Some travellers look for opportunities to learn about new cultures, others alternative destinations, others still seek fun at all costs. For each type of traveller, there is a place, an ambience and specific look.
It is the point of reference for friends and acquaintances on holidays. The true Explorer-traveller with a capital E knows and plans for every last detail. Thus, on his summer holiday in complete freedom, he chooses Lapland. And in August, the Explorer can travel around with the proper equipement in the North of Sweden. Submersed in the some 1.000 Km that separate Lulea from Kiruna, in the Artic Circe, along the way the Explorer takes in splendid panorama commanded by atolls that emerge from the expanses of mirrored lakes and foliage, dense and opulent, despite the long winter months of frigid cold and darkness. In between the Sami of Galliver, which have remained intact in the centuriesold traditions, he pitches his tent and waits for night to fallto bask in the spectacle that only takes place at the two ends of the earth: the Aurora Borealis or more familiarly, the Northern lights.
Elitism? Not much proclivity to exercise? The desire to avoid the crowded beaches and the exorbitant high season prices? Which ever way you look at it, metropolitans are a group whose numbers are growing, whose catchphrase is " Milan in August? It is heavenly! " They are choosing to spend their holidays in the city. Why leave? The free time lets them actually use the home theatre that they have bought in winter. Getting out and about bicycle no problem, now that parking spaces are no longer a luxury or a troke of luck. The Chiostri dell'Umanità hosts a ranged of dramatic and operetta productions, jazz music concert while those who want to indulgein a bit of exotica can check out Latino Americando festival at Filaforum: music and dining dedicated to the traditional cuisine and cuture of Argentin, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico and Perù. The only risk is that the trend way catch on with too many others and Milan in August begins to look like Milan in April and May....
The most interesting engagements are the ones related to the culture of wine. A sommelier by hobby, but also mercilessly victim to the caprice and suggestions of Bacco's magical drink. In a word, he is definitely a Bon Vivant. And here he is, appearing in the Castle of Rechtenthal, in the Termeno altoatesina region, at the 4th International Symposium on Gewurztraminer (16-20 july). The watchword is tasting, not limited to the complex bouquet of fragrance and flavours of the sweet, dry, and raisiny white but also the culinary pairings connected whit it, inspired by the most historic regional gastronomic specialities. On holiday, yes, but also seizing an opportunity to expand his Knowledge and experience. The Bon Vivant won't miss the engagement with the world's greatest sommelier, markus De Monego, or a meeting with some DOC wine growers, such as Andreas Laible, baron of Neveu.
The sole, inevitable stumbling block between the Non-Conformist and his destination are the air, ship and automobile traffic routes. Other obstructions are unacceptable: the sea has to be crystal clear and Italian of course, as these types love comfort and rituality. Dinner in backyard garden is a speciality and no queuing at the best restaurant in the city can stand up to the comparison. So, barbecue grill and cooking utensils are the accessories of choise, along with folding chairs to produce at a moment's notice for unespexted guests. The preferred locality is Pollica with the beach at Acciaroli, a place that has been awarded the Blue Flag and Five Sailis time and time again. By the sea, head out to Mister Marlin, designed by Claudio De Martino of Studio Pica-Ciamarra. The restaurant Boccaccio comes to the rescue with its sea-fragrant recipes. local Specialities at Don Florigi.
The Radical-Chic traveller reaserches unusual sports, off the beaten path where the locality is sure to astonish for its unassuming legacy and, why not? will make a great impression on friends at home. " I was in the Post-Industrial world of Goitzsche, near the city of Bitterfeld ", remembers the Radical-Chic to her friends, " where a new artificial landscape is developing on top of the historic coal mines ". Quite so. The German city has been the object of a dramatic transformation since 1992. Today, Radical-Chic can linger on the new dock of the artificila lake, created by flooding the pits left behind after mining. From here, he can admire the new landmarks of the 21 st century, such as the tower by Wolfgang Christ constructed in steel tie-rods. But he can also acquiesce just for a moment to the more travelled pathways or take a day trip to nearby Dessau, the original headquarters of the Bauhaus.
Adventuresome, but only in place with deep-rooted tradition and history, remote cultures worthy of further exploration and capable of fostering interior spiritual equilibrium. This is that Multiculti traveller wants. What he find at 3.350 meters above sea level are ruins, splendid, spectacular, and magnificent symbols of a glorious past. In the heart of Perù, Cuzco is one of the most fascinating cities in South America and Multiculti arrives with his travelling companions in a 4X4, intersecting the Valleys of the Andes. There is no time to rest in the capital of the Incan Empire, despite the slow pace imposed by the high altitude. So, onward to the archaeological sites, the treasures of the colonial era, the Baroque churches. But one last stop before heading home: the colourful Peruvian markets where Multiculti can buy local products, mainly fabrics and textiles. Much more than a travel souvenir; an addition to the invaluable collection of the world's treasures.
The Yuppy is young at hear and chooses good cheer, bright colours and social life. Ibiza is the place for him. Perhaps in one of the typical white plaster cottages with a welcoming porch in front of the entrance, decorated with indestructible plastic deck furniture to relax after a day at the beach. The Yuppys ideal place is just outside Ibiza city, or San Antonio, to be convenient to the beach bars of Playa Figueretas or Port d'es Torrent, to mix with the locals. He leaves her watch behind on this holiday, dons him flip-flops and bathers and moves to the R&B beat at Space, the night spot directly on Playad'en Bassa, where he can dance all day and night. A dancing King, the Yuppy has him choise of venues at the famous Privilege, the world's largest dance club, Pacha in Ibiza or Eden in San Antonio. Life is a costant party by the turquoise water and strobe lights.
A classic, but sought-after destination for the cultured and sophisticated traveller. Every summer, Salzburg offers a calendar brimming whit cultural events related to the renowned musical festival ( from 26 July to 31 August ). The Sophisticate adores indulging herself in the historic pastry shops, following the music of the conservatory students at Universität Mozarteum, that drifts out onto the lanes, the buildings and historic churches. In subdued clothing and elegant accessories, the Sophisticate is a careful organizer of her own cultural engagements: a stroll through the antiques and porcelain market, the Jean Dubuffet show at the Rupertinum museum, the comprehensive retrospective on Oskar Kokoschka at the international jazz seminar ( from 4 to 12 August ). He won't miss the first of Karlheinz Stockhausen ( 22 August ) which will be staged in the just-opened sleek steel and glass hangar.
