips and tricks to conjure a very satisfying visit. Read this article to fall in love with this iconic city and experience it like a real Venetian.

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Helsinki on a winter city break? Here are the top things to do
Finland, Helsinki, Europe, Finland line 1 Elena Craparotta Finland, Helsinki, Europe, Finland line 1 Elena Craparotta

Helsinki on a winter city break? Here are the top things to do

Like the rest of Finland, Helsinki knows how to embrace winter and make it even enjoyable. Visiting in winter may require a little planning so you don't have to spend too long in the cold, but it is a fantastic experience - definitely not inferior to a summer visit. In this guide I share all my favourite things to do in town when temperatures plummet below freezing, the city is covered in snow, and the harbour is a solid slab of ice. I was there, and enjoyed every minute. Follow my tips and you won’t regret booking that winter city break in Helsinki.

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All you need to know to reach Finnish Lapland from abroad
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All you need to know to reach Finnish Lapland from abroad

Unless you are one of the lucky ones with a direct flight, getting to Lapland can be either expensive or a bit of an ordeal. Or both. It sure proved challenging for me. But fret not: just like I managed to reach Lapland by booking transport only three weeks in advance and without busting the budget, you will be able to do the same. All you need is a little creativity and all the information in this guide!

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I took the overnight train from Helsinki to Lapland, and you should too
Finland, Europe, Finland line 1, Lapland Elena Craparotta Finland, Europe, Finland line 1, Lapland Elena Craparotta

I took the overnight train from Helsinki to Lapland, and you should too

The best way to reach Finnish Lapland from Helsinki? There is no doubt in my mind: by overnight train! Hop on the Santa Claus express to experience a magical winter adventure in complete comfort while helping the environment and even saving some scratch. This guide contains all you need to know about the journey and how to make it happen without surprises.

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All you need to know to rent a car in Finnish Lapland in winter
Finland, Europe, Finland line 2, Lapland Elena Craparotta Finland, Europe, Finland line 2, Lapland Elena Craparotta

All you need to know to rent a car in Finnish Lapland in winter

However you have chosen to arrive to magical Lapland, my heartfelt advice is to continue on by car. This will give you a deeper immersion in this land from total comfort, and the freedom to stop at will, be it to snap a few pictures of the magical scenery and the cute cabins that pepper it, to park at the trailhead of an enchanting nature walk, or even just to listen to the peaceful silence. For most of us, driving in Lapland means renting a car. I have been there and am happy to share all you need to know to make it happen.

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My husky safari in Finnish Lapland
Europe, Finland, Winter, Finland line 2, Lapland Elena Craparotta Europe, Finland, Winter, Finland line 2, Lapland Elena Craparotta

My husky safari in Finnish Lapland

Want to know what to expect from a winter husky sled ride? This article is for you.
Read about my personal experience of a husky sled ride in Lapland, what I did and didn’t expect, went well and what not so well – spoiler alert: mushing a sled is not the most straight-forward thing, especially if you are my size. I am sharing my honest impressions so you can decide whether husky safaris are for you.

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Guide to an ethical husky safari
Finland, Europe, Finland line 2, Lapland Elena Craparotta Finland, Europe, Finland line 2, Lapland Elena Craparotta

Guide to an ethical husky safari

Are you searching for a tool to help you identify an ethical husky safari? Look no further! After researching the industry, I was able to put together a no-nonsense guide that highlights all the factors we should keep into account when sourcing a dog sled operator. We only want to help farms that look after their furry workforce!

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Should you go on a husky sled ride?
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Should you go on a husky sled ride?

You come across a video of a team of fluffy and enthusiastic huskies pulling a sled across some pristine snowy wilderness, white trees passing by at full speed on both sides, and the golden glow of the low sun giving the whole scene a dreamy quality. If that scene moves something deep inside of you, you’re not alone.
Many of us dream of experiencing that deep connection with a creature we love. However, with that dream should also come a few uncomfortable questions. We should all wonder if it’s ethically ok to enjoy a day out while these guys do all the hard work.

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An introduction to Finland
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An introduction to Finland

If you want to know how it feels to visit Finland and want to discover where the magic of this country lies, this article is for you. It is in its quiet and unpretentious essence that resides the magic of Finland’s nature. Its deep calm makes its way inside of you as your breathing slows down, your chest expands, and the creases of your forehead smoothen. The Finns know it better than anyone else. You will find them out there most of the summer, and you will also see them outside during the long, harsh winters, cross-country skiing in one of Finland’s 41 national parks or even just to go to the next town.

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Azulejos - Where to find Portugal’s beloved tile in Porto
Europe, Portugal, Porto Elena Craparotta Europe, Portugal, Porto Elena Craparotta

Azulejos - Where to find Portugal’s beloved tile in Porto

Follow me on this journey through the history of azulejos and then on a discovery of the best tiles in Porto. You have probably seen images of the astonishing blue-and-white panels decorating some of the country’s most distinguished buildings, but the reality is that tiles are practically everywhere in Portugal. In fact, tiles are one of the defining ingredients of Portuguese aesthetics.

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Is Padua worth a visit?
Italy, Europe, Padua Elena Craparotta Italy, Europe, Padua Elena Craparotta

Is Padua worth a visit?

One wonders why tourists aren’t crowding the streets of Padua. With its airy piazzas, atmospheric portico-lined streets, art treasures, elegant cafes, and the second oldest university in Italy, this city can provide a rewarding day of explorations – or more than one.

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7 things to do on a day visit of Padua
Italy, Europe, Padua, Padua post Elena Craparotta Italy, Europe, Padua, Padua post Elena Craparotta

7 things to do on a day visit of Padua

Planning to be in Padua for a day? I have you covered! You could be surprised at the number of artistic, historic, or simply interesting spots worth visiting in Padua. But rather than a complete list of everything that the city has to offer, this is a combination of ticketed attractions with more leisurely ways to appreciate the city through its customs, food and general atmosphere.

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