A Reason for the Season

Are you a snow bunny who is most content when racing down the slopes? Maybe lounging in the tropics with the breeze in your hair and a Pina colada in hand is more your speed? Prefer the sound of leaves crunching underneath your leather boots and adorned in this season’s best outerwear? Or perhaps the smell of rain and the bloom of flowers from every color of the rainbow puts the biggest smile on your face. Whatever season you fancy the best, we have the top recommendations of where to welcome each of the seasons with open arms and adventures awaiting.

Fall: Italy

Come explore Italy during the months where the stunning country hosts its truffle, prosciutto and wine festivals and feast your way through pasta puttanesca, gelato and so much more! The renowned espresso will keep you energized for days packed with activity! Be sure to catch the International Film Festival, hosted in Venice and let art imitate life. And of course, take time to marvel at the changing colors of fall in the incredible parks, such as the Borghese Gardens in Roma. Stay here on your visit! Bellisima!

Winter: Prague, Czech Republic

Truly a winter wonderland underneath a dusting of snow, find yourself on cobbled, winding streets lit with gas street lamps, reminiscent of Charleston. The old town offers a bevy of underground vaults rich with history, stunning architecture, and Romanesque details. Stay in the middle of town in the fairy tale five-star Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa that is just steps away from ice skating in the Old Town Square. After patronizing the Christmas markets, head over to the Estates Theatre, where Mozart conducted the world premiere of “Don Giovanni” in 1787. Find comfort from the cold by ducking into one of the many famous cafes throughout the city, including the Choco Cafe that gives guests over a dozen options of hot chocolate and pastries.

Spring: Provence, France

Head to Paris’s sweet sister city just in time to see it come alive from its winter slumber. Beat the massive summer crowds and go in late spring when the temperatures are just about perfect, between the 50s and 70s with a wispy breeze. The coast is rich with the aromas of rosemary, wild thyme, and Mediterranean pine and the bright colors of purple-pink centranthus, yellow broom, lavender wisteria and red poppies. However, by the time midsummer rolls around they fall victim to the fierce sun so now is the time to go! Throughout Luberon, the cherry and soft fruit trees will be in full bloom, the perfect condition for trying your hand at a homemade cherry tart! Pack a lunch from the famous Provencal markets and set off for a breathtaking seaside hike. Take in the festivals, ranging from carnival to food and wine to the nationwide three-day Rendez-Vous aux Jardins involving thousands of parks and gardens. But also be sure to sneak in a day trip (or weekend) to Cassis, a perfect Mediterranean village on the sea!

Summer: Costa Rica

Calling all yogis and nature lovers! Whether you want to frolic on the white sandy beaches, practice some Spanish with the locals, zip-line past monkeys and greenery that rivals even the best Pinterest boards, the possibilities abound on this treasured island. Return to your roots by returning to the outdoors and leave the hair dryer at home in favor of sunrise yoga, snorkeling, horseback riding with a loved one, and end the day with your feet up, a drink in hand, and mesmerized by the sunset behind one of the many famous volcanoes of Costa Rica.