Cultural Festivals Transport Us to Another World

As anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis knows, I love Italy. I would go back in a heartbeat if I could. Sadly, I do not have the money nor a stable enough career to take that vacation. However, I can always get a taste of Italy if I really want to. Indeed, food is a gateway to culture and tradition. All I have to do is whip up some spaghetti bolognese, or grill a proscuitto panini, or scoop a spoonful of straciatella gelato, and I am instantly back in Rome walking down Via del Corso. And one of the best places to eat Italian food is at an Italian festival.

Italian Fest is next weekend, and I fully intend on hitting up Little Italy all weekend long. Not only will the food be sensational, but there will be wine tastings galore. (Because it certainly is not a meal without a glass of vino.) On top of the sustenance and libations, Italian Fest will also offer cultural keepsakes from vendors and artists. I will be looking for any photo or painting of an Italian city to hang on my wall at home. Even though I can purchase Italian fare and souvenirs, it's the vibe that really makes the experience enjoyable. There is an electricity, a feeling of community at International festivals. They pull you into the culture, and it's sad when you have to leave that world. 

In the interest of broadening my horizons--Italian Fest is not the only place to get great food and wine--I will also be attending Greek Fest at the end of August and then Polish Fest in the beginning of September. Obviously, I will try to fit in more if I can, but those are the three big ones. And for one day--or however long I spend there--I will be transported into the world of these fascinating countries.

I can't wait to take a bite.

Deal of the Week

I apologize for not posting a deal last week. Life got a little crazy with starting the new internship and everything, but I am getting back on track. So here we go, a new week and promising deals to go with it.

This week's winner is....

CHINA: 12-NIGHT ESCORTED TOUR W/ YANGTZE CRUISE, +AIR--$1899

We're heading to the Orient! Spend 12 days exploring the jewels of China, from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall. This deal from Gate 1 Travel will get you from Los Angeles to Shanghai, up the Yangtze river, over to Xian, up to Beijing, and back again for less than $2000. The whole deal includes:

• Roundtrip air
• All internal flights
• 12 nights of accommodations
• 3 nights at Bund Riverside in Shanghai.
• 4 night cruise up the Yangtze on the Century Star.
• 2 nights at Grand New World Hotel in Xian.
• 3 nights at the Jinglun Hotel in Beijing.
• 24 meals
• Sightseeing tours
• An english-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees

You can depart on September 16, October 7 and 28, and November 18. Book this package by going online or calling and entering the promo code TZC250.

But hurry, cause this deal will probably go fast!


This week's runner up is....

GREEK ISLAND VACATION: 8 NIGHTS & AIR--$1199

Now the only reason this came in second is because I have been to Greece before, so I thought a place I had never gone to--China--would be a better winner.

Anyway, this trip sounds absolutely incredible and I personally am dying to go. You can spend 8 nights on the Aegean Sea, gazing at the beauty that is Greece. Europe Vacations provides you with:

• Roundtrip flights from New York
• 2 nights at the Candia Hotel in Athens--steps from the Parthenon
• 3 nights at the Kamari Hotel in Mykonos
• 3 nights at the King Thiras Hotel in Santorini
• Ferry service between islands
• Daily breakfast
• All hotel taxes

This deal is good on select dates in April and May. Spring in Greece still has warm weather and there are not as many people. Book this trip online or by calling and enter the promo code TZGRE1. Book by March 2.

Enjoy a relaxing journey through Greece for a very reasonable price!


Another deal that caught my eye was a sweet hotel deal in Mexico. Check it out!