Regular readers of this column might have noticed an italicized notation at the bottom of each week’s article directing readers to another website. That website, My Mélange, is owned by travel professional Robin Locker, who has recently expanded her travel services, launched a new website and is offering special deals and giveaways on her products all this week for her relaunch.

I recently sat down with Robin via Skype-and several hours and a few hefty cappuccini later-our interview was complete.

(c) Robin Locker

1. You started My Mélange in 2006 as a way to help others infuse European culture into their lifestyles. How has that evolved into what it is today?

“Initially it started as more of a creative outlet – a way to meet like-minded, creative people who loved to travel and I thought I’d give folks an opportunity for some arm-chair travel. Maybe convince a few people to travel to Europe. While it certainly hit the mark on all of those points (I have met some fabulous friends and colleagues!) it really has become so much more. It really changed my life.

The blog was (and still is) always fun. I never saw it as work. I looked forward to writing and the creative process. With encouragement and advice from some friends, I pursued freelance writing and continue to love that.

There is a famous quote – ‘Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.’ I feel very fortunate to have found many things I love to do!”

2. In addition to freelance writing, travel consulting and offering products through your online Flea Market, what new plans do you have for the new My Mélange?

“Glad you asked! The new site still has a focus on the blog, but it is also a fully functioning website that features all of my travel services, like custom itineraries and foodie adventures for Paris and Italy, carry-on consultations and travel workshops.

And I am very excited about my new photo gallery, where readers can browse my photos and will be able to purchase prints, greeting cards and custom luggage tags, right on the site.

I will still feature guest bloggers who talk about France, Italy and everything related to travel. I have some great interviews and giveaways scheduled – especially during the kick-off week. Make sure you stop by!”

(c) Robin Locker

3. I won’t make you choose between Italy or France-but what is your favorite city or location in each of these countries?

“The best way for me to describe it is this: I love France, but I am in love with Italy-and my favorite place in Italy has to be Tuscany.

Whether people have read an outdated book or embellished travel brochures, they often think that because Italy is a relatively small country, it is easy-and inexpensive-to get from one point to another. And that is not always the case.

In fact, there are so many places I still have yet to discover in the Bel Paese, but I can tell you that I just love the quiet, picturesque small-town charm found in many of the tiny hill towns of Tuscany.

The villages, though small, usually have whatever you need right there- a cafe, a trattoria, a food market, a wine shop and of course a gelateria. And when you are craving the big city- Florence is just a train or bus ride away!”

4. What about in France?

“It has to be Paris! What a fabulously chic and elegant city. It has something for everyone-stunning architecture, world-class art, top quality food, romance around every corner and golden flaky croissants! And the Métro is so clean and efficient, it makes it so easy to get around, regardless of which Paris hotel you choose.”

5. What do you think is the single best thing someone can do to infuse European culture in their lives at home?

“Other than read my blog?! Seriously, I think reading should be at the top of the list. Read books, memoirs, cookbooks, subscribe to blogs, magazines and travel sites on any and all subjects that have to do with the areas that you are passionate about.

From there, you’ll get ideas and find your own inspiration. Even if you pick up one or two new things to try, introduce them slowly so that it won’t seem overwhelming or feel like work- it will just be natural. Over time, you’ll just wake up one day and realize you’re living it!

Buy a new Italian cookbook and try making fresh pasta, learn some of the language with free, on-line programs, find a good market in your area where you can score some authentic products, listen to French music, go to an opera or try a new wine. Have fun experimenting!”

Be sure to visit My Mélange this week for a chance to prizes, such as a Dream of Italy newsletter subscription, Italy Instructions for Use book or photos, like the ones featured above.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

 
Last week I was surprised-and honored-to be named one of the 15 great new travel blogs over at Inside the Travel Lab. Besides being  flattered that other travel bloggers read My Bella Vita, I’m happy to know that all of my hard work, research and writing is going to good use.
 
So today, I’m passing the torch … here are 15 of my favorite travel blogs, in no particular order, that you are guaranteed to love!
 
- Killing Batteries – Possibly the funniest travel blog I read, Killing Batteries is written by professional travel writer, Leif Pettersen who has penned three guidebooks for Lonely Planet. Read more about him here. I promise. The guy is funny.
 
- Everything Everywhere - Fabulous photos and text by Gary Arndt, who has been traveling the world-and blogging about it-since 2007. But, I’m not the only one who thinks Gary rocks. He has been nominated and/or won more than two dozen travel blog awards in the last two years. Check it out.
 
- Cool Travel Guide – You’ve heard me talk about Lara Dunston’s Cool Travel Guide, but with over 60 countries and 40 guide books (including the newly released Travellers Calabria) to her name, it is well worth the repeat. She is also good for some inside information into less-visited areas around the globe.
 
- Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site – Written by, you guessed it, Matt, this site features weekly photos, travel tips and videos and is a good place to procrastinate your day away … if you are so inclined.
 
- Europe a la Carte – A collaborate blog featuring everything Europe. A fun site to visit if you want to learn about a lot of different places across Europe.
 
- 52 Perfect Days – This site features travel writing, photos and videos from states across the US while helping readers uncover the secret to, you guessed it, a perfect day.
 
- Delicious Baby – As if name wasn’t cute enough, this award-winning blog about traveling with children has spawned two undercover investigations and been featured in Conde Nast Traveler and Frommers. Even if you aren’t a traveling parent, this site is worth a look.
 
- 1002 Things Before I Kick the Bucket – Follow the life of a 20-something dreamer as she sets out to create and tackle her personal bucket list. But I warn you, you’ll want to steal her list …
 
- Europe UpClose – Yet another fabulous blog about traveling in Europe.
 
- Nerd’s Eye View – Fun blog from an eclectic freelance writer and blogger-and ukulele player-who you are guaranteed to fall in love with. This self-proclaimed nerd just finished her second guide book and has been published in a variety of magazines and online outlets.
 
- Fevered Mutterings – Freelance writer and blogger Mike Sowden is boldly going fourth and sharing it all with us.
 
- Indie Travel Podcast – Hosted by Craig and Linda Martin, this site features audio and video podcasts and was awarded first place in Lonely Planet’s Best Podcast category in 2009.
 
- TravelPod – Fun place to go where travelers share stories, write posts and upload videos and photos from recent journeys. This is the perfect site for an armchair traveler.
 
- Almost Fearless – Kick-ass site written by corporate dropout-turned digital vagabond who has traveled to over a dozen countries in the last year. The site is full of articles and tips, as well as a job board for freelance writers.
 
***
 
In addition to these 14 blogs, I always recommend Why Go Italy to my friends and family members who are planning trips to the bel paese and of course, my Travel Tip Tuesday counterpart, My Melange.
 
What are some of your favorite travel blogs? Please share them in the comments
 
Until next time … Buon Viaggio!
 
** Update: I was remiss in forgetting to link to all of my favorite Italy bloggers-they are a wealth of information on the bel paese and I should have known better than to take them granted … hope they’ll forgive me! **
 

 
New travel websites are popping up on the web faster than travelers, travel writers or even travel junkies can keep up. So how is a non-travel obsessed web surfer supposed to dig through the thousands of sites out there and settle in? Well, with a little help.
 
Here are my picks for the top five travel sites on the web.
 
Best Travel Newsletter
 
Budget Travel
 

 
I’ve been a fan of both the magazine and website since … well, for as long as I can remember. I had to give up my mag ’scipt when I moved to Italy (because my mom ran out of room to store them for me!) but at least I have my newsletter. Recent headlines include
 
Secret Hotels of France’s Loire Valley! Plus, the TSA wants your shoes, and a Caribbean cruise from $399
 
Packing: Cool new beach gear! Plus, cinematic NYC, and a Panama Canal cruise deal
 
and 5 smart strategies for tough times. Plus, bypassing customs, and a Tahiti resort deal
 
… proving there really is something for everyone in each edition. In fact, BT recently listed their picks for the Top 5 Travel Websites … and we have a couple of overlapping opinions there.
 
Sign up here to receive their newsletter.
 
 
Best Travel Deal Roundup
 
TravelZoo
 

 
I’ve courted TravelZoo for as long as I’ve been seeing BT, but I could never choose a favorite. They fulfill me different ways and I love them both.
 
But TravelZoo distributes a Top 20 Travel Specials newsletter that is specialized to each user’s zip code and delivers specials such as:
 
$49 — Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Beachfront Resort
 
and
 
$460 & up — Spain: Summer Fares on Sale (R/T), incl. Taxes
 
You just can’t beat ‘em for up-to-the-minute travel specials and great flight and package deals.
 
Sign up for their Travel Specials here.
 
 
Best Travel Inspiration Website
 
BootsnAll
 

 
Are ya itchin’ to see a fabulous new destination, but aren’t sure where you want to go? Then, get inspired at BootsnAll.
 
It is everything you could want in a travel network, with daily inspirational features such as Nine of the Most Scenic Drives in Europe, Six Iconic Mountains You Can Climb and Nine of the Weirdest World Heritage Sites. Ok, so I wrote that last one, but I’m not biased … BootsnAll rocks.
 
They also have experts that write helpful guides for major city and country destinations such as Italy, Amsterdam and France. But I’ll warn you, only visit if you have time to browse and a mind that’s open to dreamin’.
 
 
Best Site for Booking Flights
 
Kayak
 

 
With more personalized travel options than any other travel booking site, Kayak gets my vote for best of the web for flight booking. They access hundreds of airlines from over 400 sites and let the user manage how and when they view various flight criteria. You can read more about their unique facts and features here.
 
 
Best Site for Finding Hotels and B&Bs in Europe
 
Venere
 

 
I first heard of Venere when researching B&Bs for an Italian vacation a few years ago and I was hooked. They offer a wide selection of hotels, B&Bs and inns that aren’t often found on other mass accommodation search websites and in many cases offer immediate booking and confirmation.
 
What are some of your favorite travel websites?
 
While you are thinking about that, head over to Robin’s and see what she has going on for Travel Tip Tuesday.
 
Until next time … Buon Viaggio!
 
 

photo credit: euthman

 
With the Italian-frenzy that is bouncing throughout the Internet these days, missing a blog post here or a news item there wouldn’t be hard to do.
 
So, to help you out, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite posts from the week and included them here for your leisurely weekend reading pleasure.
 
Enjoy! (you can thank me later)
 
1. Head to Joe’s and weigh in on whether the New York Knicks are stereotyping young, Italian athlete Danilo Gallinari or whether they are just showing him the love.
 
2. Read up on World Nutella Day and see how you can get involved.
 
3. So, who do you think drinks for wine – Americans or Italians? Get the read deal at Bleeding Espresso.
 

photo credit: daBinsi

 
4. See what Babyroma’s been eating as her mom, Kataroma deciphers the differences between Australia and Italy.
 
5. Get an insider’s view on her favorite fountain in Rome at NYC/Caribbean Ragazza’s blog.
 
6. Curb that sweet tooth with Frutto della  Passione’s chocolate pasta. Best of two worlds, I’ll say!
 

photo credit: André-Pierre

 
7. Visit Italophile.com and get the scoop on the latest social networking sites – created just for us Italophiles!
 
8. Candied carrots – who knew? Visit Alex’s Blog from Italy and get the dish on this and other Italian candied specialties.
 
9. Think you know Italian food? Visit Italian American Girl who is Saying NO to Bogus Italian Food.
 
and finally …
 
10. Check out the hottest Italian soccer players at Why Go Italy, Part I *and* Part II. Grazie mille, Jessica!
 

 
Buon Weekend!
 

photo credit: KnOizKi

 
Mamma Mia is opening today in Italy and I am hoping to head over and get my fill of Mediterranean scenery and beautiful people. I know, I know… I can look out my back door for that. 
 
In the meantime, here are a few fun Friday links to get you through the weekend.
 
>> Check out Six of the World’s Wackiest Festivals, written by yours truly and published at BootsnAll.
 
>> Judith of Think of It! published the latest La Buona Cucina Americana recipe.
 
>> The O Foods for Ovarian Cancer Awareness recipe roundup is going on this weekend at Bleeding Espresso and Ms. Adventures in Italy.
 
>> Read more about Calabria on the Italyville blog.
 
>> Check out my favorite Italian fruit at Rubber Slippers in Italy.
 
>> Discover your travel personality with this fun quiz at Best Trip Choices.
 
Buon Weekend a tutti!

And, I am obsessed.
 
It is no secret I love to travel. However, even more than this I love to snag a good travel deal. In my recent obsession with snagging said deal I have scoured the Internet for travel-related resources, new trends, and cool sites. Sadly, I can not report having found a dynamic travel deal to share with you today. Instead, here are a few of my favorite travel sites and blogs. Enjoy!
 
You’ve heard of the book, you’ve dreamed of the places, now check out The Official Site of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
 
I stumbled through to Brave New Traveler and before I knew it an hour had passed. This online travel mag offers stories and travel tips from a general travel perspective. There is also a plethora of information on travel writing. I’m in love… (don’t tell Pep!)
 
Check out Delicious Baby for amazing city guides, free travel tips, and specific information on traveling with children.
 
Have you heard about the dancing traveling blogger? Now you have! Watch the videos at Where in the Hell is Matt?
 
I have a soft spot in my heart for nerds… Maybe that is because I am was one back in the day. Check out a Nerd’s Eye View for travel information, a few new recipes and to participate in the postcard revival of the century!
 
Do you have a favorite travel blog you just can’t get enough of? Share the goods! Let us know about it in the comments section.
 
Don’t forget to visit the Diva and get her take on this week’s La Buona Cucina Americana!
 
Buon Weekend!