Today’s travels take us to one the most popular and renowned cities of the world. Florence is the capital city of the Italian region Tuscany. Florence is famous for its European mid-evil history and is said to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. The city has beautiful architecture unique to its history and is host to up to 1.7 million visitors a year. The city is also host to hundreds of students a year studying abroad.

There are countless attractions to visit in this city. Among them are Basilica Di Santa Maria del Fior, otherwise known as the main church of Florence. The cathedral was built in the 5th century and was built on the site of an earlier cathedral dedicated to Saint Reparata. Due to age the building began to crumble and has undergone numerous repairs. It also had to be expanded to accommodate the growing population of the city. Today, the cathedral’s structure is unparalleled and is the church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence.

Among other attractions such as buildings, bridges, and restaurants, is Michelangelo’s statue of David. David is a masterpiece sculpted between 1501 and 1504. The statue is a representation of the biblical hero of David and was originally placed in a public square. The statue soon came to symbolize defense of civil liberties embodied in the Florentine Republic. David stands at 17 feet tall and is now placed in Florence’s Accademia Gallery.

Needless to say, Italy is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but the wonders of Florence are unique, intriguing, culturally enriched, and special. The city is old but contemporary and a place where I would love to escape to. One day I’ll walk the streets of Florence and bask in the intricate beauties of the Tuscan city.

Now that spring break is over and our bank accounts are empty, we can start saving up for spring break 2015! Having missed out on the fun in the sun this year, I intend on splurging on a trip next year to Cancun, the land of blue waters and reckless college kids. College spring break and Cancun are as synonymous as peanut butter and jelly. However, Cancun has more to offer than just resorts filled with party loving 20 somethings. It is actually a beautiful city with Mayan cultural influences. Some still know Cancun as the gateway to El Mundo Maya (The Mayan World). There are archaeological sites dating back hundreds of years within some of the resorts

Development of the city began in the 1970s with hotels and  a city inspired landscape. developers began to create a place where tourists would feel welcome and enjoy themselves. The city was built with tourism in mind and today, is host to 3.3 million tourists a year. One of the more important reasons people visit Cancun is because of it nearly perfect climate, with an annual average of about 80 degrees. Along with the beautiful weather tourists are attracted to the white sandy beaches and exotic native flowers and plants. Cancun is undeniably beautiful.

Cancun is also host to some of the most exciting night life scenes around (particularly attractive to college kids). The city is host to hundreds of bars and night clubs, ranging from disco to tropical themes. However caution must be taken while hanging out at night. Per usual, never take a drink from a stranger and never leave phones, cameras, or purses out in the open. They may happen to disappear. Also when out and about in Cancun, never be wandering alone. If you get lost and happen to wander outside the limits of the resort, you will find yourself in big trouble, as mexico is currently home to terrible gang and drug violence. Just remember always travel with a friend and do not wander. BE SAFE! BE SMART!

With that being said, if you want a spring break like the ones you see in movies and MTV then Cancun is the place for you. Save your pennies!

Spring break is FINALLY here and you know what that means. A few of us will be going on amazing vacations and enjoying a nice cold beverage on a nice warm beach. However, for the rest of us (most of us), we are headed home to our northeastern homes where we’ll be lucky if the temps rise above 30 degrees. This doesn’t mean that we have to be miserable does it? Of course not! This post is going to be highlight some of the top spots in a few of the major cities of the northeast so those of us who have to wait a few more months to see sand might have something to keep us occupied next week.

Being from the greater Philadelphia area, I know the value of a good cheesesteak. However rarely do I actually venture into the city to grab one but when I do, there are only a few places I trust have the absolute best cheesesteaks. Two of these hot spots are Jim’s Steaks and Ishkabibbles, which are located on South Street, noted as “one of the hippest streets in town”. However if you want a classic, tried and true cheesesteak, venture over to East Passyunk avenue and get a steak from either Pat’s or Geno’s. The two establishments, located right across the street from each other, have been fighting for the title of worlds best cheesesteak for the past 50 years. Regardless of where you go, you’re going to get a real Philly cheesesteak, which will be far superior than any steak you’ve tried in state college.

If you’re from the greater New York City area I do not even know where to begin. The world is at your finger tips. You can simply walk down the street and that will be enough to satisfy any touristy urges you may be having. I suggest catching a Broadway show, Jersey Boys, Billy Elliot, Wicked, Les Mis, the list goes on. However if you wanna save some change go to time square, stand on the steps and people watch. The abundance of people and neon lights is a wonder (and you could get a good instagram out of it). Something I highly suggest doing in the big apple is having a meal at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. All the staff are trying to make it on Broadway so mid meal, you may get serenaded by some insanely talented waitresses/ waiters. How fun!

No matter where you may be going this spring break, have fun, relax, and try something new!