The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Traveling in the COVID-19 ERA means keeping your distances, wearing a mask always except when sitting/ eating, checking your temperature, 100% sanitized rooms and let us not forget washing your hands. In this new way of life I refuse to stop seeing, breathing, eating, and living new experiences. Of course, all within reason and safety is at my top of mind. I personally do not travel alone, I travel in a pack with one husband and three small children under the age of seven. I wanted to share my travel experiences to maybe alleviate fears, offer my thoughts on what I experienced and let us not forget the destination, Turin, Italy. We decided last minute so basically in the week for the week to travel to Turin, Italy via Car with myself, my husband, three children and in-laws during the Autumn holiday. At first, I wanted to stay in my country, Switzerland due to the pandemic and then someone mentioned the magic word Italy. It is one country that has always put a spell over me, and I can never say no to. I cannot say no to the food, the people, the culture, the language, the sites, and the shopping. You had me at Italy… We went through three countries in one day, through the Mont blanc Tunnel. A long weekend in Italy is always a good idea and even during this difficult time. During our time there we stayed at the Hotel PRINCIPI DI PIEMONTE it is a five-star hotel located in the centre of Turin. Our stay included breakfast, spacious guest rooms and was incredibly sanitary following the new COVID-19 procedures. Upon arrival you needed to offer your temperature, sanitize your hands, always keep your distance, and wear a mask. The mask rule was always required except when you were in your guest room or sitting to eat starting at the age of 6 years old. The first evening we ended up at the Piazza San Carlo and it was full of life. Street performers, singers, fire jugglers and musicians filled the air with an infectious joy that I had not felt in quite some time. Most performers have masks, people stood at a distance and it provided a great start to a weekend of travel during the Covid era. What to do, we went to the following and I would recommend all three with or without children. First, we went to the Egyptian museum Museo Egizio within walking distance of the Hotel. Here you can discover ancient Egyptian artifacts and the museum itself was founded in 1824. From the exhibits to the building all was worth the visit. Second, we went to the National Automobile Museum Museo Nazionale dell`Automobile which we took a taxi to get to. The building on the outside was discrete but upon entering the building I found it to be an architectural diamond in the rough: designed by architect Cino Zucchi. It was empty, we saw one other family and it is the largest museum dedicated to the car industry. It has three floors and is an interesting journey of the inceptions of automobiles into today’s world for all ages. Third, finally as any family with young children we had to visit the Valentino Park and we took a taxi as it is outside the centre as well. The park has playgrounds, botanical gardens, the Baroque Castle (Castello del Valentino), a Medieval Castle and Village. It was nice to be outside, see some green landscapes and all while wearing a mask. All in all, the weekend getaway was a nice change of scenery, educational, good food (not mentioned in the article) and a well needed respite from the daily rigors of life. Published February 2021 Written by Lori Castelnuovo

Let us dive right into part deux. Provence is a region filled with many little towns/villages and one of my favourites is Uzès. Tourism is one of its main industries along with wine and culture. Uzès like most places has an extremely popular Saturday “marché” market. This market offers local products, clothing and other textiles made in the region, which is perfect for attracting a tourist market. In regards to family travels you can visit the famous Haribo museum, a must visit to every child’s delight. One more hidden treasure is the Green Park “about 20 minutes outside of Uzés; a 100% natural park filled with animals, vegetable gardens, multiple playgrounds for all ages and it is the ideal park to spend the day and let your little ones run about and enjoy the great outdoors. Moving to Saint Rémy de Provence where you can stroll its enchanting streets lined with ancient plane trees and through narrow passages to hidden squares and fountains. Explore the Alpilles, a chain of little mountains where Van Gogh and other artists and writers were inspired by the landscape and natural, untamed beauty. This area is a land with proud traditions and authentic styles. Besides the amazing surroundings there are many boutiques and art galleries to visit. You can sit outside and enjoy a coffee at a local café or a restaurant, or some of the local delights or enjoy the spectacular views of this natural beauty. Provence is region filled with many sights however a must have is a car to get around easily or we can arrange it for you with a full day activities. Imagine a private driver taking you to discover some of the best wines in Provence and meet the producers of the region with your expert, local guide. What about a private hike? Provence is filled with beauty and adventure so why not taking a walk with a local guide who can show you the insights, stunning views and endless vineyards. The landscapes have an average of 300 days of sun per year and any hike can be tailored to your personal level. Why not visiting Provence in Autumn, where the temperatures are cooler, and you can enjoy the magical light of Autumn. Peek into the more traditional Provençal life during this time period and see the stunning colours of your favourite vineyards Autumn foliage. Published October 2020 Written by Lori Castelnuovo

As we are in uncertain times, I wonder if the summer will include more car trips, less air travel and for Europeans this means, the South of France. The beauty of this part of France is undeniable and when I think of Provence, I cannot help but think about the smell of lavender, bathing in the Rhône River, visits to Avignon, and sipping on a glass of Cote du Rhône. The Rhône River cannot be missed literally, it flows from the Swiss Glaciers all the way to the Southeast of France which brings us to one of the most celebrated cities in the South of France, Avignon. Avignon is on the Rhône River in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region, Avignon is known as the “City of the Popes/ Palais des Papes”. Why the name “City of Popes/ Palais des Papes” because from 1309-1377 the Popes lived and worked out of Avignon. It is located on the left bank of the Rhône and is an appealing city with ancient streets, architectural beauty, theatres, museums and is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. Summer in Avignon consists of visiting the “City of the Popes/ Palais des Papes”, taking a walk along the Pont d’Avignon which a lot of children sing the song Sur le Pont d'Avignon and of course the Festival d’Avignon. Sadly, the annual Festival d’Avignon is not happening, this year would have been the 74th edition however there is always summer 2021. If you venture out of the city, there is another UNESCO World Heritage site, Le Pont du Gard. “Le Pont du Gard a three-level stone aqueduct bridge and one of the best-preserved pieces of ancient Roman architecture in the whole of France.” Located about 30 minutes from Avignon. Avignon is a city of wine, also known to be the Capital of Rhône Valley wines and produces around 89% red wine, 7% rosé wine and 4% white wine. Côtes du Rhône wines have been produced for over 2,000 years and are primarily full-bodied wines which makes for a sensory experience. There are plenty of full day or half day wine tours at your finger tips. Where to stay, how about at the 5 Star historic La Mirande an old mansion with (26) rooms at the centre of Avignon, the “City of Popes/ Palais des Papes”. The restaurant is a real gastronomic experience with the option to eat at the Chef`s Table. A real historic experience at the heart of the centre and for more information contact Travel your travel advisor, LAC Travelbylac@outlook.com or www.travelbylac.com. As the world reopens, rediscovers, and redefines how to create memorable experiences for now we dream, eventual travel and ensure we keep this close to our consciousness.