9 of the best things to do with kids in Sicily, Italy

The best way to get around Puglia is definitely by renting your own set of wheels, be they four or two. While you can easily navigate major cities with trains and buses, the same is not true when you leave the city.

If you want to holiday in Italy like a true Italian, then head down to Puglia.

A trip to the Maldives — that dreamy equatorial archipelago of white-sand beaches, swaying palms and vibrant reefs — might seem like Champagne wishes and caviar dreams. And its luxury resorts certainly offer plenty of both delicacies. However, there are also affordable all-inclusive options where you won't pay extra for a satisfying meal or a cocktail at the bar, which can be a relief after the time and money spent to reach this far-flung destination.

Puglia might still be a somewhat under-the-radar destination compared to other Italian regions, but locals know that the country’s easternmost region is emblematic of all the best things Italy has to offer: stunning natural landscapes, millennia-old history, rich folklore and delicious cuisine.

Looking for a springtime pick-me-up? These free travel contests, giveaways and sweepstakes could be just the ticket to have you winging to far-flung getaways with just a little luck. From big-ticket prices from famous hospitality brands to short weekend trips closer to home, these are some of the top competitions worth considering.

The Amalfi Coast – with its bougainvillea-draped fishing villages and rugged coastal panoramas – tops many a traveler's bucket list.

Puglia, the heel of the great Italian boot, packs in just about everything we love about Italy: olive groves and vineyards, picturesque hill towns, extraordinary art and architecture, superb food and wine. But it all comes with a Puglian twist and a host of unexpected influences. This region was, after all, once the stomping ground of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Angevins and Spaniards, whose legacy is still keenly felt in the architecture of its churches and towns. Add to that 800km of beaches fringing Italy’s easternmost coastline, and you have a region that is forever upending expectations.

With an 1800-km-long (1118-mile-long) shoreline sloping into some of the clearest Mediterranean waters, it's easy to see how Sardinia has become one of Italy's most coveted summer destinations.

For many travelers to the Philippines, Manila is a gateway to the country’s beautiful islands and exotic beaches. But as the editors of Forbes Travel Guide point out, the Philippine capital has plenty of beautiful luxury hotels offering unique experiences. From an immersive art tour at Raffles Makati to a speakeasy at Shangri-La at The Fort, where visitors can create their own gin, here is the FTG guide to Manila’s best hotels.

Ferries and resorts fill up during summer when crowds reach Sardinia to make the most of its dreamy coastline. But turquoise waters are just part of the allure. Ancient traditions blend with diverse landscapes on Italy’s second island, where stretches of fine sand and soaring cliffs surround a mountainous interior covered in Mediterranean scrub.

Blessed with a balmy Mediterranean climate, white sands and sparkling waters, Sardinia is one of southern Europe’s most alluring beach destinations.

As for much of Italy, Sardinia promises an unforgettable family adventure that blends pristine natural landscapes with mysterious archeological sites, flavorful food and welcoming people, all set in the captivating atmosphere of the Mediterranean Sea’s second-largest island.