Travel guide: How to have fun in Florence

A 22-year-old German man has been detained in Florence accused of damaging a statue in the 16th-century Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza della Signoria, city authorities said in a statement.

New York City is home to 73 Michelin Star restaurants, with a new batch of awards due this fall. Before the official ceremony on November 7, the world renowned guide has announced a batch of 15 new restaurants that can be up for stars or Bib Gourmand recognition this coming year.

Florence has been at the top of my travel bucket list for years, and this summer I finally crossed it off. It's since made its way to the top of another list of mine—my ranking of favorite cities. The food, the architecture, the rich history, and, of course, the gelato make it a city like no other. What I loved most about Florence was how surprisingly small it is—every restaurant, museum, and tourist attraction I hoped to visit was in walking distance of one another, which made seeing everything I possibly could see during my three-day stay doable. Hoping for an accommodation that was a little more homey and spacious than a hotel, my partner and I booked a gorgeous Airbnb with a private terrace in the heart of Florence.

Leave the daily grind at home and treat yourself to a grownup good time in Wilmington, NC, and its beaches this fall. Whether you’re looking forward to a solo getaway, a trip sans kids, a romantic retreat, a retirement adventure, or a friend meetup, this is an ideal destination for mixing the sun and sea with historic charm, coastal cuisine, and city sightseeing year-round — especially after Labor Day, when kids are back in school. Dive into live tunes by the water, ride the waves on scenic cruises, dig into authentic history and culture, and savor coastal eats all on one trip.

One of Web3's busiest buzz words is “community.” As is the case with many far-reaching words, it’s not always clear just what “community” promises. Sometimes it can mean readership, other times it reflects a steadfast fanbase and then there are times when it boils down to social media engagement. Perhaps at its best, “community” represents landing in a foreign land and meeting internet friends in real life.

Birch Selsdon, once an historic estate and golf course, covering 200 acres on the outskirts of London, is now a hip new hotel, a much anticipated followup to sister property Birch Cheshunt, which opened three years ago. It’s a great blend of classic and contemporary elements, providing a serene retreat, surrounded by natural beauty. Like the Cheshunt hotel, this peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle is a short drive or train journey from London but feels like the middle of the countryside once you arrive.

Earning miles and points is easy for consumers who sign up for credit cards or special rewards programs. But knowing where and how to use those points to make their travel dreams come true has proven much more challenging – an estimated $30 billion in loyalty points go unredeemed each year.  

A tourist climbed up the famous Fountain of Neptune in Florence, Italy, this weekend, damaging it by breaking off a piece of marble in the process, the city's mayor said.

With its iconic monuments, timeless landscapes and irresistible food, Italy is one of Europe’s most alluring destinations. Its historic cities promise thrilling art and architecture at every turn while its varied coastlines and Alpine heights provide a stunning outdoor playground.

For most French people, Provence conjures up the sound of the cicadas, the lovely accent of the inhabitants of the region, sunny weather, and olives. To most outsiders, Provence is all about lavender fields. No matter where you’re from and what you think Provence is like, you won’t be disappointed because it’s all the above. The historical region of Provence is an area of simple beauty and unhurried, uncomplicated pleasures, all of which are best enjoyed in the late spring and summer.

Forget the huge hotels with hundreds of identical rooms. If you’re planning a trip to the Tuscan capital of Florence, Italy, consider the intimate 18th-century palazzo of AdAstra. Not only is each and every one of its 14 rooms totally unique, but the storied, luxe mansion overlooks a secret garden with a gorgeous neo-gothic fairytale tower designed for observing the stars.

Italy will have 24-hour armed guards put in place following the $10,800 repair of a historic landmark that German tourists spray painted this week, the country's culture ministry and Florence's Uffizi Gallery said.