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Author Archive for Jo Mackay

Jo Mackay is the owner of Bookings For You. Bookings For You is a family run company specialising in apartment and villa rentals in Italy and France. The company currently have over 300 holiday rentals in Italy including villas in Puglia, the Italian Lakes, Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche as well as villas to rent in Provence, Normandy and Acquitaine in France. The company pride themselves on their high levels of customer service.

7 adventures to go on in Puglia

By Jo Mackay on Nov 13, 2018 in Adventure Travel, Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Puglia is such a wonderful region of Italy; far enough off the beaten track for it to feel like a real Italian adventure, but yet established enough for it to cater wonderfully for the tourists who do make it there. Located in the south of Italy, you’ll find beautiful weather for most of the year

Le Marche: top 10 reasons to visit Italy's hidden gem

By Jo Mackay on Oct 22, 2018 in Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Italy, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Le Marche is actually one of the smallest regions in Italy and, arguably, one of the least well known. However, there is no doubting that it really is the hidden gem of this beautiful country with a size that is deceptive given the incredible wealth of sights to see and attractions to visit. No matter

5 reasons why Puglia is the perfect family holiday destination

By Jo Mackay on Oct 04, 2018 in Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

There is no doubt that Puglia is the hottest place to visit in Italy at the moment in more ways than one! Certainly, its wonderful Mediterranean climate provides plenty of heat for much of the year, with long, hot Summers stretching from early May to September and with generally warm and pleasant temperatures even in

One day in Matera: European Capital of Culture 2019

By Jo Mackay on Aug 08, 2018 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

You are no doubt familiar with the image of the Phoenix and it’s meaning, the legendary bird that rises from the ashes as a symbol of constant re-birth. No city in the world embodies this fate and symbolism better than Matera, the fascinating town located in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, on the border

5 unusual adventures to go on in Umbria

By Jo Mackay on Jul 09, 2018 in Europe, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

Umbria makes a fantastic choice for those wanting to explore a beautiful part of Italy but in an area which is somewhat quieter than the more popular regions such as Tuscany or Sicily. But away from the hilltop medieval towns, rolling vistas and vineyard, we take a look at some of the more unusual adventures

Italy's 10 most stunning landscapes

By Jo Mackay on Jun 24, 2018 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

There’s no doubt about it… Italy is one breathtakingly beautiful country. From the rocky mountains of the Dolomites to the craggy hilltop medieval towns dotted around Tuscany and Umbria, to the dazzling seas and whitewashed towns of Puglia — there’s no shortage of picturesque backdrops to your holiday snaps. But if you’re finding it difficult

Why the Italian Lakes should be your next holiday destination

By Jo Mackay on May 03, 2018 in Europe, Food and Drink, Italy, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

We’ll be the first to admit that we’re a little bit biased when it comes to the Italian Lakes — after all, who wouldn’t want to enjoy morning coffee watching the boats sail past their villa? Exactly. The towns Lake Como is certainly picturesque, with smaller towns dotted around its shores. It affords a lovely

Our top 5 Italian film sets

By Jo Mackay on Apr 09, 2018 in Europe, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

Italy is often used as the setting for famous films precisely because it offers the most beautiful backdrop. Here’s our favourite five film locations in Italy and the best films to watch if you fancy escaping to Italy from the comforts of your armchair. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, then these viewing tips

5 reasons to choose holiday rentals over hotel accommodation

By Jo Mackay on Mar 02, 2018 in Accommodation, Vacation Rentals

With a plethora of great hotel and self catering options to choose from, it’s often hard to know which to go for you when deciding on your next holiday. So what are the advantages of choosing a self catering holiday villa or apartment over a hotel break for your next stay away? Value for money

The top 10 most romantic places to visit in Italy

By Jo Mackay on Feb 14, 2018 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

On this most romantic of days, we thought it was only right to share our thoughts on what are the top 10 most romantic towns and cities in Italy. After all, Valentine came from Italy and was actually a Roman priest at the time of the Emperor Claudius II. Claudius had forbidden the marriage of

Where to holiday with the rich and famous in Italy

By Jo Mackay on Feb 05, 2018 in Celebrities, Europe, Italy, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

The world’s obsession with Italy has not escaped those enjoying a celebrity lifestyle. Many in the film and music industry have purchased second homes in this wonderful country. And who can blame them? The Italian way of life is a world apart from the media frenzy you would see surrounding celebrity in the UK. So

Our favourite towns in Puglia

By Jo Mackay on Jan 29, 2018 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

Puglia has become THE place to visit in Italy in 2018. But it remains relatively undiscovered and visitors aren’t familiar with the region’s towns and cities. And yet many of them feature in the country’s list of ‘Borghi i piu belli d’Italia’ – Italy’s guide to it’s most beautiful villages. So where would we recommend

5 things to do in Italy in the Winter

By Jo Mackay on Jan 22, 2018 in Europe, Italy, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of thinking winter in Italy equals skiing — after all, there are more than 300 ski areas to choose from. But look beyond the Alps and you’ll discover a plethora of activities away from the slopes; head further south and you’ll find a mild climate and

Top 10 activities to enjoy with children in Florence

By Jo Mackay on Jan 10, 2018 in Attractions, Europe, Family Travel, Going Out, Italy, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Florence is an absolutely stunning city. However, it’s not always apparent how family friendly it can be. Take a look at our top 10 list of things to do in Florence with children to ensure that all members of the family can equally enjoy their city break! Museo dei Ragazzi (Children’s Museum) This is a

Our 10 favourite towns in Umbria

By Jo Mackay on Dec 20, 2017 in Europe, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

Nestling alongside Tuscany, Umbria is a region that sits in the middle of Italy, characterised by rolling hills and green fields. Whilst Umbria may be less well known than its more famous neighbour, its towns and cities offer an abundance of sights for holidaymakers to enjoy. Here’s our 10 favourite places to visit in Umbria!

Why Umbria should be your next holiday destination

By Jo Mackay on Dec 15, 2017 in Europe, Food and Drink, Italy, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Umbria might not be as popular as its well-known neighbour (Tuscany, in case you’re wondering) but that shouldn’t put you off visiting. If anything, it should encourage you. It’s just as beautiful, but with fewer tourists and better food. Being smaller, it’s easier to explore — and being less travelled, you’re far more likely to