If I said to you what’s the most romantic city in the world? Paris would surely be top of the list and Venice would be there too, but there’s one city that should also be on your list, Florence.

Often overlooked by those looking for a romantic weekend, Florence is without a doubt one of the most romantic and fascinating cities on earth.

Set in the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany, Florence is the home of Renaissance. There is quite simply some of the most beautiful medieval and renaissance architecture seen anywhere in the world, along with some of the finest hotels and restaurants.

Take a tour around the historic centre; declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1982. The glorious facade of the Cathedral “il Duomo” will take your breath away, it’s quite unlike anything you’ll find in America or Europe for that matter.

If you like history and art then you’re going to be spoilt for choice in Florence, the place is simply dripping with art treasures and every building tells a story.

You can’t visit Florence without crossing the Ponte Vecchio meaning “little bridge”. This medieval bridge crosses the Arno River, but it’s unlike any other bridge in that it’s lined with glorious little jewellery and art shops. Once most major bridges in Europe were constructed this way, but Ponte Vecchio is one of the last remaining.

If foods your thing, then I have to recommend Enoteca Pinchiorri, this 3 star Michelin restaurant is one of the top five restaurants in the world. The food and the surroundings are quite simply exceptional, but beware its very expensive and you’d better book before you leave because it gets very busy.

Now I could go on listing the places to visit in Florence, but I could literally write a book on it. The best thing to do is go there and experience this wonderful and exciting city yourself. It’s quite simply one of the greatest cities in the world.

I’ve always had a dream to tour across America in a goliath of a motorhome. I can picture the scene, driving through Monument Valley AZ, the sun setting, the sky a wonderful Tropicana deep orange, Air Conditioning on, the road ahead is clear, just you and your machine.

But what a machine, a beautiful Beaver Marquis in black caviar over silver, its alloy wheels glinting in the fading sunlight. You know you’ve made it when you can tour the Mid West in Beaver Marquis.

Beavers are famous for their uncompromising luxury. Soft leather seats and burr walnut cabinets over soft pure wool carpets make for and absolutely stunning interior and your not short of home comforts either, with a built in microwave, LCD TV and power shower, this is touring on a grand scale.

You have a choice of layouts to suit your lifestyle and there’s the all important integrated barbecue. So as the sun sets over Monument Valley you can settle down to an evening of drinking the finest beer, eating the finest Kobe Steak and sleeping in the finest motorhome the Beaver Marquis.

I know what you’re thinking, been there done that. But stop, there’s more to Niagara Falls than millions of tons of water flowing over a cliff. No really there is, let me explain.

You see I thought just like you, once you’ve seen Niagara Falls once that’s it, never need to see it again. I’ve done the maid of the mist thing and that’s that.

But recently I went back, cant think why I did, but I did. This time though I did my research because I didn’t want to do the usual tourist thing. I decided I would try and fill my day without going near the Maid of the Mist. And guess what I found enough things to keep me busy for two days.

You’ll be amazed at the things you can do. I’ll go through a few of them here, they wont all be to your taste, but there’ll be something to excite you.

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to roll over Niagara Falls in a barrel, no neither have I, but you can experience it in IMAX. Go along to the IMAX theatre next to Falls View casino and watch this fascinating film about Niagara Falls and all the amazing things that have happened over the years, including going over the edge in a barrel.

Do you like birds? Well there’s an amazing Aviary rather imaginatively called Bird Kingdom. This four times winner of attraction of the year. (I’m not sure who awards it) is full of some of the worlds rarest and most beautiful birds, yes every supermodel you can think of. No seriously there are some really rare species to see here.

Ok now it’s time for lunch, there’s no finer place to eat in Niagara Falls than the Keg Steakhouse and Bar located on the 9th floor of the Embassy Suites Hotel, Fallsview, Niagara Falls. This restaurant offers amazing views of the falls while you enjoy your rib eye steak.

I’ve saved the best until last, the helicopter tour. For around $120 you can have a twenty minute flight over the falls. The view is amazing, ten times better than the maid of the mist and a hundred times more exciting. Its best to book before you go because it can get quite busy, especially during the school holidays.

I’ve only covered a few things here but there’s so much more to do. So go on you know you want to, visit Niagara Falls.

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most culturally diverse cities, theirs no shortage of things to do here, from great shopping to some of the best art gallery’s in the world. So if you’re planning a whistle stop tour of this fabulous city here are my top 5 places to visit.

1. Canals, You can’t visit Amsterdam without seeing one of its most endearing features. To see the city at its best get your self on a boat and tour the cities canals. For an even more memorable trip, do it at night when all the beautiful townhouses are illuminated, its one of the most romantic and beautiful scenes anywhere in the world.

2. Visit the Zoo. Now I know zoos aren’t for everyone but this one is hard to miss. You don’t have to look at the animals, but I would recommend a visit to the botanical gardens and zoological museum. And if you ever wondered what kind of creatures live in those canals then take a look at the canal aquarium, it’s amazing to see what’s actually living down there.

3. Windmills. No trip to Amsterdam is complete without visiting one of its famous windmills. There are eight dotted around the city to choose from, you don’t have to visit them all but you must visit one.

4. Oude Kerk. This exquisite little church is rather inconveniently situated within Amsterdam’s Red Light District, but it really is worth a look, built in a Gothic Renaissance style its one of Amsterdam’s most distinctive buildings, and a little sanctuary of peace within the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

5. Van Gogh Museum. Quite possibly the most famous painter in the world, There’s nothing quite like seeing a Van Gogh in the flesh or oil so to speak. You can really see the violent brush strokes and vivid colours come to life. It’s even been know for people who absolutely detest his work to come out of here with new found respect for the man. It’s the largest collection of his work to be found anywhere in the world and a must for everyone.

The nights are rolling in and there’s a distinct chill in the air. Winter is coming and you’re starting to miss those balmy summer evenings, its time to find some winter sun. Whilst the Caribbean is always a popular choice at this time of year, you want to find something a little closer to home.

Well never fear Cabo San Lucas is here, situated on the southern tip of the Baja peninsula in Mexico, this high end holiday destination has everything the discerning traveler could wish for. From beautiful boutique hotels to championship golf courses and of course the most amazing mix of water sports to be found anywhere in the world. Cabo San Lucas is the ultimate destination for those looking for outdoor adventure.

If its nightlife you’re after you’re spoiled for choice here too. Cabo San Lucas is one of the hottest party towns around, there’s no shortage of clubs along the waterfront to choose from all of them full of party goers until the early hours.

But it’s not all sun, sea and sangria there’s so much more to Cabo Can Lucas than that. Take a trip out in one of the many boats in the harbor for a spot of sport fishing. Cabo St Lucas is one of the finest sport fishing spots in the world. Anglers come from far and wide to experience the fishing here.

But even if you’ve never been fishing before, let me tell you the excitement of reeling in a huge Marlin as pulls against the line is an experience not to be missed. And it’s a great photo opportunity to show the folks back home, rod in one hand shark in the other.

For a short break Cabo San Lucas is hard to beat. Just over an hours flight from LA, you can be there in no time. Once there you’ll be spoiled for choice for things to do. So forget the Caribbean, its so last season, head to Cabo San Lucas instead.

Need to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, why not head on down to the beach. Nothing warms the soul better than watching the waves rolling up and down the golden sand, cocktail in one hand book in the other. National Geographic Traveller recently listed the top beaches in the US. So let’s take a look at what makes them so special. 

Miami Beach, Florida

This is one beach that needs no introduction. Quite possibly the most photographed beach in the world, 7.1 miles of glorious golden sand and beautiful bronzed bodies. But any beach is only as good as its amenity’s, and Miami doesn’t disappoint here either. There are rows and rows of shops and restaurants, good enough to satisfy even the most sophisticated of tastes.

My favourite part of the beach has to be the Art Deco district. Make your way along ocean drive between 5th and 15th street and you’ll see some of the finest examples of 1930s art deco architecture anywhere in the world. These beautifully restored buildings are an Art Deco National Historic District, the only such site in North America.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, SC has over 60 miles of beautiful soft sandy beach, and it needs to have because over 14 million Americans visit here each year. No wonder it’s so popular, there’s an endless choice of hotels, restaurants, shops and golf courses to keep even the most active of travellers amused.

Panama City, Florida

It seems Florida has more than it’s fair share of beautiful beaches. Panama City, Fl offers 27 miles of sugar white sandy beach. A little less hectic than Miami Beach, holiday makers come here to enjoy the many activities available both on and under the water. Some of the best snorkelling sites off the US mainland are to be found here.

Waikiki, Hawaii

The list just simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Hawaii. Waikiki beach is famous the world over for its golden sand and foaming surf. It’s the shortest beach in our list just 2.1 miles long, but what it lacks in length it more than makes up for with excitement. Waikiki is home to some of the best surfing in world. So if its action you’re looking for this is the place to come.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Tucked away in the azure blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, St. Thomas on the US Virgin Islands is a beach of astounding beauty. This island is a perennial stop for the worlds cruise liners and it’s easy to see why. Take a stroll along the beach at dusk as the palm trees sway gently in the wind, watch the sky turn amber as the sun sinks gently beneath the waves.

St. Thomas is also a water lover’s paradise, if you stayed for two weeks you couldn’t exhaust the number of different water sports available, from snorkelling to kite surfing, fishing to parasailing its all here.

Ever heard of Sangria? It’s a wine punch made from red wine (in Spain, Spanish Tempranillo is the wine of choice), chopped or sliced fruit (a combination of orange, lemon, apple, peach, berries, pineapple, melon, grape, or mango), a sweetener such as honey, sugar, or orange juice. Then, a small bit of brandy or triple sec (an orange-flovered liquer) is added. Finally, add a dollop of ice, or sometimes a of carbonated soda to make it fizz.

If you travel to Spain, make sure you try some authentic sangria, as you make the rounds of the various shopping spots for Spanish pottery, Toledo swords, Spanish fans and clothing, and of course flamenco music.

For Spanish pottery, where should you go? Talavera de la Reina is a city and municipality in the western part of the province of Toledo, known for its pottery. Indeed, the city’s nickname is “The City of Pottery” (La Ciudad de Ceramica).

If you’re looking for sangria pitchers, or any other kind of Spanish pottery, another city to visit is Valencia. If you’re going to be visiting Valencia, try to go in the latter half of March when you can attend the Falles, a famous festival held in that city, renowned throughout Spain.

Australia is a unique place – the only place in the world that is simultaneously considered an island, a continent, and a country. It’s the world’s largest island, but it’s smallest continent. It’s divided into six states and two territories.

Of these states, Victoria is the smallest in size, but the largest in population, and Melbourne is the capital of Victoria. Not surprisingly, it’s also the second largest city in Australia, after Sidney.

But enough of these comparisons of size. What is there to see in Melbourne, for those who enjoy Upside Living?

The city itself was established in 1835, so it’s over a hundred and seventy years old. When gold was discovered near the city in the 1850s, Melbourne was transformed into a wealthy city — and remains so to this day.

Melbourne has a distinctive blend of Victorian and contemporary architecture, large swathes of park,and and gardens.

Architectural sites to visit in the city were mostly built during and after the Victorian Gold Rush and are still extant today: Parliament House, the Treasury Building and Treasury Reserve, the Old Melbourne Gaol, Victoria Barracks, the State Library, Supreme Court, University, General Post Office, and Government House, the Melbourne Town Hall, St Paul’s, St Patrick’s cathedrals and Queen Victoria Market.

While in Melbourne, don’t forget to take in a game of Australian rules football or cricket (assuming you’re there during the appropriate time of hear).

Just as one of London, England’s toursit attractions is its subway, so is Melbourne’s tram system one of its tourist attractions. Heritage trams operate on the free City Circle route, intended for visitors to Melbourne, and heritage restaurant trams travel through the city during the evening. (Having said that, most of Melbourne’s citizens drive around in cars.)

Victoria has over 21 different wine regions, and five of them are located close to Melbourne. Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, and you’ll be able to find gourmet restaurants representative of cuisines from around the world. Or, you can stop into a pub for Australian eats.

There’s so much to do and see in Melbourne – from sports events to theater to historical buildings, that you’ll want to return again and again to appreciate all it has to offer.

Tuscany, or Tuscano as it is more properly called, is a region of Italy known both for its striking landscapes and its artistic legacy. Indeed, it’s artistic legacy goes back over a thousand years, and six Tuscan localities are UNESCO protected sites: the historical center of Florence, the historical center of Siena, the square of the Cathedral of Pisa, the historical center of San Gimignano, the historical center of Pienza and the Val d’Orcia.

That’s for its architecture. What about its Italian pottery and ceramics? What tourist to this region could resist acquiring some hand-crafted Italian pottery, such as dinnerware, pots, canisters and jars, coffee cups and mugs, and even wall decor. Not to mention the famous Roosters of Fortune.

Tuscany is crossed by several mountain ranges, which leaves little room for farming. (Fortunately for the inhabitants of the region throughout history, those little bits of farming land are extremely fertile.)

Tuscany is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and visitors to its ancient streets will be able to enjoy the architecture, painting and sculpture collected in dozens of museums in towns and cities across the region. Perhaps the best-known are the Uffizi, the Academia and the Bargello all of them located in Florence, the capital of the region.

Walk the streets and lands of Tuscany and you’ll walk back in time. Return to the present day with Italian pottery as a keepsake… not to mention thousands of photos and a post card or two!

Deruta is a small town in Italy of some 8,000 people. It’s also a town that was founded in the 11th century, making it well over nine hundred years old. Located in central Italy, in the province of Perugia, the town is justly famous for its ceramics — including its Biscotti jars– which are imported all over the world.

Visitors to Deruta will walk through fortifications that date from the 12th century. On the Piazza dei Consoli can be found the Gothic church of San Francesco, built in 1388, and the Palazzetto Municipale (Town Hall), which dates from about 1300.

Visitors to the municipal hall will find a Museum of Ceramics, an art gallery (the Pinacoteca), and an atrium in which houses a variety of archaeological finds, dating from Neolithic times onward.

But what visitors really come for is to see the ceramics… the Biscotti jars, serving platters, jugs, and so on.

Much of the ceramics in Deruta is made as a cottage industry. Artisans create clay plates, bowls and other objects, which they bring to central ovens to be baked. Once their material is baked, the artisans take them back to their workshops to hand paint them with their speciality designs. After decorating, the artisans bring their wares back to the ovens once again to be glazed.

Travellers through Italy can do no better than to pick up some hand-crafted ceramics in Deruta, but if travel plans aren’t in your future, order genuine Biscotti jars, imported from Italy, from Upside Living.