by Mara Solomon | Jun 17, 2019 | Helpful Hints
You’ve booked your flights, ironed out the itinerary details and now the trip you have been waiting for is almost here. But your suitcase lies empty in front of you and you are at a loss as to one big question: What do I need to pack for a luxury villa vacation in...
by Mara Solomon | May 18, 2017 | Travel Advice
It’s question season here at Homebase Abroad. “Can we still find a house for this summer?” (Yes, except on the Amalfi Coast) “How do we get to Florence?” (We recommend by private car or train as parking a rental car is challenging), “How do we get on the water along...
by Mara Solomon | May 3, 2017 | Cities & Towns
Visiting a great city can sometimes feel like it comes with a lot of “shoulds.” Not the least is that you “should” actually find it a “great city” when maybe you won’t. When we work with guests on their plans for visiting Rome, we...
by Mara Solomon | Mar 10, 2017 | Activities, Italy Vacation Activities
We started travelling with our twin daughters when they were 6 months old. OK, so our work gave us good reason to take them along, but to this day we maintain those early experiences helped them grow into the interested, engaged, curious young women they are today....
by Mara Solomon | Mar 4, 2017 | Food
We all have special skills. As my friends and family know, mine is dressing a salad just so, like the Italians. Now, it is easy to get into a disagreement about food in Italy. Even about dressing a salad. I was told, in no uncertain terms some years ago, to apply the...
by Mara Solomon | Mar 2, 2017 | Activities, Travel Advice
La Pineta is a summer-time pilgrimage for the locals and there is always a warm welcome from the Zazzeri family. This is the place to see and be seen for evenings lingering over a superb summer meal of grilled fish with good wine surrounded by the impeccable style of...
by Mara Solomon | Jun 19, 2015 | Food, Wine
Getting close to the land is part and parcel of any introduction to the distinctive country ways of these mountains. At Homebase Abroad’s Villa San Lorenzo, this experience is magnified by the hospitality of your hosts– Stefano and Georgia. With them, you...
by Mara Solomon | Jun 19, 2015 | Activities, Cities & Towns, Food, Italy Vacation Activities, Wine
There remain only three working ‘bragozzi’– one of the many types of boats that once plied the waters of Venice. With Homebase Abroad, you will have a chance to get out for a gracious, relaxing day cruise across Venice’s lagoon to understand the...
by Mara Solomon | Apr 1, 2015 | Cities & Towns, Festivals & Holidays, Food
Before reading further, I suggest you pull up a map of Tuscany. Locate Siena and then trail you finger in a southwesterly direction until you no longer recognize the place names. Stop before you get to Grossetto and the sea at Monte Argentario. Benvenuto. You have...
by Mara Solomon | Mar 5, 2015 | Activities, Cities & Towns, Travel Advice
Have you heard about the Dolomites but cannot figure out why or where? Unfortunately, you have a lot of company. We have been crisscrossing Sud Tirol for the last several years, absorbing the beauty and distinction that marks this territory. We are delighted to offer...
by Mara Solomon | Dec 5, 2014 | Helpful Hints, Luxury Indulgences, Our Favorite Things, Travel Advice
Italians never sit down at an undressed table. For a snack and certainly for a special holiday feast, dressing the table is an essential part of preparing for a meal in true Italian style. A real meal in Italy is an evolution of tastes and colors reflected in the...
by Mara Solomon | Oct 17, 2014 | Activities, Helpful Hints, Italy Vacation Activities, Travel Advice
1. Manage everyone’s expectations Travel might be the ultimate test of relationships (besides politics according to my mother). We all do it differently and spend time and money according to our own priorities. Manage everyone’s expectations for time together and...
