Kate McCluer

Kate got bit by the Italy bug when she was a Junior Year Abroad student in Florence, many years ago. She got her Masters Degree in art history in Florence; did dissertation research in Genoa and Rome; and taught for the Syracuse University and New York University study abroad programs in Florence, where she still lives.

Croatia Travel

Croatia Joins the Eurozone

New Year’s Day marked a historic double achievement for Croatia. This idyllic Balkan nation joined the Eurozone and the border-free Schengen Area, the first country to do both on the same day. So goodbye kuna currency and hello euro!  A Boon to Tourism Croatia’s entry into Schengen is expected to boost the tourism industry, which

Italy Travel

Travel to Italy is Back & Better Than Ever!

The 2021 travel season to Italy was short but sweet. During the 15 long months the Bel Paese was off-limits to US visitors due to Covid, our travel agent partners and their clients had time to dream and to plan. Whether a long deferred trip-of-a-lifetime or a spontaneous rest-and-recharge, Italy’s allure has never been stronger.

One&Only Portonovi Montenegro Travel

3 Luxury Hotels We Love in Montenegro

Marvelous Montenegro is one of Europe’s hidden gems. The holiday hordes have mostly ignored this tiny Balkan country in favor of neighboring Croatia and Italy. Those in the know, however, are excited about the renovated and brand new luxury hotels in Montenegro popping up on its sunny shores.  The setting for these luxury hotels in

Italy Travel

6 Off-The-Beaten-Path Day Trips from Venice

It comes as no surprise that Venice is the most visited city in Italy. Between 26 million and 30 million tourists flock to the “Queen of the Adriatic” each year, and almost 75% of them are foreigners. Even the most jaded globetrotter can’t help but gasp at the sheer beauty of this centuries-old city built entirely