Italian Vacations: Spots to Avoid When Driving

Driving through Europe is no small feat. There are differences in traffic signals, few signs, and language barriers to contend with. At least in Italy they drive on the same side of the road as the United States. Weaving through traffic in cities like Rome and Milan can be difficult, but the countryside poses its own set of obstacles. When planning driving vacations, spots along the way can be tricky to navigate. But, if you've got your heart set on doing it yourself, don't be discouraged!

If you've looked into driving around Italy, you have probably already heard horror stories about the streets of Rome. To start with, the traffic during peak times is bumper-to-bumper. There aren't really "lanes" for drivers to adhere to, so everyone crowds into the streets trying to rush to their own destinations. This can lead to some terrifying bobbing and weaving. Before you go on green, you should look both ways a few times to make sure the coast is clear.

Rental car companies are very aware of the dangers of driving in Rome. If you do decide to rent a car in the city, you can bet your insurance will be almost twice the cost of renting the car. You may actually save money by taking taxis or hiring a driver.

Experiencing the bucolic countryside is a must for many tourists. While driving in the country is much easier than in Rome or even Milan, there are still things to be aware of. Maps of the countryside don't provide much detail, and there is a general lack of signs in rural areas. You should give yourself at least twice as much time to travel than you anticipate. If you don't, you could very well miss that wine tasting you booked or lose your spa reservation.

Staying in a beautiful villa in Tuscany is the pinnacle of many people's vacations. Spots like San Gimignano, a medieval town nestled in the province of Sienna, are sure to be unforgettable. However, you can't drive within the town walls. They do have parking areas, but they quickly become packed with daytime tourists.

Batam Tour Package: A Weekend Thrill in Indonesia's Hidden Getaways

Batam is a tropical island and a city in the Riau Islands Province of Indonesia. Once an unknown area of jungle forests, it has come to be recognized as one of the most beautiful tourist spot in Southeast Asia, boasting of attractions that can be considered as unique albeit having similarities with attractions from other travel destinations. Located 20 kilometers off the south coast of Singapore, it is also a free trade zone within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle. Its residents are mainly of Malayan origin, but over time, other ethnic groups from Indonesia have settled in the area. These different ethnic groups reside in Batam's different coastal villages, while the island's "Orang Laut" (sea people) have preserved their culture and tradition of living in boats and boathouses. The island's inhabitants and their culture, along with the various attractions, make for a worthwhile Batam tour package, which is especially popular during the weekends, and a try at any of the following attractions and activities will open a new perspective of Indonesian travel and culture.

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple
Batam is home to many temples, which occupies the island's various areas. All of these temples attract visitors and tourists, apart from pilgrims and worshipers. Among these temples, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple is the most prominent. It is also considered as one of Batam's major tourist attractions, being also one of the largest temples in the Southeast Asian region. It is also known as the Laughing Buddha temple.

Chocolate House
Travelers, especially those who are on a trip as couples, will find something romantically sweet in Batam, the Chocolate House. This chocolate shop sells over a hundred varieties of chocolates, making itself a true haven for chocolate lovers. Chocolates from this store will make for a really good gift to friends and loved ones back home, as the prices are reasonably lower here compared to other locations.

Go-Kart Circuit House
For thrill and adventure activity seekers, Batam offers its very own kart circuit, the Go-Kart Circuit House. Anchored in a purpose built track, it offers speed enthusiasts an opportunity to race for fun against time along with team mates. Safety is an important feature of the Circuit House, and visitors are required to abide by the rules on proper footwear and clothing.

Indonesia Miniature Park
As its very name suggests, the Indonesia Miniature Park is an impeccable depiction of Indonesian life and culture in a miniature presentation that uses the park as a medium. Different pavilions give a synopsis of Indonesian daily life and culture, with excellent collections of architectural displays along with depictions of Indonesian traditions and culture.