Italy has long fascinated travel expert Rick Steves. Despite the country's association with romance and beauty, Steves admires the realness of the place — the primary reason why he warns some travelers against visiting the city of Naples. Italy, especially this part, has a frankness in the air Steves wrote about on his blog in one of the many pieces dedicated to the country he has produced through the years.

The Popular City In Italy Rick Steves Doesn't Recommend For Everyone

There are many reasons to travel, from family vacations to work to exploration. What if your day job is traveling, though? Where would a travel expert go to unwind when traveling is their job? For Rick Steves, that place is Costa Rica, and it's easy to see why. It's full of sheer tropical beauty, surfing, swimming, and animal encounters, such as diving with sharks or seeing sloths up close. You can have a pretty unforgettable vacation in Costa Rica doing all of these things, but that's not what Steves mentions loving about the destination on his website. The thing that charmed him and made it a true vacation was that he and his family could unplug.

Here's What Rick Steves Loved Most About His Vacation In Costa Rica

Overtourism is almost a hackneyed phrase for Italy. With around 60 million annual visitors, the weight of tourism is a struggle for historically popular areas like Venice, which is currently piloting a fee program for day-trippers. Similarly, crowds in Rome and Florence are driving visitors to look for alternatives, and it's redirecting the spotlight toward different areas in this vast country. For example, Lake Molveno is a beautiful alternative to the overcrowded Lake Como and the accessible island of Ischia is drawing tourists away from the more crowded and expensive Capri.

The Italian Destination That Boasts Amalfi Coast Views At A Lower Cost With Fewer Crowds

Italy is indeed a beautiful country. From its islands that don't get enough attention to the epic hikes on the active volcano of Mt. Etna, it's a diverse and dynamic combination of land and sea. Although visitors can traverse the Dolomites in the north or maneuver through popular stops along the Amalfi Coast, many first time visitors use Rome as a home base, which is a solid plan. However, once you've followed all the rules at the Trevi Fountain and stood where gladiators battled at the Colosseum, you might be looking for a smaller, more local vibe. Fortunately, there's an alternative nearby that's off the radar for most tourists. It's called Molise, and it's the second smallest region in the country.

Italy's 'Forgotten Region' Is An Unspoiled Coastal Gem Full Of Beaches, Food, And Villages

There are 227 inhabited Greek islands and plenty of magnificent cities and villages on the mainland, so there are lots of destinations to choose from when visiting this historic and beautiful country. While you're likely familiar with the city of iconic Athens and its spectacular museums, the popular beaches on the island of Mykonos, and Santorini (which can get really overcrowded and, thus, expensive), there are so many underrated options. One destination with enough to do for a whole week at least (or maybe even a lifetime) is the island of Crete.

Experience Santorini Without The High Cost And Crowds At This Underrated Greek Gem

Blanco, TX

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Brigid Pfeifer

There were a number of celebrities who passed away within the past week, including two notable actresses: Shelley Duvall and Shannen Doherty. Shelley Duvall passed away on Thursday July 11th at her home in Blanco, Texas. The cause of death was complications from diabetes and news of her death was confirmed by her partner Dan Gilroy.

Two Beloved Hollywood Actresses Have Passed Away This Week

FinanceBuzz

If you're planning a European getaway, here are 15 tourist spots that travel experts are suggesting vacationers skip this summer — and the reasons why.

15 European Destinations That Travel Experts Say To Avoid in 2024

New York City, NY

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Cheryl E Preston

Yesterday was the third time this year that an ad stating Chelsea Clinton lives in a beautiful Virginia home popped up on my laptop. My computer did not warn me this was a dangerous site, so this time, I clicked on the link.

Chelsea Clinton is rumored to be living in Virginia but probably still in NYC

Many of us treat our passports as one of our most cherished possessions, and honestly, why not? Regardless of how powerful your passport is, it serves as our literal pass to enter other countries, including back to our own. Some folks even slap on fancy passport covers they spent money on for extra protection, while others fuss over looking nice in their passport photos since they usually last a decade and function as a valid form of identification, too. But let's be real, the best part of a passport is the stamps. Part of the fun of visiting other countries is collecting those little inked mementos. Unfortunately, the days of collecting them are dwindling as more countries go digital.

Here's Why You Didn't Get A Stamp On Your Passport At The Airport

Lancaster County, PA

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Fans of Frisco's Chicken were left reeling as the beloved Peruvian-style eatery announced the closure of all its locations in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The chain, known for its delicious food and strong community values, posted a heartfelt note on its doors, informing customers of the devastating news.

Favorite Chicken Chain Suddenly Closes All Stores, Heartfelt Message Found on Doors

A road network of thousands of miles that stretches across the country, Spain is one of the best places in Europe to road trip. There's truly a driving journey for everyone in this sunny corner of Europe, from connecting the dots between the largest cities to discovering hidden gems you would never have visited otherwise. Bounce between foodie hotspots like San Sebastian and the Rioja wine region or go from one artist hub to another in Malaga and Figueres.

This Country Is The Absolute Best For Road Trips In All Of Europe

Virginia State

Virginia Wendy Williams fans, this is your July 2024 update on the former talk show host. Her best friend of 44 years, Regina Schell, has shared recent concerns with TV Show Aces and says she has not seen or talked to Wendy in more than a year.

Wendy Williams fans are worried after her best friend claims not to have heard from her in a year

Travel expert and TV host Samantha Brown is all about finding authentic travel experiences, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that when asked her choices for the most overrated places in the world, she chose two spots that famously cater to tourists rather than locals: the main piazzas in popular Italian cities and New York City's Times Square.

The Two Most Overrated Destinations In The World, According To Samantha Brown

Chicago, IL

Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

For many, Machu Picchu is one of those once-in-a-lifetime destinations you don't want to miss out on, but believe it or not, there is another nearby site that offers a lot of the same features, but without the crowds: Choquequirao. The ruins of the Incan city Machu Picchu are so popular that Peru has had to cap the number of visitors who are permitted to visit daily. That number is usually 4,500 per day, and with thousands of people trying to experience the thrill of visiting Machu Picchu, it's literally always crowded. That doesn't mean you won't enjoy your trek up Inca Trail, but if you're looking for a quieter journey, you should consider the "sister" site of Choquequirao instead.

These Under-The-Radar Ancient Ruins Are Best Known As Machu Picchu's Uncrowded 'Sister'

Irish Star

Clifden combines incredible scenery, with fascinating local history and regularly draws huge crowds of tourists

Beautiful Irish town on Wild Atlantic Way where history meets 'savage beauty'

Millions of tourists have visited the famous Cliffs of Moher in Ireland but there is another stunning coastal spot nearby that is way less crowded and is just as beautiful

Ireland's tourists say 'forget the Cliffs of Moher' and visit a 'breathtaking' spot close by

Malibu, CA

A sun-drenched pocket of salt, sea, and sand, Malibu's coveted hidden beaches are every bit the quintessential California dream. Malibu locals have some of the world's best beaches at the tip of their fingers, with residents just a seashell's throw away from gems like Zuma and El Matador Beach. Only one hour from Los Angeles and a perfect stop on a trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu will transport you with its stunning patches of paradise. While Malibu Surfrider Beach and Point Dume State Beach might top the list of Malibu's most popular beaches, this picturesque stretch of coastline has more than one hidden gem at the base of its towering bluffs.

This Little-Known California Beach With A Hidden Entrance Is A Secluded Paradise

The summer is coming, and Italy is getting ready to welcome millions of people eager to enjoy its beauty. This is nothing new, as the essential role of tourism in the country’s economy and welfare is well known. Indeed, tourism significantly contributes to both Italy’s GDP and employment: in...

Ciao Estate! Explore the beauty of Italy’s Blue Flag beaches

Walk in the fabled footsteps of the Roman Gods. The shoreline of the Amalfi Coast is a tourist magnet. But there’s another side to the coastline worlds away from the beach clubs and waterside bars. A series of cliffs and mountains rise almost directly from the sea and are threaded through with hiking and walking paths. Here are 10 of the best that let you explore fragrant lemon groves, pocket-sized villages, and nature-rich reserves.

The 10 Best Walks and Hikes Along the Amalfi Coast

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Rick Steves Says This Is The Most Underrated Hill Town In Italy

There are hill towns aplenty in the Italian countryside, from Cortona to Montepulciano to San Gimignano. The wonderful old buildings clustered together at the top of...

Rick Steves Says This Is The Most Underrated Hill Town In Italy

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