Fine Traveling

Typical traffic along the Grand Canal. Courtesy Marisa Allegra Williams. In its latest attempt to fund and fight for its survival, the city of Venice in Italy - an UNESCO World Heritage Site - will implement a new tax on tourists starting on August 24 of this year. Tariffs will vary according to high or low season. The millions of euros raised will go toward efforts to save the sinking city from rising sea levels and increasingly frequent winter storms. Also swamped by tourists, the city struggles with a daily deluge of travelers that matches or outnumbers the current population of just 60,000.Visitors staying at five-star hotels will incur an additional 4.50 euros per stay, while those crashing at less luxurious accommodations will be taxed on a sliding scale as the city inches closer to a long-advocated idea of an entrance fee. John Kay, a British economist, points out that a visitor tax makes perfect sense for a popular destination like Venice. If we regard Venice as one of the cro...

Renderings of the National September 11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan. Set to open this September 12, the 9/11 Memorial will be dedicated on September 11 to mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks in a special ceremony for victims families. The moving memorial is located at the site of the former World Trade Center complex and spans approximately half of the 16-acre site. Marking the footprints of the twin towers, the memorial features two waterfalls and reflecting pools, each about an acre in size.To compliment the memorial, there is also a 9/11 Museum - set to open in September, also. The museum will house a growing permanent collection of artifacts, stories, photographs, and other relevant material. Expected to draw millions of visitors each year, roughly 9 of the 50 million annual travelers to New York make their way to Lower Manhattan and the area around Ground Zero. (SFGate)Find great luxury hotels in New York City on Perfect Escapes .

Still image from "LA Light" by Colin Rich. Beloved for its wonderful weather, laidback culture, love of good food, and fantastic terrain - both urban and au natural - the great state of California has long been a destination for artists and dreamers. And for those dreaming of a holiday here, these two short films - LA Light by Colin Rich and A Day in California by Ryan Killackey - are a great source of inspiration to plan a California visit. Each is a unique and beautiful ode to the golden state.Find a great luxury hotel in Northern or Southern California on Perfect Escapes .

Sophisticated ladies be advised; hiking boots are obligatory when visiting Samons , a deceptively sweet French village that hosts a range of Alpine adrenalin sports.Winter or summer, Samons is bustling with activity yet this authentic, friendly French village remains relatively undiscovered.A charming mix of rustic French farmhouse and chic modern hotel, Ferme du Ciel offers a reassuringly elegantbase from which to explore the area and to experience some sporting challenges. There are a range of physically and mentally challenging sports for those gutsy enough to partake, including rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning, white water rafting, hydro-speeding, caving,parapenting, mountain biking, glacial hiking and more.Staff at Ferme du Ciel will arrange bookings and transport to your preferred activities, and you can relax afterwards with a gentle swim, round of golf, massage or a Champagne on the terrace if its more your style.Whatever your adrenalin-fix, well-appointed Ferme du Ciel is...

1. The Nam Hai This resort opened in 2006, and is still consistently rated amongst the best resorts in Asia. From the first moment you step out of your vehicle on the driveway, Nam Hai ticks all the boxes. This stunning very plush resort has direct access onto Hoi An Beach. The villas are simply amazing, and then theres an opportunity for those fortunate enough to own their own residence here as well. Choose between 2 and 5 bedrooms. We enjoyed impeccable service, the row of palm trees swayed gently in the afternoon breeze, while we delighted in our perfect cocktail on the patio, enjoying an uninterrupted view of the warm South China Sea. I had the chefs curry fish specialty just try it and youll agree! Impeccable service, with finest attention to all details. The spa, I believe, is to be rated amongst the worlds best, the 18-hole Colin Montgomerie golf course are some of the extra bits you can savor when visiting Nam Hai. I cant wait to return here soon. 2. Six Senses Con Dao Opened...

The much loved Sani Resort in Halkidiki, Greece has unveiled five new luxurious Family Suites at Sani Asterias Suites and ten stunning new Marina Junior Suites at Porto Sani Village . The new Family Suites at Sani Asterias Suites are ideal for those travelling with children, featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a separate and spacious living area. All feature stunning views of the Aegean Sea or picturesque Sani Marina and offer a contemporary and luxurious style. Following a total refurbishment, all Marina Junior Suites at Porto Sani Village have been transformed and now feature a fresh, contemporary marine-inspired look and are an ideal spot to soak up the buzz of the vibrant Marina. Sani Asterias Suites Sani Resorts Boutique Hotel, Sani Asterias Suites sits in its own serenely landscaped gardens and benefits from its own private beach. Families who enjoy the finer things in life will rejoice at the news that five stunning new two-bedroom suites are now available. The five new ...