Andy Levine, Author at A Luxury Travel Blog : A Luxury Travel Blog

Top 5 cycling destinations for beginners

By Andy Levine on Jan 17, 2015 in Chile, Europe, France, Italy, Netherlands, Regions, Road Travel, South America, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

I often write about destinations that thrill me, full of opportunities for tough climbs and challenging rides. But what if you’re just starting out in the saddle, or perhaps simply enjoy more leisurely riding? I haven’t forgotten about you. Here are some locations around the world that I have found are best suited to the

Top 5 cycling destinations for foodies this Spring

By Andy Levine on Dec 27, 2014 in Europe, France, Italy, Leisure Travel, Regions, Road Travel, Spain, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Most cyclists watch their diet, but when it comes to getting away on a cycling vacation, some travelers like to indulge in fine meals. I know when I travel, I tend to look for the most delicious and authentic specialties a region offers. The good news for my fellow cyclists? Taking what I like to

Top 5 fall cycling rides

By Andy Levine on Nov 19, 2014 in Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, France, Italy, Road Travel, Slovenia, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

The fall season welcomed me with a myriad of opportunities to travel, and with that came an expansive list of cycling destinations. This year’s expeditions were some of my favorite to date, yielding countless memories and great opportunities. I never turn down an opportunity to get some good riding in, especially when the weather calls

The top 5 cycling destinations in Spain

By Andy Levine on Oct 27, 2014 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Road Travel, Spain, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

It’s no secret that I love to cycle all over the world. My love for travel began in France, moved to Italy, and expanded at a rapid rate from there. And my love for cycling… well that’s been there my entire life, but has only grown exponentially as I explore new destinations from the saddle.

5 favorite Summer cycle rides

By Andy Levine on Sep 28, 2014 in Caribbean, Colorado, Europe, France, Guadeloupe, Italy, Leisure Travel, Massachusetts, North America, Regions, Road Travel, Speciality Travel, USA, Western Europe

You know what makes me smile? Riding through gorgeous destinations in the warm, Summer sun. For me, nothing beats pushing myself to the limit as I climb a steep incline, biking through the most stunning locations, or cycling for a cause that is near and dear to my heart. In short, it’s all about the

My top 5 wineries in Europe

By Andy Levine on Aug 25, 2014 in Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, France, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

It is nearly impossible to choose my favorite wineries. It’s difficult enough for me to choose my favorite bikes, food, hotels… my travels have brought me to countless vineyards across the beautiful stretches of Europe, and all have impressed me. Now, with harvest season upon us, it feels like the proper moment to pick out

The top 5 bike tours in Latin America

By Andy Levine on Jul 31, 2014 in Central America, Chile, Costa Rica, Regions, South America, Uruguay

When the cold weather sets in and you’re begging to escape to warm, sandy beaches, tropical climates, and a world of adventure, consider planning one of these bike tours in Latin America. Not far from home, Latin America offers a world of innumerable pleasures, natural and man-made alike, waiting to be explored. Now, I have

6 unusual animals you'll find on the Galapagos Islands

By Andy Levine on Jun 21, 2014 in Ecuador, Regions, South America

There are places you travel to because you’ve had friends tell you about them. There are places you travel to because you just want to. There are places you travel to because they’re on everyone’s bucket list. And finally, there are places that you travel to because they fit all of the above. One such

5 of The Best Things to Do In Lake Como

By Andy Levine on May 27, 2014 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Italy, Regions, Restaurants, Western Europe

On my most recent trip to Italy, I found myself on the stunning shores of Lake Como. Often overshadowed by its large celebrity following (featured vacation getaway of George Clooney, Brad Pitt and more), Lake Como offers so much more than its high celebrity status. If you find yourself in this heavenly sanctuary, here are

Top 5 Italian wineries that include delicious food pairings

By Andy Levine on Apr 21, 2014 in Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

The only thing better than a tasting of good, complex wines, is paring it with perfectly matched, delectable cuisine. Add in a scenic backdrop of rolling vineyards, blue skies, and charming hilltop villages and you have one incredibly enjoyable day on your hands. It’s no wonder why I love to include tasting lunches on several

8 mouth-watering French desserts

By Andy Levine on Mar 21, 2014 in Europe, Food and Drink, France, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

It’s no secret that I have an affinity for France and its culture. Having spent a significant portion of my life in France, and mastering the French language, only solidifies my favoritism. One thing which I have found the French done exceptionally well is mastering the culinary arts beautifully. From their breads to their meals

7 amazing picnic spots

By Andy Levine on Feb 22, 2014 in Africa, California, Europe, Food and Drink, Hawaii, Italy, Leisure Travel, North America, Regions, South Africa, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, USA, Utah, Western Europe

I’ve found that in life, efficiency and health are keys to a happy (not to mention productive) existence. This plays perfectly into my role as a cyclist and CEO. Between meetings, deadlines, training rides and other traveling obligations, sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day. This is why I’m a huge advocate for

8 US destinations for active travelers

By Andy Levine on Jan 15, 2014 in Adventure Travel, Attractions, California, Colorado, Going Out, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, North America, Oregon, Regions, Speciality Travel, USA, Utah

When choosing a vacation destination, I tend to look for a place that is alive with activity. Athletes are very focused on fitness, and I am no different. This is why, when I travel, I make sure I’m able to squeeze some much needed exercise into the holiday. These are what I consider to be

7 of the most cyclist-friendly luxury hotels in the world

By Andy Levine on Dec 20, 2013 in Accommodation, Austria, California, Canada, Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Hotels, Italy, Leisure Travel, Netherlands, North America, Regions, Road Travel, Spain, Speciality Travel, USA, Western Europe, Worldwide

As an avid cyclist, I love my bike, and I spend a significant amount of time with it. I love traveling to places with amazing rides and cyclist friendly accommodations. There’s nothing better to me than finding a hotel in an exotic location that caters to my cycling frame of mind and offers fantastic riding

7 of the best places in the world to drink wine

By Andy Levine on Nov 21, 2013 in Argentina, California, Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, France, Italy, North America, Regions, South America, Spain, Travel Miscellany, USA, Western Europe

When travelling, it is always important to never forget to stop and smell the flowers. Or as I prefer – taste the wine! An incredible benefit of my job is that I am able to travel the world, experience different cultures, taste delicious foods, and savor some of the world’s finest wine. If you’re a

5 of the most scenic car-free bike paths in Europe

By Andy Levine on Oct 30, 2013 in Europe, France, Italy, Leisure Travel, Portugal, Regions, Road Travel, Spain, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Cycling is considered one of the best ways to experience a new place. You’re out and about, you can enjoy the fresh air and you get to see all the sights. That being said, not all bike routes are created equal. For the less experienced cyclist, avoiding traffic is always a plus. Here are the

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