Later this week, we’ll celebrate our own independence and the establishment of our country as the United States of America. There will be fireworks and cookouts and, for the fortunate among us, a four-day weekend. July 1 is when our neighbors to the north celebrate Canada Day, marking the unification of different British colonies into the Dominion of Canada. We thought we’d mark the occasion by praising some of our favorite spots in the Great White North.

When it comes to fine wine, South Africa might not be the first country that comes to your mind. We didn’t think it likely that the place had much to offer in terms of that either, but one trip there and that country has now become one of our favorite wine spots to visit. But we don’t just frequent anywhere in South Africa, no. Our choice place is none other than Franschhoek.

Do we really need to gush about how beautiful Douro Valley is? It’s almost as if that’s the most common thing vacationers who have been to Portugal do. They talk about the country’s beauty, the wine, the cruises, the food; everything!

The solstice has come, and it’s officially summer, and that means each weekend brings the chance to get out and explore New England in all its glory. Whether that means packing up the family car or chartering a helicopter with Wings Air for a really quick getaway, there’s so much to explore.

Portugal is not shy about showing off its many beautiful regions. The country is a World Heritage Site, after all, meaning its importance transcends all boundaries to be recognized by all regions of the world.