Summer seems to dictate lighter, fruitier wines and soft drinks. Consider these: Unless you're swimming in the stuff, skip the Champagne for casual outdoor occasions and opt for Spanish Cava to pass around as your guests arrive and the coals heat up. It is much less expensive, and after the first glass, nobody cares! Cava is commonly made following the same method as its expensive French relative, yet with local grapes and a wider range of prices. It's hard not to feel relaxed and ready to sit back and enjoy a hearty meal of grilled meats and sides when you have a chilled glass of bubbles in hand. Plus, if you get a few extra bottles you'll find that the crisp mousse is a fine pairing for your spread. Totus Tuus Cava reserva, named for the ... read more

I recently wrote about preferring to use rail over planes. Here is the deal in France, though there are many exceptions. But the idea is a good one, in my opinion. In 2021, the French government url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/12/france-ban-some-domestic-flights-train-available-macron-climate-convention-mpsvoted to scrap domestic flights where a direct train journey of less than two-and-a-half hours existed. The move is part of a larger url=https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/07/20/france-s-new-climate-law-has-just-been-approved-so-why-are-activists-so-unimpressedclimate law that restricts polluting vehicles, encourages vegetarian meals in schools, and mandates environmental labeling to inform customers of the carbon footprint of their purchases. The European Union also added stipulations that reduced the impact of the law, and ultimately gave its th... read more

Many of you have questioned why I chose to use the train over the plane, both domestically, and in foreign countries. The first and obvious answer is that it generally costs less. And second, it produces a smaller carbon footprint. And third, it generally starts and ends in the center of a city or town. And in my opinion, more fun! Fodor's discusses the train option in greater detail. My friend Katy who travels the world 365 days a year, always opts for the train or ship, and rarely flies. Kudos to her! New and updated rail networks are popping up all over the world. Of course, there have been some rather horrendous rail accidents in the past few months, mostly with freight trains, but a few passenger trains as well. The train is more predictable ... read more

One of the primary reasons for visiting Crete is the Iraklio (Heraklion) Wine Region. Heraklion is the capital of Crete and produces some of the most notable wines in Greece. The wine region is regarded as a top wine region in Greece, producing great wines that must be sampled. The region is home to almost two-thirds of Crete's vineyards. The Heraklion wine area accounts for 80% of overall wine production in Crete. To discover this unique region, the territory is divided into four different PDOs and two major wine routes. The Minoan Megaron, one of the world's oldest wine presses, is located in the deserted village of Vathypetro near Peza. In the Heraklion wine region, you are never too far away from a local winery. Heraklion is the largest city on the island of Crete, located ... read more

From MSN/Mediafeed: The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is another fantastic warm winter destination in Europe, enjoying mild temperatures during the winter months, with an average temperature of 59°F to 68°F. Crete is also home to fantastic beaches, ancient ruins, and picturesque villages. Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. There is so much to learn about Crete: Crete is believed to be one of the oldest civilizations in Europe, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 130,000 years. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning mountain landscapes. Crete has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from ancient Minoan civilization, Byzantine culture, and Venetian and Ottoman rule. The island is ... read more