Page 7 - AAA Shelby County – AAA Now! – January/February 2019

TRAVE
L
CELEBRATE LIFE IN ITALY
By Judie Karhan
An exquisitely planned trip to Italy, combining the natural beauty and ethereal grace of Venice with the artistic treasures of Florence and Rome, is truly
a celebration of life. For nowhere else will one find such immense cultural and historical wealth in one country where the food is superb and the people are warm and helpful.
For 400 years, Venice has attracted the finest painters, architects and craftsmen in the world. Spend your afternoons exploring the great piazzas, the spectacular St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace, the residence of the former ruler of Venice. Walk through the narrow alleys and across the curved bridges of this miraculous city, taking in the shops where famous Venetian glass and lace is on display. Sip an espresso at a sidewalk cafe and experience the unique atmosphere that makes Venice one of the most visited cities in the world.
Florence is another one of Italy's most important cities. Called the "Cradle of the Renaissance" for the art and the architecture that flourished here between the 13th and 16th centuries, Florence is a mecca for art lovers. Visit the Duomo Museum, stroll past the bronze doors of the fascinating octagonal-shaped Baptistery which took Ghiberti 27 years to create and
which Michelangelo declared the "Doors to Paradise."
In Florence there are many attractions to choose from
— enjoy the masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery or the Pitti Palace, Michelangelo's marble creations in the Medici Chapels or a walk across the Ponte Vecchio. Or, a stroll through Boboli gardens can be the ideal way to spend an afternoon.
Rome, the Eternal City, is the
home of Julius Caesar and the
powerful Holy Roman Empire.
This city has influenced art,
architecture, literature and
government throughout the Western world for more than 2,200 years. See the Quirinal Palace, Piazza Venezia, Roman Forum, Coliseum and other landmarks.
Of course, a trip to Rome would not be complete without experiencing the majesty of the Vatican, a state and city all in one. Enter the Sistine Chapel and admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling, gaze at the Madonna before descending into the crypts of the
Vatican where many of the Popes lay in peace. Venice, Florence and Rome, three cities which over time, for one reason or another, have each
been considered the most important city in the world. Enjoy the unique majesty of each while taking in the glorious surroundings, the people and the overall atmosphere that makes Italy such a complete pleasure to visit.
THE BEST FAMILY REUNIONS START WITH A GOOD PLAN
Getting relatives together for a family reunion can be a wonderful experience but, like most things, its success depends on proper planning.
Arranging the first gathering of the clan may seem a little daunting, but it's manageable once you answer some basic questions about location, accommodations and date.
When choosing a destination, there are as many possibilities as there are family members. Here are some criteria to consider:
• Convenience – Select a location near a major airport so it is easily accessible and offers service from a variety of airlines.
• Activities – Choose an area that offers sightseeing and lots of activities. There may be family members who will want to extend their vacation beyond the reunion or take side trips to local attractions.
• Price – Exotic locations may be nice but are not practical for a wide range of budgets, ages and interests. Choose an area that will give you a price most families can afford. Cruise ships and resorts are popular for reunions because of their all-inclusive pricing packages that include meals, activities and shows. Babysitting is often available.
• Preferences – The family hometown can be a wonderful site for a reunion. So can a resort by the ocean, or one in the mountains or a big hotel in a major metropolitan area. Developing a consensus among relatives will help broaden participation.
Many kinds of accommodations are appropriate for a family reunion, from huge resorts to cozy
inns. Depending on family size, you'll want a place that can hold at least one large reunion dinner. It also should have separate areas so relatives can congregate as a group, separate into smaller parties
or spend time as couples.
When picking a date, consider that families with
school-age children may find it easier to attend a reunion in the summer or around a long holiday weekend. Depending on the activities planned, choose the time of year with appropriate weather.
Your travel agent can tell you when a destination is less crowded and whether off-season discounts are available.
Remember, the larger the gathering, the longer the planning time. It may take 18 to 24 months to put together a reunion for a large family scattered across the country.
For help, contact a travel agency experienced at arranging group tours – expertise they can use to help put your family reunion together. A full-service travel agency such as AAA can provide information on locations, accommodations, transportation and group discounts.
Through its network of AAA offices across the United States and Canada, AAA travel agencies can assist your relatives wherever they live.
The main things to remember are to keep the price affordable, food plentiful and activities convivial. If you've got all this, and good weather too, your reunion should be a success no matter where you hold it.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
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