Hilary Bendon

Italy Travel Agent Expert

As a former resident and many-time visitor, I never get tired of Italy, and I am passionate about helping my clients fall in love with it just like me.  Dreaming of fashion-forward Milan, romantic Venice, Renaissance Florence, sunny Puglia, volcanic Sicily, or all points in between, Italy is amazing. 

Whether it’s your first trip and you want to see the classics — Rome, Florence, and Venice — or your fifth trip and you’re ready to dive deeper into Italian culture (how about a food pilgrimage to Bologna, hiking the Cinque Terre, or lounging on the Amalfi Coast with a spritz in hand), Italy always has a fresh surprise around the corner. 

As the historic heart of the Roman Empire and birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy has shaped Western law, art, philosophy, and religion. It has produced everything from classical architecture and opera to everyday cuisine. Even after centuries, Italy still influences the world — and inspires travelers like me to keep returning! 

The Italian Renaissance lit up Europe like few other cultural movements, and cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome highlight some of the world’s most important artists, thinkers, and scientists. Today, you can wander museums, churches, and palaces filled with masterpieces — Raphael and Caravaggio, Michelangelo and Da Vinci, and of course the incomparable Vatican City. 

Rome is exactly the kind of city that makes you look up constantly — at ancient ruins, Baroque domes, Renaissance frescoes, watch out, though, for the occasional scooter zipping by. It’s Italy’s historic capital and blends the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Vatican City with modern Roman life.

I recommend putting aside the map for an afternoon and just getting lost. Walk the same cobblestone streets as emperors, popes, kings, and all types of modern residents and travelers. If it looks familiar, it’s because it appears in films from Roman Holiday to Gladiator.

A trip to Rome must include the Vatican, where you can strain your neck admiring Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square never fails to make even the most seasoned travelers whisper “wow.”

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and feels like you’ve stepped into a living museum. Here you’ll find Michelangelo’s David, Brunelleschi’s Dome, airy piazzas, leather markets, and Tuscan cuisine that convince people to extend their stay. 

Between museum visits, I love pointing clients toward a café terrace overlooking the Arno for a cappuccino break — the Medici family may have shaped Western history, but they also understood the value of a good view.

Venice never apologizes for being dramatic. Built over 100 islands, with canals instead of streets and gondolas instead of cars, the “Floating City” feels like a postcard come to life. St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, it’s filled with historic beauty. Carnival season adds extra sparkle, but honestly, that foggy morning in October wowed me! I love getting lost in the narrow alleyways; you always end up somewhere interesting. Venice was where I discovered squid ink pasta, jet black strands of deliciousness!

Milan is Italy’s modern face as a hub of fashion, design, finance, and media but also a city with serious historical bragging rights. Highlights include the Gothic Duomo, the legendary La Scala opera house, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. When clients ask if Milan is “worth it,” I smile and ask if they enjoy great food, great art, and great shopping — because Milan does all three, and with a perfect espresso shot.

Bologna wears its nicknames proudly: La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa – The Learned, The Fat, The Red. It was my home when I attended the oldest university in the Western world, dined on rich cuisine (Italians insist Bologna is the best place to eat), walked miles of terracotta roofs, and climbed medieval towers. If you love food, this region is heaven: mortadella, ragù (what the world calls Bolognese), Parmigiano-Reggiano, tortellini… I’ll stop before we all get hungry.

Sicily deserves its own trip — it’s big, diverse, delicious, and layered with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences. You’ll hear stories about the Mafia, but Sicily today shines with Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins, vibrant cities like Palermo, and Mt. Etna rumbling dramatically in the background. Gelato is great up north, but a granita in Sicily on a hot day is bliss in a cup!

Italy’s landscapes are amazing: winter skiing in the Dolomites, summer swims in Sicily, vineyard-studded Tuscany, citrus groves on the Amalfi Coast, and the olive-dotted hills of Puglia.

There’s something for every traveler –  art lovers, food enthusiasts, history buffs, beach loungers, hikers, fashionistas, kids, grandparents, honeymooners, and even those traveling just for the pasta.

No wonder Italy shows up on so many bucket lists. It has everything…and somehow offers more each time you return.

Costa Rica Travel Agent Specialist

Looking for a taste of Pura Vida? Welcome to Costa Rica! Pura Vida embodies the laid-back charm of the Tico spirit, Tico being the local word for a Costa Rican. On one of many COsta Rican adventures, you can experience the Central Valley, Caribbean coast, and the volcanic north. On this trip, let’s explore the city and Afro-Caribbean vibes. Arrive in San José on a warm afternoon and make your way into the Central Valley. The city is lively in a relaxed way, pura vida after all. In San José, there are museums, architecture, and colorful markets to wander through. There’s the Teatro Nacional (National Theater) on the Plaza de la Cultura which is the heart of arts and culture in San José. Known for ornate architecture, marble, murals, and gold leaf details, the Teatro Nacional is a 19th century European-style theater. Built when coffee exports were booming, the theater was completed in 1897 and serves as a cultural showcase for classical music concerts, ballet and opera, theatrical performances, and cultural festivals and special events. Take a guided tour and learn about how Ticos express themselves and their culture. Some other highlights of the Central Valley include the Irazú and Poás volcanos, the Orosi Valley, and the town of Sarchí. Irazú is a lunar-like volcanic crater from where you can see to both coasts on a clear day. Poás is a massive crater lake with easy access and is a great half-day trip. The Orosi Valley is scenic and known for coffee farms and colonial churches. A visit to Sarchí is highly recommended as you can see artisan crafts and the painted oxcarts and woodwork for which it is known. Enjoy some empanadas and an agua fresca (juice made from tropical fruits you may have never seen or heard of!) or a cold beer in Barrio Amón for an easy first taste of Costa Rica, a great way to ease into the Tico culture before heading into nature-focused days ahead. Heading for Tortuguero the road climbs into mountains, then drops toward the Caribbean side where the air feels thicker, and the vegetation is visibly denser. Arriving at the coast, you switch from land transportation to a boat which follows narrow canals shaded by overhanging trees. After a while you arrive in a small settlement with colorful houses that sits between river and sea. Tortuguero has no cars, only boats and footpaths, adding to the slow rhythm of the place. With a guide, explore the canals to spot wildlife, monkeys hopping between branches, iguanas stretching on logs, and herons stalking the edges of the water. In turtle nesting season (July through October or March through June depending on the species), staying up late allows you to watch green turtles or leatherbacks come ashore to nest. A quiet and respectful experience that feels almost unreal. Tortuguero is perfect for beach walks and talking with locals who work primarily in fishing and tourism. If you don’t speak Spanish, this is a great opportunity to use a translation app on your phone. Down the coast is Puerto Viejo. Reggae and calypso drift from beach bars emphasizing the Caribbean energy in the air. You can stay at a small lodge near Playa Cocles and ride bikes into town for arroz con frijoles (rice and beans cooked in coconut milk). There are also opportunities to join a chocolate tasting experience that explains how cacao is cultivated by indigenous communities. Otherwise head to the beach to swim or surf the gentle waves. In Cahuita National Park the trail hugs the shoreline and wildlife slowly appear. Watch a sloth draped over a branch, small lizards zipping across the sand, and capuchin monkeys eyeing your backpacks with an interest you will not appreciate. On calm days, you can snorkel around the reef. When you return to Puerto Viejo, try homemade ginger beer and enjoy listening to street musicians before dinner. Moving from the coast to the northern interior, the drive to La Fortuna passes banana plantations, patchwork farms, and rolling hills. Arenal Volcano appears ahead, clouded at the top but clearly defined. Check into a lodge with a view and spend the late afternoon soaking in hot springs. Ready for an adventure? Walk the hanging bridges to get a close look at the canopy. Hike down to the La Fortuna waterfall to swim in the cool water beneath the cliff. There are zipline tours, rafting on the Sarapiquí River, and coffee tasting for those who prefer a calmer pace. As the sky changes from gray to pink over the volcano, enjoy a lovely dinner in its shadow. On the return to San José stop at a roadside café for delicious gallo pinto and a last cup of coffee. Costa Rica has so much to offer. The Central Valley, the warmth and music of Afro Caribbean culture, and the volcanic north with its adventure and hot springs – there’s always something surprising around the next corner. While small on the map, Costa Rica offers diversity, relaxation and adventure all in one place.

Spain Travel Agent Specialist

For the first time visitor, a trip spanning the Mediterranean coast of Barcelona, the centrally located Madrid, and the northern reaches of Basque country, is a rich and exciting way to experience Spain. Including all three regions, the best time to travel here is either June or September to hit optimal weather and a taste of each of the three regions. Greeting Barcelona in the late morning sun with the steady hum of scooters is a fantastic start for a memorable trip to the Catalonia. Wandering narrow streets lined with stone facades and hidden courtyards is a beautiful introduction to Spain and the treasures and spirit of the Catalonian people. Dinner with tapas and vermouth at a small bar and ordering whatever looks unfamiliar introduces you to the beginning of the Spanish night out. Barcelona is well known for the art and architecture of Gaudí and has a strong artistic vibe. La Sagrada Família (Gaudí’s famous cathedral) stands out like an architectural puzzle in progress. From there, you can continue to walk along the elegant and cosmopolitan Passeig de Gràcia for fashionable shopping and high-end boutiques, moving past the Casa Batlló (Gaudí-designed residential building) and La Pedrera (Gaudí-designed ornate building) on the way to the Gràcia neighborhood (a small town feel within the bustling city) for dinner al fresco in a tree-covered plaza. Stay late into the night and venture into conversations with local Spaniards lingering over wine with new friends. Park Güell is filled with Gaudí pieces and can be followed by a relaxed lunch near Barceloneta. If sand and salt is your preference, settle on towels for a short nap and enjoy the relaxation; otherwise, a rented bike to cruise the waterfront is called for. Sunset from the Bunkers del Carmel adds a bit of drama to the evening. Now there’s a choice for a new day. Nature lovers head to Montserrat for cable car rides and fresh air. History fans board a train to Girona to walk medieval walls and hunt for the city’s famous pastries. Everyone reunites at the Barcelona Sants train station for the night train to Madrid, pleasantly tired and sharing photos of the day’s adventures as you relax on the high-speed train trip. Madrid is filled with grand avenues and leafy parks. The Royal Palace dazzles and Retiro Park offers a break beneath the Crystal Palace’s glass roof. Art enthusiasts, choose to immerse yourself in the Prado or Reina Sofía museum, as it may be a bit overwhelming to attempt both in one go. For the non-art lovers in the group, you can shop ‘til you drop or people watch over coffee in La Latina. A dinner of tapas becomes a full tasting tour, one small plate at a time. Enjoying small plates in each of the regions visited is a must for foodies looking to experience the heart and breadth of Spanish culinary delights. From Madrid, a day trip to either Segovia or Toledo is strongly recommended. Segovia is known for the Roman aqueduct and the storybook Alcázar, Toledo for its layered religious history and hilltop views. Culinary minded travelers must sample roast suckling pig in Segovia or marzipan in Toledo. Returning to Madrid for the required flamenco show delights and provides an experience charged with energetic rhythm. Moving on to the Basque region and one of my favorite towns in Spain – San Sebastián. As you view La Concha Bay shimmering under soft light, the feel and the pace instantly slow. San Sebastian is a lovely city, calm and quiet during the day and filled with lively pintxo bars into the night. A pintxo crawl introduces you to the Basque approach to food. Small bites, bold flavors, a smorgasbord for foodies. Now that you’re enjoying a slower pace, it’s time to hit the beach to kayak or surf or just lounge on the sand in the sun. If a hike is more to your liking, there’s a climb to Monte Igeldo for views that are a reward for every step exerted. Another option is to luxuriate at a terrace bar with chilled txakoli ( a light, crisp local white wine) and watch the world move by. For dinner, it’s the time in this trip for a special occasion at one of San Sebastian’s celebrated restaurants, exploring the wine and food of the region. For the last full day visiting Spain on this adventure in the Mediterranean coast and central and northern regions, a trip to Bilbao is a must. The curves and metallic surfaces of Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum is a treasured example of modern art. Taking it in before a lively lunch is a great way to enjoy the day. If modern art and architecture don’t do it for you, take a detour to Rioja Alavesa for vineyard tours and tastings among rolling hills. Enjoy the final dinner of the trip returning to San Sebastian or staying on in Bilbao. Spain is an experience with beautiful vistas, engaging culture and art, and fabulous food. Spaniards are friendly, stylish, and proud of their regional attributes. It’s a must on anyone’s bucket list!

Almost-Native Los Angeles Expert

Having moved to Los Angeles at the age of 3, growing up here, and spending the majority of my adult life in and around Southern California, settling again in Los Angeles, I love to share my city and its many neighborhoods, beauties, tourist highlights, and incredibly diverse and tasty cuisine!The first thing about LA isn’t the Hollywood sign, though that seems to be a fan favorite of first-timers, it’s the beach and the beach vibe. I happen to reside in the South Bay of Los Angeles in a town called Redondo Beach which has something for everyone – sand and surf, window (and actual) shopping, people watching, great food and drinks, and what, in Costa Rica they call Pura Vida – in Redondo, I’d call it The Good Life. If I were designing a trip to LA for a first-time visitor, following are the areas I would highlight: Venice & Santa Monica – both internationally known and local favorites. Instead of heading to Muscle Beach on a first visit to Venice, I would escort you to the canals, hence the namesake of the more famous city in Italy. I’d follow that with a trip to Abbot Kinney where we can find a nice place to eat or just walk along the boulevard to experience Venice away from the beach. Being in Venice, of course, calls for a visit to the beach and the cooky, wonderfully colorful and vibrant Venice residents. Try Gjusta for a great lunch along the boardwalk. There’s a line system, so grab a ticket when you walk in and get ready for a local outdoor meal. Another must-see is Griffith Park with a trip to the Observatory and a chance to enjoy a visit to the LA hills. A nice early-morning hike followed by a trip to the Observatory (free!) and then visit Barnsdall Art Park, a hidden gem most tourists skip entirely — Frank Lloyd Wright's only UNESCO site in the city, with a jaw-dropping view of the Hollywood Sign. So, there, we get the Hollywood sign in after all. Follow the road down to Los Feliz Village, a bohemian neighborhood below the hills. Vermont Avenue and Hillhurst are packed with indie coffee shops, bookstores, and restaurants. Try Fred 62 for a diner lunch, Casa Leo for a Spanish flair, or Trattoria Farfalla for Italian deliciousness. If you end up here in the evening, check out The Dresden, a 1950s supper club that's been operating since 1954, with live jazz nightly (Wed–Sun). Think leather booths, classic cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere you can't manufacture. Come for drinks and the vibe; the food is secondary! Other neighborhoods worth visiting are Koreatown and DTLA, K-Town for an alive and active after-dark scene. In DTLA, yes, LA actually has a Downtown, the Grand Central Market is a piece of LA history, and The Broad has world-class art with free entry. The Arts District is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in all of LA, and it has a genuinely compelling backstory that shapes everything about what it feels like today. The walkable neighborhood features a stretch of early-20th-century warehouses, many former factories, converted into swanky lofts and creative spaces, with coffee shops, designer and local boutiques, and what's likely the highest density of the city's best restaurants. The street art, the food scene, the art spaces, the weekend market, the breweries, something for anyone who ventures to visit. DTLA and K-Town show off the vastness of multiculturalism that LA is home to – over 200 languages are spoken here by residents of all backgrounds. Los Angeles is so diverse, it has been called the gene pool of the world. After experiencing the grittiness of the city, move out to the suburbs and nature and enjoy Malibu and the mountains. Renting a convertible allows you to soak in the sun from head to toe. Drive along Pacific Coast Highway, known to locals as PCH, past the Starbucks in Trancus to the windy part of the road towards Santa Barbara. If you hit Oxnard, turn around and head back to enjoy the flat Santa Monica beaches or Malibu Creek State Park which feels genuinely wild. Of course, seafood is abundant, and I suggest the Reel Inn, a local staple with casual outdoor seating at reasonable prices. There is so much more to see in Los Angeles, consider the Getty Center, the Silver Lake Reservoir Walk and Neighborhood, Echo Park Lake, and food – of all kinds and varieties. There’s Pasadena and the South Bay beaches – Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo – not to mention Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Sunset Boulevard, but you’ll be back…