When you embark on a trip to Portugal, the northern region of Porto and the Douro River Valley are a great place for culture, history, and wine.  The River Douro is in the Iberian Peninsula and runs from Porto, Portugal, to Soria, Spain.  The Douro River Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since it has been deemed the oldest wine region in the world. Some of the vineyards date pack to 1756.   The area has breathtaking scenery with zigzag roads that travel up and down steep hills to give you many vantage points of the valley surrounding you. 
 
There are many ways to travel through this region of Portugal.  If you decide to take a relaxing drive through the valley, a great place to stay is at the Six Senses Douro Valley. This hotel is situated in the heart of the oldest wine-producing region and has an old-world charm with contemporary interiors. The estate offers a wine library which features wines from the valley. 
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​Something that I always look forward to when I travel is capturing the essence of a new place in my own words and pictures. I’m sure that I’m not alone in my love of taking photographs and noting down my impressions of a place in my travel journal.
 
But, while our travel plans are paused - there’s no reason why we can’t still indulge in these creative pursuits in our local environment. Earlier this month, I shared some tips on how to bring the flavors of Italy to your staycation. Today, let’s talk about finding some creative inspiration from wherever in the world you call home.  ​
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​For the last several weeks, different countries around the world are opening their borders to American travelers. Though many are not yet comfortable traveling during this time, it is encouraging to see countries around the globe adopting procedures to keep travelers and residents safe during this pandemic.  Here are a few countries open for travel and the procedures* to travel there and an inspired looked at the many possible experiences during your future trip.
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Are you dreaming about Tuscany's idyllic beauty, the bustle of Rome, or the serenity of Italy’s southern islands? Even if I can’t send you to Italy this season, I can at least bring a piece of the Mediterranean to your own home. Whether you are taking a local getaway or staying put, follow my tips on how to get a touch of Italy to your staycation.

Tour one of Italy’s best galleries

A number of Italian galleries and museums have kept their doors open, virtually speaking. Art aficionados: you can experience Italian heritage and culture with a digital 360° tour. All you need is an internet connection, and the best thing is - there are no lines. This is just a handful of galleries you can explore online: