Travel off the beaten track and experience

My relationship with horses has been tough since one of those four-legged creatures threw me into a pile of mud a couple of years ago in Costa Rica.  Since that, I have been hesitant to ride a horse. That doesn’t mean I have steered clear from those beautiful beasts.  As a matter of fact, I became very excited with the idea of visiting the Quicksilver Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley.  This particular area has a long history of western traditions. I was able to observe cowboy style towns, horse ranches, and carriages. Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch has contributed to maintaining the area heritage but has also given a twist to the horse breeding business.  The place is dedicated to breeding fine, miniature horses. Yes, you read right. Adorable horses roam among rolling hills, shady oaks, and perfectly planted vineyards. If you take Alamo Pintado Road from Solvang towards Los Olivos, the ranch is easily spotted on the right side (ask for directions ...

Garrapata. Garrapata. It is difficult to understand how a noun that inspires all sorts of disgusting thoughts can be used to describe such a beautiful place. I am referring to the Garrapata State Park located in the northern part of Big Sur (about 7 miles south of Carmel). Garrapata means “thick” in Spanish.  After some comprehensive research, I haven’t been able to find why this park bears this name.   Different areas within the park are named after the families who owned the land before the state acquire it.  However, there are no references to the garrapata origins.  Since this land was used to raise cattle, I am assuming the current name has something to do with the little blood suckers infesting the livestock. But let’s forget about the name for a moment and focus on what it is important.  In this place you can find a jagged coastline, white sands, redwood-filled canyons, 60 species of mammals and 110 species of birds.  I do not know about you but this is what I call amazing!...

Santorini a well known Greek island is one of the most famous and visited tourist attraction of the world.  This volcanic Cycladic island is known for its stunning sunsets, rugged landscape, volcanic calderas, traditional Greek style white houses, blue domes, colored lava beaches, and splendid views of blue Aegean sea. Officially Santorini is known as Thera and this arc-shaped island has many local settlements or villages where you can choose your accommodation in Santorini.  It is always a confusion about where to stay in Santorini as there are so many choices here.  So let’s select Best Santorini hotels – Perfect Accommodation in Santorini. Sunset view from Pantelia Suites Best Santorini Hotels – Perfect Accommodation in Santorini All of the neighborhoods or villages of this island have a unique charm and let’s see which one you prefer-   Fira – Main cliff top town. Famous for a stunning sunset, many bars, cafes, taverns, hotels, and nightlife. Oia – World famous sunset ...

Florence, the capital city of Tuscany in Italy is famous for Renaissance art, architecture, and sculpture.  Thus Florence is known as Cradle of Renaissance.  This stunningly, the romantic city attracts millions of tourists every year.  In this article, I am going to take a Quick Florence Tour – Cradle of Renaissance.   Quick Florence Tour – Cradle of Renaissance Florence contains numerous museums, cathedrals, bridges, monuments, art, sculptures and architectural wonders.  Florence is also famous for Tuscany gourmet, artworks from Michelangelo, handmade jewelry, leather products and world famous wine from Tuscan vineyards.  Read about Backpacking Italy Guide with many Itineraries or  Planning a trip to Italy on a budget. Facts about Florence Forbes ranked Florence as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  Also, Florence is an important fashion city and for this, it also falls under the top 15 fashion capitals of the world and therefore Florence should always be placed...