“When’s the best time to visit South Africa?” This question come up often, and our answer is always this: South Africa offers endless epic experiences year-round. No matter when you decide to go, it’s the perfect time for some kind of epic experience. …
Morocco sits at a crossroads of several civilizations, and ancient traditions are still part of everyday life. It’s seductive, as sweeping deserts contrast with more than 1,000 miles of coastline. Daily life in this predominantly Muslim country follows the rhythms of calls to prayer —but also the rhythms of the souks …
Read MoreCNN named Vietnam’s pho (noodle soup) and goi cuon (fresh summer rolls) among the world’s 50 best dishes. Other dishes found in the bustling food stalls and city street corners include banh mi, which food celeb Anthony Bourdain described as "a symphony within a sandwich" …
Read MoreIf you are traveling to Tuscany soon, then buonjiorno! If you’re not—most of us, right?—then the next best thing is to cook up some Tuscan deliciousness. Frances and Ed Mayes cookbook, The Tuscan Sun Cookbook: Recipes from Our Italian Kitchen, allows you to experience Tuscany not as a travel photo of …
Read MoreChic Barcelona is where all food trips to Catalonia should begin. The thriving Catalan capital is a perfect harmony of Catalan and Spanish, traditional and modern, exciting and laid-back. Stroll the historic Gothic and Born quarters and stop at markets bursting with colorful produce and “best of …
Read MoreIs there anything better than a puppy? Yes! An Istrian truffle-hunting puppy. There are many reasons to visit the Balkan beauty of Croatia. Game of Thrones fans see the stone-walled medieval city of Dubrovnik. Oyster enthusiasts want to feast right on the shores …
Read MoreWhen women travel in the company of a few other women, something magical happens in the way they experience a place. Whether it’s navigating an adventure involving camels in Morocco, or absorbing mysteries of the Inca Empire in the mountains of Peru, or relaxing …
Read MoreSolo travel is officially having a moment. Search #solotravel, and Instagram will show you nearly 5 million posts. Another social trend barometer, Pinterest, shows pins for “solo travel” have shot up 600 percent. And a 2018 study revealed a 42 percent increase in solo traveler …
Read MoreChances are if you are even considering a trip to Cuba, you've done a little research into local customs, culture, and of course, the food. As with any vacation, exotic Cuba brings with it many wonders which will remain in your travel memory for years to come. But if you’re hoping to bring home a little reminder of your time there …
Read MoreJapan, a culture wrapped in history, ancient customs and respect. Our Japan tour is not only a cuisine adventure, it is a cultural immersion. From temple visits to Soba lessons, lively market tours, a traditional Japanese bath experience and overnights in ryokan, Japan will open your senses. One of our more adventurous highlights is a visit to a traditional onsen. Partaking in a …
Read MoreWe’ve all done it. Planning, and replanning every last detail of your trip isn't the best way to authentically experience a destination. But travel experts agree that covering the most basic elements of comfort is necessary before taking off on your adventure. That means paying attention …
Read MoreDuring a trip to Japan, manners speak volumes. It may seem obvious to the savvy traveler that using your manners while visiting another culture is the best practice, but depending on where you're traveling, manners may take on very different norms. Some cultures may celebrate the occasional belch as a sign of appreciation of the meal …
Read MoreHere are five important social and cultural tips that will be useful when you travel to Morocco with Access Trips. As it is in any country, the best way to absorb Moroccan culture is to act like local residents. Since Moroccans excel in the role of gracious host, you’re quite likely to get invited to a resident’s home for tea. …
Read MoreNot so long ago, it was illegal for Americans to possess Cuban cigars and rum. Not so today. The relationship between Cuba and the United States is ever-changing. As more and more travelers make their way to this enigmatic country, there are more and more items which Americans are allowed to bring home with them. Easing of borders and …
Read MoreSeveral hours from the bustling streets of Havana lies the serene, fertile Viñales Valley. These plains, nestled between impossibly steep stone cliffs, are the ideal location for growing tobacco. In this case, it's the tobacco that has captured the world's attention as the premier cigar plant. Farmers in the Viñales Valley still rely …
Read MoreThere is so much about Cuba that reflects a westernized culture we are familiar with; classic cars, jazz clubs, cigars. Even the crumbling colonial facades remind us of homes and historic buildings found throughout the United States. But Cuba also holds …
Read MoreHigh above Lima, Peru, in the Andes, hats are absolutely everywhere. bowlers, top hats, sombreros, caps. There are so many ways to describe head wear but none of them quite capture the colorful complexity of the hats of Peru. In the Peruvian highlands, hats have come to symbolize …
Read MoreIt's Friday, and that means you are due for a proper wind down. If we were in Cuba together, taking in the many tastes of this Caribbean nation, a likely course of action would be a Cuban mojito class. On any day during our Cuban tour, authentic mojitos are a wonderful response to the sultry temperatures of this …
Read MoreHas your inner travel bug been whispering to you? "Let's go on an adventure!" it might say, or "We haven't been to that place yet." Oh, that voice in our heads that drives us to explore the greater world around us. At Access Culinary Trips, we love to view travel through …
Read MoreTaking good care of the people and places we visit as tourists should be part of our itinerary wherever we travel. While everyone enjoys an affordable holiday, it's important to also look out for the local community’s well-being. During trips to Cuba, which is a communist country, do people tip? And how do you do it? …
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