Ever returned from a trip and found yourself seeing your hometown a little differently – even though nothing there had changed? Travel has a way of doing that. It stretches time, shifts perception, and hands you lessons you didn’t know you needed.

In this blog, we will share what travel teaches you that nothing else can, and why stepping away from your regular life – even briefly – can change how you live the rest of it.

The Distance You Need to See Clearly

Most people think of travel as an escape, a way to check out of routine. But what it really does is sharpen your view of it. When you leave your usual surroundings, even for a few days, everything you return to hits different. That inbox no longer feels as urgent. The errands that used to feel heavy become manageable. You don’t come back with solutions, but you come back with space. And space makes room for better thinking.

This is part of why short trips have become more common. In a time when work-from-anywhere is possible but burnout is still real, people are turning to shorter, sharper breaks. Weekend trips, two-night stays, extended Fridays. It’s not always about going far, it’s about breaking the pattern long enough to reset it.

There’s also a financial reality behind this trend. With rising costs and tighter schedules, more travelers are leaning on curated options that take the stress out of planning while offering a change of scenery. It’s not just about saving money, it’s about removing the cognitive load of organizing every detail. That’s where getaway packages come in. These pre-built bundles simplify the logistics, often pairing accommodations with access to attractions or perks that would cost more to book separately.

For people who want the benefits of travel without the mental energy of planning, these packages hit a sweet spot: structure without rigidity, freedom without chaos.

And in a world that constantly demands your focus, that kind of simplicity is its own kind of luxury.

Discomfort Is the Point, Not the Problem

Travel forces you to notice what you take for granted. You think you understand what “hot” means, until you’re in Bangkok in July.

You think you’re good with directions, until every street sign is in a language you can’t read. These aren’t failures. They’re friction. And friction is where learning lives.

When things go wrong while you travel – delayed flights, wrong trains, awkward miscommunications – you don’t just figure out how to adapt. You realize how tightly wound your expectations are back home. You notice how little room you normally give for the unexpected, and how quickly you default to frustration instead of flexibility.

You also learn to ask for help. It sounds basic, but most people move through their home environment without needing to rely on strangers. Travel puts you in positions where you have to. Whether you’re trying to find the right bus, translate a menu, or understand local customs, you become more observant and more humble. You stop assuming the world works the way you’re used to.

And once that assumption cracks, curiosity takes over.

This discomfort does something else too – it resets your relationship with control. At home, you try to manage every variable. On the road, you realize not everything can be managed. So you start paying attention instead. You look at your surroundings more. You listen harder. And in that space between control and chaos, you start to feel present in a way that’s hard to fake.

Identity Gets Loosened, Then Rebuilt

We spend so much of our lives playing fixed roles, worker, partner, parent, friend. Travel lets those roles dissolve for a bit. You’re not someone’s boss or sibling or neighbor. You’re just the person trying to figure out the subway system in a new city, or buying fruit in a language you don’t speak. That temporary loss of identity can be unnerving, but it’s also freeing.

You start to ask different questions. What do I like when no one knows me? How do I spend my time when I don’t have to perform for anyone? These aren’t dramatic revelations. They’re quiet realizations that show up when your routines fall away. The version of yourself that emerges in a new place might not be completely different, but it’s often more honest.

And when you return, that honesty lingers. Maybe you dress a little differently. Maybe your schedule shifts. Maybe you start saying no to things you used to say yes to out of habit.

Travel doesn’t replace your identity. It just gives you the chance to notice what parts of it were starting to feel a little too scripted.

In a culture that rewards productivity over presence, that kind of reflection can feel almost subversive. You’re not doing more. You’re doing less, on purpose. And that space often reveals what you were too busy to notice.

You Start Seeing the World as Shared, Not Owned

It’s one thing to read about another culture. It’s another to be in it. Walk through a morning market, sit in a packed train, or watch a local ceremony unfold and you begin to feel it – this world isn’t yours. It never was. It’s something you move through, learn from, and hopefully leave better than you found it.

That awareness starts small. You notice how quiet people are on public transit in Japan, or how eye contact carries different weight in Italy. You realize that your norms are just one version of how things can be. And once that door opens, it never really closes. You become less sure that your way is the only way. Less confident that different means wrong.

This doesn’t just make you more tolerant, it makes you more thoughtful. You travel differently. You treat spaces with more care. You begin to understand that tourism isn’t just leisure – it’s impact. And that your presence, while temporary, still leaves a trace.

At a time when global tension often feels high and digital echo chambers keep people locked into their own version of truth, real-world exposure is one of the last tools that still breaks down barriers.

Travel doesn’t fix global problems. But it chips away at ignorance, one firsthand experience at a time.

What travel teaches you, nothing else can.

It teaches patience, not the kind you preach, but the kind you practice when you’ve been in line for an hour with no air conditioning.

It teaches perspective, not through quotes, but through lived contrast.

It teaches presence, not as mindfulness jargon, but as survival instinct when you’ve got to navigate unfamiliar streets before dark.

And most of all, it teaches humility, the good kind, the kind that makes you open, not small.

In a world obsessed with speed, visibility, and certainty, travel reminds you to slow down, to look up, and to admit you don’t know everything.

It’s not just about getting away. It’s about coming back with more than what you packed.

The train station closest to my house has a split personality. Exit north and you’ve got an orderly bus lottery, tidy streets of chain stores, and the ever present Starbucks. Exit south, however, and you’re in a warren of tiny streets, many too small for cars, lined by ramshackle buildings with overgrown Japanese kerria and trumpet vines.

It was idly wandering these alleys that I discovered the Woodworker. That’s not his real name, of course. We’ve never met. In fact, in 10 years I’ve only seen him a handful of times. But he delivers a burst of joy whenever I pass because his garden is a menagerie of mechanical dioramas, hand-carved from wood and powered by little solar cells. Clicking and clacking, a tiny wooden marionette lifts an apple to his mouth ad finitum. A twee carousel of tiny horses only ceases to turn when the sun disappears. The crowded panorama of ticktocking boxes is ridiculous and charming and absolutely unforgettable in its slightly manic demonstration of Japanese hobbyism.

The Woodworker’s house is hardly something you’d put in a travel guide. And yet, I’m sure it’s a fond memory for visitors lucky enough to stumble upon it.

Over 20 years of living here, I’ve often had friends and family visit. We make the rounds of the usual tourist sites, which they find duly impressive. But the stories we recall to each other years later are about the unplanned encounters. That sake bar where the owner’s dog greeted every arrival exuberantly but growled and nipped their ankles when they tried to leave. That little neighborhood shrine where the garbage cans had neatly lettered English signs reading “Box for FILTH.” That random coffee shop that had the most exquisite collection of Arita porcelain and stacks of explicit manga.

Tokyo rewards the flaneur. Maybe because so much humanity is packed into a relatively small space. Maybe because there’s some cultural inclination towards making an idiosyncratic mark on one’s little corner. Who knows? But the city is full of delightfully small discoveries.

So, my travel tip for visitors is to leave room for serendipity. Tokyo has so much to offer, it’s easy to overplan, to rush from one famous museum or temple to the next. But you’ll miss a lot of what makes Tokyo Tokyo. Instead, leave some time to wander aimlessly, taking whichever turns seem most intriguing. The city will reward you with some impromptu jazz riff of humanity that you could never have anticipated and will certainly never forget.

Nestled in the northern fringes of the United States, Michigan is a state that’s got heaps going on! It’s an amazing state to visit as part of a wider US road trip, and so worth stopping by some key spots within Michigan itself. There are many of the best places in Michigan scattered throughout the state.

From cities like Detroit, to wider museums and the coastline of Lake Erie, you’re going to be spoilt for choice!  So, to help you get the most out of your time in Michigan, we’ve jotted down all our favourite spots that you have to see when you visit. 

Oh, and always, pop us a message if you need any other tips on visiting Michigan. Have an amazing time! 

1.) Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Nestled in the wider region near Detroit, specifically in the city of Dearborn, is the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Now, don’t be fooled into thinking you need to be into cars to enjoy this place; it’s actually really special and well worth visiting with all the family. 

Inside, you’ll be able to see historic cars and learn more about some of America’s great minds and their inventions. Not only that, you’ll get to see things like past presidential limousines, which are so cool to see.

Also, don’t forget to check out the working farms, take a ride in a Model T, and visit the train depot where you can opt for a ride on a steam-powered locomotive. Visits will take a few hours, and it’s the perfect place to visit to learn more about the heritage of Michigan and its importance in the automotive history of America. 

Read more: Best things to do in Detroit

2.) Detroit 

Detroit sometimes gets a bad rap when it comes to fun cities to visit in the US, but I promise, there is plenty to see and do. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the best places in Michigan to visit if you want more of a city break in the state. 

Once here, make sure to visit the Detroit Institute of Art, or DIA as it’s often abbreviated as. This institute boasts a huge collection of work from great artists from America, Asia and Africa. It holds a whopping 60,000 unique and awesome artworks in over 100 galleries, which can take some time to get around! Not only that, the DIA features an interactive display, which is great if you’re visiting with the family.

Not only that, there are world-renowned European paintings inside the DIA, including works from Picasso, Matisse, and Rembrandt. If interested, you can also join their Arts and Minds Lectures or the Drop-In Workshop. Just make sure to give yourself at least ninety minutes to stroll around (though, in my opinion, you can spend much longer here). It’s easily one of the best things to do in Michigan if you’re an art lover! 

Afterwards, head over to Detroit’s Belle Isle Park. Belle Isle Park sits right within the Detroit River, bordering Windsor in Canada. The park is a shelter to the historic Belle Isle Aquarium, the oldest aquarium in the US. Just remember, the aquarium closes at 4 pm each day. Inside, the historic aquarium (from 1904) houses heaps of local and more exotic seafaring species. If that’s not your thing, there are plenty of other spots on Belle Isle Park that you can easily visit. Places like the Anna Scrips Whitcomb Conservatory, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Belle Isle Boat House, James Scott Memorial Fountain or just stroll around the park itself. You can easily spend a whole afternoon here. 

Getting peckish? Then head over to Eastern Market. Established in the 1800s, it’s one of Detroit’s oldest public markets and is still going strong to this day. Now, for me, I’d recommend going on a weekend as it seems busier with vendors then. Once here,  you can get goods such as baked goods, plants and other goodies. 

Read more: Best things to do in Detroit

3.) Eagle Bay (Turnip Rock)

Just shy of Port Austin in Michigan, Turnip Rock (Google Maps pin) is a unique little spot to visit if you fancy exploring the great outdoors in the state.  It’s a great little spot to visit, especially if you want to head out kayaking to see the gorgeous shoreline here. 

Now, we found it handy to rent a kayak from Port Austin Kayak; these guys know their stuff and give you all the information and local conditions you’ll need to know before setting out. Trips take about 3-4 hours, and it’s a lovely little outdoor activity in Michigan that’s so much fun. Just one thing, if the wind picks up, it can be quite tough to paddle – so make sure you have a relatively good level of fitness, just in case. 

Read more: Best things to do in Detroit

4.) Grand Island

On the banks of Lake Superior, Grand Island (Google Maps pin) is one of the best places in Michigan to visit as you drive the northern fringes of the state. 

Now, there is very little in terms of facilities here; don’t expect restaurants, stores or things like that. Grand Island is more of a retreat-style trip, if that makes sense? It’s a great little island if you love to camp, with some of the nicest spots around Trout Bay. 

Now, to get here, you can join the Grand Island ferry that docks in Williams Landing. It’s all so peaceful and a great little spot to visit. 

Also, don’t forget, you can join a shipwreck tour on the famous glass-bottom boats that will take you to two of the largest wrecks in the bay. We booked ours with Shipwreck Tours, and it was pretty cool, especially if you’re visiting with kids and don’t want to swim in the lake itself. 

5.)  Silver Lake State Park

On the western fringes of Michigan is the iconic Silver Lake State Park (Google Maps pin). This whole area around Lake Michigan is just incredible and the perfect place to visit if you’re driving a loop around the state itself. 

Once here, make sure to head straight to the famous dunes! The whole landscape here is so ethereal and beautiful. Also, you can join a ride on the dunes with Mac Wood’s Dune Rides. It’s so much fun, and the guides are a hoot! 

Also, don’t forget to spot Little Sable Lighthouse (Google Maps pin). It’s so easy to see, especially if you’re heading down North Lighthouse Drive.

Read more: Best things to do in Detroit

6.) Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Located on the South Shore of Lake Superior, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Google Maps pin) is stunning to visit. Now, the whole area got its name due to the rich colours of iron, copper, and manganese oxide on the rocks, which makes the shoreline stunning. The water is usually a shining blue-green combination, and the cliffs, beaches, dunes, and rocky shoreline form beautiful scenery.

Once here, you can explore the trails, with Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore having way over 100 miles of trails around the park itself. Also, don’t forget, you can head out boating and kayaking if you fancy getting on to water. Just be sure to always listen to local safety advice, as this can change daily, depending on local weather conditions.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is really easy to visit if you’re already heading to Grand Island, as it’s just east of the island itself. 

7.) Grand Rapids

In the west of Michigan, Grand Rapids is a great city to visit if you want to anchor yourself in one area and explore the western edges of the state. It’s actually quite a large city (in terms of size for the state) and well worth staying overnight here. 

Once here, make sure to visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Visiting is easily one of the best places in Michigan to visit for its stunning grounds and walkways. The botanical garden has indoor and outdoor facilities, so don’t worry if it’s too chilly to head outside. There are nature trails for navigating through the garden, which provide a good display of beautiful artworks that surround all the foliage. Just make sure to see the American Horse, which is 24 feet tall and Louise Bourgeois’s Spider. 

Afterwards, head for a visit to Meyer May House (Google Maps link). It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is one of the historic properties you can’t miss in Grand Rapids. 

Finally, hop on over to the Grand Rapids Public Museum. This is a great spot to visit with the family, and there are heaps of exhibits inside. Plus, there’s a really cool Planetarium to visit whilst you’re here! 

Read more: Best things to do in Detroit

8.) Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park is situated on the northwest of Lake Superior and is easily one of the best places in Michigan to visit if you’re on an outdoorsy trip to the state. You see, the Ice Age Glaciers created this whole landscape, and since their melting (thousands of years ago), it left Isle Royale.

It has heaps of lakes and streams, including heaps of forest trails full of roaming wildlife, with trails you can explore. You can see some of the wildlife there, such as foxes, otters, ospreys, herring gulls, falcons, and more. To get a better view of the park, you can go hiking or go on boat tours.

Just don’t forget, to access the island, you can only go by a seaplane or boat.

9.) Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is just off the shores of St Ignace and a pretty special place to visit whilst in Michigan. First things first, you’ll need to get the ferry from St Ignace (Google Maps pin) or from Mackinaw City (Google Maps pin). From these two points, you’ll be able to get to hop on the ferries that will lead you straight to Mackinac Island.

Once here, you have to visit the stunning Arch Rock (Google Maps pin). The whole coastline on this side of the island is stunning, and it’s such a beautiful area to explore on the trails. One word of caution, there can be snakes around this area, so always keep your eyes peeled.

Afterwards, head to town and visit Pink Pony for their epic grilled meats. This place is stunning in summer as you can sit outside and eat alfresco. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the best places in Michigan to eat outside. We loved it! Their honey apple and brie flatbread. Plus, their BBQ pulled pork sandwich is everything! 

Read more: Best things to do in Detroit

10.) Lansing

Another amazing city to visit in Michigan, Lansing is right in the heart of the state and totally easy to visit as you drive from Detroit to Grand Rapids (or vice-versa).

Now, being the capital of Michigan, Lansing has heaps going on, even though it’s a smaller city. Once here, make sure to explore the Michigan State Capitol area. At the opening of the building in 1879, it was considered a groundbreaking architectural achievement.

Afterwards, make sure to head to the Michigan History Center. Honestly, if you have an interest in knowing the accurate and detailed history of Michigan, you have to visit. Even if you think you don’t, it’s still worth a visit as it’s a great place to visit the Michigan History Museum. Once here, you can see heaps of exhibits on things like the local geology of Michigan, Native American history in the area, the formation of the wider Great Lakes Region, and so much more! Just make sure to give yourself two to three hours to wander around fully. 

Also, don’t forget to visit the Shigematsu Japanese Garden (Google Maps pin). It’s a small but totally impressive Japanese garden that only takes about 10 minutes to walk around. 

For a bite to eat, head to Meat BBQ. Their smoked wings and brisket are so yummy. It’s one of the best places in Michigan if you love barbecued meat. 

Read more: Best things to do in Detroit

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I didn’t anticipate that my first visit to Bermuda would force me to question my internalized idea of the color blue. There were simply so many shades of it when I visited in March—enough to make me feel like the English lexicon was not sufficient to describe all of them.

I saw a vibrant greenish-blue that one might call cyan while boating out to the tiny rocky islets of Mangrove Bay, at the island group’s western tip. I saw another in Crystal Cave, an underground complex of millions of years old limestone formations under a lake of still, clear water, which was an electric turquoise when illuminated by the lights under the floating boardwalk. And at Azura Bermuda, the clifftop resort, where I stayed during my long-weekend trip, I saw even more: cobalt, teal, cornflower, cerulean, ice, and everything in between.

Regular visitors to Bermuda may remember Azura as the old Surf Side Beach Club, which closed in 2015. Much has changed on the property in the decade since, but the views of the Atlantic certainly have not. You can hardly walk without being stopped in your tracks by the expansive, all-encompassing blue. I stared at the ocean while eating breakfast on the sunny pool deck and during a yoga class on a breezy rooftop. My room, in a blazingly white, clean-lined building at the resort’s western end, had a glass wall looking directly out to the waves. From most vantage points in the bedroom, all I could see was sky and bright-turquoise water dotted with Bermuda’s distinctive barrel reefs.

The first phase of Azura went quietly online in 2020, its grand opening waylaid by the pandemic. But the resort continued to expand in phases, with a collection of modern cottages and three new buildings unveiled in the several years since. The vibe around the property is relaxed and residential. To create a more stable and sustainable model in a place with very high operating costs, Azura was envisioned as a condominium-style resort, and accommodations are individually owned. Residents must leave a suite or a room—which can be seamlessly separated from the rest of the residence, becoming indistinguishable from a standard hotel room—available for booking on a regular basis.

In addition to the bright, modern design and secluded atmosphere, one of Azura’s greatest assets is its prime location in Warwick Parish, along a central stretch of Bermuda’s South Shore. It’s just a 15-minute drive to Hamilton, the capital, and some of Bermuda’s best spots for swimming and sunning, like Elbow Beach, Jobson’s Cove, and the famous Horseshoe Bay. However, I preferred to stay at Azura’s own private beach, which has a serene saltwater pool set at the bottom of the cliff. I lingered there for hours every day, looking out at an expanse of sea that blended from aquamarine to sapphire, and a wide, blue sky, powdery and silvery at the edges. The view inspired me to come up with new names to describe the shades of blue I didn’t know, but eventually, I decided that some things can’t be put into words.

Keep reading for an overview of all the offerings at Azura.

The Rooms

Azura’s 60 rooms and suites are spread across a series of clifftop buildings, the oldest of which are from the renovated Surf Side. Clustered around the main pool, they reflect a more classic Bermudian style, complete with the iconic stepped roofs (which help collect rainwater) common in the country’s vernacular architecture. The three newer buildings have a more contemporary look. However, the interiors are fresh and sunny, no matter where you’re staying, clad in a palette of bright white and blond wood with subtle pops of color, usually blue. A final construction phase, anticipated to be completed in 2026, will add 20 additional rooms.

I stayed in an Oceanfront Guest Room, a room category that offers unobstructed ocean views; other guest rooms also have ocean views, though less direct. There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, which include washers and dryers, as well as fully equipped kitchens. Oceanfront Jacuzzi Suites, the highest category, have larger terraces complete with hot tubs and run up to 2,500 square feet.

Food and Drink

Azura’s new main restaurant, SURF, is designed as an homage to the spirit of old Surf Side. Opened in late 2024, the intimate, thoughtfully designed space offers a wide view of the water and features works by local artists, including Chris Duperreault, who creates gyotaku prints using whole fish he catches himself. The surf and turf dinner menu is united by a running Mediterranean theme, seen in dishes like charred octopus and Moroccan lamb meatballs. The restaurant also hosts monthly wine dinners and occasional pop-ups.

The main pool terrace also includes Azura Restaurant & Bar, which offers fairly classic resort fare for breakfast and lunch (avocado toast, crudo, sandwiches, pasta) as well as cocktails. During the summer season, the outdoor tables are also available for dinner. Another bar in the beach area, next to the saltwater pool, serves beer and wine.

Activities and Amenities

Azura has a secluded private beach and four swimming pools, including the beach-level saltwater pool, fed directly from the Atlantic. On the walk down to the beach from the lobby, a series of sandy platforms are set up with lounge chairs that look over the water. There is also a main pool by the lobby; a rooftop pool and an adjacent infrared sauna; a smaller pool in a quiet corner near the gym that you’re likely to have all to yourself.

The small fitness center has weights and cardio machines (including a Peloton bike). Ocean-view rooftop yoga classes are offered up to six times a week, depending on the season. The hotel’s concierge can help arrange island activities, such as guided tours, golf, tennis, and water activities like boat rentals, fishing, or snorkeling.

The Spa

There is no dedicated spa, but one hotel suite is set aside for treatments. In-room massages are also available.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Currently, the resort does not have guest rooms designed for guests using wheelchairs and other assistive devices; however, four will be added during the final stage of construction, which is slated for completion in 2026. Contact the resort directly to discuss your specific needs. The lobby, main pool, and outdoor dining space are all accessible.

Buildings in Bermuda must be designed to catch and store rainwater, and Azura is no different—in fact, water harvesting provides all the water for the hotel, including both guest rooms and public spaces.

Location

Azura is located in the middle of Bermuda’s South Shore, about a 25-minute drive from the only commercial airport, L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA). At just over 20 square miles, the country is quite small, so most sites can be reached within about half an hour. It is possible to rent a car in Bermuda, but tourists can only book mini electric vehicles that seat a maximum of two people. Taxis are readily available and offer hourly rates if you wish to hire them for sightseeing.

Although it’s an associate member of the Caribbean Community, Bermuda is actually located in the North Atlantic and is closer to the tip of North Carolina than it is to the islands of the Caribbean. Nonstop flights to Bermuda are available from many major cities on the East Coast; most take between two and three hours. My flight from New York City touched down in around 90 minutes.

Book Now

The resort is not part of any loyalty program. Check its website for the latest offers and discounts.

Nightly rates at Azura start from $629 for an Ocean View Room.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.

When people think of Italy, they often dream of the grandeur of Rome, the canals of Venice, or the rolling hills of Tuscany. But tucked away in the heart of the country lies a lesser-known treasure waiting to be discovered: Abruzzo.

A region of striking contrasts and unspoiled beauty, Abruzzo offers travelers an authentic Italian experience that is rich in history, nature, and culinary delight…without the crowds!

Here’s why you should plan a trip to Abruzzo.

Reasons to Plan a Trip to Abruzzo

1. Untouched Natural Beauty

Abruzzo is known as “the greenest region in Europe,” and for good reason. Over one-third of its territory is protected by national parks and nature reserves. From the rugged peaks of the Gran Sasso and Majella mountains to the pristine shores of the Trabocchi Coast, nature lovers will find endless opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

2. Authentic Italian Culture

In Abruzzo, life moves at a slower, more meaningful pace. The region is dotted with charming medieval towns like Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Scanno, and Pacentro, where centuries-old traditions are still alive.

Visiting Abruzzo means immersing yourself in a lifestyle that hasn’t been shaped by mass tourism, where locals welcome you with genuine warmth and pride in their heritage.

3. Remarkable Food and Wine

Abruzzo’s cuisine is rustic, flavorful, and deeply rooted in the land. Think handmade pasta like maccheroni alla chitarra, mutton skewers known as arrosticini, and hearty soups. The region also produces some of Italy’s most underrated wines, including Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, and artisanal cheeses like pecorino abruzzese.

Foodies will delight in discovering family-run trattorias and local markets bursting with seasonal produce.

4. A Paradise for Outdoor Adventurers

If you’re into active travel, Abruzzo is a dream. In winter, the region transforms into a snowy wonderland ideal for skiing and snowboarding in resorts like Roccaraso and Campo Felice.

In warmer months, there are countless trails, caves, rivers, and mountain villages to explore. You can even go wildlife watching for bears, wolves, and chamois in any of their National Parks.

5. Rich History and Spiritual Heritage

Abruzzo is steeped in history, from Roman ruins to Renaissance castles and Romanesque churches perched on hilltops. The region is also dotted with hermitages and abbeys—remote places of meditation and beauty, such as Eremo di San Bartolomeo in Legio or Abbazia di San Clemente a Casauria, perfect for those seeking a spiritual connection with the land.

6. Coastline Without the Crowds

The Adriatic coast of Abruzzo offers a more relaxed beach experience than the packed resorts elsewhere in Italy. Discover the Trabocchi Coast, where traditional wooden fishing huts perch over the sea and secluded coves await.

Towns like Vasto, Ortona, and Fossacesia combine sea views with historic charm.

7. Year-Round Travel Possibilities

Thanks to its varied geography, Abruzzo is a region for all seasons. Visit in spring or autumn for ideal hiking conditions and fewer tourists. Enjoy the summer for coastal escapes and village festivals. Come in winter for skiing and mountain serenity.

There’s always something to do, see, or taste…no matter the time of year.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences in and near Abruzzo

Abruzzo’s allure lies not only in its well-known attractions but also in its hidden corners that reward curious travelers with unforgettable moments.

Here are a few unique experiences that will make your visit to Abruzzo truly special:

• Join a Shepherd for a Day: Abruzzo’s pastoral traditions are still alive, and some local farms offer immersive experiences where you can shadow a shepherd, learn about transhumance (the seasonal migration of livestock), and even try your hand at making pecorino cheese. It’s a rare chance to connect with the region’s rural roots and savor the fruits of your labor.
• Discover the Caves of Stiffe: Tucked away in the Aterno Valley, the Stiffe Caves are a mesmerizing underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear lakes. Guided tours take you through this natural wonder, offering a cool respite in summer and a fascinating glimpse into Abruzzo’s geological history.
• Visit the Fortress of Civitella del Tronto: Perched on a hilltop with sweeping views, this imposing fortress is one of Italy’s largest and best-preserved military structures. Wander its ramparts, explore the museum, and imagine the battles fought here over centuries. It’s a history lover’s paradise that’s still off the radar for most tourists.
• Attend a Local Sagra (Food Festival): The calendar is packed with sagre, village festivals celebrating everything from lentils to truffles. These lively events are a feast for the senses, with locals cooking up regional specialties, live music, and dancing under the stars. Check out the Sagra degli Spaghetti all’Amatriciana in Amatrice or the Sagra del Tartufo in Campovalano for an authentic taste of the community spirit. Amatrice is part of the Rieti province and with that close by Abruzzo.
• Explore the “Lost” Village of Civita di Bagnoregio: Often called “the dying city,” this tiny hilltop village in the province of Viterbo feels like stepping into a fairy tale. With its ancient stone houses and narrow alleys, Civita di Bagnoregio is a photographer’s dream and a peaceful escape from modern life. Visit early in the morning to enjoy the misty views and a sense of timelessness. The village is a bit further away from Abruzzo and part of the Viterbo province. It’s worth heading there!

These hidden spots showcase Abruzzo’s diversity and offer a deeper connection to its landscapes, traditions, and people. Whether you’re exploring a cave, savoring a festival dish, or walking in the footsteps of shepherds, these experiences will leave you with stories to tell and memories to cherish.

Staying in Rome? Book This Day Trip to Abruzzo

For travelers staying in Rome, a day trip to Abruzzo, just a 2.5-hour drive away, offers a refreshing escape from the city’s bustle. This semi-private tour, limited to 2–6 guests, unveils a region of stunning landscapes, historic villages, and authentic cuisine, perfect for those seeking a unique Italian adventure.

With convenient morning pickup and evening return to central Rome, it’s an effortless way to explore Abruzzo’s hidden gems in a single day.

Take a look at the tour below to visit:

• Campo Imperatore – Known as “The Italian Tibet,” Campo Imperatore has a vibe all its own—and it’s no wonder so many classic westerns were filmed here. You’ll get to enjoy a laid-back barbecue lunch with wine, featuring arrosticini, the tasty local specialty of Abruzzo.

• Rocca Calascio – Check out Italy’s highest castle for an unforgettable experience. The views are absolutely stunning and the whole place feels a bit magical.

• Santo Stefano di Sessanio – This charming village feels like stepping back in time. With its cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved medieval buildings decorated with flowers, Santo Stefano di Sessanio truly feels like a living museum.

Discover Abruzzo’s natural beauty, rich history, and culinary flavors on this intimate day trip from Rome, perfect for an authentic Italian adventure.