I love America.  I really, really do.  But honestly, American tourists can be so obnoxious in foreign countries!  I really noticed this while living in Italy and here is a selection of the more egregious offenses – feel free to share your own experiences in the comments section.

Ask the server for Macaroni and Cheese. One of my favorite restaurants in Florence (albeit a popular American tourist spot), Acqua al’ Due, offers a wonderful pasta sampler serving a selection of their delicious pasta dishes.  It’s a great deal for those like me who can’t decide between the many, mouthwatering choices on the pasta menu.  It’s not so great for those who like to be in control and know exactly what they’re getting.  Like the man who, after receiving one dish, demanded his server bring him a plate of macaroni and cheese.  Classy, dude.

Assume you’re getting screwed. I’ve never once been suckered by anyone in Italy (not counting the gypsy beggars that I’ve seen buy wine with their “earnings,” so now you know better than to give them a buck too).  My dad tells the story of a couple, also at Acqua al’ Due, who thought they were being taken advantage of with every course they received.  The man even asked the waiter, what would happen if he didn’t like one of the pastas in their sampler.  The reality is, among the other dining options in Florence, that place is fairly inexpensive, and a total steal for the quality of food and service.  Nonetheless, the man assumed he was being cheated, was rude to the staff and made the entire room uncomfortable.

Be fat. You rarely see obesity abroad, and more often than not, when you do see it, it’s one of our own.  Even sadder than the basic fact, I’ve seen overweight tourists demand special treatment for their condition.  In one especially cringe-worthy incident, a man demanded help to make it to the top of the Duomo.  Not cool, especially in a place as ancient as Italy.  Buildings are old, spaces are smaller and you will have to propel yourself almost everywhere.  Mi dispiace, ma non c’è qui un ascensore. (That’s Italian for “I’m sorry sir, but there isn’t an elevator in this place).

Speak at High Volumes with Extreme Gesturing. Most Italians you will encounter can speak English.  Speaking loudly and flailing your arms does not help them to understand you any better.

Dress as tacky as humanly possible. Just because no one you know can see you, doesn’t mean the rest of the world can’t.  Leave the Birkenstocks, JanSport backpacks, fraternity tees and jean shorts at home.  I am very familiar with the amount of walking you will do in Italy, but lucky for you, there are many comfortable  (often orthotic) footwear options that aren’t your running shoes – Cole Haan is one of my favorites, but Aerosoles offers some pretty options as well, and you will do as the Roman’s do with a pair of sporty Pumas.

All joking aside, the worst behavior is often what people remember best.  Remember that as soon as you step off the plane in another country, you are a casual diplomat for your homeland.  Do a favor for the good travelers out there – stop making the rest of us look bad.

Images courtesy of Tacky Tourist Photos

This past weekend, boyfriend and I sought entertainment outside the heart of Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.  He’s an avid marksman and outdoor enthusiast, so I wanted to find something fun that would make up for dragging him down to my friend’s southern wedding during the peak of the holiday season.  Deep River Sporting Clays was our answer.

Raleigh-Durham is probably best known for college basketball.  On a stretch of the famous “Tobacco Road,” the area is home to Duke University, UNC and North Carolina State, with Wake Forest not too far away.  Attending a game wasn’t an option for us.  As an alumna and loyal fan of Wake Forest University, it would’ve been difficult – if not impossible – to cheer for either the Tar Heels or the Blue Devils.  So we looked outside the city limits for something to do.

Deep River Sporting Clays is located 45 miles southwest of the North Hills area of Raleigh.  The cool thing about their complex is how vast it is.  They are set up with a one mile, 13-station course, and each station has clays flying from different angles, at different speeds and even scurrying across the ground.  The ground targets were my favorite – they were slower with more surface area to aim for, and therefore were easier to hit.

Deep River made it very easy for us as visitors – they supplied our gun, ammunition, ear protection and even a “Lowes Branded” apron for us to carry our shells (although true to form, I dragged my Marc Jacobs bag to every station – a lady never knows when she needs her purse…).  Visitors need to bring their own eye protection: hunting goggles, sunglasses or eye glasses will do.  Our guide was extremely helpful (especially to me as a beginner), and I felt unbelievably comfortable with a shotgun within minutes.

At the end of the course, I was 4 of 50, while boyfriend hit about 20 targets.  In a way, the experience reminded me of golf.  With shotguns.  I have a ton of respect for the experienced marksmen that were out there shooting clays out of the sky with surgical precision.    I doubt I’ll ever be that good, but hope that next time I make it out, I’ll hit more than 8%.

Visitor’s Tip – check out the Deep River’s on site store.  The rifles on display seem to be almost museum quality, with elegant, elaborate engravings and beautiful hand carved details.

Image Courtesy of Deep River Sporting Clays

Call me a product of my generation, but when I think of the word “Smorgasbord” the Swedish Chef from Sesame Street automatically comes to mind. 

This gives no credit where it’s due.  Instead of the uber-buffet we Americans associate with the term, the smorgasbord is actually an artful, culinary tradition that the Swedes are very proud of.  Traditionally, it is a series of delicacies eaten in a specific order on clean plates.  Rooted in hospitality, the concept has its beginnings with the fourteenth century merchant and upper class, who served a variety of hors d’oeuvres to visiting guests, so that they wouldn’t get hungry before dinner.  Jaunted has further explanation.

You can always tell a tourist by the way they eat at one of these events, so do yourself a favor.  Don’t do the American thing and load up a single plate like you would at Golden Corral.  You’ll just embarrass yourself more than if you spilled that plate down your pants.  Instead try these tips from Visit Sweden and enjoy the art of smorgasbord – don’t forget to use a clean plate for every dish:

• Begin with the various herring dishes, egg dished with anchovies and shrimps plus salmon dishes (smoked salmon or grav lax which is a raw, marinated salmon). Those dishes are served with boiled potatoes and dill. The matjesill herring is also served together with sour cream and chives.
• Together with this first course you also take some Swedish crisp bread and cheese. You might also like to try a potato casserole with onions, anchovies and cream. Or try some smoked eel.
• To this you drink Swedish Aquavit and beer. Aquavit comes in different flavors like cumin, fennel and aniseed. And for Swedish beer, try Pripps!
• Next plate will be filled with cold cuts such as various sausages, ham and different pates.
• Now is the time for the warm dishes such as meat balls with lingon berries, roast beef and spare ribs. At Christmas time of course the HAM is the main course. Perhaps you would like to try some smokes reindeer if you don’t care you eat Santa’s horse…..
• No Smorgasbord can be too big or too varied but they should always contain some of the typical Swedish dishes such mentioned above.
• In addition to all this, you will also find various salads, and vegetable dishes to choose from.
• And finally at last, dessert – different cakes, fruits and chocolates. And together with this, a cup of real good, strong coffee and perhaps a glass of Swedish Flagg Punch.

Visit Sweden recommends that visitors enjoy a traditional smorgasbord at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm.

Image courtesy of MissMaud.com.au

I wanted to learn more about visiting Norway, so I went directly to the source.  According to the folks at Visit Norway, the coolest places to explore are in the northern parts of the country. 

The Lofoten Islands, an archipelago of seven main islands, top their list of places to visit, touting the area’s quaint villages, excellent fishing, whale watching excursions, and nature activities.  It’s true, its a stunning setting for hiking, kayaking tours or mountain climbing.  For the less adventurous, there is the always the Viking Museum where visitors can learn about the islands’ first inhabitants who arrived about 6,000 years ago.  There is also the opportunity to play that endless round of golf you’ve always dreamed of during one of the days of midnight sun (between May 27 and July 17). 

If you’re like me and aren’t so keen on frigid weather, Lofoten is surprisingly “temperate” compared to other places at the same latitude.  This is due to being in the path of the Gulf Stream and the coastal climate which creates mild winters and relatively cool summers.  The coldest months (January and February) average 30 degrees Fahrenheit, while the warmest months (July and August) stay in the lower 50s. 

Being above the Arctic Circle, Lofoten is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights.  Part of the reason is due to the “warm” climate I just mentioned, but also because the aurural oval crosses over the area.  The Polar Light Center is an excellent resource to learn more about the Northern Lights phenomenon. 

Keep in mind that activities in this part of the world are highly seasonal so plan ahead.

Now that you’re sold on the area, how do you get there? Trains and planes arrive from Oslo throughout the day, and once you arrive, rental cars, public buses and (in the summer months) boats will get you to where you want to be.

For more information, both Frommers and the New York Times have excellent travel guides on the Lofoten Islands. 

Images Courtesy of The New York Times and CodyDuncan.com

When my boyfriend’s parents mentioned they were targeting Scandinavia for their second European cruise excursion, to say my interest was piqued would be an understatement. While their itinerary is set, I did a little research and spoke with some experts on the subject to determine the most amazing places to visit in that part of the world. It’s a lot for a single posting, so keep your eyes peeled for my informal “series” on Scandinavia.

Prepare to drool. The experts in luxury adventure are expanding their offering from international tours with the launch of A&K Villas.  Under the premise of “where friendships flourish,” A&K’s new Web site allows users to browse drop dead gorgeous rental homes in various European regions including Spain/Portugal, Greece, France and Italy.  They boast a special “recipe” to ensure the A&K experience:

The A&K Villas Recipe:

• Take a fabulous destination, ideally suited to your family/ private party’s needs
• Add an expert team of local A&K Villas staff
• Offer the pick of the best properties in the region – with a range of facilities, sizes and prices
• Ensure those properties are safe, by conducting an annual health and safety audit of each property to check fire, gas, pool and general safety

Additionally, the service provides “finishing touches,” going beyond just setting up housing for your holiday, but arranging activities, like wine tastings, tee times and sightseeing tours. 

The coolest part of this service is the fact that all of these homes are in locations that are off the beaten track.  It facilitates exploration of less touristy areas, and submersion into local culture, a formula for an unbelievable vacation experience. 

Now if only I could afford it…

Image Courtesy of A&K Villas

Been dreaming of Machu Picchu?  No time like the present to make that dream a reality.  Orbitz is offering round trip flights between JFK and Lima (NON STOP!) starting at $250. Travel in May or June of next year to take advantage of this amazing rate. 

By the way, have I mentioned lately how much I heart AirFareWatchdog.com?  If you’re not already familiar with the site, it’s one of the best resources out there for airline deals.

With the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series coming to a close in Miami in a couple weeks, it’s your last chance for the year to channel your inner redneck and start strategizing for your ultimate infield experience.

I’ve done NASCAR a couple times (Daytona and Pocono), and going into my first experience with fairly low expectations I was pleasantly surprised (I may be southern, but I’m definitely not a country girl…). I’ve only watched from the infield and, in my opinion, that’s the best way to do it. Think of it as an extreme tailgate complete with RVs, handmade viewing platforms and the occasional lawnmower contraption. The people watching is equally entertaining to the race itself (but probably more so), and there is beer. Lots and lots of beer.

The next race is at Phoenix, and unfortunately, it’s a smaller track and doesn’t offer an infield option (although their campgrounds are extensive for those in the area who want to spend the weekend at the race), but if they did, here are my top tips for maximizing NASCAR fun:

7. Educate yourself. Every track has different rules. Some have an infield, some don’t. Some charge a lot for parking, while some charge very little. Tracks also have different rules for bringing in food and beverages. Know what you’re getting yourself into and you’ll get the most out of your NASCAR excursion.

6. Dress the part. Visit your local Wal-Mart and pick out your favorite Dale Jr. or Kyle Bush Tee Shirt, top it off with a camouflage hat from the hunting department and you’ll start to feel the part as soon as you get dressed on race day.

5. Let the girls organize supplies. It might be hard to get the ladies to join you for NASCAR, but enlist the help of those who do prior to race day. The morning of our Pocono 500 was chaos and between people already pregaming, getting themselves ready to go and packing the cars, a box of vital supplies was left behind. Not to blame the boys, but some gene in our extra X-chromosome makes us better planners and we can help avoid these situations. Besides, you guys just want to relax before leaving, right? Supplies not to be forgotten include:

• Beverages – alcohol and water
• Portable gas grill
• Spatula or tongs for cooking on portable gas grill (a smashed beer can works in a pinch)
• Sandwich meat, hamburgers, and hotdogs (don’t forget buns!)
• Preferred condiments
• Plastic cutlery and paper plates
• Chips and salsa
• Pasta or potato salad
• Bag of ice and cooler
• Brownies or cookies
• Collapsing tent for shade (or cover in the case of rain)
• Portable chairs or an old sheet to sit on
• First aid kit
• Digital camera with extra memory cards and batteries

4. Leave early and pick a spectacular spot. Do some research on the track – is there a particularly nasty curve? Are parts of the infield higher in elevation that might allow you to see more of the race? Find out and be strategic about your spot. Consider your neighbors and park in a way to allow yourself space for tip #2.

3. Pick a driver. I’m assuming that you, like myself, don’t really follow the sport or have a favorite driver, but just pick one and put some cash on him, if you feel so inclined. Whether you like the look of a car, know and love a sponsor or simply appreciate the alliteration in Jimmy Johnson’s name, you’ll feel more invested in the race and enjoy it more.

2. Bring Games. Wiffle Ball, Football, Corn Hole Boards or even saw horses and plank for beer pong. Chances are you’ll have some space around your site, so have fun with it. Keep in mind that some tracks only allow you to bring in what you can carry, so plan accordingly.

1. Stay hydrated and designate a driver to get you home. It’s a long day and it’s easy to get caught up in having a good time, but make sure you cover yourself – nothing kills a buzz like a DUI or a sick comrade.

Images courtesy of Washingtonpost.com and The Wander Woman

My best advice for travelers has always been to ask the locals, whether you’re exploring food, shopping or where to party all night long.  BlackBook Magazine has created an iPhone application that is about to make this process a whole lot easier (especially for the anti-social crowd and those afraid to talk to strangers).

I don’t mean to pen a lovefest…well, actually I do…but BlackBook Mobile guides might be one of my favorite apps.  Not only does it help me find great local spots, but it also offers “access perks” for discount and freebies.  Oh, and it’s super easy to use:

1. Choose your city from 40 56 locations around the globe (with more on the way)
2. Choose what you’re looking for: Restaurants, Bars & Clubs, Shopping or Hotels
3. Browse or use “Access” and “New Openings” options to find deals and the latest hotspots

All the listings are verified by insider sources, so you know you’re going someplace cool.  It also uses the iPhone’s GPS system to enable you to find the bar, boutique or hotel nearest to where you’re standing on the street.  I’ve used the app a lot in my hometown of NYC and it has never let me down.  Here are some examples:

Looking for a party dress in the Meatpacking District? No sweat.  BlackBook guides me to Diane von Furstenberg where I enjoyed 20% off the Vintage Collection.

Craving a quick drink before a waxing at Bliss 49, I get 30% off at the swanky Whiskey Blue in the midtown W Hotel.  Thanks, BlackBook!

No matter if you’re in Aspen or Vancouver, this is your lifeline to being hip.  For your own sake, just download it. 

Editor’s Note: Thanks to my friend Julie for introducing this app to me – once again I’m cooler because of you. 

Image courtesy of BlackBook Media

I turn your attention to a seasonal posting by fellow travel blogger, The Brooklyn Nomad. 

“Apparently growing a huge pumpkin to about 700-1,000 lbs., tying it up to a crane, raising it high above a small audience, and dropping it violently onto a helpless car below is a pretty popular fall pastime around the United States. Some people just have way too much time on their hands.”

The YouTube videos are priceless and, like any good southern girl, I wish I was there to join in.  Guess I’ll have to settle for tossing a pumpkin off the roof of my building in Manhattan…orrrrrrr not. **

**yeah, let’s not try this at home.